THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 23-10-20

4411

ebr Cel atin

g

years of independence

FRIDAY, OCTOBER

23, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.43

CoP: Crime down Page 4

www.thevincentian.com

Salary freeze premature Page 15

EC$1.50

Opinion: Landslide victory Page 47

Homicide #24 Page 51

Rev condemns stoning Page 60

Left: The administration of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves – pictured on Nomination Day – rules that the teachers are misinterpreting a certain section of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Right: Dr. Godwin Friday said the matter will be dealt with, but called for focus on seeing that a change is made. (Photos courtesy Facebook) Below: Shevern John (3rd from left) with family and supporters on Nomination day, fell into the same ‘trap’ as colleagues did before her.

EVEN AS THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Teachers Union (SVGTU) continues to lament government’s flaunting of a court order to pay three teachers who were locked in a struggle following their unsuccessful candidacy in the 2015 general elections, it appears that neither side has learned from the experience.

The SVGTU announced on Tuesday that Shevern John, the opposition New

Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate in North Windward, had to resign her position as a teacher Sandy Bay Secondary School, after failing to secure leave to contest the Nov. 05, 2020 general elections.

This was the same situation with respect to the referenced trio of teachers Continued on Page 3.

V

2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message from the Governor General

Coping in challenging times⁄ international organisations such as the United Nations, and to persevere amidst adversity and hardships. It is also necessary to highlight the excellent performance of our students at the regional CSEC exit examinations, particularly at this time, considering the difficulties with which they were presented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a small island developing state, our world ELLOW VINCENTIANS, today view has been sharpened we celebrate the forty-first through globalisation. Policies anniversary of our nation’s and actions taken by the independence. We do this at a international community affect time when the world seems to us almost immediately in some be experiencing one crisis after form or fashion, whether it be another: a pandemic, economic at the level of our economy, difficulties, natural disasters, our health, our environment, social unrest, burgeoning racial our long-standing traditions tensions and widespread human and beliefs, or just our general suffering. well-being. The tragedy of it As we celebrate this all is that we have very little milestone in our nation’s or no control over these history, we must be thankful external pressures. In the final that St. Vincent and the analysis, the responsibility Grenadines remains a becomes ours to deal with the relatively stable and peaceful effects of the pressure exerted nation. This has been achieved on us from the “developed through our combined efforts, world.” but particularly through the The COVID-19 pandemic efforts of our leaders. We has adversely affected our acknowledge, with lives. Nothing has had a more appreciation, the many devastating and life-changing contributions made by effect on us. We must thank, Vincentians from all walks of first and foremost, the life to the nation’s government and officials of the development.

Ministry of Health for the It is the commitment and swift and pragmatic response resilience of these patriots in addressing the threat of which allows us to achieve COVID-19. We must give excellence at home and recognition to the front line abroad, including making our workers: the doctors, nurses, mark on the world’s stage at police officers, media workers

MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY DAME SUSAN D. DOUGAN, GCMG, OBE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES TO MARK THE 41ST ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES 27TH OCTOBER, 2020

F

and all other persons who have provided invaluable service, resources and information in combating the deadly virus. This does not mean that we are so much in control, that we become complacent and lower our guards. The coronavirus is still an existential threat and shows no sign of abating.

Mention must be made of the various programmes implemented by the government and nongovernmental organisations to lessen the impact of widespread loss of employment and loss of livelihoods on many of our citizens brought about by COVID-19. Many vulnerable sections of our population were helped and are still being helped in an effort to enable them to ride out the crisis. In these extraordinary times, our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, and where possible let us extend a helping hand to those less fortunate citizens who may be in need of help.

As if COVID-19 is not enough, we are now confronted with the threat of dengue, a mosquito borne disease. I urge all citizens to heed the advice of the health officials and do all within their power to limit the possibility of mosquitoes breeding around their properties. Let us all show that we are responsible citizens who are not just interested in our own welfare but that we are looking out for

Her Excellency Dame Susan D. Dougan, GCMG, OBE the welfare of our neighbours as well.

The entire world is experiencing a period of uncertainty, and many consider this to be an ongoing state of affairs which will require us to accept it as the “new normal.” Who knows what will be the case? What we are certain of, however, is that we will have to make some changes to the way we go about our lives. It is yet too early to know exactly how drastic those changes will be.

We have to be prepared to start rethinking our modus operandi and find new ways of coping with the new challenges.

Each of us has to make a personal commitment to be part of a united people to face the future. We must grasp every opportunity presented, be responsive to every stimulus provided and be creative in order to find our niche in the global scheme of things.

Fellow Vincentians, we will soon be going

to the polls to exercise our democratic right to elect a government. Let us go about this exercise with the utmost respect for each other. Let us show that we are a mature democracy that can match up to any the world over, and will, after elections day, be able to hold our heads high and be proud of the dignified manner in which we had conducted ourselves.

It is of utmost importance that all political parties abide by the Code of Conduct that they have signed on to, and ensure that their supporters align themselves with the undertaking they have given to conduct themselves appropriately during this election season.

In closing, I wish to remind you that coping will involve putting aside our petty differences and working harmoniously in the continued development of our beautiful nation. I highlight the chorus of our National Anthem which says: What e’er the future brings, Our faith will see us through.

May peace reign from shore to shore, And God bless and keep us true.

My family and I wish the nation a Happy Independence Day. May God bless you all and bless St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

V News 3 Parties sign Code of Conduct THE TWO MAJOR parties contesting the November 5 general elections have pledged to adhere to the Code of Ethical Political Conduct which they signed on October 16.

President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Dr Godwin Friday and Senator Julian Francis, General Secretary of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), signed on behalf of their parties, and Rev Adolf Davis affixed his signature on behalf of the SVG Christian Council/National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism’s (NMCM), custodians of the Code.

According to

Monsignor Michael Stewart, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council, the document was expected to serve as a compass for all political parties contesting the elections, with the intention of fostering democracy, promoting respect for human rights, encouraging participation in the electoral process and promoting an election free from violence.

“From the SVG Christian Council’s perspective, it is our hope that all Vincentians — especially the candidates contesting the general election will

adhere to and promote the values proposed in the Code of Ethical Conduct,” Msgr Stewart said.

Friday, in his response said that the 2020 general elections ought to be a contest of ideas.

“A contest of a judgment on our practices and our proposals in the way we have conducted ourselves,” he said.

In responding to evidence presented by Francis, Friday denounced the action that resulted in the tearing down of a billboard for the ULP’s candidate for South Leeward, Dr. Minerva

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 3.

(L-R) Senator Julian Francis, Rev. Adolf Davis and Dr. GodwinFriday at last Friday’s signing of the Code of Ethical Political Conduct.

Glasgow.

“On behalf of the NDP, we discourage anyone [and] we do not encourage the defacing of public property. Both major parties agreed to that and we act in accordance with that, then I see no problem from us in assuring that will not happen,” Friday said.

He cautioned, though, that “It is provocative in the midst of a meeting to show up with a t-shirt from the other political party — that creates and

incites a negative reaction which may go to a point of violence.”

“From the Unity Labour Party’s perspective and position, we have indicated to all our candidates and to our supporters that public property must not be defaced,” Francis stated.

He alluded to the Code as also addressing the painting of political symbols along roadways and on back walls, saying that both political parties had agreed not to

engage in the said activity.

“Regrettably, I have seen evidence in one constituency where painting has started, and I want to make sure that the supporters of the ULP are being reminded and not being follow fashion,” said Francis.

He, too, gave his party’s commitment to fully support the Code of conduct and that the public can expect a clean and effective campaign.

(DD)

Teacher candidate made to resign leave’ was permissible under the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement that the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party administration had signed with the SVGTU. Further, the SVGTU and Ms. John would have been encouraged by the court’s ruling that the government had erred in demanding that the trio of teachers resign their positions.

In the course of time, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had disputed any such understanding and referred to the section quoted by the teachers as “aspirational”, to mean it was something to which the teachers aspired and was not founded in real time.

Attempts to reach Ms. John for a comment were unsuccessful up to Fitzgerald Bramble on his way to the Wednesday, but Dr. Godwin Friday, Nomination Centre where there were leader of the NDP, is reported as no objections to his nomination. saying that Ms. John did what she had (Facebook Photo) to in the circumstances, given her desire to be on the NDP slate, and that Continued from Front Page. the matter will be dealt with at the Kenroy Johnson, Addison Thomas and appropriate time.

It was, according to Dr. Friday, Elvis Daniel — who, in order to contest important that the NDP remained on an opposition NDP ticket in the general elections of 2015, had to resign focus as it works to fulfil the people’s their teaching positions after failing to call for a change. secure leave.

In both cases — 2015 and 2020 — the Nominations unchallenged teachers’ argument was that ‘election

Meanwhile, on Nomination Day, last Tuesday, each of the two major political parties nominated full slates of 15 candidates for the upcoming election. The SVG Green Party is known to have made two nominations and there was one independent candidate.

As projected in our edition of September 11, 2020, the incumbent ULP nominated five newcomers and the opposition NDP six.

None of the nominations was challenged and the process at each nomination point was effected without any inconvenience.

This after there was some indication that there would have been objections lodged against at least three nominations for the NDP. One of those included in that trio was Fitzgerald Bramble, who had been resident in Canada until earlier this year, but was chosen as the NDP candidate for East Kingstown.

Indication was that the challenge to Bramble’s nomination was on the grounds that he had not been resident in the country for 6 months preceding the date for nomination.

In fact, Bramble, once he satisfied the other requisites for nomination, would have had to be in country on Nomination Day, not six months prior.

It was interesting to note that when Dr. Friday arrived on the mainland from Bequia where he had fulfilled his nominations requirement, he headed for the C.W. Prescod School where nominations were being done for the East Kingstown constituency.

He, too, may have anticipated some objection and accompanying public expressions to Bramble’s nomination.

Bramble is down to contest against the ULP Luke Browne who, on two previous occasions, lost to Arnhim Eustace who had first won in the East Kingstown constituency in 1998.

Bramble is hoping to maintain the NDP hold on East Kingstown.

What’s next for Gonsalves and Friday?

The Nov. 05, 2020 general elections throws up an opportunity for the incumbent ULP to win an unprecedented fifth consecutive election, with all five being under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, 74, and who from all indication could be leading the ULP into an election for the last time.

Gonsalves was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1994 when he contested the North Central Windward seat as Leader of the Movement for National Unity, which would merge with the St. Vincent Labour Party in 1994 to form the ULP. Dr. Friday, on the other hand, is looking to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat for the NDP. He will be leading the NDP into an election for the first time, having replaced Arnhim Eustace as party leader in 2016. He is predicted to win for a fifth consecutive time in the Northern Grenadines constituency.

The Nov. 05, 2020 general election is the 10th since SVG gained Independence in 1979.

V Grenadines SVG records need more crime reduction traffic 4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

crime.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Colin John said that, to date, 3,408 crimes have been recorded compared to 3,887 over the same period last year.

Burglaries have gone down from 657 to 497 while offences against Commissioner of Police property, which includes Colin John was pleased theft and robbery, now to announce a recution stands at 1,002 of crime so far for the compared to 1,010 over year. the same period last year.

Stories by Sexual offences went HAYDN HUGGINS down from 186 to 181 while offences of THOUGH the homicide rate wounding were reduced has climbed from 19 at from 217 to 119. the end of last year to 24 Commenting on the at the middle of October factors attributing to the this year, statistics show overall reduction, the an overall reduction in

Commissioner expressed the view that people are generally better behaved.

He also recognized the increased police presence, more cooperation and support from the public, and the removal (to prison) of a number of habitual criminals, as contributing to the reduction.

When asked whether persons were still being arrested for possession of small amounts of marijuana, the Commissioner explained that because of recent amendment to the Drugs Prevention of Misuse Act which makes 56 grams of marijuana and under a ‘ticket’ offence, rather than one that allows for arrest, as well as the

overall policy of the government, the police have not been arresting persons for such amounts.

John added that because of this country’s move towards the establishing a Medicinal Cannabis Industry and the introduction of a marijuana amnesty as a contributing support measure, marijuana eradications have been discontinued.

John expressed gratitude to the public who he said, continues to be a significant partner in the fight against crime.

vigilance CHIEF MAGISTRATE Rechanne Browne has called for increased police vigilance with regard to the detection of persons who are unlicensed drivers in the Grenadines.

Browne issued the call at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday while presiding over a matter in which Rasheed Simmons of Paget Farm, Bequia, pleaded guilty to driving without a driver’s licence, driving

‘Runaway’caught after stealing ‘fish money’ QUESTELLES resident Hollis ‘Runaway’ Young may have run away with $120 belonging to Clyde Mofford of Glamorgan, but he could not get away from the police and the Court.

Mofford, a Customs Manager employed at C.K Greaves & Co Ltd in Kingstown, was in his office on September 21, when Young, whom he knew, approached and asked him if he wanted fish to buy. Mofford replied in the affirmative and gave him $120 in cash. Young indicated that he was going to the Kingstown Fish Market to get the fish, but never returned.

Mofford reported the matter to the police, and the lawmen went in search of the defendant. He was arrested, charged, and taken to the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He pleaded guilty to stealing the money.

Young told the Court that when he got to the market, all the fish was sold out, and he had intended to return Mofford’s money.

“You taking people’s money and running away,” Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told him.

But Young was not only held for stealing Mofford’s money, but for owing the Court, stemming from previous brushes with the law. It was revealed that there were outstanding warrants for his arrest for the non-payment of fines amounting to $1,000.

For the theft of Mofford’s money, Young was ordered to compensate Mofford in the sum of $120 forthwith or one month in prison. He was also bonded for nine months in the sum of $1,500 with an alternative of nine months.

But Young was not allowed to leave the Court, having been held for the non-payment of two fines - $700 and $300.

Up to press time Wednesday, THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain whether he paid the fines.

without insurance, and using an unlicensed vehicle.

Browne expressed concern with the large number of such complaints, especially in relation to the Grenadines.

She issued a reminder that, “we have rules and regulations,” and stressed the seriousness of offences of this nature.

“We have to protect persons on the road,” she underscored.

“When you are competent, come on the road. This is going on too much,” she told Simmons.

For driving without a licence, Simmons was fined $500 forthwith or five weeks. For driving without insurance, he was fined $700 forthwith or seven weeks, and for using an unlicensed vehicle, he was fined $300 forthwith or three weeks. The fines were paid.

The Magistrate told Simmons that he was lucky not to be disqualified, for a period of time, from obtaining a driver’s licence.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that because the Traffic Department has no permanent presence in the Grenadines, some persons use the opportunity to drive without licence.

Traffic incidents in the Grenadines are usually dealt with by the regular officers attached to the police stations there, and sometimes traffic officers from the mainland may go there on temporary assignment.

THE VINCENTIAN was informed that whenever the traffic officers go to the Grenadines, the persons there who drive without licence are ’tipped off’ by others about them coming, and therefore they are unable to catch the culprits.

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 5.

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

What’s next?

ON THE EVE of our 41st Anniversary of obtaining political independence from Britain, it is as good a time as any to reflect on: What’s next?

For all the talk in the Caribbean island nations about severing ties with the British monarchy, the majority remains unmoved.

As we speak, none, save and except Barbados seems prepared to follow the lead of the few Caribbean countries which opted for a home-grown head of state: Guyana in 1970, Trinidad and Tobago in 1976 and Dominica in 1978.

Barbados’, as per the Throne Speech at the opening of a new parliamentary session earlier this month, declared: “The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving,” From all accounts, Barbados will take the “next logical step” and become a republic, by November 2021.

Yes, in Jamaica, the first British West Indies colony to be granted political independence, Prime Minister after Prime Minister, oratorically, have championed the cause of severing ties with the British monarchy, but none to date has introduced concrete (constitutional) steps in that direction.

Granted, current Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness is on record as saying that “… becoming a republic is a priority for my government.”

Reports from The Bahamas speak of a mood shift that says becoming a republic is inevitable in the political evolution of the country. Nothing, though, is currently on the table to instigate this move though.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, a constitutional referendum was held on 25 November 2009. The people were asked whether they approved of a new, wide-ranging constitution which would have replaced the independence constitution of 1979, inclusive of declaring the country a republic.

The NO vote ruled and the talk of constitutional change has all but disappeared from the national agenda, with current Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves saying there would be no further ‘look in’ on the constitution under his watch.

Following on the St. Vincent ‘experiment’, a St Lucian government-appointed constitutional review commission published a report which, inter alia, recommended the scrapping of the nation’s constitutional monarchical system in favour of becoming a republic.

It follows, that the next constitutional step for those Caribbean island nations who are still governed by a monarchial system is for them to become republics.

The defeat of the constitutional referendum is not a true indication of the real sentiment among Vincentians in relation to the British monarchy.

If the nation was presented with a single question about separating from the British monarch that could well receive overwhelming support.

Yes, there are those in society who would want to hold fast to the trimmings of the monarchy on which they were nurtured and formed a sense of belonging one way or the other. Many Vincentians have grown up with Queen Elizabeth 11. Many Vincentians have been bestowed honours sanctioned by Her Majesty, and these ‘honoured folk’ would want to remind the nation about why they merited those awards.

And then there are those closet Royalists… a silent minority?

But the downright truth is that given the fact that the progressive of the 1960s and 1970s all but form and influence opinion today; and given their overwhelming dislike, some say, disdain for all that the British Crown represents; and given that the children of these ‘progressives’ are either ignorant with respect to our ties to a Queen in England or simply couldn’t give one hoot about it, this country is poised to become a republic.

What’s next, therefore, is obvious.

Happy Independence Anniversary.

The die is cast (This article was first published in THE VINCENTIAN of December 11, 2015. It was written sometime before the December 9, 2015 general elections)

often used local musicians and speakers to drive home their point.

But everything for both parties was THIS ARTICLE SUMS up my views of the left for the last rallies on the Saturday and political race, down to the wire, bar the Sunday before the elections. The official final results which will be Opposition really laid stress on their last announced in a matter of a few hours. full-scale show. It was a veritable Despite all the fuss, I stick to my extravaganza that was a massive original forecast of 11 NDP, 4 ULP — give showpiece that was full of content. I think or take a seat which could end up 10 to 5 that this get-together sealed the fate of the or 12 to 3. governing clique. That description fitted I think that U.L.P will hold the four the U.L.P when compared with the Windward seats of N.C.W (Gonsalves) vaunted one-manism of the ruling group.

S.C.W (Soboto Caesar) South Windward The message was clear. “What a team, (Frederick Stevenson) and Marriaqua what a team led by Mr. Clean.” (narrowly by Jimmy Prince).

On the following Sunday, the U.L.P The N.D.P will retain their seven mounted a side more in numbers but seats plus gaining 4 additional seats: North Windward, St George East and West mostly confined to the three constituencies encircling the airport — South Windward, by comfortable margins and Central Marriaqua and South-Central Windward, Leeward by less than 100 votes. superimposed by North Central Windward During the campaign, Maia Eustace of Dr. Gonsalves, who generally stole the emerged as a political figure in her own right, and we shall hear much more of her, show with his histrionics, particularly his crocodile tears which he pours down at the though she happens to be a reluctant drop of a hat. politician.

If for the second successive time (2010 As we draw close to election day, it bears noticing that two in the past Labour was the first) the N.D.P manages to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory, then leadership loop, Stalky John and Ken crapaud smoke their pipe.

Boyea, and activist Junior Bacchus found If the U.L.P brings off victory in 2015, themselves on the N.D.P bandwagon Vincentians will suck salt for a long time preaching lustily against their former before the unfinished projects get off the party the U.L.P. Stanley John’s fiery ground, especially the airport now that contribution, “we tekking it (government) their fairy brother, Maduro, appears to be back”, in particular, resonated with great force, and the quartet may have given the losing power in Venezuela. Whatever the final outcome, I hold with Major Leacock final heave to the N.D.P. In fact, Bish I and Robby Fitzpatrick have also joined that it should be called “the Ralph Gonsalves International Airport!” the NDP extended family.

In sum, I personally look forward to a After all, we are familiar with the oldclear victory for the N.D.P with at least time saying that if fish jump out ah sea double the seats of Labour, ten seats to and say shark got teeth, you have to five at the worst. A result of 12 to 3 is believe him!

The campaign itself was marred with quite attainable, a far cry from the cliffhanging result posed by Stephen Joachim at least one incident of grief, when an and Bing Joseph, assuming a hygienic poll.

U.L.P turn-coat died after being hit by a I have deliberately refused to deal vehicle, allegedly over which the driver with the corruption, immorality and had lost control, at an NDP event. demonism with which the departing On a whole, the campaign was Regime has been charged. generally peaceful with two or three At this point, we should happily localised flare-ups. The meetings were very anticipate the great joy which is coming large, especially those sponsored by the our way as a breath of fresh air. For now, U.L.P, spiced up by foreign artists, to which party supporters flocked transported we simply warn Ralph that “the instruments of darkness tell us truth, win in “free” buses laid on by their party us with honest trifles, to betray us in flaunting an inexhaustible war chest. deepest consequence like the 2015 The opposition meetings were a election”! The last-ditch appointment of mixture of large and small that focused forty U.L.P Police Recruits mainly on the constituency involved, and notwithstanding.

V

6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Everybody’s responsibility THE AEGYPTI mosquito needs our cooperation in order to deliver the virus that causes dengue fever.

We all, however, want to blame someone else for our problems.

We see it every day, all day. Rarely does anyone step up and say: “It was my fault. I got busy, I didn’t realize. I wasn’t paying attention. I should have put those paint cans, or that used tire in the trash.”

No, what we do is get upset and cry, and lament I just don’t know how it happened. We blame the government for not taking care of the eradication of this infamous mosquito.

The sad truth is that we do this with every aspect of our lives and we see this at all levels of society.

So, here is what some people are not going to like. Take a deep breath and think about it for a bit. We are all responsible for the current situation. Among other things, we elected the government but said nothing when they redirected funds to other “needy” areas of the daily operations.

Yes, the government and the health department need to do more and should have been doing more over the years to eradicate the breeding grounds, and educating the population.

I heard a very informative presentation on one of the local radio stations by Dr. Thompson. Given his knowledge of the subject I find it hard to understand why we were caught so flatfooted on this one.

Early this year I suggested that we needed to be ready for the collision of COVID-19 and a hurricane. It turned out I was wrong - it was COVID-19 and Dengue we needed to be worried about.

Either way, we must do better. And it is not unreasonable for us to expect our leaders to be better prepared.

Horatio

Nothing for small farmers THANKS to my friend for helping me with this letter.

It is about something that I had on my chest a long time.

I might be wrong and if I am, I am open to correction.

I have not heard any of the two political parties who would like to form the next government say anything about us small farmers.

As a matter of fact, all I hear is about how they going to develop agriculture, but none of them said how they are going to do that in a real sense.

Take it or leave it, this country will forever need a strong agriculture base even if it is to feed ourselves.

But all the politicians do is boast about how hard-working we small farmers are and how much the country depends on us.

However, when they get in power is a different story. Look at what the ULP did to us. They promise this and that about markets, give us money (some free some on loan) only for farmers to have to use it or some

One seat for the Comrade?

IS OUR GOOD friend Dr. Ralph Gonsalves a joker or a joker of himself?

Do you remember a joke he gave about himself and his brothers when they were children… the coconut tree drama?

He related that he and his brothers went to the river to give their cattle water. They usually roast breadfruit too and have coconut water to drink.

He was the climber, but refused to climb the coconut tree that day. His brothers forced him to climb the tree.

He picked the nuts and blasted them to the ground causing them to burst and the water flooded on the ground.

He came down the tree with a coconut hooked between his teeth. The end result, his brothers gave him flogging and took away his one coconut.

The following is no joke, lies and promises. Gonsalves convinced many nationals that Mitchell and the NDP were greedy. Yes, the ‘greedy bill’ caused the road block revolution in 2000 that forced the NDP government out of office before time. The same ‘greedy bill’ was implemented by the ULP government.

We were promised a noble Caribbean Civilization; a government that was going to be tough on crimes and the causes of crime. Crime went almost out of control.

Gonsalves promised to continue from where Maurice Bishop left off. In less than five (5) years, Bishop gave the Grenadians free higher education.

We still have to pay for secondary and university education. Not only that, the health care in Grenada was free under the Free Revolutionary Grenada Government. Could Gonsalves compare himself to Bishop? Has Dr. Gonsalves passed his ‘Governing test?

They will mark his paper on the 5th November, 2020.

The ULP has, even in opposition, championed the cause of Integrity legislation. To this day, no such Legislation has ever been enacted.

Our good friend comrade Ralph is coming down out of the tree with one coconut (one seat majority) in his mouth. Will he be getting licks by his brothers (the people)?

Christian Democrat

of it for living expenses.

We are tired of being fooled. We are tired this mamaguy. The majority of us small farmers are committed to farming.

We are not going anywhere, but that doesn’t not mean we will stand by and let an old or a new government

take us for another ride.

Time for us farmers to forget the politics and unite like it used to be in the days of the National Farmers Union. We need to get that going again.

Richards A small farmer

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 7.

Message from the Prime Minister

More Progress, Prosperity and Development despite challenges following, among other measures: Establishing a colonial state run by its nationals through the force of military might; putting in place the ORTY-ONE YEARS AGO, political and economic on October 27, 1979, linkages with the St. Vincent and the expanding mercantile Grenadines regained its capitalism of Britain; independence from Britain, introducing large-scale which had been the commercial agriculture, colonising power for over mainly sugar cane, on 200 years, unbroken since plantations carved out for 1763, save and except for a ownership by British four-year period 1779 to nationals; wiping out, 1783 when the French was through native genocide, in temporary occupation. over two-thirds of the 10,000 or so Callinago and Britain’s remaking of SVG Garifuna people; dispossessing the native Over that period people of their lands and Britain remade St. corralling “the remnants”, Vincent and the after genocide, in narrow Grenadines, known enclaves of inhospitable originally by the lands; introducing indigenous Callinago and between 1764 and the end Garifuna people as of the slave trade in 1807 Yuremein or, over 55,000 Africans as alternatively, Youlou and slaves – at slavery’s end the Begos. Britain remade in 1838 there were some St. Vincent and the 22,000 slaves (men, Grenadines in its own women, and children); image and interests by recruiting over 2,000 initialing, and ruthlessly Portuguese from Madeira implementing, the as indentured servants, INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE 2020

BY DR. THE HON. RALPH E.GONSALVES PRIME MINISTER

between 1845 and 1850; importing over 2,500 Indians as indentured servants between 1861 and 1880.

F

RESISTANCE TO COLONIALISM AND MATERIAL DISPOSSESSION 1979 Between 1763 and the reclamation of independence in 1979, there was immense resistance to colonialism and the material conditions of life and living. Outstanding examples include: The indigenous people’s resistance between 1764 and 1795 until the ambush, and killing, of Chatoyer, our National Hero; the daily creative acts of resistance to slavery by the enslaved Africans; the postemancipation acts of rebellion in 1848 and 1862 by the former slaves; the protest by the Indian indentured servants in 1861; the early 20th century opposition to colonial rule by the St.

Vincent Representative Government Association; the anti-colonial uprising of October 21, 1935, which ushered in the beginnings of the modern social democratic revolution under the leadership of George Mc Intosh and the St. Vincent Workingmen’s Association; the continuation of the manysided social democratic revolution under Ebenezer Joshua’s People’s Political Party (PPP) and the Federated Industrial and Agricultural Workers’ Union (FIAWU), and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Labour Party under Milton Cato’s leadership; the anticolonial and nationalist struggles of Democratic Freedom Movement, Youlou United Liberation Movement, and the United People’s Movement.

Despite all these challenges, and more, our people, collectively, have worked hard and smart to build their lives, their communities, and their nation to a High Level of Human Development, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). To be sure, there are intractable pockets of indigence, and there is unevenness in the distribution of material resources, but the process has been underway to address efficaciously, and inclusively, these twin developmental shackles of material deprivation and inequality.

Our 41st anniversary of independence is being commemorated at a time of two public health challenges: the global pandemic of COVID-19; and the regional, and Social Democratic Revolution hemispheric, problem of dengue. We have been The resistance to addressing these public colonialism and the health hazards quite well, unfolding of the social though the dengue fever democratic revolution has claimed a few lives. contributed significantly Public health issues of to our achievement of these kinds are a shared modern internal selfresponsibility of the government and government, the people as independence, a lifting of a whole, and relevant our people’s material regional and international condition of life and living, organisations. The and improved governance. promotion of naked, It is in this tradition of unadulterated, dog-eatstruggle and immense dog individualism is the achievement that our ULP enemy of social solidarity government stands. And which is required to fight, our government is successfully, public health deepening and broadening challenges. The building the ongoing social of a social individual democratic revolution, through social solidarity, amidst all its and good neighborliness, contradictions and is the essential foundation complexities, in the in the war against public people’s interest. health hazards.

Over the past 41 years Appropriate and uplifting since the reclamation of governmental action, in our independence, our communion with the nation has made immense people, cements social progress in life, living, solidarity; so, too, our production, and good government’s linkages governance, particularly with our developmental in the last twenty years. partners overseas.

The overwhelming evidence is all before us.

The path to recolonisation and shame Progress, challenges and social solidarity There are those in our midst who are actively Considerable progress has trumpeting the mirage of been effected despite a proverbial pot of gold at awesome challenges the end of the passportarising from the selling and citizenshiplimitations of size and selling rainbow. This is a material resources; the sure pathway to a debilitating historical recolonisation of our legacies; the collapse of country in this period by the preferential market in European, British, and Britain for our bananas; Chinese operators in the the deleterious impacts of field of passportclimate change and citizenship selling. It is a natural disasters; the shameful proposal by global economic persons with no idea of depression of 2008, and sustainable development continuing; turmoil and or genuine love for contradictions in the country. Selling our global political economy; passports and citizenship and the prevalence of is wrong in principle and devastating global practice. It is an open pandemics, including door towards modern COVID-19. enslavement by

marauders, disreputable financiers, and vagabonds, aided and abetted by backward elements of a segment of the petitbourgeoisie who know the price of everything and the value of nothing. And the people will suffer if that ever comes to pass.

The ULP stands firm against this outrageous proposal. We will never allow it to happen! Never!

Independence 2020 and Elections Independence Day 2020 is engulfed by a robust campaign for the forthcoming general elections. The Unity Labour Party (ULP), which I have had the honour to lead for 22 years now, is seeking a fifth consecutive term in government. It is running on the basis of its excellent record of performance; its vision, philosophy, policies, and programmes for sustainable development; the party’s structures and functioning; its team of quality candidates and quality leadership.

Strategically, our government is offering both consolidation, and further deepening and broadening, of the economic and social transformation which it has initiated and implemented, in the people’s interest. The 100page ULP’s Election Manifesto, 2020 provides a bundle of serious and practical proposals for a further self-sustaining development of our country.

Our country has a history of free, fair, and peaceful general elections.

I expect the 2020 elections would be held in accordance with those high standards. We in the ULP pledge an honest, clean, well-conducted, peaceful campaign. And let us all humbly accept the people’s verdict when it is delivered on polling day.

Happy 41st anniversary of independence!

Long Live SVG!

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 9.

Message from the Leader of the Opposition

INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE 2020 – DR. GODWIN FRIDAY N THIS DAY, the 41st year of our political independence, we must recall the hard work and dedication of Robert Milton Cato and all the leaders that got us here. It is a time to recall our past.

A past burdened with the hardships of colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination. It is crucial that we pay respect to those who fought for the freedoms that many of us today may take for granted.

Our beautiful country, with its warm, sunny climate and abundant natural blessings, is home to a resilient and capable nation. We are a God-fearing people, who never hesitate to give thanks to our Creator for His many blessings. This is our greatest strength.

As we proudly say whenever we recite our national anthem, “Our Faith will see us through”.

Our beautiful beaches, rich volcanic soils and bountiful seas are the foundation for our tourism, agriculture and fishing industries which sustain our economy.

However, it is our people who are our greatest resource. Our kindness, generosity and good nature welcome visitors to our shores and make them feel safe and happy. The strong workethic and skill of our farmers and fisher folk have built agriculture and fishing as fundamental pillars of our economy and culture.

Our people of all walks of life and of every political affiliation and religious denomination are the basic reason that our founders fought so hard to defend our dignity, and earn our national

O

Our choice for a brighter future independence.

They understood the potential for Vincentian leaders to take this country forward and to ensure our precious land remains a safe home for our people and a haven for those who choose to join us here.

It is with all this in mind, that I express my concern for the current state of our country. The difficulties many of our people face when seeking employment sadden me.

I see our people in poverty, with over 50% of our young people unemployed. Yet, our taxes such as VAT continue to increase year after year, and customs duties stifle the efforts of those seeking to bring in new equipment and supplies to improve business competitiveness. The corruption and nepotism of the current government, looking out only for those they favor, have left deep scars on our people.

The last 19 years of independence have been spent under the ULP government. It is now clearer than ever, that those have been years of lost opportunity and national decline, not what our forebears had in mind for us and fought to achieve. They have had ample time to make changes that help our people. They have watched over the decline of our agriculture and fishing industries and have not offered any new industries to generate economic growth and jobs.

With general elections close at hand, it is now more important than ever that the voice of our people be heard, to return the power to our people, so that their dreams and goals will finally be within reach.

We need a climate of growth and development in this country. The complacency and mismanagement of the ULP has placed us on the back-foot compared

to our neighboring regions. Re-energizing government to tackle the problems before us requires political change now.

We must have a clear plan and the determination to build a better St. Vincent and the Grenadines for our future. Our priority must be job creation and that is what we in the New Democratic Party urge in the election and will pursue in government.

We want to build a country that works for everyone and where everyone who wants to work can do so. This will create better conditions and ensure that our people are happy to stay and build their lives here. We intend to deliver the investment, resources, and production that we need to create a good infrastructure and a strong economy. This will bring foreign investment and increased wages for all Vincentians. Our young people must be given the opportunity for a better start and all our people must be helped to succeed.

There will be many challenges, and together we will overcome them and create new jobs and grow our economy.

Together we will create a better SVG for all of us and fulfill our destiny as a people.

In this election year, with a deep appreciation of our history, and mindful of our current situation, it is more important than ever that the voice of the people be heard. And to ensure this, I urge you, my fellow Vincentians, to go out and shout the message you have made so clear to us. Shout the message of change. Shout the message of growth and job creation. Do this, by going out on November 5th, and marking your vote for the NDP. Help us to create a country where all our people can feel free to express their unique opinions and pursue their interests without any fear of violence and victimization.

On this our 41st year of independence, I want to express my appreciation for all the hard work done by those before us, and to assure you that I am committed to carrying forward that

proud legacy. Our country must work for all of us and not just for those who have political connections through family and friends. All our people deserve to enjoy the rich blessings

that our lands provide.

We are one nation. We are one people. By the grace of God, and our collective efforts, we will persevere and prosper.

God Bless our nation.

God bless us all.

V The Plimsoll Line

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 11.

Views

Candidate for Candidate

(This article was first published in the April 16, 2010 issue of THE VINCENTIAN, It is reprinted here with a few minor changes.)

“Remember that we all have Plimsoll lines. In 1880, Samuel Plimsoll of the United Kingdom tackled the problem of having overloaded ships sink in heavy seas. He submitted a bill in Parliament insisting that a line be drawn around the outside of the hull on all British ships. When the ships were loaded with freight and reached the level where the line hit the water, the ships were not allowed to load any more freight. That marking on the ship’s hull became known as the Plimsoll line.” Hyrum W. Smith author of 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management (1994) and What Matters Most (2001) MANY MANAGERS and supervisors appear to be burdened as they seek to take on the heavy loads of leading their organizations and/or departments.

There may be a host of contributing factors. A close examination may reveal that many are unwilling or unable to share the management load via delegation. Over the years I have conducted many workshops on leadership, management and supervisory skills. Whenever the question of delegation or empowerment surfaces it is readily revealed that many of the participants have consciously chosen to “carry their heavy load” and “burn themselves out” simply because they do not trust their direct reports to do a good job.

Some readers are already reacting as I normally do. You begin to question the culture within the organization, the competence of the manager and/or direct reports, the recruitment process within the organization, the induction, training programmes, and so on. While we understand that there are certain confidential matters that leaders and managers must attend to (and these cannot be delegated) there are a host of other assignments that can be assigned to others. Unfortunately, some managers and leaders have “pet assignments” that they enjoy doing (but that they do not necessarily have to do). They selfishly hold on to these and discover that more urgent/critical matters suffer. Others are fearful that if they train their direct reports to do some of the assignments that they perform they, the managers, will make themselves obsolete; it becomes easier for the organization to do without them. As a result, they may be tempted to hoard information, knowledge and skills. But this approach is also short sighted. We soon discover that when we go out of our way to broaden the horizons of our direct reports they feel a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It energizes them and puts a positive spin on the organization.

This writer will be the first to agree that the above scenario (with a positive outcome) is considered ideal.

There will be instances when the persons that managers mentor and train develop negative, self-serving,

traits and may even venture to derail or displace their senior. They may seek to use their new knowledge, skill, or competence to “show up” or “cut down” their teacher. However, we would like to think that such occurrences are rare and should therefore not be the excuse for not making the effort to delegate.

It is critical to understand, however, that even when we delegate duties/responsibilities to others within the organization we are still held responsible for the task. We must therefore ensure that the direct report clearly understands that they must indicate competence to perform the task and must also clearly understand what needs to be done.

Communication throughout the entire exercise is critical. We therefore have to ensure that directions/instructions are crystal clear.

How sad it is, however, when managers or supervisors (for whatever the reason) appear to take the entire load of the organization or department on their shoulders. In doing so they appear to sink beneath the Plimsoll Line (reread the introductory quotation if necessary). We readily appreciate the dangers of ships taking on additional cargo when the water level has gone beyond the Plimsoll Line; it runs the risk of sinking. So too, individuals who unwisely seek to carry more than their own share of duties/responsibilities with organizations run the risk of physical and/or emotional breakdown. They will eventually sink. This is not good for the individual. It is not good for the department. It is also unhealthy for the organization. And it certainly is unhealthy for all of the other stakeholders.

Where are you in relation to your Plimsoll Line? Let us do an honest/objective introspection and determine whether there are tasks in our homes, offices, organizations, sports clubs, churches, and community groups that we need to delegate. The person who may be identified to perform the task may not be able to do it as good as we do from the outset.

However, just as we went through our learning curve so should they. It is quite possible that with our guidance and encouragement they may quickly get to do it as efficiently as we do — and even better. There is nothing wrong with that. And so, we venture forth knowing that while we consider delegating this is not synonymous with abdicating; we will still be responsible for the end results. But the eased burdens/assignments will remove the threat from our Plimsoll Line and, to continue the analogy, foster greater safety in sailing through life’s varied challenges … with a much happier crew.

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

has also ensured that projects come to ESG. Sex scandals rarely hamper Caribbean politicians. However, the ‘Yuggie Farrell affair,’ in which Camillo was advised to take a dignified silence, coupled with the jitteriness of citizens over a possible transition in leadership from father to son, may have caused a setback to Camillo’s emergence as party leader.

PM Gonsalves did everything to position Camillo as the next leader.

Gonsalves the son, with no links to the constituency, was helicoptered into East St George, one of the safest Labour seats, appointed ambassador to the UN, Minister of Foreign affairs, and then So here goes: Finance Minister. To his credit, with each appointment, Camillo performed West Kingstown with distinction. He remains the Debra Charles makes a second brightest star in the ULP firmament. attempt to unseat Daniel Cummings, We can be sure had polls shown he the two-time incumbent. Cummings could have beat Dr Friday, he, rather won the seat by 444 votes in 2015. He than ‘Comrade/ would have led the can be arrogantly explosive at times, party in the elections. but among opposition supporters, is PM Gonsalves, who has maintained seen as one who stands forcefully for his a punishing schedule since 2001, is aged party. Charles served as government and grossly overweight, has confided senator in the last parliament for 5 that he is tired and willing to go but his years but failed to distinguish herself. party can’t afford his departure. Camillo Additionally, the ULP did little or cruises for a comfortable victory. nothing in the constituency to aid her chances. There is really no contest.

South Windward Cummings wins easily.

This constituency is solidly Labour.

The NDP seems resigned to the fact Central Kingstown that only time could dislodge the ULP In Dominic Sutherland, a respected accounting professional, the ULP offers from the minds and votes of a solid candidate. He will be no electoral constituents. With a 2015 margin of victory of 759 votes, Gustaus match for St Clair Leacock, the only Stephenson, a friendly, steady hand opposition candidate to increase his margin of victory in the last elections by wins easily.

516 votes.

Marriaqua Major Leacock, currently in his late Bernard Wyllie, who represented the 60’s may be disinclined to continue constituency in the last century, beyond the end of this term unless his party wins. Since losing the Kingstown declared that he has ‘put on his guns again.’ The opposition is counting on seats in 2010, ULP seems unwilling and/or unable to pose any real electoral this ‘blast from the past’ to pull off an upset. It is doubtful that Wyllie has any threat to the opposition dominance of explosive powder left. If he is so armed, Kingstown, except for Luke Browne’s Jimmy Prince, who won by 756 votes in indomitable will to win and rescue his 2015, and his Labour squad are political career. Sutherland’s best bet is destined to douse and smother any fires to take this election cycle as experience Wyllie dreams of lighting. Jimmy and bide his time for the 2025 battle. remains as ‘Prince of the Valley’.

LAST TUESDAY’S INCIDENT at Rillan Hill, where shots rang out and stones were pelted at opposition supporters, represents a dangerous escalation in the war for political turf and the minds of the voters. Both parties should swiftly condemn the reckless display of force and attempts at intimidation.

Our analysis of the 5 toss-up constituencies created quite a row.

Those who think the elections are already in the bag scoffed at our conclusions. They said we were biased and offered too harsh a commentary.

We have no horse in the race and present only objective and truthful observations.

West St George When my friend and fellow reparationist Curtis King was mentioned as a possible replacement for the retiring Ces Mc Kie, some ULP activists opposed his candidacy on the ground that he was ‘another Jomo’ with strong views and unshakable commitment to the people and country.

They thought he may not uncritically tow the party line. When he won the nod, he told me ‘Jomo dem men nah whar yo.’ I often wondered whether Curtis believes that Gonsalves wants him or is just prepared to use his deep roots and strong connection to West St George to wade off any challenge to its dominance of the constituency.

Ces McKie won by 578 votes in 2015.

Curtis King is being challenged by the experienced and accomplished firebrand attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste. While some question her ethics, BacchusBaptiste has will power and money to pour into her campaign. However, it will take a 3 to 5 per cent swing away for the opposition to snag this seat.

South Central Windward Israel Bruce, a former teacher, now a crusading attorney, confronts Saboto Caesar. Caesar claims that he has presided over the most diversified agricultural sector in the OECS, thus leading the country away from its overdependence on an unprofitable banana industry plagued by disease.

Bruce, a spirited campaigner, bids to prevent a 3rd term by Caesar who won by 588 votes in 2015. It’s a tall order.

However, because of the bad roads, and the poor condition of the health clinics and community centre in SCW, expect Bruce to narrow the margin of defeat.

Southern Grenadines ULP goes for 5 in ah row; Edwin Snagg trots to his 6th defeat. As boss of the Grenadines Directorate, Snaggy has little interest in elective office. He gets the perks without the responsibility of a representative. Terrance Ollivierre, a shoo-in since 2001, won by 412 in 2015, will ride triumphantly.

Caveat… If there is an early indication of any serious swing away East St George Camillo Gonsalves won in 2015 with from the ULP in any of the seats on the 3,135 votes. 617 votes represent a steep eastern corridor of the island, the NDP will taste victory. Conversely, if ULP mountain for Gibson Velox to climb. steamrolls to early victories in East Some voters claim it’s virtually Kingstown, North and South Leeward, impossible to get a return call or a sit down with the representative. However, the NDP will know its crying time.

Gonsalves’ representation on the Send comments, criticisms & national stage will be enough to easily suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com take him to a second term. The party

12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

V

14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Message from the Leader of the SVG Green Party

White racism is our greatest enemy greatest enemy.

A big symbol of the white racism in SVG is the Mustique Act No 48 of 2002. The Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 gives blanket Tax and Customs Duty exemptions worth millions of dollars annually to the super-rich, white INDEPENDENCE migrant millionaires and MESSAGE OF WARRANT billionaires of Mustique.

OFFICER IVAN O’NEAL, Yet, the black poor and BSC(HONS), MSC, MBA, powerless indigenous LEADER OF SVG GREEN population of SVG must PARTY pay tax and customs duties.

N THE 41 YEARS since This is outrageous as independence from the it perpetuates poverty United Kingdom, white and destitution of the racism has been a big problem for our country. In indigenous black poor and powerless our present day, White population. racism has become our The Mustique Act No

I

48 of 2002 is a very serious threat to the long-term ownership of the lands of our country, which should go to our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As the SVG Treasury runs dry from lack of payment of tax and customs duty from White Migrants in Mustique and Canouan, the ULP Regime has been selling Crown Lands without a referendum of the people.

White racism has resulted in large swaths of our lands being sold off cheaply to super-rich white foreigners, whilst many poor black people have to live jam up in small areas. White racism has resulted in toxic legislation. White racism has resulted in white enclaves, designed

to keep black people out unless they are serving the white man.

The White Migrants of Mustique have declared the sea around Mustique as totally illegal for local Fishermen to fish, although our local fishermen have been fishing in the sea around Mustique for hundreds of years.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, very strongly contends that it is crucial that this outrageous and wicked Mustique Act No 48 OF 2002, which is in breach of Section 13 of SVG 1979 Constitution, is very urgently abolished.

The objective of white racism in SVG is to keep

the super-rich, white foreigners rich and keep the black indigenous people poor. This is very, very wrong and is a modern form of economic and social apartheid.

We need laws in SVG that do not discriminate against the indigenous black poor and powerless population. We need social, political and economic empowerment of black communities and people, and must resist the abhorrence and hatred of white racism.

White racism is insipid, nasty, vile and oppressive. White racism in SVG must end now. If we fail to destroy white racism in SVG, then white racism will destroy us and the lives of our children for generations to come.

The NDP and ULP regimes have been happy to allow laws in favour of the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan and perpetuate white racism.

For true independence, a coalition Green government would end the White racism in SVG and abolish the discriminatory tax laws that punish our people.

This would boost the economy, create thousands of new jobs, help SVG businesses to prosper and create the revenue needed to competently manage the socio-economic and financial affairs of our beloved country.

May God continue to bless SVG. Happy 41st anniversary.

V ÂSalary freeze premature,Ê says SVGTU

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 15.

News

PRESIDENT of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union Oswald Robinson has described the government’s decision to leave salaries as they are as “premature.”

He made his position clear at a press conference staged at the Union’s headquarters last week Thursday.

The Union, the president said, regards itself as the “watch dog’ for workers here, and is “not on any campaigning thing. We are looking for justice.”

pleasing, e.g. the Kitchen at the Mayreau Primary school is too small; fencing at the Union Robinson considered Island Primary school is akin to “slavery” the inadequate; “nailed up conditions under which doors” at one school in school janitors are Bequia; no separate employed, and blasted toilet facilities for male the government for paying workers below the and female at some schools. minimum wage.

In addition, the Union As far as Robinson head noted that some was concerned, those schools are without persons who clean the furniture, and with schools are not being problems of overcrowding paid for the extra time and the slowness in they give.

And the Union alluded furniture repairs, conditions, like at the to some schools where Union Island Primary conditions are far from School, have worsened.

Internet service is still not available in some schools and where it is, the service is not “reliable,’ the Union said.

Concern was also raised about the surrounding areas at school compounds and how this could impact the dengue situation.

Working conditions in school

South East Steel Orchestra into their winning performance .

South East takes ‘The Bomb’ LAST SATURDAY saw the return of the Bomb Competition for steel orchestras here.

Rolled out in a virtual format, it was the turn of the South East Steel Orchestra to take winning kudos.

The orchestra rendered an Akeam Hanaway arranged interpretation of the song ‘Dancing Queen’, a perennial favourite by ABBA, to defeat five other steel orchestras.

Second place went to the National Properties Epic, who did the ‘Greatest Love of All’ made popular by a number of sola artistes, including the late Whitney Houston.

Completing the top three places was the Symphonix Steel Orchestra who performed ‘Killing Me Softly’ by the renowned pianist/soloist Roberta Flack.

The other competing bands were Hennessy Starlift , Elite Steel Orchestra and the Memorial XS Steel Orchestra.

Starlift’s tune of choice was Mozart’s ‘Eine Kleine’. Elite performed Air Supply’s ‘All Out of Love’, and XS Steel Orchestra rendered ‘Memories’

by Maroon 5.

The Genesis Steel Orchestra which was previously listed to perform, opted out of the Competition at the last moment.

Adjudicating the Competition were Dr Janelle Allen, Joffre Venner, Kem Smart, Willis Williams, Darren Ollivierre, Reajhaun Baptiste and Junior Sutherland.

- who have not been authorities as paid despite an order by a “breach of the court. constitutional The trio resigned from rights.” their posts and unsuccessfully contested Other issues the 2010 general elections.

Other Subsequent court issues that decisions ruled that the surfaced for teachers ought to be the President’s paid. attention Robinson was included the Oswald Robinson, President of the accompanied at the head matter of 50 St. Vincent and the Grenadines table by Zita Barnwell, qualified Teachers’ Union, presented a from the Jomo Thomas teachers who litany of concerns his Union has.

Law Chambers, who are still have provided legal awaiting He also singled out the representation for the promotion. issue of a teacher trio.

In addition, he raised transferred to Union Barnwell pointed out the issue of the Island who has not the additional matter of outstanding payment of non-payment of end of year allowances to received the ‘hard area allowance’.

Johnson’s pension, principals which, he “I want to know if this available from 2012. contends, have been due is justice,” Robinson She referred to letters since 2010. sighed. written to the Attorney General in relation to the matter and outlined that his response was: “We will look into Justice for trio of the matter.” teachers Barnwell, a former Senator Robinson rehashed the with the issue of three of his opposition New colleagues - Kenroy Democratic Party, Johnson, Addison cited the The trio of teachers still out of pocket (from left) Kenroy Thomas and Elvis Daniel tardiness of the Johnson, Elvis Daniel and Addison Thomas.

V

16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Taiwan donates to the MOH

Taiwan’s Ambassador H.E. Calvin Ho (right) handing over donation of thermal imaging devices and masks to Minister of Health Luke Browne in April this year.

THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Taiwan) on Monday, October 12th, 2020 handed over a cash donation of US$173,000 to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment for a Capacity Building Project for the Prevention and

Congratulations on the st Anniversary of Independence of 41 St. Vincent and The Grenadines

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

Control of Diabetes.

Part of the donation, which was handed over during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Conference Room, will be utilized to train local health personnel to strengthen their capacity in diabetes prevention and control.

Some of the funds will also be used to support an intervention study to evaluate the efficacy of a Self-Management Education Program under the Diabetes Prevention and Control Project.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment acknowledged that through this and other previous donations, it is able to significantly enhance its capacity for diabetes prevention and control, to the benefit of all the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

As referenced, the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan) have been generous in their assistance to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment here.

Assistance has been particularly forthcoming in recent times for this country’s effort to combat COVID-19 and to treat those persons who have been infected.

In this regard, as early as April this year, the Embassy of Taiwan

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines handed over 6 thermal imaging devices and 40,000 surgical masks to the Minister of Health.

In May, resident Taiwanese Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E. Calvin Ho, handed over 4 ventilators for use in the Argyle Isolation center, and 60,000 masks to Minister of Health Luke Browne.

And also in May, this country’s Resident Ambassador in Taiwan, H.E. Andrea Bowman, received on behalf of the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, two PCR Machines, surgical masks, protective overalls, isolation gowns, infrared thermometers, auto-temperature stations and hydro-quine tablets.

Of course these demonstrations of Taiwan’s commitment to assist this country to build capacity in its national healthcare service are but a trickle in Taiwan’s overall assistance in this regard.

Taiwan has also assisted in direct ways to the upgrading of services at the primary health care institution — the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital — and has facilitated a number of scholarships and attachments at prestigious health facilities (in Taiwan), for medical personnel here.

Ambassador in Taiwan H. E. Andrea Bowman accepts donation from Ambassador Alexander Yui, Director General of Latin America and the Caribbean, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Taiwan, in May 2020.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 19.

Opinion

Can they be trusted to keep their promises this time?

THE RACE is now truly on: the two major political parties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have declared their candidates who will contest the next general elections, which will be held on November 5th just two weeks from now.

Quite a number of Vincentians had been anticipating that elections would have been held on a day in December and it may well be that the Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves himself had been thinking of holding the elections in December, but the readings of the political weather forecast may well have induced the inspiration which prompted the bringing forward of that important event to November 5th.

Considering that the ULP led by Dr. Gonsalves has held the reins of Government for the last twenty years almost, the prime focus of the electorate should be to examine the performances of the members of the ULP team, and determine whether they had served the interest of the people faithfully. A good place to commence this examination, is to revisit the period just prior to the elections of March 2001.

It will be remembered that

subsequent to the elections of 1998 the atmosphere was obviously volatile and it is reasonable to say that bloodshed was averted when Sir James, the leader of the Government, agreed to the shortening of his team by over two years.

It seemed then, to a large degree, the people had lost faith in the government. Some of the issues of contention were the selling out of lands in Canouan to expatriates for hotel construction and the like, in a manner and on such terms that clearly reflected gross indifference and insensitivity to the welfare and future development of the Canouan people.

One remembers clearly, the efforts of some younger activists, including Glen Jackson, who with the support of the Ralph Gonsalves-led ULP used to go to Canouan to expose the injustices that were happening there with the approval of our administrators.

We also remember, the rift between the Mitchell-led government and the teachers who were asking for increases in salary of 30%, but the government claiming that it could not afford to meet that demand as they did not

have the resources. But the ULP in opposition then, led by Ralph Gonsalves, supported the teachers in their demands; he openly said that thirty per cent (303%) was reasonable.

There was also pressure against the government by other professionals and there was also the energetic involvement of the Organization in Defence of Democracy, led by Renwick Rose who promised that their mission to defend the interests of the people, was going to be long-term, irrespective of who controlled the reins of government.

Under the pressure of the widespread exhibition of dissatisfaction with them, the NDP capitulated, they agreed for early elections, which they lost and so violence was averted and no one was killed.

The ULP then rode the wave of popular support and won the March 2001 elections.

During their campaign, they made several promises and they had quite likely included them in their manifesto. Prominent among them was that they were going to revitalize the agriculture sector; the Banana Industry was going to be strengthened; the feeder roads were going to be repaired extensively. Appearing on their political platform during the election campaign was a British citizen (supposedly), who sought to impress the listeners, that once the ULP was elected as government, SVG would not have had any problems with the marketing of our bananas on the UK market.

This banana issue is one which should engage our keen examination and discussion, as we try to determine the trustworthiness of this group of persons relative to the sincere addressing of the business of the people, whom they want to represent for another five-year term.

Incidentally the people should consider it imperative that they hear from Dr. Ralph Gonsalves the reasoning for his seeking another term, despite the fact that some years ago he had pronounced quite emphatically, that no individual should serve for more than two consecutive terms as leader of Government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. On what principle is his change of position based? We should know, so he should tell us now!

Now when Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP took the reins of government in 2001, we were still shipping bananas to the UK. We hosted here at the

Methodist Church Hall what was labelled an — International Banana Conference in 2004. There were representatives from several distinguished international bodies present. Decisions were taken at that Conference and they were to be implemented soon afterwards. They included road repairs and other vital support systems for farmers. The farmers thought that the election promises were beginning to be put in place. Nothing was done!

The record of Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP team relating to the Banana Industry and our agriculture sector generally does them no honour. Their record to date seems to give value to the perception that the prosperity of the farming community runs counter to his philosophy of “narcissismal egoism”. That is pitiable!

One had expected that a person, who had his groundings operating in a rural community where his parent was a shopkeeper who had intimately interfaced with the agriculture workers whose modest pennies were spent in that shop, would be more sensitive to the welfare of farmers today. That exhibition is almost suggestive of some underlying “blight” which is impeding the maturity of the man.

The documented facts show that under the leadership of Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP the farming community has been crippled. They refused to honour their undertaking to assume responsibility for the management of “Pest and Disease Control” in the industry. They refused to act early when they were made aware of the presence of the Black Sigatoka disease.

That ruined many farmers!

The uncultivated lands which are to be seen all across St. Vincent is testimony that those farmers and workers who had been displaced when the ULP “neutralized” the Banana Industry are still not working. Were those thirty thousand absorbed in other areas of economic activity? If not, the ULP has failed us.

We cannot depend on their promises this time!

The ULP has a heavy repair job on their hands, to be able to convince this agriculture based society which in 2001 seemed to be positioned to prosper, that Ralph Gonsalves, their five star general, is trustworthy.

They only have a few days to make amends!

LeRoy Providence

20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

V

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message from the Christian Council

41 years of Independence

ERHAPS THIS INDEPENDENCE has a tinge of uniqueness since this may be the closest an election has been to independence in recent memory (9 days).

The two things are so intimately connected that it demands a ponder. Part of the philosophy and reality of independence is self-governance and part of the phenomenon of selfgovernance is choosing who will govern. Systems vary but the principle remains, independent nations decide who governs – even when the citizens seem less aware that it is THEIR choice.

The matter of governance is complex, and choosing who will govern is equally complex. While the candidates thrive on making us think the choice is simple and obvious, a scrupulous analysis of this phenomenon will always reveal otherwise. Some may contend, reasonably so, that there is a place for loyalty referring to those who will vote as they have always voted and as their family would vote. Others may contend that the primary principle informing our choice should be leadership related issues such as integrity, charisma, influence,

P

vision, character along with other virtues. Still others will argue that it is about values and what we value. Yet, no group of politicians ever seem to score an A in all the things people value and all their most important values. This is where it gets more complex. While one set of persons may give values A-D priority, another may give values C-E priority. Whichever combination of values you use, you can often come up with a different option. Whatever the choices we make along with the motives behind those choices are all part of what independence means for a nation and has implications for our custodianship of this considered noble virtue of self-governance. We do believe that prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and making your decisions with the counsel of Paul in mind, will augur well for our choosing and our democracy. Paul writes “do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit,” but be deliberately invested in the wellbeing of the other — advocating for love, selflessness, humility, servanthood and submission to God as important part of our sowing if we are to anticipate a bountiful

and ‘exalted’ harvest (Philippians 2.1-11).

Choosing and evaluating governments therefore is fundamental to our independence but, the act of choosing (what some call democracy) like independence itself is really a tool towards taking us as a nation to where we wish to go. And where do we want to go and how do we hope to get there? To what extent these are questions we have seriously reflected on?

Different people seem to have different ideas and visions for our country.

For some “all we want is a country where we have money in our hand”. For others “what we want is a developed country” (whatever that development means).

Still others use language such as progress, advanced and liberality.

While some think of what they want for our country comparatively.

They want us to be like America or Canada or some other ‘developed’ country. Admittedly the comparative approach sometimes come with a strong sense of selfdeprecation (caution!!).

These may be issues we have to collectively explore (more deliberately so) long before elections come

around yet they are now urgent as we consider who should be given the mandate to lead us.

Many of us have heard it said, if you don’t know where you are going, you can end up anywhere, and if you don’t know how to get there, anything and anyone can take you anywhere. Do we want an SVG where family is foundational?

Do we want an SVG grounded in its Christian values? Or, some alternative values?

Invariably there will always be a set of values that inform who we are and not all will subscribe to those sets of values. It also seems that those values will often be a reflection of the collective ethos of the people or the political and economic power and influence of a few — which will and ought it to be for us. Or, do we just want a country that mirrors others with no real sense of our legitimate place in God’s world? What does it mean for US here in SVG (not even for our neighbour, Barbados or large influences like USA, England, Canada — for US) that “the Peoples of the [state] of Saint Vincent, who are known as Vincentians have affirmed that the Nation is founded on the belief

in the supremacy of God”?

How does this also inform our approach to the electoral process. The language of free and fair seem to be universal values espoused. Yet what determines the boundaries of fairness or free? Is it also somewhat paradoxical that many of the very citizens who call for free and fair are often the very ones seeking to compromise the rules, push the boundaries of respect, use tools such as dishonesty and manipulation? Is an election free and fair if winning comes with the compromise of good godly values? Is election truly free and fair if deceit, propaganda, deliberate misuse of facts, bribery, manipulation and creative intimidation are tools used to win? Is the goal just getting into or maintaining power at any cost because of the “good” intended once in office? If the means is corrupted, doesn’t it corrupt the end as well?

If our campaigning and efforts to win and election lack noble values or such values are corrupted by ignoble methodologies and therefore fail to provide us with or focus on (cliché) ‘issues’, visions and values on which to make our decisions do we not contaminate the very soul of our nation and leave a poisoned legacy for the generations to follow. Free and Fair cannot simply be convenient rhetoric employed based on presumed and anticipated benefit or only when we win.

This year we have seen how the pandemic of Covid-19 seemed to create an environment that insisted on only ‘one’ approach to managing the spread of the virus.

Borders closed, corporations and collaborations strained as priority is given to ‘our’ people’s safety.

Covid has certainly provoked serious questions about independence, selfgovernance and related sovereignty matters.

These have become even more sensitive issues for small island states in a world with

increased focus on multilateralism and intensified experience of globalisation.

Multilateralism while espousing values like unity and corporation, is it a tool that can be used oppressively to suffocate individuality and indigeneity, valuing the individual only as part of and not in and of itself.

Do we believe that this ST VINCENT and the GRENADINES, our little corner in this massive cosmos, can contribute uniquely and meaningfully to the world? Do we give ourselves the permission, as an independent state, to explore and discover pathways that may be at variance with others?

As we celebrate our independence and go to the polls to choose a government, several relevant and vexatious issues surface. Our hope is that these issues will not be tools for cheap political leverage but will be part of a conversation on who WE want to be as SVG or even more fundamentally — who does GOD want us to be, who did God create us to be? We cannot forget that it was also the issue of self-governance, particularly the misplaced desire for it, that was the birth of sin and the attendant destruction that our humanity experienced. If we do not manage this phenomenon of independence/ selfgovernance well, we will destroy our nation and corrupt our destiny.

Let us also take a moment to pray for all those invested in preserving the values of the electoral process some who go with little sleep to do their best to eliminate ALL human errors. Let’s pray for wisdom and courage and the grace needed to preserve this vital instrument of our independence.

Whatever the future brings OUR FAITH must see us through.

Blessed 41st Anniversary of independence SVG.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 25.

Regional

LIAT severance pay still unresolved

LIAT is not going anywhere anytime soon.

THE COURT-APPOINTED Administrator of LIAT – Cleveland Seaforth, maybe ready to issue official letters of terminations to LIAT employees, but there remains a number of unresolved issues as far as the employees are concerned.

One of those issues is the question of severance pay.

Reports coming out of Antigua and Barbuda late last week said that draft severance pay figures are expected to be ready by today, Friday 23rd October,

and made available to employees for their perusal.

Figures related to retroactive pay, vacation pay, and owed salaries, are also expected to be made available to employees.

An unconfirmed report said that the severance pay figure has increased over the reduced payment that employees had agreed to in July.

However, there is still no definitive word on how the severance pay, et all, will be paid.

“The administrator had mentioned in the past, the idea of approaching CARICOM for assistance to pay severance; however, he has not done it as yet,” Barbados TODAY reported.

What is known is that no government in the region — shareholder or otherwise - has indicated directly that they are willing to pay severance at this time.

There is still a hope that this can change when the final report is made by the Administrator, given

to unconfirmed reports that the Administrator will propose a new concept towards addressing the severance pay issue.

As far as is known, the Administrator is duty bound to present his report to the Law Courts no later than November 20, 2020.

In the meantime, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, who is optimistic that an Antigua and Barbuda driven scaled down version of LIAT can take to the skies in November, , said that he is prepared to employ at least 100 of 67o LIAT employees ,after terminating all contracts.

As far as some semblance of ‘LIAT’ taking to the shies in early November, the indicators are that this is far from possible, not being that there are still outstanding industrial matters (as referenced above) to be addressed, and that one of LIAT’s remaining ATR aircraft is in need of maintenance. (Sources: CNS, ABN, Barbados Today)

Scotiabank sells its Antigua interest WHEN THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA (trading as Scotiabank) announced in November 2019 that it was selling its interests in most of the OECS territories, Antigua and Barbuda responded with an immediate objection to the plan.

The Plan proceeded anyhow and in November the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) advised that effective 1 November, 2019, the Bank of Nova Scotia

operations in Anguilla, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines will cease; this as a result of the sale to the Republic Financial Holding Limited (RFHL)/Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, who will continue operations as per Scotiabank’s portfolios, service, etc.

During the period since the takeover by Republic Bank, efforts were

CARIFESTA XV postponed until 2022 THE CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS, CARIFESTA, the region’s premier cultural festival, which was scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in August next year, has been postponed to August 2022.

Daryll Matthew, Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts of Antigua and Barbuda, announced the decision on last week Wednesday, Oct. 8, at a virtual meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee.

The Committee comprises directors of culture from the 20 member states and associate members of CARICOM, as well as members of the Interim Festival Directorate for CARIFESTA. Matthew indicated at the meeting that preparations had already commenced in earnest with the establishment of the CARIFESTA Secretariat and a Host Country Management Committee.

“CARIFESTA provides a platform for our region to showcase to the world the unrivaled prowess of our people,” the Minister said. “As such, Antigua and Barbuda is eager to welcome our Caribbean brothers and sisters to our shores as we demonstrate to the world our capacity for innovation and creativity as we stage this very unique festival.”

In reply to the minister’s announcement, Dr. Douglas Slater, Assistant Secretary-General in charge of Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, expressed CARICOM’s appreciation for Antigua and Barbuda’s enthusiasm and commitment to hosting CARIFESTA XV, and support for the decision to postpone the festival. (Source: The Washington Informer)

ongoing to identify a local bank in Antigua and Barbuda that was prepared and solid enough to take over the Scotiabank operations there.

That eventuality was confirmed on Tuesday 13th October when Scotiabank announced that it had reached an agreement for the sale of its operations in Antigua and Barbuda to the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank Limited (ECAB).

The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and other

customary closing conditions towards which Scotiabank has committed to work with the relevant authorities to obtain.

Scotiabank’s current operations in Antigua and Barbuda encompass two branches and less than 75 employees. Scotiabank acknowledges the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s support for this transaction and looks forward to working with the relevant authorities to obtain the required regulatory approvals.

ECAB is a full-service commercial bank located

The Thomas St., St. John’s, Antigua branch of ECAB new owners of Scotiabank interest in Antigua and Barbuda. in Antigua and Barbuda that is committed to growing its business and providing high quality products and services to all stakeholders.

ECAB offers personal and commercial banking products and services

including deposits, loans, cards, foreign exchange and other services to individual and business clients in Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean. (Antigua News Room)

V

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message from the Pentecostals

A time for reflection

HE YEAR 2020 began as an exceptional year for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Many made New Year’s resolutions, and they were willing to peruse their commitment to God with a passion. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. As the infection grew and people died, most countries closed down to halt the spread of the virus. This affected

T

economies negatively. A BBC news article on June 29 stated that unemployment rose in many countries. It affected countries like Canada, France, Italy and the United States, to name a few.

On October 18, 2020, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had sixtyseven cases. Three of these cases are active, but there are no deaths.

Thank God. Our nation

was not on lockdown, but there were challenges as a result of the pandemic protocols.

Many Vincentians were jobless, and it was difficult to meet their financial obligations.

Remittances, from abroad, declined in some cases due to unemployment.

Our young people who worked in the cruise industry returned home

due to the pandemic.

Tourists were not sailing for fear of the virus. Our economy depends on the tourist ships that visit our shores. To some, it was “doom and gloom.”

When we thought we were Covid-19 free, we now have to contend with the Dengue fever. Six persons are dead up to the point of writing this article. As Vincentians, it is our responsibility to practise good hygiene.

We must take care of our surroundings. Doing so will help to prevent the spread of the disease.

These are two worrying challenges we are facing during the year. But during these forty-one years, we have faced various trials and came out victorious. We will also be victorious during this season. As we reflect on the nation, where we have come from and our accomplishments, we cannot forget God. God warned the Children of Israel not to forget Him, Deuteronomy 28:11. He brought them out of slavery; He guided them through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. He took care of their physical needs.

Now they were on the threshold of entering the land God promised, and Moses warned them not to forget God. The nation of Israel forgot God, and they paid the price for ignoring Him. According to Pew Research, December 6, 2019, there is an increase of people who do not believe there is a God. It is happening in the Caribbean. As a nation, let us never be ungrateful for the many benefits we received from the Lord. Let us as a

people always come back to say “Thank You, Lord”. I pray that our focus will be on Jehovah God and remember that He is in control and has the final say.

As we prepare to vote on November 5, I caution us to conduct ourselves in a manner that is cordial and respectful.

Let peace and tolerance reign for the the twelve days that lead up to the election. We must never forget that we are all Vincentians.

We congratulate St. Vincent and the Grenadines on attaining forty-one years of independence.

Submitted by: Bishop Stephen Ollivierre The Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines District

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 1a.

2a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 3a.

4a. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 33.

Message from the Spiritual Baptists

Let us not lose focus the frontline workers for their commitment and sacrifice. It is not over, but may God give us the fortitude to overcome and the will to seek this face.

To the Spiritual Baptist fraternity, be not daunted by the little we have achieved for 2020, even though our expectations were high, Jesus remained “the way, the truth and the

FOR BRETHREN YE have been called unto liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Galatians 5:13 All praise and thanks to God for the celebration of another anniversary of Independence.

Through many dangers toils and snares we have already come: Let us use the liberty given to us to appreciate the amazing grace of God to us and his mysterious ways.

The corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic that has affected millions globally claiming the lives of over one million people must not be taken slightly even with the millions that have recovered. The dengue fever that is presently affecting us claiming about six lives, affecting over five hundred people here reminds of II Chronicles 7-13-14 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts

“

to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Let us not lose our focus in these times while many countries have closed their borders and stopped mass gathering resulting in the closure of churches, our border and churches remained open while adhering to the protocols and guidelines as set out by the authorities As a church, we did not lose our focus, but by intercessory prayers our request was made known to God. I salute the Ministry of Health and by extension, the Government of St Vincent & the Grenadines for the way they have been handling the pandemic, thanks to

life” St. John14-6 When Job was blessed after his test, everything was doubled. I am confident that by faith, a double portion of blessings await us if we do not lose hope. The successful synod a few Sundays ago, sets us on a path to work even harder as there are so much to be done As we prepare for

general elections on November 5th, 2020, I call for peace in our churches, families and State, and a campaign free of violence. “Let all things be done decently and in order” I Corinthians 14:40.

May peace reign from shore to shore and God bless and keep us through.

To the government

and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Congratulations and happy anniversary.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” Psalm 33:2.

What e’er the future beings, our faith will see us through.

May God bless us all!

Melford

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 35.

Poem Corner

This one makes me smile The date for the 2020 General Elections made me smile, Boy, I haven’t smiled so in quite a long while; This special date is one of a kind, And no doubt many things come to my mind; The eleventh month, the eleventh chapter in Deuteronomy The fifth day, the fifth verse to call elections in my country.

What’s wrong with that? Nothing as far as I can see, But I’m thinking of Guy Fawkes’ Day activity; If we still hold to this tradition, There’ll be thunderous explosions going on; I couldn’t help but smile when the election date was mention, Look for bacchanal, watch fireworks, plenty commotion.

I smile because it’s the same week when folks light up graves of loved ones, Poosa’s ‘Jumbie Leggo’ would be breaking down the radio stations; November fifth could mean five inna row What if somebody has to go?

I smile because I just don’t know Five could mean five defeats inna row.

November is the eleventh month of the year, Some people would be grinning from ear to ear; Christmas could come early in November Especially if it’s eleven to the winner; Five to the loser? Oh what a big surprise, It’s things like these I often visualize.

I smile because Americans will go to the polls a couple days before us, And we all know American sneeze is very contagious; This one is a hard one to call Who will stand and who will fall; The bell has been rung who will celebrate in style?

These are some of the thoughts that make me smile.

Bamboo joint bursting all over the place, Double celebration for the winner of the election race; I could see people jumping and blowing their bamboo Fire and smoke would be coming through; I smile because Moses led the people out of slavery, Clement Fergus But it was Joshua who led them to the Langley Park Promised Land eventually.

Georgetown

A NationÊs Strength

By William Ralph Emerson

Editor’s Note: Something on which to reflect as we mark another milestone in our history… 41st Anniversary of Independence.

What makes a nation’s pillars high And its foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy The foes that round it throng?

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/

Ode to Independence

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand Go down in battle shock; Its shafts are laid on sinking sand, Not on abiding rock.

Fellow countrymen Love your country Rise up in arms and sturdy mind To guard her liberty

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust Of empires passed away; The blood has turned their stones to rust, Their glory to decay.

St. Vincent, Hairouna Gem of the Carib Sea Today we all by God’s fair grace Stand in defense of thee

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown Has seemed to nations sweet; But God has struck its luster down In ashes at his feet.

Flag of our blessed land Emblem of the free Blue, gold and green wave proudly high O’er the rule of tyranny

Not gold but only men can make A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor’s sake Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly...

They build a nation’s pillars deep And lift them to the sky.

Land of our fathers’ birth All brave one people we Whate’er our colour, creed or race We live to prosper thee Rodcliff Noel

V Remember „God is judge 40. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message from the Evangelicals

T. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, greetings from the Association of Evangelical Churches on this the forty-first (41st) anniversary of our independence. We thank Almighty God for His abundant grace and mercy which He has extended to us over the past 41 years. We look around the world and see unemployment looming, economies collapsing and people dying under the grasp of the worst pandemic of our lifetime. As cities open up and lock down again, hopelessness grips the hearts of millions. We in SVG need to pause and say THANK YOU LORD. Our country is small, our economy open, small and fragile, yet we have no deaths attributed to COVID 19; we are still able to eat three and four meals a day; most of our labour force is still at work; Kingstown is open for business.

THANK YOU LORD indeed.

This year, preparations for our independence celebration are being overshadowed by the pending general elections. We need to exercise our

S

constitutional right: VOTE. But as we prepare to go to the polls, let us not lean only on our own understanding; let us not trust the lies and negativism on social media; let us not get into the street brawls but instead, ask God for his divine guidance in this very vital decision that we must make. Remember “God is judge; He puts down one and sets up another (Ps. 75:7) God has kept us thus far, despite COVID 19, despite the global economic challenges, despite the changes in the global climate, God has kept us; He can more that take us through elections into what e’er the future brings”, so let’s ask for his help.

As we consider the decision we must make, let us remember that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

Even the dull and ignorant have a story. Let us practise tolerance. Let us become colour blind if it’s only for a month. The colour of your clothes does not define you.

You are more than the promises people make to you; you are more that the sum of your past mistakes; you are God’s masterpiece; you are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

Value yourself, value each other. Let us select our government through prayerful consideration and not violence.

We look at the madness happening in the United States, racism on one side homosexuality and immorality on the other. It’s no wonder the two leaders are fighting on public television. We are better than that, let’s show the world. There is an election in Belize this November also, and it is marred by the desire of some persons to legalize homosexuality. One of our next door neighbours has expressed the desire to legally embrace homosexuality. The case in SVG is heating up again and the court is already doing some unorthodox things.

So, while we think of elections, let us pray for godly leaders

who will stand for righteousness, that’s what will exult our nation.

Fellow Vincentians, we have a country that we can be proud of, but let us not take it for granted; we must guard against complacency, greed, selfishness, colour codes, bigotry and corruption in all of its forms. Let us pray, pray and pray again. I exhort (you) therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.

For kings (leaders) and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sigh of God our Saviour (1 Timothy 2: 1-3).

As we celebrate and vote, let us remember the less fortunate among us; let us remember those who have lost loved ones to dengue; let us remember those who have been and are being abused and who have no voice. The church

is doing its part despite the occasional spots on its garment. Service to our fellowmen continues with some changes in format, but our mandate (Go carry the gospel) and our message (God so love (you) the world) remain unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable. Cognizant of these realities, let us celebrate - Happy independence St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Reynold Murray President Association of Evangelical Churches of SVG.

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 43.

News

GHS wins French Spelling Bee THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL emerged winners of the inaugural Spelling Bee competition that was organized and hosted by the Modern Languages’ Department of the St. Vincent Grammar School, last Friday, October 16.

The other participating schools were the St. Vincent Grammar School and the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, who had to settle for second and third places respectively.

The competition was held to celebrate “Journée Internationale de la Francophonie” which is held every year worldwide, to celebrate and promote the French language and Francophone culture.

The main objective of the Spelling Bee was to showcase the students’ work and their prowess in French outside the walls of the classroom, with the hope of heightening awareness and appreciation of the French language.

An Expo, held simultaneously, also had similar aims.

Coordinator of the event Mr. Junior Drigo said that his vision is “that the competition will grow from strength to strength, that more secondary schools would participate and that a national French Festival would be born out of it.”

He also expressed his hope that the Ministry of Education would facilitate the teaching of French in more schools here.

Currently, French is taught in only six government-run secondary schools and one primary school.

The occasion of the The Girls’ High School winning duo (L-R) Xania Archibald and Ciara George.

The group of PSU Young Workers who are spearheading the project.

Young Workers launch survey

LAST Monday, October 19, 2020, saw the first step in a recently launched initiative by the SVG Public Service Union Young Workers.

It marked the distribution of questionnaires pursuant to a research project undertaken by the group, to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young workers in the Public Service.

According to the Group, the information garnered will be used to inform the Union about the possible measures/activities which can be implemented to address the issues highlighted.

The research assignment is support by the International Trade Union Federation, and Public Services International (PSI).

Spelling Bee and Expo was used to recognise Miss Abigail Providence and Mr. Kamara Foster.

Miss Providence, a stalwart French teacher, is Head of the Modern Languages’ Department at the St. Vincent Grammar School where she has taught for 35 years.

Mr. Foster spent 11 years at the same institution before taking up duties as the Curriculum Officer for Modern Languages.

Among the sponsors who made the event possible were: FLOW, Alliance Française, Subway, Bonadie’s Supermarket, C.K. Greaves, Massy Stores, Allan Smith and Family Bakery, Randy’s Supermarket, Mr. Kamara Foster, and Miss Hilda George.

STV online was also singled out for their

Other competitors (L-R): Keresia Ellis, Rozanne Cornwall of the St. Joseph Convent Kingstown and Loïc Paul and Chazze Ledger of the St. Vincent Grammar School. contribution of LIVE broadcast of the event.

(Story and photos were submitted via email by the St. Vincent Grammar School)

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 45.

Opinion

Son of the soil AS A SON of the soil, I have chosen to narrate part of my journey from the glittering city of New York, the city that never sleeps, to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For thirty odd years I lived in the crammed cosmopolitan jungle of New York, USA. About a year ago I listen to my intuition that told me to pack my vanities that I had acquired in the United Snakes, and come back to this country for which my restless soul was yearning for many years.

When I arrived in Chatoyer Land, I made my way to see Miss X, whom they referred to as ‘Mama Culture’ and who held a portfolio in the ‘Ministry of Vultures’ (culture), to find out how I could become a member of The Writers Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

I introduced myself as a Poet, Publisher and Author, who had written and published 1twelve (12) books over the years. To prove myself, I showed her two of my books entitled, ‘Stop Messing with ma Negro’ — a collection of poetry; and ‘Emancipation Proclamation’ - a collection of essays published in 2019.

She took to flipping through the book entitled ‘Stop Messing with ma

Negro’, and stopped to read a poem ‘National Heroes’, contained therein.

She paused and said to me, “Are you a patriot?

How dare you called my island Banana Republic! I will not make the likes of you or anyone drag my country down!”

I sat there quietly as she ranted her high and mighty voice furiously at me, then, at an appropriate moment, I politely said to her: “Madam, with all due respect, I am entitled to my opinion. Being a patriot does not necessarily mean someone who waves a flag and sings the national anthem passionately. A patriot is one who exposes the flight and roots of his country.”

After I made myself clear, she toned down and took a look at my other book ‘Emancipation Proclamation’. She appeared to have read a paragraph and then, once again, raised her critical voice, this time in a midrange volume tone, and continued to let off her fumes, telling me that black people was enslaving their own people in Africa and it was time for us to stop blaming Europeans.

I took it all in and could not help but think that Chatoyer Land is still infested by typical

‘Negroes’ who always defend the wicked oppressor and the imperialist vampires of America and Europe; at the same time giving us the impression that they are grounded culturally.

These people, and there are many, are the emissaries of the white Supremacists who want to keep the status quo intact; Supremacists who use

some of our black intellectuals (in high places) to keep the masses dumb and down.

This is the reason why our youths are not grounded culturally, historically, ethically and spiritually, and have become loose cannons.

It’s simple: Our leaders have sold out the cause of the black liberation struggle, and would rather

serve the interests of the white Massa in America and Europe.

In this dispensation we need a paradigm shift and a breath of fresh air to ‘save’ our youths who have been deceived by America’s cultural imperialism. We must adhere to the message that Malcolm X, Garvey and others have left us, i.e. to see ourselves as a

noble race. Once we do so, we will get the respect and admiration and realise out dignity that every human deserves.

In so doing, we would create a world in which we would not hear our young men refer to themselves as dogs; we would, instead, hear them refer to themselves as gods!!! Then we would know that those blacks who call themselves ‘niggger’, have made a drastic transformation to higher heights.

Power to the people!

Carden A. Michael

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 47.

Opinion

Landslide victory expected THE STAGE IS NOW SET for general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The ULP will be weighed in the balances. Would they be found wanting and would their shortcomings allow enough room for the NDP to secure victory at polls?

The NDP has shown that it is still a formidable force to reckon with. Many questions are being asked of this ULP administration. Has the party done enough to deserve a fifth term in office? Has there been any significant growth in the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the last five years? Are the two main industries tourism and agriculture - doing well under this administration? What about the health care system in the country? Are Vincentians satisfied with the efforts of this government in relation to the management and delivery of health care?

One must commend the government for its handling of the COVID-19 crisis, which had threatened to seriously affect our society and fragile economy. I will give the ULP-led

administration a passing grade for the measures it put in place to combat this pandemic, though the position that was held by the NDP where it called for some severe measures to avoid or limit the spread of this disease should not be scoffed at. Things could have ended badly if there was community spread due to our open borders. While the efforts of the government in handling the COVID-19 crisis has been good the same cannot be said of its efforts to curb the dengue fever outbreak, which has already claimed six lives.

There are other troubling issues which need to be addressed by the party which forms the next government in SVG. It is felt by many persons that there is too much political interference in the appointments to specific posts within the civil service. There should be a level playing field for all and appointments should be made on merit and not solely on party affiliation. The next government MUST correct this. In the same breath, the issues of ‘transparency in government’ and ‘integrity legislation’ must be addressed when a new government is formed.

Some pundits believe that the results of the general elections will be another 8-7 or possibly a 9-6 victory for either party. I do not share that view. I am predicting a landslide victory of 11-4 for the party which forms the next government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; with nail-biting finishes in what I consider to be the five or six ‘battleground seats’.

A wind of change is blowing, but it is left to be seen if that will lead to a significant swing in favour of the NDP. The NDP could either triumph convincingly or be totally rejected by the electorate, with the ULP storming home with an impressive victory. We all wait…. with bated breath.

David E. Jackson

V

48. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Laugh

Last meal

THREE PRISONERS – A Trini, a Jamakey and a Vincy are waiting to be executed and they are asked what they wish to have for their last meal.

The Trini responds, “A chicken Roti.”

The warden serves him his Roti, and then escorts him to his execution.

The Jamakey requests Jerk Pork.

The warden serves him his Jerk Pork, and then escorts him to his execution.

The Vincy requests a bag of Paul Over Mango. The warden asks: “Paul Over mango?”

“Yes, man,” says the Vincy.

The warden replies, “But them out ah

911 call Male: ‘ello, ‘ello, dis ah 911? season!”

“So?” replied the Vincy, “I go wait.”

Drop it in the sea BACK IN the days when the MV Federal Maple and MV Federal Palm used to cruise up and down the Caribbean island chain, a Guyanese, a Trinidadian and a Vincentian decided to take a trip up the islands.

While on board ‘firing back one’, the devil appeared and said to them: “Drop something into the sea. If I find it, I will eat you. If I can’t find it, I will be your slave forever.”

They looked at each other as though to say, ‘That sounds good, eh?’

So the Guyanese dropped a piece of purpleheart wood in the sea but the devil found it. The devil ate the Guyanese whole.

The Trinidadian pulled a piece of pitch from his pocket, dropped it into the sea and in a flash, the devil found it. He ate the Trinidadian slowly but surely.

Now it was the Vincy’s turn. He took out a bottle of Mountain Top water, opened

Police: Yes. What’s your problem?

Male: Two (w)oman ah fight ova me.

Police: So, what’s wrong with that?

Male: Hurry up and forward, man. De ugly one ah win….

it and poured the water into the sea.

Turning to the devil he said: “Yeh, man. Go find it.

You mus be tink Vincy people stupid?

Taxi fare A NAKED woman rush into a taxi, so naturally, the taxi man turned and stared intently at her.

“Why yuh ah stare ‘pon me so? Ah fuss time yuh see a naked (w)oman?”

The taxi man replied: “No, Mam. But me just a wanda where you ha the money foe pay me.”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 49.

Diaspora

COSAGO to mark independence anniversary virtually Thompson.

“The executive of the organization has been meeting regularly via zoom, keeping abreast of the activities of members’ organization, which have been doing a phenomenal job since the onset of the pandemic, she added.

For example, McDowald-Thompson said a number of member organisations donated food and beverages to front line works in New York City, Brooklyn in particular, in the earlier stages of the pandemic, Laverne McDowaldThompson, president of “when the healthcare the Brooklyn, New York- industry was stretched to its limits.” based Council of St. Unable to meet in Vincent and the person with COSAGO Grenadines members and supporters, Organizations, U.S.A., she said the umbrella Inc. (COSAGO), group, therefore, “found it fitting to organize the Story and photos by upcoming events in an NELSON A. KING effort to keep our naking@verizon.net community engaged US CORRESPONDENT during these challenging times.”

IN VIEW of the coronavirus The Independence (COVID-19) pandemic, Anniversary Service of Vincentians in New York Thanksgiving will be will this week begin held virtually from 3:00 celebrating virtually their p.m. with The Very Rev. 41st anniversary of Otis Samuel Nichols, political independence Dean and Rector of the with a series of events.

St. George’s Anglican The events will be Cathedral, Kingstown, spearheaded by the delivering the sermon.

Brooklyn-based Council McDowald-Thompson of St. Vincent and the Grenadines said The Cathedral Choir Organizations, U.S.A., will join in the Inc. (COSAGO), the celebration from the umbrella Vincentian homeland, performing group in the United live.

States.

Special renditions will COSAGO president, also be offered by the Laverne McDowaldyouthful, renowned, Thompson, said the Canada-based major celebratory events Vincentian trio, the comprise a virtual Melisizwe Brothers.

Service of Thanksgiving The Service of on Sunday, the first of Thanksgiving will be two financial forums on streamed live on Friday, and the second Facebook at on Nov. 6.

“This year, due to the https://www.facebook.co situation as it relates to m/groups/COSAGO/ and https://www.facebook.co the coronavirus m/Vincy-Foreign-Basedpandemic, we have not 198499160187176. been able to host any of It will also be viewed our major annual events, including our 1000 on YouTube via Garnes Islands Get Away to Byron Channel, Canada in July, our https://www.youtube.com Independence Church /watch?v=XmeNabJLtxI. Service and our Independence Luncheon Financial Forums Gala,” said McDowald-

COSAGO vice president Arden C. Tannis explained, “With money being the life blood of our people and essential to our existence, we at COSAGO found it necessary and fitting to keep our people informed, and help guide them financially, as we all try to make the best with what we earn,” he said in reference added to the two virtual forums on finance.

The first, this Friday, at 8:00 p.m., is themed, “How to Achieve Financial Wellness 2021 and Beyond”. It will be presented by Stacia “Stacy” Morris, a Connecticut-based Vincentian certified financial advisor and author of the book, Teen Money 101.

This event will be streamed live on Facebook via Arden Cameron Tannis at https://www.facebook.co

m/ardencameron.tannis and on YouTube via Advocate For Financial Wellness at: ps://youtube.com/chan nel/UCpDJNhQTP_1TJq ySnUK6qXA. The second presentation, on Friday, Nov. 6, titled “Managing Your Finances in Uncertain Times”, will be

presented by Anthea Perkinson, a certified financial planner.

It will be streamed on: Facebook@ Advocate For Financial Wellness and YouTube@Advocate For Financial Wellness.

“All Vincentians at home and in the

Arden Tannis, COSAGO vice president.

Diaspora are invited to join us in these events, as we celebrate our 41st independence anniversary,” Tannis said.

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 51.

News

Homicide count now at 24

The accused was week before the Serious answer to the charge. pronounced him dead expected to appear this Offences Court, to and the Coroner gave permission to remove the body.

A postmortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

In other police-related news, Police said this week that they had THE HEALTH Services These capacities are particularly vital arrested and charged Subcommittee of the National in view of the rapidly rising numbers Uroy Lewis, a 29-yearSo far the only details old farmer of Diamonds, Emergency Committee/Coronavirus of infections in the USA, UK, Canada Taskforce has noted a disturbing and and our regional neighbours. that the police have with assault. increasing trend of travelers to St. The Health Services Subcommittee released speak to According to Vincent and the Grenadines, advises that no exemptions will be members of the Major investigations, Lewis is requesting exemptions from granted in terms of the requirement Crime Unit (MCU) being allegedly to have presenting the required negative PCR to arrive with a negative PCR result, alerted about a shooting assaulted a 25-year-old result and/or quarantining in a no older than five (5) days, where incident in Paul’s Avenue self-employed woman Tourism authority/MOHWE approved required. Additionally, no exemptions and when they also of Diamond, by hotel for five (5) days, as indicated. It will be granted to the five (5) day responded, they pointing a gun at her has also been noted that some local mandatory quarantine in a discovered Gloster’s body with the intent to individuals are colluding with these TA/MOHWE approved hotel. with what appeared to be commit bodily harm. travelers to aid their intentions of not Travelers from high risk countries gunshot wounds.

The incident occurred complying with the existing protocols. will not be allowed to quarantine in The District Medical about 4:00pm on October The public is reminded that the their homes. The typical quarantine Officer (DMO) 15, 2020. strict compliance with the protocols period of 14 days will be enforced. for travelers to St. Vincent and the Any breaches of the Quarantine Grenadines has served this country Orders as issued will be referred for well so far. There is no evidence of prosecution. Any unauthorized local or community spread of COVID- deviation from these protocols puts 19. Early detection and isolation of all Vincentians at risk. (Source: HSSC/NEMO) positive cases have prevented infection of other persons locally.

No exemptions from COVID-19 protocols

AS PER A POLICE release of Monday October 19, Elson Gloster, 35-year-old labourer of Barrouallie, is this country’s 24th homicide victim for 2020.

Police said on Monday that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Gloster, which occurred at about 9:15am on Saturday 17th October.

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 53.

Leisure/Advice

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about romance. Change will be required to make your life more harmonious.

You’ll have great insight. Minor health problems will flare up if you don’t take care of yourself.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely. Visit friends who have not been well. Try to get others to stand behind your good judgment.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Make residential changes that will lift your spirits. Romance may be likely if you travel. You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Limitation could set in if you’ve been spending too much. Be discreet with private information. Pleasure trips will promote romance. You may be tired of working for someone else.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. You should be promoting your ideas. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable and should lead to new and lasting friendships.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) It’s a great day to attend social functions. Empty promises will cause upset. Emotionally you won’t see things accurately. Time spent with family, children, or good friends will be regenerating and positive.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You need to reevaluate your situation.

Romantic opportunities will develop through friends or relatives. Your partner may be somewhat irritable this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. Your emotional partner will push the right buttons this week. Do things that involve children. Be diplomatic but stem.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your mate needs extra attention and is feeling rather insecure when you’re not in sight. Your support and concern will help. Overindulgence may be a problem.

Take that long overdue vacation if you can.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) If your lover tries to curtail your freedom, it may lead to conflict. Don’t be too eager to spend money that you really don’t have. New romantic partners will evolve through group endeavors; however, the association may not be likely to last.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn’t been playing by the rules.

You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures.

Try not to donate to organizations if you can hardly afford to take care of yourself PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Strong willpower will come to your rescue. Do not let in-laws upset you.

Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. Don’t blow situations out of proportion.

To tell or not to tell?

Dear George, RECENTLY, I witnessed a friend getting down with a friend of her husband, who is also a good friend of mine. In fact, when I stumbled upon them, instead of being concerned that I would expose them, they begged me to join them.

I would feel like a traitor if I do not say anything but I have not told my friend’s husband about her cheating ways. This is a woman whose husband she said, is a saint and would swear for her.

It is now a case where I am unable to sleep properly. Something is telling me that what I saw is none of my business, but another voice is telling me that I cannot keep such a dreadful act secret.

I have given her the choice of confessing to her husband or watch him get the information from me. She arrogantly told me that I can tell her husband, it won’t make any difference. I know she is lying; it would make the world of difference. What should I do?

Caught between Dear Caught between, You have to be true to yourself first and foremost which is why you can try giving your friend a time frame in which she should come clean with her husband.

On the other hand, remaining silent on this would be to condone the actions of your friend.

Should her husband find out that you knew about this and kept it secret, it would not give you a favorable rating.

Do whatever it takes to make you come away with a clear conscience at the end of the day.

George

ACROSS 1. Amazed utterance 4. Comfy couch 8. Ocean dweller 12. Vigoda of “The Godfather” 13. Straddling (a horse) 14. Poker stake 15. Chop (off) 16. Swamp grass 17. News article 18. Alphabet entry 20. Supports 21. Citrus fruits 24. Imperfection 27. Galley blade 28. Atlas graphic 31. __ Vegas 32. Tone following fa 33. Become older 34. “How vile!”

35. Transit vehicle 5. Showy stage 36. Over presentation 37. “Erin Brockovich” star 6. Opponent 40. Pulsate 7. & 43. Parent-lacking child 8. County carnivals 47. Weeding tools 9. Enthusiastic about 48. High point 10. Recipe instruction 50. “I found it!”

11. Skirt borders 51. Otherwise 19. Drag behind 52. Money advance 20. Miles __ hour 53. Registered a victory 22. Lariat knot 54. Flushing team 23. Young miss 55. Frog home 24. Common virus 56. Drain-cleaning chemical 25. Jet __, travel woe 26. Grill residue DOWN 28. Gymnasium pad 1. Mural site 29. Of yesteryear 2. Thin woodwind 30. Zip 3. Shed tears 32. Undersea boat 4. More certain

35. Move jerkily 36. Egyptian serpent 37. Thornystemmed blooms 38. Regarding Italy’s capital

39. Current style 40. Those folks 41. Putting target 42. Take a nap 44. Wolf noise 45. Nautical hail 46. Zilch 48. European peak 49. Low murmur

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 55.

Holding on to an ex willing to cut all ties with your ex even though you are fully TWO WEEKS before my wedding, my aware of your fiancé’s position on the issue, tells me that you fiancé decided to call off the are not ready to start a new wedding. life with your fiancé.

He showed me a string of Marriage is about leaving messages/conversations between and cleaving, and from the looks me and my ex-boyfriend, which he of things you have not yet left had hacked from my phone. He your ex. told me he had the messages for Until you can show beyond the months but wanted to see how far shadow of all doubts that you are I was willing to go. Then he told me to go marry my ex.

I admitted to the messages.

But fiancé should know my love for him is strong and I do not love my ex, but must admit I love Dear George, having sexual conversations with him.

I HAVE BEEN married for two The conversations are totally years and I have been pretending harmless and that is what I that my husband is satisfying me cannot get my fiancé to sexually. understand. Instead, he wants I have been dreaming of a me to cut all ties with my ex. My better experience … for someone ex and I have a history and it will who is bigger and more exciting. not be fair to him to just cut him The truth is I did not know my off as though he never existed. husband was that small until How can I persuade my fiancé after our wedding. Before we were not to call off our relationship and married, he avoided any the wedding. conversation about sex. When I did put the question to him on Broken hearted one occasion, he replied, “You will see when the time comes.”

Dear Broken hearted, George, I am this close to stepping out on my husband. The That connection you continue to last thing I told him was it’s have with your ex is troubling and either a dildo or a divorce. He I can see why your fiancé had a has not discussed the matter for change of heart about the some weeks now. wedding.

The fact that you are still not Wanting more

Dear George,

single and unattached, any relationship you attempt to pursue will be problematic.

George

Room for compromise?

Dear Wanting more, I strongly suggest that both of you go see a marriage counselor/sex therapist. Maybe there could be room for a compromise and this can be discussed with a therapist.

While sex is not the only thing that keeps a relationship going, it is an extremely important component. Your therapist will be able to show you innovative ways to improve both your sex lives.

It is important you keep an open mind throughout the sessions. You may be surprised at the agreements you can come to after frank and honest conversations.

George

V

56. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Saints rules T20 cricket in SVG A 36-BALL INNINGS of 68, inclusive of 4 fours and 6 sixes, by Romel Currency literally handed Guardian General Saints the title of Champions of the 2020 NLA/Neil Williams T20 Cricket Competition.

In a match reduced to 18 overs a side and played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Saturday, Currency must have felt it was his time to do it for his team, as he watched his brother, Sunil Ambris, Saints’ captain and mainstay at the top of the innings, leave the crease on 5 when the score was 18.

Currency put caution to the wind after a cautious start in a victory chase, and took toll on the best the FLOW Radcliffe Asif Hooper, Captain of Flow Radcliffe, thought his team’s batting let them down.

bowlers could Romel Currency offer; putting hit a matchto spend in winning 68 not particular, out. the bowling of Othneil Lewis from whom he took 23 from one over.

Aided by 24 from Alex Samuel, Currency remained not out when his team raised their hands in celebration, having reached 143 for7 in 17 overs.

Delorn Johnson picked up 2 for 28 bowling for FLOW Radcliffe.

All of this came in response to losing finalist FLOW Radcliffe’s total of 139 for 5 in 18 overs.

Radcliffe, in fact, was asked to take first turn at the crease and got off to a good start, losing their first wicket on 85 when Deron Greaves departed for 42. He had shared in that opening partnership with Romano Pierre who got 29.

The top wicket-taker in the competition, Geron Wyllie, who captured a total of 18 scalps, was among those who ensured that Radcliffe lost wickets regularly. He

Guardian General Saints - new T20 Champions in St. Vincentian and the Grenadines. took 3 for 19 from 4 overs.

Captain of FLOW Radcliffe, Asif Hooper, commenting after the match, is reported to have said. “We should have posted a bigger total after being 85 without loss in the 10th over.”

He, however, complimented Saints for their excellent showing throughout the tournament and in the final.

Sunil Ambris, the captain of the winning team, commended his young players. “The determination and grit with which they played their cricket, they are a special group of emerging players.”

Match winner Romel Currency is reported to have said, “At the loss of Sunil’s wicket, I realized the bulk of

the responsibility would have fallen on my shoulders.

I decided to take some time to get accustomed to the surface, then accelerated in the latter part of mu innings.”

Saints’ victory, as articulated by Currency, was dedicated to the late Kentish Jacobs, a former Saints player and cricket coach who was laid to rest on Sunday.

Sunil Ambris fell early but watched his brother take his team to victory.

VPL 2.0 officially launched More Flavour, More Vibes!

THIS IS THE SLOGAN that will drive the second edition of the Vincy Premier League (VPL), which was officially launched at a press conference last Monday, October 19, at the office of the national Sports Council, Arnos Vale.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of the SVG Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA) is happy that his Association can host yet another tournament, especially in the same year.

“Hosting two VPL’s of this

magnitude in one calendar year in spite of Covid-19, is really a bonus. Thanks to all stakeholders who have been involved. I think it’s because of the success of the last tournament why we are in a position where we can have a 2nd Edition in 2020,” Shallow told the press conference.

He also alluded to the success of the first VPL in May as giving rise to similar efforts in St. Lucia and Tobago.

The President is also delighted that his Association has maintained its partnership with last year’s primary sponsor — Dream 11, an Indian fantasy sports platform.

Last year’s viewing audience through Dreamm 11 accounted for close to 50 million and Shallow is optimistic that this will be surpassed this time around.

Miles Bascombe, Vice President of the SVG Cricket

Miles Bascombe (left) and Dr. Kishore Shallow at the launching of the second edition of the VPL. Association, is anticipating a higher standard of play in VPL 2.0.

“We are looking to raise the level of cricket … to raise the profile of the entire tournament,” Bascombe said.

Toward this end, he pointed to a few ‘innovations’ that have been added to the second edition: each team is mandated to retain four players from the first edition; placement of one player from other Windward Islands in each team; rather than three matches daily, there will now be two, with a total of 30 matches over the 15 days.

The players’ draft took

place last Monday following the official launch.

The teams in the tournament are Salt Pond Breakers, La Soufriere Hikers, Botanic Gardens Rangers, Dark View Explorers, Grenadines Divers and Fort Charlotte Strikers.

Salt Pond Breakers are the defending champions.

The tournament, which offers a first prize of $10,000.00, runs from November 7th to 22nd with all matches played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

V

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 57.

Sports

Football clubs to get technical assistance THE MARKETING COMMITTEE of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) will embark on a programme to train media-related personnel/Public Relations Officers of Premier and First Division clubs, under its ambit.

According to the SVFFF: “The aim of the training is to improve the clubs’ outlook to attract sponsors.”

Training will include: guidelines for preparing sponsorship proposals; understanding the importance of having a vibrant social media presence and offering social media tips; Photo shoots of selected players are also expected to be done to be used in promotional material of the clubs.

Chairman of the SVGFF’s Marketing Committee - Yosiah

Huggins welcomes semi-pro league CORNELIUS HUGGINS, a former captain of this country’s senior football team (Vincy Heat), a stalwart central defender for both club and country who campaigned professionally in the Malaysia Super (Football) League, and the current coach of the SVG National Senior Female Football Team, fully endorses establishing a semi-pro football league here.

Huggins was talking off on a recent disclosure

by President of the SVG Football Association Carl Dickson, to wit, that his executive was seriously looking into getting a semi-pro league started here soon.

“Honestly it is something I welcome and would like to see because I know some of the males who are playing in different Caribbean islands say that the atmosphere is not the best for learning, and is often not comfortable.”

He added, “A semi-pro league will keep our players home where they will be more comfortable and happy. I believe it will also open the door for scouts to come n … you never know who is watching.”

Drawing on his experience in Malaysia, Huggins suggested that that the league should make provision for at least one top nonnational player to a

team. This, he said, would benefit the local players.

He also suggested that some consideration should be given to ensuring that there are Under 19 players on each team.

Huggins also recognized that a semipro league will necessitate a “more structured coaching environment, since much more will be demanded from coaches and players in a situation in which both are Cornelius Huggins, former paid.” national player/captain is in full support of getting a semi-pro I.B.A.ALLEN football league going here.

Dascent noted that the training is part of the overall aim to give guidance and support to its affiliate clubs.

“It is a step in the right direction as we empower the clubs, give them guidance as we use all avenues to promote the sport and assist the clubs in becoming better organized,” Dascent outlined, adding that the Marketing Committee is comprised of “competent persons who can provide such support and insights.”

Dascent noted that, “Most of the clubs have in place their Facebook pages, Instagram and Twitter accounts. What we will be doing is just to give them tips on how manage (and enhance) these platforms.”

Clubs were encouraged to have at least one of the social media platforms, as part of the Club Licensing process.

The 2020/ 2021 SVGFF National Club Champions were set to open 6th November; however, this start date will be deferred because of the holding of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ General Elections, carded for one day prior.

The ten clubs set to compete for

Yosiah Dascent, Chairman of the SVGFF’s Marketing Committee. honours in the Premier Division are Hope International, North Leeward Predators, System Three, Je Belle, BESCO — Pastures, Sion Hill, Avenues United, Awesome, Layou and Largo Height.

First Division competition will involve: Richmond Hill, Parkside Rollers, Pride and Joy, Volcanoes, Greiggs, SV United, Bequia United and Camdonia- Chelsea, all which have tasted Premiership status, along with Glenside Ball Blazers, QCESO Titans, Owia United and Sparta.

V

58. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Vincy Vibes again THE VINCY PREMIER LEAGUE, gets into second gear November 7 and 15 days after, the champion will be known. Unlike the inaugural tournament, squeezed into an opening in the midst of the Covid consternation, this will be a T/20 show down.

The venue will again be the Arnos vale Playing field, and the tournament is expected to raise the profile. Six regional players have been enlisted.

They are St. Lucian born West Indies opener Johnson Charles, Dominicans: Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, and Tyrone Theophile, and Grenadians Ryan John and Emmanuel Stewart.

John links up with inaugural title holders Salt Pond Breakers, led by Sunil Ambris. Delorn Johnson, Javid Harry, Urnel Thomas, Davium Barnum, Jeremy Layne, Kensley Joseph, Leshawn Lewis, Ricavo Williams, Romano Pierre, Seon Sween, and Tijourn Pope, complete that squad. Coach Orlanzo Jackson retains his position with manager Ricky Grant.

Hodge fits into La Soufriere Hikers along side Desron Maloney, Dillon Douglas, Salvan Browne, Andre Hunte, Tilron Harry, Anson Latchman, Beniton Stapleton, Othniel Lewis, Jeremy Haywood, Kemron Strough, Nickie Antoine, and Rayon Williams. Coach is Irvin Warrican and Cameron Harry manager.

Athanaze takes up duties with Dark Explorers, including Lindon James, Deron Greaves, Miles Bascombe, Jaheil Walters, Shamon Hooper, Ojay Matthews, Denson Hoyte, Dromo Toney, Jade Matthews, Dean Browne, Sealron Williams, and Wesrick Strough. Coach is Samantha Lynch with Elron Lewis, manager.

Theophile puts the Grenadines Divers gear, with West Indies T/20 bowler Obed McCoy, Asif Hooper, the Brownes: Razine, Shem, and Braxie, Geron Wyllie, Kadir Nedd, Kevin Abraham, Wayne Harper, Jordan Samuel, Leon Quashie, and Romario Grant. Coach is Ian Allen and manager Kshaka Cupid.

Stewart is drafted into the Botanic Gardens Rangers outfit with Donwell Hector, Keron Cottey, Hyron Shallow, Atticus Browne, Kenneth Dember, Donald Delpesche, Winston Samuel, Zimron Providence, Ronique Laborde, Romano Bibby, Kimalie Williams, and Solomon Bascombe.

Nixon McLean coaches this squad managed by Elvis Browne.

The sixth unit is Fort Charlotte Strikers with some power provided by Johnson Charles. He teams up with Gidron Pope, Alex Samuel, Andrew Thomas, Rickford Walker, Nigel Small, Kirton Lavia, Sylvan Spencer, Kimson Dalzell, Chelson Stowe, Ray Jordan, Sealroy Williams, and Rasheed Fredricks.

Coach is Bertram Stapleton and the manager is Parnel Browne.

Matches will be at the Arnos vale Playing and provides the opportunity for players to establish themselves or make a name.

The tournament comes on the heels of the Neil Williams academy T/20 competition which concluded last Saturday.

Judging from the results of that encounter, some might wonder if the scouts overlooked Rommel Currency, or is it that he is not interested.

Currency 68 not out produced an innings of value which swept his team Guardian General Saints to the championship. Flow Radcliffe might have felt confident once tournament’s highest run getter Sunil Ambris 05, was dismissed at 18.

Currency entered with the score on 41 for 2 and watched Alex Samuel hit 24 from 16 balls before he fell at 62. Currency increased the exchange rate, and guided his team to victory with one over to spare.

He struck six sixes, and four fours in 36 balls.

Twenty-two of those off the last four deliveries of the sixteenth over. Sixty eight out of 142 for 7 highlights the dominance of Currency’s performance.

The 400m synthetic track is said to be as good as anything in the Caribbean.

Diamond Track: First stage complete

BY THE TIME this issue of THE VINCENTIAN hits the streets, the first phase of (works at) the Diamond Athletics Track and Football Facility would have been handed over to the authorities.

Last Wednesday, the contractors officially handed over what has been complete, to the Ministry of Finance under whose auspices the project was undertaken.

The Among the facilities handed over were: a full bleachers that will 400m synthetic track; seat over areas to accommodate field events such as the 1,000 persons. jumps (long, high and triple jumps and pole vault0 and the throws (discuss, javelin and shot putt); a football field (70% complete); bleachers to seat 1,500 persons with one designed to accommodate physically challenged persons (70% complete); and a perimeter fence.

Bathroom facilities and a grass mound are yet to be complete.

Appropriate/specialized equipment will have to be purchased to The area (right) designated for the long and triple jumps. accommodate the steeple chase, the relays and the pole vault. equipped with the requisite skills to attend to any According to Sports Officer Dyke Cato who had repairs the track might need over time. some purview over the project, the track is expected Given what has obtained elsewhere, where to obtain level one certification. similar tracks have been laid, and according to the To obtain level two status, the facility would have manufacturer, the track in St. Vincent has a to have a separate warm-up 400m track, and the lifetime of 20 to 30 years. country would have to be in a position to offer more This depends, however, on the degree to which hotel seats than it currently does. users of the track follow the guidelines for its use.

One thing is certain, though, “…. The surveyor/ The first phase of the facility was estimated assessor who was here recently and who will be to cost some $4 million dollars. doing the certification of the track, was very Cato is anticipating a not too distant opening of impressed the facility. with the track and I.B.A. ALLEN mentioned that he didn’t see any reason why the track should not be certified,” Cato said.

Cato also assured that the local experts who worked along with the German Contractors Dyke Cato, Sports Officer, hinted who laid the that the opening of the facility is track, are now The designated area for the pole vault. imminent.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020. 59.

Classifieds

NMCM Chair condemns stoning incident a code of conduct that would ensure a peaceful campaign and free and We agreed to as much fair elections. when we signed the Code As of October 21, Rev. of Conduct.�

Davis confirmed to THE The Code was signed VINCENTIAN that there on October 16, days was no report made to before the incident, the NMCM. He committing the parties to confirmed, though, that Continued from Back Page.

he had seen a video and heard of the incident on social media.

Rev. Davis said that he had contacted Commissioner of Police, Colin John on the matter and they were exploring ways to respond.

Notwithstanding the above, Rev. Davis said that any right-thinking individual would immediately disapprove of what occurred.

He further said that

he did not know what caused the incident, but it was one about which to be concerned. “And it isn’t good for any of us and it’s important, I think, for us to get the facts of the matter. Without the facts, I am saying even the way it appears, it is certainly not something any of us in St Vincent would want to promote and advocate,� he said.

(DD)

EZEKIEL BARBOUR

KENNETH SOLEYN

CAULDRICK WILLIAMS aka Laffa

.LQJGRP /LIH 0LQLVWULHV &KXUFK Barrouallie 6XQGD\ WK 2FWREHU 9LHZLQJ S P Service: S P

6 ' $ &KXUFK .LQJVWRZQ 6XQGD\ WK 2FWREHU 9LHZLQJ S P Service: S P

6W 3DXOÂśV Anglican Church Calliaqua 7XHVGD\ WK 2FWREHU Service: S P

JAMES BLUGH .LQJVWRZQ 0HWKRGLVW Church )ULGD\ WK 2FWREHU 9LHZLQJ S P Service: S P

CORNELIUS LOVELACE 4XHVWHOOHV Evangelical Church 6DWXUGD\ WK 2FWREHU 9LHZLQJ S P Service: S P

SYLTHEE YVONNE BAPTISTE /DQJOH\ 3DUN Church of &KULVW *HRUJHWRZQ 6DWXUGD\ WK 2FWREHU 9LHZLQJ S P Service: S P

4411

ebr Cel atin g

years of independence

AI REAL ESTATE INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 25,729 SQ.FT - $6.50 P.S.F. - $167,238.50 - BB167 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER

23, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.43

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

SVG COMPLETES FIRST CANNABIS EXTRACTION PROCESS THE FIRST successful marijuana extraction exercise has been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In the absence of a fully enabled laboratory of its own, the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) allowed for the process to be conducted at the Fisheries Laboratory, Kingstown.

Speaking at a ceremony held last week Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Fisheries Laboratory, Chief Development Officer of the MCA Julian Truchot, gave, inter alia, a step by step explanation of the extraction process.

He explained that the component extracted was cannabidiol (CBD), one of 113 identified cannabinoids i n cannabis plants, and the major nonpsychoactive component of cannabis.

Cannabidiol is the component from which many drugs have been derived for use in mainstream health

systems, to treat glaucoma, epilepsy, pneumonia and a certain types of cancer.

Speaking at the ceremony, biotechnologis t attached to the MCA Dr. Jean Saville Cummings expressed delight at having this process being done legally, and for the first time, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincentian involved in pioneering work Jamaica has long set the lead in research into the medicinal benefits of marijuana.

In 1972, Vincentian ophthalmologist Dr Albert Lockhart, then attached to the UWI Mona Campus, and Dr. Manley West, a Jamaican pharmacologist, joined together to intensify research on ganja, having been given the green light by the government of Jamaica, to collect, transport and

do research on the herb within the bounds of Jamaica.

By 1976, the duo had produced five drugs derived from Cannabidiol (CBD), among these being Canasol, a treatment for the eye disease glaucoma, Asmasol, in

Chief Development Officer of the MCA Julian Truchot, (right front), explaining the extraction process at last week’s ceremony. (Photo source: annsvg.com) 1987, for use by asthma sufferers.

In 2001 the duo of Lockhart and Weest introduced the cannabisrelated drug Cantimol, an even more effective treatment for glaucoma.

With the potential for greater success established, the duo partnered with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), which was being run by the visionary William

Saunders, to form a commercial enterprise called AMPEC, a combination of the names Albert, Manley and Petroleum Corporation.

NMCM CHAIR CONDEMNS STONING INCIDENT

REVEREND Adolf Davis, Chairman of the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM), said that the incident that transpired in the South Leeward Constituency on October 20 is cause for

Rev. Adolf Davis, Chairman of the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM), said the stoning incident in Rillan Hill will be further investigated.

concern.

The incident as referenced occurred during a political activity organized by the New Democratic Party (NDP) during which, according to Party’s President, Dr Godwin Friday, stones were thrown at a truck that was part of a procession passing through Rillan Hill. The truck almost ran off the road. One persons is said to have sustained injuries, though no further details were available.

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

In a statement which appeared on social media the next morning, Dr. Friday described the incident as an attack on the NDP and its supporters…an attempt to “suppress” the activities of the political party.

“This is not the sort of thing we expect in our nation, it is completely unacceptable,” he said. and called on the Unity Labour Party to denounce the incident.

He also called on the police

to investigate and take all measures to arrest the perpetrator(s).

“Let me be clear, the NDP will not be intimidated or frightened by those who wish to attack us. We will conduct our campaign and we will be out there with the people every day until the polls close,” he said, adding, “Our elections must be peaceful and lawful.

Continued on Page 59.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.