Vin pages 23 02 18 e reader for web

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.08

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

CAFAN IN DISARRAY:

GREENE DISMISSED

by DAYLE DA SILVA

The Executive/Board of the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN), including its Chief Coordinator Vincentian Jethro Greene, has been removed.

At least, that is the stated position, of that regional networks 18 members.

“Under Article 9 of the constitution and by unanimous resolution, we asked all Directors to be relieved of their duties,” Errington Thompson, President of CaFAN member the Bahamas Agro-Business

Co-operative Society Limited (BABCO), told THE VINCENTIAN during a telephone interview on Tuesday, February 20th.

He assured then, that letters (of removal) were being dispatched to the Directors, headed by President, Norman

Jethro Greene has been removed from his post of Chief Coordinator of the CaFAN.

Grant of Jamaica Right: Norman Grant, Agriculture President CaFAN, has Society. found himself making Chief decisions on behalf Coordinator of a membership that Jethro Greene of does not support him SVG was, and his executive. according to reports, stripped Kitts/Nevis; St Lucia, SVG, of his post with immediate Trinidad and Tobago and effect, immediately following a Suriname.

February 15 meeting of The organization’s major members, held via virtual focus is to provide support, means. training, facilitate information sharing and to explore trading CaFAN markets for agricultural produce within the Caribbean The Caribbean Farmers region as well as to markets in Network (CaFAN) was Europe. formed in 2004, the result of exploratory discussions The Impasse among farmer organizations that began in 2002. It is a The impasse between the regional network of Farmers’ members and the Associations and NonExecutive/Board came as a governmental organizations in result of concerns expressed the Caribbean, with its about lack of transparency as headquarters in Saint Vincent per the Executive’s/Board’s and the Grenadines, where it modus operandi. was originally registered.

That concern and others Membership of CaFAN were highlighted in a presently consists of farmer December 14, 2017 letter to associations from Antigua and the executive, signed by Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Continued on Page 3 with Guyana, Jamaica, St related story.

Pamella Thomas Coordinator of CaFAN National Team Leaders signed the letter that detailed the concerns that members had about the conduct of business by the executive/secretariat.

V Trinity conducts sports physicals for athletes 2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

Right: Dr. Ibrahim does a chest examination.

WHEN THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL held its annual sports meet last Wednesday, February 14,

athletes had already been taken through physical examinations.

Those physicals were

conducted by Trinity School of Medicine on Monday 5th and Wednesday 7th February.

A total of sixty-nine athletes were examined.

The physicals defined the level of safety of

participation for each student, making sure that the bodies of the athletes could handle the demands of a sports meet.

The process involved two phases: one requiring each athlete to complete a form detailing her medical history; and the other involved vision and hearing tests, blood pressure and pulse testing both at rest and after exercise, cardiovascular and chest examinations.

In expressing gratitude for Trinity’s professional assistance which promptly upon request, Deputy Headmistress, Mrs. Athalie Caine-Soleyn acknowledged, “We take physical education seriously here, and this is all part of it. These checks are important because we don’t want any medical incidents that could have been avoided, as we have had very recently, not because we didn’t do a check but because we weren’t aware of medical history.

This check, therefore, is integral to helping us to foresee and avoid these incidents.”

Dr. Frances Jack, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at Trinity, explained that a successful physical gives the athlete clearance to participate in the sport meet.

She stressed the importance of such an activity, stating that the girls become more confident of their performance on sports day, having been cleared after such a procedure.

Dr. Jack also highlighted the fact that issues are picked up which would require further attention. “We picked up two persons with asthma,” she said. They had some wheezing and we were able to counsel them with regard to taking their medication before they get involved in any sort of activity.”

She also spoke of another person who was picked up with a heart murmur. She will be referred to the World Pediatric Project.

“Because of that, she couldn’t be cleared for the sporting activity,” Dr. Jack said.

Through outreaches like these, Trinity School of Medicine continues to confirm its belief in the importance in giving back to the community.

Dr. Jack admitted, “It is important to give back to the community that you’re in. These girls are our future generation, and we get the opportunity to make a great impact when we counsel them about their diet and their activities. It’s really a good way of giving back.”

Future physicians were also given the opportunity to participate in these activities. Fifth term student, Jacob Pletz described his experience, “It was really great, today being able to work with the high school, just to make sure that the girls are physically fit and ready for activity. It was nice to get and use the skills that we’ve learned at Trinity.”

Students were sent through a series of stations.

V News 3 Greene threatens legal action

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 3.

Right: Jethro Greene has no intention of playing dead in the face of his dismissal and the grounds therein.

Greene told THE VINCENTIAN that the JETHRO GREENE, former Chief organization was his Coordinator for the Caribbean brainchild, and the initial Farmers Network (CaFAN), has funding was done here in St threatened legal action against Vincent and the Grenadines. members of the organization.

He further stated that the He gave notice of his intent organization was set up as a in responding to allegations of means of sharing information a lack of transparency and among various farmers’ possible misappropriation of organizations throughout the funding from donor agencies, region. made by members of the According to Greene, the organization. issues raised reflected a fight Among the claims brought between factions, adding that against Greene, who was he no longer wanted to be stripped of his post during a associated with CaFAN. February 10 meeting held in “Let them fight over it. My Barbados and attended by the strength is my vision and the members of the executive only, energy behind that vision,” was the failure to produce Greene told THE financial records, the alleged VINCENTIAN. misappropriation of funds With regard to the designated to hurricane relief allegations brought against in Dominica, the appointment him as it related to the lack of of Greene’s wife as the transparency, he explained accountant for the that he was not accountable to organization’s secretariat, the members of CaFAN. among others. (See related Based on the Chief story).

Coordinator’s report issued on However, in response, February 8, the use of project

by DAYLE DA SILVA

funding was dictated by donors, and all original receipts as it related to expenditure of donor funding were submitted to and collected by the donor agencies and not to or by CaFAN. “Any discrepancy which becomes a disallowed expenditure, therefore becomes the liability of ECTAD (Eastern Caribbean Trading and Agricultural Development Organisation) one of the founding members of CaFAN, and not CaFAN,”the report stated.

The report further stated that there have been instances where ECTAD has had to absorb costs refused by the donor — costs relating to rent, administration, utilities and other overhead costs.

And in addressing the issue of having the organization written off the list of registered companies in SVG, the report indicated that CaFan is a virtual network: “hence payments to continue

Pamella Thomas- Coordinator of CaFAN National Team Leaders.

Concerns listed included: the inability of the secretariat to produce financial records for projects undertaken on behalf of the member countries; a pronouncement made by the Chief Coordinator. .Jethro Greene, in an email dated November, 2017, stating that the organization had no current financial members, nor elected officials; the acknowledgment of Pethion Greene, wife of Jethro Greene, as Accountant of CaFan’s Secretariat; the case of 20,000 Euros (EC$68,000) received by the Secretariat on behalf of hurricane relief for Dominica, with only EC$6,000 accounted for; and no Annual General Meeting being called for eight years.

Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN

“wicked,” adding that if there was a decision to continue the organization and to make it work, he had no issue with that.

“But don’t go at people’s name viciously,” he said, hastening to add that he remained committed to helping farmers in his native St. Vincent.

Executive/Board Member, appointed to replace him in the interim.

Additionally, according to Grant, a decision was taken to relocate Secretariat from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Trinidad and Tobago, The letter further indicated that the that she had had no response to the and that the necessary work would be letter mentioned above, and a string of company failed to provide annual returns for each calendar year during undertaken to have the organisation others sent to the directors. registered in Jamaica. the period 2011 and 2016 and its The membership, from reports, had CIPO takes action audited financial statements for each hoped that their no-show at the financial year for the period 2009 to Barbados meeting would have The impasse came to a head, 2016. indicated their no confidence in the Thomas said, when the organization Executive/Directors. was struck off the records of SVG Impasse unresolved They argued further, that the Commerce and Intellectual Property meeting was unconstitutional and that A meeting hastily convened in Office (CIPO), under whose purvey CaFAN was registered.

Barbados on February 10, 2018 under its decisions were in no way binding on instruction from President Grant, and them.

A letter from CIPO, dated The members have vowed to November 22, 2017, to CaFAN, stated attended by only four executive continue with efforts to restructure the that pursuant to Section 51.1 of the members, with Greene participating Companies Act, Cap 143 of the Revised via Skype, was boycotted by a number organization, and plans are afoot to convene a meeting in which a new of members as a mark of protest.

Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines, where the company was The meeting, though Grant claimed executive would be elected, as a first step in this direction. registered, the organization had failed otherwise, failed to resolve the Not for the first time, a Caribbeanimpasse, but it was at that meeting to honour its obligation to keep up to wide organisation has found itself in a date with statutory filings, which that Greene was relieved officially of scandal that reflects poorly on the his duties, and Dhano Sookoo, include financial statements, annual returns and notices of appointment of President of the Agriculture Society of region’s ability to sustain an effort to work together. change of secretary.

Trinidad and Tobago and a sitting

Greene dismissed Continued from Page 1.

its legal registration is deemed unnecessary since the function of information and knowledge sharing does not require this.”

Based on the report, since 2009, fees for the continued registration and up- keep of CaFAN had been paid for from local and personal resources.

Greene outlined in the report that some EC$2.5 million had been spent in registering and coordinating the organization’s network, and that there are no current financial members nor elected officials and that CaFAN as a virtual and facilitating network, was not registered.

He termed the action brought by the members as

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Accused fraudsters slapped with more charges genuine.

Thomas is further charged TWO MEN who were remanded last week separately on three counts of making Monday on multiple charges in false instruments in the names of connection with the theft of close to Rudolf Williams, Victoria Baptiste and $3,000 from the Nation’s Public Leonora Baptiste, and three counts of Assistance Fund, three weeks ago, have using those instruments, which he been slapped with additional charges, in knew to be false, with the intention to relation to the matter. induce Learie Johnson to accept them Bridgetown, Biabou resident as genuine.

Derville Thomas, 42-year-old ex-police The offences were reportedly officer and former chauffeur in the committed at Owia on February 7 Ministry of National Mobilization, where Public Assistance payments along with Learie Johnson, also a were being made. former employee in that Ministry, When the men returned to the have been additionally charged with Serious Offences Court on Monday, the theft of $725, the property of the Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche Government of St. Vincent and the again objected to bail, stating that the Grenadines. investigations were continuing, and Johnson, a resident of Lowmans there were other areas to be covered.

Windward, has been further charged, He asked the court for “a little more” separately, on five counts of making time to have the probe completed. false instruments, using various But attorney Grant Connell, numbers, and five counts of using representing Johnson, argued that it those instruments, which he knew to was abusive to keep his client behind be false, with the intention to induce bars while the police continue to lay the Government to accept them as charges. He contended that his client Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

had not taken a life, and was entitled to bail.

Attorney Israel Bruce, representing both men, pointed out that they must not be made to languish in prison while the investigating officers were on a “piecemeal”.

He argued that the men were Learie Johnson Derville Thomas innocent until proven otherwise, and would be behind there was nothing to stop the court from granting bail. He suggested that bars for the balance of the year.

After listening to both sides, Chief bail could be granted with restricting Magistrate Rechanne Browne further conditions, if the prosecution was remanded the men until Monday, concerned about the interference of February 26, when the issue of bail potential witnesses.

But Delpleche, in rebuttal, stressed will again be reviewed.

When the two had initially appeared that the men could manipulate the in Court last week Monday on charges system. He denied that the for forgery, theft, conspiracy and investigators were “piecemealing”, deception, in relation to the same adding that, “the investigations have to be done properly, and each case has matter, Delpleche, in his objection to bail, highlighted the ongoing to be taken on its own merit.” investigations, and expressed the view But Connell expressed fear that if that if the men were released on bail, the men were to be kept in prison they could hinder those investigations, while the prosecution continued to and interfere with potential witnesses. bring charges week after week, they

Lawyer calls for ganja amnesty AS THIS COUNTRY moves towards the establishment of a medicinal marijuana industry, one defence lawyer here is suggesting an amnesty for small marijuana farmers, who are willing to make the transition from the illegal trade.

The comments came from attorney Grant Connell during a sitting of the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Connell had risen, as a friend of the court, on behalf of Campden Park residents Jevon Browne and Romario Westfield, who have been jointly charged with possession of 34,504 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, and cultivating 30 marijuana plants. Browne has been charged separately with possession of 75 grams of the herb with intent to supply.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday,

Connell expressed the view that there were small marijuana farmers who were willing to make the transition from the illegal trade to the medicinal marijuana industry.

But he added that “the authorities have to embark on an educational process, and a period of time should be declared for those farmers to make that transition without being harassed by the police for cultivating or being in possession of small amounts of marijuana.

“It would be a high level of hypocrisy if in one part of the country, we are growing high grade marijuana legally in green houses belonging to the investors, while in another area the police are raiding and chopping down marijuana trees, which would still be illegal, and those growers being dragged before the Court.”

Browne and Westfield had initially pleaded guilty to the charges when they made their court appearance on Monday, and the facts were read. However, Attorney Grant after listening Connell to the defendants’ explanations, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne entered not guilty pleas on their behalf to have the legal ramification, in relation to possession, determined at a trial.

The men were then granted $20,000 bail with one surety, and the matter was adjourned to February 28.

The charges reportedly stem from a police raid of a marijuana field in the Yorke Mountains, Campden Park around 2:30 p.m last Saturday.

File not ready after ten months TATOO ARTIST Joseph Bailey, who had an attempted murder charge hanging over his head since April last year, was discharged last week Tuesday because the case file was still not ready.

The matter was adjourned on a number of occasions, but Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, sitting at the Serious Offences Court, had given Tuesday, February 13, as the final adjournment date.

Bailey was charged with the attempted murder of Patrick Nero of Rose Place, Kingstown.

Bailey’s clash with the law stemmed from a shooting incident at Rose Place, around 11:10pm April 9, last year. He was out on $30,000 bail with one surety.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche has been complaining for years about investigators not getting their files ready on time.

In a December 27, 2017 interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Delpleche said that, while there was some improvement in 2017, the unreadiness of case files by investigators, continues to be a major problem.

Bailey’s matter was pending since April 17, 2017, way beyond the guideline period of six months for court matters to go through the system.

Two held on gun-related charges OTTLEY HALL resident Lara Carter and his girlfriend Benisha Baptiste were taken before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, charged in connection with a shooting incident at Rose Place on February 12.

Carter has been charged with possession of a firearm, make and type unknown, without a

licence issued under the Firearms Act. Carter and Baptiste are charged jointly with agreeing with each other to discharge a firearm in a public place.

Carter was remanded after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche objected to bail, on the grounds that the defendant was on $6,000 for a robbery charge in

relation to an incident last December, in which a gun and a knife were allegedly used.

He will return to court March 8 on the gunrelated charges.

The issue of bail was not dealt with in relation to Baptiste, as she was held on a bench warrant issued by the Family Court. That Court was not sitting at the time.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 5.

V CED hosts Workshop on Cluster Development 6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Members of the generate employment and Compete Caribbean exports through clusters.

Partnership Facility In addition, a national

Participants involve themselves in a practical demonstration session.

were in St. Vincent this week to kick start a cluster capacity-building project with the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED).

A full day was spent with CED’s board and staff to assess the organization’s capacity to

workshop took place at the Methodist Church Hall.

Over 60 key stakeholders participated in the event and discussed promotion of clusters and other opportunities for inclusive growth in St. Vincent.

“Clusters are defined as three or more private sector firms collaborating to produce and sell new or better products/services at competitive costs on the regional or international market. Cluster projects have great potential to generate revenue, increase foreign exchange, and create employment, including jobs for women and marginalized groups,” highlighted Lisa Drakes, Compete Caribbean’s Pillar One Project Development Officer.

Felix Lewis, CED’s General Manager, in his remarks, said clustering is a solution to the challenges faced in small open economies such as

St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“As we search for solutions to the stagnant economic growth of the region, the relatively high unemployment and high incidence of poverty, it is emerging that industry clustering is offering some exciting results that are raising hopes that this approach can contribute significantly rekindling of economic growth prospects in the region.”

Meanwhile, in declaring the national workshop open, Featured Speaker and Director of Planning in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology, Mrs. Laura Anthony-Browne, said the clustering initiative by Compete Caribbean through CED fits into SVG’s National and Social Economic Development Plan 2013-2025.

She also lauded the efforts of Compete

Caribbean in bringing programmes that complement government’s plans, noting that among the workshop’s objectives was to exploit the potential for cluster capacity as a toolkit for economic development.

The Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility is a private sector development programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The Facility executes projects in 13 countries across the Caribbean, working with a broad mix of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) from the private and public sectors to deliver innovative and practical solutions that stimulate economic growth, increase productivity and foster innovation and competitiveness.

Invest SVG begins entrepreneurship workshops INVEST SVG, in demonstration of its commitment to Export Development within St. Vincent and the Grenadines, hosted the first in a series of business development workshops to be held in the upcoming months.

Last Tuesday, commencing February 20, twenty-four business owners — who operate across several sectors — took part in a two-day Entrepreneurship workshop facilitated by Dr. Niyan Fraser, an Entrepreneurship researcher, academic and consultant.

The workshop was designed to enable participants to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurship and shift their mindsets from subsistencefocused to growth orientation.

Additionally, the workshop aimed to develop business owners’ skills needed to start and grow business; and to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary for entering the export market.

Topics covered included: Explaining Entrepreneurship, Explaining the Concepts of Opportunities and Ideas, Entrepreneurial Capacity, Starting a Business, The Process of Entrepreneurship and The Process of Research.

On day one of the workshop, Dr. Fraser emphasized the difference

Dr. Niyan Fraser (standing) leads a session in the first in a series of business focused workshops to be hosted by Invest SVG.

between business ownership and entrepreneurship — noting that opportunities and ideas “…come from anywhere”.

“If a lot of people are facing a particular problem or issue, then that can turn into an opportunity.”

He urged participants to become aware of/recognize the gaps in the current market, and identify consumers’ needs that aren’t sufficiently being catered to — if at all.

Topics to be covered as the series of workshops enfold to its climax in July, include: preparation of business plans, export readiness, costing and pricing, insurance and copyrighting/trademarking — among others.

Last October, Invest SVG ran a twoday series of workshops to accompany the ‘Everything Vincy’ Independence Expo 2017.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 7.

News

AIA has delivered THERE IS A NEW interest in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and that new interest is being attributed to the Argyle International Airport (AIA) which was opened on February 14, 2017.

In only its first year of operation, the AIA has shown promise, and proven that there was a need for improved air access.

That point was made by both the Minister of Tourismin and Sport, Cecil McKie and the Director of Airports, Corsel Robertson when they addressed a rally held last Saturday, to officially commemorate the Ist Anniversary of the opening of the facility.

Robertson and McKie spoke to issues relating to increased air traffic passenger arrivals and overall improved air access in and out of the country.

McKie detailed the flights that occurred within the five months preceding February 2018, saying that Sunwing Airlines had seven flights to this country since October last year, transporting a total of 1,250 passengers to and from Toronto. Easy Sky moved a total of 463 passengers, he said.

He boasted that Air Canada had commenced operations at the AIA in just a matter of 303 days after opening, highlighting that it took some neighbouring Caribbean destinations far longer to do the same.

That airline, McKie said, was responsible for brining in 1,220 passengers and taking out 1,153, and he projected that by April, passenger arrivals for that airline were expected

Minister of Tourism, Cecil McKie boasts increased Airlines to SVG.

Corsel Robertson spoke of the positive impact the AIA had during its first year of operations. to reach 1,740.

Caribbean Airlines was expected to begin operations here offering Vincentians the opportunity to travel direct to New York, an agreement that has been signed on for three years initially, McKie said.

“We are working hard to get other direct flights from the US and also from the UK because these markets are very important,” the tourism minister said.

It was noted that arrivals were up since the opening of the AIA. According to the data received, McKie said that arrivals were up by 11 percent over 2016.

The Director of Airports in her presentation said that operations at the AIA have been better than expected.

“I am very pleased to report that aircraft operations have been excellent. Not one single flight at the airport has been cancelled because of the airport… any cancelled here was for another reason,” Robertson said.

Before the opening of the AIA, Robertson said that the E.T Joshua airport was losing flights.

“There was a reduction year after year, up until 2016,” she said.

This trend had now reversed and the AIA has been realizing an increase in aircraft operation.

The AIA has also proved safer to operate out of, and is in compliance with international aviation standards “We have come a long way since the establishment of air travel in SVG in 1943,” she said. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Of this and that Airport Security THE STEP (UP) from the E.T. Joshua Airport to an international airport with all the demands occasioned by this or that international (aviation) protocol, must be a guarded one; one with an awareness that our travel industry overall, and the aviation industry in which we now find ourselves, are at a crossroad.

And with security concerns intensifying, the security of flying increasingly depends on crossindustry and multi-stakeholder dialogues The challenge for our airport — our gateways to the wider world - is to efficiently accommodate the demands of the increasing passenger and cargo traffic. Ensuring the absolute safety and security of passengers must remain key at all times, cognizant that passenger flow has to be attractive and humane so as to encourage passenger loyalty.

In this light, the employment of the scanners and pat-downs are understandable and, to a great degree, accepted.

The scanner might be considered safe, efficient and protective of passenger privacy. Yet, it must be acknowledged, given the growing number of complaints about security ‘practices’ at the AIA, that the indiscriminate use of the scanner and the added pat downs might just be doing more harm than good; that they are alienating the very travellers whom the system is designed to protect.

More alarmingly is the open enhanced pat-down procedures which involve the use of the fingers and palm to search for concealed items, and more detailed tactile inspection of areas higher on the thigh, in the groin area, and under women’s breasts. The procedures routinely involve touching of breasts, buttocks, and genitals.

A growing number of passengers who have been subjected to this intrusive pat down, have expressed distress over these measures. Not only have they found them intrusive, but equally humiliating, and an invasion of privacy.

Through the use of intelligent solutions, airports security officials can meet passenger expectations of minimum ‘intrusion’. Time to recognize the multi-stakeholder nature of the requirement and begin

to discuss the concerns in an open but informed manner.

Threats to society

Statesmanship

(Conclusion to last week’s column)

That we have not ruminated on the question of who constitutes a statesman is unquestionable. The concept of statesmanship, if the truth be told, is still alien to us, regardless of to whom we seemed to have arrogated such status and those who have accorded themselves such prominence.

Suffice it to say, if we have ever considered anyone for the ‘status’, we have, given our cultural and religious leanings, tended to arrogate the age of the character, rather than the person’s impartial and apolitical ability in adjudication of and pronouncements on issues germane to the interests of the state.

One school of thought is that statesmanship has nothing to do with age nor does it mean that one belongs to a certain profession and or class. That is, it has more to do with the degree to which one is apolitical.

Why should it be that one needs to have attained a certain age or belong to a certain class, before it behoves on them to begin to be apolitical?

Being a statesman should start with sound judgement and discernment in consideration of matters that concern the state.

In saying that, it does not mean that one only has to have been a former head of state/government or participated in the running of a government, to be deemed a statesman.

And when reference is made to ‘sound judgement and discernment in the consideration of matters of state’, it means that at a certain high level, one would have subdued personal interest and put the overall, national interests far and above personal and local interest.

So in essence, a businessman, a local community leader, a young athlete, an administrator, a pastor, a politician can be a statesman.

Do we have such among us? The search for statesmanship must start with a template before we even begin to consider whether the idea of statesmanship is an aberration or not.

THE PRECEDING ARTICLE, published in 2005, anticipated the current malaise, and suggested the causes. First of all, Eustace had complained of faults in the electoral system which were evident, but for whatever reason, the NDP was unwilling to pursue in court. We know, for instance that Prime Minister Gonsalves had requested his people to change their registration from constituencies where ULP had had an overwhelming majority to those marginal constituencies that they had lost narrowly.

Mention made then of the overweening presence of “Political Lawyers”, which suggested that law was to predominate in the execution of Government at the expense of the public weal.

In keeping with this negative trend, two key posts have long been held by two lawyers who are ULP by birth and nature: DPP Colin Williams and Blazer Williams as Chairman of the PSC, both of whom consistently sow political mischief, facilitate government victimisation, and worse!

The further involvement of Hendrick Alexander who is ULP to his marrow as Speaker of the House, only added fuel to fire and, in a sense prepared a bed of nails on to which his successor Jomo Thomas must now lie (no pun) uneasily.

Since 2005, parliament has degenerated to become a travesty where a No-Confidence motion can be “Amended” by the people it targeted to one that praised them to the hill. No wonder the confused Jomo, who is a Speaker of several tongues nowadays, temporally lost his head, which he regained bright and early next day. The lesson is stark, Jomo cannot serve two masters.

And the threats to democracy are now being blown apart.

Clearly, the government is headed for the rocks; Jomo should debunk and,

possibly, even Saboto Caesar.

Concerning Jomo, it is regrettable to suggest that the time is out of joint for his continuation in a political role, despite his fine political qualities. His successful legal support of Otto Sam against the brutality of the ULP assisted by Blazer, marked him for official extinction down the road.

More controversial still, is the behaviour of Saboto Caesar. His outburst against his leader, in the House, and carried alive over radio and TV, is too much for Ralph to bear.

Saboto’s come-uppance is only a matter of time, and his connections with the dynastic ambitions of Dr. Gonsalves, he is married to Theo Browne’s daughter linked to brother , Luke all forming part of SVG’s Royal family in the making.

This current period 2000 to 2018 has been a murky and musty one indeed. If it could have a hero, that accolade goes to Arnhim Eustace who fought valiantly against the ‘slings and arrows’ of outrageous fortunes. He would not yield an inch, having spotted that there was something ‘rotten in the State of Denmark’ (SVG).

Now, like the biblical Moses, he passes on the baton to his deserving colleague, a new Joshua, Godwin Friday, to enter triumphantly into the New Jerusalem.

Of course, Ralph has carved out for himself the role of anti-hero, the villain of the piece.

From here on, SVG steps firmly on the road to political salvation. Nothing can stop this new movement, although there could be further infuriating delays. A favourable decision in the Election Petition case for the NDP, scheduled for revelation next Tuesday.

There is talk of even the occult’s involvement, but rest assure that “the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest triffles, to betray us in deepest consequence.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 9.

Letters

Grooming of Female Parliamentarians

WOMEN ACQUIRED the right to vote and to become members of parliament since universal suffrage was attained for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1951. Yet, low visibility of women continues to be characteristic of Vincentian political life.

Whereas women are always at the forefront, vocally supporting their parties, their numbers are minimal when it comes to them being parliamentary representatives.

Ivy Joshua blazed a trail as the first woman to win a parliamentary seat in SVG, and went on to hold it in five consecutive elections.

Yet, despite this phenomenal achievement, she has never received the respect deserving of her her name is hardly ever mentioned.

The trailblazing Ivy Joshua was to many a

* Who paid for the Argyle International Airport 1st Anniversary ULP event? * If it was the government, how come they can find money for these events and can’t find to pay local business people whom they are owing? * How many Advisors/Consultants are on the government payroll? * What did that guy Thomas at BRAGSA really do that got him fired? Did he say somethings that hurt some ‘big people’? * Is there a thriving ‘escort business’ in SVG? Who is running it? * Is it true that four commissioned officers of the Police Force have to sign off on a vehicle before it gets clearance to leave the station on an emergency call?

social outcast. She boasted very little formal education, and because of that, was a figure of ridicule. Today, her name is put forward for consideration as a National Heroine.

Women such as Valcina Ash, Yvonne Francis Gibson, Rene Baptiste, and Girlyn Miguel followed in Ivy Joshua’s footsteps, and were successful at the polls.

While the need for more women to be Ministers and Parliamentarians is the subject of much discussion, little is said directly about a woman becoming Prime Minister of the country.

The subject of women Parliamentarians has arisen in “overlooked” spaces, such as when one observant Senator said in his maiden speech in Parliament, that the composition of Parliament did not reflect the population of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Further,

one female Calypsonian Sparkle forcefully sang “...So when Ralphie done, we want a Female Prime Minister”. Where is Lady Sparkle now, and were her lyrics seen as just another Calypso?

Then, at a Conference for young women, the Feature Speaker made this bold statement: “I am destined for great things that would aid in developing St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am aspiring to becoming a politician with being the Prime Minister as the end result”.

This young girl’s dream starts with the need to reform the electoral system to have more women included and represented within parliament. Are the Policy Makers prepared to legislate towards achieving 30 percent women on the slate of candidates for public office, as agreed to in the Beijing Platform for Action? Are the existing parties prepared to give more space to women? Is

the public prepared to give space to a third Party led by a woman?

Are the NGOs, especially women’s NGOs, prepared to groom and encourage women to become candidates for election as Representatives of the People?

These are many questions which can only be answered when there is a quantum leap and paradigm shift from what is accepted as the norm for governance in many Caribbean countries.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator/CDW

Changing the face of Kingstown I RECENTLY spent three weeks back home, my first visit in twentyone years. I have been resident in Canada for those years.

As a ‘town man’, what struck me most of all about Kingstown, was the disappearance of all the ‘old buildings’ — except for the three main churches. I could not find one building — I am subject to correction here — that reminded me of the architecture that once adorned and characterized the main streets of the capital.

What irked me even more, is that with all the heightened ‘talk’ about our culture, our heritage, we seemed not to have had any regard whatsoever for our CULTURAL HERITAGE. We have failed miserably to maintain our tangible culture — buildings, monuments — that we should have been bestowed from our

generation for the benefit of future generations.

There is not a country in the world that does not value its CULTURAL HISTORY. Why do we, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, feel that we must divert from this norm?

Then again, has anyone noticed that the

so called modernization of our architecture in Kingstown was effected under the ‘reign’ of the two longest serving prime ministers since our Independence, and that both men were born outside of Kingstown?

Huggins

A note to our writers EDITOR’S Note: Some of these letters have been edited for length, accuracy and slander. We reserve this right, and hope that those who choose the pages of THE VINCENTIAN to express their views, would do so with care and attention for others.

Calypso gone I COULDN’T believe when a friend told me that Chalkdust had been placed last in the 2018 Calypso Monarch Competition in Trinidad. I went immediately online to read the Trinidad newspapers, and there it was; the great man had been placed 17th among 17 competitors.

Immediately I began to think: Do we have such brave calypso judges in SVG? Would they have placed Zangie last?

But really, to return to the Trinidad scene; it must be that this new set of judges have no knowledge of what tru, tru calypso is. They have decided, like the judges here, that calypso is no longer about masking and entertainment, but about preaching to the public.

How on earth could you think about placing a man like Chalkdust, with all his guile and skill, last. and placing people who sing songs without punches above him?

We are heading down the same road here. and if we don’t do something about it, people are going to stop attending calypso tents and the calypso Competitions, and wait for shows like The Wake, which the Graduates Calypso Tent had late last year. I wonder if anybody notice how well attended that show was?

Time for us to get back to basics. I wonder if a man like D Professor could have won a crown with the type of judges and judging we have today?

I Gone

Our Roads PLEASE DON’T misunderstand me. I am not one to harangue a government every Monday morning, but that is not to say I wouldn’t have my say.

I know road rehabilitation and repairs is a costly affair, but there is no reason why we must put up with the lack of regular maintenance of our roads. Of course, we got the Windward and Leeward ‘highways’, and that is only correct. But we continue to ignore all the little roads, some of them as much used as much if not more than the main roads.

We continue, when it seems we have some money, to patch here, there and everywhere, only to have the rain and heavy vehicles (haulers, big Mack Trucks, etc.) do more damage than before the repairs.

Sorry to say it, and I voted for the ULP, but I

don’t think the roads in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — and we must not forget the Grenadines — have ever been in such bad condition than under this government. To be honest, this is a problem we citizens have faced since the ULP came to power.

I have called the authorities on more than one occasion, begging for some potholes to be filled. Yes, they got filled, but only after the potholes became ravines.

Time we stop playing games with our roads.

We pay too much tax — direct and indirect — not to be able to put aside some for regular maintenance and repairs of the roads here.

As a driver, I am fed up of having to dodge potholes and at the same time avoid getting into an accident.

Duvalle

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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The AIA is one year old

Introduction LAST SATURDAY, February 17th 2018, thousands of Vincentians gathered at the area close to Johnson Hill in the Argyle area, to attend a rally to mark the first anniversary of the opening of the Argyle International Airport. ULP diehards, members and supporters all came together to mark the anniversary of the largest capital project ever to be completed by a government, in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There was a feeling of pride, of achievement, of accomplishment, of ownership, of patriotism, about a project that has captured the imagination and attention of the country, since August 2005.

It is safe to say that the international airport project has been the major discussion point in the country over the last twelve years. On radio, the opposition NDP, led first by Arnhim Eustace, and then by Godwin Friday, tried with all their might to stop the project, to bad-mouth it, and to find a way to discredit the ULP over the international airport. They failed miserably. Even at this operational stage, with flights landing and taking off at Argyle, the Opposition cannot accept the importance of the project to the future development of the country.

It’s a most bizarre situation.

Clearly, the voters must be saying to themselves that we cannot elect the NDP to office if this is their attitude to this most important project. The voters must be saying further that since the NDP have no interest in the airport, they are likely to do something to affect its operations, if they get into office. And so, the solution to this, is to keep the NDP out of office, so as to protect the Argyle International Airport.

Tobago, Libya, Georgia, and the list goes on. Truly, this was an amazing feat which required a mastery of leadership and negotiation skills. All this was produced by the ULP and Comrade Ralph. What did the NDP contribute to this exercise? A big fat nothing except dirty criticism and name-calling; but the ULP administration prevailed against all this.

The Anniversary event

The crowd which turned up at Johnson Hill on Saturday, were treated to some of the best addresses ever delivered by the ULP in recent times. These came from Comrades Saboto Caesar, Camillo Gonsalves, Luke Browne, Cecil McKie, Frederick Stephenson and, of course, Ralph Gonsalves. Two State officials, Garth Saunders, the Chairman of the AIA, and Corsel Robertson, the Director of Airports, also addressed the event.

Several positive messages were delivered that night by the speakers.

In brief summary they said: 1. The old days of wind affected flights which occurred at ET Joshua airport, were over.

2. AIA has the best approach of any airport in the region, with the option of landing and taking off in any direction.

3. It took only 303 days for the AIA to welcome international scheduled direct flights, (Air Canada Rouge), with direct scheduled flights from New York to begin on March 14th.

4. Amerijet now uses a larger aircraft to service the St.Vincent and the Grenadines hub, thus offering The Project more cargo space.

5. More investors are taking a There are several important things sharper interest in St. Vincent and which must be said about the the Grenadines, following the opening construction of the airport project.

The airport was constructed at a cost of the international airport.

6. The AIA was constructed without of EC$700 million dollars, but, there any help from the United States, the were several “in kind” contribution costs, with the labour provided by the United Kingdom, Canada, the World Bank, and the Caribbean Cuban workers being the largest. So Development Bank. in fact, the value of the airport is in This project makes a focal point in the region of EC$1.2 billion dollars. the developmental history of Even now, with the ULP obtaining some debt forgiveness, mainly on the St.Vincent and the Grenadines. It sends a strong signal to all concerned, loans from Venezuela, the airport that as Vincentians, we are ready and owes monies to the value of EC$320 willing to take on tough and difficult million. tasks, to make our country better. It It must be remembered that the airport was constructed during one of is also an indication of the leadership that the ULP administration will the worst global economic and bring to the further developmental financial crises, which affected many economies worldwide, including those process in the country.

So, if there are any doubts about in the Caribbean. In fact, were in not the ability of the ULP administration for the creativity of the ULP to construct a new city at the site of administration, led by Prime Minister the ET Joshua airport, and to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the airport construct a new port in the Kingstown would not have been a reality. Prime area, then the AIA should dispel these Minister Gonsalves fashioned “the doubts. And if there are Vincentians coalition of the willing” a group of who question the care and the love third world countries whose that the ULP administration has for governments were committed to the people of St. Vincent and the assisting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a look at the AIA will Grenadines, in the construction of the provide the answers to any who still airport. doubt.

Under the coalition of the willing, The Argyle International Airport is assistance came from Cuba, Mexico, a testimony to what Vincentians can Venezuela, Taiwan, Trinidad and do. Let’s all make it work.

The Education Revolution has failed (Excerpts from the Hon. Terrance Ollivierre’s Budget presentation) I AM NOT ONE to play politics with education .. it’s too vital to our economic development and welfare of our people. But, Minister of Finance, I have to burst your bubble. Nice glowing words, but the reality is so different.

Recently, I was having lunch with Sir James and I asked him what were his thoughts on the budget. He said, “You have to get rid of these people because we know they mash up the pots and we still didn’t get any food out of the kitchen.”

Moreover, the IMF Report states that youth unemployment is at a staggering 46% - the highest it has ever been throughout the history of this country’s development, the highest since conquest and settlement. Young people from the ages of 18 to 24 cannot find jobs. This is happening for seventeen years under the Unity Labour Party (ULP) governance. The reality of the situation is, how can you get out of poverty and underdevelopment and you can’t get jobs? The report further states that unemployment is highest among secondary school graduates.

There are questions that need to be answered. Is the secondary education geared towards preparing for the job market? Has this ULP government placed the interest of the future generations at the heart of its work?

Where are the opportunities for our young people, so that they can begin to shape the development of this blessed country? Undoubtedly, the ULP has failed to empower the youths who are now left deprived of hope and employment opportunities. The ULP government has failed to provide the mechanism that gives hope to our youths.

It was reported that in 2015, hundreds of young people, including Community College graduates, responded to the openings at KFC and a bakery in Mustique seeking cashiers. They had to deal with over 40 applicants. The ‘Education Revolution’ is no bedrock to our social and economic philosophy because the ULP has failed to create a thriving economy that caters to the provision of quality jobs and sustainable development. The ‘Education Revolution’ has failed.

A comparative study between Trinidad and Tobago and Singapore

by Dr. Deane Palmer of the Economics Faculty of the University of Harvard, showed that although Trinidad and Tobago and Singapore were economic equals in 1977, that by 1996, Singapore, a country of virtually no natural resources, their economy had leaped ahead of Trinidad and Tobago because of the investment in education. That’s a period of nineteen years, unlike the ULP’s seventeen years of governance. What have you accomplished with all your boastings of spending and investment in education? The highest in the OECS, yet we are lagging behind our OECS neighbours in so many areas.

The ‘Education Revolution’ is riddled with so many problems. We lack the capacity for infusion of new ideas and creative thinking to cater to the success of all. We need to revolutionize the ‘Education Revolution, and we in the NDP have the cooks to provide the sustenance to our people to really make education a major priority, to equip our people with the knowledge, skills, aptitude

and competence that they need to enhance their standard of living; thereby creating a better quality of life for all throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Repeaters In comparison to the other OECS countries, St Vincent and the Grenadines not only has the highest repeaters at the primary and secondary levels, but its numbers are far higher than that of the other countries. Additionally, the repetition rate is significantly higher at the secondary level in St. Vincent and the Grenadines than in any other member countries of the OECS. Evidently, the repetition rate is also considerably higher at the secondary level than at the primary level in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in comparison to the other OECS countries.

The table below shows the high rate of repeaters for St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the primary and secondary levels for the period 2009 — 2014.

(Figures from the OECS Education Statistical Digest — 2016) There may be undiagnosed learning difficulties which are not detected at an early stage. We do not have any system for identifying those students who have a specific learning difficulty.

Without targeted remedial education, some children may fall behind their peers in literacy, numeracy and skills development. It’s time for a Division/Unit with the responsibility for detecting and addressing learning difficulties. Also, a system of tracking and charting students’ progress in literacy and numeracy must be implemented to guide the remedial and improvement programmes.

Part of the vision of the education system must not only be perceived as seeing things not as they are but as what they can be. Undoubtedly, the objective must be perceived as one that all children should be empowered by the use of technology that provide meaningful pathways to success, and that such provision must be accompanied by quality access to make education relevant, meaningful and sustainable.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 11.

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The dignity of work

government handouts. Many appear to make no effort to help themselves out of the “begging cycle”. Such a description may appear to be harsh (or unkind). However, these are the kinds of conversations that we need to have if we are to return such individuals, and our society at large, to appreciate the dignity of work.

Since the second World War, many socialist governments have mastered the art of creating societies in which citizens are programmed to expect handouts. These may take a variety of forms, and are not necessarily bad if used to relieve temporary distress.

MANY OF OUR MODERN-DAY citizens However, the danger emerges when have been socialized to “expect the recipients consider these “gifts” as something for nothing”; to receive an entitlement, and see nothing wrong handouts after having not exerted much to be supported by another person’s effort or energy. This “handout money. Such socialist tendencies have mentality” is not unique to developing a debilitating impact on society and is countries or small nation states. so very often unsustainable. Margaret Politicians all over the world have been Thatcher (1925-2013), former Prime guilty of gaining popularity (and obtaining votes at the polls) by promising Minister of the United Kingdom (from 1979 to 1990), stated it so well when voters that they will receive such she noted that, “The problem with “privileges”, once they rally support socialism is that you eventually run behind them (the politicians). However, out of other people’s money.” It is in doing so, they place the society on a therefore incumbent upon our political trajectory that becomes increasingly and civic leaders to take citizens along difficult to redirect. People who are a different route - away from handouts programmed to receive government to gainful employment. In doing so, handouts, are certainly expected to perpetuate this regressive behavior, even we enhance their self-worth, sense of though they realise that it is really not in accomplishment, and encourage the dignity of work. their best long-term interest to receive While it will take more effort, it is such “gifts”. better if we establish programmes that We should understand and will assist persons in helping appreciate that there will always be themselves, rather than retain a individuals in our society who need heightened expectation of always public assistance. Persons with receiving aid. The old saying that “it physical disabilities, the elderly, and is better to teach a man to fish than to the mentally retarded are a few of give him a fish” still holds true. We these vulnerable citizens who will need to invest in programmes that will forever require help. However, there help individuals to develop latent are too many able-bodied individuals skills that will assist them in who are chronic recipients of “The growth of the exploiters’ revolution on this continent has been accompanied by the growth of the idea that work is beneath human dignity, particularly any form of hand work. We have made it our overriding ambition to escape work, and as a consequence have debased work until it is only fit to escape from.” Wendell Erdman Berry (Born 1934) American poet, novelist, cultural critic, environmental activist, and farmer. A prolific author, he has written many novels, short stories, poems, and essays.

Dr. Friday attends IDU Meeting LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday was expected to return to the state last Wednesday, after attending the Leaders Meeting of the International Democrat Union (IDU), in Madrid, Spain.

That meeting began on February 19.

Dr. Friday attended the Leader Meeting in his capacity as president of the NDP and Vice Chair of the Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU) with responsibilities for Policy and External Affairs.

The NDP is a full member of the CDU which is itself a full affiliate of the IDU. The Leaders Meeting was expected to discuss issues such as global peace and security, economic development and freedom and

democracy.

Before his departure last Saturday, Dr. Friday noted that it was “significant for the Caribbean to be represented at such high level meetings, where opportunities to address issues such as climate change and sustainable development are made possible”.

The IDU is an international alliance of centreright political parties.

Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, it comprises some 80 members (political parties), from 63 different countries, which form five Regional Unions of which one is the CDU. The Board of the CDU is currently headed by Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of St. Lucia and President of the United Workers Party of St. Lucia.

The NDP/SVG has two

Dr. Godwin Friday is a Vice-Chair of the CDU. sitting members of the Board, Dr. Friday and Nick Francis who is the Secretary.

Of the twelve Englishspeaking members of CARICOM, those countries which do not have members to the CDU-IDU are Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

generating revenue. People must be encouraged to work for what they need. We have a responsibility and a privilege to develop the productive mind-set. Something is inherently wrong if a grown bird remains in the nest (with beaks wide open) waiting to be fed by those who have ventured forth to forage. The same is true of those citizens who seek to remain in their life of ease and await their regular delivery of “goodies”.

Some may argue that gainful work is scarce. Throughout the Caribbean, we have been hearing the cry that our secondary schools, colleges, and universities are graduating thousands of students who are unable to find work. However, throughout the region, we continue to see agricultural lands lying fallow. At the same time, our import data confirm that a tremendous amount of our scarce money regularly leaves the region to purchase food items grown in developed countries.

And while there is nothing inherently wrong with our purchasing food items from other countries, we have to consider the need for import substitution by growing more of our food needs. We need to grow more of what we eat, and eat more of what we grow. This cry for the revival of our agricultural sector is not new.

However, it is now more relevant and urgent than ever. We need to be showing this generation that there is

dignity in agricultural work. We have to liberate our minds from the mental shackles that have resulted in our encouraging our youth away from agriculture. There is money to be made in agriculture. There is wisdom in creating and sustaining enhanced productivity in this sector. In addition, we must encourage innovation in the agricultural sector, and encourage the creation of value added products.

We regularly hear the cry of the farmers in relation to the discouragement created by theft of agricultural produce. Praedial larceny is rampant throughout the region. It is depressing and disheartening to hear of the trauma experienced when individuals steal the farmers’ crops and livestock. This is magnified when the theft occurs just before he/she is ready to sell the items (having invested time and money to bring the items to maturity). However, we must not be daunted. We must strengthen our resolve even as we face such challenges and obstacles. We must refuse the temptation to “shut up shop” and stretch our hands as we seek compensation for being idle. We fortify our steadfastness, knowing that there is dignity in all honest work.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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Tourism failing SVG people – no ‘trickle-down’

poorest in society.

Experiences from around SVG have shown that tourism not only fails to ON 16 FEBRUARY 2018, a lady from Macro-Economic Policy and Planning unemployment so high, and why is Central Leeward complained to the in Developing Countries from Bradford there widespread poverty all over the deliver on the ‘trickle-down’ promise, Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant University, England, says that tourism country? but increases poverty and inequalities, Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (hons) MSc, could never be the engine of the SVG Tourism provides no trickle-down of and reduces workers’ rights. Only the MBA, that although the ULP regime is economy. revenue to the people of SVG. The only super-rich are getter richer with claiming that there is a massive increase Given that it costs EC$20 million trickle down we getting in this country tourism in SVG. in tourism arrivals in SVG, there is no just to maintain the Argyle Airport, is Taiwan and the super-rich of The struggles of the lady from trickle-down of the apparent income from the net revenue from tourism will Mustique and Canouan ‘urinating’ on Central Leeward are testament to the tourism, to the poorest people in society. never significantly improve the the people of SVG by not paying failure of the ULP regime and the The lady complained that she standard of living of our people. On hundreds of millions of dollars in tax failure of tourism: she cannot get a job cannot get a job and she is finding it the contrary, tourism is more likely to annually, and making our people and she is finding it very hard to very hard to support her family. do more harm than good to our suffer in poverty. support her family.

The struggles of this lady are country.

Tourism in SVG is an umbrella for mirrored all around the nation. SVG Since 2001, the ULP regime has the super-rich to take over our country There’s no trickle-down of money for has high unemployment, and there is focused the economy on tourism, but in through corruption, and turn our the poor people of SVG. Trickle where extensive poverty throughout the all that time, there has been virtually country into a ghetto, by perpetuating economics? country. Tourism is failing the people zero trickle-down of wealth to the poverty and destitution as there is no of SVG, especially the poor. people. The poor are still poor and trickle-down of tourism wealth to the SVG Green Party The ULP regime beat their chest, suffering. Tourism has not boosted the boasting about chandeliers at Argyle SVG economy, and SVG is worse off Airport and alleged increases in cruise today than in 2001. ship arrivals, yacht arrivals and air If tourism has been so good for our arrivals compared to 2016. Yet, SVG country over the past 17 years, why

by COLIN KING (with social media), and believe that young is still a poor country, to the extent are many of our schools badly the mobile phone -in children and older youth that there was a fiscal deficit of dilapidated? Why are electricity and IT’S A PHENOMENON combination acting as are trying their best, and EC$372 million in the Budget water expensive and heavily taxed? that is local and easy facilitation of all have the attitude and Estimates.

Why is there increased VAT on international. Some of sorts of private sexual enthusiasm afforded the Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, who electricity? Why are more and more its symptoms are visible, indiscretions. So why has a Master of Science degree in young, to make a change. businesses closing down? Why is moreso in recent times. have so many adults However, they need Many men with girls in abandoned cognizance of guidance and love. They school uniform checking the legal and moral need the freedom to into a local guest house strongholds in attitude to explore chosen solutions for an afternoon of sexual abuse of the - easily found on the questionable pastime. I young? internet, as ironic as it talked to the owner of Addiction. It factors in sounds. Among the the guest house, well, on both sides - the about the obvious - the abuser and the abused - solutions is the Twelve Step Group Programme. borrowed traffic of of the equation.

(More on this in another ‘smallies’ and the However, the article) negative connotation. “As responsibility to do Further afield, the long as they pay, that’s something about the situation is endemic in all that concerns me,” scourge lies squarely in was his cryptic response. the hands of the relevant countries like Australia and in the Hollywood, Let’s pause for a authorities to direct moment and analyse the resources to remedy the USA, of all places. The term ‘smallie’. It is a follow-up article will disease. The neglect of widely accepted and this recourse points to seek to show through popular designation for a two possibilities: the these examples, the young girl who is adults in the ‘swim’ of place for which SVG is sexually attractive. abandoned morality are headed. It is sad here, However, the ionization enjoying the illicit when the examples (rape?) of young boys and pleasure of abusing the involve a policeman, a girls is one of the best child; or practitioners pastor and teachers, who kept secrets in SVG, and who are addicted are have been ‘caught’ and when you factor in the helpless in the fight caught up. internet, child against the indomitable Children, make no pornography- the control facilitated by mistake! Addiction, sex, practice is attracting not technology. and abuse must be given only a larger local The situation needs to priority in your life participation, but the be addressed holistically in terms of acting on attention of questionable and thoroughly by open solutions, to ensure a foreign elements. dialogue, continued safe future. Just We live in a Christian discussion, and the nation (even though the reclaim of right values in maybe, you can reclaim religion is ‘under fire’ in religious strongholds by SVG by reclaiming your own destiny, with a current times) and the the proponents of such. courageous fight. public tolerance of issues But maybe ‘St. Vincent Next instalment - the such as child abuse is at gone through’ and it is (apparent) zero level in scandal of the too late. (While leaving the mass media and priesthood, satanic the city, don’t look back, other public fora. The pedophile groups, and lest you become a pillar culprit is indeed the dangers of child of salt.) espoused within the pornography, along with My personal technological age and its other aspects. experience leads me to spin offs - the internet

Morality under threat

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 13.

Business

Richland Park man is Digicel latest grand winner Right: Grand Prize winner Anthony George with wife Kenna.

IT WAS AN EVENING OF EXCITING and great wins for persons at Heritage Square on Friday February 16th, when telecommunication and entertainment Provider Digicel, brought the curtains down on its My Digicel Tuesday Suzuki Swift promotion.

Last Friday’s activity, took the form of a draw, and saw the finalists assembling two 8-foot tall puzzles and battling out in a quiz, which generated quite a stir at Heritage Square.

The finalists were: Kerisha Bullock, representing her brother Kerry Bullock of Calder., who qualified for the finals after texting CAR the most to 1131; and Anthony George of Richland Park, an employee at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who qualified on the spot after being the first person to text the year and month Digicel commenced operations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

At the end of competition, George, having accumulated 1000 points, emerged winner and drove away with the FREE Suzuki Swift with 6 months paid up licence and insurance for an entire year.

Bullock did not walk away empty-handed. He was rewarded with a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8.

An extremely happy George told cameras on Friday, “Since back in August 2017 when the

competition launched, my wife and I religiously opened the My Digicel app when prompted by the texts for our chance to win. We frequently reminded each other that it was Tuesday to open the App. We also won umbrellas and discounts off our postpaid bill from using the My Digicel App.” George added, “Leading up to the draw, my wife became extremely anxious.

She frequently showed me pictures of other Suzuki Swift with rims and other customizations she would like. On Valentine’s Day, she made a lot of confident jokes about if she wins the car what would happen.

To my surprise, my wife called on February 15th saying she won a trip for 2 to Young Island, compliments Digicel! In my mind, I thought she was still joking. It’s not until I saw the gift voucher that I began to take this Digicel promotion very seriously.”

Meanwhile, Digicel’s Marketing Executive Jamisha Wright congratulated all the winners, including Daryl Wilson- a member of the audience who won himself a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8 for activating a Quick Pick 5 day bundle on the spot.

Wright told the audience to look out for something grand in the coming months, and encouraged persons to continue using the very convenient My Digicel app

The climax to Digicel’s latest promotion attracted a large crowd.

to enjoy exclusive deals.

Friday’s draw was supervised by Jamal Bushay and Kizzurn Grant, auditors from the auditing firm KPMG.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 15.

14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Mapp shatters records at SMSS Meet

Andrew Mapp – multiple record breaker – into one of his record-breaking feats.

ANDREW MAPP OF BR O. R OBERTS BRO. ROBERTS HOUSE set tw o ne w records and shared two new in another tw o at the 20 18 A thletics two 2018 Athletics Meet of the S t. Mar tin’s Secondar St. Martin’s Secondaryy School, held at the Arnos V ale Pla ying School, Vale Playing Thursday 1 5th F ebruary, but his Field, Thursday 15th February, feats could not prevent prevent Charles Verbeke Verbeke feats overall ChampiChampiHouse from claiming the overall onship title.

Mapp took the Junior Category with 33 points and in the process, broke three individual records: the 100m in which he clocked 11.77 seconds to better the existing mark of 11;80 secs; the 200m in a time of 23.97 seconds disposing of the previous record of 24.25 seconds; and the 400m with a run of 55.15 seconds to better the

points.

The day’s activities also featured the 2018 Athletics Meet of the St. Joseph’s Convent Kings Kings-town.

St. Joseph’s House continued their dominance, repeating as overall champi champi-ons with 799 points. They were followed by Our Lady’s House on 777 points, Blessed Ann Marie House on 712 points and St. Vincent House, 712 points.

Gail-Ann John of Our Verbeke L-R: Charles V erbeke e House – 2018 Athletics Champions of SMSS and St Joseph House – 2018 Athletics Champions of SJCK. Lady’s House was the Junior champ with 43 points; Fayan John of St. Joseph’s House the champion was Aaliyah Welcome of Blessed Ann Marie,

by I.B.B. ALLEN Intermediate champion, and with 31 points. The Senior House.

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smashes Handel smash es record, Reeves House wins title standing recording of 55.89 seconds.

His other record-breaking feats came in the 4x100 meters relay, his team finishing in 53.70 seconds to erase the previous time of 54.56; and the 4x200 meters relay in 1 minute 53.32 seconds to top the previous record of 1 minute 54.17 seconds.

The other age category individual champs were: Oswin Richards – Intermediate; and Trilon McKenzie – Senior.

But at the end of the day, Mapp’s Bro. Robert House on 527 points had to settle for second place behind Charles Verbeke House on 554. Justin House took the third spot with 503 points and Tim Daisy House was fourth on 434

HANDEL ROBAN of Lopey House smashed two records, to be the day’s outstanding athlete, but Reeves House took the team title at the St. Vincent Grammar School 2018 Athletics Meet, held at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last week Wednesday.

IntermediRoban took the Intermediate 1500 in a time of 4 minutes, 38.36 seconds, bettering the record of 4

House was minutes, 38.89 seconds that fourth with had stood since 1999. He also 919 points. bettered the mark in the Marika 400m, clocking 51.18 seconds Baptiste surpassing the existing mark was the of 52.03 seconds.

2018 Reeves House amassed Junior 1086 points to take the top champ spot, ahead of Lopy House on with 58 1055 points, Crick House on points; 1040 and Miller House with Reeves Inter- House Brinna Nash the Inter973 points. mediate champ with 47 emerged Roban easily took the points; Weslasia intermediate individual title Champions Handel Roban was the 2018 with 74 points and was the Burnett the Senior of the 2018 SVGS Athletics Meet outstanding Victor Ludorum. Cody Bartly champ, 48 points.

SVGS Athlet Athlet-individual athlete. of Reeves House with 40 ics Meets. points did likewise among the Juniors, and the Senior title was copped by Javan Rawlins of Reeves House on 68 points.

In a Meet that was shared with the Girls’ High School, Moffett House took that Meet’s champi champi-onship title with 1078 points. Head Mistress House, not disgraced, ran second with 1048 just easing ahead of Staff House on 1046 Moffett House was GHS 2018 Athletics T Team eam e points. Grimble Champions.

Coach Michael Ollivierre (standing extreme left front) and some memmembers of the IT Dat Athletics team that performed well in last weekend Relay Classics in Grenada.

It-Dat shines iIn Grenad Grenadaa Meet LOCAL ATHLETICS CLUB IT DAT put in excellent performanc performanc-es at the KFC Relay Meet 2018 , e Kirani James Athlet held at th the Athlet-ics Stadium in Grenada, last weekend, winning seven out of nine events in which they compet compet-ed.

In the process, the Club broke several records, including when they erased the previous records in the Men’s 4x200m, 4x400m, Sprint Medley and Distance Medley Open.

In addition, the IT Dat Girls also erased the record in the Under 20 4x200m.

Victory also came in the Sprint Medley Girls Under 20, and the 4x100m Girls Under 20.

In the other two events in which the Club competed, they managed a second place in the Distance Medley Girls Under 20 and sixth place in the 4x100m Men Open.

More record-breaking g feats

came in the 4x200m Girls U20 ...1st...New Record Aravinda Shallow, Vice Captain of the IT DAT team to Grenada said, that she was satisfied with the team’s showing, but admitted that the athletes will have to continue to train hard in order to compete success success-fully against better opposition.

In that vein, Shallow disclosed that the Club is “looking to go to the Albin Wild Cat meet in Trinidad later in the year.”

Michael Ollivierre, Head Coach of IT DAT, was happy with the level of performance, but recognized that “…it’s just the champibeginning. We were the champions in Grenada, but we need to focus on being the champions in the world. It’s just the regional level, but I want to extend such success to the wider world, so work is in progress to develop better persons, to get them fit for life and promote the sports on a national level.”

Vincentians Oliver d oes does well at US Colleg Collegee Meet KASIQUE OLIVER, one of SVG’s top middle distance track athletes now attending the Monroe College in the USA, was instrumental in his College Track and Field team’s performance last Saturday, in the Princeton Invitational, hosted by NCAA Division I Princeton University, at the Jadwin Gymnasium.

Oliver earned first place in the 1,000-meter run on Saturday, setting a new personal-best time of 2:27.76, which qualified him for the NJCAA National Championships.

His college teammate Lizo Sibeko crossed the finish line in fourth position in 2:32.68 to also qualify for the NJCAA Championships. Thapelo Makofane, also of Monroe, ran a strong race as well, finishing in 2:36.06 to claim sixth overall.

Oliver earned another win in the 500-meter dash with a time of 1:04.97. He was followed home by his teammates Donte Rolley-Williams second in 1:08.50; Timothy Epps third in 1:09.22; and Michael Baker, fourth in 1:11.10.

Kasique Olive turned in an outstanding performance for Monroe College at a Meet held last Saturday Saturday..

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

AG should obey the court OTTO SAM has praised Court of Appeal the Accountant upheld the ruling.

General for payments Last Tuesday, in relation to salary during a Media loss while he was on Conference hosted suspension with half by the SVG pay, a disciplinary Teachers Union, measure taken of which he is the against him for letters Indushe wrote in the media trial Relations July 2012. and Sam was fired Research Officer, from the National Sam revealed that Emergency the Treasury had Management informed him that Organisation in a cheque was 2013, to which he ready for him. He had been assigned referred to it as a following his “workers’ victory.” removal, in 2010, as Otto Sam is looking forward to full Sam chided the payment on a court settlement Headmaster of the former Attorney made in his favour.

South Rivers General Judith Methodist School.

Jones Morgan, who he stated, “…sat A series of court procedures ended on it for years.” with the decision to award damages of Sam, a teacher with over 30 years $64,000 to Sam. of classroom experience, is not pleased The Court ruled that Sam’s transfer with the “foot-dragging” on the from the South Rivers Methodist settlement, but he is looking forward School was “illegal, irrational and illogical,” which rendered his eventual for full payment.

He contended that the “Attorney dismissal null and void.

General should obey the court.”

The State appealed the Court’s (WKA) ruling, but the Eastern Caribbean

Dismissed worker still looking for redress THREE YEARS ago (Jan 2015), Louise Glasgow, then Grievance Officer at the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU), expressed her disgust with the manner in which the Labour Department was handling a matter before them.

That matter concerned one of their members, Mrs. Erlene Donaldson, who was dismissed from the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union, December 31, 2013. She was the Shop Steward at the KCCU prior to her dismissal.

Donaldson contested her dismissal and lodged a complaint with the Department of Labour, and the CTAWU wrote to the Labour Department asking for a hearing based on the Collective Agreement between the Union and the KCCU. THE VINCENTIAN was taken aback when, recently, it learned that

the Erlene DonaldsonKCCU matter was still unresolved.

After years of ‘goings and comings’, and representation by her lawyer Kay BacchusBaptiste, indications are that a hearing on the matter has been scheduled for March 2018, setting aside a hearing that was originally scheduled for January 2018.

What is of concern to the complainant is what has transpired during the period between her dismissal and the present. This includes the calling in of a Home Mortgage Loan she entered into with the Credit Union, and worse, according to her, the verbal insinuations that she had to endure from at least one employee of that institution, the oldest such people-centred service in SVG. Back in 2015, an official from the Labour Department, when

contacted, told THE VINCENTIAN that she was not familiar with the issue, and mentioned that “quite a few people,” attached to the Department were, at the time (Jan 2015) on vacation.

A recent attempt to reach the Labour Commissioner for verification on the hearing proved unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Donaldson holds out hope that she would be justly compensated for the action by the Credit Union, from which she has, since receiving the letter of dismissal, been trying to discern the grounds on which her services were terminated, since no such grounds were outlined or detailed in the December 31, 2013 letter of dismissal to her.

The KCCU, registered on April 12, 1958, is said to have a membership of 14,000 and assets valued in excess of $60 million.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Students and teachers get SAK recognition NINE STUDENTS and six teachers were last Friday recognised by the Small Acts of Kindness (SAK) organisation.

The recognition ceremony, held at Frenches House, saw the recipients presented with trophies, certificates

and other tokens.

Among the students were: Raychad Arrindell- Kingstown Anglican; Jonniel Stowe- Lodge Village Government; Hayley Ann Duncan and Rayma Campbell — the Bequia Seventh Day Adventist, and Thyra Charles- the Brighton Methodist.

Also acknowledged were: Shazia Browne of the Belair Government; Reon Jackson - School For Children with Special Needs; Jada DurrantKingstown Government, and Nissi Joseph- the Clare Valley Government.

The students were singled out for their acts of kindness and caring attitudes displayed at their respective institutions, which were reflected in the citations delivered in their honour.

Meanwhile, former teachers Ian Sardine, Kenneth Burgin and Valerie Cato, along with current members of the profession - Dillon Ollivierre and Jannice Ross-May and Sunday School teacher Patricia Du Pont, were recognised for their selfless attitudes displayed, often going beyond the call of duty.

Founder of SAK- Kwesi Bibby said that last Friday’s ceremony was part

Reon Jackson of the School For Children With Special Needs is rewarded by Kwesi Bibby of SAK. of his organisation’s way of recognising some “unsung heroes.”

“We are looking for those unsung heroes, so people who are teachers and who really did well in their communities….There are students who we have seen doing great in their class following that kindness criteria that we are always looking for, so we are kind of using that as a way of motivating them and other students as well”, Bibby explained.

Bibby revealed that the schools involved in the SAK programme made the selection of the students, while persons whose lives they had touched, came up with the retired teachers.

The Small Acts of Kindness Project is a Toronto, CanadaKenneth Burgin based community (left) gets his organisation, which trophy from Bibby founded in Kwesi Bibby.

2014.

End illegal occupation of Guantanamo” THE ST VINCENT and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society joins peace-loving peoples, organizations and countries all over the world, in once again calling for the illegal occupation of Cuban territory, Guantanamo Bay to be specific, to be brought to an end by the Government of the United States of America, for the withdrawal of its military forces stationed there, and for the closure of the prison camp on that base.

Guantanamo is but one of about 800 US military bases worldwide, but its existence on Cuban soil is in direct contradiction to the will of the Cuban people and Government who have consistently demanded its closure.

February 23 marks the 115th anniversary since Guantanamo was occupied by US military personnel, ostensibly to “guarantee” Cuba’s

independence.

Since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Cuba has been demanding the return of the 45 square mile base, and has consistently refused to collect the pittance of a “lease” for the territory. It has taken the matter right to the United Nations, and year after year, the vast majority of nations in the UN family vote in favour of ending the occupation.

However, the USA steadfastly ignores the democratic will of humanity, and not only continues to defy it by continuing to occupy Guantanamo, but has also placed a prison camp there, violating the rights of persons forcibly held and tortured there.

The SVG/CUBA Friendship Society notes and supports the position of CARICOM countries, including our own, in calling for the return of Guantanamo to Cuban sovereignty, and appeals to our people and civic organisations to lend their voices to this just cause.

Renwick Rose SVG/CUBA Guantanamo Bay Naval Base is illegally occupying a FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY part of the Cuban territory.

V To roast the breadfruit, you have to light fire

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 19.

Opinion

THE BREADFRUIT can be said to be SVG’s most dependable food. We do not need any input from any expatriate to enjoy that privilege. For quite a significant period of the year, we here in SVG can have the benefit of a healthy meal, with a heavy input of breadfruit. When the breadfruit is roasted, it can last for quite some time without the need for refrigeration. But to roast the breadfruit, you have to make/use a fire, and that takes some effort.

We Vincentians have a beautiful country, but too many of us are by our behavior, not exhibiting the conduct reflective of serious appreciation of our privileges and responsibilities as citizens.

It would seem therefore, that we need to be constantly reminded of our historical origins, and take note of the lessons from the experiences of our forebears, so that we condition ourselves to honourably and faithfully discharge our responsibility, to fashion a code of conduct which would provide for the next generations, a platform for a reasonable chance for success.

So, that is the roasted breadfruit we are aiming for; let us all now contribute to getting the fire started!

insensitive behaviour, from our government, which had prompted the revolt.

So, during the riotous period of the year 2000, the ULP-ODD, conglomeration, had a prominent forum and stage and their engaging personalities had a good command of language to present seemingly acceptable arguments. It seems fair to say now, that those individuals had been pre-occupied with the advancement of their own self-interest, and so they lost/squandered the opportunity to advance the welfare of the people who had entrusted them with authority. Evidence seems to be pointing towards their leaving a legacy of ignominious miscreancy and an economy crippled by their reckless mismanagement. That is now the sad reality, for it is hardly likely that the majority of Vincentians will continue to be duped to the extent of entrusting this group of individuals, with the continued authority to govern.

Surviving beyond slavery

A factor that has been perplexingly painful, is the extent to which persons who had been considered patriotic, and who had come out of a society which had for decades From Arrogance to Selfbeen burdened with coping interest with hardship and deprivation, would, so When the NDP under easily, abandon their the leadership of Sir commission to advance the James Mitchell was welfare of the citizens. pressured to end their Just 141 years after term prematurely, because emancipation, SVG of the threat of violent achieved its independence confrontation and the risk from Great Britain whose of serious bloodshed, it citizens had decimated the was thought that indigenous Garifuna arrogance in government people, and then had been taught a strong effectively threw them out lesson in St. Vincent and of their homeland. The the Grenadines. The British brought people popular hope for good from Africa, whom they governance was, to a large enslaved to produce for degree, pinned on the them under conditions belief that those where they were treated distinguished citizens who less than human, worse were the members of than animals. The prominent organizations majority of population of which had formed the SVG today is made up of ODD - ‘Organization in the progeny of those slaves Defense of Democracy’ from Africa, with would have been faithful spatterings of other ethnic to their groups. commission/mandate, and Over these centuries, would have ensured that SVG has been an the necessary systems agriculture and fishing would have been community. Because of its established and vigorously global position, it is defended, so as to blessed with very fertile guarantee that there soil and richness in would be no repetition of marine resources. It must the arrogant and

be underlined that any serious programme for the development and prosperous independence of SVG will, for the next hundred years, have to depend on the prudent management of our agriculture and marine resources. It must be emphasized that when the British withdrew from SVG after Emancipation, the African families who had worked on the estate, were not considered for any compensation, but the estate owners were compensated for their “loss of business”. But the land was fertile and the black man was accustomed to working hard. That is how he survived!

Still blessed with the resources, but….

So here we (SVG) are today, still occupying that same geographic space, 13 degrees N, 60 degrees W, and the soil is still fertile.

But it is clearly evident, that we have a serious deficit of capacity to manage our resources.

Look at how our roads are now in the worst condition that they have ever been in, because we have not continued the serious approach to road repairs and the maintenance of drains, as was done up to the late 1980s. See how our iconic buildings have been left to deteriorate, e.g. the St. George’s Cathedral and the Central Police Station, in Kingstown.

So now, in the pursuit of the enjoyment of this “roast breadfruit” which we seek, let us now get the fire started; let us have the frank conversation which would enhance our devising of a way forward which offers a reasonable chance for success.

The premature shutting down of the 2018 budget debate, robbed the populace of the relevant details from the Minister of Agriculture, which the Minister of Finance in his presentation indicated would have been forthcoming; farmers were very disappointed.

Nevertheless, the forceful declaration by Senator Julian Francis, the Minister of Works, reinforced the pronouncement by the Minister of Finance, that agriculture is to be a prominent pillar in the

government’s economic programme this year. He was even at pains to enlighten us that he, had intimate sentimental attachment and respect for farming.

That declaration from Senator Francis was most welcome, and it is hoped that this vocal expression of appreciation, that the farming community has the capacity to play a significant role in the development of our country, will be reflected in the Senator’s energetic and persistent exerting of his influence to correct the maladies that have been crippling the farming community for more than fifteen years.

It must be noticed that

in those riotous weeks which culminated in the surrendering of the NDP two years before their term was to have ended, there were some prominent personalities in the leadership of the organizations which formed the ODD, “Organization in Defense of Democracy”. These citizens gave the impression that they were driven by a philosophy which was aimed at equitableness in every facet of the society. It is very painful to contemplate, how WINFA, an organization supposedly constructed to advance farmers’ interests, could have been so treacherous to their own

mission, when they actively participated in the neutralizing, the crippling, the demise of the strongest farmers organization in the state, the St. Vincent Banana Growers Association.

I humbly advise the Minister of Finance, that the inclusion of the people of WINFA, in ay desired stimulation of the agriculture sector, can hardly be expected to impress the farming community among whom the ‘F’ in WINFA, now represents, ‘Failure’ or Fraud.

We still love and need our roast breadfruit. It’s time to light the fire!

LeRoy Providence

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Change of sexual preference Dear George, THE STRANGEST thing happened to me recently and I am not too sure about the decision I made then, but I am willing to stick by it.

I walked in on my boyfriend making out with a young lady I happen to know quite well. I watched them a while before announcing my presence. As soon as he saw me, he got dressed and left without saying much.

I had held on to the woman’s clothes so she could not leave. She sat on the bed and apologised to me for what had happened, and showed me several text messages which gave the impression that my boyfriend had ended our relationship.

She then made a proposition, i.e. that we could get back at him. While she was saying that, she began caressing herself and invited me to sit beside her. Soon we got into it.

My boyfriend returned to the house and met us in bed. He started cursing at me and called me insulting names but I did not pay him any mind. I had done what I did to get back at him.

Since then, I’ve been with my new friend several times and now I’m thinking I’ve found my soul mate. My boyfriend keeps begging me to give him a second chance. I let him know

that it was his cheating ways that drove me straight into the arms of another woman. My friend wants me to completely forget about him, but I’m still thinking.

Turn of events Dear turn of events, At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make and to take responsibility for it. If you meet someone in a bar, do not expect them not to drink alcohol.

That said, I must point out that beginning a relationship based on revenge, is not a good foundation on which to build. Be sure that what this individual brings to the table and has to offer, lines up with your life’s goals and dreams. There may be more than what meets the eye but, it is you who have to keep your mind and eyes open.

George

Cut the navel string, man I believe that the woman of my dreams would come to meet me, HOW COME I cannot if she is the one for me. get a woman to settle What do I need to do to down with? I am 38 speed up the process? I years old and I have been looking for a serious feel like I’m running out of time. relationship for some years now. I must admit Impatient I have some drawbacks, e.g. I do not have a steady job and I still live Dear Impatient, at home with my mother.

Stop believing that the I do not drive and I do woman of your dreams not go out. would come to you at

Dear George,

home! You need to get with the programme and find yourself a job so that you can be on your own, and be the independent man that you will need to be to have a healthy relationship.

It’s time to get out from under your mother’s wings and learn how to fly on your own. Then, maybe, you will start meeting other birds.

George

Stop living a lie now!!

Dear George,

Dear Afraid to say,

MY PROBLEM is that I’m a shy guy.

I do not know how to approach women and especially good looking, successful women. I am 31 years old and still a virgin, but everyone thinks I’m this hip guy who has tons of experience.

My biggest fear is that if I meet someone, I will be embarrassed to tell them I am inexperienced. My life so far has been a lie. How do I address this now?

There is no usefulness in living a lie .. pretending to be what you are not.

Women are attracted to men who know how to be themselves. They are also attracted to honesty and integrity. Be yourself. And as you embark on this new approach, you will go it easier to announce your intentions, as the pressure of impressing and lying will not be on your shoulders.

Afraid to say

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You may find out that someone has not been completely honest with you. Too much work and no play will not only result in fatigue and frustration but also loneliness, too.

Reevaluate your position and make decisions about your future goals. It's time you let your true feelings out.

have been offered to you.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) It's a favorable time for real estate, invest‐ ments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. Try to iron out any friction over money with your mate or conflicts could pre‐ vail. You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. Follow your gut feeling regarding your business ventures.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Don't let yourself get rundown. Don't let your friends talk you into taking time off. You must act quickly. Elders may need your help.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate. You may be thinking of starting your own business. Enlist the aid of family members and consider the feelings of your mate. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Organize your house and be sure to include the whole family in the projects you have set out to do. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red.

You could be cornered, so be prepared to tell the truth. Refuse to let others make unrealis‐ tic demands of you.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Be careful not to hurt someone's feelings.

Listen to the advice given by others. It's time to get yourself back on track. Elders may need your help.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Get together with people who stimulate you mentally. Real estate should be lucrative for you. Don't let yourself get rundown. Take a close look at contracts and agreements that

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Do not get upset over trivial matters. Try look‐ ing into new ways to make extra money.

Problems with your boss could lead to unem‐ ployment. You will reach the most people if you speak out at an organizational function.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You may not be that popular at home but you should be able to shine at social gatherings.

You may find yourself changing crowds. Travel will be in your best interest regardless of whether it is business or pleasure. Secret ene‐ mies will be eager to spread rumors about you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Don't let your partner get you going. You are best to travel or attend lectures or seminars.

Your lover may disappoint you in such a way that estrangement will follow. You're best to channel your energy into work. Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You will profit from home improvement proj‐ ects and real estate deals. Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt some one's feel‐ ings. Think of changes to your home that will please and add to everyone's comfort. Try to think things through.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Drastic changes regarding your personal atti‐ tude are evident. People trying to entice you to join in will be less than trustworthy. You can make financial gains if you are prepared to take a risk. Someone you work with may be emotional.

ACROSS 4. Not on 8. Member of political party 11. Female sheep 13. At a great distance 14. Occurring every eight years 15. Republic in SW Asia 17. Snakelike fish 18. Rectangular pier 19. Enclosed automobile 21. Very skilled person 22. Islamic chieftain 24. High‐pitched 27. Ebony 29. Vessel or duct 31. Head covering 33. Stated 35. Juniper 36. Adjoin 38. Assisting the memory 40. Representative 42. Yellow cheese coated with red wax 43. Second son of Adam and Eve 45. River in W Central Africa 49. Shelter 50. Help 52. Title of respect for God DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

Elflike Scrape off From Aquatic mammal Examine by touch Hog Religion of the Muslims River in central

Switzerland 10. Frozen water 11. Make into an act 12. Consume 16. Title 20. Person in authority 21. Long‐sleeved linen vestment 23. Wander 25. Muslim judge 26. Infant 28. Baseball team 29. Covered vehicle 30. Not sweet 31. Doze 32. Insect stage

34. Infer 35. Prolonged unconscious‐ ness 37. Small hand drum 39. Fairy queen 41. English court

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 21.

44. Wreath of flowers 46. Arrest 47. Male cat 48. Highest mountain in Crete

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22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Julianna Aberdeen gladly accepts her Super Six winnings from NLA General Manager MacGreggor Sealey.

Vincentian woman is Super Six winner

TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD Juliana Aberdeen of Kingstown Hill is the latest Super Six winner here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A calm and humble Julianna took home $280,000, same being her share of a jackpot of $840,000 from the Friday 16th February, 2018 draw.

She shared that jackpot, the largest in the history of the game, with two other winners, both from St. Lucia.

At a brief ceremony held last Wednesday at the headquarters of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), Kingstown, and including NLA General Manager Mr. MacGreggor Sealey; Representative of Winlot Ms Alisson Thomas, NLA Product Development Officer Mr Anthony Dennie, and members of the Media, Julianna disclosed that she bought the ticket at

the Football Federation Lotto Booth located on North River Road, and chose numbers based on the birthdays of family members.

The lucky lady admitted to being surprised at having won and, perhaps still dazed from the unexpectedness, disclosed that she had no immediate plans for the money, but gave the assurance that she was going to manage it properly.

A light chuckle filled the room when THE VINCENTIAN asked Miss Aberdeen if she had pinched herself yet.

The Super Six Lottery, managed by Winlot with offices attached to the NLA here, is available in Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It was introduced in 2004, and since then, there have been eleven winners from this country. (CD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 23.

Age group football champs decided penalty spot.

Another third place went to Barrouallie, as their Under 16s were better in kicks from the penalty spot 3-2 over North Windward. The two had ended their regulation and extra time battle 1-1.

Derronick Nanton had put North Leeward ahead in the 35th minute, Layou - Winners of the Under-16 Division. but Shermol Reid levelled the score Barrouallie in the 49th. wins three Barrouallie third places and North Windward met Before the again to decide the East Kingstown took the Under-11 Division. trio of finals, Under 18s title, there were the with the former EAST KINGSTOWN, Layou This after both had third-place playoffs in the edging to victory and Central Kingstown were played to a stalemate in three categories, with by 2 goals to 1. crowned as champions last regulation and extra time. Barrouallie coming away The two teams Saturday at the Campden Layou had a one nil victors in all. met in the UnderPark Playing Field, as the win over East Kingstown In copping the Under- 18 third place age group competitions of to win the Under-16 11 third place, they play-offs, and the 2017 St Vincent and the Division, Javed Hunte handed Layou a 4-0 again Barrouallie Grenadines Football slotting home the lone beating, with strikes by edged out their Federation Inter-Community goal in the 42nd minute.

Central Kingstown - Under-18 champions.

Zideon Cunningham in the opponents 2-1.

League Football More than that, Layou’s 3rd, 4th, and 20th minute The match was Championships concluded. victory gave former minutes later. the Men’s and East and Frankroy Cain in the decided in the scape of East Kingstown put national player- Shandell 13th minute.

Barrouallie’s winner came Kingstown, the Women’s. three minutes, as Trizal their names on the Under- Samuel, his first title in the 67th minute The Awards and Prize Victory for Barrouallie Fraser opened 11 championship trophy since he embarked on his through Gidson Francis.

Giving Ceremony would in the Under 16s gave at Barrouallie’s account in when they beat South coaching journey.

The two senior titles be done later this month, the expense of North the 64th minute, but Leeward 3-2, in kicks from And, in the Under-18s, Windward whom they got Edison Hoyte converted were decided last year, at a date and venue to be the penalty spot.

Central Kingstown also with Barrouallie taking announced by the SVGFF. the better of, 3-2, from the for North Windward, two won 1-0, beating GECCU Calliaqua in a highly physical encounter.

Mikal Quashie, who is more known for this exploits in Squash, netted the winning goal in the 13th minute, as the Calliaqua defence failed to clear a ball after a goal mouth melee.

Young swimmers stay afloat at SVGSF meet PROMINENT YOUNG SWIMMERS did not leave any space for others to step in, as they all kept afloat when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swim Federation staged three days of competition in the 2018 CGM Gallagher Swim meet.

The Meet, staged by at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, saw this country’s young swimmers solidifying their places as leading swimmers in this country.

Eltonique Leonard of Blacks Sands Swim Squad won the Under 8 for Girls and was the sprint champion of her age group. Mirroring Leonard was Blue Marlins’ Hazen Dabriel who carbon copied in the Boys’ segment of that age group.

Kennice Greene of Blue Marlins was the Girls’ 9-10 winner, and Brandon George of Black Sands was the Boys’ winner.

The Black Sands’ pair of Mya De Freitas and Eltonte Leonard shared the Girls and Boys 11 to 12 champions titles respectively.

Taking the 13-14 category were Akalya Crichton among the Girls, and

Tavonte Forde of the Rising Stars Swim Club of Bequia.

Mya De Freitas had double titles.

Alex Joachim — the Boys. Both Crichton and Joachim are from the Blacks Sands Swim Squad.

Also trumping were Shne Joachim, who won the Females, and Shane Cadogan- the Males, of the 15 and Over age group. The two, who are members of

Blue Marlins pair of Hazen Dabriel (left) Kennice Greene (right).

Black Sands Swim Squad, were also crowned the 13 and Over sprint champions.

The Boys sprint champion in the 9 to 12 age group was Tavonte Forde of the Rising Stars Swim Team, and the Girls Sprint Champion was Mya De Freitas.

Black Sands amassed 1456 points to

Shne Joachim

finish overall winners ahead of Blue Marlins, Pirates Swim Club of Barbados, Salt Pond Snappers and the Rising Stars Swim Team of Bequia.

Last weekend’s championships also served as part of the qualification process for the 2018 Carifta Championships set for Jamaica, from 31st March to 3rd April.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Taekwondo athlete in training in Mexico ISAAC SANDY, an eighteen-year-old Taekwondo First Degree Black Belt holder and member of the local Yin Yang Martial Arts and Fitness Center, left the state on Wednesday, February 14, for Mexico.

He has already commenced intense training, in Mexico, ahead of his participation in both the Taekwondo March 6-8 Qualifier Championships for the 2018 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, and the March 8-11 México Open Taekwondo Championships 2018.

The 2018 CAC Games are scheduled for Barranquilla, Colombia from July 18 to August 3.

Sandy was companied by 4th Dan Black Belt Holder Master Vanburn Harry, who has handed over responsibility for Sandy’s training and handling to 5th Dan Black Belt Korean

Coach Master Doowhan Choi.

The training camp, sponsored by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) through the National Olympic Committee (NOC), according to a release by the SVG Taekwondo Association, began immediately upon Sandy’s arrival at the Mexico City High Performance Center located in Magdalena Mixhuca, and will run until March 4.

Sandy, a first-timer in international competition, who will compete in sparring, has indicated that he expects the training to be “really challenging.”

He commented that he will be going with an open mind and with the intention of doing his best, while “expecting anything.”

While he recognizes that there is some pressure in being the only Vincentian participant, he chooses not

to become overwhelmed by it.

Harry, who is also the president of the SVGTA, has stated that he “is confident in Isaac’s ability as an athlete,” and is optimistic that Sandy’s will qualify for the CAC Games.

“I expect the camp to do exactly what it is designed for: to help him (Isaac) perform better,” Harry said.

Harry acknowledged that the two weeks of training at the center might not be nearly enough for preparation, but expressed gratitude to the NOC for making the programme possible.

The president committed to pursuing more programmes of a similar nature to ensure that Vincentian taekwondo athletes could compete with confidence on an international stage.

Isaac Sandy (right) and Master Vanburn Harry pictured at the AIA just before Isaac’s departure last week Wednesday.

Cycling Union holds ET Joshua Airport event ZEFAL BAILEY, Peter Durrant and Omar Baptiste won last Sunday’s races at the

runway of the Grenadines Cycling decommissioned E.T Josh Union staged its third ua Airport, as the St. event for 2018.

Vincent and the Bailey won the Elite Division 20-mile event in one hour, two minutes, 42.02 seconds.

Second to Bailey was Enroy Lewis in one hour, two minutes 42.55 seconds, and third was Samuel Lyttle in one hour, two minutes, 43.00 seconds. The Elite cyclists did eleven laps of the runway.

Meanwhile, Durrant copped the Masters’ Division 16-mile event in 52 minutes, 38.42 seconds.

Steve Ollivierre was

Masters’ Division champion- Peter Durrant (right) gets his reward from Donna Baptiste.

Junior Division winner- Omar Baptiste. second in 52 minutes 48.41 seconds, with Oral Baptiste third in 56 minutes, 06.10 seconds.

Finishing outside the podium was Martin Bollers in 1 hour, 04 minutes, 30.22 seconds.

The Senior cyclists did nine laps.

Omar Baptiste was the lone cyclist in the

Zefal Bailey sprints ahead of Enroy Lewis and Samuel Lyttle in the Elite Category.

7.2-mile Junior Division, clocking a time of 27 minutes, 09.00 seconds. Baptiste completed four laps of the course.

Sunday’s prizes were donated by Premium Products.

The next event on the SVG Cycling Union’s calendar will be a race Mill on Sunday between the Arnos Vale Round-About and Ratho 4th March. The race is set to begin at 5: 30 a.m.

Inter-Church Table Tennis titles decided AKEIL DE ROCHE emerged as the Singles champion of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association Inter- Church Tournament, which ended last Tuesday night at the West St George Secondary School.

Singles De Roche championwasted little Akeil De Roche. time in dismissing Joshua Joseph 11-4, 11-4, in the final.

In the semi- final, De Roche saw off Mark Charles 8-11, 119, 11-2, while Joseph beat Dr Junior Ackie, 11-3, 11-7.

Meanwhile, De Roche, Joseph and Dureese Nelson teamed up to help the Arnos Vale

Methodist Church get past Tournament was first started Church of Christ 3-1 in the over ten years ago by the Sean final of the Teams competition. Stanley Table Tennis Academy De Roche beat Junior Cox, (SSTTA).

12-10, 11-7 and Mark Charles However, the tournament 11-3, 11-3; and Nelson had an had an extended break, until it 11-3, 11-7 win over Mirac was revived this year.

Creese.

The tournament, though, Church of Christ’s lone win restricts participation from came from Charles, who former and current national registered an 11-9, 11-9 win players. over Joshua Joseph.

Semi- finals results saw the Arnos Vale Methodist Church registering a 3-0 win over Southern District Adventist Church, and Church of Christ beat Harvest Bible Chapel, also 3-0.

All winners, runner-ups and losing semifinalists were presented with trophies.

The InterTeam champions- Arnos Vale Methodist Church Table Church. From left – Dureese Nelson, Akeil De Tennis

Roche, Joshua Joseph.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 25.

Sports

Nepal spirit: A source of inspiration I WAS SO taken up with the miracle in which Nepal ended up in the same pool as West Indies for the World Cup qualifiers. Nepal was beaten the following day by the United Arab Emirates who won the grouping. Nepal had already made their mark, however, and even Canada, whom they deflated, earned some consolation by attaining ODI status.

Nepal will rumble in Group A featuring Afghanistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong.

West Indies will contend with United Arab Emirates, Papua New Guinea, Ireland and the Netherlands, March 6,8,10 and 12 respectively.

The top three move into the Super Six from which two will complete the ten teams in the World Cup final.

This the latest opportunity for the West Indies to assert itself on the world stage. Should they qualify, they will erase the doubts and fears that possessed them over the recent past.

Having overcome the rigours of qualification, West Indies will have their confidence boosted.

Cricket means too much to the region for West Indies to be out of a World Cup. But if that is the case, one will have to congratulate those who have made it.

Zimbabwe will make use of the home advantage.

Afghanistan’s record of progress suggests that they are as worthy contenders as any other.

Scotland, Hong Kong and Nepal are the other teams in Group B. They will believe they have the ability to upset any of the so-called favourites at any stage of the competition.

The Nepal spirit will be a source of inspiration to every contingent. Scotland will believe that they have been around long enough to find the formula for success. Hong Kong is rooted in the game sufficiently to know what isat stake.

Ireland and Netherlands will consider themselves used to the big league. But the UAE will know that their participation is not by accident. They will welcome the opportunity to show their mettle on the big stage and prove their country as an all-round sporting giant.

Papua New Guinea might be ranked as outsiders. And in many compositions, that may not be a bad position from which to start. When you take down anyone, it should be no surprise, for surprises can happen anytime.

The first objective is to get into the Super Six. Until that time, anything else is premature.

The finals are carded for England, May 30 to July 14. Let’s see how it goes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Esther Anthony: “pioneering type” The Anthony family thanks all those who sympathised with them over the passing of their loved one Esther Anthony.

She passed away January 20 at Clare Valley, aged 68. She was laid to rest at the Troumaca Bay cemetery, Saturday, February 3.

Testimonies of her life came from her sister Laura and brother William at ceremonies held at Kingstown and Troumaca.

“Esther was the pioneering type, exploring horizons and breaking down barriers,” the brother reflected.

Memories of her life sparked moments of reality as to issues of Alzheimer.

Esther’s skills in knitting and crochet were highlighted. Studies at Humber College in Canada culminated an academic career from the Troumaca Primary, and Emmanuel High School Kingstown.

Stints with the National Provident Fund, Scotia Bank and the Canadian government sealed her contribution.

Victors One: New Cricket Champions VICTORS ONE are Donwell Hector the new champions of the played a NLA Premier captain’s Division Cricket knock to in SVG. ensure They claimed victory for the prestigious Victors position when One. they secured seemed first innings points over Police Two in to settle, and were one of the deciding dismissed matches played last for a first weekend at the Arnos Victors One innings Vale Playing Field.

Victors One, asked to total of 162 take first knock, massed in 38 overs. Desron Maloney topscored with a total of 321 from 72 58. Fast bowler Ray overs. Captain Donwell Jordan, 4 for 35, and Hector led from the Bobb, 3 for 32, proved too front, continuing his much for the lawmen. good form with a knock Surprising many when of 106. A seemingly they decided to bat reinvigorated Atticus again, it seemed all a Browne supported well with 91, and all- rounder formality when Victors One declared at 14 Alston Bobb closed a good season with the bat without loss, setting Police Two a victory with 38. target of 174 in a Lauran Francois 35 and Miles Bascombe also maximum of 18 overs.

When play closed at made their contributions with scores of 35 and 31 the end of 18 overs, the lawmen were on 132 for respectively.

Desron Maloney, 2 for 7.

In another weekend 43 and Kenneth Dember, 2 for 93 took the honours match which had no eventual bearing on the for Police Two. Tournament’s winner, Police Two never

- Premier Division Cricket Champions in SVG. Team Rivals beat former champions Flow Radcliffe by 6 wickets in their game at Park Hill.

Scores: Flow Radcliffe 146 from 33 overs Deron Greaves 31, Gidron Pope 34, Rasheed Fredericks took 4 for 43, Casmond Walters 3 for 49; and 82 from 23 Romanio Pierre 28, Orlanzo Jackson bagged 7 for 23. Team Rivals 107 from 37 overs Casmond Walters 21, Rasheed Fredericks 20, Dyke Cato 6 for 62; and 122 for 4 from 22 overs . Asif Hooper 46, Walters 28 not out, Lindon James 2 for 16.

In last weekend’s other match, Guardian

General Saints took first innings over Providence Electronic Solution North Leeward at Sion Hill. Scores: Saints 237 from 85 overs - Romel Currency 74, Seon Sween 37, Donald Delpesche 5 for 36, Winston Samuel 3 for 30. North Leeward 128 from 49 overs, Leshawn Lewis 28, Tilron Harry 29, Ray Charles 3 for 24, Jeremy Haywood 2 for 21.

Electronic Solution North Leeward’s loss on first innings meant that they have been demoted to the First Division for next year’s tournament.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Grammar School retains Schools Cricket title THE ST. VINCENT Grammar School (SVGS) retained their Under 15 Inter-Secondary Schools Cricket title, when they beat JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School by 68 runs in the finals played last week Tuesday, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Batting first, the SVGS posted 153 for 6 from 22 overs after the overs were reduced due to a late start. An unbeaten 44 from Keon McMillan led the Grammar School’s batting. Joe Williams was the best bowler for JP Eustace with figures of 3 for 28, with Esron Thomas picking up 2 for 43.

JP Eustace in reply were dismissed for a meagre 85 from 21.5 overs. Joe Williams top scored with 29. Luke Wilson was the pick of the Grammar School bowlers with 5 for 14,

Newton Browne

St. Vincent Grammar School – Inter-Secondary Schools Cricket champions once again.

including a hat trick.

Notable Competition performers were: Keon McMillan of SVGS with the most runs, 98; Omarian Bowens of Sandy Bay Secondary, Newton Browne and Luke Wilson of the SVGS joint leading wicket-

JP Eustace Secondary - runners up

Valuable Player (MVP) of takers with 9 each. the Competition.

Newton Browne with 73 runs to add to his 9 wickets, was named Most I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018. 27.

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Service: 2:30 p.m.

JUDITH ALMARIE SKERRITT Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption Tuesday 20th February 2018 Service: 2:00 p.m.

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F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.08

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DRAMATIC TWIST IN CYBERCRIME CASE Corporal Colin May was fingered by the accused of having convinced her to enter an original plea of guilty.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Catisha Pierre-Jack, the first person to be charged SENIOR MAGISTRATE under the Cyber Crime Act Rickie Burnett has 2016, was told to plead expressed serious concern guilty by the investigator about an allegation that Corporal Colin May. And according to Burnett, there needs to be an investigation into the claim.

The dramatic twist occurred when PierreJack returned to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last Friday.

Pierre-Jack, 29-yearold seamstress of Lower Questelles, has been charged on four counts of libel by electronic communication. She is alleged to have posted on her Facebook page, January 30, 2018, libelous remarks, accusing her sister Crystal Pierre of abusing her daughter, using stolen documents to sell Senior Magistrate Rickie their mother Lauren Burnett has called for Pierre’s house and an investigation into the putting their mother on allegation made by the the street, as well as accused against poisoning a pot of food to Corporal May. kill her family.

Pierre-Jack had Catisha Pierrepleaded guilty to the Jack, now charges when she represented by initially appeared legal counsel, before Burnett at the had her not Kingstown Magistrate’s guilty plea accepted.

Court last week Monday, but sentencing was adjourned to last officer of Friday. telling her to Pierre-Jack was not plead guilty represented by a lawyer to the when she entered the charges, guilty plea. during a However, when she conversation returned to Court last in the Friday, Burnett indicated corridor that he was in receipt of outside the a letter from attorney Kingstown Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, Magistrate’s Court just now representing Pierre- before her Court Jack. appearance last week Bacchus-Baptiste was Monday. not in Court, but She said May had indicated in the letter asked her how she was that her client wished to going to plead, and when change her plea to not she told him not guilty, guilty, since she had he told her, “But you did pleaded guilty on make the post.”

Corporal May’s The Magistrate then prompting. put the charges to PierreAs she stood before the Jack again, and she Senior Magistrate last pleaded not guilty on all Friday, Pierre-Jack counts. accused the investigating

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

Burnett vacated the guilty plea, and accepted the plea of not guilty on all counts, which he said was “quite permissible.”

The matter has been adjourned to April 24.

When contacted on Wednesday, Acting Commissioner of Police Colin John, who had just returned to the state, told THE VINCENTIAN

that he could not make a comment as he had not yet received official communication on the recent development.

The Cyber Crime Act was passed in parliament on August 12, 2016, amidst protests from local, regional and international organisations.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.