THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 18-10-19

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years of independence

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 18, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.38.

www.thevincentian.com

Media Owen Ralph’s workers focus legacy on children ensured Page 2 Page 13

We have transgressed Page 14

EC$1.50

Scotia workers get overtime Page 14

CTAWU donates brooms Page 17

VINCENTIAN JURIST CHARGED WITH OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE Right: Justice Sylvia Ash has served as a judge in the New York court system since 2006.

by NELSON A. KING

THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE in the Southern District of New York in Manhattan has charged a Vincentian jurist, Justice Sylvia Ash, 62, with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice.

Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said on Friday that the charges against Justice Ash, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago to Grenadian and Vincentian parents, arose from “a scheme to seek to influence and impede an ongoing federal investigation into fraud and corruption at MCU (Municipal Credit Union), a non-profit, multibillion-dollar financial institution.”

Justice Ash, a Brooklyn, New York resident, is the daughter of the late Rudolph “Fire” Ash of Kingstown Hill,

who was renowned for pioneering the pre-Labor Day Vincentian festivities at East 95th Street and Church Avenue in Brooklyn.

Ash is also the niece of the late Henry Ash, who was among the architects of the Christmas Lighting festival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Justice Ash is a presiding judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Commercial Division, and a former chair of the New York-headquartered MCU’s Board of Directors.

Berman also announced that Joseph Guagliardo, 62, also known as “Joseph Gagliardo,” a former New York City Police Department Officer and former member of MCU’s supervisory committee, was charged separately with embezzlement, fraud and controlled substance offenses “arising from abuse of his

position as a member of the supervisory committee.”

Berman said Ash was arrested at La Guardia Airport in New York last week Friday morning, after arriving from Miami, and appeared before Magistrate Judge Wang in Manhattan federal court Friday afternoon.

“The charges announced today reflect the latest in our ongoing work to uncover criminal conduct at the highest levels of MCU, a multibillion-dollar, federally insured credit union,” said Berman in a statement.

“As alleged, Sylvia Ash, a sitting state court judge, took repeated steps to obstruct a federal investigation into significant financial misconduct at MCU during Ash’s tenure as chair of the board of directors,” he added.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Media

Caribbean Media Workers focus on Children and Disaster

by SHERON GARRAWAY

Anika Kentish of the ACM (left) and Patrick Knight of UNICEF/Caribbean Office, both highlighted that journalists ought to be highly ethical about how they go about covering stories involving children.

A CALL HAS BEEN MADE FOR MEDIA PRACTITIONERS to ensure that they are ethical and employ the best practices of their profession, when reporting on youngsters who have been affected by hazards.

The call came from Patrick Knight, Communications Specialist for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area, at a workshop organized by the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) and UNICEF, held in

Participants in an interactive session of the workshop that also covered other topics like Press Freedom.

Antigua & Barbuda from October 7th-8th.

Knight noted that children were some of the most vulnerable in the Caribbean, an area prone to disasters the likes of hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes, etc.

He said media practitioners must ensure that reporting on children’s issues is conducted tactfully and not in an exploitative way, and referenced: “Children are one of the most vulnerable groups whenever there is a disaster…you just have to look at what happened with hurricane Irma. We had children being out of school for months, we had children suffering and some of them still even suffering the psychosocial damages of going through those experiences.”

Knight posited, “And so we think that the media professionals have a responsibility to

safeguard children and their interests when you’re covering. And we are not just talking about the impact, we are talking about the everyday reporting. For example, are we building schools that are disaster prone? Can they withstand an earthquake?”

Knight concluded by encouraging the media workers to know and utilize the guidelines found in the edition of “Our Children, Our Media: A Guide for Caribbean Practitioners.”

President of the ACM Anika Kentish also encouraged media workers to pursue stories that affect children, with thoughtfulness and due diligence.

She highlighted aspects in reporting such as the lead up to disasters, the actual disaster and the aftermath.

Kentish also reinforced the need for

The Media Workshop participants land on Barbuda whose residents are still in the process of returning to some degree of a normal life after Hurricane Irma.

journalists to have the ethical tools to be professional.

“We want the children issues to be front and centre, but we want at the same time, that it is done in a tactful and sensitive way. That people can understand the issues, but at the same time, that we are not exploitative in how we cover these issues,” she implored the Workshop participants.

The two-day workshop which opened at the Jolly Beach Resort, also had sessions dealing with Hurricane Preparedness for Media Workers, The Role of Social Media, Institutional Relationships, Press Freedom and Coverage of Disasters and Children and Trauma.

The second day concluded with a tour to neighbouring Barbuda, to see the damage and speak with islanders affected by hurricane Irma in 2017.

V News 3 Director of AuditÊs Retirement Age adjusted

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 3.

THE RETIREMENT AGE OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT is to be adjusted from 55 to 60 years, to bring it in line with the rest of the Public Service.

The adjustment was facilitated by an amendment to the Audit Act passed in the House of Assembly on Thursday 10th October, 2019.

According to Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves who tabled the amendment, Parliament can change it, but the current occupant of the

post can either say, “Well, I accept that change as it relates to me or it has to apply to the person who comes after me.”

Vincentian jurist charged with obstruction of justice that Wong had received from MCU, which was then provided by “Joseph Guagliardo allegedly Wong to law enforcement officers,” abused his position as an MCU Berman added. supervisory committee member to “Subsequently, Ash agreed to enrich himself and his family.” and did continue to seek to Ash has served as a judge in influence and impede the federal the New York State court system investigation in multiple ways, since at least about 2006. In or including by (i) concealing and about January 2016, she was deleting relevant text messages appointed presiding judge in the and email messages and wiping Kings County Supreme Court’s her MCU-issued Apple iPhone in Commercial Division. a further effort to destroy and As for her positions with MCU, impair the availability of evidence Ash was a Board member from that had been sought by federal about May 2008 until about grand jury subpoenas, and August 15, 2016, when she (ii) making false and misleading resigned; a trustee of MCU’s statements to federal law pension plan, a position from enforcement officers in interviews which she resigned on or about conducted as part of a federal Oct. 31, 2016; and Chair of the criminal investigation,” Berman Board from about May 2015 until continued. her resignation.

He said that on or about May 8, From at least 2012 through 2018, Wong was charged and 2016, while serving as an MCU arrested by the United States Board member and while Kam Attorney’s Office for the Southern Wong was chief executive officer, District of New York, and, on or Berman said Ash “received about June 12, 2018, Wong was annually tens of thousands of terminated by MCU. dollars in reimbursements and On or about Dec. 2, 2018, Wong other benefits from MCU, pled guilty to a multimillionincluding airfare, hotels, food and dollar embezzlement from MCU, entertainment expenses for her “and acknowledged, in his written and a guest to attend conferences plea agreement, among other domestically and abroad, as well things, endeavoring to obstruct as payment for phone and cable and impede and obstructing and bills, and electronic devices.” impeding the administration of Wong pleaded guilty last year justice with respect to the to stealing nearly US$10 million criminal investigation into this from the 500,000-member MCU. matter, and agreeing with one or “Even after her resignation more others to do the same.” from the Board, Wong continued Ash was charged with one to provide or cause MCU to count of conspiracy to obstruct provide Ash with benefits, such as justice, which carries a maximum Apple devices,” Berman charged. penalty of five years in prison; “In or about January 2018, and and two counts of obstruction of in an attempt to protect Wong, justice, each of which carries a Ash agreed to and did sign a false maximum penalty of 20 years in and misleading memorandum prison. purporting to explain and justify She made an initial appearance millions of dollars in payments last Friday before judge Wang, Continued from Front Page.

The amendment was supported by the Opposition although Leader of the Opposition Dr. Hon. Godwin Friday raised concerns about the independence of the Director of Audit’s office, as it relates to its role in the accountability process in the Government.

Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves responding to the concerns of the Leader of the Opposition noted, that, “No Government in the history of this country has been as protective of the

independence of the office of the Director of Audit and provided the Director of Audit with all the resources that the Director has ever asked for.”

He assured the House that the independence of the Audit office will be maintained.

The post of Director of Audit is enshrined in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Constitution under Section 82.10.

The amendment passed affects Chapter 245 of the Audit Act. (Source: API)

Bruce attends Commonwealth hosted programme CNBC reported that Kam Wong, MCU CEO, blew more than $3.5 million on lottery tickets after swindling the institution. who set the terms of her release at a US$500,000 personal recognizance bond, according to the New York Times.

Ash must also wear a GPS location-monitoring device, and was detained until it was fitted on Tuesday, a spokesman for Berman told the Times.

Roger Archibald, Justice Ash’s Trinidadian-born lawyer, said that she would fight the charges.

“My client maintains her innocence,” the Times quoted the Brooklyn-based Archibald as saying. “She didn’t do anything wrong, and she expects to be fully exonerated.”

Guagliardo is also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and one count of distribution of controlled substances, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

SENATOR, THE HON. ISRAEL BRUCE, NDP Candidate for South Central Windward departed the state on Sunday 6th October 2019 for Montreal, Canada to participate in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Programme.

The Programme comprised three online courses and one intensive onSenator Israel Bruce campus session at (Facebook photo) McGill University, Montreal.

The online courses addressed areas such as Introduction to Commonwealth Parliamentary Governance, Advance Parliamentary Governance and Parliamentary Communication.

The on-campus element took place from 07 — 11 October 2019, and addressed the topic “Contemporary Issues in Parliamentary Governance”. Senator Bruce also presented a paper on the ‘Functionality of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Parliament’.

Whilst there, Senator Bruce will seek to meet with constituents of South Central Windward in both Montreal and Toronto. The objective of these meetings is to integrate the SCW diaspora into the Constituency Development Plan.

The President, Executive and other members of the NDP extend congratulations to Senator Bruce as he expands his political horizons. (Source: NDP News Release)

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4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Prison officer released on bail Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS LOUIS CUPID, the prison officer charged in connection with the recent escape of murder accused Veron Primus from Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown, is out on bail, awaiting his next court date, slated for November 12.

Cupid was released on $15,000 bail with one surety, when he returned to the Serious Offences Court on Friday, October 11.

The 45-year-old Murray’s Village man has been charged with, between September 29 and October 2, being employed in the Public Service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a Prison Officer did make abuse of the authority of his office by doing an arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of the Superintendent of Prisons, to wit, conspired to aid the escape of Veron Primus from lawful custody.

Cupid is also charged with, between September 24 and October 2, did agree with Veron Primus that a course of conduct shall be pursued which if the agreement was carried out in accordance with his intention will amount to the commission of the offence of escaping lawful custody.

Cupid, who pleaded not guilty to both charges, was denied bail by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne when he initially appeared in Court on October 4.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche had strongly objected to bail then, primarily on the basis that the investigations which were ongoing, were at a delicate stage, and the investigators were concerned that the probe could be hindered if Cupid was granted bail.

But Cupid’s lawyer Grant Connell had disagreed, saying that he could not see what more investigations the prosecutor was speaking about, since his client was among four prison officers detained for questioning in relation to Primus’ escape, but the other three were released without charges. He pointed out that bail could be granted

with conditions.

But the Chief Magistrate concluded that she was not going to bail at that stage, and remanded Cupid until October 11 for bail review.

However, on Cupid’s return to Court, Delpleche indicated that the prosecution was no longer objecting to bail, but asked for sufficiency of sureties and conditions, if bail was to be granted.

Cupid was then granted $15,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he surrender his travel documents and report to the Central Police Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court.

Primus, who is awaiting trial for the November

2015 stabbing death of 36year-old Real Estate Agent Sharlene Greaves of Dorsetshire Hill, was reported missing from the prison around 10 a.m on October 1. He turned himself in at the Central Police Louis Cupid is Station around 2 p.m the same now outside the day, accompanied by attorney prison bars.

Jomo Thomas, a few hours after the police issued a wanted bulletin for him.

Primus was taken before the Serious Offences Court the following day, where he pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Cupid has been suspended from duties pending the outcome of his matter.

Policeman injured while conducting search ROLAND MCDONALD, a 48year-old man who used a screw driver to inflict injury to the neck of a police officer, who was searching him at Heritage Square last Friday night, received a 3month suspended sentence at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne handed down the penalty at the Serious Offences Court after weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors.

McDonald, a Stubbs resident, had pleaded guilty to assaulting the officer causing him bodily harm. He was unrepresented.

The officer, who is attached to Special Services Unit (SSU), was in civilian clothes ‘hanging out’ at Heritage Square when the incident occurred.

The facts revealed that while

there, the officer received information that the defendant had a knife and was misbehaving on the bridge at Heritage Square.

The lawman left for the nearby Central Police Station to seek assistance from his colleagues, but on his way, he met some officers from the Criminal Investigations Department and made a report.

They went to the scene with him, and met the defendant still misbehaving.

The officers identified themselves, and while the virtual complainant was conducting a search of his person, McDonald pulled a screw driver and scraped him on the right side of his neck.

The officer was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

POLICE escorted one of their colleagues to Court on Tuesday after charging him with two drug related offences.

Constable 474 Ian Jacobs, attached to the Georgetown Police Station, was taken before the Serious Offences Court, charged with possession of 234 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

He is also charged with possession of the herb for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Attorney Grant Connell appeared on his behalf.

The Chateaubelair resident, who has been a police officer for the past four or five years, pleaded not guilty to both charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, and was released on $2,500 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Chateaubelair Police Station every Monday. He will return to Court on November 28.

Police officers, acting on information, nabbed PC Jacobs at the Grenadines wharf around 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 13.

Reports are that he was about to

board a boat for an excursion dubbed ‘Leg go ting’ to the Grenadines.

Jacobs used a brown envelope, reportedly given to him by someone, after he exited the court room, to cover his face from reporters, who were waiting to take his photograph.

When contacted on Tuesday for a comment, Commissioner of Police Colin John told THE VINCENTIAN that nobody is above the law, and anyone could be charged with a criminal offence, once there is evidence to

Roland McDonald had much to smile about.

In her summation, the Chief Magistrate took into account the seriousness of the offence and the injury, and noted that it was inflicted while police officers were trying to restrain McDonald.

In relation to the mitigating factors, Browne noted that McDonald had no previous convictions, and expressed remorse.

McDonald also benefited from a one-third discount on sentence for his early guilty plea.

Using three months as a starting point, and doing the calculations as she weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors, the Magistrate concluded with a 3-month suspended sentence.

Georgetown man critical after cutlass incident Policeman on ganja charges

A GEORGETOWN man was remanded on Tuesday, while another has been hospitalized in critical condition, reportedly following a cutlass attack in that North Central Windward town last Saturday.

Zelroy Joseph, 38, of Chile, Georgetown, appeared at the Serious Offences Court charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Camillus Forbes of Spring Village, Georgetown with Zelroy Joseph intent.

Joseph was not required to plea to the indictable charge when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, and was remanded following strong objections to bail by Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche.

The Prosecutor told the Court that, according to his information, the victim was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital suffering from an injury to the head, as a result of an alleged cutlass attack, and is said to have sustained a fractured skull.

The Prosecutor said Forbes had not yet undergone surgery, and may have to travel overseas for analysis.

Delpleche asked that the accused be remanded pending further prognosis on the victim.

The Magistrate remanded Joseph for a week pending an update on the victim’s condition.

charge. He, however noted that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the Court process will take its course.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Jacobs has been suspended from duties pending the matter.

Ian Jacobs in now on the other side of the law. outcome of the

“Farmers must be protected!”

SENIOR Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche has again stressed the need for farmers to be protected, in light of the constant loss of their livestock and agricultural produce, as a result of praedial larceny.

Delpleche was making recommendations for sentencing on Tuesday in the case of Owia resident Kirt Nanton, who was charged with the theft of three

ewe sheep, total value being $950.

Nanton pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven months in prison.

Delpleche, who has been passionate over the years in his position on praedial larceny, told the Court, “Praedial larceny in this country is out of control, and we have to put a stop to it. We have to protect our farmers.

Continued on Page 27.Continued

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 , 2019. 5.

News

Three days of ‘Flowers and Flavours’

THIS YEAR’S HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION and Tea Party to be held under the patronage of Governor General, Her Excellency, Mrs. Susan Dougan, will be a three-day affair.

Themed “Flowers and Flavours”, the much-anticipated event will be hosted at Government House and runs from November 1 to November 3.

The event, according to an official release, forms part of the Renewal at 40 activities to celebrate this country’s 40th Independence Anniversary.

The Exhibition is set for a formal opening on November 1, beginning at 2:00 pm. This will be followed by “Flora, Fauna and & Festivi-tea” featuring an exhibition of local flora and fauna displays and indoor/outdoor tea.

A Family Fun Day featuring various activities for children and adults will take place on Saturday November 2nd, from 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. at the Botanic Gardens.

The events will culminate on Sunday 3rd November from 3:00 p.m.

— 5:00p.m. with the Horticultural Exhibition and the “For-tea Fashion and Flowers”, a fashion show featuring hats depicting and displaying a variety of flora and fauna.

This year, local horticulturists will host a two-member delegation from

The Exhibition expects to feature some of the leading horticulturists and florists in SVG. the Kew Gardens in the United Kingdom, with a wealth of experience from the Chelsea Flower show. They will be an added feature to this year’s Horticultural Exhibition. The Chelsea Flower Show is hosted in London annually by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Proceeds from the events will go towards charitable organizations.

(Contributed)

6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 , 2019. 7.

News

Two benefit from McKenzie Fund TWO SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS are the latest recipients of bursaries from the Melanie McKenzie Scholarship Fund.

The Fund was set up in honour of Melanie McKenzie, herself a disabled person, who served beyond the call of duty, and through challenges occasioned by her disability as President and Co-ordinator of the National Society of Persons with Disabilities (NSPD).

It is managed by the NSPD. The two recipients - Jouvel Jouvel Douglas (centre) accepts his cheque Douglas from the School for from Euchrista St. Hilaire Bruce-Lyle (left) Children with Special Needs and mother Semra Charles.

Kingstown, and Kyra King from the Georgetown Schools for They received their cheques last Children with Special Needs - each Tuesday at the Headquarters of the received an amount of $500.00 to NSPD at New Montrose. assist with their ongoing education.

Among the officials and well wishers on hand to witness the presentation were: Andrea Ashers, President/Co-ordinator NSPD; Euchrista St. HilaireBruce-Lyle, Executive Member; Ann Billingy, Executive Member, James Forde PRO and Kathleen Brackin, Office Secretary.

According to officials of the NSPD, funds for the Scholarship Fund were raised during the NSPD’s Annual Walk and Rally, held in April this year. (WKA) Kyra King accepts her cheque from James Forde (left) in the company of her guardian.

Lodge Village School receives donation A FAMILY, whose members were educated at the Lodge Village Government School, has in turned to shown gratitude to the institution for the values instilled in them.

Last Monday, Ian Jack, representing his family, made a donation of school supplies to twenty students.

In so doing, he lauded the efforts of the school for continuing to make a positive impression on the communities it serves.

Jack said that he would like to assist students as a way of showing appreciation to the efforts the school made in educating him and his siblings.

He related that his family Ian Jack (right) hands over the (donation) members lived close to the school bags to Kesslon Wilson, Principal of the for many years.

Lodge Village Government School.

The donations were made Thanking the family for the possible by input from Jean James, donation, Kesslon Wilson, Principal of Kareema Richards, the Seventh Day the Lodge Village Government School, Adventist Church, along with Street said, “It was timely.”

College, a US based organisation.

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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 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

Those Canadian Banks IF MEMORY SERVES US CORRECTLY, the Bank of Nova Scotia’s (BNS) throws up the second experience of a Canadian bank selling its SVG assets to a Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate.

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) had long preceded the BNS in selling its interest in the Caribbean.

In 1985, the RBTT had already formed the Caribbean Banking Corporation Limited (CBC), a 50/50 joint venture with the Neal & Massy Group, to acquire RBC branch operations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

CBC is now RBTT Bank Caribbean.

By 1992, CBC had established a branch in St. Lucia, one in Antigua by 1995, and established Antilles Banking Corporation in Sint Maarten in 1996.

The history supports the view that Canadian Banks (BNS, RBC, CIBC) have played their own game of ‘rounders’ with Caribbean countries.

After reaping remarkably high profits from the Caribbean economies dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries rum trade between the islands and Canada, each has moved to devolve their interest in the Caribbean, and/or disappeared, only to return as per Royal Bank of Canada.

And it seems that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, immersed in this web of Canadian banking intrigue, has occupied a place of ‘pioneer status’.

As always, the high-handed manner in which Canadian banks have taken to dealing with their employees when they so decide to ‘pack up and leave’, have thrown up industrial action and union activity here, that may just have a lesson or two for the rest of the OECS. When RBC declared overnight that it was vacating its ‘seat’ in SVG and this new entity CBC was taking over, they did so with seemingly little regard for the fate of its employees, for the fact that there existed laws and regulations governing the rights of displaced worker, and, moreso that they were dealing with a unionized workforce represented by the Commercial Technical and Allied Worlers Union (CTAWU).

Under the banner of the CTAWU,

RBC employees had to resort to strike action, in their legitimate quest for severance pay and other benefits and assurances.

Readers will recall a deadlock which occasioned the ‘flying in’ of one Joseph ‘Burns’ Bonadie form his chair as Secretary General of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) - the regional trade union federation of which little is heard of these days.

Bonadie had maintained his close association with the CTAWU, and he assumed leadership of the Union’s negotiations with the Bank’s delegation.

After hard-fought negotiations, sometimes dirty, and continuing resistance from the bank to allow the workers to return to work, a settle- ment was agreed, government’s quiet influence apparently also coming to bear on the situation.

Bonadie must have learned a thing or two about foreign banks and their directors, that would serve him in good stead in his recent ‘negotiations with the BNS. His situation, viz and viz his advisory role to government, his concern therefore to avoid any embarrassment to government, Bonadie appeared to have chosen a more conciliatory approach to the ‘industrial impasse’ with BNS. Whatever, a settlement was agreed; both parties, from their signatures to a Memorandum of Agreement, came away satisfied.

The bugbear in all of this is the stubbornness and high-handed attitude of the Canadian banks, especially when they decide to withdraw from the Caribbean economies that have enriched them a hundredfold.

We have got to let these capitalists know — with their disguised intentions to make as big a return as possible from Caribbean workers’ hard-earned dollars - that we are an independent people with rights and privileges equal to what the workers in their countries enjoy.

We should not have to negotiate for those.

We welcome Republic Bank with the hope that it makes itself accommodating to businesses and citizens across the board, and that it moves to improve the customer service — speed and competence - of the staff.

Some obstacles to real Independence (Part 1) (A reprint of 22nd October, 1999, in celebration of our 20th Annniversary of Independence) IT IS ALL WELL AND GOOD TO SAY that we have been a sovereign nation for the past twenty years, and that is true in a narrow, formalistic sense.

When one goes further, however, and questions how far we have the feel and display the attributes of an Independent Country, a real element of doubt and uncertainty arises.

To go back to basics, do we, like many other countries, get shivers running down our spines or throw up goose pimples at the sight of our flying flag or sound of our national anthem?

Or is the flag a mere emblem to play politics with, and our national anthem just another song of which we know a couple of lines per verse?

Of course, all this is bound up with the fundamental matter of national pride. One of the best gifts a Russian could bring his compatriot in exile, is a small sample of actual Russian soil.

Several years ago, a Mexican singer was heavily fined in Court for mixing up his words during a public rendition of the National Anthem.

Do any of our athletes wax tears on the occasion of a triumph celebrated and solemnised by the playing of the national anthem as they stand on the victory dais? Hardly!

The reason, they say, for our lack of depth of feeling, is that we do not really know who we are, where we came from and, hence, whither we are headed.

We have begun on the wrong foot by celebrating so-called Discovery Day which is twice blighted. Firstly, because Christopher Columbus never landed in St.Vincent at all. And secondly, even if he did, Garifuna people had already established settled communities here and were known to have had contacts with Africa. But our thoroughly brainwashed people insist on a need to have been discovered.

So the “discoverers” have been our heroes down to this day. Why has it been taking us an eternity to emerge with our own pantheon of national

stalwarts? Certainly, Paramount Carib Chief Joseph Chatoyer stands headand-shoulders above all comers as an epic figure who was virtually martyred in his unrelenting fight to preserve our pristine Independence.

Yet, we raise Cain when the “Iron Man” came down - the physical effigy of a Eroupean posing as a monument to our native War Heroes originally linked to the First World War where, as Blacks, they had been confined to the most menial tasks around camps.

With little fanfare and fuss, Barbados simply removed the statue of Lord Nelson from its central position in Bridgetown, and erected one in honour of its native hero, Errol Walton Barrow.

The symbolism bristles with psychological significance. To suggest that Chatoyer or George Mc Intosh be similarly honoured, would be like preaching political heresy in Independent St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Indeed, the civil commotion which threw up Mc Intosh as a tribune of people was for a generation, swept under the table and considered at best a non- event: at worst “a blot” that tarnished our brought-upsy.

And 21st October when the first assault on the colonial establishment was mounted, had become a Day of Shame. There never was a thought of choosing that date as our Independence Day. Instead, the powers-that-be had had every intention of enshrining 22nd January, and were only thwarted by matters of logistics. Our History, insofar as we can be said to have any at all, was being ingloriously stood on its head.

To make matters worse, Independence was “assumed” at a time when partisan political divisions ran quite deep in the society.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 9.

Letters

More traffic nonsense

I WAS VERY pleased that someone took the time out to draw to the public and the police’s attention some of the silly mistakes our drivers make, or should I say how discourteous our drivers are.

Mr. Editor, I want to add just two things to the list of the letter writer; (Re: ‘Some best traffic practices’ by Kelly P): 1. It is becoming a habit (or is it now lawful?) for drivers to stop dead in the middle of traffic to let in passengers or, believe it or not, to talk to someone on the side of the road, or even to another driver who stopped alongside him. I understand there was a four-car collision last week in Ratho Mill. Four cars ran into each other from behind. I could bet my bottom dollar that the car in front stopped all of a sudden without warning. And to think that the law says that if you hit a vehicle from behind, you are wrong, regardless if it the driver in front gives a signal or not.

2. Time for drivers to stop talking and texting on their cell phones while driving. You can say all you want about how well you can drive and all that, but wait until something happens and you don’t have your mind on the road. Only last week I was in a vehicle that was behind one that was being driven by a lady. You could see clearly that she was on her phone. She got to a junction, and the lady couldn’t make up her mind whether she was to go left or right. Luckily, the driver of the vehicle I was in, knows these lady drivers so well that he was able to take the necessary precaution.

That’s all for now.

Charles - Edinboro

The people have the power INDEPENDENCE DAY is an important day in our history. We ought to celebrate it and to appreciate the significance, i.e. that it is the Day on which we assumed power to govern ourselves. So to speak, we became custodians of our fate.

So, when we celebrate the Day, we are celebrating the values we have forged for ourselves; we are reaffirming a commitment to ensure liberty for all our people; and after forty years, we should be celebrating a Vincentian spirit.

Some might say there is nothing to celebrate amidst all the political chaos. The political

chaos may be a reality, but I remain optimistic that things will change for the betterment of all; that corruption in high and low places will be obliterated, and that crime will be brought under control.

After forty years of independence, I believe my people are waking up (or have awaken) and are going to demand change. Whether they vote for a different party or the incumbent, they will bring those who seek to govern us to their knees and hold them accountable. A revolution is at hand.

The people are all ready.

“A voice from the past, with a message for the present” “OUR CONSTITUTION is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people.

When it is a question of settling private disputes, everyone is equal before the law; when it is a question of putting one person before another in positions of public responsibility, what counts is not membership in a particular class {or political party*}, but the actual ability which the man/woman* possesses.

No one, so long as he has it in him to be of service to the state, is kept in

political obscurity because of poverty {or political party preference, real or perceived*}. ……..Here, each individual is interested not only in his own affairs but in the affairs of the state as well.” {Pericles, (494– 429 B.C.) Funeral Oration, quoted in “World History Patterns of Interaction [New York Teacher’s Edition] by McDougal Littell, 2003, page 121.

How different would be the reality of St. Vincent & the Grenadines if we were to practise these time-

tested principles enunciated so long ago by this Greek leader! But I will repeat for those who may have missed it in an earlier article that I wrote: “We are so blinded by our own brilliance, and deafened by our own rhetoric,” that we no-longer see nor hear what is truthful, just, and honest. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, “We have sold ourselves for naught.”

After living forty years under a selfgoverning democracy, why should anyone have to muster all the courage

Philmore Isaacs *Author’s insertion

Chinese and Americans IN EVERY great city of America, there is a “China Town”. Chinese and Americans live in support of each other in the United States of America (USA). Most Chinese billionaires live in the USA. When the wealthiest Chinese, WANG Jianglin, bought Dick Clarke’s Productions, there was something airing in Hollywood that Chinese were controlling too much of Hollywood’s business and activities.

Trump had been concerned ages ago, and still is, about the Chinese government’s easy manipulation of that country’s exchange rate, and the relative ease of entry by large distribution companies into the American market, with goods that they could price lower than similar goods made by Americans. To Trump, Chinese goods are inferior to the same goods made in the USA. However Trump feels about Chinese, he is faced with the economic situation between America and China, and the challenges it would bring to his

government. There are millions of Chinese who were born in the USA, and with their hundreds of thousands of restaurants, a bond of friendship was established between Americans and Chinese a long time ago. Trump’s personal feelings about Chinese, whatever they might be, cannot destroy this bond.

Not too long ago, a Chinese manufacturing conglomerate established operations in Moraine, Ohio and has employed about two thousand people. In a place like Moraine, many people were unemployed. Around that same time, Trump had announced that he had secured sixteen trademark rights for American companies in China. In this, we see the Chinese and Americans working smoothly together.

At this time too, Trump and XI, the President of China, held

official talks, and both condemned the Assad regime in Syria for using chemical weapons against its opponents. They had also agreed that North Korea posed a threat to peace by its launching of missiles for testing.

I had written a couple times about how cross-regional and cross-country lotteries can help to save the economies of the world. If China and America can play a cross-country lottery between their citizens and split the profits, this would do a great deal in mending the deficits that America has with China, while at the same time creating revenues for China to deal with pollution in their cities. This world is technologically-skilled enough to establish these lotteries.

Julian ‘Rockstar” Williams

Sounds familiar??

THOUGHT this letter (abridged) which appeared in the Observer Newspaper of Oct. 09, 2019, might interest your readers. I understand this may be TIME IS GOING and is Greaves (when Dinky where cooperatives and other a case of FLOW flowing changing, even if some of us Balcombe managed that bodies can work freely with the same way all over don’t know, or don’t want to system) thereby cutting business partners without the Caribbean. know. importation by half. government’s high-handedness.

Paul, from Jamaica.

Once upon a time, the In 2001, we were about to This is an industry if Christian people of St. Vincent produce food for Taiwanese programmed properly, could Open Letter to FLOW and the Grenadines, with their fishing trawlers that off loaded enable free education, complexity, made their living their catch in Trinidad. One (uniform, transportation, This an open letter to by food production, processing, trawler was to make periodic books, hot lunch) also free fishing, and marketing (trade), packing of food in Kingstown to medical service, stopping major Mr. Stephen Price, managing director of with little tourism. take to Trinidad. This food imports, the running of Not too long ago, leading government took away the land AIA, and contribute to crime Flow. politicians told us that food that we were preparing for that and poverty reduction.

The kind of “customer production is a thing of the production.

The piece of legislation that service” currently being past. We import over 60% of Back then, we had a brought this industry could be meted out to paying food. The Marketing decentralized government compared to the 1912/1965 customers is a matter of Corporation (Board) used to where locals could have gone Shakerism prohibition buy farmers’ produce and directly to the Chinese Mission ordinance and repeallant. They grave and urgent concern. I really export them to the UK, Canada and got assistance. all mix with food production sympathise with you, Mr and other Caribbean islands.

Now, everything is and government.

Price, for it must be In the early 2000, I would government center. Even the Long live SVG, as we enormously difficult to have produced most of the marijuana industry. We need moving along changing time. major vegetables for C.K. government decentralization preside over what Christian Democrat Watson

to tell “the emperor that he is naked?”

SVG moving with the change

currently goes on at Flow.

I wish to give you the benefit of the doubt, and confidently express that the vast majority of issues you must not be aware of.

At the point of writing this letter, it is eight days since I made my first report to Flow and numerous follow-ups, still the problem persists. Flow has dishonoured three scheduled technician visits to my premises – two of which I find to be most insulting. On the first visit, according to notes left by dispatch, they visited and went on the pole to adjust an issue. No one called. How can it be that a technician, visiting a premises to rectify a reported issue not call the customer to: 1. Confirm their presence in response to our report; and 2. Confirm the issue being resolved before leaving?

John Constantine Henry

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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Better by far: SVG’s rise in global influence The NDP will reduce VAT by 3%

Introduction THERE CAN BE very little disagreement among Vincentians, that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) has been better by far in comparison with previous governments in their stewardship of the Vincentian economy, and the growth and development experienced over the last 18 plus years.

The public policy programmes implemented by this government has seen a consistent improvement in the lives of all Vincentians, with special attention placed on the poor, the working class and the elderly. The ULP’s pragmatic and peoplecentred style of governance has not only met with the overwhelming approval and satisfaction of Vincentians, it has also caught the attention of the global community, improving our reputation and increasing our influence with our allies and within international organisations and agencies. As the Unity Labour Party celebrates 25 years as a political party, with 18 continous years of that total being spent in government and winning the popular vote in 5 general elections, let’s examine the journey our country has taken to be where we are.

leader of the ULP and Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Hon Ralph E. Gonsalves to explain the vision for this country, spoke to the creation of a modern, competitive, many-sided post-colonial economy that is at once local, regional and global, comes to life and is made practical in the way the government went about its foreign policy. The government established the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU), with a Director at the Rank of Ambassador (to the OECS and CARICOM) that drove in a large way the country’s regional agenda on the issue of integration. There was a strengthening of the consular staff at the Consulate to New York as well as at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Overall, the diplomatic missions of this country were strengthened to ensure their ability to carry out their mandate that arose out of a more aggressive foreign policy that saw Saint What existed in 2001 When the ULP took office in 2001, we Vincent and the Grenadines taking its inherited an economy that was in ruins; rightful place on the global landscape.

At the United Nations, with the work a broken education system, characterthat began with Margaret Ferrari, built ised by shift-systems as a consequence on by Camillo Gonsalves, and the of poor physical conditions of schools, a continued high-level representation 39% enrolment of 11-year-olds into offered by Inga Rhonda King, Saint secondary schools; a critical lack of trained teachers especially at university Vincent and the Grenadines began level, and a host of other challenges. We taking on greater and more significant roles of leadership in the multilateral inherited poverty and indigent poverty space. When in 2010, this country levels of 40% and 27% respectively; announced its intentions to run for a deplorable conditions in our police non-permanent seat on the United stations across the country, and low Nations Security Council (UNSC), we salaries for our men and women of the did so, confident in our ability to show constabulary. Scandals such as the the world that Small Island Developing Ottley Hall Fiasco, the Colonial homes States can contribute at all levels of the debacle, the Bensocomé Adamas affair multilateral system and need not just be at the National Commercial Bank, and bystanders. our country’s seemingly accepted With a 10-year plan mobilised, focusposition on many blacklists and corruped on the UNSC for the period 2020tion indices worldwide. It was very 2021, the representatives of this country evident to the young ULP administration, that its work was cut out, with the set about in a very systematic way to tasks of turning around the economy by spread our message and show leadership at the United Nations. While our fixing those broken elements, while at country was being recognised by interthe same time repairing our battered national agencies like the FAO, IRENA and bruised reputation as an indepenand others, for our work in reducing dent democratic nation guided by the hunger and our work in renewable rule of law. energy, within the UN, this country The swiftness and confidence with through our Permanent Representative, which the new ULP administration set became the Chair of the Fifth Commitabout steadying the affairs of state, in tee that is responsible for the entire both our domestic and foreign policies, budget of the organisation, Vice was unprecedented. The government President and then President of the embarked on an ambitious poverty Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). reduction programme, the education The significance of these roles cannot be revolution that introduced universal over-emphasised, as our performance access to secondary education, low income housing construction, the repair cemented in the minds of the members of schools and police stations across the of the United Nations, the quality of the representation we can offer. country, the strengthening of the legislative framework ensuring greater Conclusion accountability, transparency and good As we celebrate our many achievegovernance, a move that was necessary ments as a party over the 25 years of to eliminate the rampant corruption that existed in government at the time. existence and 18 continuous years in government, and the tremendous strides It was no surprise that the then Prime this country has made, we can be proud Minister Arhnim Eustace was refused of our party and our country. Our debt forgiveness from the British election to the UNSC by a margin of Government during his tenure as head of government; but the ULP government 185-6 votes over El Salvador, is a clear indication of the reputation of this small less than a year old was able to apply country in the international arena. To successfully for the same debt forgivebe able to achieve this, with-out the ness based on the strength of the policexpenditures usually associated with ies implemented in such a short time. such an accomplishment, continues to be a mystery to many larger countries Inward focus with an outward look that have tried and failed, to the point Since the early years to the present, where they are seeking our advice and the ULP has been able to consistently ensure that its domestic policies remain experience in planning their own bids.

Our domestic success over the years, relevant to address the evolving needs and our principled foreign policy have in of Vincentians, while at the same time concert created a situation where Saint engaging in a pragmatic foreign policy that allowed this country to expand our Vincent and the Grenadines’ experience in good governance, principled positions diplomatic relationships, keeping and strengthening the relationship with our held in international fora in the face of fierce criticism and possible reprisals, traditional allies while forging new relationships based on shared principles have gained us the respect in an interand the common respect for internation- national community that has come to realize, that while we are no better than al law. anyone else, no one is better than us.

The phrase coined by the political

ON THE 29TH SEPTEMBER 2019, at the 41st convention of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday proposed, among other fiscal policy measures, a reduction in VAT by 3% which will be implemented should the party win the next general elections.

Members of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration including the Prime Minister and other supporters have since taken to the airwaves in feeble attempts to dismiss those proposals as unrealistic and mere political gamesmanship. Before explaining why a reduction in VAT is a positive strategy for fiscal expansion, while at the same time relieving some of the tax burden borne by virtually every Vincentian, one must ask the question: Does a reduction in VAT make the average consumer in this country better or worse off?

The VAT is, by its very nature and application, a regressive tax. This means that consumers in the lowest income bracket bear a proportionately higher tax burden as a percentage of their income when they purchase goods and services. Reducing the VAT as a Fiscal expansionary measure, will transfer some revenue from government coffers to the pockets of consumers, which they in turn will spend in the local economy. This creates increased business activity and profits for the private firms from whom government gets increased tax revenues. Private sector investment is also stimulated as firms seek to expand while creating more jobs.

Firms will also benefit from a 3% reduction on the VAT paid upfront on production or value-added activities.

This provides the firms with well needed cash flow which would otherwise be tied up until goods are actually produced and sold, after which a claim is made for a VAT refund.

This revenue loss to government from the reduction in VAT which amounts to approximately $30m annually, based on 2017 actual figures, can also be replaced partly by improved monitoring and strengthening of tax systems for increased efficiency in revenue collection. Curtailing governments’ excessive spending and general fiscal indiscipline should also result in significant savings which can also be transferred to assist in offsetting revenue losses. These adjustments, though, will form part of a broader fiscal reform strategy which seeks to address government expenditure and approaches to revenue generation.

The NDP has already indicated that it will seek to ease the tax burden on Vincentians by broadening the tax base so as to more evenly distribute this shared responsibility of taxation. An NDP government will find alternative sources of revenue to supplement those which currently exist. The Citizenship by Investment is one such programme. These types of programmes though, are not expected to magically solve all the revenue problems currently faced by government, overnight. Once properly administered however, they can generate the revenues necessary for economic transformation through targeted interventions and implementation of projects, programmes and strategies for

economic growth.

The arguments put forward against the reduction in VAT essentially question how this fall-off in tax revenues will be replaced. This clearly indicates government’s position or mindset, that the only viable way to raise revenue is through increased taxation. The very fact that Dr Friday’s proposal appears so farfetched and unreal to them, crystallizes how limited and bankrupt they are for ideas and strategies to grow and expand the Vincentian economy. Or is it that this government doesn’t want the average consumer and/or household to enjoy more disposable income which would provide them with increased purchasing power and access to a better quality of life?

Ever since its implementation, there have been cries throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines for the reduction in the VAT rate from its initial 15% and an increase in the list of zero-rated basic items. This would have at least allowed consumers to maintain reasonable consumption levels. The Honourable Arnhim Eustace is on record, inside and outside parliament, stating repeatedly that the VAT should have started at a lower rate, and that the zero-rated lists should have been longer. He has even presented a list of basic food items which he thought should be added.

St Vincent and the Grenadines remains among the countries of the region with the highest VAT rate.

The government of St Lucia in 2017 reduced its VAT rate from 15% to 12.5% in an effort to revitalize and grow that country’s economy. Despite pronouncements by this country’s Prime Minister, boasting of our GDP growth rates being among the best in the ECCU, a similar approach to fiscal expansion as pursued by St Lucia has been rejected.

Instead of responding to the wailing of the poor and by extension the general citizenry, in a manner that is expected of a ‘Labour government’, they have instead increased the VAT to 16%. Even before this increase, the ULP administration had continually altered the VAT list, resulting in a net increase in the VAT burden. Now the ULP government has the audacity to come to the people of this country in a ‘bold face’ attempt to convince us that a reduction in VAT is undesirable.

‘What ah poor people guvment’.

The NDP believes that the time has come to loosen the strangle-hold of VAT from the necks of the ordinary citizens of this country. We believe that for too long, there has been an over reliance on taxation as a source of government revenue. We can no longer simply seek to balance our budget by identifying new ways to tighten the tax noose as the ULP has done. The NDP has heard the cries of the poor of this nation, and is ready to respond accordingly. This proposed reduction in VAT is merely a first step in a broader strategy aimed at creating an environment that fosters sustainable growth and prosperity for all Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 11.

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The Future of Our Nation

Countries in contrast

“The future of our nation is in our children’s school bags.” Dr. Eric Eustace Williams (1911-1981), Caribbean historian and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1962 to 1981.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION to the news, you would have noticed that two countries have been racked with demonstrations; the people are angry and are demanding change. We refer to Catalonia, Spain; and Hong Kong, a department of China.

Of vital importance for our purposes though, is the manner in which the media portrays these struggles.

Protestors in Hong Kong are literally celebrated as freedom fighters battling against the dictates of a repressive central government that sits in Beijing, China; while the protestors in that section of Spain known as Catalonia, are depicted as an angry mob making unreasonable demands on the Spanish government. Some media have condemned the actions of the Catalonian protestors as being violent and criminal.

A history helps. Catalonia is one of Spain's wealthiest and most productive regions, and has a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years.

Before the Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939), Catalonia enjoyed broad autonomy, but that was suppressed under General Franco. When Franco died in 1975, the region was granted autonomy again under the 1978 constitution, and prospered as part of the new, democratic Spain.

A 2006 statute granted even greater powers, boosting Catalonia's financial clout, and describing it as a ‘nation’; but Spain's Constitutional Court reversed much of this in 2010.

The 2008 financial crash, and Spanish public spending cuts, fueled local resentment and separatism. There is a widespread feeling that the central government takes much more in taxes than it gives back. Following a symbolic referendum in November 2014 which was outlawed by Spain, separatists won the 2015 regional election.

Catalonia's pro-independence leaders then went ahead with a full referendum on 1 October 2017. They declared independence on October 27, 2017.

However, Spain's constitutional court declared the move illegal and jailed the leaders. Last Monday, the Spanish Supreme Court found the twelve leading politicians from Catalonia guilty of sedition and sentenced them to long prison terms.

After the ruling, a new arrest warrant was issued for former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who is living in Belgium. Mr. Puigdemont said that Catalonians were victims of a ‘strategy of repression and revenge’. But Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez insisted the leaders had been jailed for criminal conduct.

Mr. Puigdemont described the sentences handed to separatist leaders, which total more than 100 years, as ‘an atrocity’. “Now more than ever... it is time to react like never before. For the future of our sons and daughters. For democracy. For Europe. For Catalonia.”

Amazingly, the established media runs with the view pushed by the Spanish government. There is no sympathetic coverage for the efforts and bravery of the people, or a condemnation of the trial and jailing of the political leadership from Catalonia.

Not so when it comes to coverage of developments in Hong Kong. There is much more sympathy and understanding for the Hong Kong protesters. The demonstrations which started in June, were against proposals to allow extradition to mainland China.

Critics feared the new requirement could undermine the city's judicial

THE INTERNET GIVES US READY ACCESS to a wealth of information. It is now possible for us to do quick searches on a variety of topics. Information on medicine, science, astronomy, economics, and history (to mention a few) are now at our finger tips. For example, it is possible for us to do a YouTube search for Dr. Eric Williams and be ushered into the audience as he delivered his 1962 independence speech. He advocated equality among the various races. That cry ricochets throughout and beyond our Caribbean nations as we seek equity among our various segments of our societies. The successful blending of our various races and religions will continue to influence the future of our nations.

Access to education will contribute to our advancement as a people. It plays a major role in relation to how well and how quickly our nations develop. However, the “education” referred to here is not mere “book knowledge”. As our societies prepare their citizens (young and old) for life and for living, their education administrators and curriculum planners are challenged to design and implement programmes that encourage principles of honesty, decency, integrity, preservation of the environment, gender equality, healthy lifestyles, respect for the elderly, and so on. Such programmes and approaches contribute to the health of our nation. Based on the foregoing, we understand and appreciate that education is one of the most important investments a nation can make in its people and its future.

Dr. Eric Williams was right when he noted that the future of our nation is in our children’s school bags.

Investments in education on an individual basis and via communal investments (i.e. schools, libraries, etc.) must forever remain at the focal point of committed and visionary parents, guardians, governments, and philanthropists. This is especially so in emerging economies, as citizens seek to create and sustain a better life for their respective nations — raising the consciousness of their people and elevating them to a better standard of living.

Education provides us with a knowledge of the world around us. It also helps us to better appreciate the talents and abilities that reside within us. Through education, we can develop a much better perspective of who we are and the possibilities that lie within and beyond us. It gives us hope to design and pursue pathways that improve our lives and the lives of those around us. It moves us beyond merely gaining knowledge to the better use of that knowledge.

Education improves our capabilities, our capacity, to interpret things and, having done so, to be proactive in implementing the positive changes that propel us (individuals and nations) to enhanced performance and achievement.

The future of our nation is largely determined by the quality education

we provide. Education, therefore, must never be taken for granted.

This is especially so in this fastchanging and ever evolving technological world. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) said it well when he noted that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He was not alone with such wise utterances. Malcolm X (1925-1965), originally named Malcolm Little, the articulate and charismatic American human rights activist, noted that, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America noted that, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” This outstanding writer, political philosopher, politician, scientist, inventor, civil activist, and statesman, writing in the eighteenth century, provided useful insights that can guide and inspire parents, teachers, politicians, and concerned citizens today. As we invest in education, we invest in the future of our nation. We make the sacrifices now to create and sustain a better future. There is wisdom in such an approach.

However, our discourse on this topic (education and the future of our nation) can go much further back in time — beyond Benjamin Franklin, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Eric Williams. Aristotle (c. 384 B.C. to 322 B.C.), the famous Ancient Greek philosopher and scientist who is still considered one of the greatest thinkers in politics, psychology, and ethics, reminds us of the need for persistence and commitment as we invest time, effort, and money in its pursuit. He noted that “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” We discipline ourselves as individuals and nations to make the sacrifice now for the rewards that will be ours tomorrow.

As we plan and design programmes aimed at creating and sustaining a better life for our children and our nation, we can also be inspired by the words of wisdom once shared by Christine Gregoire (born 1947) when she noted that “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” As an American politician and lawyer who served as the 22nd Governor of the state of Washington during the period 2005 to 2013, she sought to influence the decision makers in business, government, and society, to be more focused on nation building through education.

The future of our nation will be in good hands when we invest in education that goes beyond the mere transfer and absorption of facts. We must also ensure that we create conduits to life-enhancing principles and values. Principles and values that keep societies strong. Therein lies the future of our nation.

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

independence and endanger opponents of the central government.

Until 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony, but since returning to Chinese rule, it has enjoyed more autonomy than the mainland, and its people more rights. The arrangement is known as ‘one country, two systems’.

Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, described by the western media as a Chinese puppet, suspended the extradition bill, but demonstrations have continued with demands for full democracy and an inquiry into police actions.

Protesters have expressed fear the bill could be revived, so demonstrations continued, calling for it to be withdrawn completely. By August, clashes between police and protesters had become more frequent and violent. Finally, in September, the bill was withdrawn, but protesters have said that this was “too little, too late.”

Some protesters have adopted the motto: "Five demands, not one less!"

These are: * For the protests not to be characterized as a "riot". Imagine that demand! * Amnesty for arrested protesters * An independent inquiry into alleged police brutality * Implementation of complete universal suffrage Some also called for the resignation of Carrie Lam. Protests supporting the Hong Kong movement have spread across borders, with rallies taking place in the UK, France, US, Canada and Australia.

In many cases, people supporting the demonstrators were confronted by proBeijing rallies. Chinese president Xi Jinping has warned against separatism, saying any attempt to divide China would end in “bodies smashed and bones ground to powder!”

Hong Kong has its own judiciary and a separate legal system from mainland China. Those rights include freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. But those freedoms - the Basic Law - expire in 2047, and it is not clear what Hong Kong's status will then be.

What is clear, is that the future of the people of Catalonia and Hong Kong remain uncertain. Many people may be killed or imprisoned before all of these struggles for freedom and democracy are finally resolved.

Sadly, the media rarely assists with our understanding of these issues and problems. It can safely be said that, at times, there is a distinct attempt to confuse the situation, depending on what’s at stake. Some people’s freedom fighters are labeled criminals, while criminals are sometimes given a pass because it serves the interest of the powers that be to celebrate some and demonize others.

Perhaps the best example of this double standard is the current fight between the Palestinian people and the murderous Israeli regime, where even children are jailed, shot, or killed, without even a whisper from Western governments and media.

If that’s too far-fetched, imagine what the media would say, and western governments would threaten to do if a government, not to their liking, was to beat protestors and jail opponents as the Spanish government is currently doing.

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

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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Citizenship by Investment would be very dangerous

OPPOSITION LEADER Dr. Godwin Friday has suggested that, if NDP should get into government, they would introduce a Citizenship by Investment Programme in SVG. Citizenship by Investment is the granting of citizenship status to individuals (and immediate family

members) if they make a specified and quantifiable financial investment in a country.

Citizenship by Investment is a brainless idea and the type of thing someone who has no proper economic strategy and no idea about how to move our country forward and

create prosperity for our people, would suggest. It would be really bad and stupid to have a Citizenship by Investment Programme in SVG. To even suggest Citizenship by Investment shows that a person is weak in the head, has too much air

citizenship.

It is a serious between the ears and not threat to our country, enough grey matter. It shows that a person has that someone would sell Vincentian citizenship no idea how to create factories, industries and like selling a sack of sweet potato. thousands of new jobs.

Citizenship by To put forward the Investment is not idea of Citizenship by sustainable, because once Investment, suggests you sell off the country, that one does not value nothing is left. We must our Vincentian heritage protect and preserve our and Vincentian country for our children and grandchildren.

Citizenship by Investment opens our country to abuse. It is disgusting that Friday would suggest this. What next, selling off our children too? Clearly, Friday and the NDP are not fit to lead the country as they have no coherent and credible economic policies.

Granting Citizenship

by Investment would give thousands of rich foreigners the right to live and work in SVG. They would buy thousands of acres of our land, leaving nothing for our children and grandchildren.

Beware of Friday and the NDP’s plan for Citizenship by Investment in SVG. It is dangerous for our people and country - very dangerous!

Citizenship by Investment in SVG could be viewed as a security and terrorist concern by other countries. It is viewed by some countries as facilitating financial and terrorist crimes, as people use Citizenship by Investment to mask their identity and geographic background, for the purpose of evading international sanctions or engaging in financial crime.

If we have Citizenship

by Investment in SVG, then some countries could withdraw visa-free access for Vincentians, because they fear that Vincentian passports could mistakenly be sold to terrorists, crooks, money-launderers and other conmen.

Having a Citizenship

by Investment in SVG could lead to countries such as the US, UK and Canada imposing stricter visa requirements on Vincentians to enter these countries. This would hurt our people and may make it harder for Vincentians to visit family in these countries or go and work and live in these countries.

Foreign governments have reacted to the concept of Citizenship by Investment with anger, claiming that it would help criminals and terrorists move money and people undetected.

A number of Vincentians have reacted with disgust at Friday’s idea of selling our citizenship and national identity. SVG Green Party is deeply opposed to Citizenship by Investment in SVG, and is concerned that SVG would be besieged by even more foreigners not paying tax and custom duties and taking our land.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 is quite like Citizenship by Investment. We do not want more rich foreigners taking our lands.

Do not vote for Friday’s Citizenship by Investment in SVG. It is very dangerous for our people and country.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 13.

News

Owen RalphÊs legacy ensured

Owen Ralph’s life embodied the cultural expressions of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He was a true, true Vincie.

Owen Ralph’s love of history is captured in this piece that highlights aspects of the life of the Caribs as he interpreted it.

Owen Ralph enjoyed capturing Vincentian life as it was on his canvas, so that it could be displayed for the world.

VERLENE RALPH-JAMES, the daughter of legendary masman, artist, pan pioneer, culturalist Owen Ralph, plans to continue his legacy.

Owen Ralph, who was the bandleader and designer of the mas organisation known as Owen Ralph and D Professionals, died September 28th this year.

A mas maker for over four decades, Ralph, who would have been 80 years old next month, was laid to rest last Saturday at the Kingstown Cemetery.

This after the funeral service held at the Sion Hill Village hard court, then a festive type funeral procession to his final resting place.

Reminiscing on the contribution to the cultural landscape of St Vincent and the Grenadines, RalphJames, said, “He was a true culture man.

“He was a pan man, a mas man, an artist, a sign painter, sculptor, molder … He was my ride or die dad,” she said.

Ralph-James, who in recent years assumed the lead role in her father’s mas band, disclosed that she will ensure that the band makes its annual contribution to Vincy Mas. “I will continue to bring the band, despite my dad is not around… I will do so until I have had enough… We will make a few changes, but we have to carry on his legacy… This is what he would have wanted,” James- Ralph related.

She noted that this is also the sentiments of other members of the Owen Ralph and D Professionals Ralph-James also noted that the upbeat manner in which the funeral was conducted, was in keeping with the effervescence of her late father.

At Saturday’s funeral procession, there were persons donned in Carnival costumes, in memory of Ralph’s contribution to the art form.

“This is what he was about, so I want to thank all those other mas bands who donated costumes to make the funeral what it was,” Ralph-James commented.

Verlene Ralph- James (5th from left) with her mother Lolita Charles at her right, along with members of Owen Ralph and D Professionals, last Saturday at the graveside of the late Owen Ralph at the Kingstown Cemetery.

Ralph was known more for his Military Mas displays as well as Sailor Mas, whose theatrics kept the interest of many on the streets of Kingstown, and at the Victoria Park, especially in the pre-1977 era.

He moved into the fancy category Part of the funeral procession effectively in the Saturday. early 1990s.

“I want to thank sympathised with us all those persons who during our bereavement,” called, attended the Ralph-James concluded. funeral, sent wreaths, cards, and in any Editor’s Note: THE another way VINCENTIAN is pleased

in Kingstown last to have been able to chronicle some aspects of the talent and work of Owen Ralph. He was featured in our issue of April 28, 2017.

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14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Special Warrants: ÂWe transgressed,Ê admits PM Administration Act which the Unity Labour Party government had brought to the Parliament and was passed.

The admission was, in actual terms, that Government had failed to bring to Parliament some EC$123 million in Special Warrants, dating back to 2014, the year before the last general election here.

But even as he admitted to the transgression, Dr. Gonsalves said that the Special Warrants were now before the Parliament, and that it was a simple case of them being delayed.

This, he posited, did not amount to a “hanging offence”, a mere venial sin as against a mortal sin.

Dr. Gonsalves attested to the real need circumstances that had given rise to the Special Warrants and explained that they would have been necessary, since the needs concerned would not have been predictable and therefore, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves not provided for in the projected Minster of Finance up to 2017, Expenditure for the years concerned. described not tabling the Special He also noted that the Special Warrants as a mere delay.

Warrants become part and parcel of the supplementary estimates, i.e. the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, and LAST WEEK THURSDAY’S sitting of in so doing, the government was in Parliament may just have been fact, in compliance with the law. something of a milestone in the history Notwithstanding the Prime of national governance in St. Vincent and Minister’s take on the issue, Dr. the Grenadines.

Godwin Friday, Leader of the That Sitting received from the Opposition, told Parliament that it Leader of Government Business and was embarrassing that this Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves an admission that his government had Parliament was made to endorse transgressed; that his government had Special Warrants that originated in the term of a previous Parliament, and broken the law related to Special that he was having difficulty knowing Warrants, i.e. the Finance

“how to consider the legality of that process.”

As far as Dr. Friday was concerned, this was not a case of the Special Warrants being delayed, as purported by the Prime Minister, but a case of “being negligent or not seeming to care whatsoever that these matters are brought to Camillo Gonsalves, Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader the Parliament.” of the Opposition, of Finance, gave some In support of indication of the amounts of described the ‘delay’ as an the Prime and purposes for the Special embarrassment and sheer Minister’s Warrants. negligence. explanation, Minister of Bank of St. Vincent and the Finance Camillo Gonsalves, who Grenadines. assumed that portfolio in 2017, gave * EC$4.1 million as disaster some insight into some of the Special Warrants concerned and the amounts. assistance to Dominica, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago and Tortola; These included, among others: * EC$2.5 million in 2017 to buy * EC$3.5 million as cost associated additional drugs and medical supplies with litigation; and in 2018, one for EC$3.68 million * EC1.3 million in 2014 for for the same purpose; emergency recovery from Hurricane * Special Warrant in 2018 for Tomas, which impacted St. Vincent EC$157,000 to buy Heberprot-P and the Grenadines in October 2010; medication developed in Cuba for * EC$1.32 million in 2014 in diabetic ulcer; relation to that same cyclone; * EC$6.4 million for the writing off Continued on Page 15. of delinquent student loans at the

Scotia workers get overtime payment THE LOCAL BRANCH of the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) will officially change hands on October 31, 2019, and become a branch of the Republic Bank (Trinidad and Tobago).

But before that date arrived, the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU), bargaining agent on behalf of the employees of BNS, stepped up to ensure that those it represented received what was owing to them under the law.

This, especially in light of the announcement by Republic Bank (purchaser of some of BNS operations in the region) that it will not assume any responsibility for liabilities incurred by the BNS. The one remaining matter going into October after talks began in earnest in midSeptember between BNS and the CTAWU, was in respect to overtime worked since the Wages Regulations took effect in 2008, to the present.

The contention was that BNS workers here were clocking up nine-hour days, inclusive of a one-hour lunch

period, and that this dated back to 2008 for which, therefore, compensation was due.

The Union, on advice, accepted that payment could not revert to 2008 as a starting point.

This matter and others have now been attended to in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between the BNS and CTAWU, which took effect on October 10, 2019.

In accordance with the MOU, “The Bank will pay retroactively in respect of overtime worked from 15th August 2019 to 15th August 2013. The Bank will also make adjustments to the vacation entitlement to certain employees for the period 15th August to 15th August 2013.”

The payment’s retroactive cutoff date 15 August 2013, is in keeping with the date when the new agreement was signed to enact the regular eighthours per-day schedule for the bank.

This (retroactive payment) provision of the MOU applies to “any employee who

currently holds a position within the bargaining unit represented by CTAWU.” Joseph ‘Burns; Bonadie, General Secretary of the CTAWU and who led the negotiations with the Bank, has given the assurance that the overtime payment will also apply to those persons who were employed with the Bank during the period concerned, but who have since retired or resigned.

As far as the calculation of the overtime payment is concerned, the parties agreed that the formula which currently exists in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Bank and the Union, will be utilized.

By and large, the MOU of October 10, 2019 is an overarching one, and also stipulates that in accepting that, it represents a full and final settlement, that neither party will take legal action as of the date of effect of the MOU. Payment of all outstanding monies is anticipated to be complete within two weeks of

Very soon, this sign could be replaced by one that reads ‘Republic Bank Ltd.’. the date of effect of the MOU. On Tuesday, November 27, 2018. Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) — parent company of the Republic Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) - announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Bank of Nova Scotia’s operations in Guyana, St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean territories, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The acquisition was valued at US$123 million.

To date, all but Guyana and

Antigua have acquiesced to the sale arrangement.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines there seemed to have been a move on the part of the BNS to fast track the process so as to effect a Republic Bank takeover by September 30, 2019.

But there were ‘industrial matters’ yet to be resolved, and the Union sought to and successful stalled this intention, with the help of two days (September 23, 24) sickout by the workers.

The Bank of Nova Scotia opened its St. Vincent branch in Kingstown in 1977.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 , 2019. 15.

News

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (inset) described the whole scene surrounding the closure and protracted negotiation to have the Buccament Resort reopen as “painful”.

Buccament Resort opening still unclear IT REMAINS UNCERTAIN as to when the doors of the Buccament Bay Resort will re-open, with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves saying that the government may have to take the relevant action that it did not want to.

“It has been a lot of technical work,” Gonsalves told Parliament last Thursday.

“Had I gone with the recommendation from members of the Cabinet, that from the beginning we should have acquired, then there would not have been the need for the detailed type of negotiations,” he continued.

But Gonsalves said that he urged Cabinet not to proceed in that manner, saying that they were dealing with thousands of investors and he did not want it to be said that they came and invested their money and the government came and took away their property.

“I did not want any bad publicity in that way,” Gonsalves explained.

He further explained that he knew that the government would be getting involved in other hotel projects, and that he did not want to get involved in that one, although there had been a number of companies wanting to come and do management contracts with us.

“It has been painful,” he said in his response to Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday’s question on the

Special Warrants: ‘We transgressed,’ admits PM Continued from Page 14. * EC$2.2 for the agricultural sector; * EC2.7 million towards amounts owing to VINLEC and LIME (now FLOW).

Last week Thursday’s Sitting of Parliament approved Special Warrants totaling EC$23 million, a far cry from the EC$123 million that was alluded to for the period 2014 — 2018/19.

recent developments regarding the opening of the resort.

According to the Prime Minister, it was now up to the purchasers — a group involving Kelly Glass - to indicate what they were going to do in respect of the indemnity which they are required to offer.

They were given a week to do so, following a meeting convened last week involving the trustees, government and purchasers, after having been written to months prior to deal with the quantity of the indemnity issue.

“If at that stage matters unravel, then that which I did not want to do, I may well have to do; but let’s cross that bridge when we reach it,” Gonsalves said.

“Having the hotel closed has caused significant losses to the economy, and the sooner it can be reopened, the better for all,” he said.

Once acquired, Gonsalves said that strict conditions will be put in place including restricted use of the land for hotel use only, and for hotel renovation completion.

It was noted that the trustee has agreed to waive Harlequin Properties SVG Ltd right to any compensation awarded to it by the Board of Assessors in relation to the lots and an indemnity provided of up to US$1.1 million, in the event the Board of Assessors awards compensation to a third party or there is judgment against the government in relation to the acquisition.

There are six lots of land which are at the centre of the current impasses.

“Approval has been granted for the acquisition of the six lots for hotel development; we have given the approval to enter into a deed of indemnity with the trustee in bankruptcy of the estate of Harlequin Properties SVG Ltd … and we have approved the entering into a deed waiver to the compensation with the trustee in bankruptcy of the estate of Harlequin Properties SVG Ltd,” Gonsalves said. (DD)

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16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Representatives of Drama Groups, Festival Organisers and Sponsor-BOSVG at last Friday’s launch of the 2019 National Theatre Arts Drama Festival.

Six for National Drama Festival

SIX DRAMA groups will take part in the 14th National Theatre Arts Drama Festival scheduled to commence on November 1st at the Peace Memorial Hall and climax with an award ceremony on the 8th of December.

Among those presenting will be: debutants FOCUS Entertainment Inc. with JUMBIE LEGGO on November 1and 3; Division of Nursing Education Performing Arts Club with ‘Moments in Between’ — Nov. 8 — 10; Police Drama Club — ‘Mama Dear Son’ Nov. 15 - 17; presentation Urban Expressions Theatre with ‘Torrid Existence’ — Nov. 22 — 24; SVG Community College Performing Arts Society with ‘Dorothy’s Challenge’ from Nov. 29 to Dec 1; on November 29th to December 1st “Dorothy’s Challenge” and Reeja’s Theatre Alliance with ‘The Mistress of Wholesome’

the performing arts and culture in SVG,” she said.

“The performing arts helps to develop discipline, commitment, trust, self confidence in individuals,” she posited, adding that she can attest to that from her own involvement in the Performing Arts.

Assistant Public Relations Coordinator to the National Theatre Arts Committee Nneka Nandi Williams-Morgan McMillian traced the of sponsor BOSVG development of the spoke to the Festival since its participants about how inception in 1989, drama/performing arts reflecting on the can contribute to challenges, the down personal development. period and the refrom Dec 6 -7. energising, A boost for this year’s reconceptualizing of the Festival came by way of Festival in 2005, giving an increase in the worth rise to a new format in of sponsorship by the 2016.

Festival’s principal Coordinator of the benefactor - the Bank of Festival Sean Frederick St. Vincent and the said that organisers are Grenadines (BOSVG). looking at ways in which The increase from drama can address $10,000 to $12,000 was important issues in SVG. predicated on the fact “We want to use that there has been an theatre as part of the increase in participation. conversation on issues Speaking at the and the things that are launch of the Festival happening in our last Friday at the CDC society,” said Frederick. office, Nandi WilliamsCultural Officer Morgan of BOSVG said Anthony Theobalds that the bank has been spoke of his department’s proud sponsor of the support for the festival, festival for the last 13 and more importantly, years. “This is an the drama groups indication of our themselves. (KH) continuous support for

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 , 2019. 17.

Health

CTAWU donates to keeping Kingstown clean THE COMMERCIAL TECHNICAL AND ALLIED WORKERS UNION (CTAWU) has donated 100 brooms to the Sanitation Department, towards ensuring that the workers have the basic and appropriate tools with which to keep ,capital Kingstown clean.

The presentation took place at the Union House, Kingstown, last Tuesday.

General Secretary of CTAWU Joseph ‘Burns’ Bonadie, in brief remarks

at the handing over, said CTAWU has represented the sanitation workers since the union’s inception.

His Union and its members are concerned, he said, when people speak of the unsightliness of Kingstown.

“From time to time we have had problems with the supply of brooms for our members and the employees in the Ministry of Health, and we decided that we have to do

something about that.

“It’s not only about representing the workers for their wages and conditions of work, but to ensure that they have the necessary tools to do the proper job,” said Bonadie.

The donation was made with the generous assistance of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG). “… We are happy indeed for the Bank’s contribution

in assisting us to provide the brooms,” said the General Secretary, adding that the brooms are of the highest quality that the supplier had in stock.

Chief Environmental Officer Neri James, on accepting the donation, said that they are extremely happy to have the brooms. “We see that there is a need for us to actually have partnerships,” said James.

(KH)

Chief Environmental Officer Neri James (left) accepts the brooms from CTAWU General Secretary Joseph ‘Burns’Bonadie.

18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 , 2019. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Deceitfulness!!!!!

Dear George, MY HOUSING situation is this: A girl pays the rent, and I accommodate her whenever she wants; she buys petrol for my vehicle and other stuff; we have sex anytime she wants it, and the sex with her is out of this world; she does not want a serious relationship, just sex when she wants it.

This arrangement has been going on for a year. The trouble is that I have a steady girlfriend, which my sex partner knows but does care. Now, my steady girlfriend wants to move in with me. She thinks I am paying my own rent and all the other things. She is even suggesting that we settle down together. Obviously, George, I am stalling her.

How could I marry her and mess up what I have going now with this other girl? George, I need some advice on how to get past this one.

Technical investment

It is sad that your vision has been clouded by money and sex, enforced by this other girl. You fail to see she is dangling the carrot in front of you for her own personal pleasure, and will eventually remove it when she gets tired of you.

What you are doing to your girlfriend is not fair nor is it correct.

Stop acting as though you are the man of her dreams, and let her know there is no future for her with you, so she can get on with her life.

You are free to live your own life by your rules, but it does not give you the right to mislead someone else into thinking they have found love when, in fact, it is far removed from the truth.

George

Dear Technical investment,

„All that glitters⁄. .‰ Dear George,

Rock Sure

All that glitters is not gold, and you should not let someone’s outward appearance fool you into thinking that she has wifely qualities, enough so that life with her would be beautiful and satisfying.

Friends do not go around coveting each other’s partners, and you need to snap out of this zone of lust in which you find yourself. If anything, you need to take a serious look at your relationship and examine whether you are in it for the right reasons and whether you truly love the woman (fiancée) you are with.

Let this episode be a passing moment. Give your fiancée the attention and commitment that are needed to make your relationship with her meaningful and enjoyable.

Dear Rock Sure,

George

I AM ENGAGED to be married around Easter time. I always thought I had the woman of my dreams until a friend introduced me to his girlfriend.

George, from the moment our eyes met, there was an instant connection.

Unknowing to my friend, she passed me her number. I have not called her yet, but I know that when I do, it will be lights out for my friend as far as having her is concerned.

Is there a way that I can have her without putting a wedge between our friendship? If this girl asked me to be with her, I will do so in an instant.

How do I proceed from this point on?

Resist the temptation Dear George, IT IS BECOMING harder and harder to make ends meet. I have been looking for work, but up to now, nothing.

My husband works sometimes, but the money he brings in is not enough to pay the rent, buy food, pay for the children’s schooling, etc.

My girlfriend is encouraging me to do what she is doing, which is to be of service to her boss and his circle of friends. She says all my financial troubles would be over. She easily takes home $1500 every week, sometimes more.

I am still pondering whether I should fall in

with her full time or just do it part time. I guess part time would not be as bad as if I am doing it full time. What do you think?

Charity Case Dear Charity Case,

explore income earning options. It is better to have that one problem to deal with than other problems such as STDs, a broken marriage and a questionable reputation.

Take the option of going to see a professional counsellor and seek out creative ways to make things better. Enlist the support of relatives and friends, and strengthen your resolve not to bow to the pressure that presently exist.

Encourage and support your husband while you are it, and be each other’s greatest source of strength.

The question you should ask yourself is not whether you should be doing this full or part time, but rather if it will be worth it in the end, should you decide to go this route.

Yes, you may have it difficult financially right now, but that problem can be discussed further with your husband and also a counsellor, who George can sit with you both and

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club. Put your efforts into being creative. Try to avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be careful not to reveal private information. You are best to keep your money tied up in a safe and secure place.

Your lack of interest in your partner is a problem. Social activity with friends and relatives will be most successful.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You won't get the reaction you want from your mate this week. Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. Try to visit a country that excites you. Don't let your jealousy be the reason for a decaying relationship.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your health may have suffered due to neglect or abuse. Don't let others make you feel guilty or insecure. Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. Be prepared to encounter new friendships that will provide you with valuable information.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with.

You're best to channel your energy into work. Uncertainties about your personal life are probable. Nothing can be resolved if you don't want to talk about it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can have a working relationship with children if you exercise patience and understanding of the dilemmas they face. You will be able to get along well with colleagues. Keep your feelings to yourself if you want to avoid embarrassment.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Concern yourself with legal matters and formulating contracts rather than finalizing your objectives. Social gatherings will be conducive to meeting new potential mates.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Get the red tape and the unwanted paperwork out of the way. Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. Take your time before making personal decisions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You will have excellent ideas for changing or renovating your home. Be aware of any emotional deception. Do not sign legal contracts or documents this week.

Don't say something you'll live to regret.

Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) If boredom has set in, find new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. Minor accidents may occur if you don't concentrate on what you're doing. Your outgoing nature will win hearts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Spend time with friends or family. Don't put limitations on yourself. Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. Don't overspend to impress someone who interests you.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Those you live with may be experiencing problems. You need to interact with others if you want to expand your knowledge. Be aware of any deception on the part of those you deal with. Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure.

ACROSS 1. Badger continually 5. Paper sack 8. Flower stalk 12. Home for 2-Down 13. Before, in a poem 14. “hold this!”

15. Grow weaker 16. _ Aviv, Israel 17. Dismounted 18. Daily trio of servings 20. Cider fruit 22. Lock insert 23. Even score 24. Pie edge 27. Bowling target 28. Do a slalom 31. Created by us 32. Elephant’s nose 34. Broadway smash 35. Actor Affleck 36. Millions of months 37. List entries 39. Joan of _ 40. Funny Arthur 41. Bracing, as a breeze 43. Plus quality 46. Cannon explosion 47. Lodge brother 49. Thick piece 51. Lazy 52. Golf peg 53. Otherwise 54. Recolored, as hair 55. Grass carpet 56. With 10-Down, freshwater expanse

by Cleveland DOWN 1. Modern 2. Eve’s fellow 3. Heredity unit

4. Creeps (around) 5. Flagmaker Ross 6. Exit 7. Jiggly dessert 8. Square or triangle 9. Reveal (a secret) 10. See 56-Across 11. Bumped into 19. C, L, U, and E 21. Little fingers 24. Corn core 25. Hate to remember 26. Fancy planter 27. Play on words 28. That niece 29. Ms. Basinger 30. “_ not fair!”

33. NASA launchings

38. Fez fringe 39. Pointed (a camera) 40. Roasted in an oven 41. Human form 42. Onstage assignment

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 , 2019. 21.

44. Jazzy Fitzgerald 45. Real piece of work?

46. Auction offer 48. Zodiac cat 50. Nectar collector?

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22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Financial Intelligence

NIS – Providing Social Security THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ECCB in advocating and SERVICES is pleased to be a promoting financial literacy long-standing partner with within the ECCU territories.

This year, financial literacy is driven by a theme “Plan For Uncertainty…...Make

Insurance Your Priority”, which is inextricably linked with the ethos and business model of the NIS. Social Security is a social insurance programme geared towards encouraging social justice, solidarity, equity, economic development and poverty alleviation. The socioeconomic necessity of the system caused it to be recognized and respected by various international conventions and instruments. For instance, the recognition of social security as a basic human right was enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In some countries such as Germany and Brazil, social security is a right guaranteed by the Constitution.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, your social security system has evolved into a Systemically Important Financial and Social Institution. This is evidenced by its proven record of transforming lives and shaping societies. The systems provide equitable, adequate and affordable income protection to approximately 44% of the population. And this is backed by an asset base which represents 25% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Your NIS is a social safety net system that provides financial protection against lifecycle risks such as maternity, illness, disability and retirement through an income replacement programme. Essentially, you are protected against life cycle uncertainties from the Cradle where you start life, to the Grave where you end life. The stories are now widespread and viral of this programme and its direct positive impact on safeguarding people’s lives, livelihoods and wellbeing.

Your NIS is an essential vehicle to reduce individuals, families, communities and society’s vulnerabilities to loss of income from life uncertainties of employment injury, disability, death and illness.

The comprehensive benefit package from maternity benefit, through retirement benefit to death benefits should be financed by contributions levied on employment earnings up to the wage ceiling of $4,333.00 and should be paid by employees, employers,

self-employed persons and voluntary contributors. It is, therefore, imperative that all these categories of persons make National Insurance (social insurance) a priority as mandated by CAP 296 of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Funds that have accumulated in previous years that are not yet required for the payment of benefits and administrative expenses are invested locally, regionally and internationally in various types of deposits, loans, bonds, equities and properties. The investment of funds is guided by the principles of Safety, Yield, Liquidity and Social and Economic utility. The Board is duty bound to ensure that the system remains sustainable. To date, your NIS has fulfilled its promise of meeting its financial obligations on time and in full. This would continue in the foreseeable future.

In pursuit of its safety mandate, the Board and Management ensure excellence in administration and administrative efficiency.

The NIS prides itself on minimizing costs to ensure that a higher- proportion of the contribution dollar is prudently invested to strengthen the safety net.

Your NIS also protects you on a macro level through its contributions to local economic and social development. The annual benefit expenditure of approximately $65 million directly influences local economic activities.

Similarly, your NIS’ investments of approximately $300M in local securities such as bonds, loans and deposits aid with infrastructure developments and job creation.

During its 32 years of operations, your NIS has made significant contributions in building the nation’s social capital.

In education, your NIS invested over $10 million in the National Economically Disadvantaged Student Loan Programs that cover almost 500 beneficiaries.

In the area of health, your NIS made several major contributions to the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the form of equipping the hospital with ultra-Sound machine, CT Scan Machine and other major equipment.

With regard to housing, the NIS partnered with

BOSVG to finance the 100% Mortgage Finance program for Civil Servants. In the important area of poverty alleviation, the NIS provided life-time income security for economically challenged elderly persons through the Non-contributory Assistance Program and the Elderly Assistance Programme. In addition, your NIS built two magnificent facilities that provide avenues for our elderly citizens to connect, relax, learn a trade and socialize.

In providing these critical and essential services to our people, your NIS, like other social security systems, faces a myriad of risks ranging from demographic, environmental, technological, economic and labour market. These significant risks threaten the system’s ability to provide sustainable and adequate benefits to the people of SVG. The nature, occurrence and incidence of these risks are complex, changing and multifaceted. We all just witnessed the devastation of parts of Bahamas as a result of Hurricane Dorian. This is just about two years after back-toback category 5 hurricanes wrecked several Caribbean destinations.

Dominica was hard-hit by Maria. This region has not yet fully recovered from one of the most severe economic crises of 2008. In addition, the ECCU territories face the plights of double-digit unemployment rates and population ageing, of increasing life expectancy and declining fertility rates.

Notwithstanding the many-sided challenges, your social security remains robust and resilient through its diversified asset base, dynamic leadership and people-centered administration. During the said crisis, your social security served as an economic and social stabilizer. Your benefits amount and frequencies remained unchanged, loss of income in the period was replaced and investments contributed to economic enhancement.

Your investments and contributions to NIS should be a Priority because your financial security is guaranteed.

National Insurance Services

V Vincy Heat soars in Nations League

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 23.

at a time, Kendale Mercury, Head Coach of Vincy Heat, is already putting the strategic measures in place to ensure maximum returns.

On the team’s return last Tuesday, Mercury told reporters at the Argyle International Airport that after a Cornelius Stewart scored all three two-day rest, the goals for St Vincent and the players will be back to Grenadines in the two matches the grind. against Suriname.

Part of Mercury’s plans ahead of next month’s aim for anything but full matches, is to have the fitness. players’ fitness levels improve.

Mercury is hopeful that his “We need to take our fitness team would engage in an to a next level”, he admitted, international friendly prior to adding that the Nicaraguans the Nicaragua match. may struggle with the “It will be nice to have a top temperatures against the level friendly or two…. to push Vincentians, but we should not us”, Mercury cited.

Part of the Vincy Heat team that travelled to Suriname. Head Coach Kendale Mercury is fourth from right in the front row.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ VINCY HEAT shot to the top of Group D last Monday night, in the CONCACAF Nations League, with a one- nil win over Suriname at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium, Paramaribo.

A 68th minute goal by Cornelius Stewart, captain of Vincy Heat, positioned the Vincentians as the only unbeaten team in the group, with 8 points from 4 matches.

Stewart proved to be the marquee player, as he netted a double last Friday here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, in

the home encounter.

His penalty in the injury time gave the host a 2-2 draw, this after he had cut the deficit in half in the 58th minute.

It was a come-from-behind win for Vincy Heat, as Suriname had established a 20 lead, through Glefofilo Vlijter in the 26th and 53rd minutes.

Before the two matches versus Suriname, SVG had a 1-1 draw with Nicaragua in Nicaragua, and beat Dominica 1-0 here, last month.

As it stands in Group D,

Suriname and Nicaragua each has seven points, registering two wins, one draw and one loss. Dominica is pointless after four matches.

With their eyes set on securing a spot at next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA in 2021, as well as promotion to League A, SVG will have to win their next two matches against Nicaragua (home) and Dominica (away), to do so.

These matches are carded for 15th and 18th November, respectively.

Even as he takes one match Some of the onfield battle last Friday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, between Vincy Heat and Suriname.

North Leeward Football climaxes FITZ HUGHES FC AND KEARTONS FC were crowned champions in the Under-16 and Senior divisions respectively, when the Ruddy’s Electrical/Hairoun Beer North Leeward Football League 2019 came to an end last weekend, at the Golden Vale Playing Field.

Fitz Hughes FC earned their championship title when they beat Peto FC 6 -1 in the finals. Khalique Bowens netted 3 of the 6 goals, earning him the award of Player of the Final.

The other Fitz Hughes FC goals came from Gideon Richards, Raheem Simons and Daymar Michael. Kirtney Franklyn netted for Peto FC. Keartons FC romped home to their title with a 3 -1 win over House of Graphics Fitz Hughes.

Mickel Williams, Delano John and

House of Graphics Fitz Hughes - Runners-up in the Senior Division.

Emroy Gloster scored 1 goal apiece for the champs, with Bishon Williams scoring the lone goal for

Keartons FC - Senior Champions.

House of Graphics Fitz Hughes.

Delano John was named Player of

the Final.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Leeward rules Round D Town Relay

FIVE OF THE SIX titles went to teams from the Leeward side of the mainland, when Team Athletics SVG staged its annual Round D Town Road Relay, last Sunday in capital Kingstown.

The Fitz Hughes Government School bossed the Primary Schools’ Division, topping both the Male and Female segments, thus retaining the titles won in 2018.

The school’s Team One clocked 35 minutes 00.14 seconds to win the Female category ahead of the Chateaubelair Methodist in second and Fitz Hughes Team Two in third.

Among the Males, it was one, two for the Fitz Hughes Government.

Team One clocked 29 minutes 23.16 seconds ahead of Team Two in second and the Chateaubelair Methodist in third.

In the Secondary Schools’ Division, the Barrouallie Secondary took hold of the Female Division when their quartet did 41 minutes 05 seconds, beating Thomas Saunders Secondary Team One into second place and Thomas Saunders Team Two, third.

In the Male Division of the Secondary Schools, the Petit

Petit Bordel Secondary School.

Bordel Secondary was the first to finish in a time of 29 minutes 32.84 seconds.

They beat out last year’s champions - the St Vincent Grammar School into second place and Troumaca Ontario into third.

The fifth Leeward title was secured by High

Performance of Central Leeward, which claimed the Female Open in a time of 32 minutes 02.50 seconds. IT DAT Academy was second and X- Ceed Sports Club third.

The lone title that went to another geographic location was taken by Chatoyer,

Double Primary Schools’ champions- Fitz Hughes Government. which topped the Male Open. Chatoyer completed the course in 27 minutes 55.82 seconds. IT DAT Academy was second and third was X- Cel Team One. Thirty- nine of the forty teams completed the event.

Each of Sunday’s race comprised four legs, beginning and ending at the First Caribbean International Bank on Halifax Street.

The Primary School Division runners headed

up Sharpe Street, then onto Bay Street, before turning on Higginson Street and back to the starting point.

The Secondary Schools and the Open Categories used the same route, except they turned on Linley Street, before heading back to the starting point.

The next event on Team Athletics SVG’s Road Racing calendar is the NACAC Chatoyer 10K set for 24th November in North Leeward.

McDowald, Ashton off to TNT

Barrouallie Secondary School quartet.

High Performance.

Sion Hill Netball Tournament opens TEN TEAMS will participate in the 2019 Edition of the Vita Malt Sion Netball Doris McIntosh, President of the SVG Netball Association, urged all concerned to take the sport seriously.

Tournament, which opened last weekend at the Sion Hill hardcourt.

Doris McIntosh, President of the SVG Netball Association, addressing the opening ceremony, reiterated her Association’s endorsement of the Tournament, and said it was evidence that “netball is alive in SVG.” She urged the players, organisers and spectators to take the game seriously, “and to learn the rules.”

Hon. Arnhim Eustace, Parliamentary Representative for

the area, recommitted to offering monetary awards to the most disciplined team and player.

Hon. Luke Browne addressed the opening on behalf of Minister Of Sports Cecil Mc Kie. Island Blend took the Best Banner Award, while Sion Hill Junior was adjudged to be the Best Dressed Team on parade.

Harmony Investment returns to defend their Division One title; Star Girls Two will have similar intentions in Division 2; Sion Hill Junior team will defend their Division 3 title.

In addition to the(three) abovereferenced teams, the others down to compete across the three divisions are: Dutch Lady Clinchers Blue and Black, Grant Thornton Stars, Island Blend Successes Radio Netters 1 and 2, Star Girls 1, Teams on parade Sion Hill Primary at the opening.

School, and Trailblazers.

I.B.A.ALLEN

ACE LONG DISTANCE runners Linda McDowald and Junior Ashton will represent this country at the 2019 UWI Half Marathon, in the Female and Male categories respectively.

The race is set for today, Friday, in Trinidad.

THE VINCENTIAN caught up with L-R: Linda McDowald McDowald earlier this week, but was unable to SVG leading female long distance runner. pin down Ashton.

McDowald confirmed that this will be the second time she is competing in the UWI Half Marathon. She is, therefore, aware of the level of competition, but she will be looking to improve on her sixth position in 2018.

She also cited the Half Marathon as part of preparation for the South America 10k in Guyana in early November, and the International Endurance 10k here in SVG at the end of November.

McDowald is the current CARICOM 10K champion, and admits that she competes primarily in 10Ks and 15Ks. She is fresh from competing in last weekend’s Round D’ Town Relay and said that she Junior Ashton - feels confident going into today’s race.

SVG leading male long distance runner. I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 25.

Sports

Vincy Heat sights Gold THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES senior football team, affectionately referred to as Vincy Heat, justified the reference with a hard fought 1: 0 win over Suriname last Monday.

That placed them top of Group D, supplanting previous leader Suriname. It was a commanding performance by the Vincentians. They came under severe criticism even after coming from two goals down to salvage a draw at Arnos Vale last week Friday against Suriname.

Some fans were obsessed with the potential chances that they felt the team should have converted than the result.

It is being said that Vincentian footballers play better abroad. The theory is that when relieved of the home scrutiny and indeed comments, they find a fluency.

The hostility abroad does not seem to affect them. Perhaps the antagonism at home is near as hostile as those abroad.

It is a symbol of our unpatriotic that we display such negative tendency towards our players at home.

Such persons however are in the minority. But they tend to be vocal and attempt to occupy positions of influence.

There is new level of nationality as evidenced at the last Windward Islands tournament at Victoria Park. A rhythm section has built up and has become a part of the game in recent times.

They don’t have that reverb at Arnos Vale. The more enclosed environment at Victoria Park, added to the cultural legacy contribute to the ambience.

That rhythm section will expand and be absorbed as part of the arena. One can expect the Rhythm Section to be in full blast at Arnos Vale.

That will be our last home game, and will be an opportunity to take a firmer grip of the number one spot.

In fact, we cannot afford to slip up. We came with a draw in Nicaragua, and in any circumstance, we will have welcomed that in a positive way.

Travelling for a match is a tedious exercise. We experienced it, having played in Nicaragua three days before the showdown with Dominica here.

The jet-lag factor affected the Nicaraguans, and their 0: 6 score line in Suriname could be attributed the travel arrangements.

The Vincy Heat is responding to coach Kendale Mercury’s instructions. There is an element of fitness that has become part of the outfit’s strength. Our defence has cultivated that streak of scarcity as far as allowing goals is concerned.

There are persons like Wesley ‘Butu’ Charles, Ezra Hendrickson, Cornelius Huggins and Burton Forde still in defence. The present crop of defenders may not have carved out a reputation, but their performance has stunned even the detractors. Some fans are spoiled by the television coverage, so when they see a match live, they miss some action, for the replays are not forthcoming.

This year serves as a moment of impact as far as the story unfolds. There is an emphasis on 40.

Memories of our breakthrough to the football arena are fresh in people’s mind. That your performance in Suriname 1979 is fresh in people’s minds. It sets the framework on which this country’s sporting ethics were laid.

In 1979, it was: 3 2. Forty years later it is 1.0.

Things are different today. We have to learn from our experience and take it the dull distance.

Bascombe is new CWI selector FORMER WEST INDIES T20 player Miles Bascombe is a new selector for West Indies.

Bascombe was named to the panel of selectors for the Men’s teams. He joins a panel which includes former West Indies allrounder Roger Harper as Lead Selector and recently reappointed Head Coach - Phil Simmons.

The first task of the new panel of selectors was to name the squads to tour India in November to play Afghanistan and then India.

Bascombe is the second Vincentian to serve as a West Indies selector for teams competing at the international level. The other is Michael

Findlay who in 2002, stepped down as Chairman of Selectors for the West Indies team in 2002.

On his appointment, Bascombe said, “It’s an honor and a privilege to serve West Indies Cricket in this capacity. I plan to approach this role with utmost seriousness and professionalism.”

Bascombe, an aggressive righthanded batsman, toured England with the West Indies T20 team in 2011.

He also represented Windwards Volcanoes and Combined Campuses and Colleges in 24 first-class matches and 26 List A matches.

He has served as a national selector for St. Vincent and the

Miles Bascombe is the current General Manager of the National Sports Council.

Grenadines, and also Technical Advisor for Windwards Cricket.

Bascombe holds an MSc in Electronic Commerce and BSc in Electronics with Computer Science, along with cricket coaching certificates.

I.B.A. ALLEN

National Volleyball Championships return Volleyball Association officials at last Tuesday’s press conference (from AFTER AN ABSENCE left) President Suzanna OF several years, Ollivierre, Acting National Volleyball Club Secretary Earl Bennett Championships return to and Vice-President SVG. Jomadean May. The Championships serve off this Saturday, championships was made 19th October, at the public last Tuesday at a Girls’ High School press conference hosted hardcourt. by the SVG Volleyball The announcement of Association (SVGVA), at the return of the the Carnival

Masters T20 Round-up

AT THE END of last weekend round of matches in the 2019 SVG Masters 20/20, North East Masters and A R & G Trucking P’tani Masters shared top honours (12 pints) in Zone A, and RSVG Police Masters (16 points) head Zone B.

Last weekend matches At Sion Hill, RSVG Police Masters defeated Kirk DaSilva’s LaCroix Masters by 9 wickets. Scores: LaCroix 54 all out in 19.3 overs; RSVG Police 55 for 1 off 6.2 overs.

At London, Digicel Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters defeated North Windward Masters by 8 wickets. Scores: North Windward 138 all out off 18.2 overs. - Rawle Baptiste 41, McNeil Morgan took 4 for 23; Glamorgan 139 for 2 off 14 overs - Dexter Small 53 not out, Morgan 50 not out.

At Cumberland, Sion Hill Masters defeated Memorial Funeral Home North Leeward Masters by 28 runs. Scores: Sion Hill 172 for 5 off 20 overs — Bill Edwards 71 not out; North Leeward chasing a rain-induced adjusted target 121 in 14 overs, 93 for 9 off 14 overs - Arrington Burgin took 3 for 23.

At Park Hill, North East Masters defeated A R & G Trucking P’tani Masters by 3 wickets. Scores: P’tani 38 for 9 off 20 overs - Cassius Welcome 36, Olanzo Jackson took 4 for 29; North East 139 for 7 off 18.4 overs - Jackson 33.

At the Mustique Playing Field, Mustique Company Masters defeated General Hardware Pastures Masters by 96 runs. Scores: Mustique 144 all out off 20 overs - Nicholas Baptiste 27; Pastures 48 off 18.3 overs - Caswell Dorsette took 3 for 3, Eric Cato 3 for 5 and Cedric Cupid 2 for 6.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Development Corporation’s Conference Room.

Competing for honours will be eighteen teams: three in the Male Elite; seven in the Male First Division and eight in the Female Open.

Speaking at last Tuesday’s press conference, President of the SVGVA Suzanna Ollivierre outlined some details of the championships.

“We will use four different venues: the Girls’ High School hardcourt, Dickson Methodist, Gomea Methodist and the South Rivers Methodist... Those are the areas where the various clubs come from, so we expect the supporters will be out in their great numbers to cheer on their teams in the competition,”

Ollivierre said.

She added: “Game days will be Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday… Mondays and Wednesdays will be left for the rescheduling of games , because we know that we are in the rainy season and the possibility that some games may not finish and (will) need rescheduling.”

At stake for the teams are prize monies, trophies, balls and a portable net system.

Meanwhile, VicePresident of the SVGVA Jomadean May explained that the championships will be used to get new persons involved in the sport.

May called on persons who were once involved in Volleyball, to return to the fold and assist in the growth of the sport.

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

„Farmers must be protected!‰ Continued from Page 4.

Farmers are working too hard. Three (sheep) one time. Custodial sentence I am recommending. Farmers must be protected.”

The facts revealed that around 5 p.m. last Sunday, the virtual complainant, Grenville Jewitt, checked on his land at Owia and left everything in order.

Around 5:30 a.m. on

WILFRED RAYMOND SUTHERLAND

CELESTE SUZANNE PETERS NEE ROSE

S.D.A Church, Fountain Sunday, 13th October, 2019 Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Service: 10:00 a.m.

Interment: Fountain Cemetery

S.D.A Church, Stubbs Sunday, 13th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Interment: Stubbs Cemetery VALDMOUR MACNORTON SPENCE better known as Maureen Spence Miracle Tabernacle Church, Carapan Sunday, 13th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Stubbs

Monday, he returned to check on his land, and discovered that the animals were missing.

He made checks around the village, but did not find them. He then reported the matter to the police.

Investigations were carried out during which the animals were seen in the back of Nanton’s vehicle.

Nanton told the Court he was sorry for his action.

But Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told him that the Court attached a high level of seriousness to the offence because of the key role he played. She stressed the harm Nanton intended to cause the complainant.

“This is what he owns.

They (sheep) have a great value other than the money attached to them,” Browne told him.

In mitigation, she noted that the animals were restored, and

although Nanton had previous convictions, none of them were of a similar nature. She also noted that Nanton’s early guilty plea would earn him a one-third reduction in sentence.

After weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors, the Magistrate concluded with the seven months prison sentence.

“Had he been charged under the Praedial Larceny Act, the penalty would have been much stiffer,” the Prosecutor commented.

“I really wish they would utilize the Act more,” the Magistrate said.

“I wish so too,” the Prosecutor replied.

Police have continued to charge persons who commit offences of this nature, under the Criminal Code, despite the existence of a Praedial Larceny Act which carries stiffer penalties.

SOPHREN CORLETTE CORDICE Belmont Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday, 13th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 1:30 p.m.

RALEIGH DAVIS Fair Hall Church of God Saturday, 12th October, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Belmont Cemetery

FRED ADOLPHUS JOSEPH S.D.A Church, Layou Sunday, 13th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery

40 40

ebr Cel atin g

years of independence

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 18, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.38.

F O R S A L E

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WOMAN KILLED IN FREAK ACCIDENT where she plied her trade, and was doing so when tragedy JOSEPHINE ROBERTSON, a struck. mother of five – three sons and According to police, at about two daughters - was selling corn 12:30 pm last Tuesday, a jeep, on Tuesday 15th along the side P5849, driven by Lorenzo of the public road in Kings Hill, McLean of Diamond and as she was accustomed doing. travelling from the Windward She was called away by her side, veered off the road and daughter to pick some soursop struck Robertson. leaves from a tree just off the The woman is said to have roadside died while being taken to the Stubbs Polyclinic.

According to an eye witness Tevan and neighbour Gosnel Robertson, Aberdeen, he was sitting in his one of yard from where he could see Josephine’s Robertson picking the soursop son’s, leaves, when a white Suzuki recalled his jeep appeared from “nowhere” mother as and crashed into Robertson, dedicated to propelling her into the air, and raising her uprooting the soursop tree children.

by KENVILLE HORNE

Gosnel Aberdeen stands looking down on the area where he has witnessed vehicles veering off the road.

from which she was picking the leaves.

From what THE VINCENTIAN could discern on visiting the scene of the incident, the woman came to rest at least fifty metres from where she was when she was struck. The jeep rested a distance away between a few banana trees at the back of Aberdeen’s home.

Aberdeen said that it was the 4th time he had witnessed a vehicle going over the same embankment.

He recalled one of Robertson’s daughters arriving on the scene. She proceeded to where her mother lay and began shaking her.

He went to assist her, but realized that Robertson was more dead than alive, and left to report the matter to the police.

When he returned, he said a crowd had already gathered at the scene of the accident, and tensions were running high.

In the chaos, one of Robertson’s relatives attempted to harm the driver of the jeep. The driver had to run to the Stubbs Police Station for refuge, Aberdeen related.

Aberdeen said he helped to take Robertson to the Stubbs Polyclinic, where she was pronounced dead.

He described the deceased as a good person. “She wasn’t a worrisome person,” said

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

Aberdeen, adding that he had known her for over 20 years.

“Me feel real bad, all this morning me a cry,” Aberdeen admitted.

He said that it was the 4th time he had witnessed a vehicle going over the same embankment. below where Robertson was standing.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that another person was struck by the vehicle during the same Josephine Robertson (left) with her two incident. daughters in happier times.

When THE VINCENTIAN visited the family had already been declared home on Wednesday, the dead. atmosphere was Tevan shared that his understandably filled with mother raised her children sadness. One of Robertson’s without the presence of their sons, Tevan, mustered the father. According to him, “She courage to speak, even as did many different jobs to tears settled in his eyes. support them including He recalled hugging his working as a Security Guard mother that morning before at the Kingstown Fish Market, leaving her home.

Caretaker and vending.”

News of the mishap reached Understandably, Tevan him while he was in a coconut asserted that his hope was to tree. He descended the tree see the person who caused his and headed for her home, but mother’s death behind bars. was re-directed to the Josephine Robertson was Polyclinic, where his mother said to be in her late forties.

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