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FRIDAY,

AUGUST 22, 2014

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THERE IS NO DOUBT that the differences between the ruling Unity Labour Party and the opposition New Democratic Party are widening. General elections are due here no later than March 2016, but the platform is building for a hectic period of campaign.

Salvos were unleashed last Tuesday as the House of Assembly met. There were no questions from the Opposition, which served to shorten the time in the House. Debate on a Resolution provided some fireworks as the day wore on.

The government pressed to “raise $15 million to liquidate outstanding contributions owed by the government to the National Insurance Fund.”

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves tabled the move and wound up the debate after contributions from across the floor.

The Resolution was passed through the government’s majority.

The Vincentian leader assured that the National Insurance Service was “sound,” and that all persons entitled to benefits were guaranteed payments.

The government plans to make monthly payments of $1.7 from December 2013, according to Gonsalves, and he outlined: “While we are making the payments, we

VOLUME 108, No.34

intend to keep current with all payments.”

The Vincentian leader boasted that the NIS was “liquid,” and that the Treasury Notes which were being made available to the NIS were at 4.5 per cent interest, and the loan was for ten years.

He outlined that the NIS had the lowest exposure to its own government than any other such institution in the rest of the Caribbean.

“We will continue to ensure viable financial options,” Dr. Gonsalves outlined.

He reiterated that government was the guarantor of the NIS financial obligations.

“We are not being irresponsible. We are being careful,” he stated.

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace had a different version of the amount the government was owing, and placed his information as close to $23 M. He wanted to know what kind of example the government was setting by not making its contributions to the NIS. “Those funds are needed by the NIS,” Eustace pointed out.

Representative for East Kingstown, Eustace suggested that payments to the NIS were not handed over since April 2013, and anticipated an answer when the Prime Minister wound up.

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves and Opposition Leader Hon. Arnhim Eustace in deep conversation when the House of Assembly convened on Tuesday.

Eustace was also worried that he had not seen any Actuarial Report as required by the law.

“That has to be corrected,” the opposition leader declared.

Senator Luke Browne argued that the Resolution “will improve the position of the NIS.” He praised the Board of Management and disclosed that the Resolution will “ensure that the NIS has cash to pay.”

Browne was interrupted by Central Kingstown’s Leacock who took issue with the Senator’s argument.

Leacock’s party colleague Dr Godwin Friday admitted that Browne’s contribution upset him, and that it went against logic.

Leacock, in his contribution, found it “unfortunate” that the NIS should be a reason for debate.

“The NIS is not the problem. It’s management by the government,” Leacock chimed.

He asked who to believe, whether it was opposition leader Eustace, or Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

As far as Leacock was

concerned: “some explanation is needed.”

He suggested that “We have to fix the economy... and have more people working.”

The tension across rose as the debate went on. And the Speaker had to intervene.

“This is the tip of the iceberg,” Leacock asserted. He warned that “it is going to get worse before it gets better.”

Transport Minister Julian Francis expressed “disappointment” at the opposition’s contribution.

Continued on Page 7.

2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 3.

News 3

SVG records 71 percent pass rate for CSEC 2014

that the national pass rate will continue to SVG HAS RECORDED a 71 improve. “We admit that percent pass for the 2014 we have to pay close CSEC examination, based attention to the quality on figures from the of the passes and to the Caribbean Examination performance of our Council (CXC) students on some of the The figures indicate a most critical profiles, two percent increase over such as comprehension, the 2013 results which expression and stood at 69 percent. application,” said Miguel Minister of Education, , adding that the CAPE Girlyn Miguel expressed results were also thanks and commendable. “The congratulations to the Director and staff of the teachers and Principals St.Vincent Community of the secondary schools College must be for their hard work with acknowledged for the the students. Miguel, work that they continue speaking at the release of to do in preparing the May/June 2014 students for their results at the Peace examinations and for Memorial Hall on their exit into the labour Monday, said she hopes market or entry into

by KENVILLE HORNE

higher education.”

There were improved results in the CSEC Mathematics pass rate, which leaped from 28.44 percent in 2013 to 47.03 in 2014. English Language also showed improvement, moving from 58.92 in 2013 to 61.54 this year. The Education Minister noted that “this is a modest improvement upon which we must continue to build if we are to compete meaningfully not with ourselves, but the rest of the world.

While 71 percent of the cohort was awarded passing grades at CSEC, it must be noted that only 41.7 percent gained passes in five subjects,

Hon Girlyn Miguel, Minister of Education, accepts the 2014 CSEC results from Glenroy Cumberbatch, Acting Registrar of CXC. including Mathematics and English A,” revealed the Education Minister.

She therefore appealed to the students to show more emphasis in their work, “if you are to achieve excellence”.

Architect offers services MOULTON MAYERS is one of this country’s well known architects. He is also the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic.

Having used his office to highlight the plight of Vincentians affected by the December 25 floods, and seeing his plea having brought assistance, Mayers is continuing his benevolent role.

He has promised to provide his services as an architect free to owners of three houses handed over to flood victims.

The houses, valued at $83,000 were built with money from the Czech Republic.

Mayers expects that ambassador Edita Hrda will visit the houses when she swings through the area in October this year.

The residences were constructed with a grant of $200,000 from the Czech Republic.

Mayers confessed being moved to tears when he saw the extent of devastation wrought by the heavy waters of December 25.

He sent off vivid

images of the debacle to the Ambassador, and the sight of the damage moved the Czech Republic to act.

Mayers brought his expertise to the fore, and disclosed that the houses were built using “best [practices.” The buildings are designed to withstand 150 mile per hour winds. And being far removed from flood plains, and supported by reinforced columns, Mayers is confident that the families have been placed in secured places.

There is room for expansion at the properties, and Mayers has offered to provide free drawings when the owners are ready to expand.

He used the opportunity to urge them to keep the surrounding clean. He expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for responding to his call and for their timely assistance.

The Honorary Consul also praised the Czech Republic for their donation of eight braille computers for use of Blind people. Those gadgets have been placed at the National Public

Library. Mayers thanked the staff of the Housing and Land Development Corporation for providing the land on which the houses were built.

The staff at that institution was also praised. The Honorary Consul was grateful to the Gospel Hall Assembly for providing furnishings to the buildings worth $17,000.

Two members of that congregation: Alvon

Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Registrar of the Examinations Development and Production Division, Charles Mayenga said that SVG recorded 100 percent passes in Agricultural Science DA, Building Technology and Religious Education. As for the 32 subject areas that were attempted by students around the country, SVG performed better in 21 of those subject areas.

Nothing called distinction Cleveland Sam, Assistant Registrar of Architect Moulton Public Information and Mayers Customer Services, responding to a question Gilbert and his wife were from THE on hand to represent the VINCENTIAN, declared Gospel Hall Assembly. that, “there is nothing

Charles Mayenga,Senior Assistant Registrar of the Examinations Development and Production Division.

Cleveland Sam, Assistant Registrar of Public Information and Customer Services, said there is nothing call a distinction. called a distinction”. Sam said that at CXC, a grade 1 is a grade 1. “At CXC, if you look at the certificate that the students receive, there is nothing called a distinction.” He noted that he is unaware of the origin of the term, “But what I can tell you is that the whole concept of a distinction, from my understanding, came from schools and teachers and so on, trying to discriminate between students who are performing better than others; but there is nothing called a distinction “ Sam reinforced.

Controversy follows Lynch THE NAME ELWARDO GIDEON LYNCH continues to stir emotions. He was the firebrand opposition spokesman who clashed with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in many legal battles. It was at his funeral service in the North Central Windward town of Georgetown that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves came in for a severe heckling in the supposed sanctuary of the district Anglican Church.

Lynch received tribute at last Tuesday’s House of Assembly sitting. Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace praised the former New Democratic Party Talk Show host for the contribution he made to that

institution. Eustace stated that Lynch’s impact crossed national barriers with “significant impact on the opinion in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Senator Linton Lewis echoed sentiments about Lynch’s controversy in life and death.

Lewis deemed it a pity that Lynch would not see the NDP in government.

Central Kingstown’s Representative St. Clair Leacock also paid homage to Lynch.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves disclosed that he had an interesting relationship with Lynch before he (Lynch) became “an outspoken adversary on the radio.”

The Vincentian leader

expressed sadness on Lynch’s passing.

The solemnity observed at the obituary session was a precursor to lingering tension across the political fence, and Lynch’s name surfaced when Dr. Gonsalves was winding up debate on the Resolution for the government to raised 15 million from the National Insurance Service to pay outstanding contributions to the same institution of that very sum.

Dr. Gonsalves and Leacock engaged in verbal clashes which speaker Hendrick Alexander had to contend with.

The House of Assembly next meets October 9.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

ÂWolfÊ killed after prison release Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS ABOUT THREE MONTHS and three weeks after being released from prison, Wilford ‘Wolf’ Woodley of Revierre was taken out in a blaze of gunfire.

The death of the 28-year-old labourer also came about three months after Ricardo ‘South’ Mattis, the star witness in a pending robbery case in which Woodley was charged, had been killed.

Reports are that Woodley was shot several times, at Belair around midday last Friday, August 15, after three masked men alighted from a vehicle and opened fire on a group of men. He died on the spot.

Garvette Foster, also known as Alvin John, 32, of Green Hill, received gunshot wounds to both legs during the incident. He was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, but was discharged on Sunday. Romano Kydd suffered a broken leg as he attempted to elude the gunmen, while two others managed to escape unhurt.

Up to Tuesday, Kydd was a patient at the hospital.

Following the shooting, the assailants reportedly went back into the vehicle and drove away.

Woodley was released from prison on April 30 this year, after completing an 18-month sentence for escaping lawful custody. He was originally sentenced to two years in prison for the offence, after changing his plea from not guilty to guilty, during a trial at the Serious Offences Court on June 19, 2013. But on January 28 this year, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal reduced the sentence.

Justice of Appeal Mario Michel had agreed with the claim by Woodley who conducted his own appeal, that his guilty plea entitled him to one-third discount of the time.

Woodley had appealed on the ground that his sentence was excessive. He pointed out that he did

no damage to property, and that other persons who had committed similar offences were given lesser sentences.

Woodley had disappeared from the High Court, February 19, 2010. He was among nine prisoners who were taken there by prison officers for bail application hearings.

Crown Counsel Carl Williams, who had appeared for the prosecution at the appeal hearing, told the Judges that Woodley’s guilty plea came late at his trial, and therefore he was not entitled to any discount. He indicated that Woodley was denied bail just prior to his escape, and described his action as an act of defiance of the Judiciary. But Michel remarked that Woodley’s escape may have been an “act of monumental carelessness”, and that he seemed to have been “given the green light” to escape. He pondered whether there might have been some element of complicity on the part of the prison authorities.

Woodley had been on the run for three years, before he was held by police in St. Lucia and handed over to the authorities here, January 28, 2013.

After completing his sentence, Woodley was released on bail on a robbery charge, the only charge he had pending. He was charged with the armed robbery of a business place at Campden Park, for which he was committed to stand trial in the High Court.

However, about 17 days after Woodley was released, the body of Ricardo ‘South’ Mattis, 36, originally of Paul’s Avenue, the star witness in the robbery case, was found at his Campden Park place of abode with bullet holes and other marks of violence.

Woodley was taken into custody for questioning in connection with the incident, but was

subsequently released without charges. To date, nobody has been charged in that matter.

Eighteen of the 25 murders recorded so far this year are gunrelated.

At press time Wednesday, police were continuing their investigations into Woodley’s death and the shooting of Wilford ‘Wolf’ Woodley Foster.

Dipcon official on ammo charges

IAN GIEOWARSINGH, a prominent official of the Trinidad based Dipcon Engineering Services, was released on station bail after he was taken into custody on Thursday, August 14 and charged with attempting to export and possession of ammunition.

Gieowarsingh, a Trinidadian who is married to a Vincentian and resides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was granted station Ian bail in the sum of $5,000. He Gieowarsingh appeared at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court last Friday, charged with possession of eleven rounds of .38 special ammunition without licence, and is also charged with attempting to export the ammunition.

The businessman, who was represented by the Law Firm of Williams & Williams, pleaded not guilty to both charges, when he stood before District Magistrate Rickie Burnett.

Burnett granted Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche’s request for station bail to be continued, and adjourned the matter to next Friday, August 29 at the same court.

ATIBA O’GARRO, a 36-year-old reported the matter. The building forward I opened fire with my Gieowarsingh was arrested at the E.T. Joshua man who was warded at the was so badly damaged that he licenced firearm because I feared Milton Cato Memorial Hospital decided to stay there that night. for my life”, Abraham recalled. He Airport, August 14 as he awaited a LIAT flight to after being shot in the chest while “I went home, took a shower then called the police and when Dominica. burglarizing the Mohogany and got back around 11:15 p.m. It the lawmen arrived the intruder When contacted on Wednesday on the issue of Square Bar and Restaurant at was not even an hour after, the was met lying on the ground with station bail, Acting Commissioner of Police Reynold Richmond Hill July 27, died last guy strolled up, jumped the fence, a knife next to him.

Hadaway told THE VINCENTIAN that, “upon the Sunday. proceeded to one of the shutters Up to press time Wednesday, arrest of anyone, an evaluation would be made, A Coroner’s Inquest will be he had left open and went in. I an autopsy was yet to be guided by the law, to determine whether station held to determine the confronted him and he plunged performed to determine the cause bail could be granted. Having made the evaluation, circumstances surrounding his forward. I was standing in his of death. the police would proceed accordingly, and if we are death. only way out. As he plunged not clear on the issue, we will consult with the It was reported that around Office of the Director of Public midnight, O’Garro of Lodge Prosecutions (DPP)”.

Village came face to face with Hadaway said that, in the case owner of the outlet Earl ‘Groove involving Gieowarsingh, a decision was A 29-year-old Union Island man, who Tuesday. He was Governor’ Abraham in the made to grant station bail because that unlawfully used a credit card belonging ordered to business place. individual was not a flight risk, he was to former Magistrate Paula David and compensate the O’Garro reportedly plunged not known by the police criminally, and her daughter Zoe David-Delves, to complainants towards Abraham who had no he has a huge investment in St. Vincent purchase items valued thousands of forthwith in the choice but to open firearm in and the Grenadines. The acting COP dollars through online shopping, was aforementioned sums order to protect himself, resulting this week ordered by the court to repay of money, with an noted that Gieowarsingh appeared in in O’Garro being shot. court the following day, and the court the virtual complainants forthwith. alternative of nine Abraham told THE continued his bail.

Alphanzo Wilson was charged with months in prison. He VINCENTIAN that he had Asked whether it was the norm of the stealing $654, the property of Zoe was also bonded for secured the enterprise and left David-Delves of Queen’s Drive between one year in the sum Alphanzo Wilson RSVG Police Force to grant station bail around 1:15 a.m. Sunday, July 27 July 7 and 10 this year at Kingstown. to persons on ammunition related of $2,500. In breach, following a domino match there charges, Hadaway replied, “The He was also charged with stealing he would serve a one-year jail term. the previous night. He said that individual circumstances are always $6,976.75, property of Paula David and THE VINCENTIAN understands that normally he do not return to the Zoe David-Delves of Queen’s Drive.

Wilson paid the compensation. He had considered in making a determination”. outlet on Sundays, but he did so Hadaway’s comments were made in Wilson pleaded guilty to both told the court that he found the credit around 6 p.m. and discovered the the presence of Head of the Criminal charges when he appeared before card and sent the number to someone place broken into and a quantity Investigation Department (CID), Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias in Trinidad. of items stolen.

Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Investigations had led to his arrest.

He called the police and Sydney James.

Burglar shot by businessman dies

Online shopper pleads guilty

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 5.

News

STEM shaping the future Minister of Information Technology, Camillo Gonsalves addressing the audience at the graduation.

Participants in the 2014 STEM SVG Summer Camp.

by KENVILLE HORNE THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) continues to shape the young minds of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, with 52 of the nation’s youths graduating from the programme, last Friday.

Through the STEM programme, students are introduced to industry standard applications and more advanced knowledge beyond the classroom and CSEC requirements, thereby broadening their appreciation of and their abilities to apply what they have learned. Subject areas of focus include Physics, English Language, Mathematics, Web and Graphic Design, Database and Programming (Pascal).

During the STEM Summer Camp, which lasted for five weeks, a team of young students ages 11-15, led by Director Petrus Gumbs, utilized technological tools to create an interactive classroom where the chalk board was obsolete. The students utilized the laptops given to them by the government, under the one laptop for a child initiative, to create games and other advanced applications.

Speaking at the closing ceremony that attracted education officials, representatives of sponsors, teachers, camp participants and their parents and guardians, invited guests, well wishers and members of the general public to the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown, on Friday 15th August, Gumbs stressed the importance of exposure to the practical application of technological and scientific principles. “ I expose them to various technology, from developing games, websites, apps, right up to 3D modeling found in Mathematics, all using what they already know in the classroom to create new and interesting things,” said Gumbs, of what this year’s Summer Camp entailed.

The Information Technology teacher said that following the STEM Summer Camp last year, his team developed the St. Martin’s research group, where each student began to research something that they are interested in,

based on what they have learned. The success so motivated the group, that some of them contested the CSEC exam, and much to the delight of the school they received grade 1s and 2s, “and the thing is, they are in Form 4” revealed Gumbs, to a round of applause. The STEM Director said that he would like to see the youths become creators of technology, rather than consumers.

The audience was given a taste of the works the students created. They were impressed by the works presented by Gian-Paul Baker and Dimani Hazell, who both created games of a very high standard.

Principal of the St. Martin’s Secondary School, Wendel Edwards was also on hand to congratulate Gumbs, his team and the students.

Edwards said that he was pleased to see that most of the participants were boys, “ the future of boys is surely on the rise once more,” proclaimed Edwards.

“The research has shown that the smartest kids in the world are excellent in the area of Maths, Science and critical thinking” acknowledged Edwards. “The STEM program is definitely a program that is developing the critical thinking skills of our boys that have participated”. The St. Martin’s Principal, thanked Gumbs for his vision in starting the programme here. The programme was responsible for the school’s success in the 2014 CSEC exam, according to Edwards.

The St. Martin’s received 100% in Information Technology.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information Technology, Camillo Gonsalves commended the students for taking part in the Summer Camp, and even as he acknowledged that STEM is not a government programme, he expressed thanks to the companies who have seen it necessary to sponsor the Summer Camp. According to Gonsalves, “The programme teaches students how to think, how to learn and how to process information.”

“Our nation’s prosperity is linked to programmes such as STEM, and

representative of GECCU Danny-lee Francis, who said GECCU was delighted to be a sponsor of such a useful programme.

Other sponsors included: STEM Director Petrus Gumbs assists in a Beachcombers, Ernie Gibson, robotic demonstration Subway, Off the grid Media, students’ success in Science, CK Greaves, Randy’s Supermarket, Technology, Engineering, and Quickcash, KCCU, SVGTU, Hotel Mathematics. There is a lot of talk all Alexandrina, The New Montrose Hotel the time about Tourism, Agriculture, and the T-shirt store. Following the about manufacturing and the roles presentation of certificates, both to that these things play in our economy, students and sponsors and the and they are all very important things. audience were treated to a robotic But those are the industries of demonstration. yesterday and today. What you are Persons interested in learning more doing are the industries of the about this programme can contact the tomorrow,” Gonsalves told the St .Martin’s Secondary School, graduates. www.Petrusgumbs.com or Email: Remarks also came from Stemsumcamp@gmail.com.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

A victory for the Union, says Boucher relationship between Vanloo and members of CHAIRMAN of the Interim his executive. The Committee at the Public executive held a meeting Service Union (PSU), Elroy on August 15th, where, Boucher says that according to Boucher, it judgment handed down by was decided that a Judge Gretel Thom against special general meeting former President Cools will be held. “The Vanloo, is a victory for the purpose of that meeting Union. was to question the In 2013, there was a conduct of Mr Vanloo,” breakdown in said Boucher . The

by KENVILLE HORNE

Cocaine found in crazy glue tube A 59-year-old Rose Place resident who concealed his cocaine in a crazy glue tube, was fined $1,500 forthwith or six months on Tuesday, for possessing the drug.

Cornelius Johnny pleaded guilty to having 15 rocks of cocaine with intent to supply, when he appeared before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

The facts revealed that on August 18, members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) executed a search warrant at Johnny’s Rose Place home, and found the drug in a crazy glue tube. The sum of $266.75 was also found in a Palmers Cocoa Butter cup. The Magistrate granted the prosecution’s request for the money to be forfeited because of the way it was made up.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Johnny paid the fine.

meeting was convened on the 10th of September 2013, and the general membership moved a motion to remove the entire Vanloo executive, “citing the fact that they were L-R: Aubrey Burgin, Chairmam of the interim committee Elroy Boucher and Joel unable to work Poyer. together as an executive, and the represented by Nicole of the union,” declared committee had already members therefore Sylvester. The matter Boucher. “It may also got in motion the process thought, in the best took almost a year in set a precedent across to hold election, so the interest of the union, to court and on 14th the OECS, because, as nomination committee remove the entire August, the judgment far as I can recall, it may was called and the job executive, set an interim was handed down in be the first case of its was finished,” committee in place to favour of the union. kind, and so any matter acknowledged the prepare for fresh Judge Gretel Thomas that may arise across the Interim Committee election, to have a new ruled that the OECS, it may act as a chairman. executive in place to take membership had a right case to be cited,” Boucher However, Boucher did the union forward,” said or have the ability to added. not disclose the names of Boucher of what recall any executive, once The judgment now the persons who would transpired at the special it is deemed that they clears the way for fresh be contesting the various meeting. are incompetent or election, and the interim positions when the However, then cannot get along or has Committee had met and election is called. The President of the union, problem with the union, has set the 8th of interim Committee Vanloo took the matter “and so Mr Vanloo was October as the date for a consists of Elroy to court. “He was really legally removed at that special general meeting Boucher, Elizabeth asking the judge, more or particular time,” and election. Boucher Williams, Joel Poyer, less to declare that what contended Boucher. said that, prior to the Aubrey Burgin and took place at that “This judgment is a legal action by the Bernard Morgan. meeting was illegal and victory for the members former president, “the therefore he was still the president,” said Boucher.

The interim committee was represented by lawyer Joseph Delves, while Vanloo was

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 7.

News

Planes innocent FOREST USERS here have been warned that planes seen circling over the hills in the northern part of mainland St. Vincent are not intended to disrupt the operations of forest users.

Those aircraft are “innocent,” according to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph

Gonsalves. They will be engaged in a mapping operation to find areas where sources of renewable energy could be unearthed.

The assurance came in a statement outlined during last Tuesday’s sitting of the House of

Discuss with Supervisor of Elections POLITICAL parties here have been urged to sit down with Supervisor of Elections Sylvia Findlay to work out a way in which the voters’ list could be more realistic. The advice came from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he made a statement in the House of Assembly last Tuesday.

The list published recently showed over 105,000 persons registered. But Gonsalves believes that a figure close to 68,000 will reflect a more accurate representation.

He noted that the names of dead persons are regularly deleted, and that the majority of the approximately 37,000 persons have migrated.

The Supervisor cannot take their names off unless she is sure that they have been out of the state for the previous five years.

If an election is called within 30 days, the poll will be free and fair, according to Gonsalves.

The voters’ list will be updated in October 2014 and January 2015. He indicated that changes to the voting machinery requires an Amendment to the Representation of People’s Act. Potential voters must have an identification, the Prime Minister indicated, and he assured that there can be no impostors.

He is encouraging political parties “fashion the wording… bring the amendment to the House.”

One Resolution: Two debates Continued from Frontpage.

Francis disclosed that there was no cash flow problem with the NIS and that “this is not a deliberate attempt to defraud the NIS.” Francis declared that the Prime Minister was “doing a fantastic job,” and he accused opposition representatives of not looking into the interests of their constituents.

But that comment served to sharpen the division across the floor, and Leacock accused the Transport and Works Minister of misleading the House.

Senator Linton Lewis joined in the debate and declared that “it is clear that the government is having financial difficulties.”

Senator Camillo Gonsalves joined in the debate and found himself at odds with Senator Lewis.

Senator Gonsalves outlined that it was a question of priority .

Assembly.

The venture is part of Geothermal Development Project which this country’s government has been engaged in.

One of the main actors in the exercise is the Icelandic based company Reykjavik Geothermal.

They have linked up with several companies of regional and international repute in

order to fine-tune matters on the exploration of energy sources lying beneath the surface in the northern range. The Vincentian leader expects a “business model” by June 2015 and, if things go according to plans, drilling ought to commence.

The Vincentian leader is looking forward to the

provision of grants and soft loans through a range of companies. He is also keen on the finalising of a “legal framework” so that the Bill to firm up the energy supply unit will be in place.

Gunnar Gunnarsson, representative from Reykjavik Geothermal, during his visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in November, 2013.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 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 The Education Revolution Certification versus Quality LAST MONDAY, August 18, this country was treated to an exhaustive account of the accomplishment of what the government proclaims as the Education Revolution.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves led the charge in this regard, as he has done since 2001, notwithstanding the appointment of three Ministers of Education since that time and the present.

Few should fault the Prime Minister for ‘taking charge’ of this critical portfolio; his foundation, after all, was in the lecture halls at one university or the other as a teacher; and he knows, given his understanding of political history, that the creation of a new ‘educated class’ will, all things being even, form the basis of continued support for the ‘party’, its philosophy and its programme. There is a thin line between indebtedness and loyalty which some are more apt to exploit in their favour.

But that said, credit the Prime Minister, perhaps for the first time in exacting language, for highlighting, or is it establishing, the importance of quality teaching as being singularly vital to the success of the creation of a new, critically-mined citizen.

It was, for all intents and purposes, the first occasion, subject to correction, when the Prime Minister brought into real focus, what others have been saying for some time: that the Education Revolution, with all its accolades of quantification, will be judged in the final analysis on its qualitative value.

Credit the Prime Minister with making the distinction between the undeniable increase in certification among the foot soldiers — teachers — of the Education Revolution, and the need for those foot soldiers to be quality deliverers.

That said, if we are to read a certain element into what the Prime Minister was purporting, then it is the duty, the right of parents to ensure, if not demand, a quality service from those whom the state has provided for, in terms of their certification, and their comfortable emoluments.

So, as we journey along the path of the Education Revolution, parents must ensure, in their own way, that this quality service is not compromised.

And there is a list of ‘little things’ for which parents can look, so as to make their own assessment, as we are certain the Prime Minister would want them so to do.

A parent can look for certain ‘warning signs’ that speak to the Revolution (possibly) being compromised: Does your child complain that his teacher singles him/her out repetitively with negative remarks? Is the teacher the last one to arrive in the morning, and the first to leave in the afternoon? Does your child rarely bring work home from school, and if he does, are homework assignments returned? Does the teacher send home frequent reports or communications to parents? Does the teacher exhibit limited knowledge of the subject he is teaching? Do lessons lack organization and planning? Does the teacher refuse to accept input from parents?

This is no snipe at our teachers. In fact, no one in his correct mind would want to under-value the work of a teacher. After all, teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands not just broad knowledge of subject matter and standards. It equally demands that teachers be blessed with enthusiasm, a caring attitude, and a love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques; and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.

With all these qualities required, it’s no wonder that it’s hard to find great teachers.

That is why we believe that within all that the Prime Minister had to say, last Monday, about the Education Revolution and teachers, he would want to speak thus to teachers: Great teachers set high expectations for all students. Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives. Great teachers are prepared and organized. Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people. Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. Great teachers communicate frequently with parents.

So while it is important that teachers and education administrators are certified, the fore-mentioned are of greater significance if we are to fulfill that underlying purpose of the Education Revolution, i.e. that ‘No Child Shall Be Left Behind’.

Departed friends Matthew John A CRICKETER that hailed from Barrouallie, Matthew John has died in his 97th year, just failing to complete his century.

He first played for SVG way back in the past, in fact in 1938, the year of my birth, 76 long years ago!

In those days, the team comprised a goodly number of Planter- types, like Bertram and Leonard Hadley, with a couple of expatriates such as Spooner, thrown in the mix.

For a Black boy to make the side at age 19 in those days is itself evidence of Matthew’s prowess at the game.

I know little of Matthew in the middle years. I remember a group of men, Matthew included, came back to SVG in the mid-1950s from the Dutch Islands.

Others included Fraser, Gumbs and Warner, who gave a lift to the social life at a time when the Olive’s Hotel was swinging.

After a few years home, during which he acquired a wife, the beautiful Inez Murphy, they emigrated to the U.K, where they had two daughters, before returning home in retirement.

We became great friends, largely because I was something of a cricket historian, so we talked a lot about cricket of the past, especially the players of Barroullie whence he sprung- the O’Garros, Edgar Cruickshank, Vibert Bute and, latterly, the exploits of his own talented nephew, Lance John.

I also warmed towards his family, owing to the fact that his wife remembered me as a small boy of Bottom Town, the John family that lived at the Cemetery Gate!

I was even reminded that the sibling Murphy girls had two names in common with my sisters, Stella and Inez. For Matthew, the game is up; he now has to take a fresh guard in the new life.

Beatrice “Sister B” Noel Sister “B”, Beatrice Noel, of Fountain, used to be a real live-wire in her day.

A good teacher, an excellent cook and entertaining host, Sister B was often the heart and soul of any party in which she was involved. I had the pleasure frequently in the past to enjoy her cooking, in the company of Hilary Samuel, (a relative of her deceased husband Clement), who is now himself gravely ill in Trinidad.

I shall always remember Sister B, her daughters, and aunt Eden Bennett, to whom I am tightly attached.

Adolphus Jack After more than five years battling it out, almost a vegetable, Adolphus Jack of Arnos Vale decided to call it quits.

Adolphus had been a policeman of the old type, that reached the rank of Sergeant.

Then he got a job as Security Officer at Mustique before coming back to the mainland to serve at the Inland Revenue where he performed the impossible, collected debts efficiently, with a broad smile that invariably won over the tax delinquent.

Knowing the personality of the man, leads one to understand that he had to have a help-mate that was wonderful, charming, and loving unconditionally.

Not only did Hulda Jack, mother of two, work herself up from scratch to become a qualified and accomplished accountant, but when the chips were down, she stood up and bore the brunt gracefully.

In his last days, her husband was fed and meticulously cared by her for over five years. I am told that she had just given up her job to devote herself fulltime to looking after him when, mercifully he passed away.

Adolphus had lived a fairly good life, but his widow has to be respected and praised for her life of caring and sacrifice.

Elise John The last of the great nurses that looked after our health has left these shores. I recalled Nurse Elise John, if only because, in profession as well as name, she ran so closely by my own sister Elsie John now 94, living in New York.

Elise died recently at the Thompson Home, where she resided along with another of my sister’s friends, Evelyn Quammie, formerly of Rose Place.

We have to thank a bevy of old nurses that saw SVG through her troublous adolescence.

Carlton Scott Finally I salute the passing of Carlton Scott, the last but one remaining of the Great Scott family of Troumaca -Coull’s Hill, who represent the bedrock of Methodism, whose foundation was firmly set in North Leeward, partly by this extended family, 70 to 50 years ago.

The Wesleyans have done wonders with their fine start, thanks to Carlton, his siblings and relatives.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 9.

Letters

Could not sleep for the noise, so I read WHEN FOR WHATEVER reason I awoke at 2:30 a.m on Saturday morning, the noise coming from an entertainment house in the area, quite possibly the Tree-bar, prevented me from going to sleep again.

The perception of some citizens is that they, the operators of the bar, seem to have the blessing of the police, because their clients are prominent politicians and businessmen, so the interests and comfort of the residents of the neighbourhood are of no importance, in the scheme of things. It is of no moment that the residents pay taxes which contribute to the salaries and allowances paid to these important men.

Incidentally, this speaks eloquently to the deterioration of the quality of

policing these days, compared to what prevailed a few decades ago. In those days, our GDP was healthy and our communities were peaceful. Today, one can stop/park one’s vehicle on a bridge on a busy thoroughfare, with no fear of being challenged by the police for doing so. Years ago, when the number of motor vehicles in the state was less than one thousand, sitting on the rails of bridges was not permitted. But these are different times.

So as I was saying, at 2:30 a.m.

Saturday, I read the article by Maxwell Haywood in the “Searchlight” newspaper of 8th August 2014, titled “Emancipation but no Reparation for black people”. In it, he quoted from Dr Hilary Beckles’ historic speech to the British parliament on July 16th, 2014, in which he pronounced on behalf of

our people — “The 21st century will be the century of global reparatory justice……. claims for reparation will not go away. Rather like the waves upon our beautiful shores they will keep coming until reparatory justice is attained”. I empathized with Dr. Beckles in his expressing those sentiments; but I implore us now, to be about the addressing of matters aimed at ensuring the energetic involvement of all of the people, after they have been educatedly sensitized, within a conducive climate of just and equitable respect for all the citizens of our lands, regardless of economic status and humanistic delineations.

Our scholars and thinkers of African orientation, must not allow this delicate process to be tainted and compromised by ego-driven political

operators, whose exhibited fickleness and elastic inconsistency, do not dispose them to be deeply sensitive to the pain of spirit which is at the very core of this issue. It must never be used for the re-costuming of any discredited ethos “structurally” compromised by vulgar indiscretions and lack of credibility. The reparation issue should be deemed too important for us to allow it to be used for theatrics.

The “theatre” for delicate medical operators are painstakingly sanitized, surgeons, nurses, instruments, apparel etc. This reparation issue is like uniquely precious milk; we must not spoil it by stirring it with a “dutty spoon”.

LeRoy Providence

Campaign heats up in N.Y WELL, THINGS are really heating up politically. In the space of a few weeks, we have had Jomo Thomas of the ULP, and then Lauren Baptiste and Dr. Lewis of the NDP, doing their thing.

What impresses me is

that it is good to see the politicians home paying more attention to us in the Diaspora. My hope is that they will see us as more than just sources of funding for their campaign.

Needless to say, you

can well imagine how divided we are here (NY) politically, which is no different from what I understand is the situation home.

As I said before, I have known Jomo for a long time, but the two

A response to Jomo Thomas on Ebola Panic and Corporate profit MR. THOMAS’S COLUMN in THE VINCENTIAN of August 15 contains one sensible suggestion and a deal of nonsense.

Sensible suggestion — we need not panic just now about Ebola.

Nonsense: (1) Ebola is possibly a virus manufactured by drug companies to create panic and produce increased profits for themselves. No. No one will make a profit, because the experimental drugs that are now being used have not been fully tested, have not been approved for human use, and are not in commercial production.

(2) Ebola was first identified in Guinea in 1976. No, it was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, although the present West African outbreak started in December 2013 in Guinea.

(3) Africans are left to die while people from developed countries can “always” reach hospitals in developed countries where they get the antidotes to Ebola. No. (a) 3 doctors were repatriated by the organizations which sent them to West Africa. And there is no “antidote,” only experimental drugs that have not been passed as yet for human trials. (b) Africans are now being given the experimental drugs after the WHO agreed that they should be used, but see (1) above — the drugs are not in commercial production, so supplies are very limited.

If anyone would like to see the full letter on which this short version is based, send me an e-mail at pcommissiong41@gmail.com and I will send it to you.

Pat Robinson Commissiong

* Why are people saying the government should say ‘Thank God’ for the NIS and the National Lottery? * How many defaulting employers have been prosecuted by the NIS? * With all this road and bridge construction ready to begin, has government settled its outstanding debts to contractors for projects undertaken and completed? * Would somebody please stand up and give an honest account of the state of the banana industry here?

NDP candidates are new to me. I recall Dr. Lewis as a cricketer. I suppose he thinks he can duplicate his success on the cricket field in the political arena. He should have learned after two defeats, that those two fields are not related. He must go out there and fight all over again.

Baptiste is a young man who sounds very confident. It is good that

that area of St. Vincent can have one of its own represent them.

Montgomery Daniel seems entrenched, so young Baptiste should know he has a fight on his hands.

All in all, the stage is set for a tense political campaign, which I hope will not develop into anything further.

Garnet, NY

V A desperate Arnhim Eustace 10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

does it again

Where is the NIS money?

The Issue

National Insurance Service

THESE DAYS, as a matter of course, one could expect the opposition New Democratic Party to engage in a strategy of telling lies on the ULP administration, in a bid to obtain political support, give the ULP a black eye, and to satisfy their base, particularly those in the Diaspora.

On Monday, August 11th 2014, Arnhim Eustace did not disappoint his party in terms of the statements of untruth adopted by the NDP. In his radio programme on that day, Eustace went to town on a media release issued by the International Monetary Fund, in relation to a US$6.4 million dollar disbursement, under the Rapid Credit Facility, and the Rapid Financing Instrument for St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

The IMF issued the release on August 1st 2014, as release No. 14 of 383. It can be found on the IMF website.

It states quite categorically, in the final paragraphs, that, in respect of the IMF facility and the IMF instrument, “Neither requires any explicit programme-based conditionality or review”.

In light of this, the statement made

by Arnhim Eustace that the government is imposing austerity to “satisfy the agreement which they have made with the IMF”, is mind-boggling, and simply untrue. It is even more preposterous coming from someone who holds a Master’s degree in Economics, and was a former Fiscal Adviser to the NDP, a former Minister of Finance, and subsequently Prime Minister of this country, if even for a period of five months.

IN RECENT TIMES, most Vincentians have been complaining about the manner in which the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government has been managing the National Insurance Service (NIS).

They have raised a number of questions as to the frequent borrowing from the NIS by the government, and they have been calling for the financial statement of the NIS to be made public. However, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace, while he is cognizant of the fact that investment is critical to the National Insurance Service, he has been advising the government constantly that it needs to manage the finances of the NIS in a prudent manner.

At the beginning of this year, contributions to the NIS were increased, so too were the number of contributions for one to become eligible for pension, and the age for one to receive pension also went up.

All those measures were implemented, and we were told by the government that those changes were significant to make the NIS stronger.

Then to everyone’s surprise, on Tuesday 19th August, 2014, the ULP regime brought a resolution to parliament. In that resolution, the government proposed to borrow $15 Million from the NIS, to pay the NIS for outstanding contributions owed by the government to the NIS. Here you have the ULP administration borrowing from the NIS to pay the same NIS. What a disgrace! So the government has been withdrawing the public servants’ 4.5% from their salaries, and have not been paying it to the NIS. And the government also has not been paying its 5.5% which it is obligated to pay. Where is the NIS money? Why it was not paid? What was it used for, Mr. Prime Minister?

The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines need an answer. Is this another master stroke?

It was revealed in parliament by the Leader of the Opposition during the debate, that the ULP regime owed more than $15. Million to the NIS. The Honourable Arnhim Eustace told the nation that the government’s debt to the NIS was $23 Million. But the Prime Minister did not give us that information. Then you may ask, how much money do the statutory corporations owe the NIS? Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, you need to come clean and address all these issues. Are we going to see in the future a similar occurrence? Where the government will be borrowing from the NIS to settle arrears to the NIS for the statutory bodies?

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace for years has been informing us that the ULP government has been experiencing serious financial difficulties, but the Prime Minister has never acknowledged it. Even when the Leader of the Opposition asked questions in parliament about the fiscal out turn for a given period, the answers he received were questionable. But it is crystal clear that this government, headed by Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, is experiencing grave financial problems, to the extent that it is unable to pay the NIS. In addition, it has reduced and limited the budget for BRAGSA and for goods and services. That’s one of the reasons

the 2014 Budget Address delivered by the Prime Minister on January 20th this year. In fact the theme of his budget address speaks for itself. It is entitled “Strengthening the Socioeconomic Base for Recovery and Reconstruction after a Natural Disaster in a Context of On-going Global Economic Uncertainty and Downside Risks”.

It cannot be that Arnhim Eustace and his unpatriotic cast of actors, do not understand what they read. Surely, given the qualifications that they boast about, there must be another reason for these statements, which must be termed idiotic. Even more idiotic, is the jump made by Eustace to describe what is a mundane business activity by the IMF, as the imposition of “austerity” measures on our beloved country.

Conclusion

It must be clear to all Vincentians that the NDP lacks imagination in terms of their leadership. We now know that the NDP intends to reduce the country’s wage bill, by sending home civil servants, if they get into power.

How else can we interpret their support for the laying off process in Barbados, where thousands of workers have been placed on the breadline? How else can we interpret their support for the efforts of the Kenny Anthony administration to reduce the salaries of civil servants in St. Lucia?

Clearly, there cannot be a good strategic move by any political party in government, to hide any austerity The Truth programme agreements from its citizens. The IMF is an international The truth of the matter is easy to organization that is scrutinized by all follow, and the public knows the facts. and sundry, including the NDP. It This country was affected by heavy would be political folly for the ULP to rainfall on December 24th 2013, which hide any so called “austerity measures” resulted in the loss of 12 lives, and an as described by the NDP. estimated damage measured at 15% of So the NDP continues its strategy of the Gross Domestic Product of the scare-mongering, aimed at frightening country.

As part of the effort to raise funds to Vincentians into thinking that the ULP is a multi-headed monster, wreaking alleviate the situation, the government havoc with the economy. Nothing is applied to the IMF for emergency funding. This was aimed at meeting the further from the truth. Indeed, Vincentians have come to realize that urgent foreign exchange needs, stemming from the disaster. The money the NDP and the truth are bitter from the IMF was also aimed at easing enemies.

Contrary to the belief of the NDP, the pressure on the country’s balance of there is no special economic knowledge payments. required to understand what the IMF is On May 19th 2014, Prime Minister saying in its release. All that is required Dr. Ralph Gonsalves penned a letter to is a computer or a smart phone, a the Managing Director of the IMF, connection to the internet, and the Christine Lagarde, seeking the ability to read. emergency funding under the RCF and In this regard, Vincentians are fast the RFI. At the last meeting of the coming to the understanding that Parliament, Prime Minister Gonsalves was at pains to read that letter, so that Arnhim Eustace is not the great economic guru that his party is all and sundry could see that no austerity measures were entered into, or claiming. Neither is he the “cleaner, gentler leader” that is touted in the agreed with the IMF. circles of the NDP. The NDP and In that letter, Prime Minister Arnhim Eustace are the enemies of the Gonsalves re-confirmed a number of poor and the working class in St. strategies that his government has Vincent and the Grenadines. Their only adapted, in light of the current global answer to the current global economic economic and financial crisis and the heavy rainfall in December 2013. These and financial crisis is to cut salaries, and fire public servants. strategies are all aimed at fostering Ring the bell Comrade, so that the macroeconomic stability, restoring economic growth, and to reconstruct our people will get another opportunity to reject them at the polls. It’s ULP to win damaged infrastructure. for a fourth term!

All these strategies are contained in

why the roads are not repaired and we are experiencing difficulties to obtain basic medication at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

While presenting the motion, the Prime Minister failed miserably to convince anyone, not even his own supporters, as to why the NIS was not paid. His lame excuse was because of the 2013 Christmas Eve flood. Mr. Prime Minister, the NIS was not paid since April, 2013. And you are aware of that. It is because of the mismanagement of the country’s economy why we are in this predicament today. You have failed Vincentians. Your administration has destroyed all of the productive sectors.

Under your watch as Minister of Finance, we have lost the National Commercial Bank because of mismanagement by your administration. The NIS needs effective management.

Ah never see more mess “Ah never see more mess”, that’s what most Vincentians are saying as the Unity Labour Party administration continues to mismanage the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since the ULP gained power, we have seen the mismanagement and destruction of this country’s economy. The banana industry is completely destroyed and agriculture is at its lowest. Tourism is steadily declining, businesses are forced to reduce their staff, and poverty has increased. We have experienced four consecutive years of negative growth. In addition, this administration has presented eight consecutive years of deficit budgets.

To make matters worse, for the past three years, public servants have not received any salary increase.

Moreover, the major issue for the year so far has been the numerous allegations of corruption that have been made against the ULP regime.

We must be reminded that this administration is the most corrupt since conquest and settlement to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And we will never forget the situation with the former registrar; the Honourable Arnhim Eustace has not received any answer from the Prime Minister for the questions he asked about the former registrar. Fresh in our minds also are the problems at the consulate in New York. On a daily basis, one hears about money missing in various government departments, and the government has not been taking any action to stem the flow of corruption.

The time has come for the Prime Minister and his bunch of merry men to pack up and go. Do the honourable thing; call the general elections, so that the electorate will have an opportunity to elect a government to manage effectively the affairs of this country. The only alternative is the New Democratic Party. The NDP has a competent team, headed by its esteemed leader the Honourable Arnhim Eustace who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in economics and finance. And it has the programmes and policies to revive the country’s economy, create employment, and restore hope and confidence to the private sector and all Vincentians. It’s time for the NDP.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 11.

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Ordinary People

“God often uses ordinary people for His extraordinary work. It is His light shining through our lives that glorifies God and draws others to Him (Matthew 5:16).” — Poh Fang Chia, Daily Bread Devotional, February 7, 2014 WE SOMETIMES WRONGFULLY assume that the solutions to our problems in business, government, and the society, can only be solved by individuals who have assumed leadership positions in academia, the professions, or politics.

However, this is so far from the truth.

Many of life’s challenges have been overcome by ordinary persons like you and me. God often uses ordinary people to do His extraordinary work. And if you and I make ourselves available, He can do extraordinary work through us too.

Many of us have been blessed with multiple talents. Sometimes they appear to become so commonplace to us that we devalue their importance, and neglect to use them to bless others and ourselves. Pause for a moment and reflect on the number of individuals who appear to be gifted in so many ways, and yet never appear to maximize their God-given abilities.

Let us now do a much more personal exercise; let us reflect on the number of talents and abilities that you and I have, and how infrequently we seem to use them to brighten the corner where we are; skills, talents, and abilities that we have allowed to dry up for lack of use. Sometimes we wrongfully conclude that we are “just ordinary persons,” and that “our insignificant contributions” really do not matter. But they can make a significant difference — if we would only have faith. Be assured that God often uses ordinary persons (like you and me) to accomplish extraordinary feats.

Philip Adams (born 1939) stated it so well when he remarked, “It seems to me that people have vast potential.

Most people can do extraordinary things if they have the confidence or take the risks. Yet most people don’t.

They sit in front of the telly and treat life as if it goes on forever.” Phillip Adams is an Australian farmer, broadcaster and public intellectual.

He currently hosts an ABC radio programme, Late Night Live, four nights a week, and writes a weekly column for The Australian. His words reach across the globe to encourage and inspire us to look for those opportunities that we can engage in to influence lives and communities for the better. But we must be prepared to take the calculated risk. We must be prepared to be proactive. We must be prepared to take those incremental steps that can impact others (and ourselves) for good.

Today is as good a time as any for us to revisit some of the plans that we had placed on the backburner (waiting for a more convenient time) and possibly thinking that we do not have what it takes to make a positive difference; that we are “too ordinary”

to have a positive impact on that neighbour who we perceive to be walking along a path to physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial destruction. Today is probably the day when we need to remind ourselves that ordinary persons have lifted individuals and communities to new heights of achievement.

Ordinary people have started movements that resulted in schools being built, communities receiving potable water, environmental projects getting started, roads being constructed, libraries erected, and so on. Ordinary persons, with extraordinary vision and passion, can change the world.

The now world-famous Mother Theresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, (1910-1997) commenced her mission in India as an ordinary nun. Her charitable works, especially her selfless caring for the sick and dying on the streets of Calcutta, has left a legacy that many will find it difficult to emulate. One ordinary woman, caring for those thousands of miles away from her homeland (Germany), improved the lives of many.

Winston “Spree” Simon (1930-1976) was an ordinary man who developed an extraordinary musical instrument — the steel pan. “Spree” was born in Rosehill, East Dry River, Port of Spain, Trinidad. His “musical ear”, talented hands, and innovative spirit allowed him to “see and hear beyond the ordinary forty-five discarded steel drums” to invent of the Ping Pong Steel Pan instrument. Winston had no university education. He attended no academy of music. But this “ordinary man” mesmerised audiences throughout Trinidad with his “creation”. And this ordinary man was part of the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) that visited Great Britain in 1951 and dazzled audiences with the sounds that can emerge from a discarded oil drum when touched with two pieces of sticks with ends covered with rubber tubing.

Readers can now add their own “ordinary people” to my relatively short list. But we can do better than that too. So many of us could now go to the mirror and stare at someone once thought to be an “ordinary person” but now reclassified. We rebrand that individual to be “an ordinary person with extraordinary potential”. Staring back from that mirror may be another Theresa, another Spree, ... another me!

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

NIS and government borrowing AN INTERESTING POLICY conversation with far reaching implications for the future of SVG took place in the last two weeks. It reached a high point last Tuesday when the parliament debated and passed a resolution that allowed the government to borrow EC$15 million from the NIS so as to meet the outstanding payment owed to the NIS. The loans were secured in the form of a 10-year treasury note at a rate with an interest rate of 4.5 percent.

There were fundamentally two radically opposing views on the issue of the loan. PM Gonsalves, in defending the resolution, admitted that the economy of SVG, like the others in the Caribbean, was experiencing major challenges. These challenges have been made worse, he said, by the crisis in international capitalism that took hold in 2008 and continues to this day.

This crisis has been compounded by the series of natural disasters which have struck and destabilized, disrupted and in other cases dislocated large sections of the economy. Hurricane Tomas, The April Floods (2011), the extended dry season and extensive drought of recent years and the devastation caused by the Christmas Eve floods (2013) which destroyed 17 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or over EC$300 million in in roads, bridges, forest and agriculture.

These conditions necessitated the need for cash, and created a cash flow problem for the government. That was the context in which 8 months of government contributions, owed to the National Insurance Service was not paid over. With the resolution the government intends to pay the NIS by borrowing EC$15 million, which are secured by government issued Treasury Notes over a 10-year period with a 4.5 percent interest.

The opposition in the run-up to the debate in parliament, argued that the government by not paying and by borrowing from the NIS, was in fact placing the future of workers and pensioners at risk. More importantly, the argument was that these are signs that things are bad economically.

Mr. Eustace maintained that essentially the workers are being asked to pay twice. Dr Friday maintained that when it comes to the NIS, government should be there to shore up the institution if it invests in entities that fail and cannot repay (BAICO and CLICO). St Clear Leacock thundered that the NIS is not the problem; the problem is the manner in which the government is managing the economy.

Things are hard and difficult for the private sector, Leacock moaned. We have to fix the economy, create more jobs, find more investment capital and create a more vibrant private sector. Linton Lewis rounded up the opposition argument by intoning that government was creating a poverty trap, and warned that if government continues to dig into the NIS, soon there will be nothing left.

Now, what is the context in which this resolution must be viewed? Is there any real threat to the NIS and to the pensions of workers? Are there warning signs that we must take into consideration as we analyze this resolution?

In an ideal world one would hope that governments will never have to borrow moneys from the pension funds of workers. But there is no ideal world.

In the real world of everyday politics and crushing economic problems brought on fundamentally by the crisis in international capitalism, governments are forced to do all manner of creative things to find moneys to ensure that they meet the obligation of governance.

St Vincent is no exception, and the problems in SVG are compounded by the additional pressures which have been brought about by Hurricane

Tomas (2010), the 2011 April floods, the extended dry season and extensive drought between the April 2011 and the crushingly devastating Christmas Eve floods of 2013 which in less than six hours destroyed 17 percent of our gross domestic product, the equivalent of more than EC$300 million. Even as the country worked to repair the damage caused by these disasters, the daily acts of governance had to go on.

There are threats to the NIS, but these are long term. The latest actuarial study and the IMF point to a problem that may loom in 30 years rather than immediately. In fact, the study showed that, even if the NIS did not collect another cent, it will be able to pay all pensions that become due for another 10 years.

But the pressures are mounting. A retiree from the service collects in pensions all the moneys she put into the fund after 3 years of collection.

Studies show that it will take the monthly payments of about 20 workers to meet the pensions of one retiree. The sustainability of the NIS therefore lies in increasing the percentage of the worker’s salary withheld each month and possible lengthening the working life of each employee.

Critical to a proper debate on the EC$15 million loan is an understanding that, unlike the private sector that may have difficulties making the payments to the NIS, the government pays a 4.5 percent interest.

Additionally that in SVG, the Government has one of the best record in the Caribbean as it relates to loans borrowed from the NIS. Antigua has the worst record where out of an investment portfolio of $369 million, 84 percent of the portfolio was invest in government credit, In Barbados (75 percent), St Kitts and Nevis (49.3 percent), Bahamas (40 percent).

In SVG there is only 10.7 percent of the NIS portfolio invested in government credits. And there is a cap.

Government can only invest up to 25 percent of the NIS funds. There is no cap in Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, and Anguilla.

There is another point which the opposition apparently did not know and had its sails knocked out completely.

Our laws make the government the guarantor last resort. It means that if any party including the private sector defaults on paying contributions over to the NIS, it is the government responsibility in law to make those payments.

Therefore, the people of the country must bear this in mind as it thinks about the resolution. While the moneys were not paid for 8 months, government continued with its business. Workers were paid on time each month, more than 104 homes were rebuilt for those who suffered from the December floods, high school children were given computers to enhance their education and learning, Rivers were cleared and clean, roads are being repaired and the country amidst the difficulties continues to move along.

If anyone were to ask me what I will prefer to see our government do, I will say without one moment of hesitation, help to improve the lives of the poorest, most vulnerable sections of the population, come to the people with a transparent admission of difficulties, commit to repay the loan, and make good on monthly payments as they become due. Sounds like democracy in action to me.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

V

12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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Poverty with parasitic Taiwan, or jobs, jobs with generous China?

TAIWAN CAME TO SVG over 30 years ago, with the spurious pretence of helping SVG’s agricultural sector.

One only needs to look around SVG to see that agriculture is virtually dead. Taiwan has been useless, and Taiwan’s presence in SVG is holding back our country and perpetuating poverty.

Taiwan is a parasite. Taiwan uses SVG’s deep sea fish licence and makes billions of dollars. For every dollar that Taiwan gives SVG in donations, they cream-off about a thousand dollars. SVG must take back our deep sea fish licence from Taiwan, and deport the Taiwan Ambassador.

For SVG to move forward and create thousands of new jobs, we must cut ties with parasitic Taiwan, and establish ties with generous China. China will invest in our economy.

China has had ties with Zimbabwe for over 30 years, and has been generous in boosting the Zimbabwean economy and creating thousands of new jobs. China has invested heavily in Zimbabwe’s economy and opened up its own economy in 1980 to establish bi-lateral trade ties with Zimbabwe.

Bi-lateral trade volumes between Zimbabwe and China doubled between 2010 and 2013 to US$1.1 billion. In 2013, Zimbabwe’s trade surplus to China was US$274 million. Parasitic Taiwan has not bothered to create bi-lateral trade links with SVG or build one factory. SVG businesses have not been given opportunities to export to Taiwan, and this is

holding back our economy.

In Zimbabwe, China has built three state-of-theart 200-bed hospitals and a university. It is an insult to the people of SVG that Taiwan creams-off billions of dollars from SVG’s deep sea fish licence, and gives SVG in return a few bits of equipment for the Kingstown hospital, and about 20 university scholarships a year.

The 20 scholarships represent opportunities for fewer than 1 per cent of the number of children starting school each year. SVG needs its own university, so that about 50 to 70 per cent of each school year graduates from university as in the UK and Denmark. SVG needs to make ties with generous China. With an educated population, we will boost SVG’s economy significantly.

The 2013 Fisherman of the Year said that SVG’s fish industry is a billion dollar industry. This is true, and to make this billion dollar industry benefit Vincentians, we must get rid of the parasite Taiwan and form a joint-venture fishing industry with China. This industry will create over a thousand new jobs.

A billion dollar joint-venture fishing industry with China will have a multiplying effect in job creation, and will create hundreds of new jobs for our people in associated industries such as fish canning and curing, fish oil processing, fish exporting, ice-making plants, cold-storage services,

boat-building yards, fishing net manufacturing, and engine repair and maintenance services.

After 33 years of the SVG — Taiwan relationship, our economy is on the verge of collapse, there is high unemployment, high crime and substantial poverty throughout the country. Both the NDP and the ULP regimes seem happy to let Taiwan abuse our country, and let Vincentians continue to suffer.

They do not have the vision to see the need for change and for bi-lateral trade agreements to be established with China.

In order to create thousands of new jobs for our people, a Green government will cut ties with parasitic Taiwan, and set up bi-lateral trade ties with generous China. This will provide opportunities for SVG businesses to export, and boost the SVG economy. In turn, this will get money circulating around the country and create jobs, jobs, jobs for our people.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Network for the promotion of the girl child ON SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST, 2014, The Committee for the Development of Women, the Commonwealth Women’s Network and the CASMAC Partners of the Americas Alumni Association launched the Campaign against Violence — “When Sleeping Women Awake, Mountains Will Move” - with a Conference on the Girl Child.

The Conference was addressed by Dr. Ro-Ann Quashie-Harry, Hon.Camillo Gonsalves, and Feature Speaker, 10-year-old Makeda Miguel.

Dr. Quashie-Harry shared some startling statistics which showed that the girl child was open to sexual assault from as early as 3 years old.

She said that unfortunately, most of the reported cases go unpunished because, although the law has certain protections, the silence on the part of the victims, makes it difficult to get conviction of the perpetrators. She mentioned the work being undertaken through the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and appealed to victims to break the silence on child abuse.

Hon. Camillo Gonsalves urged the young women to recognize their potential, and prepare themselves for leadership, alongside men, in places of business and government where women once thought they had no place. He was adamant that the girl child be assisted to grasp the opportunity to get an education, and should not be hindered by early pregnancy and other forms of deprivation. He shared his vision that in time to come, the 50/50 male-female ratio in the population would be reflected in the composition of Parliament. Senator Gonsalves’ analysis of the educational trends

pointed to the fact that in a few years, women would own and manage businesses, and be in strong positions of leadership in society. He recognized the need for changing work conditions, as many single mothers had to work, and needed care for their children between 2.30 p.m. when the school day ended, and the end of their work day.

Feature Speaker Makeda Miguel captivated her audience with her opening statement — “My name is Makeda Miguel, and I am ten years old. Please remember this name, as I am destined for great things that would aid in developing St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am aspiring to become a politician, with being the Prime Minister as the end result. I am fortunate to grow up in a home that values me as a girl child. I am sent to school and pushed to excel in my education. I am also encouraged to be anything I want to be. This is not so for many girls throughout the world, who are forced to quit school because they are turned into wives and mothers at this tender age. We might love to turn a blind eye to the fact that right here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, us young girls are robbed of our innocence and turned into sexual partners before our time.

We are molested and abused by the very persons that are supposed to love and protect us. Please stop it! We are the future!

“Everywhere we turn, we are hearing that there should be equal rights for men and women. Yet, our women are gunned down and chopped to pieces. It’s scary! I feel happy when I watch the news and hear about us having no tolerance for crime against women and girls. Let’s put it

Participants and organisers of the recently concluded Conference on the Girl Child. into practice. I hope it doesn’t wait until I am the Prime Minister for this to happen. By then, too many of our women and girls will be gone”.

In an appeal to her age group, Makeda said “Let’s hear their cries now and do something about it. It’s never too young to start. “ In July 2012, the SecretaryGeneral’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign proclaimed every 25th of the month as Orange Day. Initiated and led by the UNiTE campaign’s Global Youth Network, worldwide activities implemented on this day by UN country offices and civil society organizations strive to highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls, not only once a year, on 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), but every month.

The 12-member Steering Committee for the Network is comprised of — Makeda Miguel, Tamika Miguel, Moet Allick, Stevana Maloney, Antoaneta Young, Jumar Durham, Shelly-Ann Lavia, Tinisha Jack, Tameisha

Providence, Zemella Williams, Allana Simmons, and Cleopatra Miguel. The Chair of the Committee is Makeda Miguel. They will be Camillo Gonsalves supported by with feature speaker six adult Makeda Miguel.

Mentors —Silma McLean, Faustina Lewis, Dr. Ro-Ann Quashie, Kenlyn Butler, Janna Johnson and Nelcia Robinson.

The Steering Committee’s first activity will be to use the occasion of Orange Day — 25th August, 2014, to send a Message to the Nation towards ending discrimination against the girl child. By a happy coincidence, this month, UNiTE #Orange Day will also focus on violence against the girl child.

Nelcia Robinson Conference Coordinator

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 13.

News

New Executive promises to revitalize VINSA St. Augustine to declare that, with the new executive in place, “VINSA St. THE VINCENTIAN STUDENTS Augustine is alive”. He Association (VINSA) St. explained that the executive Augustine has been dormant for will be conducting a set of a while now, but the newly activities, “more culturally elected executive of the based to integrate our Vincentian society at the Vincentian students with the university in Trinidad is university life and, as the promising to revitalize the mandate of VINSA states, to organization. To this end, the improve the social and Association outlined a set of economic wellbeing of our initiatives that it says would help students who attend the to achieve its objective. university”. According to the In April, the Vincentian president, the association has students at St. Augustine got planned seminars, exhibitions, together to elect a new outings, cocktails and executive. Ronen Francis was meetings, and as the new elected as the new president semester approaches, VINSA replacing Emil Dougan; will be assisting new students Kemeisha Williams now holds with the process of the mantle of Second Vice registration and matters President; Vadeesha John, concerning administration at Secretary; Charmine Crozier, the university.

Treasurer; Jiwani Peters, Students who are currently Public Relation Officer; while experiencing financial Shazelle Isaac and Maxwell difficulties at the university, Stewart were selected as the stand a chance to benefit from two Committee members. the revitalization process, The current executive according to Francis. “ For the visited THE VINCENTIAN continuing students , newspaper as part of their sometimes they may encounter public outreach initiative, and difficulties, the money might to explain how this not come through the bank revitalization process would yet, so VINSA is there to aid take shape. in helping to cushion some of President Francis was quick those costs, where we see fit,”

by KENVILLE HORNE

he assured.

Adjusting to university life can be quite challenging for many students, especially in a foreign land, and VINSA is quite cognizant of this. “So we are there now to give you that family base, because persons get home-sick and forget about their real purpose at university. They forget about the school life, because they long for home. This is a place where now you have to start doing things on your own …... so we are here to bring that togetherness as well. We are going to be your family,” promised Francis, even as he admitted that togetherness among Vincentian students in Trinidad is lacking. “Over the past years since I have been in Trinidad, the togetherness hasn’t been there, because of lack of information and problems with reaching the students,” Francis said, a past student of the St. Vincent Grammar School, said.

The situation is even more complicated, as the Service Commissions has been reluctant to disclose to the Association, the contact information for the prospective students.

L-R: Maxwell Stewart, Committee member; Charmin Crozier, Treasurer; Vadeesha John, Secretary; Jiwana Peters, PRO, and Ronen Francis, President.

The issue of financing the Association is also on the front burner for VINSA, and the President is appealing for support. He is of the view, that in order to do anything in Trinidad, it comes with a cost.

Therefore “Support from home is very important,” acknowledged Francis.

Meanwhile Treasurer Crozier, a former Girls’ High School student, is appealing to the business community here, for their support. She said that there are agencies in St. Vincent that normally support VINSA. These include GECCU, Coreas, Ministry of Tourism, and now on board is Vincy Clust. Still she would like to see more support, so that they can execute their programme effectively.

Support is also required from the Alumni, not just finance, but moral support.

But, even as the Executive is soliciting outside support, they have already gone ahead with their fundraising initiative. On the 2nd August, the Association conducted a successful food sale under the Singer Gallery. The proceeds would go towards assisting the new students, in terms of purchasing and printing VINSA shirts and organizing a welcoming ceremony, and other fundraising initiatives are in the works.

VINSA St. Augustine is the representative body of all Vincentian Students at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies.

14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Thousands converge for 3rd Annual Vincy Unity Picnic the people I’m seeing today, I’ve not seen in years.”

Wayne John, a recently-retired civil servant, who hails from Belair, said he was attending the third picnic, adding that he will not miss it for anything.

“Anywhere my people are, I’m there,” he said. “Unity is strength.

It’s nice to see Vincentians come out in their numbers and share one common goal – unity.”

Boston-based Joseph "Boa" McIntosh (R), drummer for defunct Latinaires Orchestra, with Earl Horne and Sandra Millington.

Sections of the party crowd.

first time attending the picnic. “Hope you guys will keep it peaceful.”

Nearby, Amelia Edwards, of Chauncey and past SVGAM president, said it was her third trip.

“It’s getting better,” she said. “It’s always good to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.”

Jasmine Andrews, of Mesopotamia, said she and some family members took the four-hour-long trek by car from Washington, D.C. “This is my first time, and I’ll come again,” said the past president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Association of Washington, D.C., as she linked up with Janet Wyllie of Evesham. Both founded the J & J Foundation to help needy children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“This is a way to bring Vincentians together,” Andrews added.

Cecelia Thomas, of Murray’s Village, Kingstown, said she was also attending the picnic for the first time.

“I’m seeing different people and those I’ve not seen in years, including my school mates,” she said. “It’s really a back-home feeling.”

Back at the entertainment stage, the newly-formed Friends of Sion Hill honored calypsonian and former Deputy New York Consul General, Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas, for his “outstanding contributions and service to the Vincentian community throughout the years.”

ideas together, we can achieve more,” he said. “We’ve got to put our ideas together.

Ezekiel "Sports" Williams (L) and “I’ve got to ask you please to keep husband and wife Dennis Swift, of this unity together,” he Richland Park, and Ave Browne-Swift, Thousands of Vincentian nationals in added. “Let us build of Belair.

North America last Saturday converged together.” on Heckscher State Park on Long Laverne McDowIsland, a New York City suburb, for the As she chatted up a storm with ald-Thompson, 3rd Annual Vincy Unity Picnic. her old school mate, Ezekiel president of the The gathering – which attracted “Sports” Williams, of Arnos Vale, at Brooklyn-based over 5,000 nationals from all walks of the Belair Government School, Ave Council of St. life from major cities and towns in Browne-Swift, said it was just Vincent and the the US and Canada, and even from fitting to support Vincentians in the Grenadines home – was said to be even larger US, who, over the years, have been Organizations, than the preceding years. attending a similar picnic at Brown’s U.S.A., Inc. (COSANationals came by Bay Park in the 1,000 Is. area in GO), the umbrella bus and cars from, Vincentian group COSAGO President Ontario, Canada. among other places, “I came because they always in the US, said and member of the Toronto; Washingshe was grateful organizing commit- come over (to Canada)”, said the ton, D.C.; Boston, Toronto-based Browne-Swift, who that nationals tee, Laverne Philadelphia; and attended the picnic for the first took time off to McDowald-ThompBrooklyn for the participate in son, addressing the time, accompanied by her husband, spectacular get-toDennis Swift, of Richland Park. “I the event. massive picnic. gether. promised that I’ll come, and it’s “We’re “All you Vincengood.” grateful that you’ve made the tians, if you did not “The service was real good on the sacrifice,” said McDowald-Thompson, come, this will not bus,” chimed in Mr. Swift, eating who is also a member of the be possible,” New NY Consul General organizing committee. “Continue to from a plate of pelau. “I know it’ll York Consul Gener- Selmon Walters (picnic) get bigger and bigger every enjoy this event. Continue to reach al Selmon Walters, addresses the year.” us.” chair of the organiz- picnic.

Hanging out with Earl Horne and Ricardo “Puzzle” Grant, a tent ing committee, told Sandra Millington, members of manager and costume builder with the party crowd during a break in COSAGO, Joseph “Boa” McIntosh, SVG Players International, said he entertainment, from the assembled drummer with Latinaires, the was attending the picnic for the very Continued on Page 15. stage at the north eastern corner of defunct popular first time. the park’s camp grounds.

Vincentian band of “I’m enjoying it,” said Grant, a “Vincy U.S.A. is here to the early 1970s, Kingstown Hill native, who is assiststay,” he exclaimed. “All said he came by ing the Brooklyn-based Mas Producwho bring food, don’t bus with members tions Unlimited, a Vincentian mas carry them home. of the band owned by veteran mas Share with everyone.

Boston-based St. producer, Wesley Millington, Long live St. Vincent Vincent and the with its production for the West and the Grenadines!

Grenadines Indian American Day Carnival Long live our Association of Parade, on Brooklyn’s Eastern people!”

Massachusetts Parkway, on Labor Day Monday, Walters’ Toronto (SVGAM).

Sept. 1, in a VINCENTIAN intercounterpart, Fitzger“From what view. “It’s important for us to ald Huggins, said I’ve seen, it’s a interact, because we have a unity was paramount Toronto Consul nice gathering,” tendency to move away from one General Fitzgerald in nation-building. he said, disclosing Cyril "Scorcher" Thomas, with plaque, flanked by another, especially in a place like “If we can put our Huggins delivering this (US),” he added. “Some of that it was his members of Friends of Sion Hill. his speech.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 15.

Thousands converge for 3rd Annual Vincy Unity Picnic Continued from Page 14. who hailed from Kingstown Hill, told THEVINCENTIAN. In accepting the Distinguished Commu“I am especially pleased to see that nity Service Award, there are so many Thomas told Friends of young people present, Sion Hill and the huge because it means that crowd: “I thank you very much, and I hope the celebration of our heritage and culture your unselfishness will continue to pass on continues.” from generation to The Vincy Unity generation,” added the Picnic also featured judge at Kings County gospel, cultural, reggae (Brooklyn) Supreme and soca segments, as well as Digicel and Court.

Rudolph “Slim” Vincentian American Daniel, a retired US Independent National Navy Petty Officer, Charities, Inc. (VINCI) giveaways. originally from Fitz Hughes, a Cha“It is so wonderful teaubelair suburb, who to see so many Vincentians here, wearing their Vincy colors with such pride, celebrating and reconnecting with fellow Vincentians from New York and as far away as Canada,” Judge Sylvia Ash, whose late father, Rudolph Judge Sylvia Ash (back row, L) with “Fire” Ash, members of the Ash family.

Eating roast breadfruit, banana and salftish

Donna Lewis-Price (center with Vincy flag), of Kingstown, with daughter Shevon Lewis, an immigration attorney, and Shevon's friend, Briante Najev, of Indiana.

attended the picnic, like many others, for the first time, said it was “important for Vincentians to come together and share fellowship, because we don’t do enough of this.”

For James Cordice, the mastermind behind St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the prestigious Penn Relays in Phila-

delphia, Pennsylvania, the picnic was “nice, still nice.

“I’ll always be nice,” said the Clare Valley native and ex-president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP), who coordinated a busload of nationals from the “State of Brotherly Love.” “We just have to keep the young people

occupied.”

Veteran mas producer Wesley Millington (L) with James Cordice.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 17.

Education

Five receive disability scholarship

by KENVILLE HORNE FIVE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY are now in a better position to continue their education, following the presentation of scholarships from the National Society of Persons with Disability (NSPD).

During a presentation ceremony on Tuesday at Thompson House in New Montrose, the students were handed cheques that would ease the financial burden on their parents. The five recipients are: Devin Richards, a student of the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School; Venelle Miller of Helping Hand Center; Phil Ollivierre, Sunshine School in Bequia; and Ria Barker and Meliesha Sutherland from the School for Children with Special Needs Georgetown.

The Scholarship fund is the brainchild of the late Melanie McKenzie, former president of the National Society of Persons with Disability. According to Patricia Cumberbatch, current NSPD President, “McKenzie saw the struggles that parents had with such children, trying to get them into school, finding transportation, providing lunch and other necessary things.”

For the last ten years, the chief fund-raising drive was via a march through the streets of Kingstown, followed by a rally which showcased the students’ ability and creativity. This year, the NSPD raised EC$ 3,000, and the president expressed thanks to the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank for a donation of EC $ 1,000. She confessed that the society would have liked to assist three more children, but could not do so because of limited finance. “We are not a profit making organization…, so we are seeking support from the general public, from the private sector, who would want to help us to help these children. Because people with disability, they are capable, they have the capabilities, and nothing like starting them with an early education. May be they are physically challenged …. But look at it in a positive light,” said Cumberbatch.

Vice President of NSPD, Stanley Richards said he was happy to be a part of the distribution of the scholarships. “It’s something I take a lot of pride in doing. I like to assist persons with disability, being somebody with a disability; and plenty of us only see the inability of the persons, we don’t see the ability.

But just like any other person, those persons who we call people with disability have a lot of ability,” declared Richards. He expressed thanks to the persons and organizations that assisted, while

appealing for more support from the business community.

Barbara Charles, who collected on behalf of Phil Olliver, expressed thanks to the Society for the scholarship.

She commended the organization for its insight, and appealed to the businesses in SVG to contribute toward helping the needy.

L-R (Front row): Patricia Cumberbatch and Ria Barker, (Back row) Veinetha Conliffe (on behalf of Miller), Stanley Richards, Barbara Charles and Meliesha Sutherland.

LIME hands out National Scholarships to deserving students ANOTHER milestone was reached for telecommunications provider LIME this year, with the presentation of a new batch of national scholarships to well deserving students.

On Tuesday this week, LIME Senior Marketing and Corporate Communications Executive Nikala Williams handed over cheques to four new recipients, one internal, and the other three external, as well as to students who are already on the company’s scholarship programme.

Khalil DaSilva, the son of Sophia Williams, was this year’s lone internal scholarship recipient.

The former Kingstown Preparatory School student placed 85th for 211th for boys, and will be attending the St Vincent Grammar School.

The marketing executive indicated that, because there was just one internal recipient, LIME decided to award one extra external student with a scholarship, bringing the total to three.

The external scholarship recipients are Fayanna Daniel, the daughter of Fayon Daniel, and Deandra Browne, daughter of Dahlia Browne, who would both be attending the Girls’ High School, as well as Jamal Pope, son of Shornette Pope, who would be joining Da Silva at the Grammar School.

General Manager Leslie Jack was later interviewed and expressed, “We present these cheques to these students today, as part of our commitment to the Vincentian community that we serve each day, and also because they’ve demonstrated a willingness to succeed, and that must be celebrated.”

The students will each receive $1400 yearly from

Vinlec supports eight through education awards programme St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) will provide assistance to eight children through the Company’s Education Awards programme in 2014.

The scholarship programme, which was set up in 1984, seeks to provide children of employees with educational opportunities that will help them to reach their greatest potential, and prepare them to participate in national development. The programme provides assistance to students at both Secondary and Tertiary levels.

The Company has awarded scholarships to eight children who were successful in the 2014 sitting of the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) that was held in May. Of these, five have been awarded full scholarships valued at twelve hundred dollars annually, while three others are recipients of bursaries. The Secondary School scholarship will

last for five years.

At an orientation session held earlier this month, Chief Executive Officer of VINLEC, Mr. Thornley Myers, called on the parents to continue to support the children as they embark on this new journey, noting that they too can continue their learning and growth. Mr. Myers encouraged the children to remain focused, stating that it is imperative Six of the eight awardees with that they continue to work VINLEC’s CEO Thornley Myers. hard. He said that the Gibson, Keah Thompson and Thea world is becoming more Nichols. competitive, and urged the There are currently twentyawardees to use the opportunities seven persons on the Scheme, being afforded to them wisely. twenty-five at the Secondary level This year’s scholarship recipients are Bertrand Muckett, and two at the Tertiary Level.

The 2014 tertiary level awardees Claris-Ann Joseph, Elrias will be named shortly after the Williams Jr., Shakira Melville results of the A’Level and Kalil Doyle. Those who examinations become available. received bursaries include Kiara

L-R: Deandra Browne, Khalil DaSilva, Fayana Daniel and Jamarl Pope with Senior Marketing and Corporate Communications Executive of LIME Nikala Williams.

Form One to Three, and from Form Four to Community College, they will receive $1600.

Williams also handed out cheques to students who are already on the scholarship programme, and noted that the company looked forward to adding more students to the list; a sign that LIME was dedicated to the educational advancement of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

She pointed out that the top three finalists of the LIME Lions Club Public Speaking Competition were added to the list of scholarship awardees, but since there was no competition last year, the company was looking forward to making a presentation next year.

The LIME National Scholarship Awards, since its implementation 31 years ago, has disbursed close to $800,000 to students.

18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 19.

Arts

Musical excitement at the GHS

programme and a new “depth to the music” at WHEN THE NEW academic year the GHS. Teacher of opens this September, the Girls’ Music at the school, Mrs. High School will boast a brand Donna Clarke, is a new musical ensemble, well on foremost player in the its way towards becoming an establishment of the Members of the GHS ensemble performing orchestra. group. She performs its at the school’s 2014 graduation ceremony in This feature, the first of its administrative duties.

June. kind in the history of the Mrs. Clarke said that the ensemble in June,” he said “I school, was presented to the school started the CSEC Proud music teacher teach violin, flute, recorder public in its debut exam with one Music Dexter Bacchus and clarinet.” Speaking for performance at the school’s student. Since then, the SVG Music Association, graduation ceremony held at participation has instruments, arranges the Mr. Parris said that, “We have the Kingstown Methodist increased, with music now music and conducts the wanted this to happen for Church in June, 2014. The being offered in the higher ensemble. He told THE years! We couldn’t seem to get ensemble comprises forty-five Forms. Teachers are now VINCENTIAN that it “adds to schools interested in the idea”. members from the 1st to the more available, and this has the quality and value of the He outlined that a major goal 3rd Forms. They play a wide ‘righted’ the disconnect which academic life of the student, range of instruments, which was taken advantage of in the and goes a long way in helping will be to get students to take examinations and not only to include strings, woodwinds, 4th and 5th Forms. The with discipline and aesthetic practise. percussion, piano, and steel ensemble, then, will whip up artistic appreciation”. He said With the school now set to pan. continued excitement for that all tutors are hopeful that experience greater musical music at the school. the ensemble “will not just development atop the vibrant The Orchestra Idea Additionally, Music teacher stay with the GHS, but will programme already existing The Orchestra Makers Mr. Dexter Bacchus from the provide players for any there, and the students about This effort, which aims at Curriculum Unit, is assigned national youth orchestra to become absorbed in the new the revival of a musical Mrs. Bowman expressed her to the school. Mr. Bacchus endeavor that will be formed school year’s musical tradition in St. Vincent and excitement at the advent of has been on board from Day in the future”. excitement, the Girls’ High the Grenadines, began as a the ensemble, calling it an One and is also excited. He To cover tutorship in wonderful concept between the addition of such an important plays a pivotal role, in that he strings, Mr. Floyd Parris was School promises to make the effort for continuation and administration of the school dimension to the music tutors in the playing of wind coopted. “I started with the growth of this new feature. and the GHS Toronto

by GLORIAH…

Alumnae. According to Mrs. Andrea Bowman, Headmistress of the school, the idea “was pushed since 2006 by the GHS Toronto Alumnae at a Summit held to plan for the school’s centenary celebrations”. She told THE VINCENTIAN that the group, with special insistence from Ms. Barbara Cuffy, had made it their responsibility “to make sure that the school get an orchestra”. Later, when Ms. Cuffy died and the group wanted to do something in her honour, they began to source instruments. They have donated a keyboard, and wind and string instruments. Some instruments were subsidized by the Curriculum Development Unit within the Ministry of Education.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Begging to see my children been asking to see me (so I have been told), and yet this woman is adamant I HAVE 2 children with a woman who is no longer in that it is not going to happen. She started this my life. I have been stupidity since I met my begging her to let me in the children’s life, but she present wife, and it is no secret that she is jealous has been stubbornly of her. I met her a few refusing. want to see my children, My daughters, 3 years days ago, and she made I have to sleep with her it clear to me that if I and 7 years old, have at least twice per week

Dear George,

or more and that is her only condition. I told my wife what she said, and my wife now believes that I will agree with such a ridiculous idea. To this day, I cannot convince my wife that I have not agreed with what was told to me so, I am writing to you for a solution.

Fed Up Dear Fed Up, Your wife should know you well enough to know that you still have your principles intact, and that you will never stoop to such levels, even if it means getting to see your children. As the father of these children, you have a legal right to them, and you need to go to the family court and settle this. Do not engage in cross talk with her about visitation rights, but rather let the courts decide on this.

Shock of my life Dear George, MY HUSBAND has been with me for 11 years, and I thought I knew him. I got the shock of my life when he told me that he is still with his ex-wife, and said that the only reason he is telling me is that he wants to be with her and me at the same time. I was still in shock from that when he further told me that his ex-wife wants to come live with us because she has nowhere to live at the moment, since she was evicted from where she was due to no fault of hers. He has been trying to present an argument that we all can live together without any confusion, so long as we understand and cooperate with each other. I said an emphatic no to him, and he said if I do not agree to it, then I have to go on with my life without him. I want to know if he is out of his mind or if he is just doing this to test me or something.

Shocked Dear Shocked, What your husband has asked you to do is beyond the ridiculous, and he needs to rethink his commitment to the marriage. Whatever is behind his need to get his ex wife back into his life and between you two, he has to be told that he cannot live in the past and the present at the same time. It is either he goes and be with his ex-wife, or wake up to the reality that he is now in a committed relationship that needs his undivided attention. There is no place for compromise on this one, and he needs to choose where he wants to be.

George

George

I shouldn’t have to beg Dear George,

Dear Hungry/Angry,

I HAVE A QUESTION for you, and I need your honest answer. How many times a day a married man should be allowed to have sex with his wife, and how many times a week? I have my reasons why I am asking this. My wife seems to think that a man must get down on his knees and beg for what is rightfully his. Today is 3 weeks now we have not touched each other, and all because her friends are telling her that she ought to let me wait so that the sex will be sweeter when it is given. I want to have access to my wife at least 2 to 3 times a day if I want, or at least 5 or 6 times a week. My wife said I am a crazy man to be thinking like that, and calls me a sex maniac. I am giving her one more week to get her act together before I make a decision that will have me getting what I need.

I do not believe that there should be a timetable stuck up on the bedroom wall or on the refrigerator as to the times sexual activities ought to be performed. It should happen when both parties are in the mood, and because of the appreciation for each other, there will be no need for a schedule but rather an understanding of the other’s feelings, mood and desires. The advice given to your wife by her friends is erroneous and should not be adhered to. It will be good for both of you to see a marriage counselor and discuss this further. In the meantime, tell your wife honestly and calmly that your needs are not being met, and this concerns you greatly and the way it is making you feel towards her and the marriage. The idea of giving an ultimatum is not good and can back fire and set a negative blaze to your marriage.

Hungry/Angry

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Renovations or purchases made for your home will payoff. Hide your cards and learn to say no. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better. You need to pamper yourself for a change.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may find acquaintances being deceptive. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. Real estate investments could be to your ad vantage. Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. You may find that your anger stems from lending or borrowing money. Don't let your personal dilemmas interfere with your goals. Older family members may try to make demands that are impossible for you to handle.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can look into new jobs but don't count on getting help from someone who may have promised you assistance. Hobbies will be good for your emotional well being. Risks will not be profitable. Be willing to listen, but don't be fooled.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. Enjoy the company of relatives this week. Catch up on correspondence.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Good friends will give you honest answers. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Losses could occur if you haven't been careful when dealing with joint financial ventures.

Don't believe everything you hear.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will communicate easily and should be able to accomplish all that you set out to do. Remember that no one can walk through your door if there's someone standing in the doorway. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Secret affairs may be tempting.

Recognition will be yours if you meet your deadline. Y Shopping could cost more than you bargained for. You are likely to reveal information unintentionally.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Get together with friends for some competitive physical activities. Romance could be exciting if you are spontaneous. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. Deceit with coworkers is apparent.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. Do not lend money or belongings to friends. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't get intimately involved with a coworker. Acceptance will be necessary.

You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't let your mate bully you into thinking that you owe them your time and your life. Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Try not to push your philosophies on others. You can make major decisions regarding your professional direction.

ACROSS 1.Cul‐de‐__ 4. Spill the beans 8. Gaze 12. Psychic inits.

13. Decorative trimming 14. Milky‐white gem 15. Reduced 17. “War is __” 18. Parade units 19. Miners’ finds 20. Fesses up 23. “How Dry __” (2 wds.)

25. Rivals 26. Most bizarre 29. Sweet roll 30. Requested 32. Advanced degree (abbr.)

34. Most hotel occupants 36. Shred 37. Conjunction, for short 38. Votes in 40. Great party 43. Female horses 45. Author Wiesel 46. Scratch 50. Lounge about 51. Musical

symbol 52. Mrs. (sp.)

53. Some summer babies 54. Lamarr of films 55. Devil‐__‐ care DOWN 1.Washington VIP (abbr.)

2. Gentle __ lamb (2 wds.)

3. Lifesaving skill (abbr.)

4. Swell 5. Suburban sights 6. Scored 100% 7. Alarm clock’s area 8. Return to one’s abode (2 wds.)

9. Imitator 10. Lose color 11. Building additions 16. Hitters’ stats 20. Andrews, for one (abbr.)

21. Henning or

McClure 22. Restaurant handout 24. Append 26. Gives the nod 27.Specification, for short 28. Definite thing 30. Soot 31. Belly 33. Hosp. employees 35. Mertz and Merman 36. Mrs. Dick Tracy 38. Made

mistakes 39. Tree adjective 40. Ringing device 41. __ vera 42. Farm building

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 21.

44. Competent 47. Suffix for a doctrine 48. “..man __ mouse?”

(2 wds.)

49. Aye’s opposite

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Awesome Gospel opportunity Bar Evangelical Assembly Browne releasing her new album ‘Lord follow the promotion on Facebook Kingstown September 13.

I want to be used.’ under the Awesome Praise Promotions Three persons will be chosen Persons interested in the event can brand. from each of the auditions.

Bascombe describes the event as an opportunity to ON JULY 19, 2014, Vincentian International Airport for 18 “uplift the husband and wife MR years, whist his wife Almira standard of NORRIS ALLEN AND MRS “Patsy” Cooper-Rogers ALMIRA “PATSY” COOPERworked for 29 years at the gospel music ROGERS both residents of Centre for Nursing and here.”

Brooklyn, New York, jointly Rehabilitation in Brooklyn, He contends New York.

L-R: Co-founder of Awesome Praise that the talent is celebrated their retirement birthdays, and were honored The citations given were: Promotions Andrez Bascombe and there, but that by local and regional from the New York State Chairman of the organising committee “we just don’t Costian Cupid. politicians of the City of New Senatorial Candidate Jesse see it.”

L-R: The happy couple, Norris York, for their service to their Hamilton, from The Allen and Almira CooperPERSONS WITH A PENCHANT for Gospel community, longstanding Congresswoman Yvette organisers have Rogers. music, have an opportunity to display contributions to the Clark, New York State opened the pool to their talent and earn some rewards at neighborhood and for being Senator John L. at happy couples resident in any type of gospel the same time. This comes with a overall exemplary good Sampson, the Brooklyn Brooklyn, where they music.

Worshippers Praise event scheduled for citizens. They received Four Borough President’s Office and graciously thanked their Persons wishing Victoria Park Saturday, September 20.

(4) simultaneous awards in the City Council’s Office. family, friends, and co-workers to register will pay a recognition of their sterling They have now retired from in attendance. Following this, According to co-founder of Awesome civil service in the City of New all were treated to a variety of Praise Promotions Andrez Bascombe, the $30 fee, but someone and exemplary contribution and dedication to work York. However, because of winner will receive a Recording Contract can avoid the sumptuous Vincentian and registration charge if profession and their Almira’s love for servicing plus $1500.

American delicacies, and the they complete their community. Together, these others, she continues to do Bascombe was supported by attendees together with the forms and enlist Vincentians have accumulated volunteer work twice per week couple feted the night away to Chairman of the organising committee with Bascombe at among 60 years of loyal and at the Kings Brook Nursing Costian Cupid. exquisite DJ Music and fine cell number 532dedicated service to the City of Home, the River Manner Auditions are carded for the drinks.

New York and the community Nursing Home, and to the less 2827.

It was indeed a momentous Diamond Deliverance Assembly in which they reside. During fortunate in her community.

The finals will occasion and one to be August 23; Barrouallie Family this time, Norris Allen worked To cap off the celebration, a remembered by all.

Worship Centre September 6, and Che also see Singing as a Supervisor at J.F.K. big backyard bash was thrown Evangelist Shirley

Reflections of selfless service and the celebration of excellence for two Vincentians

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 23.

Sports

Findlay: „Lloyd brings experience‰ levels; but except in a few seeing this in the Caribbean cases, they just do not at this time, seem capable of making and it is not the transition from that for want of level to the senior coaching international level. I believe that our cricketers courses and must be groomed from the certification of coaches.” tender ages of 8 or 9, but Lloyd we seem to start to Clive Lloyd led the West played 110 concentrate on their Indies cricket team in its first Test matches, wave of dominance of world talents at 15 years. By scoring 7515 that age, many of them cricket.

Michael Findlay expects runs at an would have already that Clive Lloyd’s wide scoring 1977 average of 46.47. He adopted poor techniques experience will impact runs with one registered 19 hundreds, which develop into bad positively on his role as including a high of 242 not century and 11 Chairman of Selectors. habits, and which become fifties. out, and 39 fifties. extremely hard to break.”

He played 87 ODI’s, On the issue of Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN coaching, Findlay observed that “the WICB has changed the captain, and now the selection panel, but has not touched the critical area of coaching.”

And as he noted President of WITH JUST OVER two weeks before that the selectors can the first Dhaka Bank Cup Test Match the Association, Kishore between the West Indies and only select from the Shallow, said talent that is on show, Bangladesh bowls off at the Arnos that his he pointed to the role Vale Playing Field, the St. Vincent organization and the Grenadines Cricket of coaches as one of “methodically molding Association has assured that they are had completed well into the final stages of fine-tuning talks with the the available talent stakeholders plans for that fixture. into highly Kishore Shallow, who will be The Arnos Vale Playing Field will professional President of the involved in be host to the first West Indies vs. cricketers, capable of preparations for SVG Cricket Bangladesh Test Match 2014 from competing with Association, the hosting of September 5th to the 9th, and three consistent distinction assures that plans the Test Match.

T20s between the West Indies Women at every level in for hosting this “Our and New Zealand women later in the which they year’s international arrangements month. participate. I am not fixtures are well are going into an advanced smoothly, and the cooperation stage. from stakeholders has been exceptional so Jamaica’s total was built on 100 JULIANA NERO and Stacy-Ann far,” Shallow said. from Jody Ann Morgan and 92 Adams emerged top batting and He added that a public awareness

by Stefanie Taylor. bowling performers respectively for and marketing plan will be rolled out Lotoya Providence took 3 for SVG, in the recently concluded West this week, to heighten interest and 46 and 14-year-old Jephrina Indies Super50 cricket tournament, encourage patronage of the matches.

Joseph 2 for 33. held in Dominica.

“An international fixture brings SVG collapsed, mustering a Nero posted the most runs, 122 great benefits to the country, paltry 34, in reply to Guyana’s from five games, with her highest particularly in the area of marketing, 192 in 44 overs. Tremayne being 50 against Jamaica. and we must do everything within our Smart hit 59 and Shermain Stacy Ann Adams, bowling her power to maximize this event,” Campbell 56 for Guyana, with medium pace, picked up 13 wickets, Shallow stressed.

Adams taking 4 for 29 and one behind the tournament’s leading The SVGCA will engage the Shevorne Clark 2 for 34 for wicket taker, Afie Fletcher of Ministry of Education towards having Grenada. Adams best returns were 4 SVG. Juliana Nero topped Stacy-Ann Adams – a number of secondary school students SVG, however, would for 17 against St Lucia. She also the batting averages top wicket taker for attend the first, fourth and fifth days dominate their Windward earned two Player of the Match for SVG, not for the SVG. of the Test Match. island colleagues. They beat St first time. awards.

In 2009, Bangladesh beat an under Lucia by 6 wickets, thanks to In finishing fifth in the 8-team strength West Indies team at Arnos tournament, SVG recorded three wins Adams, 4 for 17, Latoya close on 99 for 3.

Vale, to record their first Test victory Providence, 3 for 10, and Vinisha and two losses in their five matches; SVG recorded their highest total of against the West Indies. beating St Lucia but losing to Jamaica King, 2 for 7, who combined to keep the tournament against Dominica.

Shallow expects that the West and Guyana in the preliminary round, St. Lucia to 58. SVG replied with 58 Samantha Lynch, 50, and Nero, 38, Indies team will be looking for and defeating Grenada and Dominica for 4, Samantha Lynch hitting 35. ensured a total of 157 for 9 in 50 revenge, with many of the established Against Grenada, SVG bowlers in the play-offs. overs. Dominica replied with 84.

Test players, including Chris Gayle, Against Jamaica, SVG replied with proved match winners again, with Shiv Chanderpaul, Darren Bravo and 145 in 48 overs, to Jamaica’s 286 for 6 Clark, career best 4 for 18, Adams, 3 Providence, 2 for 16, and Adams, 2 for 16, led the bowling for SVG. Denesh Ramdin, expected to be on for 23, and Providence, 2 for 8, in 50 overs. Nero led with 50 and Jamaica eventually won the show at Arnos Vale. restricting the ‘Spice Girls’ to 98 all Adams had 32; but SVG found the The SVGCA will open its ticket going difficult against Vanessa Watts, out in 33 overs. Nero led the chase for tournament, beating Guyana in the office at Arnos Vale on 28th August.

SVG, hitting 32 that helped her team finals.

4 for 30. and R. Outar, 3 for 25.

MICHAEL FINDLAY, former West Indies wicket-keeper batsman and Chairman of the West Indies Cricket Selectors, believes newly appointed West Indies Chairman of Selectors, Clive Lloyd should add value to the effort aimed at reviving the fortunes of West Indies.

This view, according to Findlay, is predicated on Lloyd’s wide range of experience.

“Clive Lloyd brings to the West Indies Selection Committee a wealth of experience from his involvement in cricket at the regional, English county and International levels, not only as a player and captain, but as an administrator, having served on the ICC and the West Indies Cricket Board,” Findlay said.

“His success as West Indies captain could only have been achieved by his vast knowledge of the game, and that will also serve him in good stead in his new role,” Findlay added.

Findlay, recognizes that the job of Chairman of Selectors in the Caribbean is never an easy one, given the structure of West Indies cricket and the insularity which still exists among the territories, even

at the Board levels, the latter he describes as being “subtle.”

With that in mind, he cautions that, “Clive will, therefore, not be able to transform the fortunes of West Indies cricket overnight or by the wave of a magic wand.” This, he said, the West Indian public must understand.

With respect to the state of cricket in the region, Findlay, known in cricketing circles as ‘Pope’, for his demonstrations of ‘fair play’ when he was an active cricketer, described it as being very low, adding, “Players do not pay sufficient attention to the basics of the game. The batsmen play too many loose shots. The bowlers are unable to bowl a consistently good line and length, and they do not seem to appreciate the need to read the game and adjust their play to suit the state of the match.

Until those inefficiencies are corrected, West Indies will not be able to compete adequately at the international level.”

He noted, however, that “Surprisingly, West Indies cricketers play outstandingly internationally at the Under-15 and Under-19

Adams, Nero top SVG averages

SVGCA up to the challenge

V Arnos Vale prepares for Test number three 24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

VINCENTIAN that despite the renowned September SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER customary rains, they were becoming a test match venue, confident of having a Test the Arnos Vale Playing Field will match with minimal host its third Test Match from interruptions.

September 5th to 9th 2014.

A release from the SVG On June 20, 1997, the Cricket Association last week Playing Field hosted the Test indicated that they were match played between the moving along confidently with West Indies and Sri Lanka-a preparations, and were in the rain marred match which final period in getting things ended in an exciting draw. at the ready.

When stumps were drawn The executive took office in that match, Sri Lanka, who four months ago, but members were asked to get 269 for are upbeat of handling a first victory, were 233-8. international —a test match-in Brian Lara (115) scored the an efficient and professional first Test century at the way. ground.

The match, for the most With rain coming at some part, based on feedback, will period for most of the days in be far from a sell-out event, the match which takes place in with the West Indies, despite the front end of the hurricane having the likes of Chris Gayle season, many are expressing and the Bravo brothers among concerns about the possibility others, not having the results of a washout, cognisant of the behind them to engage a gotever-present September to-be-there feeling among fans. showers.

The opponents are even less But an official of the SVG appealing, with none of the Cricket Association told the players being a household

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

name, even for those occupied with covering the game.

But still, the SVGCA are optimistic that the love for the game will still see those who they count as diehard fans travelling to the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

This will be the third Test to be hosted by the ground which became the sixth test playing venue in the Caribbean in 1997. The second was between the West Indies and their upcoming opponents.

It too was a historic affair in that it saw the Bangladeshi recording their first Test win over a West Indies team.

Opener Tamim Igbal, who is returning with the squad, holds the record for the highest individual score, with 128 in helping his team complete a 95 run over the host.

In 1997 on that historical occasion, the Windward Island Cricket Board, under then president Lennox John, took the opportunity to honour four

Brian Lara-first centurion

Tamim Igbal, 128 highest individual score. distinguished servants of Windwards cricket, in Evelyn Gresham, Mindoo Phillip, Kaleb Laurent and Frank Mason.

Sadly, they have all gone to the great beyond, and the suggestion is being made that the government could grab this opportunity to name the Media Centre/Commentators

Booth after fastbowler and former World Cup recordholder Winston Davis.

Davis 56, from the Sion Hill community, took 7/51 against Australia in the 1983 Cricket World Cup in England-a record that stood for more than five world cups. He also held the record for the most wicket in a regional firstclass season in 1983 as well.

He is currently wheelchair bound after suffering a fall in 1998, which left him paralysed from the neck down.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 25.

Sports

Jack positive about future time away from the game will not affect his performance or relationship with the players.

MANAGER of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines senior “Many of the players in the squad, I have either cricket team Ortis Jack is confident that SVG can make managed them or coached them at the Under 15 or it three wins on the trot at the Windward Islands level. Under 19 level, so we know each other, and the Jack, who was recently appointed in place of respect is always there, so I forsee no problems”. former SVG medium pacer Elvis Browne, was SVG will defend both the Windwards T20 and speaking following the conclusion of the final Two day titles when the tournament gets going in practice match at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last St. Lucia. weekend.

The match will give the selectors the chance to select the squad of seventeen to step up preparations as they move into another phase of the programme, according to Jack.

Currently, the squad is comprised of nearly 30 players, and Jack feels that the time has come to bring it down to manageable size in order to focus of specific areas. “ The squad is sort of large and, with the practice Daron Greaves survives matches out of the way, I think that the selectors will strong LBW appeal by wicketkeeper Lindon be moving to reduce the size to seventeen....and James. what this will do is that it will give us a chance to get in a bit more work, and work with the planned programmes”, Jack said.

Jack, a former coach at both the Youth and Women’s levels, believes that the SVG team has enough talent to dominate the Windwards tournament which, according to reports, has been pushed back to the end of September.

Last weekend, five batsmen: Lindon James, Keiron Cottoy, Casmond Walters, Desron Maloney Manager Ortis Jack in conversation with chairman of selectors Lance John. and Daron Greaves, all got half centuries, and Jack was happy with the form shown by these batters. He also expressed satisfaction with the bowlers, especially the spinners Kenneth Dembar and Cottoy, who were among the wickets in all the matches.

Jack, though, was a little unhappy with the attitude of some players, especially some senior members of the squad, who he felt appeared disinterested in proceedings at times.

“We have no Cinderellas in this team and, while some players are good enough to command a place in the team, they must set good examples by their work ethics and their attitude….it does not look good if the younger players are paying attention, which I know they are doing”, he said.

“I don’t think some of the players recognise how much it is a privilege to play for their country, and because of this lack of understanding, they seem to lack the commitment at times”.

He said the preparations were also affected by some niggling injuries to some senior players, and the Association was monitoring their progress with a little anxiety.

Jack is coming back into cricket management after a few years absence, but is confident that his

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

West Indies look to seal up ODI The West Indies Cricket team will be looking to seal up the One Day series when they return to the national stadium in Grenada for the second match.

At one stage in the opening encounter last Wednesday, it appeared that the West Indies batsmen were on go slow, perhaps in industrial action in response to the absence of former coach Otis Gibson. Whether Gibson was sacked or forced to resign might never be known. But there has long been friction and hostility towards him.

Gibson was not the problem. He gave up lucrative offers to take on the job as West Indies coach. It seemed that he was undermined, and when the situation worsened, he was made to look like a scapegoat.

Up to recently, Gibson’s tenure was extended, while rumours swirled that other avenues were on offer to him. That he has been relieved is another example of the insecurity that hangs over the game in the region.

Congratulations to Kieron Pollard for the way he batted in that first match against Bangladesh.

He featured in a record-breaking partnership with Denish Ramdin. Pollard’s 89 from 70 balls, with five fours and six sixes, paved the way for a recovery when all seemed lost.

The home-team was reeling at 34 for 5 in the fourteenth over, and it was only the diehards who relished the thought of a victory. The detractors were keen to see another embarrassment which they regarded as reward for Sammy’s axing and for Gibson’s sympathisers, an omen of justice.

But Pollard was not about to tarnish his reputation, and he assumed the mantle of the responsible figure.

His performance should enhance his claim for inclusion to the Test squad. At some time, Pollard will come to grips with the longer version. His ability to adjust will allow him to pace his game, and he will adjust. He has shown enough wits over the years.

He has the approach to lift his teammates and, given some support and encouragement, Pollard will deliver the goods and rise to the occasion.

The selectors have to put their faith in him and give him the reins to strut his stuff.

He has displayed his credibility by leading the Tridents to the Caribbean League championship.

Some persons are of the view that the event was streamlined so as to deny the Amazon Warriors any opportunity of winning.

It is unfortunate that the match had to be determined in such a manner. But there are factors which are part of the makeup, and we have to cope with them.

What will happen when the Champion of Champions comes around, will be interesting. How Pollard handles the Tridents if he opts to appear for them, will add to the intrigue that T/20 continues to unleash.

The announcement of the the Test squad for the Bangladesh clash will be a keen event.

Given his performance in the first match, fans are calling for Chris Gayle’s head, even from the shorter version.

The clamour could expand to the Test arena.

There is the feeling that Gayle may just have overstayed his welcome. Even though he is a force of destruction with the bat, there is a school of thought that his attitude to almost everything around him is not what the average cricketer should be keen about.

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26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

Community policing

POLICE CONSTABLE STEAVEN DERBY has been commended for managing the Shelter currently housed at Rillan Hill.

The praises came last week Thursday from Howie Prince, Director of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

Derby has been in the security services for 22 years, but some persons pondered on whether he is still capable of doing Police related Police Constable duties.

Steaven Derby Derby, however, considers what he is doing as “community policing.”

He is from the area of Buccament in the Central Leeward district which suffered severely from the December 25 floods. Twelve Vincentians were killed and five others went missing as a result of the trough system which caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and property.

Derby was loaned to NEMO when a Shelter was set up at the Buccament Bay Secondary School. He was responsible for as many as 90 persons at one time.

When the Shelter was transferred to the Rillan Hill Community Centre so as to make way for the reopening of school, Derby continued his role as Shelter Manager.

His task has been reduced substantially, as more and more persons have been provided with more permanent and approved modes of accommodation.

Derby was at Hope last Thursday when three houses were handed over to families who were at Rillan Hill.

He was attached to the Central Police Station in capital city Kingstown before his secondment to the emergency service.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

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S A L E

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 22, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.34

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RELIEF FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

THREE FAMILIES who suffered from the effects of the Christmas Day Floods last year, have received some relief. Delroy and Hazel-Anne Jack, Janelle HaywoodJohnson and Gideon Adams are settling into new two bedroom houses at Hope.

They received the keys to the buildings at a ceremony staged at the Hard Court in the Buccament Valley.

Janelle Haywood Johnson expressed her gratitude at the function in genuine fashion. “I am saying thanks because I mean thanks,” she confessed.

Adams, a construction worker, acknowledged his feelings of euphoria.

“Only me life me save,” he reflected.

Jack was in a similar mode of appreciation, and reminisced on the sudden turn of events that day.

“Me lost me house… everything,” Jack recalled.

But what perhaps strikes most is the loss of her daughter Inka aged 12.

Inka was one of three persons who went missing when the waters swept through areas of mainland St. Vincent.

Besides Inka, Sheila Edwards, also of Buccament, has not been seen since the floods. Josel Morgan-Small, originally from Rillan Hill, was making her way home from duties at the Buccament Bay Resort in the early hours of that fateful Christmas morning and is still on the missing

Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves is all smiles, in the company of other officials, after presenting house keys to a recipient.

list.

Sharlan Headley, aged two, who died at Cane Grove; Keslia James: 18, also at Cane Grove, and Desmond Wilson, a 47-year- old Vermont man added to the death toll.

Raymond Gonsalves, a 62year-old man, succumbed to injuries when landslides swept over his house at Manning Village in Byera in the North Central Windward district.

But the worst impact was felt by the Nanton family in the North Leeward village of Rose Bank. Walsy Nanton, aged 74, Horna Nanton, 69, Hazel Baptiste 51, Bernard Nanton 24, and Yowanie Nanton/Bartholomew, aged 18, died when their home was destroyed following a landslide.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves addressed the handing over ceremony, and outlined his programme of recovery efforts.

The impact of the disaster is still being assessed. Construction to houses damaged in the deluge are continuing on relocated sites as well as on some areas where the damage occurred.

Dr. Gonsalves outlined plans to procure lands on which to build more houses for persons whose homes were destroyed. Thirteen more families in the Vermont Valley/Buccament Bay area will get new residences as the relief programme rolls on.

Minister of Housing, Informal Human Settlements, Lands and Surveys and Physical Planning Montgomery Daniel, noted that persons were still at a Shelter at Rillan Hill, while others were living at other locations.

Chairman of the Housing and Land Development Corporation Beresford Phillips, as well as Central Leeward representative Maxwell Charles also addressed

the ceremony.

Transport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government Minister Julian Francis used the occasion to highlight aspects of the rehabilitation and recovery stages.

He praised the role of Bridges, Roads, and General Service Authority (BRAGSA) in the cleaning up exercise.

He outlined the process of “training” rivers and of rebuilding three bridges in North Leeward and one at Hope in Vermont. Those will be done with input from the Ecuadorian government.

Francis recounted the distribution of fridges, stoves, mattresses to families. He also promised completion of the Vermont Playing Field.

Recently completed houses at Hope will now accommodate several persons who were affected by the Christmas Day floods.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.