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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JULY 22, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.30

www.thevincentian.com

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Letter giving indication that there was a bidding process that went in favour of a Charles/Joshua bid.

“There does not appear to be a substantial difference in the EVIDENCE HAS SURFACED here two leading bids. The Da showing that there was indeed a Silva/Grant offer seems to be bidding process for the conditional on a survey, and Cobblestone Inn, contrary to what there are no such conditions on Prime Minster Ralph Gonsalves the Charles/Joshua offer. has said.

“Charles is known to have According to a letter dated valuable experience in 1986 and signed by then Prime restaurant management and Minister Sir James Mitchell, a Joshua is experienced with bidding process did take place, Cobblestone. and was eventually won by “Government is satisfied that Basil Charles and Ann Joshua, the Charles/ Joshua bid is in a joint tender. appropriate and that they The letter addressed to one would provide what is needed Mr. Hughes, Chairman of the at this point of time.

National Hotel Limited read, inter alia: Continued on Page 3.

by KENVILLE HORNE

The Cobblestone Inn is one of the few historical structures that remain in capital Kingstown.

2. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 3.

News 3

‘A lot of truancy: Need for more facilities’

AmesÊ debt was known a year ago

PRIME MINISTER Ralph Gonsalves and then the THE COUNTRY LACKS has admitted that he was aware of comptroller would PROPER facilities to deal David Ames’ debt to the government make the decision with some of the issues about a year ago.

The matter, he affecting young males and Dave Ames, the English born said, is before the females. chairman and principal shareholder DPP, and there are So said Minister of of Harlequin Properties, the entity different ways under National Mobilisation, behind the Buccament Bay Resort the law, that the Social Development and the development, fled the country matter can be Family, Frederick before appearing in courts to handled, for Stephenson at Tuesday’s answer four charges related to theft example, “a request unveiling ceremony of the and four charges of tax evasion, in to the British refurbished building that connection with the alleged government, because houses the Our Lady of deprivation of millions of dollars in Mr. Ames, I Guadalupe Home for Girls taxes from the SVG government understand is in the at Cane End, in the between 2011 and 2013.

United Kingdom, for Marriaqua Valley.

Ames and his wife, Carol Ames, his return to St. According to Frederick Stephenson, Dave Ames, owner of Harlequin, pictured with cleared immigration at the Vincent and the Stephenson, there was a lot Minister of National his wife Carol, is indebted to the government Chateaubelair Police Station Grenadines to stand of truancy in the country, Mobilisation, Social of SVG, but he was earlier this year in the UK, around 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, trial,” the Prime particularly among the Development and the filing a suit against UK accountants Wilkins June 22, a day before he was Minister explained. young female population.

Family, identified a real scheduled to appear in Court. Prime Kennedy for losses and damages of £50 On the issue of He spoke of the recent need for more facilities Minister Ralph Gonsalves said that how the government million ($70 million). refurbishment of the to cater to caring for Ames had left the state can retrieve the Liberty Lodge Boys boys and girls who legitimately. monies that Ames owes, Gonsalves the resort would not close, because Training facility for young have crossed the law.

Speaking on the OMG radio said that there are laws in relation somebody else can manage it. boys who have come into programme hosted by Dwight to the enforcement of a contract and When pushed by Joseph as to conflict with the law. whether or not anyone has shown “Bing” Joseph on BOOM SVG 106.9 “you can get a judgment in the “But we have to, because there are still a few boys interest in taking over the operation FM radio station , the Prime court and enforce your judgment. who are around Kingstown, not like how they used to Minister said that he became aware You can also go …. and petition the of the resort, Gonsalves said that be some time ago with the street boys, we do not have of the situation with David Ames court as somebody who is a creditor persons, including persons from as many as we did before, but there are still some on overseas, have come forward and and the Buccument Bay Resort to the company , to go to wind up the streets,” Stephenson said. showed their interest, but at the about a year ago. the company. to have it put in A facility needed to be constructed to deal with this He said that in such cases, he liquidation , having a declaration of moment, the government has no problem, the minister said, as he pointed to a new standing in relation to that matter won’t directly interfere, but he bankruptcy , whatever process you trend of many young girls coming into conflict with legally, since it is a private would provide policy guidance would want .” the law. within the framework of the law, The Prime Minister assured that property. (KH) Offences committed by some of these troubled girls include theft and burglary, and according to Stephenson, many of them often got involved in fights.

“I believe, as I speak, there are six of them housed at one of the police stations. They are young Continued from Front Page.

Lawyer for the National Properties Indications are that the matter of girls who have come into conflict Limited (NPL), the state owned entity eviction is still on the table, and that the with the law and have offences of a “I therefore approve the lease for that has jurisdiction over Cobblestone Inn, NPL has all intentions of proceeding with violent nature,” he said.

Charles/ Joshua on the terms indicated. wrote to the operator of the hotel, Ann a bidding process, to which Ms. Joshua is “So we need more homes like the Please contact the Solicitor General, and Joshua, giving her two months notice to invited to avail herself.

Guadalupe Home for Girls. It is have Mr. Lewis and Mr. Pardasani vacate Cobblestone Inn. The building known today as my hope that we can identify a cooperate in the transfers.”

The notice, according to reliable Cobblestone Inn is one of the few portion of land somewhere,” he The letter is in stark contrast to what information, was predicated on a situation remaining buildings in Kingstown, of said. the Prime Minister had said on various of rental arrears by the occupant. historical charm and significance.

The home was officially opened radio programmes. In a call to WE FM Indications are that subsequent to It was originally built in 1945, and in 2007, two years following the last Sunday, the Prime Minister asked, receipt of the letter, Ms. Joshua made a served as a sugar warehouse and was death of Sr Patricia Ann Douglas, “How it is that somebody could be having payment against the arrears. later used to store arrowroot. who has been credited with the the rental for government property for 30 Leader of the New Democratic Party It has undergone extensive renovation idea of starting such a facility for years?”

Arhnim Eustace, speaking on his weekly through the years to facilitate its use as a ‘at risk’ girls.

He continued, “As far as I know, when radio programme, described the act to hotel, and has grown to be popular with Sr Pat, as she was affectionately Ann (Joshua) got the property first, there evict Joshua as, “one of the nastiest acts business travellers and Caribbean known, was also credited as the was no open tendering process, and when ever committed by a government against nationals. one to give teenaged mothers a we came to office, she was in the building its own people.”

Those responsible for its renovations second chance to an education. and she was simply kept there.”

However, the Prime Minister have ensured that the building retains its Stephenson lauded the Catholic Political activists and persons in downplayed the issue of victimization, Georgian architectural features, making it Community for the work, saying general have leveled criticism of the noting that Joshua was his first cousin. a picturesque standout among the more that perhaps they can collaborate government notice of eviction, denouncing He said that Joshua was being evicted so modern structures that surround it today. in the future on one of the projects it for what they say is an act of that a tenant could be selected via an open It is, in more ways than one, a sort about which he spoke. (DD) victimization, after Graham Bollers, and transparent bidding process. after ‘commodity’.

Cobblestone Inn: There was a bidding process

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Historic decision in studentÊs case Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS ATTORNEY JOMO THOMAS has described as historic, the recent judgement of High Court Judge (Ag.) Perletta Lanns in the case in which the claimant Merlene Allen, represented by Thomas, sought judicial review of a decision by state and

Attorney Jomo Thomas described the ruling as having demonstrated what the schools can or cannot do, in respect of the punishment and discipline of students under their charge.

school officials here, to transfer her daughter Alenia Allen from the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (SJCK) to the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia (EHSM), three years ago In a 23-page written judgement delivered on Tuesday, July 19, Justice Lanns issued an order quashing the decision to transfer the student from the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and the expulsion of the student from both Convent High Schools administered by the Cluny Board of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Justice Lanns also ordered that if the parties cannot agree on costs, they may make brief submissions within 30 days of the date of receipt of a sealed copy of the decision.

The Attorney General’s Office represented Chief Education Officer LouAnn Gilchrist (CEO), Senior Education Officer Secondary Schools Asfo Stephens (SEO), Principal St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown,

‘The Hitman’ pleads guilty, two withdrawn POPULAR RADIO announcer and opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) activist Colin ‘The Hitman’ Graham was on Wednesday, fined a total of $600 after pleading guilty to three of five charges at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

The others were withdrawn.

Magistrate Bertie Pompey fined the radio personality $350 for causing obstruction to traffic, while being the driver of motor vehicle PS915.

Graham was ordered to pay the fine in two weeks, with an alternative of three months in prison.

Graham was also ordered to pay the court $250 for failing to Colin Graham remove the said vehicle when had a mixed day requested to do by a police at the officer in uniform. He was allowed two weeks in which to Magistrate’s pay the fine, with an Court on alternative of one month in Wednesday. prison.

The sentences will run concurrently if the fines are not paid.

The popular radio announcer was however, reprimanded and discharged for failing to renew his driving permit, due on March 10, 2016.

Charges of failing to comply with lawful direction given by a police officer and causing inconvenience to the public, were withdrawn.

The charges had stemmed from occurrences during a protest at Arnos Vale involving a group of persons calling themselves ‘We the People, around 8:45 a.m. on March 11.

Graham, who had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, was represented by Attorney Shirlan Barnwell.

Calma Bascombe, and the Ministry of Education; while the other defendant, the Cluny Board of Management, was represented by Attorney Duane Daniel.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Thomas explained that the decision was historic in that it demonstrated what the state and private schools can or cannot do, in respect of the punishment and discipline of students who are under their charge.

Thomas said that historically, these arbitrary forms of punishment and disciplinary decisions may affect the life chances of students, and many times, the parents and guardians thought they had no recourse.

But Thomas pointed

out that this case demonstrates that they could challenge the decision of the state and school officials, and, based on the facts of the case, may succeed.

The matter was heard on March 26, May 13, June 2 and July 3 last year, but Justice Lanns had reserved judgement.

In her written judgement, Justice Lanns concluded that she was satisfied that the claimant had shown that her right to be heard or to a fair hearing had been infringed.

“Not only did the defendants fail to give the claimant notice of the meeting to transfer/expel the student from the SJCK, so that she could adequately prepare herself, but they failed to give her reasons for the decision to transfer/expel”, the Judge stated.

“Even if the defendants had no duty to give reasons, (as the defendents have submitted), this did not affect their duty to act fairly. In coming to their decision to transfer/expel, the defendants took irrelevant factors into account, and failed to consider relevant factors.

As a consequence of the defendants’ failure to consider relevant factors, the student was met with punishment that was excessive and disproportionate, having regard to the purported conduct of the student, and the sanctions for such conduct specified in the handbook”, the Judge added.

Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN that, based on legal intervention, the student had attended the

High Court Judge (Ag.) Perletta Lanns handed down a ruling that may just have set precedent here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Thomas Saunders Secondary School in Kingstown instead of Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia. She is currently a student of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

Magistrate tells ÂSky JuiceÊ to respect everybody A MAN WHO was convicted on Monday for using indecent and threatening language to Supervisor of Elections Sylvia Findlay at the Electoral Office June 2 this year, has been advised to respect any and everybody.

Magistrate Bertie Pompey, sitting at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, issued the advice after finding Asbult ‘Sky Juice’ Richards guilty of both charges, at the conclusion of a trial.

The 30-year-old salesman of New Montrose, was fined $650 forthwith or four months for the indecent language, and $450 forthwith or 3 months for the threatening language.

The sentences will run concurrently if the fines are not paid.

Though Richards had pleaded not guilty to the charges, he admitted to the offences while making his defence.

Richards, who was not represented by a lawyer, said he used the indecent language to Findlay because she spoke to him in an aggressive manner and he got angry.

But he insisted that he was not speaking to the Supervisor of Elections when he used the threatening words. He indicated that he was speaking to another person sitting at the Electoral Office.

“I am putting it to you that you were rude and out of place,” Pompey told Richards, who responded, “Yes please.”

“You will agree that Ms.

Findlay holds an office of respect?” the Magistrate asked the defendant, who again replied, “Yes please.”

“And on that day you were disrespectful?”, Pompey further asked.

Richards again replied, “Yes please”.

“I don’t know what you were hoping for when you said you are not guilty. You wasted over two hours of judicial time. I don’t know why you didn’t just plea guilty,” the Magistrate told the defendant.

On further questioning by the Magistrate, Richards said he was not aware of Findlay’s status. But Pompey informed him that he is supposed to respect any and everybody.

The Supervisor of Elections had earlier told the court that around 1:15 pm. June 2, she was called to the front desk to deal with a matter involving a young lady, when she observed the defendant sitting in one of the chairs in the waiting area.

Findlay said the lady wanted to have a transfer done from Marriaqua to West Kingstown.

She explained to her that the transfer could not be done at the office, and instructed her to go to Rose Place, Kingstown, and take along her birth certificate with her, to have it done.

The lady, according to Findlay, then went to the area where Richards was seated, took a child by the hand and went through the door.

“The defendant then came to

the front desk and, among other things, he said to me I was badminded because I could do the registration in the office. I said “Even though some of you in this country would like to seek me go to jail, I would not go to jail for something I know I should not do,” Findlay recounted.

She said that at this point, Richards became quite aggressive and said, “Haul yuh stinking mudder (expletive).”

The police officer, stationed at the office, then entered and escorted Richards out.

Findlay said she remained at the front desk, and about 10 to 15 minutes later, Richards came to the door, opened it, put in his head and said, “I will lick you in yuh head.” He then closed the door and left.

Findlay later made a report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Lanique Providence of Diamond, an employee at the Electoral Office, testified that she was sitting at the front desk when Richards and the young lady came into the office.

Providence, in her testimony, corroborated the evidence of the Supervisor of Elections in relation to Richards’ behaviour at the office, and his use of indecent and threatening language to the Supervisor.

The Court also heard evidence from police constable Karim Quashie and investigator Corporal Winston Maloney, attached to the CID.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 5.

Regional

Banking headaches for the Caribbean IF THE MIAMI HERALD is correct, at least 16 banks across five Caribbean countries have had banking ties cut with American Banks since May. It is a case, according to the Herald, of not continuing relationships or face the cost of hefty fines for US Banks.

All of this follows on the perceived role of Caribbean banks in money laundering and the US banks’ withdrawal of the so-called correspondent banks, which handle international bankto-bank transactions in U.S. dollars, like credit card charges at hotels, remittances and payments related to trade and finance.

The concern was one of the leading discussion items during CARICOM’s recent summit in Guyana.

“Without correspondent banking services, there are significant implications for trade, investments, and even humanitarian consequences,” said Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne during that summit, calling it “perhaps the single, largest risk facing Caribbean countries.”

Nowhere in the region is the impact being felt as strongly than in Belize, where only two banks have managed to retain full banking services with commercial U.S. banks.

“We cannot in fact do business in U.S. currency because banks in the United States simply won’t entertain our overtures to process our documents, credit card payments,

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders summit in Georgetown, Guyana in July said the pull out of U.S. banks is the biggest risk facing their nations.

(Photo Credit: caricom.org) foreign payments,” confirmed Wilfred Elrington, the foreign minister of Belize.

U.S. banks argue that, given the Caribbean’s small size and the hefty fines now being imposed by regulators trying to stem terrorism financing and money laundering, the risks of clearing checks or transferring money as intermediaries just isn’t worth it.

But that argument, Caribbean leaders say, doesn’t take into consideration the unintended consequences.

In the Caribbean, some local banks have been forced to close their doors after having ties cut, and money transfer operations have closed after being prevented from opening U.S. bank accounts.

Warren Smith, president

of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank, said, while some island-nations do need to strengthen their money laundering laws, U.S. and Canadian banks have made a financial decision that could force people to find other ways to move money, defeating the intention of the tighter controls.

In fact, Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is on record as saying, “There are some countries right now that are actually chartering planes to fly cash.. . It’s ridiculous.”

So far, Caribbean leaders haven’t had much success.

Gaston Browne, the Antigua Prime Minister, is said to have personally written to Obama, to no avail.

Earlier this year, Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow traveled to

Washington to meet with U.S. regulators, both on behalf of himself and CARICOM. The bank exits, he told them, were hurting his poor, English-speaking Central American nation, which was finding it increasingly difficult to engage in trade.

“The regulators all agreed that, absent a solution, our economies, our societies would go belly up,” Barrow told leaders as he recalled the visit. However, outside of “tea and sympathy,” Barrow said he didn’t get much else.

Still, leaders agreed to step up lobbying efforts and say they plan to hire a U.S. lobbying or law firm. They also are planning a conference in the region later this year to discuss the ramifications of U.S. bank withdrawals. (Source: Miami Herald)

T&T Peppers- More than hot JUST WHEN CARIBBEAN farmers thought it could not get any worse for them, they could well be facing even more stringent measures as they move to export their produce outside of the region.

This comes on the heels of a discovery by Border officials in Canada of 20 kilos of cocaine in a shipment of hot peppers from Trinidad & Tobago recently.

One Canadian reporter described the incident as a case of it being “hot and spicy on the top and illegal underneath.”

Caribbean 360 News, reported that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced in a statement issued on July 11 that the discovery was made on June 23, in a shipment that arrived at the Toronto Pearson International Airport from Port of Spain.

According to Caribbean 360, CBSA

officers were in the offloading area when they pointed out two suspicious boxes. When the officers opened the boxes, they found 17 brick-shaped packages under hot peppers.

All cargo on the flight was transferred to CBSA facilities for Xray examination while officers carried out a search of the entire aircraft.

A sample of the packages in the box was cut open and tested positive for cocaine which was turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The CBSA statement did not disclose either the sender or intended recipient of the boxes.

The Mississauga News of July 7, 2016, quoted Goran Vragovic, CBSA Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region as saying after the seizure, “The continued vigilance of our officers enables us to successfully intercept the illegal

This shipment of hot peppers from Trinidad and Tobago also contained cocaine. (Credit: Mississauga News) importation of narcotics, fulfilling our commitment to protect the safety of Canadians and our communities.”

So far this year, CBSA officers in the Greater Toronto Area have seized over 678 kilograms of suspected cocaine. (Source: Mississauga News, Caribbean 360)

No St. Lucian $$ for LIAT NEWLY ELECTED Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Allen Chastanet, is holding fast to his earlier public pronouncements about how he feels about regional airline LIAT. Chastanet told the Barbados national last week that Allen Chastanet, PM of Barbadian St. Lucia, said his taxpayers can continue to fund country will not invest in LIAT, ….but not cash-strapped LIAT. a dollar from his (Photo Credit: country is going voicesl.com) into the cashstrapped regional airline.

The St. Lucia Prime Minister’s unambiguous statement follows on a statement of support for LIAT, made last week

by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Browne said then that he had no doubt that “LIAT is serving the purpose of Gaston Browne, PM of moving people, Antigua and Barbuda, which is moved to declare significant to support for LIAT, even integration, and if as it faces problems of there wasn’t profitability and more.

LIAT, the (Photo Credit: regional would barbadostoday.com) have to invent one.”

Browne acknowledged that ‘there were deficiencies within the operations of LIAT (Antigua-based), and alluded to the problems as being a result of the existing market structure.

However, his colleague Chastanet made no bones about where he had positioned his government in relation to LIAT, emphasizing to the Barbados Nation that “It was time shareholder governments took their hands off the carrier and allowed it to operate on a strictly commercial basis.”

There have been calls by major shareholder governments of LIAT for investment in LIAT. These (calls) have generally fallen on deaf ears among both the public and private sectors in the region, Chastanet and St. Lucia being the most recent to make a public stance against any further investment.

The major shareholders of LIAT are the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

And while a battle of positions played out at the level of Heads of Government, Caribbean travelers continue to experience no end of delays and inconveniences as LIAT makes every effort to cope with the seasonal (summer) demand for air travel services within, in particular, the OECS. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been among those destinations most affected.

(Source: Barbaos Nation, Antigua Observer)

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

MRI 6: Making a difference Administrative/Financial Coordinator, coalesced in 2009 around a then effort by the Bank of SVG (BOSVG) and the National Insurance Services (NIS), to acquire a CAT Scan Machine for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

Encouraged by the effort, not to mention the gravity of the need, the group lent its assistance to the cause, and took on thereafter, a commitment to continue to identify and assist socially uplifting efforts that abound in the society.

Since its inception, MRI 6, and its addendum ‘Friends of Jazz’, have donated some $68,000 to needy cases and national service delivery programmes here.

Pastor Adolphus Isaacs of the Lewis Punnett Home Building Among the earliest Fund receives the MRI 6 donation form Dione Harry-George. recipients - with funds raised by the two referred events — THE EVENTS ‘CARNIVAL their own right, that speak to were the MCMH, the Lewis Escapade’ and ‘Jazz on the a deep sense of commitment to Punnett Home and the Mental Green’ by their very names, will assisting established efforts of Health Centre. Between conjure up thoughts of revelry national service, service to them, the three institutions and entertainment. those in need, and efforts have benefited from an MRI 6 That is as true as one could aimed at enhancing the input of some $40,000. get it. But… and there is a national good all round.

More recently, assistance ‘but’ … there is a whole lot The group, named MRI 6, was accorded the SVG Special more behind these two events. comprised of Keith Boyea, Olympics team to facilitate ‘Carnival Escapade’ and Derry Williams, Lennox their participation in the 2015 ‘Jazz on the Green’ are the Bowman, Joel Providence and Special Olympics World brainchildren — so to speak — Andre Iton, and served by Summer Games, Los Angeles, of a group of socially inclined Dione Harry-George in a California, and (to) the effort finance/business experts in capacity as to restore and beautify the

Stanley Richards, President of the NSOFB (left) accepts a cheque from Keith Boyea of MRI 6.

The much heralded ‘Jazz on the Green’ returns after a break of three years.

Botanical Gardens, the latter benefiting from a $10,000 donation.

That spirit and demonstration of goodwill continued last week Friday, when donations of $5,000 each were presented to the National Society of and for the Blind (NSOFB) and the Building Committee of the Lewis Punnet Home.

Keith Boyea and Dione HarryGeorge presented the donations to Stanley Richards of the NSOFB and Pastor Adolphus Isaacs of the Lewis Punnett Building Committee respectively.

In prefacing the presentations, Boyea assured that all funds this time around were raised from the 2016 Carnival Escapade, which he considered to have been “the best to date.”

He described the event as the

group’s effort to offer an uplifting standard of “mature entertainment in which young people can participate.”

The growing patronage and support for the event, according to Boyea, testify to the value and satisfaction that it offers and fulfils.

In that light, he recognised the BOSVG, S.G. De Freitas ‘Rum Please’ Posse, Alliance Francais and Guardsman Security for their ongoing support.

And as far as ‘Jazz on the Green’ was concerned, the loss of venue - Emerald Valley Casino, Penniston - resulted in a hiatus of some three years.

But Boyea was more than pleased to announce the return of the event, scheduled for Saturday 30th July, 2016, at the Botanical Gardens.

Local artistes are expected to be joined by artistes from St. Lucia and Martinique for the event that promises to be ‘different’.

Both Richards and Isaacs expressed profound thanks on behalf of their organizations, for the generous demonstration of assistance to the causes they serve, and wished MRI 6 success in their coming events, so that they could continue to bring their goodwill to the assistance of those in need.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 7.

Community

Digicel delivers to Home for Girls favourable response, EC$150,000 in investment to ensure that the experience of those who inhabit the facility is a life changing one. was ready to be unveiled to the general public.

“The little story of how this got started is a showing of how God does not sleep, and answers our prayer,” said Dr Miriam Sheridan member of the Board of Dr Miriam Sheridan Directors of the facility member of the Board of which is aimed at Directors, recognised assisting ‘at risk’ girls. the initial steps taken by “And today marks the Sis Patricia Ann product of this,” she Douglas to establish the continued. home.

Sheridan said in her presentation that the home followed in the tradition of the Order of the Sisters of Cluny pushing for education at all levels, and reaching out to the less fortunate in society.

The idea of such a home was that of the late Sr Patricia Ann Douglas, former principal of the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

But the work would be carried on by others, including Sr Claire.

Digicel’s Country Manager, John Gidharry, Digicel makes the described the difference undertaking as in keeping with his Country Manager company’s commitment John Gidharry, in his to give back in a big way to the communities address at the unveiling, explained how he that it serves. received a response from Chairman O’Brien, IT ALL GOT STARTED with including a post it which a handwritten note, sent read, “Please help as

by Sister Claire Harris soon as possible.”

Secretary of the Board of According to Gidharry, Directors of the Our Lady “On Digicel’s part, we of Guadalupe Home for tend to give back in a big Girls, to the Chairman of way in the communities Digicel’s Foundation, that we serve; it is one of Denis O’Brien. the things that we live He responded by.” favourably through He went on to say that Digicel’s Country the work at the Home Manager, John Gidharry, was in keeping with the and on Tuesday, July 19 ideals of Digicel’s the result of that

Digicel has ensured that sleeping accommodation is adequate in the newly refurbished Our Lady of Guadalupe Home for Girls. chairman, and what they tend to do not only in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but throughout the territories where they operate.

And so, Digicel’s undertaking commenced with visits to the Home in Cane End, Mesopotamia, and meetings with the Board.

Gidharry recalled that there were a few concerns, including safety, food storage/safety, plumbing and a number of other areas that needed some attention.

The telecommunications company has ensured that the occupants have adequate bed space, linen and private closet space; the rest room facilities have been refurbished, the lighting and outlets have been checked.

The issue of safety was addressed, and burglar bars installed and barbed wire fencing placed along the perimeter of the property. Significant work was carried out in the kitchen, including the purchase of a freezer to allow for the storage of food items.

The building received a facelift with the interior and exterior walls being painted.

Moreover, as disclosed

by Gidharry, as of Monday July 18, Digicel had paid all the utilities for the Home and had established a fund to allow for the bills to be paid on time. Digicel has also committed EC$1,000 monthly in cash towards the sustainability of the home.

A lot of truancy In giving the final presentation, Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development and the Family Frederick Stephenson lauded the work of the Catholic Church, and for the vision that Sr Patricia Ann Douglas had in

providing such a facility.

Stephenson said that there was a lot of truancy in the country, and that while the Liberty Lodge Boys Training School served as a place for boys in conflict with the law, there was no facility for those young males who take to the streets at

night, nor is there any facility for young girls that have come in conflict with the law and who have offences of a violent nature and those related to burglary and theft.

“So we need homes like the Guadalupe home for girls,” Stephenson said. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 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

Ames shows us up IN OUR EDITORIAL, captioned ‘Is this really our ship?’, of June 17, 2016, we wrote in part: ‘Isn’t our society one that continually throws up the reality that it does not matter how wrong you are when you are a citizen of status? Isn’t it, as far as our society is concerned, that one is more likely to get away with wrong doing if you are a person of status, of connection?’

Of course, there were some who responded, by way of telephone mostly, that the Editor had gone overboard, and some valued readers even suggested that the Editor might just have been sowing more seeds of discord, rather than trying to mend the abyss that currently exists in our society.

We at THE VINCENTIAN are not wont to say ‘we told you so’, but developments and incidents here over the last month or so, have led us to believe that maybe we should blow our own trumpet, when it matters.

David Ames left this country after he was allowed so to do. That is the truth of the matter, as has been unambiguously substantiated by the highest political officer in the land, the Prime Minister.

Ames was charged with theft and tax evasion, placed on bail, and ordered by the court to return for a hearing on a prescribed date.

Ames never appeared in court as ordered; he was instead, allowed to abscond. Yes, allowed to abscond in the face of a Court order to make himself available to answer charges against this country and its people.

Ames, after all, was a man of substance and status… the mover and shaker behind the much heralded Buccament Bay Resort development — the tourism development prototype, some in government said, for what was to come at Mount Wynn and elsewhere on mainland St. Vincent.

He, even though not being Vincentian-born, was counted among the ‘moneyed class’ here. Who knows, he may have been accorded citizenship of this country on the basis of his ‘investment’, much akin to that accorded under a Citizenship by Investment Programme, a privilege for which this government so vehemently holds disdain.

He being a member of the ‘moneyed class’ and recipient of certain privileges thereto, never, it seemed, made him a flight risk in the eyes of the Court — in the eyes of relevant state authorities.

Unlike the ‘unmoneyed class’ of small men and women here who are apprehended and charged for lesser crimes, Ames was not made to surrender his travel documents, nor was he ordered to report in the interim, to the police station nearest his place of abode.

Were the charges laid against him not substantial enough to warrant ‘tighter’ surveillance of his movements?

We always seem to want to close the stable after the horse has bolted, and complain that the horse has bolted to where we often don’t know or care not to disclose, even though it is we who left the stable’s door open in the first place.

And then we try to explain away our incompetence, our lack of coordination among state agencies, the wrong that we committed.

There is absolution for things for which we are sincerely remorseful.

Was there any hint of remorse about or admission that we erred seriously in relation to Ames being allowed to leave this country?

Ames was known to this country far and wide. He has been in the news — here, in the region and in the UK. He is well known to law enforcement and the courts here and in other countries. He must have been known by face and otherwise to Immigration and Law Enforcement officers here.

Are we to believe that a man who has lived among us for that length of time, whose Buccament Bay Resort has hosted CARICOM meetings of the highest order, who shakes hands with our Prime Minister, was not known to immigration officials here?

And even if he was not ordered (as foolish as it sounds) to surrender his travel documents, should that immigration officer who gave him clearance, not seek guidance on whether this person, with a court matter hanging imminently over his head, should be allowed to leave the state?

Then again, did we not allow William Rice, a man who enjoyed similar status of privilege like Ames, to leave the state under cover of night, leaving behind his spoils for division among deserving and not so deserving parties?

What a sordid mess we find ourselves in, again! To repeat: Is this really our ship?

Where do we go from here By Ralph E. Gonsalves (Reprint from Unity Vol. 1No.1 December 1, 1982) “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE” was the screaming lament of Dr. Gonsalves, disappointed, frustrated and fed up to the teeth with two successive runs by the Cato Labour Party which he deemed abject failures and worse on their last lap of their period of stewardship.

His damning indictment first appeared in Unity Vol.1 Number 1 December 1, 1982, and represented a baptism of fire for ‘Unity’, the mouth-piece of his new party, the MNU, edited by “Blazer” Williams.

“It is hardly possible to have a worse administered country in the Commonwealth Caribbean than ours, with the exception of Guyana. The economy is falling to pieces as production declines or stagnates in all the major sectors of the economy. No set of fancy words spoken or rosy picture painted by Government apologists can change the real facts of life.

The State enterprises, by and large, are losing large sums of money annually. No accounts are presented for them to parliament, and thus they escape the democratic scrutiny of the Public Accounts Committee.

The deformed State Capitalism of the Cato regime is at once parasitic, undemocratic, and a hindrance to national development. Rather than being an engine for progress, Cato’s State Capitalism has acted as a suck-me-well octopus and has blocked the growth of a truly national business sector by giving preferential treatment to regional and foreign capitalists.

Democracy on Trial

On the democratic front, things are genuinely bad and the trends are ominous.

Economic Crisis The (Labour) government’s general disregard for the people’s opinion and rights are wellArrowroot, bananas, sugar, tourism, known and much-commented on. This fisheries, and the fledgling manufacturing includes legislative attempts to curb trade sector are in bad shape. union and political rights and to undermine The national debt is soaring to free and fair elections. Further the military uncontrollable heights; personal income taxes build-up is becoming alarming. have reached punitive levels; consumption Yet though, the people in this country are taxes and an array of other indirect taxes are not in open revolt-and that may well be pushing -up rapidly the cost-of-living whilst surprising to a foreign observer, but beneath dampening the level of personal savings; the surface there is simmering discontent national consumption is some 25 percent in which an appropriate spark can so ignite. At excess of the Gross Domestic Product as the the same time there is an immense distrust country lives way beyond its means; the of politicians and a cynicism towards politics. deficit on the balance of trade is in the region The real, genuine and understandable of $100 Million; and more than 30 percent of anger is there, but too many of our people the labour force is unemployed. On top of all have allowed their political masters to make that the (Labour) Government has dealt the them wallow in despair by the thought that commercial sector and the country as a whole there is no alternative. a lethal blow by the imposition of the three percent traders’ turnover tax. (VAT?) The Way forward

Administrative Collapse

It is vital that the hopefulness of our people and their yearnings for change be Administratively the country is collapsing. encouraged and their cynicism or At the helm is a political leader (Milton Cato) hopelessness be struggled against. But that who has now surely outlived his usefulness. takes an appropriate political organisation There are no new directions; indeed there which is flexible and creative and a political were no directions; just more of the same leadership which is sensitive, honest, and unplanned and ad hoc tinkering here and progressive. (The NDP and Arnhim Eustace). there.

Dogma, sectarianism, intolerance, or the Within the public service, morale is at an “rum and corn beef politics” of the old era will all-time low as potentially creative personnel not do. Neither will a one-man set up with sit around within an administrative vacuum. no clearly identifiable principles or structures Waste and a disregard for financial meet the tasks at hand. Given the crisis accountability and administrative procedures situation described above, what is the way abound, as attested to by successive reports out? And how is this way out to be achieved of the Director of Audit. amidst division among the opposition forces?”

Deformed State Capitalism

Continued on Page 12.

V In response to Corea and Indupp

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 9.

Letters

EDITOR’S NOTE: We have allowed these unusually lengthy pieces on our letter page, as closure to any tit for tat discussion on the ramifications of BREXIT.

THERE ARE misconceptions/errors in both of two recent letters (Paddy Corea of July 01 and A.W. Indupp of July 08 in The Vincentian about the recent British referendum on whether to leave or remain in the EU. First, contrary to what Mr Corea states, Scotland did not lose its independence 700 years ago at the Battle of Bannockburn. Bannockburn was a Scottish victory, and the English king who fought there was Edward II not Edward I (Longshanks). While it is true that the English Kings claimed to be overlords of Scotland, they were never able to incorporate Scotland into England. In fact, Scotland had a long treaty association with France precisely in order to counter English aggression. In 1603, there was a union of the crowns of England and Scotland, but not because of conquest. The Scottish King James VI, a Stuart, was a descendant of the first Tudor monarch of England, Henry VII, whose daughter, Mary, married James IV of Scotland. The main reason for the English welcome of James was that he had been

brought up in Scotland by Regents as a Protestant. His mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, the granddaughter of Mary Tudor, was brought up a Catholic by her French mother’s family after her father, James V of Scotland, died when she was an infant. After she returned to Scotland, she ran into problems with her Protestant subjects and eventually fled to England, where she was imprisoned by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth. She was finally executed by Elizabeth, because, so it was claimed, she was plotting to claim the English throne, which she could do, if it were accepted, as all Catholics maintained, that Elizabeth was illegitimate (This is a reference to Henry VII’s divorce, or more accurately the annulment of the marriage to his first wife, which is another discussion). Note that Queen Elizabeth II is Elizabeth I of Scotland since the first Elizabeth was not Queen of Scotland. And by the way, it was this James VI of Scotland and James I of England who commissioned the translation of the Bible known to us as “the King James version”.

The Stuart’s - James’s descendants -

continued to be monarchs of England and Scotland, but the two countries were still separate, until the Act of Union in 1707, which was passed by the Parliaments of both countries. The English wanted the Scots to accept a Protestant Hanoverian , a descendant in the maternal line of a daughter of James VI and I, as King when the Stuart Queen Anne died (she died in 1714). (Hanover is in today’s Germany, which didn’t exist as a single, unified country until the 19th century). The Scots needed financial aid from the English (plus some bribes for influential lords) to avoid bankruptcy after massive investments in a failed plan to establish a Scottish colony in the area of what is now Panama. So there was an Act of Union that finally joined the two kingdoms into Great Britain; and that was 300 years ago.

And A. W. Indupp, you state that “there is no reason why the framework of such an organisation (i.e. EFTA) cannot be resurrected and redrafted to fit within the 21st century”. Well, I

Mr. E. J. Corea - A Final Rebuttal HAVING READ, a number of times, the reply from this gentleman, as I could not comprehend his logic with only one reading, I had intended to ignore his disjointed, demented and hysterical rantings as not being worthy of a reply.

However, upon reflection, I do feel that his benighted views do require a reply and (more importantly) historical correction.

But I can assure your readers that I shall not be responding to any further written bombast from this gentleman, as I have better things to do!

I was amazed at the focus of this reply. Rather than offer a cogent and intelligent refutation of my original comments, the writer has chosen to expend 98% of its content on both racist slurs and pontificating on how wonderful the achievements of both his forebears and his own are!

From this, I can only conclude that he has an ego the size of Mount Everest, and is so full of his own selfimportance that everything he utters must be accepted as holy writ, and that normal citizens like myself are forbidden to hold any view that opposes his own.

If the writer is going to

quote historical events, he should (a) get them right and (b) include all the facts and not just cherry pick those that suit his argument.

The Irish uprising was NOT a resounding success; its ultimate result was, of course, the formation of the Irish Republic, but at the cost of a civil war within that country, and the subsequent loss of life. Plus, of course, the actual partition of the island leading to over 30 years of tit for tat assassinations of civilians and the murders of many hundreds of British servicemen, who were there not as an occupation force, but at the request of the Northern Ireland Government of the time to try and curb these murders.

I agree that the Black and Tans committed unjustified killings, but to denote all their victims as “Irish Freedom Fighters” is a grave misconception. I would direct the writer to “The Irish Republican Brotherhood”, at the time an illegal organisation headed

by Michael Collins at the behest of Eamonn De Valera. At the time, this terrorist organisation operated “death squads” against any and all

opponents. It was against this organisation that the Black & Tans were established, in order to SAVE lives. There is no accurate figure of the numbers of victims the Irish Republican Brotherhood claimed, since most were civilians whose families were afraid to speak out against these murders. But it is estimated that the numbers are equal to or exceed those killed by the Black and Tans.

If the writer wishes for a fair appraisal of the actions of “Irish Freedom Fighters”, I suggest that he studies the atrocities committed by both the IRA and the PIRA over the years in both Northern Ireland and mainland U.K. The house of Windsor did not evolve from Battenburg (not Battemburg). Prince Louis of Battenburg was the father of Louis Mountbatten, and it was Louis Mountbatten who changed the Germanic name to English. Louis Mountbatten was the uncle of Prince Phillip and therefore, not related to the British Royal Family who have retained the name of Windsor since King George V in 1901.

Oswald Moseley did NOT

lead the Brown Shirts, he led the Black Shirts based upon the fascist uniform of Italy at the time. The Brown Shirts, otherwise known as the S.A. (Sturmabtellung) were at the time, the para military force of the emerging Nazi Party in Germany, led by Ernst Rohm until 30/06/1934 when most were murdered on the order of Hitler, in what was known as The Night Of The Long Knives.

I could continue to correct the rest of the misleading historical “facts” contained in the writer’s letter, but I am sure that your readers are finding it as tedious to read as I am in making the corrections, or offering a more enlarged and comprehensive overview of the “facts” selected by the writer.

In closing, I would suggest that the writer follows his own advice to me. In his letter, he makes plain that I should research matters via Google. Given the amount of erroneous and concocted information contained in his letter, I suggest that he does the same thing prior to putting pen to paper!!

A. W. Indupp.

can think of a reason the other EU countries just might not want to go back to EFTA. They might take the view that allowing the resurrection of a long discarded first step to European integration could encourage others to start the dissolution, instead of the reformation, of the EU. Remember that the EU was never merely an economic partnership. One of the main reasons for trying to unite Europe was to ensure that there would be no more devastating wars like the two World Wars of the 20th century.

Both France and Germany suffered terribly from those wars, and they were the prime movers (encouraged by Winston Churchill, ironically), in the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951. You sound like those ‘Leavers’ who argued that the UK could have unrestricted access to the common market while at the same time getting rid of EU regulations and freedom of movement.

Will the Europeans accept that? I doubt that they will see “no reason”; on the contrary, I foresee some extremely hard bargaining on the cards. It took the Swiss 10 years of bargaining to get their agreement for access to the EU market. There is “no reason” to suppose that the British negotiations will be any easier.

Patricia Robinson Commissiong Kingstown

King or Queen?

ONE MUST give credit where credit is due. The costume that was adjudged 2016 Queen of the Bands is very creative and artistic.

However, I beg to differ from the opinion of the judges who ruled that this piece of mas deserved to be crowned Queen of the Bands.

A Queen is a lady and must portray that feminine look. This piece has a masculine appearance in every aspect to me. If it was entered for King of the Bands, I, first word, would have given it the position of King of the Bands. But for Queen, I think the judges needed to take another look.

Queen is a queen, and a king is a king. A king cannot be a queen nor a queen be a king.

A man cannot be a woman.

Masman

V

10. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

IMF vindicates economic plans of the ULP administration Introduction ONCE AGAIN, another IMF Article IV Consultation has been concluded by the Executive Board of the IMF, on July 13th 2016. Once again, the opposition NDP, the leadership and its members get egg on their faces as they continue to make baseless criticisms about the performance of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy, and the management of the economy, by the ULP administration, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Of course, the findings of this latest Consultation will be a thunderbolt to the NDP, and the likes of Arnhim Eustace and St. Clair Leacock in particular, the most vocal critics of the economic policies of the government. This is so, because any Article IV Consultation by the IMF also includes discussion with the NDP. Indeed, the NDP has never denied that. How they could be critical of the findings of the IMF team is beyond the comprehension of most right thinking persons.

But it is clear that the NDP will stop at nothing to give the country a bad name. They will stop at nothing in their bid to criticise the ULP administration and Comrade Ralph.

But the ULP will continue to adopt the right strategies for the socioeconomic development of the country.

What the report says The main item in the report is the continued support from the IMF for the importance of the international airport project at Argyle. The IMF reports says “the new airport, now foreseen for completion in 2016, is expected to sustain the near and medium term economic growth. Real GDP is projected to expand by 2.2 percent in 2016 and reach 3.1 percent over the medium term, as tourism arrivals are boosted by greater airlift capacity, and construction expands tourism infrastructure”.

This statement is a clear vindication of the strategy of the ULP administration, which makes the airport project as the key to the future development of the country. Even the most junior student at the Community College could write extensive essays on the value of the project to the country. Not so the NDP. The airport, regarded as the largest capital project ever undertaken by a government, has faced constant criticism from that party, over the last ten years. The people of this country have paid them no mind, opting to have the ULP complete the airport, by returning Dr. Ralph Gonsalves for a record fourth consecutive term in office.

The report goes on to say “they welcomed the incipient economic recovery and improved external and fiscal positions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They observed that the outlook is positive, particularly with prospects for the entry in operations of the new international airport and the development of geothermal energy, and risks are balanced.”

Again another project, another strategy of the ULP administration, the geothermal energy project, gets highlighted and supported by the IMF. Tremendous work has already been done on the geothermal project and the public understands that this will be a game changer for the country. Who cares if Arnhim Eustace

and the NDP do not support the project? The voters recognise the foresight of the ULP in relation to the need to provide alternative energy sources, and so they made “four in a row” a reality.

The Financial Sector Another supporting statement from the IMF following its consultation, relates to the financial sector. The IMF says “Directors noted that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has relatively sound banks and leads the region in the supervision of credit unions. They encouraged the authorities to continue to strengthen supervision of the nonbank financial sector and monitor the offshore banking sector, as well as to continue to align the AML/CFT with international standards”.

The ULP administration has always been proud of its efforts to supervise the financial sector, and serious attention has been paid to anti-money laundering laws and the counter financing of terrorism. Again it is good to know that the strategies of the ULP administration in this regard, have the approval of the IMF. The fact of the matter is that the ULP administration has spent tremendous time in overhauling the laws and regulations which govern the financial sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP does not care, and in some cases have absent themselves from Parliament, when important work is being in the House of Assembly.

It must be noted that the IMF said that the commercial banking sector appears to remain solid, and that it enables a modest uptick in credit to the private sector. This supports the economic recovery that is in progress.

Conclusion The opening paragraph of the IMF reports perhaps sums up the economic scenario in the country. The IMF says, “St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ recovery from the global financial crisis was hampered by a series of natural disasters, sluggish global demand, and slow implementation of key infrastructure projects. Economic activity appears to have recovered in 2015- led by strong tourism inflows and a rebound in construction - while inflation has trended down due to falling food and fuel prices”.

This is an indication of the strategy adopted by the ULP administration, of prudence and enterprise. The ULP is committed to reducing further the current deficit and to reducing the public debt to the ECCU target of 60 percent of GDP, by 2030. All these plans and more are included either in the 2016 budget address, and/or in the 2015 manifesto of the ULP. Leadership is not about being part of the entertainment industry. It is for serious people, who have a vision and a philosophy, and who have a plan for the development of their country, because of the love for the poor and the working class. This is a lesson that the NDP must learn, before Vincentians can take them seriously.

Tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines THE ANNOUNCEMENT by Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Tourism, at the last sitting of parliament, that there was an increase of 6.8% visitor arrivals for the first quarter of 2016 compared to that of 2015, was another attempt by the illegitimate Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime to deceive the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Over the past fifteen years, the ULP government has failed miserably in managing the tourism sector. Dr. Gonsalves and his men are incompetent, and the New Democratic Party (NDP) will do a better job in managing the vital tourism sector.

The fact is, since 2000, there has been a significant decline in visitor arrivals to St. Vincent and the Grenadines when compared to the other Windward Islands, over the same period. From 2000 to 2015, Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenada recorded tremendous growth in visitor arrivals: Dominica 15%, , St. Lucia 45% and Grenada 29%. St. Vincent and the Grenadines had a whopping decline of 19%. Yet, the Minister of Tourism had the audacity to report to Vincentians that there was an increase in visitor arrivals. The facts speak to a deep and pervasive mismanagement of the sector over the years, and means that tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation is going to waste as a result.

Tourism is the engine of our economy and the largest foreign exchange earner. It has the potential to make an even bigger contribution to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, the ULP government has not been doing enough to develop this very important sector. Members of the NDP have made numerous calls for the government to address the problems that are confronting the industry, but to no avail. They have also offered solutions to the government, but they have been ignored. The ULP regime does not have the competence to fully develop the tourism sector.

The inability of the present administration to develop our full tourist potential is due to ineffective international marketing, inadequate infrastructure, the lack of planning and the lack of specialized personnel in the hospitality industry. Add all of this to policies that are not conducive to the development of the tourism sector, and it spells danger. The recent eviction notice to the proprietor of Cobblestone Inn is a prime example of government’s policy towards individuals involved in the industry, but who do not support the ULP. The NDP will make a tremendous difference in the management of the tourism sector. Our main objectives will be to accomplish the following: growth of tourism’s contribution to GDP; creation of employment opportunities at all levels throughout society; creation of linkages with other economic sectors; protection of the environment and cultural resources; and attraction of higher expenditure tourist.

The potential for growth is not surprising, since St. Vincent and the Grenadines possesses a wide range of attractions. These include natural attractions like landscapes, scenic beauty, wildlife, beaches, historical attractions such as monuments and

forts, and a number of unique cultural activities.

The NDP commits to transforming St. Vincent and the Grenadines into a leading destination in the Caribbean, by way of the following: establishment and operating of a first class training institute that will improve the delivery of high quality service in the tourism industry; ensuring security on the water and beaches to include by regular coastguard and police foot patrols in our harbours, bays, resort areas and beaches; giving special attention to preventing harassment and criminal activities against visitors, and guaranteeing a diligent and prompt prosecution of offences against visitors; introducing a special police unit tasked with investigating crimes against yacht visitors and other tourists; improving air transportation, to include seeking to reduce the travel cost and to improve the reliability and frequency of air service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines; diversifying our tourism product, with special focus on promoting and developing diving, yachting, cruise tourism, eco-tourism, packages for retirees/returnees, local festivals and cultural events like carnival, music festivals, Gospel Fest and Nine Mornings; targeting markets in Europe, Canada, United States of America and the Caribbean in collaboration with airlines, hoteliers, travel agents and other service providers, with particular emphasis on special tour packages for Caribbean tourists to boost regional tourism especially in the off season; developing marines and other yachting facilities in suitable locations throughout the country, to include Bequia, the Southern Grenadines, Villa and the Leeward coast; promoting high-end stay-over visitors by promoting investment in small to mid-size luxury hotels and villas, to attract visitors seeking a special experience and destination; promoting yachting so as to encourage them to stay longer within St. Vincent and the Grenadines; promoting and enhancing and developing existing and new tourism sites, with focus on our history and heritage; establishing a cable car services in North Leeward and eco-tourism trails in various areas; assisting local craft makers in the production and sale of their wares.

It is crystal clear that the ULP regime does not have a clue as to how to manage the tourism industry. They are incompetent. They have already destroyed the agricultural sector; the offshore sector is no more and it would appear that the tourism sector is next.

The NDP will reverse this downward trend. We are aware of the importance of tourism to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The NDP will work vigorously to develop this sector and transform St.Vincent and the Grenadines into a leading tourist destination in the Caribbean.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 11.

Views

Sports teaches character

“Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose - it teaches you about life.” - Billie Jean King (born 1943), American former No. 1 professional tennis player.

CHILDREN TODAY have a special interest in and talent for technology. We see them with their little electronic gadgets in their homes, and can sometimes observe them engaged in “being occupied” with these instruments in the wider community also.

These activities may appear to encourage them to develop their fine motor skills and provide mental stimulation. However, we can also observe how this preoccupation with technology seems to retard their physical activities and hinder their social skills. They can become so engaged in these activities that they may lose the desire to “burn off energy” or to interact with those around them. In addition, they may get so addicted to programmes that encourage a sedentary life style that they lose interest in being engaged in physical activities. This, in turn, can encourage obesity and life-threatening noncommunicable diseases.

The absence of team games and sports in the lives of our children can also encourage deficiencies in character formation. Sports teaches character.

Sports helps in the formation of winning attitudes and to do so by fair means. Through sports we can intercept those children who may have a tendency to cheat and/or have challenges coping with defeat.

Based on the foregoing, we commend those parents and teachers who encourage their wards to “burn off the energy” by engaging in physical activities. Many of our current world famous athletes commenced their ascendency to greatness from a relatively young age. The outstanding lawn tennis players, Venus and Serena Williams, and world-famous golfer Tiger Woods are names that readily come to mind. Their parents, and in particular their fathers, encouraged them to pursue excellence through sports while they were still children.

They embraced the challenge to live very disciplined lives. They committed time to practice, engage in physical training exercises, eating the right foods, consuming lots of fluid, making time to get adequate rest, engaging in mental exercises to provide mental fortitude before and during competition, and so on. That discipline propelled them through their teens and into adulthood. Now at the climax of their respective careers, they are millionaires who transfer the discipline and fortitude to their respective businesses.

Carey Casey, writing in an online article entitled “Using Sport to Teach Kids Character” (www.thrivingFAMILY.com) highlights the fact that athletic competition provides opportunities for young people to learn and grow. She asserts that six (6) important character qualities are absorbed through sport: teachability, integrity, perseverance, positive attitudes, respect, and self-esteem.

Guided by her template/framework, we can challenge ourselves to champion the process of teaching character through sports.

Teachability: We all have the potential to better our best efforts.

Athletes quickly learn that, regardless of how well they perform, further improvement is possible. Children who get involved in sport learn that, to

excel, they must be willing to learn and to accept instruction. Humility and respect for authority must shine through their characters, even as they deal with the decisions of coaches, referees, and umpires that may go against them.

Integrity: Sports provide ample opportunities to teach truthfulness and uprightness. As in life, there will be times when the referee, umpire, players, and/or spectators may not observe an error and honour a favourable score that should have been disallowed. It takes integrity for the player to own up to such errors of judgement by the “scorekeeper” — regardless of how critical the point is.

Our children must be reminded that when they have integrity, they are winners regardless of the outcome of the game.

Perseverance: Sports can be very combative. Even at the primary and secondary school level, games such as cricket, football, netball, track and field, can be very competitive. This is not bad. Healthy competition is desirable.

However, these games culminate with one team winning while another loses (except in the instances when there is a tie/draw). It is important to teach children how to handle successes as well as failures.

Positive attitude: We all need to develop winning attitudes that propel us to excel regardless of the challenges and obstacles. Embracing the challenge to go beyond our perceived limitations often demands that we cultivate positive attitudes. So very often we observe the “under dog” emerging to create upset victories when athletes and team members accept the challenge to focus on bettering their best efforts.

Respect: There appear to be so many instances where individuals lose respect for authority, opponents, and self. Self-importance and pride appear to so often over-ride, and push aside, good manners and behaviour.

However, teaching good sportsmanship can provide our wards to retain respect for self and others prior to, during, and immediately following the most intense competition.

Self-esteem: A sense of accomplishment often engulfs the athlete who exerts effort and energy, and proceeds to give his/her best efforts — even if he/she did not win or receive a coveted prize. The self-satisfaction that comes from giving your best effort is invaluable. That aura that comes from feeling good about self can propel individuals to approach the impossibilities of life with a drive that says that it is possible. It can generate a unique sense of confidence and selfworth.

As we approach the long school vacations, let us commit to getting our children more involved in team sports.

The physical and social benefits will be tremendous. In the process, they will also engage in activities and disciplines that build strong/positive character traits. We are assured that sports teaches character!

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

Score one for young women and law TWO LEGAL DECISIONS in the last week represent milestones in the consolidation of the rule of law in SVG. In time to come, we may look back proudly at these decisions and conclude that they contributed mightily in making SVG a much better place.

The first, delivered last Friday by Justice Lachue in the criminal court, saw a 63- year-old foster parent sentenced to 12 years each on 3 counts of rape, and one year for indecent assault. As the sentences are to run concurrently, the convict will serve 12 years in prison.

The young girl, whose parents had died, was placed in the foster care of the convict and his wife. The convicted man preyed on the girl between 2004 and 2006, during the period his wife was in Kingstown where she worked.

The case is significant because the criminal acts were carried out more than 10 years ago, and the victim reported then in 2012 when she was an adult. The successful prosecution of this case so many years after these rapes were committed, should give greater confidence to women and victims in reporting matters of rape and sexual assault to the authorities.

Women need to understand that there is no statutory limitation of rape.

Even though they are initially shamed by the horrific sexual violation, they can take their time with recovery, then register a complaint that can still lead to a successful prosecution and conviction.

There has been an increase in the number of prosecution for sexual assault and rape in recent years, but we can be sure that many criminals go free because young girls and women are too traumatized and ashamed to report the crime.

This case represents a forward motion in the effort to root out this scourge from our society. It is also a small step in the liberation of girls and women from the shame and trauma associated with these criminal activities.

As the young prosecutor, Kareem Nelson, told I witness News, ‘I think it is significant because it shows that the jurors are listening to the evidence and they understand the psychology of rape victims because some people respond differently to rape. Some might report it immediately, others might take some time to get the courage. It is an important signal so that perpetrators would know that there would be consequences for their actions, even if that consequence is not immediate.’

We applaud the good work on the part of the police, the DPP office and the entire court system. We can only hope that more victims are encouraged by this decision to come forward and tell their story.

intervention, the child was saved the purgatory of a non-performing rural school, and finished her secondary education at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School. She will enter her second year at the Community College in September.

The court made a number of findings.

Among them are the following: 1. The Chief Education Officer, the Senior Ministerial Officer for secondary schools and the schools officials collaborated and jointly made the decision to transfer/expel the student from the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown; 2. The procedure that led to the decision to transfer/expel was improper and unfair because it did not allow an opportunity for the claimant to make worthwhile representation on their own behalf, before and or after the decision was taken.

The court ruled further that the claimant was: not given notice that the issue of transfer or expulsion will be discussed at the meeting; had no opportunity to address the issue of transfer; that inappropriate factors were included in arriving at the decision to transfer/expel; and that the decision to transfer/expel the student was disproportionate to the infractions committed by the student.

The court added that even though those making the decision were not duty bound to give a reason for their decision to transfer/expel, they had a responsibility to act fairly and did not do so. The Court accused the Chief Education Officer of not acting in good faith when she told the child’s mother to ‘go register your child and get out of my office.’

Justice Lanns also ruled that in effectuating the transfer/expulsion of the student, the school disregarded its own Handbook. The grounds for expulsion are bringing dangerous weapons or controlled drugs to school, behaving in a manner that jeopardized the safety of the rest of the school, being pregnant or had an abortion, and persistent stealing. The court heard that, apart from the offensive 7 words, the student wore her nails long, wore nail polish, looked out the window and disregarded the instructions of school officials.

The court also noted that Convent School officials gave no consideration to the fact that the student had a good academic and behavioural record up until form 3, when Mrs Bascombe became her teacher. It found that no consideration was given to whether, and if so, why a particular teacher targeted the student.

People’s children are not chattel Justice Lanns concluded that the defendants violated the natural justice The other decision was in the case of the student. In a telling rebuke, the which came to be referred to as the Court said ‘the child was never asked to ‘Convent School Case’. In that apologize to the teacher whom she judgment, which was delivered last disrespected, nor was she ever referred Tuesday, Justice Pearletta Lanns told to counselling sessions. A decision to the Cluny board which governs the transfer/expel should not be automatic Convent and officials at the Ministry of or sporadic or arbitrary or capricious. It Education, that their action in should be taken in appropriate expelling/transferring the child from the circumstances, as a last resort by the Convent was procedurally and authorised tribunal or administrative substantively improper. body and upon according procedural due The ministry and the leadership of process.’ the school were also admonished by the This is a major decision. The hope is court for taking a decision which was that school and education officials will not in the best interest of the child. use it as a sign post for their future Counsel for the child argued that the conduct and relations with students and child was being punished multiple times parents. for her transgression. She was suspended for 2 days, denied credit on a Send comments, criticisms & test, and then expelled from the suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com Convent. Through early legal

V ULP has done much for public servants here 12. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

PUBLIC WORKERS, NURSES and Police Officers have had extraordinary improvements in their working conditions under the Unity Labour Party administration.

However, although conditions had improved, there was still much more to be done, “which we have to do in solidarity with one another.”

These were some of the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as he delivered the feature address at the opening of the 46th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Public Service Association (CPSA), held at the Russell’s Auditorium on July 17.

PM Gonsalves acknowledged that there would be tension between demand and resources, “but when that tension occurs, our government is always willing to go the extra mile; but I do not run a government only for the public servants”.

His tasks, he said, entailed, inter Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made no bones alia, having to balance resources and demands, and reminded the about his administration having done much to improve the lot of Public representatives of Carribean-wide Servants here.

Public Service unions that SVG, in

particular, had suffered tremendously from the global economic crisis and prior to that, the removal of the banana preferences.

He also factored into the equation the challenge of coping with the fallout from CLICO and BICO, a debacle which impacted to the tune of 17 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country, and the damage wrought by the 2010-2013 natural disaster that directly affected some 40% of GDP. Yet, Dr. Gonsalves said, SVG has remained afloat and continued to accord some 60% of recurrent revenue to honouring salaries and wages and retirement benefits for public servants.

“Now, the only way I can reasonably increase that percentage or the quantum if not the percentage, is by ‘growing the pie’ a little more; that means I have to do a lot of infrastructural work and put the country on a sustainable path of development,” the Prime Minister said in direct reference to demands for upward salary revision for Public Servants here.

Unions urged to focus on improving public services timely by most union representatives who gave greetings on behalf of their respective unions.

In a statement read

by General Secretary of the CPSA Thomas Letang, on behalf of Public Service International (PSI) Sub-Regional Secretary Sister Sandra Massiah, she recognized that trade unionists knew the value of working together. “We know that even when we do not initially agree, we must work harder to find common ground to reach mutual agreements for the benefits of all,” the statement read.

Thomas Letang, General Secretary of the CPSA, She further reminded his colleagues that as public servants expressed, in her they are paid to provide a service to the citizenry. statement, the hope that the week’s activities THE 46TH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN would be a testimony to that spirit of Public Services Association (CPSA) unity to which previous reference was conference was officially opened on made.

Sunday evening at the Russell’s Speaking in his capacity as General Auditorium, Stoney Ground, Secretary, Mr Letang said this year’s Kingstown. theme was selected cognizant of the This year’s theme, ‘Building many herculean tasks or challenges stronger public service union through with which trade unions, in particular solidarity and unification’, was seen as public sector unions, are faced.

He encouraged his Unions members In his address, President of the to not only be united when addressing CPSA - Mr Elroy Boucher implored the things that affect them (public workers to understand that “workers servants), but also in their efforts to issues are workers’ issues, not bring much needed improvement to partisan political issues, and therefore the public service in general. as workers, … we have to stand with To him, public servants are paid to each other.” provide a service to the citizenry, and The conference was expected to in that regard, the quality and climax today, Friday 22. efficiency of public services cannot be compromised by reporting late for work, tardiness on the job and exercising discourtesy to Continued from Page 8. clients.

He continued; “Very My Comments often, we say what is needed, what is required, The foregoing is vintage Gonsalves, condemning but we sometimes have Cato and the Labour regime in language similar to to search our own selves that levelled against the N.D.P Administration of and find out where is it that we are going wrong, yesteryear.

Suddenly, Robert Milton Cato is to be canonized in because our respective a way similar to Vincent Beache’s quantum leap from countries belong to us, it “coconut bat” to “Superstardom”. is not owned by any one Properly doctored by an expert in plastic surgery, person or any one group; Cato’s “deformed State Capitalism” is now hailed as a and therefore we have to humanistic “Social Democracy”, espoused and understand that we owe promulgated by the U.L.P. it to our citizens to With his back to the wall in 1982, Dr. Gonsalves provide a service to prescribed a coming together of the N.D.P and the them.”

M.N.U (with others) to topple a despised Labour Government, and save the country from destruction.

Towards this end, the In fact, Ralph created a political jungle out of CPSA General Secretary which, by nasty infighting, he emerged as head of a committed the regional victorious ULP which repeated victories, four in a row. organisation to working But he reduced the polity to its lowest ebb ever, in together with the policy many ways, forcing the masses to seriously consider makers to ensure a political uprising as a revolutionary solution. better public service.

Where do we go from here

Where do we go from here?

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 13.

News

Operations of removing fallen logs of wood last Sunday at Sion Hill Bay.

Young men making good of an improved bay area with a game of beach football.

Sion Hill Bay restoration project commences FROM CONCERN SHOWN by many has come action.

The Sion Hill Bay restoration project is on the way.

The first sign of active work began last Sunday when the rotted tree trunks and other debris which lay on the shoreline, were excavated and removed.

And no sooner the logs were out of the way,then a group of young men commenced a small goal football match, without having to dodge any obstructions.

Several persons in the Sion Hill community had voiced their concerns over the continued degradation of Sion Hill Bay. And, putting their monies where their mouths, lie in fulfilment of a commitment made earlier last month, Osmond ‘Fatty’ Davy and Elvis ‘Redpath’ De Riggs, who are both ‘Sion Hillarians’, jointly financed last Sunday’s operations.

They pledged also to provide concrete seating and assist in the general beautification of the immediate precincts of Sion Hill Bay. Meanwhile, prominent community member — Leroy Llewellyn has indicated that some ornamental

trees will be planted to aid in the aesthetics of the area.

He also said that persons are on watch for those who still remove sand from the bay.

Last November, Forest Technician — Joel Poyer, who is also a resident of Sion Hill, told THE VINCENTIAN that it was imperative that some concerted efforts be made by the community to save what was left of the bay.

Poyer noted that over the years the effluent coming from the increased housing in the area was not only running into the mangrove and causing its decay, but was also contributing to sand erosion.

Poyer also fingered the whole impact of climate change as well as the use of the chemicals for washing as causes for the bay’s deterioration.

This continuous erosion has left little beach area, as the sea has encroached on to the land.

Residients of Sion Hill and Cane Garden attest to the Sion Hill Bay as once being a popular picnic site and a venue for epic football and cricket matches for residents of those communities.

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

VINLEC continues rehab work at South Rivers Station

ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES LIMITED, VINLEC, continues work to Left: Civil works ongoing inside the Power Station Building.

rehabilitate the Hydro Power Station located at South Rivers. This station, which commenced operations in 1952, was the first hydro power facility built in St. Vincent to facilitate the expansion

of electricity to rural communities.

The rehabilitation work at the South Rivers Power Plant is part of an ongoing project by VINLEC to upgrade the Company’s Hydro facilities in an effort to improve operational efficiency. Upgrade work at the Richmond Hydro Station was completed in late 2015. The work at South Rivers is extensive and includes upgrade of the Power Station and office buildings; construction of a new 11kV switchgear room on the station compound, and installation of new 11kV switch gear equipment.

A major part of the rehabilitation work involves the replacement of woodstave pipes along the route from the Power Station to the water catchment area in the mountain. During this exercise, the work team was required to remove and replace a section of the pipeline in a tunnel that was dug as part of the pipeline route in the

early 1950s.

The traditional woodstave pipes are being replaced by Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipes. The GRP pipes are being buried (approximately 6 ft) along the route, as opposed to being installed above ground.

The technology, which is new to VINLEC and the Caribbean region by extension, allows for greater efficiency, less maintenance and more protection from vandalism, natural disasters and the elements.

The South Rivers rehabilitation project is one of the major capital projects being undertaken by VINLEC this year. It is estimated to cost approximately 6.5 million EC dollars.

Following the completion of the civil, electrical and mechanical works, the Technical team will begin a series of tests ahead of the official recommissioning of the Station. (Contributed)

Excavation and pipeline work along the route.

New pipelines are now buried.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 15.

News

Chewalee set on a clear path

Chewalee as he performed his winning ‘Rumist’ at this year’s Soca Monarch competition.

HE IS RELATIVELY NEW on the entertainment scene, but Chewalee Johnson is keen to establish his name on the world stage. And to his credit, he has already made some strides on the local scene, among these being crowned the National Ragga Soca Monarch 2016.

Prior to that crowning moment, he had competed in the semi–finals of the National Calypso Monarch Competition, from which he did not advance to the final.

His Ragga Soca achievement must have been ‘sweet compensation’ for that omission.

That exclusion took a toll, for it is no secret that Chewalee has his eyes firmly on the Calypso title.

He is from Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, which has produced royalty in the persons of

Winston Soso - the first Soca Monarch, 1996; Reginald ‘Professor’ Cornwall - Calypso Monarch 1981, ’82, and ’84; Errol ‘Man Age’ Rose - Calypso Monarch: 1978, ‘99, and 2000; and Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance who took the calypso crown in 2006.

Additionally, Chewalee is inspired by Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar — 1997 and 2005 Calypso Monarch.

With that motivation, it might have been easy to think that Chewalee’s concentration would have been calypso. He has proven his versatility as a member of the Starlift Steel Orchestra, not to mention his exploits on a different field as a member of the Avenues United Football team.

He attributes his success in the Ragga genre to his links with Lester Iroha, producer

and owner of the Fourth Dimension Studio.

Chewalee is grateful to his supporters and the team which coordinated his performance at the Ragga Soca competition.

The young man is anxious to fulfil his role as an entertainer, for he acknowledges that album sales alone don’t provide the means to sustain a career.

He is also keen on developing the business aspect of his work, pointing out that it is ninety percent business, and ten percent talent.

“I always have a business mind,” he outlined.

In fact and in keeping that in mind, he launched a collection of Chewaleebranded items. Persons were displaying their Chewalee items, whether hats, or T-shirts, even before he unleashed his

Chewalee has his energy set to unleash on establishing both his music and the business support mechanism to support a sustainable career. award winning number, ‘Rumist’.

Business apart, he plans to be “consistent and to become better musically.”

This year may just have been the platform Chewalee hoped for and, given his vision, it could be the dawn of a new attraction on the cultural landscape of SVG. (WK)

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ASCO assured of sponsorship

EDITOR’S NOTE: the following is a News release from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association is pleased to announce that two of our Senior Legal Luminaries of long standing have decided to take over the

sponsorship provided to ASCO by our late colleague Mr. Carl Joseph.

They were impressed by the presentations made by the

Representative of ASCO at the funeral service who gave a comprehensive overview of the history, nature and content of the sponsorship given by Mr.

Joseph to the club over the life of its existence.

Mr. Arthur F. Williams OBE, Head of Williams and Williams Law Firm and Mr. Parnel R. Campbell C.V.O; Q.C of P.R Campbell & Co, both former Attorneys General here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have come forward and informed the President of the Bar Association of their intention to assume the role of sponsor of the club.

The President has since passed on the message to the Club through intermediary Mr. Ashford Wood of the Gomea Community.

Both Mr. Williams and Mr. Campbell felt that this should be undertaken to demonstrate their own commitment to community partnership,

Carl Joseph, a former Attorney General here, was a staunch supporter in more ways than one, of cultural and sporting events in the West St. George constituency. (Credit 784 News) and as reward for good Community Living and Togetherness. They both felt most encouraged by the demonstrated worthiness of the Club.

At the same time, they are making an appeal to the young Barristers to get the Cricket and Football Team together again and possibly to enter the Competition Arena for the 2017 season.

The Bar President fully endorses the submissions of Senior Counsel in that regard, and looks forward to the sporting activities in the New Term.

Sachi is Coreas Hazells awardee SACHI GABRIEL OF THE Brighton Methodist School is the recipient of a scholarship valued $1,200 from Coreas Hazells Inc. This gesture on the part of Coreas Hazells Inc. fulfilled a commitment by the company to award a scholarship to an outstanding 2016 CPEA entrant from the Brighton Methodist School.

Sachi placed in second spot as far as performers Sachi Gabriel (centre) from her school were receives her award concerned. The top from Esworth performer was already in Roberts, Marketing receipt of a scholarship from an organization based Coordinator Coreas Hazells Inc. The in the USA. recipient’s mother, On the national grid, Sachi came in 60th among Winnifred Gabriel, is also pictured. girls and 125th overall.

Her mother, Ms. Winnifred Gabriel, expressed gratitude as she stated, “I am quite happy that Coreas Hazells Inc has offered this scholarship and my daughter is the one receiving it.”

Principal of the school - Mr. Samuel Holder, was quite pleased with the assistance given by Coreas.

It was important, he said, for students who perform well to be rewarded.

Sachi will begin her secondary schooling in September as a student of the Girls’ High School.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 17.

News

Aloma ÂFatty DanÊ Cadogan bids farewell

folklorist: woman, warrior, champion.

Calypsonians were prominent on and off the podium.

Kenneth ‘Vibrating Aloma ‘Fatty Dan’ Cadogan, woman, mother, Scakes’ Alleyne warrior, champion, was laid to rest Monday 18th highlighted aspects of July, 2016.

Cadogan’s legacy, built up over her involvement in ALOMA ‘Fatty Dan’ Cadogan, mother of the calypso arena. The driving force Roxanne and Akeem, became known to behind the Calypso Queen many Vincentians for a variety of Competition in the 1990s, ‘Scakes’ reasons. Not least among these were her was around at the height of Cadogan’s renditions in the calypso genre in both sojourn. He was at pains to distinguish the Calypso Queen and National Cadogan’s qualities.

Monarch competitions.

‘Scakes’ rounded his tribute in She distinguished herself and company of a calypso choir which gained the respect of the region for her Daughter Roxanne and son Akeem can take solace in knowing that their displayed their respect in an dedication and commitment to the mother was not only respected but loved by many. appropriate spiritual rendition, cultural art form, in which her active showing that calypsonians could be Cadogan joined the Women’s 22, 2009. That proved to be Gospel involvement was formidable. And reverent. Kahalia Beache showed her Ministries of Faith Temple, February, Dan’s decisive move. (WKA) when she opted for inner peace and respects in tribute of ‘Fatty’ and security, she kept ‘her musical evoked swells of tears with her instincts tinged as Gospel Dan’. rendition.

One member of her congregation at The Exalted Worship Ministries, to the Faith Temple Ministries, at which which Cadoagn was attached, her burial service was held on Monday analysed her spiritual contribution.

18th July, as ‘Dan Dan’.

Senator Julian Francis admitted the Her last working place was the passion to which Fatty Dan immersed Peace Memorial Hall where she served herself in anything she did. He as Supervisor. Her cousin David reflected on her song, ‘We want Julian, ‘Darkie’ Williams remarked on the the only one for we in East love, respect and humility which Kingstown,’ that formed part of his characterised her. election campaign of the 2005 general This lady was attached to her job at elections. the Peace Memorial Hall, as pointed out by Williams, so much that she was something of a mother to many children who attended schools around the surroundings of the Peace Memorial Hall.

Williams’ eulogy crowned a session of tributes to the departed Right: Kenneth ‘Scakes’ Alleyne (left) led an ensemble of calypsonians in a tribute in song.

Calypsonians and other culture people served as ‘Fatty Dan’s pall bearers.

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Wilson Enterprises grants scholarship Allianne Ariel (centre) receives her first cheque from Christa Wilson, Managing Director of Wilson Enterprises Inc. (left) in the company of her mother, Marion Thomas.

THE MANAGEMENT OF Wilson’s Enterprises Incorporated has once again come to the assistance of its employees.

In a short presentation ceremony at the Wilson (SOL) Service Station at Villa on Friday 15th July, one full scholarship and two bursaries were presented to children of employees of Wilson Enterprises.

Allianne Ariel received a scholarship valued at EC$1,000 annually for the duration of her secondary schooling, beginning September 2016, at the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

Basil Clarke and Lamar Jack received one-time payment of EC$250 each.

Elvis Dublin, Manager of creditable performances this “This is another way of the Service Station, said that year, the decision was taken to helping to ease the cost the gesture was in keeping offer one full scholarship and associated with a secondary with a company decision to additional two bursaries for school education. That is the assist its employees in some the first time, Dublin aim and objective of the whole tangible way. explained. exercise,” Dublin said. (DD) “And it was narrowed down to offering a scholarship to the top CPEA performer of an employee,” Dublin NORSHA DAVIS OF Samsung S6 Edge explained.

Overland is claiming Davis won in That gesture 2016 to be her year, February, and EC was first having won a total of six $300.00 and US realised two cash prizes since the $500 dollars in years ago. start of the year, in six separate text to win Because different text to win promotions prior to there were promotions hosted by February, in Digicel several telecommunications promotions. provider Digicel.

Davis thanked Davis winnings thus Digicel for always far for the year totals giving back to its approximately $6,500.00. customers, declared Her most recent that she has never Overland Resident Norsha Davis (left) presented with windfall came on Friday regretted joining cash by Digicel’s Public July 15, 2016, at the network, and Digicel’s corporate office, urged other Digicel Relations Executive Jamisha Wright. when she collected a customers to stick cash prize of $300 with the Another recent text to dollars in the Digicel telecommunications win winner in the June’s ‘Text CASH to 7171’ company, since there are text to win promotion promotion’s weekly many benefits to be had. was Leslie Ashton of draw.

The Overland resident Prospect, who also won a And her luck also encouraged other weekly prize of $300.00. continued following customers to play and The text to win Friday’s handing over. participate in Digicel’s summer promotion Davis was pleasantly text to win promotions, requires customers to surprised when she was stating that they are text “CASH” to 7171 by informed that she had truly rewarding.

July 31st for a chance to won another $300.00, Her eyes are now win a grand prize of and the grand prize of fixed on this month’s $7,500 cash, 2nd prize of $4,000 in June’s text to text to win grand prize $4,000 and the 3rd prize win promotion. of $7,500 in Digicel’s of 2,500. Customers can These came as ‘Bring the Beat’ summer also win a weekly cash additions to a brand new campaign. prize of $300.00.

Overland resident: Six times winner with Digicel

Vincentian diaspora promotion launched THE SVG HOTEL and Tourism Association (SVGHTA), in collaboration with the SVG Tourism Authority (SVGTA), recently launched its first tourism promotion specifically targeting the Vincentian diaspora in North America and the UK. Some seventeen (17) association members have come together to offer discounts that range from 15% to 47%.

This promotion is seeking to increase occupancy levels in the soft periods while encouraging Vincentians living abroad to come home and experience the local tourism product which has been sold for so long to nonVincentians.

The Diaspora Promotion was launched during Toronto’s VincyPicnic on16thJuly. Next it would be New York’s turn during the Vincy Day USA Family Day scheduled for 20th August.

The Diaspora Promotion will also be offered in Florida, and the UK through

the Tourism Authority’s London Office.

Participating members are: Adams Apartment, Bay Hill Apartments, Beachcombers Hotel, Dive St Vincent, Fantasea Tours, Grand View Beach Hotel, Grenadine House, Hillside Apartments, Hotel Alexandrina, Mariners Hotel, Paradise Beach Hotel, Sea Shells Apartments, Sunset Shores Beach Hotel, The Islander’s Inn, Vee Jays Restaurant, Villa Seascape and Young Island Resort.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 19.

News

Visa free travel between SVG and Ecuador VINCENTIAN CITIZENS wishing to travel to Ecuador can now do so without the hassle of applying for a visa. Ecuadorians wishing to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) also have the same right.

This agreement was formalized between the governments of the Republic of Ecuador and St. Vincent L-R: His Excellency Galo Yepez Holguin, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis and the Grenadines during an sign the visa waiver agreement. official signing ceremony last Tuesday, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room .

Americas (ALBA).

Signatories to the agreement were In the Minister’s view, while it was Non — Resident Ambassador of the important to remain on good terms Republic of Ecuador to St. Vincent and with the traditional partners, it was the Grenadines, His Excellency Galo also important that SVG develop Yepez Holguin, and Minister of relationship with non-traditional Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce, parties (countries), as was the case Sir Louis Straker. with Ecuador.

Minister Straker said that the “So it’s because of the progressive signing of the agreement is expected to and pragmatic policies of this signal the beginning of a greater flow government that we are able to receive of tourism between both countries. aid in our development and to uplift “We are dwelling in the same our people,” said the Minister, who hemisphere, and we are hoping that continued by referring to the benefits Ecuadorians can come here without a that this country has gained from that visa, and can enjoy the hospitality and relationship, a la, construction of the warmth of our people here in St. bridges, and hosting Ecuadorian Vincent, and we can do the same teachers and diplomatic personnel who thing, despite the language barrier, learn English here. when we go to Ecuador.”

Now that it was easier to travel to Diplomatic relationships between Ecuador, the Minister held out hope both countries were established some that the teaching of Spanish in schools 21 years ago, but, as Sir Louis alluded here would intensify. too, the relationship has strengthened His Excellency Galo Yepez Holguin since both countries became members expressed happiness with the of the Bolivarian Alliance for the agreement. (KH)

‘See the bigger picture,’ Minister tells Unions THE CARIBBEAN PUBLIC Service Unions have a particularly difficult task relative to other public service entities around the world.

This is the opinion of Minister of Labour, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, one that he voiced while addressing the Opening Ceremony of the 46th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Public Service Association (CPSA), held on July 17 at the Russell’s Auditorium, Stoney Ground, Kingstown.

The task facing the Public Service Unions was amplified by the “outsized role” that Caribbean governments play in the development of a country.

“We are small countries, we have civil services that tend to be larger than normal; we have demands on the state and on the government that are different, greater than the demands on state and the government in other countries,” the Minister said.

He noted, however, that there was an expectation that governments in developing countries be aggressive in achieving the development aspirations of its citizenry so, “we have to play an outsized role in development, in the economy, in keeping the social fabric of our countries together,” he claimed.

But the reality, the Minister continued, was that these governments for the most part were cash strapped, burdened by the effects of globalisation, climate change and also the global economic meltdown.

“Challenges are real, and public servants and unions have to navigate this difference between their outsized presence and maybe Camillo Gonsalves, undersized Minister of Labour, resources,” he urged Public proffered.

Service Unions to He, however, remember that they observed that are ‘servants of the this was public and faces of something that the national Caribbean government’.

Governments, Caribbean Public Service Unions have done with some degree of success over the years, and urged that “that continued success is essential to the progress of all of our countries.”

He appealed to the Unions to “have not only a unity of purpose in pursuit of your individual goals, (but also) unity of purpose in the realisation that you are all servants of the public and faces of the national government, and have a role as the implementing agency of the public’s will.

“A divided public service either against itself or its brother unions in other countries cannot achieve optimal development in any single one of our countries,” he cautioned.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Confess to your playful ways women, and that is sad. and would surely leave Dear Scared stiff, It is time you get serious me out. Each of these and concentrate on who women has made it clear I LIVE WITH my Being a player would that she does not like to not get you very far, and you are with now. girlfriend and we have You should search share, and if I know I am it seems as though you been going well. your heart to see not single, I should not The story though, is are at the end of your whether you are truly in waste their time. Of that I have been play rope. love with the woman you course, I have convinced communicating with The correct and are with presently. If them that I am single three women in obvious thing to do is to you do decide that you and available.

Dear George, Barbados since we met send a text to these love her, reaffirm your I never dreamed that during Vincy Mas last women and confess to love and commitment to any of them would come your playful ways. Let I AM RENTING a two-bedroom house and I took in one year. None of these her. Your way out of this of my friends, a female, to room with me. She was women knows each other to visit. Please tell me them know you are not what to do as time is not the man you professed to mess is to tell it like it is living with her boyfriend who put her out. We have or about each other. and take things from on my side. been friends from since childhood.

I told them I live be, and they must not The boyfriend got wind that she was living with alone, and invite them to waste their time to make there.

Scared stiff me, and has been trying to get her back, and come visit next year, the trip over. started accusing us of having intimate relations. He which is actually this This is going to impact George even went as far as to threaten me, telling me what year. Recently I got text negatively on these he would and would not do to me if I did not messages from each of send his woman back to him. them saying that they One night a few weeks ago, my friend plan to visit me in crawled into bed with me and started August. According to the coming on to me. She told me that her exdates they gave, they boyfriend thinks we are together, so why would all be here at the children would visit occasionally, and that not get involved. I told her that was not Dear George, same time. is only because they want sex from me. such a good idea, but somehow she I am in a frenzy They give me a little change in exchange I AM A single parent with five children.

I overpowered me and we went all the way. because my girlfriend am not working, and my youngest child is for the sex, which I have no choice to take Now, she has announced that she thinks will kill me if she finds because I have nothing else. ten years old. The fathers of three of the she is pregnant. I suggested she check with out about these women, a doctor for confirmation, but she insisted There are many days we are that she does not have to go to the doctor to at home hungry and weak. Only know if she is pregnant. one of my children is at school, I am really in a bind. I do not love her in and that is when I can afford to that way and I have no plans of having her send her. I beg my neighbours live with me as common-law. I will feel for food at times, but they are guilty now if I put her out as pregnant as getting tired of me. I don’t go to she is. I have a serious headache right now! them anymore.

I want to work, but that is Trapped hard to come by. The few friends who know of my situation are Dear Trapped, willing to help, but they too are in hard times. One of them It was you who agreed to the idea of suggested that I do what she going all the way, and therefore, must take does — sell my body - but I am responsibility for the pregnancy, if in fact not into that. she is pregnant.

George, I really need some Before you get ahead of yourself, it is a help. Please put my letter out better idea to have her do a pregnancy test so as to determine her true status. If she is there for everybody to read so pregnant, then you will have to assume that somebody can help me. responsibility until you can make a more accurate determination as to who is the Needy mother, father, especially that it is possible that her ex-boyfriend could be the father.

Dear Needy mother, Give it the time that is needed, and then you can decide who lives where and for how Thank you for sharing. It is long. rather unfortunate that the The important thing is though, if the fathers of these children only child is yours, that you be present as father show up for their own in every way. That is one obligation you convenience. must not let slide.

I recommend that you see As far as the threats are concerned that someone immediately who can you have been receiving, you have legal listen to you and help you take recourse for that. Make an official complaint the necessary steps that would to the police regarding those threats. alleviate much of the pressure you are experiencing. This professional will not only be able George to help you assess your skills and find ways for you to use those skills to help yourself, but can also assist you in using the Family Court system to deal with those delinquent fathers.

The Marion House is a good place to start. See someone there as soon as possible. Using your body for financial gain has its consequences, and it is good that you have decided against doing that. Keep me posted on your progress.

Dear George,

In a bind

A mother in need

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your unique approach to life will interest others. Relatives may not be telling you the whole truth about a family situation. You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying.

Finish off old projects before starting something new.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may be sensitive concerning friends and their situations. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. Get busy. Your ability to work with detail could help you achieve your goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may cause a fuss if you come on too strongly in public. Favours will be offered readily. Verbal abuse may lead to walkouts; don't make any rash statements you may regret later. Travel for business or pleasure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't make promises you can't keep.

You might have a problem hanging on to your money this week. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures.

Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn the situation around.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Think before you act. Be discreet and don't reveal any personal information.

Be careful when dealing with investments. Courses dealing with psychology or health care will be of interest.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship this week. Direct your energy into physical entertainment.

Partnerships could prove to be lucrative.

You should not get involved in joint ventures.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Focus on using your creative abilities in other ways. You can't lock your partner up and if you keep restricting their freedom you may be left out in the cold. You will learn a great deal from the foreigners you meet. You should be putting in some overtime.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be misinterpreted if you get involved in other people's problems.

Don't fall into the trap. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time this week. You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Do a little shopping. You're likely to find a real bargain. Try to put your money away for a rainy day. Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies. You may have to explain your actions to your family.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't let others know about your private affairs. Do not let the reactions of others get you going. Try to stay calm, and whatever you do, don't nag. Make sure that you have all the pertinent information before any reprisals or making any moves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't ruffle the feathers of those you care about most. Be on your best behaviour. Social activity should be on your agenda this week. Do not sign contracts or get involved in any uncertain financial deals.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your involvement in groups will be favourable for meeting new and exciting individuals. Don't overdo it. Be careful not to get roped into uncertain joint financial deals. Offer good conversation and a nice soothing lunch.

ACROSS

(abbr.)

44. Ignoramus 46. Tame 1.Boy (Sp.) 48. French 5. Zany student 8. Monkey’s 49. Like some cousin peppers 9. More kind 50. Wide shoe 11. Natives of width Ames 51. Favorable 12. Involve votes 14. Miner’s quest 15. Clear up DOWN 17. Mauna __ 18. Exam 20. Teachers’ gp. 1.Most recent 21. Some planes 2. “__ Loser” (2 wds.)

22. Opposers 3. “Sister Act” 24. Lawn sisters finishers 4. Actor Bean 26. Chrysler 5. Possessive product pronoun 28. Sailor’s yes 6. Perform on 29. Short sock stage 32. Chris Noth 7. Casino’s role (2 wds.) employee 36. Presses 8. Sophia of charges “Houseboat” 37. Fathers 9. Where Reno 39. Identical is 40. Harris and 10. Prison Flanders uprisings 41. Discovered 11. Particle (2 wds.)

43. May’s season 13. __ Cruces,

Now 35. Actor Mexico Richard 16. Director 36. Washington Spike VIP 19. Dog’s pests (abbr.)

21. Mocks 38. Like a bubble 23. “My Gal __” bath 25. Exercise locale 27. Esteem 29. War hero and actor Murphy 30. Chocolate chip maker 31. Price __ 33.Fundamentals 34. Insinuate

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 21.

41. Jackknife, e.g.

42. Catholic leader 45. Itsy-bitsy 47. Espionage org.

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22. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bunpan grants 45th scholarship

JANICA BROWNE of Redemption Sharpes is the 2016 scholarship winner and 45th recipient of the Marriaqua United Friendly Society Award.

She received her award during a presentation ceremony held on Wednesday 20th July, 2016 at the Freeland headquarters of the Marriaqua United Friendly Society.

Janica is the daughter of Ms Josette Caine of Redemption Sharpes. She attended the C W Prescod Primary School placing 10th for girls and 31st overall, with an overall percentage of 91.00%.

The scholarship award, first made in 1985, has a duration of seven (7) years, and includes the payment of fees for external examinations.

Janica will begin her secondary education at the St. Vincent Girls High School in

September.

Wednesday’s ceremony also saw nineteen (19) other students receiving one -time assistance grants towards school expenses.

President Rickie Burnett in his brief overview of the society’s progress for the last sixty-two years, highlighted the benefits to members such as death benefit, scholarships, honorary membership and humanitarian assistance. He also made mention of past Bunpan scholarship holders who have excelled, such as Dr Rodion Hunte and Minister of Health Luke Browne.

Burnette made an appeal to persons who are not yet members, to register with the Society, and made a direct call on parents of scholarship holders to continue their membership after the scholarship had ended.

The motivational speaker at

the handing over ceremony was 2002 Scholarship Holder Ms Shernell Hadaway, who has recently successfully completed her Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

In her address, she encouraged students to work hard, make full use of their secondary education, view failure as a temporary setback, and to try harder the next time.

The audience was entertained with cultural renditions from Brianca Matthias, competitor in the 2016 Junior Calypso competition, President Rickie Burnett presenting the award to scholarship winner and Anaelia Williams Janica Browne (centre). Mom Josette Caine looks on. of the present were Vice President Parents also expressed Marriaqua satisfaction with the Bunpan Theophilus Shallow, Trustee Government Trevor Jackson chairperson of programme, and encouraged School who the proceedings and Assistant the students to take their played a Secretary/Treasurer Cecil medley on pan education seriously.

Other board members Jackson. and also sang.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 23.

Vincentian track star qualifies for the Olympics

Valentine-Parris, who is on an athletic scholarship at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

“I am extremely excited and grateful [to be] given the opportunity,” added the VINCENTIAN TRACK STAR Brandon track standout. “I am also humbled and Valentine-Parris says preparations are in honored. It really does mean a lot being high gear for his participation in the the first athlete from my school and the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, first in my family to compete at these Aug 5 – 21.

Games.

“Right now, I’m just focusing on “I am working hard but smart, and getting stronger and getting more power doing my best to prepare myself,” in the weight room,” said ValentineValentine-Parris continued. “I am Parris, 21, in an exclusive VINCENTIAN looking to cut my times down before interview Monday, after returning the heading to the Olympics.” day before from the four-day North He earned the spot on the St. Vincent American, Central American and and the Grenadines’ Olympic team Caribbean (NACAC) Under 23 athletic through an invitation from the championship in San Salvador, El International Association of Athletics Salvador, Jul. 14-17.

Federations (IAAF) for achieving the “I’m trying to stay healthy and country’s best time (46.11 sec.) in the mentally-focused and not be 400m., according to Claflin University. overwhelmed by the opportunity,” added “Being a part of my country’s Olympic Valentine-Parris. team — it hasn’t hit me yet,” he added.

Valentine-Parris — who was the lead “I’m sure, when I get to Rio, everything athlete when the Thomas Saunders will set in. It’s a great accomplishment Secondary School (TSSS) first competed to make the Olympic team and a great in the Penn Relays at the University of opportunity for me to get the experience Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 2011 — I need to continue to be successful in my will represent the nation, in the 400m in career.” the Rio Games. Kineke Alexander is the Claflin University said Valentineother Vincentian athlete expected to Parris had a “breakout season” during participate in the Rio games. his sophomore campaign for the school’s “At first, the excitement did not hit athletic team, known as the Claflin me right when I was told,” said Panthers.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

He ended the indoor season ranking third in the nation [United States] for the 400m and ended outdoors ranking fourth in the nation for the 400m for Division 2.

At the same time, Valentine-Parris said he has been able to maintain good academic standing, “being listed on the Honor Roll here at Claflin University,” where he is majoring in Sports Management and Business Administration.

Locally, ValentineParris said he is a senior member of the I.T. D.A.T. Track Club, Brandon Valentine-Parris qualified for the 400m for the founded and coached by 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. regionally-renowned athletic coach Michael who is doing a great job representing his ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre.

Meanwhile, James Cordice, the Clare school and the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and I’ll like our country Valley-born mastermind behind the St. Vincent and the Grenadines-Penn Relays to support him financially and physically, so he could be ready for the initiative, and a Vincentian humanitarian, told THE VINCENTIAN, tasks ahead.”

Valentine-Parris leaves for the “It’s a wonderful thing that he Olympics on Jul. 28. The track and field [Valentine-Parris] is going to represent portion of the Games gets underway on St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Aug. 12, with the first round of the 400m [at the Olympics], “I feel this is a wonderful young man, men’s 400m starting at 7:20 p.m. EST.

SVGVA installs Interim Committee AN INTERIM COMMITTEE headed by Suzanna LeigertwoodOllivierre, with a life span of six months, was installed last Saturday at the Girls’ High School, to administrate the affairs of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association (SVGVA).

The others on the fivemember committee are Gary Matthias, Gary Constantine, Nikita Campbell and Bretisha Spring.

Mathias served as Treasurer on the last executive, while Campbell was a Committee Member.

The installation of the interim committee was the outcome after a failed attempt to host a General Meeting at the same venue resulted in a vote of no confidence against the Alana Mc Master-led executive.

Former president of the SVGVA- Shaun Young took charge of proceedings, wearing the hat as a member of the National Olympic Committee of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The General Meeting, originally scheduled for the Grenadines House,

Affiliate club members of the SVGVA attending last Saturday’s meeting at the Girls’ High School. committee members Oris Robinson, who was out of state and Nikeisha Lewis, were absent.

Mc Master, who showed was shifted to the Girls’ up in time for the High School, and should scheduled 10am start, left have had elections of a new executive, along with at 10:55 am, stating she had “something to do.” the presentation of The Interim Committee Ttreasurer and Secretary’s will immediately have to reports. ensure that St Vincent But with only two and the Grenadines members of the outgoing attends the Eastern members (Matthias and Campbell) making a show, Caribbean Volleyball Association all six of the seven (ECVA) Under-23 Female affiliate Volleyball units Tournament in St Lucia voted unanimously in next week, 29th to favour of the No 31st July, as well as Confidence Motion. the ECVA Zone of the Vice President World Championships - Kemaul Lee, Secretary qualifiers for men , slated General- Laela for 20th to 22nd August Constantine as well as, in Grenada, and the

Head of the Interim Committee – Suzanna Leigertwood- Ollivierre.

women in Antigua , 3rd to 5th September.

Young informed affiliates that it was imperative that St Vincent and the Grenadines find its way to these tournaments, as they are FIVB sanctioned, and failure to participate could result in fines as well as bans from future tournaments.

He also told those present that St Vincent and the Grenadines could have missed the NORCECA Continental tournament which took place recently in Gatineau, Canada, had it not been for his initiative to seek funding to assist the players’ visas and the like.

Wizards, Stars in Winners Row in Bequia WIZARDS 11 and Southern Stars had contrasting victories as the Vita Malt Bequia Basketball tournament continued last weekend, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court in Bequia.

Competing in the Second Division, Wizards II defeated Young Duke 45 to 44. Leading for Wizards II was Toddan Dember with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Jermaine John of Young Duke of 24 points and added 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

Also in Division 2, Southern Stars had a more convincing win when they defeated Blazing Heat 56 to 27. Leading for Southern Stars was Camal Bess with 23 points, 21 rebounds, 1 assists and 2 blocks.

Leading the scoring for Blazing Heat was Shamar Phillips with 9 points.

In the First Division, Wizards recorded a close 66 to 61 win over Raptors. Leading scorer for Wizards was Dario Glasgow and Xavaughn Dennie counted 15 points each for Wizards, with . Top scoring for Raptors was Kirstin Lampkin converting 7 points to add to his 14 rebounds and 3 assists for raptors.

In Sunday’s action in the U-16 Division, Young Wizards bounced past Titans 26 to 21. Leading the scoring for Young Wizards was Chad James with 11 points. He also had 16 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Chadwin Tannis led Titans’ scoring with 8 points.

Second Division action saw Blazing Heat edging past Rising Stars 56 to 51. Jovanni Derrick with 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists sttod out for Blazing Heat, while Reon Ollivierre did likewise for Rising Stars with 24 points and 7 rebounds.

Raptors controlled the First Division encounter with a 71 to 46 whipping of Generalz. Keon Skinner with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals led for raptors. Top scoring for Generalz top performer was Mark Browne with 13 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 assist and 2 blocks.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Systems 3 Sports Academy: More than just football

IF EVERYTHING GOES according to plans, nine Vincentian footballers will be enrolled at Ranger College, Texas, USA, in time for the start of the semester beginning August 4, 2016.

Five of them are members of the Senior Female National and Under 20 teams. They are Chrislyn Browne, Geziel Wilson, Shiann James, DarieAnne Duncan, and Altica Benn.

The other four include National Male players Azinho Solomon, Kyle Edwards, Devon Browne, with defender Tyronne Tannis yet to gain selection at the senior level.

The man behind the scholarships is Ian Sardine, Founder and President of the Systems 3 Sports Academy.

He approached the Ministry of Finance earlier this week for help needed in completing the arrangements for the youngsters to get to Texas.

According to Sardine, about EC$5,300 was needed for each player to complete requirements. The students will work towards associate

degrees, with the option of University upgrade.

Sardine is working on getting support groups to assist the youngsters in Houston, Dallas and Texas.

Those will complement the Systems 3 Branch established in New York.

Speaking at the Richmond Hill Playing Field last Monday, Sardine said the Systems 3 Sports Academy is a legal entity, and promised that it was “getting better.”

The Academy’s programme is based at the Grammar School Grounds.

And while the Academy’s primary focus is on football, a sand pit has also been installed on the edge of the field and also a concrete circle, to train Shot Putt and Discus enthusiasts.

Sardine expects a container of gear and equipment from China in August. That will provide kits for the 300 youngsters who are enrolled in his programme.

While noting that athletics and football go hand in hand, the Academy, Sardine said,

has a strong focus on academics, important if students are to avail themselves of scholarships overseas.

A tournament is planned for August when youngsters from all ages will be exposed to competitive football.

Even as he pursues his work with a dedication and resilience which many say are unequal among similar efforts here, the Systems 3 Sports Academy President is disappointed at the absence of a national structure for Football here. He is of the view that such a programme ought to be in place with all the stakeholders encouraged to take part.

Football is nothing new to Sardine. Even though this Academy is close to 20 years in existence, Sardine’s involvement with Football has been a lifetime undertaking.

He retired from the classroom after 40 years of service there, and has delved even further into

SVGCC takes 7th place 53 not out, led the College boys in their run chase of 128, closing on 130 for 3 in 28.1 overs after the Barbadians were dismissed for 127 in their 30 overs.

Roxell John, head coach of the SVGCC team said he was The French Verandah SVG Head coach Roxel pleased with the effort Community College team did John hopes that from the guys. “I feel themselves, their sponsor and the performance the guys represented St. country proud in their first of the SVGCC Vincent and the outing in the Sir Garfield Sobers team will be built Grenadines, the college Cricket International School on in further and our sponsors well.

Cricket Tournament. developing youth They performed well for cricketers here. their first time in the THE FRENCH VERANDAH competition and, had SVG Community College team the weather been in our favour, we finished in 7th position in the 16-team could have easily made it to the semitable of the just concluded Sir Garfield finals.”

Sobers Cricket International John added, “Our opening bowlers, School Cricket tournament, held in Jeremy Layne and Shane Roberts, Barbados. were extremely outstanding, while The Vincentian team recorded four our spinners, Ronaldo Franklyn, wins, two losses, and had Jeremy Haywood and guest player two abandoned matches in its debut in Othniel Lewis, held their own as was the tournament. expected.”

Despite finishing 7th, four of the As far as the batters were players were recognized for their concerned, John noted that, “Most of outstanding performances. Jeremy the batters made a contribution Layne, Jeremy Haywood, Shane during the tournament, but could Roberts and Othniel Lewis were have gone on to bigger scores.” selected for the the Master Class All Looking at the bigger picture, John Stars game. However, Othniel Lewis felt assured that “‘Our position and had to miss the game, having to return performance underscore the fact that to SVG to join the Windward Islands SVG still has talent that can be Under 19 team for preparation for compared with all our other participation in the West Indies 19 Caribbean cricketing nations, and tournament, scheduled to commence in with a little structure and better SVG next week. planning, our youth cricket can return The College boys went out on a to be as strong as it was 10 to 12 high, winning their final game against years ago.”

Hamilton Lashley Foundation of Barbados by 7 wickets. Jeremy Layne, I.B.A.ALLEN

Ian Sardine has given most of his adult life to nurturing the attitudes and skills of young persons in and out of the classroom. successes at the National Club level with Systems 3, at the secondary schools level with the Intermediate High School, Systems 3 Sports Academy and at the primary school with caters to even the very the Kingstown Preparatory. young.

Many of those whom he has nurtured have advanced to the providing guidance for young football enthusiasts national representation at one since putting down the chalk. level or the other.

Sardine boasts a number of It would not be out of place accolades, including winning to advise that if you have a the National Male and Female child and they have any Club Championships in 2016. inclination to football, Ian But he does not rank that as Sardine will be the man with his best accomplishment. In whom you should get in touch.

2004, as coach, he secured (WKA)

Outa Trouble reclaims Clinchers softball cricket title THE STARSTUDDED Outa Trouble inked their name for the second time on SVG Police Cooperative Credit Union Clinchers T20 Softball championship, taking the 2016 Player of the final and Photo one- Winning unit of the edition last Sunday best all rounder- Asif 2016 PCCU Clinchers softball at the Richland Hooper cricket competition – Country Park Oval.

Meet Town Outa Trouble A commanding 97-run Shimroy Primus ticked off 2 for 1 the victory over Sion Hill Player of the Final award from all of fours overs, Tallawahs earned Outa and was also the top allwhile Asif Hooper had 2 Trouble the EC$ 2000 rounder. that was at stake for the for 6 and Westrick Delano Woodley of Straugh 2 for 21. wining team. The losers Smashers was adjudged Prior to the final, the got $1500. the best wicket-keeper, third place play-off Outa Trouble, after featured the losing semi- and the player striking winning the toss and the most sixes, 22, was finalists Owia Young choosing to bat, rattled RSVG Police’s Roderick Strikers and Nice Radio up 148 in 19.5 overs.

John.

Their innings got some Clinchers.

Repeating receipt of Owia Young Strikers late order impetus from the best manager award won by 58 runs, scoring Asif Hooper who struck one four and five sixes in 108 in 15 overs, to which was Carlos James of Clinchers replied with 50 Outa Trouble, with his 40.

Damar Williams voted as Javed Harry and Sunil in 13.3. overs. the most promising Owia Young Strikers Ambris both scored 20 to young player in the earned $1000 for their add to Outa Trouble’s tournament. third place finish and total.

Anthony Garrick was Clinchers $400.

Sion Hill Tallawahs’ adjudged the best bowling was led by umpire, while Smart Awards Shanley Lavia, 4 for 31, Strikers picked up and Shamic Roberts, 3 awards for the Most At the for 26.

Disciplined Team and the closing ceremony, Ozzni Sion Hill Tallawahs’ Billingy again copped the Best Uniformed team. response never showed The team which had most runs award, with a any commitment or the Best Banner on total of 177. stability, and they were opening day was Rogers At the other end, discharged for 51 in 17.4 Photo Studios Fya ONE. overs. Irwin Williams’ 20 Shanley Lavia of Sion The tournament was Hill Tallawahs with 28 was the top score. inaugurated in 2012. scalps was the leading Bowling for Outa Outa Trouble became the Trouble, Richie Richards wicket taker.

Asif Hooper picked up first title holders. pocketed 4 for 12;

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 25.

Sports

A ÂSoldierÊ leaves the field

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Goodbye Fred A MINUTE’S SILENCE at Victoria Park last Wednesday evening to mark Trimmingham’s passing would have been the least the Federation could have done. Trimingham died last weekend, aged 76. His life was an embodiment of sport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He was a member of the vintage Notre Dames Football Team which dominated local football for many a season.

Fred and nearly the entire contingent went on to represent the nation at the senior level. And when they hung up their boots, they found some avenue to contribute to the game. In Fred’s case, his legacy started even with his boots on. Two of his sons went to represent the nation in hereditary style, and Cornelius Huggins had the added trait of providing coaching services like his Dad. Fred was also the complete cricketer: genuine off spin bowler whose skills were honed on the Grammar School Playing Field which served as the outlet for youngsters from the outlying districts of Frenches and Murray’s Village.

He was more than the average middle order batsman, for he took his role at the crease with utmost seriousness as he applied to his bowling.

He was sharp on the field, whichever position he occupied. There was a sense of awareness about Fred. He adjusted his lifestyle to ensure he took care of his family. For he plied his trade as a Minibus operator for some time in and around his community.

He has been honoured time and time over, for his contribution has been so profound that no one wanted to recognise him posthumously. With the inevitable having transpired, the tributes will flow in abundance. Tales of his epic journey will surface and will condense into the documentary of Fred’s journey.

Fred took up duties at Victoria Park where he served as curator in the latter stages of his career. It was virtually while on duty that his final affliction befell him.

Victoria Park is the setting of that Under 17 showdown. Fred would have been there in other circumstances. His spirit will be reminded of the result. He will be urging on the Vincentians in his moment of complete freedom.

The young Vincy Heat will have the advantage of home support. To what extent that will transform into actual results on the field of play will be known by Sunday evening. St. Lucia, Grenada and Bermuda will take the occasion to cement their places in the pecking order.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be a good staging ground for any squad to make an effort to advance. The Vincentians will have to ensure that they take nothing for granted.

While most nations seem intent on their programmes, especially as regards youngsters, there is some tardiness or absence of enthusiasm by our administrators. Things happen in a haphazard manner or come as an after-thought.

The chance to stage the event is a boost to our economic pillars, and exercises of these kinds redound to the hosts’ benefit. We must endeavour to make maximum use of such fixtures.

“NONE AH DEM ah come to me wid ball bungling up between dem leg to say dem ah go beats me…is either de ball or dey ankle.”

Such were the fighting words of Fred ‘Ole Soldier’ Trimmingham as he summed up the ‘never die’ attitude that he took with him to the football field.

Trimmingham survived through some four decades of active involvement in the sport with that attitude, but acquiesced, like all mortals, to the throesof death, when he passed away at age 76 years, last Saturday, July 16.

As a footballer, he left a legacy of robust tackling and an uncanny ability to access passage of play, which belied his diminutive (just over five feet) stature.

Trimmingham is a member of that elite group who represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines at both football and cricket, making him a member of an elite group that includes Dougan Mc Cauley.

Lester Huggins, Lennox John, Mike Findlay, Samuel ‘Sparrow’ Duncan, Denzil ‘Lad’ Winsboro, Douglas Doyle, Jeff Bailey, Colville Browne, Stanley Hinds, and Carl Glasgow and Douglas Cambridge both deceased.

Also nicknamed ‘Garrincha’ after the famed Brazilian midfielder with two similar ‘knock-knees’, Trimmingham represented the highly skilled Notre Dames unit at the local (football) level, alongside trailblazers like Norbert Hall, Ruddy Boucher, Douglas Doyle, Jeff Bailey and ‘Zupang’ Jones.

He left that formidable outfit to form the Pastures Club, which made its debut in the 1973 season at Victoria Park, in the Soccerama curtain-raiser to that season.

The occasion proved an

Fred Trimmingham being greeted by SVGFF President at the opening of the 2014 Breakaway Masters Firms Football Tournament. inauspicious one for Pastures. In fading light and on a slippery outfield, they were mauled by none other than the more experienced Notre Dames.

Pastures would put that initial setback behind them, and fortified through the years by the skill and experience of the likes of Leslie Jim Olliviere and Tyrone ‘Fleety’ Grant, and the itinerant ‘Small Twins’ — Lloyd and Julian - they rose to the top tier of the local sport.

He also represented ‘Old Boys’ in the Sion Hill Football League.

Trimmingham, a match-savvy player, was known for booting the ball out of Victoria Park as a means of holding onto a lead in a match when time was running out, much to the annoyance of officials and opponents.

National recognition came his way when he was made coach of the senior national football team.

He boasted about his short but successful tenure.

Two of his sons, Corneilus and

Marlon Huggins, also represented SVG at the senior national football level, with the latter being the current senior men’s coach.

In the area of cricket, Trimmingham, an off spinner and a lower order hard-hitting batsman, represented SVG in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He sported ‘the whites’ at various times for Sheffield, Victors ONE and Radcliffe at the local club level.

SVGFF President Venold Coombs, speaking about Trimmingham, said he was one of the players who gave back a lot to the sport, by helping to coach youngsters whenever he got the opportunity to do so.

Reports say that Trimmingham was set to be one of two honorees at the opening ceremony of the 2016 edition of the Breakaway Masters Firms Football Tournament, scheduled to commence at the Richmond Hill Playing Field, August 6.

Windwards U19 have home advantage The Windward Islands Under 19 team will be looking to use home conditions to their advantage, when they compete in the West Indies Under 19 cricket tournament, to be held here from July 27th.

The Windward Islands team is presently here for a one-week training camp ahead of the tournament, and head coach of the team - Walter Emmanuel said. “Playing in home territories, we will have a better knowledge of the conditions, so we will be looking to use that to our advantage, seeing that we played a tournament here recently.”

Emmanuel also said he felt assured that the team had a good chance, especially given the fact that the core of last year’s team forms an integral part of the unit.

“I expect the team to do well, especially where we have six of the players from last year who will be on show this year. Once we can execute all of our plans well, our chances are real good”, Emmanuel said.

Walter Emmanuel, head coach of the Windward Islands Under-19 team, thinks his team stands as good a chance as any other in the WI U19 Tournament.

The Windward Islands will come up against teams from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the Leeward Islands in the three-day format, after which the teams will be joined bythe ICC Americas team for the 50 overs tournament.

The three-day tournament begins on Wednesday July 27. Matches will be played at the Arnos Vale 1, Sion Hill, Park Hill and the Stubbs playing fields.

The full Windwards squad reads: Emmanuel Stewart (captain), Yahan Jeremiah, Ryan John, Anil Mathew, Darron Nedd and Jonathon Taylor of Grenada; Alien Anthanaze, Deon Burton and Kassim Pelteir of Dominica; Wayne Edward, Johnnel Eugene of St Lucia; and Othneil Lewis (Vice captain) and Rasheed Fredericks from SVG.

26. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016. 27.

Classifieds

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 22, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.30

www.thevincentian.com

THE 2016 CARNIVAL

MAGAZINE IS HERE

THE 2016 EDITION of THE VINCENTIAN CARNIVAL SOUVENIR MAGAZINE is on the market. It is the fourteenth edition to be published to date.

What began as an exploratory venture in 2003 and an attempt to fill a void, has grown into a fixture of the Carnival landscape in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The void created by an absence of detailed information on the official carnival activities is filled, and the annual CARNIVAL SOUVENIR MAGAZINE is now anticipated with ever increasing expectations.

Though they would seldom admit it, the Magazine has served journalists here and across the region in good stead. In fact, journalists and readers as far away as Taiwan, the UK, Europe and North America make use of it as a one-stop reference for matters Ms Kyla Da Silva accepts her copy of the 2016 CARNIVAL SOUVENIR related to our carnival MAGAZINE from Cyp Neehall, Editor of THE VINCENTIAN. culture.

With consummate ease, attraction. they find exact records of winners and losers, and We were pleased to present the first copy of the immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival as 2016 CARNIVAL SOUVENIR MAGAZINE to Ms. captured in high gloss print.

Kyla Da Silva, a pannist with the Sion Hill The Magazine has met its own challenges, Euphonium Steel Orchestra, who graces the cover of moreso because it attempts to be politically correct our 2016 edition. about who and what it features.

Ms Da Silva from Cane End, Marriaqua, has The most contentious component of the work is been an active member of that Steel Orchestra for the decision that the Editorial Staff makes, as far as two years, and is also a model with Image Modelling the cover is concerned. That has become a mark of Agency. recognition for carnival makers, and each We thank her for gracing the cover of our 2016 component of our Carnival expects that its CARNIVAL SOUVENIR MAGAZINE. contribution would be featured on the cover.

The Magazine is now available for sale at a This year, the Editorial Staff took an earlier number of outlets throughout SVG. We urge you to decision to feature ‘pan’, as the Magazine’s cover get your copy today.

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

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IS SHE THE OLDEST LIVING VINCENTIAN? HAPPY BELATED birthday wishes go out to Ms Edith Etheline Young, better known as Estelle Maree Young-Davis, of Langley Park, Georgetown.

Ms. Estelle celebrated her 108th birthday last Wednesday in the company of her 73-yearold care-taker and daughter, Cena Davis, other relatives, friends and well-wishers from the immediate and surrounding communities of Georgetown.

According to the records, Estelle was born in Caratal, Ms Edith Etheline Young Georgetown, July 20, 1908, in the aftermath of the 1902 eruption of La Soufriere.

She had five children, two of whom have predeceased her.

She was employed for most of her adult working years with the Georgetown Town Board, and many persons remember her as always having a pleasant disposition.

Even at 108, Estelle still has a strong voice and enjoys singing, but has had to do away with another of her favourite pastimes, dancing, since she is unable to walk or stand without assistance, and also finds difficulty sitting up.

When THE VINCENTIAN contacted a few persons who know Estelle, many of them raised the question about whether or not she was the oldest surviving Vincentian anywhere in the world.

That would be something that perhaps our readers or someone who has better knowledge than we do, could shed some accurate light upon.

In the meantime, we are certain that Vincentians home and abroad will join the management and staff of THE VINCENTIAN in extending best wishes to Ms Estelle for continued health, and wish her God’s richest blessings.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.