THE VINCENTIAN PDF- 24-05-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

MAY 24, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.21

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Left: Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, was not going to allow himself to be dragged into debating an amended version of a motion that he had originally tabled in the House Right: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House, was adamant that the Rules allowed for amendments and, in advancing same, he was within his right and the Rules of the House.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 3.

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News 3

“Come prepared,” says Speaker Left: Speaker of the House Jomo Thomas refused to be drawn into what he said would have been an act of going beyond the Rules of the House.

“YOU OUGHT TO COME PREPARED for whatever they may throw at you.”

This was the advice directed to Parliamentary Opposition Members last week Friday by Speaker of the House, Jomo Thomas, after they had a motion put forward on electoral reform amended

by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Thomas sided with the government in letting the amended version of the motion on electoral

reform stand.

Thomas prefaced his ruling by saying that debate on the issue of electoral reform was an important one, but he felt constrained by the points that addressed the Standing Orders that the motion (amended) was in order.

“As I said to the Prime Minister, it (the amendment) fundamentally upends parliamentary procedure and practice which has prevailed since independence, but based on the Rules, I cannot say that the motion cannot carry,” Thomas said.

However, Leader of

15-day period remains THERE WILL BE NO AMENDMENT to Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

That Section makes provisions for a 15-day special voter registration period, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is also Minister with responsibility for Electoral Matters, has said unambiguously that he has no intention of bringing a Bill in Parliament to provide for the removal of this 15-day period.

“Those who want to lock out young people from registering during the special registration can do that,” Gonsalves said.

He made the comment in Parliament on May 17 during the period allotted for the debate on the proposed electoral motion put forward by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday.

On Monday, days after the Sitting of the House, Friday said on the ‘New Times’ radio programme that that was one of the areas (Sections) that the opposition has always contended ought to be abolished.

“That is the position that we have adopted over the years, and supported by the missions that come to observe elections,” Friday said.

That Motion read inter alia: ‘Be resolved that this Honourable House support a motion to bring about necessary and desirable changes to the elections process in our country by amending the Representation of the People Act and by adopting other practical and effective measures to ensure free and fair elections and restore public confidence in our electoral system.’

the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday pleaded with the Speaker, saying that although his (the Speaker) word was final, he urged him, in the interest of deepening democracy, to use Section 32(4)e under the Standing Orders of the House that deals with the withdrawal of

amendments, and have the amendment put forward by Gonsalves withdrawn.

Thomas responded, saying that the initial motion was signed on April 23… “There is history and place. It seems to me that if you were coming to the House that you would

come prepared to debate and anticipate all that would be thrown at you. … You are asking me to go beyond the ruling, [I] cannot do that.”

Opposition Senator, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste later responded, in which she accused the Speaker of allowing the government to negate a

vote of No Confidence previously, saying that he had the opportunity to correct that wrong then.

“We will never be able to bring a motion,” Bacchus-Baptiste said, adding that contrary to what the Speaker thought, the Opposition had in fact come prepared.

ÂAmended version unacceptable,Ê says Dr. Friday Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Dr Godwin Friday says that he has no interest in the amended electoral reform motion put forward by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

The Opposition Leader said on Monday on the ‘New Times’ radio programme, that if certain elements that were contained in the initial document were retained, then he would have given it some consideration.

“But they have the idea that they can supersede the motion that was put forward and change it in its entirety as they did with the motion of no confidence,” Friday said.

It had been anticipated that during the May 17 sitting of Parliament, that both sides would engage in a debate of the issue of electoral reform.

Friday said on Monday, that there was an attempt, with the assistance of the Speaker of the House Jomo Thomas, to prevent parliamentary debate on a matter of great importance to the people of this country.

The Prime Minister pretended that he was giving time, and at the end, ran away from debating the motion by preventing the debate on the matter, Friday went on to say.

An amendment, no debate, stalemate Instead of a debate on electoral reform during the May 17 sitting of Parliament, members on both sides became embroiled in a fourhour heated exchange, at the end of which the motion was shelved.

The impasse found its genesis in an amendment to the private motion tabled by Prime Minister

and Leader of the House Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, which was later approved by the Speaker of the House.

Gonsalves made the amendment under the guidelines of Rule 32 of the Standing Orders of the House, and he further cited Rules 24 and 25, which support that the member making the amendment ought not to provide any prior notice of the intention to make an amendment.

Friday immediately expressed his opposition to the moves.

“I am very disappointed that the Honourable Prime Minister would use the Rules to amend a motion of this nature whereby the intention essentially is to replace the motion that is before you that was moved by me…,” he said.

here all day and amend motions?”

Friday, in an effort to persuade the Speaker to rule against the proposed amended version, argued that the Prime Minister had moved a motion that negated the motion put forward by the opposition.

According to Friday, the Prime Minister was ‘out of place’ for proposing to amend the motion, and he pleaded with Thomas to rule on a matter of common sense and proper interpretation.

But Gonsalves remained adamant that he could not be denied the right to amend the motion.

“A private members motion does not give it special precedence, it is a motion and must comply with the rules and we can amend it,” Gonsalves said.

Friday upset, Gonsalves adamant

Speaker rules

While he admitted that Rule 32 made provisions for amendments to motions, Friday opined that he did not believe that an outright change of the original document was the intention of those who drafted the Rules decades ago.

But while members on the Government side got up in support of the amended motion, Friday reasoned that the motion, having been changed from the original document, reflected a motion coming from the majority side of the House, and that it set a bad precedent, in that any member would now be able to do the very thing that the prime minister did.

“And not only that, the Standing Orders provide for amendments for amendments, so what are we going to do? Are we going to interpret the Standing Orders to say that we can stand

Amid the cross talk, which became disorderly and accompanied by banging on tables, the Speaker sought to salvage the debate by giving the opposition ultimatums of what he was willing to take out of the amended version, to which members on the Opposition agreed.

However, members failed to come to a consensus, and the four hours that had been allocated to the debate ran out.

Friday, last Monday, reiterated the point he made in Parliament last week, saying that that the document put forward by the Prime Minister was not an amendment.

“For four hours, we wasted the people’s parliamentary time. It’s all a misinterpretation,” he said, adding that there was no way that the opposition was able to accept that.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Thief strikes after hearing code EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD KORI ANDERSON of Barrouallie was on Wednesday ordered to pay $1,000 compensation forthwith to a woman from whom he stole her bank card and used to withdraw cash from an Automotive Teller Machine (ATM).

The labourer was also bonded for one year, in the sum of $2,500. In breach of the bond, Anderson will go to prison for one year.

Anderson pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

He was unrepresented.

The facts showed that the Virtual Complainant, Giselle Williams of Georgetown, went to Barrouallie last weekend for the Central Leeward Carnival.

Williams stayed at the home of a friend, and on Saturday, she, her friend, and Anderson, who is a friend of Williams’ friend, were together at CK Greaves Supermarket at Pembroke, as Williams wanted to get some groceries.

However, she didn’t have enough cash, and decided to use her debit card.

She accidentally called out her pin number, and Anderson, who was present, heard the code. After shopping, the woman put back the card in her bag and they left the supermarket.

Anderson, who is usually at Williams’ friend’s home, took the card without Williams’ knowledge, went to an ATM and did a withdrawal. When Williams went to use her card again, she noticed there was a withdrawal of $1,000.

A report was made to police at the Barrouallie Police Station, and investigations led to Anderson.

Nigerian slapped with 27 more charges the holder of a card issued to Da Silva.

ABOUT THREE months after The woman is also additionally Nigerian national Eunice Armachicharged on nine counts of taking a Dowers was taken before the card from the possession of Da Serious Offences Court on four Silva, without his consent, and charges of fraud and two charges of nine counts of stealing monies theft, the Ratho Mill resident has from Da Silva on various dates, been slapped with 27 additional amounting to just over EC$2,000. charges of a similar nature, and All the offences were allegedly several more are expected to be committed between September 8 brought against her. last year and January 29 this The woman, who has been year. residing here for some eight Armachi-Dowers was not months, and is married to a required to plea to the indictable Vincentian, is alleged to have charges when she appeared before fraudulently used a credit card Family Court President Coleen issued to Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva, McDonald on Monday. prominent local businessman and The matter was transferred to owner of Star Garage, where the Serious Offences Court and Armachi-Dowers was employed as adjourned to Tuesday, but that a Customs Broker.

Court did not sit on that day, and The Nigerian, who is out on a new date was set for today $40,000 bail with one surety, (Friday). appeared at the Family Court on When Armachi-Dowers had Monday, where the other charges initially appeared at the Serious were read to her, as there were no Offences Court February this year sittings at the Serious Offences on the six original charges, she Court or the Kingstown was denied bail, primarily on the Magistrate’s Court. grounds that she was married to a Armachi-Dowers has been Vincentian, which a created flight additionally charged on nine risk, and that she was taken up at counts of, with intent to defraud the Argyle International Airport.

First Caribbean International However, the Nigerian, Bank, obtained services by represented by attorney Grant representing without the consent Connell, subsequently made an of Bertille Da Silva, that she is Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Daylight robber awaits fate DESMOND BROWNE, a Largo Height man, who discharged a firearm in broad daylight, in the commission of a robbery on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown, about five years ago, will know his fate at a sentencing hearing, June 20.

Upon conviction, Justice Brian Cottle ordered a Social Inquiry Report on Browne, to be prepared by the Family Affairs Division, in the Ministry of National Mobilization.

At the Criminal Assizes this week, a nine-member jury comprised of six females and three males, found Browne guilty of: robbing Belmont resident Desmond David of a gold chain valued EC$2,000; unlawfully discharging a firearm at David; possession of a firearm with intent to cause injury to him, and without lawful excuse, damaged a glass window of the store, Oriental Palace.

David, who was 31 at the time of the incident, told the Court that around midday, March 27, 2014, he was in conversation with his friend Ricky Mars in the vicinity of the Oriental Palace, when the accused, who was unmasked, said , “Yow!’ When he turned in the direction of the voice, David said the man grabbed his chain, burst it from around his neck and fired a gun… in the process damaging the

window of the business place.

Browne, 37 at the time, with chain in hand, ran. The pendant fell, but was recovered by Mars and returned to David.

David said nothing was blocking his view, and he was able to see Browne’s face for about five seconds. He said, he did not know his attacker before the incident.

There was also evidence from a police officer of a man jogging, with a gun in his hand, in the Little Tokyo area on the day in question. He was later identified as the accused.

Mars was not called as a witness, as he is currently out of the country.

Evidence was also heard from David Richards, who said he heard two explosions, then saw Browne, whom he knew, walking towards Coreas Hardware with what appeared to be a .25 semiautomatic firearm. He said its was around midday when he saw Browne in the vicinity of the bus terminal at Little Tokyo.

The Investigator, Constable Jasha Robinson, said he noticed a spent shell while looking around in the area of the Oriental Palace.

Browne, in his defence, denied the charges, saying that he was at home with his mother, now deceased, on the day and time of the incident.

application to the High Court for bail, and her application was heard, and granted on Eunice ArmachiMarch 8.

Dowers

Jamaican charged with bigamy COURTNEY MURRAY, 44-yearold national of Jamaica, residing here since 2016, will appear at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, June 11, on a bigamy charge.

Murray is accused of marrying a woman here, while being married to another woman.

Reports are that the unemployed man who resides at Peruvian Vale, got married to Berna Bess of Green Hill, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, December 30, 2017, while still being married to a Jamaican.

Based on a report the police received, an investigation was launched, which led to Murray being arrested and charged this week.

He made a brief appearance before the Family Court on Tuesday, as there were no sittings at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court or the Serious Offences Court. He pleaded not guilty, and was granted $5,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he surrender his travel documents and report to the Biabou Police Station every Monday.

Stop notices are to be placed at all Ports of Entry and Exit, and he is not to leave the state without the Court’s permission.

Attorney Grant Connell is representing him.

Murray’s arrest came about five months after Brent Samuel, 36-year-old mason of Ottley Hall, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court charged with attempted bigamy.

In relation to that matter, which is pending, Samuel is accused of attempting to commit the offence, December 8, 2018.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019. 5.

Regional

The two regional airlines that feature in the cry about high costs for intra-regional travel.

Petition to Appeal for new lower cost of 2019 CSEC Math exam regional travel

The Tranquillity Government Secondary School, where the ‘cheating’ took place, is said to be a school that presents ‘challenges’. (Photo Credit: Trinidad Guardian)

THE COST OF INTRAREGIONAL TRAVEL remains a pain for most CARICOM citizens, and a voice in this regard has increased in intensity, in the midst of a continuing financial crisis of one regional airline, LIAT. Given that air travel costs have been burdened

with an extraordinary range of government taxes, a group calling itself the Caribbean Citizens Against High Intra-Regional Travel Taxes, has focused its intent on putting pressure on governments, through a petition it mounted in

April.

The petition, the group said, is aimed at “forcing regional leaders to consider alternatives to the current taxes, fees and charges (TFCs) structure.”

With over 10,000 signatures already secured, the group has set

a target for 20,000 signatures - after which the petition will be forwarded to the CARICOM Secretariat as well as the office of each country’s Prime Minister.

“When the signatures collected reach a point where we believe that CARICOM Governments are unable to ignore the issue any longer, we will be printing hard copies of the petition, including the names and origin countries of the thousands of Caribbean people who are demanding change.

This will be accompanied by a compilation of the taxes and fees imposed by each government, and a letter making the strong case for dialogue on the issue.”

So far, signatures have been pouring in from Caribbean territories as well the US, UK and Canada. Figures show Barbados has been leading the petition, and the group noted this was most likely due to the fact that the country has one of the highest TFCs structures in the region.

“Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica are second and third respectively, as they are among the biggest populations in the region. We assume they are showing an interest in reduced TFCs to facilitate greater movement north and south,” the group said.

Link to the petition: https://www.chan ge.org/p/caricomgovernments-reduction-ingovernment-taxes-andfees-on-intra-regionalcaribbean-travel. (Source: Looptt.news)

WHILE THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Education Authorities await word from Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) with respect to whether the students will be given an alternative exam or be debarred from writing this and other exams after they were caught ‘cheating’ on their Math exams, the issue has morphed into a regionwide concern.

Hundreds of people across the region have signed a petition calling for the 2019 CSEC Mathematics exam to be redone, in light of a breach in security in Trinidad and Tobago.

The petition comes after CXC issued a statement last week Thursday advising that it had launched an investigation into the cheating incident.

Three invigilators have since been fired following the circulation of a video on social media showing students at Tranquillity Government Secondary School on their phones during the CSEC Math exam.

According to at least one newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago, studentswere “using their cell phones to whatsapp questions on the papers to each other.”

In the video no invigilator was present in the room while the students were seen walking around and talking.

The petition meanwhile has been making the rounds on Facebook and has obtained over 2000 signatures.

It noted that it would be unfair if only certain students were allowed to resit the exam.

“It would be unfair if these students are allowed a free pass, and equally unfair if only selected schools/students are allowed to resit a supplementary exam. The extent to which exams could have been scanned and shared, not only nationally, but regionally is unfathomable. Students could have been privy to the exam questions earlier than the start time, and they could have sent these images on social media to their counterparts in other schools across the country and region. The invigilator also could have further compromised the situation by sharing the exam with other invigilators,” the petition stated.

A request is, therefore, being made that all students in the entire region be given an opportunity to resist a supplementary exam, in light of the fiasco.

(Sources: loopcaribbean; Trinidad Guardian)

The Barbadosbased CXC, up to Wednesday, had not responded to the petition.

(Photo Credit: cxc.org)

6. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V Increased police presence?

News

PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVE for Central Kingstown, St Clair Leacock said on Monday when he called into the New Times Programme, that he has confirmation that police were summoned during last

Friday’s meeting of the House.

Before the adjournment at the May 17 Sitting of Parliament, the opposition member made the point that on his way out of the Parliament, he had seen

NLA will host shows THE NATIONAL LOTTERIES AUTHORITY’S (NLA) decision to hold a major “Set for Life” Fete on Saturday, June 8th, has aroused some controversy, with persons claiming that the NLA should not be involved in hosting shows/fetes.

However, Anthony Dennie - Product Anthony Dennie, NLA Product Development Development Officer – was Officer at NLA unwavering in his assertion and Shows and that the NLA had all right to Marketing be involved in promoting Coordinator of shows and fetes. the Carnival Development Corporation - described the notion that NLA should not be hosting shows as “Hogwash…

Nonsense”, during a oppress conference hosted by the CDC last Tuesday.

Dennie, in justifying the NLA hosting shows/fetes, referenced the other major sponsors of Vincy Mas who host events.

“So why can’t an entity that is making so much of a contribution to uplifting culture and sports in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, also get into the whole matter of doing things to generate even more money to help our young soca artistes, our pan men and calypsonians?” he questioned.

He also refuted claims that the NLA is “in competition with the Calypsonians Association.

“There is no competition, absolutely no competition, because the matter was discussed at a CDC Board Meeting, and the final agreement is that the Queen of Calypso will be on Friday 7th June while the Set for Life fete will take place the next day,” explained Dennie.

“I was surprised to hear that Lotto is for one reason or the other, trying to squeeze calypso out of the park,” he continued.

Dennie reminded his audience that the NLA is there to support calypsonians and support carnival in general.

“Our own injection of 1.5 million dollars consistently over the last ten years, is testimony … and we are in no way looking to compete with any of the components of carnival,” assured the Marketing Coordinator. (KH)

what he termed “an extra police presence” on the compound of Parliament.

“I want to state emphatically that there was no conduct in the Parliament this morning that warranted an occasion as summoning the police,” Leacock told Parliament.

He said that he did not think that the Speaker of the House, Jomo Thomas had summoned the police, but said that he understood that being in the capacity that he was in, it was understandable if he had in fact done so.

“And I simply want to be on record that when I come here as a parliamentarian that I know how my leader and colleagues are expected to conduct themselves, what constitutes behavior that would warrant such interventions,” Leacock said.

Last week’s meeting of the House was particularly disorderly, after Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves amended a private motion on electoral

St Clair Leacock, Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, made known his observation about an increased police presence.

reform put forward by the Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday.

Opposition Parliamentarians reacted with vociferous disagreement, and there followed heated cross talk, so much so the Speaker had to call for a 10-minute suspension to quell the exchange.

Speaker has his say According to Leacock, it was intimidating and unnecessary, and he said that he did not want to have a repeat of what occurred in 2011 when former Speaker of the House, Hendrick Alexander, called on the police to forcibly throw members of the opposition out of the House.

But the Speaker said that he did not summon any additional police.

“I don’t know if there were additional police officers on the compound, but those were not summoned by me,” Thomas said.

He said that he thought that they had four hours of what he termed contentious and acrimonious debate, but that nothing untoward occurred.

“Although I thought that you (Leacock) and some other members on that side were boarding me to do certain things which you probably thought would have made for good theatre.

But being a veteran of many wars, I didn’t allow that to happen.”

Gonsalves got involved in the discussion also, saying that he did not regard any occurrence in the House during the

morning session as being untoward.

He said that he believed that the police presence may have been attributed to the criminal assizes that was ongoing at the time in the same building.

Gonsalves’ comment prompted Opposition Senator Kay BacchusBaptiste to say that she too made the same observation, and that there could have been an explanation for it - that it had nothing to do with the proceedings of Parliament before she questioned the prime minister’s defensive behavior. (DD)

No Pay Per View for mainland THERE WILL BE NO PAY PER VIEW (PPV) of Carnival shows this year, on mainland St. Vincent.

That is the word coming from the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) as articulated by its Chairman - Ricardo Adams at a press conference last Tuesday at the CDC office, Victoria Park.

The Chairman explained that the PPV package was a collaboration between CDC and telecommunication company FLOW, and that it was available to FLOW customers who were signed up to a TV platform.

The service was introduced, with the objective of providing live viewing of the shows for persons in the Grenadines who, for one reason or another (e.g. cost) found it inconvenient/difficulty to attend the shows.

According to Adams, “We (CDC) realized that on the year that Pay Per View was introduced, there was a significant drop in the gate receipts (at the Park) and we have not been able to recover from the drop” He took the opportunity to

correct what he deemed to be misinformation with respect to the Miss SVG Pageant, which was reported in the media. “I never said that gate receipts have been falling for Miss SVG,” Adams asserted.

“In fact,” he added, “with the introduction of the VIP section at Miss SVG, we are actually seeing that it is starting to attract people back into Victoria Park, and the gate receipts are beginning to move back up in the right direction.”

He admitted though, that having endured the impact of the years of PPV, it will be some time before the CDC “gets back to where we were.”

Adams called out those persons who in the past would pay for one PPV pass from FLOW for Miss SVG, call over some friends and have a house party, and those bar operators who stage what they call Miss SVG parties on the night of thePageant.

“Come and have your Miss SVG Party in Victoria Park,” Adams urged.

PPV will continue for the people in the Grenadines, and

Ricardo Adams, Chairman of CDC, did his best to ‘sugar coat’ the negative impact PPV had on the CDC Shows.

VC3 will be offering in the region and beyond an opportunity to pay and view the CDC shows via live stream on the internet. (KH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019. 7.

News

LIAT News: Mia agrees to sell to Gaston

LAST WEEK WEDNESDAY, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley stopped short of indicating whether or not her administration would dispose of its 49 percent interest in LIAT, declaring instead that she would not be having any discussions in the public domain.

Monday this week, news broke across the region that she had agreed to sell “almost all” of her country’s shares in the financially challenged airline, to Antigua and Barbuda.

CMC reported that Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister- Gaston Browne, speaking on his party (Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party) aligned radio station, Pointe FM, said that he had received communication from his

Barbados counterpart Mia Mottley, indicating that Bridgetown was willing to sell all but 10 per cent of its shares in the Antigua-based airline.

Barbados owns 49% of the shares, and Antigua and Barbuda 31%.

Should the deal as described go through, the twin island, where LIAT is headquartered, would become the largest single shareholder in LIAT, with at least 71% of the shares.

The other principal shareholders are Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and most recently, Grenada.

Browne was welcoming of Mottley’s offer, saying that her desire to retain at least 10% was in keeping with the pursuit of a model of

This is more than likely going to be the new shareholders’ configuration of LIAT (1974) Ltd. said the idea is to have many Caribbean countries included in the ownership of LIAT. As it stands now, Browne has declared Allen Chastanet of St. that his administration Lucia is the only has already established a Windward Islands negotiating team and Prime Minister who is was awaiting word from not a member of the Bridgetown for the start Shareholders of the negotiations.

Government Group of Browne brushed aside LIAT. criticisms that his administration was shared benefits and engaged in “oneshared burdens. upmanism” with regard “…The idea is not to divest Barbados of all of to the efforts to acquire LIAT shares from its shares,” Browne told Barbados, pointing out a radio listeners. significant number of LIAT currently employs over 600 people nationals are employed and operates 491 flights by the airline.

He did stress, though, weekly across 15 that, given there were destinations, and Browne about 400 workers

employed by LIAT in Antigua, it would be “catastrophic” if LIAT collapsed or its headquarters was relocated to another country.

On Thursday, the Barbados Today Online Service reported that the Barbados Government appeared “set to walk away from its role as lead shareholder in the cash-strapped airline, LIAT,” even as Prime Minister Mia Mottley remained “tight-lipped on negotiations over its future.”

PM Mottley has made no clear-cut statement regarding the sale, saying instead that Barbados was still willing to support the

struggling carrier, but not in its current format.

In another veiled response, she said, “Barbados is committed to LIAT and regional air travel [but] we may not be committed to LIAT 1974 and that’s the fundamental difference.”

Mottley’s comments on Thursday did, however, reveal what has been a definite re-consideration of Barbados’ decades-long policy of unswerving commitment to the airline’s viability, in the face of repeated calls by successive administrations to fellow Eastern Caribbean governments to either subsidise the carrier or join as shareholders.

Skinny for ‘Rum & Rhythm’ 2019 Story by NELSON A. KING THE BARBADOS-BASED Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says Vincentian soca artiste and Trinidad and Tobago 2019 carnival joint Road March winner Skinny Fabulous, will unleash the power of soca on “Rum & Rhythm” during CTO’s Caribbean Week New York (CWNY2019) in June.

CTO said on Monday that “Rum and Rhythm, the Ultimate Caribbean Food and Rum Experience,” will take place at Capitale, 130 Bowery in Manhattan, on Friday, Jun. 7, from 6:30 p.m. — 11 p.m.

‘Skinny’, whose real name is Gamal Doyle, will unleash his infectious energy and mesmerizing performance skills on ‘Rum & Rhythm”, CTO said. “It is this same versatility, incredible talent and ability to create a perfect marriage between soca and dancehall that led him to create history by becoming the first non-Trinidadian to win the Road March title in the twin-island republic.”

Sylma Brown, the Dominican-born CTO-USA director, said the organization is “honored to have Skinny Fabulous showcase the authentic, complex but complementary nature of the Caribbean at ‘Rum & Rhythm’.

“Skinny Fabulous’ music continues to motivate audiences throughout the Caribbean, and now, during Caribbean

Week, in the spirit of festivals of the Caribbean, his artistry will inspire travel to our region.”

Glen Beache, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), said that Skinny Fabulous is “an internationally- and regionally-acclaimed soca artiste, who has penned, produced and performed several hits, including the 2019 Skinny Fabulous (with mic) performs among Trinidad carnival road march party and picnic-goers at the 7th Annual hit, ‘Famalay’.

Vincy Day USA last August at “Having him represent St. Heckscher State Park, East Islip, Long Is., Vincent and the Grenadines at New York. (Photo Credit: Nelson A. King) ‘Rum & Rhythm’ will enhance the mandate of the (SVG) masterminded a school’s talent search, tourism authority of attracting which targeted young singers from increasing exposure to our destination,” secondary schools nationwide in St. the former tourism minister added.

Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Skinny’s presence as an official cultural He has also launched ‘The Dazzle ambassador will also serve to highlight a Magazine’, which provides exposure for major component of our culture, namely young professionals, entrepreneurs as our premier festival ‘Vincy Mas,’ which well as established businesses. takes place annually, culminating with “‘Rum & Rhythm’ is an event where two weeks of fun and frolic beginning the memorable experiences are made,” CTO last Friday in June.” said. “Recognized as the most exclusive In addition to his many accolades as a and exquisite Caribbean food and rum singer, CTO said the skilled artiste has affair in New York City, the event delved into philanthropy. He founded a brings consumers, travel industry scholarship for grade six students, and professionals and tourism officials on a

Skinny Fabulous will headline “Rum and Rhythm, the Ultimate Caribbean Food and Rum Experience”, considered the most exclusive and exquisite Caribbean food and rum affair in New York City. (Credit: CTO) magical cultural journey through the Caribbean by experiencing the eclectic cuisines, pulsating rhythms, camaraderie and quintessential experiences the region offers.”

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

What a House of Assembly!!!

THE SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY here on Friday 17th May was a case of déjà vu for the opposition New Democratic Party.

It was not long into the Sitting that they must have realized that it was going to be a replay of what panned out when they attempted to bring a No Confidence Motion in the Government, for debate in the full House.

Just as happened in the first case, the Leader of Government Business, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, rose to make an amendment, on this occasion to a motion calling for Electoral Reform that had been tabled by the Leader of the Opposition, and which he, the Opposition Leader had indicated, like the Prime Minister had hinted in the previous sitting of the Parliament, that both sides were looking forward to debate. Deception?

Once again, the Sitting became an exercise in which Members of the House did their utmost to impress their knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure and the Rules of the House, with the Speaker caught seemingly in the middle, but giving indications that he was prepared to lean to one side, given his interpretation of the Rules.

And as had happened with the No Confidence Vote, the Speaker allowed the amendment to stand, diluting, according to the Opposition, the real intent of the motion, and demonstrating a preparedness by the government side to use the Rules of the House to disallow debate of the motion.

Sadly, there was no debate on either the original form or an amended version of the Motion.

The House of Honourable men and women had put to bed any debate on the need for electoral reform, which the Government perceives as being unnecessary, especially in light of the numerous occasions on which elections in this country have been declared free and fair, notwithstanding some troubling indications to the contrary that surfaced during the recent Election Petitions matters.

All in all, the Sitting was an exercise about which we should all

be ashamed.

If the truth be told, the vast majority of people on whose behalf those honourable members of the House were elected to speak and speak truthfully, would have been lost as per the arguments of one legal mind or the other, leaving them (people) lost as regards what the matter was all about in the first instance.

The exchanges in the House, we dare say, meant little or nothing to the majority of the electorate, other than one side, in their own politicized understanding of what transpired, feeling like victors, and the other side left with an indifference to the usefulness of the House, without admitting defeat.

Once again, the House, as this Column had advanced in the past, was transformed into a charade, not unlike what we have come to see and hear on the campaign trail; and with an election looming, the taunts were many and harsh in last Friday’s sitting of the House.

If it is that the members of the House represent the interest of the electorate in the interim (between elections), then it must be that the House must be prepared to ventilate an issue on behalf of the people.

We will never find out what the people think on the issue of electoral reform, unless there is a wider public debate in which the case for retaining the present system is weighed against alternative models. In the absence of that public debate, the House is the next best bet.

But the people’s interest is definitely not served by those we elect to represent us, when they prefer to flex their political muscle against one another, leaving the people’s interest to wallow in oblivion.

We may be pessimistic about this debate happening anytime soon, but there is no better time to discuss this issue than the present.

We can make the changes that will serve the future with fairness and transparency, but only if some of the proud and many would come down from their high horses.

SVG a Parlimentary dictatorship in the making (Pt 1) PREPARATORY TO AUTHORITARIAN Rule, the article which follows was culled from a longer one which I wrote, “The Political System” which appeared 47 years ago in 1972 in a booklet by the courtesy of the EFP entitled Forum St. Vincent in Focus.

It appeared at the tail end of an interesting political period starring Ebenezer Joshua and Milton Cato while the seeds were laid for Internal Political Development. The second period was dominated by Son Mitchell who gave a promising start to our Independence.

The third and present period has seen Ralph Gonsalves in full flow exercising an individual power at the expense of the country as a whole. The current extract gives an indication as to how it all came about. The writer ventures to hope that the trend to authoritism is checked by the electoral victory of the Opposition party. supported by a people now enlightened. “... It is true to say that our politicians, being brought up in the British mould, cannot accept in principle the absence of an opposition, but in practice they hate to see it in the flesh. The result is sheer hypocrisy. We go through the motions of classic two partyism, while in essence we have a periodic one party state with a token opposition formally possessing mere nuisance value. In the event, we get the worse of both worlds- all the wastage, victimisation, and slow movement of a two party state, with widespread tyranny and bullying that in a one party state might be directed against a very small reactionary minority. The reason is that Government feels insecure in the face of a strong opposition, and realises that charity might be seen as a sign of weakness, generosity could lead to defeat.

Divisive tendencies Nobody today doubts that the island has been devastated by party politics. It has in fact become something of a cliché to say that politics had divided families, split friends, and separated communities.

Labelling is the newest thing/person either “a dirty Labour dog” or a stinking PPP”, or worse, “one ah dem!”

Neighbours, if they happened to support opposing parties, no longer dwell on speaking terms. Gone is the live-and-let live basis of good neighbourly relations as they haul each other before the Courts every Monday morning for the most frivolous and trifling causes.

Politics has split the country right down in the centre. The medical profession, the Bar Association, the civil service, the police, the business community and even the so-called down-trodden masses are divided along party lines. And woe betide to the one who pretends to assume a portion of detached impartiality: if he does not move to the carrots that are handed him from both sides, he will respond sooner or later to the kicks that unfailingly follow. Then push then, if not the pull, disturbs his balance and he falls off the political tight-rope. We can speak here with a little authority, having been recently bludgeoned by social forces into an abandonment of our purely observe status.

In the House, the parties are engaged in a veritable life-and-struggle. There is no let up, with the government setting about its business as if the opposition Government has tremendous advantages, for it can wield virtual doctorial powers, without unduly straining the constitutional instruments. This is because the Westminster model of Government which we supposedly operate, places very much formal powers in the hands of the ruling group, powers which in the metropolitan country are cut down by a sense of restraint, a democratic attitude, and the censure of an informed and critical public opinion.

In St Vincent, on the other hand, the population is polarised as between support for the two established groups, and the ruling, motto is: “My party right or wrong”. This sort of attitude filters down from the leadership to infect their mass following with an almost blind fanaticism that in turn inflates the ego and strengthens the hand of the leaders to do anything. So, in the House, the Government of the day bulldozes everything, riding rough-shod over democratic niceties. The speaker is invariably a party politician, actual or potential who tows the line with gusto.

The Council is too small to have Government backbenchers, so the ruling party moves like a well-oiled steamroller crushing anything in its way. Questions by the Opposition are side -tracked and evaded, their motions struck out, their contributions omitted from the Government radio station. But although the Opposition kicks up a lot of noise, it is not unduly bothered, for, it knows that the day will probably arrive when it will repay such actions with vengeance.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 9.

Letters

Do we have Venezuelan refugees?

WITH ALL that is happening in Venezuela, and with so many of that country’s nationals leaving, I am just wondering, as a humble citizen, whether we have taken in any refugees from Venezuela.

I haven’t seen or met any on the streets of Kingstown, but this is nothing to use as a yardstick, you will agree, Mr. editor.

So, I am just wondering.

Paul Edinboro

Dual citizenship

Mr. Editor, my friend, thanks for allowing me some extra space to express a thought on behalf of my company of friends and myself.

For those of us who follow regional news, even those of us who live outside of the region, it was heartening to read and hear that those members of parliament and government ministers in Guyana, who hold dual citizenship, i.e. American and Guyanese, resigned voluntarily. I understand that there were at least seven persons so affected — some from the government side and

Politics and a job THIS IS the 21st century, and our government has placed much emphasis on what they call the Education Revolution. According to the government, never before has there been so many young Vincentians studying at the University level.

Now, that is fine, and I would expect any sincere government to ensure that the citizens of the country, especially the young, are educated.

It is what happens after that bothers me.

One’s political affiliations should not be the basis on which someone should get a job or a contract in the public sector. This should never even be considered far less enacted.

I wish those who control the strings here

would wake up to the recognition that qualification for any position or assignment entails factors like certification yes, but also competence, integrity, commitment and vision.

Never should the word ‘politics’ be factored in when someone is being considered for a job.

This favouritism and ‘who you know/pull string’ culture has to stop. I wonder how many people realise that this culture can lead to a culture of incompetence that could affect both the private and public sector.

Will I live to see the day this culture is done away with? I probably might, but not before I seek employment elsewhere.

Affected

Mad Parliament IMAGINE that the world anticipated live debate in our Parliament on the election law, since it has been causing the intervention of the law court of justice after general elections, that ended with many lawyers and politicians harvesting huge financial and other benefits.

Last week’s Parliamentary debate enabled us to think and rethink how this unjust system functions.

The system is functioning on old colonial rules. This was invoked by Louis Straker, and Dr. Gonsalves said that the world was listening. He (Dr. Gonsalves) has declared that, according to the House rule, no discussion shall go on, on any debate of the election system. If the House Speaker gives way, he (speaker) shall pay.

Opposition members in Parliament got mad.

Parliament went into a band room, music like joke.

House Speaker stamped his foot, slammed his desk — Order!!! You people on the opposition should be prepared for today. You should speak for your people, have an intelligent clash.

Enemies are telling me Jomo Thomas would be our next Prime Minister.

Christian Democrat

some from the opposition.

The resignations followed a ruling by the Guyana High Court and the Court of Appeal, that those with dual citizenship were prohibited from sitting in parliament.

I could just hear the reactions to all of this, one being that there would have been no resignations, had there not been a court ruling … the usual big stick over our heads to get us to do something, whether that something is good or bad.

I am not concerned about what drove the resignations. The point is, they rest squarely on the fact that those who resign have dual

citizenship, and that is the issue … a member of parliament paying homage to his/her country of birth but finds its convenient to also pay homage to another country. Can one ever pay more homage to one than the other? I don’t know.

I am an ordinary man who works hard for his living and whatever success I have had, and I am thankful to the USA for the opportunities it has afforded me, unlike so many others who have made good use of this Mother of Capitalism, but feel they would belittle themselves and what they tell people they stand for, if they admitted to the truth.

Now, things were not

always easy and are not always easy in the Big Apple. But you could see from the day you landed here, that once you were prepared to work for what you wanted, success was a matter of being down the line awaiting you.

I have never, even though I would qualify, thought about seeking American citizenship. I am a Vincentian, a citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and I am proud about that. I could never be a proud Vincentian and hold another man’s citizenship. It just seems so dishonest!! .

I have no empirical evidence, but I want to believe that there are many persons in the

Foreign policy must be tempered FOREIGN POLICY must be tempered with concern for civil and human rights. Woe to any nation that chooses political expediency and/or commercial gain over human rights and the value of the people. The bible commands nations as well as individuals to resist their natural tendency to act only in their own self-interest. Rather, they must treat others as they would want others to treat them, which illustrates the saying, “What goes around comes back around”.

All nations of the world will be judged by the way they treat other people. We ignore people who ask for help, but God is the author of justice

and mercy. We should give love for the people who call for help, as He will come through for us.

As we ponder our own impact on society, we should consider how our public acts might open more people to receive God’s grace. People transformed by Christ treat others in ways that reflect Him. When we look towards a just society, we give people hope, and earn a hearing for our message of Christ’s love. Grace leads to justice.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries Roseau

From Paul in Jamaica HERE’S A LITTLE SOMETHING that was carried in the Jamaica Gleaner last Saturday, which I thought could provoke some discussion.

Respect Is Due The Office Of The PM THE EDITOR, Sir: A HIGH LEVEL of respect must be shown to anyone who is appointed to sit in the seat at Jamaica House as prime minister, both from the Opposition and the people.

No matter which political party you are affiliated with, the head of the country must be seen as the captain with responsibility for the country on the international scene, and we as the citizens must work with the prime minister to build a better Jamaica for the future of the nation’s children so that they can have a beautiful home called Jamaica, where they can study, work, and have other meaningful opportunities to succeed in life.

Sometimes what I see on social media and mainstream media, the disrespectful comments about our leaders, especially the prime minister,

is not good, and as a citizen who always has respect for any PM and all my leaders, it leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth.

We as adults must set a good example for the children to follow because if they grow up and see us doing wrong, they will do the same, but if they see us show respect to our leaders, they will do the same and we will have a better society.

Respect is not something we buy at the shop. It is something we must grow with and give honour to.

Many years ago, respect was the order of the day here in Jamaica, but not anymore.

Finally, to our leaders in the House of Representatives, I am a member of a school PTA committee and serve on other school boards, and one thing I teach my students is discipline and how to have respect for our leaders and others who they see every day, so please, for heaven’s sake, stop turning Parliament into a marketplace. I call on you, the Speaker of the House, to have a better handle on the House to show the nation how serious you are.

Robert Lewars

islands who hold dual citizenship. Whether or not some of these persons are in high political office or not, I have no proof.

But wouldn’t it be a most honourable thing if those who the cap might fit would come forward and submit their resignations to their Governor General or President?

There has got to be something really, really wrong for persons to want to have the best of both worlds and use it for nothing else but for their own advantage over others.

Once again, Guyana, the land of Caribbean heroes like Walter Rodney and Cheddi Jagan, have something to teach us island people.

Garnet & Co. New York

* Has an inquiry been mounted into that fire that gutted the M.V. Gem Star, especially how it was handled by Fire and Port officials? * Did the NDP not think that the ULP was going to pull another ‘No Confidence’ move on them with this Electoral Reform Motion? ‘Once bitten twice shy??? * If LIAT needed US$5million in February to keep it in the air, and it has not yet got that amount, could somebody please say how it continues to operate? Is it sinking into further debt by increasing its bank overdraft? * What is the worth of a share in LIAT, I wonder?

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

A progressive foreign policy Democracy under threat in SVG? (Excerpt from the 2019 Budget Address)

Introduction ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has developed and implemented a foreign policy that is bold, creative, principled and well grounded. It is well recognized by objective observers locally, regionally and internationally, that this policy has served the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines well, and the country has prospered.

If we take the case of the construction of the international airport at Argyle, this was accomplished because of the progressive foreign policy of the ULP administration. This led to the creation of a group called the “coalition of the willing” consisting of south-south nations, who were committed to providing assistance to the country, for the construction of the airport.

We must always remember, that the central purpose of our foreign policy, has been to enhance the capacity of our nation, to address more efficaciously, its external environment, all in the interest of Vincentians.

We now present the excerpt from the 2019 budget address, which sets out the plans and programmes of the ULP administration, as it pertains to its foreign policy, going forward.

In late 2001, Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, then — as now — the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, said that: “Our activist and principled foreign policy, formulated and implemented in the interest of our people’s humanisation, has lifted this country’s profile overseas and has brought it substantial material benefits. We are now truly a small nation with a great people. And a government of unquestioned stature, which stands tall as a magnificent example of our Caribbean Civilisation”.

The passage of time has only reinforced the fundamental truths of that profound statement. The year 2001 marked the dawn of a golden age of Vincentian foreign policy, ably led

by Prime Minister Gonsalves and Foreign Minister Sir Louis Straker.

The Vincentian people are justifiably proud of our principled foreign policy, the material benefits derived, and the lofty stature that our small island enjoys regionally and internationally.

young, dreadlocked Vincentian diplomat, a bilingual child of the Education Revolution, as he addressed the UN Security Council on Venezuela and eloquently elaborated on the fundamental tenets of sovereignty, non-interference and nonintervention. On multiple levels, it was emblematic of our country’s international posture: young, principled, confident and unafraid to seize the moment.

Our small but energetic diplomatic and consular corps was extremely active in 2018. In addition to strengthening and deepening ties with our precious Vincentian Diaspora, our diplomats worked diligently in the interest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We expanded scholarship opportunities for Vincentian students around the world. We negotiated funding to construct arrowroot factories and compost production facilities and blackfish processing plants. We secured donations of police vehicles, ambulances and hospital equipment. We expanded employment opportunities for Vincentian workers around the world — be it on Canadian farms, or British hospitals and naval ships.

Our trade and investment outreach has steered a number of foreign businesses to Vincentian shores. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has used its growing regional influence and international stature to advocate strongly for adherence to international law, concerted action on climate change, and the interests of Small Island Developing States. Ours is a platform guided by high principle, and not the pressures and inducements offered by those who misunderstand the outsized resolve of this small state. Budget 2019 builds on the signal successes of last year.

In the lead-up to our Security Council candidacy and hopeful election, four additional diplomatic posts are allocated to our United Nations Mission, along with a senior officer to offer support from Kingstown.

As our relationship with the government and people of Taiwan grows and becomes more institutionalised, we have determined that 2019 is an opportune The United Nations moment to finally establish a Vincentian diplomatic presence in By any standard, 2018 was a Taipei. Budget 2019 provides for a banner year for Vincentian foreign small staff and the necessary start-up policy. Saint Vincent and the costs associated with establishing a Grenadines assumed the new embassy. We expect that, in Presidency of the United Nations addition to addressing the needs of Economic and Social Council,41 the our growing student population, an smallest nation ever to lead this Embassy in Taiwan will facilitate prestigious body. Saint Vincent and greater private sector investment and the Grenadines also received the build upon the strong cooperation that endorsement of the entire Group of already exists between our two Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Countries for its candidacy for a nonThis year has the potential to be an permanent seat on the United Nations historic one in the annals of Security Council.42 While success in Vincentian and Caribbean foreign the June 2019 election for Security policy. Budget 2019 lays the Council membership is far from foundation for these continued assured, our energetic and principled successes. It is beyond dispute that campaign has also immeasurably our leadership will leverage our raised our international profile and heightened influence to the benefit of directly benefitted the Vincentian the global principle, regional people. advancement, and, most importantly, On 26 January 2019, international the Vincentian people. media covered the statement of a

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) regime has once again denied members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) their rights to debate a Private Members’ Motion in parliament. The motion on Electoral Reform was tabled by Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday.

Undoubtedly, it is a mockery of democracy by the ULP regime. Most commentators called it the tyranny of the majority, while others labeled it a creeping dictatorship.

Since 2001, the NDP has brought several Private Members’ Motions to parliament. For instance, the Spiritual Social and Redemption Charter, Integrity Legislation and recently Electoral Reform, and not one has been debated. The ULP government has blocked every effort by the NDP to get a Private Members’ Motion debated. The rules of the parliament allow for private members to bring a motion to the parliament once per year. Whenever the NDP has brought a motion to parliament, either non-cabinet members of the ULP bring a motion also, or the government includes a number of Ministerial Statements on the Order Paper of parliament for that sitting, therein preventing the NDP from debating its motion.

On Friday, 17th May, 2019, the ULP government focused its attention on rules to prevent the debate; and made substantial changes to the motion on Electoral Reform, which they called amendments. But the NDP had none of it; they stayed in parliament and stood up to the dictator. They did an excellent job in presenting their argument and highlighting the dishonesty and the hypocrisy of the ULP government.

Moreover, they were able to show that their interpretations of the rules were correct; but the Speaker was not persuaded. It was a blatant attempt

by Dr. Gonsalves to hijack the motion that was bought by the NDP. The discussion on electoral reform is critical to our democracy, taking into consideration the numerous recommendations that were made by successive supervisors of elections and local, regional and international observers following the general elections of 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2015, of how to make the system more effective and efficient. It would appear that the ULP regime is not about efficiency, effectiveness, voter confidence, transparency and accountability, but about oppression, win at all costs, and stifling freedom of speech.

We saw a similar occurrence when the NDP brought the No Confidence Motion against the government last year. The No Confidence Motion was not debated, after Dr. Gonsalves made significant changes to it and called it a Confidence Motion. This is what Dr. Gonsalves said during the intense exchanges that took place in the House of Assembly on Wednesday January 31, 2018.

“Mr. Speaker, with great respect …I have already said that the opposition can bring a motion of no confidence, only if the government acquiesces or agrees. ….”

“Unless you have this initial step, which has to be overcome, you are going to have chaos in the Parliament…… .”

These assertions were made by Prime Minister Gonsalves in addressing the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jomo Thomas. The Prime Minister was stridently

resisting the Speaker’s indication that debate should proceed on the Motion of No Confidence in his Government that was signed by the seven elected Representatives of the Opposition (out of the total of fifteen Representatives in the House). It was the first such Motion of No Confidence to be proposed over the past seventeen years that the NDP has been the Parliamentary Opposition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Speaker of the House, in disagreeing with this absurd contention by the Prime Minister, referred to occasions in Hansard (the official records of the House of Assembly), when the ULP was in the opposition between 1994 and 2001 (during which time the Prime Minister was Leader of the Opposition for the latter two years) and several motions of No Confidence in the NDP government of the day were presented to the House. All of these debated, including one that went to debate at a time when there were only three elected opposition lawmakers. Dr. Gonsalves retorted that he was then able to secure a debate, only because the Government acquiesced.

The outcome of his relentless resistance, which ensued over a period of three hours, was that the Prime Minister successfully bludgeoned the Speaker into making a ruling, that thwarted the Opposition’s motion of No Confidence via an amendment that effectively flipped the question being proposed, from the House resolving its lack of confidence to a motion by which it was asked to express Full Confidence in his Government.

In replying to criticisms of his ruling by the public, the Speaker posted comments on Facebook, agreeing with Dr Friday’s interpretation, and stated that he erred by entertaining the amendment, that there is no way a constitutionally mandated provision can be negative by an amendment, and that once he ruled the motion could not be voted down before a debate the only other thing left was for the debate, the Government is persisting in their position that no vote of confidence in the government can be brought by the Opposition without the acquiescence of the Government lawmakers. We await the Speaker’s response to the ruling that he made on Friday 17th May. The NDP reiterates, that what was done during the NO Confidence Motion and the Motion on Electoral Reform go against the Constitution of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, which many people who came before us have fought for, in order to ensure that we are able to benefit from those freedoms which it guarantees.

Dr. Gonsalves has transformed our Parliament into a pantomime, by which he indulges himself in acting out narcissistic fantasies. He obeys those laws that he chooses to when it suits his purpose, and ignores and tramples on those laws he chooses, when it does not suit his purpose to obey them. He functions like a veritable tin pot dictator and is viewed by many as pale imitation of the deposed Robert Mugabe, the disgraced former leader of Zimbabwe.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 11.

Views

Character construction

“The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.” Thomas á Kempis (1380–1471) German monk, devotional author PARENTS, TEACHERS, and other concerned adults have a tremendous responsibility and privilege to build the character of those in our care. It has been argued that some of us sometimes become so preoccupied with the cares of life and making ends meet, that we have abdicated that responsibility to cable television and the Internet. It often appears less stressful if we arrange for the children to play computer games, look at a movie or read a book, rather than to “distract” us with “simple conversations”. And yet, those times when we make the effort to entertain or engage them in simple conversations, are the valued moments when we influence their thoughts and provide opportunities for the moulding of their character.

Let us examine our own situations.

What are the moments that immediately come to mind when you and I reflect on the most significant contributions parents, teachers, and other concerned adults made to our growth and development? Many of us may readily reminisce on the times when we played simple games together. Others may reflect on the treasured moments when we were comforted after experiencing a bout of illness, physical pain, emotional trauma and so on. Our experiences may vary, but there would be a common thread to all of these experiences — we were convinced that they cared and we were secure in the thought that they wanted the best for us.

I spent a lot of my “free time” assisting my mother in the family shop during my pre-teen and early teen years. I learned so much from observing her during those times when I helped pack the shelves with tins of milk, canned food, and a host of other groceries and household items. I vividly recalled an incident when I was required to pack a new stock of tinned sausages on the shelf.

There were just about a dozen of the older, lower-priced, stock on display and, in my “wisdom”, I opted to allow them to remain in position while I packed the newer, (higher-priced) products beside them. I reasoned that none of the customers would ever know the difference since the tins were identical in appearance.

However, the shop would net a greater profit, since the dozen-plus tins from the older stock would be sold for the new price. My mother observed the dishonesty and immediately instructed me not to pack any of the new items until all of the older stock was sold at the lower price. She pointed out that my “bright idea” was unfair to the customers. My counter argument that the customers would not know could not convince her to compromise her position. She stuck to her principles. She rebutted by indicating that she would know, I would know, and God would know — all three would know that it is wrong. None of my arguments could ever make it right. She taught me that “it is never right to do wrong”. She stressed that our true character must shine through regardless to whether people observe our behaviours or not — it is

who we are in “private”, when no one else sees, that determines who we really are deep down. The principles of honesty, integrity, compassion, fairness, empathy, and so on must be what sustain us as we face life’s challenges and temptations.

Principles must remain constant regardless of the situations. These fundamental principles must be taught and practised from a young age. Adults must not only talk it but live it before their wards.

My mother shared many other “character building lessons” with me during my period of apprenticeship in the shop. I treasure those moments more than any “gift” she ever gave.

Providing material things had their benefits, but the personal touch, emotional support, and guiding principles are considered more valuable and lasting. The moments when adults paused to build character and to strengthen relationships, rank much higher in value in most of our lives.

It is understandable that we desire good things for those we love. We want our children to do well educationally and otherwise. We would like to know that they grow up to be happy and accomplished individuals. Sometimes we can become so engaged in creating that “red carpet” to the future, that we forget the very important fabric of character development. In so doing, we do them a great injustice by not providing a strong foundation capable of sustaining the “character structures” that will buffer and support them when life throws them their greatest challenges.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th President of the United States of America, reminds us that, “Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

His reputation, his legacy, continue to glow within and among us as we reflect on the strong principles that governed his life. Like him, we must continue to be disciples of the principles that keep individuals and societies strong.

Constructing character must be considered one of our greatest challenges as parents and guardians.

But it is a role and responsibility that me must never delegate or abdicate.

As we seek to encourage our children to do well, we must also exert the energy to ensure that they have a strong character foundation; that their moral and ethical fibres are strengthened, fortified, so that they could withstand the temptations to compromise their principles and values as they go through life. As we encourage them to accept positions of leadership, we must impress upon them that “the loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid”. We, the adults, have an awesome privilege to be engaged in their character construction.

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

Where have all the progressives gone?

MANDELA IS TO OBAMA, as Obama is to Gonsalves…

We don’t mean that each is of equal stature deserving of universal acclaim.

In fact, none have attained god-like status placing them above criticism or beyond interrogation. Sadly however, one stands on hazardous terrain if the tried and tested journalistic tool kit: who, what, when, where, why and how is directed at either man or his work.

A year before Mandela’s death in 2013, Lukhona Mnguni in a piece entitled ‘Mandela’s Legacy is a threat’ wrote: ‘It is difficult to disagree with or criticize the legacy of Nelson Mandela without opening up yourself to all kinds of insults. The minute people detect that ‘oh that’s anti-Mandela; they often lose all rationality and go on the insulting tirade.’

As Lukhono properly points out, ‘There was a fundamental difference between the freedom fighter Mandela and Mandela, President of South Africa.

The Mandela who went to Robben Island, (radical, pro-black, non-racialism advocate) is different to the Mandela who was sworn-in as the first black president (a pacifist, half pro-black, reconciliation proponent).

What Mandela preached in 1994 going forward, was reconciliation, without placing focus on the real causes of racism in South Africa? You cannot focus on reconciling the oppressor and the oppressed without dealing with the cause of oppression, which is segregation to alienate one race from living equally with the other race…

The bridge, (i.e. Mandela) that was meant to transit South Africa from a painful and horrendous past to a prosperous future, was not wellequipped to handle the traffic of complexities. As a result, Mandela became narrowly focused on reconciliation of the ‘elite’ through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

What project did Mandela start to bring about reconciliation of the ordinary masses? What closure did the black masses, forced to live in slums and rural places; in destitution and economic deprivation, get? That project remains deferred, and people refer you to Mandela’s legacy when you bring it up.

It is for this reason that I cannot celebrate Mandela’s legacy. I can only acknowledge it. Racism is not dead in this country, and it is not about to die because we were hastily arranged to non-existent integration. Black people were forced to forgive white people, who never showed remorse, nor asked for forgiveness.”

Few have the stomach for this piercing analysis. Anyone attempting to put Mandela in context is swiftly accused of joining a crusade to sully the great man’s name.

And so it has been with Barrack Obama.

To question anything Obama, was to bring the wrath of black people and the white liberal establishment. To say people of colour got a bad deal by Obama was to lack knowledge, to be jealous, to under-estimate the power of racism. The vast majority of Black people, especially those who ought to know better, attempted to crucify anyone who placed Obama’s policies and legacy under the microscope.

Dr. Cornel West, a long-standing progressive activist and intellectual, has felt the full brunt of these attacks. He keeps on fighting for a people-centered praxis. In a recent reference to President Obama, Dr. Wes made this critically important point: ‘We called Bush a war criminal for forty-five drones and they killed some innocent folk. And Obama ends up with 547–we don’t know how many really– and you know they’re killing innocent

folks. Well those are war crimes too. To say that, was to pit you against 98 percent of the black community… You know, our hero can’t be a war criminal.

‘Come on, brother West, you’ve really gone too far. You call him a black mascot of Wall Street, that was crazy. Nope, he’s been fighting Wall Street.’ I say, what are y’all talking about? What evidence you got? How many Wall Street executives went to jail? You’ve got folks wrapped in all of these different lies to protect him.’

A similar disease has stricken Vincentian progressives.

The year 2001 has been canonized. It was, is and remains our watershed moment. Our nation had arrived.

Nothing remains to be discovered. High unemployment and stubborn poverty levels are not worthy of mention. The exploitation of workers and the sexploitation of our women are rationalized. To warn against the fire sale of our lands and caution against certain deals, especially with foreigners, are taken as opposition to foreign direct investment. Nothing better could be done with agriculture; the education revolution has neither kinks nor blemishes; and our tourism policy is beyond reproach.

Our democracy has been perfected.

The tyranny of a razor thin majority is celebrated as a master stroke of a political genius. Parliamentary conventions, traditions and practised are scoffed at. Leadership is everything and our leader is the last of the best. We have triumphantly come to the end of history.

In our formative years, revolutionary leaders like Kamara Rose, Oscar Allen, Ralph Gonsalves, Mike Browne, Caspar London, Adrian Saunders et al, made a blood oath with all cadres. Question everything or die; speak fiercely, truthfully and honestly because nothing is settled for all times.

Today, critical thought has lost its meaning, relevance and vitality. Woe be onto thee who question the power motives of a leader who proclaimed that he wanted only two terms, but cheerfully goes for a fifth.

In these times, ‘Progressives’ argue that any objective assessment of reality, except the dull drumbeat of governmental successes, is a reckless adventure that aids the derailment of a people-centered process. The new litmus test is not where you stand as regards political hygiene and economic justice, but your alignment with the status quo.

Shame on us all!

The most casual observer knows that the unchallenged official propaganda of ‘paradise on earth’ was insufficient to prevent reversals in the Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc socialist countries, Angola, China, Grenada, Libya, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Consequently, any attempt to iconize any leader or canonize any process, no matter how revolutionary or progressive, is inherently reactionary. Any such plan kills off the kind of mental agility needed to address the complexities of the 21 century. Such practices hoodwink the people and set them up to time certain disappoint.

Where have the progressives gone?

Some have lost their way and became exhausted, ideological confusion sapped the fighting spirit of others while another bunch is seduced by the honeycomb of power. Our salvation lies with the training of the next generation of change agents as we struggle to regain our voice.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Another Open Letter to the Governor General

MSc, MBA and Leader of SVG Green Party and graduate from Oxford Your Excellency: Brookes University, England.in Accounting and Finance and PRIME MINISTER Hon Dr Ralph Economics, strongly contends that we Gonsalves says the Mustique Agreement urgently need a billion dollar is a UNIQUE ONE; there is nothing like investment in our own Fishing this that exists anywhere in the Industry. In addition, we need a two world.(Source Vincentian 12 April 2019). billion dollars investment in very high SVG Green Party Leader Warrant Officer quality Education from Pre-School to Ivan Bertie O’Neal says Gonsalves is our own Science and Technology absolutely correct.

University, to drive a knowledge-base The Mustique Act NO 48 of 2002 is economy, like Singapore, to move our NOT ADMISSIBLE; it is in breach of country forward into sustainable SVG 1979 Constitution. It allows the development. millionaires and billionaires tax Research has shown that a country exemptions and customs duties such as Singapore with very high concessions, but the indigenous black standard of education from Pre-School poor and powerless citizens are forced to University, always attracts heavy to pay tax and customs duties. foreign investment. Unemployment in Is Saint Vincent and the Singapore is less than two percent.

Grenadines a failed state?

Foreign investment in Singapore is We want Democracy and a fair more than all developing countries Taxation System in our country. Saint combined.

Vincent and The Grenadines must not All of this, but here in Saint Vincent be an ATM (free bank) for the and the Grenadines, the superrich of superrich. They must pay tax and Mustique and Canouan get concessions customs duties or pack their bags and on tax and custom duties, which is go back to where they come from. counterproductive to the development Vincentian born Retired British of our country.

Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Your Excellency, we very urgently Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), need to abolish The Mustique Act NO 24 May 2019

48 OF 2002.

The bottom line is the highly negative ripple impact on Saint and the Grenadines’ economy warrants the Mustique Act NO 48 OF 2002 to be abolished, as it is in breach of Section 13 of the Supreme Law. No one is above the Law. Section 13 states that “No Law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.”

Enough is enough! The Mustique Wall will come down; we want a wind of change blowing fresh air throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Berlin Wall came down in Germany, and the Mustique wall of apartheid will also come down in SVG. Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves is not qualified in Finance.

The Director of Audit failed him on Audit of Public Accounts in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He overshot the 2007 Budget Expenditure by EC$63 million and killed the National Commercial Bank in 2008 with an outrageous bank overdraft of EC$185 million. Yet Gonsalves has the GALL to tell the people of SVG that the Mustique Agreement is a unique one. Is the incompetent leading the blind in SVG? Where are we going?

In 2008, the Accountant General Current Account was not reconciled with the (NCB). Where are we going with counterproductive management of Public Accounts in SVG? Revenue is being lost as we grant concessions to Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan.

This is about the future of our children and grandchildren. Is the SVG House of Assembly not a laughingstock under the ULP Regime, for approving the Mustique ACT NO 48 of 2002? Where are we going?

The ULP Regime is so grossly unqualified and highly incompetent on Public Accounts and Finance, is it not time for cross Party Action on tax and customs duty exemptions in Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan?

When a nation is highly educated, the people will not allow themselves to be pushed over. We will overcome.

Yours faithfully Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA Leader of SVG Green Party.

CC: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, etc. (See last week’s edition page 12.

Sustainability, productivity and seafood! compared with the previous nine-year period 2000 to 2008. However, the DATA OBTAINED from the Fisheries estimated value (EC$) has increased Division for the period 2009 to 2017 by nearly 35% during the period 2009 indicated a reduction in estimates of to 2017. This indicates that the catch from 2009 to 2017. The data average value per production pound of reflects that fish landings have slightly fish has increased overall. There is an decreased over this nine-year period. inverse relationship between price and Figures have shown a decrease of quantity supplied in our market. One approximately 1.7% in weight when can infer that a 1.7% reduction in catch has resulted in a 35% increase in the price of fish Citerus Paribus. What will be our fate if we begin to overfish?

Final Part

The Table below shows averages between 2009 to 2017.

At the signing of the agreement between Rainforest Seafoods and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Minister Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, indicated that we have experienced 100% export growth yearon-year since 2017. Indeed, this was no surprise as the Fishing Depots were leased to private groups during this period. We congratulate the Ministry for their work to facilitate this type of growth activity in the sector. However, we observe that the price of lobsters has moved from EC$10 to EC$15 per lb over the same period. This has been coupled with instances of predial larceny of lobster pots, and an absence of lobster in their usual “hot” zones prior to the closure of the season.

While we welcome Rainforest, and

all other seafood companies to our shores, we should look towards productivity and not just production.

Stakeholders should approach this collaboratively, or suffer the long term consequences.

The ills of overfishing are being realized in Jamaica, with twelve (12) Special Fishery Conservation Areas where fishing is prohibited in order to facilitate repopulation of species of fish including conch. We are not saying this is the fate of St. Vincent; we are saying we need to be careful. The Tribune 242, a Bahamian newspaper reported that,” The livelihood of 9000 Bahamian Fishers and their families are under threat from the 80 per cent conch population decline...” We do not want the lives of our fishers and their families to be jeopardized for short term gains.

We are appealing to the stakeholders to focus on sustainability and productivity. Optimize returns from our available resources while ensuring consistent replenishment of the resources available. Please let us get it right first. Do not let our fisheries sector suffer the fate of our plantations, where we simply remain producers until we experience diminishing returns followed by the withdrawal of major buyers from the market. I challenge the Vincentians whose bank accounts burden local banks with no returns to them, to

invest in the sector; not just to produce. We urge you to invest in fish factories. Pet food is made from fish waste, fish oils, and other productsc We urge the development of Fish Farms in lobster, conch and other species of fish. We suggest that the Fisheries Division partner with either the FAO or the Japanese to first estimate our production capacity for seafood. This is a large undertaking, but it is now urgent. How can we determine if we are overfishing, if we do not know how much fish we have available? This is the starting point and it is now urgent.

We commend the Fisheries for their role in the regulation of the seafood industry and their institutional support for the export of seafood products. We are heading in the right direction, but let’s get it right first.

The Vincentian Export Marketing Services is ready to play its role in stimulating and facilitating export activity of seafood and other pro-cuts sustainably.

“Land of my birth I pledge to thee my loyalty and devotion in all I think, say and do.”

Nazim Gittens Chief Executive Officer The Vincentian Export Marketing Services Vinexservices@gmail.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019. 13.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 15.

14. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sonia Delecia

Megan Greaves

Miss Flow

Miss Vincentian Chocolate

Miss Metrocint General Insurance Co Ltd.

My name is Sonia which means 'wisdom' in Russian. I was born on 19th February, 1993 in Kingstown, St. Vincent. I have two (2) brothers and five (5) sisters.

Hi, I am 21-year-old Megan Greaves, the only girl of my mother's three children, as well as the eldest.

God took the sunshine from the sky and made the light in my eyes. He made the sun, stars and the sea, but most of all he made a beautiful young lady like me. My name is Sylvorn Lavia, and I am 22 years old. I am affectionately known by my calypso name ‘Royal Gem’.

I enjoyed playing soccer as a teen, and still love the sport; but now my favourite thing to do is go to the beach or watch the sunset. I also love photography and modeling, and once had the privilege of taking part in Fashion Caribbean, representing the Image Modelling Agency. Although I was extremely nervous, the moment I stepped on the stage, overtaken with exhilaration, it was life altering for me. As a little girl, I dreamed of being a participant in the Miss SVG pageant, and stepping on to that stage the night of the fashion show, I had the dream of one day walking across the Miss SVG stage. I knew at that moment, with God, anything was possible.

Currently, I'm studying a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the St Vincent Community College. I plan to pursue a nursing career in the future. I know how challenging and rewarding this career can be, and look forward to giving back and helping my community.

My favourite quote of all time is one from the great Nelson Mandela which says "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This is demonstrably true. There are many benefits to be derived for the individual and society, and I believe everyone should partake of this.

I'm very proud to be part of this year's Miss SVG's Empowerment Campaign. I believe it's an extremely worthy cause. If we as young people feel empowered to make the right choices, there's nothing we can't accomplish.

My love for the ocean goes deep, and I am obsessed with the idea of the mythical creatures called mermaids (Fun fact, my middle name is Ariel. You know, Ariel the little mermaid), never mind I’m not the strongest of swimmers, but that’s okay I’m working on that.

One of my favourite hobbies is dancing. From performing on the stage, to partying and having a good time, I am always dancing. On the road during Carnival Monday and Tuesday, as I embrace the joy that dancing gives me by absorbing the vibes and great energy from the music. The main reason I love dancing is because of my love for music. Listening to music can make my not so great moods "turn up" instantly. I would like to take this opportunity to give an honourable mention to soca music, which makes me want to get up and dance every time I listen to it. Sometimes, I start my days off saying “It’s a good day to listen to soca”.

Another thing that captures my heart is my love for food. I consider myself a humorous person, and I can be the silliest person sometimes. You can depend on me, for I am always a listening ear for someone who needs to vent. I adven-describe myself as an omnivert, while I am adven turous, outgoing and always know how to have a good time. I am also a quiet and reserved person. I believe that everyone on this earth has a great purpose, and it’s up to each of us to discover what that purpose is. “Believe in yourself, and you will be unstoppable.”

Sylvorn Lavia

I grew up in the community of Fancy with my mother, father and sister who emigrated to America when I was 15 years old. Fancy is a very remote area with a small population of about 500 people. I have very close friends there and lots of extended family.

I am very approachable and can make friends fairly easily. My mother always tells me the way you carry yourself is the way the world will carry you, so I always carry myself decently so the world will not have a negative perception of me.

I enjoy playing all different types of sports, netball favour-being my favour ite, and I love going to the bayside. We do not have a beach in Fancy, it is called bayside because it is very stoney, so we don’t advise visitors to take a swim by themselves. Only community members can really enjoy jumping off the rocks into the water. I also enjoy singing, acting, rapping and writing poems, but I'm a terrible dancer.

My greatest achievement was being a Staff Sergeant in the Cadets. I love the military training and discipline, and I enjoyed being an instructor, especially when it comes to range training where we got to use firearms. My time in the Cadets helped groom me into who I am today. I am now a Police Officer. I love my job, and I feel as though I am my brother's keeper. I sympathize a lot with people I don't even know personally. I truly believe that it takes nothing from me to smile and be respectful to others every day. I believe that every day is a good day when you have loving family and friends.

Sharikah Rodney

Felica Thomas

Miss Lotto

Miss Mustique Company Ltd.

Miss Massy Stores SVG Ltd.

My name is Kircia Modeste, and I was born on October 5th 1998 in Georgetown. I'm the youngest of six sisters. Those who know me best describe me well-ground-as jovial, optimistic, charismatic and a well-ground ed individual.

On the night of April 17th, 1999, a princess was born. She grew up with her mother and extended family who taught her how to be strong, fearless and confident. She had many goals, one of which was to enter the Miss SVG pageant.

My educational journey began at the Georgetown Primary School, and I later continued my studies at the St. Vincent Girls High School. I then went on to the SVG Community College- Division of Arts, Sciences & General Studies, where I discovered my love for literature and my interest in teaching. I am Commu-currently pursuing my passion at the SVG Commu nity College- Division of Teacher Education and working towards my Associates Degree in Primary Education.

I am Sharikah Rodney and I hail from the Garifuna village of Greggs. I am 20 years old and I currently reside at Mt. Greenan. My Alma Mater is The Saint Joseph's Convent Kingstown, and I was the top CXC performer of the school in my year. I furthered studies at the SVG Community College- Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies. I am now employed at the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank as a Customer Service Representative. I particularly enjoy my job as it helps me to build my communication skills through my daily customer interactions, and I love meeting new people. Also the exposure to the banking industry is a stepping stone towards my future career which is to become a Forensic Accountant. I hope to pursue studies at the University of the West Indies. I enjoy modeling, and I channeled this art form by being a former member of the Paragon Model Management.

My name is Felica Thomas. I'm a very complex person. On the surface, I may be considered to be reserved and serious. However, as you peel away the layers, I am extremely playful and spunky. I have a zest for life and, although I've had many challenges and hardships growing up, I'm able to use what I've learned and can find happiness in every situation. I guess you can say that these challenges have made me stronger and more able to fully appreciate everything in life.

Kircia Modeste

I hope to use the Miss SVG platform to bring awareness to the importance of Standard English and the extreme benefits of acquiring and using this skill.

One philosophy that I've always lived by and that continues to serve me well, is “perseverance is key”.

I firmly believe that with perseverance you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

This agency helped me to break my social awkwardness and create lifelong friends.

My passion is for makeup, and I more so enjoy the application process which I experiment with occasionally. I also enjoy binge watching television series and reading. My favourite foods are a tasty plate of pelau and macaroni pie.

One thing you won't know about me, is my funny quirky side which I seldom show. One of my quirks is that I eat only the crust and the end pieces of self-con-bread. When I was younger, I was very self-con scious about my skin, but now I have grown past that and I fully accept myself for who I am.

I am the youngest of my siblings, but I am very mature and independent for my age and often take charge of my older sister. We are very close! I often joke that she's the cheese to my cake. Speaking of cheese, this is by far my most guilty pleasure to the point where my friends say if you cut me, cheese will ooze out. I just love it!

Thank God I was blessed with many talents. My favourites being sewing and cooking. These talents were realized because I had to be independent at a very young age. Out of necessity, I learned to cook for my family and to sew and mend my own clothes.

These skills continue to serve me well and boost my creative mind. I aspire to one day merge my creativity with science. I've been told that I think very differently, and I can see myself becoming an inventor, thinking of ways to help others and change the world!

16. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019. 17.

News

Teachers get CAD training IN AN EVER-CHANGING information/technology world, it is easy to become obsolete.

The ability to be innovative, however, never becomes obsolete, and it was with this in mind that teachers from across the country participated in a three-day Computer Aided Design (CAD) Workshop, a collaboration

between the Ministry of Education and STEM SVG. Petrus Gumbs, Information Technology teacher at the St. Martin’s Secondary School and STEM SVG Coordinator, explained that the workshop was aimed at exposing teachers of Technical Drawing and Information Technology to a new area

Some of the teachers who participate in the Workshop.

SVGIHF to mark Indian Arrival Day 2019 The SVG Indian Heritage Foundation (SVGIHF) will, this year, commemorate the 158th Anniversary of the arrival of Indian Indentured Labourers to the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Since June 1 was declared Indian Arrival Day by an Act of Parliament in 2007, it has been celebrated each A reenactment of the arrival of the first Indians to SVG year since then will be held at Indian Bay. with a series of events, a release dancers from Suriname, and the sale from the SVGIHF said. of Indian culinary delights.

This year, the release said, the In addition, there will be short Foundation will begin celebrations on addresses from the Prime Minister June 1st with a church service at the and Leader of the Opposition, with Calder Seventh-day Adventist the featured address by historian Dr. Church. Members of the Foundation, Adrian Fraser. including Executive Members, and The SVGIHF will take the well-wishers, are expected to turn out opportunity of the Rawacou event to in numbers to this service. launch its website, svgihf.org, which However, the highlight of the is projected to become the celebrations is reserved for June 2nd , communication hub for persons when two major events will take resident here and in the diaspora. place.

The event will conclude with the At 8:30am on June 2, a boat will honouring of several Indo-Vincentians leave Blue Lagoon with persons of who have made significant Indian descent, and sail into Indian contributions in various fields, to the Bay for a re-enactment of the arrival development of St Vincent and the of the first Indians to SVG. Grenadines.

Those who made the journey to Junior Bacchus, President of the Indian Bay will be “registered” and SVGIHF, has extended a warm presented with certificates bearing invitation to “Vincentians from all their names. walks of life to these events, in In the afternoon, the celebrations celebration of the 159th anniversary will culminate with a ‘Family Affair’ of the arrival of the first Indian at Rawacou. indentured workers to St Vincent and This event will feature a dance the Grenadines.” recital by a group of twenty-six

of learning.

Dr Brent Hollers, He alluded to Business and participants being Technology afforded the Educator and opportunity to work Instructional with Dr Brent Technologist, Hollers, a robotics chief facilitator coach, Business and of the Workshop.

Technology Educator and Instructional Technologist from Georgia, USA, who will be the workshop’s principal facilitator, with assistance from him — Gumbs.

“We need to advance our students that IT can become Petrus Gumbs, with the knowledge of this software,” STEM SVG obsolete, but Gumbs said, referring to the CAD Coordinator and creativity never software. assistant goes out of style.

He told THE VINCENTIAN that facilitator.

“Teaching over three days — May 21 to 23, they students how to be will be working to get the participants creative, how to think outside the box out of their comfort zones, in order and how to come up with innovative that when they get back into the ideas, are the things that will help classroom, they will have a better idea them to succeed in the future.” of how to maximize their students’ “My goal is for you to understand creative potential. that, and to implement methods to Hollers, while speaking at the bring out that in the classroom,” opening ceremony last Tuesday at the Hollers said. (DD) St. Martin’s Secondary School, said

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts & Culture

Schools’ Bands Showcase highlighted THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ Bands Showcase may have just completed its 2019 awards ceremony, but coordinator of the exercise Rodney Small is moving ahead with a full head of steam into the 2020 edition.

Come September, institutions will begin preparing for the showpiece “to ensure we reach our true potential.”

Small, speaking at the 2019 Showcase Awards Ceremony held at the conference room of the SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union (SVG TCCU) last Monday, Small said he would be pleased if all the 26 secondary schools participated in next year’s Showcase.

He suggested that a Performing Arts Programme be included in the subject offerings at the SDVG Community College.

The 12 bands which performed in the 2019 Showcase featured 144 musicians all taken, Small disclosed.

He appealed to promoters to use the

bands that took part.

And addressing the participants directly, Small urged then to “love what you do,” and reminded them about the traits of discipline and dedication that being a musician engendered.

Some $10,000 worth of musical equipment is to be cleared through Customs, for used in the Schools’ Music Programme.

The Schools Bands Showcase is assured of sponsorship for the next two years from the SVG TCCU. That will bring an end to an initial fourarea commitment by that Credit Union.

However, Vice President of the SVG TCCU Curtis King is hopeful that the connection will continue beyond the initial four-year arrangement as referenced.

King waded in on the issue, and tendered that Principals must be “on board” to make music a curriculum fixture. He encouraged for resources for teachers to overcome the challenges of teaching music.

Among those receiving awards was the Bethel High School who took the Ministry of Education Excellence Award for Music. They had already been rewarded for winning a SVGTCCU Jingle. A trio, comprising vocalist Jabez Matthews, bassist Kyle Neverson and keyboardist Keanu Robinson gave a rendition of the submission.

St. Martin’s Secondary School St. Martin’s Secondary School received the Ministry of was rewarded for Tourism Sport and copping the Culture’s Most Ministry of Tourism Sport and Promising Band Award, while the Culture’s Most SVGTCCU Most Promising Band Disciplined Band Award.

A representative of Bethel High School - Ministry of Education Excellence Awardee for Music receives a prize on behalf of the school.

Jabez Matthews of the Bethel High School waxing the lyrics to the SVGTUCC jingle.

SVGTCCU Most Disciplined Band Award went to Troumaca Ontario Secondary School.

Award went to Troumaca Ontario Secondary School.

Certificates were awarded to the other participating schools, namely: Central Leeward Secondary, Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia, Thomas Saunders Secondary, Bishop’s College Kingstown, St. Vincent Grammar School, Social Experiment Band, West St George Secondary, Intermediate High School,

and Sandy Bay Secondary. (WKA)

Prophets now Windward Calypso Tent THE WINDWARD Calypso Tent, formerly the Prophets Calypso Tent, had a soft opening on Friday 17th May during the launch of the Windward Carnival, but it is looking forward to its first full outing for this year’s Carnival Season.

That outing, according to Manager

of the tent Georgeitha Nanton, is scheduled for Friday 31st May at the Russell Auditorium, Stoney Ground, Kingstown.

The Tent will return to base, Georgetown, for judging in the preliminary round of the National Calypso Monarch Competition on Friday 14th June, at the Spotlight Stadium.

The Tent boasts a 15-member cast that includes veteran Francis ‘Sir D’ Myers of ‘Woman Gone Woman Dey’ fame, and Carlita ‘Singing Carlita’ Blucher, who is making a return to the calypso arena after a 16-year hiatus.

When she stopped in at THE VINCNTIAN recently, ‘Singing Carlita’ said she was looking forward to being “up front again.”

And when she performed her 2019 song, ‘Mr Deadlow’ - a counter to Chewalee’s ‘Rum Cheaper Than Woman’ for 2019 - at the Launch of the Windward Carnival last Friday, she was an immediate hit and enjoyed a few encores.

Donte ‘ Donye’ Peters – the ‘baby’ of the ten – is a welcomed addition to the tent.

Carlita will have an additional role, in that she will join with Manager Nanton to form a duo to provide background vocals for the tent.

Youth is not bypassed by the tent, and, in this regard, it will feature Donte ‘ Donye’ Peters as “one for now and the future,” said Nanton.

Other cast members are: David ‘Morgie Ranks’ Morgan, Trevor ‘Mighty Stranger’ Grant, Steven ‘Gaya’ Woods, Gregory Cato, Clifton ‘Mighty Thinker’ Hoyte, Elvis ‘Prime Minister’ Greene, Joseph ‘Isajah’ Mc Kie, Joel ‘King Buffer’ Benjamin, Dealfact ‘Walbu’ Ellis, Sylvanos ‘Ras Simple’ Jacob, Winston ‘Barks’ St. Hillaire and

Francis ‘Sir D’ Myers is expected to add experience and guile to the cast.

Atelbert Nanton.

Musical accompaniment for the tent will be provided by the newly formed band EARTHQUAKE. David ‘Morgie Ranks’ Morgan returns as one of the stalwarts of the tent.

Carlita ‘Singing Carlita’ Blucher, remembers performing with the Prophets Calypso Tent in its heyday.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24 , 2019. 19.

Commentary

Politics, the playground for fraudsters THIS IS THE THOUGHT that haunts me, as I reflect on the happenings in our beautiful but unfortunate land, since the commencement of this universally momentous third millennium. It seems fair to say, that too many of our ‘scholars’ were not sensitive to their responsibility, to assist in the fashioning of a path to the whole society’s prosperity, under the umbrella of peace and justice.

On the 27th of October this year, we will be celebrating forty years of being an independent state, and it must be admitted, that we have not developed to the degree that we ought to have, with the resources which have been at our disposal. Undoubtedly, mismanagement has been the most predominant factor crippling our growth and development over the last five or six decades. Elemental to this pauperization of the people, has been the misguided view, that development meant the construction of impressive edifices over a short period, during which the local people get jobs.

Our leadership hoodwinked Our leadership has over these decades been immature and cosmetic regarding development, and have clearly not been oriented to devising systems and approaches, to capitalize on the potential of our resources to produce wealth. Their orientation drew them into giving generous concessions to expatriates to set up hotels and the like. More than a few of these expatriates turned out to be merely smart-men who ‘hoodwinked’ our vulnerable leadership. Over the last three decades, we have probably lost about five hundred million dollars from our economy because of our immaturity. The case of David Ames is still fresh on our minds, and we remember that our Prime Minister Gonsalves explained to us, that Ames left legitimately. By boat from Chateaubelair in the dead of night! So, our own administrators have to some degree contributed to this leaching of resources.

One must empathize with E.T. Joshua for his offer to the expatriates, who were leased Palm Island just after the end of the second world war, but to be squandering our land in the manner as has been done by Sir James and Dr. Gonsalves regarding the issues in Canouan, needs some explaining. That is one of the subjects on which we should be having serious discussion, as we approach the 40th anniversary of Independence. In this the 21st century, we should not be squandering our land in this manner; we must leave the space to accommodate our people in the diaspora when they desire to return.

I seem to remember, that Dr. Gonsalves had strongly criticized Sir James for selling off so much of those lands in Canouan. Now he is continuing the same agony. What inconsistency! But where is The ODD in all of this? They should make their voices heard!

Giving away the best On the question of development in Canouan from the standpoint of hotel construction and tourism, it is

important to remember, that there were serious efforts made by our own local people over fifty years ago, to establish what would have been in those times a modern facility. One of the prominent players in that effort was a gentleman whose surname was Findlay, who seemed to have roots in Canouan. Some of his relatives are possibly still alive. It would be interesting to learn what was the level of support given to Mr. Findlay, by our authorities in those times, and compare it to that which expatriates have been enjoying over the last forty years here in SVG. The easy ownership of some of the best land in the world, the duty-free concessions, the perennial tax holidays and associated privileges, add up to possibly hundreds of billions of dollars.

And our short-sighted immature leaderships call that development, and thump their chests! What it does really represent is the extent to which the development of the people of our land has been impeded, and will be the basis for determining the value of what the future citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will refer to as “The Squandering”.

That Ministry of Agriculture It is such a sad reality that for several decades now, the Ministry of Agriculture which had been entrusted with the management of some of our most valuable resources, have been the people guilty of squandering them.

There have been several cases where senior persons had removed “cookies from the cookie jar”, and they were dealt with very lightly. The concessions now being offered to Rainforest Seafoods seem excessively generous, and reinforces my view that this crop of administrators are inimical to the development of our people. We already have a very unhealthy situation where we have been accommodating the Taiwanese in the exploitation of our resources in the Atlantic, and this has been to the detriment of our own people who have the desire and skills to exploit those resources. The scientific assessments suggest that we could be earning hundreds of millions of dollars annually from fishing in the Atlantic ourselves.

One cannot help noting that over the years, our administrators, our elected representatives, seem to have been disposed to being overly generous to expatriate investors who come to our shores seeking to do business, while they seem to have a passion for frustrating the efforts of our own people who are endeavouring to break through. Two stark examples of the unreasonable impeding of the progress of local business, are the cases of Leon “Bigga Bigs” Samuel and Marcus DeFreitas, whose firm Eastern Caribbean Agencies was an important player in the Agricultural Industry here for some time. Yes, Eastern Caribbean Agencies was the farmers’ friend! How does the Ministry of Agriculture measure up today? Have they been consistent, trust-worthy and dependable since 2001? What has been their success rate in project implementation? Has the agricultural industry grown since 2001?

revitalizing of the Banana Industry here, but they all came to nothing. The plan he presented in 2016 promised It is quite clear that we need to the establishing of 250 acres of new change our approaches; the bananas over a period of one hundred technocrats must be consulted before days. He called it the “Twenty Point important decisions are made. I was 100 Days Plan”. The plan was not happy when I saw on the backseemingly abandoned, and the page of THE VINCENTIAN of 12th Minister has not yet been courteous to April, 2019, in an article written by explain the reason for the failure. The Dale DaSilva; “Caesar said that he farming community therefore has no visited the Rainforest Seafood faith in his pronouncements now! operations in Jamaica, and studied its We certainly need changes now, and operations in Belize before advising on conscious citizens should endeavour to the agreement”. Does Mr. Caesar have counter the slide which allows our the competence in the area to properly politics to become the playground of advise on the matter? Did any other fraudsters who will ultimately persons of experience in the field squander the resources, on the basis of accompany him? which the next generations could enjoy My skepticism is rooted in the experiences of having seen Mr. Caesar, satisfying productive lives. over an extended period, present with LeRoy Providence much fanfare “Plans” for the

Skepticism rife

V

20. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Double life

Dear George,

MY GIRLFRIEND has been bragging to me about how good her boyfriend was with her pregnancy. She told me how he would be rubbing her belly and talking to the baby, and would even go with her to some of her doctor visits. It got to the point where I envied her and wished I had the boyfriend she has.

George, I received the shock of my life when I found out that my boyfriend was, in fact, her boyfriend as well. He had been living a double life all along. None of us knew he was a two-timer. We have both agreed to have him show up with her on one of her visits to her doctor, where we would confront him.

How can a man be so wicked, knowing that he has two women pregnant at the same time and deciding to keep that a secret? We plan to deal with him!

Disappointed and hurt

Your boyfriend certainly has a lot of explaining to do, and that day you plan to confront him will give him that opportunity to begin to do so.

I do not know what he can say to any of you, to ease the emotional pain he has caused you but what is certain is that each of you has an opportunity to forward with your lives.

Whatever you decide to do regarding the relationship, your boyfriend will be legally obligated to take care of his child, and it will be up to you to use the Family Court to make sure he does.

You may need to talk with someone professionally to help you to make sound decisions, and I strongly advise that you do so.

Dear Disappointed and hurt,

George

Expose the scoundrel!

Dear George, I AM BEING bombarded with advances, including text messages, from this man who is dating my aunty. I live with my aunty, and from the first

time this man came to the house and saw me, he has been after me.

He has even offered me money to sleep with him, and cautioned me not to say anything to my aunty. He knows I am

That is prostitution

Dear George, I AM NOT the kind of woman who sleeps around, but I am thinking I should sleep with this guy, for whom I have some liking, and make some money at the same time. After all, I have bills to pay.

He has been behind me to give him just one night, and I honestly don’t see anything wrong with doing so in return for a small fee. However, he thinks fifteen hundred dollars is too much for one night with me, and wants to pay just five hundred. I felt so insulted, I told him to go back to his wife where he can get the sex for free.

But he is still behind me to lower my price.

I am not a bad person, George. I have not done this kind of thing before, but my bills are too much right now.

Necessity Dear Necessity, You have stated your price and it has been refused. I cannot tell you what price to place on your body and your dignity, but what I can tell you is there are other issues that you need to be concerned about here.

Receiving money in exchange for sex, amounts to prostitution, and that will draw you into conflict with the law.

I sincerely wish that you can get to the place where you see your dignity as priceless, and give your body to the man who deserves to have you, and with whom you can build a future.

George

still in school, but he said he does not care about that… and that I look even better than my aunty.

The only reason I have not told my aunty anything, is that I do not want to hurt her. She has taken a long time to find love again since the death of her husband. I want the best for her. I know if I tell her, she would leave him, but will only go back to being single again. Honestly, I do not know what to do.

Sad heart Dear Sad Heart, If you are concerned about your Aunt’s wellbeing, then you need to expose this sad excuse for a gentleman. It is better to let her know now the type of man she has committed herself to, and give her that opportunity to keep him or get rid of him. She will experience ten times more hurt, should she be left to discover the sleaziness of this man she has trusted.

It was very brave of you to write, and it would be remiss of me if I didn’t encourage you to keep your dignity intact.

Do not let this man or any other like him distract you from getting a good education. Go talk to your Aunt!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Work quietly on your own and you will forge ahead. Don't let someone take the credit for a job you did. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent‐up energy.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You will meet potential new mates through friends or relatives. Don't let your jealous imagination play games with you. Your need to be in a leadership position will help you surpass any rivals you might encounter.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Don't get depressed, get busy. You can accomplish a lot if you're willing to put in a little extra time. You will reap the benefits if you put money into upgrading your residence.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. You should be on the road. Your involvement with groups will raise your self‐esteem.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive. Praise will be yours if you have been pursuing your goals. Take time to help a friend who hasn't been feeling well. Get into some activities that will help you in making new friends.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying.

Opportunities to get ahead are evident.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) A little rest will do wonders. Unexpected bills will leave you a little short. Your mate will enjoy helping out. Don't let anyone take credit for a job you did.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You may get upset with peers or relatives. Your ideas will be well received.

Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. You can set your goals and make a beeline for your target.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own. You are best to work at home, clearing up overdue projects. Your lover may disappoint you in such a way that estrangement will follow. Do things that involve children.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You might find it difficult to control your emotions. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on.

Correspondence may not clear up issues.

Discord may arise with someone you're close to.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Pleasure trips will be a form of healing for your emotional state of mind. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy. You can make financial deals that will bring you extra cash. You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Be fair, not colorful. Go out shopping this week. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects this week. Keep busy and let them fume while you're not around.

ACROSS 1. Daisy stalk 5. Immense, as a 16‐Across 9. Pale purple 11. Italian dish 12. Neptune neighbor 14. Wichita’s state 15. Acquire 16. Stretch of flatland 18. Annoy; vex 19. Assemble garments 21. Suitable 22. Wild burro 23. Polish, as shoes 25. Rotund 26. Play section 27. Knightly title 28. Travel like a bird 29. Ford’s Presidential predecessor 31. Expected 32. Any firearm 33. Brief doze 35. Golfer Hogan 36. Snake’s front teeth 38. Spot for a bath 40. “Project _,” designing show 42. Military greeting 44. Briny expanse 45. Small fruit pies 46. Unite (metal) 47. Map direction DOWN 1. Slimy garden critter 2. Rubber wheel‐protectors 3. Fills with happiness 4. Chap 5. Moving truck 6. Aid 7. Headliners 8. Job to be done 10. Drink

container 11. Cooking vessel 13. Slope 14. Model builder’s buy 17. Big primate 20. Large 44‐ Across mammal 22. Baseball legend Hank 24. Extremely cold 25. Rectify (a mistake) 27. Warbles 28. _ cake, carnival treat 29. Convent occupant

30. The great outdoors 31. Tennis score 32. Merrily lively 34. Strokes on the green 35. Facial arch 36. Enthusiastic

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 21.

devotee 37. Perched on the sofa 39. Defeat 41. Roll of paper money 43. Attorney’s field

22. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 23.

V Northern Stars dethrone Smashers Right: MSDA Jules Anthony Northern Stars new First Division Cricket Champions.

MSDA-JULES ANTHONY NORTHERN STARS are the new champions of the NLA First Division Sunday League 50 Overs Cricket.

They claimed the title when they defeated defending Champions Smashers by 34 runs, in the final of the Competition played at the Cumberland Playing Field, last Sunday.

Smashers won the toss, opted to bowl first, and seemed set on the road to retaining their title when they had Northern Stars reeling at 120 for 8.

But a ninth wicket partnership of 109 involving Akeil Mason, 37, and number 10 Alison Samuel, 67, salvaged the innings, allowing Northern Stars to close at 234 all out in 42 overs.

Leg spinners Javid Harry and spinner Darren Russell had 3 wickets each for 48 and 50 runs

spinners Shamon Right: (L-R): Akeil Hooper 3 for 31 Mason. 37, and and Shangi John Allison Samuel, 3 for 37.

67, ninth wicket Northern partnership of Stars, by virtue 109 helped of their Northern Stars to championship victory. victory earned a spot in the Smashers – defending champion – not disgraced by Premier Division their runner-up position. next year, as well as qualification to the wicket 80-run partnership Club Championship which respectively. between Ozico Mason, 25, will be contested among Buoyed by the early inroads into the Northern and Kesworth Lewis, 40 the four top teams from not out, put the brakes on the First and Premier Stars batting, Smashers’ temporarily, but once that Divisions. openers raced to 71 from partnership was broken, 6.3 overs before hardThe members of the Smashers crumble for 188 Jules Anthony Northern hitting Ronald Scott was MICHAEL from 32 overs. Fast bowler Stars cricket team have dismissed by fast bowler OLLIVIERRE, Jide John was the most Jide John for an dedicated the title to the who copped the successful bowler for aggressive 46 from 29 late Jules Anthony.

National Coach of Northern Stars with balls. the Year Award figures of 4 for 67 and was I.B.A.ALLEN Scott’s dismissal at the last triggered a slide, but a 7th supported well by off National Sports

Ollivierre to coach Open Campus athletes

System Three - Six- A- Side Football Champs SYSTEM THREE ONE left the Grammar School Playing Field last Sunday night, the winning unit of the inaugural St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation/ St Vincent Brewery/ Breakaway Masters Six- A — Side Football Competition.

A one-nil win over Je Belle handed System Three One the title trophy and the $500 first prize.

For placing second, Je Belle earned a trophy and $300.

Before the two met in the final, they had to navigate their way through the quarter- finals and semi-finals.

System Three One got past System Three Two in the quarter finals, while Je Belle beat Volcanoes One. In the semi- finals, System Three One beat BESCO- Pastures 2-0, while Je Belle ousted Largo Height, 2-1.

BESCO- Pastures finished on a high note, stopping Largo Height 10 in penalty kicks, after both had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time, as they squared off for the third spot.

BESCO- Pastures got the $200 third place award.

All four semi-finalists got complimentary drinks from the St Vincent Brewery.

RSVG Police, Richmond Hill, Sion Hill, Volcanoes Two, Avenues and Hope International, were the other competing teams.

Matches were of 20 minutes duration.

President of the Breakaway Masters Organisation, Leopold Dopwell, expressed satisfaction in their first attempt at staging such a competition, using portable lights.

Winning team- System Three One. Dopwell promised that by the next edition second to Haiti in the final of the Competition, there will be Caribbean Football Tournament “improved” lighting, and a bigger that year. and better activity all round.

Among the Vincentians’ victories He also disclosed that the next win in the final then, were ones undertaking of the Breakaway against host Suriname, as well as Masters Organisation is the regional power house Trinidad and honouring of the famed St Vincent Tobago. and the Grenadines 1979 Senior Men’s Football Team.

The 1979 team finished

RSVG Police and Largo Height battling in the quarter finals.

Awards Ceremony, has been appointed a head coach to work with athletes from the UWI Open Campuses, as they prepare to take part in the Inter Open Campus Games later this month.

Michael Ollivierre displays his Ollvierre, who Coach of the Year Award. left the state earlier this week, has been assigned to the Open Campuses of the UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica.

“I have just been assigned to the Mona, Cave Hill Campuses to work with the athletes, and my whole objective is to motivate the athletes … to assist them to perform at their best as they develop into top athletes,” the renowned Track and Field coach told THE VINCENTIAN. “I will be also looking to assign them to various coaches in their respective countries for ongoing work, especially as it relates to those who don’t have coaches,” he added.

As far as him being chosen as one of the coaches, Ollivierre responded with, “I am very honored to have been asked to do this by the Open Campus management. I believe they will be looking to open a Faculty of Sports soon, so they are looking for people to work along with the athletes. I am an old intercampus champion, so I am quite familiar with the inter-campus arrangement. I am looking forward to the challenge, especially where two Vincentian athletes will also be competing at the event.”

The 2019 Inter-Campus Games will take place at the Usain Bolt Athletic Stadium in Jamaica, from May 25 to June 2nd.

I.B.A.ALLEN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 23.

V Northern Stars dethrone Smashers Right: MSDA Jules Anthony Northern Stars new First Division Cricket Champions.

MSDA-JULES ANTHONY NORTHERN STARS are the new champions of the NLA First Division Sunday League 50 Overs Cricket.

They claimed the title when they defeated defending Champions Smashers by 34 runs, in the final of the Competition played at the Cumberland Playing Field, last Sunday.

Smashers won the toss, opted to bowl first, and seemed set on the road to retaining their title when they had Northern Stars reeling at 120 for 8.

But a ninth wicket partnership of 109 involving Akeil Mason, 37, and number 10 Alison Samuel, 67, salvaged the innings, allowing Northern Stars to close at 234 all out in 42 overs.

Leg spinners Javid Harry and spinner Darren Russell had 3 wickets each for 48 and 50 runs

spinners Shamon Right: (L-R): Akeil Hooper 3 for 31 Mason. 37, and and Shangi John Allison Samuel, 3 for 37.

67, ninth wicket Northern partnership of Stars, by virtue 109 helped of their Northern Stars to championship victory. victory earned a spot in the Smashers – defending champion – not disgraced by Premier Division their runner-up position. next year, as well as qualification to the wicket 80-run partnership Club Championship which respectively. between Ozico Mason, 25, will be contested among Buoyed by the early inroads into the Northern and Kesworth Lewis, 40 the four top teams from not out, put the brakes on the First and Premier Stars batting, Smashers’ temporarily, but once that Divisions. openers raced to 71 from partnership was broken, 6.3 overs before hardThe members of the Smashers crumble for 188 Jules Anthony Northern hitting Ronald Scott was MICHAEL from 32 overs. Fast bowler Stars cricket team have dismissed by fast bowler OLLIVIERRE, Jide John was the most Jide John for an dedicated the title to the who copped the successful bowler for aggressive 46 from 29 late Jules Anthony.

National Coach of Northern Stars with balls. the Year Award figures of 4 for 67 and was I.B.A.ALLEN Scott’s dismissal at the last triggered a slide, but a 7th supported well by off National Sports

Ollivierre to coach Open Campus athletes

System Three: Six- A- Side Football Champs SYSTEM THREE ONE left the Grammar School Playing Field last Sunday night, the winning unit of the inaugural St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation/ St Vincent Brewery/ Breakaway Masters Six- A — Side Football Competition.

A one-nil win over Je Belle handed System Three One the title trophy and the $500 first prize.

For placing second, Je Belle earned a trophy and $300.

Before the two met in the final, they had to navigate their way through the quarter- finals and semi-finals.

System Three One got past System Three Two in the quarter finals, while Je Belle beat Volcanoes One. In the semi- finals, System Three One beat BESCO- Pastures 2-0, while Je Belle ousted Largo Height, 2-1.

BESCO- Pastures finished on a high note, stopping Largo Height 10 in penalty kicks, after both had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time, as they squared off for the third spot.

BESCO- Pastures got the $200 third place award.

All four semi-finalists got complimentary drinks from the St Vincent Brewery.

RSVG Police, Richmond Hill, Sion Hill, Volcanoes Two, Avenues and Hope International, were the other competing teams.

Matches were of 20 minutes duration.

President of the Breakaway Masters Organisation, Leopold Dopwell, expressed satisfaction in their first attempt at staging such a competition, using portable lights.

Winning team- System Three One. Dopwell promised that by the next edition second to Haiti in the final of the Competition, there will be Caribbean Football Tournament “improved” lighting, and a bigger that year. and better activity all round.

Among the Vincentians’ victories He also disclosed that the next win in the final then, were ones undertaking of the Breakaway against host Suriname, as well as Masters Organisation is the regional power house Trinidad and honouring of the famed St Vincent Tobago. and the Grenadines 1979 Senior Men’s Football Team.

The 1979 team finished

RSVG Police and Largo Height battling in the quarter finals.

Awards Ceremony, has been appointed a head coach to work with athletes from the UWI Open Campuses, as they prepare to take part in the Inter Open Campus Games later this month.

Michael Ollivierre displays his Ollvierre, who Coach of the Year Award. left the state earlier this week, has been assigned to the Open Campuses of the UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica.

“I have just been assigned to the Mona, Cave Hill Campuses to work with the athletes, and my whole objective is to motivate the athletes … to assist them to perform at their best as they develop into top athletes,” the renowned Track and Field coach told THE VINCENTIAN. “I will be also looking to assign them to various coaches in their respective countries for ongoing work, especially as it relates to those who don’t have coaches,” he added.

As far as him being chosen as one of the coaches, Ollivierre responded with, “I am very honored to have been asked to do this by the Open Campus management. I believe they will be looking to open a Faculty of Sports soon, so they are looking for people to work along with the athletes. I am an old intercampus champion, so I am quite familiar with the inter-campus arrangement. I am looking forward to the challenge, especially where two Vincentian athletes will also be competing at the event.”

The 2019 Inter-Campus Games will take place at the Usain Bolt Athletic Stadium in Jamaica, from May 25 to June 2nd.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 25.

Sports

World cup favourites

by EARL W. ROBINSON

‘Buya’ answers Jules’ call THERE IS A race to honour and respect to the late Jules Anthony. The echoes have grown for this, that or the other to be named after him.

The Cricket team engaged in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines organised First Division competition, helped put some icing on the cake last Sunday with a hard-fought victory over Smashers.

The final was at Cumberland in a convenient move after North Leeward secured their berth. It was justified, for the North Leeward guys had travelled many a distance before.

Perhaps lobbying by Jules might have occasioned the use of the Cumberland facility more often.

A confident Smashers outfit had no qualms when North Leeward was staging the recovery.

Smashers had placed themselves almost in an impregnable position, with North Leeward reeling at 120 for 8, long before the halfway mark.

Their contention was that they wanted some runs so that the spectators could be entertained.

It called for sensible cricket, and only the optimist would have envisaged such a recovery by the North Leeward lads. They owe a debt of gratitude to Allison ‘Buya’ Samuel who carved out 67, and Akeem Mason who remained unbeaten 37.

Samuel was ninth out at 229, at which stage, North Leeward fans breathed easier. Their 109 stand is perhaps a record in that Division.

They were dismissed for 234.

Smashers got off to a flyer and never fell below the asking rate. But from the loss of the first wicket, the target looked far.

Just like the North Leeward innings, the lower order offered some resistance. When the score read 105 for 7, North Leeward had visions of early celebrations.

You will know that it’s not over till it’s over.

Indeed, the Smashers eighth wicket pair kept their supporters hopeful, and injected anxiety in the hearts of the North Leeward camp.

By then, the atmosphere at Cumberland had built up to a festive outlook. The outfield was parched, areas of grass brown from the incessant heat and scarcity of water on the outfield.

Playing conditions were normal. The pitch played true, even though there was the occasional delivery which kept low. There seemed enough life in the wicket to encourage the fast bowlers throughout the game. But good spinners can hold their own at Cumberland, because you have space to play with. And with the closeness to the sea, you can guarantee some wind.

The gravity of the situation took its toll on the Smashers batsmen, and from the dismissal of the eighth wicket, the resistance crumbled. North Leeward stormed to a comfortable win.

It was interesting to notice that there was no haste to quit the surroundings after the game ended, even though there was nothing specific taking place. Such is the lure of Cumberland. And with the light hanging late into the afternoon, a sense of tranquillity pervaded the surroundings.

Thanks to the Cricket Association for staging the finals at Cumberland. It was pleasing to see Vice President of the West Indies Cricket Kishore Shallow on the ground for the final. He plays in that First Division competition, and Cumberland lies at the base of his home community of Coulls Hill.

Smashers have been known as perennial First Division winners but have chosen not to advance because they prefer to stick with the One Day Cricket. North Leeward had their time in the Premier before, but found the going too tough and had to be relegated.

Perhaps they have matured enough to threaten at the Premier this time.

NEXT THURSDAY, May 30th, the twelfth edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup will begin in England. It will be the fifth time that country will be hosting this prestigious event. Tournaments were held there in 1975, 1997, 1983 and 1999.

West Indies won the first two, and India and Australia won the third and fourth respectively.

Chris Gayle will be the only player to feature in his fifth World Cup in the upcoming edition. He has never tasted victory. Will this be his lucky one?

Nottingham in a day game against the 1992 winner, Pakistan. If the West Indies are to reach the semi-finals, it will be the first time since 1997. Since then, there have been five Favourites editions, and the Caribbean sides have failed to impress although The opening match of the 48match competition will feature the having stars like Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, Curtly Ambrose, host and South Africa. Neither Courtney Walsh, Ramnaresh team has ever won this global Sarwan, Marlon Samuels and the event. England were losing ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle. finalist in 1979, 1987 and 1992.

Four years ago, they exited the South Africa never reached the campaign at the quarter-final final. stage. New Zealand won that In spite of the historic data, match by a margin of 143 runs.

England are the favourite to win Martin Guptill hammered 237 in this year’s showpiece. Australia, his team’s total of 393 for 6. the most consistent team in the Andre Russell took 2 for 96. history of this 44-year-old extravaganza, are in the reckoning once again. Of the four Weak bowling tournaments held this century, In order for the Caribbean they have won three, in 2003, team to be in the top four places, 2007 and 2015. They are the there must be improved defending champions. India, the performances. The bowling and other team to have won this century (2011), are in the hunt for fielding displayed in the recent Tri-nations competition held in their third title. On paper, these three teams seem to be head and Ireland were well below par for an shoulders above the rest. It seems international team with such rich cricketing history. West Indies that they will all make it to the were the fifth team to make their semi-finals. New Zealand and mark in ODI cricket. With the Pakistan appear to be in the top exception of Oshane Thomas, all tier as well. the specialist bowlers in the On Friday, May 31st, West provisional World Cup squad were Indies will commence their on show in Ireland. journey at Trent Bridge,

It may Jason Holder appear harsh, became the first but if this W.I. bowler to mediocre go for 100 runs bowling and more in an performance ODI. continues, teams will total over 350 runs on a regular basis against Holder’s unit.

Do not forget South Africa made 408 for 5 at Sydney in the last World Cup (2015), with Abraham ‘AB’ de Villiers smashing 162 off only 66 balls.

Holder’s returns were one for 104.

He became the first West Indian bowler to concede 100 runs or more in an ODI. Less than a month before that match, South Africa amassed 439 for two against W.I. ‘AB’ de Villiers got 149 off 44 balls. Four years later, the West Indies still have a weak bowling attack.

Locally, we will say the bowling ‘sweet’. Let’s hope none of the opposing batsmen get diabetes.

So, who is to blame? The coaches, the selectors or the board? These bowlers are simply lacking in intelligence. In the arc out of the park.

Ashton third in TNT Half Marathon JUNIOR ASHTON, this country’s leading long distance/road runner, finished third in the Sea to Sea International Men’s HalfMarathon held in Tobago last Sunday, May 19.

The race gets its name from the fact that it runs from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean through Tobago’s ancient rainforest, villages with a finish in the island’s capital of Scarborough. Join us on May 18th & 19th 2019.

Ashton finished in a time of 1:15: 49 seconds, to better his previous best of 1:18:00, which he did in last year’s edition of the race, and in which he placed fourth.

The 2019 event was won by Didimo Sanchez of Venezuela in a time of 1:10:5, with Alex Ekesa of Kenya finishing second in 1:14:06.

On returning home, Ashton expressed satisfaction with his performance.

“I was pleased and satisfied

with my performance where I did a better time and improved my performance from last year. It wasn’t easy to win because the runners who came first and second are very good and experienced runners. For me, this will only make me a better runner… competing with better athletes, and with more competition, I am looking forward to continue to improve,” Ashton said.

Ashton will now turn to preparing for the CARICOM 10K to be held in St Lucia, later this month.

Linda McDowald, SVG top female long and middle distance athlete, who was expected to compete at the race in the female category, did not participate.

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to solicit a plausible explanation for her non-participation.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Junior Ashton closes in on the finish line at last Sunday’s Sea to Sea International Men’s HalfMarathon held in Tobago.

V

26. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Health

Dementia workshop for SVG

by GLORIAH… “WE NEED SUCH A WORKSHOP here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as it will help Vincentians to have a clearer understanding of what is dementia, and how it affects the elderly and even younger persons.

“It will also help to debunk the myth that as you get older, you automatically suffer from dementia, and that it does not affect you when you’re young. The signs of dementia and the caring for persons with dementia, showing that a person could still live a good with this condition will definitely be dealt with.”

Those were the words of Cheri Sergeant, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Health Services, a Home Health Care and Assisted Living Service here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Her statement came as she projected towards the upcoming workshop on dementia which her Health Care enterprise will host on Thursday, 6th June, 2019 at the Adam Bros.

Building in Arnos Vale.

The workshop entitled ‘The Behavioral Approach to Dementia’, will be facilitated by the Global Seniorcare Institute Ltd. from Trinidad and Tobago, through its Senior Geriatric Consultant, Mrs. Simone Blackwood, BscN. It will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Its main focus will be providing family caregivers and foreign domestic workers with a basic knowledge of dementia and the various intervention strategies and treatments available.

Caregivers will also learn some

fundamental skills to help manage the day-to-day care of someone with dementia, as well as the various support resources available.

Towards those ends, areas to be covered in the Workshop include: About Dementia, Psychological and Emotional Care, Physical Care and Career Support and Resource Connect.

Twenty-five participants are expected to attend, with each one receiving a certificate of participation from Global Seniorcare Institute Ltd. at the end of the training.

Further information could be had from Allied Health Care Services at: 1-784-531-0615 or at alliedcareservice@gmail.com.

Health Checks for VINLEC staff MEMBERS OF STAFF at St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) were provided with the opportunity to have basic Health Checks on Tuesday, May 21st.

The day was also a Fruit Day company-wide.

Health Care professionals from the Ministry of Health were at VINLEC’s Corporate Headquarters, Cane Hall Engineering Complex and other locations on Tuesday to administer health checks to staff members.

Mixed bags of local fruits were also distributed.

Staff at the Cumberland and Canouan Power Plants received their Health Checks on Wednesday, while the Lowmans Bay Power Plant staff will be checked today.

The health care personnel recommended that individuals seek care at their district clinic or doctors every six months, if hypertension and diabetes are common in their families. They elaborated that if upon regular checkups the

Blood pressure check conducted at VINLEC’s Corporate Headquarters. blood sugar and blood pressure are high, then persons should increase visits. Exercise and a wellbalanced diet, they emphasised, are important to avoiding lifestyle illnesses.

These activities were done to encourage employees to monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure levels continuously, to eat healthy and to promote healthy living, all in keeping with VINLEC’S Environmental Health and Safety Awareness Month, which is commemorated in May. This year’s theme is “Safety Ties Us TogetherHealth and Safety 24/7.”

Activities to commemorate VINLEC’s Environmental Health and Safety Month continue on Monday, May 27th with a Wellness Workshop. On Tuesday, May 28th, there will be a fire response simulation with the Fire Department at the Cane Hall Power Plant. The month will culminate on May 30th with in house public speaking, poetry and drama competitions.

VINLEC is encouraging all to consider the state of their health, in an effort to improve the quality of life and to prevent developing lifestyle diseases. (Source: VINLEC)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

ALMIDA MELITH DOYLE Funeral Service St. Patrick Anglican Church Saturday, 18th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

VEROLD M. HADAWAY S.D.A. Church, Kingstown Sunday 19th May 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

ELI GOFFE BROWN Alias: Story book/Pathfinder Police Layou Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday, 19th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

LAWRENCE MATTHIAS HYPOLITE Church of Christ, Brighton Sunday, 19th May, 2019 Service: 2:30 p.m.

JULIUS HARRY S.D.A. Church, Barrouallie Sunday, 19th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

ANDREW QUOW New Testament Church, Barrouallie Saturday, 18th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 3.00 p.m

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

MAY 24, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.21

www.thevincentian.com

A.I. REAL ESTATE Kingstown Commercial property on 3,750 sq.ft.

- $550,000.00 - CC210 Harmony Hall 11,094 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $166,410.00 - BB297 Brighton 8,070 sq.ft @ $14.00 p.s.f. - $112,980.00 - BB296 Mayreau 30,772 sq.ft @ $40.00 p.s.f. - $1,230,880.00 - BB293 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

EC$1.50

ÂTRADEWINDS:

NO DRUG ERADICATION,Ê SAYS DCP

by DAYLE DA SILVA

THE SECOND phase of the Tradewinds Exercise 2019, that will be conducted here from June 14 to 21, does not include a drug eradication component.

Instead, it will focus on testing the country’s readiness to handle the aftermath of a natural disaster, or some other catastrophic event including the possibility of a terrorist attack or major fire.

This assurance was given by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Frankie Joseph when he spoke with THE VINCENTIAN last Tuesday.

“It is to test the level at which we are. …. At no stage in Tradewinds will we be going to the hills for any drug eradication,” DCP Joseph said.

He went a step further to note that the exercise does not include stop and search exercises.

Previous RRS and Tradewinds exercises have been known to lend their muscle to assist with destroying marijuana fields in SVG.

DCP Joseph explained that during the 1990s, it had become the norm that whenever such activities were being conducted here, they would include a jungle training aspect, which ventured into areas prominently known for the cultivation of marijuana.

The exercise was organized in order to get a sense of the level of preparedness, he said.

Tradewinds is an organized event, the DCP said, in that there were a number of planning meetings held with international bodies.

‘SET FOR LIFE’ WITH NLA IMAGINE winning a EC$450,000 house located in the gated area Queen’s Ville in Queen’s Drive!

Imagine winning a vehicle with a top-end cost of EC$130,000!

Imagine winning EC$50,000 in cash!

Separately, each prize is significant.

Now, imagine winning all three items — house, vehicle and cash — all at once!

Well, that trifecta (three prizes in one) is not a figment of your or anyone’s imagination. The combined prize offer is the first prize in the Set for Life promotion, the latest offering by the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).

And all it will cost for a chance to drive into a new home, in a new vehicle and with cash in the pocket is $10.00.

Tickets will soon go on sale at

Lottery Agents across the state.

Lottery officials are convinced they have kept the cost down to the average man’s pocket so as to make it attractive to all.

Board Members, Management and other staff members of the NLA were on hand at Victoria Park last Monday to launch the Set For Life promotion.

In addition to the top prize, the Lottery officials explained that there will be a second prize of EC$50,000 and a third prize of EC$25,000.

There will also be four consolation prizes, with each winner set to take home

The NLA is offering a chance for one lucky person to win a bounty of prizes, never before offered in a game of chance in SVG. EC$6,000 per month for a year.

The drawing for the grand prize and others will take place on December 20th, 2019.

The ‘Set for Life’ promotions, albeit a one-time activity, joins the ongoing range of games operated by the NLA. These include ‘Super 6’, ‘Lotto’, ‘Play 4’, ‘3D’ and a variety of Scratch Card games.

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

The areas that needed to be tested were identified, and the experts drafted the exercises that will be conducted.

“Nothing that was not discussed will be done,” DCP Joseph asserted.

Deputy Commissioner DCP Joseph did not of Police (DCP) give any sort of indication Frankie Joseph has as to the type of exercises explained that the that the participants will Tradewinds Exercise be engaged in.

According to him, “This to be held here will focus on is so that people are not preparedness for prepared and operate in natural disasters their natural among other environment.”

He explained that if the concerns. public was made aware of the details of the type of tests that would be conducted, then the results will not reflect accurately what areas need to be worked on.

But, he said, the entire country stands to benefit from the exercise.

“We will be in a better position to deal with any disaster,” DCP Joseph said.

The decommissioned E. T. Joshua Airport compound has already been designation base camp of the Tradewinds Exercise.

Last week, the Royal SVG Police Force issued a release to this effect, and cautioned persons about encroaching on the compound during the period designated for the Exercise.

Tradewinds is a joint combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.