THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 22-11-19

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.43

No room for opportunists Page 5

www.thevincentian.com

Beyond the stars Page 7

Going to the polls Page 9

EC$1.50

KTB feature Pages 14&15

Francis blames his Ministry Page 28

The signing of the MOU between Green Lava and the Greiggs Rastafarian Progressive Society.

Left: Signs of the beginning of extensive cannabis cultivation for use in the medical marijuana industry.

V

2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts Festival Review

Police highlights ÂMama Dear SonÊ

A well-adjusted teenager, Kenveil, in conversation with his mother.

yet, smack in the middle of the set was a clock that reported the real AFTER A STRING OF PRESHOW production runtime to FORMALITIES that mimicked the official the astute audience Bank of SVG National Theatre Arts member. The result was Festival opening night ceremony, it was a shattered suspension time for RSVGPF Drama Club Festival of belief every instance production ‘Mama Dear Son’. time is supposed to have Written and directed by Station Sgt lapsed.

Meldon James, ‘Mama Dear Son’ Sister Zel exposits reflects on the coming of age and “Kenveil, yo reach subsequent going astray of an only college now…” but the Impromptu intervention as family and friends try to child (Kenveil/ Kenveil Huggins) clock is showing an dissuade Kenveil from his ‘chosen’ path. amidst his sole parent’s concerns. elapsed thirty-five or so James, in this his thirteenth minutes. Was the clock poorly executed, she takes a preteen Festival script, depicted a Christian symbolism personified or merely set youngster (Nazarie Boyd) out of the family that got started rather decoration? Even if it was just an same crib. Later when Keveil is at the dubiously as Sister Zel/Zelina DaSilva aesthetic, the time should have been height of his character arc, the was heard to have tricked her adjusted to signal these chronological discovery of guns - from the small roll unmarried lover, Mekel/Mekel changes. This technique was also barrel ankle holstered “steppa” to the Edwards, into sexual congress, which affected by the deficiency in physical long barrelled shotgun hidden in his resulted in a pregnancy he did not evidence on set to chart the passing mother’s couch - was treated with a want. The sad outcome is a single years. There was a glaring lack of dose of humour. As the audience parent household which exists for most certificates to illustrate the touted catches a glimpse of the utterly absurd of the production. academic achievements or other overkill that Kenveil was proposing to education level based paraphernalia. use to rectify his broken heart, the The set These too, used interchangeably, could writer misses a potent opportunity to have greatly helped with the visual expound on the very real issue of While James’ playwriting has storytelling. The oversimplified set access to illegal weapons for a hitherto undoubtedly matured over the course also caused some obstructions to the well adjusted teenaged student; of his Festival career, increased telling of the tale, as the same exits to though he somewhat satisfactorily attention must now be paid to his offstage rooms are used when the son foreshadows the impending changes skills as a director. is supposed to be taking a shower and that Kenveil would later endure.

The story made great use of the the mother is heading to the bedroom. time lapse technique, at various parts Care must be taken to vet the The imbedded theme of the play, which transported the applicable sound, light and other audience from plot point to plot point; special effects, as these when As always, the Police could be inappropriately used cause counted on to craft an imbedded the polar opposite to the positive message in their play. This desired result. When done time, the importance of an intercessory properly, a bathroom guardian was one of the central shower ought not to sound themes. Sister Zel’s complete refusal to like a rainstorm. physically let go of her son while she awaits reinforcement from her church Comedy works, but… sister Kemilia Boyde, is testament of a mother’s will to see only the best for James’ comedy writing her child. Zelina, though, not always prowess was very much on believable in her portrayal, was moved display last Friday. He used to actual tears as she implored her son an appealing mix of life like to cease and desist from the path of situations that featured inevitable destruction upon which he some utterly absurd was embarking. An interesting happenstances which juxtaposition is seen as these tears are resulted in quite timely streaming down her face at her son’s placed tension release. plight while the comedic treatment of Early in the first act, the guns’ discovery unfolds.

Sister Zel puts a live baby Kenveil (Serenity Knights) Looking in and ahead down for a nap, and though the time lapse was again Several scenes dragged on Sister Boyde (left) comforts Sis Zel.

by JP SCHWMON jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

monotonously as the same blocking was repeated without fail. Actors enter, sit and dialogue. Or in Zelina’s case — her movements seemed restricted to upstage. Then there was Sister Boyde whose preacher’s wife cadence was a continuous drone that seemed to lack variation for the most part.

One of realest onstage moments occurs when Tham/Thameka Gordon exchanges dialogue with Kenveil. Up until now, conversations were stilted and the writer’s voice could very much be heard. Thameka clearly internalised her lines and delivered them with a fluidity that positively impacted Kenveil’s performance.

Again, the director failed to guide the accompanying action to the ultimate pay off. Onstage the young couple is romantically embracing but kisses are mimed. This mime rears its unsightly head again when Sister Zel forgives her man eighteen years after he has left her to care for their child and accepts his marriage proposal.

Is the RSVGPF Drama Club’s core objective still to reach and educate the community on choices and the impact of their sundry outcomes? ‘Mama Dear Son’s’ cast size and their collective skill set (evident in the fact that several actors doubled as technical assists — make up, costume designer etc) makes this production an ideal tool to achieve that objective, especially if used as an out of the Festival tour. This, though, should be attempted following a re-write to address the overly religious theme which tends to overpower the story’s essence. Yes, it’s a Christian based tale, but consideration should be made of the intended audience — would the average non-Christian youth engage with the presented material? Is the resolution of such crises generally as simple as the writer treated it in the play? The Club should also consider sourcing an independent director to bring a fresh perspective to its productions. Regardless, ‘Mama Dear Son’ was not altogether disappointing.

The Bank of SVG sponsored National Theatre Arts Festival continues this weekend with this year’s fourth instalment, Urban Expression Theatre’s Torrid Existence written and directed by David “Darkie” Williams.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. 3.

News 3 Medical Cannabis investors optimistic

TWO OF THE PRINCIPALS of Green Lava Labs, the first company to begin full scale, legal cannabis cultivation in St. Vincent, are pleased with the progress that the government has made towards the establishment of a medical cannabis industry.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, the Chairman of Green Lava Labs and entertainment business magnate John Soong cited the government’s progressiveness, (its) forward thinking and the country’s history of being in the marijuana business, as being among the reasons he decided to invest in SVG. “We feel very welcomed here; the government has been very progressive along with the Medical Cannabis Authority (MCA)… they are

welcoming so we feel very at home,” said Soong.

For the businessman, it was the first time he was investing in the medical cannabis industry.

He said that Green Lava invested in the industry so that they can help people, and they also want to contribute to the economy.

Soong also recognized that the only way the industry will be successful is if “we all win,” and he committed to work with the traditional farmers.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Green Lava Labs, Lindsay Labelle, also spoke with THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper. He too is optimistic about the future of the industry. “We just want to see this going forward. We are happy to be in St. Vincent,

which is one of the first countries to legalise,” said Labelle, adding that he was so confident that he has moved his family here.

The CEO said that his team was shown a number of different locations on mainland St. Vincent, which were ideal for cannabis cultivation, but they decided that the property at Queensbury was most suitable. “I mean, look at this, so majestic, it’s nice and flat for us to work on. We are just really happy to be here,” John Soong, Chairman of declared Labelle. and principal investor in Labelle is of the view that the medical cannabis industry Green Lava, feels welcomed in SVG. will provide employment for persons, adding that his Another benefit that the company alone has spent medical cannabis industry hundreds of thousands of brings is that persons who dollars.

Green Lava Labs CEO Lindsay Labelle, is ready and rearing to make good use of the licence his company has been granted. were planting cannabis illegally, can now enter the legal realm, Labelle said. (KH)

Green Lava first out the ‘ganja’ blocks

From Frontpage.

do it by ourselves. What you see here as Green Lava is a GREEN LAVA LABS went on medley of technicians, joining record last week Friday, as the forces with our people to make first company to begin this happen,” said the cultivating legal cannabis here, agriculture minister. since the granting of the first Caesar admitted that there set of medical marijuana was going to be a lot of licenses by the government of challenges ahead, and he St. Vincent and the Grenadines cautioned Green Lava that on July 10. despite being the first A launch of the company to commence legal commencement of the cannabis cultivation, they will cultivation was held last week face competition.

Friday at the Green Lava The Minister hastened to Farms in Queensbury, and add that his government’s aim also featured the signing of a is to establish a modern Green Lava and Farmers Solutions SVG sign a MOU. Memoranda of Understanding medicinal industry of which between Green Lava Labs and cannabis would be only one of that will be reduced to a Society and Farmers Solution two groups of cannabis the commodities involved. contract with some traditional SVG on the other. cultivators.

“There is a huge industry cultivators.”

Green Lava is a Caribbean for medicine to be made in The launching witnessed based medical cannabis First to pass the test SVG and extracts to be taken the signing of two MOUs company focused on improving from Moringa, Aloe Vera, the lives of patients over the Addressing the launching Soursop, Turmeric and many, between Green Lava on the one hand, and the Greiggs world. ceremony, Dr. Jerold many other plants,” said Rastafarian Progressive Thompson, Chairman of the Caesar.

Medicinal Cannabis Authority Caesar also took issue (MCA), the regulator in the with the naysayers who new industry, told the Green Lava – the right mix doubted that the gathering that the MCA has so establishment of a far issued 15 major licences In his address, Saboto medical cannabis and 240 traditional cultivators’ Caesar, Minister of industry was possible. applications are being Agriculture, who has been “I am happy to note processed. pivotal in getting the medical that through this “The companies are in cannabis industry going here, opening we will dispel a different stages of deployment, recognized Green Lava as a lot of the falsehood that with 6 to 7 already started. perfect example of the type of we have heard… that the …… We have officially given company that “we want to traditional cultivators Green Lava the permission to encourage in St. Vincent and would this and the men go ahead with full scale the Grenadines. who used to plant weed operations because they have “Cannabis is a global issue, would that… Well, today passed the test,” Dr. and we do not have the forte Green Lava is signing a Thompson said. and the wherewithal in St. Memorandum of Dr. Thompson boasted that Vincent and the Grenadines to Understanding (MOU) Getting ready to cut the ribbon to declare cultivation open.

by KENVILLE HORNE

SVG was the first country to establish a solid, robust banking pipeline to control bank and currency usage in the industry.

“We prohibit any use of US currency, and we have to continue to monitor this and make sure that this is thoroughly enforced until there is a firm solution using the US currency,” the Chairman explained.

Lindsay Labelle, the Chief Operating Officer at Green Lava Labs, described the process involved in getting approval to cultivate cannabis as a long journey. He was, however, pleased to be granted permission, and said that his company was grateful to a number of persons who were instrumental in them getting approval. He singled out Renold Providence and Business Executive Desree Richards in this regard.

V

4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Honesty saves CARICOM Nationals

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Delpleche told the Court, “I felt very THE HONESTY OF THE DEFENCE in a embarrassed that n it major marijuana case at the Serious took the defence to tell Offences Court on Tuesday, may have this Court that one of saved three CARICOM Nationals from the defendants had prison sentences. previous convictions It took attorney Grant Connell, and had spent time in representing the men, to reveal to prison here. the court that one of the defendants Delpleche said the Joel Payne, 58, of Barbados, had a defendants were in previous conviction in St. Vincent custody since and the Grenadines.

November 13 and the Payne, along with Jessie St. investigator on the CYR, 28, and Eric Samuel, 34, both current matter had of St. Lucia, were each fined not supplied the court $38,780 for possession of 349 with this information. pounds of marijuana with intent to The Prosecutor supply, and given three-year noted that the defence suspended sentences for attempting was not obligated to to export the drug. They had pled tell the Court guilty to both charges. anything.

Joel Payne In presenting the facts to the “I want to thank the Court, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus defence for their Delpleche said that all three honesty.” Delpleche said, adding defendants had no antecedents. that based on this development, he However, Connell in his would not be seeking a custodial mitigation plea, said that Payne sentence. would like to be honest, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne contrary to what the Prosecutor Browne contended that she too was said, has admitted that he had a concerned that the issue of Payne previous conviction. having previous convictions had to Some six years ago, he was be raised by the defence. convicted here for possession of The men were intercepted on 1,706 pounds of marijuana with November 13 aboard a speed boat intent to supply, and had served some 20 nautical miles off Sandy five years plus at Her Majesty’s Bay, during a joint operation by the Prison for his offence. He was local Coast Guard, Rapid Response released in July last year.

Unit (RRU) and Narcotics Unit, Connell argued that this showed headed by Inspector Nolan that imprisonment for offences of Dallaway of the RRU. this nature was not serving the In all, the police action recovered purpose it was designed for, since sixteen taped packages and a white Payne was again before the Court sack containing marijuana, and for a similar offence, in the space of three packages which the men had about 15 months, following his thrown overboard as they tried to release. dispose of the drugs, while the The lawyer asked the court to police gave chase. impose a reasonable fine on his The defendants were heading clients and send them home.

North East, increasing their speed Following Connell’s mitigation but eventually stopped after the plea, the Senior Prosecutor asked police signaled them to do so twice. that the matter be stood down for a When cautioned and questioned, while, so that he could address an they admitted that the packages issue, before he makes any belonged to them. recommendation on sentencing.

When taken into custody, When the matter resumed, Samuel, the boat’s captain said, “I

Convicted rapists await their fate TWO MEN WHO RAPED, buggered and indecently assaulted a 15year-old girl back in 2015, will know their fate at a sentencing hearing on December 11.

A nine-member mixed jury found Jawanza Howe, 36, and Kozan Haywood, 26, both of Clare Valley, guilty on three counts of rape, one count of buggery and one count of indecent assault, following a trial which lasted about a week, at

L-R: Jawanza Howe and Kozan Haywood.

just get a job to captain the boat.”

St. CYR said, “Officer, everything is mine, all the drugs is mine.”

In her summation, the Chief Magistrate pointed out that the mitigating facts outweighed the aggravating ones.

She cited the aggravating factor as the defendants’ attempt to dispose of the drugs when the police were chasing them.

She agreed with many of the mitigating factors raised by Connell, including the fact that the defendants accepted their role and functions in the operation, and that they cooperated with the police. She noted that the defence’s honesty in bringing to the Court’s attention that Payne had previous convictions, would go in his favour, and stressed the good characters of Samuel and St. CYR up to the time of their current convictions.

The Magistrate also noted that the drugs were not concealed on the boat in any sophisticated way.

Browne used a total of $174,500 as a starting point for all three defendants combined.

However, after taking everything into account, and granting the one third discount for the men’s early guilty plea, she arrived at a fine of $38,780 for each defendant.

No alternative penalty was given.

the Criminal Assizes.

Upon conviction, Justice Brian Cottle adjourned sentencing to allow the defence time to prepare their mitigation.

The Prosecution’s case was that Howe and Haywood took the victim to a house and committed the acts on her.

The defence did not deny that the men had sex with the girl on the date in question, but argued that she consented.

Howe and Haywood were represented by Attorney Grant Connell.

Contractor guilty of gun, ammo charges THE VIGILANCE of Police Constable 43 Kason Deroche may have uncovered a major gun and ammunition racket here.

His action led to the discovery and seizure of two firearms and over 400 bullets in July this year, at Arnos Vale.

And on Tuesday at the Serious Offences Court, Seily Matthias, a 57-year-old contractor of Arnos Vale, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with the seizure. He will be sentenced today (Friday) at the Serious Offences Court.

Matthias admitted to having without licences a 12guage shotgun, a .40 pistol, 31 rounds of 12-guage ammunition, 107 rounds of .40 ammunition, 200 rounds of .22 ammunition, 25 rounds of .38 ammunition, ten rounds of 40 mm., six rounds of .44 ammunition, 12 rounds of .357 ammunition, two rounds of .22 and three rounds of .380 ammunition.

On possession of the shotgun and eight of the ammunition charges, Matthias was charged jointly with his female companion Francelia Thomas of Arnos vale. She maintained her innocence, and the prosecution withdrew the charges against her.

In presenting the facts, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the Court that on July 7, PC Deroche went to investigate a vehicular collision at Stubbs, in which a vehicle driven by Matthias was involved.

Deroche observed Matthias to be behaving in a manner, which aroused the officer’s suspicion.

He requested a search of Matthias’ vehicle, to which he consented, and a black leather bag containing a pistol loaded with ten rounds of ammunition was found in the back seat. As a result, Matthias was taken into custody.

During further investigations, he took the police to a house he and Thomas occupied at Arnos Vale. A search of the building revealed the other gun and ammunition in various parts of the house.

In mitigation, Matthias’ lawyer Michelle Fife said the defence accepted the facts, and while she acknowledged there was an increase in firearms and firearm related offences here, pointed out that each case has to be determined on its own merit.

Fife noted that her client was a 57-year-old contractor and farmer who does a lot of meaningful work in his community, and did not have a criminal record. She added that Matthias had said he found the guns and ammunition, and he assisted and cooperated with the police. She also highlighted his early guilty plea, and that he was remorseful.

However, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche contended that the prosecution was not accepting Matthias’ claim that he found the guns and ammunition.

“We are not accepting that a farmer and builder just go around finding firearms and ammunition,” the Prosecutor said, adding that the defendant seemed to be someone who deals in firearms and ammunition.

“One of the things the Court has to take into consideration in sentencing, is the reality of our situation. For the past how many years, we have seen an increase in firearms and firearm related offences in this country,” Delpleche posited. He pointed out that the Court of Appeal had made this point in the Appeal case of Azzie Bowens.

“The sentence of this Court must reflect the seriousness of this crime”, he concluded.

‘Soups’ further remanded

to Court on November15, Delpleche said the victim was out of the ICU, but THIRTY-FOUR-YEARNovember 8, Senior was still warded at the OLD Lejah ‘Soups’ Prosecutor Adolphus Alexander of Delpleche objected to bail hospital, and still being monitored by doctors.

Glen/Brighton was again on the grounds that He asked that denied bail when he George was warded in the returned to the Serious Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Alexander be remanded for another week, pending Offences Court on Friday, at the Milton Cato a further update on the November 15.

Memorial Hospital, victim’s condition.

Alexander is charged suffering from a bullet to Chief Magistrate with the attempted the head, and was Rechanne Browne again murder of Rockies resident monitored closely by allowed the prosecutor’s Lionel George, who was doctors. He asked that application and remanded shot at Middle Street, the defendant be the defendant. He is Kingstown, around 9 am remanded pending a expected to return to on November 5. prognosis on the victim’s When Alexander condition. His request was Court today (Friday) when the issue will again be initially appeared at the granted. reviewed.

Serious Offences Court on On Alexander’s return

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 , 2019. 5.

News

ULP has no room for opportunists “IT IS DIFFICULT TO LEAVE the Unity Labour Party family and survive politically because of the way the party is grounded.”

So said Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while speaking at the ULP’s 25th Anniversary Rally last Sunday, at the decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport, Arnos Vale.

According to Gonsalves, this country has had a history of resistance — beginning with the Kalinago people, who for years fought off European settlers.

He also noted the strength of the women in this country, who also helped in the struggle and who looked after the people and country.

“You see why they can’t beat the ULP?” Gonsalves said.

“We are not just a party, we are at the heart of the national movement; we are at the centre of the labour movement, and even when you have some sell out, labour leaders who for political reasons oppose the Unity Labour Party, they oppose a party which defends the working people, and they acting against their own members’ interest,” he continued.

He referred to those within the ULP organization as regionalists and internationalists who linked with like-minded groups and organizations across the region and the world.

“And I tell you further, anytime anybody within this ULP, which is a national movement and at the heart of the labour movement and which is a family, and any renegade, traitor and any

castaway who leave the Unity Labour Party, they are dead politically.”

He then referred to two gentlemen — recognized by the gathering as Stanley ‘Stalky’ John and Ormiston ‘Ken’ Boyea who left the ULP in 2000 and formed the People’s Progressive Movement.

“They went into one election in 2001, and since then, we haven’t heard from them in politics again,” Gonsalves said.

“But I want to tell you this, you cannot leave the labour family and say you are interested in the people because the most progressive political movement and organization in the region, in the CARICOM region, is the Unity Labour Party and the Unity Labour Government,” Gonsalves continued.

Same-sex relationships attack the family

Reverend Adolph Davis has been at the forefront articulating a ‘church’s’ view on the issue of homosexuality, et al.

A METHODIST MINISTER here has declared that the family, the foundation of society, has been shaken because of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) agenda.

Reverend Adolph Davis, Superintendent of the Kingstown Chateaubelair Circuit of

the Methodist Church here, told a Rally at Heritage Square in Kingstown, that the challenge to the antibuggery and gross indecency laws in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by two homosexual males, is “.. a serious thing. It is an attack on the family.”

Rev Davis made his pronouncements while speaking at the Rally on Thursday 14th, organized by of the Christian Coalition, a group of churches that came together to protest the challenge to SVG’s anti-buggery and gross indecency laws.

Davis said that when permission is given for same-sex relationship, it is tantamount to teaching “our children that you can have two daddy and two mommy,” and asked rhetorically, “Wat kinda craziness is that?”

He continued to lay his arguments bare, saying, to loud applause, “When you watch our innocent children, boys and girls, and you watch the boy and say, ‘Not because your body look so mean you are a boy you know, you might very well be a girl’, it is an attack on the family.”

The Reverend took it even further, telling his captive audience, “You have two men, you know they can’t make children, they does have to borrow other people child; two women can’t make children …. and the problem is not that they can’t make because some problem with them being able, them can’t mek because they can’t mek.

That’s how God mek nature.”

Seemingly wanting to broaden the scope of the Rally’s focus, Rev. Davis reminded that, “It is also an attack on the family when we encourage our men to get a ‘smallie’.”

(KH)

And he labelled those who became traitors, renegades or castaways as opportunists.

The focus of Gonsalves’ message, seemed to reflect the recent resignation of Jomo Thomas, a 2015 general election candidate of the ULP in the South Leeward constituency.

Thomas told the press at the time of announcing his resignation, that he believed that as someone who was in the heat of the battle and the struggle for the advancement of the people of the country, that he still had a contribution to make towards the continued development of the country, but he did not want to be hindered or

Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party, told supporters that the Party is built on a solid past, is at the heart of the labour movement, and there is no room for those looking for political opportunism. hampered from doing so.

It was uncertain if Dr. Gonsalves was making any reference to that matter, save and except that he said that he did not have to speak on any

matter other than to stay steadfast to the principles that the late Sir Vincent Beache and the other ULP founders, had set for the others to follow. (DD)

V

6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Heritage

National Treasures turns five

AMIDST MANY CHALLENGES, National Treasures of St Vincent and the Grenadines turned five on November 14, 2019.

It was on November 14, 2014 that the non-profit organization registered with the Collective and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).

And, according to Executive Director of the group, Carlita Daniel, the organization has grown in terms of what it does, and has been able to forge links with other organizations that are involved in similar work.

National Treasures SVG is engaged in preserving and protecting the cultural heritage, particularly the intangible heritage, Daniel said as she addressed the Annual General Meeting last week Thursday.

“We are not saying that we are doing anything different or new. In fact, our main aim is to try and bring everybody together who are doing all these different bits, but who have the same purpose, and have the information put in the archives so that people can use them for their

research,” she continued.

As she reflected on the past year, Daniel said that the group has changed its focus over the 5 years.

In terms of the management structure, National Treasures SVG started off with five permanent directors, who have all moved in.

She mentioned the loss of former Director John Horne, who Daniel said, continued to do work even after resigning from the group.

As it stands, the members are trying to maintain the things that were started, e.g. the website, which was launched in 2017 and which is used to document articles highlighting events of historical value.

The organization is also expected to embark on some fund-raising ventures, including the sale of stamps and tshirts that reflect the country’s heritage.

Chairman Anthony Theobalds, in his presentation, noted that the anniversary of the organization was small, but significant.

“We have been able to work through

L-R: Carlita Daniel and Anthony Theobalds. five years of this preservation work,” Theobalds said, adding that during the past five years, they have been losing resources.

“This says to us that we did the right thing. It is important to document and record, and we have started.”

He recognized that many have contributed to the organization over the five-year period.

Looking ahead, the Chairman

promised that the two vacant seats on the Board will be filled by year’s end, that 2020 will be a year of consolidation, and “we will work on some project development for international partners.”

Theobalds acknowledged that it was important that the organization be in a position to raise funds on its own. and expressed delight that discussions in this regard have already begun.

(DD)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 , 2019. 7.

News

ÂBeyond the Ashes: SVG to become Volcano Ready!

‘Beyond the Ashes’, as the activity was dubbed, probed past La Soufriere volcanic eruptions through photographic records. The showing, opened with free admission to the general public, touched on a variety of themes from the scientific to the human, and also included the social impact on Vincentian people and economy.

It shared the experience of those past crises with the visual aid of photographs captured during those eruption episodes, which, in turn, have helped to develop an understanding of the character of the volcano and the consequences of its activity.

A release from the Organisers/Hosts explained that the featured photographs “have been curated from the documented expedition of Tempest Anderson and his team following the 1902 eruption, courtesy of the York Museum Archive.

The Archive of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research NEMO staffer in conversation with Centre (SRC) furthers the eruptive exhibition guests. journey through experiences recorded and documented by the scientific team jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com during the 1971 and 1979 eruptions.

Photographs … from the archives of local A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION exploring natural and volcano enthusiast the late past activity at the La Soufriere volcano, Dr Earl Kirby [as well as] snippets from was launched at the National Trust Building the personal archives of Martin and (Old Library) in Kingstown, Tuesday 12 Mary Barnard who experienced the last November. The event ran for just over a two eruptions from their Orange Hill week and coincided with the 40th Estate [were also] exhibited.”

Independence Anniversary celebrations The exhibition forms part of a wider here.

Vincentian wins Regional Poster/Essay Competition Institute of Social and Economic Studies of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill, Barbados, last Friday.

The Competition, which formed part of the 14th edition of the Annual Child Research Conference, was tapered down to ten finalists among whom was Campbell.

Noah chose in his poster and essay to take a stance on behalf of the Disabled, using Article 25 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child, as his point of departure.

In addition to his poster and essay, he was Noah Campbell (right) required to give an oral accepts his winner’s presentation on the topic. prizes from Dr Don Reflecting on the entire Marshall, Director of the experience, Campbell told THE VINCENTIAN last Sir Arthur Lewis Tuesday, “I feel great Institute. about winning, and I NINE-YEAR OLD NOAH know that God is good and CAMPBELL, a Grade Five He helped me through this.” student of the Troumaca He said that he was Government School, is the “confident in my winner of the Regional presentation and was Poster and Essay happy that I won overall.”

Competition, staged by Noah and fellow the Sir Arthur Lewis

Troumaca Government School student- Adecia Hooper, won the St Vincent and the Grenadines leg of the competition, thus giving them a berth in the regional finals last week.

His most recent achievement is another for the Campbell household, as his elder sister — Joelle, placed second at the Courts Reading Competition held in Dominica in 2016.

Commenting on her offsprings’ successes, Jozel Campbell, who accompanied her son and Hooper as chaperone to the final last week in Barbados, said: “These things are not beyond him, and I feel great and blessed that my children are excelling in all fields of endeavour.”

Noah confessed to a love for and admitted to having an interest in Drumming.

In getting the judges’ nod, he was rewarded with a plaque, $500, an electronic device, a Certificate of Participation and a gift basket.

Volcano-Ready Communities in SVG initiative that is being spearheaded by The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, the Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Organisation, and is being funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the European Union.

It (the Volcano-Ready project) seeks to prepare Vincentians for an eventual eruption, with particular emphasis on residents of some twelve communities both on the Windward and Leeward coasts - that are targeted as high-risk zones due to their proximity to the La Soufriere volcano. The Windward communities comprise Fancy, Owia, Sandy Bay, Overland, Big Level, South Rivers, Park Hill and Colonarie, while the Leeward communities encompass Fitz Hughes, Chateaubelair, Rose Hall,

and Spring Village.

This staging of this mobile exhibition is among a continuing series of activities that are aimed at developing a “VolcanoReady” framework and toolkit for communities, while creating public education and awareness materials to be shared with schools, businesses, and residents.

So far, workshops have already been conducted on both sides of mainland St. Vincent. The most recent clinic was held at the Richmond Vale Academy for residents on the Leeward coast. And although the precise dates are yet to be announced, ‘Beyond the Ashes’ is expected to reach more Vincentians in Georgetown and North Leeward come January 2020.

Once the project is complete, St. Vincent and the Grenadines would be the first regional country to hold a “Volcano-Ready” designation.

V

8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

The Workers Parties?

THERE HAVE BEEN REPEATED BOASTS by the two major political parties here about how much they represent and care for ‘workers’; one going as far as to declare itself the numero uno of workers’ parties here and in the region, though it might not have been expressed in so many words.

If we take the above to mean that the parties are vanguards of the working class, then both parties still have a lot of explaining to do if they are going to convince these people they refer to as workers, of their commitment and readiness to make sacrifice on their behalf.

Political parties have to be very careful when they bandy about words like ‘workers’ and combinations like ‘workers party’, to describe themselves, since the tags they attached to their profiles could well be interpreted as an indication of an ideological position hey might prefer not to have affiliation.

Yes, our parties must be careful how they brand themselves, for it was not so long ago that the Conservative Party of the UK embarked on a calculated programme to rebrand itself ‘The Workers’ Party’ , so as to distance itself from the decades old perception that it was the guardian of the rich.

Don’t think the Unity Labour Party would have been disposed to associating with the Conservatives if, by some imaginary stroke, they were able to convince the British public that they had made a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree change. What a time! So much for the aside…. .

It seems that is also the aim of the parties here, i.e. to convince these ‘workers’ they — parties - are in their corner and not in the hands of the rich.

But once there remains a heavy dependence on the ‘rich and famous’, and the wealthy, local mercantile community for financial support for any party, that party should not, in all honesty and respect for the ‘workers’, refer to itself as a ‘workers party’. Man cannot serve two masters unless he is playing one off against the other.

A genuine ‘workers party’ is founded on the strength and resources of the workers, not on the influence of extraneous bank rollers who expect something in return, and quickly too.

But something is missing in this whole debate about political parties, i.e. how they define who is a worker.

Do they accept that a worker, as per most dictionaries, is a member ‘of a social group (working class) consisting of people who are employed for wages, especially in manual or industrial work’?

Are these workers people in a society who do not own or own very little property, who have low social status, and who do jobs which involve using physical skills rather than intellectual skills?

Karl Marx, whose philosophy is so well known to our political leaders, defined the working class or proletariat ‘as individuals who sell their labour power for wages and who do not own the means of production.’

Means of production are ‘physical and non-financial inputs used in the production of economic value. These include raw materials, facilities, machinery and tools used in the production of goods and services.’

So, do our political parties embrace a working class that is also comprised of people who own personal property or small amounts of stocks (e.g. shares in Credit Unions)?

Are these workers so called middle income earners who live from pay cheque to pay cheque?

Do the parties each have its own definition?

A note of observation: Socialist parties have often struggled over the question of whether they should seek to organize and represent all the lower classes, or just the wage-earning proletariat.

Where do the ULP and NDP stand in this regard?

From Beache to Gonsalves: Changing of the Guards- ULP Style (Pt 1) (first published 11/11/1998) WELL, THE DELEGATES at the ULP meeting Sunday last returned a score sheet that put the matter of ULP leadership beyond all question.

Deputy Leader Ralph Gonsalves chalked up all of 254 ballots, more than 2 1/2 times that of Stanley Stalky John’s 97. I had forecast over 200 votes for Ralph and he breezed past that figure.

True, Ralph started on the inside track with the support of Leader Vincent Beache, but Stalky had the open backing of two other party stalwarts in Ken Boyes and outgoing chairman Louis Straker.

East St. George and Northern Grenadines apart, it does look as though Ralph won in every other constituency, including Central Leeward and Central Kingstown represented by Straker and Boyea respectively.

My observation that Stalky and company dealt more in atmospherics than in down-to-earth assessments, seems to have been vindicated by the wide margin in the return.

The first question posed by this column last week has been answered with a thunderous response. Yes, the ULP has passed the litmus test of merges, with the emergence of a broad-based and brand new party that is different from, and more than, the two groups from which it sprang.

The notion of “Old Labour” is now dead as a dodo, just as the MNU has lost its identity in a larger entity.

New Deputy Leader, Ken Boyea told the nation that he withdrew from a fight with Ralph which would have “polarised” the party, as they came from different extremes of a political spectrum. If that is so, it would be difficult to see how Boyea could spread his wings in the Number 2 spot with crossing over into Gonsalves’ land. Stalky John would have been more a compatible Deputy.

For his own part, Boyea probably outwitted the other top brass in copping the Deputy Leadership unopposed. The situation is reminiscent of the days of batafter-bat backyard cricket when several boys would shout “ first bat”, and a solitary voice would ring out “second bat”!

So, five or six would argue for the first spot which only one can win. Number two the Deputy Leadership in this case - would be easily secured by its sole claimant!

Dr. Gonsalves, of course, has brought a tremendous amount of skills, experience and expertise to bear on his new job. One can reasonably expect more party organisation, vigorous mobilisation,

attempts at consensual politics, and unrelenting efforts to consolidate the momentum towards the acquisition of power.

Even so, it is hoped that there would be a shift from the policy to bring the Government down by rendering the country ungovernable. Such a programme betrayed an edge of desperation in Beache who has sighted the Promised Land but just could not lead his people to it.

The 1998 elections took the cake, just about everything was going for the ULP, and victory seemed well within their grasp.

The aggressive campaign, the polls, the Baptist Preacher’s vision and the whole mood of the people spoke to the expectation of a change of Government, if not direction.

To the extent that Mrs Beache took to the TV to acquaint the nation of the private side of their Prime Minister- to-be.

Then a quirk in the system of a freak election - some say it was divine intervention - gave the NDP a fourth successive term and simultaneously recorded a third consecutive loss for a Beache-led party.

Vincent had given Mitchell six months to call new elections. The time is up and Vincent decided graciously to bow off the stage, comforted in the belief that his capable second-in-command would replace him.

Beache entered politics in 1972, when he was defeated in the New North Central Windward constituency by Victor Cuffy of the PPP. Thereafter, Beache was to win the seat in the next three elections held in 1974, 1979 and 1984, twice trouncing the likes of Gonsalves and Victor Cuffy.

Significantly, Beache held the seat in 1984, against the NDP swing, but Hudson Tannis, who had lost West Kingstown to John Horne, was elected Leader of the Labour Party to replace retired Cato in 1985. It was only after Tannis’ tragic death in August 1986 that the Party deigned to acknowledge the obvious claims of Beache.

By all accounts Beache, low-keyed and laid back, proved to be an impressive performer in office, especially as Minister of Agriculture in the immediate post 1978 period after Joshua has been expelled from the PPP-Labour Unity Government.

V A I D S

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. 9.

Letters

Well, all over the world is the same cry, AIDS killing people like yo killing fly; Dem nah tek warning dem nah tek heed, Is any an any way some people ah feed; Dey know E danger but still dem nah kay, Until dey ketch um and dey start to pine way.

Drugs addicts who share the same needle, Ah pass it on to other people; Innocent children ah fall victim too, Dem ah get AIDS because of what dey parents do; Some get it through rape, some because of poverty, And some get AIDS right from dey own family.

E gat some man who ah behave like dem ah rabbit, Any woman dey see, dem nah kay, long as dey heart ah beat; Yo tell dem, “use ah condom, it make sex safer”, But some ah tell yo it sweeter without the rubber; Nah tark bout the young people these days, E look like stick break in dey ears.

The amount ah young people wid de virus is alarming, The statistics in the world today is quite staggering; AIDS is certainly no respecter of persons, Yo find it in homes, schools, church, an even in the prisons; Homosexuals, heterosexuals, and prostitutes are at highest risk, So, me ah warn yo, do nah join the list.

It’s safer to stick to one faithful partner, Don’t try to play Solomon, or ah village ram either; Some people willfully going around spreading the thing, Dey get it from someone, so is revenge dey seeking; No matter how nice the man or woman might appear, Be, careful, it could be death walking there.

For HIV or AIDS, there’s no cure or remedy, Once you catch it, your destiny is the cemetery Modern medicine may prolong your life for a time, But by then, your life won’t be worth a dime; Not to talk ‘bout the treatment and stigma from society, You’d be shunned by friends and even family.

Abstinence is still the number one safety measure, E may sound old fashion, but yo could live much longer; Me ah beg yo please nah go out dey and experiment, No matter how much dey war fo say yo ah play innocent; Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Dat ah something yo must never bring home.

By: C. Fergus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fingering our Representatives WHEN WE GO TO THE POLLS, Mr. Editor, who are we electing, a person to represent us and the needs of the constituency, or someone to sit in government?

I am putting it to you, that most of the people will tell you they are voting for the former; but in reality, tell me truthfully, how many of those persons who win their seats and are made government ministers, turn out to be genuine representatives of the constituencies and people that they are supposed to represent?

There are times, Mr. Editor, when for months, we can’t see our representative. He avoids the people and the constituency and, therefore, is not up to date with the needs of

the various communities, e.g. which roads need attention; how many people needed water and electricity; the state of the clinic and school; the state of the drains; the problems farmers are facing.

Mind you, I think part of this poor representation has to do with the fact that we voters don’t make demands of our representatives. We forget very quickly how many promises they made to us, and in the process, we don’t hold them to their word. And we get fooled into believing when they tell us how much they will do for us when we vote them into government!

Another election will soon be upon us, and we must decide now who or

what we want.

Maybe we ought to be considering the return of Local Government.

Through Local Government, whose members we will elect, there will be people from the constituency, living in the constituency, who will have firsthand knowledge of what the needs of the various communities are, and pressure the constituency representative to inform Central Government about where and on what monies should be spent.

And these monies will be spent throughout the term of office of Central and Local government and not just at election time.

In the absence of Local Government, which this government seems to

fear, I wonder, Mr. Editor, if it’s nonsense to consider passing a law that says the representative of a constituency should live in his or her constituency?

Whatever, constituency representatives must be made, by the voters, to pay close attention to the needs in their constituencies.

By the way, I have heard about one Edward Griffith, the NDP representative for East Kingstown from 1984 until his death, who used THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY of retirement get no pension? This needs to drive through his Independence was indeed interesting. to be given attention. constituency every Amongst the many announcements, it Welcomed news is also the morning of the week. was indeed refreshing to hear that formation of a committee to look at the Good men do die young, soon there would be the naming of one renaming of some villages, streets and it seems. or more National Heroes. There have buildings. I would trust that the been much debate and discussion on village of Petit Bordel will come up for who should be the next national review, and that the name be changed A Voter hero(es), I would not add anything to something more fitting and not one concerning this topic. that gives a negative meaning as it is The giving of allowances for the now. nurses and nursing assistants I am As we seek to progress as a nation, confident will be of much relief to and we have to work together as one, and appreciated by the nurses. I would, don’t let party politics divide us. As however, like to suggest that some the anthem states; "Our faith will see consideration be given to office us through".

• Was attendants. I am made to understand this country that this job is not pensionable. Can Kennard King represented at the you imagine someone working in this 485 7324 Miss OECS Pageant field for well over twenty years and at held earlier this month in Dominica?

If not, why?

Independence Announcement

SVG New Destiny Party MY FELLOW VINCENTIANS, the persons who are charged with the political powers, are very sneaky. They're still helping the colonial powers to exploit our people; our democracy is still within the hands of the former oppressors.

Vincentians, now is the time for us as a people to mobilize ourselves and stand together in the national interest of our country.

We must, once again become a proud people and protect our political democracy and national sovereignty. Historical records have shown us how our people have been exploited, and continue to be.

Since our country was

given so-called independence, we have never been given a chance to truly govern ourselves without colonial interference.

That is why there is a need for a Republic Constitution, and we must move in that direction quickly. Yes, we have inherited the system of corruption from the colonial overlords, and we need to change it now. We must now seek respect for our nation. We must seek to change SVG, and remove the white overlords which is a national shame and humiliation to our generation.

Past political leaders have ignored SVG’s national interest and put

themselves first. SVG belongs to all Vincentians, not the British monarchy. Most importantly, the future of SVG belongs to us the patriots, therefore, if we want full political freedom, we must take pride in our country. If we want our democracy to be strong, we must let go of the monarchy constitution and hold on to the people's sovereignty, and, if we love our country, we will fight to have SVG becoming a Republic, under God’s rule by the people of SVG. What SVG wants is partners not masters.

Bertland Phillips

• If the ULP could pay for a gate at the old E.T. Joshua Airport, would they pay for some bandage for the Hospital in Kingstown?

• Why are people saying the Churches called a white T-shirt march and rally last week to condemn God’s Children’, which, they say, is not a very Christian thing to do?

• If the ULP forget about Glen Jackson and all he did for the party?

V

10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The ULP- Celebrating its silver anniversary Eighteen years of hardship and suffering

Introduction ON NOVEMBER 17TH 2019, the members and supporters of the ruling Unity Labour Party, descended on the ET Joshua tarmac in their thousands, to mark the silver anniversary of a party that has been a force for good in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Indeed the over 20,000 persons who attended the event on Sunday, sent shock waves through the rank and file of the opposition NDP. It was a signal that the ULP was still as strong as it was in 2015, and getting stronger, with overwhelming support from the young people. It was a sign too, that the ULP was well placed for the next general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Further too, it was a sign that the continuous nasty, dirty, campaign that the NDP is engaged in, is not having any effect on the ULP. Above all, this strong show of support is a demonstration that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines recognize, understand and support the policies and programmes of the ULP, particularly over the last eighteen years. It is indeed the greatest period of socio economic development in the history of our beloved country.

Hall project, Education, Health and the infrastructure, the Winter Vegetable programme, poverty reduction and poor governance. By this time, the NDP machinery was falling apart. Local trade unions became restless, and there were a number of strikes and sick outs, both in the state and private sector.

The NDP was faltering badly, there was no leadership, and it was time for them to go.

Enter 2001

Following the elections of 1998, and the Grand Beach Accord, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines made a decision that they have had enough of James Mitchell, Arnhim Eustace and the New Democratic Party. Their beloved country had been dragged through a myriad of poor decisions, all of which created developmental difficulties for the average Vincentian.

The country’s economy was in a tail spin. Bananas had declined, due to the absence of the preferential system in Europe, and poor planning by the NDP. The state infrastructure was in The beginning shambles, with police stations, schools, and health clinics in a state of The genesis of the formation of the disrepair. The country was saddled Unity Labour Party could be found in with the unfortunate Ottley Hall the relationship between the late Sir Project, through which foreign Vincent Beache and Dr. Ralph investors virtually ripped off the NDP Gonsalves. At one time, they were administration. political contenders, but by 1993, they Over the last 18 years, the Unity were convinced that there was need for closer cooperation between the Labour Labour Party has adopted a “PeopleParty, and the Movement for National Centered Development Policy” which has been extremely successful, and Unity. Both gentlemen recognized the which has created tremendous positive need for a nexus between their changes in the country. Through this respective parties, to address the policy, the ULP has been able to devise worsening situation in the country, and implement programmes and caused by the poor administration of policies to uplift the quality of life of all the NDP. Vincentians. Perhaps the most popular Just before the 1994 general elections, a “Concerned Citizens Group” of the ULP strategies is the Education Revolution, a programme which has facilitated a sort of electoral pact touched the lives of every single between the Labour Party and the Movement for National Unity, to arrive Vincentian since it was implemented in 2005. The facts are there, and the at a type of accommodation to contest evidence is before our very eyes. the 1994 general election. Coming out of the meetings between the two political parties and the “Concerned Conclusion Citizens Group”, was an agreement that Sir Vincent Beache will be the After 25 years in the business, the political leader of the Labour —MNU ULP is picking up steam and is getting Unity, with Ralph Gonsalves and “busy”. The developmental agenda is Stanley John to remain as leaders of really taking off, with the tourism the MNU and Labour Party sector showing the greatest activity, respectively. with the construction of at least four In the 1994 general elections, the hotels by the State and private sector.

Labour —MNU Unity secured three There will be a new referral hospital at seats, but with an impressive forty-four the site of the ET Joshua airport, and percent of the votes cast. Sir Vincent there are plans to expand the port in Beache, Ralph Gonsalves and Sir Louis Kingstown.

Straker, were the successful All this and more is happening while candidates. This meant that for the the country captures the imagination first time since 1989, there was an and admiration of the international opposition in the House of Assembly. community, as the smallest state to Following the 1994 elections, the become a non- permanent member of Labour-MNU Unity settled down to the United Nations Security Council. create a new political party, the Unity The outpouring of support at the Labour Party, with Sir Vincent Beache anniversary rally is a further being elected as political leader. The indication, that the people are happy ULP was a modern progressive party of with the stewardship of the ULP, led advanced social democracy. Its leaders by Comrade Ralph. articulated with clarity, its policies, All this is not good for the opposition programmes and vision to a wide New Democratic Party as they audience in St. Vincent and the contemplate another five years in Grenadines, and in the Diaspora. opposition. But since they have already By this time the many failures of the set a record as being the party to spend NDP, were being exposed in the longest in opposition, then it’s all Parliament by a relentless ULP in good. opposition. These include the Ottley

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary on Sunday 17th November, 2019. For eighteen of those years, the ULP has been in power. During these years, most Vincentians have experienced severe social and economic hardship when compared to the period when the New Democratic Party (NDP) was in office.

Under the ULP regime, the economy is in shambles, unemployment has skyrocketed, our health care system is in a mess, agriculture is nonexistent, manufacturing has disappeared, our roads are in a total state of disrepair, there is significant decline in moral capital, the government is riddled with allegations of corruption, crime has spiraled out of control, tourism is struggling, and our democracy is under threat.

During the seventeen years of the NDP administration, there was a recurrent surplus of 5.28% of GDP. For their first 3 years, the ULP regime adopted the NDP’s policy, which allowed for a counterpart contribution for all capital projects.

This in turn reduced the amount of borrowing this nation had to undertake. Since 2005 however, successive ULP administrations have applied a decidedly different approach. For instance, the recurrent estimates for 2018, the tax and nontax revenue was EC $621, 684, 138, and recurrent expenditure was EC$776,879, 739; based on those figures there was a massive deficit of $ 155, 195, 601.

Also, the Estimates for 2018 included an item called Other Capital Receipts with revenue of EC $ 160, 195,601. The fact is over the years, the item Other Capital Receipts has yielded a yearly average of EC$2.8 m.

That projected revenue is therefore a fiction. The real deficit has caused the government to transfer less funds to BRAGSA for infrastructure projects such as roads, less funds to the tourism industry for promotion and other activities, and less funds to Education for UWI students. This lack of cash has led also to increasing debt owed to the private sector for goods and services provided to Government, and significant job losses in the private sector. The lack of funds to the Capital Projects hinders public sector employment and economic growth.

Unemployment is a major problem.

Thousands of Vincentians are unemployed. For example, overall unemployment rate is 25 %. The highest since conquest and settlement. This is higher than 2001, when the NDP was in office. At that time, the overall unemployment rate was 20.9 %. Youth, ages 15 — 24 unemployment, is a staggering 46 %, and female unemployment rate is put at 30 %, according to the IMF. As a result, most Vincentians are experiencing extreme hardship. They are crying out loudly about how tough the country has become. Even ULP supporters are saying so. Many have admitted that under the NDP government, things were better for them. They were able to feed their families. They sent their children to school properly dressed and eager to learn. They fixed the leak in their house roof and bought tires or spare parts to keep their vehicles on the

road. But all that has changed under an oppressive ULP regime. Life has become as tough as stone, and there is no hope with this ULP government in power.

But some people are doing well, and ordinary folks see it clearly. It is as clear as daylight that some people are prospering; a special and fortunate few. And always, it’s the same set of people growing fat from feasting at the national trough. Our people see that the country is not working for them. It is only working for one set of people, the ULP big shots and their families and cronies.

No one else getting a piece of the pie.

Many traditional long time ULP supporters say the same thing. In fact, they complain even more loudly than others, because they were expecting their lives to improve under their government. But, after four terms of ULP in power, they are still waiting for their fair share, and they too are saying they will wait no more.

This country has loss millions from agriculture, more so the banana industry. Although there were some challenges on the European market in the 1990s for the banana farmers, quick intervention by the then NDP administration and the other governments of the Windward Islands to negotiate with the supermarkets and other stakeholders in Europe gave farmers hope to continue to produce. As a matter of fact, in 1992, St. Vincent and the Grenadines earned $120 Million from the export of bananas. In 2001, when the ULP gained power, this country received $ 37 million from the sale of bananas.

The last time we heard about sales of banana was in 2012, when it was said that $ 1.5 million was earned that year for banana. It must be noted that presently not a single box of banana is shipped to Europe. What is being done by the ULP administration to revive the banana industry? There isn’t any major rehabilitation or replanting programme to revive the banana industry.

There are numerous complaints daily about the state of health care in this country. Complaints about the lack of basic medication at the clinics and hospitals; the mal-functioning and absence of critical equipment to perform important tests at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and the deplorable condition of the clinics.

One needs to take a close look at the deplorable condition of the clinics at Campden Park, Greggs, Sandy Bay, Owia, Lowmans Windward, Calder, Mayreau, Overland and Sion Hill, and judge for yourself.

For the chief spokesperson of the ULP and the government to suggest that most Vincentians’ lives have improved and the country is prospering under the ULP regime, is utter rubbish. Most Vincentians are suffering. The ULP regime is incompetent, and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is out of touch with the people. The time has come for Dr. Friday and the NDP to manage the affairs of this country.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. 11.

Views

Pride’s prison

Never give up. Never give in.

“A man’s spirit is free, but his pride binds him with chains of suffocation in a prison of his own insecurities.”

Jeremy Aldana, Goodreads author.

‘The problem of the 20th century will be the problem of the color line.’ W.E.B Dubois.

PRIDE can be a prison. It can lock individuals away from achieving many of life’s glorious blessings. That inclination to perceive that we are better or brighter than others can imprison the guilty – preventing them from learning from others. Unrestrained pride can hinder an individual’s progress and retard relationships.

It is probably useful to note that the pride referred to in the preceding paragraph is that negative pride that emerges in individuals who feel that they are superior to others. Such pride may be demonstrated via the display of arrogance and a sense of superiority. That feeling of superiority can be based on the colour of their skin, their nationality, academic achievement, profession, possessions, and so on. But there is also positive pride. Persons experience this when they feel good about having achieved a particular goal, task, or possession.

For example, individuals who are born in the Caribbean may feel good about their nationality. They are not embarrassed to be identified with the people of the region. However, at the same time, they understand and appreciate that they are not considered better than those individuals who were born elsewhere.

We sometimes feel sorry for those individuals who demonstrate negative pride. As paradoxical as it may seem, their display of a “sense of superiority” often confirms the presence of an inferiority complex and deep insecurity. We do not have to be trained in psychology or psychiatry to interpret their body language, voice intonation, and choice of words that will often expose such thoughts.

These displays are usually quite revealing even when such individuals seek to mask their thoughts. That very demonstration of pride could become the prison bars that lock them away from expanding their horizons.

Regardless of our accomplishments, we must forever be reminded of how fragile the accolades and the possessions are. One accident, one illness, one unfortunate occurrence, can erase any of the contributors to that sense of pride. That reality should be an ego-deflater. It should open the gates to pride’s prison; setting us free to bask in the glow of humility.

The story is told of an antelope that lived in a forest. His beautiful antlers were admired by many of the onlookers. He was especially proud when the other animals stared at him and commented on how these contributed to his majestic appearance. He always thought that he was a special creation and considered himself superior to the other animals in the forest. As far as he was concerned, they were no match for him in looks. He was the embodiment of beauty.

However, while he considered himself to have a perfect head and upper body, he was always concerned that his legs did not quite meet his high standards. He considered them to be too thin. He regularly desired better-looking legs. The other

animals avoided him as a result of his arrogance and general haughty attitude. While they concluded that he was attractive, they never really liked or respected him.

One day, as he paused at the lake to quench his thirst, while drinking the cool, refreshing water at the lake, he had been mesmerized by the reflection of his image that had been reflected in the water. That distraction resulted in him not being vigilant enough to detect the scent and the sound of hunters in the area.

His self-admiration was interrupted when he heard his colleagues scampering away to safety, leaving him behind. With head raised and heart beating fast, he ran as fast as he could. The hunters, energized by the possibility of shooting this attractive animal, speedily closed in on him. However, his powerful legs enabled him to outrun them as he galloped to safety.

Maneuvering through the trees proved to be a challenge. His beautiful antlers got caught in the branches of one of the trees. His struggles to untangle them proved to be futile. He was trapped. However, he was relentless in his efforts to escape. He persisted in his effort to free his antlers from the brush. As the hunters neared, he flexed the muscles in his legs and strengthened his resolve to break free … and he did. As he ran for his dear life, he realized that what he had previously considered to be his best feature was responsible for his trouble. He also realized that the legs that he had criticized for being unattractive were actually saving his life. The antelope learned a useful lesson that day. He understood that his pride had almost caused him his life. All along, he had nurtured a pride related to his attractive appearance in general and his antlers in particular. That pride had blinded him from observing encroaching dangers. The experience humbled him, and he was happy to be alive. After this near-death experience, the antelope thought very highly of his legs and less so of his antelopes.

Negative pride, regardless of its origin, can create dangers to self and those around. It can restrict and retard thought patterns that can generate good and positive growth. In a sense, it can appear to imprison those attracted and addicted to its venomous enticements; preventing the abundance of good and fostering character degradation. We must therefore constantly focus on freeing self through humility and empathy — refusing to consider ourselves to be better than others because of ethnicity, nationality, education, gender, age, profession, political affiliation, and so on. None of these qualify us to think of ourselves to be better than anyone else. When we engage in such sober thoughts, we realise that we free ourselves from pride’s prison.

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

WHEN DU BOIS wrote those words in 1903 in his classic ‘Soul of Black Folks’, few thought that these words will have such potent force and meaning today. But as events in the USA and the Caribbean over the payment of reparations for genocide and slavery, Venezuela after the Triumph and rise of President Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution, and most recently in Bolivia under Evo Morales demonstrate that Europeans, who has gained worldwide domination in the last 500 years, will fight to the death to maintain, safeguard and protect their power which comes with the colour line.

Four Vincentians, Ideisha Jackson, Sia Creese, James Gibson and Mwata Byron ably represented SVG at the International Congress of Afrodescendants in Caracas, Venezuela.

Excerpts from the final declaration follows: The conquest and colonization of America constitutes a founding historical fact of the current international order and of the power relations that impact societies. The unjust international order emerging since the aftermath of the 15th century, characterized by an unequal economic-trade system that had its epicenter in Western Europe, was erected on the extermination and subjugation of the original peoples of Americas and of the African population. Undoubtedly, the history of humanity does not record in its annals, genocide of such dimensions.

The colonial world-system was marked by an inhuman trafficking of people from Africa to America in order to invigorate the economic-productive apparatus at the service of Western powers. This required a colonial rationality that would “legitimize” such economic-social practices, thus giving rise to the concept of race as an invention conducive to perpetuating Western predominance over other peoples. Racial segregation seeks to protect a civilizing model created for the systematic exploitation of peoples and the plundering of their natural wealth.

Consequently, ever since, racism has become an inherent element of modernity.

Today’s neoliberal policies which have worldwide reach,stem from the European invasion of America. This model not only reinforces exploitation, but also deepens it while imposing a cultural homogenization that does not know the history of peoples, their traditions and their identity.

Neoliberalism, through the cultural industry of capitalism, perpetrates the eraser of historical memory against the peoples of the world, which is aimed at justifying the plundering of peoples’ wealth, the subjugation of women and domination over Afro-descendant people based on the alleged racial superiority of some over others. It is a model that endorses a conception of life that deepens the separation between human beings and nature.

This Eurocentric colonialist logic that threatens biodiversity, puts material prosperity at the forefront of life.

Neoliberalism is part of a global domination project that seeks to perpetuate the colonial model of power through U.S. domination.

Faced with the emergence of new poles of political and economic power such as Russia, China, Iran and India, the West with the U.S. at its head, it clings to the application of neocolonial policies supported by powerful financial, communications and cultural transnationals. However, given the changes resulting from the emergence of a multi-polar world, U.S. imperialism has escalated into a global offensive aimed at preserving its supremacy and the perpetuity of the neoliberal model.

In Our America, the offensive of U.S. elites and their allies seek to end the cycle of progressive governments to impose neo-colonial relations in the socalled national interest of the United

States. Coups d’état, political violence, economic-financial blockade, threats of military intervention, military bases and diplomatic pressures have been some of the tactics implemented against the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. This has led, thanks to the racism inherent in this doctrine, to the displacement of Afrodescendant populations, racial extermination and discrimination among other consequences.

The congress recognized the role Afrodescendants have played as a key role in building the independence of the peoples of Our America. They unite with social movements, left-wing political parties, and progressive currents and together with sovereign governments that do not give in to imperialist pretensions, help to change the correlation of classes and social forces in our American continent.

The resistance of the progressive governments, the popular insurrections in Haiti, Ecuador and Chile, as well as the electoral results in Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay, account for the failure of the neoliberal model, express the generalized rejection of that model and the neo-colonial policies of the United States for the region.

A particular mention should be made of the anti-imperialist resistance and offensive of the people of Venezuela. It is well known that the multiple attacks of the American imperialism against the Bolivarian Revolution are aimed at undermining the hope created by Commander Hugo Chavez’s liberating work, overthrowing the government of the Constitutional President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, ending democracy and taking over the country’s natural wealth.

Today, when a new progressive cycle emerges in Our America, we understand that the full and irreversible liberation of our societies requires a new civilization that recognizes the people of Africa.

The Afro-descendant International Congress declared its support for:the heroic effort of the Bolivian people to preserve democracy in the face of fascism; condemn racism against the Bolivian indigenous people; demand that the coup plotters respect the right of President Evo Morales’ supporters; denounce the repression against the Bolivian people; call for permanent mobilization to stand with the Bolivian people’s struggle in the building of a new civilizing model and we demand that the USA end its neocolonial policy aimed at subduing Bolivia.

The Afro-descendant International Congress also: *support the Haitian people’s struggles for their social recognitions and their historic legitimate demands in the face of the serious political, economic and social situation derived from the unpopular decisions of their rulers associated with savage capitalism; *denounce the breach of the “Havana Peace Agreement” by the current Colombian president and reject his direct aggression against the people of Venezuela and condemn the actions of the countries in the so-called Lima Group as a political operator of the United Sates administration; *call for an end to the repression of the Chilean people and support them in their just struggles against neoliberalism and the continuity of Pinochet’s dictatorship in the country. *welcome the progress made in incorporating into Mexico’s legal framework the afro-descendant population as a step towards their full recognition; *condemn the violation of human rights by the American government against the African-American population and against migrants from Our America and Africa, particularly women and children.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Non-payment of tax: Adversely affecting education in SVG ACCORDING TO THE VINCENTIAN NEWSPAPER of 15 November 2019, the Principal of Questelles Government School gave students a letter to give to their parents, in which it said that students should not return for classes until Monday (of this week).

It is believed that there was a very serious rat problem at the school.

In 2018, a school in West

Kingstown was closed, because the toilet facilities were not functioning.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, would like to know if there is a rat problem in the white enclaves of Mustique and Canouan, that is adversely affecting tourism?

Are the super-rich of Mustque and Canouan having to close their tourist facilities because of rats, and telling tourists to go away and not return until the rat problem is fixed?

A major problem in SVG is the very poor quality of education. In 2018, hundreds of school children were sent home from schools because the

toilets were not functioning, and the problem was seen as a major health risk to the school children.

We must ask: Are the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan paying their fair share of tax?

One would want to conclude that if they were, all schools in SVG could be in good condition.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, there is no net benefit financially to SVG from the presence of the super-rich, in Mustique and Canuoan. We would

be much better off without them.

Free, high-quality education from pre-school to our own science and technology university must be our number one priority.

To get the best out of their future, children in SVG should be given a world-class education from pre-school to university. However, by not investing much money at all in to education, the ULP regime is seriously limiting the job prospects and earning capacity of Vincentian children,

when they leave school.

They will have fewer opportunities if they leave school with fewer qualifications.

No one should be encouraged to watch Vincentian children’s education suffer; no one should be allowed to pay any less tax than they should be paying into this country’s Treasury.

One day, we will see the departure of the white migrants, and a fiscal surplus in SVG Treasury. School closures because of rats will be a thing of the past.

Towards the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

Sixteen Days of Activism?

Why not Twenty-Two? SINCE THE FIRST CELEBRATION of a Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women thirty-eight years ago, NGOs and government institutions have mounted programmes aimed at eradicating this scourge. However, each gain is overtaken by hideous crimes against humanity. Recent Newspaper articles tell the tale- a woman running naked at the command of her exboyfriend; schoolgirls raped by male relatives, or foster parent; homes invaded and a mother and daughter raped in view of the husband and father who is held at gun point. Legislation is passed, but implementation is woefully ineffective. The Courts attempt to send strong messages, but to whose ears do they reach? Advocacy, Communication and Implementation on this issue is still weak.

In 2018, the Caribbean Women’s Association (CARIWA) completed a 2year project entitled — “Cultural Rights to Foster Behavioural Changes and Women’s Empowerment Against Domestic Violence in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean”. The Project which produced several important training tools, including the following— A Video and Leaflet (attached); Flyer; Harmonized Protocol; Handbook for Teachers and a Handbook for Religious Leaders. These tools are underutilised due to both lack of financial resources and political will.

The Project attempted to adopt approaches that would change a mindset in both males and females. If certain characteristics are nurtured, there would be greater success towards the elimination of violence against women.

CARICOM held such a view towards building peaceful societies when it stated that, “The Ideal Caribbean Person should be someone who among other things: * is imbued with a respect for human life, since it is the foundation on which all the other desired values must rest; * has a strong appreciation of family

and kinship values, community cohesion, and moral issues including responsibility for and accountability to self and community; * has developed the capacity to create and take advantage of opportunities to control, improve, maintain and promote physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, and to contribute to the health and welfare of the community and country; * nourishes in him/herself and in others, the fullest development of each person's potential without gender stereotyping, and embraces differences and similarities between females and males as a source of mutual strength.

Another look should therefore be taken at the role of men in the elimination of violence against women.”

Statistics show that males are the main perpetrators of violence against women. Statistics also show that not all men are perpetrators of violence against women. So, can the larger percentage be partners in influencing change?

November 19 is observed as the United Nations International Men’s Day. It was initiated through the efforts of a Caribbean Man — Jerome Teelucksingh, a lecturer at the UWI, St. Augustine Campus. Can we not forge a partnership and celebrate twenty-two days of activism, taking November 19 into account? It is a day to honour men, it is a day to celebrate their achievements, and address their challenges, one of which is the disease of violence towards women which affects many of them. It is an opportunity for women and men to build solidarity and work to “maintain and promote physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and to contribute to the health and welfare of the community and country”.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator Committee for the Development of Women (CDW)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. 13.

WPP Scoliosis Mission 2019: Every Child Counts Campaign WORLD PEDIATRIC PROJECT (WPP) held a scoliosis mission from November 2 -9, 2019.

The seven-member team was led by Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Robert Tuten, and included: Anesthesiologist Dr. Mike Esters, Neurophysiologist Erin Rose, Medtronic Spine Rep Leighanna Folgers and OR Nurses Cathy Rosenbaum, Mary ‘Debbie’ Walton and Tabitha Bristow.

On the first day of the mission, a clinic day, a total of 24 children were seen, inclusive of 5 children from St. Lucia and one each from Antigua and Dominica, who were identified as needing surgical intervention at the diagnostic clinics in their respective islands.

Thanks to the decentralization of the diagnostic clinics regionally, more children can now access care in clinics in their own

countries.

A total of 8 surgeries were scheduled for the week.

WPP’ s latest drive is to raise funds in order to continue supporting community-based growth in St. Vincent and the Grenadine and the Eastern Caribbean. The intention is to expand its reach and ability to assist more children not just locally but regionally.

Towards this end, on November 30th 2019,

WPP, in collaboration with Be Fit Movement SVG, will host the event dubbed “5K SWEAT” — To heal a Child.

Event packages are on sale at the cost of $40.00 and can be purchased at WPP’s office on Tyrell Street in Kingstown.

All funds raised will go towards accommodating the current missions so as to enable the current 15 diagnostic and surgery teams to travel to SVG to

continue the work that is being done, and to do even more.

In addition, the funds help with providing ground support to the teams, children and families.

The ‘Every Child Counts’ campaign funding goal is EC$270,000.

WPP has been working in SVG since 2002 providing surgical and diagnostic services through visiting pediatric

teams, and has touched the lives of over 3.200 children.

The estimated cost of the missions to date is US$24million.

WPP recognizes that a lot more needs to be done, and believes no child should be left without the medical care needed. The ‘Every Child Counts’ campaign is testimony to WPP’s commitment to continuing its service to children here and in the region.

14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

Science Fair previews a vision

EDUCATION OFFICER FOR SCIENCE Juanita Hunte-King is looking for a 2020 Vision for Science.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 2019 VINLEC National Science and Technological Fair, at the Arrival lounge of the de-commissioned E.T. Joshua airport, HunteKing expressed satisfaction with the staging of this year’s exercise.

She noted that schools had complied with the call for internal fairs, and with training of coordinators.

There were 380 projects submitted from 32 institutions, split evenly between primary and secondary schools, as well as four in the Open Category.

The top three Primary Schools were Lodge Village Government, St Mary’s Roman Catholic and Lower Bay School

Incorporated.

Bishop’s College Kingstown, Sandy Bay Secondary and St Martin’s copped the top honours in the secondary schools’ category.

Lenski Adams, a teacher at the Girls’ High School, was the most outstanding in the Open Category with a presentation, ‘State of matter and heat’.

Adams urged more teachers to participate. He sees the interaction as opening up avenues for deeper engagement in Science. He will present again in 2020.

Sheddie Conliffe, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Science Teachers Association, observed that the quality of displays had improved, and commended teachers and students. He appreciated the

Lower Bay School Inc. was among the top three presenters for primary schools.

Left: Sandy Bay Secondary – among the top three secondary schools’ presenters.

enthusiasm on show, and expressed confidence that “Science is alive.”

Conliffe, however, bemoaned the lack of interest shown by business houses who could well benefit from some of the ideas on display.

Tamara Job Sprott, speaking on behalf of VINLEC, the activity’s primary benefactor, described her company’s involvement as an

“investment.”

She pointed to a shortage of engineers, and broached the question about how to get young people involved.

Job Sprott stressed the importance of technical and vocational training, reminding that “In any field, you would need science and technology.”

She called for support to children “at home and in the school

environment.”

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education Deborah Charles echoed the importance of Science in life, and called for it to be placed on the curriculum, as a core subject.

“Science,” she said, “good platform for national, regional and international development.”

The Parliamentary Secretary assured that her Ministry was pleased with the collaboration with VINLEC. (WKA)

Lenski Adams – Tops in the Open Category.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 , 2019. 17.

Business

FLOW gives back this Christmas LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY FLOW is giving back to its customers this Christmas.

Every customer, either existing or new, will instantly win themselves a prize when doing business with FLOW this Christmas.

These ‘instant prizes’ include hams, turkeys to EC$200 vouchers for use at C.K Greaves, Home Centre and the FLOW store, and a number of other deals for mobile, bundle and fixed line users.

The promotion, tagged ‘It only gets better with FLOW this Christmas’, was officially launched on November 15 at the company’s store on Halifax Street.

FLOW’s Country Manager Wayne Hull explained that the promotion was designed to give value back to its customers.

All of FLOW’s customers including prepaid and post-paid mobile, bundle and fixed line customers and those signing on for the first time, will instantly get a prize, Hull said.

Customers who zero their balances on time, first time customers and those who upgrade their current services, will win instant gifts and prizes

throughout the month of December.

Hull also encouraged customers to be on the lookout for ‘Country Manager Day’ when all customers in the store on that day will receive a free gift, compliments the Manager.

Commercial Wayne Hull, Country Manager.

Manager, Maria De Grads, provided some detail into the promotion and the other offers from FLOW this Christmas.

The other offers include the choice of free data or minutes to prepaid customers; a minimum of 1GB of data; double for those who currently use the 30-day plan of 10GB of data.

In addition, for this Maria De Grads, Christmas, De Grads Commercial Manager. said persons will be able to purchase a handset for the medium pre-paid $149.00, when they buy plan will receive an a medium plan for an upgrade from 6GB to additional EC$99 which 11GB of data. include 6GB of data and Fixed line customers free unlimited weekends. who sign on for the Post-paid customers, bundle that includes existing and new, will cable and internet, will get unlimited talk all receive a 40 percent weekend. discount.

And during the The promotion runs promotion, customers of until December 31. (DD)

Francis blames his Ministry Continued from Backpage. portfolio includes responsibility of the KTB which manages the operations around the city, including street vending, informed that as part of the physical clean-up, four locations have been identified - the former vegetable and meat markets, the current meat market and a section along the warehouse of Customs opposite CK Greaves Supermarket in Kingstown — as places that will be refurbished and where vendors will be located.

A meeting with the vendors will be convened, Francis assured, but not before he had definitive word that the Ministries of Works and Finance had agreed upon how the money was to be spent, and that the all clear was given for the project to be implemented.

And in further reference to the

vending situation in capital Kingstown, Francis said he supported the recent action by the police to remove vendors from the gallery along the Melville Street portion of ACE Hardware, Kingstown.

“They (police) make moves to move some vendors, they have my 100 percent support…they have more inside information than I have, and the decision was taken,” Francis added.

Francis said he was looking forward to the continued collaboration with the police, saying that too often, when calls were made for police support, none was provided.

He explained that the security at the market for example, had no power to arrest, that was the work of the police and their support was greatly needed.

18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 , 2019. 19.

V

20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Alternative lifestyle struggle a terrible feeling not being able to THE DEBATE about freely express lesbians etc. has been how you feel heating up in SVG, and it has locked me in a corner being forced to afraid to move one way or live in a the other. So much venom nutshell for all these years. has been coming from I suggest that you find most of society, that I do a professional counsellor not know who to talk to who will help you to about my situation. express your true I think am attracted feelings and find ways to to girls. I have been cope with the internal feeling this way since struggles that you now high school, and now that I’m 25 years, it has experience. It is vitally become clearer that I’m not into boys. However, I’m afraid to disclose my sexual preference, for fear of being ostracized especially by my friends Dear George, and family.

I FOLLOWED MY I do not want to live this way. If it is that my MAN to a certain house and, even though I society continues to always knew he was alternative sexual visiting someone in that preferences, I might as village, it was painful well cease to exist. I watching him have a cannot live like this for sexual encounter with much longer. I am sure two (twin) sisters. They that when I’m dead and are 20 years younger gone some of these same than me who just hypocrites will be crying turned 50. My husband at my funeral, asking is 45 years old. I know why didn’t I come being it’s not an age issue forced to them to talk with him, because I about my feelings. have caught him There is too much hypocrisy in St. Vincent, cheating before with a woman who is in her and it has to stop. Some sixties. of the very persons who The twins did not are in the forefront hide the fact that they shouting against alternative lifestyles, are were giving my husband double what I’m giving the very ones who are him, and when I secretly involved in confronted him, he had it. Maybe I should start no remorse naming names. whatsoever. He said a two for one deal is one Locked feelings he could not walk away from, and that he would Dear Locked feelings, rather be divorced and have two women at his Thank you for disposal, than to be reaching out. It must be married with only one.

Dear George,

important that you get to talk about your feelings as opposed to hiding behind your fears.

If you need further support, you can always get back to me through this medium.

George

Two for one George, what he said hurt me badly. I would hate to think this is the end of the rope for my marriage, but it sure looks like it. What to do next escapes me.

For bitter and worse Dear For bitter & worse, The harsh reality is there are some individuals who were not prepared for marriage but went into it anyway.

What I can say is you do not have to tolerate this kind of behavior.

You should put a freeze on things until you and your husband can agree to either do what it takes to stay together, or agree to go your separate ways.

Both of you can surely benefit from a few sessions of counseling, and this must be done sooner than later.

George

Don’t give up Dear George, WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO MY WIFE who told me her ex-husband knew how to satisfy her in bed? She went as far as to say how much of a better cook he is, and if she was still with him, she would be eating better, etc.

I’m tired of telling her not to keep comparing me to her Ex, but she is not listening. We have been married one year

now, and I’m ready to walk if she continues this way.

Sick to the stomach Dear Sick to the stomach, A tempting question would be to ask your wife why isn’t she with Ex if it is that he can satisfy you in ways you cannot.

No relationship is perfect, but as long as

she keeps looking back, her movements forward would be slow and wearisome. It’s best to focus on what’s great about your union, and agree to work on the weak areas step by step. It’s not a bad idea to get some couple counselling while you are at it.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. You could meet an interesting individual you'll want to get to know better. Focus your efforts on your work.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Time is money and you must be ready to take action in order to reach your highest potential. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Any contributions you make to organizations will enhance your reputation and bring you offers. You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people's money or possessions this week. Networking will be a necessity.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Dig deep to find out how costly a new venture will be before you sign on the dotted line. Friendships could be terminated quickly if disappointments occur. Try to get away with your mate.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Listen to the advice given by others.

Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Your talent will be recognized. Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't expect the whole family to be overjoyed. You could be your own worst enemy if you overreact to something you're told. Romance will unfold through business trips. Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your fight for those less fortunate is not likely to end in sweet victory. You'll be prone to tears if your mate is harsh with you this week. Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) A change is as good as a rest. Don't go looking for change. Don't take sides if you wish to remain on good terms with both parties. You will be prone to carelessness that could result in accidents.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. Keep busy and let them fume while you're not around. Discord could be unnerving. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your ability to put things together will be appreciated by your comrades. Don't be too eager to start any debates. Do not get upset over trivial matters. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't be too eager to cut those who have disappointed you from your life.

Romantic encounters are evident through travel or educational pursuits.

Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Rethink your motives and make the necessary changes to yourself. Comfort is a necessity. Check your motives. Don't get talked into get rich quick schemes.

Don't count on correspondence to clear up major problems.

ABOVE 1. Tell every secret 5. That fellow’s 8. Band member’s big chance 12. Nevada city 13. Flare (up) 14. Very excited 15. Absorbed by 16. Salon chemical 17. Provide meals for 18. Somewhat wet 20. Prizes for achievement 22. Less thin 25. Aardvark snack 28. Commit a blunder 29. Long trough 33. Parka feature 35. Whole _ and caboodle 37. Certain 38. Blurt out 40. Wee taste of a drink 42. Basketball-court site 43. Traded 46. Team sidekick 49. Sea surges 53. neighborhood 54. Hooting bird 57. Bad habit 58. Stadium level 59. Cow comment 60. Arthur of tennis 61. Clock pointer 62. Bait (a trap) 63. Mall business DOWN 1. Hat edge 2. Comedian Jay 3. Against 4. Helpful push 5. Owned 6. Quite cold

7. Beef order 8. African tours 9. Above 10. Was disobedient 11. Casino stats 19. Make _ grade, succeed 21. Take a spouse 23. Disgust 24. Brittle, as a cracker 25. “I knew it” 26. Head gesture 27. Cat who chases Jerry 30. Pull 31. Express grief 32. Stitched border 34. Throw out 36. Pen end

39. Number of Obama daughters 41. Caress 44. Wee particles 45. Opera stars 46. Class with +, -, x, and ÷ 47. Song for

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 , 2019. 21.

Pavarotti 48. Viewed 50. Dinner plate 51. Reflected sound 52. Trickle (out) 55. Deep sorrow 56. “Thanks a _!”

V

22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News/Court award ceremony, and presented a cheque in the amount of EC$11,000.00 (first year fees) to Mr. Osborne Bowens, Dean of the DTVE. Mrs. James, referencing the motto of the ECGC Foundation Inc. — ‘Expanding Opportunities Enriching Lives’ - encouraged Studies. students to persevere, Those receiving the excel in their studies, traditional eight DTVE not to procrastinate with Bursaries were: Junell Campbell, Markel Forde, the opportunity that has Sameisha Hoyte, Davion been provided, since they are the ones who Lavia, Shanique Keir, will determine their own Anwon Dells, Kiara success or failure.

Layne, Josiah Samue.

Since the inception of Darika Edwards was the partnership with the the additional recipient DTVE, the ECGC from the DTVE, while Foundation Inc. has Sabrina Brereton and contributed Lanique O’Garro were approximately the recipients from the EC$60,000 towards Division of Teacher assisting students.

Education and the The St. Vincent and Division of Arts Science the Grenadine and General Studies Community College, respectively.

Each of the additional particularly the DTVE, remains grateful to the three bursaries was ECGC Foundation Inc. valued at $1000.00. for its continued The East Caribbean partnership and Group of Companies (ECGC) Human Resource investment in student development and Manager, Mrs. Phyllis James was present at the vocational training.

ECGC Foundation awards bursaries THE ST VINCENT AND THE COLLEGE (SVGCC): Division Vocational Education GRENADINES COMMUNITY of Technical and (DTVE) and ECGC

Foundation Inc., formalized their fourth year of partnership when, on November 6,2019, the Foundation presented eleven bursaries to students from three Divisions.

As has been the tradition, eight students of the DTVE were awarded bursaries in the amount of EC$1500 each, to cover registration and fees for their two-year programmes.

In addition, and in keeping with the spirit of the Year of Renewal/40th Anniversary of Independence, the Foundation offered three additional bursaries: an additional one to the DTVE, and one each to the Divisions of Teacher Education and Arts Science and General

Recipients of the ECGC Foundation Inc. bursaries with Mrs. Phyllis James ECGC Human Resource Manager (left), Ms. Petra Lewis-Ferdinand – Lecturer/DTVE (right) and Mr. Osborne Bowens - Dean of the DTVE (2nd from right back).

Lucians, Bajan, fined for illegal entry TWO ST. LUCIANS AND A BARBADIAN received a number of fines at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to charges of illegal entry.

Joel Payne, 58, of Barbados, along with Eric Samuel, 34, and Jessie St. CYR, 28, both of St. Lucia, were each fined $300 forthwith for entering the state by boat, and disembarking

at a place other than a point of entry; $300 each forthwith or one month for entering the state without a passport; $400 each forthwith or one month for knowingly allowing themselves to land as prohibited immigrants, and $400 each forthwith or one month for entering the state by boat and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer.

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

The offences were committed at Sandy Bay on November 13 this year.

The men were handed the penalties shortly after being fined $39,780 each for possession of 349 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply, and given a three-year suspended sentence for attempting to export the drug. (HH)

V

23. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Fraser promises to build on progress made ONCE RETURNED AS PRESIDENT of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), Marvin Fraser “will embark on a four-year mission, to take Football in our blessed country to new heights.”

This is the solemn promised that the incumbent Fraser has made to the football fraternity here.

Fraser, who was elected in August 2018 after then President — Venold Coombs was banned by Football’s world governing body FIFA, will tomorrow, 23rd November, face off against Carl Dickson and Patrick Horne at the SVGFF’s Annual General Meeting at the Methodist Church Hall.

Fraser opined that since taking the top post, football here has gone through changes for the good.

“I have had to, in my short time as President, make adjustments and basically reboot, reset and reprogramme the footballing machine...I had to make necessary changes to the personnel driving essential parts of the machine, in order to make steps towards the necessary product that I envisioned as a President,” Fraser stated.

Fraser, in reflecting further on his fifteen-month tenure, reported, “The product of Football needed reorganising, rebranding and redistributing... It was therefore imperative that additions be made to staff, for programmes to be implemented and for partnerships to be forged...The public and private sector’s support for football has exceeded expectations, as we now have more persons willing to work with the football family than ever before.”

The incumbent SVGFF President also cited the adjustments in Marketing and Public Relations strategies that have been put in place.

Fraser noted that through the strategies, the football product has been able to reach audiences, “ touch families, educate key personnel and the general public, promote football and to heighten awareness.”

He disclosed that “Time and finances were spent to turn the image of the organisation into one that was welcoming and professional,” and noted, “The football product is now embraced and loved by the local, regional and international market, as

we have made it a more in your face experience.”

Confident of being re-elected, Fraser committed to continuing “to put football progression above selfish ambition and (to) work harder to ensure that football continue to soar against all odds...We will continue to develop our infrastructure, clubs and leagues...

We will empower and educate at all levels of the sport, build our relationships with corporate SVG, and Marvin Fraser review our constitution, concentrate on governance and compliance, all in an effort to make the football product self-sustainable.”

Reiterated his commitment to the

sport and national administration, Fraser concluded, “Football is my passion… It is my joy and it is an essential part of my life.”

Dickson unveils ten-point Football Plan CARL DICKSON, who is one of three candidates vying to become the next President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), has outlined a ten -point plan as his platform to advance the sport.

Listed among Dickson’s priorities are the implementation of a development structure to serve the technical development of footballing skills and techniques from the youth level to the senior level for both men and women, along with the revamping of the Youth Programme and the development of the Human Resources.

In addition, Dickson plans to work with FIFA and the Government of SVG to secure a “Home For Football”.

Dickson has also targeted the SVGFF Secretariat for an

overhaul, and he commits to working with FIFA and CONCACAF to professionalise the sport.

He also proposes to work with all affiliates to: revamp the constitution; re- brand the SVGFF and enrich the Vincy Heat brand; create a Hall of Fame (with annual inductions); and build and deepen the relationship with the Diaspora as a strategic partner.

Dickson projected, “On elevation to the position of President, my first order of business would be the creation of a strategic plan to encapsulate the strategic vision, which is in the tenpoint plan”.

He also proffered that, “At the end of our first four-year term, our goal is to achieve a FIFA ranking of 85 and 9th in CONCACAF.” Currently, St Vincent and

the Grenadines is ranked 168th in FIFA World Ranking and 21st in CONCACAF. As with direct relation to why he should be voted president, Dickson said, “I am willing to lead from the front the process of transforming Football in my country... My 30 years in banking, functioning at a senior management level of one of the main commercial banks in SVG, with extensive training in leadership, financial and money management and money laundering, have prepared me to lead this transformation.”

He added, “Furthermore, my direct involvement in the sport for over two decades in various capacities, as a player, Referee, Referee Assessor, Administrator, Sponsor, and Club Manager, have nurtured me to be a suitable and viable candidate to lead this

transformation.”

In a significant turn of events going into tomorrow’s Annual General Meeting of the SVGFF at the Methodist Church Hall, Dicksons’s candidacy has been bolstered by the support of Raymond Trimmingham, who had submitted his name as a contender for the position of President.

“I am supporting (Carl) Dickson… We know each other and we can work together… I think if we run separately, we will not reach our objective…

Our objective is to change the way football is being run, and change the culture of Football,” Trimmingham responded when reached for a comment.

The race for the seat of

Carl Dickson President now involves the incumbent Marvin Fraser, Patrick Horne and Dickson.

V

24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

“Players buckled under the expectations,” Kendale Mercury HEAD COACH OF THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Senior Men’s Football Team Kendale Mercury, said that his players were unable to maintain their composure last Monday at the Windsor Park Stadium in Kendale Mercury, Dominica, in their Head Coach. crucial match against the host, in the CONCACAF Nations League.

St Vincent and the Grenadines needed to beat the previously winless Dominica in order to book a place in the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021.

That was not to be, as Dominica eked out a 1-0 win.

Reflecting on his team’s “so close but yet so far” experience, Mercury told THE VINCENTIAN last Tuesday, shortly after the team’s return, “From my perspective and from the staff’s perspective, it came down to the players couldn’t manage the weight of national expectations placed on them.”

Even with their — technical staff - every effort to keep the the next Gold Cup, players mentally focused, some SVG will have to “buckled”, Mercury admitted, make good of and added that, “It was another shot. revealed after, that some Based on the players sweated all night format of the (Sunday)… Some did not eat, tournament, and not because they didn’t want to by virtue of their eat, but they were turning in second place in their stomachs.”

Group D, SVG These factors the Head will play against Coach fingered as major one of the contributing factors in the winners of team not getting the job done SVG’s Captain- League C, on a on the field. home and away Cornelius Notwithstanding the loss, basis, in March Stewart sports Mercury lauded goal keeper 2020.

Dwaine Sandy, defender a jersey in If successful Jahvin Sutherland and recognition of in that tie, the Captain Cornelius Stewart, as former CaptainVincentians will those who showed the Roy ‘Chicken’ then meet one of intestinal fortitude needed.

Richards, who the third places As it stood at the end of was killed in of League A, for Monday’s match, Audel July 2017. a Gold Cup spot.

Laville’s 71st minute goal gave St Vincent Dominica its only win goal in and the Group D of League B , in which SVG had Grenadines will know three wins, two draws and a loss, to their next opponents in finish second to Suriname. their continuation in the While Suriname heads straight to Nations League, when the League A of the next CONCACAF draw is done in Miami in Nations League and an automatic spot to December.

Mustique Company – Zone B winner.

Oneil Thomas (extreme right back row) hit 61 not out for Mustique against Belfongo North East – Zone A winners.

Masters.

NORTH EAST AND MUSTIQUE COMPANY TOP ZONE A AND B as the 2019 Masters T20 Competition

enters its quarter finals stage.

While North East were clear leaders in Zone A going to last weekend

Haslam impressed with emerging TT talent

to turn up for their match.

In another match played at Sion Hill, General Hardware Pastures Masters defeated Kirk DaSilva’s LaCroix Masters by 166 runs.

Scores: Pastures 198 for 3 off 20 overs, Deptor Culzac 51, Lennox Samuel 42 not out; La Croix 32 all out off 13.2 overs. Ardon Hall and Alvin Hope took 2 wickets each.

Following the final round of matches last weekend, eight teams have advanced to the quarterfinals.

The quarter finals match-ups are as follows: North East Masters vs Sion Hill Masters; Mustique Company Masters vs North Windward Masters; . A R & G Trucking Ptani Masters vs North Leeward Masters; RSVG Police Masters vs Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters.

PRESIDENT OF THE SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) Orville Haslam OD, is delighted to see the emergence of the number of young talented players in the sport, and believes it must be nurtured.

Haslam expressed these sentiments while making brief remarks at the closing of the Ministry of Education, National Orville Haslam OD, Reconciliation, President of the SVG Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information School’s Table Table Tennis Association, has Tennis Championships, recognised emerging which ended last week at talent which can be the Old Kingstown nurtured.

Anglican School building where Grammar School and Girls’ High School copped the team titles in the boys and girls respectively.

“I think there is an abundance of talent here, as evidenced by what was on display during the tournament for the past two weeks, and I am sending out a challenge to coaches to nurture the young talented players.”

He added, “I will try my best, as part of the SVGTTA, to raise funds to enhance a development programme throughout the country, which will also include programmes for coaches, hopefully commencing in December.”

According to Haslam, the SVGTT Association continues to look for overseas scholarships for table tennis players. One such approach has been made through the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Haslam underscored the importance of overseas and consistent exposure as being a prerequisite to competing at the highest level.

The President also pointed to the importance of support from parents and teachers.

Addressing teachers and headmasters, he called on them to appreciate the importance of striking a balance between academics and sports.

Haslam was also pleased with the Sports Department, organisers of the Championships, and expressed satisfaction with Old Kingstown Anglican School as a facility for the sport.

“It is an ideal place for table tennis, and can make a big difference for the sport. I am hoping that I can have a conversation with the owners of the building in the near future”, Haslam said.

I.B.A.ALLEN

I.B.A.ALLEN

Masters T20 into Quarterfinals matches, Mustique were third in Zone B. However, three victories last weekend ensured the only Grenadines representation in the country, top position in Zone B. At Buccament, Mustique defeated Computec Belfongo Masters by 8 wickets. Scores: Belfongo 93 for 6 off 20 overs Devon Williams 24, Elvis “Baga” Browne 23.

Caswell Dorsette 2 for 10; Mustique 98 for 2 off 9.5 overs. Oneil Thomas 61 not out.

At Sion Hill, Mustique disposed of Sion Hill Masters by 6 runs. Scores: Mustique 138 for 9 off 20 overs Oneil Thomas 27, Sinclair Bascombe 25, Ian Allen 24. Sylvester Vanloo 3 for 33; Sion Hill 132 for 6 off 20 overs Arrington Burgin 49.

Oneil Thomas 3 for 25.

Mustique gained full points without bowling a ball, when Pastures failed

Members of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football team, thanking the local crowd for their support last Friday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. 25.

Sports

Glitter and gloom I WILL TAKE THE CYNICAL OUTLOOK and boast that we are the best second placed finisher in League B. But that might not be enough to take away the gloom overtaken by our stumble at the home stretch.

The focus will be consolidating the gains from this excursion. Up till Monday, the team had recorded remarkable successes.

Expectations had risen, and optimism was there of a straight flight to the Gold Cup. It will be a roundabout route. That format will be determined in December.

By then, elections at the local Football level will have taken place. That will have its own implications.

Besides fielding a squad that fits the tasks, administrators have to continue to contribute to the personal development of the players. There must be ways to cater for players’ future. And players have to make the sacrifice and commitment.

Football, and sport overall, has been a base of societal interaction. With the global trend, SVG must cash in on the opportunities that abound.

The onus is on players to work on a progressive path. There is reason to believe the administration is committed to their role.

Action continues tomorrow Saturday 23, at the Cumberland Playing Field, with the Female T/20 Super League featuring Balls Burners, United Survivors and North Leeward. They leave space on Sunday for quarter final matches.

Ruddy’s Electrical has a chance of lifting this year’s edition of the Vinlec Jules Anthony, North Leeward T/20 championship. But they have to overcome Ajuba who consider themselves on home turf. Whoever wins, comes up against Rose Hall Future Legends who disposed of Somerset in the first quarterfinal last Sunday.

Powered by Dean Browne’s 101 off 59 balls including eight fours and seven sixes, and supported by Shem Browne 44 and Oswald Soleyn 24, Future Legends knocked up 194 for 3 from their allotment. Somerset fell for 52 off 9.1 overs, wrecked by Rajiv Roberts 4 for 13 and Dean Browne 4 for 21.

The fourth quarterfinal match features Rose Bank Big League which included former West Indies Under 19 batsman Gidron Pope in the preliminaries, and Peto Stars.

The winner plays Police, the defending champion. They beat Carlos James Troumaca Starlight by 22 runs. Police amassed 189 for 5, buoyed by Benniton Stapleton 52 not out, Rickford Walker 45, Andrew Thomas 29, and Kevin Abraham 21 not out.

Abraham secured a hattrick which left Starlight reeling at 37 for 6. They crawled to 90 for 8, and it appeared a foregone conclusion.

Elron Lewis fell for 89, after a 72 run ninth wicket partnership with Aleon Caesar 24 not out, which gave the Police some attention. But the damage was already done, notably by Abraham 3 for 14 who returned the best figures for Police.

BrowneÊs century pushes Rose Hall into Semis A CENTURY BY DEAN BROWNE in last weekend round of matches in the 2019 Jules Anthony VINLEC North Leeward T20 Super League, helped propel Robertson Surveying Rose Hall Future Legend into the semi-finals of that competition.

Playing at the Cumberland Playing Field, Browne struck 101, as Future Legends chalked 194 for 3 off 20 overs in their quarter finals match against Somerset, who replied with 52 off 9.1 overs, Browne returned to inflict further punishment on Somerset, taking 4 for 21 off 4 overs. Rajiv Roberts took 4 for 13 off 3.1overs. Browne was named Man of The Match.

In another quarter final match,

SVG Police beat Carlos James Troumaca Starlight by 22 runs.

Scores: Police 189 for 6 off 20 overs - Benninton Stapleton 52 not out, Rickford Walker 45, Kevin Abraham 21 not out; Troumaca Star Light 167 for 9 off 20 overs - Elron Lewis 89, Kevin Abraham 3 for 14 off 4 overs including a hat-trick. He was named Man of the Match.

I.B.A.ALLEN Right: Dean Browne’s century was the foundation on which Rose Hall’s semifinals place was desired.

SVG duo looking for 4th wins in NACAC 10K Junior Ashton (left), Linda Mc Dowall (right).

VINCENTIAN DISTANCE RUNNING DUO of Junior Ashton and Linda Mc Dowall will be looking to make it four straight wins in the International Category of this Sunday’s NACAC Chatoyer 10K, which is dubbed as the World’s Most Challenging 10K. Ashton has only fellow Vincentians Markie Edwards and Meshach Dublin as his contenders.

However, Mc Dowall will have to face Kenyaborn, Trinidad and Tobago based Veronica Jepkoskei, and Odesha John of St Vincent and the Grenadines, as in her quest for her fourth lien.

Jepkoskei, who is the lone non-Vincentian entrant in the event, defeated Mc Dowall in the UWI SPEC 10K and the South American 10K, both staged in the last two months.

Mc Dowall placed third in the UWI- SPEC 10K, and was second in the South American 10K, as Jepkosjei trumped both races.

Filling most of the spots in Sunday’s race which begins at 3pm from Gordon Yard and finishes at the Chateaubelair Playing Field, are 20 athletes who are in the local Under-20 bracket, 10 in the open 20 and over, and 3 in the Masters.

In all, 42 athletes are registered for the event, which gets going from 3pm.

The Male and Female winners of the International Category will earn US $1300 each, with the second places getting $700 and the third

places $500.

The sums of $250 and $100, were allocated for the fourth and fifth places, but these would not be claimed, as there are only three entrants in each category.

For those athletes taking the top places in the open categories, they will pocket $700, with those finishing second getting $400; third places - $300, while those placing fourth - $ 200 and fifth - $100.

The winners of the local Under-20s get EC$500, second places- $300, third places- $200, fourth places- $100 and fifth places - $75.

In the Masters’ segment, the first place earns $300, second - $200 and third- $100.

The first athlete to reach the 5km mark will get US$100, while the school with the most athletes completing the race gets EC $1000.

North Leeward Female T20 bowls off BALL BURNERS AND UNITED SURVIVORS recorded contrasting wins when the inaugural Jules Anthony VINLEC North Leeward Female T20 Super League Tri Series bowled off last weekend, at the Cumberland playing field.

In the first game on Saturday, Ball Burners beat United Survivors by 3 wickets in a closely contested encounter.

United survivors batted first and made 133 for 7 off 20 overs, retired national player Samantha Lynch getting 37. Isha Williams took 3 for 30 off 4 overs bowling

for Ball Burners.

Ball Burners left it late, but eventually got to 134 for 7 in 19 overs, Jephina Joseph leading with 40. Tracy Byron 2 for 26 off 2 overs.

In last weekend’s second match, United Survivors bounced back to beat Jules Anthony Northern Girls comfortably by 9 wickets.

Samantha Lynch had a good Jules Anthony Northern weekend with both bat and ball.

Girls made 45 off 15 overs.

Samantha Lynch took 3 for 4 and Kimone Holmer took 2 for 13 off 4 with 48 for 1 off 5.5 overs. overs. United Survivors replied I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

LAND FOR SALE

RESIDENTIA L LOTS AT BRIGHTON at $12.00 per sq. ft.

4167 sq. ft.

5542 sq.ft.

7501 sq.ft.

Call 457-2788 or 454-2227

CLOVIS PHILLIP 6W 3DXO¶V $QJOLFDQ &KXUFK 7KXUVGD\ VW 1RYHPEHU 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW *ROGHQ 9DOH &HPHWHU\

9(5121 $/(;$1'(5 MOORE *RUVH $SRVWROLF )DLWK 0LVVLRQ 6DWXUGD\ WK 1RYHPEHU 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW %\HUD &HPHWHU\

(/0$ 0$< 6HYHQWK 'D\ $GYHQWLVW &KXUFK 5LFKODQG 3DUN 6XQGD\ WK RI 1RYHPEHU 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P

CHERMIN *:(1'2/<1 1(52 $ . $ )RRGLH 6DQG\ %D\ *RVSHO &KDSHO 6DWXUGD\ WK 1RYHPEHU 9LHZLQJ S P 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW /RQGRQ &HPHWHU\

Calder Ridge, 3+ acres 26,577 sq. ft.

Tel: 485-6693 FOR RENT 2 bedroom furnished apartment at Belair - Short Term A/C bedroom Parking available Tel: 454-4739

0$5*$5(7 (/,=$%(7+ 6$5*($17 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW &KXUFK RI *RG %HODLU 6DWXUGD\ WK 1RYHPEHU ,QWHUPHQW %HODLU &HPHWHU\

JOSEPHINE 52%(57621 $ . $ -2 &KXUFK )RXQWDLQ 6XQGD\ WK 1RYHPEHU 9LHZLQJ QRRQ 6HUYLFH S P ,QWHUPHQW %HODLU &HPHWHU\

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.43

A.I. REAL ESTATE Carapan 6 bedrm Property on 10,598 sq.ft.

- $491,000.00 - H531 Gunn Hill 6 bedrm Property on 25,000 sq.ft - $1.500,000.00 - H161 Cane End 2 bedrm Property on 11,738 sq.ft - $135,000.00 - H201 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

Left: Senator Julian Francis is determined to make a move on giving some organization to vending in the city.

Market, referring to it as a waste of time.

SENATOR JULIAN FRANCIS has “It is a monstrosity on the blamed his own ministry, the outside. … We could have spent Ministry of Transport and Works, for this money building a nice, failing to act with respect to the friendly Caribbean market, and execution of a project to clean up have vendors happier than they Kingstown. are today,” he remarked.

Francis said on Monday, at a The present condition of the ceremony to mark the 122nd market forces vendors to conduct anniversary of the Kingstown their business outside.

Town Board, that the Ministry of Francis admitted that it was Finance had released EC$1.7 time that the city got a cleanup. million towards implementation of “We have been talking about it projects that were expected to put for years… I made three some organization and structure presentations, prepared three to vending in the nation’s capital. projects for the cleanup of According to Francis, the Kingstown, and on each occasion, money was released in 2018: “But it did not get anywhere,” he the Ministry of Works just pussy lamented. foot with the project.”

Francis said that he was That said, Francis took to making a final push for a cleanup speaking of the present Central beginning at the end of the year

by DAYLE DA SILVA

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

EC$1.50

The Central Market has not served to curb vending in the City. and ongoing into early 2020.

“We have to lighten up the city.

The city cannot hold anything else. If vendors come on the street and the way we operate as vendors, traffic — pedestrian traffic in particular — Kingstown will come to a standstill.”

He noted the importance of vendors, but the situation warranted some organization, describing the attitude as “..you feel you are your own businessman, so nobody could give you orders. So when you come in town with your tray, and you take two piece of pallet board and you put up a table somewhere, nobody must tell you to move it because you own your own business.”

Francis, whose ministerial Continued on Page 17.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.