Vin pages 22 12 17 e reader for web

FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 22, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.51

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER

by BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent

Editor’s Note: In as much as some ‘observers’ would consider this article editorial in approach and, therefore, should be confined to columns usually apportioned for such, we consider the issue addressed and the information contained therein important and relevant to the Christmas season. We are pleased to share it as a feature story.

FOR MANY FAMILIES who count on receiving a Christmas barrel to help celebrate the Christmas season, 2017 may turn out to be a disappointing year.

The traditional Christmas barrel, filled with food, clothing, toys, toiletries and over-thecounter health-care items, has become a convenient, secure and

affordable way for friends and family living in North America, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world to send nonperishable items to friends and family back home.

And furthermore, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been a pioneer in the Caribbean by offering duty free concessions on Christmas barrels.

Each year, thousands of barrels arrive by ship from October to early December, assuring delivery before Christmas, of gifts and treats that for most would not otherwise be possible.

An overflowing warehouse An example of the enormous volume shipped each year, was seen at the warehouses of KLC shipping in Toronto. THE

Wayne Crichton at Arabesque Inc. confirmed that due to shortage of available ships and containers, many non-emergency shipments have been delayed several weeks after their scheduled arrival.

VINCENTIAN visited KLC in November, to find a traffic jam of vans, trailers, trucks and

Many ships were re-directed to taking emergency supplies to affected Caribbean territories, disrupting the usual shipping schedule into SVG.

Warehouses in Canada overflowing with barrels destined for SVG. family sedans literally lined around the block, with the warehouse itself stuffed with barrels and boxes waiting to be loaded onto containers destined for St. Vincent.

This is the norm: but 2017 was not a normal year in terms of Caribbean shipping.

Hurricane damage throughout the region, including Puerto Rico and several Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, ran into the hundreds of

millions of dollars, and thousands of families lost their homes.

In an emergency, humanitarian relief is not an option. As might be expected, priority shipping was given to supplying medical supplies, food and shelter plus the delivery of construction materials and equipment. Bottom line: Many Christmas barrels will not be delivered to Vincentians until early in the new

year.

Challenges for local brokers THE VINCENTIAN visited well-known St. Vincent customs broker Wayne Crichton at Arabesque Inc. whose staff have been working around the clock to clear as many shipments as possible prior to the Christmas deadline.

Continued on Page 29.

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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The Digicel Christmas Caravan that brought cheer to children on the Leeward and Windward sides of mainland St. Vincent.

Digicel brings Christmas cheer to children

Barrouallie, with stops for giveaways in Questelles, Pembroke, Buccament, Layou and Barrouallie.

Additionally, over 140 gifts were distributed ON SATURDAY, December during the week of 9th, the Digicel Caravan December 11th to the took to the streets with Schools for Children members of staff, and with Special Needs in Santa and his helpers to distribute over 700 gifts to Georgetown, Kingstown children from Kingstown to and Bequia, as part of the institutions’ Georgetown.

Christmas celebrations.

The Caravan made Digicel’s Marketing stops in Calliaqua, Executive Jamisha Stubbs, Biabou, Byrea, Wright said while Colonarie and Georgetwon, allowing the Christmas is viewed as a children to meet, mingle period for heightened commercial activity, it is and take pictures with also a very important Santa, while he time for Digicel to give presented them with back, particularly to the gifts. needy and less fortunate The gift distribution among us. continued on Saturday, Wright added that December 16th on the seeing so many smiles on Leeward side of the the faces of the kids as country, and saw the they received their gifts, Digicel Caravan was most rewarding. journeying as far as

Santa’s gifts brought much cheer to these Special Needs Children.

Children got the opportunity to meet and greet Santa.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 3.

News 3 ÂNeed for storage,Ê says ÂBiggsÊ

LEON ‘BIGGER BIGGS’ SAMUEL is willing to put aside his differences and work with the government, on a project, he says, has the potential to keep the prices of root crops stable.

But even as he is prepared to ‘let bygones be bygones’, he still harbours some doubt if the Ministry of Agriculture would be willing to do likewise.

Nevertheless, people are already beginning to come on board, ‘Biggs indicated, and consultations with the members of farming communities throughout the country are expected to begin around the second week in January.

While speaking at the opening of his expanded food business on December 10, at his now defunct block making

plant at Yambou, the businessman shared an idea which he said can work to keep the prices of agricultural produce constant.

According to Samuel, there is not a lot of money involved in trafficking.

When the market is not flooded with goods, Samuel explained, then the prices are good.

And when there are adverse weather conditions, especially in

Businessman Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel said that he is willing to make available his property at Yambou to develop a storage facility for use by farmers.

times of severe drought and there is a demand for the items, then the price is favourable as

well.

“The keen observer I am…I sat down and thought, if farmers can

make money selling during drought, then farmers can make money by creating an artificial begin in Yambou to build drought. In times of dry proper storage,” he said. weather when produce In a follow up can hardly grow, the telephone interview, price goes up,” he Samuel told THE explained.

VINCENTIAN that the “So my plan that I idea could also want to share, and I potentially act as a would like to see we as catalyst to get more farmers start a people going back to the cooperative, and behind THE KINGSTOWN nterventions. All of this Don Overstreet has land, because they will me there is a building BAPTIST CHURCH is was in keeping with left a lasting legacy here with over 10,000 square be able to control the mourning the loss of its Overstreet’s motto: ‘The in SVG, which continues feet of floor space. The prices. founder Don Overstreet. whole gospel for the to be carried on by the But the problem was building is there already not the market, the issue Reverend Overstreet whole man’. church he founded, the on lands owned by me, at hand was storage, was a Baptist Missionary Among the best known Kingstown Baptist but I am ready to turn Samuel contended. (DD) over the property to the who came to St. Vincent of Overstreet’s Church. farmers. All they and the Grenadines forty interventions is his work His work set the need to do is to years ago, and started with prison inmates, foundation for the equip it with cold the Kingstown Baptist leading to the spiritual establishment of storage,” Samuel Church on 1st May, reform of many, additional Baptist said.

1977. including James “Beebs” Churches at Sandy Bay, He lamented His work extended Jarvis. It was Overstreet Overland, Glen, Union that there was not outside the Kingstown who orchestrated the Island, Campden Park, sufficient cold Baptist Church. He was now famous annual Fitz Hughes and storage but very much engaged in Christmas Prison Edinboro, most of which recognized the social action across SVG Concert. come under the umbrella need for through feeding Don Overstreet of the St. Vincent Baptist investment.

Dasheen can fetch as much programmes, health care, passed away at his home Convention (SVBC).

“If we as as #120.00 a sack during peak (Credit: Rev. Dr. Cecil provision of water state of California. His farmers can come demand periods to as low as facilities, music and funeral service took place A. Richards) together and $40.00 a sack when demands performing arts, skills on Saturday, December invest…we can wane. training, among other 16th.

Kingstown Baptist Church mourns passing of its founder

Reverend Don Overstreet pictured at Her Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown, where he established a lasting ministry among inmates.

Left: This building at Yambou, owned by ‘Bigga Biggs’, has a capacity of 10,000 square feet.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Journalists attacked by prisoners

following the day’s adjournment of the Court, when the prisoners TWO PRACTISING journalists here hurled abusive remarks at them, are calling for something to be and two threw plastic bags of done regarding the verbal and items at Peters and Chance, physical attacks on journalists, by striking them. accused persons, on the precincts Peters was the first to be of the Law Courts. struck, receiving a blow in the The call came from Kenton waist area, and while a police Chance, owner and editor of the officer sought to restrain the online news service, iWitness attacker, another prisoner threw News, and a second bag at Chance, striking Ashford Peters, a him in his face. freelance The prisoners continued their journalist who unruly behavior, spurred on by a works mainly for group of onlookers, before being The News taken away. newspaper, just THE VINCENTIAN after they were understands that the bags struck by two thrown at the journalists prisoners, in the contained mainly clothing. presence of police Chance and Peters reported Ashford officers, outside the matter at the Criminal Peters the Kingstown Investigations Department (CID) Magistrate’s of the Central Police Station, Court, around where statements were taken 10:43am on from them. A medical report Monday. showed that Chance suffered The journalists redness, mild swelling, and were taking tenderness over the nose bridge. photographs of Peters told THE prisoners who VINCENTIAN that he asked the had already police to warn his attacker to boarded the pan “never ever interfere me again.” of an open back Both men viewed the situation vehicle to be very seriously, with Chance escorted to Her telling this publication, Kenton Majesty’s Prisons, “Something has got to be done.

Chance Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

This is beyond ridiculous.

Journalists should not be treated like this.”

He made it a point of stressing that the two persons concerned were struck in the presence of police officers.

Referring to the prisoner who struck him, Chance said that the accused also threatened to “deal with” him.

Peters pointed out that, “The fact that journalists are not just verbally attacked, but also physically attacked, in the presence of police officers, is a matter of serious concern.

“Kenton and myself were just doing our job. We did nothing to provoke the situation. It means that journalists would have to be even more careful now, while performing their duties”.

Acting Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway had told journalists at his office, January 16 this year, that he would look with a degree of urgency, into their complaints of verbal abuses and threats, even to their lives, constantly meted out to them on the precincts of the Magistrates Courts.

But, journalists who cover Court proceedings continue to face these onslaughts.

(See Page 6)

Man charged with robbing security guard JAMAL BOBB will appear at the Serious Offences Court on January 8, 2018, in connection with a recent robbery at the Kingstown Government School, Stoney Ground.

The 27-year-old Ottley Hall man is charged with being armed with a gun and knife, robbed Diamond resident Tex Thomas, the School’s security guard, of EC$300.00 in cash, and a cellular phone, jewelry and other items amounting to a total value of Jamal Bobb EC$945. He is also charged with was not entering the school’s Tuck Shop as a granted bail. trespasser, and stealing snacks and soft drinks, which altogether valued $518.

Reports are that around 3am on December 3, Bobb went to the School’s compound, robbed the security guard, then entered the Tuck Shop and stole the items.

Bobb was not required to plead when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

He was remanded following strong objection to bail from Prosecutor Sergeant Cornelius Tittle.

Tittle told the Court that investigations into the matter were ongoing, and the Prosecution was concerned that if Bobb was released on bail, he would interfere with those investigations.

The matter was adjourned to January 8 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

Bobb was unrepresented.

DPP confident of thorough investigation

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams has described as “unfortunate,” the tampering of exhibits in the case of Benjamin Harvey and Vincent Dembar, who were both convicted last Friday, December 15, of having 9,159 (DPP) Colin grams (20 lbs) of Williams. cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking.

But the DPP added, while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, that he was confident that the investigation launched into the report of the missing drugs, would be “thorough.” He declined to comment further, in light of the ongoing investigation.

Evidence at the trial which had commenced at the High Court Criminal Assizes on December 11, revealed that one of the eight packages of cocaine which formed part of the evidence in the case, was discovered missing from the exhibit room of the Narcotics Base at Arnos Vale, May 26 this year.

Acting Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway had confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN, on December 13, that an investigation was ongoing into the report of the drugs unaccounted for, and on completion of the probe, the person or persons found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Asked whether the tampering of the exhibits affected the case in any way, the DPP said that it could not have affected the trial because the prosecution was able to establish that what was found was tested, and that it was tested prior to the tampering. He

noted that the field test and the expert’s analysis were done in 2014.

The DPP explained further that the principals in the chain of custody, were being able to establish the important dates when the drug was retrieved, samples taken, and tests done. He noted that those principals were established in this matter.

Police aboard a local Coast Guard vessel intercepted Harvey and Dembar, travelling on a speedboat, off the western tip of Bequia, July 3, 2014.

The DPP said he documented his commendation to Petty Officer Lennox Williams of the Coast Guard for the brilliant manner in which he gave his evidence, and for excellent work in retrieving the drugs, contained in a crocus bag which one of the accused men was seen throwing overboard.

The Prosecution’s evidence revealed that Williams was one of the Coast Guard divers who had come from the mainland with another Coast Guard vessel, to carry out dives in the area where the bag was dumped.

Three dives were made, and on the third occasion Williams went down about 130 ft. deep and retrieved the bag. It was attached to a fly wheel from a boat engine, and Williams had to remove the bag and bring it up.

When the men were taken to the Narcotics Base at Arnos Vale, the sack was opened revealing two plastic bags, one blue and the other white, each containing four packages of what appeared to be cocaine. They were shown to the men, and weighed in their presence.

Harvey and Dembar will be sentenced on February 12 during a sentencing hearing, which will include the receipt of a social inquiry report on the men from the Family Affairs Division in the Ministry of National Mobilization.

V Peace, Goodwill and Love

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 5.

Christmas Message from the Prime Minister

by DR. THE HONOURABLE RALPH E. GONSALVES PRIME MINISTER OR QUITE SOME TIME now there has been a growing trend, worldwide, towards the commercialisation of Christmas; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, too, has not escaped this distortion of the true meaning of Christmas. To be sure, the season of joy and love prompts merry-making, feasting, and the sharing of love through acts of giving and selfless generosity. Much of all this is admirable, but too often we go overboard.

Feasting does not require gluttony; merry-making ought not to induce drunkenness and dissolute conduct; and the sharing of love does not demand expensive gifts which engender unaffordable debts. In short, we ought to be measured and balanced in what we do or say, always bearing in mind that Christmas is about the symbolic commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Another deplorable trend of many, is to turn Christmas into another carnival, but in December rather than in June-July. Still, as worrying, are the efforts of many frustrated politicians to use, misuse, and abuse Christmas as another battleground occasion for partisan politics amidst all its unwelcome divisiveness, bitterness, and intolerance. More than ever, at Christmas 2017, we ought thus to heed the sage advice of Psalm 146 verses 3-4: “Do not put your trust in

F

princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.”

At Christmas 2017, our guiding standard, indeed our quest, ought to be to do justly, to love mercy (goodness), and to walk humbly with our God. We may fail in our quest, but we must try and try again ceaselessly until we arrive at that satisfying and fulfilling stage.

We cannot share true love at Christmas unless we are mindful, in practical ways, of the condition of the poor and less fortunate among us; we cannot share love if we are joyful of bad news for others, if we exhibit bad-mindedness, or welcome ill for our country. The Book of Proverbs [Chapter 17 verse 5] is instructive in this regard: “He who mocks the poor shows contempt for the Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”

I have been praying for peace and goodneighborliness in our land; others have been doing so, too. I urge that we settle our differences or conflicts in a civil way; there is absolutely no need for personal or group violence; we must exercise restraint and control over our worst impulses to violence.

And, on the roads, let us be considerate to other road users. Please remember that a motor vehicle or motor cycle in negligent, reckless or drunken hands is a dangerous weapon, a destructive force.

More and more, amidst all our difficulties and challenges, I see progress and hope. In this respect, I speak not only of the remarkable efforts by the government and allied institutions to do better in helping to uplift our people, but also of the phenomenal efforts of many churches, civic

organisations, and community groups in making Christmas and our lives more meaningful, more joyous, more loving, more caring and sharing.

On Christmas Day 2017, if any of us finds a dark place in his or her life, there is hope because there is Christ to light the way, for He is with you and me. The esteemed American

evangelist, Max Lucado, reminds us aptly that: “When God chose to reveal himself, he did so through a human body.

The hand that touched the leper had dirt under its nails. The feet upon which the woman wept were calloused and dusty. And his tears – – they came from a heart as broken as yours or mine ever has been.”

So, at Christmas 2017,

we must, like the shepherds, GO and SEE goodness and mercy, grace and love, peace and justice, and God’s great works. In the Book of Luke [Chapter 2, verses 15-16) it is written: “So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has

come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”

So, wherever you or I may be on Christmas Day 2017, metaphorically, we must GO and SEE! Have a wonderful, uplifting, and blessed Christmas 2017 and a productive New Year!

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6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Labourer charged with assaulting journalist DANROY SMALL, 37-year-old labourer of Campden Park, has been charged in connection with a report that he threw a plastic bag of items at Kenton Chance, owner and editor of the online news service iWitness News, striking him in the face.

The incident reportedly occurred outside the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, around 10:43am, December 18.

Small had appeared in Court that day, charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Derrick Cambridge, 50, of Sion Hill. He is alleged to have struck Cambridge on the left side of his face with a cart wheel, in Kingstown, on October 27 this year.

Even though he was granted bail then, Small told the Court that he would like to be kept at

the Central Police Station, until somebody could come to bail him, as he was fearful for his life in prison.

When Small reappeared before Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, he was charged with assaulting Chance occasioning bodily harm, on Monday 18 December. He was also charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Junior Harold of Kingstown on September 29 this year, and assaulting Enus Browne of Lowmans Windward, occasioning bodily harm.

Small pleaded not guilty to these charges.

When the question of bail arose on Wednesday, Prosecutor

Danroy Small has four charges to answer, including one of assaulting a journalist – Kenton Chance.

Constable Curlene Samuel did not object, but asked for sufficiency of surety, and no contact with the virtual complainants.

The Senior Magistrate had set bail in the sum of $4,000 with one surety, but as Small was about to leave the dock, a police officer informed the Court that the defendant had also threatened Chance.

Small, responding in a ‘rowdy manner’, said that he never threatened the journalist; all he did was call him a ‘batty man’.

As a result of Small’s response, bail was revoked but this would be reviewed in a week’s time.

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to verify whether Small was taken to the Central Police Station, as he had previously requested, or to Her Majesty’s Prison.

Police Force launches its Website

THE ROYAL St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has added another medium to its communication strategy.

On Friday, December 15, 2017, during the hosting of its annual Caroling Competition, the RSVGPF launched its official website. The web address is rsvgpf.gov.vc.

Delivering brief remarks during the ceremony, Acting Commissioner Commissioner of Police, Mr. of Police (Ag) Renold Hadaway said that he Renold was pleased that the RSVGPF Hadaway finally has its own official expressed his website, and described it as pleasure in another initiative by the Police seeing the to communicate with all of its RSVGPF stakeholders. website come to Writing on the website in a fruition. column captioned ‘Commissioner’s Corner’, Commissioner Hadaway elaborated in this regard, saying, “It is the intention of the Royal St. Vincent and Grenadines Police Force to use this website to further ‘bridge’ the divide between the police and the public. The police cannot fight crime in a vacuum; we need the full and continuous support of the general public.

Thus, I am optimistic that the public will utilize this website to interact and share information and ideas with us. “ Through the website, as is the case with all communications means open to it, the RSVGPF, according to Hadaway, will “apprise the public about the roles and responsibilities of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force which includes but is not limited to: the prevention and detection of crimes; prosecution of offenders; preservation of the Queen’s peace; and the protection of life and property.”

The Commissioner also encouraged persons to visit the website and interact and share information with the police, “that will make our communities safer.”

Police Constable 604 Stapleton, the website administrator, also gave the audience at the Caroling Competition an overview of the website.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 7.

Diaspora

Hundreds pay final respects to Maxwell Haywood “fully grasp the reality that Brother Maxwell was called away at the tender age of 53.

“Maxwell had so much still to accomplish, we might be tempted to DESPITE the very treacherous weather, say,” she said. “The truth is Maxwell hundreds of Vincentian and other has accomplished much,” she told Caribbean nationals and United Nations mourners. “Indeed, he has officials Friday night, paid their last accomplished more than many of us respects to prominent Vincentian ever will in this short period. He has community activist Maxwell left us a legacy of good deeds and FitzOsbourne “Iwaki” Haywood, at a wisdom that will guide us for many funeral service at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal years to come.”

(Anglican) Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Prince said he grew up with Haywood died on Nov. 29 after a Haywood in South Central Windward, seven-month battle and that they were both involved in with cancer, area organizational activities as according to wife, youths.

Sherrill-Ann Mason “Now that Maxwell has gone, there Haywood, who had is much more work to do,” and urged worked closely with mourners to “look out for his widow,” him, while he served and asked, “What will be the lasting as chairman of the Tributes and tangible memorial [for Haywood].”

St. Vincent and the Prince said he looks forward to Grenadines Thomas — a lawyer, befriended having recommendations from the Diaspora Committee Haywood when Thomas migrated to community. of New York, Inc. New York in 1983. He said Haywood Lamrabat said it was, “indeed, a sad until he became ill. was “a tremendous brother … (who) moment for all of us at the UN,” Haywood was 53. had a level of emotional intelligence. stating that Haywood was “a kind and Mourners, who Maxwell always wanted to put the well-respected colleague of ours (who) braved the snowy nation of St. Vincent and the contributed greatly to advancing social Sherrill-Ann weather, paid Grenadines first, … for him, the nation policy and development issues,” he Haywood tribute in, among was paramount. And we can be no less said. eulogizes her other things, by paying tribute to Maxwell.”

Lamrabat added that Haywood husband. speeches, hymns, Gilchrist labeled Haywood’s work as worked, for many years, in the Youth songs, poetry, scripture reading, “testimony for the love of his country. and non-governmental branches at the steelpan and reggae music, and His was a song of hope, of optimism,” UN, and was recently the “focal point” drumming before and during the adding “He believed in charting a for cooperatives. official funeral service at the popular, course for the development of our predominantly Caribbean church in country. He was a man of vision, the heart of the Caribbean community solution-oriented.. a giant of a man…a in Brooklyn. pillar, .. a tower of strength in the Among mourners were Haywood’s Vincentian community.” close friend and associate in the King said she was still unable to Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Section of mourners.

progressive struggle, Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Jomo Thomas; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United States LouAnn Gilchrist; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United Nations I. Rhonda King; St. Vincent and the Grenadines New York Consul General Howie Prince; president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York, the New York affiliate of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), Stephen “Scombo” John; United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs official Amine Lamrabat; Haywood’s former United Nations coworker Wenyan Yang; and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc.

Yang said she had the “good fortune” to work with Haywood in the last five years at the UN’s Department for Cooperative Affairs.

She said Haywood “helped shape the goals” of the department, adding that his life “truly had a global impact.”

Njeri, 14, Maxwell Haywood’s eldest Haywood daughter, read a consummate poem in tribute to her student, avid dad; Haywood’s reader, brother Afari and his archivist and son Ras Ziah Ayubu community memorialized activist.

Haywood in reggae; Allysa Seales paid tribute on steel pan; Alex Colon, Uwusu Slater and James Lovell paid tribute on drums; and Haywood’s sister Pamella Warren and the Elim International Worship Center Choir, and Erlene Williams-King and her daughter Abena Powell paid tribute in song.

Haywood’s mortal remains were cremated Saturday at Greenwood Cemetery and Crematorium in Brooklyn. His ashes will be disposed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at a later date following a Memorial Service, the family said.

8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 9.

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 magic of Christmas TAKE OR LEAVE IT, there is something extra special about Christmas.

Its universal reach positions it apart from other seasonal celebrations. It’s the time of year when governments and businesses anticipate ‘bumper commercial activity’ that will bring overflowing cups of revenue and profit.

Yes, it seems there is hardly anything, barring the worst natural or man-made catastrophe, that can diminish the allround anticipation of this season.

Because of its theme of ‘Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Mankind’ that has been passed down from generation to generation, Christmas is the one time of the year when this nation — and perhaps all the nations of the western world - come together in a common celebration, whether that purpose is to celebrate the birth of Christ, to mark another holiday period, to organize family reunions, or simply to be taken as a time to shake off the “worries of the world’, relax, and give and receive gifts, coupled with some extra eating, drinking and being merry.

But Christmas, even with all the above, always has been a time for children. It is a time when they impatiently and breathlessly look forward to receiving gifts; when they anticipate a relaxing of home rules. For those whose families can afford it, the young ones look forward to an overseas vacation and some new adventure.

That said, there is also the reality of the flip side to things joyous and ‘rosy’.

Christmas for many, sad to say, will be a time of disappointment. It would be remiss of us — dishonest - not to admit that for many it is a time of hardship: a Christmas without a Christmas tree and gifts; a Christmas without money to afford a festive meal; a Christmas without either father or mother; a Christmas in a home of violence or abuse; a Christmas that is spent in illness that threatens the chance to see another year.

And yes, we can hear those who will say that the preceding juxtaposition threatens the sacredness of Christmas.

The truth is, Christmas has become an inextricable mixture of the sacred and the secular — of the sacred and the commercial.

Yet, if we accept this mixture, it makes Christmas an even more special season in this ever-diminishing world. It makes it a season of lasting significance. Because, with its steadfast theme of ‘Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all People’, it should be celebrated by everyone.

That said, it does not negate our hope and prayer for this Christmas. That: there will be food for the hungry; there will be more drugs (medical) for the ailing poor; there will be water for all; there will be homes for the orphans; there will be genuine safeguard of our environment; there will be caution applied in opening our arms and resources to those who come with promises of fattened cows; there will be land for the landless, homes for the homeless, clothes for the naked; there will be equal opportunity for all, regardless of political colouration; there will no drug abuse, no warring ‘associational groupings’ that infringe on our safety; there will be no hiding the truth; there will be no name-calling and public denigration of people with whom we might have differences; there will be no interference in what is intended for the good of all; we will live to see another year.

May the true Spirit of Christmas continue to dwell in our hearts for as long as we live.

Bridge over troubled waters (a reprint of December 2014) “WE ARE NOW into Christmas, traditionally the period of peace on the earth and good-will to all men.

SVG is reputedly a Christian nation, a virtue which has been written into the preamble of our constitution. It behoves us to keep it that way, notwithstanding the provocations, temptations and irritations that the flesh is heir to.

That does not mean that we should break away at the end of the period and make up, as it were, for our enforced passivity during Christmas time.

Rather, we should try and strive to lengthen the period to embrace our whole lives ideally, although as human beings such aspiration appears to be unduly high. But, we can at least give it a try and see what happens, how things pan out.

Our county is in the throes of a partypolitical division. We will not here analyse as to how we got to this point. What we must acknowledge, however, is that it is at its lowest ebb ever, that individualism is running riot, that the gap between rich and poor is widening and deepening, that there is now no sense of a bond of unity, with each man an island unto himself.

We must use the inception of a New Year as a convenient time for a national resolution that we must do better, we must at all rate inculcate a sense of community, a spirit of togetherness, a bond of fellowship as we stop worshiping at the Kingdom of self which somehow reigned supreme over the last two decades or so.

We need to come clean and throw this incubus off our backs, without over throwing any institution, simply revolutionizing same.

2015 is a new year; let us really welcome it with a new and refreshing approach to a positive and Godly life. We have the means to accomplish this goal. And all the signs tell us, that we are getting there, despite the many hurdles which constantly dance before our eyes. We can least afford to be dazzled, or be derailed, or bought off. We need to show strength, resilience, consistency and a belief in the collective self. And the goal is ours to be maintained by un-ending humility and divine guidance.

One day, one day, one Conquer Day”.

We are definitely poised at this juncture

at the cross-over into a new History.

Whether it comes off within three months as is demanded by justice after the petitions heard, or three years in the normal cruise of events, the NDP will run the government for the next generation, or so.

Pity that Arnhim Eustace will not be around, having been cheated from wearing the crown in 2015 and probably 2010 elections as well. But Godwin Friday wisely indicated that he will have Eustace at his elbow as an elder statesman, at least in the testing initial stages of an NDP government, a position richly deserved by Eustace whose personal situation has proved itself unique and historic.

It seems that Ralph Gonsalves at 71 has decided to hang up his boots after some very controversial knocks at the wicket. His absence from the great welcoming party to greet the first non-stop international flight from Toronto to the AIA whose miracle he had largely encompassed, tells it all.

Ralph, for all practical purposes, is finished. In fact, the PM had anticipated the event, announcing his quitting the hot-seat of government and re-allocating the ministries, leaving the door open for his son Camillo, to replace him as Prime Minister, in keeping with Gonsalves’ own plan to create a dynasty.

But this scene is unlikely to be played out peacefully or smoothly. For one thing, there is Saboto Caeser breathing down Camillo’s neck; Jimmy Prince who is a safe compromise and, above all, the intractable Jomo Thomas.

There are these unknowns which remain a source of intense controversy.

Saboto Caeser having to answer the challenge of Israel Bruce; Luke Browne who cannot get past Arnhim or his surrogate.

Jomo Thomas as potential leader minus a base where he might safely lay his head.

Exciting times are around the bend, so we should stay sane and sober this Christmas season.

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Letters

Vincy women Land of my birth and politics I HAVE BEEN studying Vincentian politics for over fifty years, and know I am 99% correct in saying that Vincy women are not interested in politics. In fact, they have never been so inclined.

It is an unwritten law in SVG that politics is a male chauvinist occupation, and the women seem to accept that idea totally. They adore and worship their male political heroes. Listen to them introducing Dr. Gonsalves as: Our beloved Prime Minister.. . Our women and young people never express political opinions or comments in the newspapers. However, it was good to hear the female students dealing with political topics in the public speaking competition last year. This should be encouraged.

Almost thirty years of Independence, and not a single female emerging as a political force to be reckoned with. At this rate, you would never see a woman Prime Minister in SVG in the next century.

The Press and the Media play major roles in politics. We should have our young people gaining political skills as economics correspondents, political editors, social affairs, legal affairs, educational affairs, and other correspondents. Our young ladies should be holding their own in political, economic and financial debates with the best…..

Vincy women have got to wake up politically.

The future of politics is in your hands. Come alive!

sounds familiar? From the outside looking in, I might be perceived as a hater. Contrary to that perception, I am happy for these major countries.

I RECENTLY discovered However, I am irate that the Caribbean is about our complacency in made up of just three allowing the world to see countries: The great the Caribbean as just Jamaica, the beautiful three countries, and we Barbados and the as their offspring. pleasure-seeking Are we short on Trinidad and Tobago. talent? Is it that we are When we speak, they ask just way behind time if we are Jamaicans; with promotion or talent when they see what our development? I can hear tourism has in store, we the questions are compared to formulating in your Barbados; as crime mind: What is the becomes rampant, they government doing? What say we mirrored are the people of the Trinidad.” Why nation doing to make us complain? We are bigger get that recognition for and better’”, said these which we endeavor? three countries.

Questions we so often Who am I? Well, I am asked, but answers we so a young concerned rarely get. Have you ever citizen just like you. Do wondered why the West you know how annoying Indies team is comprised it is when someone tries mostly of players from to convince you that you these three countries? In are speaking like a my humble opinion, they Jamaican or you are are just more from there? Hmm, marketable, and it Land of my birth I pledge to thee; There is no other place in this world I’ll rather be.

doesn’t give a true reflection of which country has the betterquality players. On that same note, it is true that these countries have better facilities in place for talent development.

Despite the odds, we were still able to nurture great artistes, musicians, athletes, and the list goes on. However, it is evident that when some of these individuals’ success stories cloud their minds, they align themselves with these countries rather than the land of their birth. Can they be blamed for doing so? Or do they play a role in promotion of our island?

We are too comfortable being in the back seat; time for us to take charge. Small we may be but big can be the impact we make. United we should stand; division and complacency no longer should be

associated with us. A winning mentality we should develop.

It is time for us to remember our name ‘Hairouna, the Land of the Blessed’. Never forget the pledge we make every time we recite it. “Land of my birth I pledge to thee, my loyalty and devotion, In all I think or say or do”.

Glenroy Thomas

Some safety tips Colonisation and GodÊs plan for Christmas Avil Cupid

for building his Kingdom THE CHURCH was born when Peter received a revelation from Yahweh (Matt 16:16-18), i.e. that Yeshua was the Messiah, the son of the living Elohim (God).

Yeshua was impressed, and pleased (Matt 16:17).

“Blessed art thou Simon, son of Jonah, for no human revealed that to you; it had to come from my Father which is in Heaven.

Now, upon this revelation (rock), I will build MY Church, and the gates (hordes) of hell shall not prevail against it, and I will give you the keys( access) of the Kingdom of Heaven, so that whatever you bind (lock up) on the Earth shall be bound in the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you loose on the Earth shall be loosed in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

(Matt 16:19).

Prior to that, the focus of Yeshua was on the House of Israel (Matt 10:6),but the leaders of Israel had it steeped in tradition and legalism (Matt 23:13),making it virtually impossible for them(Israel) to access the Kingdom.

Yeshua had come to Israel, but was not made welcome (Jn 1:11), ‘but as many (whosoever) as received (embraced) him, to them He will give permission (authority) to refer to themselves

as His sons’.

Israel was supposed to be the model for the rest of the world; they were the ones who were originally “called out”, via their patriarch Abraham( Gen 12:1); they were the original Eklesia (Church).

But Israel, from way back, had become idolatrous (judges 2:17),and Moses had foretold that Yeshua would’ve been sent to redeem him (Deu 18:15), and that Israel should listen to him.

So when Yeshua came, He went straight to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. But Israel was in spiritual darkness, brought about by many years of idol worship, debauchery, and occultism(Ezek 8:12).

In John 1:5 we are informed that the light (Yeshua) shone into the darkness, but the darkness did not understand it. The darkness of ignorance did not have a clue what it should do with the light, because light and darkness cannot co-exist.

Indeed, Yeshua came unto His “own”, but was not accepted, and so He said I called them “my people” who were not (really) my people, and my beloved who were never before “my beloved”.

Did Yeshua cast aside Israel

– Part 18

(his people) in favour of the Church? Paul answered the question: ‘Yah (God) forbid, forbid.. (Rom 11:1).

So why did he create the church? Again, Paul answered the question (Rom 11:11): to provoke Israel to jealousy!

To cause Israel to become so jealousy of “the Church” that they will return to their Elohim (God), and begin to serve and worship Him as in ancient times. Yahweh will deal with Israel separately from the Church.

He said that Israel will rule with Him in His coming Kingdom (Lk 22:30), judging the twelve tribes.

(Revelation 3:9 informs us that in the last days there will be a people who would steal the identity of another people, and pose as that people, claiming to be the “Jews”, but they are liars, and He (Yah) will make the imposters come and bow down and worship down before them (real Jews), to prove that He always loved them (the real Jews).

So, if these people are imposters, who are the “real Jews”, and where are they today? ...To be continued NEGUS BYNOE

IT’S CHRISTMAS time again and, with all the hustle and bustle, we might just let our guard down.

I have been the victim of ‘letting my guard down’, and wish to share a few tips for my fellow Vincentians, as they go about their Christmas shopping.

Based on my experienced, I offer the following tips: 1. When you leave home, make sure you secure your property, especially at night. It would be a good idea too, to let your neighbour(s) know that you are leaving home.

2. Park your car, if you have one, in a safe place — preferably a parking lot or somewhere, if it is the night, where there is light.

3. Try not to show off your wallet when you have to pay for something. You never know who is watching.

4. Be careful without your wallet when you shop in busy places. Carrying your wallet in your back pocket might not be the safest thing to do.

5. When you are returning to your vehicle, make sure no one is following you.

I hope I have been of some help. I would not want anyone to go through the same experience I had of losing my ‘cash’ at Christmas.

A victim

* That each and every Vincentian has a blessed and Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with success and prosperity.

See you in the New Year!

V One people looking to the future

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 11.

Christmas Message from the Leader of the Opposition

by DR. THE HONOURABLE Annual Report on the GODWIN FRIDAY public accounts of the country remains ELLOW VINCENTIANS, unfulfilled. We have not merry Christmas and had the benefit of a a Happy New Year! report since the last one This special time of was prepared for the year lifts our spirits and year 2010! moves us to think about Many other serious the brighter side of life. and daunting challenges For a while, we try to see lie ahead of us as a past our immediate nation. It is critically troubles and hope for important that we better things to come. It understand our is also a time to be circumstances, and take thankful. By the grace of real and meaningful God, each of us has made steps to address them. it through another year. We cannot move ahead Let us acknowledge and as a country merely on appreciate our blessings. promises, no matter how This year, we have grandiose and optimistic been spared the worst of they sound. In the hurricanes, floods and management of our other natural disasters. economy, we must create As we reflect on the jobs and investment devastation experienced opportunities for our by our Caribbean people. Our farmers and neighbours who bore the fisher folk need relief in brunt of hurricanes Irma the form of access to and Maria, we know how affordable credit to grow lucky we have been. So, their businesses and when we engage in our lucrative markets for traditional Christmas their produce. activities, we must not We must also confront forget that for the people the challenge of violent directly affected, crime, especially gun Christmas traditions violence. Our hearts were have been disrupted and deeply troubled this year ordinary life is still far by the awful news of from normal. fatal shootings and While we can all agree violent crime generally. that this is not the time Many of us felt the real to dwell on political danger of being caught in differences and things the wrong place at the that may pull us apart, it wrong time and is nevertheless necessary becoming another crime to note the important victim. Since we issues that have manufacture no guns in commanded our this country, such attention during the weapons must be coming year. For example, the into the country illegally, nation still has not especially through our received an appropriate poorly monitored waters, and acceptable response cays and bays. We must from the Minister of address this problem Finance to the serious effectively, and now is concerns I raised about the time for us to commit lack of accountability in to doing so. the use of public While we enjoy the resources. Despite my Christmas season, let us repeated calls for also be responsible in adherence to basic how we use the bounty of constitutional our planet. The recent requirements for destructive hurricanes accounting for public have made us all more money, especially the keenly aware of the very need to account for it real dangers to life and through the channel of property posed by Parliament, no audited climate change. The accounts in relation to evidence is clear. There the construction of the is no longer any serious Argyle airport have been argument about global presented to Parliament. warming and the threat Moreover, the essential of climate change. It is a function of the Director threat that cannot be of Audit to prepare the exaggerated. We need to

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take better care of our planet and do what we must to build climate change resilience into our economy and general infrastructure.

We are in very difficult economic times.

It is a time not for going

it alone, but for coming together and sharing with one another so that we can truly live out our creed of being One Nation, One People, one Vincy.

It is our custom to wish one another “A

Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year”. Despite our challenges, by the grace of God, through our joint efforts, we will make our wish for a brighter future come true.

God bless us all.

Dr. Hon. Godwin Friday

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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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Christmas: Joy for all people

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” The Gospel of Luke 2:10 THE SECOND CHAPTER in the New Testament Gospel of Luke provides a vivid description of the events surrounding the angel’s visit to the shepherds who were caring for their sheep at Jerusalem and received the good news that Jesus Christ was born.

They were understandably frightened by the event. However, as so often happened when an angel appears to humankind, the calming words “fear not” are pronounced early in the conversation. This was also the case when the angel appeared to Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. On that occasion, the angel’s announcement was that she, although advanced in age, would give birth to a son. We now know him as John the Baptist.

However, the last six words in Luke 2:10 invite a special focus. They remind and assure us that Jesus Christ provides salvation for all people — not just the Jews. This is one of the great themes echoing throughout Luke’s gospel record.

Inspired by God, Luke periodically repeats that the message of Jesus’s coming, His death, and His resurrection is for all mankind.

Whosoever will may come to Him for salvation. Gender, class, ethnicity, nationality, skin pigmentation, and level of education will not matter.

Whosoever will may come. The latter segments of Luke chapter 2 capture the records of Simeon’s pronouncement that Jesus has brought salvation to all people — the Jews and the Gentiles (verses 25-32).

He is the Messiah for the whole world. Whosoever will may come!

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. There were many prophecies of His coming from heaven to save mankind. The prophet Isaiah, speaking and writing centuries before the event, told of His coming (see Isaiah 9:7 and Isaiah 53:3). Similarly, the prophet Micah pronounced that our Lord would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Jesus Christ came to die for mankind. It is through his death and resurrection that we (Jews and Gentiles) have the hope and assurance of salvation.

Luke’s account of the risen Christ tells of two disciples travelling on the Emmaus road and their encounter with the resurrected Christ. They were reminded, and so are we, that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

This Christmas season is as good a time as any to reflect on the reasons why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His coming to save all people — not just Israel.

This is good news. It is news that we should share with others. We have a responsibility and a privilege to spread these cheerful tidings far and wide. These are certainly glad tidings of great joy.

Isaac Watts (1674-1748), the English Christian minister and hymn writer, captured the joy of Christmas so well when he penned the words to this now popular Christmas carol, “Joy to the World”. History records that he wrote this hymn after reading Psalms 96 and 98. The powerful lyrics in this hymn, which was first published in 1719, remind us that Jesus Christ of Nazareth has come.

The carol further reminds us that, because of His coming, all the world should rejoice.

Another prolific hymn writer, Charles Wesley (1707-1788), captured the glorious event of the angels’ message to the shepherds when he penned the words to the Christmas carol, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”.

The words remind us that Jesus came to bring peace and mercy to this sinful world. Wesley’s words, written hundreds of years ago, remind us that all nations should be joyful in proclaiming this wonderful news that Christ is born in Bethlehem. We are invited to join with the angelic hosts in proclaiming His coming.

As we contemplate the celebration of Christmas, this is as good a time as any for each of us to pause long enough to reflect on the relationship that we have with this Jesus of Nazareth. Do we believe that He came to save mankind; to have us reconciled to God? Are we living in a manner that reflect this conviction?

Is there more that you and I can be doing to portray our appreciation for His gift of salvation? There are so many questions that will emerge when we pause to think of the real reason for the Christmas season.

While we have no evidence of the exact day of His birth, there is nothing inherently wrong in setting aside 25th December to celebrate His glorious birth. Jesus Christ came.

Our Saviour suffered and died to save us from the penalty of sin. He paid the debt that we could not pay. Jesus Christ rose from the dead as He said He will. He has gone to prepare a place for those who believe in Him. And He will come again as He promised.

As we prepare to celebrate His birth we will not forget His purpose/mission for coming. He brought joy for all people … including everyone reading this essay. But we have to choose. He has given us the free will to decide whether we will accept or reject His salvation; His priceless gift of spending eternity with Him. We choose. We decide. The choice is ours. There is joy unspeakable awaiting all who will receive Him as Saviour … regardless of our sinful past or how good we may perceive ourselves to be. He came to bring peace and joy for all people.

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

Can the super rich save the world?

‘Beware the man who comes bearing gifts and invoking flattering words.’

Proverbs 29:4-5 CARNEGIE AND ROCKEFELLER formed Foundations. Today, Google, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Bill and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few, are into the foundation business. They all claim they want to give away money; to do good and make the lives of the poor better. Like Carnegie and Rockefeller before them, they made moneys by using their social positions, exploiting workers, doing enormous environmental damage, as is reflected in the poisoned air, rivers, waterways, and most prominently, climate change.

In a world where an increasingly small percentage of the population controls a larger percentage of the world’s resources, income and wealth; where the income of workers have stagnated or reversed when checked against inflation; where increased borrowing and debt is the only explanation why some people survive, the moneyed philanthropists tell us that only their brand of benevolent capitalism can solve the problems facing the world.

As historian Mikkel Thorup tells us in his book, ‘It’s all part of Capitalism: How Philanthropy Perpetuates Inequality’, “Philanthropic capitalism is the idea that capitalism is or can be charitable in and of itself. The claim is that capitalist mechanisms are superior to all others [especially the state] when it comes to not only creating economic but also human progress; that the market and market actors are or should be made the prime creators of the good society; that capitalism is not the problem but the solution to all the major problems in the world; that the best thing to do is to extend the market to hitherto private or state processes; and, finally, that there is no conflict between rich and poor, but that the rich is rather the poor's best and possibly only friend.”

Evidence contradicts this lie.

Philanthropy is offered as the cure for the world’s problems, and people are encouraged to support the fire sale of pubic assets. In some countries, schools, prisons, water as well as the security systems are now in private hands.

Everything must be done with a profit motive in mind. The state must jettison its welfare policies and let the titans of business do their magic.

Therefore, when the Clinton Foundation partners with us in our effort to exploit our geo-thermal resources, we are told to drop our guard because the sole intent of foundations is to do good. When Bill Gates smiles his way to more billions and impacts negatively on agriculture in Africa and Asia, we must turn a blind eye, because the Gates Foundation says its mission is to eradicate illness and disease in the poorest regions on earth. When in 2014 the Indian Supreme Court raised questions about Gates Foundation’s practice of using rural Indians as guinea pigs for drugs made by big pharmaceutical companies, we are told to disregard all such claims as anti-rich bashing and conspiracy.

In the last 40 years we are told that government efforts to ameliorate poverty are bureaucratic, inefficient and ineffective. Business, however, with its unwavering fixation on the bottom line, is the opposite, and that by their application of market principles to social ills, society can be cured of what ails it.

Indeed, this idea is repeated with such regularity that it is almost universally accepted throughout the Western Hemisphere.

As society adopts a more materialist culture, there is the mistaken belief that

individual consumption can change the world. We are told to buy "green" and save the planet, buy "red" and help those with HIV/AIDS, wear pink and show solidarity with those suffering from breast cancer. While these campaigns are useful, if they are not kept in perspective, we can become duped and miss the main reason for suffering on this planet.

People are not suffering and dying of preventable diseases because the well to do members of society haves failed to consume enough products. People are not hungry because of a shortage of food. They starve and die because of the manner in which food is distributed.

Central to our understanding, is how we answer the following: Is the environment, and the climate, best served by 'smarter' consumption? Or would the planet be in better shape if we shopped less and conserved more?

We all get mesmerized by the ‘spectacle politics’. ‘We-are-the-world’ type of advocacy of celebrities such as Bono, Angelina Jolie and music producer Bob Geldof. But we have to be cautious and skeptical, otherwise we miss the reality of the world’s problems.

These celebs may criticize inequality, but are dependent upon it themselves.

They may ally themselves with the poor in campaigns, but their lives are spent rubbing shoulders with the rich and mighty.

We must keep our eyes on the prize.

The world's richest 85 individuals earn more than the bottom 50 percent of the world's people. Philanthropy is not poised to do anything about this obscenity. It is here that community organizers and organizations, as well as government, have a vital role to play.

With its power to tax the rich, rein in corporate abuse and support the creation of necessary social and cultural institutions, government can work for the majority and enhance their lives.

As it stands now, governments across the world pander to corporations and the rich for money to build and maintain schools, endow museums and build housing for the poor. To bring or keep jobs in their areas, state officials are forced to offer the parents of these philanthropic foundations millions in tax relief and abatements.

Kim Klein, author of ‘Fundraising for Social Change’, says it should n0t be this way, "We have become a patronage society in which we depend on the largesse and generosity of the super wealthy for way too much. If we agree with Kim Klein, the clear conclusion is for us to look anew about the role of government, of taxes, of philanthropy, of what should be funded privately, what should be funded publicly, and how the people will benefit.”

The objections to wealthy private corporations dedicated to doing good, as they see it, have remained the same since the early twentieth century when the first mega-foundations were created: they intervene in public life, but are not accountable to the public; they are privately governed, but publicly subsidized by being tax exempt; and in a world where money translates into political power, they reinforce the problem of moneyed class: the exercise of power derived from wealth.

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

V 2027 – Where could SVG be in 10 yearsÊ time

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 13.

Christmas Message from the SVG Green Party

revenue for our farmers and create thousands of new jobs. By 2027, we could have a strong and sustainable agricultural sector.

If SVG created a renewable energy industry, producing electricity from the sun, wind and hydro, we could significantly reduce the amount of money being lost from our country each month buying

by Warrant Officer IVAN expensive oil, and have O’NEAL, Leader of SVG virtually free electricity Green Party by 2027. All households could then have mains CCORDING TO electricity.

WARRANT OFFICER If SVG exported excess Ivan O’Neal, BSc fresh drinking water in (Hons) MSc, MBA, SVG is tanker-loads and used heading downwards the profit to reduce the financially and cost of water, by 2027, all economically. Gross households in SVG could incompetence by the ULP have mains water and regime is killing the SVG have access to clean economy. drinking water. The $25 However, with a monthly tax on the water change of government, bill could be cancelled. just where could SVG be If SVG created in 2027? legislation to ban the If SVG took back our sale of land in SVG to fish licence from Taiwan, foreigners, by 2027, we cut ties with Taiwan, and could significantly reduce set up our own tuna the amount of land fishing and canning owned by foreigners, and industry, this would help ensure that the land bring in billions of of our country is dollars a year of revenue inherited by Vincentian to the SVG Treasury, children. and create thousands of If SVG modernised the new, long-term jobs. We education system and could have mass introduced free, highemployment in 2027. quality education from If SVG abolished the pre-school to university, Mustique Act No. 48 of free books and free 2002, and other similar uniforms, built a Acts that give customs secondary school in duty and tax exemptions Canouan, and built a to super-rich foreigners, science and technology and imposed a windfall university for SVG’s tax on the super-rich of children, by 2027, we Mustique and Canouan could have hundreds of and other foreigners that Vincentians a year have failed to pay their becoming university fair share of tax, we graduates. would have enough If SVG invested some money to restructure our of the revenue from a economy. tuna fishing and canning If SVG used this industry, and taxing the money to build factories super-rich, by 2027, we for agro-processing and could have: a free exporting our farmers’ national health service, produce, we could create new hospitals in sustainable sources of Kingstown and Union

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Island and a significant reduction in premature deaths; free wireless internet access throughout SVG; abolished VAT; a significant reduction in poverty and crime.

If SVG abolished the charge for Rabacca sand, by 2027, a lot more Vincentians would have been able to build themselves a secure home.

If SVG had its own Central Bank and its own currency, by 2027, we could have a strong economy, be financially stable, and have a modest foreign exchange reserve.

The ULP regime is a failure. SVG needs change to create revenue, a strong economy and thousands of new jobs, and more importantly, to improve the quality of life and the standard of living for all who live in SVG. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 15.

Message fom the Commissioner of Police (Ag)

LetÊs make crime fighting everybodyÊs business effort geared towards enhanced Citizen Security.

Even as we embrace INCENTIANS AT HOME this period of love, caring and abroad, as well and sharing, criminals as visitors to our within our midst are shores, as we celebrate looking for every the birth of Jesus Christ opportunity to strike on this festive season, the our vulnerabilities.

Royal St Vincent and the Hence, we cannot afford Grenadines Police Force to let our guard down. As extends Season’s the sole law enforcement Greetings to you for 2017 agency, our ultimate goal and a prosperous new is to robustly curb year. criminality, particularly Let our efforts gun related incidents and resonate throughout as other violent crimes, we seek to ensure that significantly during the this nation of ours rest of 2017 and into the remains the land of the New Year. blessed. Accordingly, the As in 2016, this year reduction of crime and was a challenging one for criminality throughout the vast majority of St. Vincent and the Vincentians, as we tried Grenadines must be our to address criminal primary focus. As we activities, particularly look towards the New the high percentage of Year, let us work more crimes committed conscientiously and primarily by teenagers, collaboratively to involving the use of strengthen our collective firearms. This

by COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (AG) – RENOLD HADAWAY

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unfortunate trend continues to threaten the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that Vincentians have grown accustomed to.

Currently, we have equalled the record of forty (40) homicides of 2016, with the majority being committed through the use of firearms.

Several young men, including one of our very own, PC Danroy Cozier, and his younger brother, lost their lives by the bullet. Let us all continue to lift up the families of victims of crime in our prayers.

The total number of crimes committed in 2016 was 5736 compared to 5,406 so far this year.

In 2018, we plan to double our efforts as we endeavour to make an even more positive impact on reducing criminal activities.

Throughout this year, one of our main strategizing thrusts was the implementation of several crime fighting initiatives such as Targeted Hot Spots Patrols, which focused on tackling homicides and other gun related offences. As a result, we can declare with a high degree of satisfaction, that a total of thirty eight (38) unlicensed firearms and three hundred and seventyfour (374) rounds of ammunition were removed off the streets of our homeland. By way of comparison, thirtyseven (37) firearms and two hundred and thirtytwo (232) rounds of

ammunition were confiscated in 2016.

At this juncture, let me take this opportunity to compliment the many law-abiding citizens who continue to put their trust in the dedicated members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) and its auxiliary forces.

Training was very high on our agenda, and several policemen and women, inclusive of the senior officers, received training locally, regionally and internationally, coupled with the personal academic development undertaken by several of our members.

Accordingly, I wish to publicly commend those who achieved academic success during 2017.

More so, I would like to express congratulatory wishes to those who received promotion, and I hope this would propel them to continue to strive for excellence.

Special thanks are also extended to our hardworking and dedicated men and women for their sacrifices during the year. We extend our gratitude to your family and friends for their overwhelming support. A special thanks is also extended to our retirees for their contribution over the years, especially those who are incapacitated.

Importantly, we must also extend our deepest appreciation to the several Non-

Governmental Organisations and other partners whose support and collaborations were essential to the services delivered during the year.

Crime Fighting is everyone’s business, and the Royal St. Vncent and the Grenadines Police Force cannot achieve Commissioner of Police any degree of success (Ag), Renold Hadaway without your partnership. Therefore, a result of motor I implore you to continue vehicular accidents for working with us as we the year, where 201 are seek to make this nation recorded thus far as a safer place for our against 174 in 2016. children and Accordingly, I urge grandchildren to enjoy. everyone (motorists and As we embrace pedestrians) to look out modern technologies to for each other, especially enhance our crime during the holidays. Let fighting strategies in us make a concerted 2018 and beyond, we effort to reduce motor have officially launched vehicular accidents for our Police Force website, the rest of 2017 and the which can be accessed at New Year. rsvgpf.gov.vc. It is our As we look towards desire that this the end of 2017, let us innovation will bring exhibit more love for our about better results. fellowmen. 1 Corinthians Accordingly, we look 13: 4-7 states: ‘Love is forward to your patient, love is kind. It constructive feedback does not envy, it does not and an even closer boast, it is not proud. It working relationship is not rude, it is not selfwith you, the general seeking, it is not easily public. angered, it keeps no Throughout the festive record of wrong. Love season, I urge us all to be does not delight in evil vigilant and exercise but rejoices with the moderation in everything truth. It always protects, that we do. During the always trusts, always year under review, we hopes, always recorded a small increase perseveres’. in the number of motor Let us remind vehicular accidents. In ourselves of the true 2016, we recorded 842 reason for the season accidents, while in 2017, the birth of Jesus Christ, 845 have been recorded as we look forward to a thus far. There was also productive and an increase in injuries as prosperous New Year.

16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 17.

Message from the Christian Council

The meaning and purpose of the Christmas Season T THE FIRST CHRISTMAS, there were no carols or serenading, no Christmas trees or decorations, no Christmas lights, no sorrel and ginger beer, no black cake, roast beef nor ham, no parang or nine morning’s festival, no changing of curtains and furniture, no Christmas sales or bargains, no barrels or parcels. People went about their business and day to day activities as they were accustomed. It was in the midst of social, political, economic and religious challenges, in the stillness of the night in a lonely place, the Christ child was born. Luke, the gospel writer, expresses it this way: “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord

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shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord.

This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary

and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Luke 2:8-20) As we reflect on the first Christmas, there is a sense that the Apostles, gospel writers and early Church were convinced that Jesus Christ enters into human experience and history to carry out God’s mission in the world. They believed that the main focus of this mission is the salvation of the world which has been revealed through the life and ministry of Jesus

Christ, the Son of God. Consequently, those who believe and trust in Him, those who are His disciples are called to participate in this mission and to make disciples.

As we participate in this mission, it is important to note that it is God who creates the opportunities, and who provides the avenues and openings through which we faithfully engage in ministry and carry out God’s mission.

The various amenities, features, niceties, attractions, festivities and services which now form part of the way in which we celebrate Christmas, the birth of the Christ-child, have all helped to give expression to our identification and responsiveness to the meaning and purpose of the Christmas season. In the midst of advancing, promoting and expanding these expressions, we need to reflect on the truth of Christmas as presented to us by the Apostles, gospel writers and early church.

Matthew presents it this way: “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah* took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 18-21) This expresses the love of God for his creation of which human beings are a part. For, in spite of us frail creatures putting ourselves in the place of God and by so doing have spoilt, destroyed and endangered the paradise, of which God had given humankind dominion, God chose to redeem and save us rather than bestowing His wrath

upon us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

(John 3:16) Christmas is a season of love, giving and sharing, and also of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.

It is a season which Christians celebrate once a year, to emphasise and reinforce the need for people to change their mindset from following and succumbing to worldly influences and passions, and to acknowledge their need of a savior who is Jesus Christ. The spirit of love, joy, fellowship, sharing and caring especially for those who are less fortunate than ourselves, is one which must permeate our lives.

Christmas calls us to make this a way of life not only during this season but always, for Christ’s work of salvation has no limits.

Let us this Christmas, individually and collectively reflect on ways in which we have been giving ourselves to the ways of Jesus Christ: saying sorry and apologizing to husband, wife, companion, child, friend, co-worker when we are wrong; treating our children and spouse with love and respect; embracing, befriending and assisting those of a different political persuasion; showing appreciation to dedicated employees; sharing profits with them; forgiving someone who has betrayed us; spending quality time with family; doing good to those who have hurt us; counselling, correcting or mentoring a young man/woman who

consistently makes wrong choices, or who is planning some evil; promoting and facilitating programmes and activities which foster and cultivate skills that enhance peaceful conflict resolution; being a part of and participating in the activities of a community/church group which works for the advancement, protection, wellbeing and development of people and the environment; advocating for someone who has been treated shamefully; ensuring that we don’t encroach on our neighbour’s property; worshipping with fellow Christians regularly, week by week or more often according to opportunity, and studying the Holy Scriptures.

The first Christmas had no carols or serenading; no Christmas tree or decorations; no Christmas lights; no sorrel and ginger beer; no black cake; roast beef nor ham; no parang or nine morning’s festival; no changing of curtains and furniture; no Christmas sales or bargains; no barrels or parcels. These add-ons, trimmings and embellishments have their place, and we must ensure that they do not overshadow the main focus and meaning of Christmas. “‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”

(Matthew 1:20-21) The SVG Christian Council takes this opportunity to wish you a Blessed and Holy Christmas.

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18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Industry

More persons trained in garment making Tricia Pope and Villette Mrs. Cassandra Browne.

Shortte, founder of Feature speaker at the the Cassdressmakers ceremony - Jeon Julien, a Academy, addresses past student of the Academy, the Graduation Ceremony. urged the latest batch of graduates, to: give their lives and plans over to God; discover who they are and what gifts/talents they possess; associate themselves with the right people who will recognize their potential and encourage them; create an environment that will allow them to hear from God about their next step; create healthy lifestyles and not fear people, fear God. According to Mrs. Cassandra Shortte, founder and chief instructor, the Cassdressmakers Academy was established some ten years ago at her home in Reeves Level, North Union.

Mrs. Shortte is a qualified Clothing and Textile instructor.

She re-located to Kingstown in February 2015 to respond to the demand for places in her One of the graduates - Carlyn Course, as the Williams (left) and her daughter model Academy outfits designed and made by Carlyn. assumed greater Jason and Shemiah Shortte ‘show national off’ matching outfits designed and profile, fueled made by Jason, also a graduate. by the many commendations The Academy, said Mrs. Shortte, by those who now boasts participants from across would have benefited from mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and those who have the early participated or have shown interest in humble enrolling include persons from all beginnings at walks of life, “from professional people Reeves Level. to the very ordinary persons.”

Shortte is pleased with the quality of training she has imparted, and especially Vilette Browne was pleased with the number of also among those males who have pursued the receiving course. She is also proud Certificates of that many of the Academy’s Excellence. graduates have gone on to “start their own business and establish their own garment lines.”

For her, a retired teacher, this “new journey is all about giving back,” for what she has “received.”

Garment construction, she recognized, was a dying skill, and she is more than pleased to contribute to reviving it.

The Academy’s next course is scheduled to commence on January 11th, 2018. In order to accommodate as many participants as possible, there will be two sessions weekly — from 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m.

Tricia Pope, another recipient of a — 6:00 p.m.

Rosann Durrant, one Certificate of Further information can of the recipients of a Excellence, parades in be had from Cassandra Certificate of an outfit she designed Shortte at telephone nos.

Excellence. and made.

458-0361 or 455-4821.

THERE ARE thirty-one more Vincentians trained and proficient in garment construction.

This as a result of their successful completion of a three-month Garment Construction Course, conducted by the Cassdressmakers Academy.

Sessions were conducted every Thursday during that period, at the Red Cross Headquarters, Kingstown.

The thirty-one participants — thirty females and one male — received their certification at a graduation ceremony held on Saturday 2nd December at the Red Cross Headquarters Kingstown.

The passing out ceremony also featured a parade of the course participants in outfits which they had deigned and made from scratch.

Six participants were recognized and awarded Certificates of Excellence for their “exceptional neatness and craftsmanship”. These were: Rosann Durrant, Nikita Charles, Pricina DeGuterrez, Thrisna Burgin-Jardine,

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Message from the Pentecostals

Celebrating Christmas but overlooking Christ any of us continue to bemoan the loss of Christ from Christmas. John, in his gospel account, shows an inseparable link between Christmas and Christ. Without Christ, we lose, not just the real meaning of Christmas but literally everything. John says,” Without Christ was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3).

No Christ — and not just No Christmas, but No creation. John goes right back to creation. Can you imagine Christmas without Christ? Well, John cannot imagine creation without Him. The ironic tragedy is

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by BISHOP SONNY E. WILLIAMS PRESIDING BISHOP PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE WEST INDIES

that while many claim to celebrate Christmas, Christ finds no welcome in their hearts and their activities. Many are often too busy to acknowledge His presence or hear His voice. In Kahlil Gibran’s short story, ‘Eventide of the Feast’, Jesus laments that He’s ignored more than ever at Christmas time, because people are too busy celebrating His birth to notice Him. Christmas is more than dazzlingly lighted squares, giving and receiving gifts and sitting down to a sumptuous meal at lavish family dinner parties. To many, Christmas has become a commercial concern.

Many of the things we

now associate with Christmas (though intently good) have nothing to do with Christ or with Christianity.

It is useful at this point, to remind ourselves of the beginning of the events that have spurned these celebrations. In the beginning, Christmas was celebrated in a manger and not a palace.

The sign the angel gave for identifying the Messiah was not silk and satin, but swaddling clothes. Mary and Joseph were so poor, they couldn’t even afford a lamb for the sacrifice (Lev. 12:18). Therefore, they had to make do with turtle doves and pigeons (Mark 2:24). The message of the birth of

Christ was first brought to lowly shepherds. At the first Christmas, these shepherds brought no gifts.

Christmas must not just be another holiday.

Christmas must be an exuberant celebration of the most wonderful birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. During this season, we must be reminded that God has rushed to our rescue to save us from our sins, at a terrible cost to Himself.

Christmas is about Christ from start to finish.

The chorus of Michael Fortunato’s song, ‘There is not Christmas without Christ’ speaks eloquently to this fact:

without Christ There’s no Xmas with no cross Eternal life cannot be yours Without God’s own gift that costs, The sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”

Over 2,000 years ago, there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn in Bethlehem. Let us make a Bethlehem in our hearts where we worship the Christ of Christmas every day.

The honour is mine, on behalf of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District, to wish all a Christ-centred Christmas and a Christ“There’s no Christmas centred New Year.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 21.

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22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Message from the Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese of SVG

The language of peace charity, perseverance, love, selflessness–qualities that since time immemorial have made for fulfillment in our individual lives and in our fellowship with others.

N THIS VERY HAPPy festive day of With this feeling of self-possession the Christ child, I take this and hope that Christmas confers on opportunity once again to wish each of us, comes also the profound everyone the blessings and the joy of awareness that we are part of Christmastime. something much bigger than ourselves.

Since the celebration of Christmas, This Christian idea ought especially to it has come to mean for us all as the be glued in times when the cords of festival of family and home. But it is brotherhood seem to be most needed– not solely those nearest and dearest to at home, when we are in the midst of us that we think of on Christmas Day; new undertakings and struggles that for this, too, is preeminently the time demand the fullest measure of when we all think of the bigger home national solidarity; and, in the world, (our country); and, the wider family when we perceive the fraternal bonds (our people). Beyond these is the of nations being ruptured by infinitely larger one; that is, the family differences and misunderstanding. of man: the young and old, the On this day, therefore, which friends and loved ones, the brothers reminds us what home and family and strangers, the peoples and mean, let it be our common prayer and nations. resolve that the wonder and power of Everyone speaks today the Christmas will again strengthen the imperishable message of peace and loyalties, affections and the bonds we goodwill; uniquely associated with feel for one and all.

Christmas. And, that message cannot “What are we giving Jesus this year be stilled, whether the times be for His birthday?” Or, put another fortunate or not; or, our lives be visited way, wouldn’t it be a meaningful part by travails or blessings. For all of us, of our Christmas if we came to Christmas wakens the greatest Christmas day and had a very special qualities of: human character, courage, gift for Him? Are we willing to wrap

by FRANK SIMON Archbishop and Primate Spiritual Baptist Archdiocese St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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one more present this Christmas, put Jesus’s name on it, place it under the tree and give it to Him with all our love on Christmas day?

I would encourage us to create a new family tradition this Christmas and let everyone do exactly that. Challenge our family members to choose one very special gift that they want to give to Jesus this Christmas. Have them wrap it, put His name on it and put it under the tree. Then on Christmas Day, one-by-one, open our gifts and share with friends and family what we chose to give to Jesus on His birthday.

We may want to collect them, bring them to mind next year; and, recall back how we did giving the gift back to Jesus throughout the year.

So, what might we give Him? He is the quintessential guy who ‘has everything’. Well, I would suggest you start by asking Him the same question you ask all Archbishop and Primate Frank Simon your family and friends, “What would you like from me this heart. There is absolutely nothing to Christmas?” lose but much to be gained!

The gift He asks is quite simple to I wish all of you a Merry Christmas package and present to Him–the and a Happy and Bountiful New Year.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 23.

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24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Training

Student Nurses stage ÂOperation Life Guard) two-way radio.

The exercise simulated a drowning and near drowning incident, providing as real life a situation as possible, and requiring the student nurses to apply the procedures listed above, Immediately after Trainee nurses apply first the exercise, the response attention to a The Owia Salt Pond Recreational Park provided the evaluating team, ‘survivor’. site for the simulation/training exercise. comprising DNE lecturers, NEMO THE OWIA SALT POND Nursing Education (DNE) staff and communications started, the exercise Recreational Park was a lecturer Raphael John, specialists, met to discuss flowed.

There were one or two hive of activity on Friday, coordinator of the MCM the outcome of the areas requiring December 15, 2017, with simulation, the training training activity, before improvement and fine 50 final year student nurses activity was designed to meeting with the entire tuning, he noted, but involved in a Mass Casualty allow student nurses to group for a group generally the attitude Management (MCM) respond to and apply evaluation guided by the towards the training simulation, dubbed nursing techniques of SWOT analysis method. activity was a healthy one.

‘Operation Life Guard’.

CPR, First Aid, triage, John deemed that He thanked all The activity was used including MCM Incident overall, the field exercise stakeholders, including to train nurses how to management, emergency was a success and that the SSU for providing manage a drowning and mobilization, facilitated by despite a late start due to near drowning incident. emergency a miscommunication with security; National Parks for the use of the Owia According to Division of communications, using the departure time, once National Park; the bus drivers for the safe transport of the students; GNE lecturers who served as evaluators, as well as guest lecturers Mousa Mohammed (NEMO) and Donald De Riggs (RRL Inc.).

Mr. De Riggs conducted a lecture on communications basics, and provided logistical support for this training

‘A survivor’ (centre) being escorted for further care, after receiving immediate, on site attention for her wounds. exercise and ‘run up’ activities.

The DNE boasts of training some of the best nurses in the Caribbean and their graduates work

in almost every hospital in the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands.

Submitted by DONALD DE RIGGS

A make-shift First Response Care Unit was established at the site.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 25.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 27.

26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Jimmy Samuel presents a spectacle

Jimmy Samuel has been lighting up his premises at Rillan Hill for the last ten years or so.

SAMUEL WHEN MR. JIMMY S AMUEL pressed the switch switc h tto o light up his premises in Rillan lastt F Friday, Hill las riday, 15th 15th December, December, over over tten en thousand lights combined to to make make absolute spectacle an absolut e candescent spect acle in neighbourhood. the neighbour hood.

The two-storey dwelling house, resting easily on a gentle knoll, was craftily outlined with colourful string and netted lights, which blinked at timed intervals. In fact, the entire perimeter of the premises was given attention with geometrical outlines bordering neighbouring properties, state-giving a completeness to the state Christ-ment of illumination for the Christ mas festivities.

Anyone making ascent up the hill would easily be drawn to the setting.

Not only were there silhouettes, but the grounds boasted a number of lighted trees with different patterns, and other areas of the yard flaunted themed displays, including the Nativity Scene, Santa and his elves, Santa’s workshop.

When asked about the time it took to achieve what he had, Mr. Samuel

The Samuels residence aglow on a knoll at Rillan Hill.

He expressed his delight with the said, “This took me nearly four Abra-compliments issued by those coming weeks. One neighbour, Mrs. Abra encour-by and said that persons are encour ham, came by in the evenings and aged to look around and take photos. helped with the design, but I run the He is inviting interested persons to lights myself with the help of my who visit his home and come to see his nephew, wh o made sure the hoop-ups were alright. Even tonight he was lighting.

Mr. Samuel is a two-time winner here.” in the private dwelling house catego He said that he uses two trans catego-trans-ry of the VINLEC Lighting Competi formers of 10,000 watts each to cater Competi-tion. When asked about his chances for the lights that carry 110 volts. in this year’s, he promptly replied, “I ith lights of varying Working w with styles and shapes, Mr. Samuel don’t know and I’m not going to guess anything, but I think I have a explained the places he used to source his bounty. “I got some lights fair chance this year!”

Mr. Samuel’s zone was judged on from Trinidad and I bought some Tuesday, 19th December. Results here, but the lights here don’t last any time and can’t be reused,” he will be announced at the Kingstown said, adding, “I had also sent to the Nine Mornings celebrations on United States to get some lights but Saturday, 23rd December. they didn’t arrive on time, that’s why I had to buy these ones here. I just got those lights from America tonight and they are very brigh t, bright, so I’m going to take down some of those dim ones and put in some of those new ones.”

And last Saturday night, visitors were coming and going in a smooth flow.

Visitors V isitors take time for some photos – memories of a Vincy Vincy This made the Christmas. property owner very satisfied.

He told THE VINCENTIA N, VINCENTIAN, “This year, I have more lights and better lights than last year. Let me tell you some some-thing, I like beauty and the people enjoy it.

It’s very expen expen-sive but I keep doing it because the people like it!

It’s about nine to ten years now I’m putting up lights but I just keep Among all the lights and displays, there was also time for doing it.”

Jimmy’s some games and recreation at Jimmy’ s at Rillan Hill.

Preschool childr children en atte attend nd Christm Christmas as Par Party ty b y GL ORIAH… by GLORIAH… CHILDREN FROM FIFTEEN of twenty preschools invited from across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, turned out on Saturday 9th December at the Girl Guides Headquarters, for the annual Children’s Christmas Party hosted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Children Welfare Fund, in partnership with the Rotary Grena-Club of St. Vincent and the Grena dines.

Held under the patronage of Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, the children delighted themselves in a variety of activities, under the watchful eyes of members of the Local organising Committee,

Santa had a gift for every child.

teachers and parents.

According to Joe Sheridan, current Secretary and a past President of the Rotary Club, the partnership between Chil-his organization and the SVG Chil dren’s Welfare Fund “has been going since 1996.”

Sheri-The Rotary Club, according to Sheri dan “does what its good at..,. we organize the working side of it: the enter-food and drinks; the gifts; the enter tainment and Santa Claus.”

He noted that Children Welfare Fund Committee has been good at organizing all the children from the preschools.

When it was time for the children to provide entertainment, the Park Hill Evangelical, Biabou and Calliaqua Preschools gave their presentations in song and poetry.

Teachers also offered medleys of songs, among which were ones which they had taught their charges. the Then taking th e entertainment to another level, Vibrating Scakes delivered Christmas music with his particular flair. It was quite inclusive of the children who chose to approach the area and become involved with the singer.

Santa had a gift for every child.

Entertainment Enter tainment

Santa Claus is coming

After welcome remarks

by His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Rotary President, Mrs. Laela Constantine, it was time for the Royal SVG Police Band to deliver an exciting repertoire of Christmas music, to which the children and adults sang along. Several Officers provided solos in song and instruments that took the band numerous notches higher in the estimation of the crowd.

To profound sq ueals of delight, squeals Santa Clause graced the party with his presence, bringing his signature huge bag of gifts. Many children could hardly contain themselves as they awaited their turn to meet Santa and receive a gift, but others, who might have been encountering Santa for the first time, kept their distance, amid tears of uncertainty.

Whatever, the response to Santa, every boy and gir girll present was given a gift, to which each responded, “Thank you, Santa!”

Laela Constantine expressed her organization’s satisfaction with the

annual activity. “This is one of the projects we look forward to the most.

It’s for kids and you give back without any hesitation,” she said, “Anytime we go to our usual sponsors and even club members themselves to ask for donations, they dip into their pockets and help with the funding for the event easily.”

By the time the buses were loaded with their passengers to return home, both the St. Vincent and the Grena Grena-dines Children Welfare Fund Com Com-mittee and the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were looking forward to next year’s event.

VinVoices VinVo ices and VinPan come to Kingstown by b y GL GLORIAH… ORIAH… THE TRAIL OF THE VINLEC VinVoices and VinPan Christmas performances stopped in Kingstown Sunday, 10th December. The entertainers assembled in the area previously Trea-occupied by the Trea sury Department on Halifax Street, bent on f bringing the Christmas cheer to capital Kings Kings-town.

Tamara Job-Sprott, VINLEC’s Communica Communica-tions Officer explained: “VINLEC Community Christmas” which dates back more than fifteen years, moves into the communities through through-out St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and uses the opportunity to

Cantemus on a roll.

spread what we call ‘the love, the joy and the peace of Christmas’.”

Job-Scott acknowlacknowledged that Kingstown was being revisited after some six or seven years. “When the choir was planning this year, they recognized that there has not been this sort of activity in Kingstown for some time,” she added, “We wanted to fill that gap and to give persons the particiopportunity to participate as well, She told THE VINCENTIAN And the Kingstown Comstop of ‘VINLEC Community Christmas’ trail delivered with ‘vibrant energy’.

Beginning with a selection of traditional

VinVoic-songs sung by VinVoic es, the evening programme moved next to an interlude by VinPan, and then to guest performances by Can-Naked Roots, Can temus, renowned karaoke songster Vivi Soul, singer Gary Miller, and a number of children from among the audience.

The concert rounded up with VinVoices giving their take on the more modern styles of Christmas carols. The audience had a whale of a time!

Disappoointed pp but not deterred d d Louisa James, Materials Management Officer at VINLEC explained that the idea of bringing the concert to Kingstown was fueled by the enthusiastic respons respons-es – including crowd participation - it would have received in rural areas, as far north as Owia.

Notwithstanding the fact that the performances were ‘energetic’, James identified two essen essen-tial elements that signaled disap disap--

VinVoices V inV Voices o wo working the modern flavor of Christmas songs. relative-pointment: the relative of the true meaning of ly small size of the Christmas.” audience and the James, though, was VinVoic-reluctance of persons o heartened that VinVoic participate. es and VinPan and the She opined, “I think a other performers not lot of us are losing the deterred. true meaning of Christ And regardless, “…It Christ-mas. It is now about is the encouragement the shopping and the that we get from going getting deals, changing into communities that the curtains, painting has kept VinVoices the house and so on; but Christmas is a time of giving and sharing….

Christmas, to me, commercial-is so commercial ized that persons are more interest interest-ed in deals from merchants rather than participating in a community spirited activity that puts you into the remembrance VinPan performs.

VinPan

A ‘little guest’ performs. going, in excess of fifteen years, so tonight won’t deter us from continuing these efforts of outreach as part of responsi-our corporate responsi bility to give back to the community,” James assured.

28. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V Don’t shoot the messenger News

will experience in 2017, are insignificant compared to the difficulties residents of Unfortunately, due to the shortage of many of our neighbouring islands are available ships and containers, many experiencing. non-emergency shipments have been Our local brokers and agents are delayed several weeks after their merely delivering the reality of what is, scheduled arrival. and without exception every one of them Unfortunately, when professionals is working nonstop to clear the backlog. like Crichton have to inform people As a rule, shipments arriving after waiting for barrels that may not arrive December 31 fall outside the Concession until after Christmas, they are criticized duty-free period. While no official sometimes with verbal abuse as though announcement has been made, we hope they, the messengers of the bad news, the Prime Minister will see it fit, were personally responsible. considering the circumstances, to extend It is important to understand that the the duty-free period well into January. disappointment and inconvenience we Continud from Front Page.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 39.

30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 31.

Community

Soup Kitchen serves up Christmas Cheer UNDER the auspices of His Lordship Bishop Gerard County of the Kingstown Catholic Church, a Christmas luncheon was held last Tuesday Dec 19th at the Catholic Soup Kitchen, in Rose Place.

The event was organised by Mrs Jankie Glass of K Group of Companies, and a group of ladies who are regular volunteers at the Cathedral of the Assumption, assisting with cleaning and decorating.

According to one of the volunteers - Mrs. Latoya DeRoche- John, she reached out via Facebook to the business community in the spirit of Christmas, and the response was overwhelming.

According to Latoya, all the food and drinks were donated, and she took the time out to thank supporters, Mrs Glass, The St. Vincent Brewery and Central Kingstown’s MP St. Clair Leacock.

The event, which was advertised on Nice Radio, was

well patronised by Vincentians across the social strata, and featured entertainment by the all-female group Cantemus and the Harmonites String Band.

Members of Number Fourteen Rangers were among a number of young people who were on hand to help with serving.

Bishop Gerard County thanked all for coming, and called the Lord’s blessing on the volunteers and patrons, and reminded that this was the season of giving in respect of a divine gift made to mankind, i.e. the birth of the Christ Child. (CD)

The Harmonites String Band provided the sounds of Christmas as children from the Rose Place community partook of ‘some niceties’.

Persons who are accustomed benefiting from the Soup Kitchen turned out for the special occasion.

Cantemus was on hand to add melodious voices to the occasion.

32. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 33.

Message from the Seventh Day Adventists

Finding our meaning to our existence this Christmas Season 2. Destroyed man and started creation all over again, but this would have been inimical to His mercy, and caused the rest of the universe to worship THE ADVENT OF CHRISTMAS Him from fear rather than gives us a powerful tool with committed love. which to teach the next 3. Sent a member of the generation about Jesus Godhead who is equal to Christ,and explain why He the law to satisfy the came to Bethlehem on a demands of the broken midnight clear. Christmas law, by paying the price fills me with hope, joy, with His own life, thus assurance, and happiness, making it possible for man for it speaks volume of to be reconciled back to God’s magnificent, the Father. miraculous, marvelous love The last is what Jesus to a world gone astray by did when He divested the blight of sin. When man Himself of divinity and transgressed God’s came in human flesh, born commands and wanted to as a babe in a stable, grew manage his own affairs at up to love His Father, the very beginning of time, lived a sinless life, and of there are three things that His own volition, subjected God could have done: Himself to human 1. Changed His laws to mistreatment and death, accommodate sin, but this so as to bridge the chasm would have been contrary between eternal to His unchanging nature, separation and eternal for He is a God that living. Jesus has gone changes not. back to heaven and is

by PASTOR DERMOTH BAPTISTE, President St Vincent and the Grenadines Mission of Seventh-day Adventists

preparing for a Global evacuation of all His loyal, obedient children, whether dead or alive, from this sin-laden, torn-apart, crime-infested planet, to take them to live with Him in paradise. Friends, this is the story of Christmas that we need to tell and model to our children.

Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving. The best gift of life cannot be bought during a shopping spree, or be found under a Christmas tree. The best things in life cannot be found in alcohol consumption, drugs and other forms of substance abuse. The best value to life cannot be found in promiscuous lifestyles or

excessive feasting. The Man that the world needs most today, at this Christmas season is still Jesus, the Christ whom we profess to celebrate, who understands our deficits, can heal our hurts, bind up our wounds and bring lasting peace in the midst of human brokenness.

As we reflect upon this dying year 2017, we might have been battered and bruised in diverse ways, disappointed and distressed to the core, but our past mistakes aren’t as important as our present choices. Man’s greatest tragedy is not slipping and falling, but rather remaining in his fallen state and thinking a defeat is the end of the road. No matter how challenged or overwhelmed we might have been with the pressures of daily living or the numerous mistakes we

might have made in finding meaning to our existence, the Good News this Christmas season is that there is still hope for everyone, made possible through the merits of Jesus Christ, who unquestionably loves us just as we are, while hating the sin that is in us.

A New Year is upon us.

God has the ideal plan for our future. Christmas says that God can be trusted.

He has our best interests at heart. The only thing that matters is that we accept Him as Lord and Master of our lives, and follow Him who is Truth and Righteousness for the rest of our days. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and gave Himself to be the propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:10. Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work,

Pastor Dermoth Baptiste and Love makes all things beautiful. May we have all three powerful Christian values this Christmas and beyond, as we take the omnipotent hand of the Lord and write a new page in our personal story. The best gift that we can give to the next generation is to teach them by precept and example the true meaning of Christmas.

On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I wish the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines a joyful, peaceful, wonderful festive holiday season and a bright, prosperous, enterprising New Year.

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34. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Message from the Evangelical Churches of SVG

Focus on JesusÊ second coming

having a church to go to, or not having a roof over their heads; that should ELLOW VINCENTIANS, make you more because of God’s appreciative of SVG and grace, we are in the the loads of blessings Christmas season once God has showered upon more. On behalf of the us.

Association of Evangelical In your celebrations, Churches of St. Vincent when you herald the and the Grenadines, I take words of Isaac Watt’s this opportunity to wish all song, “Joy to the World a joyous and peaceful the Lord is come”, think Christmas. of it not only as a What a joy it is for us Christmas carol in our various churches, heralding the birth (first communities and family coming) of Christ but gatherings to sing the also as reference to His beautiful songs of second coming and the Christmas! As you bask New Jerusalem where in the blessed liberty of the Christ of Christmas our country, think of will reign eternally. those who are less Verse 3 of that song says, fortunate, not having the “No more let sin or liberty to express the sorrows grow, nor thorns love of God openly, not infest the ground”.

by DR. RENOLD MURRAY President

F

What kind of place is that without sin or thorns? Think of the New Jerusalem John saw (Rev. 21:2; “I John saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Imagine the beauty and glory of this new city, and compare it with what exists today.

On December 6, 2017, President Donald Trump made a significant shift with spiritual significance for the world; he announced that the USA now officially viewed and recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Many years before Donald Trump, King David also declared

Jerusalem as the city of Israel (2 Samuel 5). For Christian people everywhere, this should be exciting. A cursory glance at the historical significance of Jerusalem and why it lies at the centre of controversy between Israel, Palestine and the rest of the world, would help.

In Genesis 15:18, we read that the Lord made a covenant with Abraham, saying, “Unto thy seed have I given this land”. Coming out of Egypt, God told the Israelites to take possession of the land of Canaan. Israel took over Canaan, but as they fought with the surrounding forces, the Canaanites crept in and built the city of Jerusalem. Years later, King Nebuchadnezzar completely destroyed Jerusalem and took the Israelites captive into Babylon. Jerusalem lay desolate for 70 years until 539 BC when Cyrus, King of Persia, proclaimed to its captives that Jerusalem can be rebuilt a second time (Ezra 1: 1 — 4). In 516 BC, Jerusalem was rebuilt; the second temple was destroyed in 70 AD. The prophet Ezekiel describes what has been accepted as the third temple (Ezekiel 4047). For this to be built, the Jews must have

possession of Jerusalem; but then the chosen site is the Temple Mount on which the Muslim Dome of the Rock stands. Such is the conundrum of the Dr. Renold Murray Middle East and the land that God gave to Christ should make us the Jews but everyone excited: but are we? else seems to want.

Many persons missed Some of us have more than our fair share of the first coming of food, clothes, money and Christ; they had and nice time, yet we extract some still have no room for the King; I urge you, from those with little, because we are in a don’t miss the second position to do so, then we coming. You may not agree with or understand gave a meal to an indigent person or the socio-political beggar, a toy to a needy dynamics in the Middle child or a token offering East any more that you agree with or understand at the local church to our own partisan politics appease our conscience.

This Christmas, when with its attending waste you are tempted to give of human resources. of your material wealth It is obvious that and gifts, remember the many missed Jesus at biggest and best gift to His first coming; if you miss His second coming, mankind was packaged there will be wailing and with love. Let us all reflect on Christ, his gnashing of teeth. birth, burial and Christmas around the resurrection and His world is one of the best imminent return. If you seasons for business. can make that shift and Here in St. Vincent, we focus on Jesus, then the have joined the Sunday Middle East conflict and shopping and the mad our own political rush to acquire confusion will come into materialism. It is very easy to miss or lose sight alignment, and you will have a Joyous of Jesus in the material Christmas, with chase. expectation of a bright In your preparation for Christmas this year, I future, 2018 moving into invite you to focus on His eternity. second coming. Preparing Blessed Christmas for the second return of Everyone.

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36. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 37.

News

Rotary South adds Christmas ÂchairÊ A PROJECT undertaken by Rotary Club of St. Vincent South to refurbish the garden furniture at the Paediatric Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is complete.

The finishing touches were put to the project when, on Sunday 10th December, Club members and friends of the Club painted the garden furniture — picnic tables - which the Club had donated.

A Rotary Club of St. Vincent South release said, “The paediatric garden was transformed in fluorescent colours of pink, lime green and orange, which produced smiles all around from passersby and children alike.”

The Rotary South and friends team which undertook the completion phase of the project.

“The garden,” the release said, “is a cheerful refuge for those convalescing at the hospital, and will bring a little comfort and Christmas cheer to those there during this Christmas season and beyond.”

Rotary South is committed to undertaking community projects aimed at improving the lives of less fortunate and disadvantaged people.

(Source: Rotary Club of St. Vincent South)

Rotary South members and friends add the finishing touches to the paediatric garden at the MCMH.

Neighbourhood Watch fetes children OVER 100 children partook of the first ever Children Christams Fun evening hosted by the Yambou Argyle Peruvian Vale Neighbourhood Watch and Association.

Drawn from the three communities that the Neighbourhood Watch and Association serves, the children, on Friday 8th December, were treated to snacks, received gifts from Santa — ably played by Association member Gideon Billingy — and were entertained by the Royal SVG Police Band with their repertoire of chritmas songs.

The evening, also used as an activity to bring “the The Police Band filled the air with melodious Christmas music.

villagers together,” some adults joined the celebration by rendering songs and poems.

Commenting on the activity, President Mrs. Brenda White-Myers reiterated that “….this was a way of bringing the Brenda Whitecommunity together,” Myers, President adding, “I believe it is what of the Yambou is needed in today’s society Argyle Peruvian — love and togetherness. I Vale Association, believe it was the right appealed to the thing to do at this time, villagers to work being the season of giving.” hard to bring She used the occasion to back a sense of appeal for more community Santa ensured that there neighbourliness was a gift and a hug for involvement, saying, “We to the each child. need to do what we can — communities each person can do a little to concerned. invited persons to bring back that neighbourly feeling. I “come on board” to like this quote from Mother Therese; ‘I alone cannot change the world, but ensure that that promise is fulfilled.

The Yambou Argyle Peruvian Vale I can cast a stone across the waters to Neighbourhood Watch and create many ripples”.

Association was officially launched on White-Myers promised a “bigger the 17th June 2017. and better activity next year,” and

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38. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Message from the Committee for the Development of Women (CDW)

„In swaddling clothes The good news of Christmas‰

temporary joy of wrappings of gifts, abundance of food, and re-unions, to unveil the true meaning of Christmas and the good news that comes with it.

The Scriptures are very clear on the creation and fall of Man — a time of God’s satisfaction in His Creation, and then darkness. The Scriptures are equally clear on the consequences of that darkness, and the Nelcia Robinson promise of restoration through a coming NB: This message is Saviour, born of a dedicated to the late Woman.

Comrade Oscar Allen, a Through the years, Foundation Leader of the before the Birth of CDW Christ, the Scriptures relate stories of triumph HIS CHRISTIAN and disaster, as Dictators FESTIVAL of Christmas rose and fell; the is a time to reflect messages of the Prophets and peel away the

T

on the Birth of Christ; and the eager watching of the prophets and oppressed people.

Water and fire destroyed rulers and those who oppressed the poor. Poverty, burdensome taxes, murders, wounding, rape, famine and disease were the order of the day. Christ was born into this social situation. Is it any different today?

The print and electronic media dutifully outline the atrocities committed locally, regionally and internationally. The rich and glamorous are complaining of suffering and as much abuse and violence as the poor and downtrodden.

Caribbean countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are lamenting the murders of

women - victims of domestic violence. It seems that the multitude of UN International Days and Years, such as the Rights of the Child, of the differently abled, of indigenous people, for poverty eradication, an International Women’s Day, an International Men’s Day, are not reaching the hearts of all levels of the populations.

There is a missing element, and I draw attention to a beautiful part of the Christmas story that is often overlooked. In the Gospel according to St. Luke, he states — “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in

swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn”. Mary wrapped him in “swaddling clothes”.

In that time, new born babies were wrapped in cloth, tied together by bandage-like strips. , to keep the baby warm and comfortable, after leaving the snugness of the womb. There was security for the vulnerable infant.

Today, sectors of our society are “unswaddled”, like an abandoned or neglected child. Our society needs the swaddling clothes, to heal the broken hearts, ruined lives, and set the captives free — of hatred, violence and selfishness, of the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. The swaddling clothes are needed for comfort and

security. Our government and political leaders, must ensure that the systems of governance leave none behind; NGO’s and community based organisations must work towards the provision and maintenance of this missing element. Our women’s and youth organisations, in particular, must return to that status of the fearless voice crying out for social justice, and giving that message of hope to the sectors of the population they represent. In so doing, they will contribute to the enduring message of Christmas — “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men”.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator CDW

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 39.

40. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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42. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Vox Pop

Christmas Sunday Shopping: Is it worthwhile?

by GLORIAH… Business establishments opening their doors and making their goods available for purchase on Sundays during the Christmas season, is now becoming ingrained in the fabric of our Christmas festival here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Many may argue that it takes away from the festivities, but there is an equal number who would disagree, opining that it adds significantly, in terms of the value it brings to spending.

THE VINCENTIAN took to the streets of Kingstown last Sunday, December 10, to find out from persons their opinion on the issue.

GODWIN GIBSON Retired teacher: “This shopping gives me more time to look carefully for what I really want, and it’s not hectic. The

environment is cool, as the sun is not hot at this time. It’s a better feeling.

You could take your time because it is not a workday and you’re not tired. It’s Sunday, and you have rested, so you

come out in the afternoon and you have all the time to look for what you want. I get value for my money, because at this time the discounts are on so you capitalize on that. Yes, Sunday Christmas shopping is a good thing. We welcome it, and it should continue.”

town had to offer. For me, I won’t be buying much, as what I buy will be basically for the baby. There are deals going around but I know that people take out things at Christmas, and then in January the businesses come back for them. I won’t be one of those! For some people, this Sunday Christmas shopping is worthwhile, but it’s just for one day, then everybody cries out that January is tough, but it is not that it is tough.

You get paid early in December, but you spend everything in December and have to wait until the end of January before you get paid again. … People still haven’t grasped that concept.”

JEAN JOHNNY-FINDLAY, Manager Coreas Pharmacies Food Express (City Store): “We’re happy that our customers are choosing Coreas Pharmacies Food Express to shop this Christmas. We have quite a bit of traffic today. Santa and his helpers are in the house. Added discounts and new items in the household section have also helped to draw some attraction. We use marketing and depend on customers’ word-of-mouth to help to push what we have on offer. Sunday Christmas shopping is worth it, especially if you’re ahead of the game on every occasion, every time, every day, and that’s what we aim to do. It makes sense.

People are shopping earlier too. We used to see people waiting a day or two before Christmas, but now they are shopping earlier. Since the first Sunday in December when we opened, people have been shopping!”

AKISHA JOSEPH New mother: “I actually just came to town because home was boring and I just wanted to see what

ALBENA SAMUEL-JACK Questelles: “I find that Sunday Christmas shopping makes sense because to me, every Sunday items are discounted, and because of this, you find persons coming because you get to save. Things that you have to pay the regular price for during the week, carry a discount on Sunday, and that is why I shop on a Sunday. I love discounts!

What I do is look during the week then come early on Sunday and get my items because I know I’ll get a 15% or 20% discount. I find that Sunday Christmas shopping makes sense, not regular Sunday shopping.

It builds up the festivity because there is a sense of togetherness. You see families in town! I have seen persons that I have not seen together as a family, and I’m seeing them shopping: children spending time with families, and Christmas is really a time for that. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere.”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 43.

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44. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Is the future of SVG in safe hands?

IF AS IS declared in our constitution, that this nation is founded on the belief in the supremacy of Jehovah the Creator, and the

freedom and dignity of man, then those who are entrusted with the leadership, should see it as their bounden duty, to

conduct themselves in a manner that is in harmony with that solemn declaration, and discharge their duties accordingly.

There is no doubt, that during the 38 years of being an independent state, too many of the persons whom we had entrusted with leadership, have not turned out to be of the quality that they were taken to be. In too many cases, their conduct has not been exemplary and they have spawned a culture of moral decadence, which has so permeated the society that it could take decades for us to retrieve that spirit of national cohesiveness that we once seemed distinctly on a path towards.

We are now into the Christmas season, and the current administration would love to see that the people are celebrating exuberantly, as has been the tradition over the years. As they did last year, some of our officials say that they would like to see greater involvement by the business community. It would seem that they consider that this season of cosmetic exhibition, should take precedence over the recognition of the grim economic realities which are facing us daily.

They seem indifferent to the fact that their crippling of the agriculture sector has starved the economy of over a billion dollars over the last ten years.

It is indeed a sad indictment against the business community of SVG, that they remained so blatantly indifferent to the crippling of the agriculture sector, from whose income they all had benefited appreciably over the decades.

Their incapacity to play a strong part in this “Season of Lights”, is understandable. The layoffs and the closure of dozens of business houses is testimony enough!

This is probably a good point at which to refer to “A Season of Light”, the book written by Sir James Mitchell. On page 144 is recorded an address to the nation, 30th June 2000. This was at the time of the ‘road block’ activity. Sir James states, “The people of this country did not deserve to suffer the way they were made to suffer by the ambitions of the unscrupulous. When it comes to the enjoyment of democratic rights and freedoms, Vincentians cannot truthfully say that my Government has ever attempted to stifle the right of people to express themselves or to demonstrate peacefully. We opened up the air-waves to all and sundry, even to the point of having freedom abused by some. No demonstration has ever been broken by this administration. Nobody has been tear-gassed under the leadership of the

New Democratic Party Government.

Nobody has been thrown in jail for demonstrating. So when people boast publicly that they can close down Kingstown when they want, and open Kingstown when they want, they are really saying that they are above the law. They are saying that the rights of others mean nothing to them. They are showing signs of dictatorship even before they are in position to exercise those tendencies. The people of our country have had glimpses in the past of the true ideology of these so-called champions of democracy, but the people now have abundant evidence of what is lying in wait for our country if we should make the wrong choices. Should those elements get into office, your rights and freedoms will mean nothing to them. We must also never forget that those in the drug trade were also involved in these organized disturbances and threatened businessmen. What a message to our people and the international community”.

The happenings of the next few weeks may well determine whether Sir James’ premonitions were reasonably grounded. There are some who are already saying that the season of “witless betrayal” of the trust of the people, flavoured with the raw deviation from fervently declared promises, is the traceable culture of the day.

Indeed, it is difficult to disagree with that assessment, in light of the issues that have been prominent in recent months, e.g. the Otto Sam issue; the unfortunate decision to transfer those three police officers; the crippling of the agriculture sector; the insensitivity shown in the case of the treatment of Leon ‘Bigga Biggs’ Samuel; the frustration to citizens in their pursuit of justice, as in the cases of Marcus DeFreitas and Mrs Herma Dennie, a widow; the crippling of the Banana Growers’ Association; the neglect of the people of the parish of St. David, so clearly exhibited in the absence of urgency in the addressing of that Coull’s Hill road which has, on two occasions, claimed the lives of our citizens.

These indicators should be sufficient to convince us, that we cannot afford to expend all our energy on the cosmetics, but we need to save some for the addressing of those weaknesses which are already seriously crippling our society.

Sir James lecture of June 30th, 2000, from which I have quoted, was titled, “Our future in safe hands”. Today, just over seventeen years afterwards, the question to be answered is, “Is our future in safe hands”?

LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 45.

News

FLOW’S motorcade a success

COMMUNITY engagement is nothing new to the Flow family! As a telecommunications powerhouse.

Flow continued its aim to remain ‘in the hearts and lives of Vincentians’, in ways over and beyond the range of telecommunications services it provides, when it staged a motorcade to the leeward side of mainland St. Vincent, Saturday 9th December.

Deeming the motorcade, a huge success, Marketing and Communications Lead Nikala Williams expressed her satisfaction and gratitude to what she claimed was an overwhelming response from residents in the various communities.

Williams stated that it was pleasing to see, despite the gloomy weather on that Saturday morning, the different age groups who turned out in their numbers to engage with the Flow Family. She made reference to a senior

citizen who was moved to dance with members of the Flow team.

“They came out and embraced us”, said Williams.

Indirect Sales Manager Recardo Jackson stated that the main aim was to bring the company’s great deals and offers directly to the residents on the leeward end, rather than having persons commuting to capital Kingstown.

He noted that one of the crazes this Christmas season was the ZTE Blade signature handset, that is being sold at $129.

Stating that the Christmas deals and promotions were well received, Jackson made reference to how excited customers were to The FLOW truck that led the motorcade. take advantage of what was ‘placed on the table’.

He urged Flow customers and those who are not yet members of the Flow family, to keep their ears peeled for the remainder of the season, hinting that Flow’s best is yet to come.

The FLOW Santa and his helpers getting down ‘partying style’.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. Stop those bad habits.

Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. Physical limitations are possi‐ ble if you aren't careful.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) You should channel your efforts into getting rid of bad habits. You will find the perfect outfit if you shop this week. Put your efforts into being creative. Travel may be confusing.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) This will not be the best day to try to push your ideas or concerns. It's time to reevalu‐ ate your motives. You can make favorable changes in your home environment. You will find that valuable knowledge can be gained if you are willing to listen.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Expect to have problems with the ones you love. Take your time; do not make any deci‐ sions in haste. Extend an invitation to clients you enjoy spending time with. You can enjoy your involvement in organizations that make charitable contributions.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Spend time with youngsters this week.

Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. You can make alterations to your appearance that everyone will admire. Try to include friends and relatives in your activ‐ ities.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Try to be patient and understanding. Try to be honest when dealing with your mate.

Rely on the one you love for support and affection. Don't spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs. Be precise in your commu‐ nications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments. Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation. Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) This week will be rather hectic on the domestic scene. Problems with your partner are apparent. Try to put your money away for a rainy day. Try to curb your bad habits.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Travel will promote romantic connections.

Don't depend on coworkers to help; they may only hold you back. Your personal part‐ ner may be less than willing to accommo‐ date you this week. You can make positive changes in your home.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Stay mellow. Be ready to explain your actions. Look to a close friend for advice. Get the red tape and the unwanted paperwork out of the way.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Financial gains can be made through wise investments. You need to get out if you want to meet potential partners. Take care of mat‐ ters involving institutions or government agencies. Be careful not to come on too strongly.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be con‐ ducive to meeting new and exciting lovers.

You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it's time to let them stand on their own two feet. Your ideas may be good, but they aren't necessarily right for every‐ one. Too much too fast will be the attitude surrounding your home environment.

ACROSS 1. Fling 5. Motion picture 9. Besides 12. Seaward 13. River in central Europe 14. Terminal digit of the Foot 15. Individual facts 15. Change direction 17. Globe 18. Greek goddess of the Earth 20. City in central Belgium 22. Inn 25. Fishes 26. Put forth 27. Conceal 28. Open mesh fabric 29. Chield 30. Sum charged 33. Egg cell 35. Founder of the Mogul Empire 37. Bloodhound 40. Fluent 41. Standard of perfection 42. Saturate 43. Owing 44. Exclamations of Surprise 46. River in central Switzerland 50. Antiquity 51. Temple 52. Edible mollusk 53. Pigpen 54. Of thou 55. Lock openers DOWN 1.Did possess 2. North American nation 3. Soak 4. Encampment 5. Assembly of witches

Keep the rent, but…..

Dear George, MY WIFE and I have been renting (a home) for the last 18 months. I am 33 years, my wife is 28 and because of her physique, many consider her a knockout.

At the end of each month I would give my wife %the rent money to pay to the landlord. Two months ago, however, I went to the landlord to explaining why the rent would be short that month. He was furious

and told me that was not the arrangement my wife had made with him.

I found out then that she has been sleeping with this landlord and in exchange he allows her to keep the rent.

That’s was not all. I later found out that she was the ‘sugar mommy’ for another man.

George, how can my wife do this to me? I was so embarrassed, I moved out of house. I suppose she is living there rentfree.

I am getting professional help and taking steps to get a divorce. I am convinced that the decision to marry her was the wrong one.

I just want my wife to know that she will one day get what is rightfully hers, and I hope that when she does that she can deal with it.

Hurt but moving on Dear Hurt, I applaud you for handling this situation

FOR RENT 3 - 1-bedroom apt. at New Montrose 593-8674

with some degree of maturity, e.g. seeking help to deal with emotional and psychological trauma.

You have made the decision to leave the marriage after what I assumed, is serious consideration of the pros and cons of the issue.

You now have to take lessons from this experience which will assist you in giving yourself a fair chance of finding love again.

George

6. Notion 7. Born 8. Message 9. Coral island 10. Norwegian 11. Sums owing 19. Illustrative craft 21. Period of human life 22. Cardinal number 23. Chopping tool 24. Veterinarian 25. Help 27. Thigh 29. Pull laboriously 30. Law enforcement Agency 31. Snakelike fish 32. Before

33. Room within a harem 34. Nimble 35. Bleat of a sheep 36. Antiaircraft fire 37. Waits 38. Mature 39. Destitute

40. Ditch 42. foot covering 45. Exclamation of surprise 47. Malt beverage 48. Narrow beam of light 49. Printer’s measures

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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46. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

All is not lost Dear George,

MY HUSBAND confessed to me that he thinks he just had sex with someone who he believes to have AIDS. I asked him why would he do a thing like that, and he said he did not know she was positive, until he told a friend of his and that friend told him that it is rumored the said individual has AIDS. He admitted to not using a condom.

The truth is, George, I do not know if he has been unfaithful to me before this and I am very scared. How can I trust my husband after this!

What if he has AIDS? What if he gave it to me?

My mind is going crazy and I cannot function. I have been off from work for some days now and I cannot even tell anyone about this. Please help me George!

Head spin, Dear Head spin, In this turbulent period in your life, you need someone to talk to.

Sit with a professional counselor who can deal with the roller coaster of emotions you are now experiencing. It is imperative that you get yourself tested for HIV/AIDS. Once you know your status, you will be in a better frame of mind to handle the challenges of your relationship, such as dealing with your husband’s infidelity.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 47.

SchoolsÊ Football titles go rural ALL THREE titles contested in the 2017 Schools’ Football Tournament, went to institutions in the rural areas of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

When the finals were staged last Friday at

St Martin’s Secondary School’s captain Diel Spring (right) accepts the second-place trophy from Otashie SpringFirst VP of the SVGFF.

Victoria Park, emerging as champions were the Barrouallie Government, Barrouallie Secondary and the Georgetown Secondary.

Most goals in the primary schools’ division, Mitchran John.

Senior Division winners - Georgetown Secondary.

island.

The Junior Division of the Secondary category Double for Barrouallie resulted in the Barrouallie Secondary In a much-anticipated making it three straight titles.

Primary Schools A 4-2 win over the showdown, the Barrouallie Government Bethel High School kept their unbeaten run assured Barrouallie their intact, with a two-nil win hat trick of titles.

Koby Maingot, Kamal over the Lowmans Leeward Anglican in the Griffith, Jamal Young and Jahiem Charles Primary Schools’ final. netted for Barrouallie A goal each from Zebian Cunningham and Secondary, and Nelson Lewis scored both goals Lerence Benjamin for Bethel High. accounted for the Barrouallie Senior Secondary Government’s win.

Schools This set the tone for the central leeward Georgetown Secondary institutions, as more joy got the better of the St went to that side of the Martin’s Secondary 3-1 in extra time, in the final of the Senior Division.

Trezine Da Souza had a brace and Brandon Johnson one for Georgetown.

Aaron Collis had equalised for St Martin’s to send the match into extra time.

In getting to the finals, the three winners all blanked their opponents in the semifinals.

Barrouallie beat the CW Prescod Primary 2-0, Barrouallie Secondary dumped the Thomas Saunders Secondary 5-0, and Georgetown Secondary handed Bethel High School a 4-0 beating.

The other half of the semis, saw the Lowmans Leeward Anglican beating Chateaubelair Methodist 2-1; Bethel High School over Petit Bordel Secondary 2-1, and St Martin’s over Petit Bordel 4-2.

The CW Prescod Primary, Thomas Saunders Secondary and Primary Schools’ the Bethel High School, Champions- the ended as third place Barrouallie Government. winners.

Barrouallie Secondary – Junior Division champions. keeper in the Primary Schools’ division was Delanzo Duncan of the Barrouallie Government, with Gerwin Davis of the Barrouallie Secondary, the recipient in the Junior Division.

Delano Da Souza of the Georgetown Secondary was the awardee in the Senior Secondary division.

Taking the most goals awards were Mitchran John of the Georgetown Awards Government in the Taking the MVPs of Primary bracket with 17 the finals were Frankroy goals; St Vincent Caine- Barrouallie Grammar School’s Malik Government; Jamal Ferdinand in the Junior Young- Barrouallie Division for his seven Secondary, and Trezine goals; and Carlos Da Souza - Georgetown Solomon of the Bethel Secondary.

High School, with seven Adjudged the best goal goals for the Seniors.

A 4-1 win handed the CW Prescod Primary, the third spot over Chateaubelair Methodist, with the Thomas Saunders Secondary gaining a 2-1 triumph over the Petit Bordel Secondary.

And, Bethel High School registered a 4-3 score line over the Petit Bordel Secondary in the Senior Division third place play off.

Grenada take Windwards Under-15 cricket title DESPITE being humiliated by St. Lucia in their final match, Grenada emerged Champions of Windward Islands Under-15 cricket, when the 2017 WINLOTT SuperSix Windward Islands Under 5 Championship concluded here last weekend.

The Spice Islanders totaled 26.2 points, ahead of St. Lucia 25.9, SVG 20.7 and Dominica 7.3.

In one of the two closing matches played last Sunday, defending champions St. Lucia hammered Grenada by 160 runs at the recently recommissioned Cumberland Playing Field.

The St. Lucians recorded the highest team total, 239 for 4 off 50 overs, inclusive of the Championship’s highest individual innings — 138 not out by Top wicket-takers Coby DaBreo Ackeem (left) and Luke Wilson (right) join Auguste. their captain Randy Joseph The (centre) on the Windward Islands Grenadians put Under-15 squad. in a lacklustre

reply, being all out for 79 off 35.2 overs, Kervyn Gangadeen top scoring with 26 not out. Omarie Venner, 4 for 21, and Darren Sammy Jnr., 3 for 10, undid the Grenadians.

In last Sunday’s other match played at Park Hill, Dominica secured a 3-wicket victory over SVG. The Vincentians disappointed with a score of 123 all out off 43.4 overs. Omarion Ottley top-scoring with 21. Devon Fisher, Jahson Vidal, Jelani Joseph, Neo Phillips and Morell Burton each snared 2 Vincentian wickets.

Dominica coasted to victory in 44.3 overs, finishing on 124 for 7 off 44.3 overs, with Stephan Pascal getting 31 and Kyron Phillip 26. Coby Dabreo took 2 for 39.

Statistics at the end of the Championship showed that Akeem Auguste of St Lucia scored the most runs, 268 including two centuries against Dominica and Grenada, Vincentians fast bowler Coby Dabreo and off spinner Luke Wilson were joint highest wicket-takers with 16 each.

MVPs for each territory were: Akeem Auguste for St Lucia, Kavin Gangadeen for Grenada, Neo Davis for Dominica, and Luke Wilson for SVG. And as expected, on completion of the Championship, a 13-man Windward Islands squad

The Grenada National team, 2017 Champions of Windward Island Under-15 cricket. was selected to participate in the Cricket West Indies Under15 Tournament to be held next year.

The squad includes three Vincentians — batsman Randy Joseph, fast bowler Coby Dabreo and off spinner Luke Wilson.

The rest of the squad reads: from St. Lucia - Akeem Auguste (Captain), Omari Venner, Ryan Goodman, Stephane Theophile; from Grenada - Divonie Joseph (Vice Captain) and Kervyn Gangadeen; from Dominica - Neo Davis, Yawani Regis, Stephan Pascal and Kyron Phillips.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Akeem Auguste, the Championship’s top run-getter.

48. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

The Th he M Management anag an agge gem men nt an nt and nd S Staff taf taf aff ff of

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 49.

Sports

Sion Hill Netball Tournament concludes The 2017 Vita Malt Sion Hill Netball Tournament came to an end last Sunday at the Sion Hill Playing Field hard court, with the presentation and closing ceremony.

But it was a closing that deviated from the norm.

Instead of the Knock Out final, there was an exhibition match featuring a select male team and Island Blends Success Radio.

Hence, the main attraction was the handing out prizes and awards.

Taking away the Most Goals award, sponsored by Pressy Electrical Services, was Mary Ann Fredrick of Yanja Young Strugglers, who registered 189 goals from 209 attempts.

Fredericks’ efforts did not help Young Strugglers to retain the Division One title, as her team had to settle for third spot, behind new champions — Star Girls One and second place- Teachers Credit Union Trailblazers.

Taking the Division Two League title was OSCO Ball Warriors, with Island Blends Success Radio placing second and Everready Future Stars, third.

Everready Future Stars took the Division Two Knock Out title and the Dr Lorraine Friday trophy, ahead of OSCO Ball Warriors.

In addition, Most Everready Future Disciplined Stars took hold of the PlayerSuccess Radio trophy Princess for the Most Improved Trotman.

Team.

OSCO Ball Warriors though, claimed Star Girls the Most Disciplined Team cash award of $300, made possible by parliamentary representative for East Kingstown- Honourable Arnhim Eustace.

Another of Eustace’s award - the Most Disciplined Player - was won by Princess Trotman.

Chante Carrington of Sion Hill Netball Team collected the $100 cash prize donated by E. Glenford Prescott, for the Most Disciplined Young Player from the Sion Hill community.

One – winners of Division One. And seven-year old Phoebe Ferdinand was presented with $150, as promised at the opening ceremony by the Sion Hill Sports Club.

Ferdinand, who represents Island Blends Success Radio, was the youngest player who participated in the tournament.

Special Awards

The female and male teams that won the local 3 x3 Basketball tournament and will represent SVG in Barbados in January.

SVG to participate in 3x3 Basketball Tournament THE BEQUIA Rising Stars and the Blue Chip Basketball Academy will represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Antilles Under-18 3 x3 Basketball tournament, slated for Barbados in January of next year.

The two units earned the right to represent SVG after triumphing in the qualifiers held last Friday, at the Girls’ High School hard court.

Bequia Rising Stars, comprised of Nicholas Lewis, Jadley Bynoe , Dario Barbour and Jermaine John, won the male division of the local leg, defeating their counterparts from Union Island in the final.

Joining Bequia Rising Stars is the Blue Chip Basketball Academy, which stopped the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown team from getting the trip.

The four players who did it for the Blue Chip Academy were Rhadawn Bibby, Ashantae Williams, Jada Peters and Angelika John.

The 3 X3 Basketball tournament has been used over the past year to fill the void left by the absence of a full court tournament.

The 3 x3 format of Basketball uses half court, with three players per team on court at one time.

Matches are of ten minutes duration with a single time out. Coaching is not permitted from the sidelines.

Four players comprise a team with running substitution. The first team to notch up 11 points is declared the winner.

Jonell John (center) and Neshesca Baptiste (right) of OSCO Ball Warriors accept the Division Two awards from Kenville Franklyn of St Vincent Brewery.

Teachers shut down NBC Radio 705

HARMONY Investment Teachers are the new champions of the Firms and Industrial Netball Tournament.

A 57-41 win over defending champions NBC Radio 705, handed the Teachers the title last Monday night, at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

It was a margin of victory that was anti- climactic, after Teachers had a slender one goal lead (1211) at the end of the first quarter.

That lead, however, was extended at the end of the second quarter, 28-23, and at the end of the third quarter, 41-31.

Leading the scoring for Teachers was Nicole SandyStephenson, who registered 36 of her 42 attempts, with Jessica Lavia scoring 21 of her 33.

And, despite by not being her accurate self on the night, Skiddy Francis-Crick netted all (41) of NBC Radio 705’s goals, from 47 tries.

On their way to the finals, Teachers trounced Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture 42-

Arnhim Eustace (left) receives his appreciation plague from chair of the Sion Hill Netball Committee.

The Sion Hill Netball Committee used Sunday’s closing ceremony to pay homage to two long-standing partners of the tournament.

Recognised with plaques were Hon Arnhim Eustace and the St Vincent Brewery.

Eustace has been providing cash awards for the most disciplined team and most disciplined player for several years, while the St Vincent Brewery, through its Vita Malt brand, has been the title sponsor for several years as well.

Thirteen teams participated in this year’s tournament.

21, and NBC Radio 705 inflicted a 73-53 beating on BRAGSA Pavers.

The Ministry of Tourism Sports & Culture defeated Champions, Harmony Investment BRAGSA Teachers.

Pavers 43 - 40, Additionally, a to take the third place.

In the awards ceremony which player from each of the nine teams followed last Monday’s final, which contested Skiddy Francis-Crick added another Most Goals award to her the tournament overflowing trophy cabinet. She was awarded totaled 251 goals. his/her team’s Teachers had two departmental Most Valuable awards presented to Moett Player.

Most Improved Gaymes- Best Mid-Court Player And, Player, and Kaywana Charles - Best Shadnado Fireballers was Defender. adjudged the Most Wyllie.

Kayshorn Lowman of BRAGSA Disciplined team. was the Best Attacking Player This year’s marked a return of awardee and her team mate, tournament which was last Shadnado Wyllie, the Most contested in 2014.

Improved Player.

V

50. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Windies looking for pride WEST INDIES will be looking to rebound following a loss to New Zealand in the first of the three-match One day International series. The bowlers could muster the venom to restrict the New Zealanders in a streak of maybe too little.

The West Indies staggered to 248 for 9, and whereas the total was palpably insufficient, it represented something of a prolongation. Evin Lewis 79 and Rovman Powell 59 were the two batsmen beyond the half century mark.

Lewis was controlled and selective and may have considered himself unfortunate to have been sent packing by a delivery which reviews showed would have missed the stumps.

Powell batted with some maturity and shared a 45-run ninth wicket stand with Vincentian Kesrick Williams who was unbeaten on 16.

Williams turned out to be the one to break an over century stand that virtually sealed the victory for the home team.

The West Indies bowlers lacked the knife edge, and the team appeared to have been demoralised.

They will have to get their act together in the second fixture scheduled for December 23. The third is set for Tuesday 26. Thereafter, there are three T/20 matches: Friday, December 29; Monday, January 1; and January 3.

Much has been said of the West Indies, and it will persist on either side of the fences. They continue to be condemned especially when they come on the losing end. And the composition of the party sets the trend for heated debate no matter who is selected. Some don’t take the time to analyse the state of affairs and assist to enhance the stock.

The pleasure is in mocking and find someone to blame.

It was interesting that the Windward Islands Under 15 tournament was featured at two venues this year in St. Vincent. There have been questions as to the choices of the Park Hill and Cumberland venues for the duration of the series.

Grenada was pronounced as winners following the two rounds, even though they and St. Lucia technically shared the same amount of victories.

The Vincentians might have been in the mix had they not stumbled against Dominica. All the same, it was an improved showing by the Vincentian,s given their hapless record in recent times.

The attention shifts for those youngsters to the West Indies Under 15 competition, at which stage the next generation of West Indies players are likely to emerge.

We have proven our ability to match our peers up to the junior level. The problems compound once one attains the senior quarters.

West Indies cricket is one complex matter. The proliferation of T/20 Franchises has provided an avenue for many. But there seems to have been injected also a sense of gravitation towards the big leagues where rewards are more attractive than appearing in West Indies colours.

The level of compromise does not appear to be encouraging to many. There is a degree of uncertainty overshadowing the availability of many players.

There is friction within the operation. Players tend to impose their wealth on the Board. And the Board, cognisant of the value of the West Indies brand, don’t make any secret of trying to get even.

The bickering rolls on. A plaster here and there will not heal sores, but that seems to be the therapy on offer.

The flames continue to be fanned with an injection of fuel to ensure that an inferno finds comfort. There are balances to any artificial recipes.

Boxing to come off the ropes PINNED against the ropes for over five years and unable to go center of the ring, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Boxing Association will be soon throwing back some punches.

To get its way out, the Association’s President Winston Telesford said that the organisation must first look for new people to run the sport.

“The weak point for us now is administration …

We are trying to get a new administration in place … It has been quite some time that we haven’t had elections, and we are trying to get some new people on board so we can have a new mandate,” Telesford explained.

President of The Association the SVG has not held Boxing elections for over Association, ten years.

Winston This has

Telesford.

prompted calls locally for Telesford to get his act together, i.e. to shape up or ship out.

Even as he acknowledged that there have been administrative lapses, some over which he had no control, Telesford also fingered the lack of facilities which has black-eyed the sport.

“The athletes are there, but there are no facilities… It is a long time that Boxing has not had a home or having somewhere to call our home … With somewhere to call our own, we will be able to develop the sport”, Telesford posited.

He insists, though, that the Association, undaunted by this major drawback, is making good of the facilities available to it at the Bishop’s College Kingstown.

And despite the lack of facilities, St Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the third edition of the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament, held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility in St Lucia from

Boxer, Augustus Cummings (right) in a sparring session with Junior Assing, Secretary and coach of the SVG Boxing Association.

13th to 16th December.

The three-member delegation included boxers Tyrodel Delpeche, who fought in the light heavy weight category, and Agustus Cummings, who contested the Super Heavyweight, along with Coach — Cavanaugh Gumbs Delpeche and Cummings competed in the Novice Division.

Additionally, Leslie Pope, represented the SVG Boxing Association at a referees’ course which was conducted during the Caribbean Boxing Tournament.

SVGCA holds Child Protection Workshop The SVG Cricket Association (SVGCA), in collaboration with Cricket West Indies (CWI), hosted a UNICEF/Child Protection Workshop on December 14, at the Presidential Suite at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

The workshop targeted mainly P.E teachers, persons attached to the Physical Education and Sports Division, and representatives of the various sporting disciplines here.

Delivering opening remarks at the Workshop, Nelson Hillocks, Director of Physical Education and Sports Division, said “It’s a timely session,” underlined the importance of the issue at hand, and urged participants to treat it with seriousness.

“We are following up what we launched a few weeks ago the sponsored UNICEF/OECS Commission, for Communication, Strategy and Child Protection in Sports, and if you return to your work places, clubs, schools, teams, associations come 2018, you must implement what you have learned here today. … We must make a difference; we must start the revolution in child protection; we have a responsibility to try to correct this in this country. The lone goal must be to protect every single child, and no child should be left behind,” he implored.

He commended the SVGCA for holding the workshop, and encouraged the participants to take the next leg of the baton towards protecting our children.

Rosman Griffith, representing the Ministry of Education, also addressed the Workshop. She described the protection of children in sports and in education as being of critical importance, and urged the participants to take the lead to execute the information they would gain from the workshop.

Participants in the SVGCA/CWI UNICEF/Child Protection Workshop.

The workshop accommodated some twenty-two participants and was facilitated by Denise Harold and Sandra Augustus of the Ministry of Mobilisation. It was coordinated by Ian Allen, Territorial

Development Officer (TDO) for Windward Islands cricket.

The SVGCA is expected to hold another workshop in 2018 I.B.A.ALLEN

CGM Novice take Belair Cricket title CGM Novice are the new champions of Soft Ball Cricket in Belair.

They rose to the top when they recorded a 29-run victory over defending champions Gairy Construction Simple Boys, in the finals of the 2017 edition of the NLA/TBPO 20/20 Softball Cricket Competition, played last Sunday at the Daphne Playing Field.

In the process, Novice prevented Simple Boyz from recording what would have been an unprecedented fifth straight hold on the title.

On the actual field of play, Novice took first knock and closed at 120 for 9 in 20 overs. Newborne Joseph top scored with a resolute 54 which steadied the innings.

Bowling for Simple Boyz, Eldon Morris bagged 4 for 17 and Jabari Cunningham 3 for 18.

In reply, Simple Boyz struggled uncharacteristically so, to 91 in 18.1 overs, Nicos Davis top scoring with 26. Rolando Wright took 3 for 23, Vennardo Primus 2 for 5 and Casmond Walters 2 for 12, to undo

the defending champions.

In the third-place playoff which preceded the finals, Nice Radio Clinchers beat Challengers by 41 runs. Scores: Clinchers 170 for 8 in 20 overs - Romano Pierre 90, Okeiph Andrews 36 not out, Kerwyne Browne 3 for 24, Keithlyn Williams 3 for 26; Challengers 129 in 19.2 overs - Javil Harry 47, Manley Duncan 24. Romano Pierre 3 for 18.

In addition to the outstanding teams, the following individuals and awards were handed out: MVP of the Finals - Newbourne Joseph of CGM Novice; Highest Run Aggregate - Rawdon Bentick (341 runs) from New Level; Leading Wicket-taker - Jabari Cunningham from Simple Boys with 14 wickets; Century makers - Shamic Robets (Sion Hill Tallawah) 137, Jabari Cunningham (Simple Boyz) 109 and Rawdon Bentick (New Level) 107.

Champions CGM Novice were also adjudged the Most Disciplined Team of the competition.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017. 51.

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F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 22, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.51

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AIA WELCOMES FIRST SCHEDULED INT’L FLIGHT

The pre-flight launch in Toronto.

Among those pictured are SVG’s Counsel General Fitz Huggins (3rd from right) and Tourism Officer Shelly John (3rd from left).

ON MAY 5, 2017, Air Canada announced that it expected to introduce weekly flights into the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

The Canadian airline had given December 4, 2017 as the likely date for its inaugural flight to the AIA. airport.

And so, it was, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, last Thursday, December 14, 2017 at about 4:00pm, welcomed over 130 passengers on Air Canada’s inaugural non-stop flight from Toronto, Canada, establishing that airline as the first international airline to introduce a scheduled flight service into the AIA. Prior to its arrival at the AIA, a launch ceremony was held in Canada, at which this country’s Counsel General in Toronto, Fitz Huggins, cut the ribbon.

According to an Air Canada release, the airline has scheduled weekly flights into SVG during the winter season until April 2018. Flights are scheduled for Thursdays.

Like the inaugural flight, the service will be by Airbus A319 aircraft, which seats 136 passengers. Air Canada Rouge, the vacation and leisure airline subsidiary of Air Canada, will manage the flight.

Welcome

On hand to welcome the aircraft and its passengers — the majority being Vincentian nationals were Minister of Tourism Cecil ‘Ces’ Mc Kie and Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority Glen Beache.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves was expected to be part of the welcoming party but did not make it.

According to Beacher, ”…he was under the weather.”

Minister Mc Kie expressed thanks to Air Canada Rouge for the faith demonstrated in the potential St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers as an overseas destination, and delighted in the fact that this country was able to welcome its first scheduled international air service well within a

Six to vie for Miss Claus 2017

Contestants in the 2017 Miss Claus (from left): Ellisha Matthias, SIX CONTESTANTS will vie for Deantai Davis, Zoneh the first ever title of Miss Claus Seymour, Macey DE 2017.

The contest, a production of the Shong, K-tonya Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem Peters and Shazean Sports Club and the Greiggs Sports Matthias. & Cultural Organisation, is slated for the Old Greiggs School, beginning Enterprise; Macey De Shong- Miss Lil G Investments; Kat7pm, on December 25. tonya Peters- Miss Caesar’s Real Seeking to write themselves into history are: Ellisha Matthias — Miss Estate, and Shazean Matthias- Miss Sea Operations SVG LTD. J’ouvert in January; Deantai DavisThe contestants will be judged in Miss Rodney’s Trucking Services,; the categories of Swimwear, Talent Zoneh Seymour- Miss Jarplum

and Interview.

Producers of the Contest say they are looking forward to “massive support” for this first effort, which, all things being even, will become an annual event.

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

The first scheduled Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 aircraft touching down at the AIA. year of the commissioning of the AIA, something he alluded to as having taken some Caribbean neighbours well over a year or more to achieve.

CEO Beache disclosed that in addition to next Thursday’s Air Canada flight, a Sunwing flight from Canada is expected to arrive on December 17. This service, according to him, will continue until January 14, 2018.

About the AIA The Argyle International Airport is the most recent international airport to be constructed in the Caribbean.

The project, the most costly and largest infra-structural undertaking in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, began in 2008, with an originally scheduled opening set for 2011.

However, it experienced numerous challenges and was embroiled in much controversy, before it was officially opened on February 14, 2017.

Original estimates put the construction cost at EC$700 million, but other sources have advanced a figure of EC$1 billion as more likely.

Whatever, the AIA offers a capacity up to four times that of the E.T. Joshua airport which it replaced, and is considered pivotal to this country’s efforts to maximise its tourism potential.

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