THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 21-08-20

FRIDAY AUGUST

21, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.34

Bequia roads get attention Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Police tell untruths Page 4

One Caribbean, set...

Page 11

EC$1.50

Scholarships galore Page 12&13

Salt Whistle works Page 24

by KENVILLE HORNE EVEN THOUGH THE EVIDENCE points Yet another said ‘Alyo should shut up and listen to what de man to St. Vincent and the Grenadines airport, a number of say … the pilots an’ dem say dey were heading for Venezuela.”

(SVG) as being used as a decoy persons with whom this publication in a recent scenario in spoke were not treating this country’s The scenario which a Learjet packed implication in the matter as a trivial one. with boxes of One person commented that, had this According to information from the US Border and weapons and country not been considered an ally of Venezuela, Patrol, Air and Marine Operations (AMO), ammunition was “an ally to be used and abused if necessary, the agents from the Fort Lauderdale intercepted at persons concerned would not have felt so at ease to name Marine Unit were alerted, on the Miami SVG as their destination.”

Saturday, to an aircraft “No amount of talk,” another person said, “could take away from the movement related to an fact that we have been used like a pawn, just like how Chavez came here ongoing investigation. and we allowed him to use his visit to cuss out the USA.” Officers from various Another person did say, however, that it would not be federal agencies, including unfounded to speculate that “somebody was setting the FAA, detained the aircraft up our country.”

Continued on Page 3.

That Learjet never left Miami, leaving a lot of speculation about its real flight plan.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

SVGCC Art Students gift SJCK a mural

The Mural Team (L-R): Shewmorl Alexander, Karlon McLean, Javanne Sam, Tansha Sam, and Sheniscia Allen. (Missing from photo is Andre Joseph) Below: Capturing the spirit of sports along the north wall of the SJCK’s hard court.

THE ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT KINGSTOWN’S (SJCK) compound received a colourful addition by way of a mural created by six students enrolled in the Fine Art, Design and Cultural Communications (FADCC) Associate Degree programme, at the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC).

The mural, which took four (4) weeks to complete, is part of the course requirements for students enrolled in the Mural Arts: Urban Space Enhancement elective, and provides them the opportunity to showcase the techniques and knowledge gained in the course.

Tansha George, mural student and past student of the SJCK, said the experience for her was a nostalgic one.

“Walking through the

Engendering appreciation and acceptance of Vincentian culture. gates brought back a flood of good memories. I was finally able to leave a visible print through my art on my Alma Mater, and not many students get the opportunity to do something like that,” George said.

The students, having now completed the mural, will move on to the final year of the programme.

Dane Jack, course lecturer, lauded the mural six for their dedication throughout the project.

Jack is also encouraging the public to show greater support for the arts by collaborating with the college by,, for example, contributing supplies, funding to future projects, or by commissioning work from FADCC students.

FADCC Programme Coordinator, Leytisha Jack, said such initiatives serve as national platforms for expressive cultural creation. She is calling on the public, especially the business community, to offer spaces for such expression, as the course is one that runs every academic year.

To offer support to the programme and students, please contact Programme Coordinator, Ms. Leytisha Jack, at leytisha.jack@svgcc.vc.

The FADCC mural six were Shewmorl Alexander, Karlon McLean, Javanne Sam, Tansha George, Sheniscia Allen and Andre Joseph.

(Submitted by SVGCC)

V News 3 Schools reopen: What to expect

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 3.

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXTRACTS from Education Minister St. Clair Prince’s response during the Thursday 13th August sitting of Parliament, to questions relating to conditions under which teachers and students are expected to return to for the new school year:

It wouldn’t be ‘school as usual’ for our young people, when they return to classes on August 31, 2020.

* Temperature checks (of all students) to be done by teachers at the start of each school day; all schools are provided with non-touch thermometers; * Students encouraged to wear face shields and masks while travelling on public transportation; * Students advised to wear masks while in public during school hours; * Hygiene and hand washing protocols to be adhered to on all school compounds; hand washing stations and

BRAGSA begins road repairs

in Bequia RESIDENTS OF BEQUIA have welcomed what they say are long overdue road repairs/reconstruction on that island.

A release from the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority — BRAGSA - stated that they have embarked on the reconstruction of two concrete roads on that Grenadine island.

Construction work is being done on the Mount Pleasant road at an estimated cost of EC#290, 000. Phase one of that undertaking will include repair of 556 square yards of concrete road and the construction of a 570foot retaining wall.

Similar work is also being undertaken on the La Pompe Road where repair work is to be done to 395 square yards of the main road and the construction of a 40foot retaining wall.

The La Pompe project is estimated to cost EC$140,000.

Work on the two Careful projects is expected to attention given to the be complete during much used the month of La Pompe September. (Source: main road.

BRAGSA)

Work along the Mount Pleasant road.

hand sanitizers are to be placed in appropriate areas; all schools will be provided with the necessary cleaning supplies, hand sanitising liquids, soaps and other resources to maintain health and safety; * Extra cleaning staff to be employed for the new academic year to ensure that all schools have adequate personnel to share the cleaning responsibilities.

until December 11. The second term opens on January 4, 2021 and will close on March 26, 2021.

The third term commences on April 13, 2021 and is scheduled to run until July 2, 2021.

These dates are subject to change as per the conditions regrading COVCID-19 at any given time.

Schools were officially closed here on March 20, 2020, because of the threat posed by the novel The new academic coronavirus and the year begins on August 31 resulting COVID-19 and the first term runs disease.

SVG used as decoy?

Continued from Front Page. whose flight plan showed its destination as St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A search of the aircraft turned up a find that included 18 assault/bolt action rifles with optics, a Barrett .50 calibre sniper, six shotguns, 58 semiautomatic pistols, a firearm suppressor, body armour, 63,000 rounds of ammunition, and $20,312 in U.S. currency and $2,618.53 in endorsed cheques.

Two Venezuelan pilots – Luis Alberto Patino and Gregori Mendez were arrested and charged in connection with the operation and the aircraft was seized along with its cargo.

But even as documentation showed that the pilots of the aircraft concerned had listed this country as the final destination, Mr. Jared Rine, a Special Agent with Homeland Security.

Investigations, was quoted in the Associated Press as having said in an affidavit supporting the criminal complaint against the persons who were arrested, that “one of the defendants said after being arrested that the aircraft’s ultimate destination was Venezuela.”

Tine was also reported as saying that “from my training and experience, I know that pilots have filed flight plans to third party (countries).”

It was on the basis of this statement that Police authorities here moved, in a release issued late on Tuesday, to affirm that the aircraft in question was not destined for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and that the country’s name was used a decoy.

This, SVG’s Police Commissioner Colin said, was confirmed by the Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS).

But, the matter, even in the face of the statement from the RSVG Police Force, remains under investigation.

Relations between the USA and Venezuela are for the most part, conducted when necessary through third and even fourth parties. The countries are far from being on ‘friendly terms’.

The President Trump administration has tightened existing sanctions and introduced new ones against Venezuela, not least being that all USA-registered aircraft are not allowed to fly to that South American country.

Notwithstanding the ‘evidence’, another person with whom this publication spoke, commented: “The issue for me is why was St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ name used? Why would the pilots feel they could use our name just like that? Why didn’t they use another Caribbean destination?

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 , 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Police accused of telling untruths Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS “POLICE must stop tell lies!!!”

This was the assertion made by Attorney Grant Connell during a Court proceeding on Tuesday.

Connell levelled the accusation, … issued the call … during his crossexamination of a police witness and in his closing submissions on Tuesday, in a gunrelated matter involving his client Calroy Hooper of Petit Bordel.

Hooper was acquitted on all charges.

The defendant was charged with possession of a .38 revolver, one .38 bullet and one .357 bullet all without licences. He was also charged with discharging a loaded firearm in a public place.

All four offences were reportedly committed on November 23, 2018.

The Prosecution’s case was that the police went

to Hooper’s home at Petit Bordel to execute a search warrant following a report that he had discharged a loaded gun in a public place. Hooper was met at home lying face down and when the police asked him to get up he refused. He was lifted by one of the officers, but the defendant, on getting up, pulled a firearm from his crotch and threw it through a doorway leading outside of the house. The gun, which had contained the bullets, was retrieved by an officer.

The police witnesses told the Court that Hooper’s action was so quick that they were unable to draw their firearms.

Hooper opted not to give evidence.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, in his closing submissions on Tuesday, recalled that two prosecution

witnesses and a defence witness had told the Court that they saw Hooper throw the gun through the doorway.

But Connell in his closing arguments, pointed out that when that defence witness, Leron McKenzie, was reexamined by him for clarification, McKenzie, who was at the house when the search was conducted, admitted to the Court that he saw Hooper throw something, but was not sure what it was.

Hooper had told the police that the gun and ammunition did not belong to him, and that what he threw away was “a piece of weed”.

Following McKenzie’s evidence to the Court last week Wednesday, the Court visited the scene at Hooper’s home.

This was done in the absence of the media.

That visit seemed to have helped the defence’s

case.

The lawyer pointed out, during his closing arguments, that an outside kitchen was directly in front of the doorway, through which the police witnesses said the gun was thrown.

He argued that it would have been physically impossible for the gun to be thrown from that angle and retrieved where the police had said it was retrieved.

Connell also noted that the evidence the police gave in court in relation to who was present when the firearm was retrieved, was at variance with what the officers pointed out at the scene.

Connell not only accused the police of lying, but pointed out that “this case shows that such visits to the scene for clarification on certain issues, should be a must from now”.

“You too thief!” Prosecutor tells accused SENIOR PROSECUTOR Adolphus Delpleche has zero tolerance for persons who resort to stealing as a way of life.

The Prosecutor was visibly irate at the Serious Offences Court on Monday when Sion Hill resident Curtis Joseph told the Court that he stole four pairs of socks from the Cloud9 apartment store in

Kingstown, because he was under the influence of alcohol which caused him to lose control of his senses.

Joseph gave the explanation after pleading guilty to the charge.

However, Joseph’s criminal record prompted the Prosecutor to question whether Joseph had lost control of his senses every time he stole people’s belongings.

The record showed that Joseph had 32 previous convictions, the vast majority of them being theft related.

“Talking about you lost control of your senses. We have to put a stopping to this, we have to. We are compelled to, and we bound to,” the Prosecutor declared, and told Joseph, “You too thief!”

On August 10, a supervisor at the store was informed that a man was seen putting socks into his crotch, before he exited the store.

Footage of the incident recorded on CCTV was handed over to the police who carried out investigations, resulting in Joseph being arrested and charged.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, following the sentencing guidelines, sentenced him to four months in prison on Monday.

Dangerous situation – No evidence offered A 23-YEAR-OLD FEMALE school teacher told the Serious Offences Court on Monday that she did not want to proceed against her 27-year-old commonlaw husband, who was charged with wounding her.

When Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche asked the woman what was the nature of the incident, she explained that her common-law husband stabbed her in the face and other parts of the body.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told the defendant he could count himself lucky that the victim had indicated that she did not want to proceed.

The Magistrate described the act committed against the young lady as vicious and wicked.

“What if you had punctured her heart?” she asked the defendant.

“That’s not how you treat a woman, and I don’t care about the circumstance. There is no circumstance that can trigger that. I am very, very disappointed with your behaviour,” Browne added.

THE VINCENTIAN was informed that the man was in the habit of physically abusing the woman, and she had made previous reports to the police.

THE VINCENTIAN also understands that he had a previous charge in a rural Court in relation to another incident involving the woman, but she had also indicated to the Court on that occasion that she did not want to proceed against him.

The couple, it is understood, is still together despite all this.

Trio granted bail on multiple charges A DUSK TO DAWN curfew is among the bail conditions imposed on three youngsters charged with multiple offences, reportedly committed at Peruvian Vale between August 8 and 9, 2020.

Jemark ‘Parch Nuts’ Jackson of Campden Park, Quincy Boyde of Rillan Hill and Romando Andrews of Peruvian Vale/Clare Valley, are charged jointly with entering the 2-Go Restaurant as trespassers and stealing two televisions, a kettle, a microwave, an alarm siren, and a keyboard, which altogether valued $7,070, the property of Hazel Ann Joseph of Arnos Vale.

They are also charged with unlawfully damaging two dead bolt locks valued $120, unlawfully damaging a commercial aluminum door valued $1,240, both properties of Harmony Investment, and attempting to burglarise the Triple X Supermarket.

Those offences were reportedly committed at Peruvian Vale between August 8 and 9, but Jackson is charged separately with possession of a hoe, reasonably suspect of being stolen or unlawfully obtained on August 9.

The men had pleaded not guilty to the charges on their initial appearances before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court last week Wednesday, but were remanded until Monday, August 17 for bail review.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche had told the Court then that the investigator, Inspector Elgin Richards indicated to him that certain exhibits were not recovered, and the police were concerned that if the men were granted bail, those exhibits may disappear.

However, on the men’s return to Court on Monday, the Senior Prosecutor said he was wavering his objection to bail, but requested suitable conditions and sureties.

The youngsters were each granted $10,000 bail with one surety, with a curfew imposed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. They were also ordered to surrender their travel documents and report to their nearest police stations twice per week. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and they are not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court.

The matter has been transferred to the Biabou Magistrate’s Court, and adjourned to September 11.

Attorney Sharmine Walters is representing Andrews, while the others are unrepresented.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 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

Shaping our politics RESEARCHERS HAVE FOUND that while morals did not do a good job of predicting a person’s future political attitudes, the opposite was true.

If the truth be told, that finding could well have been made even after a cursory examination of our political attitudes and moral foundations (e.g. fairness, truthfulness), or in the case of the latter, the lack thereof.

This finding, therefore, could well explain the pains, the contortions that certain people, especially political leaders, go to, to rationalize their and their colleagues’ behavior and actions, both within and without their political party. Put another way, this is what we are wont to say is putting a spin on an otherwise clear cut dastardly action or behavior. Need we give examples?

The fact is our politicians, our political leaders - regardless of ideological positioning — do not hesitate to go against the moral compass in trying to explain away some action of disrepute.

Even when the immorality of an issue stares them down to their very guts, political leaders are likely to put a spin on the issue, claiming it is moral because of this or that, or that it is fair because of this. In so doing, we tailor what we find acceptable to our politics (or is it that we tailor our politics so that everything we do we claim to be acceptable?)

Chicken or the Egg? There is also a piece of research in the halls of academia that speaks to a ‘theory’ that purports, to put it simply, that a person’s moral foundations or beliefs influence their ideologies, and as a result, how they feel about certain political issues and ultimately the political party with which they identify.

Whatever this ‘theory’ might advance, there is room within its argument for a fundamental question with much relevance to our situation: Does a person’s morals guide then to one political party over another, or does identifying with a political party help shape a person’s morals?

Whatever the answer, the morality of the outcome is in respecting that people are different. People can be passionate about political issues, but must not lose sight of the fact that it is upon a moral foundation, first and foremost, that they should approach others as they espouse their position on and interpretation of a certain issue.

It must never be a carte blanche approach of ‘the end justify the means’; this should never be simply good enough for our politicians.

People’s interest deserve more than this willy nilly attention.

So, while it is seldom the case, there will be some who confront the ‘status quo’ with a questions like: ‘Are we pracitising a politics that is moral… that is characterised by genuine empathy, love and moreso forgiveness for others? Is our politics driven by a voice that encourages us to help more than hurt and castigate?

Economists prefer to sidestep moral issues in favour of ‘tradeoffs’, etc., leaving the moral issues, which beckon value judgements, to the political process. Have our politicians addressed these issue accordingly?

So when the next election is called, we expect that it would be conducted peacefully. But we expect more. We expect that that peace would be maintained regardless of political opinions and loyalties.

This can be ensured if we recognize that a commitment to peace is held in common with a commitment to ethical conduct — to conduct of the highest moral order.

Can we rise to the occasion or has our politics become so far removed from what is morally sound that we can no longer separate the trees for the forest?

By any means possible does not mean forgoing what is moral and true.

How the NDP treated “ULP” Public Servants First published – August 28, 1998 and republished - August 21, 2015.

IT IS USUAL in these small communities, even if dangerously misleading, to identify top public servants with the ruling party of the day, especially where the current regime had had a reasonably long run.

Labour had conducted government for fifteen years, 1967 to 1984, minus two years, 1972 to 1974, during the “interregnum” of the PPPMitchell Alliance.

It meant that the NDP Government of 1984 had met the top echelon of the public service with persons who had moved up from the middle ranks, during 15 years of Labour. The long association often led to the perception that these people were “Labourites”.

In fact, Prime Minister Mitchell was so impressed by the professional approach of his inherited Cabinet Secretary, James Pompey, that he immediately reposed absolute confidence in him.

Not only that, within a year or two, the Prime Minister honoured a promise which Milton Cato had made to Pompey, and sent him to New York in a diplomatic post. Incidentally Godfrey Pompey, current Cabinet Secretary is James’ son.

In choosing other members for overseas mission, Miss Cecile Richards, daughter of John Richards who twice ran for Labour in North Windward, was given the nod.

Dennie Wilson, Labour- appointed speaker of the pre- 1984 House, was also enlisted in the diplomatic staff in the USA. When Burns Bonadie, Labour’s Crown Prince, had been booted out of the party for agreeing to sit at a public interview with Prime Minister Mitchell over Windwards Unity, Mitchell accepted his application to join the NDP and posted him off to Canada to do a labour-farm contract job, as well as perform consular services.

Bonadie took over from Ceford Providence, a Labour Party card-carrying member who despite having passed the age of retirement, was granted a further extension based on his expertise and experience.

It is however, true that Joel Toney who had totally identified with Labour and had always been Stalky’s alter ego, had to give up his post, notwithstanding his insistence that he was a career diplomat. Whatever the generosity, the line has to be drawn somewhere!

With Pompey gone to New York, Prime Minister Mitchell chose as his Cabinet Secretary Mrs Anselma Soso, wife of Hudson Soso, a man who had been a perennial thorn in the flesh of the NDP regime!

Significantly, sons of labour stalwarts were welcome in their own right by the Mitchell Government.

Karl John is the son of Sir Rupert John, foundation deputy-leader of the Labour Party and first native Governor appointed on the

recommendation of the Prime Minister Milton Cato.

Karl became Director of Planning and with engineer Rudy Matthews and financial wizard Maurice Edwards performed at the highest level of professionalism in securing the necessary capital projects and infrastructure, to bring this country near to the “take off” stage. Edwards is still at the helm of Finance under the ULP administration.

Today, Karl John brings his expertise to bear on the general handling of the Stabex Funds on which our banana industry, among others, heavily depends.

Randy Cato, who replaced Karl as Director of Planning, and is now seconded to the OECS secretariat, hailed from a labour family by name and nature.

Especially in the area of the public utilities did Mitchell zero in on brilliant sons of Labourite fathers.

Hobbes Huggins, former secretary to Labour and past candidate as well, is father to Joel Huggins, the Manager of VINLEC, which in so many ways had illuminated the nation during the Mitchell years. Until a recent hiccup, Mitchell and Joel Huggins have got on like a house on fire.

And Daniel Cummings, son of Samuel Cummings of Kingston Park, a Labour supporter to his marrow, was responsible for turning around the dreadful water situation in St Vincent, and made the local CWSA an example to follow in these parts. Daniel is now a leading MP in the opposition NDP. Nor did Mitchell allow narrow partisan consideration to limit his sights in recommending personnel for the sensitive area of the judiciary.

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

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

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

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

She was eventually cut short of her higher ambitions, but that is another story. (To be continued.)

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 7.

Views

Dear Election Candidates:

WITH THE Trinidad and Tobago election behind us, the Jamaica election scheduled for September 3, and ours looking likely to be called before the end of the year, it is a good time to remind all those who are putting themselves up for our vote, that they are offering themselves up to SERVE us.

They must be reminded that if they are elected, that they have to serve all the people of the constituency and not just those who voted for them. I have seen too much of that favouritism and one-sided service to last for a lifetime, yet I hope that this time around we could see a change.

In fact, if or when you are elected to Parliament, you serve the entire nation.

But even before the bell is rung, I want to urge the candidates to stay away from using distasteful tactics and strategies to discredit their opponents and their opponents’ party.

This nonsense has to stop sometime. And if like you usually say, the truth be told, the distasteful jabs are coming from one party.

While the leader and his cohorts on radio of one party use every opportunity to cuss our people, even if a person is not a candidate, the other is doing his best to take the high road, and not get into making unbecoming comments about anybody. That should be the norm not the exception!!

You see, it should be a case of when someone goes low, the response

should not be to go lower, but to go higher.

And don’t tell me about our politics being adversarial, how that is our culture. Culture my big foot! If the culture is that one candidate should go at the throat of the other, then I don’t want any part of the culture. That is nonsense and we should have passed that stage a long time ago.

I urge all the candidates to remember that you are in this to serve the people. This should be your only objective, and you should strive to fulfil this even if it means going against your party now and again.

Above all, even as you politicians like to fight down one another, you always seem to come

THERE ARE more prisoners who are outside the physical prison buildings than those who are inside.

There are many things we practise that keep us bounded and take away our freedom of peace and enslave us psychologically and mentally. These things rob us of the dignity and freedom to love and be at peace with others. In this sense, we are held in bondage and, therefore, are prisoners.

This is an election year and far too many are engulfed with hatred because of party politics.

This attitude denies us our freedom of association. While we are

free not to support the policies and performances of a particular party and its candidates, we should never reach the place of actual hatred.

Hatred is often developed from broken relationships and differences of opinion. It creates tension, malice and even destroys the person’s self worth, integrity and respect. It robs an individual of a peace of mind, because the person who hates someone sees the other person as enemy, and many times, wishes the downfall or the worse to occur to the person or persons.

‘Bad mindedness’ is

another aspect of bondage that keeps us in prison. For when someone has ‘bad mind’, they don’t want the other person to succeed, and wishes destruction and failure of those individuals. Love goes out the windows.

Pride is another cause of bondage. It is said that pride cometh before a fall. So when a person becomes proud and shows himself to be better than others and considers himself above others, he is a recipe for disaster. He lacks the freedom to greet and be sociable to others. He is not happy because he lacks the character to reach out and help

Our land our national treasure back to saying how God fearing you are, and how everything is in the hands of the Lord. It seems to me that too many of our politicians remember God only when it is convenient for them.

Well, this time around, practise what you preach. Let what comes out of your mouth be the truth and nothing but the truth and not vile attacks against your opponent.

BESIDES our people, our greatest national resource is our land. The forest and mountains give us shape, character, attract rain and are the source of our water. The arable lands provide us with food. The sea too is a source of food. The sand and beaches provide recreation. Our innovative minds enable us to use all the natural resources in a sustainable manner for our benefit.

Should we declare our natural resources as national treasures? If we do, we would enact National Land Conservation measures with the aim of preserving our natural environment. A proper Land Use Policy would be enforced.

Agricultural lands would be preserved, and watershed areas would be contoured to prevent erosion. Construction projects would consider minimizing any negative environmental impact.

Hotel construction need not conflict with farming lands. We can have both with proper planning. All our beaches are important, and all should be cared for and the shoreline protected with natural vegetation. We have more to gain from sustainable development than from exploitation merely for financial gain.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

Road repairs Prisoners from within in Bequia Paul (In Jamaica)

A zero rate of return AN ECONOMY with zero rate of return cannot generate growth. SVG’s economy rate of return for 20 years is a blasted zero. How does the PM explain hard working investors like the Bonadies, Greaves, Jax, Layne’s, and the many others who create employment in SVG and who pay their fair share of taxes whilst Taiwan and Mustique, who generates, mega millions from our economy, are not taxed accordingly?

And the close to EC$1 billion dollars squandered on the Argyle Airport. What’s the AIA’s return?

And the Geothermal project which is on the road to nowhere? It does not guarantee a reduction in electricity cost to the consumer. So what is its rate of rerun? Nothing!!

PM Gonsalves has failed to make SVG’s economy a success story. He has not implemented measures that would guarantee a positive rate of return.

The ULP should admit its failure to the people of SVG.

others.

Finally, unforgiveness is a major crime. We seldom look at it as a crime, but the bible says if I don’t forgive others then I would not be forgiven. So holding someone in your heart and not offering forgiveness will eventually block a person from his/her blessings. It will rob the person of the opportunity for happiness and progress.

Not unlike a prisoner ( a person in a real jail), those persons lack the freedom of inward peace and progress, coupled with God’s blessings.

I will dare say that HATRED and UNFORGIVENESS are two of the major crimes committed inwardly and will never be tried by a court of law. Yet, they destroy the individual and also cause persons to rise up and commit the worst act — including murder — as they seek revenge.

May we be free from the inside out by loving and forgiving each other.

These two traits will help in reducing the actual crimes that are committed today.

Kadmiel McFee Kennard King

“WHA’ DOH HAPPEN in ah hundred days does happen in one day.”

That is what I have to say in relation to the road repairs currently being going on here in Bequia.

While we welcome the repairs, I can’t help but remind your readers that this ULP government has for years turned a deaf eye and a blind eye to the request and real need for repairs to the road network in general, in Bequia. And even with the repairs now, the ‘poop-in- your-face’ attitude that the government exhibited through the years, these repairs, regardless of the cost and how many Bequians get work, will not endear it anymore to the people of Bequia, in the build-up to the next general election that the bell ringer says will be called before the year ends.

Bequia people must realize that repairs to roads are not a favour but an obligation on the part of any government. The taxes we pay are just as good as the taxes mainland people pay, so why must we have to wait a generation before a basic need is attended to here in Bequia?

And may I say, Sir, that I note that most of the money allocated for this long in coming road repairs, is allocated to Mount Pleasant, the home of the rich and famous, so to speak, on Bequia. Maybe they have better friends in government.

So while we welcome the road repairs, let it be known that the ULP government is not doing us any favour; they are simply doing their duty which they have ignored for thine kingdom come as far as Bequia is concerned.

Bequia man La Pompe (Editor’s Note: See story on Page 3)

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG: From poverty to prosperity

ULP in panic mode

Introduction

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) government has failed Vincentians for nineteen years and it is now in panic mode, as general elections approach.

The ULP government is in a mad rush to implement projects that it has failed to execute over the past five years. The ULP is trying desperately to convince the electorate to vote for them in the upcoming general elections. Vincentians will not be fooled! The ULP has failed miserably and will pay a heavy price at the polls, when the next general elections are held.

The ULP cannot campaign on its performance in government. It has returned to its old style of promises, the distribution of cement, lumber and galvanize, and offering short term employment to persons who have been unemployed for many years, in an attempt to bribe Vincentians. The electorate has grown accustomed to this old strategy and it will not work for these elections. All the polls have shown that the New Democratic Party (NDP) will win the next general elections.

Over past general elections, the ULP outlined a number of policies in its manifestos which it has not implemented. These include: making job creation, especially quality jobs and sustainable economic development their main priority; being tough on crime and the causes of crime; moving resolutely against corruption in government; deepening political democracy, strengthening individuals rights and freedoms, and upholding the law and the constitution; modernizing and reforming government to better and more efficiently deliver all the services provided by the government; developing as never before in our country, sports, culture and the arts; develop a modern city at Arnos Vale; upgrade Kingstown; making Campden Park a city and building a strong manufacturing base.

Vincentians are still waiting on the 1500 jobs that were promised in the first year of the ULP’s government.

Thousands of young people are at home unemployed after graduating secondary schools, colleges and universities; and they are often referred to as lazy by members of the ULP. Where are the jobs? The ULP has failed to create jobs. Our country is grappling with a high rate of unemployment, particularly among our young people. As a matter of fact, unemployment is worse now than the 20-9 percent it was when the ULP took power in 2001.

According to the IMF, today’s overall unemployment rate is 25 percent and is 46 percent among the youth. And it has got worse in 2020 during COVID- 19 pandemic. Didn’t the Minister of Finance state recently that unemployment has increased by 10%.?

Further, what we have seen over the years of ULP-style governance, is a lawless government. The ULP government has demonstrated that it lacks accountability. It has little or no regard for our laws governing financial accountability and financial management. We recall the problems associated with the Petro Caribe funds, where $112 million were left off the books, according to the International Monetary Fund. And immediately following the 2015 general elections, the government

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY has been in government for just over 19 years, and the record of governance is stellar by any measurement, but evermore so when we consider the work that had to be done to take this country out of the mess left by the James Mitchell NDP. While many “straw men” type arguments have been attempted by some to sterilise the NDP’s tenure in office in an attempt to offer some semblance of honour to that time period, their arguments all fall down in the face of the metaphoric huffing of the wolves, when presented with facts and data. The reality is, that while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, facts aren’t allocated in that same way, but instead are constant and applied across the board regardless to one’s opinion. The upcoming elections campaign will see two different strategies as the NDP would resort to its usual tactics of misinformation, lies and gossip in an attempt to distract the voters, while the ULP would happily focus on its sterling record over the last 4 terms it has led this country. And why not? This government has done an excellent job on improving the living standards of Vincentians in every material regard, and has plans to continue building on the programmess and policies that have brought our people these successes. Some things must be repeated constantly lest they be taken for granted, and in the case of SVG, many of the improvements that we now enjoy as normal were previously ignored and took the ULP coming into office in 2001 to see positive changes.

situation as pointed out by the report where 30.6% of the households in SVG were poor. Taken in the contacts of raw numbers, if there were 30,000 households in 1998, almost 10,000 of those were poor. The poverty had gripped the entire country so much so that even in the urban areas, the poverty rate was only slightly lower at 35.4% compared to 38.7% in the rural areas. The NDP could have honestly said, geographically, they kept the country equally poor.

The extent of the poverty caused significant migration as individuals saw leaving as their only way to survive, and they left SVG in search of anything that looked like a better opportunity. The report confirmed this as about 44% of household had confirmed recent migration of a member, and as one economist put it “emigration had an even deeper significance, as the intentions were to migrate and send for others”. How could a country with booming agriculture and manufacturing sectors, able to record a surplus on the books, have such widespread poverty at the same time? (Please note that the article hasn’t touched indigence which is separate).

By 2008, the 7-year-old ULP administration had put things in place, including strengthening social safety nets and reorganising institutional arrangements to tackle the poverty From poverty to prosperity situation and in that short time was able to reduce poverty from almost 40% Between 1996 and 1997, the Mitchell of the populations to about 30%. This NDP conducted a Poverty Assessment was recognized by the government of the Survey to determine the state of affairs United Kingdom, that readily offered in this country and to put plans in place debt forgiveness (that was previously to address any potential problems that denied under the NDP administration), would arise. What came out of the since it recognized the work being done report was a serious condemnation of by the ULP government to reduce the leadership provided by the NDP poverty and improve Vincentian living administration in the managing of this standards. The swiftness with which country’s resources, including its people. things were done and positive results Keep in mind that the NDP in 1984 achieved could be attributed to the inherited a vibrant manufacturing readiness of the ULP to take office in sector as was evident by the number of 2001. The ULP while in opposition, factories operating in Campden Park, a studied the situation and developed revitalised sugar industry, the milk plans to deal with the issues that were processing factory at Diamond, the confronting this country. We were cooking oil factory, and a very robust prepared! agricultural sector, driven by a strong banana industry. The NDP had all the Conclusion resources to grow our economy and enact policies to ensure the development It’s been 12 years since the 2008 of the country’s human resource. By country poverty assessment for SVG, 1998, however, with the submission of and during that time we have had to the report, the statistics made for a multi-task through a myriad of issues: damning indictment on the way the the 2008 financial crisis, building the country was being managed. By that AIA, Hurricane Tomas of 2012, the time, the sugar industry had been December 2013 floods, the April 2014 killed, relegating the hundreds of floods and most recently Covid-19, while Vincentians in Georgetown and the surrounding areas who depended on the keeping SVG not only afloat, but growing. Even without the presence of industry for employment, to a growing statistics, the naked eye can testify of poverty situation. The factories in the improvements in the lives of Campden Park began to close one by Vincentians and the fact that the one, as manufacturers found more country is on the right path. Astute favourable locations to do business, again putting hundreds out of work and leadership and experience account for the way the country is being managed, hundreds more indirectly affected. And because not much attention was paid to as the ULP continues to build on the agriculture, its gradual demise started, foundation it has laid during its four terms in office. The future of SVG looks once the preferential treatment regime was challenged and eventually removed. bright with the ULP as we continue to work with Vincentians at home and The inability of the NDP to address the very important challenges that were abroad to implement plans, policies and programs, designed to lift SVG higher. affecting us at the time, created a

brought legislation to parliament to correct the problem. There was also the lack of accountability during the construction of the Argyle International Airport. The latest fiasco is the acquisition of lands owned by Dr. Murray’s in-laws. There are also allegations of lands being taken away from farmers in South Central Windward, on the Lauders estate, and in North Windward, the advice of government ministers.

Then there was the abuse of the Special Warrants by this ULP government. During the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the government spent over $100 million under Special Warrants, but failed to come to parliament in a timely manner to get approval for the money.

What a sloppy, messy way to manage government finances! And they would not have brought the matter to parliament had the Opposition, through a question from the Member for Central Kingstown, Major, the Hon. St. Clair Leacock, not raised the matter in the House.

We have also witnessed the demise of agriculture under this administration. Early in the life of this administration, the government took control of the Banana Growers Association. The government then removed the credit facility which was established to assist farmers with their inputs, making it extremely difficult for them to purchase fertilizer and other inputs.

High cost of living, victimization, discrimination, increased crime, lack of opportunities for youth development, a stagnant economy, closure of scores of businesses, deplorable condition of our roads, are features of the ULP government.

The NDP offers/proposes programmes and policies to restore hope and develop the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The creation of jobs, especially for our youth, will be our major priority. We have recognized that the youth is a critical to nation building sector and has a significant role to play in the development of our country. We will work tirelessly to provide the opportunities necessary for the young people’s advancement. We will implement a number of programmes and policies which will create the enabling environment that will produce thousands of jobs. For instance, our Citizenship by Investment Programme will be an instant game changer for job creation and growing the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We have also identified Information Technology as another area that will provide opportunities for our youth. In addition, we will put into operation our Basic Needs programme and Constituency Development Fund which will also create employment.

We will work to revitalize the agricultural sector, and partner with the private sector to further develop the tourism industry.

We are confident that we will win the next general elections. The NDP will make SVG work for all Vincentians.

V Getting and giving

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 9.

Views

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” - Harriet Jackson Brown Jr. (born 1940) – American author of several inspirational books.

THERE ARE MANY INDIVIDUALS who are absorbed in getting material things with the hope that these will bring or extend the joy to their lives. However, there is no guarantee that the accumulation of wealth or earthly possessions will generate the desired peace and joy. As strange as it may sound, giving with pure intentions appear to produce more joy than that of receiving. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (who served as the First Lady of the United States from 4th March 1933 to 12th April, 1945) reminds us that, “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” The pearls of wisdom enshrined in her statement should cause us all to ponder how much more we should focus on giving rather than on getting. For certainly, as we give, we get. This is a paradox of life.

There are several biblical passages that encourage our being generous and reflecting this in our giving.

Many of these are recorded in the New Testament. They encourage us to look for opportunities to give to others … often expecting nothing in return. The bible also provides comparisons about the blessings generated through giving and receiving. We note the expression that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). This is a most interesting concept. We tend to think of the joy that we get when we receive gifts. However, if it is indeed more blessed to give than it is to receive, we clearly understand and appreciate the value of giving. This is especially so when we give sacrificially … when it “hurts” to give. Here, again, the bible refers to the woman who gave all that she had (see Mark 12: 41-44 and Luke 21:1-4). This was significantly lower in monetary value that the more affluent individuals who were giving alms in the temple. However, when it is considered that she gave “all that she had”, we appreciate the magnitude of her sacrifice.

Dr. Orison Swett Marden (18481924), the American inspirational author, reminds us that, “We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.” This quotation takes us on a “new trajectory” about giving. We can go beyond giving material things such as gifts, clothes, money, household items, and so on. Giving of our time and talent may be even more valuable that the giving of our treasure (material possessions). Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), the American poet, memoirist, and author, so often reminded readers and listeners of the importance of investing in the lives of others. She noted that persons may forget what we said or did, but will never forget how we made them feel.

It is so important the we invest in the emotional well-being of those around us. When we do, we discover that we have simultaneously invested in our own happiness. We seem to be so much happier when we dedicate the time and effort into making others happy. Our lives are richer and our horizons broader when we do. As Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965), the

former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, so neatly puts it, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Giving of our time, talents, and treasure seem to magnify our state of happiness.

Dr. Ben Carson (born 1951), the American politician, author, and retired neurosurgeon, strongly recommends that giving is a forerunner to our sense of happiness.

He advocates that “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” This is a sobering thought. It is a paradox that causes us to ponder so many aspects of our lives and the things that we focus on.

It beckons all of us to contemplate how we can enhance our “happiness levels” through giving rather than through our quest for getting. Giving more of our time; being available to listen to those around us who are hurting; engaging in activities that encourage growth and development in others, and so on. We can generate and sustain an enhanced level of happiness when we stretch ourselves in ways that expand others.

Hassimik Mahdessian of Glendale, California, USA, shares a most interesting story about getting and giving. His inspiring short story is inserted here: “Thirty years ago, my world almost fell apart. I had surgery, was fired, and was informed by the IRS that my employer had not paid employment taxes. After a few weeks, I saw a flyer about a Japanese festival. Although a physical and emotional wreck, I decided to go. There, I met a Japanese gentleman with whom I chatted for hours. A few months later, I came home to find a bouquet of flowers and a letter at my door. It was from that same friend. Inside the letter was a check for $10,000 to help me through my rough patch. Sixteen years later, I met a family that had been evicted from their home and needed $5,000 to close the escrow on a new house.

Without hesitation, I handed them a check for the full amount. They call me their angel, but I remind them that I, too, once had an angel.”

Among other things, this story reminds us of the value of sharing our blessings with others. This writer is not advocating that we be gullible enough to give to everyone who asks for assistance. That would be foolish.

We have to develop a keen sense of discernment so that we are better able to detect when there is a genuine need. However, having said that, we should be ever ready and willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. There is an enhanced sense of self-worth that is generated when we give. This is especially so when we have the opportunity to lend a helping hand without the recipient knowing the source of the gift. Little acts of kindness, performed with every pure intention, can go a long way towards creating and sustaining joy in others … and in the giver too.

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

Bias and political truths ONE OF THE FLAWS some people make when engaging an opponent in an argument is to accuse the person of having a bias. The fact is that all of us have biases. The key is to be able to recognise, admit, and contain them and thus limit their impact on our work and our utterances. The fact of having a bias does not, therefore, limit the capacity of a person to argue factually or to assert politically colourless truth.

Elected politicians or those aspiring for public office may pledge to serve the people faithfully. They usually declare that the people are sovereign, and their views and votes will never be taken for granted. However, there is only so much trust that pledges, and statements of commitment can buy. Most people, especially those who have attained some level of political and economic independence, expect and may even demand consistent action intended to build trust.

With election fever rising in SVG, we can expect to hear the charges of bias repeatedly being met with the response ‘but is the truth though.’ In making crucial decisions about our lives and the future of SVG, citizens must thrive to distinguish truth from fiction, propaganda from empty rhetoric.

Martin Luther King, in one of his many wise utterances, counselled that it is not where a person stands at a time of tranquility and ease that tells us the measure of the person, but where he or she stands at a time of conflict and controversy. So, the prepared speech is not what exposes the real intents and beliefs of a person, but what the person says.

Let’s take the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no doubt, that by going against the grain and refusing to lockdown the country, PM Gonsalves gambled correctly. His decision turned out to be a correct balance between the twinned choices of life and livelihood.

However, is there any truth in the rhetoric that leaders in neighbouring countries and beyond engaged in ‘a lazy man approach to public policy’ by exercising their responsibility to those whom they pledged to protect by taking drastic measures? Conversely, would it be a biased untruth to claim that, to date, Vincentians have lucked out even as the government went about its business of governance in the face of a deadly, unknown disease?

As someone commented following the column ‘Safe and Safe in SVG’: In 2000, Gonsalves was prepared to bring the country to a standstill for as long as possible to ensure he gets into power.

Now during the pandemic, he refuses to lockdown to save Vincentian lives.’

Readers can decide if the comment is truthful or reflects a political bias. If back then we celebrated the fact that the lockdown was ‘as tight as a virgin,’ should COVID-19 times demand any less virgin-like tightness?

is as much as 47 percent. Even when we haggle with the numbers, none of us can persuasively deny youth unemployment is exceedingly high.

Young people are leaving school with good grades and finding it impossible to find meaningful employment.

No one can be charged with bias if they were to truthfully declare that far too many of our educated young people are underemployed. They are forced to work for as little as $400 per month while a large slice of the population work for less than $1,000.

Roads, cost to citizens and elections

One will not be expressing a bias opinion in saying that the roads, byways and highways across the country are being repaired/refurbished at breakneck speed to coincide with the rapidly approaching election. It is the unbiased truth that many citizens are most pleased by these developments.

Motorists are especially delighted because better roads mean less wear and tear on their vehicles; less money to spend in replacement parts and cost to mechanics for repairs.

But it will be equally unbiased and truthful to proclaim that government is insulting the intelligence of citizens when it allows the roads to badly deteriorate for years, and then engage in a mad scramble as the election cycle comes around to repair the roads and byways.

It is the unbiased truth that those responsible for repairing roads in SVG do a very poor job. Many tasked with repairing roads have little or no experience. Roads, properly constructed ought to have a life expectancy of decades. However, in SVG roads do not live past the rainy season. By rushing to repair them just before an election means that citizens are exploited and abused. Their tax dollars repay the loans taken to repair the roads. And in short order, motorists must shell out much more to repair their vehicles as the bad roads, which were improperly done, take their toll.

Those seeking our vote and our trust must understand that they are answerable to us for every dollar of public funds they collect, spend and borrow in our name. They are accountable to us for everything they do.

Once the elections are over, those who begged for and won our favour disregard the truthful fact that they are not only accountable to those who voted for them, but also those who opposed them and those who did not vote.

Some leaders count it an honour and a privilege to account for their actions to citizens; for them, to give an account Optimism and opportunities for their stewardship; go beyond the duty of public office. Those with such It is common to hear that Vincentian calling place accountability above being young people have never lived in a more admired, adored or feared. The truth is optimistic period. There are we need more of these people in opportunities galore,; our young people government. are studying in historically high As decision 2020 comes along, we the numbers; the government is investing voters must tame our biases and millions of dollars to spur on truthfully assess which of our entrepreneurship among our youth. politicians genuinely deserve our votes.

However, others maintain that there is an increased level of hopelessness Send comments, criticisms & and helplessness among the youth. The suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com IMF has said that youth unemployment

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The ULP Regime has lost its economic direction ACCORDING TO THE LEADER OF SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, the highly incompetent and useless ULP Regime has lost its Economic Direction.

Tourism is dead, and the E$1.5 billion thrown away on the Argyle Airport, does not give our economy any net income or a positive rate of return.

Argyle Airport is without doubt a white elephant. This is a classic example of the highly incompetent ULP Regime walking in mud without a sense of direction.

SVG is in its worst economic and financial mess in living memory.

Tourism is dead, agriculture is also dead, and the SVG 1979 constitutionally appointed Director of Audit could not get access to the records to the Treasury Accounts.

In one year, the Minister of Finance was so chaotic with the Public Accounts that he overshot the actual Budget by 10 per cent, $63.00 million dollars, without the prior approval of the SVG House of Assembly. (Source: Audit Report as researched by Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA.) The ULP Regime took power in SVG in 2001after the so called “Road Block Revolution’. However, to date, the grossly incompetent ULP Regime has not been able to appoint a

Minister of Finance who is a University Graduate in Accounting and Finance. After 19 years in office, the ULP Regime has not been able to bring a budget with a fiscal surplus. It shows a very deep weakness in Finance by the ULP Regime.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, who spent three years full time at Oxford Brookes University, England, reading for his BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and Economics, there are no cash cows at present in the SVG economy. That is a major weakness of the highly incompetent ULP Regime.

We have millions of gallons of high quality water running into the sea every day. If the ULP regime was revenue-driven, it could have the sale of water as a major cash cow. It is quite obvious the ULP Regime wants to keep SVG in poverty and destitution to hold on to power.

Our country’s economy needs to grow to provide new jobs and a high quality lifestyle for our young generation; but our economy will never grow substantially under the ULP Regime. The blind is leading the blind with 19 years of fiscal deficit. We urgently need to change direction from tourism to free, high-quality education from Pre-School to our own Science and Technology University, drive the

growth of small business development and create an export-driven economy with import substitution.

According to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (hons), MSc, MBA,

we have to invest in a knowledgebased economy like Singapore, offering equal opportunity to all our citizens under an export-driven economy.

We are being misled by the ULP Regime who are highly unqualified and too incompetent to build our nation with wealth and prosperity for our people. Hold the faith and we will achieve a high-quality lifestyle under a Green government.

Carry on soccer WHEN WE hear that gifts are being handing out here there and everywhere, we know that an election is near.

The SVG Football Federation (SVGFF) executive announced that they had received another sum to develop female football or footballers. For the past twenty-nine years, the various SVGFF executives have been receiving a ‘Development Fund’ of over one million dollars yearly, plus other remittances.

Yet, can the players of today compare to those pre-1990? The quality today begs for improvement. It seems we have already seen the best of our skillful and technically sound players, so why worry, eh?

Thing is that today, representatives of teams and clubs were responsible for the development of football and footballers; they footed the bill so the game could be played, using their families’ money to assist teams registration and

purchase uniforms.

If only these representatives were knowledgeable about the sport and the sport’s development process, e.g. knowing what’s required and when, the sports and the players would be ranked higher, with visible quality.

So where does the Development Fund go?

Then the airlines and hotels accommodation for both male and female FIFA overseas tournaments take the giant share. The referees are paid, while players toil and sweat, sometimes in pain, entertaining others.

This reminds you of slaves in the arena representatives, owners and managers telling players to give 120 percent without assisting their health and diet which are as important as any other factor in ensuring the players’ development.

‘Development Fund’ It is time footballers male and female - stop being lazy and being

satisfied with someone paying for them to play, while others appear to be enjoying the benefits of the ‘Development Fund’.

Players and coaches must form respective associations through which to address their concerns. If there were no footballers, FIFA would not be sending a ‘Development Fund’.

As it stands, reports are that players and clubs have not yet received what’s necessary to improve their performances. This begs the question: Are there other persons being paid from the ‘Development Fund’, who are not in any way positioned to help the players?

In 2020, clubs were supposed to get ten thousand dollars each, yet club members are seeking help, and quietly complaining they have not received any funds.

Players, please form a ‘players association’, now!! Players, start questioning, because that’s the only way you will get to the truth of what should be made available to you.

An aside: The restart of the SVGFF Club Championships requires all the players to be tested before competing, but the same players are practising and socializing with players who have not been tested and who might never be tested.

Let’s manage our soccer properly and honestly.

It was not the size of the country, but the quality of the team work.

Rollit Walrond

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 11.

Aviation Feature

One Caribbean: Ready, Set, Go!

ONE CARIBBEAN LTD. BARBADOS, (OCL Barbados), trading as One Caribbean, is primarily Vincentian owned though circumstances evolved to require a Barbados-based, CARICOM Single Market Economy styled registration.

The airline commenced operations in 2016 and fueled by the prospects identified through its current CEO Reginald Adams and Everett Best, Operations Director, both Vincentians, and at least one other investor, and carved out a niche in the regional market as they began offering private chartered flights to travelers, as far north as Jamaica and the Cayman Islands back down to Guyana in the Southern Caribbean.

At that time, they employed 2 Beech-craft airplanes - a B200 and an Airliner 1900D. A few years after their inaugural charter, One Caribbean attempted to offer the first, indigenously sourced, Caribbean to the African and Asian continent flight using a Boeing 747-400. That is yet to unfold.

The cessation of the operations of LIAT (1974) Ltd., however, provided greater opportunities for OCL Barbados, but if it was going to exploit these, if it was going to effectively fill the void created by LIAT’s discontinuation of a scheduled service, the 4-year-old air travel company had to embark on an accelerated expansion programme.

Stepping up The airline stepped up with a scheduled passenger service that offered connections between St. Vincent, Barbados and St. Lucia, and plans to later include Grenada and Dominica.

Reginald Adams, CEO/One Caribbean Airline, is confident that his airline will be able to expand its fleet before year end.

Left: Everett Best, Operations Director/OCL Barbados standing in front of One Caribbean’s Beech-craft Airliner 1900D. the ECCAA certification and as such are working towards completing the process for its Argyle facilities.

Of concern too, is One Caribbean’s rather popular Tortola to SVG service.

That British Overseas Territory enacted COVID-19 management The company was forced to shelve Authorities) have assured us that they protocols that prohibit airline plans to transport passengers into and will keep us on the short permit until passengers from entering the island, from Grenada when civil aviation the regularized permit is done and yet it has been increasingly pressuring authorities there ordered the airline to we’re okay to start the service again. non-citizens to leave. This singular desist from operating into Grenada, So Grenada is back,” Adams reported. challenge means that an aircraft since it had not obtained the Other issues would fly from SVG to Tortola without appropriate licence to do so.

Another issue that was surmounted passengers and so incur inevitable While the airline objected to what was the ECCAA’s capacity to deliver losses, Adams again explained. amounted to, in their view, an abuse of on services as required by One The airline principals remain the “compassionate exemptions” Caribbean. This led the company to undaunted and are considering a cargo extended to the airline, Adams solicit alternative certification for its service into Tortola and a passenger reported that his airline has since Argyle, St. Vincent based maintenance service out. heeded the Grenadian Civil Aviation facilities since, “the ECCAA couldn’t In the meantime, the team is Ministry’s explicit reminder to finalize get the maintenance facility certified actively working to grow the company the “appropriate license to operate in the timeframe that we needed it. into a joint venture as they privately continuous flights.”

Barbados was able to,” Adams offer shares to like-minded investors And given that the airline had since explained. from across the Caribbean.

2017 been operating charter flights in This capacity issue also prompted And if all goes as planned, three and out of Grenada, that may have One Caribbean to rethink its proposed more aircrafts would be added to the expedited it being granted a short Boeing 747-400 service as ECCAA fleet that currently fly under the One term permit, while the official reportedly refused to certify the long Caribbean brand, by year’s end. licensing process is allowed to take its distance carrier based on its lack of course. adequate resources. Adams however jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com “They (Grenada’s Aviation noted that they appreciate the value of

LIAT pilot’s case halted THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA HIGH COURT has blocked a class action suit filed by a senior Barbadian pilot against his employer LIAT (1974), in a ruling that some lawyers warn could have serious implications for anyone flying on the airline.

Barbados Today, reported on August 12, that Captain Neil Cave, who had filed the claim in the Antigua and Barbuda High Court on behalf of nine other pilots back in 2015, said that the court ruled that the trial which was set to start on that said day, cannot, now go forward.

The understanding was that the court would have determined the legality of LIAT’s management decision to lodge about EC$5 million in CLICO International Life Insurance, as pension for the pilots.

“Our contention certainly is that pension funds were lodged illegally

into a CLICO scheme by LIAT management. No authorization was given to deduct our salaries and place these monies, approximately EC$5 million into CLICO,” the Barbadian pilot stated.

“We contend that the placement of these funds into CLICO under the guise of a pension where a trust deed or plan rules have never existed, constitute a criminal offence under Section C 34 of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code,” Cave continued.

However, the defendant — LIAT (1974) Ltd. successfully argued that the new Antigua and Barbuda Companies Amendment Act 2020, prevented absolutely any form of legal action being taken against LIAT. “The court ruled that our case,

Antigua and Barbuda Companies Amendment Act 2020 insolates the Airline from legal action. which was set down for trial today to be determined, cannot go forward. So in essence, no legal process of any sort can be brought against LIAT by any entity, which I find to be very alarming,” Cave contended.

Cave then raised a question within the context of this new law: “What

happens, God forbid, should a person or persons suffer an injury as a result of an accident while this stay exists?”

He proffered, “As a result of this new law, they can’t even file a claim.”

A legal challenge is expected to be file on Cave’s behalf. (Source: Barbados Today)

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 , 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Advancing Education

Basil Charles Foundation:

Continuing its thrust in education

Scholarship winners (L-R): Kayron Francis, Shanior Durrant, Nyeemah Nesbitt and Akiyah Sergeant. (Missing is Kolongi Garraway.)

Sergeant — received $1,600 each for a year.

The other three - Eizzy Roberts, Jelani Simmons and Delron Dells — each received bursaries to the tune of $500 a year.

The students received their awards last Tuesday at the Cobblestone Inn, Kingstown.

Karen Nero, Bantan Bacchus and Lafeisha France, representing the Basil Charles Foundation, outlined the history of the scholarship programme which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

The scholarship programme started in 1996, the same year that the Mustique Blues Festival Bursary winners (L-R): Ezzy Roberts, commenced. It is from this activity that most of the Jelani Simmons and Delron Dells.

EIGHT VINCENTIAN STUDENTS will attend secondary school with support from the Basil Charles Education Foundation.

Five of those - Nyeemah Nisbett, Kolongi Garraway, Shanior Durrant, Keron Francis and Aliyah

funds for the scholarship programme are derived.

Banton Bacchus announced plans to have a segment of next year’s Blues Festival on mainland St. Vincent.

Bacchus also pointed to other areas where the Basil Charles Foundation is making an impact.

For example, during the COVID-19 crisis, they have helped students with electronic gadgets through difficult learning exercises.

France, a former Basil Charles Education Foundation Scholarship holder, serves as secretary to the Foundation. She praised the Foundation for their support throughout her school career.

She is a national track and field athlete and is awaiting positive word on an application for a national scholarship that would fulfil her ambition to pursue studies in Travel and Tourism.

Nero invited the awardees to come forward with requests should they encounter any difficulty.

So far, over 100 students have benefitted from the Basil Charles Educational Foundation. But that’s not the only sphere in which the Foundation has shown its generosity. Seventeen Early Childhood Institutions have received assistance from the Foundation, as well as persons engaged in the STEM programme.

The Basil Charles Foundation is the brainchild of Basil Charles, world renowned operator of Basil’s Bar on Mustique, originator of the Mustique Blues Festival and entrepreneur extraordinaire. (WKA)

FLOW rewards employees’ children LEADING TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER Flow has once again awarded scholarships and bursaries to children of its employees, who were successful in the recent CPEA exams.

Four student recipients and their parents were hosted by FLOW St Vincent’s Country Manager Wayne Hull at his Kingstown offices. Kai Francis (1st place in a three-way tie), Tristan Frederick, and Siobahn Roberts, all received scholarships in support of their secondary school education. Dominic Ollivierre, a resident of Union Level Bequia, received a one-year bursary.

Kai Francis is the son of Samantha Campbell, employed as the Country Manager’s PA; Tristan Frederick son of technician Andrea Frederick, and Siobahn Roberts is the daughter of Field Services supervisor O’Keith Roberts.

The new secondary school entrants will receive $1400 annually from forms 1-3, $1600 annually forms 4-5, and $2000 annually while attending the Community College.

Country Manager Hull, in his

L-R: Country Manager Wayne Hull, Tristan Frederick, Dominic Ollivierre, Kai Francis and Siobahn Roberts. brief speech, encouraged the students to stay focused, work hard, and remain determined to succeed.

Hull stated, “Your journey has just begun.

Congratulations to the parents of these diligent students, and I know you will continue to nurture them to succeed. I am proud that our company continues to reward excellence and invest in education for another year. Thirty-five years ago it started as an initiative to support our employees and was expanded to a national award to Flow customers, scholarships to students who participate in the Lion’s Club Public Speaking Competition, and the top student after remediation in partnership with the Ministry of Education,” Hull said, adding, “We make an annual investment of $50,000 in the

Flow scholarship program.”

Marketing & Communications Manager Nikala Williams-Rogers also addressed the audience. She highlighted how thrilled the Country Manager was to meet with the students, and she encouraged the students to continue their hard work. “I can already see some future island scholars here today,” Williams-Rogers further stated.

The students were also reminded that to retain their scholarships it was important to remain in good standing with their studies throughout both their secondary and community college school life.

(Submitted by FLOW)

Scholarship and bursary awardees with Staff and Director of the KCCU.

KCCU keeps education on the agenda THANKS TO FINANCIAL SUPPORT from the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU), eight Vincentian students will begin their secondary school careers with secured minds.

And they will also do so with the benefit of some advice from KCCU’s Marketing Officer Ruth Stowe.

Celeste Richardson, Naima Mclean and Leah Nanton were Ruth Stowe rewarded on academic KCCU’s performances, while Johnathan Marketing Officer Ash, Cadine Cato, Dezmonique – had some Duncan received socio-economic sound advice for support. They will each receive the young $1500 a year. scholars.

Two others, Lanai Bailey, and Sachara Ollivierre, will each get $600 annually.

Fifty-seven other applicants got a $150 payment each.

The handing over ceremony took place last Wednesday at Frenches House in Kingstown.

Stowe congratulated the students for having been successful during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Basing her address on the theme, ‘Commitment to excellence’, she told the students that “commitment is not a one-time thing.”

There are lots of small things to be done and they require “patience and time,” Stowe advised.

“Failure,” she told the award recipients, “is not something to be afraid of,” and she referenced Michael Jordan and Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle who she contended, “succeeded” despite their failures.”

Stowe also directed her attention to the parents, encouraging them to “fuel your children’s dreams by giving them tools.”

Students also heard from 2016 KCCU scholarship recipient Anju Dowers. He contended that the reward served as an incentive for him to do his best.

He encouraged students to pray, seek help, share knowledge, and to maintain a study programme, even amidst “play and skylark.”

Dowers implored those receiving awards to make the KCCU and their parents proud and satisfied as payment for the sacrifices and investment made.

KCCU’s chief executive officer Clement Lynch congratulated the awardees and reminded them of the reasons for being disciplined.

He exhorted them not to be time wasters, and to enjoy learning especially during the difficult periods.

Bernadette Greaves, Senior Education Officer for Exams and Assessment, praised the KCCU for sharing her Ministry’s ‘vision’ for education. She noted the “rough economic times,” the world was facing, and contended that the award “will ease the financial burden on parents.”

Seventy-eight scholarships have been awarded by the KCCU since it launched its programme in 1995.

The first recipient was Felix Bowman. (WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 13.

Advancing Education

Scholarship recipients (L-R): Joemin Williams, Abigail Cain and Ajorhnny Edwards- scholarship recipients.

Methodist Church grants scholarships THE METHODIST CHURCH, Kingstown/Chateaubelair Circuit handed out full scholarships to three students, while a total of 24 children were awarded one-off bursaries for the 2020/21 academic year .

The awards were handed put at a ceremony held at the Church Hall in Kingstown, on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.

Four of the bursaries were awarded to children within the Georgetown/Mt Coke sister circuit, while the remaining 20 were given to children drawn from within the three zones of the Kingstown/Chateaubelair Circuit, some of whom are not members of a Methodist congregation.

The scholarships amounting to $1,500 annually, and one-time bursaries of $500, are awarded on the basis of need under the Church’s ‘Mission in Action’ programme, and were handed out by Rev’ Adolf Davis, Superintendent Minister of the Kingstown/Chateaubelair Circuit and Rozelle Solomon, a member of the scholarship committee.

Joemin Williams, Abagail Cain and Ajorhnny Edwards who received the scholarships, will respectively attend

Scholarship and bursary recipients. the St Vincent Grammar School, the Girls High School, and the Troumaca Secondary School, when the academic year begins on August 31, 2020.

Four students who were awarded bursaries are currently attending secondary school.

When the programme was introduced in 2019, the Circuit awarded three scholarships and four bursaries to students who were entering secondary school for the first time.

Soroptimist gives to students MEMBERS OF SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL of St. Vincent and the Grenadines made a special Gift Voucher Presentation on Friday 14th August 2020 to young female students, to enhance their return to secondary school in the new school year.

The recipients were drawn from several secondary schools throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines including: Union Island Secondary, Campden Park Secondary School, George Stephens (Senior) Secondary, Bequia

Commw1ity High, Adelphi Secondary, Buccament Bay Secondary, St. Clair Dacon Secondary, Petit Borde! Secondary, Troumaca Secondary, Georgetown Secondary, North Union Secondary, Central Leeward Secondary, Emmanuel High SchoolMesopotamia, West St. George Secondary and Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Academy.

The selection of the recipients was done with input from the Ministry of Education and the principals of the schools concerned.

The Handing Over Ceremony was held at the SVG Teachers Credit Union Conference Room, and heard remarks from Vice President of the Club - Sis Donnette O ‘Neil and Guest Speaker Psychologist Mrs. Sharlene Morris.

The recipients were accompanied by their parents or guardians.

A former scholarship holder — Zelacher, who graduated from the Intermediate High school this past July, made some remarks to encourage the new recipients.

CEO, Mr. Bishen John with awardees and their parents

Clarence Keizer Education Award

The SVG Port Authority continues to fulfill its Corporate Mandate through the annual distribution/disbursement of the Clarence Keizer Education Award which is in its 25th year, having commenced in 1995.

In the initial stages of the scholarship program, sponsorships were provided through the cost of all school books of the successful children; this method of assistance was however changed in the year 2000 and replaced by the disbursement of financial assistance at the end of each academic year.

Jaida Jackson receives award from CEO, Mr. Bishen John In 2000, the coverage of the scholarship was extended from five years of Secondary Schooling to seven (7) years; thus, including two years of studies at the Community College/Tertiary level.

The name of the scholarship program was also subsequently changed from the SVG Port Authority Scholarship to the Clarence Keizer Education Award in 2008 in honor of Mr. Clarence Keizer served as a Council Member of the Port Authority.

The 2020 recipients of the Clarence Keizer’s Education Awards are as follows:

Jediah Sayers receives award from CEO, Mr. Bishen John

Jaida Jackson Jediah Sayers Jaden Snagg In addition to these awardees, bursaries were also awarded to an additional six (6) children.

The awards were presented to the students during a ceremony held at the SVG Port Authority’s conference room on Monday August 10, 2020, where the children along with their parents were in attendance.

Jaden Snagg receives award from CEO, Mr. Bishen John

In presenting the awards to the children, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bishen John commended the students on their successes and encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence, not only at an academic level, but in everything they do and he also stressed the importance of balancing sports with academics.

Since the inception of the program, scholarships were provided to approximately eighty (80) students, the majority of whom would have pursued studies at the Community College\Tertiary Level.

CEO, Mr. Bishen John with the awardees

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Volunteerism

YRM family assists one of their own WATER is an essential element for life – both animal and plant life. Yet, water can be one of the most destructive forces in the form of floods, tsunamis or torrential rains.

A reminder of this, albeit to a reduced scale, presented itself in the form of a leaky roof, a source of discomfort for a member of the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM).

Attending to the area of immediate concern.

Genesis of repair project

Two YRM members, following the funeral of the late Walter Richards — J88DH/SK, kindly consented to take Marilyn Morgan — J88NEE, home.

She welcomed the offer and while at her home (in Barrouallie), they assisted her with the re-orienting of an antenna. While effecting this, they noticed that the concrete roof of the house was discoloured by fungi and showed cracks and indentations that could lead to leaks.

Their observations proved correct; there was a leak that dripped into Marilyn’s bedroom and threats of more.

An assessment of the damage was done by building contractors, members of YRM, and among the remedies presented were: the short term solution was to resurface the entire roof, with the long term project being placing a galvanize cover over the roof, to prevent the water from settling and causing discomfort for the occupants.

Members Finance Phase 1 Efforts to seek assistance from the government proved futile. Given that the situation was assessed as an emergency, and not to mention that it was already into the rainy season, it was decided that members should contribute financially and otherwise towards resurfacing the roof.

As soon as the appeal was made via our WhatsApp chat, funds started to ‘roll in’, just sufficient to complete phase one of the repair work.

The project began in earnest on the public holiday on August 3rd and was completed on Saturday, August 15.

Following the heavy rains that poured over the weekend and all day Monday, August 17, Marilyn reported that no water came in, and hailed the repair work as a success.

Director of the YRM, Donald De Riggs — J88CD, joined with Marilyn and her husband Meth, in thanking all the members who contributed financially, provided labour free of charge, transported construction material and prepared meals for the entire team, including volunteers from the community of Barrouallie.

Special recognition was reserved for Peter —J8C391 and Ronald — J88EA who first reported the emergency, and Leslie — J88LE who spearheaded the actual repair work.

The next phase will be to place a galvanize cover over the concrete roof to ensure that water does not enter the living area.

It is hoped that assistance from the government will be forthcoming to ensure that an underprivileged family can rest peacefully, whenever it rains.

Report submitted by: Donald De Riggs

The end product (a ‘new roof) of the project.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 15.

News

Agricultural sector hit hard by drought LOSSES INCURRED by the agricultural sector as a result of the drought earlier this year, amounted to some EC$16M. Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar made this disclosure while addressing last week Thursday’s, Aug. 13, sitting of Parliament.

“The losses to overall production are estimated at 16 million Eastern Caribbean dollars. It is broken down by commodity and the values are as follows: Bananas $762, 000; Plantains $4.3M; vegetables $6.1M; root crops $4.4M; herbs $243, 000; other commodities $526,000,” Caesar reported.

And in reporting that the losses were spread across the three main agricultural regions, he detailed this as follows: Region 1 (from Richmond to Lowmans Leeward) $3M; Region 2 (Lowmans Leeward to Peruvian Vale, including the Mesopotamia Valley and the Grenadines) $3.4M; Region 3

(Peruvian Vale to Fancy) $9.9M. Minister Caesar also noted that, “Drought 2020 has been recorded as one of the worst droughts experienced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the last 50 years, impacting on all types of agricultural production.”

And if the drought was not enough, Caesar told the nation that COVID-19 “compound[ed] an already challenging period” by causing “uncertainty in farm workers’ timetables and interrupted trade.”

Additionally, he posited, increased regional and international border restrictions also hampered trade in the sector as well as “delays in the supply of inputs as a result of impacted shipping lines.”

The Agriculture Minister declared that his team “redoubled its efforts to ensure that the factors of production needed to sustain a viable sector are

maintained.”

Farmers continued to register at 30 centres across the state, so as to take advantage of the Drought 2020 Recovery Support measures, Caesar said.

Registration will continue Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar painted until Friday 21st August. a far from encouraging picture of how the agricultural sector has been affected by jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com drought and COVID-19 related factors.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

V BBO assists students and another

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 17.

Community

relationships with others, and further reminded THE LAYOU-BASED BECKET them that, “Blessings BENEFIT ORGANIZATION come with discipline.”

(BBO), formalized on In addition to the Gift January 15th, 2015, held Certificates, the its Annual CPEA Students Organisation also made a Gift Certificate presentation of a cheque Presentation at the Layou in an amount of $500.00 R. C. Centre, last Tuesday. to the father of critically Ten successful 2020 ill Layou teen -Kentreal CPEA students were Kydd. awarded Gift Becket also shared Certificates, each worth with the gathering that $100.00 and redeemable while the prevailing at Jax Enterprises.

COVID-19 had affected Those receiving the organisation’s fundawards were: Jason raising activities, in John, Tyler Samuel, particular the Annual Kennecia Daniel, Jael July Soca Masters Event, Welcome, Garcia the organization Leigertwood, Anika continued to meet weekly Cupid, Veon Samuel, at the R.C. Centre, Ryan George, Stefroy during which it was Patterson and Mickal decided that the Myers. organization will at least Founder and Executive stage a barbeque, a raffle Member of BBO — Layou and a special event in aid native Alston Becket of the ailing soca master Cyrus, renowned Winston Soso, before the calypso/soca recording year ends. and performing artiste, The opportunity of in addressing the Tuesday ceremony was gathering, burst into also used to recognize the song, borrowing The contribution of R.C. Mighty Sparrow’s parish (Layou) priest ‘Education’ as he Father Mark De Silva, emphasized the need for who will soon take up the students to remain duties in another parish. focused during the Members are expected to new leg of their attend Sunday mass at educational pursuit. the Layou R.C. Church Becket also used the as part of the send-off for adage ‘Manners and Fr. De Silva. behavior take you all Becket also took the over the World’, an opportunity to suggest adage he said was often that the Organisation used by his grandmother, change its name to The to impress upon the Layou Benefit students the need to be Organization, so that the upright in their work of the organization

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS

Mr. Kenrick Kydd (right) accepts donation, on behalf of his ill daughter, from Alston Becket Cyrus.

would not be seen solely as that of one person, himself. More on that as it develops.

Gift Certificate recipients and their parents/guardians.

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Sisters squabble for same man Dear George MY SISTER and I are fighting over the same man.

I introduced her to him as my very good friend one time when we were out. We had dinner and I ended the night by giving him a peck on the cheek with the promise of meeting him the next day.

My sister went ahead of me, met with him and told him I was no longer interested in him. They ended up sleeping together.

Although I told him that my sister had lied to him, he is insisting on seeing her. He even told me he didn’t know I had such a “sexy” sister. Of course he had previously told me that we can date each other until we decide to go to the next level.

I cannot believe my own sister would do such a wicked thing to me.

Right now we are not on speaking terms, all over a man.

Angry woman Dear Angry woman, There should no need for you and your sister to lose sleep over this guy, who is obviously shopping for the deal that would suit his only sexual desires.

If he was worth his salt, he would have stood his ground in the face of advances by your sister. The fact that he took time to ‘check the facts’ after you had spoken to him, is proof that he is not relationship material and not worth losing sleep over.

Let your sister know you have no issue with her concerning this guy.

She should however be on her guard and know that he may not be who she thinks he is.

George

Mother & daughter: One man??

Deceived Dear Deceived,

Dear George, I AM DATING my mother’s ex. I found this out accidentally. Neither he nor my mother thought it expedient to tell me this.

When I confronted him about it, he told me he didn’t think it important enough to tell me, and besides, he didn’t want that to come between us.

My mother insists that he is a good man for me, and I should be “lucky” she got to test him out before.

Imagine my mother saying that to me!

Both he and my mother are begging me not to break off the

relationship, but I’m of a different view. Your thoughts please?

Your mother should be there to steer you away from pitfalls and to advise you when it comes to knowing what to look for in the man you date.

Her job is not to sample the goods before they get to you.

A good man would have enough integrity and morals to know it is not becoming to have messed with both mother and daughter.

Ignore the encouragement from your mother to continue seeing this man and tell her, “Thanks, but no thanks”.

George

He will be exposed that I was sleeping around even though he knows I was totally HE CAME to me under devoted to him? the guise that he was His last words to me single and available, and were if I birthed the I trusted him. We child, he was going to started a relationship and now, I am pregnant. deny he had any involvement with me.

When I told him and I am totally suggested the right thing to do was to get married, disappointed and loaded with regrets. I do not it was then he dropped believe in abortion. How the bombshell on me can I get him to support that he was married. the child when the time I threatened to show comes? up at his house and let his wife know the situation, but he begged Let down me not to, since it would Dear Let down, ruin his old marriage.

Why should I care Showing up at this what happens to him, especially now that he is man’s house is not going to help the situation. questioning that the He, however, need to be child is his; implying

Dear George,

told that through the Family Court, his wife will know that he has a child outside of his marriage.

After the birth of your child, contact the Family Court and let them know you need help in getting him to pay child support. The Court will guide you regarding the proper legal procedures.

Also, it would be good for you if you got some supportive counseling from the Marion House or a counselor of your own choosing.

What’s done is done; now it’s time to focus on the wellbeing of your unborn child and its future.

George

Leisure

ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) You may find that someone at work hasn’t been trustworthy. Talk to employers in order to promote your career objectives. Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to.

TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Physical work or exercise should be part of your schedule. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents.

GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Not the best day for business trips. Don’t let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you’re not able to attend one of their affairs. Don’t push your luck with authority figures.

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Get some sound advice and help setting up a workable budget. Try to visit a country that excites you. False information is likely if you listen to idle chatter or gossip.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress. Don’t be angry, but be on your guard. Avoid lovers who already have a relationship, even if it is a bad one.

Don’t expect anyone else to pay your bills for you.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. This might not be a day for hasty decisions. You will gain a lot if you listen. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs. Don’t bother getting even; they’ll make themselves look bad. Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Listen and formulate your course of action. You will be indecisive. Don’t let others try to create unwarranted guilt if you can’t meet their demands.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Younger relatives may seek your advice.

Female members of your family may be difficult to deal with. Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren’t well organized.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Rest and relaxation will be more favorable than you think. Your need to get away could lead you into greater debt. Refuse to get involved in idle chatter; it will only make you look bad.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21.- FEB. 19) Educational courses will be stimulating and successful. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. Situations in your personal life are moving a little fast lately.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You can discuss your findings behind closed doors with your boss. Unforeseen changes in your location are apparent.

Don’t hold back; go with the flow and take a bit of a chance.

ACROSS 1. Hit – deck 4. Quick farewells 8. Raven cries 12. Thus far 13. Don’t have 14. Idaho neighbor 15. Bakery purchase 16. Loyal friend 17. Skeleton piece 18. Make blunders 19. Squid habitat 20. Yawned widely 21. Entertainer King Cole 23. Quite cold 25. Fictional reporter Lane 27. School dance 28. Hailed vehicle 31. Writing pro 33. On land 35. Hog enclosure 36. Clark —, Superman 38. Formerly 39. Sailing affirmative 40. Ran across 41. Terrible pain 45. Vigoda of “Barney Miller” 47. Ultimate goal 50. Infuriate 51. Brown Bird 52. Pigeon murmur 53. Emcee Trebek 54. Cranium site 55. Seven minus five 56. Sponge (up) 57. Racetrack posting 58. – Diego DOWN 1. Sort

2. Will beneficiary 3. Unending time 4. Use dynamite 5. Ivy League university 6. French pastry 7. Where planes fly 8. Havana’s location 9. Sitting over 10. Gradually fade 11. Lose fur 20. Fitness rooms 22. Fireplace grime 24. Winter garment 25. Musical tones 26. “Scram!”

27. Hunted creature 28. Alternative to glasses 29. Rainbow curve 30. Buzzing pollinator

32. “Fine by me!”

34. Gardenweeding tool 37. Came closer to 40. Repairs (clothing) 41. Saudi citizen 42. Fish “lung”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 19.

43. Bogus butter 44. Immediately after 46. Moccasin bauble 48. Midwest state 49. Earth-circling body 51. Question start

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Northern Stars shoots to premier division Keegan’s Bequia X1 – runners-ups – was a formidable opponent for the repeat winners.

Northern Stars are First Division Cricket Champions once again.

Inset: Ojay Matthews hit a match winning 60 for Northern Stars.

CJ MSDA JULIUS ANTHONY Northern Stars – representing the North Leeward district – will be heading to the Premier Division of cricket here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, next year.

They earned the privilege after defeating Keagan’s Bequia X1 in a close encounter last Sunday, in the finals of the 2020 NLA/SVGCA 50 Overs First Division Cricket Competition, played at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field. In so doing, they retained the title they had won in 2019.

And those who turned up at the Arnos Vale Playing Field could not have asked for a more intense battle,

as victory was torn from the lion’s jaws by a mere two wickets.

Asked to take first knock, the Bequia X1 opening pair looked unperturbed as they strode to the crease.

That countenance was not long in being shred asunder, and the men from the Island of Clouds sank to an abysmal 61 for 7. A century total looked unlikely.

But the eight-wicket pair of Dan Williams and Chelson Stowe weathered the storm to put together a 67-run partnership, and lead their

team to a total of 160 had other ideas. With wickets falling all out in 38 overs. around him, he maintained his Williams closed on 54 composure and put together a 98-ball and Stowe got 35. innings of 60, to set his team on the Offspinner Dorson road to victory, before he fell by the Cottle, leading wicket- run route. taker heading into the In fact, Northern Stars would get to finals, was again in top form their target for the loss of eight doing the early damage on wickets, with a mere eight balls to the Bequia X1, to finish spare. It was a hard-fought victory with 4 for 23, including a but deserving in the long run. hat-trick. He was ably assisted by Jide John and I.B.A.ALLEN Shangi John who returned identical figures of 3 for 35.

Steady bowling from Bequia kept the Northern Stars batsmen in check.

They lost early wickets and seemed to be making a meal of getting the 161 for victory.

Action in the First Division finals with Keagan’s Young Ojay Matthews Bequia X1 at the crease.

Top 1st Division performers scored next on the leader board with 234 runs from eight matches for an average of 29.25. He had one half century, 63.

Mickron McDowell of Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward and Gosnel Cupid of RSVG Police both finished on 234 runs.

McDowell had an average of 39 from eight Batsmen matches with a top score Peters led the batting of 61 not out, while with a season tally of 245 Cupid, from seven runs for an average of matches, had an average 49, from five matches. of 39 with his highest 61 He registered two half among two half centuries with his centuries. highest being 83.

Dan Williams from Orlando Lavia of Keegan’s Bequia X1 was Keegan’s Bequia X1 next with a total of 206 KEVIN PETERS of Strike Eagles and Dorson Cottle of repeat champions CJ MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars were the top batsman and bowler respectively, in the 2020 NLA/SVGCA 50 Overs First Division Cricket Championship.

runs for an average of 29.43. He was the only century-maker (110) in this year’s Championship and also had one half century.

Bowlers Offspinner Cottle from Northern Stars bagged the most wickets, 24, from 8 matches at 8.53 apiece.

Kevin Peters of Strike Keegan’s Bequia X1’s Eagles topped the Jenry Ollivierre and batting aggregate and French Verandah SVG average in this year’s Community College Azar Championship.

Williams each took 18 Chelson Stowe from wickets from eight and six matches respectively, Keegan’s Bequia X1 took 17 wickets at 14.29 at 11.78 and 11.39 apiece, and Andre Hunte apiece.

Dorson Cottle of Northern Stars not only topped the Championship’s bowling but was pivotal in his team’s victory in from Corea’s Distribution the finals.

Belfongo captured 16 wickets at 10.69 apiece.

I.B.A.ALLEN Dan Williams of Kegan’s Bequia X1 was the only century-maker in this year’s championship.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 21.

Sports

BSSS takes FLOW Swimming Championships

Mya De Freitas the title of Male 13-14 also contested the This year’s Belle Adams Champion, as well as the championships, which championships, because only one overseas Grenada.

13 and Over Sprint got going Monday 10th. of restricted travel, saw competitor from Champion.

Eltonique Leonard Alex Joachim secured the Male 15 and Over THE BLACK SANDS SWIM SQUAD (BSSS) won all but Individual Champion, four of the individual titles, with Aaron De Freitas, the Male 15 and Over when the 2020 FLOW Sprint Champion.

Invitational Swimming The other four awards Championships concluded were pouched by the last Sunday at the Blue Marlins.

Bella Shrewsbury Aquatic Adams took the Females Centre (SAC).

8 and Under Individual BSSS was able to COMMUNITY Football Police Force, have put together title, along with the capture a title in all of Leagues desirous of hosting guidelines as it relates to Sprint Champion. Jadon the age categories. competitions for 2020, can do so indoor sessions and outdoor Hamilton secured the Among the titles won during the months of sessions,” Poyer emphasised .

Male 8 and Under, and by the BSSS was the September and October.

The Leagues, Poyer assures, Hazen Da Briel took the Males 8 and Under This was confirmed by the can count on the assistance of Sprint Champion, which Male 9-10.

General Secretary of the St the SVGFF to make the Not surprisingly, the was secured by Kione De Vincent and the Grenadines process easier and provide BSSS copped the overall Shong, with Eltonique Football Federation (SVGFF) — guidance and assistance where championship title, Leonard taking the Devron Poyer. necessary. followed by Blue Marlins.

Females 9-10.

Poyer noted that this fits “We want you to play Rising Stars of Bequia Jamie Joachim won within the window of the end of Football, and we want you to the Females 11-12 the 2019/2020 National Club do it in a safe environment, category, with her club Championships, and the start and so we are going to work mate - Eltonte Leonard, of the 2020/2021 edition. together as one to have the pouching the Male He, however, underscored matches played in a safe bracket. that it would not be a free for environment…,” the SVGFF Meanwhile, Kennice all, as the organisers of the General Secretary related.

Greene, who has joined leagues must meet certain Football activities here in St the ranks of the Black requirements.

Vincent and the Grenadines Sands Swim Squad, was “You have to approach the have been restricted since the Female 9-12 Sprint venue supervisor, be it Lottery March, with the declaration of Champion.

(National Lotteries Authority) the coronavirus (COVID-19) as More was in store for or the National Sports Council a pandemic. the Black Sands Swim for permission to use the Earlier this month saw the Squad, as Mya De venues…. You will also have to resumption of the SVGFF’s Freitas copped the approach the St Vincent and National Club Championships, SVGFF’s General Secretary- Devron Females 13-14, and the Grenadines Football whilst other Football Leagues Poyer added the Over-13 Sprint Federation for sanctioning which were started have Champion title to her ...But most importantly, the aborted their competitions for 19 Task Force and the Royal St trophy cabinet.

Ministry of Health, the COVID2020.

Vincent and the Grenadines Brandon George Brandon George won

Community football can be staged

NetballÊs president optimistic

c

WITH SOME sporting discipline showing a return to activities albeit to varying degrees, Doris Mc Intosh, President of the SVG Netball Association, is encouraged and expressed optimism that training for national players could well resume, guided by the head affiliate.

“COVID-19 has brought netball to a standstill. However, efforts are being made for the Under 16/17 players to begin doing exercises together, with a view to commence training,” Mc Intosh said recently.

And while netball is yet to return to the court, the President said that the administrators and technical people have been keeping busy. “The Caribbean Netball Association (CNA) and the Americas Federation of

Netball Associations (AFNA), the hemispheric organizations to which we are affiliated, are assisting us through this COVID-19 period with several webinars in the areas of Governance, Coaching and Umpiring. All members of the Executive and quite a number of persons from our affiliates are registered to participate,” she disclosed.

Mc Intosh, in fact, suggested that through the Zoom platform more persons are being reached and trained, than if it was done the traditional way.

The president expressed, “The Executive of the SVGNA is quite pleased with the response from affiliates, and is grateful to CNA and AFNA for their collaborative efforts in

bringing these programmes to their affiliates”.

As it relates to local netball tournaments, Mc Intosh noted that there might be some communities who are rearing to stage tournaments.

She advised, though, that “The organizers/affiliates of netball tournaments must first seek approval from the Netball Association to host a tournament. They must follow the protocols as set out by the Ministry of Health and the Environment. They may need to add some of their own. These should be forwarded to the Executive of the Netball Association along with their request and await approval.”

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Not an easy road NO ONE PROMISED that anything in life is easy, and the North Leeward Cricket team found that out last Sunday. That was in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Cricket Association First Division final.

Jedi John replaced his brother Shangi with North Leeward placed at 147 for 8 with 23 deliveries remaining. They were 14 runs short of the victory target set by Keegan’s Bequia XI. That over produced as much tension as any part of the day. Jenry Ollivierre made as many as three attempts, but did not hold on to a return catch offered by John.

That was with 13 runs required and 20 balls remaining. By the end of that over, it was 12 from 18. The 48th over yielded three runs, making it nine from 12. The batsmen collected two off the first delivery of the 49th.two extras made it five from 11.

It dwindled to four from 10, then two after a waist high no ball and a desperate run.

At 2 from 10, the pendulum had swung in North Leeward’s favour. That was the end of the drama as the pair hurried a double to secure victory with eight balls remaining.

Supporters including members of the recently launched Jules Anthony Youth Club invaded the field at Arnos Vale.

It was utter jubilation, reminiscent of many moments of pure delight at that venue. Many an epic battle have unravelled at Arnos vale. That goes as far back as the first One Day International featuring England and the West Indies in February 1981.

A famous sporting figure recalls creating some of the drama in that encounter when he was almost at the mercy of some Police officers. They had come onto the arena to remove the reported ‘Ghost’ that had somehow changed the fortunes of the West Indies team.

This match last Sunday was culmination of a season which saw North Leeward go from rags to riches.

The path to the final was symbolic of an outfit destined to conquer.

They seemed to have had it wrapped up against Keegan’s Bequia XI when the score read 61 for 7 in the 15th over. That was after Dorson Cottle had picked up Jenry Ollivierre and Orlando Lavia in consecutive deliveries.

A 67-run partnership between Dan Williams 54 and Chelson Stowe 35 took Keegan’s out of deep waters. Stowe’s dismissal was the licence for Williams to cut loose. He lashed three sixes one after the other. Shangi John took care of Iran Mack to make it 146 for 9, but Williams ensured the eventual score before becoming Cottle’s fourth victim.

160 all in 34 overs gave Keegan’s Bequia XI some breathing space.

North Leeward opted for a cautious approach, having reached 29 for 2 with Cylon Mckie and Raffique Lewis in the pavilion. Elron Lewis was run out from a direct throw from the wicket keeper to the non-striker’s end.

That was 55 for 3. Vedol Edwards and Ojay Matthews occupied the crease until Vedol was bowled by Iran Mack at 67. Matthews was joined

by Akeil Mason and they staked out a 54 run sixth wicket partnership.

That ended when Matthews was run out for 60, having soaked up 98 deliveries. That brought the team to relative safety, but the mission was not complete. The lower collapse almost ruined the chase. North Leeward has a chance to prove themselves at the Premier level.

Tennis executive member not disheartened past, have not only kept a number of our leading players active, but have also “identified new talent which we hope to pull into the national set up.”

The Secretary recognized that the Under-12 players who were in training, were disappointed that they could not travel this year, especially as a team had competed in a tournament in Trinidad and Tobago last year.

She admitted her Executive’s own disappointment with not being able to stage this year’s Primary Schools Competition which it has worked hard to reintroduce after over a decade of absence from the local sports calendar. That Competition attracted 11 schools.

And as far as the sport in the schools is The National Tennis Centre,Villa, has been the concerned, major venue used during this period.

JANELLE HUMPHREY, Secretary of the SVG Lawn Tennis Association, expressed the view recently, that SVG has been the most active in the region during the prevailing COVID19 crisis.

She referenced the many programmes and camps which the Association has encouraged and facilitated, primarily at the National Tennis Centre, Villa.

Humphrey conceded that COVID-19 put a halt to any real competitive tennis, but recognized that the many youth-focused programmes held over the recent

Janelle Humphrey, Secretary of the SVG Tennis Association, is pleased that there has been some level of activity in the sport during the COVID-19 period.

Humphrey lamented the dearth of coaches at this level. In fact, none of the nine certified coaches are active at this level, so neither players, persons interested in learning the sport or Physical Education teachers have been able to benefit from their expertise.

Notwithstanding the challenges, those put up by COVID-19 and those internal to the Association, Humphrey is keen to begin working with the SVG Community Sports Programme to engender interest in the sport, and hopes that a Primary Schools’ Competition could be staged in October.

In addition, she is optimistic that programmes/camps will continue at the Tennis Facility at Villa.

Table Tennis Association makes donation THE DIVISION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION and Sports here was the recent recipient of table tennis related equipment (e.g. ball and rackets), compliments of the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA).

In handing over the equipment to Kahlil Cato, Assistant Sports Officer attached to the Department, Orville Haslam OD, President of the SVGTTA remarked: “The equipment was donated to the SVGTTA by the late Tyrone Jack, a former president of the Association. We thought it best to make the equipment available to the Division of Sports, since it is well poised to spread the sport among the young people, given its ongoing programme in schools.”

Haslam promised that there will be future donations which would include tables.

Sean Stanley, Senior Sports Officer with responsibility for the table tennis programme in school, in thanking the SVGTTA for its “kind donation,” said inter alia, “The Sports Department always welcomes ventures like these… , we always welcome any equipment to assist us in doing the job that we set out to do. As you know there are twenty plus secondary schools and sixty plus primary schools (in SVG), so we could never have enough.”

Stanley assured that the equipment will reach those for

Orville Haslam, OD, (left) hands over table tennis equipment to Kahlil Cato. whom it was intended.

Team Rivals: Premier Division runner-up WITH FLOW RADCLIFFE having secured the title in the 2020 SVGCA Premier Division Cricket Championship, it was left to be who would be runner-up.

That was decided last weekend at the Sion Hill Playing Field when Team Rivals, already sitting second in the points tally, secured the spot Hyron Shallow, 59 runs, enjoyed himself while it lasted.

after their match against bottom of the table Victors One, ended in a no result.

Team Rivals had completed their first innings, closing at 183.

Hyron Shallow hit 59, Recardo Williams 43 and Kody Horne 31.

Keron Cottoy, who had showed good form throughout the championship, had 5 for 60, Shaquille Browne 3 for 17 and Luke Wilson 2 for 46.

Victors One in their first turn at the crease were on 45 for 3 before the match was called off due to what officials said was a significant amount of time lost for a wet surface. Miles Bascombe had scored 23.

Keron Cotty, 5 for 60, once again attracted the selectors’ attention.

At the Park Hill Playing field, Guardian General Saints earned full points from Police Two, winning by default.

Attention will now turn to the Neil Williams T20 Competition which is set to bowl off on September 6.

Stories I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

THOMAS ALEXANDER DURRANT New Life Ministries, North Union Saturday, August 15, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

KIMRON COLLIN MOZART HANNAWAY Maranatha S.D.A Church Block 2000 Sunday, 16th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

MATICA ELIZABETH TONEY

LESROY DENROY DEGRADS

6W 3DXO¶V Anglican Church Calliaqua Wednesday,12th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Petit Bordel Evangelical Church Sunday, 16th August, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

ERREY ARTHUR RICHARDSON St Patrick Anglican Church Barrouallie Saturday, 15th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

BRENT GRANT Berean Baptist Church Georgetown Sunday, 16th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

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FRIDAY AUGUST

21, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.34

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

BOULDERS PLACED AT SALT WHISTLE

Those conch shells as referenced in accompanying photo, have been replaced by boulders.

ACCORDING to a source on the island, it appears as if the coastal protection works undertaken by Kelectric Co. Ltd. at Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau,

have come to an end.

Readers will recall that in its issue of Friday 31st July, 2020, THE VINCENTIAN highlighted that the company

as referenced had been awarded a contract to the tune of EC$483,851, to effect remedial work to curb ongoing erosion at the idyllic and world famous Salt Whistle Bay. Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves had described the work to be undertaken as “temporary.”

The works, as it was understood, involved the placement of boulders along a stretch of the Bay where residents, in response to a Left: Residents had taken, in an attempt to slow the rate of erosion at Whistle Bay, to placing conch shells along the Bay front. (Photo Credit: Oshea Ford)

prolonged silence on the part of the authorities to requests for something to be done, had begun to place conch shells in an attempt to at least slow the rate of erosion, especially as it neared the hurricane season.

Works by Kelectric Co. Ltd. are reported to have begun some two weeks or so ago with three (3) workers - two (2) front end loader operators and one (1) truck driver, and an equivalent number of loaders and trucks.

No Mayreau resident, it is reported, was employed on the project.

Residents reported that boulders used in the Salt Whistle Bay project as undertaken by Kelectric, were taken from those already on

the island for use in a proposed marina project — a private investment in which Kelectric’s Managing Director, Kelly Glass, is said to have an interest.

As we go to press, reports are that the truck and front end loaders used in the Salt Whistle Bay project have since been taken off the island.

A more permanent resolution to the ongoing threat of erosion at Salt Whistle Bay is said to be forthcoming and towards this end, the Finance Minister has spoken of ongoing studies with hydrologists and marine engineers, but no mention of involvement of any Mayreau resident(s) in this period of study and consultation.

ANOTHER ROAD FATALITY POLICE have confirmed that their investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the death of Lamont ‘Monty’ Dickson of Murray’s Village, Kingstown, proprietor of Mad Ras Bar in Arnos Vale.

Dickson died on the spot in a vehicular accident involving motor vehicle R9866, owned by Khalique Haywood of Kingstown and which he was driving, and motor vehicle R4359, driven

by Azeila Jack of Riley but owned by Kenmore Robertson also of Riley.

The vehicles are reported to have collided between 2:00 -2:15 am, on Saturday 15th August, just outside

served as Editor of the newspaper while Lamont was employed there, remembers, as per a Facebook posting, “… he was always able to get it (the outdated press) to run so the paper could be on the streets come Friday Lamont Dickson morning. I remember many Lamont Dickson had a times he would get upset stint at THE VINCENTIAN and walk out, but before, in as one of the press the blink of an eye, he and Carlos (a co-worker) would operators, during the early period of Mr. Edgerton be ‘fighting up’ to fix his old girl.”

Richards’ ownership of the newspaper.

Like many others who got It was the time when to know him well, Keisha remembers ‘Monty’ as THE VINCENTIAN operated its own press, having “a love and albeit an outdated one. dedication to family.”

Keisha Phillips, who The Management and

the entrance to the Public Works Stores at Arnos Vale.

The other occupants of both vehicles were said to have sustained injuries.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

Lamont Dickson – this country’s latest road fatality. (Facebook photo) Staff of THE VINCENTIAN extend sincere condolences to Lamont’s family. May he rest perpetually and peacefully in the bosom of his Lord.

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

A portion of the sand pathway just above the boulders.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.