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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JUNE 24, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.26

www.thevincentian.com

Bertie Pompey, seen here at his swearing in ceremony as Magistrate, has recused himself from two matters that ensued subsequent to the Dec 9, 2015 general elections.

Chapter 171 of the revised edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

De Freitas was charged by summons, and appeared before Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Attorney Maia Eustace made an appearance on De Freitas’s behalf, as his lawyer Kay BacchusDouglas De Freitas (right) and attorney Maia Browne was engaged in Attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne and her client Eustace leave the Magistrate’s Court in good the High Court in Benjamin Exeter both sport expressions of spirits last Tuesday. another case. satisfaction on leaving the Court after Eustace requested full Magistrate Pompey had recused himself from disclosure of all relevant hearing Exeter’s matter.

by HAYDN HUGGINS material in the matter.

But Pompey indicated that he would JUST HOURS after Magistrate Bertie ‘Dougie’ De Freitas, who has been have to recuse himself from the case, as Pompey recused himself from hearing the charged on two counts of publishing false he is involved in a civil matter in which case involving opposition New Democratic statements likely ‘to cause fear or alarm De Freitas is also involved.

Party (NDP) Central Leeward candidate or to disturb the public peace.’

The Magistrate then transferred the Benjamin ‘Ben’ Exeter, he took a similar The charges reportedly stem from matter to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s decision in another matter which is also comments De Freitas had made on Nice Court.

De Freitas is slated to expected to generate keen interest among Radio, the morning following the results appear in that Court on the public. of the December 9, 2015 general September 13.

On Tuesday, June 21, Pompey recused elections. himself from hearing the matter De Freitas has been charged under Continued on Page 3. involving Nice Radio proprietor Douglas Section 64 (1) of the Criminal Code,

EC$1.50

2. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 SVGS dethroned as Young Leaders champs

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 3.

Georgetown Secondary School – 2016 RBTT Young Leaders champions.

Inset: Carla James, Director of the FIU, urged the students to strive to be different in the face of mounting peer pressure.

projects that motivated them to do their part in becoming better individuals, and in so doing, have a positive impact on their community.

Young people are often influenced by their peers and environment, James said.

“It is easy to get swept up in the crowd … many of you are struggling with finding a sense of identity,” she said.

And in an era of technological advancements, the responsibilities of parents and teachers had gotten quite difficult, James opined.

“You are confronted with WhatsApp, IM, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, you name it. …

Peer pressure is magnified 100 times over, as you are not only influenced by the company you keep physically, but also Feature Speaker electronically,” James deduced.

Speaking at this year’s She went on further awards ceremony held at saying that the ease at the Peace Memorial Hall which the values and on Friday 17th June, influences of others were featured speaker Karla superimposed upon James, Director of the others was swift and Finance Intelligence Unit sharp.

(FIU) incorporated the There is a lot of theme into her pressure involved for presentation. young people who think She encouraged the that they have to look, or students to work on think a certain way in THE ST VINCENT Grammar School Young Leaders had to settle for second best this year, leaving the top spot in this year’s RBTT Young Leaders Competition for the Georgetown Secondary School (GSS).

It was the first time that that institution had taken top honours in the programme which this year featured 12 of this country’s secondary institutions and involved some 350 participants.

The Award for the Most Outstanding Young Leader went to Dave Sutton of the GSS. Rounding up the top four schools were the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia in third position and the Girls High School in fourth.

This year’s competition was held under the theme: ‘Me, you, we - a shared vision for a better society’.

order to be accepted by their peers.

However James challenged the participants to strive to be different; to have a close network of friends who had their best interest at heart.

“And who will support and guide you in making the right choices,” she said.

Other schools – 2017 theme Among the other participating schools in the 2016 Young Leaders Programme were: the

George Stephens Secondary, the Intermediate High School, Dr JP Eustace Memorial Secondary, St Martin’s Secondary, Thomas Saunders Secondary, Troumaca Ontario Secondary, West St George Secondary and the Union Island

Secondary School.

The theme for the 2016/2017 Young Leaders Program was also unveiled at last week’s awards ceremony.

Participants the next time around will have to work with the theme: ‘I am we - volunteering for impact’. (DD)

Magistrate makes double recusal offence of ‘breach of the peace.’

She noted that Pompey Second recuse erroneously stated that there was a charge for breach of the peace On Monday, June 20, Pompey against Exeter, and that he gave recused himself from any further evidence from the bench when he hearing of the case involving stated, “When Mr. Exeter walked Exeter and NDP Youth Arm through the police line he member Shabazaah George who breached the peace”. were being tried together.

Bacchus-Browne added that The Magistrate took the the Magistrate appeared to be decision after listening to an assisting the Assistant DPP, in application from defence lawyer John’s attempt to get Kay Bacchus-Browne for him to inadmissible evidence on record recuse himself, and a response from Assistant Director of Public in relation to a charge, i.e. ‘breach of peace’, which was nonProsecutions Colin John. existent.

The lawyer referred to She also stressed that the comments Pompey had made defence was cognizant of the fact towards the end of the that the magistrate, the proceedings on June 6, the Assistant DPP and ASP second day of the trial.

(See charges in article, Page 4, Hazelwood were police officers captioned ‘Magistrate mistaken’?) who worked together in the force for several years, and that the Bacchus-Browne pointed out only evidence against her clients that the Magistrate overruled a salient objection she had made, was police evidence. and he permitted Assistant Supt.

The Assistant DPP was of the of Police Timothy Hazelwood to opinion that Pompey should not give inadmissible and irrelevant recuse himself, as the prosecution evidence in reference to the was confident that he would be Continued from Front Page.

fair and unbiased, and that he would adhere to the oath he had taken as Magistrate, to be impartial.

But Bacchus-Browne responded, “We are not saying that the judge is bias or lacks integrity, or that we want someone who would try the case in our favour.

“The defence is raising the issue of apparent bias. The general public must feel that justice is served.

“If Your Honour refuse to recuse yourself and continue with this matter, the question is whether or not these two young men would get justice.”

She pointed out that justice must not only be done, but it must seem to be done.

In concluding that he was recusing himself, Pompey said that it was unfortunate that Bacchus-Browne’s application, which was also outlined in a letter to the Magistrate, was first communicated to him through the news media.

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Magistrate mistaken?

by HAYDN HUGGINS KAY BACCHUS-BROWNE, lead attorney for the defence in the case involving opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Benjamin ‘Ben’ Exeter and NDP Youth Arm member Shabazaah George, says Magistrate Bertie Pompey was mistaken when he said at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, that in this country, “There is no offence called breach of the peace.”

Pompey was responding to issues Bacchus-Browne raised in her application for him to recuse himself from hearing Exeter’s case.

The NDP Central Leeward candidate is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm at a public meeting outside the House of Assembly, assaulting police constable Granville DeFreitas causing him

actual body harm, assaulting Corporal Cuthbert Morris, and resisting arrest.

George is charged with obstructing Morris during execution of his duties, and that without lawful exercise had in his possession an offensive weapon, to wit, ‘a zapper’.

The charges against both men arose from an NDP protest outside the House of Assembly December 29, 2015.

No ‘breach of peace’ offence Bacchus-Browne had requested, in writing, that the Magistrate recuse himself from any further hearing of the matter; but when the trial resumed at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Pompey told the lawyer that he would have preferred that she made the application in open court, so that the

prosecution would have an opportunity to respond.

In her application, Bacchus-Browne told the court that her clients were deeply concerned about what transpired towards the end of the proceedings on June 6, the second day of the hearing, and referred specifically to comments Pompey had made then.

She pointed out, “You (Pompey) erroneously stated that there is a charge for ‘breach of the peace’ against Mr. Exeter,” and she stressed that there was no such charge against her client.

But Pompey, in his response to BacchusBrowne’s application for him to recuse himself from the matter, stated that Exeter could not have been charged with ‘breach of the peace’, as there was no offence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines called ‘breach of the peace’.

BacchusBrowne then reminded the Magistrate that it was he who had said there was a charge against Exeter for ‘breach of the peace’.

But Pompey insisted that, “There is no offence called ‘breach of the peace’,” adding that, “There is, however, a concept of ‘breach of the peace’ for which someone apprehended.”

Colin John, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, did not express an opinion on the issue of ‘breach of the peace’.

THE VINCENTIAN revealed that in Kay Bacchus-Browne, Attorney 2012, former Pompey errs for Benjamin Exeter and NDP South Shabazaah George, insisted that Windward Bacchus-Browne, Magistrate Bertie Pompey was candidate while speaking to THE mistaken when he said that VINCENTIAN later that Burton Williams ‘breach of the peace’ was not an was charged day, said Pompey was offence in SVG. with: ‘that on mistaken when he said January 28, ‘breach of the peace’ was Williams was fined on 2011, in a public place, to not an offence in SVG, both charges. wit, in the precincts of and she referred the When contacted on publication to section 15 the House of Assembly, Wednesday, Assistant behaved in a manner of the Public Order Act. Director of Public Section 15 states’ ‘Any whereby a breach of the Prosecutions Colin John peace is likely to be person who, in any public who had prosecuted that occasioned.’ place or at any public matter while he was Williams was charged meeting, uses Crown Counsel, did not under Section 15 of the threatening, abusive or confirm whether or not Public Order Act, chapter insulting words or there was an offence of 396 of the Revised behavior with intent to Edition of the Laws of St. ‘breach of the peace’ in provoke a breach of the Exeter’s case.

Vincent and the peace, or whereby a However, he told THE Grenadines 2009. breach of the peace is VINCENTIAN that He was also charged likely to be occasioned, is Burton Williams was not with attempting to guilty of an offence.’ charged for ‘breach of the damage property.

Section 18(2) states peace’ , but for doing an Then Senior that, ‘Any person guilty act which is likely to Magistrate Donald of any offence under this occasion a ‘breach of the Browne had convicted Act is liable to a fine of peace’.

Williams on both charges $2,500 and imprisonment John was also the at the conclusion of a of three months.’ prosecutor in Exeter’s trial.

Further checks by matter. can be

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 5.

Marijuana Feature

ÂGanja laws unjust,Ê says attorney

To smoke, or not to smoke

IT IS UNCERTAIN how major sporting associations, such as those for cricket and football, will respond to the decriminalisation and/or legalisation of marijuana.

Howie Prince, Director of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) THE EXISTING explained, that should be made illegal.” raised the question at LEGISLATION on marijuana marijuana has a negative He further stated that last week Wednesday’s is unjust and needs to be impact on one’s health people ingest a lot of salt open consultation Howie Prince raised taken off the books. and for that reason, it and sugar in their diet: involving the CARICOM the issue of the use That was the view ought not to be “but nobody would appointed Marijuana of marijuana by expressedly lawyer decriminalised. consider making sugar Commission and sports persons.

Joseph Delves at last However, he was of and salt illegal, or worse stakeholders, at the week Wednesday’s the opinion that that yet, making people who Methodist Church Hall, discussion on the issue of argument had a serious consume sugar or salt Kingstown. the decriminalisation/ fallacy, and that the criminals.”

Joseph Delves, Prince directed his legalisation of state should not legislate It was widely accepted attorney-at-law, thinks question to Kishore marijuana. or get involved in issues for an alcoholic beverage that there is much Shallow, a member of the He made the point to regarding the personal to be consumed in public, hypocrisy in how the Commission and who is the members of the choices that individuals he said, yet if a user of law treats ganja as other also President of the SVG Marijuana Commission, make. marijuana was caught by life-threatening Cricket Association Inc. appointed to report back “Because as far as I the police, they risk substances like alcohol The question was: “Do to CARICOM, while on a see, this is a health incarceration. and tobacco. you have suggestions going one day visit to the issue, and that is how it “The time for that has forward, because in sports, country last week for a should be framed,” gone. We cannot sections of the population and this holds for several series of meetings with Delves said. continue to criminalize – particularly the other sporting associations, various stakeholders.

There are a lot of large sections of our Rastaman, Delves Kishore Shallow prohibitive substances, “I find that it’s quite substances that people population, and turn a argued. said that sports including marijuana are hypocritical that alcohol put into their bodies blind eye to it and not “So we need to look at associations have frowned upon and if tested is legal and ganja is not,” everyday, including think that it will have a that aspect of the law no choice but to positive, will be punished. he said. alcohol and tobacco. serious social effect on and take away its discourage the use So going into the The point has been “We don’t even think our society,” Delves said. unjustness so it no of marijuana, since immediate future, I want made by a number of about considering that The laws regarding longer affects those its use is still to know how these health and other because these substances marijuana were now persons in our society,” illegal. associations plan to deal professionals, Delves are harmful that they making felons of various he said. (DD) with that?”

Shallow responded by reiterating the universally accepted thrust which speaks to sports being used as an IF MARIJUANA FARMERS damage being done advocate to discourage drug are allowed under the law , to to the forested use. plant in alternative areas, areas, and He disclosed that there was this will take a much needed notwithstanding a snit-doping committee to strain off the forested areas the damage done by ensure athletes refrain from throughout the country where Hurricane Tomas the use of illegal substances, the crop (marijuana) is and the floods of including marijuana. cultivated.

Dec. 2013, “a lot “And obviously here, it According to Franklyn has to do with the (marijuana) is illegal, so we ‘King Frank-I’ Francis, a cultivation of have no choice but to advise member of the CARICOM marijuana.” our athletes, not only in Marijuana Commission, While he cricket, but throughout all prohibition has forced admitted that he sports, to refrain from using marijuana farmers to go deep did not have the that drug,” he continued. into the mountain side, which statistics to support Franklyn ‘Frank-I’ Francis, are usually the heavily this point, he a Rastafarian member of the forested areas. referenced to Commission and an Antiguan “… With legalisation, we significant numbers Sports Commentator, Franklyn ‘King Frank-I’ Francis (2nd from left) suggested that we might be able to suggest other of dead trees that expanded on the issue, ought to be looking at alternatives to other uses of the forests, like the commenting that all (sport) areas where it could be clogged the waterworldwide use of trees for paper making. carried out, without it being ways, resulting in associations prohibit the use so destructive on the flooding of of illegal substances; however, environment as is currently catastrophic the ban on marijuana was He posited that in most bad for consumption, and that the case,” Francis expressed. proportions. different to that of steroids. his concern was that of the instances, the problem the He was responding to a “We are talking about He explained that steroids degradation of the forested world over was not the result comment made by the millions of dollars in damage. areas, Prince said that he were performance enhancers, of marijuana cultivation but Director of the National Now the question is, if a lot of would love to hear from the while marijuana may be rather the use to which the Emergency Management this degradation of forests is regarded as a performance farmers about how “this forests were being put.

Organisation (NEMO) Howie due to the cultivation of the detractor. thing” could be done without He identified paper for Prince. herb, I really want to ask the cutting the trees, to at the “So suggesting that if it is example, saying that Prince said at last week farmers, is there an legal, I don’t think that FIFA detriment of the country. manufacturers ought to Wednesday’s a town hall alternative to the degradation or the ICC would take In his response, Francis switch from the use of trees meeting at the Methodist of the forests?” he asked. objection to it, but the further noted that the issue of for paper making to hemp.

Church Hall, that the Disclosing that he was not deforestation was more than a objection taken now is that it “This might also be a way Forestry Division has said concerned about whether or local problem; it affected to solve the problem,” he said. is illegal,” Francis said. (DD) that there is significant not marijuana was good or countries worldwide.

(DD)

Ganja cultivation killing forests?

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

SVGS Geran Maule in full throttle

Right: Geran Maule, Valedictorian and recipient of the Headmaster’s Award, received his award from Headmaster Curtis King.

NO MATTER what life brings a group of St. Vincent Grammar School students, they will carry the groundings of their alma mater with them.

That assurance came from Valedictorian Geran Maule as he delivered his address at the School’s Graduation Exercise last Wednesday, at the Kingstown Methodist Church, where close to 100 boys graduated as the class of 2015/16.

Maule echoed the theme: ‘Dream, believe, achieve.’ His delivery summed up the excitement and anticipation that he and colleagues experienced.

In addition to being Valedictorian, Geran took the Headmaster’s Award.

He received the RAJ Services Award for being the second Most Outstanding Science Student. He copped the Luke Browne Award for the Most Outstanding Modern Languages

student.

Geran mounted the podium six more times to receive awards for Biology, Geography, Information Technology, Mathematics, Spanish and Music.

Alron Harry, who on pan had joined Geran on piano to present a musical duet, received the Dr. Errol King Award for Most Rounded Student, and secured the Andrew Cummings Award for balancing ‘Sport and Academics’.

Harry received a ‘Special Award’ for his contribution to sports, and was among Young Leaders who received cash prizes from Sol. Gerard Porter will feel satisfied with the $500 from the New Montrose Medical Clinic for being the Most Outstanding Science Student. Porter took the Chemistry and English B Awards.

Kenez Horne received $1,000 from E.D Layne and Sons for being the Most Outstanding Business Student, and was the Most Outstanding in Economics. Mikael Hazelwood and Garret O’Garro received $500 for second and third.

Hazelwood was the Most Outstanding Performer in Integrated Science and showed his versatility being adjudged Best Performer in Table Tennis. O’Garro captured the Principles of Business category.

Alron Harry receives the Dr. Errol King Most Jonte Francis copped Rounded Student Award from Joel Toney. the Kirk DaSilva award for Industrial Arts, Drawing, buoyed by his Clothing and Textiles while that performance. Sujith Nedd took the for Humanities Student Award sponsored Caribbean by the Central Water and Sewerage History Authority. Nedd was outstanding in went to English A, and was the recognised for Miguel his contribution to the Heritage Club. Gonsalves.

Lindon Best copped the Deportment Aidon Award, another from Heritage Club, Trotman and gave the Vote of Thanks in his John Compton copped took the capacity as Deputy Head Boy. Tyrique prize for the Sportsman of the John was the Most Improved Student, French, and Year Award. while Most Disciplined went to Yuan Vaughn Cho. Russell proved outstanding in Physics.

The Most Dedicated Prefect was Imron Greaves was the outstanding Danay Ferguson, and the student in Social Studies and Theatre Perseverance Award was reserved for Arts. Syrano Shoy was the Principles Sharne Pierre. He was the top of Account Best Student. Maleic Lewis performer in Physical Education.

- Visual Arts, and Tahj Tash John Compton received the Sports- Woodwork, completed the list of top man of the Year title, having raun performers. away with the Athletics title. He beat Jaden De;peche collected $200 for Godwyn Roban who won the award in his role as a Young Leader in Form Cricket. Roban had the best One. D’Angelo Dick, Delaan Nedd, and performance in Office Administration. Shane Cadogan collected similar Kelroy Durham took the award for amounts for Forms 2, 3 and 4.

Basketball.

Last year’s best CXC Result winner Alvin Jackson collected prizes for Addison Edwards was also on the performances in EDPM, and Technical reward list. (See more on Page 14)

A section of the graduating class.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 7.

Carnival

ÂMatafixÊ with Miss Carival PATRONS to this year’s Miss Carival Show have been promised not just an evening of grace, poise and intelligence, but one filled with an array of local entertainment tinged with an international flair.

The commitment was made by Ms. Cheryl Rodriguez, Chairperson of the CDC’s Beauty Shows Committee, at a press conference last Tuesday.

In addition to the ten contestants who will vie for the coveted title in this the 30th edition of the prestigious show, slated for Friday 1st July

at Victoria Park, patrons can look forward to a debut performance from SVG’s own ,international recording/performing artiste Marlon ‘ Matafix’ Roudette.

Roudette is expected to arrive here on Thursday 30th June, and is scheduled to hold a press conference at the E.T. Joshua Airport on arrival.

Also included in the package of entertainment is the velvet smooth Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles, who marks his 15th anniversary in the musical industry this

year.

James ‘James P’ Morgan, and young pannist Saeed Bowman will also perform.

Vincentian delegate Nikianna Williams will have the chance to keep the title on Vincentian soil. She earned the right to represent SVG when she took the 2016 Miss SVG Pageant title from a field of nine.

Williams will be happy with the US $4,300 for the winner. She will consider that the icing on the cake with the scholarship secured by virtue of her having been

crowned Miss SVG 2016.

She will face competition from: Chesley Hughes — Miss Anguilla; Sheryl Forde — Miss Barbados; Tasin Marlon ‘Matafix’ Roudette Floissac - Miss will make his debut Dominica; Nyanaka performance in SVG at this Samuel Robinson year’s Miss Carival Show.

Miss Grenada; Tabeanna Tuitt The delegates are Miss Monserrat; Orngel slated to arrive here Erskine - Miss St. Monday June 27. They Kitts/Nevis; Yuana will make appearances at David — Miss St. Lucia; Djennicia Francis - Miss the Junior Calypso and Soca competitions, Trinidad and Tobago; Tuesday, June 28, and Micelle Sinmues — Miss the Steel and Glitter Venezuela.

The hard-working Chairperson of the Beauty Show Committee, Cheryl Rodriguez, has promised a Miss Carival Show with additions.

Show at Carnival City Victoria Park, Thursday, June 30.

Miss De Yonte Mayers, Miss SVG 2015, is the reigning Miss Carival.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 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

The right to an opinion (Reprinted from Issue of June 27, 2014.)

SOMEONE RECENTLY expressed to THE VINCENTIAN that he doesn’t often read the newspapers here, and for that matter, he does not often listen to or watch the news, and worse, the radio talk shows. He said that he was simply fed-up with all the injustice and brutality as reported in the news, and moreso, by most of the opinions expressed.

Each man to his own order.

What caught our fancy, though, was the latter part of his sentiment, i.e. that he was fed-up with most of the opinions expressed.

The sentiment rolled over in our minds, the recent dismissal of Professor Brendan Bain as Director of the Regional Co-ordinating Unit of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network, by the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Dr. Bain was kicked out of his job following a lobby by a coalition of some 33 groups, who accused him of expressing an opinion, seemingly anti-homosexual in essence, during testimony he gave in a constitutional challenge brought by a gay Belizean man, against that country’s criminal code, in September 2010.

Here lies the concern: If a learned gentleman like Dr. Bain can be dismissed from his job for expressing an opinion, what can a person of lesser significance expect from the establishment?

Regardless of what the person referred (see opening) might think of the opinions expressed by others, to express an opinion is a right enjoyed by every citizen of an open and free democracy.

If it is that others feel the opinions of others are appalling, and worse, that one can be dismissed from one’s job for an opinion expressed, then we are fast moving to reclassifying the right of opinion to being a privilege.

Have we come to a point in the fostering of a new ‘Caribbean Civilization,’ where others now decide when our freedom of speech is a right or a privilege; that freedom of speech and to voice an opinion is a privilege to be bestowed on others by somebody of self-imposed superhuman authority?

If this is the case, then it runs diametrically opposite to what has become engrained in our psyche. Are we bordering closely on the point when free citizens of the Caribbean can expect to be punished for their opinions, while we tolerate white collar crime in our public services?

Not so long ago, teachers taught their students to respect the opinions of others, even as they, the students, were encouraged to form their own (opinions), all in an effort to create critical thinkers and not be mere repositories of information.

The extent to which this is encouraged today, is open for debate, though. There are signs that teachers find it more rewarding to be ‘accommodationists’, rather than to even question the establishment.

Victimising persons, and encouraging others to do likewise because they express a different opinion, is a practice that has wrought atrocities throughout history, and continues to do so up to today.

Take for example the kidnapping of 200 school girls in Nigeria. What wrong did they (students) do other than to express a different opinion, a different faith from that of their abductors?

It is quite paradoxical that certain persons and organizations, would want that we embrace their opinions, their answers, when they find it difficult to even hear the beginnings of a difference of opinion.

What is, we wonder, the real objective in wanting to, it seems, destroy any semblance of a different viewpoint? What, we wonder, is gained from ostracising those who think differently and say dissimilar things to that which a certain clique might want to encourage? (Not to mention the labeling of persons who express different opinions arrived at from independent thought, as ‘dinosaurs’ and as living in the Dark Ages.)

No one should be bullied into accepting another person’s or other persons’ views. That is not a good way to ‘win friends and influence people’.

History shows us that there are times in the building of a nation, in every generation, when situations arise which threaten human freedom, not to mention human welfare and its very existence.

When that time comes, it is a time to stand up, stand tall or be swallowed and spat out like gall.

The question: Has that time come upon us?

Belated message to Doris Robinson nee Williams on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday- June 9, 2016 their Comrade whom they wish to see continue as Prime Minister, Arnhim continuation in politics, according to their books only ensures ULP perpetuation in power which they relish, while at the same time arguing that Arnhim should give up politics and be replaced by another, as yet nameless person, who is guaranteed to be at most the leader of the Opposition, not Government!

The truth of the matter is that ULP’s front line has concluded that Arnhim alone, for the time being, can keep the NDP together as a fighting unit, which indeed if given Justice would have been conducting the affairs of the State today. What is more, Arnhim stands up to any and everything the ULP government throws at him, neither buckling or showing fear, but in a quiet but firm way strives for Justice to prevail in the present quagmire.

The weakness and hollowness of the antiArnhim lobby is transparent. In truth, although he is not given to self-promotion, he remains the only leader in six, who never suffered personal electoral defeat.

George Mc Intosh failed to be elected in 1951 and 1954; Ebenezer Joshua lost in his last election in 1979, and Milton Cato in his first in 1957. Ralph Gonsalves was thrice defeated- 3 in a row-1979, 1984 and 1989.

While James “Son” Mitchell bit the dust in 1979.

Arnhim, on the other hand, ran 5 times and won on every occasion. More than that, he was made to run in a constituency of which he was not a resident.

And Arnhim’s victims, young and seasoned, all had presence, clout, and organizational skill within the ULP. They were Michael Hamlett and Luke Browne, each defeated twice, and the de facto deputy-leader of the party, the venerable Julian Francis once.

Even if one was to consider the two Grenadines seats as parting gifts of “Son” Mitchell who had ducked the scene, it took hard work, planning, strategy as well as the faith to remain firm despite provocations, and maintain a composure and steely resolve as examplar par excellence.

There is not a doubt that Arnhim has won new NDP adherents steadily over the years, and may have won the 2010 elections and certainly that of 2015 which the pure stream of Justice will vindicate.

In short, the “dream team” of the last election have been correct in their full support of Arnhim as their leader to see them through the present crisis, after which the The leadership question NDP itself will determine, as it always does, who should lead them and how, with the ULPites are hopelessly and helplessly hooked on to the belief that Arnhim Eustace is feeling of the people taken into account as befits the New Democratic Party. solely responsible for their problems but, at Heaven knows this country needs a the same time claim that he is a born loser healing and transformation that only the NDP whom they wish to see removed from all with Arnhim as Leader can bring about in the politics. immediate future.

It just does not at all add up. They love MEN SAY THAT I have a way with words. If so, that talent vanishes before your Majesty, my own Queen at 90 years. Words jostle for recognition in my reeling head uncontrollably and confusedly.

All I can say is that I loved you at first sight, and still do. You remain the ideal human expression that Black is Beautiful.

In my youth, I was happily drawn into the orbit of the extended Williams’ family.

Miraculously, your first brother and sister, Frank and Elaine who were twins, produced their first-born sons, Errol Cupid and Basil Williams who separately in turn became my bosom friend at the Boys Grammar School, and continuing.

In fact, the Williams’ clan descended from the original Darnley who was one of four local educators emblazoned on our school exercisebooks as “Leaders of Thought” Somehow, I had adopted the multitalented John Horne as my younger brother.

Then John promptly married your niece Jeanne. Full of humour and mirth, he would rave up to a decade ago about the persistent magnificence and seductive attractiveness of my sister Ermine, to which I would counter citing your serene demeanor and haunting beauty.

As the youngest Williams, with some strain, you fell just within reach of the dreams of the youngest John. Two of my sisters preceded you to Trinidad, Ermine and Inez who died in their early 90s less than three years ago. Ena in London and Elsie in New York still survive at eighty-nine and ninetyfour respectively.

Which reminds me that at about eight years old, I came across a photograph of Elsie relaxing with Richard on his way to becoming your husband!

Incidentally, Richard had been recruited by our new Federal Government as a promising accountant. His daughter, Camille became a minister, in a government of the PNM which was founded by a father of regionalism, Eric Williams, with connection to SVG. Dear Doris, continue to live on with your charm, wit and sparkling persona- till whenever.

And remember Kenneth, the last little boy of the Johns at Kingstown Cemetery Gate who still carries about a mental picture of you at 30, winning our talent show repeatedly with love songs of yester-year, and stamping our genius in singing at a Trinidad music festival in the early 1950s led by Pat Prescod who also descended from a father who had been “A Leader of Thought.”

Your 90th birthday is now History. Go for the century with purposeful strides. Congrats.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 9.

Letters

Terrorism in the Caribbean

TERRORISM is a major challenge to the world in this the 21st century.

September 11, 2001 was a wake-up call for most countries. It was the turning point, since it changed the way we did business around the world.

There are more checks and balances at our main ports of entry, to the frustration of many. It would be better to have everyone checked properly than to regret in the end.

However, we in the Caribbean do not appear to take this issue (terrorism) seriously. It would appear that we think we are safe, and such acts would never

PM Browne’s act should be followed JUST A LITTLE something that caught my eyes in a West Indian publication up my way.

I was overwhelmed by the Antiguan Prime Minister, Mr. Gaston Browne, when I read that he had declared his assets in the parliament there. I think he was responding to some allegation about his son, but regardless of what led to it, I must commend Mr. Browne for doing so.

He showed clearly that he was worth some EC$30m, which he said he had declared before he was elected PM. Now, that is an example others in the region should follow, especially those fellows in the small islands.

And with the recent leak from Panama about all those off shore accounts, all the more reason why our politicians, especially our PMs, should come clean.

WE have seen too many get rich overnight. We just need to know that this is not as results of their privileges while in office.

It is better to come clean at the beginning than to leave the voters to wonder where all those riches came from.

Congrats Mr. Gaston Browne, I hope others will follow.

come to our shores. The reason I say this is because I have not seen any serious effort to train or to prepare our forces to deal with any act of terrorism. We are seeing more persons from the Caribbean joining terrorist groups such as ISIS, yet we seem to be very laid back on this issue. Shouldn’t this be a worrying factor for all Caribbean nations? I think it should. The islands of the Caribbean are too vulnerable; the time has come for more attention to be paid to this issue.

As president of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA), I have made several calls to CARICOM Heads and members of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) to take the issue of terrorism seriously.

The attack in France and the most recent attack on the club in Orlando, Florida, during which approximately 49 persons were killed and over 50 persons were injured, re-emphasises the need for our Caribbean Governments

to begin to put measures in place to prevent or detect any such acts. Can you imagine this happening in any of our Caribbean islands?

No developed or developing nation should have to undergo any such situations. It would be difficult for any Caribbean island to recover from a catastrophe such as this.

The effects include injuries, deaths, psychological trauma of immediate victims, anxiety, major depression and short and long term impact on the economy. The economy

is now for us to put the relevant training in place to counter terrorism. I recommend that greater use be made of the resources of the United States of America, England and Canada, towards assisting in training and in getting us ready to deal with acts of terror. We must be able to detect and to prevent anymore persons from the Caribbean from joining such groups, and to monitor those who would have already made their way to Syria. Let us not wait until it is too late!

will suffer immediate impact due to building and infrastructure damage, trauma to the financial , and a rise in security and defence. The reputation of the Caribbean islands will be tarnished since we market our islands based on the peace and tranquility we experience.

The high murder rates we experience are already bad enough, as far as hampering our economies is concerned, Brenton Smith much more for us to deal with terrorist attacks. I am therefore making the call once more: The time

The real threat to democracy AS AN ANARCHOSYNDICALIST, I shouldn’t be expected to take exception to your editorial of June 17, 2016; but I feel it painted “Capitalism” with too broad a brush. True of some–the worst–but not all; not the most successful capitalist enterprises. Employees at such businesses are respected and empowered; profits are shared; promotions are

based on merit and performance; medical, retirement, and educational benefits are provided, and employees are guided rather than directed, and made to feel they are a part of something meaningful and fulfilling.

I’ve worked for both kinds of companies–the greedy, misguided and failing businesses that boss, restrict and oppress their employees, and

Our politics and our crime rate

A HEART HEAVY with concern has made me overcome most of my instinct for self-reservation and to share my concerns in your paper.

The political climate, the current crime rate, the number of unsolved crimes and the inexpert dealings of the police force are some of the things which I will address in my letter.

SVG has changed. Some of this change has been good, but not all of it. The governing ULP lauds their victory in the last elections, while the NDP is still looking for its supposed win. It is my opinion that neither side has much of a reason to celebrate.

Many persons did not vote for the ULP, but rather voted against Arnhim Eustace and the slate of candidates fielded by the NDP. In the same way, many of the votes cast for the NDP were done not in agreement with their position, but rather as a means of revolt against the ULP’s practices and the effects of some of these practices on society. Many persons are not happy with either the government or the opposition, so where does that leave us? To whom do we address our concerns?

We often hear much talk about the quantity of police officers currently employed. One cannot substitute quantity for quality. Studies conducted have concluded that when the public has little confidence in the response of the police, then they are unlikely to report crimes, and even tend to take the law into their own hands. No one can doubt that the crime rate has increased in SVG. What we need, dare I say, is a complete overhaul of the police force: better trained, more intelligent officers who serve the people. We need all officers to meet reviews (physical and performance) in order to continue on the force, and we need a COP with no political ties, and the experience to do the task.

This may mean importing one. Part of his task will be to train the next COP from within the local ranks.

I love to see the progress made in developing SVG. However, peace, prosperity and equality for all should not be diminished at the cost of progress.

that ultimately fail; and the other, enlightened, progressively managed firms that succeed and are profitable, and a pleasure to work for; so I can speak from experience. Are there more bad ones than good ones? Maybe, but the majority fall somewhere between the two, not unlike Caribbean small island politicians: the worst are often the most visible, present company included.

The threat to democracy and social

HJA

Get to the House!!

DO MEMBERS of Parliament have the ‘democratic right’ to absent themselves from Sittings of the House? Do Members of Parliament have a ‘democratic right’ to walk out of the chamber while the House is in session?

The answer to this may just be a YES, if one is to go on the examples, in both cases, of Members of the New Democratic Party who have found themselves on the Opposition benches since 2001.

No action, if my memory serves me correctly, has been taken against the members when they walk out. However, the recent letter from the Clerk of the House to Opposition members who have absented themselves from the House — for three consecutive sittings — tells me that action could be expected if those members miss another sitting.

So what we have here, as I see it, is a so called ‘democratic right’ as against a ‘constitutional right’.

Members could well say that they reserve the broad ‘democratic right’ to absent themselves; but, as I understand it, there are limits set down in the Rules of the House under which they can be dealt a heavy blow.

To me, the issue in this sordid affair is whether in absenting themselves — or even walking out of the House — do those members feel that they are fulfilling their democratic duty to their constituents?

To me, representing your constituents in the highest Law-making Chamber in the land should be the first duty that MPs fulfil.

I am appalled that I may have voted for someone who now feels that he can disregard my ‘democratic right’ to have representation in the House. There ought to be some way I can recover my vote, eh?

I appeal to the members of the Opposition to get themselves to the House, and allow the courts to attend to whatever complaints they might have otherwise.

Garnet, NY K.D

justice, the politically infectious disease that is destroying St. Vincent today, is not the evaporated Plantocracy or non-existent, overwhelming power of big business, but the growing cancer of the politically favoured and immuned. I do not know if it is, in today’s environment, treatable, much less eradicable.

Capitalism, in this context, is a “Straw Man”.

An NDP Voter

* When are we going to get a full list of those persons appointed to all those Statutory Corporations? We have been getting a bit here and bit there, but nothing substantial. Is this because some persons are refusing to sit on Boards? * Why are people asking who is the magistrate here who doesn’t seem to know the difference between keeping a case on course and a summation? * Why are people asking who is the real Minister of Foreign Affairs? * What is the difference between cussing somebody from a political platform or even on a radio show, and cussing them on Facebook? You think we really have something called the ‘lesser of two evils’?

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Carnival is here again Introduction VINCY MAS 2016 kicks off later this evening (Friday June 24, 2016) at Carnival City, Victoria Park, with ‘Fantastic Friday’, the semi-finals of the calypso competition, and Vincentians as well as visitors are expected to pack the venue for what is expected to be a spectacular show. One of the features of this year’s show is the number of calypsos which favour the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP) and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while being critical of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and its leader Arnhim Eustace. This is a fairly new phenomenon, as calypsonians over the years have been known to be more critical of the governing political party rather than the opposition.

Among those who have penned songs hitting hard at the opposition is Joel ‘Naval String’ Bartholomew with his song ‘Yo too power hungry’, which takes jabs at the opposition for refusing to concede their defeat in the December 2015 general elections.

Veteran Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts also punches at the Opposition Leader in his song ‘Fourth Test’.

Almost all of the carnival shows have been restructured over the last 15 years, including the Calypso Semifinals where artistes now sing one song instead of two, and the Soca Monarch now has two categories, power and ragga.

There has also been a revival of the Monday street party and J’Ouvert, and extensive support for rural carnivals through management, programming and financing. Miss SVG, which was dying a slow death, has been lifted from the Aquatic Club back to Victoria Par, with massive crowds attending, and a university scholarship as the top prize for the winner.

When the ULP came to office, pan was close to its death, with only three pan sides active enough to participate in the panorama competition.

Through the working of the Youlou Pan Movement and the Pan Against Crime initiative introduced by the ULP, we have seen an increase in the Improvements numbers and quality of pan sides throughout the State, with some 13 Over the last fifteen years, a pan sides expected to participate in tremendous amount of improvements this Sunday’s (June 26, 2016) Junior have been made to Vincy Mas, Pan competition. including Carnival City Victoria Park.

The implementation of the no-bottle Under the guidance of the National policy, the boosting of relations with Lotteries Authority, we have seen the the police towards the implementation rrefurbishing of the CDC’s office, of measures to improve security at all including the installing of a Board events, working with the necessary Room. Other infrastructural agencies to ensure that visitors and improvements include the patrons are given the necessary construction of a Mas Shed to protect courtesies from the moment they masqueraders from the elements as enter and leave the State, are a few they line up for the big stage. In 2002, other improvements made over the the Carnival Development last 15 years.

Corporation (CDC) moved from being a committee to a full-fledged Conclusion corporation headed by a Chief Executive Officer and staff. The CDC Vincy Mas, despite the usual has acquired its own stage, canopy, bacchanal associated with it, will portable dressing rooms, and remain a part of our cultural improved lighting and sound quality landscape. The festival is expected to at the Victoria Park. We have also continue to grow and develop in the seen the introduction of big screen multimedia presentations at the park. coming years, with more and more private promoters having events to Promotion and Marketing have been attract patrons at home and abroad. substantially improved as well with With the coming on stream of the extensive marketing — locally, International Airport at Argyle, we regionally and internationally using expect an even greater number of opportunities at cricket and other major sporting events. The CDC has visitors to come to our shores from also participated in carnival activities next year. regionally and internationally in As we head into the festival, the Trinidad and Tobago, Labour Day in words of a once great calypsonian ‘The the United States of America, Notting Man Age’ should echo in our heads: Hill Carnival in London and Crop “This year we want ah irie peaceful Over in Barbados. The printing and festival, don’t come inside we fete and distribution of posters and view cards start no bacchanal, this year we and the use of social media — jamming in peace, all this nonsense Facebook, Twitter, Website, and and violence must cease”. Be safe, be Instagram have added to Radio and careful and have a happy Carnival TV promotion, with the availability of 2016. pay per view and streaming.

The elections were not free and fair THE GENERAL ELECTIONS of December 9, 2015 were not free and fair. As a result, two of our candidates filed election petitions challenging the results in the constituencies of North Windward and Central Leeward. Lawyers representing the Supervisor of Elections have filed a motion to have the petitions struck out. We await the judge’s ruling on this recent application.

There were similar irregularities recorded in the constituencies of North Windward and Central Leeward.

A section of the North Windward Petition is below.

prejudice to the Petitioner’s contention that the ballot boxes must be of such so as to facilitate compliance by the Presiding Officer with Rule 41 (10). The Petitioner will also contend that the failure to record the serial numbers of the zip ties provided to the Presiding Officers together with the application of a plastic, as opposed to customary paper white seal rendered the ballot boxes Unsealed Ballot Boxes susceptible to intrusion without such intrusion being apparent given the None of the fourteen (14) ballot design of the ballot boxes, the non boxes which were produced by the 1st recording of the serial numbers and Respondent at the purported “final” the seals and the use of a plastic count were sealed in accordance with adhesive type seal. the provisions of Rule 41 of the Rules Moreover, be reminded that the and as a result exposed them to the OAS observers noted the following likelihood of the secrecy of the ballot issues during the final count in being invaded and/or the ballot paper Central Leeward: being tampered with; in that: “Incorrect application of seals: On (a) Some of the boxes were never several ballot boxes, while tie-locks sealed with the plastic seals on the had been placed in the required top flat but only 4 seals were placed locations around the perimeter of the at the 4 sides of some of the boxes box and through the flap covering the (b) All of the boxes were in fact slot, the seal was not placed across plastic bins with completely the slot itself. In some cases the seal detachable covers. There were no was placed on the flat part of the box hinges affixing the covers to the cover, in a fashion similar to a sticker. boxes.

In one case (CL-D) the seal was not on (c) None of the boxes carried locks the box at all, but was wrapped and could not be locked with a key. around one of the locks. The NDP (d) There was a large flap at the agents noted that in these cases they top of all boxes which could admit could not be certain that tampering several ballot papers at once instead had not taken place, and requested of a slot which can admit one ballot at that the Returning Officer note their a time thereby compromising the concerns. integrity of the boxes and the Absence of Presiding Officer stamp elections. and initials on some ballots: In two (e) There was no transparency ballot boxes, which were both regarding the number of seals issued incorrectly sealed, a number of ballots to the Presiding Officers and no had neither the stamp nor initial of numbers of seals were recorded after the Presiding Officer. As this applied alleged sealing. to the ballots for both the ULP and (f) All seals could be easily cut off the NDP, and as the relevant ballots and replaced and because the seal had been cut in such a way (on the numbers were not recorded it would slant) so that a small portion of the be untraceable. ballot had been removed along with (g) There is no report by the 4th the counterfoil, it appeared that the Respondent regarding these failures.

Presiding Officer had simply removed (h) None of the boxes were labeled the counterfoil in such a way that and sealed with seals that could not his/her stamp and initial remained on be tampered without leaving a trail. the counterfoil itself. The NDP agents Instead, a plastic label was placed on requested permission to view the part of the top of the boxes which counterfoils to confirm that the stamp could not admit proper signatures of and initials were present. This agents and officials and which could request was refused by the Returning be peeled off and replaced easily Officer. Repeated appeals and without leaving a trace; thereby objections by the NDP agents were compromising the integrity of the ignored by the Returning Officer entire elections.

Partiality of the Returning Officer: (i) One ballot box was never sealed The bias of the Returning Officer at all when questioned the 1st towards the ULP candidate and Respondent said the official did not agents was clear. During the period know what she was doing and he was witnessed by the OAS Observers, the in a rush so he took the box unsealed. RO routinely ignored attempts by the (j) One of the ballot boxes could not NDP agents to gain his attention, be sealed on top at all because the responded to their concerns or place to put the plastic seal was objections in a dismissive or broken. exasperated fashion, or complained (k) None of those serial numbers used on the ballot boxes opened by the that they were wasting his time. On 1st Respondent at the purported final the other hand, concerns voiced by count had been recorded anywhere by ULP agents were immediately addressed and in one particular the Presiding Officers.

The Petitioner will contend that instance converted by the Returning the 4th Respondent was duty bound Officer into a new instruction for the to ensure that there were in place counting process. It was notable that such arrangements and or the instruction was revoked only after mechanisms to ensure a reasonably a lead ULP agent agreed that it secure ballot box and that without should be.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 11.

Views

Character content

The rule of law

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1953-1968), American Baptist minister and activist; Civil Rights Leader; obtained the Nobel Peace Price demonstrate, and be forever careful about what we are teaching when we in 1964. are not teaching. The school, church, and other network systems that feed PREJUDICES can be very destructive if into the child’s moulding, will then they are not observed and controlled. It support these foundational principles. has resulted in magnifying the miseries of Character building requires the those who fall prey to its enticements and commitment and dedication of key addictions. History has shown how very stakeholders in the child’s life. When destructive it is when persons, wooed and done responsibly, we discover that there embraced by its venomous tentacles, is positive character content. George proceed to unleash a barrage of physical Matthew Adams (1878-1962) captured and/or emotional punishment on others. the reality of this when he penned, It often appears to be so easy to “There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ judge, pre-judge, and misjudge others. man. We are made up of thousands of Influenced by our experiences and the others. Everyone who has ever done a way we were socialised, it can become kind deed for us, or spoken one word of so easy for us to sum up others, based encouragement to us, has entered into on their gender, skin colour, religion, the make-up of our character and of our hair texture, shape of nose, size of lips thoughts, as well as our success.” and so on. This kind of profiling can be The home is also the place where extremely dangerous. We are often sub-cultures are created; where wrong shocked when the print and electronic can be made to appear right. For media reveal that developed countries example, citizens are socialised to like the United States of America (USA) appreciate that it is wrong to steal from have citizens who, even though another. However, within some subeducated and considered progressive, cultures, individuals can be are prone to misjudge others based on programmed to think that there is such profiling. But the USA is not the nothing wrong if the stealing is done to only country where such errors of feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and judgement are made. Thanks to the so on. Rationalising wrong-doing also Internet and cable television, we takes place among the more “elite” in observe such situations occurring in society too. Some individuals see Japan, China, the United Kingdom, nothing wrong in stealing from the Brazil, Cuba, and so many other government by falsifying income tax nations. It is often so very surprising returns or taking (some say and extremely sad when we observe “borrowing”) their employer’s assets for individuals who look alike (often from personal use. Stealing stationery the same nation) but appear to be so supplies and desk jet cartridges fit focused on destroying each other. We neatly into this category. Close circuit see this portrayed among the different cameras placed in inconspicuous places tribes in some African nations. We also now record many of these infractions observe this in Iran, Syria, and several and confirm deficiencies in relation to European countries where individuals character content. from different ethnic background The schools and churches also play a unleash a barrage of inhuman major role in developing positive behaviours to those perceived to be character content. However, it is often “different”. the character of the teacher/messenger The Caribbean nations are not who is largely responsible for isolated from such “social infections”. determining whether the student or Prejudices will exist any place where church attendee responds positively to people congregate. We somehow have a the instructions provided. Persons with tendency to look for the differences high moral standing are likely to have among us rather than to observe our much better results than those who are similarities. When we do the analysis, merely mouthing the instructions but we readily discover that we have more not demonstrating high moral ideals. in common than we have differences. In Children learn what they see more addition, when all of the superficial or readily than what they hear. Positive cosmetic displays have been removed, character content is cemented when role we realise how insignificant those models live what they teach/preach. differences are. We need to move We all have prejudices. Our beyond making judgements based on socialising has resulted in each of us superficial traits. It is more important forming judgements about others based to make our judgments based on a on our experiences. This is normal. person’s character rather than their However, we need to have the presence skin colour, nationality, and so on. of mind and the maturity of thought Character content is more important that we do not let these become so deepthan appearance, profession, religion, or rooted that we lose our objectivity. ethnicity.

Being conscious of our prejudices is a Character formation does not happen good place to start. It helps us to hold by default. Most of the characterjudgements at bay and to decipher forming traits are developed in the another’s words and actions home. This is where children first get independent of our pre-conception based exposed to “right and wrong”. The on the colour of their skin, ethnicity, home upbringing is therefore considered religion, level of education, and so on. to be the most critical variable in the We readily discover that it is so much entire exercise. This is where most of fairer and better to wade through these the character formation takes place and superficial attributes and make our is cemented. Because of this, it is so judgements based on the the content, very important that we (the adults) be the quality, of the individual’s ever focused on exhibiting the kinds of character. behaviours and attitudes that we wish to have them embrace. Giving Send comments, criticisms & directions/instructions will be suggestions to insufficient. We must model the julesferdinand@gmail.com behaviours that we wish to have them

SINCE INDEPENDENCE in 1979, St Vincent and the Grenadines has remained a free country. People can go about their business without threat.

Elections are generally free and fair and the courts allow for a fair hearing and the settlement of disputes.

Apart for the 1971bill that made for criminal prosecution of civil servants who wrote or published information to the public, and the 1981 dread bills that made it a criminal offence for persons to walk or gather in public places in groups of more than 3, as well as to think about committing a crime, there has been no real threat to our democratic way of living. The Public Officers Act was repealed by the ULP government just before the 2005 elections, and the dread bills which were brought to the House of Assembly in 1981 were dead on arrival, as thousands of Vincentians took to the streets in massive numbers in protest.

Now, there is some talk mainly in opposition circles as well as among members in the media regarding some sections of the Cyber Crimes bill.

Firstly there are many laws on the books that can be used to harass or terrorize citizens. So laws can be used in bad ways, depending on who is wielding the power. However, there is not a thread of evidence to suggest or support the notion that the ULP government has used the laws to oppress or harass its opponents.

In fact, opponents of the government have had wide latitude to speak and act without criminal consequence or heavy-handed governmental action. Opposition supporters have been protesting outside of the Supervisor of Elections continuously since December 9, 2015 with little or no hindrance. Listeners to radio stations get an almost daily diet of vile and slanderous statements coming mainly from opposition politicians and supporters.

You don’t have to be a supporter of the government to declare that free choice and expression is not under threat in SVG. In fact, one will have to go all the way back to the Black Power era, when police, under the cover of search and seizure laws, went to the homes of prominent progressive individuals, claiming that they were looking for illegal guns and ammunition, to find state harassment of its political opponents.

In his book Beyond the Islands, former PM James Mitchell said he always advised his ministers and members of his party that they must never support actions or make laws that they will not be able to live with if they were to find themselves in the opposition. This was good advice then, and it remains good advice now.

In a context where the Freedom of Information Act was passed years ago and never passed a journalist or media houses may frown on small sections of the Cyber Crime Bill. A ‘White Angel’ might use a computer to pass sensitive information about a given government department or public official. Based on this information, a public individual may be embarrassed or worse. But this information may be crucial for the public information and knowledge.

This information may be true and go a long way to help citizens in making a free and informed choice, particularly at election time.

Certainly, the mere disclosure of this information should not be criminalized. Laws must protect citizens and not necessarily politicians or high officials, especially those who might engage in wrongdoing.

But the Cyber Crime bill is a much more than cyber bulling. This bill intends to bring the laws of the country up to speed with the changing times and the changing technology.

Too many of us have had our computers hacked, and persons with fraudulent and criminal intent have gotten access to very personal and private info. A case in point is the frequency with which nude pictures of unsuspecting individuals are posted on the internet. Another is where banking or other security information are accessed and improperly used.

Surely we cannot be opposed to laws which are aimed at preventing or punishing identity theft and fraud, child pornography, harassment with spam mail and spoofing. No one should put total and complete trust in any government. But we must also not allow narrow political or sectional concerns to deter us from building the legal architecture that helps to protect the vast majority of the people.

Unfortunately, the opposition has been boycotting parliament and may not be in the assembly when this important piece of legislation is debated in the assembly. The NDP perspective on the law would be most welcomed, if only because its concerns can be answered by the sponsors of the bill.

The state of the magistracy Now more than ever we need to get to the point where our magistracy is regionalized. In this way, we get to benefit from magistrates who have been in the system for some time, and as a result gained much needed experience.

The magistrate is one of the most important judicial officers in our land.

Magistrates deal with more than 90 percent of all matters that come to the court. Therefore, they should be experienced practitioners. They should understand that they should make defendants, particularly those without legal counsel, feel that justice was not only done, but, on its face, it appears to have been done.

In the high court, we have very experienced judges and masters.

When you are before these judicial officers in the high court, clients and lawyers alike get the distinct feel that legal practice and procedure are being followed even when they don’t prevail.

The same cannot be said in the magistrate court. Too often the defendants leave feeling cheated. Too often they walk away feeling that they did not really get their day in court.

Every effort must be made to correct this problem. We may not have the resources to train, hire or pay top notch practitioners to sit as magistrates, but something must be done, and it must be done fast.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Queen Elizabeth II is not the cause of SVGÊs weak economy People of SVG. The change of legislation can be seen as an attempt to undermine the constitution of SVG. The Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, is calling on all those ULP members who have Queen’s honours, such as knighthoods, CBEs, OBEs, MBEs, etc, and who no longer have allegiance to the Queen, to stop the hypocrisy and hand back their (honours) awards to Buckingham Palace.

The ULP regime took office in SVG in 2001, and in 2002 had received massive debt forgiveness from the government of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2015/2016, the ULP regime received over EC$100 million in grant aid from the government of Queen Elizabeth II. Gonsalves does not want to have an Oath of Allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, but is happy to beg from the government of Queen Elizabeth II, and accept grants and loans from the On the 31st May 2016, Gonsalves government of Queen Elizabeth II. and his son brought an Act to the SVG Gonsalves should stop the House of Assembly to end the Oath of hypocrisy and hand back the EC$100 Allegiance to the Queen, and to change million in grant aid to the government it to an Oath of Allegiance to the of Queen Elizabeth II. UNDER THE SVG 1979 Constitution, Queen Elizabeth II of the UK is the Head of State of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She is represented in country by the Governor General.

Gonsalves proposed in a Draft Constitution put forward in a referendum on 25th November 2009, to remove Queen Elizabeth II as SVG’s Head of State. Gonsalves was slaughtered in the referendum. The table shows the defeat Gonsalves suffered at the hands of the people of SVG.

The new legislation shows just what hypocritical idiots there are in the ULP regime leadership. If they really reject the Queen, then why is there a Governor General? Why are we still using EC dollars with the Queen’s image?

The core problem with our country’s weak economy is not because we have Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, but is so because of a grossly unfair tax system like the Mustique Act No 48 of 2002, which grants blanket tax and customs duty exemptions to the super-rich, foreigners of Mustique, and not imposing a fish tax on Taiwan under SVG Fish Act 2001.

SVG can only move forward under economic and financial competence.

This means abolishing the Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 and the Fish Act 2001, and sending the Taiwan Ambassador home. Only then can our country move out of the dependency culture and be free at last.

The new legislation about not having an Oath of Allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II of the UK is nonsense. It is just a distraction from how hopeless Gonsalves is at managing the SVG economy.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 13.

News

Errol ‘Speeda’ Chambers wrote his name in the annals of St. Martin’s Secondary School.

ÂSpeedaÊ Chambers takes his last walk

INVESTIGATIONS continue here into the death of Glen resident Errol ‘Speeda’ Chambers.

Chambers’ body was found hanging by the neck on the morning of June 19, 2016, under a tent at the Calliaqua Playing Field.

He was said to be 67 years of age.

Chambers, married and the father of three — daughters Ann Therese and Kelly and son Bentley - was a retired Civil Servant, and is said to have resided at Kingstown Park for most of his childhood years.

An avid sportsman and sporting enthusiast for most of his life, he left a legacy in a wide range of disciplines at his alma mater, the St. Martin’s Secondary School.

In fact, Chambers was one of the early entrants of that institution, and wrote himself indelibly into the annals of its history when, in 1966, he became one of the first of two students to have successfully written and attained

passes in five GCE O’Level subjects, no mean feat at that time.

In so doing, he contributed in no small measure to creating a new impression of an institution that had a period of unsettling growth, but which would grow into one of this country’s leading education institutions.

Chambers joined the Civil Service immediately after accomplishing his feat, and retired in November 2004, having attained the position of Assistant Secretary.

Cyp Neehall, Editor of THE VINCENTIAN, and himself a St. Martin’s Secondary School alumnus, shared that Chambers and he had a long-standing association, dating back to the short time they spent together at their alma mater, Chambers a senior and he a junior.

Neehall did not hesitate to say that, “‘Speeda’ was one of my heroes. He set the bar at St. Martin’s, and many of my peers and I used him as a model.

In that sense, he was our hero. I not only admired him, but studiously sought to imitate his fine balance between academics and extracurricular activities. I will miss the exchanges, especially the reminiscing, that I so enjoyed with ‘Speeda’.”

Even as police investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his death, speculation is rife that Chambers, who was an avid ‘walker’ and is said to have left home early on the morning of June 19 on one of his jaunts, may have come upon some evil deed at the hands of some miscreant or miscreants.

A post mortem was expected to be conducted. No details of same were available at press time.

Chambers is the second person in recent times, to have been found hanging in SVG. Amos Durrant, 66, was found hanging from a tree in Lowmans Windward, May 15.

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14. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Mixed signals at Grammar School

Curtis King, Headmaster of the SVGS, highlighted the prevailing ‘ups and downs’ of this country’s oldest educational institution for THE ST. VINCENT boys.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL had

its best overall performance of 94.5 in last year’s examinations, and there were 100 per cent pass rates in 11 subjects.

There are many aspects of accomplishment by the institution which opened its doors over 100 years ago. But Headmaster Curtis King is anxious that something be done to ensure that teachers spend more time in the classroom.

In giving his report at the School’s 2015/16 Graduation Exercise last Wednesday at the Methodist Church, Kingstown, King bemoaned the extent to which teachers were away from school during Over 100 students graduated as the class of 2015/16 from the instructional time, and cited that problem as one of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

major challenges facing the institution.

King, a historian, did not hide his concern about the amount of downtime with which students were faced because teachers were either sick or at workshops.

As far as King stated, those situations were “more than cause for concern.”

He did not make the link between that downtime and the “the lack of discipline” and “time wasting” by many students, but chided some students for being “easily distracted.”

The Headmaster was also blunt on his assessment of the quality of the school plant. He will be happier with a more

suitable compound. Holding a general assembly ought not to be determined by the weather, he lamented.

There were, however, occasions and accomplishments over the last school year that brought pride to the institution.

In addition to the overall accomplishment at the 2015 CESEC, King beamed with satisfaction with the fifth triumph at the Inter Secondary Schools Athletics championship.

He is convinced that his school is ready for participation in the prestigious Penn Relays, and announced that 2017 will mark the school’s debut appearance.

King expressed a special pride with having revived the Old Boys Day affair, especially as this gave impetus to the move to name two sporting events after outstanding past students — Michael Findlay and Pete Morris. (WKA)

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16. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The Sports Premier package will feature the very best coverage of the English Premier League.

Flow announces Sports Premier network REGIONAL communications and entertainment Flow continues to upgrade and expand its TV packages to its leader, Flow, on consumers.

June 16, announced the launch of Flow Sports Premier – the Caribbean’s newest sports network – coming soon to the Flow TV line-up. The network will broadcast in crystal-clear High Definition, and offer the very best in sporting action, exclusively to Flow’s customers. The highlight of Flow Sports Premier will be unrivalled coverage of the Premier League – the world’s most popular football league – ensuring that only Flow’s customers can watch all 380 games a season.

The announcement of the premium channel comes on the heels of Flow’s recent announcement of its unique Olympics offer, via new channels and platforms, and follows the introduction of the first Flow Sports network across the region late last year.

“Flow Sports Premier is a natural transition for us,” said James Tooke, SVP Media & Content for Cable & Wireless (C&W). “We have already changed the game with the introduction of Flow Sports, which has enjoyed huge success in the Caribbean and is consistently the number-one rated sports network on the Flow TV platform.

Now we’re taking our sports offering to the next level with yet more innovation and choice, and even better content.”

According to Tooke, the idea for the new network is part of Flow’s plan to continually raise the bar in sports viewing. “We have always believed that there is a huge opportunity to bring a truly premier sports offering to our customers, starting with providing them with the very best of the English Premier League. With Flow Sports Premier, customers will have the choice to watch whichever game they want, and the ability to watch wherever they are.”

Flow Sports Premier will launch as a free preview channel to Flow’s customers from July , 2016, available to all 350,000 Flow TV customers.

Uniquely, the new HD network will showcase every minute of Premier League football, as well as other premier cricket, athletics and other footballing content. Through a new exclusive ‘Premier Pack,’ Flow customers will be able to access the new sports network; choose whichever live game they want; as well as experience the Premier League as never before through a variety of other groundbreaking innovations. Whether fans follow the Reds or the Blues, are rooting for the champs or cheering on the league’s strugglers, the Premier Pack will ensure they can always follow their team. Flow confirmed that further details will be announced soon.

“We are proud to be leading the innovation of sports broadcasting in the Caribbean,” concluded Tooke. “With Flow Sports Premier, we are changing the game for customers; allowing them, for the very first time, to choose which Premier League game they want to watch, and where they want to watch it from. Welcome to Flow Sports Premier”.

(Submitted by Flow)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 17.

News

BAM projects arrangement signed

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves alluded to the challenges in ensuring the timely and proper implementation of projects.

FOLLOWING MONTHS of paperwork, the first set of projects under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) programme will get underway soon.

This after a contract was signed between the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Office of the Ambassador of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean earlier this week.

Among the projects earmarked for support are: a food science laboratory at the Community College; feeder roads and green

house at Montreal; the upgrade of the palletisation centre at Langley Park; and the setting up of basic infrastructure for banana and livestock farms throughout the country.

The total value of the funding comes in at EU6 million (EC$18 million).

“The Banana Accompanying Measure project is one of the flagship interventions to the region and to St Vincent and the Grenadines,” said H.E Ambassador Mikael Barfod, Head of the Delegation of the EU to Barbados & the Eastern, during the signing ceremony at Cabinet Room on Tuesday.

“But it has been the most challenging, and it is for these reasons that

I am delighted to be here,” he continued.

Back in 2012, SVG was awarded EU9.9 million (EC$27 million) to assist in increasing the production of banana, livestock, fruits and vegetables in the aftermath of the decision to end the preferential market system for Windward Islands bananas entering the UK. “We want to create an enabling environment for production,” H.E Ambassador Barfod said.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves commented on the process, saying that SVG

and the rest of the OECS have partnered on a number of agriculturally based projects before: “Every time we have projects with the EU, those not familiar with the procedures, and we have to take them as they are, but sometimes you feel as though you are going up a down escalator, and when you think you have mastered the down escalator, you throw your hands up and say nah, it can be very challenging.” (DD) H.E Ambassador Mikael Barfod described the Banana Accompanying Measure project as one of the flagship interventions of the EU in the Caribbean.

18. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Hurricane Safety tips re-Season Preparation

P • •

Enter the season prepared.

Know all evacuation routes if you live close

• •

to the coast.

Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.

Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.

• •

Have plenty of batteries and flashlights Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

When a watch or warning is issued • • • • • •

Leave low lying areas.

Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.

Secure outside objects.

Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.

Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.

If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

During the storm • • • • • •

Stay in Secure Room.

Stay away from windows.

Do not use the phone, or candles.

Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.

Have supplies on hand.

Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

After the storm • • • •

Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.

Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.

Use stored water and food.

Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.

Source: www.hurricaneville.com/safety.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 19.

If you have to Evacuate DON’T PANIC. An orderly, but immediate evacuation will help ensure that you arrive safely at your destination.

•

Take Evacuation Kits.

•

Gather your important documents insurance papers with the name and phone number of your agent, medical records, driver’s licence, property photos, inventory check list, etc.

•

Turn off water, gas and electricity.

•

Lock all windows and doors.

•

Call friends and relatives to inform them of your destination. When you arrive, call again to let them know you are safe.

•

Leave the area, but not the region. Roads may be congested and the more time spent on the road, the greater your chance of being stranded by the storm.

Evacuation Kit (Things to carry if going to a Shelter): • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Blankets/sheets for each member of the family.

Identification cards for everyone.

Important documents secured in water tight containers.

Medicines and prescription drugs.

Books, games, playing cards, etc., (this may be an extended stay).

Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine products, paper towels, etc.

Extra clothes, shoes, etc.

Baby food (if necessary) Food for 3 days.

Drinking water Foam mattresses.

Cash

Your family plan of action

T IS IMPORTANT for you to know what to do in case of an emergency. Your Family Plan details who does what, where you go and what you take along.

Practice drills will help prepare you and your family in the event you need to implement your plan.

By the following, adapting to fit your specific situation, you will be better prepared for a disastrous storm.

I

• Determine where you and your family will go (to a relative, a friend, an emergency shelter) in the event you have to evacuate or you think that you may not be safe at your own house.

• On a map, outline the quickest and safest route needed to get to your destination. Remember, low-lying areas may be unsafe for travel during a storm.

• Review your insurance policies and coverage.

• Take photos and/or video footage of your property. Store this information with your important papers. Make copies of the documents and photographs and leave them with someone

you trust.

• Visually inspect your home and property. Make any repairs necessary: check the roof for loose sheeting/nails; clear the

gutters and drains to ensure proper drainage; cut loose overhanging branches; check the ground for debris or items such as furniture that could blow away.

Storm Names Source: AccuWeather.com

• Purchase plywood, rope, extra nails and tarpaulins for protecting windows and doors.

• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit.

2016 Hurricane Season Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl Fiona Gaston

Hermine Ian Julia Karl Lisa Matthew Nicole

Otto Paula Richard Shary Tobias Virginie Walter

20. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Inspecting and protecting your home y following the suggestions below, your home will have a better chance of surviving severe weather.

Start at the top: Check for any loose sheetings or loose nails on your roof. Make sure the gutters are tightly hinged and that they drain freely. Check the storm drains for any clogging.

Work your way down: Check all windows and doors to ensure there are no loose panes/hinges. It is highly recommended that you install approved hurricane shutters over windows and doors to protect your home against strong winds.

B

• If the power goes out, turn off your water heater, air conditioner, electrical appliances to reduce the chance of damage.

• If flooding occurs, turn off all electricity at the main breaker box.

• Do not leave your house until it has been confirmed that is safe to do so.

It may seem as if the storm has passed, yet you could be in the calm eye of the hurricane.

• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.

• Do not use your computer or any • Withdraw money beforehand electrical device during the storm. the storm may knock out power at ATMs.

How to protect your business during the storm ountless businesses have been wiped out, both physically and monetarily due to hurricanes. Here are some ways to protect your business during the storm:

C

• Create a Disaster Plan.

• Post a copy of the Evacuation Routes on each floor of the building.

• Fax a copy of the Evacuation Routes to clients, customers and vendors.

• Designate a meeting area in the event telephone lines are down.

• Practice evacuation/fire drills annually with employees.

• Have your building inspected annually by a certified building inspector.

• If a hurricane poses a threat, secure your windows and doors.

• Back up all data files and store them in another location.

• Make provisions to work without electricity, water, sewerage and telephone service for up to 2 weeks.

• Contact clients, customers and vendors when you return to your place of business after the storm.

Update them on your company’s status.

• Have your business appraised every 4 years.

Storing Food I

DEALLY, you should have enough non-perishable food items on hand to sustain your family for 1 week.

High energy, high-nutrition foods are best. If the power goes out, eat the foods in the refrigerator first, before eating food in the freezer. Only open the refrigerator and freezer doors when needed - the longer the door stays closed, the longer the food lasts.

Non-perishable foods are to be used primarily after the perishable food items from your refrigerator and freezer are consumed.

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) You may be tom between two possibilities. This has left you in a confused and uncertain state. Romantic encounters are evident through travel or educational pursuits. Business or pleasure trips will be knowledgeable as well as highly successful. You will be able to make financial gains.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Family outings that aren't expensive will be enjoyable and help strengthen ties.

Uncertainties about your personal life are probable. Romance will be yours if you get out and do things in large groups. Take time to catch up on overdue correspondence.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Most partner problems are a result of both people not living up to their promises. Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. Overindulgence could cause problems for you with your loved ones. Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) The knowledge you have will enhance your reputation. You will find that joint ventures could easily turn out to be dead end projects. Disruptions may set you back, but you're strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable. Do not expect too much from others.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) You can make gains if you work in conjunction with others. Stress may cause minor health ailments. Friends from your past may come back into your life. Start sending out those resumes.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) A lot can be accomplished if you organize your time. Travel will be to your advantage; however, it might be expensive. Complete those hobbies you started a long time ago. Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Dealing with foreigners will be most enlightening. You can make a huge difference to children if you are able to put yourself in their shoes. Money can be made if you use your ingenuity.

Travel will promote romantic connections.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation. Get involved in groups that are creative in nature. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind. Unreliable people will be negative about your ideas.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this week. Catch up on your correspondence and reading. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market. Take time to listen to children and help them with projects that seem impossible to them.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't blame everything on your mate.

Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress. You may have difficulties while traveling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives. You may have difficulties with foreigners.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Money may slip through your fingers.

Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress. Delve into your work if you can't make amends at home. Need some adventure in your life? Exotic destinations beckon you.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Stomach problems could prevail if you haven't been watching your diet. Travel could include delays and other minor problems. Watch your weight gain due to water retention. Try not to be so demonstrative.

ACROSS

son, once 47. Summer 1.Best on a team cooler (abbr.)

48. Kind of 4. Supermodel protest Banks (hyph.)

8. “Out!” caller 50. Singer 11. Old card Torme game 52. Patton’s 12. Johanna rank (abbr.)

Spyri book 53. Road curves 14. And not 54. Poison __ 15. Refrigerator 55. New York drawer time (abbr.)

16. Muslim 56. Adult filly religion 57. Fourth 17. Edison’s inits. letter 18. Judicial order 20. Counterfeit DOWN 22. Classified __ 23. Motorists’ 1.Yankee’s org. sport 24. Debutante’s (abbr.) dance 2. Nullify 27. __ poll 3. Johnnycake 31. “__ was 4. Bronze saying…” medalist’s (2 wds.) placing 32. Hash house 5. Affirmatives 34. Opposite of 6. Work up SSW 7. Dental gp.

35. Ice-T, Ice 8. “Do __ Cube,and others…”

Vanilla Ice 9. Complain 37. “Get away!” 10. Plunder 38. Not present 13. Weaken (abbr.)

19. Ripken of 39. Mrs. Eddie Cooperstown Cantor 21. Solo of 41. Red-headed “Star Wars” mom 23. Zoo animal in Bedrock 24. Watering 44. Delivery perhole

25. Busy __ bee (2 wds.)

26. Mouth part 27. Switch positions 28. Co. abbr.

29. “Snakes __ Plane” (2 wds.)

30. Tennis divider 32. Degrade 33. Taxing agency (abbr.)

36. Tennis’s Shriver 37. Actor Jaffe 39. More unfriendly 40. Thick, as fog

41. Carry on a war 42. Bad day for Caesar 43. Pre-Easter period 44. “__ boy!”

(2 wds.)

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 21.

45. Between 46. “Party of Five” actress Campbell 49. Suffix for a doctrine 51. Caustic chemical

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My child will not have a father didn’t want me to have the baby was because he I TOLD MY boyfriend I was was married in England, but had come back to St. pregnant, hoping that he Vincent to do business, would be happy. Boy did which was taking him ever get a surprise!

Since that time, on the longer than expected.

Once I discovered few occasions when we that, I sent him packing. had sex, this man was I am keeping the extra rough on me, doing child. I do not believe in me things he never did abortion. I will bring up before. When I asked my child by myself, and him about it, he he/she will never get to admitted he wanted me know who the father is. to lose the baby.

I will survive. Thanks I would discover later for taking the time to that the real reason he

Dear George,

Fire rekindles a marriage Dear George,

read my letter.

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, I know this is after the fact, but it is always wise to take the extra

time to research the person to whom you are going to give your heart, and invest your time and emotions.

The decision to have a child must even be made with more contemplation and planning. Even when pregnancy occurs outside of the planned period, you would have chosen a worthy man to father your child.

Be careful not to let your hatred and disgust for this man cloud your better judgement and cause you to pass this onto your child. This child you are carrying had nothing to do with what transpired between you and this man, and should have the right to know who his/her father is. You can consult with a professional counsellor to help you along these lines. All the very best to you.

MY HUSBAND almost burned our house down, all in his attempt to hide information from me.

For a long time now, he had been communicating with this woman and although I brought it up on many occasions, he has denied it.

This day in question, he was going through some of the old stuff he had stored, and had decided to burn some of it inside the house.

According to him, a gush of wind blew some of the blazing letters next to some clothes, and that was how the fire got out of his control. I ran inside and saw him fighting to get the flames out, and it was then that I saw the unburned letters.

He had no choice but to admit everything to me.

We could have lost our house that day, all due to his double life. We talked it out, and ended up discussing the matter with our Pastor, and today we are fine. He no longer hides things from me, and we are now getting to enjoy our marriage.

Satisfied and still married Dear Satisfied, This is one time a fire actually burned in your favour. Be thankful that the worst did not happen, and that you got your husband back.

Good for him for acknowledging the error of his ways, and for allowing the situation to lead him into another but right direction.

George

George

Taking $$ behind my back Dear George, A FRIEND OF MINE hinted to me that my wife was bringing men to our house while I was away on the seas. I refused to believe.

My friend decided to set-up my wife, with my permission. He offered her $1,000.00 to sleep with him and two other guys.

The day set for this to take place, I was supposed to have been out of the country, but I wasn’t. I watched my friend as he entered the house with two other guys. Once inside, they handed her the money, and I was signalled to enter. She thought she saw a ghost when I walked in.

All my wife could have said to me was, “Why did you lie to me and said you were leaving the country?”

I have started divorce proceedings.

I am thankful that I have very good friends.

I don’t want her back. She will be free to have as many men as she wants for as much as she wants.

Hurting but still alive Dear Hurting,

It is often said that a good friend is better than money. You have proved that.

Trust is very important in a marriage, and once that trust is broken, it is very difficult to rebuild.

You have made your decision not to continue with your marriage, and I respect your decision. I will, however, suggest that you give yourself a chance to heal. Sit with someone and share those feelings of hurt and disappointment so that you could become ready again to move forward without resentment and ill feelings towards your wife and women in general.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 23.

News

Church service held for public servants church service, held at the New Testament Church of God on Wilson Hill, on Monday.

YESTERDAY Thursday, June 23rd was The organizing committee celebrated internationally as Public Service Day as designated by the United manifested their skill in unifying public servants, as chairperson Mrs. Nations General Assembly.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Moreen Williams facilitated the flow of presentations by the praise and the Public Sector Reform Unit, in effort to fulfill the stipulated objectives worship team, the worship dance team, the public service choir in a very of the day, invigorating, inspiring and reverent organized an atmosphere. entire week of Two main speakers took to the activities to lectern to address the congregation. celebrate ‘the Prime Minister Dr. Hon Ralph value and virtue of public Gonsalves thanked public servants in general, past and present, for the service to the tremendous job they had done in community’, providing the requisite goods and under the services that keep the nation in its theme, privileged position.

‘Productivity He went on to make special mention and Service of sectors where individuals go beyond Excellence in the call of duty. the Public Prime Minister Dr. In thanking the parents, teachers Sector’.

The activities and students involved in the recently Ralph Gonsalves sat CPEA, the police men and women started with a giving remarks.

by GLORIAH…

The Public Service Choir doing one of their special songs. who are stretched in their fight to deal with crime; doctors and nurses who continue to work under pressure as renovations continue at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital; and all other sectors of public workers, especially the sanitation workers who deliver a clean city on the morning after Dimanche Gras, the Prime Minister spoke of the current technological age in which robots, by the next thirty years, may become ubiquitous, but as per the efficiency of the civil servants of this age, “no robot, act or communication system can replace the human being which God has created.”

The second speaker, Mrs. Laura Anthony-Browne, delivered the

sermon. She focused on the activity’s theme, likening the courage, integrity, and non-compromise required by the public to “do the right thing”, to that which was exhibited by Joseph in the book of Genesis.

She pointed to how persons may feel they have a legitimate grouse and cause for concern like Joseph, but he persevered and received relevant rewards from his master. “Are you persevering in your position in spite of your story?” she questioned, and advised, “Make a determination to respond like Joseph, with courage, integrity and no compromise.”

Mrs. Zonnelle Wilkinson offered a prayer for the nation.

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Sean Sutherland into semis of esteemed competition

Sean Sutherland cuts a striking figure in front of the ivory keyboards of his concert piano.

VINCENTIAN-BORN pianist extraordinaire Sean Sutherland is into the semi-final round of the Seventh Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition, the internationally renowned competition for outstanding nonprofessional pianists 39 years and older.

The competition began on June 19 at the Van Cliburn Recital Hall and Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, and is scheduled to climax on June 25.

Sean was among 30 quarter finalists selected from a field of 68 from a preliminary round. At the quester final stage, held over two days — June 21—22, he was required to perform a recital programme (of classical music) of 15—18 minutes.

One of twelve pianists, representing some seven countries, selected for the semi-finals, he was expected to perform in that round yesterday, Thursday 23, when he would have performed a recital program of 25—28 minutes before the seven-member jury and hundreds of patrons, as well as to a worldwide audience via the Competition’s live, fully produced webcast.

Sean, in a blurb

accompanying his entry into the Competition, was referenced as one who “serendipitously discovered the piano as a child and was instantly enamoured. His opportunities for pursuing his studies were limited on St. Vincent however, so he resumed his studies upon his arrival at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while earning bachelor’s degree in music, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.

He went on to receive an MBA from McGill University in Montreal.”

Since graduating, he has been lecturing at McGill University as an adjunct professor of international finance and information systems.

Those who have followed Sean’s journey through the wide world of classical music, would know that he has demonstrated a passion about adapting that genre of music for the steel pan.

While employed in Trinidad and Tobago, Sean availed his expertise in this regard to the National Steel Symphony Orchestra, and was highlighted at that Symphony’s concert, ‘Pan on a Higher Note,

staged in June 2011.

Newsday, one of the daily newspapers in T&T, reporting on that concert, wrote, “…The centrepiece of a concert of mainly classical music that night was Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1 in B Flat Minor, with accomplished pianist Sean Sutherland as soloist….. He played this very long work like a professional concert pianist, without music, which is a feat of memory one doesn’t expect from a pianist who, one gathers from the programme notes, is not a professional in that for the last three years he has been lecturing in electrical engineering and computer science at the University of the West Indies.”

It is that measure of recognition, not to mention his musical genius, that Sean took to the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition.

Notwithstanding, to have waltzed into the semi-finals from among 68 pianists from across the globe, is no mean accomplishment.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Sean has already worked on an adaptation of the score for the everlastingly impacting two-act ballet The Nutcracker, for the steel orchestra.

Whatever he accomplishes eventually at the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition, Sean Sutherland has done more than enough to deserve our unconditional acclaim, and to be held in the highest esteem among the trail-blazers of our multi-island nation of people.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 25.

News

Justice Cottle to give written ruling JUSTICE BRIAN COTTLE has indicated that he will be handing a written judgement to parties involved in the matter of Election Petitions filed in the High Court by the New Democratic Party (NDP).

The proceedings are at a point at which Justice Cottle is expected to rule on a motion filed on behalfof the Supervisor of Justice Brian Cottle Elections, to have the petitions quashed.

Hearing of arguments in that vein were heard last week Friday, upon which Justice Cottle quipped that he wanted to enjoy ‘his carnival’, and will reserve his judgement, promising to make same in writing at the earliest possible time.

Speculation is rife that the Justice’s judgement will be delayed until after the carnival festivities which close officially on July 5.

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26. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Entertainment

More ‘Fire’ for Soca Masters 2 PATRONS to this year’s Soca Masters 2 can expect even more fire.

Organisers of the event, the Becket Benefit Organisation (BBO), confirmed earlier this

week, that the ‘Triple X Mega Dog’, eight times Soca Monarch Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper has been added to this year’s cast.

He is expected to

inject his usual energy into what organisers expect to be an electrifying evening of high class entertainment.

‘Fire’, as he is more recently referred to, joins

a cast that already includes soca/calypso power houses Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas, Winston Soso and Ornade ‘Bomani’ Charles, and crowd pleasers Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James, Layou’s own Ozarie Matthews and Kristiana ‘Singing Kristy’ Christopher, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carey ‘Kinte’ Stephens, all alongside Knetix Band with the back vocal group SVG Angels.

The BBO also confirmed, that in keeping with its commitment to include at least one current year artiste in the Soca Masters cast, they have decided to invite reigning Virgin Gorda, BVI calypso monarch and semi-finalist in this

year’s Vincy Mas Calypso Monarch Competition, Ronald ‘Chico-B’ Veira, with his ‘Rum-Pipe’ song.

Diehard fans of Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus may be disappointed that he is not included in this year’s cast, but according to the ‘ABC of Calypso’ and founder of the BBO, he feels assured that the fans will understand that the challenges of organising what he expects to be the high point of the post Vincy Mas activities, demand undivided attention.

He is confident that the BBO is growing the Soca Masters brand here, and he explains that to do so, oftentimes means that it requires some of the organisers, including Chico B is no newcomer to the himself, to work stage, and promises to show behind the that and more on July 9.

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper is expected to bring his usual kinetic performance to the stage at Soca Masters 2.

Carey ‘Kinte’ Stephens is a regular visitor to SVG, and has performed with Calypso tents here through the years. scenes.

Gates open at the Layou Hard Court at 7:00pm on July 9, and patrons are assured a full dose of entertainment for a gate fee of $20.00.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 27.

Mitres complete another hat-trick of netball titles WESTERN UNION MITRES added another league title to their collection when they took the Division One top spot of the Flow National Netball Club Tournament.

Mitres made it three titles in succession last Thursday at the Kingstown Netball Centre, stopping the one team that stood in their way — the undefeated Maple.

The two had played to an exciting 47 — 47 tie in the first round, which made last Thursday’s encounter even more intriguing.

And, when the first quarter ended 11-11, the prospects for another humdinger loomed

large.

Mitres took a slender one goal advantage at the end of the second quarter, 26-25, but pulled away in third to finish 41-34.

The 2014 and 2015 winners completed their defence of the title, ending the match 56-48, to seal their seventh league title in eight years.

For the returning champions, Goal Shooter Gailene Gordon registered 44 of her 51 attempts, while Goal Attack Shellisa Davis counted 12 of her 16.

Maple’s 48 goals were tabulated from Skiddy FrancisCrick’s 41 from her 50 attempts;

Thelma Foster- 6 from 9 and Rose Clair Hall- 1 from 3.

Mitres’ unbeaten run saw them getting over Twilight Trading X- Ceed 51-44 and 4540 and Dr Jules Ferdinand ASCO 61-33 and 63-39.

Mitres have a chance to make it a triple double, when they face Twilight Trading XCeed in the knock out final.

On Tuesday last, Mitres again outplayed Maple 60-45, as the two met in the knock- out phase.

Most recently, double titles were attained by Mitres in 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2015.

The 2016 Flow National Club Tournament concludes

Western Union Mitres - 2016 Flow National Club Netball Tournament Division One league champions.

Wednesday 29th June, with the Division One Knockout final, to

be followed by the presentation and awards ceremony.

Antiguan cyclist rules Vincy road

Jyme Bridges (center), with second place - Zefal Bailey (right) and Enroy Lewis- third).

JYME BRIDGES showed his class last Sunday by taking the 57-mile race for elite cyclists, as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union staged its national championships.

Riding in cool weather and sometimes greasy roads, Bridges left his Vincentian competitors to trail for the most of the event.

When he finished in front of Howard’s Marine at Villa Flat, the timer registered 2 hours 55 minutes 13 seconds.

Some distance behind was Zefal Bailey in 3 hours 9 minutes 55 seconds. Third was Enroy Lewis in 3 hours 13 minutes 27 seconds.

The others to complete the distance were Cammie Adams in 3 hours 23 minutes 10 seconds to place fourth, and fifth was Marlon Antrobus in 3 hours 40 minutes.

The race began in front of First Caribbean International Bank in Kingstown, on to

Colonarie on the Windward coast, returning to the Arnos Vale Round About from where the cyclists completed two circuits between the Round About to Diamond Estate.

Last Sunday’s championships also saw the Masters using the same route, except making one circuit of the Round About to Diamond Estate journey.

In that category, Randy Inner of the masters class- Randy Wilkinson is top of the podium.

Wilkinson champed his Second place- Steve Ollivierre is at third successive event, right, and third place - Orel George is when he clocked 2 hours 47 minutes 11 seconds, pictured at left. over the 46 mile distance. prizes, compliments the National Steve Ollivierre in 3 hours 01 Olympic Committee of St Vincent minute 52 seconds was second, and the Grenadines. and third was Orel George in 3 The next event on the local hours 17 minutes 57 seconds.

The top three finishers in both cycling calendar is scheduled for Sunday 10th July. brackets received monetary

SVG finish 2nd in W’wards Female Football THIS COUNTRY’S FEMALE football team had to settle for second position in the just concluded Senior Windward Islands Female Football tournament held in Dominica, on the weekend.

Martinique eventually finished top of the table, courtesy a better goal difference over SVG, after both teams played unbeaten in the shortened tournament.

SVG beat Dominica 3nil in their first game, then drew 1-all with Martinique. Martinique defeated Dominica 5-nil.

SVG’s 3-nil victory over Dominica came through strikes from Kandice Franklyn, in the first and

second half, and Shandel Cyrus in the second half.

SVG’s 1-1 all draw against Martinique was possible from a strike by Jessica Miller.

Head coach Andrew Bramble said he was satisfied with the effort from the team, despite not being able to retain their title.

“Had the tournament been played with all four Windward Islands teams, I believe the outcome would have been different,” Bramble said, adding, “The inclusion of Martinique in the tournament gave us a good opportunity to see where we are with our football in a technical and tactical sense, and this

served as a learning experience for us.”

Bramble admitted that the SVG females played well in their first game against Dominica, but didn’t recover well enough to compete to their fullest against a better Martinique side.

“We started the Martinique game poorly, but eventually got our game and passes together in the second half; but in the end, Martinique was the better team; they constructed their passes well and were ahead of us tactically,” Bramble conceded.

“In spite of not retaining the title, I am happy we played against a side like Martinique, who

SVG Female team, celebrate after victory over Dominica in the recent Windward Islands Tournament (Photo Credit: Drew Bramms) has at least seven players playing in France,” Bramble continued.

Looking ahead, Bramble assured that the team will continue training, even as officials look to include more

Left: Andrew Bramble - head coach SVG Female Football team. players in the system, in an effort to continue to build the game among females here.

Bramble also has his

eyes set on competing in the World Cup Qualifiers next year.

I.BA.ALLEN

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28. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Be-Fit: One Year and getting ÂfitterÊ THE BE-FIT FITNESS PROGRAMME recently celebrated its first anniversary with a series of activities that included a church service, a fun day for some 100 persons and with a pool party.

Lyndon James, founder and chief instructor of the programme, told THE VINCENTIAN, “I am very happy about the way things have been going, (but) what making me happiest are the results of most persons and the commitment that people have shown to the programme for the past year.”

The former Windward Islands wicketkeeper/batsman explained that the core intention of the programme is to encourage fitness.

“Instead of just coming to walk, you can work out and get fitter and stronger by doing other exercises.”

James admitted, “It’s a lot of hard work, but what I try to do is monitor those who come for the first time and who are not fit. They will be attended to

Community College into finals FRENCH VERANDAH SVG Community College moved into the finals of the SVG Cricket Association’s 50 Overs Sunday League, in their maiden year of the tournament, with a 27-run win over Victors 2 at Arnos Vale 2, last Saturday.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, the French Verandah SVG Community College rallied amidst a series of hiccups, to close at 155 all out in 37.5 overs.

Jeremy Layne topscored with 41, including four boundaries and one six, while Dion Bynoe and Rayon Tijorn Pope Williams added 33 and 20 bagged 6 for 27 respectively. from 5.2 overs and Adonal Richards picked was instrumental up 4 for 36 from 10 overs, to the College win. and Jamel Nash 2 for 25 from 6 overs, bowling for Victors 2.

Victors 2’s reply got off to a blistering start.

They raced to 21 without loss in the first 2 overs before an interruption for rain. The interruption occasioned a revised victory target of 110 from 35 overs.

The break, however, proved to be Victors’ undoing, inflicted by some excellent, controlled bowling from fast bowler Tijorn Pope, who snatched 6 wickets for 27 runs in 5.2. overs. And with Jerremy Haywood bagging 3 for 12 from 7 overs, Victors 2 haplessly closed on 83 all out in 24.2 overs.

The other semi-final between Smashers and Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors was never called because of persistent rain. That encounter has been re-scheduled for this Saturday, with the finals set for Sunday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

I.B.A.ALLEN

differently as it relates to the work load.”

Be-Fit members going through their fitness routine under the watchful eyes of He explained that Lindon James, founder and fitness trainer.

Be-Fit focuses mainly on agility drills and emphasised that Be-Fit will continue to be driven by shuttle runs, along with core work and “a desire to see people change their life styles, which strengthening exercises. may reduce the number of high blood pressure And given that the whole purpose is to get fitter cases, diabetes and other health challenges … and I and healthier, Be Fit has the sevices of a dietician. would like to see other groups conduct fitness “We have a 14-day challenge plan where 14 days programmes and sessions with a similar aim.” into your work- we advise on a change in eating Be-Fit sessions are conducted at the Arnos Vale habits to suit your need. In addition, we have 09Playing Field training facility, and James is ever day detox plan depending on the reason the person grateful to the National Sports Council for availing joins the programme,” James advised. its resources to his programme.

Looking ahead, James expressed a hope to see Be- Fit grow from strength to strength, and I.B.A.ALLEN

Je Belle FC holds inaugural awards ceremony JE BELLE FOOTBALL CLUB, last Saturday evening at the DZia’s Sports Bar in Questelles, recognised the stand out players and those who made their 2016 participation in the National Football Club Championships possible.

Awards were presented to players for their accomplishments during the club championships, with the players themselves making the choices.

Cellus Cupid was voted as the most disciplined player, with Theon Gordon — the most outstanding midfielder and the player of the season.

Daniel Patrick secured the club’s top goal scorer award, with Troy Jeffers named as the most outstanding defender.

Voted as the most outstanding goal-keeper was Richard Francis, and Roshano Benjamin, the most improved player.

The player with the most outstanding attendance and punctuality at practice sessions

was Garrick Garnes.

The Je Belle Club also presented an award to the club’s founding member Bashar Awad and the longest serving member Bertram Pitt.

Three of the club’s sponsors - Digicel SVG, Xtreme 104.3 FM and Katos Catering - were also recognised for their contributions.

Addressing the club’s motto, ‘Believe and achieve’, feature speaker Cellus Cupid- most disciplined player Devron Poyer called on gets his award from Jamisha Wright of the Je Belle set up to live Digicel. it. implored the club members and He told those in attendance management. that from among their ranks The Je Belle Football Club was could come the next Lionel Messi established in 2001. or the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Though small you are, you can do great things... Aspire to be better, aspire to be bigger...” Poyer

Most improved player, Roshano Benjamin, accepts his award from Jamisha Wright.

Je Belle’s founder- Bashar Awad (left) gets his recognition from Theon Gordon who was voted the player of the season, as well as the best midfielder.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016. 29.

Sports

Cricket stalwart passes⁄.. club at crossroads

came to town “to run things”, especially in TEAM RIVALS, one of the most recent times. successful cricket clubs in local And Veira presided cricket, are in a state of mourning, over it all, as the club, following the passing last week, of now known as Team founder and manager Carlos Veira.

Rivals, won four Reports say that Veira, who consecutive Premier was not in the best of health for Division titles, in the last year or so, died at the age addition to others won of 65. before then - two “We have lost a stalwart and a consecutive T20 titles real servant of the game,” said and two consecutive former SVG captain Stanley Super 40 titles - in a Hinds as he paid a short tribute display never before to Veira on NBC Radio Saturday seen in local cricket. evening.

The club also saw According to Hinds, Veira Cuffy (Test) and Stanley ‘Gunny’ Hinds (right) described served as a national selector for Butler (ODI) wearing Carlos Veira (also pictured) as a ‘loving many years, as executive member the West Indies individual ... with a soft heart’. of the SVG Cricket Association, colours, while Jackson and was always close to the game. and Davis were Super 40 champs in 2015, and as “He was like ‘Mr. Cricket’, and thought to have been unlucky not both Premier Division and T20 he was also a loving individual, to have been given an A team call champs in 2016, during a period and because of his soft heart, up. A number of players also when Veira’s failing health was many people took advantage of gained selection to the SVG and taking its toll. that,” Hinds said in a Windwards teams, with left-arm Questions now abound conversation Monday. pacer Obed McCoy making the regarding the Club’s resilience Veira formed Rivals Cricket West Indies U19 team to the and how it will face the future Club in the 1990s and supported World Cup in Bangladesh. He, without the presence of their the club with sponsorship from however, was forced to return founder, manager, and patriarch, his business entity Courtesy home after suffering a hand Carlos ‘Fat Man’ Veira.

Sports —a sports shop. The Club injury as the team won the Maybe the Club will be fortified then included pacer Cameron tournament. by the spirt of their founder and Cuffy and batsman Clarence The club was dethroned as prove all doubters wrong.

Wyllie, two of the foremost names at the time, along with Bradley Brooker and other useful cricketers.

The team was strengthened during the course of time with the arrival of Orlanzo Jackson, Deighton Butler and Joseph Carrington, with Caspar Davis joining later on.

Rivals gradually moved up the ladder of national cricket here, along the way challenging the likes of Radcliffe, Victors ONE, Spartans and Team Rivals – founded and managed to cricket supremacy here by Carlos Packers for Veira (centre back row). .championship honours Recruitment of a number of young talented players, and the regional and international experience gained by the established players, hinted that it would not be long before Rivals became the dominant team in the Premier Division. This inevitability was unleashed with devastating, mirthless consequences.

In essence, a formidable unit had been created through an aggressive and strategic recruitment drive augmented by a winning desire and fighting spirit, as cricketers from the rural parts of SVG

by E. GLENFORD LENFORD PRESCOTT

Tribute to Carlos Veira ARGENTINA waded into the Copa Americana Centenario with consummate ease over the USA on home soil in Tuesday’s semi-final showdown.

The four-nil margin included a Lionel Messi trademark free-kick which was a record 55th goal for Argentina.

Their opponent seemed likely to have been Chile who had continued their rampage by demolishing Mexico in what might be one of the most resounding performances by the South Americans.

That result will be one the Mexicans will be anxious to forget, but the gravity of that disaster will make it difficult for them to completely erase it. What they will embark on is a revival structure, and other teams could well face the wrath of the Mexicans when they rebound.

When Colombia were two nil down by the eleventh minute, Chile had all but booked their final berth. But I had learnt to be sceptical about the unseen, especially as it relates to sport. It was a guessing game, with time pivotal in the scheme of convenient inclination.

Football lovers would have geared up for a feast with the UEFA Euro Cup well entrenched.

That has thrown up its surprises as well, and the pecking order is changing as per round of matches.

It will be an omission if one is to overlook the passing of Carlos ‘Fatman’ Veira. Once you have some inkling of cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it would have been impossible for you to avoid coming in contact with Fatman.

He was a cricket fan like no other. I had no close relationship with him. Suffice it to say that he stood up as a pillar of Vincentian cricket.

From obvious accounts, he was the driving force behind the team Rivals. The success of that squad came as a direct consequence of his involvement. His influence extended into national and regional spheres.

He was one of those authentic Caribbean citizens, and cricket became the reason for life.

Courtesy Sports Shop was perhaps primarily aimed at providing equipment for cricketers, if I am to make a hasty assessment. But his overall love for sports was such that he could not have been upset if his stocks improved the performances of any of his customers.

Those who knew him closely will speak about his value, and the extent of his contribution to the national landscape will be pieced together.

There will be numerous stories of the occasions of his generosity, for his name has been associated with many a sporting outfit.

The prices of his supplies were designed to cater for the sporting enthusiasts keen to be engaged in their favourite activity, without having to spend a great deal. But there was no doubt about the quality of the stuff he offered.

Courtesy Sports was the fashion store for the sports lover and even those who never took any keen, direct interest in sport.

His outlet would have a centre of gravity in the wake of a clutter of activities in the cricket circles. A series of events take place amidst the explosion of culture that marks the annual festive display. Those events have their part in holistic advancement of any society. Fatman has made his contribution. God rest his soul.

30. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2016. 31.

Classifieds

JAMES SHAPPEARD 6W 7KHUHVD Spiritual %DSWLVW &KXUFK 5HYHUVLRQ Barrouallie Sunday, June 19th, 2016 2:30 p.m.

KELSON CLARKE

MARTIN GEORGE

Evangelical Church Georgetown Saturday 11th June, 2016 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Calder S.D. $GYHQWLVW Church Sunday 19th June, 2016 Service at 2:00 p.m.

MAC URIAS WOODLEY

GARFIELD HARRY

6W 3DXO¶V Spiritual %DSWLVW Sion Hill Sunday 19th June, 2016 Service at 1:30 p.m.

6 ' $GYHQWLVW Church Barrouallie Sunday 12th June, 2016 Service at 3:00 p.m.

FELIX RANDOLPH KING .LQJVWRZQ *RVSHO +DOO .LQJVWRZQ Friday 17th June, 2016 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JUNE 24, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.26

www.thevincentian.com

A.I. REAL ESTATE

Congo Valley 3acs 2 rod 29 poles @ $12,000.00 $44,175.00 - BB180 Chateaubelair 4 bedrm Property on 5,291 sq.ft. $151,000.00 - H120 Congo Valley 2 bedrm Agricultural Property on 10.344 acs - $250,160.00 - H121 784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 office (784)-493-9431 cell 718-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com

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DEVELOPER, LAWYER ON MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CHARGES

by HAYDN HUGGINS THE POLICE have filed multiple charges of dishonesty against David Ames, principal developer of the Buccament Bay Resort, and attorney Samuel Commissiong, the principal officer of the company.

Ames, a native of England, has been charged with, between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, stole EC$404,740.09, the property of the government of St.

David Ames, Developer of the Buccament Bay Resort, was welcomed with open arms as something of a pace setter for future tourism site developments on mainland St. Vincent.

Vincent and the Grenadines.

He is also charged with stealing EC$1,739,524.00, the property of the government, between February 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Ames is further charged with stealing EC$886,818.05, the government’s property, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

In addition, Ames is charged that between February 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011, stole EC$397,615.00, the government’s property.

Ames and Commissiong are jointly charged with, between February 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, Buccament Bay Resort is marketed as an all-inclusive beachfront resort that offers a unique wilfully evaded the range of top class activities and facilities. assessment payment or collection of VAT in the time, failed to pay the As a result, Magistrate company behind the amount of EC$2,754,132.00, Comptroller of Inland Revenue Bertie Pompey adjourned the development of the Buccament the government’s property. the amount of EC$404,740.09. matter to yesterday Bay Resort, and of which The two are also jointly The charges allegedly stem (Thursday).

David Ames is Chairman and charged with, between from monies that were Section 88(4) of the Income principal shareholder, has January 1, 2011 and deducted from the employees’ Tax Act, chapter 434 of the been subject to an ongoing December 31, 2011, wilfully salaries as Income Tax, and revised edition of the laws of investigation by the UK’s SFO evaded the assessment from customers as VAT, but St. Vincent and the (Serious Fraud Office) since payment or collection of VAT, were not paid into the Inland Grenadines states that “The 2013, and two warnings by the in the amount of Revenue Department.

Principal officer shall be Financial Services Authority.

EC$808,405.00, the Amers and Commissiong answerable for the doing of all Harlequin Properties was government’s property. were summoned to appear at such things as are required also embroiled in a They are also jointly the Kingstown Magistrate’s under this act to be done by controversial and failed charged with, between Court on Wednesday, but they the company of which he is the property development project January 1, 2012 and had communicated to the representative, and in the case in neighbouring Barbados.

December 31, 2012, being an court that they were engaged of default he shall be liable to Ames, international media employer of Buccament Bay in a civil case in the High the same penalties.” houses say, is no stranger to Resort, within the prescribed Court.

Harlequin Properties, the litigation and failed projects.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.