Vin pages 23 12 16 e reader for web

FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 23, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.51

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

by KENVILLE HORNE

The Wallilabou Anchorage Restaurant where the Austrian family had dinner during which time their yacht was burglarised.

Left: Edmund Morris - Supervisor at the Wallilabou Anchorage Restaurant – is wary of the effects acts of theft and violence against tourists can have on the industry.

A CALL HAS BEEN MADE for increased presence of the SVG Coast Guard in and around the more popular bays on mainland St. Vincent.

The call follows the most recent report of burglary of a yacht, ‘Barda’, moored in the Wallilabou Bay. The yacht was burglarised last Saturday evening.

Reports are that around 8:30pm last

Saturday, the occupants of the yacht, an Austrian family of six, returned to their vessel after having dinner onshore, only to find that it was in a mess.

The Austrian family had arrived on their chartered yacht from Martinique, some two days earlier.

Checks later revealed that a number of items were missing.

Continued on Page 3.

MORE HOMICIDES – ONE POLICE SHOOTING Details of the circumstances surrounding Balcombe’s death were At press time Wednesday, police were still unclear up to press time. investigating two homicides which That incident occurred hours after occurred in less than a 24-hour period. Avi-Donna McKenzie-Williams, a 36The latest of these occurred around year-old mother of four from 5:30pm on Wednesday, December 21, Chapmans Village, in the South when Ancito ‘Cito’ Balcombe, 36, of Central Windward district, Georgetown, died after receiving a stab wound to the neck at Continued on Page 3.

Georgetown.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

The Wallilabou Port is popular with yachts people, not least because it was the location for the filming of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Christmas Laughter

A Christmas Eve meal It was Christmas Eve in London, England, and the weather was not being kind. Three men from the Caribbean living in London — a Trinidadian, a Barbadian and a Vincentian - who had been out of work for a while, were all hungry.

Worse, not one of them had money to buy himself a meal, far less to treat the others.

However, in typical Caribbean fashion, upon

coming to a posh restaurant, they came up with a plan.

The Trinidadian went in first. After being seated, he ordered a three course meal with white wine. When he was finished the meal, the waiter came by with the cheque (bill).

“But I paid you!” the Trini shouted.

The waiter, a young white college-looking student apparently on a

winter break, was very confused as he could not remember being paid; but as he did not want to cause any trouble, he let the Trini leave.

Five minutes later, the Barbadian walked into the restaurant and ordered a five course meal with red wine.

When he was finished, the waiter came by to collect the money and maybe a tip.

“But I paid you!”, the

Barbadian shouted.

This time, the manager came and had to calm down the Bajan, and as he did not want anything to upset the other customers, he let the Bajan go.

Ten minutes later, hungrier than a dog, the Vincentian walked in, took the first vacant seat, lit a cigarette, and ordered the most expensive meal on the After he had finished and menu, plus two beers. just about to belch, the same waiter came to collect the money for the meal.

But before asking for the money, the waiter said, “Sir, I have been having a sort of problem all day and I can’t for hell understand it.

Other people like you came in earlier and ate, and they said that they paid me, but I don’t

You can’t disturb the atmosphere in a posh restaurant. Who said so? remember getting any money from them. So …..,” Before he could finish his sentence, the Vincentian chimed in loudly, “Hear nah boss, dat is your problem, jus’ geh meh meh change.”

How a Trini raised money for Christmas CHRISTMAS JUS round the corner and Jonesy thinkin up all kind of ways to make a dollar.

So he decide to buy a donkey from The best dressed donkey in Ramsingh, an Trinidad and Tobago. old farmer pardner, for $300. Ramsingh agree to deliver the donkey the next day.

Next day, Ramsingh drive up and said, “Sorry Jonesy, but I have some bad news. The donkey dead.’’

“Well gie me back meh money,’’ said Jonesy.

“Worse news boy, I went and spen it already.’’

“OK, then. Just unload the donkey.’’

“Wha yuh go do wid him?’’ asked Ramsingh.

“You doh worry, I go raffle him.’’

“You cyar raffle a dead donkey. Yuh mad or what!’’

“Who say so...yuh makin joke. Watch me. I ent tellin nobody he dead,’’ said Jonesy.

A month after Christmas, Ramsingh bounce up Jonesy in the market.

“Jonesy, wha happen with yuh dead donkey, boy?’’

Jonesy replied, “Ah raffle him off nuh. Ah sell 500 tickets at five dollars and ah rake in $2,500.’’

“Nobody eh make noise?’’

“Only de fella who win. So ah gie him back he five dollars!’’

(Source: My Tobago — The definitive guide to Tobago)

V News 3 Barrels rolling in...Not for some

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 3.

DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS on Christmas barrels commenced here on November 19.

In effect, though, persons to whom barrels are assigned, have to pay a minimum of $25.00 per large barrel and EC$15.00 on small barrels, and are allowed this concession up to a maximum of three barrels containing primarily, though not exclusively, food and clothing items.

Electronics, if discovered by Customs Officers who reserve the right to inspect/search barrels, are subject to regular Customs and

Excise charges.

As expected, Vincentians in the Diaspora, anticipating this now annual gesture on government’s part, this year being the 15th year, have moved to ensure that their relatives at home take advantage of this ease.

Indications are that the clearing of Christmas barrels intensified in December, particularly during this week, and both the Customs and Excise Department and the Port Authority have moved to introduce added measures to accommodate the swift passage of barrels

upon a brick wall.

News reaching THE VINCENTIAN indicate that at least one container of Barrels (from Canada) remains closed, up to Wednesday, this because the freight forwarder in Canada has not paid the sea freight charges for transportation of the container.

Checks with persons Problems from Canada here, who have themselves checked with However, some their relatives in persons expecting barrels Canada, assured that from Canada, and who those sending barrels by were given the assurance this particular freight that they would be able forwarder have paid to clear these beginning their freight charges in this week, have come full. through the system.

In fact, Customs and Excise and the Port have extended working hours this week to accommodate the number of barrels that have arrived and those still expected.

Port Authority officials expect that there will up to 18,000 barrels handled this year.

Call for increased Coast Guard presence have been to the Grenadines before it come to Walliabou,” said A report was made at the Morris. “They spend Thursday Barrouallie Police Station on the morning and Friday as well as said night. The family visited Saturday,” he further added. with the Criminal Investigation Morris said that he is worried, Department (CID) in Kingstown since incidents like these can the following day. drive away tourists. He noted The police confirmed that a that the tourist season has just report was made and the family started, and admitted it has been reported losses inclusive of 5,635 slow, but he anticipates by next Euros in valuables and $8,000 month there would be an increase Euros in cash, as a result of the in yacht arrivals. burglary.

In anticipation of the The Austrian family departed heightened activity at Wallilabou, St. Vincent, as scheduled, later Morris appealed to persons to that Sunday. desist from these sorts of crimes, since it only serves to affect the Restauranteur concerned country’s tourism industry in a negative manner.

Edmund Morris - Supervisor at “If I have to talk to the persons the Wallilabou Anchorage who does these things, I would Restaurant where the Austrian tell them to think about the family had dined that Saturday country first before they think evening, is upset with what is about themselves, and just think taking place in the area, and has about the importance of tourism called for an increased presence of to this country,” said Morris, the Coast Guard.

“Whatever bit of security to Morris confirmed that the deter these persons will be Austrian tourists were at the important. The presence of the restaurant moments before Coast Guard will make these finding out that their yacht was persons (visitors) feel secure,” the robbed. He said that the boat Supervisor appealed .He said that arrived on Thursday from security is provided at the Martinique. “I guess it would restaurant but not on the waters.

Continued from Front page.

Morris boasted that Wallilabou is one of the main ports of entry for yachts visiting the Leeward side of St. Vincent, and has been since it was so designated some 15 years.

“People love the place and they normally return. They also enjoy the villages and interacting with the locals,” he said.

He is of the opinion that whoever burglarized the yacht lives in the community. The perpetrators, according to him, had to know that the family was at the restaurant before they burglarized the yacht.

Second in charge at CID Assistance Superintendent of Police Clastone Francis said that the police was investigating the matter which he described as an unfortunate one. “They came to enjoy themselves, and it’s a very unfortunate incident,” said Francis, who promised that the investigation will be a vigorous one.

This latest robbery adds to a list of unbecoming acts in that area of mainland St. Vincent.

Readers will recall the killing of a German yachtsman in March 2016, on a yacht which was moored in Wallilabou.

There has been no indication from the local representatives of this freight forwarder, with respect to when and/or if the container will be opened before Christmas.

THE VINCENTIAN is aware that this is not the first time persons expecting goods from Canada have encountered this

PROBLEM. THE VINCENTIAN, however, could not confirm that it is the same freight forwarder who is involved with the Christmas barrel container awaiting clearance.

The Duty free concessions will be in effect until December 31.

More homicides – One police Shooting Continued from Front page. was reportedly approached by a young man and chopped in the neck. She died subsequently.

That incident took place at Chapmans Village, around 10:45pm last Tuesday, December 20, in the vicinity of a shop owned by McKenzieWilliams’ father.

A young man is in custody and assisting the police with their investigations in connection with that matter.

Meanwhile, a police release late Wednesday, said that they have launched an investigation into the death of Desroy Richards of Pole Yard, Arnos Vale.

Richards was reportedly shot while attacking a police officer with a cutlass, on Wednesday morning.

The release said that preliminary investigations indicated that the police officer approached the 35-year-old male at his home at Pole Yard about 6:30am, December 21. He was informed that he was wanted as a suspect in relation to a November 23, 2016 robbery, as well as a series of burglaries.

Richards apparently grabbed a cutlass and attacked the police who immediately fired a warning shot into the air, but Richards continued his approach. The police officer then shot at Richards, wounding him in his side.

He was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Post mortem examinations are to be performed on the victims.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Court exercises ÂCrabÊsÊ private duty to protect parts were intact society Huskinson died from a stab wound to the chest, and POLICE have dismissed rumours denied that his penis or that homicide victim Jasmond testicles were severed or ‘cut ‘Crab’ Charles-Huskinson’s penis up’. and testicles were severed or THE VINCENTIAN ‘cut up’. understands that in addition Rumours regarding to the stab wound that caused Charles-Huskinson’s injuries Charles-Huskinson’s death, surfaced after he was stabbed there were abrasions to other to death where he lived in an parts of his body, including an area at Rose Place called ‘The injury to his scrotum, but Hole’, around 7 p.m. December none of his private parts were 12, reportedly following an severed or ‘cut up’. altercation.

On Thursday, November 15, Some persons speculated Ava Charles, a 39-year-old that the 62-year-old former woman residing at Rose Place, school teacher’s penis and/or appeared at the Kingstown testicles were severed, while Magistrate’s Court, charged others said his penis was ‘cut with murdering Charlesup’.

Huskinson. She was not However, when contacted required to plea when she on Tuesday, Assistant stood before Magistrate Bertie Superintendent of Police Pompey, and was remanded.

(ASP) Clauston Francis, The matter was adjourned second in command of the to January 4, 2017 and Criminal Investigation transferred to the Serious Department (CID), told THE Offences Court which is VINCENTIAN that an currently on vacation. autopsy showed that CharlesStories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Ava Charles, a 39-yearold woman, has been charged with murdering Jasmond ‘Crab’ CharlesHuskinson.

A 34-YEAR-OLD Redemption Sharpes man will spend the next 18 months behind bars for theft, after Magistrate Bertie Pompey, on Tuesday, declared that the court has a duty to protect society.

Rico Anderson was charged with stealing a knapsack containing EC$85 in cash, an identification card, as well as groceries and other items valued at EC$64.

Anderson, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded guilty to the charge at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. He told the Magistrate, “I am wrong, and I know I will be punished for this. I am just asking you for your leniency please.”

The court had earlier heard that around 8:45 p.m. on Monday, the virtual complainant, Havan Small, 52, of Rillan Hill, was in the area of Gibson’s Building Supplies, Bay Street, Kingstown, awaiting transportation.

Anderson approached him and began pulling his bag.

Small told the defendant to let go the bag, but he responded “Shut to (expletive) up,” and made off with the bag containing the items, heading northwards on Higginson Street.

Small made a report to the police, and Anderson was subsequently arrested.

The items, with the exception of the identification card and cash, were recovered.

Anderson had 25 previous convictions, including 16 for acts of dishonesty.

Police court clerk Constable Shamrock Pierre told the Magistrate, “The Court needs to protect society from people like these. They must leave people who work hard for their living, with their belongings”.

Magistrate Pompey was outraged by the brazen manner in which Anderson committed the offence.

“We don’t want here to come like Brazil.

Eighteen months in prison; we have to protect society,” Pompey told him before handing down the penalty.

Teen Omega Cupid is charged with wounding a man with whom she had a relationship.

remanded on wounding charge

The woman is said to have had a common law relationship with Chance which produced a girl, now six months old.

AN 18-YEAR-OLD Chance sustained woman was remanded on multiple stab wounds, Tuesday on a wounding including one to the back charge, after police court of the neck, during an clerk Constable incident at Glen around Shamrock Pierre 5 p.m last Saturday, requested a report on the December 17. victim’s condition.

Cupid was not Omega Cupid, a required to plea when resident of Largo Height she appeared before had appeared at the Magistrate Bertie Kingstown Magistrate’s Pompey at the Court charged with Kingstown Magistrate’s unlawfully and Court on Tuesday. maliciously wounding However, when the Desmond Chance, a 23issue of bail arose, PC year-old Glen resident, Pierre raised objections. with intent.

He noted that the victim

was still a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and though Chance was in stable condition, Pierre pointed to the nature of one of his injuries. As a result, the police officer requested a medical report on Chance’s condition.

The magistrate allowed Pierre’s application, and remanded Cupid until December 29.

Pompey, however, set a January 4, 2017 date for Chance’s appearance at the Serious Offences Court which is currently on vacation.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 5.

Court

Student jailed for murder at the periodic reviews, while the prison authorities will A 12-YEAR-OLD FEMALE provide the court with reports STUDENT who used a knife to on her conduct. stab another student to death, The order of the court is June 18, 2015, was last week that she spend a minimum of sentenced to 12 years six years behind bars. imprisonment, at the Court’s A social inquiry report pleasure, for murder. prepared by the Family Affairs But the student will Division, recommended continue her schooling while in professional counselling for an prison. She is not being kept extended period. The report among the prison population had also stated that the at Her Majesty’s Prisons. accused expressed remorse for The accused, now 14, who her action. was already being schooled At the time of the offence, while in custody on remand, the accused student had just had pleaded guilty to murder completed the CPEA to gain on November 30, this year, entry to a secondary school. and a date was set for Acting Chief Education sentencing hearing.

Officer Beverly Neptune told Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo the Court that since the girl’s handed down the penalty at incarceration, she had the sentencing hearing on completed her Form 1 December 13, during the High schooling and is currently Court Criminal Assizes. receiving second form level The girl’s guilty plea earned teaching. her a 1/3 discount on her The facts of the case sentence which would take it revealed that the accused who down to about eight years. was a Grade 6 primary school Justice Latchoo ordered student, and the victim, a 15that she receive periodic year-old secondary school reviews and that she continue student, were once friends and her schooling during lived within walking distance incarceration. of each other’s homes. In The Ministry of Education time, however, their is to provide the court with relationship deteriorated. One reports on the girl’s progress, issue of contention had to do

by HAYDN HUGGINS

with an item of clothing belonging to the victim, which was in possession of the accused.

By June 18, 2015, the girls were no longer on speaking terms.

That very afternoon, the accused and a young male companion, with two knives in their possession, went to the area of the victim’s home. The victim was upstairs in her porch overlooking the road.

On arrival, an exchange of words ensued between the two girls. The victim demanded the return of a ‘jumper’, and there was a lot of vituperative language.

The accused challenged her former friend to come into the road.

The victim proceeded from where she was to where the accused and her male companion were in the road, saying, “Girl, you think I fraid you?”

There was a short scuffle between them, during which the accused delivered the fatal stab to the victim’s chest. The knife blade was concealed on the accused prior to the incident and, therefore, the victim may not have been

aware that she was armed with a knife.

Having received the stab wound, the victim exclaimed, “Alyo watch dey, she stab me!

Wah dey, the girl stab me!”

The victim’s sister came down from the house, confronted the accused and wrestled the knife from her.

When the victim’s sister asked the accused, what “stupidness” she did, she replied, “Leave me alone.”

The victim fell to the ground, and assistance was sought to take her to the Milton Cato Memorial

Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

An autopsy showed she died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Attorneys Israel Bruce and Samantha Robertson represented the accused, while Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Colin Williams and Crown Counsel Tameka McKenzie appeared for the crown.

This is first time in this country’s history that someone that young was charged, convicted and jailed for murder.

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6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Hundreds support Prayer Breakfast to aid SVG

other countries, attended the annual event, hosted by the Bronx-based charity group, St. kingnaking210@yahoo.com Matthias Charities, Inc. US CORRESPONDENT The group’s president, Georgetown native Pastor HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIANS Robert McBarnett, said he was and other Caribbean nationals, very grateful to patrons, who on Dec 3, supported a continue to support his goal of fundraising Prayer Breakfast at helping the entire nation. the Friends of Crown Heights “The Prayer Breakfast Educational Center in Brooklyn, highlighted what the mission New York, to assist the is about,” said McBarnett, healthcare sector and the needy adding that patrons were fed a in St. Vincent and the sumptuous meal, comprising Grenadines. mouth-watering local Nationals from Guyana, delicacies, such as bakes and Jamaica, Grenada and saltfish, and smoke herring Trinidad and Tobago, among and doughboy.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

Patrons at Prayer Breakfast.

Prayers were offered by Pastors Vincentian Ulric Craig and Grenadian Cyprian Joseph, of the Crown Heights (Brooklyn) Gospel Church; scripture reading by Grenadian Hannah Reid, a member of the St. Matthias Charities, Inc.; and Praise and Worship was led by Vernice Alleyne, backed up on guitar

by Georgetown cultural figure Gordon “Don” Sutherland.

Former Byera Hill resident Pastor Aaron Moore, of the St. Jude Baptist Church in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, brought The Word; while Jamaican gospel artiste

Diplomats - SVG UN Ambassador I. Rhonda King (far left), Grenada NY Consul General Rose Marie Welsh (2nd from L back) and SVG NY Consul General Howie Prince (far right) with patrons.

Crosswell Daily brought the house down with hits from his wide repertoire.

United Nations Ambassador I. Rhonda King, New York Consul General Howie Prince and his Grenadian counterpart Rose Marie Welsh also addressed patrons. King and Prince donated US$250.00 towards the cause, while Welsh chipped in with US$150.00.

“It was a very successful event, and I want to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank our supporters,” McBarnett told THE VINCENTIAN. He said the St. Matthias Charities, Inc. is working towards raising funds to donate an EKG machine to every hospital and district clinic in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“With your continued support, we hope to so in the near future,” said the untiring McBarnett.

The Prayer Breakfast followed a successful, annual fundraising barbecue in August at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

Hardly a month later, McBarnett headed the St. Matthias Charites, Inc.’s mission trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Prior to leaving New York, the group shipped to St. Vincent and the Grenadines two 40ft.-containers, compliments the Brooklyn-based Square Deal Shippers and Movers, of medical and other supplies.

Items shipped and donated to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital

in Kingstown were, among others, a sonogram machine, four anesthesia machines, heplocks, syringes, blood pressure monitor cuffs, adult pampers, wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, canes and bath chairs.

The charity also donated 41,000 condoms to the Family Planning Department and an EKG machine to the Chateaubelair Hospital.

McBarnett said food; clothing; school supplies; bath chairs; crutches; walkers; wheelchairs; dishes; pots, pans and other kitchen utensils; and a variety of household items were also distributed to nursing homes and the local communities.

He said the St. Matthias Charities, Inc. is now preparing for its next mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in May next year, disclosing that that mission will focus on providing medical and other supplies to the Louis Punnett Home for the indigent in Glen and the nearby Mental Health Hospital.

“As we continue to communicate with our contact on the ground, we are able to focus on the much-needed areas of various institutions and communities,” McBarnett said.

Award-winning Caribbean gospel diva Vincentian Bridget Blucher will headline the group’s annual, fundraising gala dinner, on April 22, 2017, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, just before members leave for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ mission. (More stories from the Diaspora on pages 53 and 54)

Jamaican gospel artiste Crosswell Daily performs at Prayer Breakfast.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 7.

Prime Minister’s Christmas Message

Rejoice and sing praises at Cristmas 2016

will be for all the people.

Today a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Every time I read Luke’s vivid description of the holy rejoicing, the HE joyful praising, and the COMMERCIALISATION glorifying of the birth of of Christmas, the the Christ child, I am excessive eating and deeply moved: First, and drinking, the over-the-top suddenly, a great expenditure on frivolities company of the heavenly and side-shows, and even host appeared with the hedonism, have come to angel, praising God and mark much of the annual saying: “Glory to God in commemoration of the the highest and on earth birth of Jesus Christ in peace to men on whom countries world-wide his favour rests.” Then which embrace the the shepherds going to Christian tradition. In St. Bethlehem and seeing for Vincent and the themselves and Grenadines, we feel the thereafter spreading “the weight of the not-sogood news”; and finally, wholesome influences, and profoundly, Mary, externally-sourced and “For to us a child is born, mother of Jesus, at the home-grown, in our to us a son is given, centre of it all, Christmas celebrations and the government will “treasured up all these despite resistance, rightly, be on his shoulders. things, and pondered from many of our people And he will be called them in her heart.” who are determined not to Wonderful, Counselor, At Christmas 2016, we turn our festivities into Mighty God, would all be lifted to a another Carnival or Everlasting Father, higher place of holy dissolute merry-making.

Prince of Peace.” rejoicing if we remember Thankfully, in St. the angel’s Vincent and the It was prophesied that announcement, the Grenadines, our religious justice and righteousness declaration by a great leaders and most families will establish his company of the heavenly remember what Kingdom and uphold it Christmas, and the birth from time on and forever; of our Saviour, Jesus and that there will be no Christ, truly mean. Our end to the increase of the country’s unique “Nine Lord’s government and Mornings” activities; our peace.

Christmas carolling In God’s own time, the competitions; our homeprophecy was fulfilled, based and communityand Christ was born in focussed “lighting up”; the town of David, our house-cleaning and Bethlehem, in a stable. home decorations, roadThe Book of Luke cleaning and de-bushing; instructs us that an the various celebratory angel of the Lord events for children and appeared to terrified the elderly; the organised shepherds who were Christmas dinners and keeping watch over their picnics for employees; flocks by night, and said special Church services to them: “Do not be and other religious afraid. I bring you good commemorations, news of great joy that

By DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES PRIME MINISTER OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

T

indicate that Vincentians overwhelmingly retain a profound sense of a Christ-centred Christmas. By and large, our people remain faithful to holy rejoicing and singing of worthy praises, although devilish influences are lurking at the gates and are present with us. It is good to recall where we started with Jesus and what our commemoration of His birth truly signifies.

The prophetic voice of Isaiah [Chapter 9, verse 6] foretold in simple, yet majestic language the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, thus:

host, the witness of the shepherds and their spreading of “good news”, and Mary’s motherly “treasuring up” and “pondering”.

In recent years, terrible weather events have put a damper on some of our Christmas celebrations: In 2010, we had to carry the pain and anguish of the consequences of Tropical Storm Tomas which struck us on October 31st; in 2013, the terrible Christmas-eve floods and landslides brought immense suffering and loss of life; and this year, the recurring adverse weather happenings from the end of September onwards, have occasioned considerable damage and loss, again including loss of life. But the miraculous joy of Christ’s birth and our profound belief in Him as our living God, sustain us always. Morning by morning new mercies we see; all that we need His hand hath provided; great is His faithfulness.

At Christmas 2016, we

must be especially kind and generous Prime Minister towards those Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves who suffered in the recent citizenship, community, floods and landslides, and solidarity. In all particularly those of our this, we must always fellow-citizens who reside thank God for His kind in the north-east and mercies, including His north-west of St. Vincent. gift to us of life and At Christmas 2016, let living! us renew our resolve to Let us all use this love our Lord and season of goodwill and Saviour, and to love our peace to stop the neighbours selflessly. In senseless bickering, practical terms, we must hating, and killings. Let strive to be peaceful and us cut out the petty avoid hurting others with vanities, the village and acts of violence; we must family discords, and have commit to helping others a Christmas of joyous especially those who are praise and thanksgiving poor, in ill-health or devoid of partisan marginalised; we must politics or religious not despoil Mother Earth rivalries. and our physical One final bit of advice: environment; we must Please be very careful on make best efforts to be the roads; be considerate productive and seek to to all road-users. Do not eat by the sweat of our allow the motor vehicle brows; we must to become a dangerous endeavour to be better weapon to injure, to fathers, mothers, wives, maim or to kill. brothers, sisters, Happy and joyous children, and neighbours; Christmas 2016! Let us and we must uphold the prepare for a better 2017! basic values of Be good, always!

8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 9.

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

A Christmas reflection for a reader AN ARDENT READER of this Column suggested that we do something less provocative, less damning of our situation at this season, which we describe as a ‘Season of Goodwill.’

That said, suggestion taken on board, here’s what developed from a moment of reflection on this Season of Goodwill.

No doubt, there have been weeks of build-up, in heightened anticipation of the grand finale — Christmas Day. Following weeks of sales, deals and discounts, especially by the light hardware and furniture dealers, and weeks of ‘new’ Christmas music (forget the traditional, time-tested carols) and holiday themed television shows, the Day is upon us.

With the arrival of the Day which we accept in practice as the arrival day of the new born Christ Child in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty - The True Meaning of Christmas — or so it should be.

Christian theologians almost universally say that the one and only reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Hence the now popular local ‘soca-parang (whatever that is) song, ‘Put Jesus in Your Christmas’. For the devout (Christian), there’s no doubting that appeal.

Yet, for all the religion and religiosity attached to this celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, something (else) stirs in our hearts. Call it whatever you would want to, even throw the fictitious character Santa Claus into the milieu, one way or the other, the new spirit of December 25 is unavoidable — for it is part and parcel of the Western culture to which we so willingly subscribe.

With the exchange of presents, some procured on pay later plans or by specially discounted Christmas loans, the Day remains unquestionably a simple way for people to say to the recipients of those presents, how special they are, even as some say that the Day is lost in crass commercialism.

Then there is the gathering of the family, sometimes from great distances, for a visit or a meal.

In one way or another, these celebrations — exchange of presents, family ‘get togethers’ - are hallmarks of the Christmas season and show that families, whatever their differences, strive to be together if they can.

This, admittedly, is not always easy. Time and distance often get in the way.

But what remains remarkable through it all, is that even family members who have bickered throughout the year or been estranged for much longer, come together out of sheer tradition, or the steadfast hope from a family matriarch or patriarch, that this year, at long last, they will all be under one roof.

And then there is the almost magical journey that the children will make on this special morning — this once in a year day of renowned difference.

They awaken, light years earlier than they would on a normal school day, many of them fuzz-brained from ‘sleeping with one eye open and the other closed’ — a slumber betwixt what the world really is and what it could possibly be otherwise — and rush to the living room to find that tree in all its glitter and wonder, to search and find the love wrapped up in specially Christmas wrapping paper of which they take little or no note, but which they so innocently tear to sheds in wide-eyed anticipation.

There and then, albeit temporarily, they forget the meaning of Christmas, and all is lost in happy squeals, and an avalanche of special Christmas wrapping paper.

And within all the squeals of satisfaction, the gaiety that abounds and the spirit of laughing children that permeate the atmosphere on this ‘mother of all mornings’, we find our hearts filled and beating with joy.

Whatever your religious or even nonreligious predilection, there is something about this Day that catches most if not all of us in a spirit that some of us have no specific name for, but a spirt that causes us to be glad nonetheless.

Wherever you are, and whatever you believe, may this Christmas Day bring you blessings and joy.

Reinstating Jesus in Christendom this Christmas A CALYPSO BALLAD out of Trinidad and Tobago, of the parang variety, has vividly captured the prevailing picture at our Christmas time. A lot of eating, drinking, revelry, and carousing that borders on levity, with precious little of Christianity, if any at all.

The singer describes all the fun-making invitees and gate-crashers, but notices significantly that he did not see “Jesus at his own birthday party.” Missing in action, Jesus, who was supposed to be the central figure, the brown boy in the ring, “had sadly boycotted” his own birthday celebrations. He would be no part of the mockery, the charade, the mass hypocrisy!

For the foregoing reason, Luzette King, who has graduated over the past twelve months to become my personal Heroine of these calamitous times, urged the citizenry to stay away from the churches this Christmas; and that we ought to remain in our little chambers, pure and simple, contrite and prayerful to on high, in gratitude for the mercy and blessings bestowed upon us.

True, the churches have generally ignored our pleas, and seem to be under the tight control of the Pharaohs. But that is no reason to withdraw. We should flock the churches and, like the aggressive Jesus, sweep all the hypocrisies aside and reclaim the church for God, beginning on the celebratory day of the birth of his son, and continuing.

Luzette flouts her own cause by surrendering (I believe) at the point of deliverance. Jesus was challenged several times when he dwelt among us. Recall when he kicked out the crooked high priests and so purified and cleansed the temple of the Lord, which in a spiritual sense, are our very bodies. So, see you at church on Christmas morning! As we were once advised: let us put back Christ into Xmas.

This December month, I had to spare more than a thought about the death of at least three friends: Norris Deane had been my pharmacist who looked after my body and late my emotion through his guitar playing; James Wilson of Evesham Vale was a country client with whom I used to rap regularly; I enjoyed the interesting company of David John, better known as “Mister Constitution”, who gave trained lawyers Hell for their misunderstanding of constitutional issues, and proved right on the odd occasion. All three have beaten me to the final post. I was always known to be a bit slow and unhurried.

Finally, I attended the funeral last Monday of Egbert Samuel - a resident of Villa where I reside. I used to pick Mr. Samuel’s brain which held deep knowledge, inter alia, of educational and political matters. In fact, Mr. Samuel served as Supervisor of Elections when that office bore stature: Jakey Jack, Doggie Williams, Ormond Robertson, and Selwyn Jones among others. On the night of elections 1984, at which Mr. Samuel presided, I had been an observer of the official counting for the purpose of radio broadcast.

NDP had brought off a surprise victory over the Labour Party.

All of a sudden, the place was deserted of all

officials — police and security had probably gone to rejoice, leaving stranded Mr. Samuel and Bill Branch who were well known Labour supporters. I had to offer to take home both men who, like me, lived in Villa, then wheel around back to Kingstown to join the spontaneous celebrations.

There and then, I learned firsthand one brutal aspect of our two-party system of politics.

When you are up, you are on top; when you are down, you are at the bottom.

I left at the end of Mr. Samuel’s funeral service at 4:00 pm and headed straight for a memorial service for my deceased sister Stella Browne who if alive, would have turned 100 years at this time. I am the last child of our parents’ ten children, and the only survivor in St. Vincent. The other remaining trio are Ena 90 years old in London, and Elsie and Rita, 94 and 83 in New York.

Joye who suggested the memorial with Michael are the two siblings of Stella still in SVG, Bonnie and Mackie of the “Clymax” band, Laverne in the USA and Shirley in England.

Elma retired PNO who loved and was loved by all, died less than a year ago.

I take it that Mrs. Verbena Gonsalves represented Elma at the memorial. Both were avid students of the Anglican Faith, based at Calliaqua under Father Ulric Jones when she died suddenly. From the GHS, both had joined my Grammar School 6th form Ancient History classes! Elma married Carlyle Dougan and Verbena, Thorold Gonsalves, Ralph’s brother who unsuccessfully competed the 1979 General Elections for the North Central Windward constituency for the NDP. As to Joye, Michael and me, we were once Secretary, President and Legal Advisor of the SVUT during its militant days in the 1970s.

Noting the family connection, mischief-makers accused me of nepotism when the PSC of which I was Chairman appointed Joye principal of the GHS. Michael was not fooled. He later named me “KENDP” in the party news paper which he edited.

Mike in fact has one saving grace, he married a Garifuna from Belize, Zoila Ellis, linking to our kinsfolk and ancestral people. The couple produced two lovely daughters, one of whom read a lesson at their grandmother’s memorial service.

The service itself was wonderful, joyful yet restrained, passionate yet calm, befitting the personality of my sister Stella, the Alpha, with me the Omega of the John’s tribe.

My sole jollification came from the Kingstown Chorale with whom I fell in love at first sight, or was it hearing. At the end, I was so moved when an old member spotted me and lovingly hugged me in tight embrace. The Kingstown Chorale and Mrs. Yvonne Allen’s show of love will certainly see me over the season, and beyond. Merry Christmas to all.

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Letters St. Vincent.

Feeling we had nothing to lose, on November 29th, we flew on WestJet from Toronto direct to St. Lucia (at a cost identical to Toronto-Barbados), on the tail of a Hurricane that kept us circling the “delayed”10:20 a.m. LIAT flight, but wound up not airport for a half hour. On landing, we were met by in Barbados, but in an Immigration misadventure ground staff from SVG Air who had held our flight in Trinidad, finally leaving for Barbados some 24 for us. They facilitated a quick process through hours later.

Immigration and Customs, identified our luggage There is no doubt that LIAT has management and escorted us to the waiting plane. and financial problems. LIAT however does not live The only hiccup was that in the interest of other in a vacuum, and their problems become the passengers who had deadlines to meet, they didn’t problems of the travelling public, both business and have time to transfer our luggage, but assured us it personal as well as the very important tourism would be on a following plane within a few minutes. sector. For many first-time LIAT travellers who may For far too long, international vacationers have be depending on its service, LIAT has only one said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the opportunity to make a good first impression. Far too Jewel of the Caribbean, except for the fact that often it fails. unless you are on a boat, you can’t get there.

One small St. Vincent and the Grenadines airline, With St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its soon SVG Air, is making a difference. to open Argyle International Airport on the cusp of This year, we learned that Paul Gravel General becoming a major holiday destination, more of SVG Manager of SVG Air, had obtained landing rights at Air’s ingenuity and forward thinking, by service St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport, and providers will underscore the difference between the was meeting passengers on international flights success and failure of our tourism sector. from Canada, the USA and the UK. Best of all, If and when LIAT problems are resolved, let’s Immigration and Customs clearing is completed in hope they take a page from the SVG Air Customer St. Lucia, allowing passengers to walk off the plane Service policy that puts creative and caring in St. Vincent, Union, Canaoun and Bequia, pick up customer service as its #1 priority. their luggage and continue to their destination without having to clear Immigration and Customs in Ben Harrison - Canada

Kudos to SVG Air

DURING SEVERAL decades of travelling between Toronto and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, usually as ‘snowbirds’ escaping snow and cold weather, my wife and I prepare ourselves for an annual hassle with LIAT airlines: Flights that departed early, late or not at all; lost, misplaced or misdirected luggage with seldom an explanation or apology.

I am sure there are many satisfied LIAT customers but when Googling travel reviews of LIAT, they were hard to find. As early as two weeks ago, THE VINCENTIAN shared a horror story experienced by Urselle Jones of Georgetown who was trying to get to a funeral in Barbados on a

Take the politics out

NOBODY, it seemed, gave Donald Trump a ghost of a chance of winning the 2016 presidential election in the USA. He defied all odds and did just that.

He campaigned on the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’. Perhaps we should adopt this slogan and apply it to our country.

If we do that, then the first thing we have to do to set us on a course to make SVG great again, is to take the politics out of our daily lives. As far as I can see, nothing happens in this country without politics being involved. Everything is “we do this”, “we do that”, “they can’t do this”, “they can’t do that”.

We have got to get the politics out of our lives and begin to think and act as equal citizens of the same country.

All of us, I am certain want to be able to find a job, take care of our families like putting food on the table and sending our children to school. All of us want to feel safe in our homes without being afraid of getting robbed of the things that we work so hard to get. All of us want to be able to call the police for help without feeling like we are the victims. All of us want to go to the clinics and get attended too quickly and professionally.

Yes, all of us want those things and more. The question is are we prepared to band together to see that we all get the same treatment regardless of whom you vote for and what you think about national issues.

You see, Mr. Editor, not all of us can jump on a plane and take refuge in another man’s country.

The majority of us will remain here, where we belong, and where we should live decent lives.

We can only get what is ours if we demand it but, at the same time, are prepared to work together to build this country so that it can provide for all of us.

As I said earlier, we have to get rid of the politics in our daily lives.

D. Jones, Kingstown

The Ganja Debate

One for our political leaders THERE IS NO doubt that we are entering a new period of politics in this country. The guard is changing in our two major political parties — the ULP and the NDP and it would be fair to say, we can expect something different.

Then again, should we be so optimistic?

Whatever the case, as far as who will lead the two major political parties into the next general elections here — one party is hopeful that it will be called before the current five-year term is complete — there are a few pointers that I will like to offer to the ‘new’ leaders.

I urge whosoever takes the leadership positions — and it looks like Dr. Godwin Friday will be one — that they should not be as gullible as some who have come before them, who relied on gossip; that they be restrained in their

our PM get so quiet after it was he who opened his mouth first, saying we THANK YOU, Mr. in the mix of Prime need to address the Editor, for re-opening Ministers in the region. ganja issue? the debate on ganja. As The thing I still can’t And what about this you say, the leaders in understand is how come CARICOM Commission CARICOM have gone Jamaica gone so far on Marijuana? I thought silent… they like they ahead of the rest of the we would have had a get cold feet all of a Caribbean on the ganja report from them before sudden. issue? While we this year end.

I wonder if some spinning top in mud, and Is this another case of bigger force is bringing ‘hemming and hawing’, our leaders taking us for pressure to bear on that country moving a ride? them. I would be ahead both in terms of disappointed if this is the medicinal use of Ganja user the case, since we are ganja and its use for Editor: See Page 51 for supposed to have some recreation and use by a commentary on the really robust leaders like ratas in their religion. ganja sssue. our own Dr. Gonsalves So why all of a sudden

conduct.

They must assert themselves without being brash and not succumb to the weaknesses and unbecoming tendencies of those they lead. A true leader will know how to convert weaknesses into strengths.

It is important too, that these ‘new’ leaders make known, without any padding and superfluous language, their vision and agenda for the country.

Moreover, they should have unquestionable integrity. They must bring everything about themselves to the public, for to refrain from being forthright with those they lead and those they

would like to lead, will lead to speculation, causing our politics to remain in ‘the neutral gear’, not knowing if we are to go forward or if we are about to go backwards.

I appeal to Dr. Friday of the NDP and whosoever takes the leadership of the ULP, to take pride in your positions. It is not asking too much that you begin now to set a good example for tomorrow, thereby ensuring that you are prepared to maintain, if not revive, morals and values that will lift standards, not take them further into the abyss in which they currently find Name withheld on themselves. request

Christmas greeting from afar I WANT TO thank you, Mr. Editor, for putting up with me throughout 2016. I am thankful for the opportunity you have provided to me to give my thoughts on a number of issues affecting my homeland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This is the time to extend greetings and best wishes, and I offer this short verse as a Christmas greeting, from me to St. Vincent and the Grenadines: I admit that between us there is many a mile But I always find time to think of you and smile.

I admit that that I left

you, it’s true But be assured, in my heart there’s always a place for you.

May good things come your way

On this year’s Christmas Day, and a great New Year too.

Garnet, NY

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015. 11.

Message from the Leader of the Opposition

Always find time for reflection and renewal

Dr Godwin Friday

Christmas Address of Dr. The HONOURABLE GODWIN FRIDAY, Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party, December 2016 ELLOW VINCENTIANS, Friends.

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As Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and as President of the New Democratic Party, it is an honour and a great privilege for me to speak with you at this special and wonderful time that is Christmas, the season of hope and goodwill to all.

My family and I wish you God’s blessing, and glad tidings of the season. I pray that God will richly bless us all and keep us from harm and ill.

I know that for many of us, this year has brought enormous challenges and heartbreaking setbacks.

That it has brought frustrations and stagnation. However, this special time must inspire us all to carry forward the message of faith and hope. Faith that by the Grace of God, as a people working together, we will find the way forward, and hope that tomorrow and the immediate future will be better and brighter for all of us.

Amidst the merriment and joy that come with the observance of Christmas, it is important that we all find time for reflection and renewal. That we find time to renew our human spirit and recommit ourselves to the tasks ahead. Those of us who have been given good fortune and certain privileges, must reach out to those less fortunate in our communities. Every one of us must brighten up our own corner of our land so that collectively we will bring light to our nation.

In a year of missed opportunities and misplaced priorities, it is easy to give in to the

gloom and doom, and to slide into despair.

Whether it be the state of high unemployment in our country or the pervasiveness of corruption in government and elsewhere, or the alarming reports of murder and other serious crimes in our land, we must not yield to doubt and to despair. We must not give in to those things. Rather, the hope must perpetually spring within us, that together we can and WILL make a difference; that together we will make things better here in our beloved country.

As the Bible says in the Book of Joshua: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” This time of the year calls us to be ready to march into the future; a future in which we must embrace the opportunities and indeed possibilities.

While we celebrate Christmas, and look forward in hope to the New Year, let us especially remember those who have been directly affected by the recent extreme weather conditions in our country.

The heavy rains, floods, landslides and erosion have displaced many people and disrupted many lives. We have all seen the horrific pictures of devastation in Sandy Bay and also of the damage caused in Rose Bank and Petit Bordel and other communities, and to our public roads and bridges. With my colleagues, I visited all those communities immediately after the most recent flood, and saw firsthand how the affected people are suffering. Thank God that no lives were lost in the most recent flood!

The condition of the people directly affected, no doubt, has added to the general feeling of gloom that pervades our land. However, we must pull together. To the people directly affected by the floods and who are still hurting very badly, I say- we are with you.

We will not forget you even in this season of joy,

for we cannot be happy knowing of your loss and pain. And we will not forget you next year when the rains have stopped and other priorities demand our attention. My party, the New Democratic Party, has made appeals for assistance on your behalf, and has already delivered some food, water and clothing to the people in Sandy Bay. I promise you we will continue to help you to the best of our ability.

In this time of giving, we also empathize with workers at the Ottley Hall Shipyard and the Buccament Bay Resort, who this season must deal with lack of payment of wages and salaries, and outright disrespect from the management of their companies. Those workers have put in the time, even in adverse circumstances, and deserve to be paid what is theirs, what they have earned, their wages. The government has a role to play in ensuring that they get their money and

must act with urgency and commitment to see that it is done now.

We will have to come together and recommit ourselves in the New Year to finding lasting and just solutions to these problems.

Our philosophy in the parliamentary Opposition and in the New Democratic Party is that the uncaring politics of spite must be replaced with a deepening sense of community and solidarity. The focus of our efforts must always be on the needs of our people. That is why I have committed my party to building a broad coalition of conscious and patriotic Vincentians who are willing and able to take a resolute stand against crime, violence, poverty, corruption and poor governance. That is why in the Parliament, my colleagues and I will hold the government accountable for the many problems that confront us. I invite you to join us on this journey that will bring change and

renewal to our land.

Remember, when there is unity and love among the people, as the Bible says in the Book of Job: “The poor will have hope, and injustice will shut its mouth.”

Finally, as for me, I believe in a better and brighter future for our people, and the Christmas season strengthens me in that belief, and fills me with hope that we can bring it into being soon. So, in this season and beyond, let us reach out to one another and share. It is never too little or too late to give from the heart to

your neighbour and friend. Let us bring the entire Vincentian community together. Let us be thankful to God for allowing us to inhabit this beautiful land that he has given to us, and for sending his son to remind us how special we are to him. Let’s wrap ourselves not in doubt and despair, but in the garment of praise.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a peaceful and prayerful Christmas and New Year.

May God bless you and our entire nation!

12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 13.

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Christmas: A place and time for God

“Paul describes Jesus as having emptied Himself when he left the throne room in heaven and entered the humble stable of an inn in an obscure town. He could have chosen to be born in a palace, in the corridors of power, in the lap of wealth, luxury, and privilege. But on that day, God stood with the poor and downtrodden, the simple and ordinary people. His kingdom, power, and glory were of a different kind.” – Dr. Robert M. Solomon, former Bishop of the Methodist Church of Singapore.

There are some religions THAT DO NOT believe in celebrating Christmas – the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There are also several among us who do not believe in God, and readily dismiss any notion that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. However, there are many of us who accept the biblical records surrounding the prophecies that were recorded in the Old Testament (e.g. the records of the prophets Isaiah and Micah) and their fulfilment hundreds of years later as recorded in the New Testament. It is this latter group who see the Christmas Season as a place and time for God even though we do not know the exact day when He was born.

It is a time when we can express gratitude to God for His grace and mercy towards mankind by sending His only son, Jesus Christ, to be our redeemer.

Augustus Caesar (63 BC — 14 AD) was the emperor of the great Roman Empire at the time of Jesus’ birth.

The biblical records confirm that Augustus Caesar (whose original name was Gaius Octavius) had insisted that the citizens of his empire return to their place of birth so that a census could be conducted. This was considered necessary, as the Roman ruler sought to confirm just how many citizens were under his rule. In addition, it was viewed as a useful exercise as a forerunner to determining the level of taxation to be imposed and the most efficient way of collecting these much needed revenues.

The Gospel of Luke (Chapter 2) describes the concerns that Joseph had in relation to this command. His wife, Mary, was with child. It would have been considered a major challenge for her to travel approximately 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem at this critical juncture of her pregnancy. In addition, he would have also been conscious of the fact that they would have had to be jostling with thousands of fellow travellers.

However, their civic duty demanded that they make the journey. And so they did.

The newly married couple faced some difficulties when they arrived in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, as a result of the number of persons travelling at that time, all of the rooms in the inns were occupied. Each time they enquired for a lodging, Joseph and Mary received the daunting news that there were no vacancies. Their choices were

minimized as Mary neared the time to deliver her baby. In the end, they had to settle for a stable where the animals were kept. We could readily imagine the smells and noises associated with such an abode. This was the humble dwelling place where the Virgin Mary gave birth to her baby boy, God in the flesh, that first Christmas Day. Jesus Christ was born in a stable because there was no room for Him in the inn. We can readily imagine that if any of the inn keepers or home owners in Bethlehem had been aware that Mary was pregnant with the Saviour of mankind they would have given up any of their more luxurious rooms to accommodate this young family. But that was not how it was to be. That was not God’s plan.

Powerful messages emerge to remind us of the value of simple, little, seemingly insignificant things and places. Our Saviour was born in a stable and slept in a manger (improvised for a crib) — living out a humble experience from his very entry to this world. What humility!

What love! What sacrifice!

As we celebrate this Christmas Season, let us rejoice that Jesus Christ of Nazareth loves us so much that He was prepared to make such a humble appearance. This Christmas Season, let us make a concerted effort to make a place and a time for God. For those who have not yet done so, this is as good a time as any to open your heart and home to God; to set aside a time to remember why He came. We all need to carve out a place and time for God, to reflect on His goodness, His grace, and His mercy in sending Jesus Christ to be our redeemer. This is what Christmas is all about. This is why we celebrate Christmas. In addition, we should exert the effort and energy to share the Christmas history with others; especially the young ones who may be distracted by the many events taking place at this time of year, and not know the real purpose of the celebration.

This Christmas Holiday Season, let us worship Him in all of His glory and with all that is within us. He deserves our worship. Let us also make this a time for deep reflection and introspection. As we seek that very special place and time for closeness with God, we readily discover renewed blessings and peace; the blessings and peace that only God can give. Blessings and peace that provide us with renewed energy and vigour to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. There is value in finding that place and time for and with God — especially at Christmas.

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

Thinking about God CHRISTMAS TIME is here again. It’s time to test our souls and take our spiritual temperature. For some of us, the season affords an opportunity to reconnect with our religious heritage. For others, myself included, it’s a time to shake our heads over the sad state of our national conversation about God, and wish there were a better, less combative and people-friendly way.

The recent discussions on the death penalty and the invocation of God’s name to justify this barbarity, ought to remind readers of my concerns.

For a nation of talkers and selfconfessors, we are terrible when it comes to talking about God. The discourse has been co-opted by those claiming to be true believers and interpreters of the bible. The rest of us struggle to make sense following the clashing of swords and settling of the dust.

The rest of us are those who believe in a higher order of things earthly and heavenly, but may not be aligned to any organized religion. Those (agnostics) who say they have no knowledge on which to definitively assert that there is a God, or that there is no God, are a distinct minority. They cower in silence for fear of being ostracized by a bullying majority.

Talking about the tyranny of the majority, one perceptive writer once said ‘criticism of religion is the beginning of all criticism.’ Another writer said ‘the hallmark of a true religion is its ability to let persons poke fun at it.’ Don’t look for such a religion in our parts anytime soon.

Those of us who stay clear of organized religion, are by no means running from God. The vast majority profess belief in a higher power.

Researchers have offered theories as to why so many people stay a safe distance from organized religion.

David Campbell of the University of Notre Dame and Robert Putnam of Harvard think politics is to blame.

Their idea is that we’ve mixed politics and religion so completely, that many simply opt out of both; apparently reluctant to claim a religious affiliation because they don’t want the political one that comes along with it.

Reflect on the last elections cycle and the rush of politicians to audition before church goers. Or the public stance of religious figures regarding one or the other political party.

We are more religiously polarized than ever. Small wonder that we so often hear the refrain that neither politics nor religion should be talked about in polite company. Both are polarizing by themselves. When taken together, they are simply toxic.

Some of us embrace the 19th century age of enlightenment as a good thing. We refuse to return to an age of raw superstition. Others of us are rationalists who fail to accept that there are limits to logic. The real test of belief comes when biology creeps up on us, making us feeble or weak, handicapped or worse, dying.

The foregoing made for compelling theatre when related to the dying days of Christopher Hitchens, renowned atheist and best selling author of the book ‘God is not great.’

Hitchens died on December 15th.

Asked after being diagnosed with

cancer, whether it is conceivable that he could have a religious conversion and admit to the existence of God, Hitchens said ‘the entity making such a ridiculous remark might be a raving terrified person whose cancer has spread to his brain, but no one recognizable as myself would ever make such a remark.’

Some of us want to believe, but don’t know what to believe. Many refuse to be caught up with the unending question as to whether a religion is ‘true.’ Some simply subscribe to William James’s notion that “truth is what works.” More people simply agree to live clean and let their works be seen.

If the practice makes them better persons, then by necessity, it is good, and by extension true.

Many people say aloud that they see no good in religion. Some are put off by a God who the bible said is loving and caring, but at the same time commands his people to fight wars of destruction in which not even innocent babies are spared. God of the bible, like his modern day followers, is always judging and smiting.

Does God ever laugh, or smile even? Only a few of our religious leaders laugh. They prefer to shout.

But as Eric Weiner, author of Man Seeks God: My Flirtations with the Divine, says, ‘God is not an exclamation point, though. He is, at his best, a semicolon, connecting people, and generating human grace.’

Most religious people especially the leaders, seem to have lost sight of this.

Religion and politics, though often spoken about in the same breath, are, of course, fundamentally different.

Politics is a public activity. Though religion contains large public components, it is at core a personal affair. It is the relationship we have with ourselves or, as the British philosopher Alfred North Whitehead said, “What the individual does with his solitariness.” There lies the problem: how to talk about the private nature of religion publicly.

What is to be done? The answer, I think, lies in a view expressed by Karen Armstrong in the History of God: ‘We may have to forget or give up religion in order to find God.’ If we choose to continue our embrace of religion, we definitely need to discover a new way of talking about God or, even better, a new way of being religious. This new religiousness must be straightforward, unencumbered, intuitive and most important, it should be highly interactive. This religious space must celebrate doubt and encourage experimentation. Its must be serious and disciplined, yet effortless. It goal must be to include all of us, even the Christopher Hutchens of our world.

(This article was first carried in THE VINCENTIAN of October 20, 2013 Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

SVG Green Party’s Christmas Message

We need to emulate the extraordinary vision of Fidel Castro and Lee Kuan Yew N ITS EARLY years of self-governance, Singapore was in economic and social turmoil. There was high unemployment, and most of the population lived in dilapidated slums and on dingy boats, without a sewer system, among rats, cockroaches, mosquitos and flies. Singapore was a swamp overridden with prostitution and crime.

With a GNP per capita of less than US$320, Singapore was a thirdworld nation with poor infrastructure, limited capital and a high level of poverty. Ivan O’Neal lived in Singapore with his wife and three children from 1963 to 1965, and witnessed first-hand the destitution and social decay.

Pre-revolutionary Cuba was consumed by gambling, the Mafia and prostitution. President Batista and the Mafiosi lined their own pockets, skimming the casinos’

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proceeds, cheating investors and trafficking drugs.

There were massive inequalities in Cuban society, between city and countryside, and between whites and blacks. In the countryside, some Cubans lived in poverty.

Sugarcane cutters were perpetually in debt and barely surviving. Many poor peasants were seriously malnourished and hungry. Neither health care nor education reached rural Cubans at the bottom of society.

Illiteracy was widespread, racism was rife and private clubs and beaches were segregated.

Cuba, before Fidel Castro’s intervention, was similar to Singapore.

But Fidel Castro of Cuba and Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, both saw that the system of governance in their respective countries was destructive and propagated

inequality. They believed that the social decay and poverty had to be replaced by a system of governance in Cuba and Singapore that created equality and opportunity for all their people.

In Singapore, it was the extraordinary vision of Lee Kuan Yew that changed Singapore from a country of prostitution, poverty and squalor, into the world-leading nation that it is today. In Cuba, it was the extraordinary vision of Fidel Castro that changed Cuba from a country overrun with gambling, poverty and corruption to the country it is today — a country with high literacy rates and excellent medical care for all of its people.

Cuba and Singapore adopted similar paths to structural change and macro-economic development. They used import substitution to allow their weak economies to grow; they

invested almost half their annual budget in very high-quality education (free from preschool to university) to educate their people; and they banned the sale of land to foreigners.

In the Castro government’s first Agrarian Reform Law, on 17 May 1959, the state sought to limit the size of land holdings, and to distribute that land to small farmers in “Vital Minimum” tracts. This law was used as the pretext for seizing lands held by foreigners and redistributing them to Cuban citizens.

Sadly, since independence from the UK in 1979, SVG’s incompetent leaders have adopted the opposite path to Cuba and under Fidel Castro, and Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew. They have led our country down a path of ruin, poverty and

destitution.

They have allowed Taiwan and other foreigners to suck the economic life-blood out of our country, by using our resources and not paying their fair share of tax.

They have failed to invest in our people, and we are contented to struggle to survive.

In the 1950s, the children of Cuba and Singapore were gifted visionary leaders Fidel Castro and Lee Kuan Yew respectively. The Christmas gift the children of SVG deserve is a law that taxes the foreigners in our country, so that we have enough revenue to properly invest in their education and future, and provide free education from preschool to university.

We must preserve and protect our country for our children and grandchildren by urgently banning the

sale of land to foreigners.

Visionary leadership is needed in SVG to create prosperity for our people.

We should emulate the extraordinary vision of Fidel Castro and Lee Kuan Yew. Hold the faith — a change will come.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA Leader and co-founder of SVG Green Party

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 15.

News

Leacock: „Review the damage assessment system‰

THE SYSTEM in relation to damage assessments or complaints is flawed, and needs to be revisited.

Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, St Clair Leacock, directed this point to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, during last week Thursday’s Sitting of the House of Assembly.

Leacock made the point during deliberation on a question put to the prime minister, as to whether or not the capacity to assist with disaster relief could be enhanced if an institutionalized practice was put in place, to have the duly elected Parliamentary Representatives visit the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) to lodge reports/complaints and contribute to damage assessments.

In giving his response, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves read from a statement issued by the Director of NEMO — Michele Forbes — in which she stated that the damage assessment and relief management process coordinated by NEMO was transparent and fair, and was conducted by trained professionals from the ministries of Transport and Works, Housing, National Mobilization and Finance.

Other entities making input included the St Vincent Red Cross, she noted.

“NEMO has always been open to discussions with Parliamentary Representatives as to the needs of their constituents with respect to emergencies and building resilience,” the Director wrote.

Forbes, however, went on to state that if an institutionalized practice for duly elected representatives to visit NEMO for damage assessment was to take effect, that this had the potential of leading to biases, distractions and chaos, and will hinder the process, as they will want the individual cases to be made priority.

“This is the view of the professionals at NEMO;

Finance and Planning, with respect to the ‘Lives to Live’ programme, to get an understanding of how it can be accessed.

“The fact of the matter, we as representatives are the

St. Clair Leacock, MP for Central Kingstown, broached the recommendation that MPs should have a more direct involvement in the damage assessments process after storms, etc. but clearly, it is always very helpful, and I urge public servants, to hold conversations with any parliamentary representatives who may wish to talk to them, and to draw to their attention certain matters for which the public servants have responsibility,” Gonsalves said.

He continued saying that the view must be held that there does not exist a suicide pact between politicians or parliamentarians on one hand, and public servants on the other.

“We have to work together …. understanding our respective rules, and giving due consideration to everything, and I am quite sure that someone like the honourable member for Central Kingstown, who I might know from personal experience, has an interest of interfacing with public officials, unlike others who are not keen on interfacing, the views would be taken account of; I am quite sure of that.”

But Leacock responded, saying that he did not agree with the submission made by the Director of NEMO, although he understood the logic behind the comment.

According to Leacock, he visited the office of the Director General of

first port of call immediately after these trough systems, disasters, storms whenever they occur, and we are left helpless and hapless save and except for raising funds through

radio-thons, visitations… and clearly this is within your remit, that you revisit the public administration’s modalities and mechanisms to see how they can enhance a faster

and speedy response that makes people feel in the event of disasters they can really and truly speak to their representatives,” he explained. (DD)

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16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Commissioner of Police’s Christmas Message

Making it a safe land together

Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway

by MR. RENOLD A. HADAWAY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (AG.) HE ROYAL ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) would like to extend season’s greetings to all the people of our blessed land, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We also wish to extend sincere gratitude to all who have contributed towards the maintenance of law and order for the year 2016.

With the New Year fast approaching, it is important that the Police and the community continue deepening and strengthening partnership, towards forging an even stronger relationship, with particular emphasis on the reduction of crime and violence. Let me remind you that crime has no boundaries, and no man is an island, hence, we must be cognizant of the fact that there are major challenges to overcome in our effort to address the current trend in criminal activities.

Criminals do not go on

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vacation; consequently, we must all be our brother’s keeper, stay alert and focused throughout. To assist in this regard, we continue to offer words of advice on securing yourself and property, through our biannual Crime Exhibitions and our weekly radio programme.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is a service-oriented organization.

Accordingly, the public demands a very high standard of service and professionalism from us, each and every day.

With the New Year fast approaching, I am reminded of the essential services provided to the nation by the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the Royal St. Vincent and The Grenadines Police Force.

I wish to assure you that we will continue working tirelessly to support our general populace, regardless of the many challenges that we may encounter.

Christmas is a time of caring, sharing and spending time with

friends, family and loved ones. It also affords us an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements, amidst our challenges and weaknesses. Let us not forget the vulnerable and less fortunate ones among us. Throughout the celebrations, I implore us all to reach out and touch someone’s life this season, as we reflect on the lowly manger where Jesus Christ was born; this is the epitome of humility.

For those of you who are incarcerated at this time, I also want you to reflect on your actions and where you went wrong. Importantly, all is not lost; when the opportune time arises, seize the moment to make a step in the right direction, a step that will bring about permanent positive changes to your lives. Remember, where there is life, there is always hope.

I wish to remind motorists and pedestrians alike, to be very cautious while using the roads. Do not overindulge in the consumption of alcohol, as this can affect your

judgment, and ultimately lead to road fatalities.

Traffic congestion at this time is often very frustrating. I, therefore, urge everyone to be tolerant. Consider carpooling and other means to reduce the heavy build-up of traffic in and out of Kingstown.

During the year 2015, we had a total of eight hundred and forty-five (845) motor vehicle accidents reported, with fifteen (15) fatalities. Up to November 30, 2016, we have had a total of eight hundred and fortytwo (842) motor vehicle accidents, with five (5) fatalities.

I wish to say a special thanks to the members of the constabulary for their resilience throughout the year. Although there were instances where some members’ actions were not of the accepted standard, overall, your performance for the year has been one worthy of note. Special thanks must also be extended to your families for their unwavering support.

At this juncture, let me reiterate the significant role of the general public in

assisting us in our fight against crime and violence. Up to November 2016, the Homicide rate with the use of a firearm has almost tripled.

There has been a total of twenty-six (26) firearm-related Homicides with firearms, compared to nine (09) for the same period in 2015.

This is of grave concern to us, and we will continue to implement strategies to stem this flow of firearm-related offences. However, although firearm-related crimes has increased, overall crime has reduced significantly.

I wish to thank those persons who have come forward with reports and information in respect of criminal activities. We cannot do it without you.

Therefore, we are asking for your continued support in the New Year.

Let’s not forget the pertinent role of the nongovernmental organizations and the media in our fight against criminality and the scourges of crime.

Let’s do something positive to assist wherever possible. Let

us work together in partnership and collaboration to produce better outcomes in 2017 and beyond.

As 2016 ends, let 2017 find us all in good spirits towards each other and God’s richest blessing on our Country. As we continue to prepare to remember the birthday of Jesus Christ, let’s share peace, joy and above all, Christ’s selfless act of charity. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

I would like to wish you all a peaceful and blessed Christmas season and a bright and prosperous New Year. I pledge on behalf of the entire RSVGPF and with your assistance, to make SVG a better and more prosperous country in 2017.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 17.

The Th he Man Management ana nag agge gem eme men ent nt an and n S nd Staff taf taaff ff of

Metrocint M ettro etr roociint int Ge General ener ene en nera nerrala IInsurance nssuur uran ance anc nce CCo.o. Lt Ltd Ltd. tdtd..

Paul's Avenue, Avenue, PP.O. .O. . Box 692, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: Teel: (784) 456-1821 Fax: (784) 457-2821 457-28821 E-mail: Metrocint@vincysurf.com f m

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ThTTheh e VVincentian i n c e n t i a n PPublishing u b l i s h i CCo. LLtd.d Thank our Clients and the General Public for your patronage during the year 2016.

May our relationship continue to grow in the New Year and beyond.

Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year.

Thank you.

Paul's Avenue, Avenue, PP.O. .O. . Box 592, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: Tel: (784) 456-1123 Fax: (784) 451-2129 451-2129 E-mail: vinpub@yahoo.com

18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 19.

20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V The Buccament Bay Resort

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 21.

Views

SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT of the Buccament Bay Resort, the New Democratic Party has been consistently raising concerns about Dave Ames and Harlequin. The manner in which the project was conceptualized and executed left much to be desired. Today, Buccament Bay Resort is an embarrassment to the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration.

At the onset, there was disagreement over the lands for the project, and allegations of bribery. At a Press Conference on Wednesday 20th February, 2013, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace made the following statement about Dave Ames and Harlequin: “Mr. Ames and Harlequin’s project here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bucccama Resort, has had a troubled history.

Locally, the project has been plagued by labour and land ownership disputes, litigation by investors, and arrears owed to vendors, combination of which has prompted questions as to whether the government of St. Vincent and did thorough due diligence in its assessment of Dave Ames and Harlequin. I have, on many occasions, publicly called upon the project to honour its debts to local contractors and workers, with little success. Internationally, UK investors have instituted legal proceedings which have attracted coverage by British and regional press. Most recently, allegations of bribery against the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in relation to the project are causing unease among Vincentians locally and in the Diaspora, and have cast a pall over St.Vincent and the Grenadines landscape.”

During the construction phase, the project attracted regional and international attention, but the ULP regime failed to investigate and address the critical issues that were affecting the project.

Again on Wednesday 19th February, 2014, speaking at a Press Conference, the Honourable Arnhim

Eustace addressed the issue. He said, “We all know that the Harlequin Development Buccament Bay has been a troubled project. We know that lawsuits have been filed against the company and against its principals in the United Kingdom and locally. Today I can tell you that a UK based Law Firm Carter Lemon Camerons LLP represents 23 UK claimants and one US claimant, in a group action against David Ames and Carol Ames proceeding in the High Court in London. The claimants are all investors in various Harlequin developments at Buccama here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and elsewhere in the Caribbean. David Ames, we remember, is the sole director of Harlequin Developments and was granted Vincentian Citizenship by the Prime Minister.

“Carol Ames is his wife and Matthew Ames is their son. The UK and US claimants alleged that Mr. and Mrs. Ames are responsible for a number of false statements that were made, in order to persuade investors to purchase off plan properties at Buccament and elsewhere. One of the allegations is that Mr. and Mrs. Ames claimed there was bank finance behind the project when there was not.

“Another allegation is that Mr. and Mrs. Ames falsely claimed that their investors would all be offered guaranteed mortgage finance on completion. It is also alleged that Mr. and Mrs. Ames represented that they owned the land on which they were selling properties when this was not always the case. A further allegation is that the Harlequin scheme was sold in breach of the UK law on promotion of investments, set out in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ames deny all the allegations and are defending the claim. The claim brought on behalf of these twentyfour people is against Mr. and Mrs. Ames in person.

Mr. and Mrs. Ames assets are frozen to a value of £2.5m pending the

outcome of this matter.

Their son, Matthew Ames, who I am told was previously employed as a manager at Buccament Bay, was convicted on multiple counts of fraud in Isleworth Crown Court in London last week. The frauds, totaling around £1.6m, related to various phony “green” Investment Opportunities, and were not related to the Harlequin companies. We have been informed that Matthew Ames has been remanded in custody. We understand he was initially held at H.M. Wormwood Scrubs prison in London. We continue to watch the Harlequin Development at Buccament with much concern.”

As we watched the project develop, Dave Ames absconded, departing this country owing the government over seven (7) million dollars, after he failed to appear in court on tax evasion charges. It would appear that very little is being done by the relevant authorities to have him return to the country to answer his charges.

The embarrassment continued recently, when the St, Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) disconnected the Buccament Bay Resort, leaving the resort in darkness. It was reported that the resort owed VINLEC close to $2 million. We wonder how much is owed the Central Water and Sewerage Authority.

Moreover, the ULP regime allowed poor and working class Vincentians to suffer. They worked for months unpaid at Buccament Bay Resort, and they will not be paid for Christmas. These workers have families to maintain, bills to pay, mortgages to pay and children to send to school.

What will they do? The government failed to intervene in a timely manner to assist the workers.

But what is even more devastating, is the negative effect that the recent development at the Buccament Bay Resort will have on our tourism product, at a time when our tourism is on the decline. Already there

has been negative feedback from guests at the resort.

The situation is totally unacceptable, and members of the ULP regime who were at the forefront of the project

must now hang their heads in shame.

We have witnessed another failed project under the ULP administration. The project that was to complement the Argyle International Airport; the project that was to be the flagship of tourism on the

mainland is closed and now in receivership.

The ULP regime must be held responsible for what occurred at the resort. As a result, the question that still lingers on most Vincentians’ mind is: Was thorough due diligence conducted on David Ames?

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22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The weaker the economy, the greater the killing of our rainforest THE WEAKER the economy, the greater is the killing of the rainforest in SVG. And, the more the rainforest is cut down, the greater is the damage caused by heavy rains under our changing climate.

The final report of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Country Poverty Assessment 2007/2008, Volume 1, Living Conditions in St Vincent and the Grenadines, states that North Central Windward and North Windward are the areas with very high rates of poverty.

According to the report, Georgetown and Sandy Bay - which comprise 9.0% of the population - accounted for as much as 16.5% of the poorest people in SVG. Poverty has forced poorer people to chop down trees in the rainforest, to use the wood for burning coals and the resulting cleared area for unauthorised agricultural activity to survive.

Aerial photographs taken by the Trinidad and Tobago military helicopters in 2013, show that areas of

rainforest above the Georgetown and Sandy Bay regions, have a significant amount of rainforest loss. This is a consequence of the high rate of poverty in these areas.

In the recent heavy rains of November 2016, it is no surprise then that the most damaged and badly affected areas were Georgetown and Sandy Bay. These areas have the least rainforest protection, as confirmed by the aerial photographs taken by the Trinidad and Tobago military helicopters in 2013.

SVG is experiencing heavy rains, serious flood damage and serious landslides, much more frequently and much more severely. This is partly because, as poverty increases, we lose our rainforest at a much faster rate, and there is even less protection for our towns and villages during heavy rainfall. The water runs off the mountains faster and with more ferocity.

The right to know

by THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION

Issue one THE ST VINCENT and the Grenadines Human Rights Association (SVG HRA) has a mission to promote the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, through education, training, representation, documentation and advocacy, and by networking to influence the Government and other agencies on the issues mentioned above.

It, therefore, supports the issue of Environmental Democracy as a Human Rights issue, agreed to by the UN at its conference in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 1992, since it addresses the equal and meaningful public participation in decision making and programming of land and natural resource decisions, which speak to three mutually reinforcing

rights: the right to freely access information on environmental quality & problems; the right to participate meaningfully in decision making; and the right to seek enforcement of environmental laws or compensation for harm.

Environmental Democracy also speaks to the involvement and participation of marginalized and vulnerable groups, which the SVG HRA considers a critical step to promoting equity and fairness in sustainable development.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights Association, therefore, endorses the sentiment that without meaningful exchange between Government and the public, inclusive of the media, on Environmental Issues, communities will be stifled and decisions that are detrimental to the public WILL NOT BE challenged or remedied. The Association calls on ALL Vincentians to learn more about Environmental Democracy’: “Principle 10 of the Rio declaration; the right to know”!

The Member of Parliament for Georgetown is Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and the Member of Parliament for Sandy Bay is Montgomery Daniel.

They have done little to alleviate poverty in their constituencies. The gap between the rich and poor in SVG is big. According to the Poverty Assessment report 2007/2008, the richest 10% of the population commanded 33.3% of expenditure, whilst the poorest 10% commanded a mere 2.8% of expenditure.

Gonsalves disclosed to the House of Assembly on Thursday 15 December 2016, that SVG suffered a loss of 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) because of the recent November 2016 flood damages.

According to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, who has a Master of Science degree in Macro Economics, Budgeting, Planning and Policy from Bradford University, England, the loss of the 5% GDP in

Issue two In the preceding section, the Association spoke to the term “Environmental Democracy” (ED), which specifically addresses three basic rights, as enshrined in Article 10 of the Rio declaration, i.e. the right to: freely access information on environmental quality and problems; participate meaningfully in decision making; seek enforcement of environmental laws or compensation for harm.

The term Environmental Democracy speaks to: i. the involvement of ALL persons within a community, country or nation whose daily lives reflect the quality of the environment, ii. the fact that the environmental issues MUST be addressed by ALL those that are affected by their outcome, not just by Government and industrial sectors, iii. the principle of equal rights for ALL involved in the environment debate, including public, community groups, advocates, industrial leaders, Workers, Governments, academics and health professionals, iv. participation in environmental decision making is as important as in education, health care, finance and Government for all those whose daily lives reflect the quality of their environment, v. A policy of “Right to know”; the provision of information to members of the public, so that citizens can become active participants in identifying and resolving issues at both local and national levels is suggested & endorsed, vi. emphasis such that, just as consumers are demanding knowledge of what is in the food they eat and the medicines they take, so too they HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS IN THE AIR THEY BREATHE; THE WATER THEY DRINK AND THE LAND ON WHICH THEY LIVE & PLAY, vii. the demand for communities to be aware of what chemicals are shipped along their roads, placed in

the recent November 2016 floods could easily have been avoided.

Gonsalves’ failure to invest in educating our people properly, and Gonsalves’ failure to create revenue for the SVG Treasury, create poverty in SVG. The consequence of this poverty is the killing of our rainforest by poorer people, as mentioned above, and therefore, greater flood damage in heavy rains.

The ULP regime has been in power for 15 years, and has been looking after the financial interests of the rich while neglecting the needs of the poor of SVG. SVG needs a change. We must invest in our people to reduce poverty and strengthen our economy. We must also protect ourselves from the damaging effects of climate change and protect the rainforest.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter landfills, or stored for future use, viii. recognition for the “Right to Know”, as it will lead ALL nations to a healthier, sustainable environment.

Issue three In the two previous sections, the Association focused on the origin and terminology of Environmental Democracy.

It further expounded and highlighted Article 10 of the Rio declaration which speaks to three fundamental rights: access to information; access to public participation; and access to justice.

These access rights are critical in promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability on environmental governance.

The first right, which is access to information, always serve to empower citizens so that they are able to participate fully in decision and policy making processes, once they have the prescribed, requisite knowledge.

Citizens’ participation is critical in addressing local or national issues, specifically those of an environmental nature, as this leads not only to contributing solutions, inclusive of policy adoption and legislation, but also those that are sensitive to sustainability.

The final right; Access to Justice, facilitates the ability of the public to enforce their right to participate, to be informed and to hold regulators & polluters accountable for environmental harm.

So, what can you do to promote Environmental Democracy? i. Speak to your relatives and friends about it; ii. Explain to them what you understand by the term “ED”; Get involved in Environmental issues; those that affect you; at home, school, or community; iii. As a student, think of it as a CPEA/CSEC topic to study/research; iv. Form an ED group at school, church or community and speak to “the Right to know”, v. Become an ED activist, a Human Rights advocate on ED.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 23.

V Taking a deeper look 24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

SVG Christian Council Message

OR UNTO US a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9.6.

Each year, this nation joins with billions from various parts of the globe and of various languages, heritages, cultures and even religions to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ. This is phenomenal; the story of the birth of a little child in a less than significant town, in a lowly place, is one which has continued to inspire people towards sharing, caring, loving, peace and goodwill. While some spend time debating the historical origins of the season or the authenticity of the date, others look a little deeper and see that this is one moment each year when myriads and myriads more pause and utter on their lips words of life and hope, sing carols and recount the story, “our story” — While shepherds watched their flocks by night…, Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head...

Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the new born king.

Amid the celebrations, there is opportunity; Opportunity for us to reflect, evaluate and change. As we recount the narrative, it is critical that we never lose sight of the fact that this celebration called Christmas is one for him whom we know as saviour. This therefore challenges us to evaluate the nature of our celebrations and be to more and more mindful that the message is not missed, the purpose not escaped and the opportunities lost.

What good is there in celebrating a saviour if people are not being saved?

We must recognize and confront all efforts to dilute or distract from this critical message.

We therefore must be impassioned in our concern for the commercialization of the season. It has become and is becoming even more so a season which accentuates a prominence of materialism. Our experiences of sharing along with the feeling of refreshing and newness the story of this little child inspires, is now an occasion for excessive spending and wasteful accumulation of more.

This opportunity for reflection, evaluation and change should also challenge us to ‘compare and contrast’ the birth of Jesus (the Prince of Peace and the messenger of salvation) with the increased incidence of crime and violence, and the saddening loss of regard for the sanctity of life. Reports are that many of the murders are related to ‘drugs,’ and this, to most people, is no surprise. Our challenge then is to consider what is the good news, the hope, redemption this Christmas narrative must bring to many, including our young men who have been convinced that being a “bad man”, having a “high” and gaining easy money is true manhood or a viable life option. Must we not reflect on how we can deconstruct and reconstruct the image and purpose of manhood, based on the story of this little child who grew to become the most influential

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man in history, and who himself was never hungry for wealth, proudly saying he had no way to lay His head?

This time of reflection should challenge us to seriously consider justice issues and be more committed to foster a nation where justice rolls down like water and righteousness and ever flowing steam [Amos 5.24]. This little child from birth to death had to negotiate and navigate the various situations of injustice and abuse of power. Should we not ask questions about employers who exploit employees, of stores who demand excessively long hours, little breaks and taskmaster-type working environment? Should we not ask questions about those whose view of justice (what is just/right and wrong) is informed by which side of the political divide you are on?

This time of reflection, evaluation and change should make us even more aware of the cross-cultural challenges that our nation faces. As residents return and have themselves been living in contexts where the mores and values are substantially different from our Christian worldview, as tourists land on our shores coming with different values and socio-cultural practices, we must ask — who are we?

What does it mean to be Vincentian and for this to be the ‘home of the blessed’? Do we modernize our values, reshape our culture, ‘get with it”? Do we get more entrenched in the fashion (or lack thereof), in the music and current pop trends? Do we continue to embrace ‘their’ psychologies and philosophies which in some instances empower the child to be the adult, and reduce the adult to the coax and pleading of a child? Perhaps this little boy child whose story reflects a clear sense of who he was under God, should challenge us afresh not to readily lose our accents and values, but to appreciate that this little “Bethlehem”, our “Nazareth from whence nothing good can come,” can in fact be a beacon in our world, a prophetic voice not of mere traditionalism and nostalgia, but to proclaim the message as did Jeremiah - “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

[Jeremiah 6.16] This Christmas season, let us use the opportunity to reflect on and rethink who we are and what choices we must make as we celebrate the Christ who came into this world for salvation, and him who will come again as king and judge. May we remember his earthly journey occurred in the midst of injustice, cultural dissonance, materialism, and misguidedness; yet his message changed lives and ignited hope, giving us, centuries later, the confidence in knowing that things can get better, SVG can get better, our nation can be an example of righteousness, a beacon of hope, and truly the land of the Blessed… in Jesus Name.

God’s richest blessings to you SVG, as we forge ahead IN CHRIST to “build a new St. Vincent”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 25.

Health

Amended Mental Health laws coming

Just a section of the refurbished Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre now occupied by staff and patients. (Photo Credit: API) that involved the Ministry of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport and Works, the Royal SVG Police Force and a number of private bus operators.

The refurbishment of the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre at Orange Hill.

The return of staff and Glen was undertaken at patients to the Centre at a cost of just over EC$4 million, with funds Glen began on accessed under the 10th Wednesday 7th European Development December and, from all reports, was complete by Fund (EDF) Friday 9th December. It Modernization of the was a co-ordinated effort Health Sector project.

Mental Health Centre re-occupied THE MENTAL HEALTH Rehabilitation Centre Glen is back in full operations.

This was confirmed by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in a recent media release.

The Centre was re-

opened on Tuesday 6th December, after a period of refurbishment which began in October, 2104.

To accommodate that refurbishment, staff and patients of the Centre were relocated to a temporary facility at

Mental Health is part of Primary Health Care GOVERNMENT will be looking to integrate Mental Health Care into the Primary Health Care system.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, while speaking at the reopening of the refurbished mental health facility at Glen last week Tuesday, said that this was one of the things that his government was seeking

to do.

He added that it was a strategic objective from a policy standpoint to integrate Mental Health into the Primary Health Care system.

“Because, if we can address some of the mental health issues in the communities, where we don’t have to go and stay inside the Mental Health Centre, it will be better,” Gonsalves

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves wants to see nurses and others trained in Mental Health Care deployed in communities and district hospitals/clinics.

explained.

Some individuals will still be required to go to the Mental Health Centre, he continued, because there were

various levels of mental illness.

But if this integration process was to take place, and according to the prime minister it already has, then training would be required for district doctors to understand the phenomenon of mental health, and training

LEGISLATIVE REFORM, as it relates to mental health services here, is coming in the New Year.

Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Luke Browne said, at the reopening of the refurbished Mental Health facility at Glenn last week Tuesday, that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves had indicated to him that government would be Luke Browne, Minister of looking to amend the Health, etc. spoke with existing Act (Mental some excitement about Health), which was pending reform to the first enacted back in Mental Health Act. 1989.

In fact, according to Minister Browne, the draft Bill was currently on the desk of the Attorney General for review.

“That is an important development, because the current Mental Health Act that we are labouring under… is clearly outmoded,” Browne said.

“It conforms in neither language nor substance to the contemporary reality, and is badly out of sync with this upgraded centre. The parliament of this country, therefore, will upgrade the legislation so that it protects the human rights and dignity of these citizens,” the minister assured. (DD) would also have to be provided at the Nursing School.

And an appreciation of Mental Health Care as a component of the Prime health care system has to be fostered, the prime Minister proffered. This can begin with those who received specialized

training in mental health to be required to serve in the communities and district hospitals/ clinics, “because in that way we can detect things earlier and save the life of a person and the lives of other people,” Gonsalves said. (DD)

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Pentecostal Assemblies’ Christmas Message

by BISHOP SONNY E. WILLIAMS PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE WEST INDIES, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES DISTRICT

E FOCUS OUR attention on a touching aspect of the nativity as recorded by the gospel writer, Luke. He observed that Mary “brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn” (Lk. 2:7).

Undoubtedly, Bethlehem’s inn was full, as this little town’s population could have swollen due to the census. We often think of this unnamed innkeeper as terrible as heartless.

This unmentioned innkeeper, however, could have been simply a businessman making business decisions. A huge part of the problem was that the residents of

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Bethlehem and Israel were not looking for the promise of Micah 5:2.

“But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting”.

The fact that there was no room for Christ in the inn, was to be symbolic of who Christ was, what He would do and how the world would receive Him. In the fall of 1775, the manager of Baltimore’s largest hotel refused lodging to a man dressed as a farmer. The manager thought that his lowly appearance would discredit the inn.

The man left and found a room in another place.

Shortly thereafter, the manager discovered that the man he had refused lodging was no other than Thomas Jefferson, then Vice President of the United States.

Immediately, he sent a note to Jefferson inviting him to return as a guest.

Jefferson replied by instructing his messenger: “Tell him I have already engaged a room.

I value his good intentions highly, but if he has no place for a dirty American farmer, he has no place for the Vice President of the United States”.

In much the same manner, when the Lord Jesus came into this world, there was no room at the inn. More than 2000 years have passed, yet nothing has changed.

There are many “No vacancy” signs displayed in many a heart, homes, business places and other prominent places, because there is no room for Jesus. When we fail to serve the poor, outcast, marginalized and the oppressed, that indicates that there is no room for Jesus. Jesus warns, “Whatever you did not do for one of the

least of these, you did not do for me”.

The story is told of a little boy who was chosen to play the innkeeper in the annual children’s play at this church. The little boy chosen to play the innkeeper had only one line. When Joseph knocked on the door, he was to open it and tell them there was no room in the inn. As the play progressed, it came the time for the innkeeper.

Joseph knocked on the door. The young boy opened the door and saw Joseph and the very pregnant young girl.

Something about the sight of Mary touched his heart and he blurted out: “There is no room left in the inn, but you can share my room”. The little boy later told the frustrated director of the play: “I just couldn’t send Jesus away. I had to find a place for Jesus”.

There was no room for the Lord Jesus in the inn that first Christmas. The question for us this day

is: Can we make room for Him in our hearts, homes, schools, business houses, hospitals and parliament, even if our calendar is full?

Let us remove Christ from the stable to the inner sanctum of our lives. Christ needs to be removed from the periphery of our social, religious, political and business life, to occupy a place of centrality and control.

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the West

Bishop Sonny Williams Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District, wishes all a Christcentred Christmas and New Year.

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30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Seventh Day Adventist’s Christmas Message

Finding meaning to our existence this Christmas

the unnatural slaughtering of human beings by those who place little or no value on the sanctity of life, and the calamitous destruction of HE MOVING HAND of time property and infrastructure has brought us once again due to excessive rainfall. to that celebrated period of Equally, there are enormous the year known as Christmas, evidences of the unfathomable the time when there is a flurry of love, matchless mercy and activities and increased graciousness of the Father to preparation in anticipation of his creation, such as the life this looked-forward-to occasion. that we now have and the As the Christian community provision for its sustainability, celebrates Christmas again this the freedom of choice to make year, it is yet another reminder informed decisions, and the of God’s marvelous Gospel invitation to experience condescension in human form to transformation by beholding this rebellious earth, to show us the Father, full of Grace and that He is not mad with our Truth. It is in this increased waywardness, but is tension between good and evil, longsuffering, forbearing, known as the great forgiving and always willing to controversy, that we find restore the broken relationship ourselves celebrating this that sin has brought to the Christmas. human family.

Christmas is much more than tinsel, or snow, or sleigh As we reflect on our bells, or glittering gifts on personal, family and national Christmas trees. It is much life again this year, there are more than Nine Mornings painful scars, distressing activities, shopping and blemishes and sorrowful entertainment. It is not about reminders of the horrendous exalting Santa Claus, consequences of sin, such as excessive feasting and abuses

by PASTOR DERMOTH BAPTISTE PRESIDENT, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

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to the body by consumption of alcohol or other injurious substances. Rather, it is about recognizing our fallen state as God’s creation, and renewing our love and affection to Him as we accept His supremacy and lordship over our lives.

Christmas means forgetting self and remembering those who have no Christmas. It means leaving our “little heavens”, as Jesus left His big heaven, to visit those who need help and who need to hear a message of peace and hope and cheer. It means the bright eyes of little abandoned children made glad by a demonstration of unselfish love.

Christmas means revived hope in the hearts of fathers and mothers who because of some tragedy had lost hope of giving their family members something to look forward to, until a modern good Samaritan came along with a gift of food. Christmas means that Kindness is “Queen for a Day,” and what a happier world she makes for which we cannot help wishing that she

would rule the world every day of the year. What transformations are wrought by kindness! It turns hovels of hate into havens of happiness!

Christmas means that a hard, cruel, selfish, war-weary world looks for a brief time into the face of God. It looks into a manger and sees the face of a little Babe. It sees a fleeting vision of what a little Babe can do to make a better world. It hears for a moment the song of the angels, singing: “On earth peace, good will toward men.” It sees businessmen forget the profit they planned to get, and begin to plan to give. And how many suddenly discover that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give! Christmas should help many people begin to live!

Christmas causes prodigal sons and daughters to pause in their wayward, downward course and think of mother and father, and be welcomed home again. It is about little remembrances sent to revive hope in the hearts of lonely, needy ones waiting by the

Pastor Dermoth Baptiste mailbox or the customs for packages.

Christmas means we have heard the music of the bells of love. It means we have smelled the fragrance of the rose of love. Christmas means we can still feel the power of the love of God in our world and in our lives. It is the only time of the year that some hearts open to let Him in. O that we would make every day Christmas! May the Living Christ find a permanent dwelling place in our hearts, our homes and our land this Christmas season!

On behalf of the Seventhday Adventist Church, I wish the nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines a blessed holiday season and a bright, prosperous and Christsustained New Year.

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News

More Digicel customers „getgifted‰ “THIS HAS ASSISTED me greatly with my grocery shopping this Christmas”. “I spent $15 to top up, and here I am shopping for groceries valued at over $400.00 at no cost to me!”

Thank you Digicel! I really needed this help to put a smile on my family’s faces!’

Those were just a few of the comments from the very elated group of Digicel customers who, last Friday- December 16th, were named winners in the Digicel 2016 GETGIFTED promotion.

The most recent group of winners were: Jemuel Hutchins of Bequia, Wesley Robinson of Arnos Vale, Peter Davis of Belair, Glaston Allicott of Gomea and Monifa Latham of Diamond.

They all qualified after topping up and texting the serial number found at the back of the scratch card to 1130. They were then randomly selected for the $2,000.00 shopping spree at Coreas Food Mart.

Having picked their shopping value from a jar, the customers were then allotted 2 minutes to accumulate as many items as possible, amounting to

Winners pose with their groceries. their value. Among the items that were thrown into the lucky customers shopping carts were hams, pampers, cheese, liquor and turkey.

The ecstatic Digicel customers praised the telecommunications company for giving Vincentians the opportunity to win both cash and prizes, in so many different ways this Christmas. The winners also used the opportunity to encourage other Digicel customers to participate in the Christmas promotion, as the rewards and

benefits to be had were tremendous.

Digicel’s Marketing Manager Danielle Cupid congratulated the winners and urged them to gift someone and brighten their Christmas in the same way Digicel is gifting its customers.

Cupid said while Friday’s shopping spree was the first supermarket sweep, it will not be the last in the 2016 GETGIFTED promotion, as this Friday- December 23rd will see a fourth group of Digicel customers sweeping the isles of

Week 3 winners - from left to right (Rep for Jemuel Hutchins, Rep for Monifa Latham, Peter Davis, Wesley Robinson and Glaston Allicott. another supermarket in Kingstown, to an even greater value than $2,000.00.

Meanwhile, Union Island resident- Kate Thomas is Digicel’s second “Golden Ticket” winner.

Thomas was identified winner after topping up $15.00 and would have received a Golden Ticketwith a value of 3,000.00 cash.

Digicel is allowing thousands of Vincentians to scratch and win over $150,000 in cash and prizes in its 2016 GETGIFTED campaign.

Lucky Digicel customer Kate Thomas poses with cheque, and Digicel Brand Ambassador Kesrick Williams, Danielle Cupid - Marketing Manager.

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Arts

The all-male Security Choir successfully defended their tile in the Trinity School of Medicine’s Annual Caroling Contest.

Trinity Security wins again THE TRINITY SCHOOL of Medicine Security Choir won another resounding victory in the institution’s Second Annual Caroling Contest, held at the Hotel Alexandrina on Thursday, 8th December, during the institution’s annual End-of-Year staff dinner.

The confident Security singers won from a field of four Departments which also included Drivers, Housekeeping and Deanery.

Each choir was charged with presenting a rendition of a test piece and another piece, using the melody of an existing song with imposed lyrics.

Resplendent in their black uniforms, and with choir conductor and guitarist, the Security choir, appearing in fourth position, did a professional version of the test piece, ‘Today a Child is Born on Earth’, which boasted two soloists out front.

In their interpretation of ‘Mary Did You Know’, Security delayed their choral presentation, choosing rather to introduce their piece with an entire wrestling match scenario in which they fought and won the championship belt. There was no end to the shouts of victory and the parade in front of the choir showing off their treasured belt. It was then that they turned their backs to the audience, pulled off their black shirts and faced their competitors and supporters clad in green ones. The rest was history!

Performing in second position, the all-female singers from the Housekeeping Department gave a good account of themselves when they delivered their test piece in enthusiastic style. Their second piece, ‘Chante Hiding from me Whole Year’, was highlighted by animated movements which evolved into the distributing of sweets to the audience.

They placed second.

Placing third, was the choir from the Deanery, consisting of four females and one male. Their performance was suave, showing control of their modulated voices in the test song. For their second rendition, ‘Every Day is Christmas’, they chose to be dramatic, using carefully organized props to bring out their message.

The Drivers choir placed fourth. They sang ‘O Holy Night’ in the second round. Their centreplaced drummer and soloist, whose imposed lyrics included, “No work, no work tonight”, created a stir.

Persons assigned to judging the choirs for their creativity, stage presentation, vocal quality and on audience response were: past Commissioner of Police - Mr. Michael Charles, Sergeant Rodwell Swift of the Calliaqua Police Station, Dr. Jovanovich - Professor of Pathology/Trinity, and Dr. Conrad Nedd - Professor of Clinical Medicine/Trinity.

The all-female Housekeeping Choir took second place.

Western Division takes Police Caroling title THE WESTERN DIVISION of the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has maintained their unbeaten record as champions of the Police Cooperative Credit Union Police Caroling Contest.

“Four in a row! Four in a row!” the excited group chanted after being crowned champions at the event, which took place at the Central Police Station last Friday night.

The Western Division, headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Enville Williams, copped the 2016 title with the songs ‘The First Noel’ and ‘It’s Christmas’, to add to their titles in 2012, 2013, 2014 and now 2016.

Newcomers to the contest, SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union, ran a close second to the winners, with their renditions ‘Oh Holy Night’ and ‘It’s Christmas Again’.

Third position went to the Cadets, who sang ‘Drummer Boy’ and ‘Christmas Trouble’.

Western Division also

Members of the triumphant Western Division celebrating their victory.

Right: A section of the gathering at the Police Caroling. took the Best Speech, Best Traditional Song and Best Original Songs awards.

The award for Best Turnout group went to the Criminal Investigations Department.

The Junior Category was won by Petit Bordel Police Youth Club with

‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’. Second place went to Bequia Police Youth Club who did ‘Hark the Herald Angels,’ and third to Layou Police Youth Club, with ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’.

The Central Police

Station yard was a hive of activity, with persons from all walks of life in attendance.

Seven groups took part in the Seniors Category, while four took part in the Juniors Category.

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42. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

They promised to plant those bananas

SOME PERSONS, for some extended period, have been targeting Arnhim Eustace, with the hope obviously, of discrediting him as a person in whom the people of this state could put their confidence, to the degree of entrusting him with the leadership of our country. They seem merely, up to now, to have put on show the impervious phlegm of honour of this distinguished son of the soil.

Those of us who knew his father - Roy N. Eustace of Edinboro, regardless of our present political partisan leanings, could say with a fair degree of confidence, that Arnhim would have had the approval of his father for the quality of the contribution he has made to the development of our homeland. Quite a few of the critics of Eustace may well be found to have fallen quite short of his standard.

To a fair degree, his prime detractors, either

through their recorded statements of yesteryear or from their recent pleadings to the diaspora to assist in the provision of alms to the growing community of paupers in our land, have unwittingly substantiated the views expressed by Eustace over the last several years, lamenting the level of mismanagement and how it has crippled the psyche of our people, on account of their dwindling capacity to supply the basic needs of their families.

While some of us, because of our orientation, may feel sometimes that Eustace should have dealt with some issues more aggressively, particularly when it came to confronting the arrogance displayed by others; but that is not his style, that is not his nature. His political life was not fashioned in the mould of ostentation and demagoguery. His goals were fashioned by the endeavour towards improving and

remedying conditions/situations facing him.

The record of his public life testifies to that!

It cannot be forgotten that when he took over the reins from Sir James Mitchell as leader of the NDP and the government, the NDP was on its face, as the elections of 2001 testified. But by 2010, the NDP under Arnhim Eustace had fully retrieved the confidence of the people in them. So it is very unfortunate that Sir James Mitchell now seems to be so bent on discrediting Mr. Eustace. The approach certainly does no credit to his maturity and his image, considering that in recognition of his exposure on the international scene, he holds prominent profile among the distinguished leaders of the British Commonwealth.

That anti-Eustace attitude might very well serve to prompt a re-examination of Mr. Mitchell’s own stint as leader of government of this country, so as to determine if his contribution had left us on a secure development path, strong enough to have allowed us to cope with the socio-economic stresses of today.

It could very well be said for instance, that somewhere in the mid-1990s, when we knew that the termination of our preferential status on the British market was imminent, we ought to have been more pro-active, more scientific in devising a response which would have had a reasonable chance of success in fortifying our agriculture sector. Instead, the Mitchell administration seemed to have given up on agriculture and instead put their emphasis and our resources in the pursuit of development based on tourism. It cannot be said that our investments in tourism over the last few decades have been richly rewarding, especially when compared to the three and a half decades previous to 1990 when bananas/agriculture fortified our economy.

So by the 1990s, it was evident that the agriculture sector and the supporting infrastructure were in serious decline and deterioration, forcing farming families to turn away from the land.

That was the stage on which Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his team entered. They promised to fix the roads and revitalize the Banana Industry. The people believed him and voted him into office in 2001. He was thought to have a good team of competent individuals.

It is worthy of note that on October 27th 2001, Prime Minister Gonsalves did not name James Mitchell among the leaders whose life, times and work were worthy of the nation’s reflection.

Yet, Prime Minister Gonsalves has been seemingly following the approach that Sir James had taken in pursuit of development; he has continued looking to expatriates in the area of hotel development. The most recent exhibition of the fickleness of that emphasis has been the unbridled failure of the Buccama Bay Resort.

Continued on Page 45.

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News

Festus Toney Award goes to Sandy Bay

The School for Children with Special Needs, Kingstown, doing their Chorale Speech.

Sandy Bay Primary School – four-time winners of the Christmas Music Festival for Primary Schools.

WHEN IT COMES TO the Christmas Music Festival, other schools here will have to come up with a formula to eclipse the Sandy Bay Primary.

That institution secured the top honour of the Festival for the fourth time in succession. They took The Bequia Anglican Primary School made a presentation to the Sandy Bay Primary. the championship’s Festus Toney Award, members of the Bequia and may just have forced time practice proved Anglican Primary School pivotal once again, as members of the Toney choir, to assist with relief Sandy Bay moved from family to come up with efforts after the North Windward Zonal extra rewards. devastation wrought on Kwong Daniel, a Grade Champions to National that community as a Five student, collected the Champions. result of a recent trough Stubbs Government trophy on his school’s School was another zonal system. behalf, as the curtains came down on this year’s winner, while New Prospect Primary copped activity at the Faith the Marriaqua zone.

Temple Church, New South Rivers beat the Montrose, last week contenders in their Wednesday. district.

The Sandy Bay The School for Children Ensemble captured the with Special Needs hearts of the judges, and produced a Chorale also received the award Speech dubbed ‘Mabel’s for Most Outstanding dilemma,’ which propelled Test Piece. them to win the The secret of lunch Kingstown zone and the Most Outstanding Chorale Speech.

Questelles Government School was the winner in the South Leeward zone, and they were also judged as the Most Outstanding Vocal Ensemble.

Westwood Methodist School took the North Leeward Zone.

Lowmans Windward Anglican School took the ‘Most Outstanding Dance’ reward.

Paget Farm Government School took the Most Outstanding Drama award.

But perhaps the most Kwong Daniel, Sandy touching moment on the day’s activity was a Bay Primary, collects monetary donation to the the Festus Toney Sandy Bay Primary Championship Trophy School made by the from Joel Toney.

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44. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Christmas Message

Committee for the Development of Women (CDW) Christmas Message, 2016

“Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary – bearers of the message of Christmas” ANNAH WAS BARREN, the subject of mockery by Peninnah her husband’s second wife, who used her fertility as power to crush a vulnerable woman. Elizabeth was barren and past the childbearing age according to physical signs. Her husband felt that the Angel was mocking them as impotent and vulnerable elders. Mary was a Virgin, but her answer was wise – “How can this be, seeing that I know not a man? “ Joseph her betrothed had no answer but submission when the Angel told him “How this can be!” What do these women have in common?

Each of them faced the mockery and violence of the day, but each had a remarkable song — “My soul doth magnify the Lord” sang Hannah and Mary. Both women glorified God for the promised birth of a son, and

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thanked God for taking care of the poor, oppressed and despised.

Elizabeth too had a prophetic song of comfort for Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

This is the message of Christmas —the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, the faith and patience to believe that what is impossible to man, is possible with God. The crime and violence in our society as a whole is a

stifling dark cloud on our lives. The system’s inability to either stop the violence or bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, is cause for despair and depression.

Women must be supportive of each other like Elizabeth and Mary. There is no tolerance for the Peninnahs who bask in their comfort of achievement, and despise the Hannahs. Women must have Faith, and put that Faith into action, fearlessly using the tools at their disposal — the Beijing Platform for Action, the Criminal Code, the various laws against Domestic Violence and Child Abuse and cry aloud for justice. Our silence cannot be answered, for no one hears us. It is incumbent on the women’s movements to awake and cause the mountains of violence to move.

Our God is a God of surprises. Sometimes, when we least expect it, He touches us with a miracle, and our life is changed forever. Consider Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary.

Elizabeth was able to say “Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” Consider Hannah who rejoiced that “the Bows of the Warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength”, and Mary who sang “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, He has shown the strength of his arm”.

This Christmas, remember that God sent Jesus, born of a woman to, among other things, let the oppressed go free. One of His Names is Emmanuel — God with us. The miracle of Christmas dwells

with us every day. Let us live thankful lives to Jesus that He came, and in appreciation strive for a life free from Violence, as we Love our Neighbours as Ourselves.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator/CDW

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Parliament

Bequia Airport gets ParliamentÊs attention GOVERNMENT is looking to the private sector to assist in the daily operations of the J.F Mitchell Airport in Bequia.

According to Dr Ralph Gonsalves, a similar situation was currently in place on Canouan, where developers on that Grenadine Island and government were able to work out, among other things, a contractual arrangement with respect to the basic repairs.

“In fact they manage it, the state carries out the functions relating to the police, immigration, customs and air traffic control,” he explained, adding that he was hopeful that a similar situation could be reached with respect to the Bequia airport.

All of this came during the questions and answer segment of a Sitting of Parliament, Thursday 15th December.

The prime Minister was responding to a question by the Leader of the Opposition, and Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday, who, in a preface to his question, indicated that the facility, which is located at Paget Farm, has been in a state of disrepair for some time.

Dr. Gonsalves went on to say that one of the problems with the facility was that it was not generating enough income, so as to be able to facilitate repairs and other operational costs.

“In the language of the streets, the dance does not come anywhere close to paying for the light,” the Prime Minister said.

Use and Operational costs Statistics revealed that in 2011, a total of 8,622 passengers moved through the airport and in 2015, the number rose slightly to 9,679.

“More or less it (the numbers) has stabilized,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

On average, 14 passengers use it on a daily basis, accounting for EC$350, with an additional $200 for charges related to landing fees, etc.

On the other hand, recurrent spending on the airport has increased from EC$580,000 in 2011 to about EC$750,000 in 2015. This does not include costs related to navigation and service equipment. Nor does it include provisions for approach control, nautical and meteorological services. Dr. Gonsalves said.

“But we have a duty to keep it in reasonable repair,” he continued.

He said that he in receipt of a response from the Director of Airports, who currently oversees the managerial aspects of all airports in the state, and she indicated a number repair issues that have already been addressed, what is yet to be looked at.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, when the Argyle International Airport Management Company is set up, that organization will then take over the managerial side of all airports in the state. (DD)

They promised to plant those bananas Continued from Page 42.

The lessons for us are clear. We cannot depend on this type of development, where the only people who seem to profit, are the crooked schemer and the corrupted politician.

All of us who remained silent and indifferent when agriculture (banana in particular) was being recklessly abandoned, must share the responsibility for our stagnant economy. So sing the song now, “Surely we miss our bananas, they said we would have had them last year”.

LeRoy Providence

The J. F. Mitchell Airport in Bequia was officially opened on May 15, 1992.

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Parliament

Still no firm agreement with airlines

THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is, presently, unable to provide reliable figures as per the comparative cost paid by neighbouring countries for international flights to their destinations.

This the Prime Minister all but admitted

in a response to a question on the issue, posed by Representative for Central Kingstown, St Clair Leacock, at the Thursday 15th December sitting of Parliament.

In responding as the Minister responsibility for the relevant portfolio, Prime Minister Dr.

There is one school of thought that says the Argyle Airport would not be opened before 2018.

(Facebook Photo)

Ralph Gonsalves disclosed that the government has been trying to obtain these figures but has not been getting reliable information.

Requests have been made of St Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts, Antigua and Jamaica,

SVG is talking to airlines but is yet to firm up any real agreement for service to SVG.

from the tourism budget.

Dr. Gonsalves did explain, however, that the cost paid to international airlines to service SVG, would depend on the number of airlines concerned.

And as far as airlines were concerned, the PM informed the Parliament that government was negotiating with one carrier from the United States. No agreement has been consummated with that airline, which has requested a threemonth lead and a letter of credit to an amount of US$1 million.

“You may not pay the amount, but that is the letter of credit in respect of if any short fall of agreed numbers which you may have,” Dr. Gonsalves said, adding that a similar agreement was being done for a Canadian airline.

But, “this was something that we anticipated, because in opening an international and the attendant airport, and especially research is being paid for for us where we have not

had one before, we have to test a number of systems,” the PM added.

The immediate plan, according to Dr Gonsalves, would be to begin operations with airlines which currently serve SVG, including

LIAT and Amerijet.

As far as a date for opening the airport at Argyle, Dr Gonsalves says that he has a date in mind, but this would be dependent on a few things, including the need for airlift. (DD)

Mr. Ezzie Roberts (left) handing over cheque to Mr. Lennox Bowman.

Coreas Hazells support Nine Mornings COREAS HAZELLS INC continues to make contributions to cultural activities here.

The most recent demonstration of this came when the SVG Nine Mornings Commiitte, organizer of Nine Mornings activities in Kingstown, received a sponsorship cheque of $5000.00 from the company.

The cheque was handed over by Marketing Coordinator of Coreas Hazells Inc. Mr. Ezzie Roberts to Deputy Chairman of the Committee Mr. Lennox Bowman.

Mr. Bowman expressed gratitude to Coreas Hazells Inc for their valuable contribution, saying, “The Nine Mornings Committee would like to sincerely thank Coreas Hazells Inc for their valued and worthwhile contribution.”

Ezzie Roberts stated, “The sustenance of this unique Vincentian tradition is very important.

We recognize the fact that the execution of such a costly venture depends heavily on the support of the private sector.”

He continued, “We definitely recognize our corporate responsibility in this regard, hence our willingness to support wholeheartedly.”

The funds will go directly to offsetting some of expenses of this year’s activities.

Coreas Hazells Inc is on record as having been an ongoing sponsor of activities organized by the SVG Nine Mornings Committee.

Mr. Roberts also took the opportunity to highlight the company’s sponsorship of the Coulls Hill Nine Mornings Commiitee. A quantity of Christmas lights was donated for use in lighting up the location where the Coulls Hill Nine Mornings activities are being held.

Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Kenly Shallow received the items , and expressed thanks on behalf of his organization for the donation.

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Charity

Bringing Christmas cheer to the children at St. Benedict’s, Georgetown.

KFC gives back!

KFC ST VINCENT, under the management of (Ms) Tessa Glass, is a perfect example of charity within a business. This Christmas season, KFC St Vincent felt the joy of sharing and with it, decided to dedicate time to orphanages around the country. On Monday the 19th December, some of KFC’s workers journeyed to the Leeward and Windward parts of the Island, paying visits to three institutions that offer a diverse range of services to children,

namely, St Benedict’s Nursery and Children’s Home, Bread of Life, and Salvation Army Children’s Home.

In the spirit of Christmas, KFC brought Santa Claus and friends along for the visit. Gifts were distributed to all the children, as well as to the homes’ caretakers.

KFC also fulfilled a wish list that was received from each home, which included groceries and things of the sort.

Even outside of the Christmas season, KFC is proud to be supporting the needs of those who are in challenging situations. They have been doing so since they reopened late last year.

They regularly

contribute/ donate things such as chicken to places like Red Cross, VinSave, Salvation Army, and a Soup Kitchen in Kingstown. Since the beginning of 2016, KFC has donated a total of 2,191 lbs of raw chicken and 1,789 lbs of cooked chicken.

KFC, along with its employees, are also contributing to the Sandy Bay Flood Relief.

On Wednesday, they journeyed to Sandy Bay with food products, toiletries, clothing and the like, in an effort to bring relief to those who incurred losses of one kind or the other, during St Vincent’s recent floods. (Submitted by KFC)

A Santa cheer for the children at Hope for Life.

JEMS helps Lewis Punnett Home FOR THE 3rd consecutive year, the New Yorkbased, non-profit humanitarian organization JEMS: Hope 4 Home, has donated health care and comfort supplies for use by citizens housed at the Lewis Punnett Home here.

Shipment of Anesia Baptsite (R) hands over the goods from supplies from JEMS to Sister Gilgeours at the Lewis Punnett New York to Home.

SVG was facilitated by Ms. Jillien Cummings and Mr. Gideon ‘Fessy’ Yorke of Standard Shippers.

The initiative, in keeping with JEMS’ ‘Hope for Home’ motto, began in 2011 as a part of AN effort led by President Carol Simmons and her team of Vincentians living in New York.

This is the 5th year of JEMS’ general efforts which have served various communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These include communities in North Windward; North Leeward; Central Leeward; East, Central and West Kingstown; Marriaqua and Bequia.

In addition to food packages, JEMS has provided medical supplies to community clinics in East and West St. George, Union Island and East Kingstown.

Work on behalf of JEMS: Hope 4 Home is coordinated on the ground here in SVG by a team of volunteers led by Mrs Anesia Baptiste.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 51.

Commentary

Response to THE VINCENTIAN Editorial: „Ganja debate gone up in smoke‰. What has happened to the great Caribbean marijuana –ganja debate?

organization on marijuana legalization was established with any BRO. EDITOR, your editorial terms of reference, neither was timely, profound, very to look at prohibition, Law relevant, and certainly Reform, asked a fundamental Decriminalization, Medical question that can only be Marijuana, Recreational or answered by the Prime Marijuana Tourism. No Minister Dr. Ralph research and development Gonsalves – namely what is on ganja was undertaken CARICOM’s position on the by any of the governments decriminalization of in the region, with the marijuana in the Caribbean? exception of Jamaica, a Where is the report from the country that has set an Regional Commission on example in Marijuana Marijuana?

Decriminalization for all Let me first of all other Caribbean countries congratulate you, and to follow.

THE VINCENTIAN With all respect to Dr. newspaper, for Ralph Gonsalves and the highlighting this setting up of the Regional important and significant Commission on Marijuana, issue of marijuana to examine the social decriminalization in the economic, health, and Caribbean. In all fairness legal issues surrounding to the local media, THE its use in the Caribbean, VINCENTIAN newspaper and to determine whether must be given high praise there should be a change and commendation for its in the current consistency and classification of marijuana forthrightness, in as a dangerous drug, ‘has publishing news reports, there been such a articles, opinions of deafening silence here and various sources, and across the region’? letters for, and against the decriminalization of Meeting with the marijuana in St. Vincent Regional Commission and the Grenadines, over the last two decades, thus Bro. Editor, I cannot giving a balance and speak on behalf of the objective analysis of the region, because I do not marijuana situation, have concrete information locally, regionally, and on each island’s specific internationally. Take a marijuana situation, only bow, Mr. Editor! in general terms; but I can certainly speak of St. The Ganja Debate Vincent and the Grenadines, because I Now to the substantive have been in the trenches issues raised in your for decades, as a staunch, “Ganja Debate” Editorial. fearless fighter for Bro. Editor, in my opinion, Marijuana Legalization the Ganja Debate has not and Human Rights. In gone up in smoke, but it fact, the National has been hijacked, Marijuana Industry sabotaged, and grounded Association of St. Vincent

by CARICOM leaders, and the Grenadines technocrats, and (NMIA), of which I am the opportunistic forces, who Director of have attempted to control, Communications, manipulate and dominate presented a paper to the the marijuana industry for Regional Commission on their own selfish gain and Marijuana on the 15th profits, completely June 2016, at Cabinet marginalizing the Room, Administrative traditional marijuana Building, Kingstown, growers, Rastafarian entitled: NMIA — SVG farmers, ordinary, “Marijuana Platform of grassroots people and Action 2016-2017”. stakeholders, who, for over The CARICOM 50 years, have suffered the Commission was headed persecution of jail and by d by Prof. Rose-Marieheavy fines for cultivating Bell Antoine, Dean of the and trafficking ganja in Faculty of Law, University this country. of the West Indies, St. The ganja debate never Augustine Campus. and reached down to the included Ras Frank-I from masses, because it was Antigua, Alana Griffith never meant to be, in the from the Social Sciences first place. No national Department of UWI, a commission or Pastor from the Bahamas

by CONLEY ‘CHIVAMBO’ ROSE

and represented locally by the Commissioner of Police, Dr. Rosalind Ambrose, Dr. Karen Providence, Rene Baptiste, Jomo Thomas, Ellsworth John and other officials.

Incidentally, when I closed my presentation on the Marijuana Platform, I simply asked Prof.

Antoine, if the CARICOM Commission’s Report on Marijuana would be ready by Christmas Conley ‘Chivambo’ Rose – Eve? Of course, it was journalist; author; political, good humour, and the social and cultural activist. technocrats and experts all laughed, offenders. He called for an but Prof. Antone politely Amendment to the stated yes, they will try to Dangerous Drugs Act — complete the document. removal of Prohibition However, Christmas Eve, Law and Marijuana Law as I pen this, is just12 Reform leading towards days away-oops! decriminalization.

The Marijuana The NMIA-SVG Platform of Action Marijuana Platform outlined the steps to be taken in the drafting and Bro. Editor, it is implementation of an unfortunate that no print industry regulatory or electronic media, framework to be carried photographers or out by a Cannabis videographers were Licensing Authority, present to provide which will facilitate evidence of the CARICOM investment and Commission’s development of the deliberations here. The Cannabis Industry of St. Commission, in fact, Vincent and the requested no live Grenadines on a national recordings by tape, level. camera, phone or any The NMIA-SVG other electronic devices. representative pointed out Even when Ambassador to the CARICOM Ellsworth John attempted Commission on Marijuana, to do so, he was prevented that the most important by the CARICOM challenge to developing Commissioner — no the Cannabis Industry in recordings nor St. Vincent and the photographs, she Grenadines, is to establish demanded. ownership of the different Therefore, I can briefly strains of marijuana present an outline of the NMIA-SVG Marijuana Platform delivered by yours truly, the only representative of Civil Society and Marijuana stakeholder organizations in St. Vincent to address and be quizzed by the CARICOM Commission on Marijuana on an individual basis.

The NMIA-SVG’s Communications Director told the CARICOM Commission that Criminal Prohibition of marijuana has failed miserably in the Caribbean. Mr. Rose stated that too much money is spent by governments of the region on prosecution, and too little on prevention and rehabilitation of drug

grown and produced on the island for over 50 years.

In this regard, a Ganja Research and Development Unit must be established to conduct research on the potential and therapeutic medical properties of marijuana, and to determine the ownership of the intellectual property rights of the different strains of marijuana produced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The objective of this process is to protect the rights of traditional ganja growers in the country, through the use of rigorous international scientific methods and standards of testing, and product development.

Furthermore, the NMIASVG called on the government to establish an Industry Advisory Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines which will be mandated to: advise on industry development strategies; recommend the appropriate policy framework for the development of the marijuana industry, inclusive of the roles of the CARICOM Commission’s recommendations on marijuana decriminalization; ensure that the interests of marijuana stakeholders are taken into account and given their fair share; advise on global development within the Cannabis Industry and the possible implications involved in this process.

Mr Rose reiterated the point that it is the fervent belief of the NMIA-SVG that the establishment of

a legitimate marijuana industry here, represents for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a new and emergent industry with tremendous possibilities, and a growing international market valued at US$22 billion.

The challenges of placing St. Vincent and the Grenadines onto a path of sustained growth and economic development with the creation of thousands of new jobs, must include facilitating the development of new industries for which we can demonstrate a competitive advantage.

As the major producer of marijuana in the OECS, this is integral to diversifying the economic base of the country, and making St. Vincent and the Grenadines resilient to inevitable economic cycles, the impact of climate change, and external shocks that the country will face from time to time.

Bro. Editor, indeed, the cartels are already teaming up to do business within the marijuana industry, because there are millions of dollars to be made with this controversial plant: but the marijuana farmers and representative organizations are excluded.

The government must establish a legal and regulatory framework for the development of the marijuana industry, and create a favourable investment climate and an enabling business environment to empower citizens.

52. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 53.

Diaspora

Prince reports on relief effort in NY

Howie Prince, SVG’s Consul General in New York, was moved by the ready outpouring of support by Vincentian nationals residing in New York.

by the outpouring of love and caring demonstrated by kingnaking210@yahoo.com Vincentians and Friends of St. Vincent and the US CORRESPONDENT Grenadines.”

He told THE NEW YORK’S NEWLYINSTALLED Consul General, VINCENTIAN on Monday that 15 barrels and 10 Howie Prince, has given industrial bins (each more details to the latest equivalent to two barrels) storm relief efforts in the were collected at the relief United States, saying that he is “pleased and humbled drive at the Friends of

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn two Sundays ago.

“That means we collected 35 barrelsworth,” said Prince, the former head of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), also disclosing that cash

and checks collected amounted to US$3,241.00.

He said Vincentian shipping companies in Brooklyn — Standard Caribbean Shipping, Standard Shippers, and Square Deal Shippers and Movers — have shipped, and are preparing to ship, the supplies home.

“They (Vincentians and Friends of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) gave freely and cheerfully of their time and financial resources at a time when they are most needed,” Prince said.

“It reassured my faith on how hospitable a people we can be, and rekindled my pride to be Vincy,” he added.

Heeding a fervent appeal by Prince, who

also chairs the Brooklynbased SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) Relief, Inc., nationals had converged on the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn to offer support, and to provide funds and supplies.

In addition to this effort, Marsena Ballantyne, President of the Garifuna Indigenous People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (GIPSVG) told THE VINCENTIAN that her group had already shipped eight barrels of supplies, compliments Standard Shippers, owned by Biabou native Gideon “Fessy” Yorke, and expected to arrive home

by Dec. 23 — in time for

Christmas - to help provide relief to residents.

Prince also disclosed that the group VincyCares had solicited US$1,200.00 from patrons at its annual Dinner/Dance and Awards Ceremony at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

In addition, he said the Bronx-based St. Matthias Charities, Inc. donated refrigerators and stoves collected from philanthropic entities.

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54. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora (L-R): Santa (Garnes Byron); Tammy Kirby (one of the organizers); Douglas Howard (Vincy Liberators); Glenroy “Gobels” Phillips (Friends of Sion Hill/SVG Diaspora, Inc.) and Atiba Williams, event coordinator (stooping).

Vincy Children feted in NY

organized by a prominent Vincentian shipping kingnaking210@yahoo.com concern, friends and US CORRESPONDENT community groups in Brooklyn, New York.

ABOUT 150 VINCENTIAN “Once again, it was a KIDS and their parents, huge success, and glad Sunday evening, were we can do our part in treated to another special spreading the Christmas Christmas treat at the cheer,” said Atiba 10th annual party Williams, coordinator of the event that is spearheaded by Gideon “Fessy” Yorke, the Biabou-born owner of Standard Shippers on Clarendon Road in Brooklyn, adjacent to Café Owner, who hosted the event, in conjunction with Solid Band, among others, in a VINCENTIAN interview.

The Rose Place, Kingstown-born Williams, president of Bishop’s College, Kingstown, Alumni Association, said the event was “very good, very exciting.

“It was good to see the smile on the kids’ faces,” said Williams, who is also deputy chair of the Cultural Association of Vincentians in the U.S.A. (CAVUSA), a member of the Brooklyn-based SVG Diaspora, Inc. He said the kids, including toddlers, parents and friends were treated to free gifts, entertainment and food.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

Many kids also participated in dances, karaoke, arts and craft, and sat on Santa’s lap.

Popular community advocate Garnes Byron, of Calliaqua, served again as Santa Claus.

Williams also thanked a number of participating organizations and individuals for contributing to the event’s success, including management and staff of Café Omar; management and staff of Standard Shippers; Nekes promotions; Garnes Byron; SVG Ex Teacher’s Association; VincyCares; Vincy Liberators; Bishop’s College Alumni; Mas Productions Unlimited; Friends of Sion Hill; and McMillan Plumbing.

Others he complimented were: Club St. Vincent; SVG Diaspora, Inc.; K Promotions; D Grind.

Com; GIPSVG; Attorney Colin Liverpool; Vincy Culture group; Solid Sounds; Minors Catering; Humble Empress Promotions; DJ Young Ga; DJ Kemmy; Tammy Kirby; Ruth Wilson; Ann Baptiste; and Sam McMillan, among other volunteers.

A section of the children who attended the party.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 55.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't vacillate about asking for assistance if you need it. You'll look guilty if you don't lay your cards on the table. You are best to avoid such unsavoury circumstances, especially if you're in a group situation. Lending and borrowing may be a problem.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your involvement in groups will be favorable for meeting new and exciting individuals. You will have splendid suggestions for fund raising events.

Don't let co-workers interfere with your objectives. Arguments may flare up in your home.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't get into heated discussions. Don't let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. Organize your house and be sure to include the whole family in the projects you have set out to do.

You are best not to confront situations that deal with in-laws or relatives.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt some one's feelings. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends. Mingle with those who can help you get ahead. Don't overspend on entertainment, on children, or make poor investments.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive.

Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress. Relatives will want to get together. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't let your partner get you going.

You are best to travel or attend lectures or seminars. You would be wise to consider attending lectures that will broaden your awareness concerning your professional direction. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you. You need to do something that will make you feel better about yourself.

Leisure

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may want to sign up for lectures or courses that will bring you mental stimulation. Take a look at your legal position. You must not let others talk you into doing things that will probably limit you financially at a later date. You will do your best work on your own.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Electrical problems may be an issue.

Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. You are best not to confront situations that deal with in-laws or relatives. You will have an inaccurate assessment of your status in society.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You'll find you're detail oriented this week. You will be on the rampage this week. Be discreet about your feelings, and hold back until you find out a little more about the person who's coming on to you. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Opportunities to make money may interfere with your personal plans. Your creative ideas must be put to good use.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Travel will be in your best interest. You should consider submitting some of your written work for publication. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Loans will be attainable and legal matters easily taken care of. Travel will result in new romantic attractions.

Channel your energy into projects that will enhance your home. You might find it difficult to control your emotions.

ACROSS 1. Forest trail 5. Shout of approval 10. Aladdin’s servant 11. Place for shadow 12. Bit of corn 13. Danny of “Taxi” 14. “__ not fair!”

15. Erupt 17. Healing mark 18. Be appropriate 20. Bambi’s father 22. High trains 23. Flash of fire 25. Riding whip 27. Hair accessory 29. Distributed sparingly 32. Labor 34. Took out 36. Select 39. Kyser and Starr 41. Western alliance

(abbr.)

42. Cruise 44. __ Patrick Harris 46. “Gosh!”

47. Motion pictures 49. Generous folks 51. Vexes 52. Inheritors 53. Smells terrible 54. Song DOWN 1. __ rug 2. Curry of “Today” 3. Shoelaces 4. Gives a leg up 5. “See ya!”

6. Guns an engine 7. Mrs. Ralph Kramden 8. Essential 9. What Glade covers 10. Outfits 11. __ G. Robinson 12. The “K” in SWAK 16. List-

ending females abbr.

36. Sesame 19. Brisk gait Street 21. Benevogrouch lent 37. Patriot 24. Eccentric Thomas person 38. Trace of 26. Blueprint color 28. Ross and Rigg 30. Cabinet with open shelves 31. Turns aside 33. Drano ingredient 35. Forest

Suspicious CanÊt teach an old of my girlfriend dog new tricks Dear George, I OVERHEARD my girlfriend telling someone on the phone, that the relationship between her and her boyfriend was not a serious one. Her exact words were, “Oh, we are going out yes, but it’s nothing serious.”

This is obviously worrying me, especially since she has told me time and time again that she is lucky to have met me, and she has no more reasons to keep looking.

I mustered up the courage to ask her about that conversation, and she tried to dismiss it as something she just said in order not to hurt the feelings of this guy who was trying to date her. I told her that her explanation did not make sense, but she insisted we drop the subject.

George, since that day, I have been suspicious of her. Something just isn’t right!

Out in left field Dear Out in left field, The explanation your girlfriend gave surely has some holes in it. What could have possibly stopped her from saying she is in a very happy relationship? Unless she is keeping her options open and did not want to dismiss this guy who could potentially become the man of her dreams.

If your fiancée cannot own you to all and sundry, then you have cause for concern. You need to drop anchor and have a very frank discussion on the status and future of the relationship.

George

together without an argument. I cook for him, and he hardly ever WHEN I MET my husband, I knew he eats because most times he ate was a womanizer and a gambler, but somewhere else. He leaves the I really believed I could change him. house after I’ve gone to bed, to go We have been married now for out partying with his ‘friends’, two years and I cannot remember and comes back in the wee hours if we ever had a month or a week of the morning. He sees nothing

Dear George,

Shake hands and move on

40. One sense 43. Onionlike vegetable 45. Stead 48. “__ Dalloway” 50. Action star Diesel

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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56. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

wrong with that.

It has been over 3 months since we last made love, and he has some excuse whenever I force the issue.

How can I get my husband to be romantic and caring? I want to stay married to him, but I’m running out of answers.

Concerned Wife Dear Concerned Wife,

Dear George,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it appears as though I HAVE BEEN dating this girl for you are the only one in this eight months now and we have Both of you have taken marriage. From what you have had detailed discussions on the positions that appear nondescribed, you do not have a way forward — i.e. our negotiable and for your husband. You met him and took expectations. relationship to flourish, there has him home ‘as is’, and now you are We agreed on having children expressing shock that he is not to be some element of and even how many, and on how compromise. what you had in mind? we would pursue continuing our It is never a wise idea to try to If you are adamant about education. change someone or make them having children, and she is not, However, when we did get this impasse can signal the end to into the image that you want. The engaged, it was a different story your relationship. With neither of man of your dreams should be with her as far as having coming to the table with qualities you showing any indication that children. She wants none and that would complement yours. He wants me to go along with her. I you will budge, this is probably should not be an unfinished the point where you should shake bluntly refused to go along with project that sucks the energy and hands and wish each other the her. life out of you, and make being Strangely enough, she sent me best for the future. with him an unbearable pain.

Your girlfriend reserves the a note stating that as soon as I At this point, you can go see a was ready to agree to not having right to change her mind about marriage counsellor and face the what she wants, and it is good children, I could call her, but if facts about your union, and then that she told you up front. Wish anything to the contrary, I could make a decision as to both your her well and move on. forget about her. What is your futures. take on this?

Dear Let down,

George Let down.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 57.

News

Caribbean civil society preparing for future of ACP-EU FORMER CHAIRMAN of the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), the regional umbrella network of civil society organisations, Mr Renwick Rose, represented Caribbean civil society at a seminar held in Brussels, December 6 and 7, to begin discussions on “Future perspectives for relations between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries and the European Union (EU) after 2020”.

The year 2020 is significant because in that year the current relationship agreement signed between the ACP and the EU at Cotonou in 2000, expires. No negotiations for a follow-up agreement have yet been held but must be concluded by the end of August 2018. Failure to reach agreement will have effect both on development assistance under the Cotonou agreement, as well as jeopardize the legal basis of the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the Caribbean states and the EU in 2008, governing trade relations between these regions.

Mr Rose, was invited, along with counterparts from Africa and the Pacific, by the European-wide civil society

network CONCORD, to begin to explore ideas as to what form any new ACP-EU agreement should take, bearing in mind the strengths and weaknesses of previous agreements, and to prepare a civil society input into the official discussions to ensure that any such agreement contribute to the advancement of the well-being of the people of the ACP states, especially the poor.

While in Brussels, Mr Rose also met with the two top officials of the ACP Secretariat in Brussels, Secretary General Mr P.I. Gomes, and Assistant Secretary General, Mr Emile Ogninmba. Those discussions centred on the need for full participation of ACP civil society in ACP development and in matters pertaining to ACP-EU relations.

Specifically they

Water relief for Clifton, Union Island RESIDENTS of Clifton, Union Island, are anxiously awaiting the New Year and the anticipated improvements in their water supply.

This anxiety was heightened when government announced on December 19, that it had signed a contract with Franco Construction Ltd. for the reconstruction of the public water tank in Clifton.

The tank has been leaking for some time now and, according to one resident, previous appeals to have some attention paid to it have fallen on deaf ears.

Now, with re-construction scheduled to begin January 19, 2017, and projected to last six months, Clifton residents are eventually beginning to think that they have not been forgotten.

Re-construction of the tank is estimated to cost EC$1.6 million and will be funded by the World Bank under the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (RDVRP).

The works to be undertaken include the demolition of the stone masonry tank and the construction of a reinforced concrete tank, with a covered service platform and pump area, a new roof and fencing, and a concrete walkway and driveway.

During the re-construction period, water in the existing tank and from the catchment will be redirected to temporary storage tanks.

discussed preparations for a planned meeting of ACP, civil society, private sector, and labour representatives to be held in the first half of next year.

Renwick Rose, even in retirement, continues to be a sought after and respected voice on behalf of civil society in the Caribbean.

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58. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Christmas Laughter

Hairoun- Hold your own for Christmas SEE THESE FOUR BIGSHOT Executive after their final meeting for the year.

They’re happy for two reasons: their company made a profit and it was Christmas time, time to celebrate.

So they took a stroll from the office to the Cobblestone Bar. They all agreed that was a good place as any to celebrate with some beers and for certain, Cobblestone would have a variety of beer.

Seated comfortably at the bar, the first executive said to the bartender, “Hey Bro, let’s have the coldest Heineken you can find in that freezer.” Snap, a Heineken was on the bar top.

The second executive, without tie by now, and

ready for a beer-drinking binge, pushed back in his chair and said, “God bligh me mon, let me have the best beer in the Caribbean. Serve me a Banks.” Snap, a Banks appears.

Third guy, removing his jacket, said, “Bartender my boy, serve me up a Carib — the beer of all beers.” Snap, a Carib is it.

Fourth guy, typical Vincy, with jacket removed and shirt button down showing off his ‘bling’, says almost in a whisper, “Serve me a Coke there Brethren.”

“A coke?” the other Executives shouted in unison. “Why ain’t you having a Hairoun?”

And the Vincy replied, “Well, if you guys aren’t drinking beer, neither

A beer is a Hairoun. will I.” Hairoun — the Beer of St,. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 59.

Barrouallie Juniors, the 2016 Schools’ Under-16 Champions.

Barrouallie Seniors – winners of the 2016 Schools’ Under-21 Football Competition.

Barrouallie takes both Schools Football Titles THE FOOTBALLERS from the Barrouallie Secondary School last Friday, at the Victoria Park, took both the Junior and Senior Division titles, thus making atonement for their netballers who, the previous week, had lost both finals at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

In the Junior Division, Barrouallie Secondary stopped the Petit Bordel Secondary 40.

Barouallie’s 4 goals came through Ali Hannaway in the 6th and 49th minutes, a Javil Hunte’s conversion in the 11th minute, and an own goal compliments Petit Bordel’s Kaif Westfield.

For his brace, Hannaway was named Player of the Final.

Before getting to last Friday’s title decider, Barrouallie had won from the St Clair Dacon Secondary 4-0 in the quarter final.

But they had to go the distance in the semi- finals versus the Georgetown Secondary, eventually triumphing 8-7 in kicks from the penalty spot, after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Petit Bordel’s run-up to the final included a 3-1 win over the Intermediate High School in the quarter finals, and a 4-1 win over the Sandy Bay Secondary in the semi-finals.

Georgetown finished third with a 5-4 defeat of Sandy Bay Secondary via kicks from the penalty spot, after the two had

played to a goalless draw in normal time.

Barrouallie had emerged Zone D winners, with Georgetown taking Zone A, Intermediate High SchoolZone B and the Bethel High School- Zone C.

Senior Division final Hyped by the Juniors’ feat, the stage was set for the Barrouallie double, and more joy was to come Barrouallie’s way in the Senior Under-21 final.

A header by Deondre Charles in the 37th minute, and a 64th minute strike from Gareth Leigertwood, handed Barrouallie the senior title over the Dr JP Eustace Memorial, the latter having to endure their second straight year as runners-up.

Dr JP Eustace Memorial, triumphant team in 2014, had surrendered their reign to the Georgetown Secondary in the 2015 final.

Barrouallie’s Asrick Walters was named Player of the Final. Eustace Memorial had After taking the Zone D of the competition, Barrouallie faced off with St Clair Dacon Secondary in the quarter finals, and finished winners 40.

Barrouallie’s flight in the semi- finals saw them taking on the 2015 champions- the Georgetown Secondary. In the end, Barrouallie was

unior Division Top Goalkeeper - Jellando John. victorious 4-0.

Meanwhile, Dr JP Eustace Memorial run in the elimination round saw them registering a 4-0 win over the Bishop’s College Kingstown in the quarter finals, and clamping the Intermediate High School 4-1, in the semifinals.

Georgetown though had the consolation of the third place, beating the Intermediate High School, 30.

Senior Division Top Goal Scorer - Jante James.

award in the last three weeks, as he was named the Junior Division’s Top Goalkeeper.

John was also the recipient of similar awards in the Digicel/ Norrell Hull Under-17 Division of the Barrouallie League and the Under-16 Division of the Agriculture Input Warehouse of the Breakaway Masters Firms Tournament. John represented Adare in those tournaments.

Also awarded last Friday in the Junior Division, was Cleon Westfield of the Petit Bordel Awards Secondary, who had the most goals — eight.

Barrouallie Secondary’s Terique Thompson, of the Jellando John copped his third Barrouallie Secondary was

Senior Division Best Goalkeeper - Terique Thompson. named the Best Goalkeeper, with Jante James of the Intermediate High School, the Top Goal Scorer with ten goals to his credit.

The St Martin’s Secondary School took the Tyrone ‘Tweety’ Spence Shield for winning the opening fixture in the Junior bracket, against the Bethel High School, while in the Senior division, JP Eustace Memorial got a hold of the Sylvester ‘Scobie’ Taylor shield, for their win versus Georgetown Secondary.

Both schools will have possession of the shields for one year.

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60. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Guy Lowe delights in St. Mary’s R.C. football win FORMER NATIONAL footballer – Guy Lowe is delighted that his initiative to offer his services to the football programme at his alma mater St Mary’s Roman Catholic School, is paying dividends.

Lowe, a dodgy forward, who was renowned for his mazy runs down the right flank in the halcyon days of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ football, helped the St Mary’s RC to take the 2016 Inter- Primary Schools Football Competition , which ended last Friday at the Victoria Park.

St Mary’s RC team – 2016 Champions of Primary Lowe said that he just wanted to give back to the Schools football in SVG. school he attended.

Government, Kingstown Preparatory won 2-0.

“I approached the school last year and told the James Grant had netted for Kingstown principal that I wanted to work with the footballers,” Preparatory and Amron Thomas for Diamond Lowe recalled.

Kingstown Preparatory School had to settle for Government, as a 1-1 draw was the result in The St Mary’s RC reached the quarter finals of regulation time. last year’s competition, and Lowe recalled the players second place again.

St Mary’s Roman Catholic’s David Holder and then sobbing at their loss on kicks from the penalty and the semi- finals.

Amron Thomas of the Diamond Government were spot.

Kingstown Preparatory won 3-2 in the decisive “I worked on the weakness of the team, and at the kicks against Barrouallie Government, as both teams joint Top Goal Scorers, with six goals each.

The Kingstown Preparatory School’s start of this year’s competition, I said that we were played to a goalless tie in regulation time.

Jahfari Samuel was adjudged the Most Outstanding going to win, and we did,” said a visibly elated Lowe.

Then in the semi-finals versus Diamond Goalkeeper.

Lowe disclosed that he had to sell his philosophy of the sport to the parents, who sometimes thought that the competition was affecting their children’s academics.

Buoyed by the school’s success, Lowe plans to form an under-15 team from among the players who are no longer eligible for future competitions.

TEAM ATHLETICS SVG is General Secretary of In attaining their 2016 feat, immediate success, player of the final- confident that a Junior Team Athletics SVGDelaon Benjamin put St Mary’s up as Carifta medal in a field Tyrone James. event is imminent. early as the first minute, and David This confidence has been the last days used to Holder added another in the expressed by Team Athletics take the athletes to a 20th minute.

SVG’s General Secretary higher level of St Mary’s, after coming out zonal training. champs, met Chateaubelair Methodist Tyrone James.

“I see at least one Carifta Phillip last visited in the quarter finals and advanced 3-0. medal in a field event as St Vincent and the A goal each fromDavid Holder, AJ early as next year,” James Grenadines in Delpesche and Nickron Laidlow were Grenadian field coach- Paul Phillip demonstrating predicted.

September and, with the responsible for the blanking. the feet movements in the Shot Putt.

His optimism stems from promise shown then, Team Facing Du Bois in the semi- finals, the potential shown by field Athletics SVG moved to were: Orde Ballantyne in implements) to the National Holder hit two and Denery James the athletes who were involved follow on with the recent the Long Jump, Shot Putt Sports Council. The other, as St Mary’s RC also won 3-0. visit. and Javelin; Adonson equipment is expected to be Kingstown Preparatory advanced to in a recent specialised training programme Reports are that Team Shallow in the Discus and used in eight areas across St the final, but Athletics SVG is placing Javelin; Rohan Saunders Vincent and the Grenadines, only after kicks facilitated by Grenadian emphasis on field events, as High Jump; Sancho Lyttle — toward developing track and from the penalty field coach - Paul Phillip, it sees that area as holding Hurdles; Jacqueline Ross field talents in these spot, in both the from December 13 — 21.

This was the Grenadian out greater prospects for Long Jump and Shot Putt; communities. quarter finals making his second visit to growth and medalling, over Yvette Haynes- Long Jump; St Vincent and the SVG for the year, during the track events. and Helen Harry - Shot Grenadines medalled at the St Mary’s RC’s which he concentrated on Records show that SVG Putt.

2015 Junior Carifta Games, coach - Guy giving advance instructions has done best at the Junior In other athletics related held in St Kitts and Nevis, Lowe, with joint to identified talents.

Carifta Games in field activities, Team Athletics when Reuberth Boyde During his first few days, events. lead goal SVG activities, last week, earned a silver in the men’s Phillip spent the time Among those who have scorer- David handed over a quantity of Under-20 200m. seeking out new finds, with medalled in field events Holder. equipment,(most of it field

TASVG optimistic of Carifta medal

Skiddy Francis–Crick scores all, but⁄.

SKIDDY FRANCIS—CRICK netted all 49 goals scored by High Park United, but that did not stop Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem from taking the 2016 Cane End Netball Association Netball Competition title.

Nar Fren Dem held on to triumph 50-49 last Sunday at the hard court of the Cane End Government School, to upstage favourites — High Park United.

With both teams fielding six players each, Nar Fren Dem led 13-10 at the end of the first quarter, and Skiddy Francis-Crick keeps on demonstrating her prowess as a netball shooter.

26-19 at the end of the second.

It was still all Nar Fren Dem at the end of the third quarter, 36-31, but High Park regrouped to come within a whisker of sending the match into extra time.

Nar Fren Dem’s goal shooter Tameisha Matthews scored 27 of 44 and goal attack - Jessica Lavia had 23 of her 35 tries counted. FrancisCrick’s tally came from 53 attempts.

High Park United had won by default over MPESCO in the semifinals, while Nar Fren Dem recorded a 28-21 win over Francis Combine.

Before the competition’s decider on Sunday, Francis Combine had a 35-20 win over MPESCO, to take the third place.

Awarded were the Most Valuable Players for each of the participating

teams in this year’s competition.

The takers were: Mia Durrant - Nar Fren Dem, Anella Samuel- High Park United, Jo Marie FrancisFrancis Combine, Affeisha Robinson — MPESCO, Larryshia Bobb- Glenside Ball Blazers, Anesha John Country Meet Town Outa Trouble and Shoyera Lorraine - QUESCO. President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association- Doris Mc Intosh, parliamentary representative for Marriaqua — St Clair Prince, and chair of the Cane End Netball Association — Yosiah Dascent, addressed last Sunday’s

closing and presentation ceremony.

Champions Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 61.

Sports

Over and over IT’S OVER to 2017. For many, it will be a continuation of the pattern that has marked their recent existence. Plans drawn up are soon abandoned by the time the second week in the New Year arrives. And those thoughts of acquiring a new shapely outlook or embarking on this or that ambitious parade, hardly outlives the sparks of the old year’s day send-off.

This year will throw up the usual avenues for advancement. Those willing to take the step forward elevation will have to persist with their sense of purpose, or they may find themselves in reverse, and left to ponder where it went wrong.

Another exciting schedule beckons for the genuine sports enthusiasts. Never has there been so much prospects for the sport lovers.

The National Awards ceremony, squandered this year as a result of lacklustre responses from the relevant authorities, will be returned with a level of pride and decency. That is the least that can be done for those who have put everything on the line in order to uplift the nation.

No matter what outlook the bodies are taking, the onus is on the nation to reward those who have toiled in the vineyard.

I will not venture into making any suggestions, for fear of undermining the legitimacy of those entrusted with coming up with the ultimate decisions.

When the announcements are made, there will be evidence to justify the adjudications.

What is apparent, is a breakdown in discipline as far as our sporting etiquette goes.

Whereas facilities have improved, and the ability to engage in thorough preparation has been enhanced, there is a decline in the mental and physical approach to the tasks ahead, as far as the athletes are concerned.

Persons seem obsessed about style rather than substance, and the value of things that have meaning are sacrificed on an altar of convenience. Everyone seems content and intent on putting in the least and expecting the most out.

When we are tested and found wanting, we find excuses for our deficiency.

This region continues to fall victim of its malaise. We have grown adept at selfinflciting wounds, and there is delight in seeing the other fall. Instead of pooling resources and coming up with strategies for genuine improvements, we relish in the cycle of tribalism and perpetuate a practice of suffocation.

We are adept at downgrading our own, and revel in seeking to heap praises on forces whose aims and ambitions are to discredit us, and reduce us to the barest.

The new era exposes us to paths untouched and into realms unheralded. We have a duty to follow up on our instincts and do the best we can to ensure that this nation takes advantage of its sporting prowess.

Those traits, once honed, harnessed and channelled, can provide the nation with a foundation for elevation. And that will extend to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean states, CARICOM, and the entire universe.

New track and field level one coaches, with facilitators and officials seated (from left) Keith Joseph, Ian Carter, Rosmund Griffith and Trevor Bailey (NOC).

Joseph tells coaches theyÊve just begun THE NINETEEN TRACK and field coaches recently certified and enlisted into the stock of Team Athletics SVG, were given some post–course advice from head of the sport’s local body – Keith Joseph.

Giving his address at the conclusion of a twelve—day International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) Coaches Education Certification System (CECS) Level one Coaching course, at the President Suite at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Joseph extended a reality check to the coaches.

“The certificate only says and only proves that over twelve days, you were able to show that you are capable to revise what was presented to you and delivering it to the approval of the instructors ...It does not say that you are educated about coaching... You got a transmission of information...The education process has only just begun,” the TASVG head pointed out to them.

In reminding the new cohorts, Joseph advised that they have to continuously read and seek out literature and other means of re-tooling.

“Every day, there is new research, new scientific endeavours of bringing forth new approaches to our sport ...There are always new challenges that will confront you … never let it be said that you got stuck in what you have learnt twelve days in December 2016,” Joseph encouraged.

“It is not enough for you to believe that you have achieved because you have a certificate. What is important is that every opportunity you have to learn more about the sport, to help others to do more in the sport, that you seize those opportunities with both hands and to make sure that you are committed to the developments of the athletes in your charge,” he added.

Revealing that the course was budgeted at US$10, 500, Joseph called on the coaches to reciprocate the value of the monies and time invested in them.

“It is an investment in you as young people of St Vincent

President of Team Athletics SVG- Keith Joseph had a strong message for the recently certified coaches. and the Grenadines; you have that opportunity to either take that investment or quit in the wind,” Joseph said.

Joseph called on the recently certified coaches to be active, either through linking with established coaches or combining their talents.

“You can work along with an experienced coach, with him or her, and develop our sport... The opportunities are there for you to work with athletes in the school

Top performers- Esron Robinson (left) and Ozari Williams.

system, in the communities, in clubs ...You have been challenged by the lecturers and by the IAAF to do better than those who went before you,” Joseph said.

The course involved current athletes, physical education teachers, footballers, as well as coaches of other sporting disciplines, namely football and swimming.

It was conducted at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, and conducted by Ian Carter of Trinidad and Tobago and First Vice —President of the Team Athletics SVG- Rosmund Griffith.

The top performers of the course were Ozari Williams and Esron Robinson.

62. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016. 63.

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F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

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VOLUME 110, No.51

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NEW TWIST AT BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT DEVELOPMENTS at the Buccament Bay Resort have taken a new turn.

Brian Glasgow, a partner of the accounting firm KPMG, has been appointed Interim Receiver tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding the assets of the Resort, owned by Harlequin Properties Ltd., a company registered in SVG. Glasgow’s appointment as Interim Receiver was granted Saturday17th December, after application by the High Court here on Friday 16th December.

He had, in October, been appointed Proposal Trustee for Harlequin Properties Ltd., when that company filed insolvency proceeding in the local court, so as to allow it to work with a Trustee, to sort out its business affairs.

THE VINCENTIAN was/is not privy to the Proposal Trustee’s report/recommendation, if any was made. The Law allows the proposal trustee up to a maximum of six months to formulate a strategy for a decision by the Company.

Indications are, however, that the Court’s action to appoint an Interim Receiver was hastened by recent looting at the Resort.

The operations at the Resort had

come to a complete halt following strike action on December 02, by a wide range of categories of workers, claiming outstanding wages and salaries, and the subsequent disconnection of the electricity supply

by VINLEC. THE VINCENTIAN could not confirm the exact amount owing to VINLEC, but will assume that the amount must be astronomical, raising questions about the leniency enjoyed by some ‘favoured’ enterprises here.

Workers, according to reports, had apparently taken to helping themselves of equipment and furniture of the Resort, after all efforts to have their legitimate grievances settled had failed; this after their expectations were heightened by a promise, relayed through the Minister of Labour, that they would be paid.

Of course, all of this ensued in the absence of Managing Director of the Resort and Principal Shareholder of Harlequin Properties Inc. — David Ames, a citizen of SVG, who, according to the Prime Minister, had “legitimately” left this country, even though he was due to appear in a local court to answer charges of tax evasion and theft.

Reports reaching THE

Niels Colov, CEO of the Pattaya People Media Group welcoming David Ames (left) to Pattaya, Thailand. The property in the picture, spearheaded by Ames, never got built. It was mired in controversy. (Source: Evening Standard - The Australian)

Police officers were called in to take charge of security when workers reportedly began to loot the resort.

UK, declared that outstanding wages and salaries for workers will not be paid for the Christmas season. This may have occasioned the ‘looting’ at the Resort.

He, however, went on to say that Embroiled in controversy the money (US$11.6 million) he won from the lawsuit brought against his former accountants, Wilkins Kennedy, It would not be inaccurate to say will be made available at the end of that the Buccament Bay Resort has January; and he hopes to use some of been embroiled in controversy from that to refurbish the Resort and reday one. open under new management in spring A protracted land dispute with 2017. He made no reference to using farmers who had occupied the land from that source, if at all he is allowed earmarked as the site for the Resort, access to it, for payment of delayed commencement of outstanding wages and salaries. construction, which would become This ‘promise’ by Ames was made mired in controversy of its own, and against the backdrop that the judge in there has been one claim after the the matter involving Ames’ former other by investors and creditors, against the Resort developers, of fraud Accountants, had ruled that the money should not be paid directly to and for non-payment of accounts harlequin, “at least at this stage”, respectively.

Moreover, Ames and his immediate pending the resolution of other matters, including “in particular the family have had to answer charges brought by investors in the UK courts, needs of the company’s investors”.

The sad reality is that there will be for non-existent developments in a number of workers here who, on all Barbados, elsewhere (e.g. Thailand), counts, will not be having a Happy and in relation to the Resort here.

Christmas, and who have very little No salaries for workers prospects for themselves and their families as they look ahead to the New Interestingly, Ames, in a statement Year. issued last week from his haven in the

VINCENTIAN said that the local constabulary had to be called in last week following the ‘looting’, and that there has been increased security at the resort since Monday of this week.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.