THE VINCENTIAN PDF-19-07-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JUNE 21, 2019

IN THIS ISSUE OF : THE VINCENTIAN

VOLUME 113, No.25

Ballantyne laid To rest Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

‘Son charged with father’s murder Page 4

EC$1.50

Getting the small things right Page 12

Bowman ready for the task Page 16

An overwhelming welcome for President Tsai Ing-wen at the Arygle International Airport

Stories on Page 14 and 15

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves escorts President Tsai Ing-wen, a trusted ally, to the terminal building at the AIA.

Could the laugh have been caused by something in Mandarin?

President T’sai Ing-wen at the Exhibition mounted in her honour.

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Vincentian gets UK Navy Sapphire Award Nicole Duncan (right) receives UK Navy Sapphire Trophy.

VINCENTIAN NICOLE DUNCAN has done her troupe and country proud by being awarded the prestigious UK Navy Sapphire trophy.

The award, which is presented by the First Sea Lord, is given primarily to new recruits who have shown determination and improved the most in the Navy’s 10-week training programme. Recruits are also considered for the trophy based on their courage, loyalty, respect for others, integrity and overall discipline, for which Duncan received top ratings.

She was the only female among 58 males until the seventh week of training.

The Coulls Hill native was presented with the award on May 31st and was the only female.

Duncan, 30 years old, said that she was truly honoured to have been selected for the prestigious decoration, especially when, as the Sea Lord and management team pointed out, it was very rare that persons were decorated with the award.

Duncan revealed, “I am truly overjoyed and I thank God for His mercies. I couldn’t have done it without Him. I was determined and never complained, and tried to help others who were struggling even when I myself found the tasks were very challenging. I am grateful for the UK Navy programme, and I thank my fellow recruits and tutors for the opportunity. HMS Raleigh can be worthwhile once you give 100% effort.“ The 5 foot 3 stature sailor said that she was excited to be exposed to facets of her career as a sailor, such as navigation, marching in formation and firing live rounds. She admitted, however, that the 20 kilometer walk and rope climb were her most challenging training exercises.

The mother of two young boys - Gaizka and Vishwa — credited them, her family, fiancé Andrew as well as Beverly Delpleche for encouraging her.

She explained that it was never her intention to join the military, since she had already pursued a career in nursing. But, after conducting research, she realized that the UK Navy provided tremendous opportunities.

Her decision to ‘sign- up’ for the military/navy came after years of waiting, to no avail, for a placement as a nurse. The graduate of the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School has had no regrets about her decision to enroll in the UK military.

Since completing her 10-week basic training, Duncan has enrolled in culinary school, set on becoming a certified chef.

She made that decision based on the high demand for persons in that field, and because she has always enjoyed cooking.

Duncan encourages persons thinking about joining the UK Navy to keep focused and persevere.

She noted that in life, there will be setbacks, and advises persons to use every opportunity to advance, even when the odds seem against them — to never give up!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 3.

News 3 GLORIA BALLANTYNE: Genuine, honest, kind-hearted Stanley was jovial in his presentation, extolling the role Ballantyne played in engendering pride and respect for those with sight impairment.

A SCHOLARSHIP WILL BE NAMED in her honour, the Prime Minister announced!

Lance John, paying tribute on behalf of the National Sports Council, alluded to the Gloria Ballantyne Netball Complex at Arnos Vale. He was acting on the hint dropped by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves that a building will be named in her honour.

‘Honest, kind, faithful But perhaps the most moving testimony of the life and times of Gloria Ballantyne came from Stanley Richards, President of the National Society of and for the Blind (NSOFB), an institution which Ballantyne restored to a sense of balance and service.

Richards, a totally blind resident of Georgetown, recounted stages of the Society of and for the Blind, from the moment Ballantyne immersed herself into the organisation. Richards described Gloria as “one genuine, honest kind-hearted lady.”

If one could bring groceries from home to complete food baskets so that 40 families, in addition to those working at the Mop Assembling Unit of the NSOFB, could get food baskets every month, you had to be one of a kind.

Richards credited Ballantyne with bringing the Society to a level of decency. From her involvement in 1994, Ballantyne transformed the surroundings, first by bringing furniture from her home. She guided her children into providing whatever was needed to make life acceptable for her and those who came to the institution. And don’t talk about the fund-raising ventures she undertook for the visually impaired.

How she maintained the food packages was something of a mystery to Richards, but he asserted that Ballantyne was a “lady among ladies: honest, kind, faithful.”

Keith Joseph a close ally, gave the Eulogy during which he highlighted the sporting legacy of the Ballantyne family. For example: Jacintha was at the inaugural Carifta Games where she obtained a medal as part of a 4 by Service beyond self 100 relay team. Orde is this country’s first Carifta gold medallist, secured in The tributes were widespread, including one from the Falcons Netball the Shot Putt. Raymond and Midge played football for the nation. Bob Club, which Ballantyne was continues to be a national champion of instrumental in starting. There she table tennis, and Joanna retired proved herself as “mother, coach, role rather early from national netball model, motivator.” But for the Falcon family, Ballantyne instilled a message duty.

Ballantyne’s passing came as a of dignity, and that winning netball double whammy for the family. Gloria matches was not all of it, but outlived her daughter Joanne who discipline mattered.

Ballantyne was a Lion, a member of passed away in May aged 55. The family was still recovering from her that organisation which suited her loss when Gloria opted to join her. traits of “caring for humanity.”

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves paid tribute to his neighbour when he lived at Frenches. He recounted tales of their interaction, and remarked on her act of service. For him “some people are put to serve,” and “that was Gloria,” who he contended did so “without regard for time for herself, or comfort.”

He noted that she loved with “steadfastness,” across areas of netball, football, Service Clubs, visually impaired, and people who couldn’t see, but people who saw.”

He stressed that her life was not for “monetary reward, but for the love of it.”

Robert ‘Patches’ Knights King, fresh from his third place in this year’s Calypso Monarch competition, showed his versatility with a tribute on key boards, and did a soulful rendition of ‘Precious Lord’.

The Netball Association was happy to celebrate the life of the one most identifiable with that sport in this country. She incorporated the Association and saw to it that netball was the first sport to own its home here.

The Football Federation condensed their tribute in the essence of time, but there was no doubt that Gloria Ballantyne and sports are synonymous as far as St. Vincent and the Grenadines is concerned.

She is dubbed the ‘First Lady of Sports’. That title justifies itself. Her legacy in the sporting arena flowed into her family, and all her children, and some grandchildren have represented the nation at one sporting discipline or the other.

Gloria was herself an athlete and netballer.

She was awarded an M.B.E. in1998.

Matriarch of a sporting family

Born January 12, 1938, Gloria heeded her call June 29, 2019.

It was a show of solidarity with sports men and women, plus sporting enthusiasts, turning out in numbers to show their respect to the family.

The service was held at the Kingstown Baptist Church, the same venue for her daughter’s ceremony.

She was buried at the Kingstown ceremony.

WKA

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Suspense lingers in fish-gun shooting

UP TO PRESS TIME Thursday Romando morning, suspense lingered in the Bruce case of 31-year-old fisherman Romando Bruce of Clare Valley who has been charged with the attempted murder of Philson King, 33-year-old labourer of Murray’s Village.

Up to press time, King, who was shot in his head with a fish-gun during an incident at Campden Park on Saturday, July 13, was on life support machine at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and THE VINCENTIAN understands that he was expected to be taken off by yesterday afternoon.

When Bruce appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Wednesday on the attempted murder charge, Prosecutor John Ballah objected to bail, stating that, based on information by medical expertise, nothing more can be done for King at the hospital. He noted that King was on life support, and his family intended to take him off later that day.

Bruce was not required to plea to the indictable charge, and was remanded.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett adjourned the matter to Monday, July 22, and transferred it to the Serious Offences Court where a date will be set for a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

Attorney Grant Connell is representing Bruce.

Ex-con charged with fatherÊs murder Cambridge was not required to plea when he appeared before CLINTON CAMBRIDGE, a 22-year-old Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett Sion Hill man who was recently on Wednesday, and was released from prison after serving a remanded.

5-year sentence for gun, The matter was adjourned to ammunition and marijuana Monday, July 22, and transferred possession, was taken before the to the Serious Offences Court Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on where a date will be set for the Wednesday, charged with the Preliminary Inquiry (PI). murder of his father Clint Boucher, On January 6, 2016 at the 55, of Sion Hill.

Serious Offences Court, Boucher died from a stab Cambridge was sentenced to 5 wound to the neck during an years in prison for possession of a incident at Sion Hill on Sunday.

9mm Springfield pistol without Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

licence, 3 years for having 36 rounds of ammunition Clinton without licence, and 8 months for Cambridge having 738 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

The sentences, which ran concurrently, were handed down

by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne after Cambridge was convicted at the conclusion of a trial. He was 19 at the time of the trial.

Court responds to GuardÊs plight WHILE Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, on Monday, chided a 49-year-old Security Guard for stealing $200 from the telecom entity Digicel, Friday, July 11, he was of the view that the defendant was truthful in his explanation regarding his economic situation.

Lincoln Small, a Lodge Village resident, attached to Guardsman Security, pleaded guilty to the theft of the money, when he appeared at the

Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The facts showed that on the day in question, the virtual complainant, Akeem Soleyn, a 23-yearold employee of Digicel at the Egmont Street section of the business, was assisting customers with queries. He wrapped $200 in paper, left it on his desk and went for lunch. When he returned, the money was missing.

Footage recorded on camera revealed the Security Guard removing the money.

The matter was reported to the police and Small was arrested.

When cautioned, he admitted to the offence, and handed over $160 to the police.

Small told the Court that he was employed with Guardsman for three years, and was based at Arnos Vale. He said he was the father of 6 children, 4 living with him, and was the sole

breadwinner as his girlfriend was not working. He added that he was undergoing hard economic times, and was unable to make ends meet.

The Magistrate, seemingly amazed by Small’s action, responded, “You are a Security Guard. Don’t you know that most of the businesses in St. Vincent have cameras?

“You have to be so careful now, everything is recorded on camera. I might meet my good friend in Kingstown, greet her in a particular way. That too is recorded on camera.”

Burnett told him that he will now be without a job.

“What you did with the $40? You gave the police $160. What you did with the other $40, what was that used for?” the Magistrate asked.

“Foodstuff”, Small replied.

“This is a hard one

definitely. A man is employed. His income is not enough to take care of his home, and now he is going to lose his job,” the Magistrate contended.

“I don’t think he is lying, based on what he is telling the Court”, Burnett opined.

“You have to understand that from now, the public is going to hear about you. The newspaper reporters are here. They have their role and responsibilities as well,” he told the defendant.

Burnett made a restitution order for the $160 which Small handed over to the police, and he was ordered to compensate the complainant, the remaining $40.

“I am going to reprimand and discharge him. I think that he has suffered enough. I hope he can keep his job or find another one”, the Magistrate said.

Thief sent to clean up school TODAY (Friday), Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett will decide what to do with 33-year-old Bernard Sprott of Mesopotamia, who stole a tube of Colgate toothpaste valued $4.95 from Coreas Food Mart, Kingstown last Saturday.

Sprott pleaded guilty when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, but Burnett ordered that he “clean up” the yard of the Cane End Primary School, currently on vacation.

The new school year begins in September.

Sprott was ordered to report to the Sergeant-in-charge of the Mesopotamia Police Station, to have the necessary arrangements made for him to perform the task, before returning to Court today.

“The Cane End Government School could do well with some cleaning for September,” said Burnett, a Mesopotamia man himself.

“You will come back here on Friday

(July 19). I will tell you your sentence,” he told the shoplifter.

“If you don’t come back here on Friday, the police will bring you here,” the Magistrate warned.

Burnett thinks the law should provide for more flexibility in sentencing, for offences like these, and in his view, a man like Sprott should clean the Cane End School yard for a month.

“What is driving these young men to do these things?” the Magistrate questioned.

Just last week Monday, 42-year-old Casmore Frazer of Sion Hill was taken before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, charged with stealing food items from Coreas Food Mart valued just over $16, and including a piece of pudding valued $1.00.

Frazer had pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment, but Burnett suspended the sentence for one year.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19 , 2019. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

LIAT talks hits a snag: Browne not budging ONE THING IS CERTAIN… The talks in Bridgetown, Barbados, with respect to Antigua and Barbuda’s purchase of Barbados’ shares in LIAT, broke down last week.

The hope was that they would have resumed this week. Up to press time Wednesday, there was no indication that the talks had resumed.

In the face of a media report that surfaced in Barbados last week that the negotiations had broken down, the Gaston Browne led Antigua and Barbuda government moved quickly to say it was not aware that negotiations had broken down.

In fact, Prime Minister Browne is reported to have sent If Prime Minister Gaston Browne (left) a Whatsapp message to the thought it was easy sailing as far as Caribbean Media Corporation negotiations with the Mia Motlley led (CMC), in which he said he was Barbados administration was concerned, “not aware that it (talks) has he had another thing coming. (Credit: stalled.”

Caribbean 360) Browne did say that “a counter offer was made by Antigua” though he did not disclose any details.

Indications were, as reported by the Barbados media, that Bridgetown was not impressed with St. John’s initial proposals.

St John’s had said, even before the talks began, that it would seek to acquire the LIAT shares owned by Barbados, through a take-over of the liability of Barbados to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). However, it could not be confirmed whether this was what the Barbadians found Amidst all the uncertainty with respect unimpressive. to who owns what in LIAT, the airline Now, earlier this week, through a remains airborne. report from Antigua News Room administration expressed confidence (ANR) , the region learned that the that negotiations would “continue talks may have hit a snag because until there is an agreement”, and ‘Antigua and Barbuda is unwilling to pay an estimated US$44 million being Prime Minister Browne declared that his administration was prepared to asked by Barbados for the sale of its invest directly in the airline if the shares in the airline’. impasse continued.

ANA reported that Prime Minister This added investment, Browne Browne, speaking on a radio station in said, should set the airline on a course St. John’s, told radio listeners that if of expansion to include flying as far St. John’s had to settle at the asking price of US$44 million “that would be north as Florida, stopping in places like Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican a steal for Barbados.”

He assured that his administration Republic.

As it stands now, Antigua and was bent on getting ‘fair value for the people”… and that he had said this to Barbuda holds 34 per cent of the shares of LIAT. If it succeeds in Prime Minister of Barbados (Mia convincing Bridgetown to part with its Mottley),…. “so she knows my LIAT shares, it would have 81 per cent thinking, telling her that discussions of the airline that employs over 600 cannot start at US$44 million… and people and operates 491 flights weekly she has since come down.”

However, there was no confirmation across 15 destinations.

The other shareholders are from Bridgetown that the Mai Mottley administration had indeed come dome Dominica, St. Vincent and the on its asking rate for sale of its shares. Grenadines and Grenada. (Source: ANR, Barbados Today, CMC) Whatever the case, the St. John’s

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19 , 2019. 7.

People

Vincy chef impresses again appetizers, salad, seafood, Caribbean carving and dessert.

The live demonstrations by A YEAR after the highly successful Chef Lloni were one launch of ‘The Taste’, Allona ‘Chef Lloni’ of the many Jackson, a Vincentian chef residing in highlights of the Brooklyn, New York, has impressed special evening. patrons with her second offering.

Guests saw The second edition of ‘The Taste’ firsthand the chef in recently had patrons asking for more action, as she made of her mouthwatering, finger-licking crab wontons, dishes, when it was staged at Studio tabouleh, and 718, on Remsen Avenue in Brooklyn. torched and baked Patrons sampled a variety of alaska on the spot. carefully-curated and expertly“This year’s ‘The Taste’ was, by all prepared dishes, in addition to accounts, a night to remember. alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage Feedback has been overwhelmingly pairings, signature cocktails and live positive,” said Chef Lloni, adding that cooking demonstrations by Chef Lloni, patrons were “amazed and owner, chief executive officer and appreciative,” noting the remarkable private chef of Lloni Catering & Party improvement over last year’s event.

Supply Rental.

“The night was not yet over when “The night was a culmination of inquiries began into next year’s precise planning and execution,” Chef gastronomic adventure at the 3rd Lloni told THE VINCENTIAN annual ‘The Taste’”, she continued. afterwards.

With no formal training or Uniformed wait-staff greeted guests experience in cooking for diverse at the door with a choice of smoked cultures, Chef Lloni said she “became salmon with dill and fruit caviar on a reader of cook books”, employing her toast, or chicken galantine with mango natural ability and combining it with chutney on toast. creativity to take various recipes and Tasting stations showcasing Chef make them her own.

Lloni’s range and skill included Three years later, Chef Lloni moved Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Patrons at the second staging of “The Taste”. to the United States, where she became a cook and nanny.

In 2012, she launched “Vincillona’s Weekend Eats and Catering,” offering mouthwatering dishes representative of her Vincentian heritage, as well as selections from the wider Caribbean and America.

Over the years, Chef Lloni said Vincillona’s sold food on Saturdays, and successfully catered for weddings, birthday parties for both children and adults, and bus rides, among others.

She said these early successes and the joy that she experienced — both in preparing the food and seeing people enjoy her cooking — only reaffirmed

her Chef Lloni in action conviction that this is what she was “born to do.”

Thus, in the fall of 2017, Chef Lloni took yet another major step along her journey and enrolled in one of the top culinary schools in the US. She said she is currently working hard to hone the skills she already possesses, to learn the techniques of a professional chef and to expand her repertoire to include an even wider range of cuisines, so she can offer “an even more extensive array of services” to her “very appreciative clientele.”

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 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 JOFRA ARCHER AND SUCCESSION PLANNING MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, EVEN AFTER the horse has bolted, we could admit to our dastardly error in judgement and move on with a genuine plan of succession.

The story is all about those associated with the planning and composing of a West Indies (W.I.) cricket team — the administrators, the selectors, the coaches, the human development specialists, and the legends of the game - who passed over one Jofra Archer for selection to higher levels of West Indies cricket.

Jofra Archers is a born Barbadian who just starred for England at the 2019 World Cup. At 24 years old, with a top speed of 95mph, commentators say Archer makes the art of fast bowling look easy, a la Michael Holding. Perhaps it is also true that he makes it look so much easier when compared to those ‘quickies’ the W.I. currently have on show.

Archer seemed set on a career for the W. I. when he was called up to the W.I. Under-19 three times in 2014.

But when he was snubbed, when he was overlooked, seemly assessed as having ‘raw talent but with no sight of early conformity,’ by those in the W.I. establishment who knew all about talent, Archer decided to move to the UK where his father was born — where Sussex country welcome him wholeheartedly.

Archer’s aggressive style has had the world’s best batsmen quaking in their boots, not least the W.I. , his three-wicket haul helping England to an eight-wicket mauling of his could-be but hapless comrades in the World Cup. Cricket West Indies must now rue the missed opportunity to harness this talent.

Here’s Archer speaking to the Sun Newspaper in England: “No one showed much interest so I just thought I’d try and come to England and give it a couple of years.”

If that is not one of the most profound statements about rejection, then please, find another one.

The problem with W.I. cricket is not that it lacks

talent, but that it had and has no real succession plan — a core part of any workforce, cricket team or large corporation — and a core part of any management strategy.

Despite the numerous programmes at so many levels, not much has been delivered in the way of results, and we continue to perform at a level that lags significantly behind the rest of the world.

The question, therefore, is why have so many entities in the Caribbean failed to provide for smooth transition?

The truth is succession planning isn’t easy – it takes a determined, concerted effort to be proactive about the process, instead of simply reacting when your business/team is faced with a key skills gap or a vacant role when an employee leaves or is dismissed.

Here it might be instructive to note what Anil Raikundlia, MD, Maple Consulting & Services had this to say: “Most organizations do a good job of planning for the future when it comes to the business strategy and with plans to achieve set milestones like profit, growth and market share. But the area where most lack is the inability to plan, in equal detail, how roles will be filled with appropriate talent in support of that strategy.”

That seems to be the sum total of W.I. cricket.

We need to address the following if we are serious of setting in place an effective succession plan, whether for business firm or cricket team: how to recruit effectively; how to identify talent from within; how to cultivate and nurture talent; how to motivate and retain talent; how talent can be best leveraged.

Somewhere in time, someone advanced the following: “Building strong talent starts with identifying, engaging and nurturing highpotential employees at all levels, and then working to develop their strengths and retain them long-term.”

Maybe CWI should be doing the SWOT [strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats] analysis for cricket that businesses do.

TALKING SPORTS IN GENERAL First Published on 24th February, 2017 MOMENTARILY I AM AT A LOSS in our jungle of political warfare, so I will focus a bit on other aspects of my contribution via the Press, namely, on the broad area of sports.

I salute the effort now being made to research our history for nuggets of the past which ought to help us in present planning for the future.

I must say, up front, that I have made my contribution which has largely been ignored, for whatever reason. About two years ago, I attempted a last-ditch effort. I invited a thoughtful and resourceful radio personality to join me with Carlton Horne, to attempt on Radio 705 a like programme to that on now featuring Mike Findlay and Donald Llewellyn.

I drew a blank.

Cally Horne is brimful of encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of our football, athletics, and cricket. He is still sharp in expressing his point of view, but now in his eighties seems to be slipping away fast. I had also contacted two men both also in their eighties who were then anxious to give their knowledge from the comfort of their home via radio: Maurice Lee is somewhat limited now by approaching Alzheimer’s, while the other, George Howard, has indeed called it George!

The years are fast slipping by, so that if we are to retrieve the situation, we barely have a last chance, and must act now.

As for me, I remain a slave to our sports in general and have written copiously about them, covering from 1930-1990. In order to provoke argument and discussion, I named the best X1 in cricket and football by position naming three competitors, with the topmost emerging as the champion player. These can be located in my early newspaper columns.

Congratulations to Donald Llewellyn for being chosen for his contribution to sport by the American brethren. My son Tony sends his congrats. He was a Grammar School champion who remembers being partly trained by Donald who is like family to me. My three elder sisters were in turn Godmother to Gerald, Francis “Pest”, and Donald who in turn I taught at Timmy School!

As to the other discussant, Mike Findlay, laid his groundwork at the Grammar School whose team I accompanied as assistant gamesmaster to Grenada in 1960, where we won at cricket and where Mikey hit a towering six off Mc. Clarene using the cross-bat which he then mastered.

As a matter of interest, our team was captained by Douglas Cambridge and contained Carl Glasgow, Rodway Fraser and Raymond Knights, all dead, with Hally Dougan a survivor. Also playing in that tournament were Irvin Shillingford and Dwight Venner.

Last Friday evening’s radio programme mentioned Camie King, 1960 games-master and twice Victor Ludorum who was followed by Kerwyn Morris a Champion sprinter.

On the netball field starred Ishbael HorneKing, Joyce Maloney-Frank, and Pearl Anderson-Herbert, and later by Clothel Young,

all of whom must never be forgotten.

At this point we need to say a word on the pioneer organisers and administrators, like Clive Mc Kell, Vin Douglas and Frankie Thomas who for years also skippered our cricket team, and has been recognised by the naming of a pavilion after him at the Arnos Vale Sport Complex.

So, too, has been Mike Findlay who had requested me to address the assemblage at the ceremony on his behalf.

In thanking supporters of local sport, we need also to give some attention to the commentators - Hughes, Thomas, Winston Baptiste, Mike Findlay, Carl Glasgow, Owen Cuffy, Douglas Cambridge, Linton Lewis, Gunny Hinds and myself, among others.

St. Aurin Seymour was all that and more specifically to the game of cricket. In fact, the Seymour competition played in his honour, showed some appreciation of his tremendous contribution to cricket.

In turn, we ought to mention the same writers who kept the game alive, sometimes through bleak and turbulent times - Earl Robinson, Patmos Richards and, of course, your humble servant.

For the rest, here are some highlights.

Mention was made of John Da Silva, alias Sonny Otway, who is my brother-in-law and still living in London at 92 years old. He was our most devastating medium-fast bowler in the early 50s, also from Georgetown, who I saw blast a double-century in a day’s play against K.C.C in mid 1950s.

Mason’s fame is that he twice dismissed Frank Worrell at the Arnos Vale field for 0 and 25, and later took 9 wickets for paltry runs against St. Lucia in his last match.

Alfie Roberts made 163 for SVG in an unbroken partnership with F.C (Lester) Huggins, now turned 80, who I maintain is SVG’s greatest all-round sportsman of the twentieth century!

We are full of sporting “incidents” to report, but are hamstrung by editorial restraint.

It’s a Pity that Thaddeus Seymour did not make available to us the priceless information in his father’s scorebook. So generations are hard-put to tell the tales; that is why we must give every effort to Donald, Mike and Associates to climb Mount Everest!

I had witnessed when my schoolmate, Alfie Robert, broke the Windwards record with 163 scored off St. Lucia in the late 50s. I had been in Barbados when Linton Lewis scored a century against Malcolm Marshall and company to become West Indies Champion in 1982.

I was in Grenada on a cadet camp when I witnessed our 1957 netball team claiming the West Indies championship in an epic struggle against Trinidad.

I was around in the 1979-81 period when we rose to the football heights through - Earl Ballantyne, Tweety Spence, Slick Bonadie, the Morris brothers, the Millingtons, Dorian Phillips, Mazi Alexander et al.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 9.

Letters

Questions for the politicians Mr. Editor, I got to thinking about our political parties and our politicians. I suppose it is true to say that a political party. i.e. what it stands for, is reflected in the persons who make up that party, especially those who are already in parliament or those who have ambitions to become members of parliament. Those persons we can call politicians.

So, when a politician behaves in a certain way, we can say that behavior represents his or her political party.

But you know, Mr. Editor, I would like to ask our politicians a few questions: 1. Are you god-fearing people who will not lie to the people?

2. Do you really have the interest of the people at heart, or only want to get into parliament and stay long enough to get a pension?

3. Do you truly respect the intelligence of the voters, or do you believe that you can trick most of them most of the times?

4. Do any of you ever stop to think about the legacy that you would like to leave? Do you want to be remembered as a ‘dud’?

5. Are you men and women aware that you are mortal just like all others, and you will die one day just like all humans, and leave all your power, status, wealth (ill-gotten or otherwise) behind?

Just me thinking.

Charles, Edinboro

Universe boss ON WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2019, Chris Gayle became the latest West Indies selector.

When asked about his plans after the World Cup, he replied, “I may play a Test match (Sabina Park, Jamaica) against India and then I will definitely play the ODIs against India. I won’t play the T20s.”

As the old people say, ‘This guy is full of himself’!

Add to this most recent show of arrogance, is that he is the selfproclaimed “Universe Boss”. Maybe he does not know self-praise is no recommendation.

Also, he went on to say he is right up there with the best. He loves to beat his drum and dance

his own music.

At age 39 (40 in September), does he intend to stand in the way of Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Sunil Ambris and Evin Lewis? They need opportunities like he had, to enhance their international careers.

Perhaps, I may be considered a relic of the 1960s, but I know he is not in the class and pedigree of Sir Conrad Hunte (deceased), Roy Fredericks (deceased), Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes.

Does he know anything about Sir Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher and Seymour Nurse (deceased)?

At World Cup level, Chris Gayle has played in five tournaments, scored 1186 runs at an average of 35.93.

Compare his figures to those of Viv Richards who participated in four campaigns of fewer matches. Viv amassed 1013 runs at an average of 63.31. And lest we forget, Richards never opened the innings in an ODI match.

Is he up there with the best? He may impress his fanatics.

He and the Donald Trump of West Indies cricket - President Ricky Skerritt seem not to know what is a relay race. I will elaborate on this matter another time.

They say life begins at

40. It is jollification time for you now Gayle.

Continue to play in those ‘ram goat’ leagues across the globe, and leave West Indies cricket alone.

Take a bow and leave the stage gracefully.

Earl W. Robinson Arnos Vale

An expression of gratitude MY INTEREST in Biomedical Engineering sparked from a visit to our main hospital where I had an appointment for

a tooth X-Ray Examination to be done.

After several hours of demonstrating patience, the relevant personnel informed us that the XRay machine was temporarily dysfunctional. Unaware of the field of Biomedical Engineering at the time, I left the hospital excited to investigate what career encapsulated preventative and corrective maintenance of medical equipment in the healthcare sector.

Upon research, I found that the relevant field was Biomedical/Clinical Engineering.

I grew up as what one would term “less fortunate”. I had a very unstable household with an absentee father, and I have lived in several foster homes throughout St Vincent. I had never envisioned that I would also be a product of the Education Revolution and completed studies up to the Community College level.

My studies complete, I sought employment but

relinquished a job with a security firm after being on the job for only one day, and decided to volunteer with the Youth Empowerment Services (YES). I was there for about four months, when I was informed that I was successful in securing a National Bursary. I would say that this was my proudest accomplishment.

Being a Bursary recipient has opened numerous doors for me. I have developed a more global perspective.

Furthermore, I was able to examine the needs of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and to decide my personal interests and those that would affect our economy.

My academic experiences through coursework and practical exposure, and the acquisition of vast amounts of knowledge on modern medical technology, have allowed my interest in the Biomedical field to flourish. I am now very eager to contribute to Healthcare Technology Management in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

I have reached this far in life due to my trust and faith in God. My greatest weakness is the fear of failure. I am currently overcoming this by facing up to many challenging situations.

Throughout my life, I

have striven to achieve my goals solely on hard work and determination.

My struggles in life have made me a strong person. They have also given me a greater passion for what I am trying to achieve.

Lastly, my utmost praise and thanks to God for providing me with the maturity of strength and courage to write this piece. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to several persons and organisations for their contribution towards my growth and my academic successes: to individuals including my mother who has always believed in me, my siblings, Mr. James, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs Pompey, Mr. and Mrs. Jack of Scriptural Search Bible Quiz, my mentors, social worker and counsellors, my lecturers and peers, Mr. Ronald Rose and the Island Scholars Inc., and professionals with whom I connected; to organisations, firms and corporations including Soroptimist International, Finishing and Furnishing Ltd, The East Caribbean Group of Company and the St Vincent Electricity Services.

I take this opportunity to encourage persons who have lost hope in pursuing their dreams, to remember, ‘NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD’.

APV

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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First anniversary of the Modern Medical Centre and Renewal at 40 exercise

LAST FRIDAY, July 12th 2019, the Ministry of Health marked the first anniversary of the Modern Medical Diagnostic Hospital, located in the village of Chili in the Georgetown area.

The Diagnostic Centre represents a fundamental expansion of high quality health services in the State. When coupled with the Georgetown Smart Hospital, the MMDC will provide a number of new medical services, which will supplement those being offered at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown.

When the ULP began construction of this facility, the NDP went crazy.

They said that the diagnostic hospital was located in the wrong area, that it was too close to the La Soufriere volcano, and too far from the urban areas, particularly the villages around Kingstown. Clearly, the NDP did not understand the forward thrust of the ULP administration, when it comes to the delivery of health care for our people.

There is no doubt that the delivery of health, wellness and environmental services has improved significantly, over the last fifteen years. The ULP administration has repaired and renovated over 32 clinics in the State, built and equipped seven brand new clinics, and opened three polyclinics at Stubbs, Mesopotamia and Buccament.

Garifuna were ultimately defeated, and for the next 182 years following the indigenous genocide that ended the so-called “Second Carib War,” Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was undoubtedly a non-independent colonial territory.

We reacquired our independence in 1979, in the wake of a volcanic eruption and in the face of local opposition that considered Vincentians “safe as sardines” in a colonial embrace that was at once suffocating and indifferent. In the intervening years, we have proven, time and again, that the resistance, resilience, courage and creativity of the Vincentian people are second to none. We are not better than anybody, but nobody is better than us.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the reacquisition of Vincentian independence. Our country — and the world — has changed fundamentally over that period. As we prepare to enter our fifth decade of post-independence development, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon the path we have trod, celebrate our accomplishments, and refresh ourselves for the next stage of our independence journey.

Accordingly, in 2019, the The MMDC Government of Saint Vincent and the In the 12 months since the Modern Grenadines will launch Medical Diagnostic Centre became “Renewal@40,” a wide-ranging and operational, some interesting and multifaceted programme of reflection astounding statistics have emerged. and reinvention that ranges from the Some ten thousand patients attended cultural to the infrastructural. Spread the facility, and just over 500 surgical across the various ministries are a procedures have been performed. This number of Renewal @40 initiatives, included a lifesaving procedure on a which include: teenager who had a ruptured ectopic 1. School and LRC refurbishment pregnancy. $6m Some 2,022 patients visited the 2. Kingstown Clean-up $1.7m outpatient specialist clinic, and the 3. Fort Charlotte and Bridge pharmacy department dispensed rehabilitation $872,600 10,227 drugs and medication to 5,333 4. Heritage Square rehabilitation patients within the Georgetown $450,000 medical district. The MMDC 5. Development of Joseph Chatoyer facilitated fifteen birthing emergency National Park $436,000 deliveries, while the laboratory 6. Community Centre conducted a staggering 16,405 tests, refurbishment $428,000 3612 x-rays and 5012 ultrasound 7. Renewal @40 Unit and procedures. programmes $400,000 The emergency unit treated a total 8. History of Saint Vincent & the of 9,284 patients, while 20 patients Grenadines $75,000 received chemotherapy treatment, 9. Peace Memorial Hall with six of these completing the rehabilitation $71,200 treatment successfully. At the 10. Garifuna and Diaspora moment, 24 patients receive dialysis homecoming event $65,000. two or three times a week for kidney The responsibility for coordinating failure. The Modern Medical the diverse Renewal @40 activities Diagnostic Centre is truly a will be reposed in a special unit, collaborative effort between the imbued with crosscutting country’s health and medical organisational reach and authority. professionals, the various health This unit, and its lead Coordinator, departments and the people of St. will be tasked with driving the Vincent and the Grenadines. implementation of Renewal @40 All this is aimed at improving the policies and programmes. While, quality and quantity of health services ideally, as many programmes as provided for Vincentians, so as to possible will culminate on or around increase the level of medical care, and our October 2019 Independence reduce costs. Statistics are not readily celebrations, not all Renewal @40 available, but here and there, initiatives are envisaged as one-year, Vincentians have testified as to how one-off activities. Renewal is a much money they have saved, by process, not an occasion. As such, using the services at the Modern Renewal @40 activities will Medical Diagnostic Centre in necessarily extend beyond the 2019 Georgetown. calendar year.

This institution will continue to Nonetheless, we expect the 40th provide top quality health services, as Anniversary to be the catalyst for a the professionals there, will lift their cleaner, better organized Kingstown; a game, to ensure that the MMDC general refreshing of public becomes the centre of excellence, as infrastructure; a reengagement with far as health matters is concerned. our Diasporas; a celebration of our outstanding citizens; and a renewed Renewal at 40 appreciation of our unique history and The 1763 Treaty of Paris culture. represented French recognition of The Renewal @40 exercise will be British sovereignty over Saint Vincent launched this Saturday, July 20th, and the Grenadines. The indigenous 2019, at a rally scheduled to be held Kalinago and Garifuna challenged at the Community College at that colonial imposition over the Calliaqua, from 6pm. Prime Minister course of two wars, fought across 28 Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will deliver the years, between 1769 and 1797. The feature address at this event.

Of the ULP administration and projects “CDB Revokes Contract ...Withdraws Funding”, is the caption of an article on the back page of THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper dated Friday, 12th July, 2019. The story reveals that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has revoked the contract awarded for River Defense Works at Yarabaqua River (Belle Vue) and has also withdrawn funding for the project.

The information available thus far, a complaint was lodged by an unsuccessful bidder for the project.

The CDB then conducted a review of the project. And, in a letter to the tenders from the Ministry of Transport and Works dated 27th June, 2019, states, “The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) conducted a review of the procurement for the contract, and has declared misprocurement for the contract for the River Defense Works at Yarabaqua under the captioned Project.”

The letter further states, “The CDB financing allocated to this contract will be cancelled and any amounts already withdrawn and paid in relation to the contract will be repaid by the recipient, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with interest. CDB will therefore no longer finance this contract.”

Undoubtedly, this is an embarrassment to the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government. The ULP government has once again tarnished the image of St. Vincent and Grenadines. Look what this ULP government has done to our country!

It has caused the CDB to withdraw funding from such an important River Defense Project. Never, in its fifty years of existence, has the CDB withdrawn funding from any project.

The CDB was forced to take such action because the procurement rules were violated. We cannot fault the company that was awarded the contract. They had a right like any other company to bid for the project.

The ULP regime must take the blame and responsibility for what went wrong.

What happened to this project sums up the manner in which the ULP administration conducts business in this country. It has a track record for a lack of accountability. This ULP regime is perceived as the most corrupt administration ever, since conquest and settlement, to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Do you remember the “Bridge over troubled water” and the comments that were made in relation to the Tenders Board? Do you recall the fight that the New Democratic Party (NDP) had with the ULP government on the issue of accountability of the Argyle International Airport? Do you recall the fight the NDP had with the ULP government on the issue of accountability and transparency with Petro Caribe funds? Accountability and transparency go to the core of good governance.

Therefore, it is for the Minister of Finance or the chief spokesperson for the government to explain to Vincentians what went wrong. If this is not done in a timely manner, it will leave the populace to speculate, as some persons have already begun to do so. The government needs to clear the air as soon as possible. The ULP government has damaged our reputation regionally and internationally. We must mend our relation with the CDB. It’s the major funding institution in the region.

Further, the government must address the issue of counterpart financing for projects. Is the government meeting its obligation to

lending institutions as it relates to counterpart funding? How many projects are held up or unable to commence because the government has not met its commitment to lending institutions for counterpart funding? These issues and more, the ULP government must address. The ULP administration has failed miserably. It is time for them to go!

Zero tolerance on corruption The NDP will have a “Zero Tolerance” policy on corruption, and anyone found to be involved in corruption will be dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.

The NDP also believes that corruption stems from a lack of good governance practices, poor transparency and the absence of accountability. Therefore, for employment services and suppliers contracted by the state, the NDP will implement laws requiring transparency, and implement a new structure with regard to the tendering of public sector projects.

The NDP believes that accountability and transparency encourage the efficient and effective use of national resources. All government agencies and its officials have the responsibility of ensuring that all procurement processes are transparent and accountable.

Accountability demands that procedures be in place to ensure that procurement processes are conducted ethically. All procurement related actions must be transparent, documented and substantiated in accordance with legislation.

Governments carry a great responsibility for the prudent management of the public’s resources.

Within the public financial management framework, public procurement is an important activity conducted by all relevant departments and government agencies. The guidelines concerning procurement are a key mechanism to enable agencies to manage public resources efficiently, effectively and ethically.

The NDP will ensure that officials maintain a strong focus in achieving value for money. As such, we have sought to further highlight and strengthen references to this principle. Our focus on seeking the greatest value for money will enhance transparency of procurement practices across our government agencies. The adoption of these new practices will increase opportunity and access for our competitive small and medium sized enterprises. They also allow agencies to act in a manner consistent with international procurement agreements.

Value for money is the core principle underpinning the NDP’s proposed procurement policy. In our procurement process, the principle requires a comparative analysis throughout the entire procurement process of all relevant costs and benefits of each proposal. The principle of value for money is enhanced by public procurement through: encouraging competition by ensuring non-discrimination in procurement and using competitive procurement processes, promoting the use of resources in an efficient, effective and ethical way, and making decisions in an accountable and transparent manner. The NDP is ready to make SVG work for all Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 11.

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The Need to be Beautiful

“You are not born with beauty, your beauty is created by who you are. Your inner beauty is more important than how people see you on the outside.” – Emily Coussons THE NETFLIX MOVIE STREAM has recently featured some very interesting films. Unfortunately, many of these are punctuated by all too frequent use of foul language.

However, “Anne With an E” is not among these. The film series, produced by Moria Walley-Beckett, has been aired on CBC Television in Canada. This Canadian drama television series is based on the novel “Anne of Green Gables” that was written by the Award-winning writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and published in 1908. The movie teaches many useful life lessons in relation to various forms of prejudice, pride, humility, bigotry, perseverance, honesty, truthfulness, and so on. However, there are several scenes where reference is made to physical beauty and the need to be beautiful … especially during the period of adolescence. These scenes provide many useful words of encouragement in relation to how we should view “beauty”.

We are all special and beautiful in our own unique way. And while we may seek to enhance our physical beauty via hairstyles, the clothes that we wear, and (in the case of some ladies) the use of facial cosmetics, true beauty is not that of the outward adorning but that which shows through from the inside. Real beauty, true beauty, is not “skin deep”. It radiates through our character — who we are deep down on the inside.

Sometimes (and especially during our teenage years) we could become so preoccupied by the physical beauty of others that we may be encouraged to be super-critical of our own appearances. We may unwisely wish for a more shapely nose, or a differently shaped pair of lips, or a different shade of skin, or different hair texture. However, as our thoughts drift into those selfcriticising cracks, we need to remind ourselves of the biblical truth that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Every last one of us. That is a sobering realisation.

Individuals can be selfishly unkind when they make derogatory comments in relation to the physical shape, size, skin pigmentation, and appearance of others. Such behaviours can be especially damaging to the emotional wellbeing of those criticised. This appears especially so during such sensitive growth periods as adolescence and early adulthood. As concerned citizens, we have a role, responsibility, and privilege to condemn such behaviours.

Teachers, parents, and other responsible adults are required to be particularly alert to such behaviours and, through example, encourage our wards to be more responsible and kind with utterances. We must respect those who look different to ourselves. Like us, they also need to look and to be beautiful. In addition, those persons who may be on the receiving end of criticisms of beauty (and ugliness) need to be reminded not to let another’s subjective view of beauty become their own. We must refuse to be so

easily influenced by others. This is especially so for those who unwisely judge beauty based on external factors, and disregard or discredit the true value of inner beauty. We should move away from being distracted by, or attracted to, the perceived external beauty. As best we can, we must seek to assess the value of the personality traits that portray inner beauty. However, it often takes time to behold that inner, most precious, beauty. The reality is that we often do not get a true assessment of someone’s true beauty until we have interacted with them for some time.

We have often heard it said that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. That well-known statement was first penned by Margaret Wolfe Hungerford in her 1878 publication entitled “Molly Bawn”. In its own way, it reminds us that beauty is subjective; what is considered beautiful for one person may not appear to be so for another.

So much depends on how we are socialised. For example, female members of the Mursi Tribe in Ethiopia, East Africa, practise stretching their ears and lips to enhance their beauty. Additionally, The Fulani Tribe in Nigeria and Central Africa also engage in the tradition of piercing and stretching their earlobes for decorative purposes. To them, stretched ears and lips appear to be beautiful. To others, it appears repulsive. Beauty, indeed, is in the eyes of the beholder.

Regardless of the society or the culture, individuals need to feel and to be beautiful. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has embarked on campaigns to reduce the incidence of obesity around the world, Mauritania’s white Moor Arab population still encourage their young female population to gain an excessive number of pounds. This is sometimes done through forcefeeding. It is speculated that over a generation ago approximately one third of the women in that country had been force-fed as children. Girls receive much more food than boys, in an effort to “beautify the girls” by having them appear fat. To them, being obese is beautiful. In the long run, our perception of beauty is so very heavily dependent on how we have been socialised.

In our own special/unique way, we are all beautiful. We need to realise that we were beautifully and wonderfully made — even with our defects. However, while there are limitations to the physical changes that we can make as we reflect on our need to feel and be beautiful, there are a multitude of positive changes that we can influence in our thrust to enhance the beauty beneath our skins. That is where the true beauty resides. Our attitudes, personality, habits, dispositions, etc. are more important and lasting than the surface appearance. That is where we need to be beautiful.

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

Reparations Now

‘THERE ARE DECADES WHEN nothing happens—and there are weeks where decades happen.’ V. I. Lenin Six years ago, 14 Caribbean islands with a combined population of just over 6 million people took a brave bold step. Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, CARICOM heads of governments announced to the world that they were prepared to challenge the former slave holding powers, Britain, France and the Netherlands. The leaders argued that these countries that had enslaved African bodies, dehumanized and exploited their labour over the centuries, had a case to answer.

The charge was that genocide was committed against the indigenous people of the Caribbean, that serious and indespicable crimes against humanity were committed against Africans captured, chained, brought into slavery, raped, beaten, tortured and killed so that Europeans could exploit their labour. The wealth extracted from those enslaved bodies laid the foundation for the development of capitalism in Europe and the United States of America.

The CARICOM leaders said that they were not interested in confrontation with the former European enslavers.

They very much preferred to engage in a developmental dialogue that will point to the fact that at one time the Caribbean was listed as the most important and profitable piece of real estate on earth, and that a tremendous amount of wealth was extracted from the region. The leaders of the region also made it clear that this wealth extraction was done to the detriment of the entire Caribbean region which as a result currently suffers a huge developmental deficit. They asserted that because of the force and power of the case against the former European enslavers, if they Europeans failed to enter into meaningful dialogue, they were committed to take the case for genocide, slavery and forced underdevelopment to the International Criminal Court for a trial on the relevant issues.

While people were generally excited about the prospects of finally bringing the former European enslavers to account, only a small section of the population believed that the fight for reparations was meaningful. Many among those who did, felt that the prospect of success was so farfetched that to invest time, money and energy into such an endeavour amounted to a meaningless waste of resources.

In 2013 as well, one of the Caribbean’s most brilliant public intellectuals, Dr Hilary Beckles, published his critically acclaimed ‘Britain’s Black Debt.’ In this text, Dr Beckles chronicled the conscious policies of the British government to exterminate the indigenous people of the Caribbean, to introduce African enslaved labour into the region and made a most powerful case for reparations.

Exactly one year after the reparations declaration of the Caribbean leaders, the Atlantic Magazine published an article by TaNehisi Coates entitled the Case for Reparations. In this piece, Coates demonstrated in simple but profound fashion the many ways in which American political and economic leaders and policy makers went about the business of dehumanizing, robbing and extracting wealth from the Black community in the United States.

Coates said when he wrote the piece 5 years ago he was not expecting a game changer. He was simply hoping

that ‘people will stop laughing whenever the issue of reparations was raised. I wanted people to begin to take the issue more seriously.’

Coates is the most recent in a long line of American intellectuals who have raised the issue of reparations. In 2001, Randall Robinson, whom many would remember as the executive director of Trans Africa, the lobbying body that played a seminal role in the Boycott Apartheid Movement wrote ‘The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks.’

That book was published in the very year of the United Nations Conference against Racism and Discrimination in Durban South Africa. It will also be remembered that Colin Powell led the American delegation to the conference.

Having failed to have the American position carry the day, Powell led an American walk out.

Most importantly, at United Nations sponsored Conference against Racism in 2001, the UN body resolved and adopted the position that ‘Slavery was and should always have been seen as a crime against humanity.’ By 2002, a group of African Americans filed the celebrated reparations case against a number of major American corporation seeking reparations for the enslavement and exploitation of African peoples.

No one can deny however that is was the declaration of the Caribbean leaders in 2013 that has given a real fillip to the reparations effort. And what a change it has been. Each year for more than 3 decades, the African American Congressman, John Conyers introduced a resolution in the American Congress to establish a committee to investigate slavery and the ways in which the government could make amends to those who suffered. Conyers’ resolution never got out of committee while he was a member of the US Congress.

But Lenin is absolutely correct.

‘There are decades when nothing happens–and there are weeks where decades happen.’ The resolution to investigate slavery, which is known as the Conyers resolution, was recently tabled and discussed in the House of Representatives. At the hearing, TaNehisi Coates offered a powerful rebuke to Mitch Mc Connell, the leader of the Republicans in the House. The Alabama Congressman argued that slavery was a thing of the past and should not be revisited.

Today, interest in reparations in the United States is at an all time high.

Several Democrats vying for the nomination to confront Donald Trump in the 2020 elections are openly supporting the call for Reparations for African Americans.

Momentum is growing. Last Tuesday, Senate Minority leader Democrat, Chuck Schumer called slavery ‘the poison of America’, and agreed to co-sponsor a resolution to study slavery and its impact on African Americans. It is said that so goes America, so goes the world. We can only hope that this reparations train pick up even more steam.

We can be sure that the plotters are planning to derail this freedom train.

Therefore, we must never forget that the world belongs to those who fight for it. Forward ever.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Put VINLEC Electricity Tax Bill on hold

THE GROSSLY incompetent and useless ULP regime should not use VINLEC’s monthly electricity bills as cash cows. The ULP regime should set up industries that create revenue, rather than use VINLEC as a source of income.

Since taking office in 2001, the financially-incompetent ULP regime has been digging a hole to fill a hole borrowing very large sums of money to pay public debt. Consequently, SVG’s fragile economy has been driven into the gutter by the ULP regime, and this has had a negative impact on the ability of black, poor households to survive.

The ULP regime should create new industries that would bring income to the SVG Treasury. Instead, they choose to further punish the people through increased taxation. Charging 16% VAT on electricity consumption over 150 KWh - rather than over 200 KWh as it previously was - on VINLEC monthly electricity bills is really hurting poorer households.

Many people are already complaining about having higher electricity bills.

This proposed increased tax on VINLEC bills shows that the ULP

regime is incompetent and does not have the intelligence to create a strong economy. They are scraping the bottom of an already empty barrel.

Leader of the SVG Green Party retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, calls on the grossly incompetent and useless ULP regime to abolish immediately the 16% VAT on consumption over 150 KWh on VINLEC monthly electricity bills.

In 1967, Israel and Arab nations had a six-day war. The war caused the price of oil to fluctuate significantly on the international market, as an oil embargo was imposed. The British government-owned Commonwealth (Colonial) Development Corporation, which owned the electricity service in St. Vincent, applied to the SVG House of Assembly in 1973 for a FUEL SURCHARGE, to compensate for the continuing substantial fluctuation in the price of oil, the base of electricity production in SVG. The Fuel Surcharge is set out at Section 10 of The Electricity Supply Act CAP 404 and states: “The Company, in addition to the

Getting the small things right THAT ASSURANCE frightens me, the assurance by the officer in the Ministry of Economic Planning, that her ministry is geared to ensuring, that the interests of the people of this land will continue to receive strong support. I am worried, because I am one of the thousands of Vincentians who over an extended period, have been hurt by the indifference exhibited by this administration. So if this important ministry is declaring, that they are going to be continuing on the present path which has actually seen our country retrogress in Agriculture, Health Services, Road maintenance, the maintenance of our public buildings, policing and judicatorial integrity, then heaven help us!

The intelligentsia of SVG need to wake up now and address their responsibility, to chart a course which offers a reasonable chance of success.

Our present course does not seem to suggest that we are particularly concerned about the socio-economic environment which will prevail in the land that we will leave for the next generations. Should we not now be making a conscious effort to create a strong platform for them, especially when the recklessness of political leaders to which we have acquiesced, is leaving a tremendous burden of indebtedness which will fall on them to repay?

Most Vincentians have by now recognized, that our Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves passionately enjoys being “the personality of focus”.

That indeed reflects ambition, which in itself may be regarded as commendable, except in circumstances where this passionate ambition is driven by, primarily, ego-massaging desires. Too often there has been the attitude exhibited, of indifference to the negative impact that these ambitious pursuits have on the very people, whose welfare ought to be given priority.

While a true history of this era will no doubt amply document the untrustworthiness of Dr. Gonsalves as Prime Minister, the parts played by the individuals and organizations who

had in the “season” prior to the elections of 2001, had promised that they were going to continue to defend the interests of the people, should also be comprehensively documented.

For had they honoured their pledges, Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP team may well have acted more responsibly, and SVG could well have been spared the socio-economic strangulation which is now burdening us. Yes, the members of the ODD and the other organizations of that ilk, ought to be made aware, that they are now perceived by the people as “traitors to the cause”, yes traitors!

Additionally, the rest of us of leadership acumen, especially those who for several decades now have enjoyed the admiration and respect of the people, and had by virtue of the privilege of higher learning and their exposure to more intellectually informed vistas, should see the need for acting decisively now to remedy the blatant indiscretions of our leaders over these years, and induce a reversal of the distinctive socio-economic slide our beautiful country is now experiencing.

In recent weeks, following the successful bid by Dr. Gonsalves, to have St. Vincent and the Grenadines elected to serve for two years, as one of the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, some of our people seem to be of the view, that this “elevation” will somehow see St. Vincent and the Grenadines playing a big role in World Affairs. I am very mindful of the fact, that Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition and President of the NDP which enjoys about 50% popular support in SVG, seems also to be hailing this seat on the UN Security Council, as a momentous milestone. I myself am not so enthused, and there is quite a significant number of persons in that category, who have similar doubts.

While it can be appreciated, that when the name of our country is mentioned in any forum, on which there is opportunity provided, for our representative to enjoy visibility, honourably, the citizens will no doubt

tariff rates prescribed in the First and Second Schedules, shall be entitled to charge a fuel surcharge per unit consumed which shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula: Total number of gallon of fuel consumed by the Company in supplying the said units multiplied by the current price paid by the Company for fuel, less the sum of the said number of gallons multiplied by the price paid by the Company in October, 1973, divided by the total number of Units sold”.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, research has shown mathematically - holding all other variables constant - the new ULP 16% VAT on consumption over 150 KWh will increase the rate of Fuel Surcharge on all VINLEC electricity bills as from June 2019.

The higher the amount of electricity sold, the lower is the rate of Fuel Surcharge. Conversely, as this foolish new tax of lowering the VAT threshold from 200 KWh to 150 KWh makes electricity too expensive for households and more people get cut off, the remaining customers will have to pay a larger share of the fuel surcharge. be emotionally moved for the moment, but we must remember; that this status will last but for two years.

The pertinent question should now be, what are we taking to the table of that important body? What are the issues facing the UN Security Council which we, through our representative, can with the confidence of moral authority convincingly address?

What examples will we be able to refer to, showing how we have successfully addressed issues which had been negatively impacting our own people, referencing the documentation of the well thoughtthrough approaches that we took, to reverse the agonizing situations and brought relief to our people and fortified their hope to prosper? What does the track record of the management of the business of our nation over the last two decades show?

Relief or Agony, Progress or Retrogression?

When I hear the suggestion, that we should celebrate our new UN status with elaborate fanfare, my mind is drawn to some issues which have been persisting to our disgrace and discredit, as they reflect the deterioration of our standards of management, compared with what obtained fifty years ago. The areas in mind are: 1. The drain around the hospital compound, so evidently unhygienic, as one walks to the cemetery in Kingstown. The very entrance to the hospital needs to be paved so that it could be frequently washed. The picture of neglect seen in those properties to the south of the MCMH exhibits the worst kind of abandonment to be found in the land.

The six million dollars spent on the Ju-C building could have been better spent on addressing that area.

2. The run-down condition of the Grammar School, the Girls’s High School, the Thomas Saunders Secondary, the CW Prescod Primary, the Prep School, the Radio 705 property and the compound of the Ministry of Agriculture, these together are creating an environment which could possibly be negatively impacting the psyche of thousands of impressionable minds of those young

The fuel surcharge will increase for the remaining customers and continue to increase as the number of customers decreases.

This is totally unacceptable. In addition, there is no public oversight or ombudsman over VINLEC to protect customers, putting them at the mercy of VINLEC. SVG Green party calls upon the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines House of Assembly to please put VINLEC’s June 2019 Electricity Bill tax increase on hold.

VINLEC must also be transparent and honest and print in its customers’ monthly bills how the monthly fuel surcharge is arrived at, as stated in Section 10 of The Electricity Supply Act CAP 404, i.e. ‘total number of gallons of fuel consumed by the Company in supplying the said units, multiplied by the current price paid by the Company for fuel, less the sum of the said number of gallons multiplied by the price paid by the Company in October, 1973, divided by the total number of units sold’.

SVG Green Party persons who must use the area. The perennial indifference of our administrators; to the need for improved bus-stop services in the area, further exposes that section of our community to serious risks.

3. The sad picture of neglect regarding our iconic buildings and properties in our capital, prominent among them being the St. George’s Cathedral, the Court House, Parliament building, and the Central Police Station.

4. The collapsing bridge on Back Street near to the Connell building from where one has the clear view of that derelict container which is now rotting on the river bank next to the offices of the Public Health Dept. This would not have been tolerated by the management of the Kingstown Town Board of yester-year, neither by the Sanitary Inspectors (Public Health Officers) Billingy and Cunningham in the 40s and 50s.

Quite a number of our visitors would no doubt have seen and would not have been favourably impressed by the quality of our management in such basic areas exhibiting our lack of pride. So when they hear or see the name of our country mentioned/advertised to matters going before and coming out of the United Nations Security Council, will they recall the picture of obvious neglect which they had seen when they visited us, and will they be impressed that our leaders are disposed and sufficiently mature to be entrusted with the making of decisions aimed at enhancing the welfare of people of lands beyond our shores?

As we approach the end of this the second decade of the twenty-first century, cognizant of our nation’s history and its present circumstance, we the citizens should all be endeavouring to construct a platform which offers a good chance for the improvement in our socio-economic status.

We are still a nation founded on the belief in the supremacy of God the Creator, and the freedom and dignity of man. We can therefore succeed if we concentrate on getting the essential small things right.

LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19 , 2019. 13.

News

Lynx Mas Band: From participant to contender

Shipping, LOG Enterprises, Simple X and Kids Plus.

Among the individuals who would have assisted are: Winston Johnson, Figuring out how to win Andrea Sutherland, Thomas said that paying close Norma Prince, attention to the judging criteria has Sharon Jacobs, seen his band doing its best. They Oxley Lockhart, have learned addressing criteria Ossie Constance, authenticity, craftsmanship and Julian Bute, Leroy creativity.

Constantine, Sean Brewster, the crew “Coming up against the big bands, at the tent and others. yes they will look very pretty and have “The firms and individuals more masqueraders, but Lynx is not mentioned have all helped us. No afraid of them, because the judges matter how small the contributions, judge with a criteria, and we keep to what the judges are looking for,” Thomas reasoned.

On the matter of band size, Thomas referenced to Trinidadian bandleaderBrian Mac Farlane who he says “comes up against some big bands with thousands and he will bring 500 to 1000 masqueraders and wins.

“It is not the size of the band that is important, but the quality of the production,” he reasoned.

And Thomas had no qualms about declaring that he has decided to keep in the trend that has brought the band its best showings.

“It is working for us, so we will not Gradual success be changing much…. We are going to stay with what works for us… It is not Thomas revealed that part of the that I am against the beads and band’s rise in success on the learning feathers, but we will mix the curve, has been the choice of themes, traditional mas with the sexy mas,” stating: “I look for simple and effective Thomas projected. themes which the judges can see right And as for the future, he proffered, there.

“Right now, I have themes lined up “Before, we would have brought and waiting and not boasting in themes which in my estimation were anyway, Lynx will be hard to beat. good, but could not place high,” Most of all we are glad that we are Thomas informed THE VINCENTIAN. now seen as a band to watch and not After careful assessment, the result as a band to come and (just) put on a has borne top placements in the last show. We are now contenders. Come five years.

2020, Lynx Mas Band will be the band In 2015, Lynx placed ninth with to beat.”

‘Hits from Mache’, and was fifth in 2016 and 2017, with the productions of Gratitude ‘Send dis Send Dat’ and ‘At the Movies’ respectively.

Among some of the entities which Lynx’s ‘Destructive Elements’, in would have helped the Lynx Mas Band 2018, saw the band finishing third in through its journey, are: Singer, G & the Band of the Year race.

T Enterprise, Xtreme FM, GECCU, It follows that winning the Band of OSV, Mustique Company Corea’s Year title and the accolades and Distributions, Island Blends, St. tangible benefits that follow, create a Vincent Brewery, CK Greaves and great feeling, according to Thomas.

Company, FCIB, WE FM, LIAT, He was happy, he said, to have Vincy Natural Spring Waters, KBB WHEN THE LYNX MAS BAND DEBUTED in the local Mardi Gras in 2005 with its presentation ‘Books we Love’, it began a journey with a lookout for ways to improve each year if it stayed in competition.

That has been the mantra of Cornelius Thomas, the Bandleader of Lynx Mas Band.

Fast forward to 2019. It was a year of ultimate success — the Band’s presentation ‘Come Fly With’, captured the prestigious title of Band of the Year.

In addition, Lynx was adjudged the Best Junior Band, won the King of the Bands title, was assessed to have the Best Use of Colours, and was second in the Uptown Judging and second in the Individual of the Year category.

In conversation with Thomas, he disclosed, “Come Fly With’, was a theme that I had given to another masman about three years , but he never accepted it as a good theme, so I decided to bring it this year, and as fate would have it, we earned the Band of the Year title and other titles as well.”

He noted that this year’s outcome was “divine destiny”, as he had made a decision after last year’s production that the band would have rested in 2019.

But an inundation of requests from the band’s loyal masqueraders caused a change of heart, one for the better.

contributed to the Tourism product of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We are happy that we were able through ‘Come Fly With’, to advertise the Argyle International Airport, the airline industry and St Vincent and the Grenadines as a tourist destination,” Thomas commented.

Cornelius “Pete” Thomas they have gone a long way in realising the various productions since our inception,” Thomas said with gratitude.

14. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Taiwan says thanks

PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN, of the Republic of China (Taiwan) thanked this country for its continued lobbying for that country’s recognition and participation in international bodies.

She did so while delivering a speech to a Special Sitting of Parliament last Tuesday, July 16, convened as part of the activities in which the Taiwan Head of State was involved during her two-day visit, July 16 to 17.

“At last year’s UN General Assembly debate, PM Gonsalves (Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves) said it best: ‘There is simply no principled basis to deny Taiwan the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves guides President Tsai Ing-wen to Leader of right to participate in the the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday at the Special Sitting of Parliament. work of the specialized agencies of the United which not only promotes health term allies, we share in your pride.”

Nations’,” she recalled. and well-being, but was She said that she admired this She also mentioned the work of implementing a project to prevent country’s willingness to speak up on Minister of Health and the and control diabetes by equipping the international stage on key issues Environment, Luke Browne who she local medical personnel with such as climate change and said had fostered a large following in her country for the position he took at sustainable development, adding that advanced training and exposure, although Taiwan was not a member of and supporting a public education the World Health Assembly, when he on diabetes prevention, care and made the statement that ‘The interest the UN, they have been a responsible self-management. member within the international of Taiwan’s 23 million people should “Together, we are giving people community. not be held ransom by political the ability to take charge of their “Like you, we are dedicated to preferences’. own health,” she said. achieving the UN’s Sustainable It was the first visit for President The Intelligent Bus Development Goals…we are keen to Tsai Ing-wen to St Vincent and the Management and Monitoring work with international partners Grenadines, and it came as part of a System project exemplified her because climate change is a global tour of countries in the region country’s commitment to resilient issue that requires global cooperation,” including Haiti, St Lucia, St Kitts and infrastructure, she said. she said.

Nevis.

“With this project, we will “St Vincent and the Grenadines Taiwan-SVG co-operation establish the first transportation have always been a loyal ally and a system in the region, and help close partner. We share a common President Tsai Ing-wen then turned Vincentians make better use of vision for universal human rights, so, I to some of the areas of assistance public transportation.” hope that you would continue to President Tsai Ing-wen addressing a which her country has extended to And in focusing on Taiwan’s support us in the international arena Special Sitting of the Parliament of St. SVG, describing the relationship as assistance in education, she said it as we work together to achieve the UN being instrumental in creating an was her country’s way of investing Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sustainable Development Goals and important model that sets the in boosting the human capital of make our world a better place for repair. standard for sustainable development SVG. future generations,” the Taiwanese “I am delighted that Taiwan is — one such being the banana “These graduates bring back crucial leader told the Parliament. doing our part to cultivate talents revitalization project which, she knowledge and skills to SVG and apply And in speaking of the UN, she opines, ensures food security. what they have learned to give back to here,” she said. spoke of this country’s recent election And as part of her conclusion, she In the area of health, the President their communities,” she said, as she to a non-permanent seat on the UN’s stressed, “Through everything that we referenced areas other than purely Security Council, saying that “As long- recognized the partnership fostered do together, I want your people and with the Mackay Memorial Hospital academic studies, e.g. food and the world to see that we can contribute beverage preparation and more to the world, and that we are management, tourism and electrical determined to do so.” (DD)

There was a strong presence of Taiwanese officials in the gallery during the Special Sitting of Parliament.

Minister of Health Luke Browne (left) came in for special mention by the President.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19 , 2019. 15.

Agreements signed and more activities

L-R):Taiwan Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, President Tsai Ing-wen, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and SVG Foreign Minister Sir Louis Straker at the completion of the signing ceremony.

DURING HER VISIT, President Tsai Ingwen also witnessed the signing of two agreements by her Foreign Minister Jaushieh (Joseph) Wu and Sir Louis Straker, Minister of Foreign Affairs for SVG. The first was an agreement relating to public finance cooperation, allowing for, among other President Tsai Ing-wen stopped at the Exhibition booth things, the mounted by the Taiwan Agricultural Technical Mission. strengthening of efforts to exchange management, the cooperation and other expertise in fiscal and promotion of private areas as mutually treasury policy, tax and participation in agreed. customs cooperation, infrastructure, The second was an public asset international financial agreement signaling co-

Two vehicles – the latest gift to the Royal SVG Police Force from the Government and People of Taiwan.

operation between the two countries in efforts to combat trans-national crime, including the exchange of information, coordinated joint operations, arranged repatriations, conduct of investigations and provision for other relevant assistance.

Following her address to the Special Sitting of Parliament, President Tsai Ing-wen motored to the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, where she was greeted by steel pan music and cheering school children. She was treated to Maypole and Punta dances by the Renaissance Dancers, and then planted a tree before being taken on a short tour of the Curator’s House by Curator Gordon Shallow.

Following the Botanical Gardens stop, the President and her entourage visited a specially mounted exhibition at the National Public Library.

The exhibition featured areas of Taiwanese assistance to SVG and ongoing projects, among these being agricultural projects, through the Taiwanese Agricultural Technical Mission, and programmes in formal education.

At the same venue, the opportunity was taken to hand over two vehicles, donations from the people and government of Taiwan, to the Royal SVG Police Force. Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, in the company of President Tsai Ing-wen, did the handover to Commissioner of Police Colin John.

Tuesday’s visit was rounded off with a free cultural showcase by the Formosa Circus Art at the Victoria Park and a reception at the Prime Minister’s residence.

The Formosa Circus Art performance witnessed a large crowd being entertained by outstanding Taiwanese performers. Many people were stunned at their ability to perform aerobic

President Tsai Ing-wen planted a tree at the Botanical Gardens as a symbol of her visit to SVG. and acrobatic sequences that seem to defy gravity and the imagination.

Many left Tuesday performance with the intention of returning to Victoria Park on Wednesday for a repeat performance.

President Tsai Ingwen and her entourage, which included Foreign Minister H.E. Jaushieh

Joseph Wu and the Secretary-General of the National Security Council Dr. David Tai Lee, as well as legislators and business representatives, departed the Argyle International Airport on Wednesday morning for a two-day visit to St. Lucia. (DD and KH)

One of the acts as performed by members of the visiting Formosa Circus.

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bowman ready for the task

RETIRED EDUCATOR MRS. ANDREA Bowman said that she is ready and looking forward to the experience ahead of her as this country’s first Ambassador – resident or nonresident – to the Republic of China on Taiwan.

“I feel very ready for the newness of it,” Bowman told THE VINCENTIAN in an interview.

She added that she was particularly looking forward to the “newness” of the position.

The Mrs. Andrea Bowman becomes this country’s first announcement of the Ambassador to the Republic of China on Taiwan. appointment of an Ambassador to ready for her new appointment.

Taiwan was made last week following In terms of embassy staff, Bowman the approval by Cabinet. said that up to the time of the It has been made known for some interview with THE VINCENTIAN, time now that the government had she had not yet discussed nor had she decided on appointing a resident been given any directives on the ambassador to Taiwan. This intention matter. was advanced, especially given the However, it had been previously growing numbers of Vincentian reported that the staff will consist of a pursuing studies in that country.

Minister Counsellor, or deputy And Bowman, too, needs no ambassador, to be appointed through convincing about the importance of the Service Commissions Department. having some type of representation Additional staff, according to the especially for those students.

Prime Minister in a recent radio “Being that far away, and a programme, will also comprise two different culture, we do need that type Taiwanese nationals, who will fill the of presence there,” she said. positions of receptionist and driver.

According to Bowman, the most Mrs. Andrea Bowman, daughter of challenging thing, to date, about her the late Norma Keizer, a former appointment, has been the short time educator and editor of the Searchlight which she has been given before newspaper, has spent close to 40 years taking up her position. as an educator, with stints at the St She explained that her contract is Vincent Grammar School, the scheduled to begin on August 1, but Teachers’ College, Trinity Medical she is expected to journey to Taiwan, Sciences University and the Girls’ along with PM Gonsalves, on August High School, from which she retired as 3.

Headmistress in 2017.

While she disclosed that she was She is married to Mr. Lennox first told that she was being Bowman, Chief Executive Officer of considered some three, four weeks ago GECCU. The Bowmans have one son.

— then the announcement was made (DD) last week — she referenced to having to put things in order: inform her employers at Trinity Medical College, finalize exams and get herself

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

News

Regulators involved in RBS Workshop REGULATORS across the Region (Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, Bahamas and Barbados) have this week been involved in a five (5) day Risk Based Supervision (RBS) Workshop.

The Workshop was hosted by the Financial Services Authority (‘FSA’) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and was sponsored by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Center (CARTAC). Thirty-eight (38)

Man charged with exposing penis to child A 48-year-old Troumaca man returns to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court today (Friday) on charges of exposing his penis to a 10-year-old girl, and using threatening language to a 9year-old girl.

Degrick De Bique is charged with, that on September 1, 2018, wilfully exposed his person, to wit, penis, to a 10-year-old girl.

The threatening language offence, in relation to the 9-year-old, was allegedly committed on September 17, 2018.

De Bique had pleaded guilty to the charges, but based on his explanation to the Court on Monday, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.

Bail was granted in the sum of $1,000 with one surety, and the matter was adjourned to today. (H.H)

participants from across the Caribbean region, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, participated in the Workshop, which was held at the Beachcombers Hotel.

The Key Note Address was delivered by the Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, who, in his remarks, referred to the fact that the Caribbean Region is unfairly categorized as a hotbed of high-risk activity. He reminded participants of the importance of their functions, and urged them to take advantage of the very useful and beneficial discourse, all aimed at enhancing their skills and the ability of their respective authorities to fully adopt RBS. Risk Based Supervision requires supervisors to assess the manner in which financial institutions identify and control the risks they face in business. It requires supervisors to assess systems and individual entity risks and devise responses in line with these assessments. This allows for the allocation of scarce resources to the entities with the greatest risks and areas within individual entities that are high-risk. It dictates the regulatory effort placed on supervising these entities.

Key benefits of the Framework include inter alia: * closer integration of macro and micro prudential supervision, with focus on early identification of

emerging risks to facilitate timely interventions; * cost-effective utilization of resources through prioritization of supervision based on risks; * flexibility for supervisors to utilize professional judgement within a structured approach; * reducing regulatory burden on well managed institutions; and * encouraging a strong risk management culture in institutions.

The Workshop focused on the types of assessments that should be conducted to determine an institution’s risk profile, the proper identification of the RBS methodology and documentation practices. The desired outcome is a clear understanding and correct Participants in the RBS Workshop held at the Beachcombers Hotel.

application of the RBS practices by Regulators across the Region, including proper utilization of the RBS documents and practices.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, delivering the keynote address.

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Curtis Greaves heads both the local Association of Secondary School Principals and the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools.

CAPSS to meet in SVG

CAPSS - the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools comprised of Secondary School Principals from throughout the EnglishSpeaking Caribbean, will meet in St Vincent and the Grenadines for its 27th Biennial Conference and General Meeting, from 21st to 28th July 2019.

The Conference will be held under the theme, Technology Infused Education in the 21st Century Caribbean’. The

keynote address will be delivered by this country’s Prime Minister, The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, on the first day of the Conference.

Other keynote addresses will come from: outgoing Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Registrar Mr. Glenroy Cumberbatch; University of the West Indies Linguistics Professor, Vincentian Dr. S. Joel Warrican; Director General of the

OECS Dr. Didacus Jules; and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. Camillo Gonsalves.

Several break-out sessions, covering a range of topics related to the application of ICT tools at varying levels of the education system will also form part of the conference.

The Biennial General Meeting of the CAPSS will be held on the last day of the Conference.

The local Association of Secondary School Principals headed by Mr. Curtis Greaves is hosting the Conference. Mr. Greaves is also the President of the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools.

The business sessions

of the Conference will be held at the St. Vincent Community College’s campus at Villa.

St Vincent and the Grenadines last hosted the CAPSS Conference in July 1990.

Local officials say that they are expecting upwards of 400 principals to participate in the Conference and Meeting.

(Submission)

Former PRG member to deliver lecture LEON CORNWALL, a Keon Cornwall was member of the ill-fated a Major in the People’s Revolutionary People’s Government of Grenada and Revolutionary Army currently Prison Counsellor and a Minister in with the Grenada the People’s Government, will deliver a Revolutionary public lecture here tomorrow, Government in Saturday 20th July.

Grenada between The lecture, entitled 1979 and 1983.

‘Rescued, Reclaimed, began’ which Redeemed: The Story of Leon lasted for the next twenty-three years Cornwall’, and hosted by the Methodist Church in St. Vincent and of Cornwall’s imprisonment.

During his imprisonment, Cornwall the Grenadines, is slated to commence is said to have studied and obtained a at 5:00pm at Frenches House.

Bachelor’s degree in Theology, According to a release from the through an external programme local Methodist Church, ‘After three offered by the University of London. years of his imprisonment, Mr. Since his release in September Cornwall was led to recall and reflect 2009, Cornwall has been associated on his early Christian upbringing, and thereafter experienced a strong inner with the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, sense of relief and joy, that he becoming, in the process, an immediately understood to be the accredited lay preacher. He is beginning of a new and fresh currently Chairman of the Grenada experience with God’.

Circuit Mission and Evangelism The release went on to say that Committee of the Methodist Church. from that time a ‘journey of faith

WPP mounts another round of missions WORLD PEDIATRIC PROJECT (WPP), which has been working in SVG since 2002 providing surgical and diagnostic services through visiting

A WPP member of the Neurosurgery team conducts a test.

pediatric teams and facilitating overseas surgeries for children, mounted two important missions here in May and June.

In May, a Neurosurgery team, headed by Neural Surgeon Dr. Gary William Tye, saw approximately 59 children in clinic. That number comprised 6 patients St. Lucia, 11 from Grenada, 2 from Dominica, 2 from St. Kitts and 38 from SVG. As a result of the clinic, 7 were scheduled for surgery and 1 patient was referred to the US. This Neurosurgery mission concerned itself with prevention measures, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and

rehabilitation of disorders which affect the nervous system, i.e. the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.

The Scoliosis mission was mounted in June and was headed

by Paediatric Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Hwang. It saw a total of 60 children, 12 of these from neighbouring territories and the remaining 48 from SVG. Eleven surgeries were conducted and 5 children were referred were MRIs. Indications are that since 2002, the WPP has extended service, free of charge to well over 3000 Vincentian children.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19 , 2019. 19.

Education September, following her success at the Calliaqua Anglican School.

Her mother Casey Cuffy has been Chelsea Cumberbatch received a $300 employee at the outlet for last three years. She was grateful for the act of bursary award to assist with her secondary education at the Emmanuel generosity shown by her employers.

High School Mesopotamia beginning in (WKA)

Wilson Gas Station awards scholarship Danica, accompanied by her mother Karen Williams, received the first of her annual $1,000 award at the compound of the facility, last Tuesday morning.

Karen, who has been working at the Wilson Gas Station for the past five years, said: “I am proud of my daughter.”

The scholarship extends for five years in the first instance, but Managing Director Christa Wilson outlined that there is every likelihood that it would be extended for another Danica DeRoche (2nd from left ), in two years, depending on Danica’s the company of her mother Karen performance.

Williams (2nd from right), accepts her Manager Keisha Bacchus endorsed award from Managing Director the sentiments.

Christa Wilson (left) and General This is the third time that Wilson Manager Keisha Bacchus (right).

Gas Station is rendering the assistance to workers’ children. The WHEN Danica DeRoche enters the St. other occasions were in 2015 and 2016.

Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua this Danica was not the only student September, she will be doing so with benefitting from the Wilson Gas financial assistance from the Wilson Gas Station Station at Arnos Vale. generosity.

Danica obtained the Chelsa Cumberbatch required percentage pass at (2nd from left), in the the recent CPEA and, being the daughter of an employee company of her mother Casey Cuffy, at the institution, qualified accepts her awards for a full scholarship, from Wilson Gas courtesy the Wilson Gas Station management Station. personnel.

Vincentian creates history in Taiwan was done entirely in Chinese.

There were a lot of sleepless “I FEEL EXTREMELY nights, but I kept telling proud as a Vincentian and myself to keep my eyes on the as a black man. I was able prize. And collecting those to create many firsts in certificates was a real joy,” Taiwan.”

Campbell, a past student of Those were the words of the Barroullie Secondary Vincentian James Campbell School and the St. Vincent as he reminisced on his sixand the Grenadines year academic journey in Community College Division Taiwan. of Technical and Vocational After graduating from Education, thanked his three institutions there, he James Campbell mother Ethel Campbell for is now the holder of a level – making being his support system, and two certificate in Mandarin himself, his Peggy Carr for her guidance Chinese, a Bachelor of while living in Taiwan. family and Architecture from the He also thanked country proud.

Chaoyang University of Vincentians Moulton Mayers Technology, and a Master of and Hermus Nelson for giving him the Architecture specialising in Urban opportunity to work with them. His Design from the Tunghai University. experiences included his first stint as In 2013, Campbell received the an intern draftsman, formulating Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) designs and working on multiple Taiwan scholarship. He was among construction sites.

17 other Vincentians who received Campbell said his next step is to scholarships that year. fine-tune the process of his business Despite being allies for a number of Camative Architectural Designs (CAD) years, the differences between Taiwan which offers architecture, interior and and St Vincent are a stark reality; landscape services. It was officially however, Campbell believed that registered early this year and can be receiving the opportunity was an found on FaceBook and Instagram amazing one. @CamativeDesigns or via email “Not only did I get to learn through mativedesigns@gmail.com. academically, but I saw the outside world and experienced different cultures. It was easy for me to adapt once I got the basic understanding of the language. Everything else just became easier,” he said.

He admits that the pursuit of studies in architecture was not an easy one, but he was never deterred.

“My Bachelor’s degree

by ZULEIKA LEWIS

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

An ex-girlfriend’s claim Dear George, FIVE MONTHS after I broke up with my girlfriend, and two months into my relationship with this other girl, my exgirlfriend came to let me know that she is carrying my child. She has informed my girlfriend that she and I are not together but are still having sex, which is why she is now pregnant.

I have told my girl to ignore her, but she thinks otherwise.

I realise that there is not much I can do, if anything, to prove I am not the father of this child, and now my girl is threatening to leave me, saying I cannot be trusted.

I know she is wrong, but how can I get her to trust me and not do anything stupid like leave the relationship, all because of the word of my ex-girlfriend, whose primary mission is to break us up?

Need help Dear Need help,

Every successful relationship needs to have trust as a vital ingredient. Its absence breeds frustration and stress.

You two need to focus on building a solid base for your relationship.

Your ex-girlfriend’s mission, as you have seen, is to derail what you have, and both of you need to be mindful of this.

You can always verify your exgirlfriend’s claim of you being the father of her child by doing the appropriate test when the time is right.

Your relationship is yet young, and what both of you need to be doing now is spend quality time together and not let side shows influence your opinion of each other.

George

Plumbing problems! one-bedroom house while we build a bigger one.

As it was, the plumber I HAVE BEEN working on a cruise line for some spent the entire weekend years. I see to it that my at my house and the wife is well taken care of plumbing job was still not done. … she lacks nothing.

George, I have calls I called her one week and she told me that she from several friends telling me my wife has a hired a plumber to do man sleeping with her. some major work. I When I ask her about it spoke with the plumber she tells me it, is the around 10am on the plumber and she has Thursday, and when I nothing going with her. called back my wife If I prove that my wife around 11 that night, is having an affair with she told me that the plumber was still there. this man, she is better and it appears as though off disappearing before I get back to SVG. he would have to overnight due to the fact that the weather is bad. Headache at sea George, I called her at Dear Headache at sea, 5am the next day and the plumber was still Your wife should have there. I asked her where he slept, since we have a exercised better

Dear George,

judgement. Perception is oftentimes taken as greater than the truth, and she should not have put herself in any position where she would have to defend her judgement and or character.

Having said that, you are not on the ground, and things may seem worse than they actually are. May be you should give your wife the benefit of the doubt and reduce all of this to poor judgement on her part.

You can use this as a teaching opportunity, and advise her on a better way to get things done without bringing her character and judgment into question.

George

Not the rough type Unfortunately, your husband is not the only man who shares this PLEASE TALK to my viewpoint. He needs to husband! He is of the be educated about the view that rough sex is needs of a woman. the way to go; that Get your hands on women need to “get it hard and rough” so that some reading material she will respect her man. that would support your position which is, it is I have told him time and time again that I am not all ‘ram bam bam’ but an appreciation of not the rough sex type, and he needs to simmer what the other person down. He is not listening. He is not the average sized man and he needs to take it easy with me.

I am this close to closing my shop down until he can come to his senses.

Dear George,

Cry for help Dear Cry for help,

needs.

Find some time to talk to your husband about your feelings and his behaviour in the bedroom. If he refuses to listen to you, then you will have to take it to the next level and get the help of a counsellor.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Tone down and put some of that hard earned cash into a safe, long-term investment. Get out and get active.

Concentrate on spending quality time with children and friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Emotional deception is evident. You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes. Real estate investments could be to your advantage.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future for your family. Keep tabs on your spending. Use your quick wit to win points with friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Romance is quite possible if you are willing to approach someone who interests you. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Legal matters that have been pending may be alleviated through compromise. Talk to those in a position of power about your intentions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Be an observer before getting involved.

Don’t agree to make any of those cosmetic alterations you’ve been considering. Try to satisfy both of your needs. Investments will not be as they appear this week.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Social activity with friends and relatives will be most successful. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives.

LEO (July 23 - August 22) Stop telling others about your problems. If they want help that’s great, but if they try to take credit for your work, you will have to set them straight. Romance is likely if you participate in unusual forms of entertainment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Get into some activities that will help you in making new friends. Take a look at the possibilities of starting a small part time business with friends or relatives.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22. - Jan. 20) New romantic partners will evolve through group endeavors; however, the association may not be likely to last. You’ll find it easy to meet new people.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21. - Feb. 19) You may have major blowups with someone you love if you don’t back down. Abrupt changes concerning your professional position are evident.

Minor health problems may flare up.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Older family members may take advantage of you by making you feel guilty. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return.

ACROSS 1. Behind schedule 5. Barbecue residue 8. Exclamation from Scrooge 11. In another place 12. Hawaiian floral necklace 13. “Those __ the days!”

14. Military officers 16. Rapunzel’s dominant feature 17. Bank queue 18. Betting advantages 19. “Get lost!”: slang 22. Chowder morse!

25. Ms. Lane of Metropolis 26. Call it quits 27. Slalom runner 30. Oliver Twist, for example 32. Annoy constantly 34. Hive buzzer 35. Large snakes 37. Glance secretly 38. Financial woe 39. Chess pieces 40. Output from Etna 43. Next 45. “Terrible” Russian tsar 46. Keyboard pros 50. Fancy fur 51. Decorative planter 52. “Scat, fly!”

53. Sales notices 54. Ask for alms 55. Pay mind to DOWN . Loiter 2. Humbling fear 3. Bask in the sun 4. Mascara target

5. Ladd of Hollywood 6. Opt for 7. Towel inscription 8. Rosary bit 9. Sahara-like 10. See 7-Down 13. “For __ the Bell Tolls”, novel 15. Cup’s edge 19. Untidy fellow 20. Apple center 21. Mature, as fruit 23. Slices (off) 24. Great primate 26. Arrogant person 27. Hearty winter dish 28. Acute, as vision 29. Riles

31. Vigoda on TV 33. From Madrid 36. Apparel 38. Cold and damp 39. Writing aid 40. Bean variety 41. Excited

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 21.

42. Moving trucks 44. Dangle (from) 46. Drinking spot 47. That aunt 48. Shoe point 49. Clump of dirt

22. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 23.

SVGBF President promises togetherness President- Karel Bramble.

When the votes were tallied, Providence counted 15, Williams 11 and Bramble 2.

The new First VicePresident of the SVGBF is Kendale Thomas, who defeated Karel Bramble, 20-7.

Elected unopposed were Ramon Johnson Second Vice- President and Roosevelt Trent Other Executive Members of the SVGBF (from left) Nigel Creese, Kendale Thomas, Winston Snagg, Roosevelt Trent and Givin Forde. Third Vice-President-.

The new General NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT of their own.

Secretary is Givin Forde, with the St Vincent and the “What I ask for is your Nigel Creese- Treasurer and Grenadines Basketball support, what I do ask for is Winston Snagg- Assistant Federation (SVGBF) - Rohan not for your criticism Secretary/Treasurer.

Providence has outlined his destructively, but your Persons to fill the positions ambitions for Basketball in SVG. criticism constructively… of Games Secretary and Public He did so during his maiden What I ask for is you lend us speech delivered last Saturday your suggestions on how we at the opening of the 2019 Vita can develop the sport and Malt Bequia Basketball make it better in St Vincent Tournament, at the Clive and the Grenadines,” the Tannis Hard Court.

SVGBF President added.

“As President of the (SVG Providence, an Accountant Basketball) Federation, I have by profession, took the reins of RAPTORS, THE 2017 and 2018 First Division champions a huge task ahead of me with the SVGBF last week of the Bequia Basketball my Executive …What I can Thursday, at the promise you is this; we will do organisation’s Annual General Association Tournament, did not get their 2019 campaign all in our power to ensure that Meeting held at the Xpert off to a good start last we have a united front in Computer Centre Conference Saturday night, at the Clive Basketball in St Vincent and Room.

Tannis Hard Court. the Grenadines,” Providence In the process, he ousted Looking a shadow of the announced. the incumbent Wayne cohesive unit of previous He admitted, very early, Williams as well as years, they were blown out by that he and his Executive outnumbered the previous East Blazers, 60-42. cannot achieve their goals on Executive First ViceLeading the scoring for East Blazers were Denroy Hutchins and Orondo Blugh, who both registered 11 points.

SUGAR REEF BEQUIA runs. Kenson Dalzell 52 and Cody Compton had a game United and Defenders recorded Dillion Douglas 43 helped steer high 16 points in Raptors’ outright wins as matches in Port Elizabeth to 170 from 16 the Bequia T20 Premier overs, after Phillip Baptiste, 4 losing effort.

Second Division ChampionCricket Leaque continued on for 38, threatened to retard Young Duke, though, did not the weekend, at the Clive their innings. Urnel Thomas emulate their senior Tannis Playing Field.

57 then took charge and counterparts. They literally Sugar Reef Bequia United ensured that Defenders got ran over East Sidax Two, 53 beat Southside United by 9 175 for 8 from 20 overs. Iran runs. Sugar Reef Bequia Mack and Joseph Francis had to 26, in the first match of the night.

United made 140 from 18 3 wickets each.

Darren John was Young overs, thanks primarily to The other match was Duke’s lead scorer with 24 Chelson Stowe who stroked 59. declared a draw when rain points, while for East Sidaz Jeremy Layne and Delroy curtailed play in the match Two, Mario Tannis was East Compton had two wickets involving Knights Trading De Sidaz Two’s stand out player each. Southside United Aussies and Royal Challenger. with 1 points and 25 responded with 131 from 17 Knights Trading De Aussies rebounds. overs, only Kemron Cozier 35 had got to 198 from 14 overs A formal Opening being able to negotiate Jenry when rain ended play. Julian Ceremony preceded the Ollivierre who bagged 5 for 30. Edwards was 88 not out. night’s double header.

Defenders had an even Addressing the Opening narrower victory when they I.B.A.ALLEN Ceremony were President of defeated Port Elizabeth by 5

Ramon Johnson, new First Vice-President of the SVGBF.

Rohan Providence, newly elected President of the SVGBF.

Relations Officer will be coopted at a later date.

Prior to the Annual General Meeting, Providence had outlined some of the areas he would pursue if elected.

Among them were: confirming the ownership of and renovating the New Montrose Basketball facility, through discussions with the relevant authorities and all other stakeholders; promoting Basketball at the community level through outreach

programmes such as health fairs, clean-up campaigns, kids mentoring programmes.

In addition, the new President proposed embarking on developing a sustainable grassroot/community/school based involvement Basketball Programme for during and after school, aimed at generating growth of the sport and establishing a feeder for junior and senior level national teams.

Bequia Basketball gets going: Raptors lose

Bequia T20 Round-up

Raptors and East Blazers in battle in the First Division of the Bequia Basket Ball Tournament last Saturday night at the Clive Tannis Playing Field. the Bequia Basketball Association — Ms Sabrina Mitchell; newly elected President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation- Rohan Providence; Parliamentary Representative for the Northern GrenadinesHon. Godwin Friday and former Prime Minister of St Vincent and the GrenadinesSir James Mitchell.

Fifteen teams are participating in this the 21st edition of the Tournament.

Seven teams are registered in the Under-16 Division, three in the Second Division and five in the First Division.

The 2018 championsDragons, along with Golden Knights, Hawks, Hornets, Rockets, Titans and Young Wizards are the teams in the Under-16 Division.

Young Duke, East Sidaz Two and Rising Stars Two are the teams in the Second Division. East Blazers, Raptors, Rising Stars One, East Sidaz One and Police United make up the First Division.

The Tournament is scheduled to be completed on 31st August or 1st September, depending on the results of the play offs.

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Chirpy’s Classroom Manual introduced

Dr. Kishore Shallow, Vice President of CWI, President of the WICBC and SVGCA believes it’s an important programmme.

“At this critical point of our cricket, we can’t overemphasise how important training is at every level, and one thing that stands out in the manual is the actual pathway where we starting from the Junie Mitcham, grassroots level,” Shallow Participants in Day One of the session.

Project Officer said, adding, “ This respectively Cricket programme is important to the development of West and Nelson Hillocks, Development – Indies cricket, and we are happy the teachers are Director of Sports also Cricket West involved, and hope at the end of the workshop, they gave remarks.

Indies, will be more enthusiastic to teach cricket along with Facilitators of the addressing the other syllabuses”. workshop were opening day.

Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Sports, also addressed Andrea Otto and the opening and cited the execution of the material Desryn Collins from the Ministry of in the manual as critical towards rebuilding the I.B.A ALLEN Education in Antigua. dominance of West Indies cricket.

He also expressed the hope that the teachers will not only utilize this manual as an introduction in the classroom, but that they would put measurements in place to SHERWYN JAMES pedalled follow-up with the his way to the finish line at the participants.

Sion Hill Intersection in first Nicole Franklyn and place, after completing the Juanita Hunt King, SVG Cycling Union’s 55-mile Education Officers of road race last Sunday morning.

Mathematics and Science James’ winning time was 3 Participants in Day 2. hours 15 minutes 20 seconds.

Second to James was veteran cyclist Peter Durrant, whose time was 3 hours 33 minutes 18 seconds.

Another veteran — Steve VINCENTIAN Jayden George Finals, where he beat Zevieh Meanwhile, Ollivierre was third in 3 hours won the Boys Under-11 Singles Abraham of the British Virgin Jaydon 42 minutes and 55 seconds. title at the Caribbean Area Islands, 11/1, 11/0, 11/3.

Williams was The other cyclist to reach Squash Association (CASA) The young Vincentian third in the the finish line was Orel Junior Championships on continued his dominance into the Boys UnderGeorge, after 3 hours 44 Tuesday, at the Queen’s Park semi-final, beating Noah Clarke of 13 . Williams minutes 05 seconds.

Indoor Racquet Centre at St Clair, Barbados, winning 11/3, 11/0, beat Louis Da Carlos Rivas, who faced the Trinidad and Tobago.

11/2.

Silva of starter’s order, did not finish.

George beat Owen Roserea of Another Vincentian- Dru Guyana 11/8, Sunday’s event saw the Bermuda 11/8, 11/6, 11/6, in the Samuel placed third in the Boys 11/9, 2/11, cyclists travelling from final.

Under-11, as he overcame Clarke 11/5 in the Kingstown to Langley Park, Sherwyn James George got a bye to the Quarter 11/5, 11/8, 11/5. play off.

Georgetown and back to the Arnos Vale Round About. Then from there, they Jayden cycled to Diamond once, finishing at the Sion Hill And, the George Intersection. next best Meanwhile, top Vincentian cyclist- Zefal Bailey showing by a who was in Martinique last Sunday as part of a Vincentian was Nadira Morgan who placed fifth team race there, will represent his country at the Pam American Games slated for Lima, Peru from in the Girls’ Under-15.

26th July to 11th August.

Morgan topped the consolation phase when she beat Cai Manley — Drummond of Jamaica, 11/5, 8/11, 11/5, 11/8.

The others making up The SVG Rugby Union is anticipating greater participation in this year’s the St Vincent and the Summer Camp.

Grenadines team were: Roshawn Paul, who placed eighth in the Boys Under-11 ; Ciara George - eleventh in the The SVG Rugby Union kicked off its Friday. This week is open to both girls Girls Under- 13 and annual summer camp earlier this and boys, ages 6-16 years.

Mikhail Quashie twelfth The camp focuses on teaching the week, at the Streams of Power Playing in the Boys Under-17.

Rashid Constance Field at Ratho Mill. foundations of the sport through fun placed twelfth in the It opened with Kiddies Korner, and interactive games, while building Boys Under-19 and Jada involving twenty-five (25) children in a character and promoting life skills.

Ross was eighth in the full week of activities.

Girls Under-19.

Next week, will see daily activities I.B.A.ALLEN from 9:30am to noon, from Monday to The Chirpy’s Classroom Adventure Academic Manual, an educational manual for primary level students that will facilitate the integration of cricket into regular classroom activities, was introduced here in a two-day workshop – July 11 and 12, at the Girl Guides Headquarters, Kingstown.

Over 50 primary school teachers were involved in the exercise, a collaboration involving Cricket West Indies Inc., the SVG Cricket Association, and the Ministries of Sport and Education.

According to Junie Mitcham, Project Officer Cricket Development — Cricket West Indies, here to introduce the manual, said, “The Caribbean Examination Council has endorsed Regional AntiDoping Organization (RADO), and Ministries of Education from 13 CARICOM member states.

She explained that the manual incorporates the sport of cricket into a number of subject areas including Maths, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Information Technology.

“The intent of the academic resources is to bridge the gap between academics and cricket (and) to create positive teaching and learning outcomes which will encourage well rounded primary school students.”

James tops 55-mile cycle race

George champs Boys U-11 CASA Title

Rugby Camp kicks off

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 25.

Sports

SVG 79ers honored!

by PATRICK HORNE

Climb every mountain The 2019 ICC One Day International World Cup was indeed a television spectacle bordering on the bizarre. The scenes were heart breaking, even the West Indies were long eliminated from being potential candidates for lifting the trophy.

England did, and New Zealand didn’t even after twice being in the mix. So that is that.

I overlooked the accomplishment of the Women’s Football squad who reclaimed the Windwards Islands title in St. Lucia. That victory maintained a signal that there is a national surge towards improving the pedigree of Vincentian sport. A vibrant generation is taking its foothold, capable of matching strides on any frontier.

We, as a nation, has the duty of channelling that energy to productive use. We have to be persistent in insisting on the availability of sporting facilities for youngsters to sharpen their skills. The right mix of academic and physical coordination must be maintained. That will cater for the artistic and cultural aspect as well, and that will be based on a pure spiritual foundation.

It must be appreciated that a broader horizon offers more alternatives, but one has to be certain that those choices are grounded in reality. The words of the song from the movie ‘Sound of music’ come to mind. Pat Prescod drove home the lyrics to a choir he assembled for a prize giving function.

Youngsters have to be prepared to ‘Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find dream.’

On a cynical note, one might say, well Kojah since you have all the solutions, why don’t you put them into practice. That’s not for me to decide, or an aspect to reside on.

Last week I attended the funeral services of two personalities. The one at Fitz Hughes celebrated the life of Alvan Hall, better known as Allie. A former teacher and Vinlec worker, he was the corner stone of his community. The solidarity he engendered showed the respect the nation had for him.

It rained almost beyond normal proportions, and that might have dissuaded others from attending, but the overwhelming crowd endured a near deluge to see Allie to the end.

My connection with Allie deepened when I was a teacher at the Fitz Hughes Primary School in 1976. That was the same year of the Soweto uprising.

Allie and I played on the North Leeward masters Cricket team up to the time he put up his gears.

No one will match the stride and pace that Gloria Ballantyne covered over the years of her sojourn. It was hard to avoid Gloria Ballantyne, for that was a natural coexistence. She greeted me with warmth on every occasion, and I could feel the motherly affection she showered.

It was natural for her. She viewed me one of her own. That was a trait that has merged of her. I looked at the performances of her children as if they were my brothers. I was proud of watching Raymond (Bally) display his skills for the SVG national team. His famous rocket from centre field of the Arnos vale Playing Field was enough to catch many a goal keeper off-guard.

Midge was one of the country’s most lethal strikers, and his unselfish approach brought glory to other team mates. Midge’s conversion rate was phenomenal, buoyed by his dexterity and physical ability.

The record of the others may not have the impact synonymous with occurrence, but that may be rectified. There is also the social aspect of Gloria’s story. That also will be mopped up.

A VERY IMPORTANT event takes place at 6:00pm this Friday at the Russell’s Auditorium. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1979 National Men’s Football Team will be honored.

Vincentians will celebrate their most revered team, so it is a good time for the Football Federation to consider the very important practice of using our past to forge ahead successfully in the future. Friday should be the beginning of the policy of making effective use of our football past as invaluable teaching moments for ALL national players. This is a practice that is so vital to our development, as we look to the future to accomplish great things in our football. Congrats to the 1979 National Football Team — a squad of Vincentian football LEGENDS. The excellent idea of this event came from the Breakaway Masters Organization. This 1979 squad is considered the most accomplished and simply our best national representation to date.

They were the first Vincentian team to reach a CFU (Caribbean Football Union) final, beating some giant teams on the way, including host Suriname, before coming up short against a strong Haitian team in the final.

At this function, on Friday, as many national team players should be present, first, to show their respect to a generation of players who paved the way for them; they should be there to understand the tremendous feelings of gratification for the rewards of hard work; they should be present to see and hear what was accomplished and understand that they must aspire to better the accomplishments of the 79ers; they must understand also, that they have much more opportunities than the 1979 heroes, and that someday, they must hope to own the feelings of gratification now experienced by the ‘79 national players.

There is no more of an effective motivational tool for ALL local players than to hear how the

The revered SVG 1979 National Men’s Football Team and officials: (Back row L to R): Tyrone Barrow, Basil ‘Bung’ Cato, (Assistant Manager), Keith ‘Slick’ Bonadie, Aly i Munroe, Elliot ‘Morrie’ Millington (captain), John Horne (Executive Member), John Cato, Sydney Mandeville, ( Middle row: L-R): Pete Morris, Sheen Millington, Ashley Baptiste, Raltie Lowe, Stanley ‘Luxie’ Morris, Guy Lowe. Sylvester ‘Scobie’ Taylor (Manager) (Front row: L – R): Marcus Young, Raymond Soso, Rudy Boucher (coach), Rudolph ‘Ounce-ahBeef’ Mayers (trainer), Raymond ‘Chip’ Ballantyne, Dorian Phillips, Gideon Exeter (Executive member).

1979ers became legends.

We must encourage our young players to revere our own, to look to their own heroes first, then the Messi’s and the Ronaldo’s. When we celebrate and learn from our accomplishments, we learn from ourselves; it’s a reflection of what we’ve accomplished and what we can achieve in the future.

This celebration of our national football heroes could not have come at a more opportune time: our senior men’s team is preparing for Nations League play, our women’s U-20 and U-17 girls and our U-15 boys’ teams will all be engaged in competition soon. We must use every opportunity to inspire them. These 79ers should visit the national teams’ training sites from time to time for motivational talks. The veteran players should share their experiences about preparation, team spirit, the importance of representing the country, and explain how it felt to hear their national anthem being sung in front of thousands. Let the veterans share with the youngsters how they feel now, as they indulge in a retrospective look at their accomplishments.

They should tell the young players about their mistakes and how they would correct them, and most importantly, make them realize the better opportunities that they now have and how fortunate they are.

It’s up to us!

Every generation must build on the previous

one, so that we learn and use our past experiences to have a successful future. We must take our destiny into our own hands and not wait for a foreign coach or administrator to determine our future — that is our responsibility.

We must build selfreliance. We must not under value ourselves.

Meet the St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1979 National Men’s Football Team: Raymond Ballantyne, Vibert Ballantyne,

Ashley ‘Hammers’ Baptiste, Tyrone Barrow, John Cato, Keith ‘Slick’ Clarke, Tyrone ‘Fleety’ Grant, Guy Lowe, Ralty Lowe, Sydney Mandeville, Elliot ‘Mory’ Millington, Oswald Millington, Peter Morris, Stanley Morris, Aly Munro, Paul O’Garro, Dorian Phillips, Vin Phillips, Julian Small, Raymond Soso, Tyrone ‘Tweety’ Spence, Marcus Young, Coach Rudolph Boucher, trainer Rudolph Mayers.

Two TT titles decided TWO TITLES have been decided in the ongoing SVG Table Tennis Association National Championship.

Brothers Michel and Mirac Crease captured the open doubles when they beat Robert Ballantyne and Quan Greaves 3 (L-R) Michel and Mirac games to 2 - 11/7, Creese won the doubles title.

8/11, 14/12, 5/11, 11/9.

Glenrick Hazell of Bequia took the Infantile open singles when he dispensed with Malikia Bascombe, 7/11, 11/8, 11/5.

All matches in the Championship, including a return of a Club category, are being played at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Recreation Centre, Kingstown Park.

Glenrick Hazell won the Infantile I.B.A.ALLEN open singles title.

26. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019. 27.

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F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 19, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.29

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BEQUIA OFFICIALS FED UP OF PROMISES Dr. Godwin Friday recalled a promise that was made in 2002 but remains unfulfilled.

PRESIDENT of the Bequia Basketball AssociationSabrina Mitchell and Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines - Dr

Godwin Friday, both expressed impatience with government officials not honouring their promises to refurbish and enhance the Clive Tannis Hard

Court in Bequia.

The two made their feelings known at the opening of the 2019 Vita Malt Bequia Basketball Tournament, held last

Saturday night at the Clive Tannis Hard Court.

Mitchell, in her address, reminded Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture — Hon. Ces Mc Kie, of his promise made at the 2018 opening of the Basketball Tournament to address the issue of the broken fencing and dilapidated gate at the facility.

“We do our part, you (Mr Mc Kie) need to do your part,” Mitchell What is considered a pavilion remains uncovered and provides uncomfortable sitting.

First ganja licences approved CABINET has approved 21 cannabis cultivation licences for local traditional cultivators.

Of the 21 licences approved, 8 are for groups and 13 for individuals.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Gonsalves radio on last week Thursday, following the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

In addition to the 21 licences referenced, the Prime Minister also disclosed that 3 licences were approved for Vincentians who are not traditional cultivators.

Add to the list ten companies, owned primarily by nonnationals, that the Prime Minister said have been

registered to date.

Of these ten companies, licences have been approval as follows, for non-nationals: * Class A licence, costing EC$100,000 for one year, allowing for cultivation up to one acre; * Class B licence, costing EC$250,000 and which lasts for two years; * Class C licence costing EC$500,000 for 3 years and allows for cultivation up to 25 acres; * Class D licence at EC$1 million for four years, allows for cultivation up to100 acres; * Class E licence at EC$2.67 million for four years.

According to Dr. Gonsalves,

The approval of licences for the cultivation of ganja marks the beginning of the move towards creating a medical marijuana industry here. there are three Class E licences, 1 Class A and two each in Classes B,C and D. In addition to the licence fee, each company is required to make a non-refundable deposit of EC$250,000, which is to be classified as a Food Security Authorisation Fee.

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

bemoaned.

Mitchell noted with much emphasis, that the broken fencing and gate, prevent the Bequia Basketball Association from maximizing revenue.

Mc Kie, who was set to be present at the Opening Ceremony, did not make it over, as he had “missed the boat.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Friday, in adding to Mc Kie’s reneging on his promise, commented: “It does not take much to fix the fence… It does not take much to fix the gate.”

Dr. Friday noted that government officials are racking up a history of broken promises to the people of Bequia.

“I am fed up of the promises from government officials…

The first time that I came to Basketball here as a representative back in 2002, there were members of the National Lotteries (Authority), who said that they were going to cover this seating area”, Dr. Friday recalled.

He said 17 years after, the pavilion remains uncovered and the seating conditions have worsened.

“Look at the seating here; it is deteriorating to the point now that it is

Sabrina MitchellPresident of the Bequia Basketball Association reminded the authorities that Bequia does its part. going to be uncomfortable for people to sit in … Fans will not come when it is uncomfortable… When it rains, most people go in their cars, then go home,” the MP added.

The Northern Grenadines Parliamentary Representative, also made reference to the court’s surface, which he assessed as being in need of some repairs.

“Having seen that this facility every year has deteriorated to the point now where we are starting the Tournament here tonight with a court’s surface (that) can’t be safe. We do the best we can, but it needs to be improved,” Dr. Friday stressed.

Despite the legitimate concerns, the 2019 Vita Malt Bequia Basketball Tournament will go on as usual, and continue to serve as a vital social outlet for the people of Bequia.

The Tournament is set to conclude on either 31st August or 1st September.

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