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FRIDAY,

AUGUST 24, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.34

www.thevincentian.com

ÂHE DIDNÊT LISTEN!Ê

EC$1.50

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

“IF HE DID HEAR BY ME, none of this would have happen.”

Those words were blurted out by Lorna Nash last Saturday, August 18, as she fell to her knees over her brother, Maxwell Nash, as his body lay at the water’s edge on the Rose Place beach.

Maxwell Nash, also known as ‘Denzil’ or ‘Bad Money’, a 40-year-old fisherman, was discovered on the beach with stab wounds about his body.

Police confirmed that they took Andrew Knights, a 49-year-old fisherman of Rose Place, into custody to assist with the investigations.

However,Knights was released on Monday night but remains a person of interest in the

The lifeless body of Chateaubelair resident Maxwell Nash was found on the shore of the Rose Place beach on Saturday. arrived. Lorna Nash, sister of the deceased, was reduced to tears on seeing her brother’s said to have received body. Nash, who is a Police cordoned off the vendor at the Kingstown injuries.

The Rose Place beach area, but even from a Fish Market, said that distance, Nash’s body, was bustling with she was at work when activity last Saturday as fully clothed, could be someone came to her and persons turned out to get seen lying at the water’s told her, “A man now kill edge where the water an idea of what your brother dey.” transpired and a glimpse gently made its way on Overcome by grief, she to the sand. of Nash’s body. fell to her knees and had A few hours elapsed to be consoled by her son.

Advised to leave a before a family member She managed to

Right: Lorna Nash, sister of the deceased, had to be consoled by her son upon visiting the scene. ongoing investigations.

Some residents of the Rose Place community said that both the deceased and Knights have ‘been at it’ over a period of time.

Some residents recalled that Nash was out on bail, following a fight in which Knights is

relationship

DIAMONDS MAN ASSISTING POLICE IN SECURITY GUARD’S MURDER POLICE HERE HAVE CONFIRMED that they have taken Keshorn Caine of Diamonds into custody and that he is assisting them with their investigations into the stabbing death of Brenda Layne.

Layne, a 48-year-old resident of Chauncey and an employee of Humble Security Services, had finished her nightshift at VINLEC’s corporate Security Guard Brenda Layne succumbed to her stab injury at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, having been stabbed on Wednesday morning.

headquarters in Paul’s Avenue and hade made her way to Lower Bay Street/the foot of Higginson Street, outside Gibson Building Supplies, awaiting transportation to journey home, when she was attacked from behind and reportedly stabbed in the neck.

She died upon arrival at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

The incident took place last Wednesday around 6 a.m. when commuters usually make their way into Kingstown. However, a few persons were in the vicinity at the time of the

incident, and at least one of those recalled hearing a loud scream.

Others who had moved closer to where Layne lay on the ground, described her as being in a lot of pain.

The police said that there was no evidence to suggest that the death was as a result of attempted robbery. They, however, confirmed, that Layne received one stab wound to the neck, and that the investigation is continuing.

Layne’s death counted 21 murders for this year.

compose herself, and said that her brother was originally from Chateaubeliar, but resided in Ottley Hall.

According to the sister, she spoke to him the day before he was killed, and encouraged him to leave his troubled relationship, since he was getting into problems with another guy that his partner was alleged to have had a previous relationship.

Maxwell was a welder by profession, but had taken to fishing after his father gave him a boat, his sister said.

He is the father of two children.

According to a police report, officers attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to a call that there was a man lying on the beach in Rose Place, and that he appeared to be dead.

On arrival on the scene, the police met a man who was later identified as Nash, lying on the said beach with multiple stab wounds about his body.

V Commissioner of Police (Ag) confident in his officers 2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (Ag) Colin and women he has been put in charge of, the public and the main opposition party.

John is expressing confidence in the men despite some criticism from members of In a police press release dated

Commissioner August 20, John said that the police of Police (Ag) Colin John officers are doing their very best to detect crimes, prevent crimes, protect life and property, and to bring to justice those persons who are responsible for committing the crimes.

“To this end, I have deployed all of the resources that are readily available to us to combat crime,” said John.

“The public would have noticed a number of operations being conducted by the police throughout SVG. These operations will be sustained, so I am therefore asking the public for your cooperation, and at the same time, urge you to be law- abiding”, he further added.

John expressed thanks to members of the general public for the continuous provision of vital information that has assisted in solving some of these crimes. “I therefore call you once again to continue to assist us in this regard,” he said as he appealed to the public.

The issue of crime and violence has been a hot topic in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and while the government has boasted of progress in the police force and in the fight against crime, some members of the public, as well as, the main opposition party are not swayed. Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Godwin Friday, during a press conference earlier this month, said that he is concerned that there is a tendency by certain persons in authority here, to leave it up to the criminals to clean up the streets by wiping out one another; and criminal lawyer and NDP Senator Kay Bacchus- Baptiste argued that prosecution has failed to rely on the forensic evidence.

While members of the public have also been quite vocal about the ability of the police to conduct proper investigations, and with the two previous years accounting for a record number of killings, many persons are expressing comments contrary to those of the Acting Commissioner.

John is appealing to persons with information that can help to solve crimes, to call him personally, as well as his other commissioners, or any member of the police force with whom they feel comfortable to share the information. “Let us all play our part in keeping our beautiful country safe and secure. Remember, if you see something, say something,” the Commissioner (Ag) concluded. (KH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 3.

News 3 Police vigilance leads to murder charge

Anwar Jack has been charged with the murder of Ian Enoch.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

to him being charged with the murder of Spiritual ACTING DEPUTY Baptist Bishop Ian Enoch COMMISSIONER of Police who resided at Brighton, Frankie Joseph has lauded but was originally of the police patrol who took Trinidad and Tobago.

24-year-old Anwar Jack of Joseph told THE Georgetown into custody VINCENTIAN on last Friday night, which led Tuesday that because of

their vigilance and smart police work, the officers, having met Jack walking at Glen, questioned him and, based on his response, took him into custody.

Jack, a Security Guard, was subsequently interviewed, and charged on Monday with the murder of Enoch, 50, who was also a Travel Agency supervisor here.

He is the brother of Dale Enoch, well-known Trinidad and Tobago media personality, and a former president of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers.

The Bishop’s body was discovered in one of the huts at a tourist attraction area in Argyle, known as Carib Village, Saturday, August 18 shortly after the police received information Saturday morning, that he had gone missing.

Police reports are that, according to investigations, Enoch was chopped about his body with a cutlass

between 8 p.m.

August 17 and 10:40 a.m.

August 18.

Jack was not required to plea when he was taken before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. He was unrepresented.

The matter was adjourned to September 3 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

He was remanded.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner The body of Spiritual Baptist Bishop Ian Enoch was found (Ag) has in the vicinity of the Carib Village at Argyle on Saturday. expressed gratitude to the everybody’s business. He regard, to convey that public for their continued reiterated the call for information to the police. cooperation and support, persons who may have Investigations into and is reminding them information that may Enoch’s death are that crime fighting is assist the police in this ongoing.

Students on charges of abduction, robbery

by HAYDN HUGGINS TWO TEENAGED BOYS, charged with the abduction and robbery of four young ladies at Villa last Friday night were granted bail in the sum of $15,000 each, with one surety, when they appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Ozem Oliver and Dale Hooper, both 16-year-old students of Glen, have been jointly charged on four counts of stealing and carrying away Shaez Francis of Harmony Hall,

Joanna John of Queen’s Drive, Jade Adams of Redemption Sharpes and Alia Bullock of Welcome.

Oliver and Hooper are also charged on four counts of robbing the women at gunpoint, relieving them of their cash, cellular phones and other items, altogether valuing thousands of dollars.

The eight charges were laid indictably, and the boys were not required to enter a plea.

The other charges, which were laid summarily but arose

from the same incident, are driving a vehicle belonging to John without her consent, damaging the door and windscreen of the vehicle, assaulting Bullock causing her bodily harm, and assaulting John causing her bodily harm.

Hooper is charged separately with driving the vehicle without being the holder of a driver’s permit. and using the vehicle without insurance.

Prosecutor Curlene Samuel had no objections

to bail, but asked for suitable sureties and conditions.

Bail was granted on condition that the boys surrender their travel documents, report to the Calliaqua Police Station Mondays and Fridays, and not to have contact with the victims.

The prosecutor also suggested a curfew, but that request was not granted. All the matters were adjourned to September 3, and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

L-R: Dale Hooper and Ozem Oliver.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Suspense lingers in DougieÊs matter

SOME TWO years after Magistrates Bertie Pompey and Zoila Ellis Browne recused themselves from hearing 11 criminal charges involving Nice Radio’s proprietor Douglas ‘Dougie’ DeFreitas, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, the next Magistrate asked to do so, left lawyers and the defendant in suspense on Wednesday.

Burnett reserved his decision on the issue, indefinitely, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, following oral submissions from Kay BacchusBaptiste, representing DeFreitas, and Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, appearing for the Crown.

DeFreitas is charged on 11 counts of publishing false statements likely to cause fear or alarm or to disturb the public peace. The charges were laid in connection with statements he reportedly made on Nice Radio December 10, 2015, the morning after the results of the December 9, 2015 general elections were declared.

In a letter to Burnett, not yet Senior Magistrate, July 2017, Bacchus-Baptiste stated, “The fact that my client was slapped with 11 charges some seven months after the date the statements were allegedly made, and the charges paradoxically accused my client of likely to cause fear or alarm or to disturb the public peace, is being regarded as highly political by a very large section of the public. Indeed both Magistrate, Bertie Pompey and Zoila Ellis-Browne recused themselves from sitting on adjudication on these matters”.

The lawyer’s application was slated for hearing at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court September 18, 2017, but was adjourned.

At the hearing on Wednesday, Bacchus-Baptiste told the Court she had received a written response from the DPP’s Office.

In her oral submissions, she referred to statements then Assistant Commissioner of Police Colin John had made to the media in relation to the Benjamin Exeter case which he had prosecuted. She noted that John is now Commissioner of Police (Ag).

“The point here is not the question of bias justice, but the purity of justice, and whether it would be administered above all suspicion”, the lawyer stated. She pointed out that John never attempted to retract or give an explanation for those statements.

Bacchus-Baptiste also said an order was made for full disclosure, and the DPP refused to disclose the ballot boxes.

“It is a fact that the ballot boxes were not sealed and secured, according to law”, she argued.

Nelson insisted that the prosecution was vigorously resisting the application and was relying on legal principles.

“We set out the test for apparent bias. The test is whether the fair-minded and informed observer would see apparent bias, not the general public.

“I would agree that persons who are swayed by political persuasions, and only see things through political lenses, may see apparent bias in this case, but the fair-minded observer, they would not be swayed by a Senior Public Servant”, he argued.

In relation to the issue of disclosure, Nelson argued that the Crown is obliged to disclose material that will assist the defense or undermine the prosecution, and the ballot boxes are not disclosable.

Nelson contended that the Prosecution’s case relates to a condition between December 9 and 10, 2015, and it would not assist the Court and cannot assist the defense. He added that the issue in relation to the ballot boxes was raised in the High Court, and an order was made by that Court. He was referring to the election petition case.

But Bacchus-Baptiste rebutted that the High Court order had to do with the disclosure of ballots and counterfoils. She noted that “the judgement did not deal with sealed or unsealed ballot boxes; we were asking for inspection of certain ballots and counterfoils”.

Burnett has asked that he be provided with High Court judgement in the election petition case, pending his decision in the recusal matter.

Dougie’s lawyer upset Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

was issued for her client on Monday.

When the matter was KAY BACCHUS-BAPTISTE, called, the Kingstown lawyer representing Nice Magistrate’s Court heard Radio’s proprietor Douglas that Bacchus-Baptiste ‘Dougie’ DeFreitas, facing was out of state, and 11 charges of publishing DeFreitas, when called to false statements likely to take the stand, was not case fear or alarm or to present. disturb the public peace, is Senior Magistrate upset that a bench warrant Rickie Burnett indicated Douglas DeFreitas and lawyer Kay BacchusBaptiste. that Bacchus-Baptiste had sent a letter The lawyer admitted He expressed gratitude informing the Court that to Marks for informing that it slipped her that she was out of state, but him that a bench the matter was down for according to Burnett, Monday, and it was warrant was issued.

DeFreitas should have when she realized this, Marks told the Court been there when the that Defreitas responded she wrote a letter matter was called. informing the Court of immediately to his call.

Crown Counsel Karim The warrant was then her absence.

Nelson then made an “It is not every time a withdrawn, and application for a bench person don’t come to DeFreitas was free to warrant to be issued for Court you have to issue a leave the Court.

DeFreitas, and the bench warrant, and a But speaking with Magistrate granted his Magistrate has a THE VINCENTIAN on request. The matter was Wednesday, Bacchusdiscretion not to issue a then adjourned to bench warrant in the Baptiste said it was Wednesday. circumstances of a absolutely unnecessary However, attorney person who comes to for Nelson to apply for Lelia Williams Ronald Marks, who was Court; but the the warrant, and the assaulted by her son. sitting at the bar table, Magistrate did not Magistrate should have immediately left the exercise that discretion exercised his discretion Court, and made a phone in the circumstances. in this case”, Bacchuscall informing DeFreitas Baptiste said.

‘Dougie’ is always in that a bench warrant The charges against Court. Everybody knows was issued for him.

DeFreitas were laid in that he has been DeFreitas turned up in respectful to the Court in connection with Court minutes after. On this matter. If he statements he reportedly taking the stand, he (Nelson) didn’t know that made on Nice Radio, informed the Court that I am out of the state, call December 10, 2015, the his lawyer was out of morning after the and find out why I am state, and he was not December 9, 2015 not there. You will just aware that the matter general elections were get up and ask for a was listed for Monday. declared. bench warrant?”

A 52-year-old man, accused of assaulting his 78-year-old mother, will return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court October 2 for trial.

David Primus is charged with assaulting SENIOR MAGISTRATE Rickie to be taken. You all must think of Lelia Williams, causing Burnett, on Monday, chided a 16-year- these things”, he chided. her bodily harm during old secondary school drop out for her “Miss Ash, I want to ask you an incident, August 16, stupidity in attracting a criminal something, but whatever I say in this at the house where they record by stealing a cellular phone. court goes in the newspaper, goes on were both living at New Morrisa Ash had pleaded guilty to social media, and sometimes I end up stealing a Samsung cellular phone being the subject of the debate, but I Montrose. valued $800 from her friend Dwayne don’t care”, Burnett continued.

When Primus Robinson of Lower Questelles.

“You have a boyfriend?” he asked. appeared at the The young lady, who committed the “Yes, my Worship”, the woman Kingstown Magistrate’s offence August 19 at Robinson’s home replied.

Court on Monday he which she is said to have frequented, “Well, ask him to buy a phone for pleaded guilty, but told the Court she dropped out of you”, the Magistrate then advised. based on an explanation secondary school in Form 2, and has The facts presented in Court earlier he gave to the Court, since given birth to a baby girl now revealed that around 4:40 p.m. on the Senior Magistrate one year old. date in question, Robinson left home Rickie Burnett “Look what you have done; you have and went to a shop to purchase concluded that the attracted a criminal record for a something for his son, who was at matter should go to phone. Thirty or 40 years from now, home. trial. As a result, the you are going to look back and see how Robinson left his cellular phone in Magistrate entered a foolish you were”, Burnett told the the house charging. On his return, he not guilty plea for woman. discovered that it was missing. He was Primus, who was The Magistrate added that when unable to locate it and reported the unrepresented. the defendant’s child gets older, she matter to the police. Investigations led Primus was then may hear that her mother was to Ash. granted $1,500 bail arrested and charged for stealing a She was bonded for one year in the with one surety, and the cellular phone. sum of $1,000, or three months in “Your name is going in the matter was adjourned prison. newspaper, and your picture is going to October 2.

Man charged with assaulting mother

Magistrate chides teen for her stupidity

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 , 2018. 5.

Arts

13th KCCU National Dance Festival to commence September

A performer at the press conference.

THE 13TH KCCU National Dance Festival will commence at the Peace Memorial Hall on September 8th with the Traditional and Creative Folk-Dance category. The event will run for almost one month, and will begin 7:30 pm nightly, under the theme: “Let’s Dance.”

Besides the Traditional and Creative Folk-Dance category, dancers will be competing in the categories of Modern Dance, Social Dance and Popular Dance. The event is expected to climax with a Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony on October 6th.

Participants eligible to compete include: dance troupes in the schools, both primary and secondary, and community groups including churches and colleges.

The two main partners in the Festival, Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) and the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, held a press conference on Tuesday, August 14th to provide an update on the event.

Speaking at the press conference hosted at the Rueben John Development Center at the KCCU headquarters, President of the KCCU Board of Directors, Cynthia HopeBrowne told the gathering that this year KCCU is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and it is pleasing to know that although the dance festival is a bi-annual event, this year’s celebration falls within the year of the union’s 60th anniversary.

She said that the National Dance Festival is one of the biggest and most exciting cultural activities in SVG. “It showcases the dance talents among our people, be it our schools, churches, community groups or individuals,” said Hope- Browne.

The KCCU President said that one of the company’s strategic priorities includes meaningful community responsiveness. “Therefore we uphold our social responsibility through the support of our communities and nation building. We also support small groups and other worthwhile social causes,” she further added.

KCCU has been sponsoring the event since 1992, and has an annual

L-R: Cynthia Hope-Browne, President of the KCCU Board of Directors, and Cultural Officer, Anthony Theobalds. average expenditure in relation to sponsorship and donation in the sum of $300,000. Hope-Browne said that it is her hope that people will come and support the festival, and that the sponsorship will continue to see the benefits of contributing to the festival in the future, and foster and promote a lifelong interest and appreciation for dance. As part of KCCU’s commemorative activities to mark its 60th anniversary, the credit union has launched two new products known as ‘Diamond Wheels’ - a vehicle loan and ‘KCCU Protect’ - a loan for disaster preparedness.

Dance Development Officer at the Department of Culture, Maxine Browne made the case for dancing to be part of the school’s curriculum.

Browne, who is also a respected Dance Choreographer, boasted that most of the students who are dancers in her programme are outstanding educationally. She told the gathering that dance helps to enhance every subject area, and she is appealing to everyone to attend the event.

Cultural Officer, Anthony Theobalds, standing in for the Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, paid tribute to the dancers and those who work behind the scenes.

According to Theobalds, the performers in SVG need to do some work on the business side of things since they are being exploited. “It’s all good and well to be a dancer, but who is dealing with management?”

Theobalds asked.

Claydonna Peters, Dance Development Officer in the Department of Cultural, gave an overview of the festival. She also said that one of the main objectives is to identify dancers with skills for further assistance. The judging criteria were outlined by Juanita Phillips. (KH)

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

7th Annual Vincy Day USA a huge success the house down” with his everpopular “Funky Business.” He was preceded by Skinny Fabulous and his militant “General.”

Earlier, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Cecil “Ces” McKie told picnic-goers that now, more than ever, is the time to invest in St. Vincent and the Colin Gunsam barbecuing chicken.

Grenadines.

“Recognize these opportunities, mobilize yourself,” he urged. “We’re up in the USA to Soca artiste Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle joins the crowd during his performance at the event. see if we can get more flights “It’s very, very the cultural [from the Argyle delightful to see so melting pot.”

International many Vincentians Nearby, Oriel Airport] for you. coming together in Creese, formerly “We already one place,” said from Biabou, have indication Brooklyn-based soca said she was to have flights artiste Edson “Lively” stayed up late from American Past students of Marriaqua Secondary McDowald, formerly Saturday night, Airlines from of Lowmans preparing dishes School, L-R: Verdon Browne, Janet December Wyllie and Sharon Ashton.

Windward, renowned for her group, [2018],” he for his master hit Biabou gospel artiste Bridget added.

“With these “Drinking.”

Methodist School Blucher, 2018 Ragga flights from St. Vincent “I love it when we Alumni. and the Grenadines, you unite,” said “It’s a lot of hard work Soca and Road March King Fimba, and soca now have a personal McDowald, disclosing we put into it, which star Skinny Fabulous opportunity to invest in Biabou Methodist School Alumni. that his new soca pays off,” she said, listing were among a number of St. Vincent and the song, “Take a cow foot souse, callaloo story and photos by however, opened up after Grenadines.” artistes who convulsed Drinker,” is near soup, roast breadfruit NELSON A. KING the picnic concluded at With Vincy unity the party crowd, evoking completion. and saltfish, among the naking@verizon.net; 6:00 p.m., when some picnics now in the 1,000 calls for encore.

Colin Gunsam, 16, and menu. “This is where we kingnaking210@yahoo.com picnic-goers were already Is. area in Western “This is my first his mom, LaFleur see everyone we had not US CORRESPONDENT on their way home, [Vincy Day USA] picnic, Ontario, Canada, Nanton — both of seen in years.” though many were still Orlando, Florida and and I love it,” shouted Murray’s Village, Verdon Browne linked FOR THE SEVENTH mingling in the New York, Joel Blucher from the stage Kingstown, were up with her former SUCCESSIVE year, expansive park.

Providence, managing after belching out some vacationing in Brooklyn. school mates at the thousands of Vincentians There were food and director and chief of her captivating hits, “We come to the picnic Marriaqua Secondary from all walks of life on drinks galore, as picnicexecutive officer of such as “Rivers of School — Janet Wyllie Saturday descended on goers shared and feasted almost every year,” Coreas Hazells, Inc. in Babylon,” “God’s not Nanton said. “It’s nice and Sharon Ashton.

Heckscher State Park in on mouth-watering Dead” and “Come Ley We Kingstown, said it’s time “There is good East Islip, Long Island, a Vincentian dishes — such that we can come for one in St. Vincent Lift Up Jesus.” together as one people. interaction,” said New York City suburb, for as breadfruit and and the Grenadines.

“Ladies, if you don’t It’s a wonderful thing.”

Registered Nurse the annual Vincy Day USA saltfish, blackfish, “We should come have a rag, take out yo’ Former police officer Browne. “You meet old Picnic. callaloo soup, pelau, together at home,” he weave [and wave],” she friends. It’s a very Nationals, friends and souse and roasted corn — Ceyon Adams hung out told THE VINCENTIAN. urged, as the crowd with friends from Sion unified way to get supporters from across and washed them down “You’re feeling the roared and kept jumping.

Hill and Georgetown.

Vincentians together.” the United States and with local drinks — fellowship,” said “I am in awe,” said “The weather is nice, Wyllie said she Canada, and even from mauby, ginger and sorrel Providence about the Glenroy “Gobels” the breadfruit is here, attended the picnic from Phillips, a member of the Vincy Day USA Picnic, home, picnicked on the beers, and Ju-C. everything is good, and the inception. picturesque campgrounds attending it for the first They also, among organizing committee, everybody is happy,” said “Usually, you don’t see formerly from Sion Hill, in picture-perfect time. “You don’t have to other things, renewed the Chateaubelair native, people at other functions, Kingstown, reacting to buy anything; the weather. acquaintances, “ole sipping from a plastic but you see them here,” Thundershowers were talked” and partied Blucher’s performance in fellowship is wonderful. she said, noting that “There’s a business forecasted for the prea VINCENTIAN before the huge stage on glass.

Orton Guy, also a their alma mater is interview. “She can carry opportunity for the picnic hours and light the eastern end of the former police officer from celebrating its 50th private and public the program. I have showers for about midmammoth grounds, Georgetown, intoned: anniversary. never seen a person take sectors to promote picnic, but these did not where gospel, soca and “We want to keep this At the big stage, prea crowd like this.” tourism in a major way,” fully materialize. reggae artistes [picnic] going. This is like eminent Vincentian Later, Fimba “brought he concluded.

The Heavens, mesmerized the crowd.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 , 2018. 7.

News

Police offer best scholarships NEARLY ONE HUNDRED students will enter secondary schools without having to worry about the cost of books, transport, fees for subjects and any other expenses that crop up. The local constabulary is taking care of their children in such a way that their scholarships have been dubbed the “best” on offer here.

Commissioner of Police (Ag) Collin John made the acknowledgement last week Wednesday when the institution handed over this year’s awards.

He endorsed the validity of the awards, not because he is the top officer, but from his experience. His daughter was offered other awards, but opted for that of the Police, which he outlined “was and still is the best.”

John warned the recipients about their new environment, and advised them to remember their parental guidance, and the reason why they are at school.

He urged the recipients to “develop high self-esteem” and

Commissioner of Police (Ag) Collin John, with the recipients of the 2018 Police scholarships. avoid being influenced by anyone else.

The ceremony, staged at the Police Canteen upstairs the Central Market in capital Kingstown, was strengthened by the Police Cooperative Credit Union and Ex-Police Association.

This year’s event was held under the theme: ‘60 years of educating our Nation’s youth.’

The feature

DIGICEL gave Vincentians the experience of a lifetime at Spicemas IT WAS NOTHING short of an experience of a lifetime, according to lucky Digicel customers- Imran Nanton and Odion Hillocks. The duo were named winners of Digicel’s Carnival promotion dubbed “Bettafeta”, and were rewarded with a trip for two and a VVIP experience at Spice Mas in Grenada.

The five-day trip saw the winners departing St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, August 10th and returning on Wednesday, August 15th.

Imran Nanton and Odion Hillocks were the While in Grenada, the lucky lucky customers who benefitted from Vincentians were hosted at the Digicel’s “Bettafeta”promotion. luxurious Spice Island Resort continues to introduce relevant and and attended the most anticipated events on Grenada’s Carnival calendar rewarding products such as unlimited data nights and unlimited social. including: Soca Monarch, Extreme Winning the trip to Spice Mas only White Fete, Panorama, J’Ouvert, Monday Night Mas and Pretty Mas on cost me $1, when I activated an unlimited social bolt-on. It pays to be a Tuesday, among other activities.

Digicel customer.”

New Montrose resident Imran The two winners were accompanied Nanton, who was experiencing to Grenada by Digicel’s Marketing Grenada for the first time, thanked Executive Jamisha Wright, who Digicel, stating that the experience congratulated both winners for truly surpassed his expectations and maximising and making the best of the anything he could have imagined.

Nanton said, “I want to thank Digicel experience. Wright further encouraged the winners to continue supporting for fulfilling one of my many dreams, one I still cannot believe actually came and participating in Digicel’s true.” Nanton, who has been a Digicel promotions. She said, “There is much customer for more than ten years, said in store for Digicel customers throughout the rest of August and in it was his second time winning a the coming months, as Digicel is Digicel promotion, stating that the allowing both its prepaid and postpaid first time he won was back in 2016, customers to walk away with which saw him winning a Carnival thousands in cash and prizes”. She Monday T-shirt package from Digicel explained that hundreds of families Temperature. and households across SVG will this The young computer technician further explained that he continues to month benefit from free back to school find it more and more rewarding to be supplies, free phones, cash, Digicel products and more, valuing up to a Digicel customer. “I not only get great value for my money, but Digicel $20,000.

presentation came from Dr Ankie Scott, lecturer at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies. Scott is a recipient of a Police Scholarship, and holds a PhD in Economics from the UWI Cave Hill Campus.

She reminded the recipients that sacrifices had been made on their behalf, and challenged them to use their “intellectual strength.”

Students must apply skills they possess, and Scott pointed out the need to “evaluating the validity of information.”

Goals must be set and students should “develop a plan to accomplish them.”

Horace Williams addressed the students as President of the PCCU and also the Ex-Police Association. He thanked the Commissioner of Police for supporting the Ex-Police Association with staging fundraising activities in front of the Central Police Station in Kingstown, through which money was raised for their segment of the scholarship programme.

Two parents endorsed the event with testimony of the benefits to their offspring. Bernard Haynes, a retired Inspector, echoed the value of the Police Scholarship, and that his son “had no problems,” procuring his education.

His daughter received other offers this year, but Haynes preferred the Police package.

It was two scholarships in one as far as the books were concerned. Haynes used the text books supplied by his institution, to further his academic foundation, and obtained subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level.

Haynes urged the recipients to “study hard,” and reminded them that “there is no substitute for reading.”

Dr Christian Anderson encouraged students to “continue in that direction,” and “broaden your horizon.”

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial CHINA-TAIWAN rivalry and our Foreign Policy GLOBAL COMPETITION BETWEEN the People’s Republic of China (PRCmainland China) and its offshore offshoot, the Republic of China on Taiwan, dates back to the establishment of the PRC in 1949 after the Chinese Revolution and of the Taiwanese Republic on the island of Taiwan. That competition has never ceased, in spite of the easing of tensions over the years.

In recent years, however, with the growing acceptance of what was formerly dismissed as “Communist China” and its now major role on the global stage, the competition between the neighbouring Chinese states has intensified, and many countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean in particular, are becoming pawns in this power struggle.

Mainland China continues to insist that Taiwan is but a part of China, and that there is a “One China” policy to which all countries should adhere. Officially then, one should not have diplomatic relations with, or recognize Taiwan, if one recognizes the People’s Republic of China. The more the PRC gains economic, political and military clout, the greater is the pressure to isolate Taiwan.

This has resulted in a diplomatic tug-o-war as small, underdeveloped countries like ours are tempted by offers of aid and support, to side with one or the other of the Chinese rivals. It has brought about a switching of diplomatic relations, depending on which party is in office, or what are the greater temptations offered. More and more, the PRC’s might and political clout have given it the upper hand, to the extent that today there are only 17 countries which fully recognize the Taiwanese Republic.

Just this week, the Central American state of El Salvador became the latest to switch allegiance, recognizing “one China” PRC and abandoning Taiwan, which is becoming more and more isolated in the process. The thaw in the global Cold War, when the PRC was considered a “communist” pariah, has also helped to speed up the process of greater acceptance of what was once called “Red China”.

We in SVG are not untouched by this process. As long ago as 1981, our country established diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and that bond has remained unbroken since then, surviving changes of leadership and political party in power. Indeed, given the anti-communist rhetoric directed against current Prime

Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves when he was in opposition, it may well have been thought that his ULP administration would shift allegiance to the PRC when it took office in 2001.

That did not materialize, however, and, in fact, SVG-Taiwan links have grown stronger even as many other Caribbean political leaders, not considered as “leftist” or “radical” as Gonsalves, chose to take the PRC bait. SVG is today one of a tiny few in this hemisphere still adhering to Taiwanese links, a puzzling occurrence, given the political background of its leadership.

“Practical”, “realistic”, and “pragmatic” are some of the terms used to describe this policy.

Over the years, this has not caused major political differences between Government and Opposition here, but, increasingly, there have been indications that the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) seems to consider that Taiwan is supportive of the ULP leadership, and has been uneasy with its previous unequivocal support for Taiwan.

The matter has now become a major bone of contention, with the NDP coming out openly in favour of the “one China” policy, and hence a break with Taiwan in favour of diplomatic relations with the PRC. At the same time, the Gonsalves government has not only indicated its support for Taiwan, it has promised to strengthen those ties and open an Embassy in Taipei.

What are the implications of this major foreign policy difference for SVG? Are we to be sucked further into choosing sides, not just diplomatically, but aligning ourselves further? Is our country to become another Caribbean state where diplomatic preferences are determined by levels of aid? Or are we already there, as some opponents of the current administration allege?

There is no doubt that our country has benefitted greatly from its association with Taiwan and, it may well be, that a switch in allegiance can bring further benefits. However, we have to be careful not to be drawn into a web that serves interests other than our own. We talk a lot about having an independent foreign policy, but questions have been asked and continue to be asked.

While no doubt the exercise of foreign policy is the prerogative of our Government, we need to have much more public input and discussion on matters which affect us all.

The King is dead, long live his spirit “KING ARTHUR” WILLIAMS AKA ‘Bittles’, has uncharacteristically given up the ghost without fuss, with no defiance except that he wanted to leave the hospital and taken to his Queen’s Drive home where he peacefully breathed his last breath on Tuesday 7th August, having closed his innings on the eve of his 85th birthday.

I had been invited by his widow, Mavis, to say my piece at Arthur’s State Funeral, but I accept our political reality and had no appetite to invade ULP’s jealously guarded territory which is normally reserved for all sorts of salutation of their dead. My account simply tries to capture the essentiality of the man, Arthur, who basically was a loving, and generous soul, helpful and hardworking and, for the most part, straightforward and honest.

I knew him from early teenage through to his final demise. His mother had been a trafficker who perished when the boat which travelled regularly capsized in the notorious Bequia Channel, taking other lives that included Burns Bonadie’s father and the mother of Ann Daniel, a famous teacher from Chauncey who was to become a head priestess in the Caribbean Methodist Circuit. She was also involved in the famous teachers’ Disturbance in which “King Arthur” “starred”!

As the PM remarked, Arthur with his close village comrades Ashford Lewis and Cardon Ross, became attached to the game of cricket which seemed not to like him.

Arthur and Ashford attended the Grammar School, and after passing their Senior Cambridge exam, they worked side by side at the General Post Office, a fact to which Senior Counsel, Rene Baptiste alluded in her brilliant address. I was then a sixth-former, but followed them on a holiday job at 36 cents per hour, under Postmaster Mr. Percival Crichton.

There followed a period lasting about a decade when our lives parted company.

In the interim, Arthur lived a robust life, persisted with his cricket with difficulty, and to my dismay married Shirley Daisley who my mother somehow thought would make her a fine daughter-in-law!

Unfortunately, Shirley suddenly passed on, leaving Arthur with his first son, Dylan who is living in the USA where he married a daughter of my great friends and clients Garvin and Veronica Llewellyn.

I was fated yet again to tie in my life with Arthur’s. While studying at Manchester University for the Ph.D, I joined Barbadian Richard Cheltenham in enlisting in an Inn of Court to pursue the Bar Law Final in London. To be a member of the Inn, one’s application had to be supported by two members of the Inn. We came down from Manchester and I delivered myself straight in the arms of the SVLP by having Arthur and the bowler-

hatted Grafton Isaacs do the honours as witnesses to my application. Later, I stayed in London sharing a flat with Arthur for several months. We got on like the proverbial house on fire. Nobody could have dreamt then that in a matter of a few years we would be battling fiercely during the Teachers’ Strike, the two respectively as Minister of Home Affair and Attorney-General, and I as Defence Counsel of the SVUT for whom I had been contracted as solicitor.

To complete the story, Mavis Hadaway, who strategically lived nearby in order to keep a watchful eye on Arthur’s movement, apart from doing Sunday dishes for us, finally married Arthur. Not before she served as Arthur’s one-man fan club cheering his unorthodox stroke-play and illegitimate bowling action in his beloved cricket.

Yes, Vincent Beache was first captain of the North Star Vincentian Cricket team, followed by Mickey Brisbane and Vanny Alexander. Other players included Lester Huggins, Carlyle Dougan, Lad Winsborrow and Philton Ambris who returned home as a lawyer and was murdered in Arthur’s Chambers.

Regular visitors included Errol Allen, Sam Jack and Trevor Peters.

Naturally, Arthur prospered by and suffered the vicissitudes of his day of robust, sometimes nasty party politics. For me, his real sin was political, when he turned his back and let his party maul Yvonne Francis who built him up politically. Strangely she died in a matter of weeks before him. Others have treated that here. But I want to stress Arthur’s love of the ordinary man with whom he elected to spend his leisure hours chatting, playing card games, drinking and eating.

His family was royally entertained by him, directing the tenderest care to his aged mother-in-law, unto death. And letting his wife know in many subtle ways, how much she meant to him. Arthur was a true case of uncut diamond that contrasted with the polished brass so evident in our society.

They say that to know someone, you must live with him. England was a good example of “Life in London”! When things were brown with me, he offered me a place in his chambers. His thinking of his friends has passed down the line. When I showed obvious signs of aliments, his son, Richard, volunteered to help me in drafting and other case preparations.

My thoughts go out to Mavis, his children and the raw bones of the Vincy people who have always been cared for by Arthur. Au Revoir till we see again!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 9.

Letters

A Minister of Finance not qualified at finance, breeds crimes CRIME REFLECTS the nation’s economic status and mental stability and lack of behavioral norms. Most high crime areas are low income areas. Theories on causes of crime have gone from demonism, to physical abnormalities, to social conditions, to social and biosocial causation.

Although most crimes are opportunistic, either by happenstance or by creation, a common drive among offenders is usually an inadequate educational background, often brought on by lack of attention to populations which tend to be poor minorities.

Due to the lack of a proper educational background for some parents, they are unable to properly bond with their child in that regard. The schools and communities often leave children without goals, direction or role models.

Additionally, the ongoing hostility between minorities and the criminal justice system, sometimes leading to harsh, lengthy prison sentences is not the answer. Such a process results in overcrowded prisons and stretched budgets.

Poverty drives people to unscrupulous means to make ends meet, although other factors perpetuate crime including: hatred, vengeance, fanaticism, greed, unemployment, substance abuse or delinquent peers; all maximized in povertystricken communities.

Happiness and money are positively linked, as are destitution and crime. In my opinion, most of the crimes committed in SVG are driven by frustration and poverty added with a barbaric custom instilled in the mindset of the people.

The first step to resolve this nation’s crime is to appoint a qualified Minister of Finance to manage the nation’s money, as our current minister has shown that he cannot.

British War Veteran Independent Politician Kadmiel McFee

The dangers of some success HIDDEN DANGERS lurk within success which can change our values and behaviour for the worse.

For example, in the book of Isaiah, he attempted to alert the wealthy to the unfortunate results of their fortunes. They were accumulating houses and lands but losing their personal integrity – the same thing we see happening here in SVG. Isaiah wrote this book around 740 BC, but its truth is applicable to SVG today. (Isaiah 5:8-10) Look around us; see how many apartments are being built. We just want to accumulate

God’s people, and the poor oppress each other.

We must stop! God is not pleased!

Some of these behavior patterns sneak up on us as it can become very easy not to recognize them when we become so engrossed in our work and in enjoying the product of our success. Enjoyment in itself is not bad, but when we allow our values to suffer and our children to become spoiled and disrespectful, then problems will arise.

We thus experience a breakdown in leadership in churches, parliament,

Crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines MR. EDITOR, you know that I lived through the worst crime wave in New York City… the 1980s and 1990s. I am also living through what would have been a decade or so of drastic decreases in violent crime in New York City, which has a population of 8.5 million.

I knew what I was going to meet when I migrated, but I was prepared to risk that for a better life. I knew I was leaving a generally peaceful, crime-free (violent crime) SVG. I knew all that, but never before this year did it cross my mind that I did the right thing.

You see, Mr. Editor, it crossed my mind when I read the online papers and got all the news via WhatsApp and so forth, about the upsurge in

the police force, home etc.

We enjoy being at war with others. For example, if either of us supports ‘red’ or ‘yellow’, neither of us can stand each other. We allow such coloring to discolour the love that we should have for our fellowmen.

So, how can our homes be better? They must be bitter. We need to change!

Some become wealthy but lonely. For some of us, our homes are so big that often we are unaware of unwanted ‘tenants’. We also swap self-discipline for selfindulgence, which leads to failure. We prosper materially but risk much danger with such empty success. We need to stop and evaluate where our blessings come from, and where they are leading us lest they destroy us.

Let us stay within the boundaries of integrity.

We will win!

murder in SVG. We had 41 murders I think in 2017, and we already have 18 as I write this in August. And the frightening thing is that most of them are gun-related.

SVG is too small for people to tell me that we don’t know the cause of this upsurge in murders. Look at who is doing the shooting.

The mayor of New York turned around the situation in NY. Why can’t we do the same among a population of 110,000?

And to think that some persons with authority claim to know who the criminals are! So what are we waiting Bishop Ezekiel Creese on? Criminals afraid of criminals or what?

Garnet, NY

those whom we herald as heroes for having led us to independence from Britain.

But the thing I appreciate most about Garvey is that he was not afraid to encourage black people to be capitalists.

It was Garvey who preached to his people that only fools Garvey was all about Black would oppose capitalism Power long before the “because it has proven itself to Americans adopted it, be the most productive socioglamourized it, and we economic system in the world”. swallowed it hook, line and He believed that if black sinker, never realizing that it people were to be successful, was one of our own, a the quickest and most effective Caribbean man, who had set way to financial independence the tone for a movement to was to practise capitalism. raise black consciousness and And true to his own pride in being black. Black was beautiful to Garvey long before enterprising spirit, Garvey it was to those American Black repeated often in his speeches that black people should not Power advocates like Stokely Carmichael, Huey Newton and wait in the unemployment line or sit idly by on the state to Bobby Seale. give them jobs, when No wonder, our own Vibrating Scakes refers to him possibilities existed for him to start his own small business. in his independence song; Garvey himself set the Garvey set us thinking about example for black people being being independent long before

Remembering Marcus Garvey FRIDAY 17th August passed right in front of us, and we didn’t take a minute to stop to reflect on its significance. Not a sound from our local, ‘black’ historians and not much from the Rastafarians either.

Friday 17th August marked the birthday of Marcus Mosiah Garvey. He was born in St. Ann, Jamaica on that day in 1887.

A far as I am concerned, Marcus Garvey was the first true leader of black people, the descendants of African slaves, living both in the USA and the Caribbean. The extent of his influence has been recognized

by Jamaica who has declared him their first National Hero.

wealth (and some of you, even the poor, are not in your right minds).

Perchance, our Pitbull is more valuable to us than a human soul. We resort to unethical practices to increase gains; we quit caring about the poor.

With our mouths, we talk about them but not to them or their needs.

We accumulate material things far beyond our needs. We are so gluttonous it’s not funny.

We worship our own accomplishments and forget who give them to us and that the purpose of these gifts is to help others. The rich abuse

enterprising and attaining economic independence, when you understand that he owned a chain of restaurants, grocery stories, laundromats, a hotel, a printing press, among others.

Pity he had to wage war not only against the White Establishment but a cartel of Black Men who felt threatened by his influence.

Yes, long before today’s politicians and bright boys of the Caribbean adopted it as their clarion call, Garvey was talking and leading the way as an entrepreneur.

Those who profess to understand our history, must not wait on the Rastafarians to highlight the influence and richness of the work of Marcus Garvey. We must make sure that he occupies his rightful place in the history of the Caribbean.

Paul R. Home on vacation

Womanabout-town would like to know *If there’s such a post as Acting Governor General? *What is the difference between Acting Governor General and Governor General’s Deputy? *What is the criteria used for one to become Acting Governor General or Governor General’s Deputy? *Has the Rev’d Victor Job retired from the post of Governor General’s Deputy? *Is our present Governor General going to retire or resign? I would hope not. What a perfect gentleman!

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The Education Revolution confounds the NDP

Introduction IT IS AN ACCEPTED fact that the Education Revolution, the flagship programme of the ULP administration, has touched the lives of every single Vincentian, every single household, and every single family, from Fancy to Union Island. Since 2005, when the ULP delivered universal access to secondary education, this national policy has been like a clarion call for all young Vincentians, calling them to get an education, calling them to gather intelligence, calling them to begin to participate more fully in the socioeconomic development process of the country.

The ULP government has, without doubt, transformed the delivery of education in terms of access, spread and quality, through an education revolution for living and production. It has altered immeasurably, the lives of children, young persons, adults, whole families and the whole nation, for the better. Never in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has any government emphasized the education of its people, as the ULP has done since 2001.

In the face of the spectacular success of the education revolution, it is no wonder the NDP is confounded.

This can be seen by the responses of two of their senior persons, the political leader Godwin Friday, and the former leader and now elder statesman, Arnhim Eustace.

parents are providing, to make sure that our students improve at CSEC and CAPE. Godwin Friday needs to tender an apology to the students and teachers who are working so hard to ensure that learning takes place in our schools. We would also recommend that he visits the Bequia Community High School, in his constituency, and congratulate the teachers on some outstanding work.

Arnhim Eustace

Not to be outdone, Arnhim Eustace has also joined the fray, by insulting the education revolution and the hard work of the students, the teachers and the parents. On a recent programme on Nice (Lies) Radio, Arnhim Eustace said “so they have not lived up to anything meaningful, in terms of that, but they talking about the education government. Education my eye”.

Education my eye. That’s how Arnhim Eustace refers to the education revolution and the work the ULP has been doing for our young people. But this is no surprise. A few years ago, in a fit of jealousy and badmindedness, Arnhim Eustace told the country’s students that their associate degrees were not worth the paper they were printed on. It is no wonder that Friday’s Confusion the young people of this country have Last month, Godwin Friday made a indicated their preference for the ULP, returning the party to office for confusing statement at a media four successive terms. conference called by his party which The NDP is bent on bad talking most people wonder if he lives in St. most, if not all, good things that the Vincent and the Grenadines. Friday ULP administration has championed said “Contrary to the government’s in this country. And now the boast about the performance of our successes of the education revolution education system, the picture of have confounded the opposition. failure looms large…. But the stark Never in their wildest dreams did reality is that in some schools, very they expect the ULP to fashion such a little education is taking place.” programme. Never in their wildest Where does Godwin Friday live? dreams did they imagine that the Where are his research skills, and young people would gobble the where is his research officer who is opportunities provided under the being paid by the tax payers of the education revolution, to further their country? Friday clearly must be talking about the education system of careers, and build an exciting future for themselves, their families and the some other country, not St. Vincent country. and the Grenadines. For example, in Friday’s own constituency of the Conclusion Northern Grenadines, the Bequia Community High School gained a The ULP has ensured that there is 51.26 percent pass rate in 2017, at quality teaching and quality CSEC. This clearly was not good leadership in the schools, so that our enough. students will prosper. All this is But in 2018, the Bequia further backed up by a “one- lap-topCommunity High School turned its per-child” initiative which has fortunes around and recorded a pass enhanced the information technology rate of 76.47 percent, an increase of skills of our students. Then there is 25.21 percent. So, there must have the economically disadvantaged been some learning in that institution, which resulted in the pass student loan programme, which provides support for children with rate climbing to seventy-six percent. talent, but who cannot get one of the Presumably Friday does not know many scholarships and bursaries on about this performance from a offer by the government. secondary school in his neck of the Expect Godwin Friday, Arnhim woods. But he and the NDP are so Eustace and the rest of the NDP to consumed with hatred for the continue bad talk the education Education Revolution, that facts and truth do not matter. They will say and revolution. They have never presented any suggestions to drive the education do everything to put down our sector forward, and so they will be left students, our teachers and the behind. support that our hard-working

Crime spiraling out of control under the ULP? THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY regime, which committed itself to waging a war on crime and the causes crime, has offered no discernible nor acceptable response to what appears to be a veritable crime spree amid growing disrespect for human life. The government responses have taken the form of a seemingly garrulous presentation on the sociology of crime

by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and what may have been a street-level analysis from Senator Julian Francis, who essentially told law abiding citizens that they were safe, once they walked on their side of the road and let the criminals shoot and kill on the other side of the road.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) calls on the government, particularly the Minister of National Security, to be proactive and bring the nation together to address crime and crimerelated issues in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The once much-vaunted ‘Contract with Civil Society’ spoke so much about collective action in the public interest, only to be cast aside left gathering dust while the leadership engages in the usual bravado of how well the nation is doing; a truly blinkered perspective if ever there was one.

Having recognized the negative effects of crime in our country, President of the NDP, Dr Friday, outlined a number of measures to tackle crime at the forum organized by the Christian Council earlier this year. He said: The detrimental effects of crime and violence in a country are well-documented. A high crime rate, especially violent crime scares away investors and hampers economic development. It drives citizens away from our shores to seek safer harbor in other countries. These persons tend to be well-educated and so more mobile. This too has a negative impact on national development.

Further, as a country dependent on tourism, we are particularly vulnerable to the problem of violent crime. As word spreads now at internet speed about an upsurge of crime in the area, visitors tend to plan to vacation elsewhere. This is particularly damaging to our yachting sector, where word of crime against fellow yachters can spell real problems for businesses who provide services to that market. As word of another yacht robbery and injury or death to the occupants spread through the network, other boats sail past us.

The most obvious effect of crime and violence is of course social: the pain and suffering caused to victims and loved ones; the health care cost in treating victims; the loss of family income as affected persons are unable to work. These are some of the effects that are all too familiar to us. It is an awareness of them that leads us to action, and that I hope will create greater urgency in addressing the problem.

I am aware that crime and the causes of crime are complex and multifaceted problems. First and foremost, people expect their government to provide security and to create an environment that fosters opportunity for growth and development. But, I acknowledge that everyone has a role to play in combating crime and violence in our society. Not merely by securing our homes and staying put, behind reinforced doors for security, but by understanding the root of the problem and addressing the causes of crime.

The experts will tell us more about that.

One thing that I can say for certain, is that it has long been established that there is not merely a correlation, but a causal connection between economic hardship and an increase in crime. This is as true here in SVG as it is elsewhere. So, it seems clear that one means of addressing the problem is by promoting economic growth and opportunity in the country.

Joblessness and poverty are well known to be contributing factors to high crime rates. We must do more to create opportunities for our young people to find decent paying jobs to lift themselves out of poverty; to be given a chance at financial stability and economic independence. We must also ensure that our youth are provided with alternative paths to foster positive behavior. Such as youth clubs, afterschool programmes and sporting activities. This requires providing adequate facilities. We, as Opposition, have spoken of this approach over the years in urging the implementation of a spiritual and social Redemption Charter.

Furthermore, I believe that critical to reducing crime and violence in our country is the presence of equity in our justice system. Persons must have confidence in the Criminal Justice system, so that they refrain from taking matters into their own hands.

Our police and security officers must also be properly equipped to handle and to respond swiftly to reported instances of crime before they escalate.

Community policing must be implemented, as this promotes trust between the police and the people, and aids the detection and prevention of crime. Indeed, the problem of crime and violence in our country requires a holistic approach and response, with all stakeholders ready and willing to play their part.

Most importantly, an event hosted by the Christian Council is a great place to remind us all that in seeking answers, we must look to our creator.

As a God-fearing people, we must ensure that the message of Hope, Peace and Love permeates our Vincentian Society. We must return to being our brother’s keeper. We must fight hatred with love, choose a better path and look for peaceful solutions to conflict. This is a good place to start in building a culture of peace in our communities and in our nation. In the Bible, it is written (Matthew chapter 5 and verse 9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” As leaders, political leaders, religious leaders, civil society leaders; we also have a duty to promote peaceful discourse and to be good examples for fellow citizens to follow.

We must also always have the courage to stand against actions and words that tend to lead to violence and that may seek to justify criminal behavior, based on one’s political allegiance.

Wrong must be seen as wrong and called out as such without equivocation that masquerades misguidedly as being “the balanced approach”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 11.

Views

Start-ups: Swimming against the tide

“When start-ups succeed, they do so against all odds. In the beginning, you have nothing except for your own talents and resources. By definition, everyone else is bigger, further along, and more established than you. To win, you have to swim upstream early on - and that requires hard work and long hours.

There are no shortcuts.” – Clara Shih – American businesswoman; CEO and cofounder of Hearsay Social.

MOST GOVERNMENTS ARE challenged by the mammoth task of finding employment for their citizens. This situation is magnified, as more young persons have access to higher education and understandably develop higher expectations as they seek to enter the world of work. While this appears to be a universal challenge, it is especially critical for emerging economies like those in the Caribbean region.

The administrators and faculty at many of our regional tertiary level institutions now regularly encourage students to focus on establishing their own businesses, as opposed to focusing on gaining employment with their respective governments or in the private sector. Unfortunately, many of our youth have been socialised to avoid taking calculated risk. In addition, many are unsure of the return on investments that will be generated by their “new ventures”.

This is further complicated by the fact that the commercial banks and credit unions appear to be quite hesitant (to put it mildly) to support business ventures where the owners/operators do not have a track record. However, we are encouraged by those young persons who venture out to pursue their dreams by establishing businesses in a variety of fields.

Driven by their passion for IT, many now pursue their passion in this area to develop products and/or services that generate revenues. Those who have an affinity to use their hands, have gone on to establish businesses in the automotive industry, carpentry, masonry, and so on. They have developed skills in swimming against the tides of doubt generated by those who predicted (or wished) their failure. They started small and built their customer base by providing quality products and services. They made the necessary incremental steps and consolidated their business. They avoided the temptation to spend the cash that their business generated from early sales and, instead, disciplined themselves to retain their earning and reinvest significant sums of their incomes to enhance their respective operations.

The entrepreneurs described in the preceding paragraph can be found in every Caribbean nation. In their humility, they have often sought the advice of the successful business persons in their community. Others have made tireless searches through the Internet (including YouTube and TED.com) to discover and to study successful business persons in related fields. Some have visited institutions that were specially created to encourage such business activities.

The Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is one such facility. The management and staff at this enterprise readily provide guidance to such business pioneers.

In addition, they have developed useful and informative brochures that contain a wealth of useful information to guide the would-be entrepreneur and/or new business person.

For Dr. John with profound appreciation!!

by DR. RICHARD A. BYRON-COX

It is so very important that our young business persons (and the old ones too) develop the winning attitudes that are considered so very important in coping with the challenges and frustrations that most business start-ups face. Business ventures are not for the faint-hearted.

Persons who desire to start their own businesses must develop a special kind of determination that allows them to retain their focus, even as they face very daunting and discouraging setbacks. They must learn to swim against the tide of discouragement and despair. They must learn to retain their focus even when those around them appear to have lost hope. That mental fortitude is often the key factor in determining whether they will succeed in the business venture.

However, objectivity and common sense must also prevail. They must be prepared to listen to the wise instructions that will come from those who would have ventured out before them. This is important if they are to avoid repeating mistakes of their coaches and mentors. Humility and emotional detachment become critical traits as they venture forth to secure a strong customer or client base.

Their energy and passion must be buttressed by objectivity and the realisation that they do not know everything about everything. Such an approach is critical if they are to avoid the pitfalls during the start-up stage of their business initiative.

Professor Sam Bradley, in commenting about the mental capacity of the young adult, asserts that they have the cognitive capacity to calculate and reason, as well as those who are much older than they are. However, he notes that what these youngsters lack is experience.

This reality stresses the need for older, more experienced, business persons to dedicate the time to share useful insights with the next generation of business persons. In addition, it alerts the young entrepreneur of the fact that forging relationships with the more experienced business person can aid in the transfer of extremely valuable experiences and skills. Such skills and attitudes that will assist them in swimming against the tide of selfdoubt and discouragement.

Based on the foregoing, we encourage commercial banks and credit unions to consider establishing units within their establishments that will facilitate and encourage the young entrepreneur. Access to low interest start-up funds could prove to be mutually beneficial (to the financial institution as well as the young entrepreneur). This proposal should not be interpreted to mean that this is done in the absence of proper due diligence and financial analysis. It may require greater “hand-holding” and a more thorough and regular examination of their projects. However, it is not beyond our financial institutions to create and sustain a culture that will aid these young entrepreneurs to swim against the tide.

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

MY ADMIRATION FOR DR. Kenneth John hasn’t wavered in more than four decades. I am one whom he drew swords against (which is clearly his favourite jeu d’esprit) that never retaliated. Au contraire, I celebrated him publicly for superlative contribution as a columnist, via his marathon, classic, wine-like-matured vintage, “This Week.”

In that appreciation of his majestic writing, (which in beauty, style, controversy and relevance shall remain iconic in SVG’s history for all times), I said little about his universal contribution to our Vincentian consciousness, without which nationhood cannot be built. I now take a hurried-skeletal panoramic view of this human-historical signpost of important intellectual, social and political moments on our march from adult suffrage to this; the era of Gonsalves’ supremacy. Further, I make two confessions as to why our “first” real public intellectual is admired, respected and honoured by me, knowing his imperfections and the accusations of him being the personification of shameless political bias, so jaundiced that he hopes for an outbreak of political yellow fever that will return the NDP to power.

Until the advent of talk radio, to get “noticed,” politics must be your profession. My present subject, having gained tertiary certification, tiptoed into the ranks. He became the farmer who sowed the seeds that sprung, The Kingstown Study Group. He then engineered the Educational Forum of the People, and stopped camouflaging with the creation of the Democratic Freedom Movement (DFM). These organizations’ chief goal was, our people discovering a sense of “somebodyness,” essential to any people seeking independence and selfmastery. Truth be therefore told, Dr. John was our first politician who placed education at the centre of developing not just of a political movement; but of a truly democratic political system and polity. The great Joshua used the labour movement, while others used the thirst of an illiterate mass for low bawdry to become master traitors of our nation, “selling we out every chance they get”, to quote De Man Age. Dr. John was one of three visionaries who saw the importance of harnessing the creative energies of our youth, and so the National Youth Council was born! Jerry Scott and the incomparable Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders were Presidents.

Yours truly was once 1st VP. Another first was Dr. John’s Headship of the UWI Extramural Centre, known today as the School of Continuing Studies.

Dr. John is no working-class revolutionary, as maintenance of social class heavily tinged with a petty bourgeois ethos is in his nature.

Even so, his anticolonial credentials are confirmed by his practice. The DFM was a political vehicle committed to dismantling British yoke; and he played a key role in the defence of Junior “Spirit” Cottle after Attorney General Rawle was killed. In both instances, he took on

imperialism even if he (we) weren’t cognisant. Then came the teachers’ strike! Dr. John took on the Labour government and its colonial overlords on behalf of the strikers! His nephew (who once published during a spat between them, that Uncle Kenneth was who took his hand leading him down the path of anti-colonialism), was one of the “ring leaders.” But Mike Browne is not the only one Dr. John influenced in this way. From our present PM to QC P.R, Campbell owe a debt of gratitude to him, regardless of present differences. Indeed, P.R. gave up his pursuit of a PhD and returned home to join the United People Movement on the urgings of Dr. John, who wanted him to be a leader. Ralph had other plans!!

The Chairmanship of the Public and Police Services Commissions is a sweet and sour period for Dr. John.

He was subjected to periodic public bashings from persons who felt that he was instrumental in preventing their promotion or getting a training opportunity. I have deadly allergies to gossip, but many are those who cognisant of my respect for him-, have, uninvited, filled my ear with stories of injustices suffered, thanks to what they termed his political and class bias; and family connections.

Fact is, I too applied for a PhD scholarship and was called to an interview with a panel chaired by Dr. John. Having inter alia, a university career littered with distinctions, a Masters, several foreign languages and impeccable recommendations were not enough. But I stuck with (St.) John, Chapter 8: verse 7.

And now for the revelations not from, but to John! I first heard Dr. John speak as a boy of eight. While he spoke, I loitered on the fringes of a conversation between grown men including my cousin Eddie Griffith. I asked, “So he is a child doctor, an eye doctor...? (Paediatrician and the like were beyond my vocabulary). “No, he has a PhD in history. A doctorate degree,” assured Eddie, in a tone of reverence. A light went on in my head! From that moment, becoming Dr. Richard Byron-Cox became my mission. 22 years later, the Russian Academy of Sciences adorned me!

Secondly, our friendship is no accident. This I planned in childhood and orchestrated in later years, as I needed some guidance on how an impecunious boy could get a PhD. I went to see him when 15. After 30 minutes chatting, I left with him having an expression of bemusement, confusion, irritation and disbelief. But I had had my one-on-one with Dr. Kenneth John!! I was on my way. A score years later, PhD completed, I regularly requested his assistance with historical facts, and finally showed up at his office declaring, “I need your advice. As payment, I offer lunch. “Accepted!” My plan was fully implemented.

I salute Dr. John: patriot, teacher, anti-colonialist, mentor… Thank you for being the inspiration that allows me to inter alia lecture at Oxford, sit at decision-making tables around the world; and be a servant to all humanity. Yes, you have done some good to me!

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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New Zealand bans foreigners from buying homes

market.”

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, strongly congratulates the New Zealand government in taking this very important and historic decision to ban the sale of land to foreigners.

In SVG’s struggle for independence, thousands of Vincentians gave their NEW ZEALAND has banned foreigners land. This is outrageous and must be own country. lives fighting for our basic rights and from buying homes as it tries to tackle stopped.

“We’re here today to take another freedoms. We should not pay back our runaway housing prices. Previously, the Statistics indicate about 3 percent of step toward restoring the great New national hero, Chatoyer, by selling our housing market was open to investors New Zealand homes are being sold to Zealand dream of home ownership,” lands to foreigners and giving the worldwide, but the New Zealand foreigners, but the amount rises to 5 said David Parker, the associate country away to modern-day government on Wednesday 15th August percent in the scenic Queenstown finance minister. He said it was the colonialists. We must ban the sale of 2018, passed legislation that allows only region and 22 percent in central birthright of New Zealanders to buy land to foreigners immediately.

New Zealand residents to buy homes.

Auckland. The New Zealand homes at a fair price.

Let the foreign migrants in SVG Green Party believes that SVG government says there is no doubt It is the birthright too of Mustique get a strong message: their must ban the sale of lands to that foreigners are driving up prices, Vincentians to be able to buy land in illegal occupation of Mustique by the foreigners too, as is the case also in and the only question that remains is their own country. However, we have outrageous and highly corrupt Georgia, Cuba, Thailand, Singapore, by how much. lost too much land to rich foreigners, Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 is wrong.

Sri Lanka and many other countries.

Foreigners in SVG are pushing up and these rich foreigners are stealing Our young people must inherit and In recent years, there have been the price of land in SVG too. Many the birthright of Vincentians. own our country. A Green government many anecdotal stories of wealthy Vincentians expressed their deep “This government believes that New would take back the land sold to foreigners from Silicon Valley and concern about the selling of hundreds Zealanders should not be outbid by foreigners, and distribute it to the beyond, buying ranches in picturesque of acres of land in Peter’s Hope, wealthier foreign buyers,” Mr Parker people of SVG. We do not support rural New Zealand as a “bolt hole” or Central Leeward, to foreigners. They said. “Whether it’s a beautiful lakeside economic citizenship either. escape option from a turbulent world. say that this will make it harder for or oceanfront estate, or a modest In the past couple of decades, their children and grandchildren to suburban house, this law ensures that SVG Green Party thousands of acres of land in SVG buy land in SVG, and that Vincentian the market for our homes is set in www.svggreenparty.org have been sold to foreigners. SVG has children are being pushed out of their New Zealand, not on the international https://twitter.com/svggreenparty been besieged by foreigners taking our

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 , 2018. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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Sariah is clear about what she wants

Sariah Jackson of the Girls’ High School, has her heart set on a Computer Science career.

by GLORIAH…

IN TRYING TO REACH Sariah Jackson, THE VINCENTIAN had to visit Sigma Medical Laboratory Inc. at Bentick Square. The quiet and confident young lady was quite professional with the way she received and conducted herself with the media.

Sariah who hails from Green Hill, was the top performer of the Girls’ High School in the 2018 May/June CSEC Examination. She, along with her colleagues, contributed to the success of her school which achieved the top pass rate of 97.42% With a total tally of fourteen subjects at Grade I, one at Grade II and one at Grade III; the following are Sariah’s results: Grade Is — English A, English B, Theatre Arts, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Information Technology, Economics, Principles of Business, Office Administration and Spanish; Grade II — Music; and Grade III — Additional Mathematics.

When questioned about the range of subjects taken, Sariah was adamant that there was thought put into it. “It really wasn’t not that difficult to do such a variety of subjects,” she stated “I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career so I tried to do as much as I could.

That way, I could know what I liked and what I didn’t.” She

admitted that the difficulty lay where there was not much free time due to classes four days of the week and on Saturdays.

She also acknowledged that a balance had to be struck between school, Ranger Guides and steel band practice. As far as Sariah was concerned, however, all the balancing prepared her well; teaching her time management, prioritizing and how not to procrastinate.

Having been a consistent performer since her entry into the Girls’ High School, in her final year, Sariah placed 4th for term’s work, 5th for exam and 6th overall. She told THE VINCENTIAN that at the graduation ceremony, she really wanted to win the award for Information Technology, as she planned to study Computer Science at the SVG Community College. She had wanted that award under her belt. She admitted, though, that she was dissatisfied with her pre-exam grade but had improved on it subsequently. She is not deterred, however, and plans to add Pure Mathematics, Physics and Spanish to the Computer Science she intends to pursue at the College.

Sariah seems to be a young lady who always tries to keep herself engaged in something productive. Despite the weight of her studies, the avid musician who plays both for the GHS Steel Orchestra and

the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, participated in the 2018 Panorama competition.

She admitted that she jumped a mere three weeks before the competition, after promptings from other players, but she never regretted doing so.

Subsequently, the GHS Steel Orchestra was victorious in the Schools’ category of the competition, while the Sion Hill Euphonium emerged as Community champions.

Additionally, Sariah’s presence at Sigma Medical

Vincent Grammar School in 2013, having placed second for boys and sixth overall in the Common Entrance Examination from the St Mary’s Roman Catholic School.

He confessed that it was “difficult trying to manage all the stuff.”

Delaan received tuition for nine of his subjects as a full-time student of the St. Vincent Grammar School. Tuition for the other six came from teachers of that institution and the Girls’ High School and from family members.

People pondered why he took on such a task. “It was never like doing it for the numbers,” he declared.

His next agenda item will be orientation for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, where he expects to work harder as he pursues studies in Maths and Sciences. Even as he looks forward to advanced

appropriate dress and behavior. Communication skills are also on the list as I am learning how to interact with others that I have never met before.”

This future Computer Scientist is well set on the right track. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kendol Jackson.

Kyle Da Silva: Never settle for comfort, go for it!

with external tuition. His passes are as follows: Grade 1 “I WOULD GIVE ANYONE — Chemistry, Biology, Physics, trying to do great things, a Information Technology, piece of advice my father gave Math, English A, Spanish, me: when you settle for Geography, Human and Social comfort, you prevent yourself Biology, Electronic Document from growing. Get out there Preparation Management, and try new things. Even if Office Administration, you fail, failure is a good Principles of Business, teacher!” These were the History, Social Studies, words of wisdom given by Kyle Agricultural Science; and Daniel DaSilva, top performer Grade 2 — Additional Math. in the 2018 CSEC Kyle was honest enough to examination, of the Mountain admit that doing eight View Adventist Academy, in subjects on one’s own is not an interview with THE easy. “It’s a lot of work,” he VINCENTIAN. stated, “but I’m thankful for Kyle wrote sixteen subjects: my Mom and Dad who never eight, as allowed from his forced me to do anything. school, and an additional eight They always encouraged me to do well.” He said that they were confident about his capabilities, and recalled studies, he has “no plans that from the on a career,” and “was second term of trying to keep it broad.” his fifth form Delaan is keen to see year, they the profiles he secured. allowed him to Those will determine his sail smoothly place in the regional without Merit List. Nonetheless, interference. he is satisfied with his He also told of initial accomplishment, the many tears and remains motivated, shed as he perhaps because of his ploughed family setting. through all the His father is a doctor of SBAs and other Delaan Nedd of the St Vincentian stock. His tasks, but mother, born in Sri Vincent Grammar acknowledged Lanka, brings a School, aced his CSEC multicultural dimension exams, but is determined that he felt victorious with and dynamic. Together to keep all the expected the help of God. they run Advance Health furore under control.

Uniquely, Urgent Care and Wellness Kyle gave an Centre and Delaan’s older easy to revise.” interesting brother, Sujith, has He confessed that he rationale for his distinguished himself. started revising late, but choice of He admitted that “It that his work during the subjects. He was nice to have him school year, support of expressed the (Sujith) there,” as “he was family, teachers and fact that having doing Maths/ Sciences in friends fortified him. gained a taste of College, the more difficult Delaan seemed well all of thirteen subjects.” disposed to handling the His advice to students furore that now surrounds subjects in Form Three, he doing the test next year him. But, he admits, realized that, he is: “Do the work in school. “You will never hear the could handle Once you do that, it is last of it.” (WKA)

by GLORIAH…

Delaan Nedd “keeping it broad” DELAAN NEDD TURNS 17 on September 9, but he already has a simple outlook on life: Aim high.

He made that confession last Wednesday, even before the official results of this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) reached him.

Nedd passed 15 Subjects, with Grade One in each. Those are: Additional Mathematics, English A, English B, Spanish, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Technology, Geography, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology, and Electronic Document Preparation Management (EDPM).

The youngster, son of Conrad (Dr) and Kaushalya Nedd, had secured General Mathematics in Form Four.

He entered the St.

Laboratory Inc. has not been by chance. Sariah sought to do a one-month internship at that facility, where she is being given on-the-job experiences on how things work in the laboratory and how some of the machines are run. She is also learning how certain tests are conducted, among other procedures.

When asked about the benefit of this exercise to her, Sariah was clear, “Along with the job experience, I am learning etiquette at work and about

Kyle DaSilva of the Mountain View Adventist Academy, pursued subjects in both the science and business fields as his interest lies in both. many across the board of Science, Business and Arts.

He was tongue in cheek, though, when he admitted to having a go at eighteen subjects when he got to fourth form. He later settled for sixteen. He insisted that his choices will put him in good stead. “The option of medicine was always there, but I also like business,” was his explanation.

Kyle will pursue a career in medicine, beginning with studies at the SVG Community College doing Chemistry, Physics and Biology. He will also pursue Geography. As for business, it has greatly aided him thus far as, along with a business partner, he is engaged in the production of authentic handcrafted jewelry made from local materials. That knowledge, he offered, has been invaluable, as it would be if he desires to set up his own practice in the future.

His advice to students wishing to go beyond the threshold allowed at school is, “Go for it. If you’re willing to put in the work, go for it! It’s a good feeling! Having fifteen 1s makes your day! It probably will make your whole month, so go for it!”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 15.

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Alejandro beats the odds to excel Stories by GLORIAH…

Caribbean region, and was awarded by the Caribbean Examination Council for this achievement.

In Form Five, Alejandro successfully wrote eleven subjects. These are: with Grade Is — Agricultural Science, Theatre Arts, Biology, Caribbean History, English A, English B, Information Technology, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business; and with Grade II — Economics, and Technical Drawing.

In fifth form, he recalled being placed in the Science class, but proceeded to discontinue with Chemistry and Physics because he Surana explained how these subject choices were realized that they were not dependent of what she felt his preferences. These, he she could manage at the replaced with Principles of time, but as the school year Accounts and Principles of unfolded, she began to look Business. He opined, “I towards a career in sales believe nowadays the world and marketing. She, is a business place with therefore, plans to complete everything you see being a the Associate Degree in sort of business. Getting an Sales and Marketing at the edge as you go out into the SVG Community College. world allows you to excel in She wished that any business.” He told THE student who would be trying VINCENTIAN that his for excellence in their challenge in Form Five examinations, to have faith came, when he had to go in God first of all, because He makes everything overseas at the end of Term Surana Henry- Thomas possible. She cautioned, Two for medical purposes; though, that students must be Saunders urges student to not how his return caught him serious if they are going to do give into distractions, but allow behind on the syllabus and themselves to take a break subjects externally. “You his individual and group must be focused,” she opined, once in a while.

SBAs; and how by exam “and while you must not give time, he felt that he did not Surana could hardly wait to too much time to distractions, cover enough content. you must give yourself a break don her signature orange vest With such success under and skirt with white blouse now and then. Overworking his belt, Alejandro plans to uniform, and get started with yourself does not achieve the continuation of her dreams. become an entrepreneur and much.”

Director/Specialist Professor at the Venezuelan Institute for SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Alejandro Culture and Cooperation. That Tesorero was the top performer simply meant that he was just beginning to learn his mother’s of the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua. His story is tongue, Spanish and was then somewhat different from that of immersed into an Englishthe majority of other students. speaking community.

He came to St. Vincent and the Alejandro attended the Grenadines from Venezuela Sugar Mill Academy until when he was only two and a half Grade Four, then the Pelican years old. His Mom, Ms. Lesbia Primary School in Canouan Tesorero, was the from which he wrote his

Common Entrance Exam.

He entered the SJCM in 2013, and his journey with exams began in his fourth form year when he wrote CSEC Spanish and Mathematics. He received Grade I with all ‘A’ profiles for both subjects. In fact, not only was he the top performer in the country for Spanish last year, but he was also the top performer in the entire

Surana accomplishes her quest for excellence A VERY DEMURE SURANA Harry sat at the offices of THE VINCENTIAN with her mom earlier this week, eagerly waiting to be interviewed about her success at the recently sat CSEC examination. Surana had earned the right to be there by virtue of her performance results: she was the top performer of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

When asked if she thinks that her school expected her to give the top performance, she was quite modest with her response: “The classmates that I had were very hard workers, so it could have been Brendon Thomas, or Latique Browne or Roz-Anne Baker. It didn’t have to be me.”

Then, loaded with quiet confidence, the well-poised young lady told of the journey towards her success. “It was difficult, but at the same time it was manageable,” the former Sion Hill Government School student said. “I had the support of my family and other classmates.” She explained that, studying Principles of Accounts THE ST JOSEPH’S CONVENT Kingstown and Principles of Business externally, and not only maintained an overall pass rate of 90 percent, but also maintained its second having to blend these spot, behind the Girls’ High School, in with the eight other subjects she was doing at terms of best overall performance by school, saw her working secondary schools in the 2018 Caribbean through extra classes on Examinations Council Secondary weekday afternoons; and Education Certificate Examinations some Saturdays and (CSEC). holidays. The School It was a similar picture one year ago Based Assessments that when the GHS topped the list with an came with the subjects overall pass rate of 95.56 percent, with were very arduous too.

SJCK recording 90.64 percent, holding its Surana’s quest for own. excellence led her to Eighty-six (86) students sat subjects write ten subjects offered in 25 different areas. successfully. The According to a release from the school, following are her results: there were 100 percent in 15 subject areas with Grade 1s — English including Biology, Chemistry and A, English B, Mathematics, Caribbean Principles of Business.

Five other subject areas recorded pass History, Geography, rates averaging in the 90s, the release Biology, Principles of further included.

Business, Principles of Barbie Shallow was the school’s top Accounts, Information Technology; and Grade 2 student, obtaining 12 passes which included two Grade Is and ten Grade IIs. — Spanish.

Alejandro Tesorero of the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua has plans to be an entrepreneur in the future. will proceed to the SVG Community College to pursue Management of Business, Computer Science, Sociology, and Literatures in English, the last because he professed a passion for writing and the performing arts which could create useful hobbies.

While at the SJCM, he was involved in the Jaycees Public Speaking Competition and placed second. He claims the benefits of a greater perspective on issues, and an understanding of how to do research. Additionally, he has turned his avid passion for writing into the creation of a blog which gives him an avenue for voicing his opinions on issues and better himself as a writer.

Now a past student of the SJCM, Alejandro looks back and sees the institution as a strict one with many rules.

“But when you come out of it,” he said, “you realize all of those rules were instilling values in you and molding you to become a better, more productive person. That is something you don’t see in all the schools.”

SJCK’s success continues She obtained Grade Is in Mathematics and Information/Technology (IT), and Grade IIs in Economics, English A and B, French, Integrated Science, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Religious Education, Social Studies and Spanish.

“I am very proud of my results,” Shallow told THE VINCENTIAN in a brief interview.

She admitted to being a bit disappointed in not obtaining more Arianne Ollivierre Barbie Shallow Grade Is, but is satisfied that she fourth form. knew she did her best and has been She obtained 6 Grade Is — English A, successful.

There was no real secret to her success — EDPM, French, Spanish, POA, IT; Grade IIs in ROB, Office Administration, and she it took sacrifice and effort. received a Grade II in Math one year Arianne Ollivierre briefly mentioned earlier. some of the disadvantages of not having Other commendable performers this year easy access to her school.

Ollivierre, a resident of Bequia, was one were Esther Matthews, 11 passes (6 ones and 5 twos), Xafiah Mc Dowall — 10 passes of the school’s top performers.

(5 ones and 5 twos), Paulenique Lee — 10 (5 She obtained eight passes, her overall one and 5 twos) and Casia Moses — 11 tally is however nine, she explained, after passes (5 ones, 5 twos and one three). successfully writing Mathematics during

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16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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New attitude needed 51 percent overall pass rate in 2017 to 74 percent in 2018.

This year’s result is the best recorded in eight years, Ferdinand said.

“It could not have been done with one person, had to take a team effort, and I think we had a good team working with us,” she continued.

The strategy adopted, she explained, was to pay attention to the needs of the students.

“We have students as a group, but in the group, each child is an individual, L-R: Tolisha Simon, Curtisha Tucker, Alyah Bailey, Ranisha Jack and we took the approach to and Nikeisha Robinson. look at the individual student.”

PRINCIPAL OF THE Dr J.P And the hard work put in According to the school’s top Eustace Memorial Secondary has paid off for Ferdinand and administrator, teachers made School, Suzette Cupid Ferdinand her staff. themselves available after is asking members of the public The school was recognized school, on weekends and to begin to change their minds for recording significant from the negative comments increases in this year’s CSEC sometimes on designated breaks, for example the Easter that have been associated with examinations, having moved break to get the students the school. from 49.49 percent overall ready for the June/July exams.

“I am a firm believer that pass rate in 2017 to 74.09 But most within the walls of the JP percent in 2018. importantly, Eustace Memorial, there are The other school that the parents of students with talent and a lot achieved that feat this year the students of potential,” Ferdinand told was the Bequia Community THE VINCENTIAN. High School who moved from a preparing to write the

by GLORIA...

exams were involved with the setting up of meetings with parents to keep them involved in the process.

Ferdinand, who has been a member of staff for 18 years, and principal for two, acknowledged that there were students at the school that had ‘issues.’

But they all had the potential to do well, once someone believed and gave them an opportunity.

“Instead of taking the line of amplifying the negative, give them some Principal Suzette Cupid Ferdinand. encouragement,” she said. passes, four with 7 passes, six In mentioning the with 6 passes and nine with 5 accomplishments this year, passes.

Ferdinand indicated that all Curtisha Tucker and students from the JPEM Nikeisha Robinson each passed at least one of the received nine passes, Alyah subjects they wrote.

Bailey received 8 passes, There were two students Tolisha Simon got 7, and who received passes in nine Ranisha Jack obtained 5. (DD) subject areas, six with 8

Jozelle Henry makes Bishop’s College proud

THE BISHOP’S COLLEGE Kingstown has been identified by the Ministry of Education among several secondary schools as one which has obtained creditable pass rate between 60% and 80%.

As a matter of fact, Bishop’s College Kingstown topped that list of thirteen institutions with 76.72%.

Contributing towards this accolade is Joselle Henry from the village of Vermont.

A first glance at Jozelle will see a shy, reserved individual, most likely not someone who would deliver after that glance. From the word “go”, her bold selfassurance, her focused, pointed conversation signaled that she was a proud product of her school.

Jozelle’s success amounted to passes in ten subjects: Grade 1s — English A and Principles of Business; Grade 2s — English B, Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Social Studies, and Spanish; and Grade 3s — Biology, Mathematics and Geography. She admitted that the going was challenging, firstly for the range of areas, and secondly for the number of SBAs

required. “We also had to study for individual exams at school and also for CSEC. Class work came with assignments and other homework and I had evening classes too,” she explained.

Although Jozelle received the award for Spanish at her graduation, she thinks that her top CSEC performance was not expected. She recalled challenging the year’s valedictorian for top positions through several classes, for which she [Jozelle] was always beaten. She praised her school for molding her into the confident individual she is today, and made special mention of her former teacher, one Ms. Harry, to whom she could have gone to be refreshed with her listening ear with issues that went beyond school work whenever that became necessary.

She acknowledged that Ms. Harry, who was her Chemistry teacher, also helped her with Biology and Mathematics when she had problems with figuring things out.

Jozelle has expressed her confidence in the CAPE examination, professing her desire to pursue Biology, Chemistry, and English B at that level at the SVG Community College.

Jozelle Henry of the Bishop’s College Kingstown opted to pursue subjects she was passionate about, so she would always feel motivated.

“When I was choosing subjects, I didn’t just choose any subject,” she said, “I was resolved to choose subjects that I am passionate about, so that even if it becomes difficult, I will be able to push through and achieve.” She is adamant that others should take something away from her mantra, “There is nothing you can’t accomplish when you have God on your side.” She believes that disappointment always comes with a lesson, always providing opportunity for one to continue to try.

In parting, Jozelle gave some words of wisdom: “Someone’s opinion of you does not determine your outcome.

Many persons told me I could not do a top performance, and here I am today. I have made my school proud!”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 , 2018. 17.

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relationship since 1980”, and that there has been “unanimity across mainstream political parties.” He cited, however, that “recently there has been a divergence.”

“I will speak to that as an important foreign policy issue,” Dr. Gonsalves declared.

The Vincentian leader made it plain that there is nothing against the People’s Republic of China, and is a member of the Caribbean Development Bank, of the United Nations and that they work together in the Non-Aligned Movement and G 77 and where “interest coincide.”

Dr. Gonsalves challenged the ‘One Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Ambassador Calvin Chen-Huan Ho and this year’s Taiwan Scholarship recipients. China’ aspect, and surmised that there is “one Chinese civilisation” with THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA on Taiwan can 20 scholarships to Vincentians. They over the 14 years that the scholarships “different legitimate political count on support from the government of are embarking on various courses of have been formally arranged, with the expressions.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, come study. number of persons having benefitted He predicted that “mainland China hell or high water.

The Vincentian leader brought out put at 167, he translated that into and Taiwan would in time work out Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves his skills as a lecturer and veered into close to US $5M. their differences without interference.” made the commitment last week some fatherly advice to the students.

With about 60 students in Taiwan There are “memorials across this Thursday. He was speaking at the He recounted stages of the currently, Prime Minister Gonsalves land, testimony to our strength of National Public Library in Kingstown. relationship with the Republic of hinted on plans to set up an Embassy friendship,” Dr Gonsalves outlined. He The occasion was the handing over of China on Taiwan, and assessed that in Taiwan, and announced that he was referred to 14 Learning Resource looking at possible Centres, the Rabbaca Bridge, candidates for two programmes in Public Health, Youth positions.

Empowerment Service, and the He assured the students Terminal Building at the Argyle that Peggy Carr “will be International Airport. opportunities, according to There are nine national like your mother” in The scholarships “value greatest” the Vincentian Prime parks, with their own Taiwan. He recounted that for Dr Gonsalves. (WKA) Minister. characteristics, and 168 there has been a “good The recipients Mountain Peaks over 3,000 are: Maria Peters, metres high.

The Ambassador observed Kenita Henville, Darron Farrell, that 12 of the students will Nicketha Toney, learn Mandarin Chinese Danay Ferguson, which he contended will deepen relations between the Akeem Peters, Terel Jack, Ricky two states.

Haynes, Akili US$200,000 has been Maria Robertson, allocated for this year’s scholarship programme. The Bennique Shallow, and University scholarships Ambassador of the began in 2004, and this year’s Cassica Hutchins, Republic of China, Calvin allotment brings the number who will be at the Chen-Huan Ho urged the National Taiwan of Vincentians at Taiwan new scholarship recipients Normal Universities to 167. to share aspects of their Calvin Chen-Huan Ho was University. culture during their stay in Dieta Tucker “excited” about the new role Taiwan. and Zevon here. He shared the sentiment that the recipients Seymour will be CALVIN CHEN-HUAN HO, at the National ought to be delighted. He Ambassador of the Republic Pingtung acknowledged that the of China on Taiwan, has a University of purpose was education, and message for twenty Science and Vincentian students studying regarded that as critical to Technology. national development. in Taiwan. “Share your Nataline The sojourn will enhance Vincentian culture.” the students’ knowledge, and Thorpe and He accepts that St. Roberto Stephens “ability to enrich your Vincent and the Grenadines do their personal life.” and his country are true programme at the If the students were friends, with things in I-Shou wondering how to reach common. They are island University.

Taiwan, Chen-Huan Ho nations sharing beliefs and Kimberly cherishing the fundamentals suggested an Joyles will be at Argyle/Toronto/Taipei route. of freedom, democracy, the National He described those as Human Rights, and culture.

Chenchi “convenient flight He noted small and University, and arrangements,” with easy medium enterprises as Nateisha connections. aspects of national Campbell is at Vincentian Prime Minister development, and encouraged Dr Ralph Gonsalves looked at the National students to go beyond the Tsing Hua Campuses to see the way the the ceremony as a “joyous University. event to see young people Taiwanese people lived. The Shafana Williams going off to study.”

Ambassador endorsed the is assigned to the He pleaded with the Republic of China as unique, National Yangwith the Provinces providing students to learn Mandarin.

Ming University, “You get the hang of it once; a “good mixture of Chinese you focus your attention… it and Isis culture.”

Ollivierre is at gets easier as you go along,” Calvin Chen-Huan Ho Dr. Gonsalves stated. Fluency the Ming Chuan invited the scholarship in English and seven and half University. recipients to go to museums billion people open a range of (WKA) and other places of interest. possibilities and

Share Vincentian culture

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ÂDo something good about it,Ê Davis REVEREND ADOLF DAVIS is Superintendent of the Kingstown/Chateaubelair Circuit of the Methodist Church. He has become known for his straight talking on issues. Davis lived up to his reputation last Friday at the closing ceremony to mark this year’s Science-Technology-EngineeringMathematics (STEM) programme.

This year saw Primary and Secondary School students in the five-week exercise.

They along with their parents and loved ones heard Davis’ delivery. He based his script on the Bible, and justified that “there is so much value and wisdom in the scripture.”

He noted that persons have certain talents, and surmised that God wants all of us to do something specific with our talents.

“God gives us abilities. He expects us to develop these abilities and use them for the upliftment of humanity,” Davis

told the gathering.

“You have to be prepared to work hard at it if you want to excel,” the Minister added.

Davis prodded parents to instil traits of “discipline and hard work” in their children so as to ensure that the best of their abilities are brought to the fore.

Davis encouraged persons to use their gifts and abilities to develop St. Vincent and the Some of the participants in this Grenadines “instead of building year’s programme. up elsewhere and complain about each year draws greater approval what is happening here.” from parents.

Stem’s Director Petrus Gumbs “STEM will always be a praised his staff for their success,” Gumbs indicated. commitment over the period.

Students were engaged in He hinted on adjustment to next year’s event at which there will be several field trips and adventures designed to stimulate their mental “more incentives for learning.” faculties.

There will be emphasis on They were involved in scuba financial literacy next year, so that diving, water quality testing, art, the youngsters will be more craft, model building, swimming exposed to aspects of everyday and squash. The sessions were encounters. based at the St. Martin’s The STEM programme is into its sixth year of operation, and

L-R: Reverend Adolf Davis and Stem’s Director Petrus Gumbs.

Secondary School.

Students received packages in appreciation of their participation. Dimitri Roberts, a fourth form JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School student, was judged Most Outstanding Participant.

One hundred and twenty students enlisted for the training.

Gumbs disclosed that three members from the group are slated to take part in a Global Robotic Competition to take place later this month. (WKA)

Dimitri Roberts of the JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School, was judged Most Outstanding Participant.

Flow continues support of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) MyApp program technological skills of the nation’s youth, with the hope that if provided with the chance to create applications of higher standard and better quality, the younger population will be the driving force behind a new and competitive Participants in the recently concluded National technological era in St. Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Vincent and the (NTRC) MyApp programme.

Grenadines.

Echoing its support TELECOMMUNICATIONS for such a programme, Flow’s COMPANY Flow continues to extend Marketing and Communications Lead unwavering support towards the Nikala Williams, said that the National Telecommunications company has been supporting the Regulatory Commission (NTRC) programme for the past three years, MyApp programme. and emphasized that the MyApp This comes as residents on the programme is a worthwhile initiative.

Grenadine Island of Bequia expressed She stated that Flow’s support is much gratitude with the success of merely an extension of the company’s this year’s programme at a closing existing drive to do their part in ceremony which was held on Friday, educating the youths of SVG and August 10th. more so enhancing the ability to grow The programme which is in its in the IT field. third year, took place at the Bequia According to her, Flow depends on Community High School and several apps which aid in the enhancement of the overall customer proceeded from July 16th to August experience of the company’s products 10th. Over the four weeks, the participants who may or may not have and services, and added that the company’s support of the programme had previous exposure, were taught is indeed an investment towards the how to code and design applications.

The programme sought to introduce future in telecoms. Williams stated further, that she hopes to see participants to ways in which they successful app developers out of this can portray their acquired skills in programme in the future. larger, incentivized forums such as 19 students graduated from this the Annual NTRC’s i2 Competition.

The objective of the NTRC’s MyApp year’s MyApp programme.

The NTRC MyApp competition was programme is focused on providing held in Petit Bordel and Union Island opportunities to enhance the in previous years.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Time to do what you have to do Dear George, I HAVE TWO children for a man who is married to someone else. His wife does not know this.

After the birth of both children, he warned me not to contact him at home about support for the children, and also threatened that if I ever put his name at the Family Court, he would be out of my life completely. I agreed to his demands then, because he was supporting me and the children very well. I’m writing to you now about this because the support has stopped coming. He has been ignoring my phone calls, and when I go to his office to see him, I cannot get past his Secretary. I am desperate for some kind of support, as I am not working and do not have the means to send my girls to school and feed them. There would be times when we cannot eat, while he is getting fatter by the day. I do not want to expose him because I

feel for his wife who is a decent woman; but what other choice do I have? Please help me sort this out.

Desperate Mother Dear Desperate Mother, This is not the time to allow your feelings for this man’s wife to get in the way of looking out for your children. You have a responsibility to your children, and so does he by the way. You need to exploit the legal options available to you (Family Court) leaving him to fight with the court and not you. He should be man enough to explain all of this to his wife after you would have done what you have to do.

George

He doesnÊt understand woman like me to get work with no strings MY BOYFRIEND is mad attached. at me because I have Fed up! decided to quit looking for work. We have been Dear Fed up, living together for four years, and after the first I do understand your year I lost my job. I have been pounding the frustration, but at the pavement for three years same time, I would encourage you to keep looking for work, to no searching for work. avail. I’m fed up with When you abandon your turning away from search, you are making worthless businessmen sure your employment who want sex in return status remains as it is. for the “favor”. I’m It is important that you totally fed up, and my are hired for your boyfriend fails to abilities and as a result understand any of this. of your qualifications It is not easy for a

Dear George,

etc. Compromising your standards from day one will only result in your employer having no respect for you, and will in the end make it very uncomfortable for you to continue working should you resist his advances at any point. It may help to get someone to sit with you and your boyfriend as you explain to him why it is important to you to keep your dignity as you go through this drought, and the need for his support.

George

Leave the past in the past Dear George, MY WIFE asked me if her ex could come to the house to visit her, and to see how she has progressed over the years. I did not want to come across as a jealous and mean husband, so I said yes, but gave some guidelines for the visit, which she gladly accepted.

He came over as planned and we had lunch. I noticed my wife serving this guy his meal before serving me.

He requested dessert and she hurried off to the kitchen to get him icecream. I mentioned I would like icecream as well, and she asked me to go get it, with the excuse she did not hear me saying I wanted any. She insisted that her ex stay for dinner, even though that was not part of the plan.

Throughout dinner, it was so obvious she was not quite over with him. She sat next to him and would constantly lean on him when she laughed at his not so funny jokes. It so happened that he could not get a ride to go back to where he was staying for whatever reasons, and my wife insisted on driving him. She declined my offer to accompany her as I would do when she had to drive at night. She left the house at 8pm and never got back until

2am. The distance she had to drive should have taken 20 minutes. She gave no good reason for her delayed return, but I already knew what it was. Our relationship has not been smooth since. What do you think is going on?

Emotionally rattled Dear Emotionally rattled, I’m not getting it as to why it was necessary for your wife’s ex to have lunch and dinner to find out how she was doing. That information could have been had by one phone call.

Secondly, the water gets rather murky when your wife finds it necessary to spend an extra 6 unexplained hours with an ex, after being in his company for about the same time earlier. Your wife needs to leave her past in the past, and if she is having difficulties doing so, then I would recommend immediate counseling before what now appears to be a possible crack develops into something much worse. The only way to protect the foundation of your marriage is to pay serious attention to that ‘crack.’

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Family outings will make you feel secure and happy. Don't get intimately involved with a coworker. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive. You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Offer good conversation and a nice soothing lunch. You can offer your help to others but back off if they appear to be offended by your persistence. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. Abrupt changes concerning your professional position are evident.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven't been taking proper care of yourself. Don't say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose. You can make money through real estate or by using your head when it comes to personal investments.

Get ready to do some fancy footwork when it comes to taking care of your financial situa‐ tion.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Get involved in groups that will help you meet established individuals. Your main concern will be to spend as little as possible of your own cash in the process. Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. You can make progress professionally.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Friends may not understand your situation.

Don't let your lover put demands on you. Be prepared to make compensations and adjust‐ ments. Take care of any dealings with govern‐ ment agencies.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Changes in your home may be alarming at first. Try not to lend or borrow money this week. Changes at home will be necessary. Get

involved in groups that will help you meet established individuals.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Romantic relationships could be under pres‐ sure. Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. Your mate will appreciate your honesty. You are best to get out of the house this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relation ship. Too many opportuni‐ ties and too many changes going on. Don't give up what you have until you can be certain just what it is you're getting. Think before you act.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You can make amends by taking them some‐ where special. Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future for your family. Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for. Alienation may be the result of a misunderstanding.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You have to believe in yourself and your tal‐ ents. Anger might lead to carelessness and minor Injuries. Sign up for courses that will bring you more skills. Let your boss know your goals.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Contracts will not be as lucrative as you think.

Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. Try to be tolerant of the moods of those around you.

You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Don't cause a scene, but when you get home let your partner know how you feel and why.

Don't hold back. Lack of cash might be partly to blame for the problems at home. Romantic encounters will develop through colleagues.

ACROSS 1. Roused 5. Streetcar 9. Wood sorrel 12. Second son of Adam and Eve 13. State in the central United States 14. Male sheep 15. Take dinner 16. Not one 17. Wrath 18. Musical staff sign 20. Influential person 22. Greek goddess of the hearth 25. Capital of the Philippines 26. Efface 27. Spawing area of salmon 28. Chield 29. Comrade 30. Organ of hearing 33. Stop up a hole 35. Seaport in the Crimea 37. Ornament gaudily 40. Become sad 41. The telling of lies 42. Smallest component 43. Curve 44. Fool 46. Large wading bird 50. Decease 51. 12th month of the Jewish calendar 52. Speed contest 53. Sin 54. Network of nerves 55. Paradise DOWN 1. Roll of bank notes 2. Japanese sash 3. Understanding 4. Chooses 5. Fungal infection 6. Upper covering of a house

7. Bristle of barley 8. Frenzied woman 9. Small antelope 10. Christmas song 11. One‐celled protozoa 19. Falsehood 21. Besides 22. Norse goddess 23. Period of history 24. Sorrowful 25. Honey 27. Worthless piece of cloth 29. Tavern 30. Antiquity 31. Consumed 32. Hurried 33. Metal container used for frying 34. Small ship

35. Legendary emperor of China 36. Regard with approval 37. Part of an ice skate 38. Monetary unit of Iceland

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 21.

39. Gambler 40. Genre 42. Adjoin 45. Malt beverage 47. Not good 48. Frozen water 49. Monetary unit of Japan

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22. FRIDAY, JAUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Arthur Francis Williams

Eulogy by Hon Rene Baptiste, C.M.G. at the and she had the task of supervising him Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the — training him on closing and opening late Arthur Francis Williams, O.B.E. the Mail; how to process registered mail; selling postal orders and money orders.

IT IS A SAD TIME FOR many of us, for all of She said Arthur was a quick and easy us really. Parting from a loved one is never learner. He enjoyed the sojourn — was easy. It hurts. This day we all expect to her view. She often referred to him as happen in the life of a loved one, but we “Bittles”. She never told me why. He left seldom dwell on it. Standing here is a to read Law in England. trying moment. For me, it is an unexpected He returned to Saint Vincent and was and unusual privilege accorded to me by called and began his Law Practice in the family. Receiving this call left me 1969. She told me he was the brightest speechless and I just simply accepted with Lawyer of his day. He was first back grace. then to earn the Master of Law Degree — So much has already been said about LLM. It was the end of 1960s when such the Life and Times of Arthur Francis academic achievements were rare. It Williams. I trust I do the family justice. was obvious that ‘Uncle Arthur’ loved It was the year 1974. It was a being in Court; that he enjoyed tumultuous time in the political life of appearing at the Bar. He loved the SVG. The list of Candidates for the Courts, and the Courts loved him back.

General elections was announced, He represented hundreds of persons on proceeded by great political gymnastics. the Magistrate Courts throughout the My Mom wrote to me (there was no State — At the High Court — and at the what’s app then) we were at Hugh Court of Appeal. He was known Wooding Law School. The government of everywhere — the song was “Ah gon put the day was in peril. The General Arthur Williams pon you”. His name Elections came and a new and different rang like a bell — Arthur Williams. But government was returned. It was not the political bug bit him hard. He felt he the first time I was hearing about could make a greater difference at Arthur Williams. He had captured the another level in a different Court. spirit of the people. People would say — He gave up his Private Law Practice Arthur Williams — he’s smart, he is when he became Attorney General. Yes. bright; he is quick; he is a nice man; a He did not close his Private Practice helpful man; a fighter; he would wrestle Office. He had a skeleton staff there and with you; a no-nonsense man; a they worked on his other ventures. He gentleman; a faithful man. had moved from Advocate for clients to He would want to move mountains to Advocate for people of Saint Vincent and help you. That was what I had heard the Grenadines before the Bar and in about him. This was the man I knew. I parliament. He had a young family and was excited to know him. To meet him. a great lady by his side. I had the My mom had regaled me with many honour of working INSIDE his office at stories about him. She said that he had the Chambers of The Attorney General. attended Grammar School; that he loved I was fortunate. His desk was at one cricket and he loved to play cricket. end of the room, and I sat at the That he was a good son; a great brother conference table at the other end of the to Miss Ruby, and that he was then room — it was my in-service training going to go away to study. She told me June to September 1975 and 1976. that he got a Christmas job at the My mother asked him to move my General Post Office where she worked, call. It made my day. That day is

engraved on my heart forever — October 22nd, 1976. Then the politics was heating up. The talk of Independence was in the air.

Mentioned in Parliament. Arthur was in the centre of things. He was Attorney General and he was therefore the No. 3 in the Delegation led by Premier Cato and Dep Hudson Tannis.

The decision came, Independence is coming. It came in fine style. I had never seen uncle Arthur so excited. We met at the Calliaqua Town Hall and told the party faithful. At the Table were Milton Cato, Hudson Tannis, John Thompson, Arthur Williams, Henderick Alexander and a skinny girl myself. I looked at that picture recently. I could only shake my head. The memories flooded in of Arthur and Sir Vincent who took me under their wings. Arthur insisted I travelled with him to the countryside. He would be ready 4 pm and pull up at home, we would drive to Queen’s Drive, leave my car and head out to campaign in Arthur Francis Williams O.B.E. his Land Rover or the Chocolate and beige Chevrolet. Supporters forsaking other family — sister — other always wanted to hear Arthur Williams. children Seanelle and Dylan. Arthur He spoke the shortest. He warmed up just loved family. Cousins and cousins. the faithful. He was the busiest But his generosity allowed him to Candidate. He touched everywhere. embrace many others.

Kingstown, Georgetown, Marriaqua or He built a powerhouse Law firm with his Constituency. He appealed to his the largest complement of Lawyers — he Constituents, he just loved being among was the Head — Richard and Stephen them. He also loved business — the Boat Senior Associates Sten, Dannielle, Business. He knew how to reach folks.

Shylvonne and Shena. It was an He was always busy. He attacked the admirable venture. His sons stuck with campaign with gusto. We had colourful him. The Team. The Staff so admirable encounters there. I wondered how the — all of them. So loyal. So treasured by family coped. But the Matriarch of the him. family kept the home and the family The special chapter of his life must be together — in the earlier days, the young dedicated to his wife of 55 years. Mavis men being boys, they wanted to go with Hadaway. Tall, slender, stately, beauty Daddy. Miss Mavis would say he’ll be queen like, poised, classy, dreamy green back soon. It was not always easy eyes. A gem of woman. Arthur adored departing the home for the campaign her. He loved to see her happy. trail.

Cheerful. She was his biblical Ruby. She The true test for Uncle Arthur and was his Rock of Gibraltar. His oasis that Miss Mavis came after Labour last none in East could compare. Always Government in 1984. We all had our tests. But Arthur Williams was a target. beside him. He kept his word. He kept his promise made to her alone. She kept King Arthur’s boat business had suffered despite the fact he would have her vow. For richer for poorer in sickness and in health. To have and to been seen at the Wharf working hold. Till death do us part. The parting alongside the stevedores. The vicious has now come. The cord has been cut. nicknamed him Stevedore, the faithful What God hath joined no man had put called him KING ARTHUR. That’s because he was impatient and preferred asunder. No man did. Only God. Miss Mavis. That love I know will remain in the hands-on approach. your heart. All the Grans have his blood It was in those post 1984 years that the true and real character of this man in the veins too. For his earthly contributions he served on prestigious came forth. He had a strength previously unseen. He showed a mettle boards. He was honoured with the OBE for service to our country and the Law of unknown steel. He threw his energy and the people. into his Private Practice. No one knew We at the Bar of St. Vincent and the how he could appear in one day at so Grenadines took the decision last year many Magistrate Courts. He did it. to honour him at the OECS Council Books in arm. Gown flying. His energy meeting for his long, outstanding and knew no bounds. He never walked distinguished career at the Bar in St. slowly. He bustled. He was always Vincent, Grenada and BVI and hurrying. He fought back with his Dominica. The plaque proudly displayed energy, his scholarship and the love of his family — above all the love of his is in his office. Expressions of sympathy wife Miss Mavis. have come to our Bar from every island They built together. From Stechers to in the Caribbean. The Legacy will her own store — from tenanted continue. The Foundation is strong and premises at White Chapel to his well-built. We will miss him. We will multi floor building in Middle Street, miss his. He came. He saw. He they rebuilt. Their sons by their side not conquered. May his soul rest in Peace.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 23.

Volcanoes, System 3, win Charity Shield VOLCANOES UNDER-13 and System 3 Under15, emerged as champions of the Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Football Classic, held in St. Lucia on the weekend.

Volcanoes Under-13 from SVG, bounced back from the second-place position in last year’s Volcanoes - Under-13 champions. tournament here in SVG, to Team award on parade. beat National Sports Council of Keshon Alexander of Volcanoes was Barbados 1-nil in the finals. Northern named Most Valuable Player of the United finished third and Gary John Under-13 division, as well as, the Best fourth. Volcanoes also won the Best Midfielder. Gilando Payne of

(Volcanoes) was the Best Defender.

The Most Disciplined Team was (NSC Barbados), the Most Goals went to Kishmar Ramsay of (NSC), while Tyreke Rice of (NSC) took the Best Goalkeeper award.

Systems 3 of St. Vincent, dominated the Under-15 division, to beat United Stars Alliance (Barbados) 4-0. stated that his executive System 3 also took cannot do it alone. the following He therefore informed, awards: the Best “It is about partnering Defender in with the government and make sure that parents Jamari Benn, get involved, and Best Midfielder affiliates get involved, to Mathew Jackson, see sport as the genuine Most Goals Denzel article, but more so seeing Bascombe and football as what it is and Marvin Fraser – MVP- Mathew the tool it can be used President of the Jackson. for”.

SVGFF. The Best Goalkeeper was Background to Fraser’s Presidency Joshua Harvey of Last Thursday’s election of Fraser became Barbados. Most necessary, following the imposition of a two-year Disciplined Team ban and US$40,000 fine by the Adjudicatory was Cosmos and Chamber of FIFA’s Ethics Committee on then Best Team on President — Venold Coombs.

Parade was This came after Coombs was found guilty of Morvant. profiteering on the sale of World Cup tickets for Volcanoes finished the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. third, while Pride Coombs’ ban from all football activities, of Gall Hill was nationally, regionally and internationally, took fourth. effect on 3rd July, this year.

Fraser, who served as Second Vice President of Volcanoes were the SVGFF since 2011, was then elevated to the beaten by post of Acting President.

Morvant of In a two-way race last Thursday, Fraser got 36 (Trinidad) 3-0. votes to Maxim James’ 26.

The Best Initially, five other persons were nominated for Goalkeeper was the post of President.

However, Akin John, Elroy Boucher, Raymond Christopher Hernandez of Trimmingham and Carl Dickson, prior to Thursday’s election, withdrew their nominations. (T&T), Best Defender, Shakir The other withdrawal, that of First VicePresident-Otashie Spring, was done just before Clapham of (T&T) the process of voting began last Thursday. and Best Affiliates, though, will again soon be called on Midfielder was D. to fill the post of Second Vice — President, Nelson (SVG). The following Fraser’s ascendancy.

Most Goals were Full elections are constitutionally due April, scored by Raheim 2019.

Marvin Fraser outlines plans as SVGFF’s President MARVIN FRASER, WHO was last Thursday elected President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), has announced his intention to have “allinclusiveness”.

Speaking immediately from his elevation to the top post, Fraser reiterated “My main aim now is to get everybody who should be on board, on board now”.

Taking a philosophical view of football at the national level, Fraser said, “I am not Marvin Fraser, the president who is responsible totally for football in our country… We are all responsible for football”.

Last Thursday’s meeting was well attended by most affiliates of the SVGFF, which also gave Fraser more gratification.

“I want to see this more often… I want to see people take the responsibility and come out and try to come out and make sure we make decisions together, because that is how football should be”, Fraser commented.

“I want to change the face of football. I want us to work together to do that, and when people speak of football in St Vincent (and the Grenadines), it will come across as positivity and change the whole negative vibes that is behind it “, Fraser added.

Fraser underlined that his position of inclusiveness is the same held by the rest of his executive.

“This executive is willing to work with people who love football …it is togetherness”, Fraser proposed.

Fraser’s Development Thrust Fraser has fingered the development of Youth Football as the main plank.

“The key component for me is that we make sure we develop football from the youth sector up, especially to concentrate the female development programme in schools, and the boys’ development in schools”, the new SVGFF President outlined.

Sticking to his theme of inclusiveness, Fraser

System Three - Under 15 champions.

Keshon Alexander MVP and Best Midfielder for Volcanoes Under-13

Jahwar of (T&T), who was also the MVP. The Most Disciplined Team was Morvant and the Best Team on Parade was Paradise.

Paradise finished third and Pioneers fourth.

Guy Lowe, Head Coach of the D’Nelson Lewis Volcanoes UnderBest Defender 13 and 17, for Volcanoes expressed his Under-17 satisfaction with the way the young players performed.

“Our guys were smaller than the other guys, but we proved better in the knowledge and skills of football. Some of them will make it far, once they continue their good attitude”.

The former national footballer Gilando Payne believes it’s a good sign that such talent - Best Defender for is displayed at this level, but feels that it Volcanoes needs to be nurtured Under-13. and harnessed.

“The youth are very interested in getting themselves in the clubs. They are determined to go somewhere, but they must have the discipline, skills and knowledge of the sport. I think the future is in good hands, but we need a good grassroots programme to continue with the development of the youth”. Lowe stressed, “I just doing voluntary work with the kids every day at the Victoria Park and on Saturdays at the Calliaqua playing field, but we need more competition for the age groups to keep them in good check and not leave them, or they will miss the boat”.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Trio do double in FLOW Invitational Swim Championships

Hazen Dabriel- 8 and Under Males Champion and Sprint Champion.

THREE SWIMMERS Kathryn Cumberbatch, Hazen Dabriel and Paige Cadogan, all claimed

double titles at the 2018 FLOW Invitational Swim Championships, which were staged at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre from last Friday to Sunday.

Cumberbatch, who represented the Black Sands Swim Squad, was the winner of the Females 8 and Under category, and was also that age division’s Sprint Champion.

Like Cumberbatch as double champion in that age segment, was Blue Marlins’ Dabriel, who pouched the Male Division.

So too did Cadogan, who copped the Females 13- 14, and was the 13 Paige Cadogan, Females 13-14 Champion and 13 and Over Sprint Champion.

and Over Sprint Champion. Cadogan swam for the Black Sands Swim Squad.

Meanwhile, the Blue Marlins’ duo of Kennice Green and Seth Byron, were the Female and Male 9-10 winners, respectively.

The other age group individual winners, all came from the Black Sands Swim Squad.

Jayson Sandy won the Male 11-12, with Mya De Freitas, crowned the Female champion.

Taking the 13-14 Male

bracket was Alex Joachim, while Cruz Halbich won the Male 15 and Over.

Other Sprint Champions Three other Sprint Champions also emerged at last weekend’s Championships.

Tavonte Forde of the Rising Stars Swim Club of Bequia was the Male 9- 12 champion, as he shared the spotlight with Adara Stoddard of High Tide Aquatics of Barbados, the Female

champion.

And, Black Sands Swim Squad’s Shane Cadogan, pouched the Male 13 and Over.

Black Sands Swim Squad retained the title.

The other local participating club was the Salt Pond Snappers of Owia, with other

Kathryn CumberbatchFemales 8 and Under champion and Sprint champion. regional competitors coming from the Silverfins Swim Club of Barbados and the YMCA of Tobago.

SVG Squash Association searches for new talents A TWO-WEEK introductory programme, dubbed “Summer Adventure Squash Camp”, with the ambition of bringing in new Squash talent, has been undertaken by the Executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association (SVGSA).

Catering mainly for beginners, the programme which was sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority, was staged at the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue, concluded last Friday.

During the programme, the twenty participants were taught the basics of Squash by instructors- Bradley Glasgow, Mikal Quashie, Rashid Constance, Jada Ross and Amber Glasgow, with Lauryn Doyle, the coordinator.

Apart from learning the rudiments of the sport, the participants engaged in handcraft, painting, as well as educational talks on Animal Care,

Youngest Player, Neveah John (left) gets her award from Joseph Warren of the National Lotteries Authority.

Roshawn Paul (left) – the Most Promising Beginner, accepts his award from National Lotteries Authority’s representative, Enole Lawrence.

Etiquette Training and Dental Care.

And already, some of the trainees have shown their prowess, and were rewarded at last Friday’s Closing Ceremony.

Adjudged Most Promising Female Player was Caeli George and the Most Promising Male Roshawn Paul.

Gaining the award for Best Beginner was Amaris Murphy, with five-year-old Neveah George, the Youngest Participant.

Josiah Pierre was listed as the best at colouring, while Nathan Doyle and Tahaliya Cockburn, were the best at craft.

Additionally, an internal competition among the beginners

and advanced players, was held.

Ciara George won the Female segment for beginners and Dru Samuel, the winner of the Male category.

The winners of the advanced categories were Nadira Morgan (Female) and Jaydon Williams (Male).

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony, Dr Sherian Slater, Treasurer of the SVGSA, said she was hopeful that from the batch of trainees, many who would have their interest pricked, would stay with the sport.

Slater disclosed that from 15th September, training for the new players will resume.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 25.

Sports

CPL count down THE ST. LUCIA STARS have until September 2 to get into the top four of the Caribbean Premier League. That is the only way they stand a chance of lifting the trophy.

Up to last Tuesday, stocks appeared scanty for the St. Lucia Stars. A combination of factors including cricket itself spurred the Stars to their debacle. It will take a miracle for them to be in contention.

Matters have swung from one extremity to the other, and the Stars found themselves with a solitary win in all of 16 appearances at this level.

Vincentians were elated with Kesrick Williams and Obed McCoy forming an unlikely partnership with the bat.

The fact that they were at the wicket indicated that all was not well with the performance of the top batsmen.

McCoy and Williams, capable as they might be with the bat, are more favoured to deliver with the ball. Fortunes have evaded the Stars to an extent.

A total of 212 for 2 was brushed aside as if it dawned prematurely. The Stars salvaged a victory with another explosive batting performance. Then in the worst contrast, the Stars folded for what has been the lowest score in CPL history.

However the selection policy has been, questions arise as to the conclusion of the final XI. Whereas Darren Sammy may be the iconic figure of regional cricket, his exploits for the team bring his own spot under the microscope.

Sammy has not displayed much of an athleticism; his runs tally is bordering on disappointing, and his wicket haul has not been earth-shattering.

Perhaps it might be worthy to expose more youthful talent from the region rather than some spent forces, or for that matter that influx of overseas players.

One realises that the Franchises and the organisers are opting for that global appeal.

Hence the inclusion of the international players.

It will be encouraging if the CPL brand establishes that worldwide appeal.

Representatives from England, India, and Sri Lanka will add variety, but a decision will have to be made as to the extent of foreign penetration.

This is the Caribbean League, and while the attempt at broadening the horizon is welcome, the region has a duty to groom its own stock.

The final is set for September 16 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Whoever gets into that clash will spark off fireworks.

The CPL has evoked its attention in the way the Allan Stanford package captivated the region.

That was a home-grown episode. So even if the standard might not have been hair-raising, there was a sense of nationalism.

There is no question as to the patriotism surrounding the top four teams. How the finalists are decided adds intrigue.

The tournament has served as perhaps the farewell party for many a hero, as well as the platform for young cricketers. By the time it is over, certain names will be etched on the record books, and careers will be distinguished.

Best wishes to McCoy and Williams. It is a pity that more Vincentians have not captured the attention of franchise holders. That is the challenge that must be tackled.

Rain hampers NLA TBPO T20 opening DESPITE inclement weather, the National Lotteries Authority TBPO

Softball 2020 Cricket Competition officially opened last Saturday at

The Best Dressed Team was Sion Hill Tallawahs.

the Dauphine playing field.

A total of 18 teams will contest the tournament and will be competing in three zones. At the end of the first round, teams will be graded based on their performance, and the top 16 teams will have a play-off.

Following this, the tournament will head into the quarter finals, semi-finals and the finals. The tournament will be played under the ICC International T20 rules, with the exception of the 30-yard circle and LBW rule.

Members of the committee urged the players to exercise a high level of discipline, while Anthony Dennie, the Marketing Manager of the National Lotteries Authority, emphasized the commitment of the organization to be the main sponsors for years to come.

The Best Dressed Team was Sion Hill Tallawahs, who are also the Defending Knockout Champions.

Sugar Reef records Big Win in Bequia abandoned because of DEFENDING rain. The points were CHAMPIONS, Sugar Reef Bequia United and shared between both Knights Trading De Aussies, recorded victories over the weekend in the Bequia Twenty/20 Cricket Championship, at the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Port Elizabeth.

Sugar Reef Bequia United beat Garfield Friendship United by 83 runs.

The scores: Sugar Reef Bequia United 214 for 6 off 20overs; Rickford Walker 75, Cosmus Hackshaw 54, Jenson Ollivierre 34 not out; Garfield Sargeant 4 for 37.

Garfield Friendship United 131 for 9 off 20 overs; James Hoyte 28, Desberth Yorke 20; Glendell Gregg 4 for 28.

Knights Trading De Aussies gained a 6wicket win over Port Elizabeth.

The scores: Port Elizabeth 118 for 8 off 20-overs; Olonzo Billingy 40, Shurman Billingy 24; Razime Browne 2 for 19, Shem Browne 2 for 22, Me-Shack Williams 2 for 24.

Knights Trading De Aussies 119 for 4 off 10overs; Oswald Soleyn 36, Marcus Castello 27 not out, Razime Browne 25; Ormond Billingy 2 for 33.

Saturday’s match between Bequia Venture Royal Challengers and De Defenders was

teams.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

CCJ President to engage Vincentians

Hon. Justice Adrian Saunders, new President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

A THREE-MEMBER DELEGATION from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), headed by its new president, Vincentian Hon. Justice Adrian Saunders, is scheduled to undertake a four-day visit to this country next week. The purpose of the visit is to engage a broad cross-section of Vincentian society in discussions about the CCJ, its activities and the possible accession of St Vincent and the Grenadines to full membership of the CCJ. The delegation, which arrives here on the evening of Tuesday, August 28, will be the guests of the SVG Bar Association at a Town Hall meeting planned for Wednesday, August 29 at Frenches House beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The delegation is also expected to meet with the Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Leader of the Opposition, hold a Media Conference and engage different interest groups in discussions during its visit.

The general public is cordially invited to the Town Hall meeting next Wednesday at Frenches House.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018. 27.

Classifieds

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

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VOLUME 112, No.34

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Even the cross atop the historic R. C. Holy Name Cathedral could not withstand the force of the earthquake that hit T&T last Tuesday.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

FOR MANY, it may be regarded as the longest 90 seconds of their lives, as a 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the country around 5:30 last Tuesday afternoon.

Buildings rumbled, cars and powerlines danced from side to side, and utility poles swayed.

Luckily, there were no reports of damage to property or otherwise here, unlike back in November 2007 when a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Dominica, caused some minor structural damage to private property.

This was confirmed by the Deputy Director of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Hulda Peters.

This latest earthquake Damage to personal property and the country’s physical infraoccurrence has been regarded as structure was still being assessed up to Thursday. the most powerful earthquake to have occurred in the region since a 7.6 magnitude United States Geological Survey (USGS).

In a broadcast aired in Trinidad and Tobago quake occurred earlier this year in the Caribbean featuring head of the UWI-SRC Professor Richard Sea. Robertson and Siesmologist Dr Joan Latchman, the Tuesday’s quake was initially measured 6.8 by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research difference in numbers (magnitude) was explained Centre (UWI-SRC), but later upgraded to 7.3 by the as being the result of the calculation methods used.

The UWI-SRC uses a method that measures the intensity of the earthquake.

The epicentre was recorded about 30 km North East of Rio Caribe, Venezuela and at a depth of 76 miles (123 km) under the earth’s surface.

The earthquake was reported to be felt across sections of the South American continent as far as Colombia, and across the region including Trinidad and Tobago, where there were reports of power outages throughout that country and of damage to personal property including vehicles and some structures.

L-R: Seismologist Dr Joan Latchman, Engineering It was also felt in Guyana, Grenada Seismologist Dr. Ilias Papadoupolos and Director/Geologist and Barbados.

Professor Richard Robertson at Research institute at Gordon There was also confirmation of an St in St Augustine during a press conference held by the aftershock on Wednesday morning University of the West Indies. (Photo Credit: Sureash shortly before 9:30am.

Cholai/Newsday) Further damage to property in Trinidad and Tobago.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.