TheVincentianPDF-23-11-2018

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Today T o MF and oday on All MFP Computer Accessories, Routers, Wireless R outers, Protectors, Surge P rotectors, Etc.

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 23, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.41

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

The motor bike which Shadrach Pierre was riding.

Inset: Shadrach Pierre had a love for both the sea and biking.

Right: Aaron ‘Power’ Pierre, pictured with his little daughter, is not worried about any of his other children taking to riding motor bikes.

PROFESSIONALS NOT PAYING FEES, SAYS AG The symposium was held at the National THERE ARE Insurance Services (NIS) PROFESSIONALS in the conference room in country who are not Kingstown. paying the required According to Martin, annual fee that allows the law requires them to practise in their professionals to pay an respective fields. annual fee; however, the This was disclosed by records show that this is Attorney General Jaundy often not paid.

Martin on Friday 16h This non-compliance, November, as he he proffered, could be as addressed the opening a result of the state ceremony of a two-day treating the licencing fee (Nov.16, 17) symposium as a revenue measure, on sexual assault in the rather than as a region, organized by the requirement for the SVG Medical and Bar continuation of practice.

Associations.

by DAYLE DASILVA

Attorney General Jaundy Martin delivering remarks at the Bar/Medical Associations sponsored symposium in which he made a startling revelation about professionals here.

“In Barbados, to continue to receive recognition as a practitioner, this fee must be paid, and the individual receives a certificate that qualifies you to continue to practise,” the AG continued.

Rene Baptiste, former Government Minister, Attorney and President of the SVG Bar Association, while saying that she was not prepared to make a formal statement on the AG’s comment, confirmed that under the Professions Licensing Act, all professionals were required to pay a fee.

This, she said, ranged between EC$600 and $1,080 annually, and covers all professionals including accountants, architects, engineers.

Even auctioneers were subjected to paying a fee under the Act, Baptiste added.

The observation of the Attorney General came more than a year after Prime Minister and then Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in delivering his 2017 Buidget Address, appealed to professionals to pay their annual licence fees, and reminded them that Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

People

ÂPinchumÊ retires THE DAYS OF RANDOLPH ‘PINCHUM’ GEORGE cleaning the roads, gutters and drains of Kingstown are over.

George, known moreso as ‘Pinchum’, has embarked on a period of pre-retirement leave — to run for a month — and once that is over, he will be officially retired as one of this country’s sanitation workers, after 26 years on the job.

He explained that he worked “on and off” as a sanitation worker here before migrating to Trinidad back in 1982.

Upon his return in 1992, he was re-hired and eventually became a permanent employee of the Sanitation Department.

His assigned areas of work were primarily the suburb areas, including Sion Hill, Murray’s

Village, Montrose and Kingstown Park; but he was also deployed in around the city’s centre.

‘Pinchum’ is perhaps known for adorning a tie as part of his workman uniform. He was soon to be dubbed the ‘Best Dressed’ sanitation worker.

“I always take pride in my work,” he said.

“The workmen is who make me do it. Some of

the workers working in garbage and looking like it, and I never like that, so I started off putting on a tie,” ‘Pinchum’ told THE VINCENTIAN. Adjusting to a quiet life with “nothing to do,” will be difficult, he admitted, adding that he will miss work.

“I wake up the same hours as when I used to go to work,” he said.

‘Pinchum’ said that he

will still feature around Carnival, particularly the Calypso season, as a member of ‘The Calypso Grudges’.

In terms of plans for the future, ‘Pinchum’ said that he always wanted to be a baker and operate his own bakery.

Therefore, once he finds a suitable location and everything If Randolph ‘Pinchum’ George had falls into one thing going for him, it was his place, he attire both off and on the job as a intends to Sanitation Worker. pursue that dream. wishes him all the best, And who knows, he especially in his quest to could well become ‘The begin a whole new Best Dressed Baker’. career. (DD) THE VINCENTIAN

Many recipients have testified to how much this award means to them. (Photo Credit: SVGTV)

Annual student gifts handed out STUDENTS who sat the 2018 examinations for their CSEC, CAPE and Associate Degrees began receiving their annual award of $500.00 yesterday, Thursday Nov. 22.

To be eligible for what has become an annual award from the government, CSEC students must have gained five passes (Grades I to III), including Mathematics and English A. CAPE students must have gained passes (Grades I to V) in at least two two-Unit subjects, as well as in the single Unit Communication Studies (or Caribbean Studies) in two consecutive years .

Students in the various Associate Degree programmes must have gained at least a Baverage.

The total number of recipients as compiled by education officials was set at eight hundred and eighty-seven (887), categorised as follows: CSEC: 557, CAPE: 228 and Associate Degrees: 102.

Of the recipients who gained Associate Degrees through the SVG Community College, nine are from the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies; fifty-one (51) from the Division of Technical and Vocational Education, and forty-two (42) from the Division of Teacher Education.

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

News 3 SVG needs Sex Offender Registry Criminal Justice Advisor to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean/Specialist Prosecutor International Justice and Organised Crime, working under the auspices of the US Embassy and UK High Commission in Barbados,

said that she thinks this will be helpful.

Abraham made the point during her presentation ‘Prosecuting Sexual Offences in the Caribbean Region’ at the SVG Medical and Bar Associations 3rd Annual Forensics and the Law

Symposium, held last Friday and Saturday.

The symposium focused on ‘Sexual Assault in the Caribbean: Medical, Forensic and Legal Challenges’ and held significant meaning for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as it came

immediately on the heels of the setting up of a Sexual Offences Unit within the Royal St Vincent and the Sirah Abraham - Criminal Justice Advisor to Grenadines Police Force.

Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean – has But while she made the identified a Sex Offender Registry as being helpful point of a Sex Offender in the whole effort to prevent sexual offences and Registry, Abraham noted prosecute sexual offenders in the Caribbean. that there were varying views with respect to whether the names on the Registry should be kept private. She warned, though, that publishing the names may lead to

by KENVILLE HORNE dead, only that his wife was in an that’s our profession. Our ‘Dad, we going to sea’.” vigilante justice. emotional state and no one could profession at sea more risky than But the impact of his son’s What was important “I WILL NOT DISCOURAGE my console her. riding a bike on the road because death was perhaps best captured was that the list would be children from riding a bike if they As he got closer to his home, is me and me two son work,” said when Aaron said that he “going of interest to the police. wish to do so.” he picked up the news, amidst all Aaron Pierre. to cool out from that - going to Talk of a Sex Offender So said Aaron ‘Power’ Pierre, the chattering, that his son, He said that sometimes sea- through how I miss him.”

Registry (List) surfaced the father of 22-year-old Shadrach, was dead.

Shadrach and his brother would Yet, despite the circumstances here last year, with Shadrach Pierre, who died after Upon reaching his home, he go out to sea around 3am, surrounding his son’s death, Minister of Social the bike he was riding crashed noted that his wife was in an reaching distances of 30-40 miles Aaron insisted that he would not Development Frederick into a wall in the industrial area uncontrollable state, so much so from land. discourage any of his other Stephenson saying that of Campden Park, last Sunday. he had to take her to the nearby Aaron also said that his son, children from riding bikes. this country was to get Shadrach, who hails from Rose Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. whom he described as “cool …

“It is not up to me to tell them legislation that will allow Place, Kingstown, was on his way He then proceeded with nice… never in trouble.. never in don’t because their brother died the names of sex offenders home after visiting some relatives friends and family to visit the no fighting,” and who had seven from it, he could have died and perpetrators of in Lower Questelles, when he met scene of the accident. o’ level subjects, was good at another way. Could be a car he domestic violence, to be his death.

Aaron admitted to be repairing boat engines and had was driving, so I won’t discourage published.

Pierre told THE heartbroken, but said, “I have to signed up to do an Engineering to ride bike.. .”

However, Commissioner VINCENTIAN that he could not hold the faith; I got to hold up Course.

He is, however, appealing to of Police (Ag) Colin John remember a day he had not seen because brothers crying, sisters In fact, Shadrach had applied others to take their time and said during the launch of his son, but now he has to face crying, mother crying, aunt to join the Coast Guard, but up to watch the road carefully, the Sexual Offences Unit the reality that he will not be crying, so I don’t want to be over the time of his death, he had “because people don’t have no on November 7, that there around anymore. crying. He never told me he heard nothing about that respect for bikers.” must be a balance between He recalled last seeing him wants to be here, is I bring him application.

Shadrach attended the the public’s right to know that Sunday morning. He was here so my feeling is numb.”

Windsor Primary School and the and the individual’s interacting with friends and The heartbreak occasioned by Giving up fishing Campden Park Secondary School human rights. family, after which he took the Shadrach’s death followed one (Bethel). His funeral will take Assistant Commissioner family’s boat and went when one of Arron’s daughter Asked what he was going to place on Sunday 2nd December at of Police, Richard Browne somewhere. died from cancer, some two years miss most about his son, Aaron the First Church Open Bible in assured that the list, once When he returned, Shadrach ago. replied, “Working together, Old Montrose. established, will be used took his motor bike and went to Shadrach was one of five waking up in the morning to tell His death was recorded as the for internal purposes only. visit some family members at children he had with his wife. him lets go to sea, or he saying 5th road fatality for 2018.

(DD) Lower Questelles.

An ambitious son Facing the news Shadrach, One report about the incident according to his said that Shadrach had got to the father, was really a Continued from Front Page. deliver to their clients.

Act, the Prime Minister promised vicinity of the SVG Bureau of boat captain — of a In that light, Dr. Gonsalves said then that Government will Standards, on the main road , fishing vessel. failure so to do was an offence it was simply the right thing to ask introduce legislation “to initiate a when a vehicle entered that road Catching fish punishable by imprisonment. these professionals to cushion the process leading to the possible from a gap on his left. was a skill he The appeal came on the heels of revenue loss that would be suspension of the licence of persons To avoid hitting the vehicle, taught his an increase in the VAT registration occasioned by the increase in the who refuse to pay the licence fee or the report said, Shadrach pulled children. It was threshold to $300,000 which, VAT registration threshold. are in arrears in excess of one away, but lost control of his bike also his profession. according to Dr. Gonsalves, meant He proceeded in that Budget to year.” and crashed into a fence.

“He ain’t grow that many professionals who are increase the fees payable under the It appears, against the backdrop Aaron was at a funeral when up as a bike rider, required to pay the licence fee in Professions Licensing Act by 20%. of what the Attorney General said, his brother came and told him he his profession is a accordance with the Professions And in emphasising the that the situation remains as it was should go home. His brother captain; he works Licensing Act (Cap 377), will not importance of compliance with the in 2017. never told him that his son was the sea with me, have to charge VAT on services they dictates of the Professions Licensing A SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY is needed here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sirah Abraham,

Father not against biking

Professionals not paying fees, says AG

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Robbery, murder suspects remanded Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS TWO MEN, said to be suspects in capital offences, were taken before the Serious Offences Court Monday on other charges.

Jerroy Phillips, 22-

year-old fisherman of Redemption Sharpes, is charged with being armed with a gun, robbed Antonio Baptiste 22, of Mc Kie’s Hill, of a Samsung Galaxy cellular phone, valued $500. He is also charged with kidnapping Baptiste.

Neighbour found under girlsÊ bed DEON NASH, a 25-year-old Redemption Sharpes man who was discovered under the bed of two girls, ages 9 and 16, at his neighbour’s home last weekend, was sentenced to one year in prison on Monday for burglary with intent.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne handed down the penalty at the Serious Offences Court on Monday after Nash pleaded guilty. He was not represented.

The Court heard that around 11:30 p.m. on the date in question, the light from Nash’s cellular phone drew the girls father’s attention to the bed.

He made checks and saw Nash under the bed. A call was made to the police and to Nash’s girlfriend. When she arrived, Nash was still under the bed. On emerging, he pointed out a window at the back of the house, showing where he had entered.

When the police arrived, Nash had already left with his girlfriend, but was subsequently arrested.

Nash, who is well known to the family, was caught in their house on previous occasions.

The Chief Magistrate stressed the significant emotional distress the family may have suffered, as a result of the incident, the risk of injuries to persons and property, invasion of privacy, and the breach of security and trust, as among the aggravating factors.

Browne noted that Nash had no previous convictions before the Court, and pleaded guilty, but she stressed the seriousness of the offence.

She also highlighted the vigilance of the children’s father.

Both offences were reportedly committed October 27 at Mc Kie’s Hill.

Phillips is alleged to have used a vehicle to take Baptiste away, without his consent, following the alleged robbery.

The other defendant, Lionel George, 25, unemployed of Rockies, has been charged with the attempted murder of Tevin Williams, 24, of Rockies, who was shot in the chest and right side of his buttocks at Rockies November 4 this year.

The men were not

required to plead to the charges when they made their appearances before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on Monday. They were remanded following strong objections to bail from Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche.

Delpleche pointed out that, based on information he has received from the investigators, both defendants are of interest to the police in other matters, of a similar nature, and of a capital nature. He expressed the view that

if the men were granted bail at this stage, the investigations could be hindered. He contended that the constitutional rights of the accused have to be balanced with the right of the state to protect its citizens.

Both men who were unrepresented, were remanded until next Monday for bail review.

Jerroy ‘Jay Jay’ Phillips on remand for robbery and kidnapping charges.

Lionel George on remand for an attempted murder charge.

Twelve ganja matters in one day SEVERAL PERSONS continue to appear at the Serious Offences Court, on an almost daily basis, to answer charges for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

On Monday, twelve separate charges involving eleven persons were brought before that Court, for relatively small portions of the herb, stemming from arrests made over the weekend.

The amounts were three grams, 66 grams, 226 grams, 110 grams, 178 grams, 30 grams, 110 grams, 300 grams, two 303 grams, 333 grams, 912 grams and 1,057 grams. One of the

charges stemmed from the search of someone’s fridge during which a portion of the herb was found.

Some of the defendants pleaded guilty and were fined, while others pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

Attorney Grant Connell, who represented most of the men, told the Court in one of his mitigation pleas, “It is very sad that we are on the brink of an amnesty when all that amount would be bought by an investor. I am convinced that we are on a plantation.”

Noting that his client had spent two nights at the Central Police Station before being taken to Court, Connell said former Commissioner of Police Michael Charles had, as a result of repeated requests by him (Connell), granted station bail in relation to 15 grams and under. He is now calling on Acting Commissioner of Police Colin John to continue that wisdom and grant station bail for longer

Dried marijuana. amounts.

“If the powers that be, the Prime Minister and others, cannot see people who are shackled and suffering and treated like wild animals, I am asking the Court for a different approach to matters like these,” declared Connell.

Youth charged with shopkeeperÊs murder JUST ONE WEEK after 56-year-old Sabitree Lyttle was shot and killed at her home in Hollywood, Redemption Sharpes, police have arrested a Campden Park/Redemption Sharpes man in

connection with the incident.

Jahbery Jackson, also known as Michael Richards, 20year-old labourer, has been charged with the shopkeeper’s murder.

Jackson was taken

Jahbery Jackson – murder accused. before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, as the Serious Offences Court was not sitting. He was not required to plea, and Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett transferred the matter to the Serious Offences Court.

Police reportedly found Lyttle’s body on the balcony of her house on Wednesday afternoon.

Reports are that she was in the family owned provision shop located in the upper level of her house when she was approached and shot.

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

V Venezuelan Film Festival opens on Monday 6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

AN INVITATION has been extended to the general public to attend the first ever Venezuelan Film Festival to be held in SVG. The invitation was extended by Head of the Mission at the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Fransico Perez Santana, to the Festival that gets going on Monday 26th November and runs until Friday 30th November.

Venues for the viewing include a number of Schools, Frenches House and the Peace Memorial Hall, where the Festival opens next Monday.

Viewing continues at Frenches House on November 27, 29 and 30.

Between those dates, viewing will be held at the Central Leeward

Secondary on the 28th, Troumaca Secondary and Petit Bordel Secondary on the 29th , Sandy Bay Secondary and Georgetown Secondary schools on the 30th .

There is no entrance fee to any of the viewings.

According to Head of the Mission Santana, the 1st edition of the Venezuelan Film Festival seeks to commemorate the 121 years of Venezuelan films production, as well as the 87th birthday of one of the most important filmmakers in Venezuela, Roman Chalbaud.

The objective, he said, is to build unity and to show that similar cultures exist in both countries.

Santana pointed to

Azu, one of the films to be shown and which he ranks as one of his favourites, as a historical film about slavery, where an African princess fights for her freedom.

“It’s about emancipation, it’s about colonization, and we want to show how Venezuelans are similar to St. Vincent and the Grenadines people. We are not just friends, we are brothers and sisters as well,” said Perez, adding that, despite the blockade that the US government has placed on Venezuela, the government continues to work. “We have to unite countries, and we are using the culture to unite our people”.

In addition to Azu, other films offered for viewing are: La Planta

Insolente , Maisanta, Juntera, Azul Como El Cielo, La Pura Mentira, El Manzano Azul and Una Mirada al Mar. All the films are Venezuelan productions, and while they are voiced in Spanish, they carry subtitles in English.

The Fransico Perez Santana, Head of the Mission at the Venezuelan viewing of Embassy to SVG, spoke about using culture to unite people. the films is made Ministry of Foreign Campus, the Venezuelan possible by the Affairs, Trade and Vincentian Friendship Government of the Commerce, the Ministry Association(VENVIFA) Bolivarian Republic of of Education, the and the SVG Community Venezuela, that country’s Ministry of Tourism and College.

Embassy to SVG, and The Venezuelan film Sports , The Vincentian the Venezuelan Institute industry has been Association of Artists of Culture and increasing production in Writers and Producers, Cooperation(IVCC) , in the face of national and The University of the collaboration with the international recognition.

West Indies Open

Senator calls for ‘a new politics’ OPPOSITION/NDP Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste has all but called for a paradigm shift in the nature of politics in SVG. Addressing an NDP Consultation in West St. George, Saturday, November 17, Senator Bacchus, who is also the designated NDP candidate for that constituency, told her audience that “no one can deny that in SVG today, there is a need for the politics of values and a clear vision that addresses the spirit of the times.”

The Unity Labour Party Government, she assessed, cannot “generate sufficient opportunities for workers to support their families at a decent level, with adequate health care, proper housing, quality child care services and well maintained national infrastructure.”

And despite public cynicism, Bacchus-Baptiste emphasized that “the restoration of moral consciousness and spiritual awakening is the key to recovering the soul of politics … .”

She cited “senseless and relentless attacks on each other” as deepening the self-centred attitude that currently characterises Vincentian society.

And in reminding that the ‘goods of the earth’ are for all and not to be controlled by any person or clique, she

NDP Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste spoke to the young people of the need to a bring new values and vision to the politics of the country. asked, “Who in SVG behaves like he owns you and everything, strives to make it his own and his family’s own?

Who refuses to account to you the people for AIA?” In that spirit, she projected that, “This upcoming election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will signal a transformation of people power. It will be a victory for ideas and ideals that espouse real hope and change.”

This transformation, she promised, “is what the NDP will bring,” adding that the NDP “will govern for all citizens one nation, one People and one SVG.”

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

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

An International Day For Men INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY (IMD) took body right here in the Carribean, in Trinidad and Tobago, on November 19, 1992.

It was culmination to the work of persons like Thomas Oaster, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and Trinidad’s own Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, who is credited with having given the Day its original designation and rationale.

Support for it came from a variety of individuals — male and female - and groups across the continents, who believed that the IMD could lend impetus to the work that sought to create balance to gender issues and gender equality.

Today, IMD is observed in at least 60 countries.

The designation of IMD came some time after the designation of March 6 as International Women’s Day (IWD), as declared by the United Nations in 1977.

That almost seemed to be an act of men appeasing their guilty consciences for the centuries of discrimination against women, both by the law and by common practice which some like to call culture.

There is little with which to counter the argument that these injustices placed women at distinct disadvantage in relation to men.

Little thought if any, especially in the Caribbean, was ever given to the fact that men are also discriminated against. Policy makers — who for all intents and purposes are predominately males - seemed to have ignored the changing passages of time and how they have affected men.

People like Associate Professor Oaster and Dr. Teelucksingh never lost cognizance of this reality.

In addition to being a focus on the issues affecting men, the IMD was developed as a tool for: ‘promoting positive male role models among ordinary men; celebrating men’s contributions and achievements to society, community, family and to the environment; to highlight men’s health and social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing; to highlight discrimination against males; to improve gender relations and promote gender equality; and to create a safer and better world, free from violence and where people will grow to reach

their full potential’.

If the truth be told, the average male is not aware of IMD which means it has gone unnoticed.

This begs the questions: Is this non-recognition the result of the fact that IMD is still not recognized or celebrated by the UN? And even if it is supported by the UN, is it that it does not generate the excitement associated with IWD? Whatever the reason, IMD’s nonrecognition could well be a reflection of reverse gender imbalance that is practised in many countries, including the Caribbean, where men’s issues are not taken as seriously as women’s issues.

Admittedly, the world is not paying attention to the many critical issues affecting men. Because of this gender imbalance, equality and nondiscrimination are not promoted, leading men to conclude that the progress achieved by women has been at their expense.

Belittled and emasculated, they (men) fall through the cracks, engaging in aggressive behavior towards the female sex, to say the least. For while the environment in which we live and interact has changed, the socialization of boys/men has not changed.

As a result, many men struggle to accept that in many households they have been replaced as the breadwinners; that their womenfolk earn more than they do; that they have been reduced in quantity and quality.

The truth? Many men have found it difficult adjusting to this new reality, one in which the role of men is seen as being complementary, no longer dominant or authoritative.

Since the declaration of IWD, women have been more organized, more focused and have, as a result, influenced public policy and advanced their interest.

Could the IMD be part of the answer to men’s problems?

Solutions to men’s issues lie in them being united, something men have difficulty doing. Time that they wake up to the truism that if they do not come together and fight for their own interests, no one else will.

And so, towards the end of fostering unity among men, we join in the call for national recognition of November 19, as IMD.

What’s in a name?

First published 26/10/1984 Symbols of Independence THE VINCENTIAN dated 28th September 1984 published a very interesting, positive and constructive letter by “Anon” discussing the issues of the national flag and anthem.

Among other things, it was suggested that serious efforts be made to instil a sense of national pride in the average Vincentian, and the idea was thrown out that we might start by naming places after outstanding nationals.

This theme was enlarged upon by our Independence panel which took to the airwaves last Sunday in popular programme “Views and Issues”, raping on our fifth anniversary of nationhood.

Now I don’t want to appear to be stealing anyone’s thunder, but from morning I have been trying to get our people to begin to think in this direction.

Only one month ago, at an occasion to pay tribute to a representative sample of our cricket greats, I asked for the umptheenth time that the names of Warner, Mason, Boucher, Roberts and Findlay be so honoured.

Really, we should not in an independent country still have the majority of our public places named after colonial officials. Only New Montrose has local street names in commemoration of the members of the Kingstown Board who carried out the scheme. Otherwise Ex-Governors dominate the place. Even at the St George’s Cathedral, marble tablets silently blare out at you the virtues of some British military officer or Governor.

On the other hand, nobody picks my height when I call for the renaming of the market place as “Joshua Square” or Mount Bentick Bay Road as “Ebenezer Drive”. Union House ought to be called “Mc Intosh House” in honour of the founder of the modern Trade Union Movement.

In similar vein, Calliaqua headquarters of the Labour Party could be called “Milton”, and Port Elizabeth and Princess Margaret beach in Bequia restyled “Jamestown” and Mitchell Bay. Although international airports in the area

have been called after political leaders such as Norman Manley and Sir Grantley Adams, with the threat of a Ronald Reagan in Grenada as there is a JFK in New York, it will perhaps be a bit much to call Arnos Vale the CatoTannis airstrip!

Our Leaders of Thought On a more serious note, I would again repeat my support of UPM and the Teachers Union who first called for the naming of the Prep School “the CW Prescod Elementary School”. As a little boy, I was much moved when I saw photographs of local black educationists replacing those of the King on our exercise books. They were called “Leaders of Thought” — CW Prescod, teachers, Daisley, Clarke and Williams. These pictures vanished as suddenly as they appeared, for they were subversive of colonialism, and British officialdom remained a jealous god.

Needless to say, our educational institutions should lead the way in this new move. The Grammar School should follow in the footsteps of the Intermediate School in naming Houses, for example, after outstanding sons and daughters of this nation: CVD Hadley, Eb Duncan, Rupert John, George Thomas, JP and JL Eustace, Frank and Henry Williams, Sir Fred Phillips, among a host of others. As it is at GHS, you have Grimble House and Muffet House respectively named after a Governor and English headmistress.

As to the Grammar School, four Barbadian headmasters occupy top spot: Reeves, Lopey, Millar, and Crick. And to think that Millar served for perhaps less than four years!

Significantly, three of them abandoned their adopted homes to spend their last days in Barbados.

Reeves died in Grenada whence he came. This is not to say that the trio does not deserve some lasting mark of respect, as does that progressive English headmaster JS Clarke; but not at the expense of locals. An interesting by-play is that Crick called his home in Barbados “Ratho Mill” in memory of his property in St. Vincent.

(To be continued)

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

Letters

Something for Jomo to chew on Rogue drivers

HERE’S IS AN excerpt from Jomo Thomas writing in his column ‘Plain Talk’ in THE VINCENTIAN of November 9th, 2018: “National leaders are supposed to lead the people and nation.

Leaders are required to lift us up rather than pull us down and hold us back.

Leaders are expected to do the ‘intellectual heavy lifting’ for the population, especially their supporters who look up to them for guidance and direction. So often these so called leaders fail our people and then with a straight face declare that the people have spoken. Nonsense!”

Here’s something for Jomo to chew on: Are we not correct to deduce from what you espouse above, that only our ‘national leaders’ have the answers and therefore, we are obliged to follow them without question?

Are we not to deduce from what you espouse, that only the leaders are intelligent enough to do what you refer to as the ‘heavily lifting’, whatever that means?

Are we not to deduce from what you espouse above, that the way you see it is that we are either leaders or followers? (You know that sounds so Stalinist it isn’t funny. Then again, that would be the type od misguided political diatribe articulated by the ‘great’ Russian intellectuals that came back to haunt them but to which some in the Caribbean — of a completely different history — still cling to as ‘the means to the end.)

Are we not to deduce, Jomo, from what you espouse, that the followers have no ability to discern for themselves what is right and what is

wrong? That ‘the followers’ have no capacity to think for themselves? That ‘the followers’ are still to be saved from the darkness of colonial legacy by which they seem to have become stymied?

And yes, Jomo, the people will always speak… not in the language that you think they should, but in language with which they feel comfortable and not guilty of betraying their consciences. What you have to learn, if you consider yourself a leader, is that you have to accept where the people are in a certain time in history, and that your true task as a leader would be to empower and inform their decision-making capacity and to accept what they speak when given the opportunity to speak. General elections

International Men’s Day ProjectMEN2020 joins the global community in the observance of International Men’s Day 2018.

International Men’s Day (IMD) is an annual international event celebrated every year on November 19. It was founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, from Trinidad & Tobago in 1999 and today is observed in over 80 countries around the world.

The theme for International Men’s Day

2018 is ‘Positive Male Role Models’.

International Men’s Day is observed by persons from all walks of life, who support the ongoing effort to improve lives, heal scarred hearts, seek solutions to social problems, mend troubled minds, reform the social outcasts and uplift the dysfunctional.

It is designed to promote positive role models in society and develop wholesome individuals.

Such developments are badly needed in

Paul from Jamaica

new page, ‘only to fall back into defeat’.

And by the way, has anyone noted against whom we have won our last series of games? Bangladesh have made improvements, but we should not think we have reached anywhere with a victory over them.

The current crop of West Indies players is hardly a showdown of the former Champion teams. We have to admit that. Even Andy Roberts has said that we lack the talent at the very root.

With all the politics and going and coming with the Board and selectors, I am on the brink of losing what little (very little) confidence I might have left in them.

man.”

ProjectMEN2020 today joins the global community in challenging the men of the nation, to be positive role models to the children and youths of the nation.

Hon. Justice A. Saunders THE HONOURABLE Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the CCJ, is the most respected and best loved public figure in St. Vincent so far this century. His endeavours to reform and reshape the judiciary and penal system will benefit, immeasurably, the citizens of the Caribbean islands who join him in his quest.

He is cementing another proud legacy already established by his father, Thomas Saunders, who was our greatest educator and nation builder.

Avil Cupid

Thomas

I AM GLAD to see that we are taking some action against those drivers, especially the minibus drivers, who feel the roads belong to them. They are the ones who feel they can overtake anywhere, anytime; stop anywhere, anytime; pull out in front of you anywhere, anytime; and race along our narrow roads as though they were on some race track.

As far as I know, the speed limit is still 15mph in towns.

For too long we have allowed these rogue drivers to rule the roads. Now that the police have seen it fit to take some action, I hope the courts will see to it that these persons are duly punished for their reckless behaviour.

On that note, it seems that making these culprits pay fine after fine is not working. Have we forgotten about the right to disallow a person from driving? Long ago, a driver could have been fined and his licence withdrawn for a certain period of time. It seems these culprits get a slap on the wrist for, they are back on the roads doing the same craziness hours after leaving the court.

I want to encourage the traffic division to meet on a regular basis to formulate plans and strategies on how to deal with these rogue drivers.

Hopefully, when the courts recognize that the police are taking a firm hand, then they too will act accordingly.

I wonder at times, Mr. Editor, how certain people I see driving got their licence in the first place. I suppose, like in other things, there is a wrong way and a right way.

NM

today’s wounded communities which reflect distorted and outdated beliefs and constant clashes among men, women and children which unravel the fabric of the family and the society.

The spotlight has been ProjectMEN2020 placed on positive role models to raise awareness of men’s health and well-being.

“International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a

ÂWorst IndiesÊ UNLIKE CHARLES whose letter (last week) to the Editor was captioned ‘W.I. cricket getting me vex’, I have got to the point where I am not ashamed to refer to our West Indies cricket teams as the ‘Worst Indies’.

How could I ever be impressed by this present crop who win once in a blue moon, and expect us to believe that they have the ability to take us back to our glory days? These chaps are light years behind the mighty West Indies team of the 80s and 90s, and anyone who got the ‘balls’ to compare any of today’s players with any player from the glory days, needs to have his head checked.

I agree with Charles when he said that we fool ourselves into believing, when we win one oh these once-in-awhile matches, that we have turned a

is one thing — it is clouded by the insecurities of those said followers at their weakest time, and therefore susceptible to manipulation and mamaguy.

When it comes down to things that they see and things that they fear, that is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Tasks, character and conduct GOD MADE us to carry out His purposes, uniquely designing each of us for specific tasks. The manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Cor. 12:7). God distributes spiritual gifts, skills, abilities, interests and personalities, so that we can carry out His work.

Those endeavours * Are those include spiritual tasks, computers stolen but also extend to from the St. pursuits related to Joseph’s Convent health, education, Mespo from what agriculture, business, Government law, and communication. donated to the All these have the schools? Are those capacity to bring glory to still in use?

God. The Lord is behind * And by the way, all of our gifts, but He were are all those cares about our computers that character and conduct where given out to because a lot of us have primary school gifts, but no character, children? Seems and no conduct. We dress like the ‘programme’ anyhow, we talk anyhow, did work out, or was and our work attitude is it the computers? bad. We cannot attract * Can we expect others because the word those Ministers of of God isn’t attractive Government who anymore to us. Our are active ‘farmers’ attention is more focused to move into on money, education, marijuana cars, big houses. We cultivation? have lost our way in the Wouldn’t be easy for darkness of life. them to get a licence We need to go back to since they will be God, and ask for controlling things? forgiveness. He will * Why all the forgive us, and then we surveillance of Que will see the hands of Pasa? Like some God’s work in this people ‘fraid about nation. something, eh?

Bishop Ezekiel Creese

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

On the legalisation and decriminalisation of Foreign Policy as a mechanism for the Development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Marijuana: The General Position of the NDP

Introduction MANY ASTUTE political observers have remarked on the fact that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a resourcechallenged state, has not gone to the IMF, despite the multiple challenges to its economy and development. After all, there is no gold, no silver, no oil, no precious minerals with which to exchange for much needed revenue. And there is no selling of passports, as the NDP has been proposing, and which the ULP rejects completely.

First of all, it must be recognized that the ULP possesses a quality leadership that has been tried and tested in the extreme difficult circumstances of the worst global economic crisis in the last 100 years.

This leadership has taken the country through some of the worst climatic events including storms, droughts and hurricanes, providing relief to Vincentians through a number of creative strategies.

Many of these strategies are grounded in a successful foreign relations policy, which has been bold and pragmatic. It is this policy, among other things, that has driven the “people-centered development” philosophy of the ULP administration, and has resulted in a series of developmental achievements, which has made the lives of Vincentians much better.

with the island nation of Taiwan, and has reached to countries in the Middle East and in Africa.

The benefits of this strategy can be seen before our very eyes. There are a number of projects which have been executed with assistance from some of the new countries who have established closer ties with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. When the Prime Minister visits the United Nations for the meetings of the General Assembly, he uses this opportunity to hold talks with Heads of Government and other officials. His address to the general assembly is always followed closely, since he addresses many issues which affect those countries with which we have close diplomatic ties.

Traditional friends

In all this development, the ULP administration has not abandoned its traditional friends, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. A substantial number of Vincentians reside in these countries, and from time to time, they require consular services which must be addressed.

These Vincentians provide The Foreign Policy remittances to their fellow citizens The foreign policy is pretty simple, and families in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While it is true that the and has been enunciated by United States does not play a greater government officials time and time again. It is also included on page 61 of role in terms of project financing, a strong diplomatic presence is the ULP election manifesto of 2015.

The policy is aimed at making friends maintained in that country.

A similar situation applies to the and not enemies, so as to foster peace, international development, and in the United Kingdom, although the UK’s grant-in-aid programmes are applied interest of St. Vincent and the through the European Union. The Grenadines. As the Prime Minister OECS maintains a mission in the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says, “no one is better than us, and we are not better European city of Brussels for the business of diplomatic relations with that anyone”.

European countries such as France, The central purpose of the ULP’s foreign policy has been to enhance the Spain, Italy and Germany. country’s capacity to address in a Conclusion more efficacious and compelling manner, its external environment, all The maintenance of a strong in the interest of the nation. So, for diplomatic presence requires a great example, it is this foreign policy that deal of administration and planning. is responsible for the construction of The ULP administration has had to the country’s largest capital project, upgrade the skills set of the Ministry the international airport at Argyle. of Foreign Affairs, to meet the needs Through the making of new friends, of an ever-changing diplomatic field. the government was able to put together the “coalition of the willing”, Every day there are new demands, and new fields of interest. a grouping of friendly countries who For example, the existential threats were committed to providing assistance to the ULP administration, posed by climate change activities, to construct the airport. have to be addressed in a fulsome What has the government done to way, through the cooperation of a facilitate this process? Since March number of international countries, 2001, the ULP has embarked on a who have expressed an interest in this new approach to diplomatic relations. area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs The ULP has increased its presence in has to be in a position to participate countries which can meet the in the discussion on this topic. interests of St. Vincent and the Additionally, the ULP Grenadines. So, for example, the ULP administration is making new friends administration has set up new with countries who have a wide and embassies in Cuba and Venezuela, diverse interest, and so the Ministry staffed by qualified and professional must address these issues from time persons. to time.

The government has also moved to The ULP administration will strengthen the diplomatic postings in continue to build on its excellent the United States. So, for example foreign policy foundation, there is now a resident ambassador to strengthening relations with Washington, and the OAS, and an traditional friends and close allies, ambassador to the United Nations. without in any way, creating any The government has moved to unprincipled discordance. establish closer diplomatic relations

THE DISCUSSION on marijuana has heightened within the last several months and is getting much needed national attention. The government, in its effort to set conditions to enable the establishment of medical cannabis/marijuana industry, has brought three bills before the parliament to set the legal basis for this industry.

The bills before the parliament are: (1) Medical Cannabis Industry Bill; (2) The Permitted Use of Cannabis for Religious Purposes Bill and (3) Cannabis Cultivation Amnesty Bill. The advancement in science and technology has exposed many myths and falsehoods surrounding cannabis/marijuana. The discussion on the way forward is hindered by varying views rooted in baseless and unfounded statements regarding marijuana and its usage. Every day, the world is rapidly opening up to the understanding that marijuana, a herb, it is not a narcotic but a plant with many benefits for mankind.

The NDP is fully in tune with the developments taking place worldwide and is cognisant of the history of the region and here at home with regard to the usage of marijuana as medicine and for recreation. The compelling arguments in support of marijuana as a major source of much needed income has motivated the government to set up a full scale marijuana industry with the intention of making tons of money. As a party, we believe that any attempt to create a full scale marijuana industry must bring major benefits to local farmers, especially the traditional marijuana farmers who for decades have sacrificed a lot to keep “vincy weed” a viable commodity. However, we in the New Democratic Party (NDP) have come to the conclusion that the approach by the ULP administration to bring these bills in their present form does very little to change the status of the present marijuana growers and users in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

The cultivation of marijuana is one aspect of the cannabis industry with which Vincentians have long and valuable experience. Most cultivation of marijuana/cannabis takes place in the North Western portion of the country on Crown lands. Almost everyone who plants marijuana is squatting on Crown lands. The crop is grown miles away in the foothills of La Soufriere mountain range away from police attention and possible thieves who usually target marijuana as easy picking if left unattended.

The climatic conditions are also ideal for the growing process.

In the proposed cannabis industry bill, in order to be considered for a licence to cultivate marijuana, an applicant must show some form of control of the land where the marijuana will be planted. A marijuana famer has to show ownership or leasehold or a document of some sort that will indicate that he has land legal access to the land. The bills also make provision to prohibit planting of marijuana above certain contours so as to protect the forest reserve. In essence, after the bills are passed, marijuana farmers will not be permitted to plant where most of the marijuana is being planted now. The NDP is of the view that this is a serious issue that needs urgent attention. The land on which medical

marijuana is to be planted is a matter of major concern that must be addressed.

The empowerment of the local farmers, especially the ‘traditional farmers’ is not promoted by the Bills.

This is undermined by the draft bills.

There are no provisions being made for them to be given any financial resources in this new medical marijuana regime. Notably, the proposed law does not provide for a cooperative or similar entity that will cater for the hundreds of small “traditional’ farmers involved in marijuana cultivation. The traditional farmers are left on their own to face investors in terms of pricing and marketing. Each of them must negotiate price, quality and other terms of contracts essentially on his own. The pending bills have set out the way the industry will be set up and managed. It is evident that a lot of financial resources will be needed for farmers to be involved in the new industry. The present marijuana farmers do not have the means to compete, especially if left on their own without government making resources available to them to get started. It is, therefore, correct to suggest that the present bill will not benefit traditional farmers and will in fact marginalise the pioneers who have been the vanguard of the marijuana industry for many years. Partnerships between traditional farmers and investors, local or foreign, should be encouraged, and every effort should be made by Government to ensure that traditional farmers are not put at a disadvantage or short changed.

The bills in their present form speak very little in terms of law reform. At the end of the day, a person smoking a “spliff” can be locked up. The farmer caught growing marijuana without a licence will still be committing a crime. Also, anyone caught transporting marijuana will still be a criminal. The bills do not in any way address these concerns.

Every effort must be made to introduce law reform that will allow marijuana related arrests, convictions and imprisonment to be removed.

These are some of the major concerns that the New Democratic Party has with these bills, and as a result, the party sees the need to seriously address the marijuana issue in this context.

The idea of putting measures in place to enable the setting up of a Medical Marijuana Industry is not an original one in the Caribbean content, and therefore, it would be sensible to learn from the Jamaican experience.

Jamaica, in drafting its legislation, took note of the country’s history with cannabis. In Jamaica, the parliament was very much aware that it may not have been a good idea to pursue a strict medical industry and ignore recreational use, which had deep roots among the people. In this respect, the Government of Jamaica allowed persons to have up to two ounces of marijuana for personal /recreational use. (to be Cont’d)

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

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Every child is our child

“Every child is our child; the black one and the white one; the pretty one and the plain one; the Asian and the Muslim; the Japanese and the Jewish; everyone is our child.” – Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014) – American poet, professor, and civil rights activist. still is) to promote international togetherness, awareness among TEACHING is a noble profession. It children worldwide, and improving provides numerous opportunities to children’s welfare. Many Caribbean influence lives for good. The teacher’s nations designate specific months task is not merely to pass on knowledge when they focus on the needs of or to guide students in relation to best children in their respective territories. learning practices. The teacher also For example, Barbados, Jamaica, and plays a major role in influencing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, thoughts, attitudes and behaviours. He celebrate Child Month in May. The or she can encourage a failing child to government of Grenada, on the other strive for excellence; to understand and hand, celebrates the event in October. appreciate that they may have failed but The government and people of they are not failures. Teachers can be Antigua and Barbuda focus on the living examples of the principles that needs of their junior citizens during keep societies strong. Their the month of November. Many others conversations and their lives can portray carve out different times during the such desirable traits as honesty, year when attention is given to integrity, humility, punctuality, ensuring, as best they can, that regularity, and so on. children are provided with adequate Parents and guardians also play shelter, education and care. The major roles in influencing how their heightened awareness is considered children see the world. They create a essential as we seek to best meet the platform, a launching pad, from which needs of this vulnerable age group. children determine how best to propel Regrettably, there are instances themselves to success in academia, when the physical, social and athletics, music and other emotional needs of children are not endeavours. The way children are met. In such instances, some of these nurtured in the home very often junior citizens experience situations of determines their outcome in life. abuse and neglect. In an attempt to The roles played by parents, developing coping mechanisms, and in guardians and teachers, must instances where they are encouraged therefore never be underestimated or to behave in socially unacceptable taken for granted. These adults ways, some stray from the law. They, influence the lives of their wards for too, are our children, and continue to good or for evil. They can be like need our guidance, care and love. winds beneath their wings, or they Efforts must be made to correct their can be the culprits that break the undesirable and unacceptable wings. And while the preceding behaviours. None should be sentence (and the use of the word abandoned or left behind. “culprits”) may appear to be harsh, it Many CARICOM countries have conjures up the image of the power of enacted the Children and Young adult influence (for good or for bad).

Persons Act. Provisions are We could readily imagine how enshrined in the law to protect these relatively easy it is for parents, young vulnerable citizens. We guardians and teachers to recognize applaud the government of Guyana and accept the responsibility for for recently enacting the Juvenile claiming “ownership” of the children Justice Act. In addition, they ensured in their care. We therefore that at least two of their magistrates understand and appreciate it when have been trained in Jamaica, they, in referring to such children, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United refer to them as “my children”. They States of America to preside over the will nurture them. They will provide recently established Children’s Court for them. They will protect them. system in Guyana. Their focus is to However, this essay seeks to remind ensure that best practice in the childreaders that all children (black, white, friendly criminal justice system. pretty, plain, Asian, Muslim, Social media, as well as the Japanese, or Jewish) are our children. conventional print and electronic Appearance, intelligence, capabilities media, periodically highlight the and nationalities become plight of children who have been insignificant. These do not matter.

They are all our children. Every child abused by adults. We too often hear of instances where adult “care givers”, is our child. Every last one of them. rather than provide due care and Every child is special. Each one protection, perpetrate acts of violence has unique combinations of talents against them. Each report of physical and abilities. Their needs are also abuse, rape, and incest must be seen quite distinctive and diversified. We commend those teachers, parents and as one case too many. Our society, including our law officers, must not guardians who recognize this truth and, in their own special way, seek to excuse such acts of violence as “young people with hormone problems”. We provide learning and developmental activities to encourage them to reach reject such folly. Children exposed to their full potential. This is as true in such violent sexual onslaught are scarred for life and, in many relation to those children who are instances, are scared for life. This is perceived to be gifted, as it is for especially so in emerging economies those considered to have physical, where the access to adequate mental, social or emotional counselling is scarce or non-existent. challenges. We are therefore These are all our children. They have challenged to tailor our approaches and our interactions to cater to these a right to enjoy their childhood and to experience a “normal” childhood. individual needs.

The United Nations Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on 20th Send comments, criticisms & November each year. This was first suggestions to initiated in 1954. Its focus was (and julesferdinand@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Open letter to UN Secretary General Dear Secretary General of the United Nations, Re: SVG Green Party requests the United Nations sends a Special Rapporteur – such as Professor Philip Alston - to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to deal with the extreme poverty our people suffer on a daily basis.

The extreme poverty in SVG is causing widespread misery throughout the country, and many thousands of households live in very dilapidated conditions. The living environment in some areas is so bad that many households suffer with the problems of having to deal with snakes, centipedes, rats and lizards invading their living spaces. The dilapidated living environment conditions are stoking serious crime and criminality.

The level of child poverty in SVG is very high, and about half the country can be regarded as destitute, as there

is a very high level of unemployment.

Many children’s living situation is appalling. These children have a human right to adequate housing and education.

The system is not only failing lots of people in SVG, it is actively punishing lots of people too. For example, the tax system in SVG is discriminatory against the poor indigenous black population and in favour of super-rich foreigners. Taiwan and the super-rich, white migrants of Mustique and Canouan do not have to pay tax and customs duty. They are getting away with not paying billions of dollars in tax each year under the highly immoral Mustique Act No 48 of 2002, and Taiwan owes the SVG Treasury about EC$51 billion in fish tax for the period of 2001 to 2017.

In SVG, there is a huge difference between people living in extreme wealth, and at the other end, people

who can’t afford a packet of bread or one good meal a day. Thousands of households are unable to feed their children adequately and send them to school, and unable to afford running water and electricity in their houses, yet those living in extreme wealth import cars, yachts and aircraft tax free. The differential must be seen as a human rights abuse.

The knock-on effects of the extreme poverty in SVG is an increasing rate of statutory rape with girls under 13 years of age, and high rates of rape, domestic violence, incest, teenage pregnancies, morbidity and mortality.

In 2017, SVG had the fourth highest murder rate per capita in the world.

See https://bit.ly/2FdMz9n.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, who has a BSc (Hons) degree in Accounts and Finance and Economics from Oxford Brookes University, England, an MSc in Macro-Economic Policy and

Planning in Developing Countries from Bradford University, England and a Masters in Business Administration from Leicester University, England, says the UN must send a Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty to SVG immediately to look into the extreme poverty and the poor population killing each other.

The situation is dire in SVG. The authorities — in power since 2001 - do not know how to resolve these serious problems.

Yours sincerely, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (hons), MSc, MBA Leader of SVG Green Party cc: His Excellency, The Governor General of SVG UN Human Rights Council in Geneva Professor Philip Alston - United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights President of the World Bank President of the International Monetary fund President of Taiwan

Colonisation and God’s plan for building His kingdom appeared at a time when the Pharisees, through IT WAS NOW or never. their religious authority, The Pharisees had had it had a stranglehold on up to their throats with the people. To them, this young Rabbi called things were going Yahusha, He was wonderfully, until the beginning to draw very Rabbi’s appearance. And large crowds after him the thing was, He never (Jn. 12:19). attended any of the Yahusha had prestigious schools that A new series by NEGUS

they knew of (Jn 7:15), so how was he so learned?

They racked their brains as to how they could force Him into saying something for which he could be arrested. Matt. 22:15).

What if they could get one of his own men to betray Him. That would

work so well for them (Matt. 26:23). But which one of them will be willing to do so? Who was the weak link? They will have to work on that angle.

Meanwhile, Yahusha went about his usual business - addressing large crowds that had

8 million tonnes of plastic leak into the world’ oceans each year.

This is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck of plastic every minute. The report also went on to project that by 2050, if nothing is done, there would be more plastic than fish in the ocean, hence the reason why countries SINGLE USE PLASTICS can be years. around the world need to reduce defined as any plastic that is When single use plastics enter their plastic consumption. used once and is discarded, e.g. the oceans, they are broken down Here are some tips for the plastic bottles, plastic straws, by wave action and sunlight into reduction of plastic consumption: plastic bags, plastic food micro plastics. Micro plastics are carry a reusable shopping bag at wrappers. Humans have been tiny particles - less than 5 the supermarket; use a paper using single use plastics for many millimetres in size - which are straw instead of a plastic straw; years because it is cheap to worn down from larger purchase a reusable water bottle; produce, highly durable in products/particles (bottle and keep some silverware at your different conditions against bags) which are already polluting office so that when you are physical stress, transportation, the oceans. Micro plastics are buying lunch you would not have handling and stacking load, and usually mistaken for food by to use any plastic cutlery; it acts as a strong barrier against marine animals and when companies should produce more moisture, air, water, bacteria, consumed block their digestive biodegradable packaging and and light. system which eventually results more recycling should be done.

Unfortunately, this ‘popularity’ in death.

In conclusion, countries around which single use plastics enjoy is In May 2018, a pilot whale the world need to take drastic having a negative impact on the died off the coast of southern measures to reduce their plastic Marine Environment because Thailand. When examined, 80 consumption. If this does not they are non-biodegradable, i.e. plastic bags were found in its happen soon, we can expect a lot that they remain in the stomach. In 2015, in Costa Rica, of marine animals to die from Environment for a very long time a sea turtle was found with a eating plastics which could then before they are broken down. A plastic straw in its nasal cavity; lead to their extinction and a loss plastic bottle, for example, can luckily a group of Biologists of livelihood for fishermen. last up to 450 years to biodegrade rescued it. (breakdown) while a plastic According to the United Kimani Wiseman grocery bag can take up to 20 Nations latest report, more than

Plastics pollute the Marine Ecosystem

come to hear him speak, as well as his Disciples.

“The Scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses seat,” (a literal seat that was referred to as such, and represented authority), He told them, “and whatsoever they instruct you to observe and do, that you observe and do (Matt 23:2,3).

But don’t imitate them, for they say, but do not, but rather bind heavy burdens, difficult to be borne, and place them on men’s shoulders, and they themselves will not assist them, not even with one of their fingers.”

He continued, “They work to be seen by men, broadening their phylacteries, and enlarging the borders of their robes.

They also love the important seats at feasts, and the prominent positions in the Synagogues.

“They also love to be recognized in the market place, and to be called Rabbi,Rabbi. But don’t you be called Rabbi, for only one is your master, and that’s the anointed one; all of you are brethren. Call no man on Earth Abba (father),for you only have one Abba, and He is in Heaven.

He that is greatest among you shall be your servant, so do not exalt yourself or you will be made ashamed, but he that humbles himself,

shall be exalted.

“Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You shut up the Kingdom of Heaven in men’s faces. You don’t seek to enter, neither will you assist them to enter.”

And so He continued to warn the crowd and his Disciples, exposing the Scribes and Pharisees for what they really were - wicked hypocrites.

He spoke of how the Scribes and Pharisees would pay tithe of mint, anise, and cumin (all foods), and ignore the more important matters of law, such as justice, mercy and faith, He spoke of how the Scribes and Pharisees were only concerned with externals — how privately they were extortioners, and were excessive in their practices.

He likened them to white-washed sepulchres - beautiful on the outside but full of dead men’s bones within.

This only infuriated the Scribes and Pharisees further, and strengthened their resolve to kill him at any cost.

They must find the one weak link in Yahusha’s band of men.

When they did that, they concluded, that will be the beginning of the end for the Rabbi called Yahusha.

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

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14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

„riiite siiide uppp‰ leaves patrons in awe

other hidden narratives that may be skilfully wrapped in the piece of art before him.

And so it is with the work of caroline boops sardine, artist extraordinaire, who pours her soul into her creations, whether in her paintings or mixed media on canvas or board, or in her extraordinary assemblages.

On Saturday, 17th November, at the Grand View Hotel in Villa Point, twenty-five phenomenal pieces of caroline’s work were Two pieces become one in a piece by caroline showcased in an art entitled ‘bad bad feeelinnns’. show curated by

by GLORIAH… Alexandra Grant.

WHEN ONE LOOKS at a painting, an image becomes evident. The depth from The artist’s work which the image speaks, however, could Upon entering the foyer of the hotel, be lost if the onlooker simply chooses to one was greeted by a reverence of admire the shape, colours and other creativity stemming from strategically components used in the composition, positioned art, complemented by wellwithout going beyond so as to extract

angled lighting that gave just the right amount of exposure. Even as the demure artist mixed and mingled, patrons poured over her pieces; many staying their ground, some in awe, some in honour, of what they were experiencing. To top it all off, the sheer size of major pieces commanded the attention of their onlookers.

Curator Alexandra Grant was the voice for caroline as she gave insights into the artist’s inspiration and rationale. Receiving much attention was, ‘you are deee soundtrack of my heeelinnn’. Mixed media on canvas, she dealt with finding that space where could be one, thereby craving connections with people: mental, physical, cultural, spiritual. Here, a variety of smaller symbolic images were crafted in to draw lines across the narrative.

Another attention grabber was ‘bad feeelinnns’, where two separate canvases told a complementary story.

It depicted a physical representation of that emotional state with a hint of optimism on the canvas on the right coming from a collage of the artist’s dissected recipes. These were meant to supply “a recipe for healing” along with the bees factored in.

In a general sense, caroline’s signature is her deliberate distortion of words and ideas. These are the very foundation of her work, so upon viewing her pieces, the onlooker must dig deep. That was the very reason why some patrons lingered over time, some even returning to catch that little tidbit that would have escaped the eye during a first look.

Caroline boops sardine and Jeremy Payne – together again.

by Frank Sardine. It was then architecturally altered by C.F. Richardson who converted the building into a family dwelling.

In 1964, it was converted into the hotel it is known for today. The Grand View Hotel, therefore, was a unique spot for showing off the unique talents of two unique, daring-to-be-different artists.

The collaboration ‘riiite siiide uppp’ was the second collaborative showing involving caroline and artist and fashion designer Jeremy Payne of ‘Fashion is Payn’. In 2016, they collaborated to show their extraordinary pieces of art work in a show dubbed “Inside Out also ‘you are deee soundtrack of my curated by Alexandra Grant and heeelinnn’ seemed to have a favourite mounted at the historically with the patrons. significant Cigarette Factory in Arnos Vale. ‘Inside Out’ showcased to raving review. ‘riiite siiide uppp’ continued that collaboration, but this time it was caroline’s pieces that took centre stage. Jeremy’s introduction of his performance art piece called ‘Rituals: These Glorious Things’, simply upped the ante of the activity. *(See story on page 15)

The venue As in their 2016 art show, the ‘riiite siiide uppp’ venue — the Grand View Hotel - also held great historic importance. Known as Wilkie’s Battery in the 18th century, it functioned as the corresponding battlement to Fort Duvernette. In the 19th century, a large house for drying cotton was built and remained until the 1940s, when the property was purchased

One of coroline’s earlier productions in which she made use of match boxes.

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

Arts

Performance Art – the ‘riiite siiide uppp’

Right: Jeremy Payne arranges head piece for one of the dancers.

possibilities of new and excitingly creative things.

It was with this in mind that he initiated his performance art piece called ‘Rituals: These Glorious Things’ - a presentation orchestrated to complement caroline’s creative genius.

The performance was in fact a social commentary on feelings which Jeremy termed, a “modern luxury: the ability to be in your feelings and find a way to deal with them.”

People, he is convinced, often have to put up a front and in so doing, seek to look a particular way or approach others in a Dance now fully ‘enclosed’ by headpiece certain way, while locking away their true feelings. and necklace.

To achieve his objective on unleashing one’s real

by GLORIAH… self, Jeremy used three dancers of the Arabesque ARTIST AND DESIGNER Dance Company to bring Jeremy Payne first the philosophy to life. collaborated with artist Otherwise clad in allcaroline boops serdine in black dancewear, each 2016, to mount an art show dancer’s face was covered entitled ‘Inside Out’. by what the artist called The two artists, whom soft sculptures: tube-like, some describe as nonconformists — joined forces fringe-like head dresses. again last Saturday, Nov. An additional necklace/harness 17, to stage a show they dubbed ‘riiite siiide uppp’, differentiated one of these performers. with emphasis this time It was awe-inspiring around, on caroline’s work. simply to watch these But, Jeremy’s sculptures change contribution to the show took on a totally different dramatically from simply hanging in wait, to be perspective. fitted on a human form.

Using the historically They seemingly jumped to significant Grand View Hotel at Villa Point as the life!

Each performer then venue, Jeremy effectively took to the spaces and put the cap on the performed freestyle dances evening’s activity as he to the accompanying downloaded his most recent idea on the patrons. music.

Jeremy explained that Firmly believing that his because the faces of the artistic talents should dancers were hidden, they allow him to dive into were not being influenced different areas of art and by anything or anyone extend his imagination, around them. Their only Jeremy chose to explore consideration was the music. They, therefore, had no choice but to express themselves as they confronted whatever feelings that came their way.

“That’s why I call it a ritual,” he said, “because I want it to be something that we practise daily, learning how not to sabotage ourselves

Left: A dancer expresses herself oblivious to those persons and things around her.

through our feelings.”

Jeremy was quite satisfied that this new feature had impacted significantly on the psyches of the patrons at ‘riiite siiide uppp’.

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16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Industry

Cocoa Company intent on quality

acres in private cultivation.

Most of the production is on the Windward coast, but Manager of the St.Vincent Cocoa Company - Andrew Hadley is optimistic about the expansion to the Leeward coast.

He anticipates an expansion in operation with the setting up of a nursery to cater for those on the Leeward district will drive that expansion, Hadley agrees, but vouched for the high quality of plants that will be available regardless of where they come from.

Hadley noted that one of the factors contributing to the ongoing yield is the type of plants.

“All the plants are grafted,” Hadley indicated as he traced the process with seedlings given a three-month span and a similar period at the nursery.

The Company has perfected the art of grafting and Nursery Manager Dane McMillan is playing a major role in this regard.

Farmers have full assurance that plants provided by the St Vincent Cocoa Company are of the highest yielding brand.

The delicate nature of the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves listens attentively to Dane McMillan, Nursery Manager. crop was outlined, with Hadley THE COCOA NURSERY at Perseverance in Dickson, in the North Central Windward District on mainland St. Vincent, is where the heartbeat of the St. Vincent Cocoa Company lies.

Last Friday, when a party of government officials, headed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and media persons visited the Nursery, there were as many as 45,000 plants on the compound. That’s less than half of the plant’s capacity.

The St. Vincent Cocoa Company has about 450 acres under cultivation plus 400 acres leased. Farmers have 100

Just a portion of plants that the Nursery at Dickson can accommodate.

Right: Andrew Hadley, Manager of St. Vincent Cocoa Company, is confident that the nursery will provide only plants that yield the highest quality of cocoa.

pointing to the production of cocoa pods within three years. Intercropping with a mixture of trees suitable for the ‘shade’ for the younger cocoa plants, is promoted as a vital aspect of the productivity.

In addition to the nursery at Dickson, there is the Processing Plant.

Hadley outlined the stages with the Cascade Fermenter System in full operation. Pods spend ten days in the drying process, which he regards as the “most important factor.”

Steps are taken to comply with the strictest standards, to make sure that best pods are provided for manufacturers.

“It is hard for a factory to make chocolate from bad cocoa,” Hadley quipped.

V Remembering Julius Anthony: Stunning trumpet sound

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

Tribute

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

his capacity for harnessing resources.

Everything went like clockwork, because HIS NAME IS JULIUS ANTHONY, born June Jules ensured that matters were in 30, 1953 in San Nicolas Aruba, died order.

November 16, 2018 at Clare Valley in the If there was a missing link, Jules South Leeward part of our multi-island would rectify it. He covered every state. probability.

Jovial, Unselfish, Loving, Industrious, He had a passion for sports. The Unruffled, Steadfast. (Julius). That’s Cooperative Bank North Leeward Under summation of Jules as he was 15 Cricket Competition was a trademark affectionately called. commodity in Vincentian annals. It was Son of Miriam and Leopold Anthony, a platform that served the national Jules added to a list of stalwarts that agenda. Ask Luke Browne, Miles have distinguished the Troumaca Bascombe, Emil Anthony, or Andy community. His influence extended to Bowens. the North Leeward district, but he North Leeward Under 19 cricketers, carved out a niche wide enough to rank and Seniors proved their worth on him a Vincentian patriot. national and regional teams.

He died with his boots on. His concern It was in North Leeward that Maxford when he went to bed Thursday, Pype gained his footing in sport. He November 15, was to get to the Argyle went on to represent the Leeward International Airport the following Islands at the Four Day and One Day morning to take a photo of the versions.

Vincentian football team off to their Pype played football for the British Concacaf Nations League fixture with Virgin Islands, a team that drew with Turks and Caicos Islands. the vaunted Vincy Heat in a Gold Cup Friday morning, November 16, we showdown. were greeted with the news. That sent People describe Jules as ‘pacifier’ off shocks of epic proportions, and the when they see the manner in which he impact is being absorbed. operated. He had to employ those traits There is that hollowness that life in the face of many attacks on his unveils. But there is a happiness that character. will prevail from the spill over of Jules’ He soldiered on unrelentingly, commitment. conscious of the wider image of real Jules was an ambassador. Visitors development. here for the first time would have found People will be familiar with the him the ideal guide. He was confrontation between North Leeward knowledgeable of the nation’s passage residents and the Police, as a from colonisation to independence. consequence of the threat of closure of He played his part in the growth, rise the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School. and prestige of Vincentians.

Nine persons were charged in relation He was proud of his Union Island to events surrounding the 1996 protests. roots where his grandmother originated Jules was not one of those, but and where his mother was born. He has subsequent and subtle trials he was close relatives in Bequia, and he was the subjected to, were more devastating than contact man when any one came to the the arrests made. mainland.

Jules was never one to seek To those in the diaspora returning vengeance. with a relative, Jules was the reliable Did you know that Jules was a agent. He had a distinguished career trumpeter with the band Intense Heat? with Vinlec, working his way up the That outfit graced bandstands in ranks to his retirement. different parts of the island. I attended After his sojourn with that company, some of those functions, for there was a there was a strengthened coordination sense of excitement in the episode. I was demonstrated by the T/20 Cricket not part entourage, but endured the life tournament. of the travelling musician.

Jules assumed running of that Jules established a Tutor’s institution, competition as a responsibility. The and the list of persons he helped in completion, year after year, confirmed acquiring their licence is long. He had a

way of assuring the most apprehensive student, and driving lessons turned out to be rides for him by different drivers.

Jules was the family man. He bought a piece of land in Clare Valley when housing expansion in those areas was not a fashion.

The Anthony family moved to that residence in 1991 and settled in the top floor. The ground floor was subsequently installed and the top floor served as an apartment.

Clare Valley became an Anthony base, with Jules resorting to the top floor and the rest of the original family on the ground floor.

There is where his parents died 22 years apart, and his sister Esther, ten months ago. The visits picked up with his father and sister 16 months apart, but no one anticipated Jules’.

He was a foundation member of the National Workers Movement. He was part of a core commandeered with the task of rescuing the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union on the brink of liquidation in 1984.

In recent times, Jules took to journalism. With his administrative and organisational capacity, it was easy for him to encounter many a scoop without much dynamite.

When it came to the family gathering, Jules was the ultimate candidate. He ensured everything was supplied. If it meant having to oversee any aspect of the package, one could have relied on him for delivery.

Jules showed me respect beyond what I deserved. We did not see eye to eye on every detail. He was forthright enough to accept my position, even though he thought I might have been errant.

There was a solidarity between us.

Events that shaped him were throes I went through. But he had his exposure.

He spent some time living with his Aunt Marion at Troumaca Bay. He confessed to missing home and Troumaca, having to go to Troumaca Bay while his peers played in the village.

The last time we spoke was Sunday November 11. We crossed on the road in Cumberland. He was returning from the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he had taken a player hit by a ball during the first semi-final match for this year’s Vinlec T/20 tournament.

Jules organised other sessions after a

Julius ‘Jules’ Anthony (1953 - 2018).

(Photo Credit: Oris Robertson) dispute surfaced about the second semifinal. He missed this year’s finale, the beginning of a new phase in the environmental outlook. His absence will be overwhelming. The foundation he created will be sufficient for others he mentored to carry on the legacy he defined.

He never declared it to me, but he was one of my most ardent calypso fans.

He followed my exploits in the arena and exuded pride in my compositions.

That was enough for me to carry on. A quiet word.

His voice is silenced, interred with his mortal existence. But there is that line connecting us. His spirit will whisper in the ears of many who knew him and those who will reflect on his journey. His story is still being told. Others will complete the script. In time, his fate will be sealed in genuine documentation, and unveiled as a case in the principles of human deliberations.

He leaves five children, wife Gweneth, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, loved ones, friends and well-wishers. Jules will be buried November 30, following a service at the Troumaca Methodist Church.

THE VINCENTIAN joins in expressing condolences to the family, and takes the opportunity of paying tribute to this outstanding personality.

18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Me, my wife and her boss Dear George MY WIFE CAN now be considered as the main bread winner in the home after I got fired from my job, because of her.

This is my story and issue.

Word came to me that my wife’s boss was sexually harassing her regularly although she begged him not to do it. I asked her about it and she said the harassment stopped and I must not worry.

I just happened to be at her work place when I saw her boss rub her behind. I did nothing. I wanted to see her reaction. She laughed at his actions, patted him on his cheek and blew him a kiss before moving away. I then approached her about it, and she asked me to leave the compound before I made a scene.

Instead of leaving, I went to her boss’s office and confronted him. He asked me why should I concern myself with an issue that does not bother my wife. I warned him and left the office.

That very week, my boss called me into his office and told me things were slow and he has to let me go. I had seen my wife’s boss visiting him at his office.

When I tried to show my wife the link, she told me I was a troublemaker and a jealous husband and it was my

own doing why I got fired. She is now working late hours on most days with nothing more to show for it. Now, she is calling me lazy and good for nothing because I’m not working. The latest thing now is she is pregnant and I have concerns about whose child it could be. Should I say that to her now?

Disturbed husband Dear Disturbed husband, As far as your wife’s pregnancy goes, you are the father until you can prove otherwise so I would advise you to let that be for the time being. If in the future your suspicion gets stronger and you see the need to be sure, then there is the option of doing a paternity test.

Your best bet now is to step up your search for employment. Until then you can make your presence felt at the house by assuming the role of housemaker and giving the necessary support to your wife. This will help soften her views about you and your usefulness, and will create a conducive environment to have a serious talk about fraternizing at work with her boss. You also have the option of getting professional help which will be a great move toward saving your marriage.

George

Betrayed by my spy After several months, I was floored when I found out that my wife THE JOKE is on me this time around. I have was into women, and been suspecting my wife the very person I had of cheating on me, but I watching her was her main lover. could not confront her To be truthful, I do without solid proof. To not know what to do get this proof, I now. My wife has told employed a young lady to be a house helper, but me she is not going to give up on being with she was really my spy. women, and gave me the Things were so good option of leaving the that my wife would invite the young lady in marriage or remaining and accepting the question to accompany her when she went out. situation.

Either way, I’m I felt good knowing my finished because I really wife could not mess love my wife but not her around with my spy wayward life. around.

Dear George

Rocky Road Dear Rocky Road, You need to find out what drove your wife to develop this desire for the opposite sex. To do so, you will need the assistance of a professional marriage counsellor.

You should fight for your marriage by all means, but if your wife remains adamant about her new way of life, then it’s not going to work.

Two cannot walk together except they agree. Make that appointment with a counsellor now!

George

Turning it around Dear George,

me, and you were spot on.

THANK YOU for the advice you gave me some two years ago. I did leave my two- timing boyfriend who has since married his lover.

I migrated to the United States and went back to school. I met a wonderful man whom I married. My life is wonderful, and I want to say to all women out there who have cheating boyfriends, do not put up with it. There is always a nice man out there somewhere waiting to meet you. George, that was what you told

Grateful Dear Grateful, It’s good to have great news once in a while. I am happy for you and about the fact that you followed my suggestions. Patience does pay off.

Keep your head up and be all that you can be as you move forward with your new life.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Travel will be favorable and bring you the greatest rewards. Female colleagues may be able to help you get the job done. Try to calm down and listen to your partner's complaints. Compromise may be necessary.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You may get some opposition. Personal changes will be to your benefit. Family get‐ togethers will be interesting. Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate. Emotionally you won't see things accurately GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Dig deep, ferret out any hidden concerns before you sign your life away You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvement's. You will be emotional about family matters. Don't hesitate to present your unique ideas.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You may find that you can be the recipient of valuable information if you're willing to be a good listener. Overindulgence could lead to problems with digestion. There could be opposition or temper tantrums on the home front. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable if you take them with that special person in your life. Listen to the advice given by those with experience.

Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art, or music this week. Avoid any petty ego confrontations; they could lead to estrangement if you aren't careful. Close deals that have been up in the air and move on to new ones that appear to be profitable. Problems with large

corporations or institutions are apparent.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Try not to use emotional blackmail; it will only make matters worse. Your ability to talk circles around your colleagues will help you forge ahead in the workforce. The knowledge you have will enhance your reputation. Deal with the needs of children.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Your ability to communicate with ease will win the hearts of those you are in touch with this week. You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships. Sudden changes concerning coworkers may surprise you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating. You will have a tendency to put on pounds. Take some time out. Think before you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation. You may find that your documents are not in order.

Hidden assets can be doubled if you play your cards correctly. You would be wise to consider attending lectures that will broaden your awareness concerning your professional direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Older relatives may make unreasonable demands. You will have the ability to capture the interest of others. You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Promote your ideas now. You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress. Your flair for dramatic appeal will unleash itself at social functions.

Don't bang your head against a wall.

ACROSS 1. Microscopic arachnid 5. Furniture wood 9. Leap on one foot 12. Continuous dull pain 13. Off‐Broadway theater award 14. North American nation 15. Alcoholic beverage 16. Part of verb to ride 17. Metallic element 18. Republic in SW Asia 20. Having a specified pace 22. Son of Jacob and Rachel 25. Volcanic material 26. Disarm 27. Female horse 28. Acquire 29. Taxicab 30. Obese 33. Stylish 35. Express opinions 37. Was merciful to 40. Greek island in the Aegean Sea 41. Hawaiian tree 42. Having wings 43. Part of verb to be 44. Fresh‐water fish 46. Exclamations of surprise 50. By way of 51. Beige 52. Clock face 53. Antiquity 54. Hold as an opinion 55. TV award DOWN 1. Fairy queen 2. Frozen water 3. Definite article 4. Weirder 5. The Pentateuch 6. Ebony

7. Help 8. Prison warden 9. Small cabin 10. Willow 11. White‐and‐ black bearlike mammal 19. Rotational speed 21. Monkey 22. Earthenware container 23. 1 24. Posed 25. Label 27. Family name prefix 29. Spanish hero 30. Evergreen tree 31. Black bird 32. Light meal 33. French vineyard

34. Directed a course 35. Wood sorrel 36. Procession 37. Bond servant 38. Jeopardy 39. In front 40. Lower portion

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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

of the small intestine 42. Land measure 45. Very skilled person 47. Direct a gun 48. Thigh 49. Wily

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Feature

Test CricketTwo Leagues Last year, Afghanistan and Ireland were added to the existing full Test status members - Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe — thereby increasing the total membership to twelve nations.

Jimmy Adams led the West Indies as the new century dawned (1999/2000).

Left: Darren Sammy had a run of 30 Tests as captain between 2010 and 2014.

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe

Chris Gayle was WI skipper (2007 – 2010) as we closed the first decade.

by EARL W. ROBINSON AS WE ENTER the final year of the second decade (2010-2019) of this century, the International Cricket Council (ICC) must be seriously considering a two-league format for Test cricket.

In recent years, it is quite noticeable that traditional teams like Australia, India, Pakistan and South Africa are playing only one-off Test against teams like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. In the current scheme of things, i.e. rankings, no points are awarded for those matches. They do not trouble the Test championship calculations. Mind you, Zimbabwe have been on the Test circuit since October 1992 (26 years), while Bangladesh made their entry in 2000, eighteen years ago.

The records for these two teams are abysmal. Zimbabwe have played 107 Tests, won 12, lost 68 and drawn 27. The percentage of matches won stands at 11.21 and the percentage lost at 63.55.

Bangladesh’s record reads: 110 Tests played, won 11, lost 83 and 16 drawn.

Their winning percentage is 10 and losing percentage is 75.45.

So, what do you think of these two teams? Do they deserve more than two Tests per series?

Head to head, there have been sixteen encounters , with Zimbabwe winning seven and Bangladesh six.

The recently concluded two-match series between these two countries ended in the honours being shared — one victory each. However, Bangladesh were the losers. They lost six rating points, to move from 67 to 61 points. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, earned eleven rating points to advance from two to thirteen points.

Two other scenarios must be highlighted. In two other 2-match series, the rating points were completely different. Pakistan defeated Australia one — nil and gained seven rating points, while Australia lost four points.

India steamrolled West Indies two-nil, but their increment was one rating point. On the other hand, West Indies lost a solitary point to move from 77 to 76 points.

Is the ICC mathematical formula working? No wonder the traditional teams are playing one-off Test against these weak teams. Also, there are no financial gains from these lopsided contests.

West Indies 2000-2018

Jason Holder was appointed captain of the W./I in 2015, one year after making his Test debut.

It is amazing to hear so much being said of W.I. five-wicket victory over England at Headingley, Leeds in 2017.

Joe Root’s sporting declaration is never mentioned.

When Clive Lloyd declared against India in 1976 at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, and lost by six wickets, fans said, “He sell out”. What did Root do, anything different?

Shai Hope batted gloriously but Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswarath did not?

At the time of writing, the two leagues could look like this: Major League — India, South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka; Minor League — Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland.

The categorizing of Sri Lanka and Pakistan positions could well change by the end of Sri Lanka — New Zealand series.

West Indies — Bangladesh is a play-off for positions number eight and nine.

West Indies should win this overseas series of two Tests.

So, what has the West Indies done since the turn of the century? Up to the end of the tour to India, the West Indies have contested 183 Tests between 2000 and 2018. They have won 37, lost 97 and drawn 49.

A further breakdown of these figures shows they played 88 of these Tests at home, won 25, lost 35 and drew 28 drawn. Tests played abroad in this period bought even more headaches. Of the 95 Tests played abroad, the West Indies won 12, lost 62 and drew 21. Eight of those victories were against Bangladesh (5) and Zimbabwe (3).

The four other wins were against England (2) in 2000 and 2017, Kraigg Brathwaite captained the W.I on two one each against South Africa in occasions in this period – 2017/18 and 2018.

2007 and Pakistan in 2016.

V Vincentian duo three-peats in Chatoyer 10K IN RETAINING THEIR TOP PODIUM positions in last Sunday’s NACAC Chatoyer Endurance 10k, Junior Ashton and Linda Mc Dowall made it three in a row in the international male and female categories respectively.

In the event which began at Gordon Yard and ended at the Chateaubelair Playing Field, Ashton clocked 41 minutes 24.50 seconds, while Mc Dowall’s winning time was 51 minutes 25.96 seconds.

Each earned US $1300.

Ashton, though, earned himself an extra US$100 for being the first athlete to reach the half way mark.

Second to Ashton was Winston Messigher of Guyana in 41 minutes 31.41 seconds, with another Guyanese — Cleveland Thomas- taking third in a time of 43 minutes 26.73 seconds. Messigher collected US$700 and Thomas US$500.

Completing the top five finishers were VincentianJosnel Ashton — fourth and Joshua Hunte of Barbadosfifth.

Meanwhile, Keiffer Bailey and Tamara Woodley, both of St Vincent and the Grenadines, were second and third,

respectively, in the International category for the Females.

Topping the Male Under-20 was IT- DAT Academy’s Slyford Lampkin in 49 minutes 29.40 seconds, with Markie Edwards of the Troumaca Secondary — second and Alroy Barbour of the Barrouallie Secondary — third.

In the Female Under- 20, IT DAT Academy’s Odesha John was first in 1 hour 03 minutes 40.90 seconds, with Ashanti Richards of the Barrouallie Secondary in second place, and Troumaca

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. 23.

Junior Ashton ending the race last Sunday.

Laborde, who clocked 1 hour 03 minutes 20.77 seconds, ahead of Zita Vincent of the Barrouallie Secondary- second and Nadia Delpesche of IT- DAT AcademyMembers of the Barrouallie third.

Secondary School, which Caswin Prince, representing had the most finishers in last X- Cel, won the Male Veteran Sunday’s race. bracket, clocking 56 minutes 15.31 seconds. Prince was Left: Winner of the Male 20 followed by Roger Young and and Over- Meshach Dublin.

Leonard Ballantyne in that Secondary’s Le Anna Lovelaceorder. third.

Winning the Female Meshach Dublin of IT DAT Veterans was Samantha Lynch Academy won the Male 20 and in 1 hour 20 minutes 56 .16 Over in a time of 47 minutes seconds. Pat Sprott, a 65-year11.55 seconds. He was followed old was second.

by Tarique Scott, also of IT DAT And, the Barrouallie Academy and Jomarie Fraser of Secondary School gained the the Barrouallie Secondary — prize of US$1000 worth of third. equipment, for having the On the Female side, the highest number of athletes who winner was X- Cel’s Shaquiella

Crossing the finish line in last Sunday’s Chatoyer Endurance 10K – Linda Mc Dowall.

Oldest competitor – Pat Sprott (left) and winner of the Male Veterans – Caswin Prince (right). completed the course.

The Chatoyer Endurance 10K is sold as the “World Most Challenging 10K”.

Winners declared in Volleyball Island Tour

Country Roots won both the Male and Senior titles.

Right: Junior Male WinnerAlliance.

WINNERS OF THE VOLLEYBALL Island Tour were declared last Saturday, when the series of matches concluded at

the Girls’ High School hardcourt.

Country Roots claimed tboth the Senior Male and Female categories, with Alliance taking the Junior Male.

Country Roots secured the Senior Male title, having accumulated 33 points over four legs of the tour.

Country Roots beat Alliance into second place on 23 points. Gremlins finished third on 17 points, and fourth was Unique Touch on 5 points.

In the Senior Male division, Country Roots romped home winners with 31 points, just ahead of Gremlins

A with 29 points.

Gremlins B on 11 points followed in third.

The other two competing teams were Alliance and Unique Touch, who ended on 6 and 5 points, respectively.

Alliance, though, dominated in the Junior Male category, stamping Alliance’s duo of Devon Williams and Daryl Franklyn, their mark with 31 unable to stop the force of Asmond Franklyn of Country points, and in the Roots, during the Final of the Senior Male Division last process distanced Saturday. themselves from Country Roots in Male MVP. consisted of four legs, with second with 19 points, two legs contested at the The Volleyball Island Gremlins third with 17 Girls’ High School Tour was a foura —side and Unique Touch - 5 hardcourt and one each at competition, with the team points. the Gomea Methodist getting to 15 points first, Taking the MVP of the School hardcourt and at being declared winner of finals of each of the the Dickson facility. their match. categories were Nikita The objective of the The winning team from Campbell of Gremlins A in Volleyball Island Tour was each leg of the tour, was the Senior Female; to rejuvenate the sport in Alliance’s Julian Farrell — allocated 7 points; second the various geographical place collected 5 points Junior Male MVP and areas, as well as seek out and third place 3 points.

Asmond Franklyn of new players along with The Island Tour Country Roots — Senior court officials.

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

TCCU Star Girls shine in Bagga netball TCCU Star Girls were crowned Senior double champions in the 2018 Barrouallie Sports

Association Netball Championship.

They claimed the League and Knockout

titles as the Championships came to an end last weekend at the Keartons Hardcourt.

In rounding off the Championship, TCCU Star Girls defeated North Leeward Stars 53-42 in the Knock Out finals.

Goal shoot Maryanna Frederick led the scoring for TCCU Star Girls with 47 goals, while goal attack Kayshorn Lawmans scored 6. Goal shooter Tamara Samuel was the top scorer for North Leeward Stars with 24.

JLC Warriors of Layou took the

TCCU Star Girls - League and Knock out champions.

Junior title of the Championship, trouncing JR Warriors 27-5 to retain that title. Goal shoot Brandy Hazelwood led with 20 goals, while goal attack Kristiano Christopher netted 7 for JLC Warriors. Goal shoot Chante Williams scored 3 goals Marry-Ann Fredrick - for JR Warriors and Best Shooter in the goal attack Senior Division.

Lenisha

JLC Warriors - Junior champions.

New football champs in ÂDe ValleyÊ BROTHERHOOD F.C. are the new champions of the Richland Park Nine-A-side Football Championship.

They earned that accolade when they defeated defending champions Greiggs FC 2-1 on penalty kicks, in the finals played at the Richland Park Playing Field last Sunday.

Interestingly, Brotherhood F.C. was making its debut in the Valley Sports Committee Football tournament, making their victory an even more outstanding accomplishment.

When the whistle was blown to

Right: Baxter 2.

Christiana In terms of Christopher individual awards, Best Shooter Naomi Williams was the MVP of the in the Junior Division.

Senior Knock-Out finals, with Kyilla Miller taking that taking award in the Junior the honour of Most Division.

Outstanding Defender Among the Seniors, and Trish James the Marry-Ann Frederick Most Outstanding Midwas named the Best court Player.

Shooter, Kay-Wanna MVP awards were also Charles the Most given out to the Outstanding Defender, outstanding players of and Miranda Spencer the their respective team.

Most Outstanding MidA total of five teams court Player. took part in the Junior Christiana Division, while nine Christopher was the Best competed in the Senior Shooter in the Junior Division.

Division, with Kayilla

Huggins looking to return to the SVGFF

end regulation time last Sunday, the score was locked at 1 each.

Brotherhood F.C. had taken the lead through Attius Enville, but Valdo Anderson converted for Greiggs within minutes of going

Greiggs F.C. – 2017 Champions but 2018 runners-up.

Brotherhood - new Valley Sports Football Champions. one down.

The score was still tied after 10 minutes of extra time, throwing the mercies of the teams to the penalty spot.

Brotherhood missed one of their kicks, but Greiggs missed two to forfeit their hold on the titles.

When individual awards were handed out after the match, former national goalkeeper Dwayne Sandy, playing for Brotherhood, was named the MVP of the tournament.

Thirteen (13) teams took part in the tournament.

Dwayne Sandy – MVP of the Tournament.

TREVOR HUGGINS, a former General Secretary of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), has indicated his interest in contesting the election for the position of Second Vice-president of that organization.

The election for the position of Second Vice-president takes place this Saturday, November 24th, 2018.

Huggins, a retired teacher, is currently Chairman of the Georgetown Area Sports Association and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Chili playing field.

Trevor In reaching out to the affiliates, Huggins found Huggins said, inter alia, in a himself circular letter, “I am seeking your embroiled in a vote for the position of the 2nd VP very public of the SVGFF at the scheduled war with then AGM on Saturday, November 24, president of 2018. I strongly believe in the SVGFF integrity in all sports, with special Venold emphasis on transparency, Coombs. accountability, and good governance.”

He added, “I can make a difference and, at this present , SVGFF needs experienced personnel who can assist in the development of the sport. A vote for me is a vote for you.”

Huggins has had two stints on the executive of the SVGFF. He served as Second Vice president from 2001 to 2007, and as General Secretary from 2011 until his suspension and eventual removal in 2015.

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

V

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

Sports

Vincy squanders THE VINCENTIAN footballers made life hard for themselves, going under to Turks and Caicos Islands in the Nations League last Sunday. Most fans expected the Vincentians to notch some points and indeed some goals against the Turks and Caicos.

They were beaten heavily in their previous encounters, and by the law of averages, this ought to have been the intention and result.

Football is played on the field, and one is as good as his latest appearance.

The Turks and Caicos must have brooded over their earlier displays and took to the field with a venom. They scored in the 7th minute and when they doubled the lead in the 43rd, it was obvious that the Vincentians were in more of a scare.

Perhaps the Vincy Heat squad had heard of Jules Anthony’s death, and a sense of solemnity might have overcome them. But the greatest tribute they could have paid to him would have been to wrap up the game in style.

They did manage to inject some sense of urgency with strikes in the 86th and 88th minutes; but their hearts must have dropped, with Turks and Caicos snatching a vital third goal one minute later. That is how it turned out to me.

Vincentian fans will be angry, and there will be the usual outcry of trying to blame someone.

People will realise that no one takes anything for granted. And when it comes to rivalry, the pleasantries are abandoned momentarily.

Vincentians tend to have a naïve approach as if it doesn’t matter. We are lulled into a sense of complacency, and many a time, we fail to apply the squeeze, or release the grip at crucial stages of the battle.

The nation must find ways of avoiding such pitfalls, and establish certain guidelines so that we employ a polished technique. We cannot allow ourselves to be masters of the mediocrity cycle, and touted as ones capable of punching above our weight but having dubious records.

The Vinlec North Leeward T/20 Cricket Tournament hits a new turn in its existence. For the first time, a formidable presence will not be around that sort of event. There will be a hollow feeling, and it will be thoughts on Jules. That is Julius Anthony.

He has been a fixture at the North Leeward scene, especially when it comes to cricket. He has nurtured many youngsters who have become fathers to many of the players continuing the tradition.

There is no doubt that Jules has made his mark in the sporting arena. His sudden passing will serve as a wakeup call to all and sundry, and they will be more aware of the frailties of life.

There was a feeling that Jules knew no barriers when it came to physical attributes. I went through some of those rigours with him. I participated out of sheer solidarity, for I owed a debt of gratitude for many favours he bestowed on me. It was a form of natural justice.

I could have relied on him for anything, and there was the mutual respect. Perhaps I with a more distant approach could be guilty of abandoning him. For while we never drifted apart, there was a sense of lingering coordination.

He seemed obsessed with aspects far more complex than I ever dreamt of.

Cricket fraternity mourns the loss of Julius Anthony THE CRICKET community, within weeks of saying goodbye to one stalwart, is again in mourning this time for the passing of Mr. Julius ‘Jules’ Anthony.

Mr. Anthony, originally from Troumaca, North leeward, passed away on November 16, 2018, at his residence in Clare Valley.

A fervent cricket administrator, he has been the leading force behind cricket in North Leeward for more than three decades. In his capacity as President of the North Leeward Sports Association, he coordinated the VINLEC North Leeward Cricket Tournament, and initiated many youth tournaments and programmes.

Mr. Anthony was a Director and Chairman of the National Sports Council (NLA) and served in different capacities in/for the SVG Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA), including as a media person and on the Book Committee, which is mandated to publish a book on the history of Vincentian cricket.

Mr. Anthony was honored by

the SVGCA in 2014, the first year of Dr. Shallow’s presidency, for his outstanding contribution to cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Tributes President of SVGCA Inc., Dr. Kishore Shallow, expressed his state of shock at the news, saying: “I was woken by a cricket administrator from North Leeward, who clearly was distressed while relaying the news. I was immediately saddened…. He was an inspiration to me as he was for many cricketers and others over the years. Jules has my greatest admiration and respect, certainly one of the most selfless persons I have encountered in my lifetime… this is a massive loss to cricket, to North Leeward, to our country; he was a true champion.”

Secretary of SVGCA Inc., Samuel Holder shared his grief over the loss of Mr. Anthony.

“Jules has been a long-standing contributor to cricket in SVG. He

would have been instrumental in a number of Julius ‘Jules’ cricketers Anthony leaves a coming out from the North positive, Leeward area. indelible mark on the development He will of sports in the certainly be remembered for North Leeward his contribution area. in cricket… this is a huge loss,” said the longestserving executive member of the SVGCA. Executive member of SVGCA, Dyke Cato echoed the sentiments of his colleagues. Cato said, “Jules Anthony has been a remarkable comrade with tremendous positive impact. It has been an esteemed pleasure to work with such an honorable man. Cricket and sports have lost a true great.”

Cato also served as a Director on the NSC Board with Mr. Anthony.

The executive members of the SVGCA Inc. express heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Julius ‘Jules’ Anthony. (SCGCA)

Welcome guides PÊtani to big win CASSIUS WELCOME hit an unbeaten century to help guide A R & D Trucking P’tani Masters to a 136 runs win over Kirk DaSilva’s La Croix Masters, in last weekend round of matches in the SVG Masters T20 Cricket Competition.

In the match played at Arnos Vale 2, P’tani Masters posted a formidable 255 for 4 in 20 Overs, thanks in no small way to Welcome’s unbeaten 136 and Jerome Samuel’s 62.

La Croix Masters replied with 119 for 9 off 20 overs, Sobers Thomas top scoring with 51. Ray Richards took 3 for 1.

In other results from Arnos Vale, Stanley Browne Stubbs defeated Digicel Glamorgan Masters by 10 wickets.

Digicel Glamorgan made 118 for 4 off 20 overs Clyde Mofford 49.

Stubbs, led by former national players Nixon McLean, 75 not out, and Dawnley Joseph, 39 not out, raced to 119 for no loss in 10.5 overs.

At Park Hill, North East Masters defeated Davis Construction Bequia by 101 runs: North East Masters 163 for 4 off 20 overs - Elton Williams 49, Olanzo Jackson 39,

Deighton Butler 36 not out; Bequia 62 off 11.2 overs - Erickson Browne 19, Olanzo Jackson took 3 for 10, Jerry Matthias 3 for 13.

At the Mustique Playing Field, Mustique Company defeated General Hardware Pastures by 5 wickets: General Hardware Pastures 134 for 9 off 20 overs Eviston Lawrence 46.

Oneil Thomas 3 for 22; Mustique 137 for 5 off 13.5 overs - Nicholas Baptiste 52, Oneil Thomas 33 not out,

Israel Abraham took 2 for 14, Lennox Samuel 2 for 38.

At Buccament, RSVG Police defeated Compute c Belfongo by 6 wickets: Belfongo 117 all out off 19.4 overs - Devito Williams 50, Orville Franklyn 32. Carlos Sampson 4 for 23, Parnel Browne 3 for 16, Elmore Alexander 3 for 19; RSVG Police 122 for 4 off 15.4 overs - Parnel Browne 36, Trevor Bailey 26, Jeffrey LaBorde 21, Elmore Alexander 21.

At London, North

Cassius Welcome – centurymaker for P’tani.

Windward defeated Floy d Bullock’s Trucking Marriaqua by 9 wickets.

Floyd Bullock’s Trucking Marriaqua made 94 for 7 off 20 overs. North Windward replied with 96 for 1 off 7.4 overs with Rawle Baptiste getting 61 not out.

I.B.A.ALLEN

N.Y. Masters donate to North Windward THE NEW YORK Masters Cricket team, comprised primarily of persons of Vincentian heritage and some who would have played cricket at home, recently made a generous donation to the North Windward Sports Association (NWSA).

The donation, a quantity of cricket gear and equipment, was handed over by Ezekiel ‘Spokes’ Williams and Valdon Chance of the New York Masters, and received

by Steadroy Deane - president the NWSA. “I want to assure the members of the New York Masters team that we will use the gear in the way they are intended. We know that persons (New York Masters) would have worked hard for their money and by them being so generous to us, we will like to do everything to show appreciate for

Members of the North Windward Sports Association and reps of the N.Y. Masters at the handing over. the fact that they were able to share with us. We are going to utilize the gear properly and make sure they are well taken care of,” Deane said on receiving the donation.

The NWSA currently fields teams in the National and National Masters cricket competitions here.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

V

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

Classifieds

RANDOLPH TOUSSAINT Cathedral Of The Assumption Monday 19th November, 2018 Service: 10:00 a.m.

ARTHUR MILLER MAUDIE DOUGLAS Calliaqua Anglican Church Wednesday, 21st.

November, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

MR. ARDEN ADOLPH ELLIS

IODINE STEPHEN JEFFERY

Gorse Apostolic Faith Mission Gorse Saturday, 17th November, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Eden Memorial S.D.A. Church Spring Village Sunday, 18th November, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

St. James Anglican Church Layou Friday, 16th November, 2018

LOUISE RICHARDSON Kingstown S.D.A. Church Sunday, 18th November, 2018 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Kingstown Cemetery

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 23, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.41

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‘QUE PASA’ IN MORE SUSPENSE

by HAYDN HUGGINS CONFISCATION proceedings against businessman Antonio ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau have been further delayed, occasioned by an appeal to the Privy Council, through which Gellizeau’s lawyers are challenging the decision of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal to uphold his convictions on two money laundering charges.

At a High Court hearing on Tuesday, Justice Brian Cottle granted an adjournment, requested by Gellizeau’s

lawyers, in relation to the confiscation matter. The fixing of the date for those proceedings will be determined by what transpires at the Privy Council in relation to Gellizeau’s appeal in the criminal matter.

Sonya Young, then Chief Magistrate, had committed Gellizeau to the High Court for sentencing after convicting him at the Serious Offences Court, March 2012, for bringing into the country, on the yacht Jotobin, April 2008, US$1.73 million in cash

(approx. EC$5 million), the proceeds of his criminal conduct. Young also found him guilty of concealing the cash.

Gellizeau was sentenced by the High Court on July 22, 2013, to ten years in prison on each charge, to run concurrently. He was released from prison November 8 this year after completing his sentence.

Following the convictions in 2012, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in conjunction with the Financial Intelligence Unit

ManÊs death a mystery

by DAYLE DA SILVA

ANDONIA JAMES described

Arrow marks the spot where Verrol James’s burnt remains were found.

her brother’s death as Police are “horrible,” adding that no treating the one deserved to die like death of Verrol that.

James as a According to police, the homicide. body of 61-year-old Verrol James was discovered surrounding partially burnt from the her stomach down to his feet, at brother’s the back of his Stubbs home death and last Sunday morning. was The discovery was made therefore, around 7 that morning and, not in a position to say based on the police report, anything further.

James was last seen on She said that she knew he Saturday, November 17 drank, but even then, he was around 4p.m. not known to interfere with The deceased, as per anyone. information from the police, “He is hardworking, he lived alone and worked as a does not trouble anyone”, she watchman. said.

Andonia James, speaking Andonia lives overseas and to THE VINCENTIAN said that the last time she newspaper said that her saw her brother was back in brother did not deserve to die 2015 when she came for a in such a manner. visit.

“God give life, and man Investigations are ongoing, should not take life that way,” and police are treating the she observed. case as a homicide which The woman said that she would bring the number of did not know the details homicides for the year to 32.

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

Justice Brian Cottle made known to Antonio ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau, that this recent delay was solely because of his appeal to the Privy Council.

(FIU) prepared and filed an application for a confiscation order in relation to some EC$10 million assets, believed to be Gellizeau’s proceeds of criminal conduct. The assets include cash, yachts, houses and vehicles.

The confiscation matter was to form part of his sentencing hearing.

However, Gellizeau had appealed his convictions, and that appeal was dismissed April last year by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, following which Gellizeau began efforts to challenge that decision, through the Privy Council.

When the confiscation matter came up at the High Court on Tuesday, Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson, appearing for the Prosecution, told the Court, “Our Inquiries are that there are certain things to be done, and the Privy Council is requesting that they be done, and that has not been forthcoming by the other side.”

Samantha Robertson, instructing lawyer for Gellizeau, indicated that the application before the Privy Council was lodged since May this year, but the Privy Council requested additional documentation.

When Justice Cottle inquired as to whether the Prosecution was informed that the application needed additional documentation, Robertson said all that was needed was some photo copies,

and those will be filed this week.

Cottle, however, questioned why it took so long for the Court to realize that the application was not properly before the Privy Council, and that other documentation was needed.

“Somebody got the ball wrong,” Robertson responded, adding, “We would have filed an application for an adjournment in this matter yesterday (Monday) substantiated by an affidavit.”

After granting the adjournment, Justice Cottle explained to Gellizeau that the necessary delay in the confiscation proceedings was based on his appeal to the Privy Council.

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