Vin pages 21 04 17 e reader for web

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

APRIL 21, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.16

Bowens, described by some as an itinerant THE COMMUNITY OF fish vendor and said to Ottley Hall was, not for be the mother of six, the first time, thrown into came to some a period of grief when one prominence recently, of its members, 32-yearwhen she posted old Shemael Bowens, was comments and a video in shot and killed. support of Alisha Reports are that Browne, who claimed around 9:40pm on that police had entered Wednesday, April 12, her home without a while Bowens was search warrant. There standing along that was also some comment portion of the main road implying that the police that runs in front of a had apparently used church in Ottley Hall, force to enter the house, she was shot multiple while in search of times by two unknown Bowens’ brother who assailants. She died on was in a relationship the spot. with Browne.

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

by KENVILLE HORNE

Shemael Bowens’ death may be the result on an ongoing feud, according to a resident of Ottley Hall. (Facebook photo)

Shemael Bowens’ grandmother (seated) is trying to come to grips with her daughter’s death, and now has to care for her grandchildren (also pictured) (Credit: SVGTV)

by reducing the prevalence of insecurity, fear, violence and crime.”

But even as it beckoned to the community to deal with its own problems, the NCW acknowledged that “family members of victims and perpetrators are slowly becoming targets,” and called for the National Security authorities “to change the strategy of policing,” since it is clear “that the presence of police is not a deterrent.”

Shooting continues NCW condemns killing

Ottley Hall has shown some improvement in housing stock, but community members say that gunshots are heard on any given night.

Bowens’ death, listed as the 7th homicide for the year, did not go unnoticed by concerned national parties.

The National Council of Women (NCW), in a release received by this publication on Wednesday 19th April, condemned Bowens’ death as an “inhumane and senseless killing.”

Recognising that Ottley Hall has been something of a hotbed of crime and senseless killing, the NCW called for the community to some together and “settle their differences in amicable and sensible ways,” towards putting an end to the problems that plague the community.

The Council called for “a concerted effort” towards stopping what it described as “this community decay,

However, even as the NCW called for a ‘coming together’ of the community, a resident of the community reported to THE VINCENTIAN that at least twelve gunshots were heard in the area last Saturday, an occurrence which another resident said was a “customary happening.”

Yet another resident ventured to say that last Saturday’s gunshots were related to Bowens’ killing .

“Is a different gang war,” that resident said.

“The police and dem like dem frighten because the thing (shooting) still ah continue and nobody nar do nothing,” the resident continued.

Continued on Page 3.

V

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Samuel is top Pan American Life Insurance Advisor IF SECURING YOUR FUTURE means anything to you, and you are

prepared to do something about it, there is one individual with whom you

should make contact.

That person is Benjamin Gideon

Samuel, familiarly He can be found, known as ‘Benjie’, and he Monday to Friday, at Benjamin Gideon Samuel is easy to find. the Pan American has done himself, his Life Insurance, an Company and country affiliate of the proud.

Metrocint General Insurance Company, located at Paul’s Avenue he concedes.

Samuel’s in capital city Kingstown. accomplishment has been Samuel, from the highlighted in Pan community of Gomea in American publications, the West St. George and while he relishes in constituency, has been the coverage, he will named Organisation of relish even more “the Eastern Caribbean cheque which States Insurance accompanies the Advisor/Agent of the prestigious recognition.”

Quarter (January — He sees it also as a March, 2017), in Pan token of appreciation for American Life’s ongoing his work on behalf of the package of incentives to “families whose financial its staff.

Samuel beat 150 other future I work hard to agents, spread across the protect.”

Samuel had early sub-region, for the top education at the Sion spot in the competition.

Hill Government School High performance is nothing new for Samuel. thence to the St. Martin’s Secondary. He joined the He copped OECS Insurance Advisor/Agent insurance industry in 2000, and enlisted with of the Month twice before, in 2012 and 2015. Pan American Life “I have always been a Insurance in 2012.

A family man, and top producer here with father of a six-year- old Pan American Life,” daughter, Samuel is Samuel said with some Secretary of the prompting, and he Vincentian Association of confessed that he felt Insurance and Financial “proud” about his accomplishment since, in Advisers.

THE VINCENTIAN his words, “it has placed Publishing Company me in positions of joins with its sister prominence around the companies Metrocint region.”

General Insurance and This achievement MetroLife/Pan American serves as further evidence of his dedication Life in congratulating Samuel on his and diligence to the profession and industry, achievement. (WKA)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 3.

News 3 Minister wants wider discussion on mini-bus matters Minister Frederick Stephenson wants to see the discussion on the operations of minibuses to include but to go beyond the issue of playing loud and lewd music.

IT IS EXPECTED that the much anticipated revised Traffic Act will address issues relating to the playing of loud, lewd music

in passenger vans.

But Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs,

Persons with Disabilities and Youth - Augustus Frederick Stephenson said, that while he had his views as to what

ought to be done as it relates to the issue of the playing of lewd music in omni-buses, the situation warranted discussion

‘You will be removed,’ Minister warns THOSE PERSONS WHOSE abodes are located in the area surrounding the VINLEC Power Plant and fuel farm located at Lowmans, have been reminded that they will be removed forcibly, if necessary.

Minister of Housing, Informal Settlements, Physical Planning, Lands and Surveys Montgomery Daniel indicated that in 2016 there were reports that people were beginning to move in to the area, even after previous residents were relocated following the establishment of the project.

Daniel further stated that enforcement notices were served, and those who failed to comply with these notices were removed and the structures demolished.

He was responding to area representative Daniel Cummings who, at the April 6 Meeting of the House of Assembly, asked whether or not government would be offering any assistance to two families who were removed from their living quarters at Lowmans Bay. According to Cummings, the families were living at the stated location for some time, and that while importance of maintaining a minimum radius to ensure safety was understandable, it was appalling the lack of dignity shown to those families.

But the Minister of Housing said that the action was taken in accordance with the law, and if the affected individuals wanted to rebuild their homes, there was a

Montgomery Daniel, Minister of Housing, etc., has warned that persons who continue to take up residence within the confines of the boundary of the Lowmans Power Plant, will be removed. process to which they had to adhere.

The process included completing an application for a parcel of land and, according to Daniel, he was sure the department would facilitate their request.

“And I can go further. If they make a request and ask for some material, they can apply to the Ministry of Housing and get some material assistance,” the minister said.

VINLEC, in a joint venture arrangement with government, acquired 8.5 acres of land at

Daniel Cummings, MP for the area, wanted to know about forthcoming assistance for persons who had been removed.

Lowmans Bay to accommodate the power plant and fuel farm.

In 2005, a master plan was developed for the area to ensure orderly and progressive development as well as to ensure security, Minister Daniel said.

And in the interest of national safety and, based on a blast radius along with the topographic constraints and the absence of secondary access, it was determined that all residences within the area acquired would have to be removed.

This created a development boundary in which it was determined that no housing development will be permitted in the area, Daniel explained, and all the existing structures then were removed and the residents relocated.

and should involve parents, schools, the Police and the community.

He made the comment at the April 6 Sitting of the House of Assembly, in response to a question put forward by Opposition Senator, Marcia Barnwell.

She expressed the concern that loud and lewd music was a violation of the wellbeing of children, under Section (31) of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, and given that studies had shown that listening to loud music can have harmful effects on learning and memory, she inquired as to whether the government would be looking to implement an immediate ban on loud music in public transportation.

However, Stephenson went further to state that there were other areas related to public transportation that needed to be addressed.

In citing the situation as it relates to conductors, Minister Stephenson said that he witnessed on an occasion when before a mini-van had come to stop, the conductor was already standing.

He recalled the loud music coming from that bus, and added that even after six students had alighted the vehicle, and the conductor re-entered and closed the door, he was still in a standing position.

“We can put all the relevant legislation in place, but parents and the community and the schools have to be involved,” Stephenson said.

“There is a Noise Act, and if I may say, as part of the new traffic regulations that should be coming on board soon, I believe that the government would seek to take a stance to further address the issue. (Stories by DD)

Female is SVG’s latest homicide victim Continued from Front Page.

“But if a somebody in a society or government get kill, then yo go see a different approach,” said the frustrated member of the Ottley Hall community, the road through which is the only Primary access to the Marina and Shipyard located at the Ottley Hall Bay. Police sources admit that Ottley Hall has been known to be a breeding ground for criminals, and despite a resident police presence in the area, they seemed unable to effectively break the back of criminal activity and rivalry there.

The police said that they are investigating the latest homicide; but residents in the community have some concerns, given the fact that the video of the police raid on Bowens’ house has inflamed the animosity between the police and residents, according to one observer.

V

4. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Praedial larceny prosecutions unsuccessful THE UNSUCCESSFUL prosecution of persons arrested for committing acts of praedial larceny remains an issue of serious concern.

And, according to Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, a significant number of reported cases never get to the point of being prosecuted, because of unsuccessful intelligence gathering to make even an arrest.

Caesar made the disclosure during a Sitting of the House of Assembly, April 6.

The Minister admitted that there exists legislation to deal with praedial larceny, but pointed to the issue of intelligence gathering leading to a successful prosecution as an entirely different issue.

Saying that he did not want to undermine the work of the Police and the Rural Constables, Caesar added that the work of the perpetrators had become more sophisticated, and it was no longer a situation where one animal would be taken.

There was evidence that persons were coordinating movements with the use of mobile phones and renting vehicles for use in executing their plans, Caesar added.

Citing statistics provided to him by the Police for 2016, Caesar reported that there were 202 reports of praedial larceny in that year. He, however, proffered that the actual number could well be higher because a significant number of such crimes often go unreported.

Caesar singled out the area between Colonaire and Fancy in Region Three (Peruvian Vale to Fancy), as accounting for 136 of the 202 reports, out of which eleven arrests were made.

“So as it pertains to reports, to arrests, to successful prosecutions, you can see a significant fall off in the chain,” the agriculture minister said.

And while the fallout has been that a number of farmers were getting out of animal production because of the problem of theft, Caesar said that more recently the St Vincent Cocoa Company had contacted the ministry to complain that they too were the unfortunate victims.

The result was that farmers were now saying that they were prepared to lay wait on their farms at night, in order to see and ‘deal’ with the culprits.

Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar all but admitted that the problem of praedial larceny remains an issue that has not been dealt with effectively.

The Minister did report, by way of addressing the need for remedial action, that the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) viewed the issue as being critical, and was lending assistance towards modeling a more effective approach.

But there were other initiatives that were being taken on the ground.

Caesar explained that the police conducted stop and search exercises, with stakeholders requesting an intensification of this measure.

The ministry has amended the issue of the farmers Identification Card, with Caesar explaining this as a response to the discovery that some of the individuals arrested for committing acts of praedial larceny did have valid farmers I.Ds, and/or no farms at all.

And the ministry was working with

the BAM project and the FAO to address the issue of traceability through tagging, revision of receipt books, and establishment of farm plans.

Caesar explained that the farm plans would work like this: If a farmer in North Leeward had an established ginger plantation, then he would be required to make the relevant interactions with his extension officer so that some time before he harvested his crop, the intelligence could be passed on to the police that the farm could become a hot spot.

“There is a lot to be desired from the efforts of these (Rural) constables (16 serving three Regions), and I want to re-assure the stakeholders that before the end of this year, we should have something to come to Parliament to amend the current legislation,” he said. (Stories by DD)

ÂPeter paying for Paul,Ê says NOBA Prez PRESIDENT of the National Omni-Bus Association (NOBA) Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus has pointed fingers. The problem as it exists with reckless driving or the playing of loud and lyrically offensive music, falls squarely at the feet of a few mini-bus operators/drivers, he declared.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Bacchus singled out drivers working the Kingstown-Calliaqua route as being among those guilty, adding that if they do not desist from this deviant behavior, then NOBA will, with the assistance of the authorities, seek to have them taken off the road.

“NOBA will not tolerate any kind of reckless driving … we are not tolerating any recklessness on the road,” Bacchus said.

He further stated that

the organization he heads has been hosting a series of meetings in certain areas in order to address the issues of reckless driving and the playing of loud, and often offensive music.

However, the meeting targeting drivers serving the Kingstown — Calliaqua route was poorly attended, Bacchus said.

“So what we decided is that we are not going to tolerate any kind of misbehavior because it is falling back on NOBA and all the other drivers,” NOBA’s President said.

According to Bacchus, the situation was serious because parents put their children’s well-being and safety in the hands of these drivers/mini-bus operators.

“And they are driving careless all over the place and playing loud music; it’s like they just don’t care,” he said.

“NOBA is going to try hard. If these vans don’t try - and other areas that have the same problem if they do not try to curb their behaviour, we are going to do what we can to try and get these vans off the road. Because it is falling back, everybody is getting blamed,” Bacchus repeated.

According to NOBA’s leader, when someone placed an ‘H’ licence on their van and start serving the public, there were certain rules, regulations and responsibilities to which they must adhere.

“You supposed to know how to play your music and how to drive; but it seems that this 10 percent is doing what they like, and everybody getting the blame,” he continued.

When asked how successful he thought he would be in trying to remove those breaking the laws, Bacchus

stressed that recklessness could lead to the loss of life, “so we would have to work with the traffic department.

We cannot be speaking about driving safe, then see these things and not talk about them.”

Bacchus, acknowledging that the meetings with deviant drivers had all but failed, said, “The next step is to change the situation in another way before someone lose their life.”

The insurance

companies were complaining, he added, the public was also complaining, and NOBA was getting the blame.. it was about time that these things stopped, he conclude.

President of NOBA - Anthony Bacchus (centre) and other Executive members at last Tuesday’s press briefing, during which a stern warning was issued to deviant drivers of mini-buses.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 5.

Regional

OECS Authority meets in SVG

THE SIXTY-FOURTH MEETING of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority resumed in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday 12 April, after first being convened in St. Kitts/ Nevis on March 3, 2017.

The resumption continued under the chairmanship of Dr. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. In attendance were four other heads of Government: Prime Ministers Gaston Browne (Antigua), Allen Chastanet (St. Lucia) and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), and Premier of Montserrat Donaldson Romeo.

According to a communiqué released after the meeting, the following areas formed the meeting’s discussions and decisions:

Financing of the OECS Commission

Recognising that the timely payment of contributions is essential to the efficient functioning of the Organisation, the Authority reviewed the financial obligations of Member States to the OECS Commission, with a view to improve the timeliness of subvention payments, and as an immediate response, urged Heads of Government so concerned, to make expeditious settlement of outstanding contributions.

Security Enhancement in the OECS

The 64th Meeting of the OECS Authority continued at the Beachcombers Hotel in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Credit: OECS Secretariat) considered the recommendations for increased collaboration.

Heads also reflected on the re-establishment of a joint diplomatic Mission in Canada, considered a stronger outreach into the African Continent/the African Union.

significant economic

Agriculture and support potential of the initiative, services the Meeting proposed that the OECS The Meeting received Commission continue to a report on the progress work with St. Vincent of the Agri-shipping and the Grenadines to Initiative being piloted in ensure the engagement St. Vincent and the of all Member States.

Grenadines. Noting the

Membership The Authority considered the status of negotiations with St. Martin, and agreed that discussions should continue towards its logical conclusion.

OECS/ Venezuela discuss matters of mutual interest

Commission will investigate the feasibility of a regional cooperation framework for policing in the sub region. This Health Insurance L-R: OECS Director General, Dr Didacus Jules; Chairman and Prime action follows the Heads of Government Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris; President of Even the Authority deliberation on current Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, at the 64th Meeting of the OECS Authority. commended the progress matters of regional (Credit: OECS Secretariat) that individual member security, border security states have made Republic of Venezuela. tensions, and more collaboration and intelligence sharing. towards the OECS Heads of Government in furtherance of the national The Meeting recognised Editor’s Note: The following is an implementation of welcomed candid discussions with interest of the people of the importance of the OECS Media Release carried national health President Maduro and reflected Venezuela.

Regional Security System verbatim. insurance programmes, on the shared history of the region Among the statements made (RSS). the OECS heads of THE SIXTY-FOURTH Meeting of and years of bilateral cooperation during President Maduro’s visit, government noted the between OECS Member States the central theme revolved around Joint Representation the OECS Authority, which need to implement a and Venezuela.

Heads further “the use of the Caribbean Sea as a resumed in St. Vincent and the regional health insurance considered the current state of link to strengthen unity and The Meeting received Grenadines on Wednesday, April capable of providing affairs in Venezuela and discussed achieve prosperity, stability and a a detailed report on the 12th, 2017, was honoured by a specialised care to good quality of life for our people current expenditures for previously unscheduled visit from a more constructive role to be member states at played by the OECS to facilitate through cooperation, solidarity external representation His Excellency Nicolas Maduro, reduced cost. better dialogue, a reduction of and exchange.”

by Member States, and President of the Bolivarian

St. Lucia wants mega ships ST. LUCIA IS GEARING itself to capitalize on what is expected to be an increase in cruise ship arrivals to the Caribbean beginning in the 2017 season.

And while some ports in the Caribbean because of their limitations cannot accommodate the mega ships that are ready to make calls to the Caribbean, and so account for a fair share of the expected increase, St. Lucia, if all goes according to plan, will welcome its first mega ship by December 1, 2017.

Towards this end, St. Lucia government is moving to extend the facility at its Breasting Dolphin Berth at Pointe Seraphine, Castries, at a projected cost of f US$15 million.

Caribbean 360 reported Minister for Ports Stephenson

Mega ship Anthem of the Seas could well be docking in St. Lucia before year end. (Credit: onelucian.news) King as saying that due to the growth projections for the cruise sector “there is a greater need for us to place emphasis on the improvement, development and the enhancement of the cruise facilities and infrastructure on the island.”

He continued, “This Government has made a firm

commitment not only to improve Port Castries and to consider a new location for the establishment of a new commercial port, but also to continue to improve on the cruise ship facilities and by extension to look to the south of the country to establish a major cruise port in the south in Vieux Fort, that will

Cruise ships docked in Port Castries, St. Lucia. (Credit: onelucian.news) complement a number of the economic initiatives that the Government has committed itself to,” he said.

Minister King said government also hopes the project will place the island as the number one cruise ship destination in the Caribbean.

Once the berth is completed, St Lucia is expected to see an increase of 20 percent in the call of vessels to Port Castries, and an increase in passenger arrivals by 19 percent.

(Source: Caribbean 360)

V Mas makers urged to make sacrifice 6. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

MAS DESIGNER, builder extraordinaire Lennox ‘Skully’ Hunte told masmen and women gathered for a discussion at Victoria Park last Tuesday, that in order for mas to move forward, they must prepare themselves early, be ready to sacrifice their time, but enjoy the art of making (mas) costumes.

Renowned as a trend setter in carnival costume design and construction in his homeland St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hunte migrated to the USA in the 1970s. He has returned home with an eye of making it permanent.

His continuing involvement, albeit peripheral, in mas design and production, made him an ideal choice, according to one masman, to impart not only knowledge about the art form, but also to share his passion which could serve as motivation for the current cadre of mas men and women here.

Hunte contrasted his period of direct involvement in mas with that of today, describing his ‘day’ as a time when mas makers were driven moreso by a desire and quest to be creative and to contribute to the ongoing development of carnival. Today, he cited, the emphasis seems to be on

financial gain.

In that light, he urged mas makers to understand that they have to make sacrifices giving of their time, spending time away from family - but at the same time, they have to develop an attitude of enjoying what they have chosen to undertake.

The veteran masman also took aim at the modern day trend in mas costumes. “What I have seem are bikinis, bras …… To me, it’s not the same.

This is not a criticism because I don’t know why it is there, why it is done. May be it’s easier to do and it takes less time, I am not too sure. But I feel a little out of place when I am trying to predict why that is so,” said Hunte.

He told the gathering that a mas band must make a statement. “What are you saying? The band must educate the public about something they don’t really know. In my time we used to do ‘Commonwealth Extracts’.

‘In the Hands of Our people’, Kabuki Theatre;.. these are some of the themes I worked with,” said Hunte, and he repeated that in order to build ‘good mas’, “it takes sacrifice, and mas men must enjoy doing their work.”

Hunte also called the mas

makers’ attention to making early preparation. He said that in the past when he was involved in carnival, the attitude towards the production of costumes was different. “As soon as Christmas finished, mas men start putting their materials together for carnival. But, of course, in those days, carnival was just prior to Lent, so on average we would have to start in January and, given the calendar, by early March we had to finish,” said Hunte .

Pointing to today’s reality of mas makers having a January to June period for production, Hunte lamented that “.. in the current situation, people don’t come forward early enough to either choose a costume or register. By some chance they change their minds, and if their friends are not playing in that session, they not playing, and you really can’t get things going,” he further noted.

He, however, insisted that despite this fact, once preparations are made early, many of the issues that costume makers face can be avoided.

During a question and answer segmnent that followed Hunte’s address, one

Lennox ‘Scully’ Hunte had a message for mas makers that was derived from an integral involvement in the mas and arts culture here. of the concerns raised was the sourcing of material from outside. He noted that sourcing materials from outside can enhance the appearance of the mas, but he encouraged the acquiring of materials locally as a first effort.

Also addressing last Tuesday’s gathering were Ricardo Adams, Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) and Hugh Ragguette, Chairman of the Carnival Bands Association (CBA).

Adams reminded the mas makers that, “CDC’s role is to

facilitate and support Vincy Mas, but the components are the building blocks of the festival.”

While acknowledging that the quality of display today might not compare favourably with that of the past, Ragguette encouraged mas makers to embrace the fact that “the masquerading component has survived into the 21st century.,” and called for recognition, “of all those who were pioneers, who made the sacrifice to ensure that the people could enjoy a festival which has been branded as Vincy Mas.” (KH)

Pollard expresses “misgivings” over 2017 Vincy Mas calendar of events presented for the 40th anniversary of Vincy Mas , set to be officially celebrated 30th June to 11th July, 2017.

Pollard made his sentiments known at the launch of the SVG Players International‘s presentation for this year’s Vincy Masentitled: ‘Date 2525- The Future is Now’.

In his capacity as designer and artistic director of the band, Pollard used the Julian ‘Pelling’ Pollard has been integrally platform at the Peace involved in carnival here Memorial Hall recently, since the early 1970s. to express his “misgivings”.

CULTURAL “…We have lost a lot AMBASSADOR- Julian of our traditional ‘Pelling’ Pollard is not Carnival… I rue the days pleased with the

of the monkey kong, the monkey band, the wining donkey man. … We need to hold on to our traditional art forms. …

Carnival has to be, (even) as we go forward, inclusive of all the elements of our culture,” Pollard urged.

Pollard appeared to be echoing a call by calypsonian Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne, who, as way back as 1976, beckoned the authorities ‘To revive Carnival’.

During the early years of Vincy Mas — the JuneJuly Carnival - a night was set aside on the official programme to feature some of the traditions to which Pollard referred.

However, with the changing of the guards and other factors, the show has taken a permanent exit from the national events.

Pollard, though, acknowledged that change is inevitable, however, he believed that not enough is being done to preserve things culturally.

“Carnival has changed a lot … It has become more commercial …We know that the commercialisation is there …. But we have to find ways for the trickle down to the cultural artistes, the visual artistes, the dancers ….Even the cuisine, we need to be showing and pushing our cuisine and

our locally produced products during Carnival,” Pollard proffered. “ We are hoping that in the future Carnival would become a wider entity…Yes, we are here for the experience of the people, but the other aspects of our culture need to be preserved and go on display,” the cultural ambassador commented.

Pollard is hopeful that this country’s participation in CARIFESTA X11 - the regional cultural festival scheduled for Barbados from 17th to 27th August of this year — would be used to showcase some of the forgotten aspects that have fashioned

Vincy Mas over the past forty years.

“I am looking forward for CARIFESTA, that St Vincent (and the Grenadines) would be portraying to the rest of the Caribbean what we have achieved over our forty years of our Carnival, and I am hoping that in Barbados, whatever we portray can be seen live in St Vincent (and the Grenadines) and help to foster a better sense of national pride,” Pollard said.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is commemorating in 2017 the Ruby Anniversary of the change from a PreLenten carnival to a June-July festival that is now called Vincy Mas.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 7.

Court

Suspense lingers in baby’s murder P.I. following the testimonies of nine prosecution witnesses, Senior THE PROSECUTION is Prosecutor Adolphus seeking to call Monty Delpleche requested an Hillocks, recently cleared adjournment so that of a firearm possession Hillocks could be given charge at the Serious notice to testify in the Offences Court, as a key matter. witness at the Preliminary Hillocks, a resident of Inquiry (P.I) into the Belmont, was the owner December 7, 2016 of the vehicle in which shooting death of ninethe baby’s father, an month-old Mozarie Lee of audio technician, was Glen. reportedly installing an And persons keenly audio system, when the following the matter are shots rang out. anxiously awaiting the Attorney Grant next Court hearing slated Connell, representing for next Tuesday, April James, strongly objected 25, to see what direction to the adjournment, the case would take. stating that Hillocks was Martin ‘Jahson’ James, no stranger to the police, 45, and Ricardo McFee, and had appeared in 29, both labourers of court recently in relation Villa, are charged jointly to a matter which the with the baby’s murder, prosecution nolle and the attempted prosequied. murder of his mother, “The prosecution had Shelly-Ann Durham and more than ample time. father, Mozart Lee. Now these men (accused) Mozarie died, while his must go back to prison parents sustained and wait until Monty injuries when Hillocks is found. gunman/gunmen Accused is now star reportedly fired gunshots witness,” Connell argued. into a yard at Glen, Attorney Israel Bruce, around 7pm on the date representing McFee, in question. stood by his colleague’s The P.I started at the submission.

Serious Offence Court on Chief Magistrate Wednesday, and Rechanne Browne Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Tattoo artist charged with attempted murder Ricardo McFee

Martin ‘Jahson’ James

indicated that the investigator in the matter was present and could be called.

But Delpleche responded, “I would not want to call the investigating officer now.

I would want the opportunity to call Hillocks, and depending on how that goes, I might not even call the investigating officer.”

Connell rebutted, “You need a star witness in this case, that’s why you want to call Monty Hillocks.”

The Chief Magistrate expressed disappointment with the prosecution, stating, I am not pleased at all about this gymnastic.”

She noted that before the P.I started, the Senior Prosecutor informed the Court that a doctor who is listed to testify for the Prosecution, was not available on Wednesday, and now she was hearing about another witness.

She pointed out that she would have preferred if the prosecutor had told her about this up front.

Delpleche, however,

explained that it was not a gymnastic, as he was not aware that Hillocks was not served until later in the proceedings when he was so informed. He indicated that if he had known this before, he would have informed the Court up front.

The matter has been adjourned to next Tuesday.

The witnesses who testified on Wednesday included the baby’s parents and crime scene expert Constable Joel Williams.

Alleged attempted security breach at Belle Isle arrested after a police officer A 21-YEAR-OLD attached to the Rapid LABOURER of Campden Response Unit (RRU) Park was taken before the patrolling the area outside Serious Offences Court on the facility, saw him throwing Tuesday, after being slapped the items over the prison with multiple charges of fence, shortly after midday attempting to introduce last Sunday. several prohibited items into Richards pleaded not guilty the Belle Isle Correctional to all nine charges when he Facility, last Sunday. stood before Chief Magistrate Michael Richards is Rechanne Browne on accused of attempting to Tuesday. He was granted introduce into the prison, $7,000 bail with one surety, 129 grams of marijuana, a black Alcatel cellular phone, Michael Richards reporting conditions, and ordered to surrender his two cellular phone chargers, travel documents. He is also two USB cables, three not to leave the country without the cellular phone batteries, 13 packs of permission of the Court, and stop Pall Mall cigarettes, five packs of notices would be placed at all ports of bamboo paper, and 345 grams of high exit. leaf, all being prohibited articles.

Richards is also charged with The matter has been adjourned to possession of the 129 grams of April 28. marijuana with intent to supply.

Richards was not represented by a It is alleged that Richards was lawyer.

JOSEPH BAILEY, 40-yearold tattoo artist of Arnos Vale, was remanded Tuesday on an attempted murder charge.

Bailey has been charged with the attempted murder of Patrick Nero, 51-year-old shopkeeper of Rose Place, Kingstown.

Bailey’s clash with the law reportedly stemmed from a shooting incident at Rose Place around 11:10 pm, April Joseph Bailey 9 this year. He was not required to plead when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

In objecting to bail, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that Nero was hospitalized with a bullet wound to the chest, reportedly as a result of the incident.

Bailey was denied bail at this stage, but he returns to the Serious Offences Court next Monday, April 24, when that issue would be reviewed.

Bailey had no legal representation during his Court appearance on Tuesday.

V

8. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 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 An icon, a Government Minister and a President In short, those who appear to get richer on assumption of and continuance in public office, would be THIS WEEK’S EDITION could not pass without a word on the late Carlton Horne. made to come clean on where and how Mr. Horne, as he was known to the staff at these new found assets have come.

Speculation will always be attached THE VINCENTIAN, was a frequent visitor to to certain visibly movements up the our office. financial ladder by persons who hold THE VINCENTIANN, he reminded public office. us, was the foundation on which he We can avoid all the bantering — the built his love for reading, and was the accusations and defences - if we had impetus for him searching out wider Integrity Legislation in place here. This sources of information. government, after all, did promise this We at THE VINCENTIAN will be as far back as the lead-up to the 2001 forever grateful for the contribution he general elections. made to our ‘Down Memory Lane’ Sorry, Bro Stephenson, but in the column, and will also find it difficult not circumstances in which you find to remember his quiet disgust, for he yourselves having to operate and serve, was not a man prone to rancor, when you have to accept the rough with the ‘Down Memory Lane’ ceased to grace the pages of our publication. Perhaps it calm. would return in his memory, who A President knows?

Much has already been said of his How many Vincentians knew that stoic nature on the football field, and about his encyclopedic memory and his Nicolas Muduro, President of the willingness to share with any attentive Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, was going to be in St. Vincent and the ear.

Grenadines to attend the 64th Meeting Interestingly, Mr. Horne’s curiosity of the OECS Authority? stayed with him to his very end. He How many persons (technocrats) continually heaped more and more information and knowledge on top of the responsible for planning that meeting (technocrats) knew of his coming? How volumes he already possessed. His many media people, how many search for knowledge, it seemed, was members of the Parliament, how many insatiable. There was always more of the story to be told, he told himself and members of the Diplomatic Corps, knew that President Muduro was going to be others. here on April 12, 2017?

His cup floweth over, our smaller Given that the meeting here was a cups suffer from not having collected continuation of one begun in St. Kitts, more of that overflow. Rest in peace, are we to assume that there was an our Brother. amendment to the agenda so as to accommodate the Venezuelan A Government Minister President? Who moved that amendment?

Minister of Government Frederick That aside, what was the reason for Stephenson took to social media the President’s attendance at what is recently, to put to pasture certain allegations made against him about his typically and usually a closed business meeting? acquisition of a brand new vehicle, i.e.

Given the release carried on page 5 of ‘his dream vehicle’.

His detractors had wasted little time, this edition, there seemed to be nothing concrete that arose out of Mr. Maduro’s once the vehicle took to the streets, in attendance at the meeting. The release vilifying him — accusing him and his government of some dark, sinister deed, was as vacuous as any attempt at being diplomatic, almost apologetic. akin to ‘corruption’.

President Maduro’s visit came at a Not so, said Mr. Stephenson, and he time of mounting pressure, back home, went as far as inviting those who had on his government. maligned him to ‘check’ with his We are, in every good sense, expected bankers for the paper trail that would to be grateful for the assistance exonerate him.

All the speculation which parties are rendered by the government and people wont to make, the conclusions that come of Venezuela. However, this must not descend to interrupting our own agenda as result of those speculations, and the at every whim, to accommodate a responses from those at whom fingers are pointed, could all be avoided, as far Venezuelan or any other extraneous as public officers are concerned, if there presence.

President Maduro’s visit was simply was Integrity Legislation in this land. to get the reassurance of OECS heads Integrity Legislation would make it that they are with him in his struggle obligatory for all public officials, against his own people. especially those elected to public office, Was he given that assurance? We’ll to declare their assets and liabilities never know. before taking office, and at intervals during their tenure.

An icon

Gun talk Reprint from 7th March 1986 The following article is merely a timely historical guide as to where we stood legally speaking, from 1986 within the Independence era, ten years later and continuing on the crime of shooting deaths.

“It will probably surprise most people to learn that no one has ever been put to death for shooting. Indeed, there has not been a single sustained verdict of murder by fire-arms.

True , Junior “Spirit” Cottle and Lorraine “Blackie” Laidlow were in 1973 placed in death row for the murder of Cecil Rawle, but Her Majesty’s Privy Council subsequently quashed that decision on a legal technicality.

In that celebrated case, the cards were heavily stacked against the accused on the local scene. They were members of a radical political organisation which was branded as a “Black-Power Rasta” type. The victim was the Acting Attorney General of the land. And the Prosecution had in its armoury a “dying declaration” in which the deceased had identified his assassins, which was probably enough to swing the case the Crown’s way.

The run of the mill gun cases, however, produce one deceased who had immediately been silenced by the bullet for good. “Dead men tell no tales”. And most have involved narrow family circles or tight knots of friends from which independent witnesses were noticeably absent. In such situations, it becomes none too difficult and perhaps rather easy for the Defence to get across their version of events.

In the “Lucky” Balcombe case, two close friends were supposedly at play and one ended up at the wrong end of a smoking gun. Two cousins, GEK and Amos King were engaged in lively business discussion, a gun came into play, and there was a fatality. Jack Punnett and son had an exchange of words, during which the son’s life was snuffed out with a bang. Young Bullock died with gunshot wounds inflicted whilst he and Rolande Sardine had been in communication with each other. A lady lover was shot dead in a bedroom scene in which her paramour, George Clarke, and another male friend were present.

Perhaps it would be true to say that in all the foregoing cases, the accused were from the middle stratum of society.

The men in the dock walked away scotfree, the jury having apparently accepted the defence of accident...

The acquittal in the Alvin Durrant

murder case had sent tongues wagging and drawn adverse comments from the trial judge in regard to the reasonableness of the verdict. It was significant, he noted, that the Jury appeared to have ruled out the possibility of manslaughter.

A few years ago, that lesser charge had been struck on Terry Ollivierre who, like Durrant, had put forward the defence of accident and self-defence during his trial arising out of the fatal shooting of Denniston Charles.

Ollivierre is an undisputed member of the disprivileged section of our society.

Moreover, unlike the Durrant case, he had not lurking somewhere in the background the spectre of “defence of property” which is understandably so dear to the heart of judge and jury alike.

Owing to the prevalence and increasing boldness of burglars and shop-breakers, there is a growing tendency especially among home owners to accept the offenders as fair game for the hospital or cemetery. Indeed, from morning, many of us have lionise the, even derived vicarious heroism from the property-owner who dropped a thief dead in his tracks. The cases are legion.

When I was a boy, veteran dispenser, Charles Alexander, fell a notorious thief at Chauncey. Shepherd was shot to death during a shop-breaking tryst at Lowmans Hill, cornered like a rat.

Grantley Patterson was peppered in Cumberbatch’s store in Upper Middle Street. Clifton was gunned down for reportedly breaking into Roxy Enterprise at Sion Hill...

An even wider latitude is, of course, accorded the police hunting-party. Not a soul raised a finger when one of the De Freitases (who admittedly terrorised residents of South and Three Rivers) was cut down in a hail of police bullets, following an exchange of fire with the police. One of “Spirit’s’’ companions, Marcus James, was found dead with tell-tale bullet powder marks on his shirt. It took a second Inquest to return a verdict of suicide! Few eyebrows were raised when the Police in response to a concerned Bequia father’s request for help in the capture of his mentally unstable son, brought him in a stretcher, shot through the chest by a policeman.

And not many persons are pressing for an inquest in the death of young Bernard Holder, shot at his home in Frenches last year by a police search party...

Continued on Page 26.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 9.

Letters

standard of music Children deserve better The in most churches I DON’T SUPPOSE you can escape it. Even though it is a good two months away, all the noise on radio is about the 40th Anniversary of our Carnival. It is almost as though if you are not part of it, you’re not Vincentian anymore.

Well, my days of enjoying carnival — a period of clean fun — are long over. I had my day, and I am not one for not allowing the younger generation to have their ‘fun in the July sun’.

However, I have one concern, Mr, Editor, that I must raise before we get into the real Carnival season. It concerns what we allow our children to do on stage and on the

street.

I cannot believe for one moment that an adult mother or father would allow, say, their seven-year-old daughter, to rush up to the camera and gyrate and wine in a very derogatory way.

It is just not becoming, not right, to have innocent, little children indulge in expressions that are sexually explicit.

Not even the adults should consider it decent to do this; but what can we do about them? WE, however, beginning from now, have to sow a different sense of our culture to the children.

Children learn what they see and hear. If they feel it is decent and

good to gyrate and ‘wine down the place’, it is because this is what they see the adults doing, and what they see the rest of the society accepting as the norm.

Imagine a parent on Kiddies Carnival day a few years ago, telling her girl child to ‘Wine more gal, wine more’. That is the level to which we have descended.

And yes, Mr. Editor, we are the first to cry out when we hear of our children being molested.

I am not saying that carnival is a direct contributor to child molestation, but you cannot rule out the fact that what we encourage our young girls

especially, to do during carnival for all and sundry to see, are very bad signals.

You can call me old, but I have lived long because I was brought up and practised the old adage: ‘An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure’.

Old Timer

Humans’ right to dominion WE ALL KNOW what slavery is: living beings held in servitude — considered property — to be chained, beaten, starved, tortured, used and abused any way the master chooses. Why did this barbaric and immoral practice flourish for thousands of years?

Because governments, theologians and philosophers said it was okay, and people believed them.

Anyone conquered or in debt, or of a different colour, religion, nationality, gender, physique or mental capability were targets to be enslaved by, “… the better…the more powerful…the superior” (Plato, 4th century BC), who added, “Nature herself intimates that it is just…”.

Along with countless other men of influence, St Thomas Aquinas (13th century) justified slavery by proclaiming it to be “natural, necessary and expedient”. In 1807, the King of Bonny in Africa thought the slave trade must continue because: “This is the verdict of our oracle and the priests…a trade ordained by God himself”. It’s no wonder that at the beginning of the 19th century, an estimated three-quarters of the world’s population were living in bondage against their will, either in some form of slavery or serfdom.

It was a slow process, but slavery is now illegal everywhere in the world.

It still exists under

names like human trafficking and bonded labour; but humanity finally understands the absolute cruelty and indecency of slavery. So why are animals treated in a similar manner?

Because throughout history, governments, theologians and philosophers said it was okay, and people believed them!

Yes, animals are different, but this is the 21st century. Scientists have proved that a wide range of species can reason, learn, feel pain, have emotions, make associations, communicate, remember, and on and on.

Additionally, our genomes (genes, DNA) are similar to theirs: 90% the same as cats; 82% with dogs; 80% with cows; 60% with chickens… We’re all made of the same stuff by the same Creator.

Is it blasphemy to compare animals to people, or is it inevitable that, like slavery, societies will eventually treat animals with compassion and respect?

As the leader of 1.27 billion Catholics, Pope Francis wrote in an official and binding document: “Nowadays we must forcefully reject the notion that our being created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth justifies absolute dominion over other creatures… Our ‘dominion’ should be understood more properly in the sense of

responsible stewardship”.

Only 38 countries, including SVG, have laws against animal cruelty. It’s a start, but still our animals are brutally abused. Let’s pray it doesn’t take centuries for our Nation and the world to realise that people have a moral

obligation to treat our smaller brethren humanely.

Board of Directors VSPCA

Correcting Dr. John I WAS READING an article written by Dr. Kenneth John on April 7, 2017, and some of the facts given in it are far from being accurate.

He referred to Leslie “Monk” Waldron as an Island Table Tennis Champion when he was in his 20s, which was not true. He never was.

Waldron was a Junior Champion in 1952 in a tournament played at Harbour Club. I was in the semi finals that year, and was knocked out by “Bendix” Dopwell. The finals was played between Waldron and Dopwell when Waldron became the (Junior) “Champ”.

In 1953 to the time I left SVG in1967, I won every Island Championship that had been held. Some of the Champions that preceded me were Major Anderson, who was head of the Prisons, Celsus Browne and Jamesy Jack, whom I defeated at the Peace Memorial Hall.

Other players of note during my 14-year reign

include Ronnie Cools Lartigue, George Leigertwood, James Pompey, Clarence Keizer, my brother Wallace, Leroy Mulraine, Ardon “Pana” Daisley, Emery Wallace, Oren King, McVain Ollivierre, Jonathan Pitt and policemen O’Garro, Delves, Coombs, Skeete.

There were many others too numerous to mention.

I just thought I should bring this to your attention. Again Leslie “Monk” Waldron was never an Island Champ.

Jack Dear Montreal, Canada

I AM A practising Christian and an ardent student of the Bible, and I am aghast at what passes for worship in the majority of our churches today.

Jesus declared that worship must be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), or it becomes a vain exercise (Matt. 15:9). God is not obligated to accept every style and form of worship we present: he did not accept Cain’s (Gen. 4:4-5).

Take for example the secular rhythms and the accompanying body movements that prevail.

Music has three fundamental parts: the melody or tune; the harmony or blend of parts; and the rhythm or beats. Until a decade or two ago, the simple rhythm of sacred music was standard in most churches. The rhythm was silent; and melody and harmony were highlighted: both sung and played. The worship exercise was dignified, holy, respectful of the Almighty, uplifting, and a joyful, spiritual experience: a soul-satisfying encounter with God. Today, the syncopated dance rhythms of secular (profane) music dominate most congregations, producing the inevitable physical reaction — the dance. The emotion is called “joy”.

The participants fail to realize that joy could be physical or spiritual, and that the joy derived from this style of music is of the same nature as that of the sinner in the dance hall: physical (carnal) and transitory. The joy of worship is a fruit of the spirit: deep, continuous, unrelated to the unaffected by carnal circumstances or conditions. Worship music should have a simple rhythm with the capacity to inspire deep spiritual emotions of joy or sorrow.

Today’s church music appeals primarily to the flesh, and does not cater for introspection and repentance; it is all for the dance. But dancing was never a feature in the Judeo-Christian tradition of ancient or modern practice until very recently. On the contrary, “sacred dance” was always (and continues to be) an integral part of idol worship in all non-Christian civilizations around the world. It prioritized the rhythm, and employed the drum, an instrument never used in the worship of Jehovah in Biblical, Medieval, nor modern times.

How are we to accept this post-modern innovation? The enemy has infiltrated the church (Matt. 13:27-28; 38-39) of the last days. He has, with subtlety, influenced us to change the spirit of worship from holy to gay abandon by altering the music. And he has undermined Truth by obscuring the difference between sacred and secular rhythms, between worship and celebration. In worship, our thrice holy God is approached with consummate reverence and awe.

Our praise and thanksgiving are spiritual exercises that link our hearts to his. The celebratory dance that also expresses our praises and thanksgiving to God are physical and social activities that acknowledge and extol the goodness of our Father. Celebration is not worship; neither can the two be combined with impunity. The Scripture is clear. There is a time and place for everything. Christianity is in crisis.

(More on this and other areas of concern in the Christian Church in my book Christianity in Crisis available at Jujube Book Store) Westwick A.

A few questions

JUST A VERY quick inquiry about recent developments here.

Recently, the Office of the DPP found reason to withdraw at least three cases of murder at the PI level.

No real detailed reason(s) was (were) given for the withdrawals, leaving rife

that something went adrift with the police investigation after the charge was laid?

3.

Is there a haste about charging persons for murder? Why? 4.

What sort of redress, if any, is there for a person charged with murder but who is set free at the PI level?

speculation. For example: 1.

If there was no evidence to proceed with the PI, why was the person charged in the first place?

2.

If there was enough evidence to charge but not enough to proceed through a PI, Just Asking then are we to assume

V

10. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The ULP - empowering the working people

Introduction AT THE BEGINNING of this article, we must state that there has never been a government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that has represented the Vincentian worker, like the ULP administration. The ULP as a government has undoubtedly been an entity of, and for, the working people and the nation on a whole. The ULP has addressed the condition of life of the working people, and empowered them and their children, as no government has done in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Generally speaking, workers expect four main things when they turn up at their workplace. They expect to receive a fair salary for their labour, and they expect to meet certain conditions conducive to their work.

They also expect a certain level of protection on the job place, and they expect to receive their retirement or severance benefits at the end of the day.

The ULP administration has been strong on these issues. The laws in the country related to severance pay and the protection of employment, have been strengthened, and Vincentian workers enjoy more benefits and a greater level of protection than what existed before 2001, under the NDP government.

In this light, the ULP administration has been able to correct certain employment injustices inflicted on the working class by the NDP. For example, the ULP paid out over three million dollars in severance pay to about one thousand former estate workers at Rabacca, Fitz Hughes and Wallilabou. These workers were denied their severance payments for over 17 years under the NDP. Let’s not forget that the ULP also paid severance monies to distressed workers at the Banana Growers Association, the Sanitation Department, Diamond Dairy and the Belle Vue arrowroot factory among others.

administration was battling one of the worst global financial and economic crises, a situation which affected the country in an adverse way.

In the face of all these obstacles, including some of the worst natural disasters, the ULP administration has met all its salary commitments to workers, every month since March 2001, to the present time. When countries in the region were forced to send home workers, because of the economic crunch, the ULP maintained the current labour force, and there was no retrenchment. Others vying for political office would have gone the way of Barbados. It is a fact that the opposition NDP had stated that there was going to be retrenchment in the public service, if they were victorious at the polls in 2010 and 2015.

Employment benefits

It is the ULP administration which has provided benefits for the Vincentian worker. The ULP signaled its intention as far back as 2001, when it announced the introduction of the one hundred percent mortgage at the then National Commercial Bank, for public servants. At the time, the NDP said that this was not feasible, and that the ULP was trying to “mash up” the bank. Well, the strategy was so successful, that other banks and credit unions in the State began offering the same service.

It was the ULP administration who removed the criminal sanctions from the public servants on their freedom of speech, despite criticism from some quarters. It is the ULP that has created over eight thousand jobs since 2001, even in the face of harsh global economic conditions. It is the ULP that has increased the average Gross Domestic Production from below EC$10,000 to over EC$20,000 annually.

The Public Service Exciting new initiatives such as the YES programme and the SET But it is the public service that the programme have provided our young ULP administration has shown its workers and graduates with love for Vincentian workers. First of opportunities to earn a salary, while all, the government has adjusted the acquiring skills on the job. It is the tax band, so that workers who earn ULP that has provided our nurses under eighteen thousand dollars with a stipend while they attend the annually, pay no taxes, allowing them school for nursing, and in addition, it to take home more money. Then the is the ULP that has made nursing ULP increased the salaries of public assistants pensionable from October servants substantially, over the last 2015. sixteen years.

In December 2002, the government Conclusion made a one-time payment of 4.25% of monthly salaries. There was no The ULP administration does not increase in 2003, but in 2004 the ULP intend to rest on its laurels, and there administration increased salaries is much more work that is needed in across the board by 4%. This was terms of the protection of the followed by 3% in 2005, 4.5% in 2006, Vincentian worker. Soon a bill will go 5% in 2007 and another 5% in 2008. before Parliament which will look at In 2009, public servants received a the issue of occupational safety and 3% increase, another 3% in 2010, and health. The ULP administration will a further 3% in 2011 paid in two continue to address issues related to installments. Into this mix, we must the protection of employment, and include the re-classification process, there will be a drive to further during which a number of public modernize the labour and social servants received salary increases protection laws in the interest of the because their positions were working people. upgraded. And we cannot forget the As our vision, philosophy, policies, 2% salary increase that public programmes and historical servants received as part of the performances show, this is a labour annual incremental process. Most of government. this occurred when the ULP

Accountability is not an option Excerpts from Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday’s Press Statement SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, we, as Members of Parliament, completed an exercise that was a vital and fundamental pillar in the structure of governance of our country. I speak of the budget presentation and debate, in which the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2017 were presented by government and authorized by parliament.

We are all aware of the need for the budget presentation; we are quite familiar with its format and its style and indeed, it has become a regular and publicly anticipated part of the business of ‘running the country’.

What many of us may not be familiar with, are the constitutional and legal bases for the budget exercise, and the various requirements that are set out in the law. In this regard, there are several important facts we should know.

The first thing is that the practical and legal responsibility for implementing the budget exercise rests with the Minister of Finance.

This responsibility is set out in Section 70 of the Constitution and in the Finance Administration Act, 2004, which at section 5 (1) (a) notes that “The Minister of Finance is responsible for: the preparation of the estimates, the government’s fiscal management and control, including the management and control of revenue and expenditure and of the Consolidated Fund and ensuring that a full account of the finances of the government is laid before the House of Assembly in the Public Accounts.”

This last item ‘…ensuring that a full account of the government’s finances is laid before the House..’, is not referring to the budget presentation itself; rather it relates to accountability after the fact.

Specifically, it refers to the provision, to Parliament and by extension to the nation, of audited accounts of national revenue and expenditure, including capital expenditure that occurred in the previous year.

This matter of accountability is fundamental and critical, as it goes from the top to the bottom of the business of government; it crosses all sectors and it connects to everything else that happens in the business of ‘running the country’.

So the two things we must understand about accountability is that it includes the need to give “full account” of all funds received and spent on behalf of the public, and accountability is not optional. As specified in the sub-section of the law cited previously, the work of accountability is legally and constitutionally required; it must be performed annually, and it is the responsibility of the Minister of Finance to ensure that it is performed annually.

This is a simple matter of fact. It is spelt out in the law. But let’s dig a little deeper into the legal requirements; I think the public will find them very interesting! To reiterate: the law requires that “a full account of the finances of the government be laid before the House of Assembly in the Public Accounts”.

That’s a 3-step process, the first step of which is the preparation of the public accounts by the Accountant General.

Section 7(1) (a) (i) of the Finance Administration Act, 2004, states that the Accountant General is responsible for “Maintaining the central accounts of the government so as to show the current state of the Consolidated

Fund and the financial condition of the government.” The importance of the Consolidated Fund is that it is the depository of all public money, specified in the Constitution and in the law.

Specifically, the Finance Administration Act Section 49(2) says that: “Subject to subsection (3), the Accountant General shall within four months after the end of every financial year prepare, certify and submit to the Director of Audit … the Public Accounts of St Vincent and The Grenadines for that financial year accounting for all public money and showing fully the financial position of St Vincent and the Grenadines at the end of the financial year.” So, that’s the first step.

The second step is that the Director of Audit must audit the accounts prepared by the Accountant General.

The Audit Act, 2005 says at section 12(3) that: “The Director of Audit shall, in each financial year, not later than three months after receipt of the certified Public Accounts for that year from the Accountant General… submit his report on the Public Accounts to the Minister.”

The third step is that the Minister of Finance must lay the Director of Audit’s report in the House of Assembly. Quoting again from the Audit Act: “The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the House of Assembly first meets after he has received the report, lay it before the House.”

Then, the Act goes on to state that: “If the Minister fails to lay the report before the House of Assembly, the Director of Audit shall transmit the report to the Speaker who shall, as soon as practicable, present it to the House of Assembly.” So now, I want to return to the fundamental fact I pointed out above, which is that: accountability is not optional; it is a legal and constitutional requirement, and it is the responsibility of the Minister of Finance to ensure that the legal and constitutional requirements are met and there are legally specified mandatory timeframes for him to do so.

And I would also point out that it is a matter of unfortunate public record that this particular work item, the business of accountability, has consistently been neglected and ignored by this current Minister of Finance who also happens to be the Prime Minister.

Now, interestingly, the Audit Act also speaks very clearly in relation to statutory bodies: companies and agencies owned by the state. At section 13(1) it states that: “The Director of Audit shall, no later than six months after the end of each financial year, make such examinations and inquiries … to enable him to audit the accounts of each statutory body for the previous year and report as required by this Act.” Which brings us to the International Airport Development Corporation IADC which is the statutory corporation that was set up by the ULP government with the functions of financing and building the Argyle International Airport.

The IADC was established in 2004.

Today, thirteen years later, not a single audited financial statement of the IADC has been brought to the House of Parliament by the Minister of Finance.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 11.

Views

Determined to succeed

“There are countless testimonies from people who have overcome obstacles in life and spun their dreams into reality.”— Dr. Sherene Kalloo – Gynaecologist/Obstetrician and newspaper columnist in Trinidad and Tobago.

DR. SHERENE KALLOO is an accomplished national of Trinidad and Tobago. She has been recognised for her outstanding work as a medical doctor (specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics) as well as her commitment to championing causes of women and girls.

However, despite her busy schedule, she makes time to be a regular columnist in the Daily Express of Trinidad and Tobago.

Her essay of Monday, 11 July 2016, entitled “Be Your Own Hero”, was most inspirational as she highlighted the setbacks and eventual successes of persons like Malala Yousafzai, Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, and Thomas Edison. Her article appeared to have been especially focused on encouraging those students who may have been displeased with their results at examinations that they had just written. They may not have done as well as they wanted but they should not lose hope.

There are so many examples of individuals who appeared to have failed or had a bad start in life but, with determination and help from others, were eventually able to accomplish great/noble tasks. Apart from the examples identified in the opening paragraph, we can gain inspiration by examining the lives of individuals such as Augustine “Og” Mandino, John Demartini, Michael Jordan, Lucille Belle, The Beatles, Ulysses S. Grant, Walt Disney, and

Abraham Lincoln. Each of these examples encourage us to try again, to move in the direction of excellence, even though we may have experienced some bad experiences and setbacks.

If we look hard enough, we will observe some degree of failure in most persons who are deemed to be successful. This is as true for those who pursued academic paths as it is for those in athletics, business, and politics. Rick Beneteau reminds us that, “It is how you deal with failure that determines your success.” Some individuals experience setbacks and disappointments and resign to a life of “nothingness”. They accept defeat, wallow in self-pity, and pine themselves away. There are other individuals who experience great trauma and “extreme failure” but are determined to rebound. They refuse to accept defeat. They surmount their obstacles and weave a new pattern of outstanding accomplishments … regardless of the setbacks that they encountered. Unemployment will not phase them. Rejection and abandonment may seem like temporary obstacles but they grow new and stronger wings even after they have been emotionally amputated. They unearth the seeds of greatness and flourish even after the drought and wilderness experiences they would have encountered. We all can find that spark of determination within us … if we look hard enough and dig deep enough.

Is there a secret formula for unravelling this desire to succeed even after experiencing a great setback/failure? Sometimes we need to find someone or something to believe in. It is truly amazing how a

friend, relative, or colleague (or sometimes a stranger) could provide us with words of encouragement. Sometimes they are not even required to say or write anything; just being there to listen may be all that is required to rekindle that desire to retain our focus.

Thanks to the Internet, we can also find uplifting videos, articles, and podcasts that ignite passion and the determination to excel. For those of us who believe in God and the bible, we can especially find encouragement through prayer, fasting, reading the bible, and associating or interacting with persons who are spiritually grounded. Reading positive books can also aid in keeping us heading in the right direction with passion. Good writers can ignite that positive spark that fuel us to get up and continue the fight even after life appears to have given us such a hard blow — knocking us to the canvas. We may seem to have the wind knocked out of us as we listen to the referee (and spectators) counting us out. Sometimes we may wonder whether to throw in the towel or get back up and fight. So much depends on our focus when life hits us on the blind side. So much depends on whether we dwell on the negatives or positives; the bad or the good. Our focus can determine whether we float downstream like a dead fish or swim against the tide like a vibrant, living fish. Focus is critical.

That determination to succeed can make the difference to the student who fails a paper and must rewrite the examination. It can make the difference between the athlete to stumbles and falls and, in a split

second, must determine whether she will continue the race. It makes the difference to the entrepreneur whose investment appears to have gone bellyup and must decide whether it makes sense to continue pursuing that dream of financial independence. It makes the difference in relationships where there have been infractions and consideration is now given in terms of whether trust can be rekindled. That determination to succeed is often the significant variable in choosing whether we take the plunge again, risking being vulnerable, in our quest for success.

Louis E. Boone (1941-2005), the American author, invites us to accept the challenge to continue our pursuit of noble dream even after we have encountered failure. He says, “Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” We can glean new insights from such a quotation. We engage in critical and creative thinking as we seek to ascertain whether we could, might, or should pursue the path. It may mean looking at things differently. It may demand new approaches, new strategies, and new tactics. But there is wisdom in being proactive as we resolve to regroup and rebound after life’s setbacks. This could be the most significant variable in our determination to succeed.

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

Colonisation and God’s plan for building his Kingdom- Pt 8 JESUS HAD CHANGED the status quo, now the religious leaders had nothing to hide behind; they no longer had their religious cloak to hide them (Jn 15:22); they now had nothing to cover their falsehoods, their deceit, and their hypocrisy (Matt 6:2).

For they (the Pharisees) had ignored the righteousness of God and had established their own righteousness (Rom 10:3,4), and had also taught Israel to do likewise. But their righteousness had its origins in their own selfish works, not in the principle of faith (Rom 9:32).

The religious leaders, instead of recognizing that the email of the law and the prophets was over (Lk 16:16), continued to hold on, with a

death grip, to the old law and its now irrelevant tenets.

They refused to come up to speed and recognize that the law of “faith” had replaced the old law of works (Heb 8:13).

Jesus had now come upon the scene to expose the religious bigotry, and to inform humanity of the truth (Jn 14:6).

The law of works was good for its time/reality, but now the law of faith in the Son of God had replaced it, and without this ‘new faith, it was going to be impossible to please God (Heb 11:6).

Paul, in his Letters to the Hebrews, emphasized the importance of exercising faith, because he knew that it was going to take a lot of faith to shift their thinking from

religion to understanding the kingdom, i.e. what it was, how it was structured, how it worked, etc.

For the Kingdom of God, Jesus advised, is not about feasting, but rather it is about righteousness (right living), peace (contentment), and joy (happiness), and these can only be experienced in the Holy Spirit (Rom 4:17). One would not be able to say, “Here.. there .. is the Kingdom,” because the Kingdom first begins in the spirit of the individual, the sons, the citizens, and then they begin to manifest its culture and principles, and begin to impact the world around them.

“Behold,” Jesus said, “the Kingdom of God is within you” (Lk 17:21). He had come to

earth, not so much to die, as to redeem (buy back), reinstate (return one to his former position), restore (to give back one’s former property), to reconcile (to make one again), mankind to the Kingdom of God, and to accomplish this, He had to die, be buried, and be resurrected; Hi blood had to be applied in order to blot out man’s sins (Isa 52:12).

He really came to reveal the secret, the mysteries, that were previously kept hidden from the ancient prophets and wise men. Now through Him, they would be revealed to even infants, and toddlers (Matt. 13:11).

He told his disciples, “because you have left all to follow me (Matt 19:27), I am going to reveal unto you (not

the crowds/the public), the secrets of the kingdom (Matt 13:11). And not only that, (but) I am also going to give you the keys (access) of the Kingdom, because my Father has given the kingdom to me, and now I am giving it to you (Lk 22:29), for it is my Father’s good pleasure to give to you the Kingdom (Lk 12:32), or it is by right your inheritance” (Matt 25:34).

Our inheritance is not a religion, be it Islam, Christianity, Scientology, or any other. Our inheritance as sons, as children of God, is the Kingdom. We have no right being anything else, but its citizens.

by Negus Bynoe

V

12. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Bequia people forced to pay Environmental Tax

during drought and dry periods, and building a hospital in Union Island and a secondary school in Canouan.

SVG Green Party is deeply ACCORDING to MP for the Northen Every Friday, Mustique sends two It is the poorer people in SVG who are concerned that Gonsalves’ biased Grenadines Dr Godwin Friday, since large trucks full of Mustique garbage overburdened by tax. A higher CWSA does not provide water to the for deposit at the landfill at Diamond, proportion of their household funds go taxation policies are putting a lot of pressure on Vincentians. With every island of Bequia, the people in Bequia in St Vincent. on taxes. Poorer people are being are not charged the Environment Tax on Mustique is getting the use of the pushed into the ground, and it is time new tax and tax rise, the pressure on society increases. Just like a pressure the CWSA bill, as they have no CWSA bill. landfill at Diamond free of charge. this chain of tax segregation in our cooker, when the pressure becomes too However, the ULP government has Why doesn’t the ULP regime invent country is broken. passed a new law which allows for the another new law that imposes an The people of Bequia and the wider much, something has to burst - that is inclusion of the Environment Tax on Environment tax on the people in Grenadines are being unfairly targeted the law of science.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal is the VINLEC bill, received by people in Mustique? The super-rich in Mustique by Gonsalves. Let us not forget the making a strong call for positive Bequia. Is the threat of disconnection do not pay the Environmental Tax. stupid dollar tax for entrance to the thinking. Gonsalves should stop from the VINLEC electricity supply According to Warrant Officer Ivan Grenadines wharf in 2003. This was fooling around with this Environment being used to force the people on O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, Leader another attack on the people of the Tax; it is hurting our people and Bequia to now pay the Environment of SVG Green Party, it is clearly Grenadines.

Tax? discriminatory that the ULP regime Rather than attacking the people of pushing poor households into the ground. It is a gross injustice.

This new law is a clear attack on attacks the people of Bequia for the the Grenadines, Gonsalves should be the people of Bequia by the ULP Environment Tax, but turns a blind helping them by buying a bulk water SVG Green Party regime, and illustrates their disrespect eye on Mustique. ship to supply hundreds of thousands for these people. The attack is In SVG, it appears that if you are of of litres of fresh drinking water to the www.svggreenparty.org Find us of Facebook and Twitter unnecessary and vindictive. the money-class, you can avoid taxes. people in the Grenadines, especially

The CCJ – Promoting efficient handling of sexual violence cases, survivors, witnesses and offender accountability APRIL 16, 2017 was the 12th anniversary of the inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Controversy had surrounded the court even before its inauguration, and the literature on the court is replete with references to it as a “hanging court”, due largely to the landmark 1993 Privy Council ruling on Pratt and Morgan, (Earl Pratt and Ivan Morgan v. The Attorney General for Jamaica, 1993), involving two Jamaican death row inmates whose sentences were commuted to life. The protracted stay of inmates on death row was considered cruel and inhumane treatment by the Privy Council, which ruled that the sentences of inmates on death row for more than 5 years, should be commuted to life. Caribbean human rights organizations suggested that the Court’s

establishment was a move by regional governments to resume hanging. Critics of such organizations, however, have pointed to historical calls for the court’s establishment, and also point to the court’s original jurisdiction with respect to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Notwithstanding the criticism, the 12th Anniversary of the Court was marked with outcomes from the JURIST project that have lifted the CCJ to a ground-breaking Court of Caribbean jurisprudence, and shattered the idea of the Court as a “hanging court”.

The JURIST Project is a five-year regional Caribbean judicial reform initiative funded under an arrangement with the Government of Canada. It is being implemented on behalf of Global Affairs Canada and the Conference of the Heads of Judiciary of CARICOM (the Conference), by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which was appointed by the Conference as its Regional Executing Agency (REA). The Rt. Hon. Sir Dennis Byron, President of the CCJ is the Project’s Director.

Under this project, several important events have taken place, and the following two are of particular significance to women.

On April 7, 2017, the JURIST Project held a oneday consultation with regional Bar Associations to discuss the development of Model Guidelines for Sexual Offence cases. The guidelines form part of a comprehensive approach that seeks to address issues faced at the investigative, pre-trial and adjudicatory phases, as well as offenders rehabilitation and management. The proposed outcomes are as follows: increased public confidence, including survivors and witnesses, in the justice system as it relates to the handling of sexual violence cases; improved response to the survivor that will enable their full participation in the justice system, increase offender accountability and reduce secondary victimization; trained and skilled cadre of cross-sectional professionals, including judges, court personnel, police and attorneys to efficiently handle sexual violence cases, survivors and witnesses; establishment of a model specialized court with well trained and experienced personnel and the necessary technology; speedy adjudication of cases and reduced case backlogs overtime; and documented best practices and lessons learned to encourage and inform other countries in the region

to adopt guidelines and practices used by the justice system to respond to sexual assault cases.

On 12th April, 2017, a Draft Gender Equality Protocol for Magistrates and Judges, the first of its kind in the CARICOM region, was handed over to the Judiciary in Barbados. This country will be the first country to have gender protocols developed for its judiciary.

Justice Adrian Saunders of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) welcomed the document, noting that gender stereotypes contribute to “one of the most insidious forms of partiality” within the justice system.

He said, inter alia, “If gender stereotypes are unconsciously held, if they are not the product of a deliberate intention to discriminate, how can we as judges avoid falling prey to them? This is where the establishment of this Protocol is so important.

“The Protocol provides an easy reference point for judges and magistrates to be guided on the standards and approaches that are expected of us when we deal with issues that are gender sensitive.

One of the goals of the Protocol is to train the judicial mind in ways that promote impartial adjudication in the sphere of gender and gender relations,” Through Justice Saunders, the CCJ has spoken.

An enabling environment is being provided in the justice system, and women’s organisations must take advantage of it on two levels. The first critical level is to inform and educate the general public on the provisions in the law, and the consequences of compliance or non-compliance. A strong supporter can be found in QC Parnel Campbell’s programme ‘The Law ad You’, where he recently advocated for Law to be taught in Schools. Add to that the voice of the Church in its various formations.

The second level is to continue to lobby government to fulfil the obligations of the Beijing Platform for the Advancement of Women, with respect to Violence against women, and in particular to ensure that there are support services, and well equipped and functioning Crisis Centres to accommodate those who need shelter. Without such supports, the enabling environment provided by the Judiciary will be ineffective. Is this what we want, or are we seeking social justice?

Nelcia Robinson Chair - Commonwealth Women’s Network

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 13.

Youth

On the go in the Mortar Makeover project.

GHS RBTT Young Leaders in action THE GHS RBTT Young Leaders 2017 continued their volunteerism DRIVE by tackling the Clean Coutts-Creative Cognition project as well as the Mortar Makeover project.

They also paid a surprise visit to the patients at the Mental Rehabilitation Centre, located in Glen.

On April 7th, 2017, the GHS Young Leaders got started on the Clean Coutts-Creative Cognition initiative, in keeping with marrying volunteerism with an environmental concern. Removing the decay from the Coutts Hall in The Coutts Hall, readiness for a paint job. constructed in 1954, was used as classrooms. The with twenty-one (21) female patients Hall became dilapidated over time, at the Mental Rehabilitation Centre in and after the relocation of the Glen. The visit was not a project as classrooms, it hall was used as a space such; its main focus was to cheer and for theatrical purposes. With that in treat the ladies, and was also seen as mind, the Young Leaders 2017 decided a measure aimed at eliminating to renovate the space. A meeting was stigma attached to mental illness here. held with alumnae to find out what The Young Leaders manicured the the Hall was like before, so that the nails of the patients, braided their hair renovation work could be guided and lent listening ears to some of the towards restoring some semblance of patients’ life stories. This was followed the original atmosphere. by a song and dance session and a Assisted by Ace Hardware and serving of cakes. A brief detour was Coreas Hazells Inc, the Yoing Leaders, taken to the males’ section to serve went about cleaning repainting and cake as well. The companionship, retiling the entire Hall. temporary as it was, seemed to be well The Mortar Makeover project also appreciated by the patients. commenced on April 7th, 2017. This In reviewing these initiatives, the project focused on assisting a less Young Leaders have been further fortunate person whose home needed convinced that the greatest investment some renovating. A home owner in that anyone can make is time. Time is Frenches, Kingstown, was selected. priceless and once spent, cannot be With much appreciated donations from regained. Time well used can assist General Hardware Store, which others for the greater good and impact provided essential materials, and the lives for a lifetime. Time spent in this Mustique Company Limited, which regard can also impact positively on gave monetary aid, another team of the lives of those extending helping GHS RBTT Young Leaders was able to hands. embark on this undertaking. This Remember to volunteer today and project also comes under the girls’ make an impact. environmental theme of voluntary impact.

Editor’s Note: This article was On Sunday 9th April, 2017, the submitted by the GHS Young Leaders GHS RBTT Young Leaders visited 2017

A manicure session with the female patients at the Mental Health Centre.

V

14. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

CSEC Awards: Febuary on top

ERIC FEBUARY is into a double major in Biology and Theology at the University of Southern Caribbean in Trinidad.

In four years, he is expected to have completed the first part of a foundation, which will launch him in a combined service in medicine and evangelism.

Born in Guyana, Febuary came to St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a five-yearold in October 2005, with his parents Desmond and Tricheal Febuary.

For him, the transition was seamless. “When I moved here, I didn’t notice I was in a different place,” he recalled on Friday 7th April, at the Lecture Theatre Building, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, during the Flow, Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation and Ecclesiastical Affairs’ National Awards Ceremony, at which he was also presented with the Top Performer Award at the 2016 CSEC exams, as a student of the Richland Park Seventh Day Adventist Academy.

Top performances Febuary obtained 20

passes in that exam, with Grade Ones in Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, English A, English B, Food and Nutrition, Electronic Documentation Preparation and Management, (EDPM), Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Caribbean History, Spanish, Agricultural Science, and Human and Social Biology. He copped Grade Twos in Home Management, Social Studies and Geography.

Febuary was best at Business, Home Economics, and the top male achiever also.

Chosen to do the Vote of Thanks at the Awards Ceremony, the young man commended the organisers for the function, and posited that the recognition, “inspires students,” and confessed that he looked forward to it. He found it comforting to know that there are “people looking out for us.”

Febuary shared the spotlight with Girls’ High School’s Marselena Melville. She was the top female student and took the Science award.

Alron Harry, the 2011 Common Entrance top

Seventh Day Adventist Secondary; Rayon James Bishop’s College Kingstown; Deseree Slater - Buccament Bay Secondary.

Simeon Cumberbatch was Dr. J. P. Eustace Memorial Secondary’s best performer; Seymoura Wyllie - Emmanuel High School Mespo; Deandre Quashie - Georgetown Secondary; Tiffani Agard Eric Febuary – Top CSEC performer in 2016.

George Stephens Sr Secondary; Kazandu Small - Intermediate High School, and Vanneisa Yorke - North Union.

Other top performers: Vashieka John - Petit Bordel Secondary; Nolecia John - Sandy Bay Secondary; Julia Lewis St. Clair Dacon Secondary; Allia Richards and Dillon Gooding - St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and Marriaqua respectively.

Mark John was St. Martins Secondary top performer; Dexton Scott Top school performers Thomas Saunders; Nicolas Charles - Troumaca Top performers in other Ontario Secondary; Shoinna Stewart, Top Performer after Remediation, secondary schools Vivisha Simmons - Union accepts a special trophy from Lime’s Country included: Regenea Island Secondary; Alana manager Wayne Hull.

Andrews - New Adelphi Blondel - West St. George were rewarded for their accounted for the eighth Secondary School; Shanica Secondary.

Caribbean Primary Exit position in Akayla Reece - Central Leeward Assessment. Those were: Crichton and Rio Connell.

CPEA awards (Barrouallie) Secondary; Luke Wilson who took the There was a three way tie Jakida Ollivierre - Bequia at the tenth position, Students into their first number one position for Community High School; involving St. Mary’s Zeana Alexander - Bequia year at Secondary schools the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic; Matthew Roman Catholic Chad Washington from Windsor Stapleton, Georgetown Primary, second; and Government Kaje Jack Elzicho Debique of the and Lodge Village Cane End Government, Government Ayasa third.

Stapleton.

Also awarded were: Prime Minister Dr. Kingstown Preparatory’s Ralph Gonsalves, Tai Ballantyne - fourth; addressing the function, Emma Rouse and Danielle commented on the Wright - from Sugar Mill “enormous progress” made academy — fifth (tied); in education over the last Aturo Parsons - of St. 16 years, but urged that Mary’s Roman Catholic there be “quality seventh. leadership and quality Windsor Primary teaching in the schools.” student, took the awards for Creative/Performing Arts/Physical Education and Sport. His St. Vincent Grammar School mates Gerard Porter and Sujith Nedd, claimed the award in Humanities, and Modern Languages respectively. Nedd was that school’s top performer.

The award for Industrial Technology went to Mekeila SlaterGrant from Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

Shoinna Stewart, a former Bethel High School student received the award for Top Performer after Remediation.

Also recognised were Mountain View Academy’s Justin Thomas who obtained 14 subjects, and Adriana Raguette and Jessica Prescott, both from Girls’ High School, who recorded 13 subjects each.

Others recognised included (L-R): Leslie Rodney and Jayden Kalonda, now students of the SVG Community College.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 15.

Tourism

EC$250 million Marina opens in Canouan pedestrian pathways and boardwalks along the whole perimeter. Guests also enjoy bathrooms and laundry facilities, and have the option of a trendy Beach Club, with a lovely garden surrounded by pergolas, and a pool with breathtaking views over the Grenadines.

The project, which began in 2015 has provided employment for hundreds of workers, with peaks of 700 tradesmen on site, 95% of whom were Vincentian. “The contribution to the Canouan economy has also been significant.

Our rentals alone amount to a monthly bill of EC$ 130, 000,” said Korach.

“… because you are not going to have all the passengers who are coming here to come to Canouan.

They are going to go to St. Vincent to be Elena Korach, CEO transferred,” said Gonsalves. of the Glossy Bay Marina Limited, The Prime Minister listed spoke of the employment that the the construction of the investments made to date in marina provided for the project, and Vincentians. pointed to Ongoing investment The Glossy Bay Marina provides at present, 120 berths.

Desmond spending US$25 million One of the Major shareholders annually for the next three to four

by KENVILLE HORNE Speaking at the opening ceremony, years. “So this facility is going to have Manager of the Marina - Robert (Bob) in the Marina, Dermont Desmond, said he celebrates the vision of Antonio a number knocking your head about DESCRIBED AS ONE of the best in the Hathaway said that the Glossy Bay Salidno and fellow investor Andrea 150 going up to 200 million, and lots of entire Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Marina is just the first phase in the Pignatorio, and those who were first investments are taking place up in the the Glossy Bay Marina on Canouan was development of the Southwestern part of the project. He expressed North also,” said Gonsalves, who also officially opened last week Monday, April corner of Canouan. “Already the thanks to all those who were involved added that the government has 10, 2017.

‘Marina Plaza’ is under construction A party of Government officials, that will provide yachting visitors with in the construction and planning of the minority shares in the marina. marina.

Following the addresses, the Prime headed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph a selection of bars, restaurants, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves Minister along with his wife joined Gonsalves, and including port officers boutiques and other service outlets. also spoke at the opening. For him, the Desmond for the Flag Hoisting. and media persons journeyed to the Completion is expected in late 2017,” Marina was going to add value to the The media was also given a tour of Southern Grenadine island to witness said Hathaway. newly commissioned airport at Argyle, the luxurious Pink Sands resort. the opening.

The marina, according to the Manager, will enable significant The first phase development in yachting activity in the Grenadines, including training of The Glossy Bay Marina contains Vincentians in yacht support trades around 120 berths, including 24 like varnishing , valeting, paint and “Superyacht” berths capable of woodwork repairs. accommodating yachts between Additionally, the growth in yachting 30metres (100ft) and 100metres (330ft) activity is expected to open an in length. Of the remaining berths, 82 increased demand for fresh foods. are suitable for smaller yachts in the range 10metres (33ft) to 25metres Covering all the bases (80ft), and 13 are allocated for the owners of villas to be constructed at a CEO of the Glossy Bay Marina later phase of the development.

Limited, Elena Korach said the idea of To date, EC$250 million have been a Marina in the South of Canouan disbursed to the project, and Glossy started with businessman Antonio Bar Marina Limited is planning to Saladino. spend another EC$100 million and The initial feasibility studies for the more to complete the planned construction of the Marina were development. extensive, Korach said, in order to ensure that Glossy Bay provided A section of the many who attended the opening ceremony. a safe harbor, and preserved the natural beauty of the beach.

“Wave agitation and sediment transportation, as well as water exchange models were developed by the University of Bologna, and formed the base for a detailed impact assessment study,” Korach assured.

As far as other requisite facilities are concerned, Korach said that the infrastructural network includes a prime and a standby power plant, waste water treatment plant connected to vacuum pumping facilities on the docks, fuelling systems for boats with dockside fueling hydrants as well as a fuelling PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (right) disclosed station. that investor Dermott Desmond will pump The entire resort is serviced A close-up of a section of the berthing area offered by the Glossy Bay millions of dollars in Canouan over the by 3.5 kilometers of roads, plus next four or so years.

Marina.

V

16. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ÂMy ImaginationÊ takes it to Social Media

L-R: Facebook and IMO. THE REALITIES of the impact of technology have gripped the attention of one local mas band - My Imagination.

And in that vein, the band’s presentation for Vincy Mas 2017 is appropriately themed/titled: ‘Social Media’.

Among the aspects captured in the eight sections of the band are ‘IMO’.

‘Snap Chat’. ‘Facebook’, ‘WhatsApp’, ‘Snake and Ladder and Ludo’, ‘Messenger’, along with ‘Twitter’ and ‘You Tube’.

Band leader Denrick Woodley said, “We were just sitting and thinking what will be a good band to bring, especially looking at what the young people gravitate to, was the consensus.”

He noted that it was deputy bandleader and former leader- Norman Quashie, who eventually came up with the theme ‘Social Media’.

Woodley said that he was happy with the artistic designs of Oswald ‘Ossie’ Constance.

“We are looking to attract about 300 to 350 masqueraders, and persons can look forward to another high level of presentation this year from My Imagination,” Woodley stated.

He revealed that the band will be launched 28th April at the band’s mas camp, located at the Old De Freitas building, opposite the Ministry of Agriculture on Murray’s Road.

Persons wishing to contact the band can call 784- 455- 5346 or email my imagination@hotmail.com.

Vinsave promotes Healthy Eating THE SVG Save the Children Fund (Vinsave) continues to promote healthy eating through its Backyard Gardening Project.

The project, which took root about a year ago, exposes students in training in Early Childhood Development to the principles of Backyard Gardening. The young children in the Daycare and Pre-school Programme are also taught how to look after their own plants.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (ICCA) gave tremendous support to

Vinsave in the development of the project, by providing technical assistance and facilitating sessions on pest management, recordkeeping and composting.

The project also benefited from a water

Below: The Backyard Gardening Project at Vinsave has already begun to bear ‘fruit’.

harvesting project through ICCA to support the Garden.

The Save the children Fund continues to look at ways at sustainable development of the Agency, and the people it serves.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 17.

Feature

Recollections of the 13th April, 1979 : A dark „Black Friday‰

day morning fireworks display awaken them.

However; by 9am or so, they were back in town and assisting the evacuation effort. I still remember the big green military truck they used to assist. “Keep Calm”, “Don’t Panic” and meantime BBC news saying that it is possible the island could split or sink or something. And they (the international media) couldn’t even find this place on the map!

I remember the “cloud” hanging in the sky; it was The front page of THE VINCENTIAN told the story majestic, dominating and of an angry volcano. oh so beautiful, with clear blue, framing highlighting MANY STILL REMEMBER it discussed. it. And there were the like it was yesterday. The Well, to paraphrase thunder like sounds and 13th day of April in 1979 Shake Keane, “… the rumblings. Then, about was Good Friday of that thing split that morning in noon, there was “snow”. year. It was a public holiday two; it groaned and The ash fall started and of course; but because it snapped like breaking an stopped, and started and was the 13th, it was also old habit”. And all man stopped, and continued “black” Friday. For several duck for cover. Jokes are that way for many days as days, people had raised told of radio the mountain “refreshed questions about the announcements to, itself”. An elderly woman possible disruption that “Remain calm!” I always who lives in Barbados has could occur with Good wonder how the Cadets on her living room shelf a Friday being a “black” felt- they were on a special small glass jar full of Friday. There was also some route march on the central grey/brown dust. She told political tension in the air mountain spine on the me it was Soufrière ash, as the issue of national Thursday night, and which she swept up on the independence was being would have had the fore3rd day. Many from far and near kept Soufrière dust as proof of the happening. People say the ‘ashing’ revived the soil, but if that powder got wet, it got heavy like concrete.

Schools did not close.

They just did not reopen for regular classes after the Easter holidays, for they were serving as shelters. Form five students who were to write GCE exams had some classes; but the big issue was arranging to hold external exams in such challenging circumstances. And of course there were also several form five students among the displaced persons. People’s whole lives were disrupted when they had to move into shelters; but the authorities only moved people from places they felt were in the path of danger: Fancy, Owia, Point, London, Overland, Orange Hill and Georgetown on the Windward side; and La Soufriere blew clouds that mushroomed as Richmond, Fitz Hughes they ascended over large areas of mainland St. and Chateaubelair on the Vincent.

Officials crisscrossed the affected areas encouraging persons to evacuate.

Left: Every conceivable means was used to carry the possessions of those who had to evacuate affected areas.

Leeward side.

The Central Police Station was a major hub of the activities: communication, finding “lost” persons and receiving and distributing aid. We had extensive support from overseas.

“Bo-dow” was in plentiful supply. Some may ask, ‘What is “bo-dow”?’ It is the sound of La Soufrière erupting and became the word used to refer to aid items. Shirts, pants, dust Schools, like the then Richmond Hill Government masks, food items, any School, became designated evacuation centres. and everything donated in Here evacuees assist with offloading supplies. the relief effort, mostly coming from North America in response to our La Soufriere ‘refreshed itself’ at intervals crisis. There were things during that Good Friday and continued to we didn’t need, like the fur do so for some time after. lined “go-go” boots, and things we didn’t know how to use. But we invented and adapted and worked our way through the remainder of the year and to Independence. In the process, we gained many stories to tell of life in SVG after that fateful Good Friday. (Prepared

by National Treasures of St Vincent and the Grenadines.)

V

18. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Milestones

Saeed Bowman wins The Diana Award The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Preservation Fund, after being commended by His Royal Highness Prince Harry for its work in protecting sea turtles in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was invited by The Diana Award, a charity in the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world, to nominate a young person from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The nominee presented by the Fund, 16-year-old steel pan player Saeed Bowman, was successful in being awarded The Diana Award!

Saeed Roland Bowman was nominated because he has been transforming lives

through the powerful medium of his musical talent as a steel pan player, since the tender age of 7.

Saeed has been using his talent to bring hope to the disadvantaged, to shine light on previously unseen problems, and to simply bring joy to disadvantaged children and youth by lighting up their lives with music.

When Saeed is called upon to perform at a charity event, he shows up, he dazzles, he inspires and leaves everyone feeling better than when they arrived — and in the mood to be generous!

Saeed has been the champion of simply doing good through music, because the causes that

he has played for are as diverse as his musical ability, being both a pan and a piano player. From children in foster care to critically ill children on the pediatric ward, Saeed has used the pan to fundraise for them and to lift the spirits of his audience with his music.

Saeed’s music enabled many charities to raise funds and so directly benefit the afflicted, and also contributed to the renaissance of this traditional art form as his mastery of the pan inspired many young persons to take up the steel pan as an instrument of choice.

Saeed is the son of Lesley Howard Bowman and Roland ‘Rolly’

Bowman. He is a proud member of the Starlift Steel Orchestra, and is absolutely thrilled to receive this international recognition in this special year when Starlift celebrates its 50th anniversary, and hopes that the award will add to Starlift’s celebrations.

The Preservation Fund is thrilled to have been able to shine the light on this talented community-spirited musician, and hopes that many other young persons will seek to emulate him by giving to their communities from an early age.

(Contributed)

Saeed Bowman is considered to be the premier pan player of his age group in SVG, and, in fact, displays the skill and dexterity of one well beyond his tender age.

THE LAW AND YOU celebrates 20 years

THE WEEKLY formed by Television Kenneth John, Series THE Edward Griffith LAW AND (deceased), YOU entered Kerwyn Morris its 20th year (deceased), Parnel this April R. Campbell and 2017. others.

The In the quoted programme article, the EFP has been had advocated the presented teaching of law in weekly by primary and Barrister-atsecondary schools Law Mr. so that Vincentians could Parnel R. become Campbell, QC, acquainted with beginning in their legal rights, April 1997. It since “the law airs for half an Parnel Campbell QC has stayed the pursues us from hour on course through 20 years of selfless the womb to the Monday service to St. Vincent and the tomb”. nights, except Grenadines.

In keeping with on public a format he has holidays. used to celebrate previous milestones SVG Television sponsors the of The Law And You, Mr. Campbell series, and has done so since the and a television crew will be sixth year of the commencement of conducting interviews with the public the programme. under the Singer Gallery in Mr. Campbell is a former Attorney Kingstown during the morning of General and Minister of Justice of St. Monday 24th April, for broadcast as Vincent and the Grenadines, who Programme #860 at 8:30 p.m. on that served from 1987 to 1995.

Monday night.

Speaking on Progamme #859 on Mr. Campbell has expressed his 10th April 2017, titled “The Origins “quiet satisfaction” that The Law And of the Law And You”, Mr. Campbell You has made a positive contribution read from an article published in to public legal education in St. September 1972 in “FORUM”, a Vincent and the Grenadines over the magazine produced by The 20 years of the existence of what he Educational Forum of the People, a calls “the public service, nationgroup of young university graduates building programme”. (Contributed)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 19.

Health

WPP completes successful orthopedic mission

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, a fracture through the growth plate which results in slippage of the overlying end of the femur; Limb deficiency, where one limb is smaller than the other; Post traumatic orthopedic problems which include dislocations, extremity fractures, and the associated soft tissue injuries; Sickle Cell/ Hip Avascular Necrosis, a condition that occurs when there is loss of blood to the bone of sickle cell patients, which could cause the bone to collapse; Osteomyelitis, a bone infection; and Arthrogryposis, conditions that are characterized by Categories of cases seen multiple joint stiffness and involve muscle weakness As far as team leader throughout the body.

Dr. Miller and local Not overwhelmed by orthopedist Dr. Charles the variety of conditions, Woods were concerned, the the dedicated team set cases seen in this mission about to structure its could be grouped into the operation to ensure that following categories: all patients received the Blount’s disease, also appropriate surgical called “bow legs”; Cerebral procedures. Of the Palsy with related seventeen surgeries complications; Spina completed, five referrals bifida, where bones of the were identified for more spine do not form properly complex operations in St. around the spinal cord; Louis.

Club foot, a condition in The other members of which a newborn’s foot or the team were: Dr. Aaron feet appear to be rotated Huser, Orthopedic internally at the ankle; Surgeon Fellow; St. Lucian volunteer Dr. Horatus Jeffers, Adult Orthopedic Surgeon; Dr. Jacob, Pediatric Anesthesiologist; Jill Hahn, Recovery Nurse; DeWayne Johnson, Surgical Technologist; Donna Griffin, Physical Therapist; and E-Scribe, Mallory Truthy. Brad Powell, Ortho-Pediatrics Instrument Distributor, was also near at hand to ensure proper functioning of the required equipment and instruments.

THE WORLD PEDIATRIC Project (WPP) commenced its April 2017 General Orthopedic Mission with consultations at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Sunday 9th April. By day’s end, the team of specialists, led by Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Mark Miller, had seen a total of ninetynine children, thirty-six of whom came from other countries within the Eastern Caribbean region.

For the next five days, the team of doctors from St. Louis, Missouri, turned their attention to providing surgeries from the simple to the intricate, on seventeen of these children.

years and was found to have a congenital deformity of his right hip and right leg. During the week of surgeries, he received his first intervention; a second will take place in St. Louis.

His grandmother was elated. “I feel happy because Jadiel had started to question the foot, why it was so short when his brothers’ legs were all long. This is the best help he could get and I trust the doctors. I believe in them.”

Overcome with gratefulness, she expressed, “We didn’t have the money to do it, and I’m very grateful to these people who come here to help us out; I’m very, very grateful!”

Similarly, twelve-yearold Ariel Christmas from Dominica, who was diagnosed with Blount’s disease which appeared around the age of ten, was able to give a scream of overwhelming joy when she was informed that she will no longer need her crutches. The surgical intervention allows her to walk freely.

Equally happy, her mother Theona Vechausay volunteered, “This is great!. You see, some of us don’t have the money to pay for this type of surgery, and because we are given that special opportunity, it’s just great!”

Her daughter’s journey, she described as, “She wasn’t born this way, but when she was around ten, it started growing outwards, gradually until it had become so noticeable and she started having pains. Because she had not reached her growth plate, there was no need for any invasive procedure at the time, but Testimonies now with so much pain, her doctor referred her to Seven-year-old Jadiel this programme.”

Primus of Richland Park It is poignant to note was one of those who that both mothers, from underwent surgery. His different countries across grandmother, Ms. Leonora the region, were able to Primus, explained, “Jadiel access the services of the was born with one foot WPP. According to shorter than the other, Eastern Caribbean Rep of and he has a problem with the WPP, Jacqueline Jadiel Primus received a his hip because he is Browne-King, “There is a first round of surgery to missing part of the leg.” connection between the correct a congenital Jadiel had been visiting District Clinics and the deformity of his right the missions for over two hospital. Once the District

hip and leg.

Consultation Day at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. finds children with issues that they think need to be forwarded, it is sent through the Out-Patient Department, and these are then forwarded to us.”

This, therefore, provides easy access to the programme, and persons here are constantly encouraged to have their children with issues visit the District Clinic in their area, to receive referrals to the World Pediatric The team on their arrival at the Argyle International Project.

Airport.

V

20. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Thinking of going ÂoutsideÊ never went anywhere and, in fact, my wife had spent that weekend with him at his house. Since that discovery, I have not slept with her because I MY WIFE got a three days a week job to clean a certain house. She would go in for nine and leave at do not know what he gave her to bring for me.

I am thinking of getting my sexual needs met midday. She did this for four months and two otherwise until I can figure out what I’m doing. weeks.

Your thoughts.

Then she came to me and said the owner of the house was going away for the weekend and she was Too hurt to cry asked to work on the Saturday and Sunday to do deep cleaning, wet the plants and feed the dogs.

Dear Too hurt, I found out, after this weekend, that this man

Dear George,

Acting on advice

sucking eggs, it will never stop”, and declined the offer to get help. I months before I decided Dear George, explained to him how his it was time to do what I WROTE TO you sometime you advised. I am letting cheating was destroying our marriage, and the you know that I have last year about my negative impact it has cheating husband, and you confronted him with his had on my life cheating, and encouraged gave me some advice personally. He did not which I was slow in taking. him to get help. He told care to hear any of it. me in no uncertain terms The situation We have since gone that “once a dog starts continued for a few

The answer to your problem is not to get your sexual needs met outside of the marriage. I can understand your reluctance to get sexually involved with your wife until things are sorted out. If you wish to save your marriage, then I would strongly suggest you and your wife get some professional help to help you find your way through this maze of deceit and uncertainty. In the meantime, you should get yourself tested for any STDs. That weekend run by your wife is indicative that both of you are not on the same page, and it would be a good idea to find out why.

George

Try to stay the course Dear George, our separate ways, and he is now living with one of the very women he was seeing while we were together. The last thing I heard is that he is HIV positive. That scared me, but I had myself tested. Thank God I’m in the clear. I’m still emotionally beaten up but I’m finding my way.

Survived Dear Survived, It’s not a good thing when a marriage comes to an end in the manner in which yours did. That said, the experience is one that reinforces the truism that at some point, one has to deal with the realities of life.

There are consequences to our actions, and in the end there is a price to pay. It is good that you are healthy, but continue to do the necessary tests just to be sure your slate remains clean. All matches weren’t made in heaven, but we learn, and we move on.

George

MY WIFE INSISTED that I was lying when I told our marriage counsellor that she has not been paying much attention to me physically. Being in bed with her is like going through the motions, and she does a good job of treating me like an unwanted stranger.

I would try to kiss her and she would either turn her head slightly to the side or do so reluctantly.

She lied and told our counsellor that she would kiss me every time we made love, and that I was making things up. That was when I dropped the bombshell on her.

I asked the counsellor to ask her when I had my tooth extracted. She said I never had an extraction.

I showed the counsellor the paper work for the extraction, and showed him the space in my mouth where the tooth was. I extracted my tooth four weeks prior to the counsellor’s visit and she never knew. If she was kissing me, she would have known that.

That was when she started saying how she is no longer interested in being with me, and it was a drag to make love to a man she no longer loved. We are still seeing the counsellor but I am not optimistic about our future together.

Searching XX Dear Searching XX, When the kissing stops and the love-making becomes routine, these are signs that something is wrong. It is always a good thing to address such a situation in the quickest possible time. Continue with the counselling and keep an open mind. It can take several sessions to get to the bottom of things and to come up with working solutions. There has to be a reason why the kissing stopped and for the dwindling of the love flame. Find the reasons and be prepared to address them.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect. Travel oppor‐ tunities should be your first choice. Don't prejudge. You may get drawn into a per‐ sonal situation that will not be to your liking.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. You could be drawn to events that concern children. You should consider submitting some of your writ‐ ten work for publication. The personal problems you may be having are inter‐ fering with your productivity.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Find ways to make extra cash. Start making things or reusing rather than buying ready made.

Take time to look at any outdated papers or possible investments. Don't bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. Children might be on your mind.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You should consider submitting some of your writ‐ ten work for publication. Look into the cost factor, but don't try to get backing yet. Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. Try to take care of the needs of those you love.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Don't overspend on items for your home. You can expect to have problems with your mate if you've been spending too much time away from home. Don't deny yourself this week. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Hide your cards and learn to say no. You'll find you're detail oriented this week.

Residential moves will be favorable.

Organize your day well if you wish to accomplish all you set out to do.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you. Be discreet about any information you uncover. You may want to take a look at your direction in life. You can make headway in the workforce if you put your mind to it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. Entertainment could cost you more than you expect. You have the stamina and determination to succeed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You should be setting up interviews or send‐ ing out your resume this week. You can get phenomenal returns if you present your ideas to those who can back your interests. Plan your day carefully.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You hard work and dedication will payoff, so stick to your guns and do your job well. Make alternate plans just in case you need to make a career shift. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You need to spend some time getting to know this person all over again. You can learn from those who have had similar experiences.

Kick your shoes off and relax. Don't hesi‐ tate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Be careful not to confuse issues when discussing the matters at hand. Try to deal with it quick‐ ly; don't dwell on past regrets. Try not to get involved in other people's problems.

Romance could develop through social activities or short trips.

ACROSS

individuals 42. Listen 44. Lamb’s 1.Naughty child 5. Many magazine mama 45. Fabric pages designs 8. Apple seed 48. Michievous 11. Vampire’s ones attack 52. Exalted 12. Boss’s poem impatient 53. 27th abbr.

President 13. Enjoy the 54. Comedian buffet Kaplan 14. Bridge 55. Pasty 15. Weapons 17. “And they’re 56. Wise bird 57. Party‐giver __!”

19. Becomes DOWN brown 20. Courageous 1.Air‐rifle ammo 23. Recycle 2. Seamstress’s 26. __‐fry target 27. Hewing tools 3. __ snail’s pace 29. Complain (2 wds.)

30. Cape Cod’s 4. Pavarotti’s ocean voice (abbr.)

5. “Do __ say!”

31. Dissolves (2 wds.)

33. Ike’s initials 6. Rush about 34. Explorer 7. Sharp weapon Ericson 8. Convinced 36. Chair 37. Very wide 9. “__ a Camera” shoe (2 wds.) width 10. Two make 38. Sidles a qt.

40. Flaxen‐haired 12. Attaches

16. Once again 18. Lather 20. Loathed 21. Impart knowledge to 22. Movie star, for short 24. Agrees (with) 25. General Robert __ (2 wds.)

26. Pallid 28. Least fresh 32. Pack away 35. Spots for corns 39. Take care of

(2 wds.)

41. Horse sound 43. Gunslinger’s shout 45. Comic strip “socko!”

46. Dental gp.

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 21.

47. Football org.

49. __ Tse‐tung 50. “Masterpiece Theatre” network (abbr.)

51. Matching china

V

22. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Feature

Grammar School’s ready, excited for Penn Relays

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

Preparation

Morgan lamented that greater and competing interests, primarily financial, IT TOOK SEVEN YEARS and much prodding, prevented SVGS from not venturing out but the St. Vincent Grammar School to Penn before.

(SVGS), the nation’s oldest, and, arguably, “We did not think that it was a most elite, boys’ secondary school, has priority,” he said, adding that “the finally mounted the courage and tenacity amount of money it costs to send a to compete this year, for the very first time, team to Penn could have been better in the illustrious Penn Relays Carnival at spent on more urgent needs. the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) in “I also felt that you must have a team Philadelphia. that is just not going to be there but be “I believe that we are as prepared as competitive enough to be there,” he [we] can be, even though some of the affirmed. boys are yet to embrace the level of Nevertheless, Morgan said the eight maturity that is necessary for a athletes, who will compete in the large competition of this level,” said SVGS school category — TSSS will compete in head coach Rawlson Morgan in an the smaller school category because of its exclusive VINCENTIAN interview. “We, student body — “have worked really hard like all other teams, are hoping to do and have shown that they deserve to be quite well, even to get to the final. there.”

“The guys [athletes] are very excited,” He said SVGS athletes have been in added the Simon/Biabou native, who, training since last August. along with the school’s principal/head“We started out with 24 and have master, Curtis King, and head of the reduced that number to the final eight Athletic Department, Suzanna-Marie [that] we will be bringing [to the Penn Leigertwood-Olliviere, will be among the Relays],” Morgan said.

13-member SVGS contingent at the As part of the preparation, he said the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest athletes took park in a number of “time collegiate athletic meet in the United trials” and local competitions, including States. relays.

“For most of the guys, this will be In addition, Morgan said there were their first international competition; “pep talks,” fundraising ventures and, for others, it’s their first time out, and discussions with past TSSS Penn so you can understand the level of Relays competitors “to help prepare the excitement being exhibited by all,” boys mentally.

Morgan continued.

“When I look at the performances of He noted that SVGS, despite its the team — from the time we started out prestige and influence, will follow the to where we are now — I believe that we footsteps of the Thomas Saunders should do well, once all is well,” he said.

Secondary School (TSSS), which created “As a national coach, I feel extremely history seven years ago by being the first honored to be given the opportunity to and only secondary school in St. Vincent coach the team,” Morgan said. “I know and the Grenadines to participate in the the boys well, as we have been working games at the Franklin Field Stadium in together for some time now.”

Philadelphia.

He also said “a lot of persons” have been anticipating this moment “a long time now.”

“So, I believe that the nation is happy, and it all augers well for the country that not one but now two teams are representing it at the relays,” Morgan added.

“This number, I believe, will increase, especially if we do well, and the funds are made available, which should lift the level of performance and competitive spirit among all athletes in Vincentians resident in New York are expected to the country.” make the trek, once again, to support the athletes Curtis King, the very

from SVG.

St. Vincent Grammar School Penn Relays team 2017 (L-R front row) GianLuca DaSilva, Rasheed Fontenelle, Zwicka Charles; (L-R back) Randolph Richards, Javon Rawlins, Jevonie Lavia, Sage Primus, Ethan Myers.

L-R: Headmaster Curtis King said there is a sense of pride with SVG particicpation in the prestigious Penn Relays; Head Coach Rawlson Morgan said his team is prepared as they could be at this point un their development and James Cordice, architect behind SVG’s participation in the Penn Relays, is rightfully elated with increased participation from SVG. supportive and enthusiastic head master, chimed in: “The nation feels a sense of pride knowing that the students are going out to fly the flag of SVG [St. Vincent and the Grenadines].”

Besides King and LeigertwoodOlliviere, Morgan said SVGS technical team comprises physical education teachers Lorson Lewis and McKish Compton.

nationals in the Diaspora, particularly the greatest numbers in New York, to “get on the bus and come celebrate our athletes, our true ambassadors.”

As it has done since the SVG-Penn Relays effort was initiated in 2011, the Brooklyn, New York-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella Vincentian group in the US, will be organizing a bus-load of nationals, on Sat., April 29, the final day Pioneer elated of the three-day meet, to give boisterous James Cordice, the Clare Valley-born support to the SVGS and TSSS athletes.

Athletes from both schools will architect behind SVG’s participation in compete in the 4x100 and 4x400m the Penn Relays, told THE VINCENTIAN that he was “elated” that throughout the games.

The SVGS travel contingent for the the SVGS has finally come on board, Penn Relays is: Athletes — Zwicka thanking King, Morgan and Charles, GianLuca Da Silva, Javon Leigertwood-Ollivierre “for recognizing Rawlins, Jevonie Lavia, Sage Primus, this idea of using sports as a vehicle for Ethan Myers, Rasheed Fontenelle and the social, physical and academic Randolph Richards; head of delegation advancement of our children.

“Today, we are closer to the reality of King; Morgan; manager LeigertwoodOllivierre; and parent/chaperones having multiple SVG high schools competing at the Penn Relays,” said the Maureen Lavia and Susan Samuel.

TSSS athletes are: Zenron Chance, former president of the PhiladelphiaMaurice Foster, Immanuel Henry, Joel based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP), Jack, Atiba Lewis, Inglis Daniel and Aaron Hazell; and coach Harry; who coordinates the SVG-Penn Relays assistant coach Javed Marksman; and initiative. “This programme creates an manager/chaperone Farrah Bailey. avenue for the demonstration of our Cordice said TSSS former athlete athletic prowess.”

The untiring Cordice said he was also Brandon Valentine-Parris, the program’s grateful to TSSS’ principal John Renton, first Olympian, will be honored during a gala reception for the Vincentian head coach Godfrey ‘Fuzzy’ Harry and chaperone/teacher Dawana Balcombe for athletes and supporters, after the “leading the inaugural SVG Penn Team conclusion of the games, on the evening of April 29, at the Vincentian-owned in 2011.

Calabash Restaurant and Catering “Their vision was entwined with my dream of cultivating Franklin Field with House on Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia.

Vincentian vigor,” he said, urging

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 23.

Shne Joachim earns another Carifta Swim medal

Shne Joachim has earned a medal at every Carifta Swim Championship since her debut in 2013.

Joachim has chalked up an impressive record the 50m butterfly. since her debut in 2013 at the At that championships, she Carifta Swim Championships established a Carifta record in held in Jamaica. At that the 50m breaststroke, in a occasion, she took bronze in time of 34.39 seconds. the 50m breaststroke for the And, last year, in her first 11 to 12 age group. year as a 15-17 swimmer, She added another bronze Joachim won bronze in her pet in the 13 to 14 age event, the 50m breaststroke. group, but this was Also representing St in the 100m Vincent and the Grenadines in breaststroke at the the 2017 Carifta Swim 2014 Championships, which ended 10.60 and 21.53 representing Benedict VINCENTIAN Championships last Tuesday, were Mya De respectively and will College, finished second ATHLETES continue to staged in Aruba.

Freitas, Aron De Freitas, Alex compete in the 400 this in her 400m heat in a showcase their talent In 2015 in Joachim, Bryson George and time of 58.54, while over overseas while competing weekend.

Nikolas Sylvester.

At the Gamecock at the Texas Invitational, Barbados, in her with the best at the last year in the 13 SVG placed 17th overall Invitational in South Coutney Williams College level in the to 14, Joachim with 10 points. Twenty five Carolina, Brandon Paris, clocked a wind-aided United States. countries contested the running unattached, 21.92 to finish 7th in his claimed two silver Kimorie Sheaman medals in the 50m championships. heat and 25th overall. established a new Wiley finished 4th in his heat and 200m The 2018 championships with a time of 21.41 College record when he breaststroke, as are set for Jamaica.

I.B.A.ALLEN clocked a personal best of seconds. At the same well as bronze in 46.49 in the 400m, at the meet Soreyna Miller, Eastern Texas Invitational on Saturday.

In his second outdoor meet for the season, Shearman took almost a full second off his Zita Vincent previous best of 47.44 seconds recorded on ZITA VINCENT, St Cemore Donald of Games last year in March 17, and has Jamaica, who won in 2 Grenada, but did not qualified for the National Vincent and the Grenadines’ lone athlete minutes 11.28 seconds. finish the 1500m Association of at this year’s Carifta Claiming second was females’ Under-18.

Intercollegiate Athletics Games, just missed out another JamaicanCompeting in the Championship scheduled on two podium finishes. Shaquena Foote (2 3000m Open, she placed for June.

Competing in the minutes 13.44 seconds) seventh in 11 minutes Shafiqua Maloney open females 3000m and and third was Curacao’s 00.04 seconds. continued her good form the Under-18 800m at Shurianty Mathilda (2 She is the current with a wind-aided the Ergilio Hato minutes 15.38 seconds). record holder of the personal best run of Stadium in Curacao, Vincent’s other effort intermediate 800 and 23.65 in the 200 meters, Vincent placed fourth in was in the 1500m 1500 and the open at the Gibson both events.

Under-18, in which she 3000m at the Inter— Invitational in Indiana.

In the 3000m, Vincent finished fifth in 5 Secondary Schools’ Representing Southern because of exams clocked 10 minutes minutes 02.41 seconds.

Athletics Illinois University, commitments. Michael 48.31 seconds in a race She was outpaced by Championships.

Shafiqua has now moved attends the University of won by Claudrice Mc Shaquena Foote of Apart from Vincent, to the number one spot Koy of Guyana in 10 Jamaica (4:45:51), Jabari Khensu Michael, Pittsburgh in minutes 39.03 seconds, Rushana Dwyer also of a US-based male athlete Pennsylvania, USA. for both 200 and 400 St Vincent and the with the Jamaican duo Jamaica (4:48:15) and who reports say meters at her school.

Grenadines last of Britnie Dixon Claudrice McKoy of qualified to represent Kemroy Cupid, medalled at the Carifta (10:44:63) and Kayan Guyana in a time SVG through his competing for Colby Games, when Reuberth Green (10:45:76) filling of 4:50:88.

Vincentian father, was Community College in Boyde collected silver in the second and third Also ahead of Vincent selected for the Carifta Kansas, won both his the male Under-20 places respectively. was St Lucian Kamillah Games.

100 and 200-meter races 200m, at the In the 800m, Vincent Monroque, whose fourth However, Michael, at the KT Woodham 44th edition, held at the timed 2 minutes 18.35 place time was 5:01:86. who was entered in the Invitational in Wichita.

Kim Collins Stadium in seconds, but trailed Vincent made her Under-20 100m, did not He recorded times of St Kitts and Nevis. repeat gold medallist debut at the Carifta make it to Curacao,

SHNE JOACHIM won a bronze medal last Monday, in the females 15 to 17, 50 metres breaststroke at the 32nd staging of the Carifta Swim Championships, staged at the Betty Kelly- Kenning Aquatic Centre in the Bahamas.

Joachim, who was late off the board and who later

complained of being affected by a damaged hand, clocked 34.40 seconds behind the Bahamian pair of Lilly and Albury Higgs, who did 32.70 and 33.96 seconds, respectively.

Joachim though was not able to get another podium finish in the 100m

breaststroke as she ended in fifth place. She had gained a place in the final after her 1 minute 19.75 seconds in the preliminaries, but her 1 minute 19.73 seconds was bettered by Lilly and Albury Higgs, Bryanna Renuart of Jamaica and Cayman Islands’ Ella Plunkett, in that order.

Vincentians display talent in the USA

Vincent misses out on Carifta medal

Kimorie Shearman now holds his College record in the 400m.

Below: Shafique Maloney did a personal best in the 200m.

V

24. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

WIPA and SVGCC set for long partnership The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), last Tuesday evening, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at a brief ceremony at the President’s Suite at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Signing on behalf of WIPA was its Vice President — Vincentian,

Nixon Mc Lean, while Director of the CollegeNigel Scott, did so on behalf of the partnering institution.

On hand were West Indies female players Merissa Aguilleira of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbadian Shakera Selman.

The programme, when put in place, will see WIPA helping cricketers

with their studies while having an opportunity to practise their craft in the sport.

Speaking at last Tuesday’s ceremony, Scott noted that his institution fully embraced the initiative taken by WIPA. “I think this is an excellent agreement, and the college is happy to be part of it,” Scott said.

Scott remarked, “ I Having signed the of the the partnership have seen sportsmen MOU, both parties will agreement. suffer because they had now work out the details to go off to play sport with no arrangements within the institution to keep up and catch up with their academic work …I think this is an opportunity to partner with WIPA that this does not happen again.”

Meanwhile, Mc Lean, a former SVG, Windwards and West Indies fast bowler, acknowledged the need for cricketers especially to set things in place, as St. Lucia – champions of Windward Islands according to him, “there Under 15 cricket. is a life after cricket.”

From left- Director of the SVG Community College - Nigel Scott affixing his signature, watched by WIPA’s representative Nixon Mc Lean and West Indies female players Merissa Aguilleira and Shakera Selman.

Lynch confident ahead of Tournament SAMANTHA LYNCH, head coach of the Senior Windward Islands Female Cricket team, said she is confident the team will do well in the WICB Super50 Female Cricket Tournament, especially since they are playing on home soil.

The Windward Islands were expected to play one of the three opening matches of the Tournament yesterday against Guyana, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago were scheduled to meet at Sion Hill, and Jamaica against the Leeward Islands at Park Hill.

Lynch, in her first stint as head

coach of the team, said that, given the composition of the team, “once we apply the basics and stick to the team plan, we could get good results.”

The team has been involved in a training camp here, and Lynch described it as “a tremendous experience for the girls who are all upbeat and are in good spirits.”

As far as her call up to coaching duty was concerned, the former SVG and Windwards batter, said, “I am privileged and take it as an honor to be the coach of the Windwards senior female team. I am grateful to the

persons who had the confidence to afford me this position. I am also grateful to the coaches who were part of the training camp. I believe the girls benefited from their experience and knowledge.”

The Windward Islands squad includes, Afy Fletcher (Captain), Juliana Nero (Vice Captain), Cordel Jack, Stacy-Ann Adams, Glendeen Turtin, Akeria Peters, Holly Charles, Alica Fortune Grenada, Roselia Baptiste, Krisain Irish, Nerisha Crafton, Servely Williams, Roylin Williams and Quania Joseph.

I.B.A. ALLEN

The Windwards Female Cricket team with head coach Samantha Lynch (standing extreme left).

St Lucia retains W’wards U-15 Cricket Title ST. LUCIA played unbeaten to comfortably retain their Windward Islands Under 15 title, when the WINLOTT Inc. WICBC Under 15 Tournament concluded in John Eugene Grenada last - head coach weekend. of Champions St Lucia finished Teddy St Lucia. on 11 points, Bishop of followed by Grenada was Grenada on 7, the TournaDominica on 6 ment’s points and SVG in highest runthe cellar position getter. with zero points.

John Eugene, the former Windwards middle order batsman and now coach of the St. Lucian U15 team, said it was a great feeling to retain the title, making it victory in the last four years.

He pointed to the achievement as primarily due to the team work exhibited by his players.

“I work with some of the guys on Kervin a daily basis, so I am quite familiar Gangadeene with them. What went really well of Grenada was the team spirit … it was a took the complete team effort,” Eugene said. most wickets Already he has his eyes set on in the the future. “I am now looking Tournament. forward to next year. Some guys will return from this team and those who were in the reserves … in addition we are going to have our school tournaments to select the bulk of the guys and go into a pre-season camp and basically get them ready for next year,” the coach explained.

As far as outstanding individual performances were concerned, Grenada provided the tournament’s highest run-getter and wicket-taker. Teddy Bishop was the tournament’s most prolific batsman, totaling 272 runs at an average of 54.40, with his highest being 59* among four half centuries. He was also named his team’s MVP. Off spinner Kervin Gangadeene was the leading wicket -taker with 21 wickets at an average of 9.00, with an economy rate of 3.73 and a strike rate of 15.19.

O’Jay Matthews of SVG was the standout allrounder of the tournament, picking up 15 wickets at an average of 14.40, an economy rate of 3.60 and a strike rate of 25.13, and scoring 174 runs at an average of 34.80, with one half century. He was, as expected, his team’s MVP. (See related story on Page 25)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 25.

Sports

Kings go forth WHAT A TIME to rack up 10,000 T/20 runs! That could only be one person, Christopher Gayle. The World Boss, seized the moment last Tuesday, and when the dust settles, you will see him cantering in the distance. Everyone has a long way to go to even get a glimpse, and Gayle is not yet finished with T/20.

Whether any will be in maroon colours is left to be seen.

His statistics stand out and make him the most destructive batsman in T/20 cricket. He has the records to prove his durability in all forms of the game. For all that, West Indies cricket does not have a corresponding dramatic report.

With personalities like Gayle, it is hard for any administration to work out amicable industrial relations.

Gayle is a global cavalier. It is unkind to label him a mercenary. He is entitled to making the best returns for his labour. It is within those parameters that West Indies players find themselves at loggerheads with the Board.

There is no need in rehashing the drama that reels on between players and the Board.

An occurrence in 2009 here bears stark reminder of the cold blood between the two factors. Hours before the Test Match started here, no one knew what the likely composition of the West Indies party was. That came about owing to strike action taken by the players.

When it reaches a stage where the employee has options far outstretching the meagre earnings he makes in his stable post, it is an easy choice for that worker to go free-lancing.

A harmonious relationship has never been worked out between the players and the Board, or to be more accurate, the players’ association.

It has reached the point where playing for the West Indies is not the most enticing aspect of a palyer’s career. Securing the jersey, or the cap, or the platform to showcase one’s wares, are the most valuable assets of being selected on a West Indies team.

Thereafter, the players adopt a nonchalant approach to West Indies cricket.

The attraction of healthy returns has imbued a different sense of loyalty by players, and they have allowed pride that typically home-grown players cultivated to have been compromised.

The cycle turns. The Kerry Packer episode has changed the outlook on cricket. T/20 and ongoing impact is taking its effect. And there is nothing wrong with that. Cricketers’ wages were never as attractive as other disciplines, at least as far as the West Indies was known.

A cricketer’s career is short. So they have to cater for the progression.

The Chris Gayle rebirth came at a time of intriguing coincidence.

Vijay Mallya had connections with Royal Challengers Bangalore, the franchise with which the World Boss is attached.

The story is that Gayle might have missed that game on Tuesday if AB De Villiers had been fit.

Gayle’s form till then did not raise any eyebrows.

But Gayle is Gayle, and any excuse to reinstall him comes as natural therapy.

Gayle timed his paces, securing the three runs needed to reach 10,000. After that, it was carnage of an era commensurate with the proliferation of sermons preached over the Easter period.

Gayle’s force had the strength of diverting the attention of Mallya’s running with Indian authorities. The smokescreen may last for some time. But May 17, a new gust will swirl.

Mallya’s excursion may not be as erratic as Allen Stanford. His episode exposes the vagaries of entrepreneurs.

Lucrative options remain open, and people the world over will be drawn into such circles. Sports personalities will have to be guided as to how they dispose of their God-given talents.

Black Sands Swim Squad impresses at St. Lucia meet TWENTY-ONE SWIMMERS represented the Black Sands Swim Squad at the April 6 -10. 2017 18th Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC) invitational swim meet, St. Lucia.

From among participation of over 300 swimmers representing 27 clubs from across the region and as far as New York, the Vincentian club finished in 3rd place, when the overall tally was computed.

Caitlin Polious and Jamie Joachim led the way in the girls 9-10yrs age category, with Polious earning five gold and two silver medals to finish second overall in this age group.

In the boys 9-10 years age group, Eltonte’ Leonard swam away with winning two gold and five silver medals, and Jayson Sandy three gold and three bronze medals. Leonard and Sandy finished 2nd and 3rd respectively overall. Both boys did qualifying times for participation in the 2018 Carifta Swim Championship.

Sandy left his mark when he broke meet records in the 50, 100 and 200 meter breaststroke group.

Competing in the 11 — 12 age group for girls, Paige Cadogan brought home one gold, two silvers and three bronze medals.

In the same age group for boys, Bryson George swam strong to take one gold, two silver and four bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Alexander Joachim challenged the best among the 13 — 14 year boys and did himself proud, claiming two gold, five silver and three bronze medals, and taking the second spot in the overall age group.

Ria Adams was Balck Sands’ lone competitor in the girls 13 — 14 group. She took home one bronze meal.

In the girls 15 years and over, Nyah Isaacs took a bronze in the 50m Backstroke, Competing in the 15 and over boys category, Dillon Gooding -

The Black Sands Swim Squad that participated in a recent meet in St. Lucia. one gold, two silver and three bronze - - and Aaron De Freitas one silver, two bronze - increased the medal haul for the Vincentians.

Commenting after the conclusion of the Meet, Club founder and head coach Kyle Dougan commented, “The results of this competition are fantastic.

All 21 swimmers represented their club well both in and out of the water, showing the region that St Vincent’s competitive swimming is now at a very high standard.”

Lone Vincy in W’wards U15 squad O’Jay Matthews was the best all-rounder in the recent Windwards Under 15 Tournament.

ALL ROUNDER O’Jay Matthews is the lone selection from SVG to the Windwards Island Under 15 team, which is set to participate in the 2017 WICB Under-

Windward Islands Under-15 team.

15 Tournament to be held in Trinidad and Tobago, in July.

Matthews’ selection came after he was named the MVP for his country and was the best allrounder of the tournament with a total of 174 runs and 15 wickets.

The Windwards team will be led by Kygan Arnold of St Lucia. He will have Teddy Bishop of Grenada as his deputy.

The other members of the squad, selected after

the conclusion of the WICBC under- 15 tournament, which was held in Grenada from April 8 to the 16, are: Kervin Gangadeene, Terone Charles and Jamel Rocastle from Grenada; Magid Peltier, Yawani Regis, Mikel Riviere, Jedd Joseph of Dominica; and Efron Charles, Akeem Auguste, Udel Preville, Tyrone Theodore from St Lucia.

The reserves are Handel Roban, Irvin Warrican of SVG, Jaden Elibox - St Lucia and Neo Davis - Dominica.

The team is expected to assemble for a training camp in June ahead of the tournament.

I.B.A.ALLEN

National Senior Training Squad announced TWENTY-FIVE players have been called up for training towards the final selection of a 13- member National Cricket team, for participation in this year’s Senior Windward Islands Cricket Championship, scheduled for Dominica next month.

Those called up include: Asif Hooper, Roneil Jeffrey, Kesrick Williams, Atticus Browne, Donwell Hector, Shaquille Browne, Kenneth Dembar, Obed McCoy, Miles Bascombe, Hyron Shallow, and Rasheed Frederick.

Left arm pacer Others are: Romario Pierre, Wayne Harper, Delorn Johnson should also form Gidron Pope, Delorn part of that attack. Johnson Kenson

Danzell, Sunil Ambris, Rickford Walker, Jerrand John, Darren Greaves, Desron Maloney, Othneil Lewis, Jeremy Layne, Ray Jordan and Keytorn Lavia.

The Championship will run from 21st to 28th May in Dominica.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Keswick Williams, West Indies T20 player, is expected to spearhead the Vincentians opening bowling attack.

V

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Gun talk

On the other hand, it was never true that there had not been a sustained conviction. Shopkeeper It would appear that Juries tend to Fitzroy Hinds died in prison while be sympathetic to the gun which they serving a commuted life sentence for often own and which usually does a the shooting murder of his wife. neat and swift job. On the other hand, In the intervening period, there they cannot stand the messy sight of a have been some interesting events. mutilation carried out by the man-onPolice guns cut down Ricky Ross in the-street with his knife or the Kingstown and Sutherland at the labourer wielding his banana cutlass, Sandy Bay Police Station. sharpened back-and-belly. Squeamish Accident and self-defence were the juries recoil in horror at photographs effective explanations. of human butchery.

Young Leonard Rocque was blown The very sensitive nature of the gun out of a coconut tree at Gun Hill also lends itself more readily to allegedly by the gun of a propertytheories of accident than, say, the owner, no inquest yet. cutlass- chop or knife-thrust which Mr. Ackie shot his own son and was require deliberate, consciously-willed finally freed of murder, tasting prison actions. nevertheless, unlike Jack Punnett In any event, we are fast whose charge had been immediately approaching the point where the gun reduced to manslaughter in much the will cease to be the specific weapon of same circumstances, and had been the middle class. Guns aplenty are granted bail. falling into the hands of farm Finally, for a good comparison with labourers and ganja dealers who equally want to defend their turf. This the Mark Williams case, this columnist recommends the facts and country has to be careful that in our results of the Carmen Mercury case. permissiveness, we do not adopt the Mrs Mercury had felt cheated by gun culture of the concrete jungle and her husband, Benson, and had had become a trigger-happy lot. divorce papers prepared by her lawyer, Victor Cuffy. Still, on the fateful day Addendum (1996) she picked a quarrel with him in his The foregoing has been rehashed in shop.

Incensed by the battle of words, view of the interest aroused over the Carmen Mercury was found guilty of Mark Williams’ case. the lesser charge of manslaughter, and First of all, it remains true to this sentenced to four years imprisonment. day that no one has ever been hanged What is good for the goose is good for murder by the gun. for the gander?”

This Week by Dr. Kennteth John Continued from Page 8.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017. 27.

Classifieds

FOR RENT 2 bdrm, 2 bathroom apt. at Harmony Hall 498-0291

FOR SALE Lands at Rawacou 1.9 Acres 5 minutes from AIA Suitable for housing or Resort Development 454-4739 457-2788

($5'/(< %$,6'(1

AMIN GLASGOW DND %XV\ DQG *HQHUDO

05 125%(57 (9(5$' -$59,6 *UHJJV 6'$ Church 6XQGD\ WK $SULO S P

.LQJVWRZQ 0HWKRGLVW Church 0RQGD\ WK $SULO S P

*UHJJV 6'$ Church 7KXUVGD\ WK $SULO S P

JULIUS MURRAY /RZPDQ¶V +LOO 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW Church of God 6DWXUGD\ WK $SULO S P

&$6:$/' 0,7&+(//

$0< &25',&( 672''$5'

6W 0DWWKHZ¶V $QJOLFDQ Church %LDERX 7KXUVGD\ WK $SULO S P

6W 0DU\¶V $QJOLFDQ Church Pembroke 7KXUVGD\ WK $SULO S P

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 21, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.16

A.I. REAL ESTATE Victoria Village 19,503 sq.ft @ $7.50 p.s.f. - $146,272.50 - BB116 Sally Spring 3 bedrm Property on 42,886 sq.ft. - CALL - H585 Richland Park 5 bedrm Property on 4,900 sq.ft $220,000.00 - H721 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

‘GOV’T MUST ACCOUNT,’ SAYS DR. FRIDAY government, to oversee the financing and construction of the Argyle International Airport.

“Today, thirteen years later, not a single audited financial statement of the IADC has been brought to the House of Parliament by the Minister of Finance,”Dr. Friday told the media.

“In other words, the IADC has operated for thirteen years and, in complete contravention of the laws of the country..,”he added.

Dr. Friday also focused his attention on National Properties Ltd. (NPL), a statutory corporation established by the ULP government in 2001, in which state-owned lands and developed properties have been vested.

of millions of dollars – YOUR DOLLARS – and no accountability to show how your money was used!” Dr. Friday quipped.

“The laws of the country pertaining to financial transparency and accountability are being ignored, they are being neglected and they are being willfully broken by this ULP regime,” he assessed.

Cost of constructing AIA

In detailing his reference to the cost of constructing the AIA, Dr. Friday presented a picture of conflicting figures in this regard.

“What actually was the cost to build Argyle? Is it $700 million as has been Tasked with the sale of state-owned reported recently in some news properties media?” he asked, then proceeded to Dr. Godwin Friday called on the refer to Senator Julian Francis’ government to come clean and clear NPL was intricately linked to the statement on radio that the cost was on the accounts as they related to financing of the IADC and by EC$1.3 billion, EC$800 million of statutory entities. extension the construction of the AIA, which was contributed by the state through revenue earned from the sale and nationals home and abroad, and LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION Dr. Godwin of state lands on mainland St. Vincent EC$500 contributed in kind by other and in Bequia, in particular. benefactors.

Friday has accused the Unity Labour Dr. Friday declared on Wednesday According to Dr. Friday, the Prime Party government, and more particularly that not a single audited financial Minister had stated that the country its Prime Minister and Minister of owed EC$400 million that was Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, of failing to statement has been laid in the House of Assembly for the operations of the borrowed specifically to build the account for government’s finances in NPL, since its commissioning. airport, “but he (PM) brought no accordance with by the laws of this Similarly, Dr. Friday added, no audited financial statements from the country. audited financial statements for the Director of Audit to support anything.”

At a media conference last companies that the government had In Dr. Friday’s assessment, it boiled Wednesday, April 19, at the New established to operate the PetroCaribe down to a situation of whether or not Democratic Party (NDP) headquarters scheme, have been laid before the citizens of SVG must accept the word at Murray’s Road, Dr. Friday House, even though millions of dollars of the PM/Minister of Finance. addressed, in particular, the lack of have passed through that Scheme over “All sorts of numbers are being forthright accounting as it related to the last ten years. bandied about. Every time you turn state-owned companies and entities.

Reference was also made to like around, you hear a different figure.

He cited the case as it applied to the situations with respect to BRAGSA Are we supposed to just believe the International Airport Development and the National Lotteries Authority. PM because he said so in the House?”

Corporation (IADC), the statutory “Companies dealing with hundreds Dr. Friday questioned. corporation set up in 2004 by the ULP

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

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was fingered for not complying with Section 70 of the Constitution and the Finance Administration Act, 2004.

“In fact, the law says we must not take his word for it!” the Opposition Leader declared with much emphasis.

“This contemptuous, unlawful behaviour cannot — and must not — continue. The Prime Minister and his cohorts have already shown their absolute contempt for the whole business of transparency and accountability, so we in the New Democratic Party now call on the Director of Audit, who is a constitutionally independent authority and a servant of the public interest, to break the silence on this matter of vital and fundamental national importance,” Dr. Friday concluded.

The law to which reference was made reads, inter alia: ‘The Director of Audit shall, no later than six months after the end of each financial year, make such examinations and inquiries … to enable him to audit the accounts of each statutory body for the previous year and report as required by this Act’.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.