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FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.34.

www.thevincentian.com

School there was affected.

It seems that there will be a WHEN WATERS ROSE along delayed solution to the problem. the banks of the Buccament Prime Minister Dr Ralph River December 25, 2013, Gonsalves pointed to the matter residents were affected. Houses when he addressed the media and lands were affected. They last Tuesday. benefitted from distribution of It appears that some of the fridges, stoves and mattresses. lands across the resort were But the main problem facing bought, according to Prime those homeowners remain Minister Gonsalves. He indicated unattended, for whereas the that the government “can embankment to the Buccament acquire the lands.”

Resort on the other side of the However, Gonsalves wants river was fortified to assurances that “if we acquire, accommodate the development, trustees have to give the the villagers remained exposed government an indemnity to the threat of encroachment. waiver.”

Those fears were manifested “I intend to make sure that earlier this week, with rising what is done, government is waters in focus once again, to protected,” Gonsalves disclosed. the extent that the Primary He added that there are “a lot of individual owners,” and that “I don’t want to get in any fight Left: The usually calm Buccament River was a sight to with any of them.”

It was with that in mind that behold earlier this week, the Vincentian leader outlined forcing the closure of the was causing a delay in the Buccament Adventist School, settlement of that matter. due to flooding.

EC$1.50

BY WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Students of the Buccament Adventist School had to be lifted out of the compound as the entrance to the school was flooded, as were other parts of the school as shown in the picture above.

2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. 3.

News 3 SVG not in support of naming and shaming ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES does not endorse the naming and shaming of countries when it comes to compliance of international tax criteria.

Kelvin Pompey, Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), made the point last Wednesday as he delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of a workshop on the implementation of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards.

This practice, according to Pompey has had serious and longlasting effects on the economies of small island states.

“We find an approach of coercing countries which have clearly made efforts to cooperative and to abide by international standards not only overly autocratic, and unnecessarily tiresome, but also archaic.”

Earlier this year, the European Commission on behalf of the European Union, blacklisted 15 countries around the world, including some in the region, by placing them on a list of jurisdictions deemed non-

cooperative.

SVG avoided being placed on “dark coloured list,” according to Pompey as it met the EU tax criteria as it delivered on law reform with respect to the international financial services sector.

He reiterated the point that the approach of blacklisting was undoubtedly precarious on small island economies, and larger countries needed to be more mindful of that fact.

“It must also be noted that many of the strategies being utilized by small island states to obtain fiscal space and to move up the economic ladder, are the very same methods that developed countries would have used decades ago,” Pompey said.

Instead, international tax standards that are well known and accepted from an equally well known and accepted international source, would derive much quicker and transparent endorsement, and result in compliance at the international level, he reasoned.

Back in December 2018, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves,

while in Parliament debating the International Business Companies Act Amendment Bill, called for creative resistance to the EU on this and other matters which he said were not in the interest of the region and other small states.

This was ahead of a review to be conducted by the EU in February this year, with failure to pass the required legislation resulting in the country being blacklisted.

Gonsalves further accused the EU of bullying small island states.

“The European Union has bullied us, small states, into repeated submission by compelling and coercing small states through unseemly threats,” he said.

“The unwarranted bullying by the European Union has had two principal objectives: First, to coerce these small states to enforce or facilitate the enforcing of the tax regime of the European Union member states; and, secondly, to neuter, if not to subvert, undermine, to kill off completely, the quest of any or all of these small states to establish a viable and well regulated international financial services sector.” (Stories

by DD)

Kelvin Pompey, Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department.

The cost of compliance THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION and Development (OECD) ought to be the one relevant tax administering body.

Kelvin Pompey, Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), made the point as he addressed participants at the opening of a threeday workshop Wednesday on the implementation of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards at the Beachcombers Hotel.

Pompey explained that St Vincent and the Grenadines has received support from the OECD, and has been instrumental in ensuring success in the recent assessment by the forum on harmful tax practices.

“As we are all aware, the issue of harmful tax practices increased in the 1990s and has been increasing in significance in recent years, to the extent that evolving tax standards have been shaping the legislative framework of our countries, and more particularly, the landscape of international financial services and products in the region,” he said.

The Head of the IRD further noted that countries belonging to the G20 group, the United States and the European Union, have all sought to apply international tax criteria, to the rest of the world, and in turn, this country has amended its tax laws over the past few years and enacted legislation to keep current with

international initiatives.

These include cooperation with the OECD in implementing that body’s requirements for exchange of information, automatic exchange of information and common reporting standards and also the US foreign tax transaction compliance Act and more recently the EU issued tax criteria.

“Our country has however strongly endorsed and continues to endorse international tax standards to be administered by one single body espousing one set of international accepted tax standards within a context of due assessment and appropriate enforceability.”

That proposition had gained even more prominence with the advent of EU tax criteria to avoid duplication of efforts occasioning the considerable strain on the human, technical, and financial resources of especially small island states Pompey said.

He further explained that SVG had taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to international tax transparency, including signing and ratifying the multi-lateral convention on mutual administrative assistance in tax matters, and enacted legislation to facilitate the automatic exchange of information of information to partnering jurisdictions.

And it was with this commitment in mind that SVG became a member of the BEPS inclusive framework back in

Participants at the three day BEPS workshop.

October 2018.

Since joining, this country has implemented part of action 5, one of the minimum standards in relation to harmful tax practices, by amending the international business company’s act and the international trust act.

“This action was expedited by the EU code of conduct group,” Pompey said.

“But none the less, we have stood by our commitment to ensure that provisions assessed as harmful have been amended,” he continued.

However, the negative effects of these amendments were already being felt in the local international financial sector, as the changes meant that the

tax exemptions previously offered to International Business Companies (IBCs) and Trusts, have been removed, rendering SVG and most of the other countries across the region, almost uncompetitive as it related to IBC and Trust products.

And finally, Pompey addressed the high cost of compliance, saying that he was reviewing the expenditure of the local IRD for the past two years, which revealed that outside of refunds, wages and salaries, the third highest cost was payment for services in relation to information exchange.

“And I am confident that this is true for other island states,” he said.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Big move for Justice transparency and greater public confidence in the THE PURPOSE of the Eastern administration of justice.

Caribbean Supreme Court The Chief Justice also (ECSC) sentencing guidelines is crystalized that the guidelines not intended to achieve are not intended to and do not uniformity in sentences or to replace the exercise of a restrict judicial discretion. sentencing officer’s discretion, Chief Justice of the ECSC, but rather, what is required Dame Janice Pereira, made and what is expected, is that this clear while delivering the sentences will follow the feature address at last guidelines published for an Tuesday’s official launch of the offence, unless to do so would first set of sentencing not be in the interest of guidelines, during a special justice. She added that sitting of the Eastern accordingly, where a sentencer Caribbean Supreme Court in departs from a guideline, clear Antigua/Barbuda. reasons for so doing must be The historic ceremony was given when passing the simulcasted live in all ninesentence. member states.

Pereira explained that the Justice Pereira pointed out idea of publishing a guide to that the guidelines will guide sentencing started several a more uniformed approach to years ago. She noted that in sentencing practice, and is 2015, with the aid of the intended to ensure greater governments of the United consistency in sentences States and the United passed, and promote greater Kingdom, as well as Sarah Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Abraham Criminal Justice advisor for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, “We set about this project.

“It called for much research and collection of data across our nine-member states and territories. A little later, we were able to set up a Sentencing Advisory Committee comprised of Judicial Officers of our Court, as well as within the region and the United Kingdom, where sentencing guidelines have been implemented and in use for a number of years”.

She noted that the project begins with the implementation of five guidelines: One in relation to drug related offences; two in relation to offences of dishonesty, and two in relation to sexual offences.

Justice Pereira expressed gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of

Labourer jailed for knife possession MINUTES after Augustine Jennings was denied bail on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent so to do, he was sentenced to nine months in prison for possession of an offensive weapon, to wit, a knife.

The 31-year-old Lowmans Leeward labourer had pleaded guilty to that charge earlier at Monday’s Court proceedings, but the matter was stood down for sentencing.

The Court heard that

around 11:30 p.m on September 13, police patrolling the Questelles community, saw Jennings standing at the side of the road.

They approached the defendant and informed him that he was needed at the Questelles Police Station, on inquiries, in respect of certain reports.

The police requested a search of his person, to which

he consented, and a knife was found in his pants waiste. He was arrested and charged.

The charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent so to do, to which Jennings was not required to plea when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne earlier, stems from a stabbing incident at Campden Park on September 13. That matter has been adjourned to a later date.

Student on multiple traffic charges CHIEF MAGISTRATE Rechanne Browne on Monday ordered a Social Inquiry Report for a 16-year-old secondary school student who pleaded guilty to four traffic offences.

The Second Form student, making an appearance at the Serious Offences Court, pleaded guilty to using a vehicle without the

permission of the owner or any lawful authority; driving without being the holder of a driving permit; driving without insurance, and driving without due care and attention.

The facts revealed that around 4:30 p.m. on September 13, the complainant parked his car at a parking lot in Kingstown and proceeded to his

workplace. About 6 p.m., he left to do some business, leaving his car, with the keys, in the parking lot. He later received information that his vehicle got into an accident at an area in Kingstown. He went to the scene and met the defendant and police officers there.

The car and the defendant were taken into custody, and the complainant made an official report.

Police continued their investigations, resulting in the student being charged.

“These are very serious charges”, the Chief Magistrate pointed out to the youngster, who told the Court that when he is not at school, he washes people’s vehicles.

The matter has

been adjourned to September 23, pending the Social Inquiry Report.

Meanwhile, the student has been placed on $5,000 bail with one surety.

this project thus far. She singled out the names of several judicial luminaries, and expressed hope, that the approach adopted will make the task of sentencing easier for judicial officers, but more importantly will lead to the production of well-reasoned sentencing remarks by judicial officers, which can be easily understood by offenders, victims, and members of the general public. She is also hoping that, in time, these sentencing remarks will build up a bank of sentencing jurisprudence which can be used by practitioners, students of the law, and others.

The Chief Justice said, “This in turn will go a long way towards building and

Chief Justice Dame Janice Periera. maintaining public confidence in the administration of criminal justice”.

She emphasized that as with any rule, practice or guideline, they will be monitored for fairness and effectiveness, and where necessary, will be subject to review and revision.

Goat killer behind bars KILLING a ewe goat valued $500 belonging to a fellow villager, by cutting the animal’s throat, one week ago, landed Campden Park resident Irwin Small in prison for five months on Monday.

Small received the penalty at the Serious Offences Court after pleading to destroying the goat, without lawful excuse.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne also ordered that Small compensate the owner Nahshon Neverson in the sum of $500 by February 28.

Small was also sentenced to two months in prison on each of two charges of using threatening language, in circumstances likely to cause a breach of peace.

Those are to run concurrently.

The Court heard that around 7 p.m on September 13, Neverson tied his goat in his yard. At around 7:10 p.m, he looked outside and saw Small cutting the goat’s throat.

Neverson’s father spoke to Small, but the defendant

continued to cut the animal’s throat, resulting in its death.

A report was made to the police, the matter was investigated, and Small was arrested and charged. While in custody, he offered to pay for the goat, but Neverson refused, saying, “The matter is in the hands of the police, let the police deal with it”. It was in response to this that Small told Neverson, and his father, “When me come out ah jail, me go kill you, and me go tell the Magistrate so too”.

Small, who was unrepresented, told the Court that animals were destroying his “things” for quite some time, and his action was in response to this.

“I see my rights now is to kill animal because I feeling the pain, and somebody have to feel pain too”, he said.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche expressed his abhorrence with Small’s behaviour. He contended that Small’s use of threatening language in the presence of the police was a total disregard for law and order.

Stabbing leaves one hospitalized, one remanded AUGUSTINE JENNINGS, 31-year-old labourer of Lowmans Leeward, was denied bail on Monday, after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the man he is accused of stabbing was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Jennings is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Garfield Nero, 49, of Campden Park, with intent so to do. He was unrepresented.

The charge stems from a

report of a stabbing incident at Campden Park on Friday, September 13.

Jennings was not required to plea when he was taken before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

In objecting to bail, the Senior Prosecutor told the Court that he was informed that the complainant was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with an injury to one of his lungs,

and a tube inserted in his body, as a result of a stab wound to his upper side. He noted that the victim was being monitored closely by medical personnel.

Delpleche asked that Jennings be remanded at this stage pending a prognosis on the victim.

The Chief Magistrate granted his request and remanded Jennings until September 23 when the issue of bail will again be looked at.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 , 2019. 5.

News

26 Vincentians to work in Canada TWENTY-SIX Vincentians will leave the state before the end of November to take up employment and training opportunities in Canada.

Speaking at a press conference last Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar said that the number of persons travelling to Canada represents the largest contingent at one time going on the Farm Workers Training Programme, in the history of that programme.

Approximately 355 persons from St. Vincent and the Grenadines are currently on the programme in Canada.

Before the end of November, a further 26 persons will travel to Canada to do so, making it a total of 381 persons from St. Vincent and Grenadines that would be part of the programme.

Caesar said that 3 years ago, a delegation from St. Vincent visited Canada for 2 weeks, “going to different employers to ensure that we assessed the working

environment, and to diversify the approach to the programme, because historically, persons traditionally work on apple farms, while some persons dealt with potatoes. But we wanted to venture into new areas, especially the services sector/ the hospitality industry, and special attention was also being paid to the fishing industry in Canada,” said Caesar.

The Agriculture Minister said that as a small state, it is important that a significant number of citizens become exposed to the idea and ideals of working, not only locally, but regionally and internationally. He noted that for years, Vincentians have been working in different countries, returning with

A section of the Vincentians who would be travelling to Canada soon under the Farm Workers Training Programme. travelling to Canada to the opportunity, and I medical cannabis Minister of do their best and be am certain that when industry, and I am very Agriculture, they return on vacation, honest. happy to know that we Saboto Caesar.

More employment that the Ministry of are having young opportunities will be persons from St. Vincent Agriculture and the a wealth of made available to Medicinal Cannabis and the Grenadines, knowledge. having the opportunity to Authority will be having citizens, as the Caesar said them come to us, to Department of Labour go to Canada to that from the has embarked on a express a lot of the appreciate, to twenty-six national drive to recruit understand and to knowledge that they persons that workers to work would have obtained garner the cutting edge would be leaving the nationally, regionally while on the technology in the state, twenty would be and internationally, production of cannabis,” programme,” said the working on legal said Caesar, adding that Agriculture Minister, on according to Caesar. In cannabis farms. “We are such a move is going to addition to Canada, he the impact that the aware that in St. Vincent pay great dividends to workers will have on the also mentioned Guyana and the Grenadines, we as a possible destination cannabis industry. He the country as a whole. are on a quest to for Vincentian workers. further appealed to the “I am happy that establish a modern persons that will be persons have taken up (KH)

SVG looking at New Delhi Mission

Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves briefed the nation on his visit to India at Tuesday’s Press Conference.

IF THINGS work out for Vincentian Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, there will be a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission in New Delhi. That’s what Gonsalves hinted last Tuesday as he updated the media on a recent trip to India.

“We are looking at how we can keep it cheap,” the Vincentian leader disclosed. He pointed to the “cost of office space,” as well as housing in relation to the venture.

Dr. Gonsalves acknowledged that this is the first visit of a Vincentian Prime Minister to India, and he described the relations between the countries as “excellent.”

“We have a good thing going,” Gonsalves outlined.

The main focus of the India visit was Gonsalves’ participation in the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification Symposium.

Some 8,000 delegates from 180 countries shared experiences on that subject. The Vincentian leader stressed on aspects of land degradation and drought, poverty, housing expansion and infrastructure. Aspects like bush fire,

deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, coastal erosion, pollution and natural disasters were highlighted during those discussions.

Agreements Three agreements were arrived at as a result of the gathering.

According to the Prime Minister, Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, signed an accord relating to exemption of visa requirements for some passport holders.

“This will facilitate the ease of doing business,” Gonsalves indicated.

This country’s Health and Environment Minister Luke Browne signed an agreement on “traditional system of medicine.”

Gonsalves initialled an agreement relating to Solar alliance.

Other areas of cooperation extended to cooperation on health and medicine. A Memorandum of

Understanding between the two nations related to research work on Information and Communication Technology. There were also discussions on cultural exchanges.

The Vincentian government expressed gratitude for a US$1.3M injection from India towards upgrading the arrowroot industry.

There was a CARICOM injection on behalf of the Indian government, with US $1M directed towards relief to the people of Bahamas. That will be coordinated through the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency (CDEMA.) The Indian/CARICOM platform will be enhanced through the

staging summit on the side lines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York scheduled for next week Wednesday at which Indian Prime Minister Modi is expected to give full attention.

That will focus on climate change, the blue economy, and how India can partner in the region’s development needs. (WKA)

V Lawyer’s murder still a mystery 6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

WHILE THE BRUTAL KILLING of promising young attorney-at-law Sashakay Fairclough has shocked, in particular, the parishes of St. Ann and St. James where she practises mainly, the police have no leads yet into the murder, nor has a motive been established.

Fairclough, whose age police gave as 31, but who two years ago told the Jamaica Observer that she was 27, which would make her 29 now, was shot dead as she drove her car in the Brook Green area of the northern resort town of Ocho Rios Friday evening. She succumbed to her wounds at hospital.

Her mother, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was also shot and has been admitted to hospital in a “serious but stable condition”, police sources confirmed to the Sunday Observer last Sunday.

Initial police reports are that a car drove up alongside that which Fairclough and her mom were in, and armed men started firing into the vehicle, hitting Fairclough in the upper body and leg.

Police said that Fairclough’s mother was shot in the abdomen.

One police source said that the incident had all the ingredients of a contract-style killing, but insisted that it was too early to conclude that.

“We are continuing our investigations. So far, we have no leads, but we will stop at nothing to apprehend the attackers,” one senior police officer who asked not to be named, because he was not leading the investigation, told the Sunday Observer.

“Nothing clear has emerged so far, and as usual you hear a lot of people speculating about all kinds of things, ranging from personal stuff and even politics was mentioned, but there is nothing to suggest such a link,” the

senior man continued.

Fairclough was said to be the granddaughter of the legendary accountant Osmond Theodore “OT” Fairclough, the man credited with putting forward the idea of forming Jamaica’s now longest serving political Sashakay organisation – the Fairclough People’s National Party, which was officially launched in 1938 – following the beginning of two years of deliberations and strategy planning by its leading figures, among them Norman Manley, the first president and a former chief minister and premier of Jamaica, now a national hero; his wife Edna; Frank Hill, Ken Hill, HP Jacobs, Florizel Glasspole, Neol “Crab” Nethersole, Rev O G Penso, W C McFarlane, and Sir Howard Cooke.

One of Sashakay Fairclough’s friends said she had toyed with the idea of becoming involved in politics, but that it was not pushed very far.

The young attorney, who is Britishtrained and who has been called to the Bar in both the United Kingdom and Jamaica, had told the Observer in an article written by staff reporter Kimberley Hibbert in December 2017, that she used her life story as an inspiration to others.

The Charles Town, western St. Mary-born Fairclough moved to the nearby parish of St. Ann at age six and attended Holy Childhood High School in St. Andrew, from which she matriculated to the University of Huddersfield in England to read for a Bachelor of Law degree. (Jamaica Observer)

Fisherman suffers injury in in pirate attack FISHERMEN and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) is again calling for Trinidad and Tobago Government to take urgent measures to protect fisherfolk.

This follows an incident which has left a fisherman FFOS president fighting for his life Gary Aboud. after he was attacked by pirates in the seas off Icacos.

Peter Granger, 37, of La Lune, Moruga, was shot in the back at around 10 am last week Wednesday as he tried to escape from Spanishspeaking pirates. Luckily, the shots fired by the pirates missed Granger’s brother, Christopher, who was able to steer the boat to Icacos beach.

Last month, a group of fishermen were robbed of their vessels and thrown overboard into the Gulf of Paria off Carli Bay. Seven of them went missing but only five bodies were recovered.

Commenting on the attack on Granger, FFOS president Gary Aboud said: “The Coast Guard not there. The radars that Mr Young had said are working, are not there. The interceptors which were promised since last year by Mr. Young, are not there. There is no security at sea, and our men are at like sitting ducks.”

He said they are yet to receive a

response from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and National Security Minister Stuart Young, to their proposal which was done in collaboration with the Carli Bay, Claxton Bay and Orange Valley communities, fishing associations and concerned relatives of the fisherfolk and endorsed by senior police officers and Coast Guard commanders.

It was sent to Young two weeks ago and to the prime minister a few days ago.

Aboud complained: “We have not even had an acknowledgement. Our men are being attacked, our seas are wide open, our borders are open. The Minister of National Security said he is building a regiment base in Moruga; but how can a regiment base respond to crime at sea? It doesn’t make sense, and all we are asking is that the Prime Minister have an embracing allinclusive approach to his citizens.

“Because our members are from Claxton Bay, Carli Bay and Orange Valley, doesn’t mean that they are not entitled to sit at the banquet table and to decide and have the opportunity to contribute to constructive decisions.

All we are asking the prime minister to do is to act and to include us in his actions; but we feel that we are being left out and locked out. We cannot afford to lose another man.”

Granger is warded at the San Fernando General Hospital in serious condition. (Trinidad Guardian)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 , 2019. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 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

Nobody wins a war WHILE WE IN THE STORM-PRONE Caribbean region continue to be on our guard and look out for dark storm clouds which may portend deadly hurricanes or tropical storms, it is also important that we keep a watch for dark clouds of another nature- the clouds of war. In a world of frightening military and nuclear capacity, capable of erasing humankind from this earth, there is every reason for us to be as aware of the threat of war as we are of natural disasters.

Just last week, various activities were held globally to commemorate the heinous September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States of America, which have gained notoriety in the designation 9/11.

Those attacks, though committed in one country, have had far-reaching implications for billions of people the world over, not foreseen at the time. Indeed, the estimated 3000 killed and 6000 wounded at the time, represent only a fraction of the casualties of the aftermath of 9/11.

Retaliation led to the invasion of Afghanistan in the same month of September 2001, and that country has been permanently enveloped in war and terror ever since. Then came the invasion of Iraq, under the false pretences of being involved in the 9/11 attacks, as well as the lie that Saddam Hussein had “weapons of mass destruction”. A supposed “war on terrorism” was launched globally, which ironically rained terror on all parts of the globe, enveloping innocent and guilty alike, and using torture, incarceration without trial, and kidnapping as instruments. Libya and Syria have followed in the wake of Afghanistan and Iraq.

But what does this have to do with us? Why should we be concerned about these developments far from our shores, since our peaceful region is not involved in terrorism?

First, it must be noted that, while 9/11 took place on American soil, with the protagonists from the US on one hand, and the Middle East on the other, the repercussions have been felt all over the globe. It was not just in the theatre of war, but economically and socially as well.

The most graphic example is the global depression which followed and affected all countries, including our own, following the infamous depression of 2008.

We must note, therefore, that the modern world is so inter-connected,

that no country is immune from major international developments, war being one of them. Two world wars were fought in 1914-18 and then 1939-45, neither of which was caused by us, but which took Vincentian lives, caused economic hardships for our people, diverted scarce local resources to support the war effort, and which we still remember each November (Remembrance Day and Poppy Day).

Again, war in the Middle East, whether in 1967 or 1973, brought about the global oil crisis, with skyrocketing costs for fuel hitting our small economies hard. We cannot therefore be unmindful of the storm-clouds of war hanging over that region again which, if they burst, can engulf the entire global economy. This is a volatile region, with Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq and Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan all involved in one way or another.

They may seem far away, but the threat to global peace is very real.

One giant conflagration can put every bit of progress we have made over the years, in serious jeopardy.

Unfortunately, bombarded as we are by the propaganda of the international media, the looming threat to our own survival and to world peace, often does not impact us immediately. Too many of us regard it in the context of our backing for one side or another.

But we have to take a broader view than that, and realize where our own interests lie. The two world wars did not only result in the deaths of tens of millions of people, most who had nothing to do with the war, it set back the global economy.

German and English navies patrolled our waters, making the import of essential items difficult for our people, far removed from the war.

In the case of the so-called “war against terrorism,” all kinds of restrictions of freedoms, including freedom of movement, have affected us all. Whether in obtaining travel visas or in actually travelling through airports and seaports, we have all been affected in one way of another. For all these reasons, we must view with concern and alarm, the threat of war and, not only pray for peace, but advocate peaceful solutions to global problems. The consequences of war are horrendous, because, we must remember, NOBODY WINS A WAR.

National Heroes’ Day: Carib Chief Chatoyer (In Honour of Dr. Adrian Fraser’s New Book: From Villain to National Hero: Chatoyer and the Early Struggle for Independence of St. Vincent (Yurumein).

“THIS WEEK, more support is given to the idea of National Heroes’ Day with a thumb-nail presentation on Joseph Chatoyer slated to be our first National Hero.

Chatoyer was, of course, a “villain” under the old Dispensation. He was rehabilitated and enthroned only during the last forty years when the Black Power Movement opened the flood-gates to a new perspective on our History.

In that revolution in thinking, Chatoyer came into his own, more or less. A Government boat was named after him. An obelisk was mounted at Dorsetshire Hill on the spot at which he reportedly fell, fatally wounded.

A community Bakery at Sandy Bay bore the label “Garifuna”. And Eddie Griffith deceased, named his daughter “Youlou”, the Carib name for rainbow by which the country- or was it just the capital? was once known.

A progressive group of the times took the mast head “Youlou United Liberation Movement” (Yulimo), and was for a time headed by the current Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Another leading member, Minister of Education Mike Browne, named his first son Chatoyer, and took as his bride a Garifuna descendant from Belize whither the Caribs had been banished following the death of their paramount Chief, Joseph Chatoyer.

There are, on the other hand, local folk who, galvanized by platitudes such as “let by-gones be by-gones”, seek to belittle the historian’s craft with the simplistic notion that what has passed is past, and need not bother us in this enlightened age.

The plain truth is that an ex-slave society as we are, can never understand ourselves, plot our bearing and chart a meaningful course for the future without an informed understanding of our historical origins. For the plant to seek after the sun and flower and bear fruit, it must first bury its roots deep in the soil.

As a young nation, we do need national heroes to act as an inspiration, beacon and hope, especially in times of crisis and threatening despair. Luckily, we can draw strength and sustenance

from the Carib Peoples, our forebears who demonstrated courage, defiance, and rebellion, in a constant struggle to gain and maintain their freedom.

In Grenada, at Sauteurs (Carib Leap), Caribs backed up against the cliffs overhanging the sea, jumped to their deaths and liberation rather than surrender. A similar feat was performed at Espagnol Point near Owia in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

An African proverb tells us that “until the lions have their historian, tales of hunting will always glorify the hunter”. Up till recently, the history of these islands was mostly the handiwork of writers commissioned by planters and the colonial office, who, in order to justify colonialism, sought to project a very negative image of the Caribs.

Some local historians naively jumped off the shoulder of their master without batting an eye.

To the extent that one of our brighter girls to have entered UWI in the early days gave currency to the propaganda that the Caribs were a nomadic race of Cannibals with a distinct preference for the flesh of French men!

Today, Dr. Bernard Marshall, Dr. Adrian Fraser and the late Dr. Earl Kirby with Cims Martin, have hewn an independent path, done their bit to offer a more factual account, even to the point sometimes of glorifying the hunted, which is understandable in the circumstances. Often, the pendulum has to swing the other way before it can attain a position of balance.

In the new dispensation, Carib Chief Joseph Chatoyer occupies a central place, for he epitomised the indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience of a people that stood up against mighty odds for their own rights.

From what can be gleaned, even from British historians who wrote with a distinct bias against Chatoyer and all native peoples whom they lumped as “the enemy,” our Carib chieftain displayed all the qualities of brilliant leadership. He was an outstanding military tactician versed in guerrilla warfare; a fierce independent nationalist who brooked no degrading compromises; a man of unflinching courage and unyielding convictions.

With inferior arms and materiel, Chatoyer was able to keep the real enemy at bay for a number of years in the war for St Vincent. Over time, he learnt how to fight fire with fire, as Continued on Page 19.

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Letters

Mugabe was How to recognise a tyrant dyslexia from Pre-school/ I DON’T CARE what all those Afro-centric local intellectuals would want to tell me, i.e. all about how Robert Mugabe might have been the man who led Zimbabwe to independence and rid his country of white, but he was a tyrant in his later years.

For years, this man enforced a brutal and dictatorial rule over his people. His people suffered many hardships. How can we ever forget that?

And much like what is happening in Venezuela today, Mugabe’ s brutal rule forced many Zimbabweans to flee their country and seek asylum in other countries like South

Africa and even the US and the UK. I cannot, therefore, sit back and accept all this talk of how the white man made it difficult for Mugabe and Zimbabweans. While there is truth in that, we cannot be so dishonest as to not recognize the punishment and brutality he inflicted on his own people.

And by the way, I am disappointed in the new leadership in Zimbabwe.

They have not yet shown that they can revive the resources of the country, and from what I understand, human right abuses continue to be committed there.

Charles, Edinboro

Befriending the friendless PAIN ATTACKS without discrimination, striking the mighty and the unknown, treating one the same as the other.

We as a people and nation, when we become a little wealthy and educated, we become Mr. and Mrs. Joyous, forgetting God oversees our lives. Our high social standing distance us from the people whom we grew up with, so we don’t feel their pain anymore. Like many government officials, and well-to-do citizens, some of us are aware of people’s plight or pain, but do nothing about it.

But wait, it is coming to some of us very quickly.

Then we will realize that all people are basically the same.

Possessions and positions have nothing to do with our fundamental humanity. One person’s pain could have a significant impact on the entire community. We must embrace others who are slighted and slandered by society.

Job’s suffering, in the Bible, should challenge us to befriend the friendless, and seek justice for the powerless.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries

kindergarten to Grade 4 age, educational level, or cognitive abilities. To verify that an individual is dyslexic, he/she should be tested by a qualified testing examiner.

THE FOLLOWING difficulties may be associated with dyslexia if they are unexpected for the individual’s age, * Has difficulty decoding single words (reading single words in isolation) educational level, or cognitive abilities. To verify that an * May be slow to learn the connection between individual is dyslexic, he/she should be tested by a letters and sounds qualified testing examiner. * May confuse small words — at/to, said/and, * May talk later than most children does/goes * May have difficulty pronouncing words, i.e., busgetti for spaghetti, mawn lower for lawn Makes consistent reading and spelling errors mower including: * May be slow to add new vocabulary words o Letter reversals — d for b as in, dog for bog * May be unable to recall the right word o Word reversals — tip for pit * May have difficulty with rhyming * May have trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, o Inversions — m and w, u and n days of the week, colors, shapes, how to spell o Transpositions — felt and left o Substitutions — house and home and write his or her name * May transpose number sequences and confuse * May have trouble interacting with peers arithmetic signs (+ - x / =) * May be unable to follow multi-step directions or * May have trouble remembering facts routines * Fine motor skills may develop more slowly than in * May be slow to learn new skills; relies heavily on memorizing without understanding other children * May be impulsive and prone to accidents * May have difficulty telling and/or retelling a story * May have difficulty planning in the correct sequence * Often uses an awkward pencil grip (fist, thumb * Often has difficulty separating sounds in words hooked over fingers, etc.) and blending sounds to make words * May have trouble learning to tell time * May have poor fine motor coordination Common signs: Kindergarten through Grade 4

Common signs: Pre-school

The following difficulties may be associated with dyslexia if they are unexpected for the individual’s

Lynden Punnett Dip.SpLD (Dyslexia) Excerpted: ABC’s of Dyslexia. (2000).

International Dyslexia Association.

The Kingdom of God WE ARE ESTABLISHING the fact that the Kingdom of God is both political and ecclesiastical, according to Daniel 7:18; Revelation 5: 9-10, and will have global jurisdiction in the political realms when the I Am That I Am makes a full end of all nations.

“And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matt.

24:14).

In the NT, the central teaching of the messengers was the Kingdom. In John’s

opening remark, he said: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). When Jesus commenced his ministry, he declared: “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1: 14-15).

Phillip and Paul didn’t divert from the teaching of the Kingdom of God, but when they believed Phillip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God…” Act 8:12. And Paul went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom

of God (Acts 19:8).

“And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom, ….. Acts 20:25.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdom of God….” Acts 28:23. “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the Kingdom of God” (verses 30-31).

The Kingdom of God is a mystery to the unspiritual, but made real to the Saints (Matt.

that she would have been considered for at least some form of bursary.

Persons in her batch whom she topped were given bursaries, while her name was excluded. Now, you would understand how disappointed she is. I am calling on the persons concerned to revisit her performance and see if it was an oversight, and give Miss Fergus her justice.

Early Childhood Education is a very important component in the education process. This will encourage others to venture into this field.

13:11). Most preachers and teachers of the Bible today are not preaching and teaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Maybe, these words are not applicable or irrelevant to modern-day preachers. “But woe unto Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For you shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourself, neither suffer you those that are entering to go in” (Matt 23:13).

Paul gave another link to those who do not teach and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. “Let God’s curse fall on that person” (Galatians 1:9).

Former teacher

Christian Democrat

Re-one name is missing THE ARTICLE — “Cabinet approves 48 Awards for 2019”. I commend the government very highly for recognizing students for their hard work and success.

Having said that, I wish to point out one glaring omission from the list.

That has to do with a female teacher Miss Clemica Fergus working at the Diamonds Village Government School.

She successfully completed an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was given a Special Award at the last graduation ceremony, for her outstanding work in that field. One would have thought

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Bright future ahead for our youths

Citizen Security

(Reprinted from the 2017 Budget Address)

Introduction THE PRIMARY obligation of the State is to provide an appropriate and effective framework for an acceptable level of citizen security. Citizens and visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines must be made to feel reasonably safe and secure in their homes, their places of work and at leisure, and as they generally go about their lawful business in a free society.

Mr. Speaker, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small country in which we tend to know one another face-toface. We are overwhelmingly a lawabiding society. We are an educated and disciplined people. We have a sound system of law and order; and the Police Force is reasonably resourced with personnel and equipment. Yet, we have a level of criminal violence, perpetrated by a small minority, in our country; this is deeply troubling. We must do much, much better, in curbing the incidence of criminal violence committed by this hardy minority. I take this matter very seriously.

It is correctly and widely accepted that the fight against crime is not in the province of the State apparatus alone.

This fight is an all-encompassing enterprise involving the State institutions, the family, church, school, community, the mass media of communication, civil society, private security firms, businesses and labour, and individuals themselves in a partnership with appropriate regional and international institutions and government. We must all be on the same page in this fight within the context of a democratic society.

Reforming and expanding the Police Force; enhancing the Coast Guard facilities and vessels; attracting quality applicants to the Police Force; increasing the salaries and allowances for police officers; enlarging vastly the training opportunities for police officers; improving markedly the working conditions of the police through the construction and renovation of police stations across St. Vincent and the Grenadines; better equipping the Police Force in several areas including telecommunications, videography and recording equipment, criminal investigation, and vehicles; setting up the Forensic Laboratory; strengthening the legislative framework against crime, including tough laws on illegal guns; Police Youth Clubs and Community Policing have been established, and we have been strengthening the links between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and regional and international agencies in the fight against crime.

More Discipline

All of these efforts continue apace, and new initiatives, particularly in intelligence gathering and analysis and crime detection, are being rolled out.

Undoubtedly, the overwhelming majority of police officers are focussed, courageous, and diligent in fighting crime.

Unfortunately, a minority of them are uninterested in policing and are possessed of a sedentary public service mind-set, trotting out lame excuses for their failure and/or refusal to do their duty with any sense of urgency or at all; often, these very ones are the perpetual complainers of this, that, and the other.

State Institutions The policy-makers and leadership of the Police Force, and the bulk of the The principal State institutions disciplined police personnel have to engaged actively in the quest for address satisfactorily this challenge of a optimal citizen safety and security are: minority of non-performing police the Law Courts, the Office of the officers. It is a matter of which the Director of Public Prosecutions, the public rightly complains.

Financial Intelligence Unit, the In 2017, the Police Force intends, machinery for the administration of according to its targeted Strategic justice, the National Commission on Outcomes, to ramp up the percentage of Crime Prevention, the Police Force, in arrests of persons reasonably suspected concert with relevant regional and of committing crimes, especially violent international entities, including the crimes, and providing the basis for the Regional Security System, IMPACS prosecution of those against whom there (Implementation Agency for CARICOM is a reasonable prospect of conviction.

Security), and INTERPOL. Each of The public expects that when accused these State institutions is reasonably persons are taken to the Law Courts, well-resourced and performs creditably. that the presiding judicial officers be The SVG Police Force is on the front- firm and fair. The public interest line of crime fighting. On the police demands that justice be done in establishment are 836 police officers, 15 accordance with law and without Traffic Wardens, 20 Rural Constables, unreasonable delay.

99 Fire Officers, and 91 Coast Guard Mr. Speaker, our government has Officers, a grand total of 1,061 persons. embraced the formal request of the The recurrent budget for the Police Chamber of Industry and Commerce to Force in 2017 is $27.6 million, for the afford duty-free concessions to Fire Services $3.7 million, and for the businesses which plan to install security Coast Guard $4.2 million, an aggregate cameras. I have asked that the for these law and order institutions of Chamber work in concert with the $35.5 million. Additionally, the Prison Ministry of Information Technology and Services have 131 prison officers and an the Police Force to coordinate this annual recurrent budget of $5.8 million. matter. I am interested in providing the In the 2017 Budget, the functional tax concessions to the very best security classification, “Public Order and Safety”, camera systems. has an impressive allocation of $63.8 As a mature people, we must million or 9 percent of the total acknowledge that some persons, mainly recurrent budget, inclusive of a small minority of young men, are bent amortization and Sinking Fund on a life of crime. Their impulses and contribution. pre-dispositions towards criminality, Mr. Speaker, in 2003, the and corresponding criminal activism, government elaborated, and caused to are many and varied. Excuses must be approved in this Honourable House, not, and cannot, be made for such a National Strategy on Crime persons, particularly those who have no Prevention. It has been updated and regard whatsoever for human life. We refined on an ongoing basis. This many- must focus on being tough on crime and sided Strategy and consequential Work tough on the causes of crime. In this Plan have been, and are being, mix, of especial concern, too, is the implemented. But any Strategy and violent offender who is mentally twisted Work Plan must be effected in practice or deranged. In this regard, the Mental by real flesh-and-blood beings, and Health Services must work very closely better can always be done. with the Police, the Prosecutors, the Over the last sixteen years, the ULP Law Courts, and the Prisons. Often this government has done the following, is not done well enough or at all; the among other things, to build the anticonsequences of any neglect in this crime fighting apparatus of the State: regard can be deadly.

VINCENTIAN YOUTHS, especially young males, as in the rest of the Caribbean, are at high risk. Research has identified this risk at three levels: the individual, the micro-environment, comprising family, social networks, peers and role models, community and neighbour, and the macro-environment: mass media, the economy, public institutions, cultural and historical background, social norms and gender. It is at these levels of risks that the New Democratic Party (NDP) responses will be targeted; but it is first necessary to understand these risks.

Young people are not born as risks, but their micro and macro environments define them to a large extent, and create the conditions that lead to their risky behaviour, which is often a reaction to the circumstances within which they exist. It means that it is those circumstances that have to be altered, and those are what the NDP will target. Youths are not the problem, but a product of their micro and macro environments. In most instances, youths react to the situation in which they find themselves. Therefore, the NDP will place special emphasis on the family, education, poverty alleviation, job creation and gender affairs.

It must be noted that job creation for our youths will be a major priority.

We have recognized that the youths are critical to nation building and have a significant role to play in the development of our country, and we will work tirelessly to provide the opportunities necessary for their advancement. We will implement a number of programmes and policies that will create thousands of jobs for them. For instance, our Citizenship by Investment Programme will be an instant game changer for job creation and to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We have seen the benefits that our neighbouring islands are reaping from that programme.

We have also identified Information Technology as another area that will provide opportunities for our young people. We will place tremendous emphasis on Information Technology, to tackle the unemployment situation in this country which exists among our youths. In addition, we will put into operation our Basic Needs programme and Constituency Development Fund which will also create employment.

Apart from those programmes to be implemented, we will pay special attention to agriculture. We will revitalize the agricultural sector. We will work vigorously to further develop the tourism sector and transform St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a leading destination in the Caribbean. With a thriving agricultural sector and a booming tourism industry, thousands of young Vincentians will be employed, thus generating increased economic activity in the country. And we will encourage Foreign Direct Investment which will create thousands of jobs for Vincentians.

We know that small and medium sized enterprises are critical in economic growth, and will create the conditions that will enable small and medium sized enterprises to develop and play a major role in entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Further, the NDP will implement youth development programmes and policies. Some of these will include reforming the education system, institutionalizing national level

mentoring system for at risk youths, reforming and strengthening the legal, judicial and policing systems, using the media and social marketing, and making families a top public policy issue and strengthening community and neighbourhood support to adolescents and families.

The NDP will continue to provide the opportunities for higher education for more young Vincentians to obtain degrees at home and abroad, create a diversified scholarship portfolio by providing incentives and scholarships for youths who excel in sports, the arts and extracurricular activities.

The NDP will also ensure that meaningful employment is created for these youths after they have completed their studies.

We will also focus on sports and skills training. Vincentians have seen the decline in these areas since the Unity Labour Party (ULP) took power in 2001. It is the intention of the NDP to revive these crucial areas of development, so that our youths can benefit. The NDP will restructure the schools’ curriculum so that sports education can again be a priority.

Hard courts will be built, enclosed, lit and properly maintained to facilitate various sporting disciplines; at least one playing field in each constituency will be lit to encourage more participation in sports, and we will construction of the national stadium.

Moreover, the NDP will improve and expand skills training by utilizing the various resource, multipurpose and community centres around St. Vincent and the Grenadines, support music education in schools from the earliest level, with a view to establishing a Youth Orchestra and permanent music programme in schools, and also provide support for all established youth organizations.

The ULP has failed the youths of St. Vincent and the Grenadines after they were promised thousands of jobs, and eighteen years later the situation remains the same. As you traverse this country, the number of young people who are on the ‘blocks’ and are unemployed is astonishing. The International Monetary Fund report has stated that unemployment among youths is a staggering 46%, and unemployment overall is higher than 2001 when the ULP gained power.

The cry of the youths is for jobs, jobs, jobs. And the ULP administration, after eighteen years in power cannot and will not create employment for the young people.

The New Democratic Party has a better way. We see the talent and energy of the country’s youth as pivotal in the effort to move our beloved country forward. In diverse areas across the board, the NDP will provide the youth with the opportunities, support and facilities they need to succeed and to help build a new St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP offers hope to our youths. Based on the programmes and policies, the youths of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have something to gravitate to, and will have no choice but to elect the NDP when the next general elections are called, so that they can benefit from our exciting programmes.

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With Head in the Sand

September in 2 Acts

“Some people avoid going to the doctor because they don’t want to find out that anything is wrong with them. Some people avoid going to church for the same reason. But ignorance of our sickness doesn’t make us healthy, and ignorance of our sin doesn’t make us innocent.” — Julie Ackerman Link (1950-2015), founding partner of Blue Water Ink, a company that provides writing, editing, designing, and typesetting services.

LAST SEPTEMBER 11, two groups of people in our Americas commemorated the anniversary of horrible events. One, the Kamikaze bombing of the World Trade Centre, and the Pentagon in the United States of America, is indelibly etched into our consciousness. The other, the assassination and overthrow of Salvador Allende, the democratically elected socialist President of Chile on Sept. 11, 1973, receives no attention in the press. But both were crimes of monumental proportions. As a result of the attacks in the US, over 3,000 people were killed. In Chile, more than 30,000 were either killed or disappeared.

On the morning of the military overthrow, which was sponsored and directed by the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), following a prolonged period of sanctions and destabilization, President Allende, in his courageous and defiant last address to the Chilean people, said: “My words do not have bitterness but disappointment. May they be a moral punishment for those who have betrayed their oath: soldiers of Chile, who only yesterday pledged {their} fidelity and loyalty to the government.

Given these facts, the only thing left for me is to say to workers: I am not going to resign!

Placed in a historic transition, I will pay for loyalty to the people with my life. And I say to them that I am certain that the seed which we have planted in the good conscience of thousands and thousands of Chileans will not be shriveled forever. They have strength and will be able to dominate us, but social processes can be arrested neither by crime nor force.

History is ours, and people make history.

Workers of my country: I want to thank you for the loyalty that you always had, the confidence that you deposited in a man who was only an interpreter of great yearnings for justice, who gave his word that he would respect the constitution and the law and did just that. At this definitive moment, I wish you to take advantage of the lesson: foreign capital, imperialism, together with the reaction, created the climate in which the armed forces broke their tradition, victims of the same social sector which will today be in their homes hoping, with foreign assistance, to retake power to continue defending their profits and their privileges.

I address, above all, the modest woman of our land, the campesino who believed in us, the worker who labored more, the mother who knew our concern for children. I address professionals of Chile, patriotic professionals, those who days ago continued working against the sedition sponsored by professional associations, class-based associations that also defended the advantages which a capitalist society grants to a few.

I address the youth, those who sang and gave us their joy and their spirit of struggle. I address the man of Chile, the worker, the farmer, the intellectual, those who will be persecuted, because in our country fascism has been already present for many hours – in terrorist attacks, blowing up the bridges, cutting the railroad tracks, destroying the oil and gas pipelines, in the face of the silence of those who had the obligation to

IT WOULD BE TRULY AMAZING if we were able to do a survey to assess the thoughts that entered the minds of our readers as we read the title of this article. What entered your mind when you read those five words - “with head in the sand”? Many would have conjured up the image of an ostrich having its head buried in sand. This invokes an image of someone hiding from obvious signs of danger or stress-generation circumstances.

However, if the truth be told, the ostrich does not bury its head in the sand. If they did, they would not be able to breathe. But they do dig holes in the dirt to use as nests for their eggs. They are very protective of their eggs and can be seen putting their heads in the “nest hole” to turn the eggs several times a day. To the innocent onlooker, it really looks as though the bird is burying its head in the sand!

Many in our part of the world, including this writer, have never seen this wonderful member of God’s creation. However, although we may not have had the privilege of gazing on the “real thing”, many of us have read about the bird’s eccentric parenting skills and the fact that while this bird cannot fly, it has the ability to outrun a horse; an ostrich can run as fast as 45 miles per hour.

This explains why ostrich racing has gained popularity in some parts of the world. This outstanding creature also packs a powerful kick and is known to be extremely aggressive. It is also known to peck aggressively with its beak. This is especially so when it is required to protect its young.

As indicated in the introductory paragraph, “Burying your head in the sand” is a saying that describes someone who wants to hide from obvious signs of danger or discomfort.

It also conjures up the image of someone who may wish to ignore his shortcomings or those of others. It may sometimes appear to be so easy to seek to wish or hope situations away; to pretend that they do not exist. An individual can engage in risky behaviours, and unwisely conclude that they will be exempted from the likely painful consequences of such actions. We see this demonstrated when individuals consume large amounts of alcohol, but unwisely conclude that they are sober enough to drive. In such instances, they become a danger to themselves, the passengers in their vehicles, and other road users. Their heads could be so buried in the sand that they move themselves and others ever closer to being buried six feet under. We also see it demonstrated by individuals

who engage in unprotected sex and, during that fleeting moment, refuse to contemplate the danger of contracting or spreading venereal diseases or having unwanted pregnancy. These, too, can be considered guilty of burying their heads in the sand; not calculating the consequences of the risky behaviours. We can present many other scenarios that adequately convey the “head in the sand image”.

However, it is probably more profitable if we spend the next few minutes contemplating what we can do to help those persons around and among us, who may have the tendency to avoid engaging in the necessary foresight when faced with various life challenges that lead them into this sense of denial or false hope when confronting lifechanging and life-impacting choices. We, you and I, have a responsibility to intercept with intent when we observe such behaviours.

Let us take, for example, the first scenario presented in the preceding paragraph -that of the drunk driver.

When observing such behaviours, we need to drum up the courage (and the love) to advocate that such an individual does not drive the vehicle.

Too many of us are satisfied to be spectators. We must not allow our friends and associates to play with death by driving while drunk. A vehicle becomes a weapon of death when a drunk driver is at the wheel.

We must not look away, having concluded that it is none of our business or that they are responsible for their own lives. If we do, we then become guilty on burying our heads in the sand. This must not be said of us.

The second example, revolving around conversations about sex, may create some discomfort since it is considered so very intimate; so personal; so private. However, as a society, we must refuse to bury our heads in the sand where and when such discourses are needed. We must refuse to fall prey of “wishing such conversations away”. As uncomfortable as it is, we must create the opportunity for championing more sexually responsible behaviours throughout our society. We commend the organisations throughout many of our CARICOM countries that engage in heightening the awareness of risky sexual behaviours as we lead up to national festivals such a carnival and crop over. However, it is probably true to say that a more sustained effort is needed. As a society, we may be guilty of burying our heads in the sand when we advocate that such tasks should be left to a unit or department in the Ministry of Health, or the Family Planning Association, or the church. There must be a multipronged approach that includes every concerned and responsible citizen.

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

protect them. They were committed.

History will judge them.

Surely Radio Magallanes will be silenced, and the calm metal instrument of my voice will no longer reach you. It does not matter. You will continue hearing it. I will always be next to you. At least my memory will be that of a man of dignity who was loyal to the workers.

The people must defend themselves, but they must not sacrifice themselves. The people must not let themselves be destroyed or riddled with bullets, but they cannot be humiliated either.

Workers of my country, I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other men will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason seeks to prevail. Go forward knowing that, sooner rather than later, the great avenues will open again where free men will walk to build a better society.

Long live Chile! Long live the people! Long live the workers!

These are my last words, and I am certain that my sacrifice will not be in vain, I am certain that, at the very least, it will be a moral lesson that will punish felony, cowardice, and treason.”

[Salvador Allende (1908—1973) was the president of Chile from 1970 to 1973.]

By contrast, we all know of the American response. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, ‘smart bombs’ that continued to rain down on Yemen, Sudan, Pakistan, the kidnapping and torture of suspects from all over the world, the illegal detention centres that house prisoners who have neither been charged or tried.

As Chris Hedges, the former New York Times journalist, writing to mark the anniversary of the attacks in the US, said “We could have gone another route. We could have built on the profound sympathy and empathy that swept through the world following the attacks. The revulsion over the crimes that took place, including in the Muslim world was nearly universal. The attacks, if we had turned them over to intelligence agencies and diplomats, might have opened possibilities not of war and death but ultimately reconciliation and communication, of redressing the wrongs that we commit in the Middle East and that are committed by Israel with our blessing. It was a moment we squandered. Our brutality and triumphalism, the by-products of nationalism and our infantile pride, revived the jihadist movement. We became the radical Islamist movement’s most effective recruiting tool. We descended to its barbarity.

We became terrorists too. The sad legacy of 9/11 is that the assholes, on each side, won.”

We grieve differently, and we are forced to recollect the pieces of our lives and story them as memory.

However, unless we train ourselves to remember not to forget, and to cultivate a historical memory, we will remain lost, confused and easily misled as world events unfold around us.

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

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Hurrah! Hurrah!

Another country cuts ties with Taiwan LET US REJOICE in SVG. Taiwan has suffered another humiliating international defeat. Jump up! Jump up!

On Monday 16th September 2019, the Solomon Islands voted to sever its ties with Taiwan and establish diplomatic relations with China, leaving only 16 countries with whom Taiwan has diplomatic relations.

After 36 years of formal relations with Taiwan, Solomon Islands government/cabinet voted to drop diplomatic ties with Taipei for Beijing, with immediate effect. Media reports said that 27 members of the cabinet voted in favour of the diplomatic switch to Beijing, with none opposed.

The Solomon Islands is the seventh nation — and the first in the Pacific — to establish ties with Beijing since Taiwan’s independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in January 2016. Reuters reported earlier this month that China was offering to bankroll a development fund for the Solomons, if it switched diplomatic ties

to Beijing.

An increasing number of Solomon islanders had voiced their preference for China, because of Beijing’s overwhelming economic superiority. It would be better for SVG economically to cut ties with Taiwan too, as we could start bi-lateral trade with China.

This would help SVG businesses and create thousands of new jobs in SVG. Taiwan has never bothered to set up bi-lateral trade with SVG. Taiwan’s 38-year presence in SVG has been a great hindrance to the development of SVG. Taiwan uses SVG’s fish licence to fish for tuna in the Atlantic. They are creaming off billions of dollars, and the people of SVG are getting nothing in return. Taiwan is not a friend of the people of SVG, just a friend of the ULP regime who allows Taiwan to abuse Vincentians.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, very strongly

but does not import anything from SVG. Taiwan is truly an enemy to the development of SVG. Taiwan has done nothing to help sustainable development in SVG and boost our economy. They have not built any factories or built a university. They are happy to see the contends that Taiwan is a big minus to people of SVG suffer and go further the economic development of SVG, and into poverty, whilst Taiwan gets richer. that we should urgently cut ties with It is great news for the people of that country.

SVG, that the Solomon Islands has got In order not to pay tax to the SVG rid of Taiwan. Hopefully, Taiwan will Treasury, Taiwan has registered be leaving SVG soon too. fishing vessels with offshore companies. This is a great loss to the SVG economy, but the ULP regime turns a blind eye. Meanwhile, the people of SVG have high bills and must pay taxes including VAT. Taiwan is a rich country, and its people are much better off than the people of SVG. The GDP per capita in Taiwan is over $96,000, many times more than SVG. Unemployment is low in Taiwan at around 3.72%, and only 1.78% of the population is below the poverty line. Taiwan has over 100 universities, yet SVG does not have one.

Taiwan has reserves of foreign exchange and gold of about $1049 billion; SVG has no reserves. Taiwan imports around $681 billion in goods,

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 , 2019. 13.

Literature

„MY REFLECTIONS‰⁄ a reflection “IRON SHARPENS IRON, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Proverbs 27:17 Let me preface my reflections on the book “My reflections” written

by Dominican born Dale A. Dangleben, MD FACS, by stating that this would be my first book review of sorts since Form V, and like the style by Dr. Dangleben, please forgive me if it doesn’t flow like how we were taught to do book reviews.

First off, let me say it is an easy book to read but very intense.

Secondly, this is also a book that should be read by persons desirous of pursuing a career in medicine, as it provides real life insights into

what to expect on your journey to selfbetterment and excellence, for the betterment of others … as is the case in medicine. Thirdly, from a philosophical viewpoint, the writer calls on Caribbean people generally, but those of African descent in particular, to unite on all fronts.

What strikes me is that a medical doctor from Dominica writes poetry to offload their consciences when they try their best, and victims still die. So expect some heartwrenching pieces going through this book, which allows you to enter the feelings that these medics undergo.

Racism is still very ALIVE in the USA today, and thanks to the Almighty, Dale is not a racist. On page 33, you will understand why one should not be a trauma surgeon and be racist.

The following will be the only quote from Dr. Dale Dangleben. It forms the opening sentence in the section SILENCE IS PARTICIPATION’: “Those who sit in silence and enjoy the benefits of privilege while many are hurting, are immoral, greedy and selfish.” This statement defines the character of the writer which needles the guilty if they still have a conscience.

Although not elaborated on, the

writings also stress the need for proper nutrition and exercise, critical components for the enjoyment of a healthy life.

Dr. Dangleben was guest speaker at the recently held Marcus Garvey Memorial Lecture when he launched his book. “My Reflections” is a tribute to his mother, grandmother and great grandmother — “I am, because they were”.

Contributed by: DONALD A. DE RIGGS

The Book is dedicated to the three generations in the writer’s lineage.

14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V Fonando happy with US tour

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 , 2019. 15.

Entertainment

ONE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ break out soca artistes has expressed happiness and gratitude after concluding his USA tour.

Kenvillle ‘Fonando’ Horne had one of the biggest tracks for Vincy Mas in a song called “No Soda”.

So popular was the song, that Horne received bookings for almost all of the major shows for Vincy Mas 2019. He also placed 2nd in the South Leeward Soca Monarch, and was among the 11 finalists in the National Soca Monarch Competition.

Fonando returned to the state earlier this month, after performing at a number of shows in New York and Washington DC. In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Horne said he will forever be grateful for the two weeks that he spent performing in the USA. He said that the reception was overwhelming, and he is happy that his music is reaching so far. “I wasn’t surprised, but as an artiste, you aspire to reach far with your music; so to go out there and see people react so well to your song, it gives you a happy feeling,” said Fonando.

Among the events that he

Fonando performing at Musical Mission.

Left and Right: Labour Day action.

Labour Day Parade in Eastern Parkway. “Performing on a truck at the Labour Day parade and watching thousands of people from as far back as you can see, was really a sight to behold,” said Fonando, of his experience.

He said that he was able to build his network by developing friendships with a number of influential promoters and DJs. “There is a need for more Vincentian music to be heard at parties around the world; but for this to happen, we have to have unity in the industry. The younger artistes need to respect the older ones, and the older ones need to mentor the performed at were the Vincy Day young ones. DJs and promoters event that brings thousands of here also need to respect our artistes Vincentians together; ‘Bloody Hell Crazy’ and ‘Déjà Vu’ in New York and and vice versa,” said Horne, on what he thinks need to be done to advance ‘Musical Mission’ in Vincy music.

Fonando, who is a journalist by Washington profession, and also a community DC. He was activist, said that he is happy to see also featured on many persons showing interest in a number of music, and is appealing for them to put more effort in their work. “We can radio choose to do things quickly or go interviews through the sacrifices; but with hard in Miami work comes greater reward. There will and be obstacles, there will be sabotage Maryland, and persons trying to use you, but if and you are determined and willing to performed learn from your mistakes, then you on a truck can accomplish anything,” advised the at the soca artiste.

At a Radio Fonando’s first break-out hit was a interview. song called ‘Bamboo’ in 2017.

According to him, he never really took music seriously until this year, after he began to build a wider fan base, and was constantly being pushed to continue. “I am grateful for the fans, because sometimes you can be dealt a hand that you don’t think you deserve, but once the fans have your back, their energy will propel you further,” said the ‘No Soda’ artiste.

For now, the upcoming artiste is working on new projects. He said that he is currently listening to some new instrumentals, from which he hopes to build his next hit or hits. He has also recorded a jingle for a major Bahamian drinks company, and now has his eyes set on making a music video for ‘No Soda’.

The song is now available on iTunes and a host of online streaming sites including Spotify.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

CW Prescod Primary School celebrates thirty years

THIS SEPTEMBER marks thirty years of the establishment of one of this country’s largest primary educational institutions, the CW Prescod Primary School.

To mark this the pearl anniversary of the school, several activities have been planned.

Listed for the year-long celebrations are a Church Service, a Radio Programme, the publishing of a commemorative Anniversary Magazine, a Lecture, as well as a Dinner and a school’s Open Day. Activities will kick off this month with the airing of jingles on local radio stations.

Principal of the CW Prescod Primary School, Mrs. Suzette Abbott- King, expressed her honour at being at the helm of the institution at this juncture.

“On this occasion, I have the honour to be the Principal of such a prestigious institution”, Abbott- King said.

“ As we continue to celebrate this significant milestone, I wish to congratulate all of us and pledge our support to the continued development of the school.

“Additionally, I ask for the support of all stake holders as we continue the mission of this esteemed school, that is committed to Working towards Prosperity, Progress and Success”, Abbott- King continued.

School named after an outstanding educator When the school officially opened its doors to students thirty years ago, in September 1989, it was then known as the New Kingstown Primary School.

It was a landmark in the operations of primary education, as the school then housed the senior classes, with its intake from the schools in Kingstown and its environs.

This ushered in another of

Suzette Abbott- King, Principal of the CW Prescod Primary School.

the transitions of the institution, as it was previously known as the Kingstown Methodist and before that, the Wesley Hall School.

The later renaming of the school the CW Prescod Primary, has served to pay homage to a true educator, and deservedly so.

Indeed, the late Christopher Wilberforce Prescod, was the first choice of such an honour, as his accomplishments are worthy of being revered through the renaming of a

school.

Prescod started school at age four and moved through the education systems swiftly, thus became a teacher and a Head Teacher at the age of 22.

He was then able to notch up several firsts, as he became the first Primary School Teacher, to be appointed Inspector of Schools; first to be a Member of the Board of Education, as well as the Head of the Department of Education.

In addition, Prescod was the first teacher to be appointed as

a Justice of Peace, and the first Primary School teacher, to receive the Senior Honours Certificate from the College of Preceptors, London and Pitman’s Teachers’ Certificate and Commercial Diploma.

He also pioneered the tutoring of Typewriting and Commercial subjects, which led to many Vincentians being able to sit the Pitman’s Examinations.

Today, the work of the late educator has not gone in vain, as it is being recognised and perpetuated through the core values of the CW Prescod Primary School.

The new Youlou Pan Movement Executive with Rodney Small at centre.

Rodney Small elected YPM President RODNEY SMALL has become the first active pannist in recent times, to become President of the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM). This after the Movement elected a new executive at its biennial convention on Sunday at the Girl Guides Headquarters.

The new executive is comprised of Rodney Small, President; Isheka DeRiggs Vice-President; Leslie-Ann Millington, Secretary; Breanne Burgin, Assistant Secretary; Treasurer, Shamal Stevenson; Chewalee Johnson, Public Relations Officer; Christal Oliver, Education Officer, and the two Trustee positions which were taken by Donique John and Johnny Pompey.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, Small said that he felt good after being selected as the new

president, and for the support he received from the members of the movement. He said it was always his desire to lead the organization, but he wanted to first understand the history and how the organization worked.

Small said that his executive would continue the great works that the previous administration had done, and going forward, his Executive would like to change the approach in which persons view the pan and the art form.

“We want to create more avenues for players. We want to foster better relationship with the business sector, because it has always been a challenge getting support from the business sector. We want to shine a brighter light on education in terms of pan and music education. We want to

foster better relationship with the other pan movements throughout the region, and we want to change the mindset as to how our very own players and members see the instrument, because there are a lot of different innovations that are now surrounding the instrument,” said Small on his executive plan for the first year.

He is appealing to persons to support the different events that the movement would be having, as well as supporting the various steel orchestras. “Look out for more pan in your face; we are making pan sexy,” said the new president.

The new Executive will serve a two-year term. Guest Speaker at Sunday’s Convention was Barrister and former Minister of Culture René Baptiste.

(KH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 , 2019. 17.

People

FOSH Inc. announces Scholarship winners

THE FRIENDS OF SION HILL INC. has awarded Timar Creese and Sapphira Scott as the two recipients of its 2019 scholarships.

The two were successful at this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA).

Creese, a former Timar Creese, second from right, accepts his scholarship student of award from Debbie Thomas of FOSH USA. Also in photo, are the CW Trevor John of FOSH USA and Suzette Creese.

Prescod Primary along with a $100 School, has since been cash award. enrolled at the St President of Vincent Grammar FOSH SVG, Clyde School, while Scott, who Fitzpatrick, urged previously attended the the scholarship Sion Hill Government recipients to make School, is at the Girls’ full use of the High School. organisation’s input, The scholarships are noting that “ a little valued at $800 per can go a long way”. annum, and are open to He restated that students who are the funds to assist permanent residents of students and others Sion Hill. here in St. Vincent Additionally, FOSH engages in other forms of and the Grenadines, were compliments assistance, including the hard work of the book bags and other parent organization Sapphira Scott supplies. in New York, USA. Apart from the two Several as the awarding of the scholarship winners, five fundraising functions are scholarships. students were given This is the third year bursaries. The bursaries carried out in the USA included a book bag with by FOSH Inc. to support of the scholarship such undertakings, such awards. stationery supplies,

SVGTCCU Ltd. Youth Group donates to West St. George Secondary School ON SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2019, the SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Youth Group made a donation of books to the West St. George Secondary School. The donation was made as part of the group’s community service project, and the books donated will be added to the school’s library.

The SVGTCCU Ltd. Ms. Diane Williams – Principal, Mr. Keshron King Youth Group was –Rep. for SVGTCCU Ltd. Youth Group, Ms. Lornet formed in 2011, with the mission of providing Frederick – Librarian. a positive outlet for the This donation was made possible youths of St. Vincent & the through sponsorship from the Grenadines, and focuses on the SVGTCCU Ltd. Bookshop and development of their leadership skills Supplies Outlet, which provided the and building their community spirit. books used in the donation.

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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Rotary Club of St. Vincent welcomes DG THE START OF THE 20192020 Rotary year has begun with much

excitement as the Rotary Club of St. Vincent welcomed District

Governor Trevor Blake to St. Vincent and the Grenadines as part of his

official visit to Rotary and Rotaract Clubs throughout District 7030 on Monday September 16, 2019.

2019-2020 District Governor (DG), Mr Trevor Blake, is a national of St. Kitts, and currently serves as Managing Director of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd. DG Blake was engaged with members of the Rotary family during his three-day visit to SVG, discussing planned

projects for the 20192020 Rotary year. He also paid a courtesy call to Her Excellency Governor General Susan Dougan, and visited the Management and students of the School for Children with Special Needs to view the recently completed project undertaken by the Rotary Club of St. Vincent — the refurbishing of the school’s roof and the school’s playground.

For the 2019-2020 Rotary year, DG Blake has asked Clubs across District 7030 to focus on projects geared towards the reduction of Type 2 Diabetes, as well as Youth at Risk. The Rotary Club of St. Vincent looks forward to a productive visit as we prepare to positively impact lives throughout our community for another Rotary year.(Contributed)

Vinsave looking to branch out DIRECTOR OF THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Save the Children Fund (VINSAVE), Janice Fraser and External Assessor Jacquline RobinsonMassiah met with the Accreditation Unit on Monday 26th August 2019. The officers were given the opportunity to engage in consultations with the L-R: SEO Descima Hamilton with VINSAVE’s Janice National Accreditation Fraser and External Assessor Jacquline RobinsonBoard (NAB) through Massiah. the Accreditation Unit the forward thrust of the officers, (AU).

Fraser and Robinson-Massiah to The officers support the provide a background to the quality management of VINSAVE formerly assurances undertaken in an earlier known as the Canadian Save the dispensation of VINSAVE. Children Fund (Cansave). VINSAVE Senior Education Officer Descima provides training in the delivery of Hamilton, on behalf of the NAB/AU, Early Childhood Education & provided guidelines on the steps Development as well as Parenting. necessary for a collaborative approach The consultations provided the towards ensuring a successful outcome VINSAVE officers with the in the registration process. There will opportunity to place the services be follow up consultations but no offered by their institution in a timelines were discussed. historical context. The framework for (Contributed)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 , 2019. 19.

Views

National Heroes’ Day: Carib Chief Chatoyer

Continued from Page 8. cunning and as brutal to his opponents as they had been to him.

Naturally, Chatoyer was painted as the Devil incarnate by the foe, his people described as cannibals by the Scribes and Pharisees of the Colonial Power.

The Caribs were finally overpowered by superior military hardware during the night of March 14, 1795 in a bloody battle at Dorsetshire Hill. Their troops were decimated.

Chatoyer who always led from in front was, most likely, wounded in that battle whence he must have been whisked away by his soldiers in whose company he subsequently died, then was secretly buried. What is certain, is that Chatoyer was never again seen after the fateful night of March 14.

In order to glorify and add lustre to their feat, British historians had Chatoyer falling in handto-hand combat with their own major Alexander Leith. If that story had been true, and the entire

scene not conjured up as Dr. Earl Kirby has pointed out in an interview, one could have rest assured that Chatoyer’s body would have been paraded mockingly as a trophy of war and his place of interment marked as a stain to native pretensions. Instead, to this day, nobody knows where the remains of Chatoyer lie.

It was important to the British that we should be deprived of psychological uplift that comes with having native heroes to worship. They therefore tried to sweep the cupboard bare. We are now charged with the burden of debunking theories, exploding myths, and rewriting a true history from a national perspective. The life and times of Joseph Chatoyer is a good starting point. It is a difficult task to reconstruct our history.

Most of it was oral anyway, and the Carib language preserved in Belize, was an early casualty in our tragic episode. Then the expert

evidence of archaeology is THE UNION JACK! - the celebration of National Heroes Day is committed fortification was Ours!” hampered by the to correct and reverse…”

This is the kind of destruction wrought by The above was miseducation that the volcanic eruptions. And, we have noted, European Imperial History had a vested interest in seeking to wrap and twist the colonial mentality.

The job of de-briefing the mind of brain-washed colonials is nothing short of colossal. Look at the withdrawal symptoms suffered by the mere abolition of 22nd of January as Discovery Day Holiday! Not even “Guy Fawkes Night” would go away quietly.

There is a revealing story published on “The Capture of Dorsetshire Hill” in the 1949 issue of the Grammar School Magazine in which the author, Vincentian student, now an Anglican priest, identified completely with the British.

The Vincentian national, calling himself “Captain Hastings” of the British armed forces, boasted of killing two Caribs in the nocturnal encounter, “and as the day broke I raised my eyes and beheld a flag-

published in a “This Week” column about twenty years ago.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Nuff hypocrisy in this church

Dear George, I AM AT the point now where I simply do not go to church anymore because of what has been happening in my church and other churches, as far as I can see.

There is a young lady in my church who has affairs with two other members who are married. The men who are married, are coming to the church without their wives, and this young lady just threw herself on them, and the thing is, everybody knows it.

I have taken this information to the Pastor, but nothing has been done about it. There are people singing in the choir who are not talking to each other, and yet they continue to sing in the choir.

I am tired of reporting all of this to the Pastor and getting the same answer which is, “Don’t worry, everything will work itself out in the end”. I want to leave and go to another church, but they are all the same, just asking for more and more money from their members.

I do not feel comfortable staying at home away from church, but what else can I do? Don’t get me wrong, there are some Sisters at my church who I talk with, and they encourage me a lot, but for me that is not enough.

This sort of thing has to stop, and if it doesn’t, then the church will surely end up losing all of their members.

Hurt Sister Dear Hurt Sister, Show me a church without problems, and I will show you a perfect church. You will not find a perfect church, no matter where you search. But the good news is, you can certainly play a huge role in helping those around you to raise their spiritual standards.

Go back to your Pastor and raise the issues again to him, and if he fails to exercise spiritual leadership in dealing with the matter, then you can invite the Church Board (if there is one) or Deacons to deal with the issue at hand. Remind your Pastor of his spiritual obligation to take care of all the flock, meaning that he has to pay close attention to when one member is hurting, and when other members are causing harm to others by their carnal behaviour.

Continue to be encouraged by those Sisters you made mention of. Do not run away, but stay and allow God to use you to be that change agent. As you continue to pray about the matter, you will hear undoubtedly directions as to what your next move ought to be.

George

Tough love is best Dear George, MY BROTHER and I live not too far from each other. We both own a vehicle and drive ourselves to work.

My brother has a habit of drinking and driving while drunk, something I have always talked to him about. He would instruct me to mind my own business, and what he does is his own business. I have also talked to him about getting help for his alcohol problems, but he refused to even think he has an alcohol problem.

Many times, I begged him to go and talk to someone who can help him to stop drinking, but to no avail. My biggest fear came true when he crashed his vehicle after driving home from one of his drinking sprees.

He does not have the use of his vehicle anymore, and is now asking me to give him a ride to work. I refused to do any such thing, and for that he is keeping me malice and going about telling everyone how wicked I am. People are meeting me in the street and asking me why I am allowing my brother to use public transport to get to work when I live so close to him and can give him a ride.

My brother knows the real story, and I am not going to allow him to enter my car, because I have warned him several times about his drinking and he has not listened. I told him that he will only get to be in my vehicle after he starts going for help

for his alcohol problem.

George, am I wrong? Sometimes I do feel guilty, but he has to learn his lesson.

Fed Up Dear Fed Up, You need not feel guilty in this regard, because your brother is an adult and he has made that decision to drink and to be irresponsible enough to drive while under the influence. You did warn him and tried to prevent him from ending up in the situation that he now finds himself.

There is no harm in you exercising tough love in his case. It would not be helpful to him if you make everything easy for him, and he would not see any need to get help.

Continue to talk to him about getting help for his drinking.

Encourage him to talk to someone at The Marion House for starters. Let him know that you do not hate him, but instead care enough about him to be on his case to get professional help. Let him know as well that you would be prepared to take him in your car, should he decide to visit The Marion House or anywhere else for that matter where he can get the help he needs.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex this week. Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover.

Valuable information can be yours if you TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early.

Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely. You will have to put those you live with in their place if they try to interfere with your work.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You should be trying to clear up legal contracts that have been pending. Your ability to ferret out secret information will lead you to an inside scoop on an amazing financial deal. Don't overdo it.

You need to enjoy yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation.

Valuable information can be yours if you listen to those with experience. Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Difficulties with children will surface if you try to break a promise you made. You may want to sign up for courses that will encourage you to have more confidence in yourself. You may be thinking of starting your own business.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You have the stamina and determination to succeed. Older members of your family may try to take advantage of you. Expect some flak. Be prepared to counteract the damage that adversaries are about to create.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Opportunities will come through long term investments. Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. Unstable relationships are likely.

You're best to avoid disputes.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Investments concerning your residence will be profitable. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil.

Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. It won't take much to upset your lover.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence.

You will be able to make favorable changes in your living quarters. Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. You need to refrain from being the generous one in the group.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) A lack of support and negativity have been the main problems. Upheavals may occupy your day. Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset.

Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship. Consider making residential changes; either moves or renovations could payoff. You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. Situations could easily get blown out of proportion if you have made unreasonable promises.

Relatives will want to get together. Your courage and willpower will enable you to get rid of destructive habits as well.

ACROSS 1. Pottery material 5. Thanksgiving vegetable 8. Baby’s caregiver 12. Take on as an employee 13. “Now it makes sense!”

14. Talented Baldwin 15. Like Satan 16. Flirtatiously shy 17. Pickle seasoning 18. Rich 20. Disorderly crowd 21. Granola grain 22. Disney duck 25. Wear a sad face 28. Related people 29. Cow’s utterance 30. Cut (branches) 31. Holds firmly 33. Picnic insect 34. Peak in Switzerland 35. Top for a shoebox 36. Trident prongs 38. Tilled (a field) 40. Favored student 41. Negative votes 42. Ring shapes 46. Concluded 48. Lass 49. Own 50. “Gone With the __” 51. Gorilla or gibbon 52. At regular intervals 53. Permits 54. Peony plot 55. Pub projectile DOWN 1. Enjoy gum 2. Dwell (in) 3. Tenor’s big solo 4. Dandelion hue 5. Pleasure boat

6. Nautical call 7. April trailer 8. Professional stoneworker 9. Montgomery resident 10. Crooner Torme 11. Emulate Bill Murray 19. Hair knots 20. Fiendish ogre 22. Brief swim 23. Without a companion 24. Domino specks 25. Envelope fold 26. Breadbasket bun 27. Adversary 28. Young goat 32. Cure (of)

37. Needed to scratch 39. Phrase components 40. Placed in a heap 42. _ Cod,

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. 21.

Massachusetts 43. Volcanic rock 44. In any situation 45. Mailed (mail) 46. Hooting bird 47. Compete (for) 48. Chat idly

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V JohnÊs Academy graduates 45

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. 23.

MVP for each Cluster (from left to right) Cody Grant (North Central Windward), Genella Glasgow (Arnos Vale), Damani Phillips (North Leeward).

Participants in the Lennox John Academy with certificates.

Left: Kishore Shallow, President of the SVGCA Inc, addressed the closing.

FORTY-FIVE YOUNG CRICKETERS are today improved players and better persons, having completed a three-month stint in Year Two, at the Lennox John Cricket Academy.

The forty-five participants were exposed to structured coaching on the basics of cricket and were involved in lifestyle sessions.

The actual sessions were conducted in three Clusters - North Central Windward, Arnos Vale, and North Leeward - and accommodated 15 persons from the Under15 age group in each cluster, each under the guidance of two coaches.

Addressing a closing which took place last weekend at the National Sports Council, Dr.

Kishore Shallow, President of the SVG Cricket Association, spoke of a change in approach, saying, “When we came up with this idea a couple years ago, it was just 15 players with few Under 19s, but this year we decided to focus on our Under 15 players,… giving them an early opportunity to develop their talent.”

Dr. Shallow also spoke of this country’s return to prominence in the sub-regional and regional youth tournaments, relating this to the emergence of support structures like the Lennox John Cricket Academy.

The President also commented on the other opportunities the SVGCA offers. “We have been exposing our players at the sub regional level, with the establishment of a bilateral agreement with Tobago for a series of matches at the Under-15 and Senior levels.”

He reminded the graduates that there are thousands of opportunities for cricketers. “St Vincent is right up there with any of the Caribbean Islands in terms of

representation at the highest level. SVG has four players playing for West Indies currently, in Sunil Ambris, Obed McCoy, Keswick Williams and Jamel Warrican,” he said.

Dr. Shallow also used the occasion to encourage the participants to focus on their academics, and urged those present to continue to support them.

Looking ahead, President Shallow assured: “This is only the start of the different plans we have to unfold which will complement what we are doing; but rest assured the Lennox John Academy will continue next year, and hopefully we would move from 45 to 60 players in the academy”.

I.B.A.ALLEN

COMPUTEC All Stars take over Diamonds Football League

New Champions - COMPUTEC All Stars.

COMPUTEC ALL STARS beat SV United 4-2 to take the 2019 Acres Agri Caesar’s Real Estate Diamonds League at the Diamonds Playing Field, last Sunday, to return to the top.

All Stars’ goals were scored

by Shandell Samuel, Deomaji Samuel, Ryan Bute and Benford Joseph.

SV United’s responses were from Kemron Osment and Dwayne Cupid.

The new champions gained the first-place trophy and

Benford Joseph, Odale Cupid and Ryan Bute, made up COMPUTEC All Stars’ tally of goals.

Pride and Joy’s goals came from Nalroy Peters and an own goal conceded by COMPUTEC All Stars.

L-R: Deomaji Samuel - Top Goal Scorer SV United got to and Anthony Hazell - Best Goal Keeper. the final, by registering a 4-2 Before reaching Sunday, win over Chapmans All Stars, COMPUTEC All Stars beat in the other semi-final.

Kemron Osment netted two, Kebez Pride and Joy, 5-2 in the semi- finals, with SV and Shaquille Barker and United ousting Chapmans All Shorn Browne, a goal each, gave SV United their berth in Stars 4-2 in the other semifinal. the final.

Scoring for Chapmans All Individual awards Stars were Keyon Baptiste and Jimmie Kiel.

In the individual awards Chapmans All Stars $2500, with SV United gaining secured the third place with a segment, COMPUTEC All a trophy and $1500.

4-0 blanking of Pride and Joy. Stars secured three, as COMPUTEC All Stars Keyon Baptiste netted twice Deomaji Samuel was the Leading Goal Scorer; Najima reached the final by ousting and Brandon Johnson and Kebez Pride and Joy in the Jeron Mc Dowall, once each, to Burgin - Best Defender, and Odale Cupid- Best Midfielder. semi-finals. earn Chapmans All Stars the Kebez Pride and Joy’s Christopher Harry with third-place trophy and the Anthony Hazell was adjudged two, and one each from $500 cash award. the Best Goal Keeper.

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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

„Young footballers playing without a future‰, Renrick Alexander

VINCENTIAN Football Coach- Renrick Alexander holds the view that many young talented Vincentian footballers are playing without a future.

Alexander came to this conclusion, as he agreed that there is no formal structure in place, Football Coach- to have students Renrick transition to higher Alexander. educational institutions, while furthering their football abilities.

Therefore, Alexander is calling on the Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, to be more hands on, in getting young students out to the United States of America on Football scholarships.

Alexander, who is based in the USA, noted that while he acknowledges that in some way the administrators of Football do play a role in helping student - athletes go on scholarships, it needs to be a policy undertaking.

“The Federation is exposed to all the talented who play at the Youth level, and these kids are basically playing without a future, so they need to put the systems in place and provide an avenue out for these footballers”, Alexander advanced.

Alexander noted that there are several opportunities available to Vincentian footballers, but there needs an organisation to take the lead, hence he proposes the SVGFF’s Secretariat.

“There is need for that body to act on behalf of our young footballers; ensure that they do their SAT’s (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and make certain that several of the requirements are met, including that players are not being rewarded financially, while playing Football here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, Alexander explained.

Alexander, who scouts for students to attend US colleges, also wants young players here to pay a lot more attention to their academics.

“As college scouts, we look at your grades as well as your performance, but with the grades carrying the greater weight”, Alexander added.

He revealed that the college Football programmes are sometimes taxing, as teams often train twice per day, which for some Vincentian students may be somewhat of a culture shock.

Alexander believes, though, that if such information is filtered to the student- athletes, it will avoid some of the pitfalls which Vincentian footballers sometimes go through when they embark on scholarships in the USA. Hence, he reiterated on the need for an intermediary body, and again called on the Secretariat of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation to take up that role.

“We have a lot of young national footballers in the Major League Soccer (MLS), in the United States of America, but we need to hang our hats high and aim high, and the executive of the SVGFF has to ensure this”, Alexander concluded.

Williams leaves for Australia RYAN WILLIAMS, the opportunity to play Vincentian and Windward cricket outside of the Islands Under 19 fast Caribbean,” he added. He bowler, heads to Australia also expressed his gratitude for a six months stint to to Kenroy Peters who play club cricket. instigated this exchange.

Williams said he is Williams, who began delighted to be heading to a playing cricket at age 7, country where cricket is one came through the primary of the top sports. “I am school system, after which looking forward to building he attended the Emmanuel more on my game, building High School in Mespo and a bond with the team, SVG Community College. making sure that I fit into He was part of both cricket the team’s plan and culture, teams, and also represented and performing for the the SVG Under 15, team. I have been given the Windward Islands Under opportunity from the Mell 19, as well as being part of Ryan Williams Park Cricket Club in the SVG Senior Team in SVG Under 19 Melbourne, and look forward fast bowler.

2018. to expressing myself and to Williams was expected to better myself”. leave the state on Thursday, and will “I am forever grateful to the SVG spend six months.

Cricket Association, for believing in me and choosing me, and giving me I.B.A. ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. 25.

Sports

Painful lessons of travel THE CENTRAL AMERICAN nation of Nicaragua experienced the harsh realities of regional travel as the result of their encounter in Suriname showed. By the time the Nicaraguans realised what was happening, they were four goals down.

Suriname converted in the 9th, 11th, 13th and 30th minutes. By the interval it was 4: 0. The other goals came in the 65th and 85th minutes.

Generally, no one shows any sympathy for anyone else, especially when you are battling for the same prize. As close as the countries are, communication could be a nightmare.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced its share notably in the days before the opening of the Argyle International Airport. The Nicaraguans underwent a winding route to Suriname, including stops to Panama, Jamaica, Miami then Suriname.

It is no surprise that jet lag might have taken its toll.

SVG experienced a similar story on their way to Nicaragua. That was compounded by the fact that the itinerary included Belize where two Friendly matches were scheduled. Those games served the nation in good stead, for the Vincentians drew one game and lost the other.

When it came to the real test, a draw in Nicaragua turned out to be an acceptable affair.

That was not the final hurdle in the travel drama, for it took the Vincentians two days to get back home.

Vincentian fans watching the game at Arnos Vale, were harsh in their criticism of the Vincentian players. No one took time to assess the circumstances. That the team came out with a 1:0 win is testimony of the resilience of the team.

It was obvious to me that the players were still recovering from the horrors of travel. The administration and technical staff will be better off from lessons the experience provided.

Suriname’s next encounter will be against SVG at Arnos Vale. The Vincentians will be better prepared when Suriname comes here Friday, October 11.

The return leg in Suriname three days later should not offer the same dilemma that Nicaragua was faced with.

Dominica on the other hand will be up against the Central Americans in Nicaragua. But Dominica will not be serving up any gifts, and once they make proper arrangements, things will be balanced.

The Nature Islanders are proving themselves to be worthy contenders. While they lost both matches, it is clear that once they overcome their trigger shyness, positive results are not outside their grasp.

But it is a dog fight, and we (SVG) have another contest with Dominica in their backyard. There is some level of solidarity as far as the OECS is concerned, and whereas we battle on the field of play, there is an understanding of solidarity as far as the Eastern Caribbean dollar is concerned.

In a subtle way, Vincentians will be hoping that Dominica strikes blows which favour SVG. With pride at stake, Dominica will not allow anyone to ride roughshod over them. They proved their mettle so far. A lot is at stake in these nation League clashes. There are opportunities to break out, make a name for the nation, and for individuals to etch their name on the international scene.

That goes for everyone. Every game is a new platform. And players, coaches and administrators will be advised to take them seriously. In any event, there is the final round in November, and no one will want to leave it to the 11th hour to establish their credentials. That is why it is essential that preparations be taken seriously and teams execute their plans to the fullest.

Tobago wins Inaugural Series TOBAGO beat St Vincent and the Grenadines by 2 wickets in their final encounter, to take the Inaugural Ian Allen/Lincoln Roberts 50 Overs Series title.

Tobago won the first match by 52 runs, but SVG bounced back to win the second by 9 wickets. Tobago also won the lone T20 match, beating the host by 4 wickets.

In the final match played at Park Hill, SVG made 238 from

49.4 overs. Seon Sween top-scored with a swashbuckling 111, including 13 fours and 4 sixes.

Asif Hooper hit 46. Dejourn Charles took 3 for 45, Joshua James 2 for 30 and Ancil Nedd 2 for 25.

Tobago in reply reached 239 for 8 from 50 overs, with the winning run coming off the last ball of their allotted 50 overs. Joshua James top scored with 55, Kelon Lunch Joshua James scored the most runs 153 and was MVP of the series.

Tobago team, Champions of the Series. made 37, Christian Adams 33, Dejourn Charles 27 and Leron Lezama 22. Darius Martin bagged 3 for 46 and Asif Hooper 2 for 24.

As far as top individual performances were concerned, Joshua James of Tobago, with 153 runs, was top runs-getter and was also named MVP of the Series.

Seon Sween, SVG’s wicket-keeper batsman was the second highest runs-getter with 136, including one century.

Darius Marin, SVG fast bowler, took the most wickets, 9. Jeremy Layne of SVG and Ancil Nedd and Dejourn Charles both from Tobago took 7 wickets apiece.

I.B.A. ALLEN

SVG team Runners up.

Darius Martin took the most wickets 9.

P’tani record big win in Masters T20 A R & D TRUCKING P’TANI Masters produced a clinical performance to record a convincing 135-run win over Stanley Dalzell Park Hill, in the second round in the 2019 SVG Masters 20/20 cricket competition played last weekend.

P’tani Masters made 189 for 4 off 20 overs, Isaac Haywood 83, Jerome Samuel 40, and then disposed of Park Hill for 53 in 11.4 over, thanks to Ray Richards, 5 for 15.

Joseph Da Silva Memorial Funeral Home North Leeward Masters defeated Kirk DaSilva’s La Croix Masters by 6 wickets.

Scores: La Croix 67 all out off 18 overs - Ricky King 33, Donovan Mason 3 for 4; North Leeward 73 for 4 off 9.2overs

Computec Belfongo Masters defeated Sion Hill Masters by 52 runs. Computec Belfongo got to 151 for 8 off 20 overs, Devon Williams 45, Sylvannus Horne 28, Veldon Chance 28. Joseph Medford and Sylvester Vanloo took 3 wickets each. Sion Hill were disappointing in reply, managing only 99 for 4 off 20 overs. Keyon Jack top scored with 26.

Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters defeated North Windward Masters by 25 runs.

Scores: Stubbs136 for 8 off 20 overs, Brian Alexander 29; North Windward 111 for 9 off 20 overs, Kissinger McLean 3 for 13.

RSVG Police Masters defeated General Hardware Pastures Masters on a

faster scoring rate, rain having affected the match. Scores: RSVG Police 148 for 8 off 20 overs, Parnel Browne 50 - Josh Abraham 3 for 32, Lennox Samuel 3 for 41; Pastures. 116 for 7 off 18.2 overs - Parnel Browne and Elmore Alexander took 2 wickets each.

The match between Digicel Cato Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters and Davis Construction Bequia Masters was abandoned. Scores: Glamorgan 241 for 5 off 20 overs Gershom Dick 74, Clyde Mofford 41, Adonel Foyle and Ellis Lavia 2 wickets each: Bequia 22 for no wicket after 2 overs when rain ended play.

I.B.A. ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

HILVAN CLAUDIUS OTTLEY Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Kingstown Baptist Church *DUGHQ¶V *DWH St. Vincent and The Grenadines Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

WINIFRED ERNESTINE MERLE GURLEY Saturday, 14th September, 2019 6W -RKQ¶V Anglican Church Belair Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

MICHAEL DA SILVA

DONNA LYSCOTT

Sunday, 15th September, 2019 Green Hill Evangelical Church Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, 15th September, 2019 Layou S.D.A Church Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

ETTA RITA ETHEL FLORETTA ROBERTS

ENID SUTHERLAND THOMPSON

Saturday, 14th September, 2019 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Georgetown Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Holy Trinity Church Yard

Sunday, 15th September, 2019 Layou Grace and Truth Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.34.

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BUSINESSWOMAN SHOT IN CAMPDEN PARK

by KENVILLE HORNE MARCIA SAMUEL, a businesswoman who operates a Hair Salon and Lotto Booth in the Campden Park area, was at her business place sometime around 2 pm on Saturday, when a gunman showed up demanding money. Upon seeing the gunman, Samuel screamed, after which the young man, who was not wearing a disguise, responded by firing a shot. This grazed her left arm before eventually hitting a wall inside the business place.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Samuel said

Damage to the wall where the

that 20 minutes prior to the shooting incident, a young man came to purchase 3D. She said that she noticed the guy acting in a suspicious manner, but he eventually bought the tickets and left.

When the gunman came, Samuel had already left the Lotto Booth and was sitting in the waiting area of her salon.

“I went and sat down, and when I look at the door, I see a man pointing a gun at me, and then I started to scream ‘Oh God, Oh God’, and he let go the bullet, then I fell on the ground,” said Samuel. The gunman eventually left without taking any money.

Saturday’s incident was not the first time Samuel’s business had been targeted.

She said that her business place was hit by robbers before.

She recounted that sometime between 2017 and 2018, three robbers, using guns, got away bullet struck. with over

EC$1000, even as customers were lined up to buy Lotto.

“One of the robbers told the customers ‘Nobody f-ing move,’ Samuel recollected, adding “I don’t know why they continue targeting me”.

She believes that young people need jobs because many of them sit down doing nothing meaningful. “Some of them need to go back to school and try to improve themselves.

It’s a sad situation because many of them are not working but interfering with people who work so hard, and I have to work very hard,” said the mother of one. Samuel said that she hopes the police catch the culprit and let him tell them why he had to shoot her.

“I don’t interfere with people,” she declared.

Despite the incident, the businesswoman has already resumed business. She said that she continues to do so because it is her way of earning a living. “This is how I earn a living. What can I do? I have my bills to pay,” said Samuel.

Marcia Samuel shows where the shot from the gunman grazed her left arm.

Right: The area in Campden Park where the shooting incident took place.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.