THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 25-10-19 by TheVincentian Publishing

40 40

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years of independence

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 25, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.39.

www.thevincentian.com

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‘CUT THROAT DEFENCE’ IN ‘YACHTIES’ CASE

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Assizes this week. The two were charged with causing ENARD ‘BAPTIS’ DOUGLAS and Jeromie grievous bodily harm to Christina ‘Jay Jay’ Jordon ran what is known in Curtin with intent, wounding Mark Court Proceedings as a ‘cut throat Beisar with intent, and entering the defence’ during their trial at the Criminal yacht as a trespasser and inflicted grievous bodily on a person, and at the time of so doing had a cutlass. The offences occurred around 8 p.m. on October 3, 2013 aboard the yacht ‘Rainbow’ at Frigate Rock, Union Island. In their defence, Douglas, 15 at the time of the incident, and Jordon, who was 16, admitted boarding the yacht on the night in question, but accused each other of inflicting the injuries. After giving their evidence-in-chief and cross-examined by Crown Counsel Karim Nelson and Rose Ann Richardson, they were allowed to cross-examine each other. Douglas, in his evidence, admitted that he got stabbed on one of his hands while on the yacht, but said he received the injury when he went to the cockpit to see what was going on after he heard screams. “You tell me come ley we go on the yacht for some money. I putting it to you that it was you who chop the people,” Douglas told Jordon during cross-examination. But Jordon replied, “Remember when you tell me you chop the white woman twice, and the white man stabbed you?” Jeromie Jordan was 16 when he is Douglas continued, “You and your said to have attacked the two friend Joul always doing dem ting dey, ‘yachties’.

and you involve me to destroy my life.” Jordon repled, “How I could involve you when is you who chop the people dem?” But Douglas asserted, “I am putting it to you that I never charge for wounding before. You is a wounder man. … You tell me Joul trying to sink me, and must ley we sink Joul.” Jordon, in his defence, said when he and Douglas climbed aboard the yacht, he saw when Douglas pulled a cutlass from his waist and he (Jordon) jumped overboard. He later heard a splash of water, and realized Douglas had also jumped overboard. “‘Jay Jay’, you lying, you chop the people dem, you is a criminal. “You lied when you said the officer beat you to give a statement. What else liees you ain’t go tell?” Neither of the accused called any witnesses. The two were jointly charged with Joul Mills, but he was made a state witness, after the charges against him were withdrawn. Mills, also of Ashton, Union Island, testified on Tuesday that he rowed the boat that took the men to the yacht on the night in question, but he did not go on the yacht with them. “They climbed up on the yacht. I heard the voice of a woman saying something like, ‘Honey, someone is in the boat’, and I heard screams, following which they jumped off the yacht.” All three , according to Mills, swam

Enard Douglas was 15 when he is said to have committed the offences. back to shore, and that is when he noticed Douglas had a stab wound on his hand. When Jordon inquired about the wound, Douglas said he received it while they were on the yacht. Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message

MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY MRS. SUSAN DOUGAN, OBE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

TO MARK THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES 27TH OCTOBER, 2019 Y FELLOW VINCENTIANS, St. Vincent and the Grenadines became an independent nation forty years ago on 27th October, 1979. From that day on, the government and people sought to build our nation at a pace consistent with the means available to so do, mindful of the local, regional and international context within which we were expected to navigate and chart a course of national development. This nation building had to be pursued with due regard given to the rule of law, good governance, national security, morality, peace and tolerance. Successive governments have remained firmly committed to preserving, building, bolstering and advancing

our nation’s capabilities. Education has always been an important requirement for nation building, and is undoubtedly the most essential catalyst for human resource development,t and we have seen citizens taking advantage of the increasing opportunities in education, particularly through the availability of increased scholarships offered locally and by countries around the world. The emergence of the knowledge society and the knowledge-based economy has repositioned education to be creative and innovative while strengthening access to cross-border platforms through e-learning. The revolutionary

developments in information and communications technology (ICT) have indeed contributed to every facet of our economy. Since Independence, we have witnessed how science and technology continue to transform the way goods and services are produced and traded. They have enabled innovation, competitiveness and modernisation in our productive sectors, thereby increasing productivity and generally improving the quality of life. Throughout the past forty years, the government and people have, to a large extent, worked together to promote our culture and

industries, provide advocacy for the disadvantaged and vulnerable in the society, solve our problems peacefully, promote a robust public sector with the attendant legislative reforms, and develop the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities. Notwithstanding the many achievements, there is still much work to be done, hence the call for Renewal at Forty. While the Renewal at Forty calls for government to set the overall policy framework, it is imperative that the emphasis be placed on the populace as a whole committing ourselves to a renewed effort at not just self-development, but more so national development. We need to join hands and hearts together in an all-out assault on societal ills such as crime, falling values, family breakdown, drug and alcohol abuse, rising individualism and domestic violence. Some of us do not see ourselves as having an individual responsibility to assist in the promotion of national development, but there can be no renewal unless we rid ourselves of this mistaken notion and fully embrace the concept of collective responsibility. We must start by reassessing our own roles in the country’s development. I urge each and every one of us to start the

renewal process by reaching out to our neighbours and determining among ourselves how we can come together in meetings of the minds to tackle the problems in our respective communities. We also need to find ways to strengthen the foundation already provided by those persons who have contributed in one way or another to building St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We must be proactive, focussed, motivated, caring, respectful, morally sound and truly genuine in what we do. Amidst it all, will be the weak and vulnerable who will not have the ability to contribute but will instead need a helping hand. We have an obligation to support them, nurture them and not leave them behind so that, one day they will in turn make their own contribution to the nation’s development. The process of renewal must include a reassessment of how we take care of our natural environment so that we do not desecrate what has

been bequeathed to us by our forefathers and so short-change the generations to come. Let us all take the effects of climate change seriously and redouble our efforts to address some of the causes. Renewal involves putting aside our petty differences and working harmoniously to build a society that we all can be proud of. It is time for our parents, teachers, theologians, community leaders, citizens at home and abroad, to work with the authorities to continue to build a country that will stand out as a beacon of success. My family and I take this opportunity to wish the nation a Happy Independence Day. May God bless us all.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 3.

News 3

Visitors recount near death trauma Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE BRAVERY of boat builder and captain Mark Beisar, he and his former lover Christina Curtin may not have lived to testify at the trial, six years after they were attacked and chopped several times aboard their yacht ‘Rainbow’. Jeromie ‘Jay Jay’ Jordon and Enard ‘Baptis’ Douglas, both of Ashton, Union Island, were on trial at the High Court Criminal Assizes this week on three charges in connection with the incident which occurred at Frigate Rock, Union Island on October 3, 2013. Douglas, who was 15 at the time of the incident, and Jordon, who was 16, were charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Christina Curtin, with intent, wounding Mark Beisar with intent, and entering the yacht of Mark Beisar and inflicted grievous bodily harm on a person, and at the time of so doing had a cutlass. The men pleaded not guilty to all the charges and conducted their own defence. Beisar and Curtin, nationals of St.

Croix, US Virgin Island, were not here for the trial, but were able to testify via skype, under the Witness (Special Measures) Act 2014. Beisar told the Court on Monday that he and Curtin, then his commonlaw wife, were at the time touring the Eastern Caribbean on his yacht ‘Rainbow’ which was registered in St. Croix, and on October 3, 2013, they were anchored at Frigate Rock, about a mile off Union island. They had done some snorkeling and fishing, and were having dinner around 8 pm when Curtin heard a noise. She went to the cockpit area to make checks, saw a shadow and came back down. “She moved her hand to the side, and all I saw was blood and she was screaming,” Beisar related, adding that he grabbed his kitchen knife and started to fire stabs as he proceeded up the pathway to the cockpit. “While I was stabbing, I got hit on my head twice by some object. When I went into the cockpit I saw a dark shadow jump overboard,” the seaman explained. Beisar said they used VHF radio to

call for help, and then travelled to Carriacou for emergency medical attention. He said they chose Carriacou over Union Island because he had reason to go to Union Island Hospital previously, and he didn’t like the way it looked. He said that on returning to Union Island, he discovered a cutlass 18 inches long in the yacht’s cockpit and handed it over to the police. Curtin, who had testified just before Beisar, said she received chop wounds to her face and shoulder. She recalled that Beisar had grabbed a knife from the galley and rushed to her rescue. “We did not know if he was stabbing a person or not, but he was just stabbing to help me”, Curtin recalled, adding that they received stitches for their injuries at the Carriacou Hospital, and she went to Grenada for further medical attention. Beisar stayed in Carriacou, then went back to Union Island to speak to

Christina Curtin showing her cuts/stitches, the results of the attack. the police there. Curtin suffered a laceration about 13 cm in length to the left side of her face, along with other injuries. Under cross-examination by Douglas and Jordon, Beisar and Curtin said they didn’t see who attacked them.

Mechanic charged with causing vendor’s death LORENZO MCLEAN, a resident of Diamond who lists his profession as mechanic, was granted $25,000 bail when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court last week Friday, charged in connection with a vehicular accident at Diamond on October 15, which left corn vendor Josephine Robertson of Diamond dead. McLean is charged with, being the driver of motor vehicle P5849 did cause Robertson’s death by driving the vehicle recklessly. McLean was not required to plea to the indictable charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court. He was granted bail on condition that he surrender his

travel documents and report to the Stubbs Police Station on Mondays between 6 a.m and 6 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court. The matter has been adjourned to January 13. Robertson, it was Josephine Robertson – reported, was picking victim of what the police soursop leaves from a said was reckless driving. tree just below where she plied her trade as a She was pronounced roast corn vendor, when dead on arrival at the the vehicle referred Stubbs Polyclinic. veered over the Robertson was the embankment, hitting her mother of five children and depositing her some whom she raised all by distance away from herself. where she stood.

‘Cut throat defence’ in ‘yachties’ case Continued from Front Page. Mills said that when Jordon asked Douglas what he (Jordon) did, he said, “I gey de woman some serious chop.” Under cross-examination by

Richardson, Mills said Jordon had jumped off the yacht earlier than Douglas, and that the screaming went on for about six to eight minutes. He said Jordon and Douglas had told him they were going on the yacht to collect some money, and asked him to go with them. A verdict in the matter was expected yesterday, Thursday.

V Ex-Port employee remains hopeful 4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

People

That is why he is currently trying to Ollivierre has been confined to his raise EC$45,000 that would enable bed for the better part of 14 years him to have that medical procedure having injured his vertebral column performed in Trinidad. (disks) on the job, but says that he was told by at least one doctor that there may be hope still. The 66-year-old related, in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, that he worked at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority (SVGPA) for ten and a half years, but was forced to quit in 2005 after a series of falls left him almost completely paralyzed. His work entailed piloting ships coming into the Kingstown harbor. He experienced his first fall in April 2005 when he and others were carrying out some work on a vessel. Even without any real assistance from his employer, though not for the want of concerned persons trying to help, Ollivierre said he used his own money and went to Trinidad, where he underwent surgery and subsequent therapy. That procedure alone cost EC$50,000, he said. The man said that he returned to St Renwick ‘Josh’ Ollivierre has been confined to bed for the better part of 14 Vincent and was able to return to years. work in the said year, when he again fell on the job. “And from that, ah started havin’ problems,” Ollivierre said. He still has limited mobility in his right leg, but difficulty sitting up or getting off the bed. “I eat lie down, I drink lie down,” he explained. In 2018, with funds solicited from friends and the government, he had a procedure done locally by a doctor, to

RENWICK OLLIVIERRE, more familiarly known as ‘Josh’, remains optimistic that a recommended medical procedure will enable him to walk again.

whom he was referred by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. “But nothing has changed,” he said. He still is not able to walk or sit up on his own. Ollivierre is determined to have the recommended surgery, but he simply has no money of his own to afford it. Furthermore, he needs money to pay the hired help, not to mention the medication and diapers he is now required to use. He fears ending up in the “Poor Home” and at 66 years old , he said he is not enjoying his years. There has been no compensation from his former place of employment, and he said that he has been advised that “too much time has elapsed to take the matter up in the court now.” He stressed though, that a fight with his former employer is not his problem. “My problem is my health. Right now is to stand up and walk,” he said. Ollivierre is grateful to those who have assisted, and to those who continue to do so — especially to those he said who would transfer credit to his mobile phone. He admits that he cannot expect to call on the same people every day. That is why he has already started raising funds on his own, again with the help of others who donated items, he was able to hold a barbeque a few weeks ago. It did not do as well as he expected, but he remains undaunted. “These are the kind of activities I have to engage in if I want to achieve my goal of walking again,” he recognized. When THE VINCENTIAN contacted the Port Authority for an input to this story, we were “instructed’ to put our questions in writing. We did as ‘instructed’ and the response from Mr. Bishen John, CEO of the SVGPA, was: “The SVGPA has and continues to look at ways to assist Mr. Ollivierre.” (DD)

Thanks to those who gave service in SVG THE BISHOP of the Christian Pilgrim, Pilgrim Faith that was outlawed in 1912 and regained freedom to worship as a religious denomination on the 22nd May, 1951, and incorporated by an Act of Parliament in March 2011, joinstogether with all families of God to give thanks to Almighty God for forty (40) years away from direct political and economic rule of England, though England remained our Head of State. Let us remember that our archipelago was independent before England controlled us without our permission. We must remember too, that our leaders and people resisted British rule for many years and Chief Joseph Chatoyer lost his life in defence of our independence; and not only that, our Garifuna people were exiled to Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and elsewhere.

We cannot forget the late George McIntosh, E.T. Joshua, and Milton Cato, who led us into independence. We must also give thanks for Sir James Mitchell for his 16 years of service as P.M, the Hon. Arnhim Eustace for his short time, and Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves who is currently still serving. This is the time for us to rethink and think forward. We see where we came from, to get a collective future for our nation, and this can only be done by the collective movement for national unity. ‘How good and how pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.’ Psalm 133:1. Happy 40th Independence anniversary to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Bishop Hamil Roban

V Credit Unions standing firm

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 5.

News

THE ANNUAL Everard Dean Memorial “mobile wallet,” Ridguard-Harris Lecture, jointly hosted by the St. Vincent projects. Credit Unions have to be and the Grenadines Co-operative League prepared to make the “quantum leap.” and the Caribbean Confederation of Whatever advances that take place, Credit Unions, was held here at the Ridguard-Harris reminds of the most Beachcombers Hotel, Thursday 17 important tenet: “saving.” October, as part of activities to mark Membership must be educated “on International Credit Union Month. the basis of thrift,” she advised, even Jamaican attorney-at-Law, Yvonne as she urged credit unions to provide Ridguard-Harris, delivered the lecture services to those “who have no on the theme: ‘Credit Union security,” Philosophy in Motion. Ridguard-Harris appealed for In dissecting the theme, Ridguard- continued solidarity among credit Harris pointed to the 96 percent unions and noted that “confidence penetration rate of credit union inspires success.” membership by persons between 15 Local calypsonian Kenneth and 64 years here, and she praised the ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne chipped in credit union philosophy which with a rendition of the International facilitates members access to credit, Year of Cooperatives song ‘Standing resulting in the economic Tall’, and with the celebrations of empowerment of the member. independence taking an upswing, So much so, when the economic ‘Scakes’ presented ‘Our nation is born,’ meltdown occurred in 2008, Ridguard- the song which gave him the first Harris said credit unions “stood out as Independence calypso title. a beacon of light.” The Everard Dean Memorial But the drive is not over and Lecture Series was inaugurated in the Ridguard Harris urged credit unions year 2000. It recognises the career to ensure they “support the and contribution of the late Everard community.” Dean, who served the Caribbean and “Credit unions have to market World Credit Union Movement for themselves more,” she advised. And some forty years. (WKA) there has to be an outreach to members and the wider public, so that youths especially will appreciate the value of the sector. The process of education must be sustained. And she is projecting deepening of the sector so that members benefit from a range of services. Credit unions have expanded beyond the individual, and RidguardHarris thinks that cooperatives, and small companies ought to be allowed to become members of credit unions. “We must cater to the expansion,” the Attorney indicated. The matter of technology is one that the movement has to pay attention to. She is suggesting Yvonne RidguardHarris, delivering that there be an “effective, the Memorial affordable technological platform,” to give the sector a Lecture, in which she challenged the competitive edge. She has no doubt about the Credit Unions to open their impact of credit unions, but membership clamours for a more flexible beyond individuals. image. There is need for a

A number of stalwart credit union members turned out for the Lecture, including former Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel (foreground)

6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message

2019 INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE 2019

RENEWAL AT 40! DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Diaspora but whose hearts are forever attuned to the symphonies of the homeland. We celebrate because we have much for which to HIS YEAR MARKS A VERY PROUD moment in our thank Almighty God. Our myriad achievements all Nation’s history, as we observe our fortieth (40th) flow from His grace and favour, generously anniversary of Independence on 27th October. It is bestowed upon this Nation and its people. While we undoubtedly a time for joyous celebration by are not always faithful in our service to Him, He Vincentians living within the geographical boundaries remains ever-faithful to us. He has spared us from of our multi-island State and those who reside in the

Congratulations C Con Co on ongr ng gra gra atu atu ula ula a ati ti tio ion ons ns on th the he he 40t 40 0th th Ann An nn niv niv ive vers ver rsssar ar ary ry of In n nde de dep ep pen p en n nde den deen nce nce 40th Anniversary Independence of St St.t. Vin ncen nc cen nt nt an nd Th nd T he G he Gr Gre ren en na na adi di din in nes nes Vincent and The Grenadines

THE EEMB THE EMBASSY MBA BASSY BAS ASSSY SY OF OF THE THE REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF (TAIWAN) OF CHINA CHINA (TA (T TAIIW TA TAIW IWA WAN) WAN) AN)

disasters and catastrophes, naturally occurring and otherwise, and has given us the means to rise above adversities, setbacks and limitations. We are grateful. Over the decades of our Independence, and particularly over the last twenty years, this country has experienced a deep and farreaching socio-economic transformation which has resulted in vast improvements to the standard of living and the quality of life of our citizens. The policies which have driven this strategic and well-conceptualised transformation, are rooted in social inclusiveness, equitable access to State resources and services, poverty alleviation and gender equality. Further, these policies have fostered the participation of all Vincentians, including youth, women and girls, the elderly, the disabled, the farmers and fisherfolk, the working class and individuals from all ethnic and socio-economic sub-groupings. Many of our citizens who originate from social groupings which had previously suffered discrimination and marginalisation as a result of prejudices perpetuated by colonial, patriarchal and other types of pernicious discourse, have been supported in achieving success in a vast range of disciplines and endeavours. As a result, they now occupy their chosen spaces with well-earned confidence, commanding the attention of the region and the world. This is perhaps best reflected and symbolised in this country’s election to a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, proving that, as a people, we refuse to be circumscribed by size, limited natural resources, vulnerabilities to multiple and diverse threats, and the legacies of a history significantly shaped by nature, genocide, enslavement of Africans, slavery and colonialism. Our spirits are buoyed by our successes to date, and remain undaunted by the current threats facing us and the huge tasks which lie ahead as we forge ahead with focus, renewed vigour and commitment to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its people. Thus, we Renew at 40! Happy 40th anniversary of Independence, SVG!

8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial An Independence Reflection ON BEHALF of the Management and Staff of THE VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd., this Column extends best wishes to all of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on this the 40th Anniversary of Independence from Britain. This is good a time as any to remember our brave-hearts men of the ilk of George McIntosh, Ebenezer Joshua, Dr. Pamenos Eustace - those who fought so unselfishly long before Independence Day, to empower, i.e. to equip the disenfranchised with the tools to combat the injustices meted out to them by the Colonial Government, their local cohorts, including the plantation owners and the mercantile community of the day, and to demand their ‘freedom’. Without their sacrifice, Independence Day would not have been a reality and, in this the Year of Renewal, we ought to offer our sincere homage to all who directly and/or indirectly contributed to our freedom which, if the truth be told, is still something for which we continue to ‘fight’. In the last 40 years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has progressed. Whether or not we can declare ourselves a modern democracy is up for debate. That assessment will be predicated, though not exclusively, on whether we are and are rcognised as a country of extraordinary talents; as an emerging economy with a modern health care and with science and technology as cornerstones of our development; as a country with a caring private sector and one that encourages genuine entrepreneurship; a country with its own, identifiable literature; and very importantly, a country with a culture that upholds decency, honesty, accountability, brotherhood and diversity. If that characterizes our country, we have much of which to be proud. If it doesn’t, then….. . For, if the truth be told, there are some things that call for our action before it becomes too late. Increasing incidents of crime against oppressed/disempowered women; public insensitivity towards victims of violent crime; lose-tempered behaviour leading to murder even for a pity incident, and insidious corruption everywhere, force us to rethink whether we are building our nation in the way that our great freedom-fighters would have dreamt. In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, perhaps it’s time to take a break and think of building a better society for the next generation. A better society means a happy society. A happy society requires its people to be happy. To be happy, we should enjoy what we do, and respect others and their opinions. We should enjoy equal opportunity. As we celebrate our 40th Independence Day, let’s demand of our leaders that they guide us to and build a society in which we can all enjoy what we do; one in which we can look happiness in the eye in everyday life. While we must plan our future, we must also be allowed and facilitated to enjoy small incidents that our life, our family and our society have to offer. There is plenty, for everyone. We need to change our perspective to discover it and to ensure that no one deprives us of our share, or misuses our share in the name of national development. Then there is the issue of respecting the freedom of others, as we expect others to do for us. We must cultivate the habit of taking the time to understand others’ points when there is disagreement or argument. Yes, everything is easier said than done. But we must give IT a try and recognize that when we have veered off the course towards freedom, happiness, equal opportunity for all, change is necessary. All we need is just a small step towards this change, and this the 40th Anniversary of our Independence is as good a time as any to begin this reflection on where we goeth.

Some obstacles to real Independence FINAL PART (A reprint of 22nd October, 1999. In celebration of 20th anniversary on Independence) To make matters worse, Independence was “assumed” at a time when partisan political divisions ran quite deep in the society. “Son” Mitchell was skeptical that Independence was being rushed when many of our citizens had been encamped as evacuees of the Volcanic eruption. Ebenezer Joshua, who first trumpeted the cause of genuine Independence, had, ironically, broken with Cato and company on the issue, and pulled the remnants of his PPP out of the Unity Government with Labour. The progressive groups in the country, in an effort to be heard and catch somebody’s eye, had formed themselves into a National Independence Committee under the chairmanship of the venerable Henry Williams. Their recommendations for constitutional reform which everybody is trying to re-visit twenty years later, were rejected out of hand by Labour and virtually thrown in the waste-paper basket. Indeed, Prime Minister designate Milton Cato deemed the Committee “a bunch of nincompoops”, and Attorney General Arthur Williams boasted that he would frame the Constitution which was really a matter of upgrading a document pre-fabricated in the Colonial Office, and dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “it’s”. Independence Day celebration was a strictly Labour Party affair. Increasingly, it became clear that the timing had all to do with the extraction of political mileage in exploiting the national euphoria, to carry the Governing Party to a massive electoral victory a mere five weeks down the road. Intoxicated by their heady success, the Government set about its business with a mailed fist. The “storm-in-a teacup” rebellion staged in Union Island was put down with a heavy hand. And the infamous pair of “Dread Bills” were crafted to put the society under heavy manners. The Essential Services Bill was intended to crush the Trade Union Movement while the Public Order Bill would have put the society in a straightjacket with its frightening notion of “thought control”. Joshua had been humiliated at the polls and had become a spent force. Mitchell, too, personally defeated at the General Election but returned only later in a by-election to find that one of his lieutenants had abandoned the NDP, formed his own WPP, and in the political vagaries of the times, grabbed the Leader of the Opposition spot. Minister Theo Woods had been fired and,

and within a year or two, Russell left Labour to emerge with his own Progressive Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition, after working out an arrangement with Calder Williams then playing all sorts of political games until he tripped over himself! The comic side to this colourful episode was reflected in various combinations and permutations of “Senators” representing an Opposition in wonderful disarray. Emery Robertson and Jerry Scott; Victor Cuffy and Brinsie Nickie; George Thomas and Verrol Hadaway; St Clair Robinson and Julian “Bucky” Boyea - with Bertram “Babaps” Young and Lester Bacchus coming within a whisker of appointment! To say the least, our Independent Parliament could have done with a better start. For this and other reasons, the people could take no more. They threw out Labour in 1984 “lock and stock”, with the “barrel” to follow five years later! Initially, the NDP came like a breath of fresh air. Notion of a new democracy and freedom were seriously taken on board. And there was a relaxation of party tensions as when Minister Mitchell was joined by Milton Cato and Burns Bonadie in the Government delegation to attend the funeral of Barbados’ Prime Minister Tom Adams and when, after 1989 delegations from UPM, MNU, and Labour were invited to participate in the RCA exercises on Windwards Unity, notwithstanding that in their last election none of them disrupted the score sheet. “Not a damn seat for them”!

APPENDUM The show, however, must go on. “Better village” competitions, calypso contests, officially sponsored cultural rallies, sporting extravaganzas and military parades have their part to play. But they really should be only the icing on the cake: not the sum-total of the celebration. As the religionist would say of the Holy Sacraments: the outward and visible signs only have meaning when reflecting an inward and spiritual grace. Without a proper history, genuine unity and real national pride, the show of merriment would remain superficial and ring hollow. The ULP proudly presides over a divided nation. One is reminded that they are not merely in office: in the words of Prime Minister Gonsalves, “We are in power”.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 9.

Letters

A MinistryÊs Remembering Oct. 27, 1979 neglect MR. EDITOR, I was especially moved by the reference made by Mr. Gosnel Aberdeen in your last week (Fri 18, Oct.) back page story about the tragic death of Ms. Josephine, that it was the fourth time that a vehicle had gone over the embankment where the lady was killed. Three times I think should have been more than enough telling for the road authorities to do something about putting up a barricade of some sort. But as usual, it takes a tragedy for us to be kicked into action. I know it might sound ridiculous, but in a case where the State fails to act to protect its citizens, and one person dies because of that neglect, the law should provide for the family of the deceased to sue the government, holding it responsible for the death of the woman. After all, this is a public road for which the State is responsible. And by the way, Mr. Minister of Works and Roads and everything else, when are we going to get a barricade along the road in Diamond just above where the National Properties and other offices are located? Any little distraction, and is over you gone, if you happening to be coming from the Windward side. Are we waiting for another tragedy before we do what is necessary? Case of the horse and closing the stable after it has bolted? God forgive if that is the way this government shows how much it cares for the people. Is this what is meant by Labour Love? Dennis

No to Miles MR. EDITOR, I know that a lot of people will say that I am not a patriot, when I declare that I have big, big problems with Miles Bascombe being named a selector for West Indies cricket teams. First to begin with, the appointment smells fishy, especially when you consider that Shallow is the president of the local cricket association and Miles served under him as vice-president; then Shallow was chairman of some Task Force to review the WI selection process and Miles was a member of that committee; and that Shallow was chairman of the committee that interviewed persons for positions on the said selection committee. I mean, others in the region must think that something ain’t right here. I would have preferred that Miles just simply refused the appointment because by accepting it, he is setting himself for some bad music. But the thing that really bothers me is that Miles is not, for all

intents and purposes, an experienced person when it comes to cricket and identifying talent. One T20 West Indies match and some regional matches do not make you an expert. When I think of some of the men who have been selectors in the past, Miles could not stand up in the same room as them. I don’t suppose anything could be done now, so Miles, boy, you have to have put on broader shoulders. By the way, I understand that Mia Mottle, Prime Minister of Barbados, expressed in Parliament her concerns about the ‘sweeping changes’ that Mr. Skerrit and Mr. Shallow have implemented since they took over as ‘heads’ of CWI. I wait to see if our Prime Minister will move to defend Skerrit and his boy Shallow whom he supported against Cameron and company. As much as you try, you can’t keep dem politicians out arwe cricket. Charles, Edinboro

I RECALL the night we hoisted our Independence flag like it was yesterday. My boys and I had decided that we needed to do something to keep us occupied before we went to Victoria Park for the grand occasion. Our parents had very early in the day given us permission to go to the Park on our own. They seemed to have had their own plans. I don’t know how we ever managed to do it, but between the six of us, we managed to raise enough ‘small change’ to go to the Lyric Cinema. Of course, we could only afford seats on the ‘pit bench’, but that was cool those days; for ‘pit’, the domain of the lower class, was gradually

becoming the place of choice of many middle class and even some troublesome upper class youth. The thing is I can’t remember what movie we saw because we were too occupied cracking our own jokes and talking garbage. We got down to Victoria Park before midnight and pushed to the front of the crowd on the grounds. We were able to witness a cadet, who we would later find out was Grantley Williams, hoist the flag, and as the flag got to the top of the pole, on the stroke of midnight Oct 27, 1979, it must have been the loudest roar of celebration that I ever heard in St. Vincent.

Every-man-Jack shouted to the top of their voices and jumped, for they relished the moment when we got rid of the Union Jack and hoisted our Breadfruit Leaf National Flag. What a moment of pride it was for all Vincentians, home and abroad! Through the 40 years since that memorable night, we have had our ups and downs as a fledging small island state. Some say we should have been better off; others say we have done well for ourselves with what we have. What I say is that we still have a long way to go, and I wish for a return to the oneness that we felt at midnight

on Oct 27, 1979. Garnet, N.Y.

PS: We have been saddened by the situation in which Justice Sylvia Ash currently finds herself, and hope that the justice system here will play out fairly and squarely. G/NY

Going beyond your scars LET ME BEGIN by saying that there is nothing like a perfect life. If anyone says to you that they have a perfect life, just tell them to continue living, and humps in the road of life will show up. As long as we wear this earthly suit, we are going to have some challenges, and trouble is no respecter of persons. Sometimes these challenges can be so deep that we become scared by them. For example, the death of a loved one, a failed relationship, job disappointments, and the list goes on. I have known people who after being scarred by life’s misfortunes, just lay there and died. The good news is that you can go beyond your scars, whatever it may be. We read in the word of God, Mark 10:27, “with man this is impossible,

but not with God; all things are possible”. While you may be discouraged for one reason or the other, it is not the end of the road, you can rise again, there is hope. First of all, you must want this, it must be your choice. Are you prepared to sit and cry over something you cannot change, or are you strong enough to try again? Once you are willing to make a reappearance in the ring of life, you do have the support of God. Hear what is said in Proverbs 27:16, “For the righteous falleth seven times, and riseth up again”. The Father will stand and give you the support to go beyond your scars. While you are not guaranteed the support of anyone when you are down and wounded, there is one who said, “cast all your cares upon

him for He careth for you”. You are not alone; I want you to believe this. If you are going to go beyond your scars, what is important also is that you forget the past, stop looking back and let your gaze be in front of you. No one can win a race always looking back, but full attention must be given to that which is before them. Finally, have faith in yourself, have the confidence that you can beat whatever it is, with the help of God. Know what it is to have that confidence; a full life awaits you; do not allow yourself to be crippled by anything. You ask the question: what is faith? It is described in

Hebrews 11:1 “As substance of things hope for evidence of this not seen”. In simple language, it is believing before seeing. Your faith pulls what is needed from the unseen world into the present. Your scars are only temporary, you have what it takes to go beyond them and become all that God intended you to be. May God richly bless you. Arnold Gopeesingh

10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Authority and Power

“Authority and power are two different things: power is the force by means of which you can oblige others to obey you. Authority is the right to direct and command, to be listened to or obeyed by others. Authority requests power. Power without authority is tyranny.” - Jacques Maritain (1882-1973) - French philosopher and author.

a particular field commands the respect of her peers, not based on the possession she holds, but on her proficiency, personality, and principles. People follow her, they commit to her, based on who she is RESEARCH IN THE FIELD of leadership and how she lives. There is where the and management continue to provide real power of leadership resides — useful insights in relation to the traits when individuals commit to following and behaviours that are considered critical in relation to the effectiveness of because they want to rather than because they have to. We are grateful our leaders and the efficiency of our to have engineers, doctors, teachers, managers. The research conducted by lawyers, artisans, electricians, renowned Caribbean researchers like politicians (and the list goes on) who Trinidad and Tobago’s Dr. Kwame have gained our respect and Charles, confirm that many of our admiration based on their competence Caribbean leaders and managers hold and character. They have authority on to the antiquated command and and power of the purest kind. control style – wielding power and Kevin Adam Curtis (born 1955), the seeking to restrict critical thinking. British documentary filmmaker, has Professor Betty Jane Punnett, in her 1999 article entitled “David and Goliath: explored areas of sociology, psychology, philosophy and political Smallness in a Global Business history. He has a particular passion Environment – Suggestions for the for commenting on “power and how it Eastern Caribbean”, notes that works in society”. He provides some “Businesses in the Eastern Caribbean useful insights when he states, need to put behind them the obsolete “Nobody trusts anyone in authority management practices of the colonial today. It is one of the main features of and plantation past, and develop and our age. Wherever you look, there are implement appropriate modern lying politicians, crooked bankers, management approaches which focus corrupt police officers, cheating resources to exploit international opportunities for which smallness is an journalists and double-dealing media barons, sinister children’s advantage. David can face up to Goliath, but needs appropriate weapons entertainers, rotten and greedy energy companies, and out-of-control to win.” Individuals who have been security services.” Many of this granted the privilege of leading column’s readers may be able to businesses, governments, churches, identify individuals who readily fit service clubs, and non-government this description; individuals with organisations, must avoid becoming authority and power who have yielded intoxicated with their authority and to the temptation to have the lust of power, to the point where they shackle the thoughts of their direct reports and the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life lead them to misuse their subjects. There are benefits to authority and power. We could encouraging critical thinking and become very cynical when we observe divergent opinions. such individuals engaging in such It is probably important to spend behaviours (sometimes even breaking some time reflecting on the word the law) with impunity. “authority”. We can understand and appreciate that individuals can be However, we still have reason to vested with authority based on the hope. Israelmore Ayivor (born 1989), position that they hold. They can be the Ghanaian inspirational writer, entitled to it based on the designation blogger, and speaker, reminds us that, that they hold. However, such “Authority confined in you does not authority is transient and very make you a leader. It is the authority fragile. For example, a Minister of created by you that makes you Government can wield a lot of influence people with your purpose.” authority and power while he holds He provides a timely reminder to all that position. One election hence, or of our leaders and aspiring leaders one infraction, can result in him too. Our societies will be better and having to demit office. The same is stronger when we cultivate those true of the pastor in a church or the attitudes and behaviours that reveal a Chief Executive Officer of a company. focus on having the authority and Such positions are tenuous. They are power that is created by us rather transient. They are fragile. That than bestowed upon us. The titles authority, that power, must be and accolades incurred based on a considered fickle. Such realisations position we hold will never be as beckon to those granted such beautiful and powerful as those positions to embrace humility and to derived from our character. This is avoid being carried away by thoughts the pure form of authority and power of superiority and arrogance. that our leaders and managers need The other aspect of “authority” that to cultivate and inculcate as we we should consider is the one that is influence the thoughts and actions of generated and maintained by some our citizens. Authority and power, in skill or personality trait that enables their purest sense, can provide the individual to command the direction that strengthens society and respect, appreciation, and admiration its citizens. of the onlookers. This is not a “positional authority” as described in Send comments, criticisms & the preceding paragraph. This is a suggestions to more lasting, more valuable, form of julesferdinand@gmail.com influence. The expert or specialist in

Pregnancy and irresponsible men Guest column by Gabrielle Blair OUR CONVERSATION about abortion places the burden of responsibility on women, but men are the root cause. Worse, when men discuss women’s reproductive rights, we are left with the thought that they have zero interest in stopping abortion. If we want to prevent abortion, we need to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, men seem unable or unwilling to admit that they cause 100% of them. Takes two to tango, you say! While this is true in the case of intentional pregnancies, all unwanted pregnancies are caused by the irresponsible ejaculations of men. A woman’s egg is only fertile about 4 days each month. And those fertile eggs are produced for a limited number of years. This means, on average, women are fertile for about 48 days per year. But men are fertile 365 days a year. In fact, if you’re a man who ejaculates multiple times a day, you could cause multiple pregnancies daily. Sperm doesn’t have a fertility expiration date; men can cause unwanted pregnancies from puberty until death. “But what about birth control...If a woman can manage to figure out how to get an abortion, surely she can use birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy?” Modern birth control for women is possibly the most important invention of the last century. It’s also brutal. The side effects for many women include migraines, mood swings, decreased libido, depression, severe cramps, heavy bleeding, aneurysm. Discouragingly, a promising study on a new male contraceptive was canceled in large part due to side effects. The side effects which were about one-third the known side effects for commonly used women’s contraception, demonstrate that as a society, we really don’t mind if women suffer, physically or mentally, once it makes things easier for men. But, men have it good. Even with the horrible side effects, women are amazingly very willing to use birth control. Unfortunately, it’s harder to get than it should be, but that doesn’t keep women from trying. Birth control options for women require a doctor’s appointment – sometimes multiple doctor’s appointments – and a prescription. They’re not always free, and often not cheap. The pill requires consistent daily use and doesn’t leave much room for mistakes, forgetfulness, or unexpected disruptions to daily schedules. Condoms by contrast are readily available at all hours, inexpensive, convenient, and don’t require a prescription. They’re effective and work on demand. They don’t cause aneurysms, mood swings, or debilitating cramps. Men can keep them stocked up just in case, so they’re always prepared. Condoms are magic. As a bonus, most women are totally on board with condoms. They prevent STDs and don’t lessen a woman’s pleasure during sex or prevent them from climaxing. So why would there ever be unwanted pregnancies? Why don’t men just use condoms every time they have sex? Sadly. men don’t love condoms. It’s very common for men to pressure women to have sex without a condom. It’s also not unheard of for men to risk the crime of assault by removing the condom during sex without the women’s permission or knowledge. Why would men want to have sex without a condom? Because, for the precious minutes when they’re penetrating their partner, not wearing a condom gives them more pleasure. Therefore, most men are willing to risk getting a woman pregnant – which means literally risking her life, her health, her social status, her

relationships, and her career – so they can experience a few minutes of slightly increased pleasure. For the truly condom-averse, men also have a non-condom, always-ready birth control option built right in: the pull-out. It doesn’t protect against STDs and it’s far from perfect. However, it’s 96 percent effective if done effectively and 78 percent effect because it is often not done correctly. Still, many men who resist wearing condoms never learn how to pull out correctly. Apparently, it’s slightly more pleasurable to climax inside a vagina than, say, on their partner’s stomach. Once again, men are willing to risk the life, health, and wellbeing of women in order to experience a tiny bit more pleasure for roughly five seconds during orgasm. As a rule, men get women pregnant by having a pleasurable orgasm. But men can get a woman pregnant without her feeling any pleasure at all. It’s even possible for a man to impregnate a woman while causing her excruciating pain, trauma, or horror. In contrast, a woman can have nonstop orgasms with or without a partner and never once get herself pregnant. A woman’s orgasm has literally nothing to do with pregnancy or fertility – her clitoris exists simply for pleasure, not for creating new humans. No matter how many orgasms she has, they won’t make her pregnant. Pregnancies happen when men have an orgasm. Unwanted pregnancies happen when men orgasm irresponsibly. Though our society tends to villainize female pleasure, women’s enjoyment of sex does not equal unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Men’s enjoyment of sex and irresponsible ejaculations do. Take the topic of responsibility. Often, men don’t know, don’t ask, and don’t think to ask if they’ve caused a pregnancy. There are often zero consequences for men who cause unwanted pregnancies. If the woman decides to have an abortion, the man may never even know he caused an unwanted pregnancy with his irresponsible ejaculation. If the woman does tell him he caused an unwanted pregnancy and that she’s having the baby, the closest thing to a consequence for him is child support. And our current child support system is a wellknown joke. Abortion is horrible; women should not have abortions! Never once do we consider the man who caused the unwanted pregnancy. We must stop shaming women. If we care about reducing or eliminating the number of abortions in our country, simply hold men accountable for their actions. What would that look like? A real and immediate consequence for men who cause an unwanted pregnancy. What kind of consequence would make sense? Should it be as harsh, painful, nauseating, scarring, expensive, risky, and life-altering as forcing a woman to go through a nine-month unwanted pregnancy or a visit to the ‘chop shop’? Many of us consider abortion to be murder, but it’s really the “cure” for an unwanted pregnancy. To stop abortions, we need to prevent the “disease” meaning, the unwanted pregnancy itself. And the only way to do that is by focusing on men, because irresponsible ejaculations by men cause 100 percent of unwanted pregnancy. To do otherwise is to demonstrate that we care more about policing women’s bodies, morality, and sexuality than we do about reducing or eliminating abortions. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 11.

Independence Message

‘Despite our current challenges, our future is bright and prosperous’ approach to governance and the practices of business and civil society is Fellow Vincentians, required. An essential aspect is the need for us to HE ANNIVERSARY of work together as one national Independence is people, seeking to create upon us again. This should prosperity and social be a happy time for all progress for all. Vincentians and well-wishers. It is imperative that we But, we must acknowledge that, give priority to making our for many of us, it is not. economy work to create Nevertheless, let us embrace jobs for our people– the occasion as a time to come especially the young together and focus on the things people– and better that bind us as a nation, and let opportunities for our local us summon the courage and business people. High strength to confront the taxation and low wages are challenges ahead. a painful combination that Our nation’s story is not hold us back and make us merely a series of events, but poor. High electricity an enduring process of costs compound the development and change. The problem. Despite the celebration of the anniversary outward trappings of of independence is best seen in wealth, most people have this light. And so, it ought to seen their living standards move us to engage in personal decline, and are finding it and collective introspection more difficult to make ends about our current condition, meet. They now have very and enable us to see our little or no disposable income problems and their solutions to allow them to enjoy life in more clearly. It should also our beautiful country. instil in us hope for a brighter Let us work together to future. turn this situation around. The fruits of labour cannot Of Leadership continue to be for the benefit of a privileged, well-connected Leaders in all sectors of few. The anniversary of society must recognize our independence is a good time to responsibility to our nation. reflect on our situation and Far too often in our country, commit ourselves to changing power is used, not as a ladder it for the better. to help other people up, but as a hammer to beat them down. Confronting Social Problems In other words, it is abused. We can stop this! Ordinary Our social people, should they choose to problems are many use their mass power, can put and serious. It an end to the routine abuse of should not be that, power in our country. When on the 40th people are elevated to high anniversary of office, they must know that independence, a they are there not because it is constant topic on their birthright, but because the lips of our they have been put there by people is the the people to serve them, not alarming rape to lord over them. Accordingly, culture that now our people must insist that pervades our leaders, political and society. Women, otherwise, respect them and young girls and always account to them. children are Accountability is essential to vulnerable and are good governance in all aspects increasingly preyed of society. It should, therefore, upon. The frequent be our watchword going incidents of rape forward! and sexual violence Economy and Development cannot be accepted as the norm. The The current situation of emotional and economic stagnation and physical injury moral decline in our country is caused by sexual not inevitable. It is the result violence is well of the way we have managed documented in the (or mismanaged) our affairs work of health over the years. We cannot professionals and continue to do the same thing social scientists. the same way, and expect a Far too many of us better outcome. A new know people who DR. GODWIN FRIDAY Leader of the Opposition

have been victims of sexual abuse and violence. Yet, there is no collective sense of outrage and urgency to confront the problem. If we are to live up to the promise of an SVG working for all of us, this situation must change as we go forward into our next 40 years of independence. On this our 40th birthday as a nation, let us do something truly meaningful by committing that, henceforth, we will not only talk but will deal effectively with the problem of rape and sexual violence in our country. Our

schools, our churches and our workplaces, should adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward sexual abuse. If we are to deal with this scourge properly, our attitude must be aligned with our actions. In tackling the problem, emphasis should be placed on prevention. Moreover, effective procedures to discourage, detect and punish sexual abuse must be implemented. Our police need better training. The curriculum of the police training school should be revised to include more extensive training in how to investigate and prosecute rape and sexual assault cases. The judiciary should also keep in step with changing social attitudes toward the problem, and manage the judicial process to achieve justice for victims of abuse and deter potential perpetrators.

Our Diaspora I am encouraged and inspired by the strong commitment of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora–Toronto, Montreal, New York, Miami, Maryland, London and elsewhere. Your material contribution to the country is immense and is greatly appreciated. Continue to support your loved ones and

your special causes at home. More importantly, continue to engage in the constant quest to identify and solve our economic and social problems so that our future may be brighter together.

Conclusion We are a decent, Godfearing people. We care about one another, though we may not always show it. Ignore the cynical people in our midst who may discourage our tendency to do good. Look after one another. Our Christian tradition calls us to be each other’s keeper. Our success as a nation depends on it. We thank God for guarding our nation and for giving us the chance to correct our mistakes as we move forward. Happy 40th, SVG! May God continue to bless us and save our nation.

12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ECGC Foundation assists four THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN GROUP OF COMPANIES (ECGC) Foundation Inc. in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Open Campus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on Thursday 10th October, officially handed over bursaries to four students who will be pursuing studies at the Open Campus. The handing over took place during a ceremony at the conference room of the Open Campus, Kingstown.

The bursary recipients are: Feona Cabral pursuing a BSc in Accounting; Aricia Davis — BSc Management Studies; Enda WeekesBSc Social Work and Brittany Straker- BSc Banking and Finance. The awardees formed the 7th cohort of EGCG Foundation bursary recipients. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Head of the Open Campus, Deborah

Dalrymple said that the bursaries mean a lot to the students. She congratulated the recipients and expressed thanks to ECGC. Deputy Chief Education Officer Dixton Findlay, who is a Director of the ECGC Foundation, congratulated the recipients and urged them to study hard and give back to the country. He took the opportunity to express

concern about the absence of male recipients in many award ceremonies. He appealed to the males to register with the Open Campus and to step up. “I want to encourage our males to get off the block and do

something meaningful with your life, so that you can change your situation in life,” Findlay implored. The ECGC Foundation Inc. has been assisting with education health needs, and has spent some $200,000 in this regard since its inception in 2016. Feona Cabral

The four ECGC Bursary recipients (four from left) with (from right) Dixton Findlay, Phyllis James, Human Resource Manager ECGC, and Mrs. Deborah Dalrymple. expressed thanks to ECGC and the Open Campus on behalf of the awardees. (KH)

Teacher Trainee bursary recipients (standing) with MCF and SVGCC officials at the handing over ceremony.

MCF and SVGCC extend partnership The Mustique Charitable Foundation (MCF) has once again partnered with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) to provide assistance through partial scholarships, to its students. On October 3, 2019, twenty-five (25) students from the Division of Teacher Education (DTE) received partial scholarships totalling US$38,564.00 from the MCF. This represents approximately 80% of the students’ costs for the academic year, including registration fees, University of the West Indies Examination fees, travel and food expenses. The excited students are all pre-service teacher trainees, and so have no reliable source of income for the period of study while pursuing their Teacher Training. In particular, in the second semester when they proceed on the 10-week teaching practicum, this creates a particular strain on the students who will need to prepare all of their teaching aids for the classroom. This year marks the third year that the Foundation is assisting the Teacher Trainees. Present at the hand over were Mrs. Dularie Malcolm, Administration Director of the MCF and the MCF’s Administration Assistant, Ms. Sheena Child. The MCF is a charitable organisation that was incorporated in 2008 and has been assisting Vincentians since 2016. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Mustique Charitable Foundation, and thanks the Foundation for its very generous donation to these deserving trainees. (Source: SVGCC)

14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message

From Paradise to Slum living memory. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal strongly contends that SVG is behind most of the rest of the world. The super-rich of Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan are our worst enemies. When Singapore gained independence from the UK, their Prime Minister Lee and creating widespread CCORDING to Warrant Kuan Yew smashed up the destitution throughout the Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc slums in Singapore, and built (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader country. Kingstown has been five universities and ten turned into a slum under the of SVG Green Party, in the 40 polytechnics - investing years since independence from ULP regime. billions of dollars — to create a When comparing SVG the United Kingdom, SVG has before independence to that of knowledge-based economy. plummeted from being a today, it is clear that we have Singapore focused on free, paradise to being a slum. high-quality education from Many Vincentians living in lost SVG, and that the pre-school to university for government is lost. There is the USA, Canada and virtually no economy, and the every child, regardless of race England, who have returned and wealth level. living environment in many to SVG on holiday, have told Now, Singapore is a global parts of the country is literally Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie success story, with one of the O’Neal that they will not come a slum. Our country is getting highest standards of living in much worse by the day. back to live permanently in the world. Singapore has the The environmental SVG, because the country is a highest percentage of conditions are the worst in mess. They are disappointed millionaire households as a living memory; violent crime with how dirty and poor our share of a country’s total and unemployment rates are once graceful country is now. households at 15.5%; very high and the worst in The environment is very Singapore topped the charts living memory; the bad, and poverty and for highest GDP per capita in unemployment are very high. desperation of many poorer 2010 at close to EC$152,636 households is the worst in This is stoking serious crime and is expected to continue to

Independence Message Warrant Officer Ivan OÊNeal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party

be the global leader until 2050; Singapore has a GDP of EC$810 billion; Singapore has a very low unemployment rate of 1.9%; more than 70% of Singapore resident nonstudents aged 25-34 have a university education. In SVG, we must call a spade a spade: we are the direct opposite to Singapore in SVG. SVG has poor-quality education and a focus on subordinate employment in white enclaves - cooking the food, serving the food, washing the plates, making up beds, cutting grass and being security guards. The problem in SVG since independence is that we have had highly dotish governments that want to use tourism as the foundation of the SVG economy, rather than education. For true independence, a Green government would abolish the discriminatory tax laws that punish our people. This would boost the economy, create thousands of new jobs, help SVG businesses to

prosper, and create the revenue needed to competently manage the socio-economic and financial affairs of our beloved country. May God continue to bless SVG. Happy 40th anniversary.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 15.

16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message

INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE - 2019 Mr. Colin O. John, Commissioner of Police FORTY IS A PEAK TIME to re-assess our values,” Tricia Wolanin - Clinical psychologist and author. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has achieved another significant milestone; that of celebrating its 40th Anniversary of political independence from Great Britain. On behalf of myself, my family and all Ranks of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, we extend heartfelt congratulation to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is making use of this glorious opportunity to reflect and renew at forty (40). We reflect on the structure of the Organisation, as we implement new methods to make this noble Organisation more efficient to combat the challenges of this technological age effectively. We are renewing our methods of operation to ensure that the citizens and visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines are not only safe, but that the perception is that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is indeed safe. As we enter the 11th month of the

“

year, we have seen a general decrease in crimes; also in murders. However, we are mindful of the fact that we have to also stay “switched on” and take as many proactive measures as possible to prevent, detect and prosecute crimes. The citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines generally hate evil and love good. This is evident by the fact that the law breakers are a significant minority. The citizens have been supportive of the police, and have been by and large their brother’s keeper. For this, I say thank you to the Vincentian Public for their continued support to the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police. The number forty (40) was mentioned one hundred and forty six (146) times in the scriptures. It symbolizes a period of testing. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness after spending forty years in Egypt. Moses was also on Mount Sinai for forty days, on two separate occasions, one when he received the Laws from Almighty God. As a Police Force, we have been tested and continue to be tested in many ways as different types of crimes

evolve - for instance money laundering and human trafficking and the new methods and techniques criminals use. An unscrupulous person can stay at the North Pole and empty the bank account of person in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We therefore have to adjust to meet the changing times, which challenge us today. St. Vincent and the Grenadines can also boast of the best run Financial Intelligence Unit in the OECS. Additionally, our country has formulated and adopted a National Action Plan to combat human trafficking which has redounded to SVG receiving a tier two (2) ranking on the U.S State Department Global Trafficking in Persons Report for 2019.

Methods used to prevent crime We have made a deliberate effort to prevent crime, Some methods used are the DARE programme, Police Youth Clubs, Crime Prevention Exhibitions, Pan against Crime, Police on the Mr. Colin O. John, Commissioner of Police Beat programme and most recently, the Sports against Their contribution is deeply Crime Initiative. appreciated. The Royal St.Vincent and the I wish to thank the other Grenadines Police Force has built on Government Departments and the foundation that was set by Ministries for their support and illustrious warriors who have left an cooperation. A heartfelt thanks to the indelible mark on the organisation Embassies and Ambassadors, over the past forty years and before. especially the Taiwanese Embassy for contributing directly and significantly to the Police Department in the form of eight (8) SUVs and two (2) motorcycles, valued eight hundred and six thousand, four hundred and fifty dollars. ($806,450.00). We are very appreciative and look forward to their continued assistance. As we parade to prosperity and we mark each milestone, let us as a nation and as a Police Force continue to give thanks with grateful hearts, for all the blessings that the Almighty God has bestowed upon us. Morning by morning new blessing and goodness we see; great is thy faithfulness. May the Almighty God continue to pour his blessings in our direction. Happy 40th birthday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines!

V A call for spiritual renewal

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 19.

Independence Message

fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights.” As I reflect on these passages, it seems to me that the number 40 is developments and our set- the Promised Land, and associated with periods backs. While we will hear they were there for forty of testing, trials and from many of our leaders, days and forty nights tribulations, to see how both civic and spiritual and before returning to give mankind would respond from civil society and their report about the to the call of God relative analysts, all of whom will land to the purpose and have their own perspective Judges 13:1 - When destiny of their life. The on our 40th year Israel disobeyed God, He experience of the celebrations, I would like gave them over to their children of Israel showed to focus on the number 40, enemies for forty years how God worked citing some Biblical Exodus 34:27-28 “And supernaturally for them narratives, while drawing the Lord said to Moses, when they obeyed His some conclusions for our “Write these words, for commandments, own consideration. in accordance with these instructions and In Matthew 4:1-3 we words I have made a mandates, and how they find Jesus being led by covenant with you and stumbled and fell into the Spirit into the with Israel.” So he was dismay and disarray wilderness to be tempted there with the Lord forty when through their by the devil after fasting days and forty nights. He disobedience, the ORTY years ago, St forty days and forty neither ate bread nor presence of the Lord was Vincent and the nights drank water. And he not with them. Israel’s Grenadines began its Joshua 5:6 - the people wrote on the tablets the experience and God’s journey to selfof Israel walked forty words of the covenant, way of dealing with them determination, selfyears in the wilderness, the Ten is His model of dealing reliance and selfuntil the entire nation, Commandments.” with all nations. Our sufficiency. Here we are the men of war who came Acts 13:21 King Saul first response to human forty years later, reflecting out of Egypt, perished, reigned over Israel for existence and living is to on the past, noting our because they did not forty years, as did David seek God early in life and highs and our lows, our obey the voice of the (2 Samuel 5:4, 1 reproduce His character triumphs and defeats, our LORD Kings 2:11) and Solomon of love, obedience, successes and our Numbers 13:25; 14: 34 (1 Kings 11:42) goodness, mercy and disappointments, our - Moses sent spies into Genesis 7:12 “And rain justice. When we are drawn into His presence with humility, and choose to remain there to be taught by Him, we will experience abiding relationship and intimacy which will be a mighty fortress in times of testing and trials. Obey and live, disobey and be devoured. When the citizens of any nation seek the name of the Lord and develop an attitude of gratitude, then God says He will bring healing to the land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. During this forty-year period of nationhood, while we can catalog and identify many examples of national progress in health, education, infrastructure and services, an honest assessment will also

Pastor Dermoth Baptiste President, SVG Mission of Seventh-day Adventists

intelligently and wisely, for whatsoever we sow we shall reap. We sow to the wind and we will reap a whirlwind. It is a fundamental law of sowing and reaping that the harvesting is much greater than the planting. For us to reap the good of the land, we must sow in obedience and righteousness. As we celebrate our fortieth anniversary of independence, let it not only be one of festivity, entertainment, frivolity and triviality, but more importantly, let it be one of sober reflection as we focus on God who has brought us safely through all the storms, challenges and tests of life. We were created with a purpose, which if fulfilled, will determine our destiny. Thank God, many are discovering their God-given purpose, while others are not so mindful, and follow their own selfish desires and inclinations that lead to depravity of the soul. Let us therefore discover our purpose as we prayerfully inquire of the Lord, like Saul on the Damascus road, “Lord what will you have me to God laws never change do?” I have embraced the theme, so beautifully To add insult to injury, buggery which is captured by our national planners, “Renewal at totally labelled as Forty”. May this phrase abomination and outlawed by Scripture not only be a theme for and the laws of the land, the day or the month, but may it be a living is being challenged as outdated, archaic and an reality in our individual lives and corporately as a infringement on one’s nation as we seek right of freedom of choice. While I agree that physical, social, mental and spiritual renewal. we have the freedom of Perhaps it’s just the choice, the same God who gives this freedom is right time for a “Spiritual Revolution” as unchanging in nature and will never change we by God’s grace return His laws to facilitate the to our spiritual moorings and by the transforming whims and fancies of fallen man. He therefore power of the Holy Spirit break down every cautions us to choose stronghold, tear down every idol, and cast out every foe, as we lovingly surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. Let us return to the arms of our Everlasting Father with our sons and our daughters, our children and grandchildren as we take back that which the enemy has stolen from us. On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I wish the Government and People of our blessed land a happy and reflective 40th anniversary celebration.

indicate that the traditional family system and values committed to us by our Creator are being ignored, sidelined or trampled upon, while we seem to be descending into a “new low” of spiritual darkness and depravity. The home is fractured; children are growing up without the provision, protection and guidance of both parents. The family altar where the father as priest of his home will gather his “little flock” for praise, worship and prayer is broken down. Biblical, heterosexual marriages are being redefined to accommodate same sex unions, and young minds are plunged into a state of confusion as to who are moms and dads. The word of God is being ignored, and Harry Potter horrors seem to be the modern bedtime stories taught to those impressionable minds. No wonder youths are becoming more rebellious, individuals becoming more Gospelhardened, and churches becoming scantier in attendance.

20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Local poets and writers awarded LOCAL POETS, writers of fiction and musicians received recognition for their work last Friday, as the University of the West Indies Open Campus, in collaboration with the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers, held the Annual Literary Awards at Frenches House last week Friday. The big winners on the night included Gweneth Cambrdge and Denise Westfield who shared the Dr H. Nigel Thomas prize for fiction, and Steve Whyllie who copped the Ellsworth ‘Shake’ Keane Prize for poetry. Other awards handed out on the night included the ‘Creative Artist of the Year’ which went to Tamara ‘N dambi’ Providence; ‘National Poet of the Year’ which went to Dillon Ollivierre, and the National Recognition Award which went to the YOULOU Arts Foundation. A number of bursaries were also handed out: five undergraduate to Stanton Gomes, Clairiciesa Anderson-Pierce, Sharma Black,

Annecia Richards and Alics Adams-Francois; and two graduate to Candie PollardSutherland and Desene Caine. During his remarks, judge in the poetry category and poet Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams said that 15 poets accounting for 70 poems, submitted pieces for consideration. “And they were all of a pretty good standard,” he said. And in the fiction category, Dr. Thomas commented that he was told that St Vincent was not yet at a place to hold literary awards. However, after reading some of the 20 pieces that were submitted, he said that his opinion quickly changed. He commended the authors for the content, saying that many used folklore quite extensively. “And that’s what

Left - Right: National Poet of the Year Dillon Ollivierre collects his award from Deborah Dalrymple, Head of the UWI Open Campus St Vincent.

Tamara ‘N dambi’ Providence who was awarded the Creative Artist of the Year title.

fiction does, questions society in a fictitious manner, and these stories did that,” he said. The award ceremony is aimed at acknowledging local writers and exposing the public to a taste of Vincentian literature. (DD)

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Health

VINSURE hosts major Health Fair genuinely wants Two of the persons to take care of pillars of themselves so the fair the Fair, VINSURE’s is now heavily biased informing the public of Simone Goodluck the importance of (right) and maintaining good Zonnel physical and mental Mitchell. health. She explained that this year VINSURE reached out to a number of health and wellnessrelated companies, including the Hypertensive Unit, the Nutrition Unit, Dental Care Services, the Cancer Society, Fitness Lab, Health Solution, and the World Paediatric Programme. THE VINCENTIAN spoke with some of those who had mounted booths. Veteran Health Administrator Patsy Wyllie, who is now the Chief Health Promotion Officer in the Ministry of Health, said her ministry’s display and intent focused on combatting alcohol and tobacco consumption, habits which she described as “two major (health) risk factors” in SVG. Lauren McIntosh, Executive Patsy Wyllie Director for the Eastern Caribbean leading the Division for World Paediatric Ministry of Health’s fight Programme (WPP), headed a booth that highlighted the WPP’s work in against SVG - providing diagnostic and alcohol and surgical paediatric services in tobacco consumption. cardiology, urology, neurosurgery,

ST. VINCENT INSURANCE LIMITED VINSURE – was host, last Saturday, October 19 to a major Health and Wellness Fair at the decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport Car Park. A wide cross section of health and wellness providers and stakeholders were on hand to offer support from the many booths that were pitched for the occasion. Among the main objectives of the VINSURE Health and Wellness Fair was to increase personal health awareness and motivate individuals to make healthy lifestyle changes and choices through free screenings and information sharing. Simone Goodluck, General Manager at VINSURE, told THE VINCENTIAN that two years ago her company started offering medical insurance and that the Health Fair was identified as part of the intention to bring people around to that fact. However, she assured that her company

plastic surgery and general surgery, with an Learning more about the VINSURE/SVGTCCU Cut Medical Plan. emphasis on scoliosis. WPP has been Marketing Manager at SVGTCCU, offering services in SVG for the last 18 was on hand to explain that VINSURE years, and the country serves as a and her Credit Union were partners in designated hub for patients in the the Cut Medical Plan, which overs Eastern Caribbean. coverage for medical, dental and vision McIntosh said that VINSURE is needs of members of the SVGTCCU. very supportive of her organization She described the Fair as a good and they were very honoured to be idea. “I think it is a good initiative …. invited to participate in the Fair. bringing together the various health The involvement of the St. Vincent services that are available to persons I and the Grenadines Teachers think is very important,” YorkeCorporative Credit Union (SVGTCCU) Nicholls said. raised the eyebrows of many of the Visitors to the Fair also availed visitors to the Fair. themselves of blood sugar and However, Melissa Yorke-Nicholls, pressure tests. (WKH)

Obesity: A growing problem for SVG EVEN as ending hunger remains a challenge for regional governments, they are also facing another serious food/diet-related issue — female obesity. According to Dr Renata Clarke, Sub-regional Coordinator for the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and Jamaica are among the top 14 ranked countries globally, in terms of female obesity. St Vincent and the Grenadines ranks slightly lower than these countries, however, Clarke said, the country is catching up fast with a growth rate of 2.6 percent annually. “We have plenty to think about in the Caribbean in relation to healthy diets,” Clarke said as she addressed the opening ceremony of the World Food Day and Agri Expo at the tarmac of the now decommissioned E.T Joshua airport. Obesity, she continued, had serious social costs in terms of illness and death, as well as having a potentially adverse impact on the economies of

Dr Renata Clarke, Regional Coordinator for the FAO, says that obesity is becoming a serious health issue in the region, especially among women. the countries of the region. Obesity was also one of the main drivers of NonCommunicable Diseases which accounts for a 71 percent mortality rate, she said. Clarke attributed the new trend to changes in lifestyle and people were eating differently in the region. She said that the FAO was partnering with the United Nations and other regional partners to work on food consumption surveys, so that policy makers can make better decisions on programmes and policies aimed at empowering women in the Caribbean. (DD)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 27.

Independence Message

Independence Message from the Association of Evangelical Churches President: Dr. Reynold Murray

HE YEAR 2019 is a watershed year for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Association of Evangelical Churches (AEC) here in SVG, as both turn forty years. While the nation renews its stance (takes a fresh guard -PM Gonsalves), the Association of Evangelical Churches renews its commitment to God to be His Watchmen, His eyes and His voice here in SVG. At 40, this small nation is standing tall among the nations of the world, holding a non-permanent place on the Security Council of the United Nations. Not to be left out, the AEC is standing tall, also holding a permanent place in the Global Alliance of Evangelical Churches and representing the King of Kings on this earth. In 2009, there was a call for a review of the constitution of SVG; the proponents followed the correct and responsible path by holding a referendum. The nation said no to the request, and the government accepted the decision - the constitution remained with its premier clause declaring that our ‘nation is founded on the belief in the supremacy of God’. As the Association of Evangelical Churches and the Nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrate at forty, we face a subtle assault on our constitutions - the BIBLE and the Constitution of SVG. The petition in the court to amend the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by removing references to buggery and gross indecency is, in effect, an attack against God, the Bible (the word of God), the Constitution of our Nation and the Value System that has served us and preserved us to this day. Our creator God made man and gave him the freedom to choose. He said .. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life ..”(Deu.30:19) but some persons rejected God and despise His instruction. Because these persons refused to recognize God as supreme .. “God gave them up to uncleanness …. dishonoring their own bodies between themselves” (Rom. 1:24) The Bible and its custodian, the church, have been under attack for years by ungodly elements who cannot face the truth. Many of these persons are in the

highest places in society, and are using their positions, possessions and influence to attempt to remove the bible from public places and silence the church. The constitution is being attacked under the guise of human rights. The claim is that the person’s rights to sexual impropriety is being infringed upon. The reality is that sexual conduct is not a “human right” as put out by the United Nations. More importantly, if judges are allowed to read new concepts or their personal interpretation into the constitution, it will become a tool to those who sit in high places, and the masses (you and I) will become casualties of a flawed system. The way to amend the constitution is through a referendum where all eligible persons have a chance to let their voices be heard. The current assault on the constitution may seem harmless or insignificant, but on a slippery slope, you only need to remove one pin for the mountain to collapse. There is currently a breakdown in our tried and proven value system in SVG and an upsurge of “new or modern” values and principles based on individualism, selfishness, a diminished regard for the other and a growing disregard for God as our Creator and Guide. Such values can lead to no good: their products can be seen in the prisons, the hospitals and the cemeteries. So, as we celebrate independence this year under the theme ‘Renewal at 40’, let us commit to rebuilding our broken walls, deepening our relationship with God and each other, respecting the rule of law and allow the constitution to stand. The Association of Evangelical Churches in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is committed to strengthening its network, building a resilient Christian community, serving with compassion to make a difference. To St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Vincentians everywhere, Happy 40th Independence.

V De Comrade has done enough! 30. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

THERE ARE some among us who seem to be advocating that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves should be given another term as Prime Minister of this country, but their arguments have in the main, not brought out the evidence that an extension of De Comrade’s mandate will bring us prosperity and cater to the well-being of the next generations, on whose shoulder we are clearly leaving a tremendous debt-burden. Callous indifference to the welfare of those coming after us, is out of harmony with the nature and character of this agricultural community. That is why there are so many fruit trees in our land, we plant for posterity! In many cases, these persons who seem to be saying that Ralph Gonsalves is the only person who can manage our affairs are themselves identified by the people, as spineless, parasitic opportunists who have conditioned themselves to the secure enclaves of dependency, where they are satisfyingly rewarded for their robotic aquiescence with generous handouts. To ensure continued enjoyment of those benefits, these people who once projected themselves as defenders

of the interests of the people of the land, had no qualms about “licking-up” the largest farmers’ organization, the St. Vincent Banana Growers’ Association, which had been for decades the conduit of foreign exchange earnings, fortifying our economy to a significant degree. To a large degree, that is why things are so challenging in St. Vincent and the Grenadines today. We are not earning enough from our agriculture. The reason for the failure may well be traceable to those persons who are promoting Ralph Gonsalves now; they had not given him the mature critical support when he needed it. They were indifferent when it was evident that he was clearly mismanaging the affairs of state, and there

has been ample documentation of that. His friends, advisors and supporters ought not to be afraid to tell the Comrade, “You have done enough”! They could remind him, that he himself has said, “no prime minister should be given more than two terms”. It is therefore less than immoral for him to be seeking a fifth term. For him to be still pursuing the desire to maintain control, is itself an indictment, that he has no faith that the much-touted Education Revolution has produced citizens who have the capacity to manage the business of the state. It seems to me that for some time now, the people have been trying to tell the Comrade, “We have had enough of you”. Change is required! LeRoy Providence

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 33.

Education

UWI and FLOW launch partnership VICE-CHANCELLOR of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Country Manager (Barbados), Flow, Jenson Sylvester have signed an agreement, formally launching the partnership which has led to UWItv being accessible on Flow channels across the Caribbean. The signing took place during a brief ceremony on Thursday, October 17, 2019 in Barbados at The UWI Cave Hill Campus. UWItv, the multimedia, public information and education service of The UWI, which went live in December 2016, is now available on the Flow EVO service, allowing subscribers to access 24/7 content from the regional university.

‘One of a kind’ A “one of a kind” facility in the region, UWItv cable channel is complemented by a robust website and social media presence, allowing access to content in real time or on demand. In addition to showcasing original UWI content, UWItv through its

existing partnerships with regional and international agencies like CARICOM and the UN, offers programming which includes interviews, documentaries and regional and international event coverage on research and ground-breaking work and issues that directly affect the Caribbean. The UWI is pleased to expand its reach and share this unique content with Flow customers. This partnership with Flow demonstrates an alignment with industry and academia, which is a strategic element of The UWI’s mandate to help to strengthen the innovative capacity and capabilities of regional economies and lead to higher levels of growth. Commenting on the initiative, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said, “The development of innovative national and regional economies in the age of globalization, is dependent on intimate and effective partnerships between industry and academia. This partnership between The UWI

and Flow reflects the truth of this statement. Outcomes will resonate across the Caribbean and the world as the University provides the region with its only dedicated, education cable and internet 24/7 channel.” Mr Sylvester expressed how proud Flow was to be the broadcast partner of choice for The UWI, and said the company was equally pleased to be strengthening its ties with the institution.

FLOW Mission “Flow is driven by a mission of ‘Connecting Communities…Transforming Lives’, and we see our partnership with The UWI as an extension of this philosophy.” he said. “Beyond the dollars and cents of business, our unique culture has a tremendous impact on our social cohesion and development, and we understand that the greatest investment we can make is in our people, their education and their talents.” UWItv is available on Flow

L-R: Ms Marilyn Sealy, Senior Manager, Communications, Southern Caribbean, Flow; Jenson Sylvester, Country Manager, Flow Barbados; Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, ViceChancellor of The University of the West Indies, and Ms Janet Caroo, Managing Director, UWItv, following a signing ceremony to launch a partnership between The UWI and Flow. EVO channel 15 in Grenada; 102 in Curacao, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago; 105 in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, BVI, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent and

Turks and Caicos; 106 in the Cayman Islands; 112 in Barbados and 130 in Jamaica. (Source: UWI Open Campus Marketing & Communication)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 35.

Independence Message

Independence Message - 2019 Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies – St. Vincent District housing situation was generally poor, and unemployment was rife. Those conditions drove us to our knees, and God answered our prayers. Without a doubt, we knew there was a God. Our God promoted different governments in this country to make a difference in our lives. Today, many of our children and family members are privileged to have a university education; we have jobs that enable us to earn an income to buy a home or build one, and our poverty level has dropped. With all of these benefits, are we now denying there is a living God? It is shameful, but this is what happens as some would say with development. God is so easily forgotten in the midst of our progress.

by Rev. STEPHEN OLLIVIERRE District Presiding Bishop N THE BIBLE, forty was significant. Rain fell for “forty days and forty nights” during the Flood (Genesis 7:4). Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights. (Matthew 4:1-3). Moses reminded the children of Israel, “These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything” (Duet 2:7). As a nation, we must be thankful to God for allowing us to reach this fortyyear milestone. What we needed as a nation, He has provided, similarly to the children of Israel. It is a time to contemplate on the many ways God has favoured our land. In retrospect, it is safe to say that our country has made tremendous strides. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is no longer an unknown dot on the map, but is now recognized internationally, even more so, after we were elected to sit on the United Nations Security Council. There is a lot that can be said as we celebrate our forty-year history. We have made advances and achieved many successes. Sad to say, we have also made many errors. However, if we do not pay close attention to what this country has accomplished, the tendency is there to always reflect on human effort, rather than on what God has done. A few years ago, I was surprised when a teacher said there was no God. I thought to myself, “that individual is blind!; but there are others who also hold to that view. Forty years ago, poverty was rampant, school attendance seemed not to be compulsory: our

education to security, the control of crime and the provision of facilities necessary for the administration of justice.” As a nation celebrating forty years, we cannot sit back and accept it as development. We must pray for our nation daily, cooperate with our law enforcement officials, and we must determine to talk to our people continuously concerning their behaviour.

We must condemn sin

Presently, our laws are now challenged in courts. In the past, there was a clear demarcation to what we should accept and what we should reject as a community. However, as a The negative impact of crime nation, we have become docile and are slowly turning away from God. In As a developing nation we cannot some homes it is no longer mandatory take crime flippantly. “It could be to attend church. Bibles are not read, argued (that) the most serious crime and children are not taught how to problems are now to be found in pray. As a result of this, sins that were developing countries.” Quoted by crime easily condemned by the masses are science. As a result of that view, there now seemingly tolerated by many. I is acceptability to crime committed in believe that we must condemn sin, for this country. Some have argued it is God is always calling on sinners to minimal, therefore, it should be taken desist from such practices. He has lightly; but as citizens of this blessed given us all what it takes to be land, we cannot take it as the norm. victorious over sin. However, as a A number of studies have looked at developing nation, we are challenged the negative impact crime has on the Caribbean. According to crime council, “criminality erodes confidence among investors, reduces international competitiveness, and increases human suffering.” Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the University of the West Indies, and others, show that “crime also is having a negative effect on social development, by diverting limited resources away from health and

by individuals who do not want to be guided by God’s Word. It is time for Christians to rise up, and, through evangelism, take back our land. Today I stand resolute, by stating God has brought us this far and He is capable of taking us further in the future. “I don’t know about tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand.” St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Happy independence.

46. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Second Venezuelan Film Festival for SVG The 2nd Edition of the Venezuelan Film Festival ‘See who we are’ will be staged here from November 4 to 6, 2019. Screenings are slated for the Peace Memorial Hall’, the Prisons and in a select number of secondary schools. This year’s Festival will feature the documentary ‘Haiti, the Hidden Face’ which seeks to highlight Haitians as a ‘beautiful, sound and deep people’ and Haiti as a place where determination was key to

Haiti and the resilience of its people come to life in ‘Haiti, the Hidden Face’.

making Haiti a ‘land of liberated souls’. ‘Mission H2O’, the animated film that won the award for the best film at the FesticineKids in Cartagena, Colombia, will also be screened. ‘Mission H2O’ recounts the trip of Samuel, a young man who, together with a group of friends, launches himself to save the planet from the threat of aliens who stole the water from his city, Buenaventura. Also down for screening is ‘Central Park’, a film

which brings together several stories of Venezuelan couples living everyday situations very common in Latin American and Caribbean societies. This 2nd Edition of the Venezuelan Film Festival “’ee who we are’, is organized in the context of the 40th Anniversary of the Independence of St, Vincent and the Grenadines, to commemorate 122 years of Venezuelan cinema, honoring one of the most important filmmakers of Venezuela, Mr. Carlos Azpúrua, and in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the creation of the National Autonomous Center of Cinematography (CNAC). Admission is free to all the screenings. (Source; Venezuela Embassy, Kingstown)

The Festival brings the award-winning animated film ‘Mission H20’ to SVG.

‘Central Park’ zeroes in on everyday life in Venezuela, and Latin America and the Caribbean generally.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 49.

Independence Message

Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA) St. Vincent and the Grenadines I WOULD LIKE to take this opportunity to congratulate the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines on their 40th Anniversary of Independence. The coming of a new life always excites our interest. But oh how our interest and wonder increase when we behold the miracle of the birth of a new nation. As we reflect on where we came from and where we are going as a people, we pause to remember those who have made the sacrifices for us to enjoy this privilege, and to pay our tribute of reverence and respect to those who participated in such a mighty event that we annually observe as Independence Day. The year 2019 is notable for many reasons. At forty (we have come thus far by faith), we have stood the test of time; we are mature enough to determine our own destiny; to chart a way forward for the continued holistic development of our country. Given the critical importance of women and youth in the development of a nation, my hope is that our leaders will keep the future of women and young people at the heart of their proposals to prepare this country for a better tomorrow. Investing in women and youth offers one of the greatest potentials for growth and development .We live in an age of science and of abounding accumulation of material things. We must continue to implement/ lay out a wide range of bold and innovative ideas aimed at, among other things, implementing projects that improve health, including fighting HIV/AIDS, noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer, which is rampant and is wreaking havoc in the lives of

many Vincentians. And as a country that endeavours to foster economic development towards improving the standard of living of all, we must continue to strengthen our education, so as to deliver and produce future leaders and outstanding citizens. Let us continue to build a country that protects our women and girls from all forms of violence, rape, human trafficking, homicide, etc. These are all threats to the development of our society. The private sector, civil society and the media have their roles to play in creating an environment that supports the economic development and empowerment of our women and youth. As we celebrate in ‘fine style’, let’s not forget the preservation of our heritage, our culture and the environment. These issues must also be foremost in our thinking. Our country has a unique and rich cultural history which must be preserved for generations to come and this Independence Day is a telling reminder of our unique and rich cultural history. The responsibility is now on us to preserve our heritage not only for ourselves, but for the next generations to come. We cannot afford to let this vital part of our identity go unpreserved. As we reflect on National Day of Independence, let us not forget that our nation was founded on the principles of God. Independence is a great spiritual awaking to help us re- enforce our ideals of equality, liberty, rights and freedoms and respect for human life. We must keep replenishing these ideals that can glow with a more compelling flame for generations to come. As we are preparing

our next generation, let us remember that the things that unite us, far outweigh the things that divide us. We are reminded with strong conviction, that our

country’s greatest strength would come from our unity as a people, and from embracing our heritage, our differences of opinion and all the other

attributes that make us unique as a people. Happy Independence! Nevlyn Antoine CAFRA Director & SVG Representative

to the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on their

INDEPENDENCE

1979-2019

V Boyea-Ashby to receive Lifetime Award

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 51.

Diaspora

ambassador, will be honoured along with kingnaking210@yahoo.com several Vincentian US CORRESPONDENT individuals and a group, for their “outstanding The Brooklyn-based St. contributions to Vincent and the Vincentian life in the Grenadines (SVG) Diaspora areas of sports, culture Committee of New York, and humanitarian Inc. said on Monday it will efforts.” honor former national The other honorees netball captain Stella include: Sports Boyea-Ashby. Awardees — Gloria Lewis She will be honoured (netball) and Adolphus with the group’s Lifetime ‘Pabits’ Davis (soccer); Achievement Award for Culture — Evangelist Sports, during the Bridget Blucher (gospel group’s 3rd Heritage music) and Shertz Awards, on Saturday, ‘Problem Child’ James Nov. 2, at the Friends of (soca artiste and Crown Heights songwriter); Educational Center in Humanitarian Efforts — Brooklyn. Kyra-Lee Harry and St. According to SherillVincent and the Ann Mason-Haywood, Grenadines Ex-Teachers the group’s chairperson, Association of New York. Boyea-Ashby, a St. The SVG Diaspora Vincent and the Committee of New York, Grenadines sports Inc. will also present by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

Memorial Awards to the families of Maxwell Haywood, the group’s former president and Mason-Haywood’s late husband, and the late Moreen King for “exemplary service and dedication to SVG Diaspora Committee of NY Inc. and the Vincentian community.” Mason-Haywood said the objectives of the Heritage Awards are “to recognize Vincentians who have made sterling contributions to SVG or its Diaspora in the USA; to motivate and inspire Vincentians to continuously strive for excellence; to document the legacies of the Vincentian diaspora in the USA; and to promote unity among Vincentians in the Diaspora to strengthen the

cohesiveness of the Vincentian Diaspora.” “The 2019 SVG Diaspora Heritage Awards, a signature event of the committee, will celebrate our awardees and showcase the best of Vincentian heritage, including a cultural package and an extended cocktail hour featuring Vincentian cuisine and beverages,” she said. Mason-Haywood said the gala ceremony will be held in collaboration with the SVG-USA Sports Association (SVGUSASA) and Cultural Association of Vincentians in the USA (CAVUSA) under the theme ‘Celebrating Vincentian Exceptionalism’.

Stella Boyea-Ashby

Boyea-Ashby was the captain of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball team for 14 years, from the 1970s to the 80s. Over the years, she received numerous trophies and awards, and, in 1983, was voted St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sportswoman of the Year. Before migrating to New York, Boyea-Ashby worked at the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC). For a number of years, she worked as an executive assistant in the Communications

Department at one of the leading New York Public Television stations, Channel 13. “One cannot go through this life without knowing our Lord and Saviour,” says BoyeaAshy, who worships at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn and is actively involved in various lay ministries. In January 2011, she was elected to serve on the vestry as one of the church’s wardens. Her mantra is: “Through adversities, we will conquer.” Boyea-Ashby is married to her compatriot Keith Ashby; they have one child, Ariella.

52. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

People

A compressed portrait of a superb national hero – Dr. J.P. Eustace

Specialist), Philanthropist, Linguist, Missionary, Entrepreneur, Sportsman — Cricket, Volley Ball, Table Tennis, BOOKS, articles, poems, letters, public Weight Lighting, Body Building, lectures and television programmes have Swimming, Road Walking. been written and spoken of him in glowing terms, but here is a terse He was first in many areas of life summary of Dr. J. P. Eustace and some of his great exploits nationwide. 1. Dr. J. P. Eustace was the first This is a verbal portrait of a global known Vincentian to hold the first figure Dr. J. P. Eustace, a Vincentian place in every primary school class and Colossus, Preacher, Theologian, in every secondary school class and Educator, Emancipator, Optician (Eye also at University. 2. First Vincentian to establish two primary and vocational schools and three secondary schools: PRIMARY AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS — New Prospect/Simon 1935, Sandy Bay — 1948; SECONDARY (COEDUCATIONAL) — (1) Intermediate High School 1926, (2) Emmanuel High School, Kingstown 1952 now called the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial), and Emmanuel High School, Mesopotamia, 1963. Hitherto, boys and girls were educated separately at the secondary level at the Boys’ Grammar School and the Girls’ High School All the secondary schools Dr. Eustace founded are still doing well, with more students than the two secondary schools established by British colonialism. Dr. Eustace was a great mental emancipator from the bondage of colonial by R. THEODORE L.V. BROWNE, LLB. LLM. J.D. L.E.C

slavery. 3. First Vincentian to be qualified as an optician and as an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). He was the only eye specialist to serve the whole country for years. He caused the blind to see physically and mentally. 4. First Vincentian to establish and promote coeducation at the secondary level. He made secondary education accessible, affordable and available to all. 5. First Vincentian to promote and establish or plant several places of worship — Mesopotamia, New Prospect/Simon and Sandy Bay. He literally took the gospel to the four corners of the earth of St. Vincent — North, South, East and West — total or comprehensive coverage. 6. First Vincentian to promote the game of volley ball throughout the state. The greatest players in the history of the game Wycliffe Franklyn of Georgetown and Josiah Williams of Richland Park/Hopewell honed their skills as students of the Emmanuel High School. 7. First known Vincentian to high jump 5” 6’ in full uniform with books under his arm. Dr. J.P. Eustace is described by the writer as a 8. First Vincentian to great mental emancipator. trigger the Education Revolution which dozed encapsulated in Luke 4:18 which says: under Milton Cato, went into “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, hibernation under Mitchell and Eustace and took off with break-neck, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; and to preach galloping speed and circled the globe deliverance to the captives, and with accelerated speed under Ralph recovering of sight to the blind, to set Gonsalves. In 2012, four students at liberty them that are bruised.” from St. Vincent emerged first place As a preacher, he was peerless. The on four regional universities/campuses — Mona, Cave Hill, St. Augustine and most outstanding preachers in this State have been graduates of Havana, Cuba. 9. First Vincentian to motivate and Emmanuel High School. For example, Pastor Douglas Neverson, Mr. Leonard inspire Morris King, a student of Charles of Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Emmanuel High School, to be Professor Elford Stephens and Bible adjudged the strongest man in the Expositor Sir Louis Straker, and world, pound for pound. At the time, retired Rev. Victor Job — retired Morris weighed 129 pounds and in Superintendent Methodist Minister, three events he pressed 270 pounds, great author and scholar, to name a snatched 230 pounds and clean-andfew. jerked 310 pounds; unbelievably, He often said that the faithful amassing a total exceeding six (6) pastor will make a serious and sincere times his body weight. attempt to unfold the actual Dr. J. P. Eustace spoke six (6) languages fluently — English, French, grammatical, historical, contextual and theological meaning of a passage, Spanish, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. and seek to make the meaning clear He mastered the difficult Greek and Hebrew languages to hone his skills in and relevant to the lives of his hearers. Unfortunately, there is a the interpretation and his exegesis of paucity of such preachers today. the Bible, the word of God. He had a vision which is

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 53.

Regional

Twins three times over TO HAVE ONE SET OF twins is still considered something of a rarity. To have a second set of twins is astounding. But to have a third set of twins has got to be incredible if not shocking. And that is how Lisa

Tomlinson, a Spoilers, Central Kingston, Jamaica resident described the third time around giving birth to twins. “When I was pregnant with the first set, I never knew that I was going to

have twins though I said to the doctor, sometime I feel like two something move inside a mi. … . When I take in on the 30th of March to have baby, I hear when the doctor seh, ‘We gonna take down Miss

CoP faces possible dismissal

VINCENTIAN-BORN Wendell Robinson, Commissioner of Police of Antigua and Barbuda, could well be facing termination because of his “temperament and his fractious relationship with the Minister with responsibility for the police”. This is according to the Antigua New Room (ANR), an online news service, which referenced the Police Service Commission as its source of information. The ANR reported that this ‘possibility’ was communicated to Robinson by letter of October 15, 2019. The letter stated inter alia, “The Police Service Commission (PSC) is minded to terminate your service as Commissioner of Police

in the public interest”. He was invited to meet with the PSC on October 25, 2019 after which, the Commission said, it will make a final determination on the matter by October 31. Robinson has been embroiled in one extenuating incident after another. He was first suspended April 5, 2018 following allegations of improper conduct leveled against him by two junior officers and a civilian. He successfully appealed the suspension in court. However, that same day, the PSC slapped Robinson with a second suspension, for which the embattled top cop was again given leave of appeal. “Having successfully challenged the first

Wendell Robinson, embattled Commissioner of Police in Antigua and Barbuda. suspension, I am still challenging the second suspension based on the allegations levied against me and … which are still looming in the air,” Robinson told another Antigua news outlet, the Antigua Observer. (Sources: Antigua News Room, Antigua Observer

13-year-old afraid to return to school THE NEWSDAY NEWSPAPER reported last Friday that a 13-yearold form one student of Success Laventille Secondary School, Trinidad, had to be escorted from the school compound to his taxi stand. The protective measure was employed after fellow students placed a bag over his head, beat him in one of the toilets and stole $5.00 from him on Wednesday, Oct 2. Newsday spoke with the boy on Friday afternoon’ and he told that publication that he no longer wanted to go to school. He said he used to look forward to attending to play football and basketball. “I don’t want to go back to school at all. I like school, I was always happy to go to school,” adding that he looked forward to going to school to play football and basketball. The newspaper reported further that the attack was one of a series against the child who was taught a mantra by the bullies, “A dollar a day keeps the devil away.” The daily extortion dubbed “tax”, has been happening since the school term began in September, but it was only after the beating on Wednesday that the child broke down in front of his mother and teachers, and told them what happened. The boy’s mother said she wants her son out of the school, and will

A National School Code of Conduct was implemented from September 18 in T&T to tackle bullying, cyberbullying among other related issues. (Photo Credit: looptt.com) visit the Ministry of Education to discuss the matter. A startling revelation was made when teachers asked her son why he chose to use that particular toilet, knowing that there was usually gambling and other wrongdoings taking place there. Police were called in by the school, after an eyewitness to the assault pointed out to teachers one of the attackers. The school gave the assurance that a full investigation will be mounted. Bully across schools in Trinidad and Tobago has surfaced as an ongoing problem. It could well be that this also obtains across schools in the region. (Source: Trinidad Newsday)

Tomlinson to do a ultrasound because is twin she going to have’. I couldn’t believe,” she told THE WEEKEND STAR. Twelve years later, she found herself pregnant with twins again. “In my second pregnancy, … when I went to the doctor, the doctor seh to me seh, ‘You don’t know that you having twins?’” she said. But it was when she was pregnant for the third time, and was told that she was going to have twins yet again, that she was in a state of shock. “I went to the doctor because I was feeling sick, when him give mi di paper fi go do the ultrasound. When the lady ask where I feel the pain, mi only hear she seh, ‘ Hmmmm, mommy yuh expecting twins again’. I said, But I not here for that, I’m here for pains in my belly. She said, ‘The pain is there, but the babies are there, too’,” she recalled,

Lisa Tomlinson holds the youngest set of twins, Keanny Btyan (left hand) and Keshoe Bryan Jr., while her eldest twins Shawna Kay White (left) holds Lianna Bryan and twin sister Anna Kay holds Lianne. (Photo Credit: Weekend Star) laughing. And after giving birth to two sets of girls, 14year-old Shauna-Kay and Anna-Kay White; and two-year-old Lianna and Lianne Bryan, Lisa told the WEEKEND STAR she hoped that the third time around she’d have a boy in the mix. Her prayers were answered

when she gave birth to Kehoe Jr, and Keana Bryan, now one month old. Tomlinson said her mother is a twin, who had 11 children, but no twins. Tomlinson is the only one of six girls who has had twins. (Source: Jamaica Weekend Star)

58. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Diplomacy

Taiwan concerned about SVG switching

THE POSSIBILITY of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines severing diplomatic allegiance with Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Republic of China Minister Joseph Wu assured (Taiwan) in favour of his Legislature that his government was prepared to the Peoples Republic work assiduously to maintain of China (China), has been raised in the its list of friendly countries.

Taiwan Legislature. As recent as October 18, some ten days after Taiwan’s National Day (Oct 8) was celebrated here, Legislator Hsu Yu-jen expressed concern over whether Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would be the next country to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan. His concern may have been heightened when, in an address at the celebration referenced above,

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the Opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) expressed intent to cut ties with Taiwan, and align with China. Dr. Gonsalves went on to call upon the NDP to reconsider its stance, as he affirmed his Government and Party’s preference for continued relations with Taiwan. It was in August 2016, Dr. Godwin Friday is that the NDP, voiced by its then Leader Arnhim Eustace, now tasked, as that if elected to Government, Leader of the NDP, to lead the argument his party would adopt the in favour of One China Policy, which establishing effectively means that this relations with China. country would cut ties with Taiwan and open same with China. This difference in position in Kingstown could well be what has set off alarm bells in Taiwan, especially following the Solomon Islands and Kiribati’s recent (September) decisions to cut relations with that country. Moreover, the Legislator must also have been moved by the fact that elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are ‘around the corner’, so to speak. And the fact that Dr. Gonsalves’ Prime Minister of Unity Labour Party holds a SVG Dr. Ralph one seat majority in the St. Gonsalves is said to Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy a special Parliament, lends itself to relationship with speculation that an Taiwan. opposition victory at the next general election is not a far-fetched possibility. But Foreign Minister Joseph Wu moved swiftly to assure the Taiwan Legislature that the situation in SVG will be closely monitored. Wu told the Legislature that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has taken note of the situation and spoken with a number of persons in the government and opposition here. He added that Taiwan has always strongly supported the country, and that its current Prime Minister, Ralph E. Gonsalves of the Unity Labour Party, maintains close ties to Taiwan. The Minister had ‘warm’ words for his own staff, calling on them not to do their utmost to secure the list of countries with whom Taiwan has diplomatic relations, which amount to 14 out of 193 United Nations member states, as well as the Holy See. He did not rule out the possibility of his own resignation should there be any further diminution in the list of countries with which Taiwan currently enjoys diplomatic relations. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) first established diplomatic relations in 1981. While Taiwan has had a diplomatically accredited office in Kingstown since then and which was upgraded to a full embassy status, St. Vincent and the Grenadines opened a full embassy in Taipei on August 8, 2019. (Partial Source: Taiwan News)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 59.

60. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V PM sees value over price News

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is not bothered about the cost of providing scholarships to this nation’s youths. Money seems to be of little worry to him. What matters is the value that that the awards carry. Speaking at the National Schools’ Independence Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Rally last Gonsalves congratulates Iana Tuesday, Ferguson – recipient of the 2019 Gonsalves Prime Minister Award. acknowledged that millions of Eight National dollars have been Exhibitions were given. allocated to the Those receiving were: scholarships, but he Tifanny Durrant, echoed: “If you look at Johnathan the price, you will ignore Gieowarsingh, Saeed the value.” Bowman, Dominic The Vincentian leader Horne, Chiarra Peniston, pointed out that politics Shadia Williams, K“can be ungrateful,” but Tricia Isaacs, and Miguel confessed that he was Gonsalves. A Special “filled with joy because of award which went to the progress you Ronnie Richardson. (scholarship recipients) Twenty-nine bursaries are making.” were delivered. Affique Forty-nine students Ambrose, Kelisha continue studies at the Hackshaw, Shari Marks, tertiary level. Sheruel Williams, Iana Ferguson gets an Tamara Woodley, extra $20,000 which the Regena Browne, SuePrime Minister referred Nesha Lewis, Alyssa to as “pocket change.” Sterling, Roneice Gould, Her award - the Prime Xharia Jack, Delano Minister Award - is for King, Betricia Stowe, five year. Zawdie-Tu Graham and Shane Cadogan is the Vacquel Questelles were recipient of the Robert among the recipients. Milton Cato Scholarship. Callice Watson, Shyan He gets $10,000 Hinds, Tenille Austin, additional. Shanelle Pierre, Lerondo Other national (full Lynch, Benisha Rodney, scholarship) awards Floyd Bailey, Tracy went to: Melissa Adams Robinson, Ronique - the George Augustus Joseph, Gianluca McIntosh Scholarship; DaSilva, Daniel Bess, Christalle Wilson - the Modica Bascombe, Ebenezer Theodore Okeisha Davy, Sheldon Scholarship; Rasheed Frederick and Travis Fontenelle — the Dt. J. P. Henry complete the roll. Eustace Award; Karine The ceremony was Sampson - the Sir staged at Victoria Park Vincent Beache and saw a cultural wear Scholarship; Jordon competition. Lawrence Hamlett - the There were Norma Keizer performances from Girls Scholarship; Devron High School, Bethel High Blugh - the Bertram School, Sandy Bay ‘Timmy’ Richards Award; Primary School and Rachelle Bradshaw - the former Primary School Yvonne Francis Gibson Calypso monarch Award and Aranique Christopher ‘Lil Kris’ Jackson - the Alban Christopher. (WKA) Henry Scholarship.

Exhibition Awardees (from left): Tifanny Durrant, Johnathan Gieowarsingh, Saeed Bowman, Dominic Horne, Chiarra Peniston, Shadia Williams, K-Tricia Isaacs, Miguel Gonsalves and Special Awardee Ronnie Richardson.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 61.

62. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Poem

I too have a dream ‘I have a dream,’ declared Martin Luther King Junior, as he stood on a step of a church in Montgomery, Alabama. His dream was for equal rights and justice for all humanity. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see his dream become a reality. But Martin’s vision has borne fruit universally. He saw a bright light shining through the darkness of hopelessness and despair. And so, I too have a dream that I would like to share.

I have a dream that every Vincentian would get a piece of land to live on for free, I have a dream where no one would go to bed on a hungry belly; Yes, I have a dream where everyone would find work to support their family, I have a dream of a land flowing with milk and honey; I have a dream that we would plant what we eat and eat what we plant, And that one day we’ll never be in want.

give up eating corn curls, ping pong and skittles, But instead eat their fruits and their vegetables. I have a dream that gas prices will drop lower and lower, I have a dream that we’ll pay less for electricity, telephone, cable and water; I have a dream where all secondary schools will be called Girls’ High and Boys’ Grammar, None would be looked upon as better than the other; I have a dream that countries would beg to buy our bananas and other goods, And that our arrowroot and cassava would become the two miracle foods.

I have a dream where politicians would serve the country voluntarily, A dream where doctors and lawyers wouldn’t charge poor people a single penny; I have a dream that we wouldn’t have to run to Kingstown for the least little thing we need, Decentralization will be such a welcomed thing indeed; I have a dream that our people would be given the true recognition that they I have a dream that a day will come deserve so rightfully, when we can all go to sleep with our And we’d be a people who know their doors and windows wide open, No one should feel like their home has history and are proud of their cultural identity. become something of a prison; I have a dream where people will be I have a dream that ISIS, Boko more loving to one another, Haram and Al-Qaeda would fade into Where each one will be his/her obscurity, neighbour’s keeper; I have a dream that one day all Yes, I have a dream where the Court House will be transformed into a place mankind will live together in peace and harmony; of social activity, I have a dream that a cure would be Because crime will become a scarce found for chikungunya, cancer, commodity. diabetes and high blood pressure, I have a dream that we would all live I have a dream that when you go to closer to the master; the hospital I have a dream that a revival would All you take with you is your name, sweep through our country, Not a worry! It’s free service just the I have a dream that everyone would same; have a dream just like meI have a dream that amputations That’s my dream. would be a thing of the past, A miracle drug would be found to save Clement Fergus people’s limbs at last; I do have a dream where children will

THEâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 65.

V National Agri Expo mounted 68. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Industry

A NATIONAL AGRI EXPO, mounted as part of the activities in keeping with the Renewal at 40 programme to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence, came to an end last Saturday, Oct. 19. The EXPO opened at the decommissioned E. T. Joshua Airport on Wednesday 18th October Patrons take in the ‘food crop’ booth.

and, according to organisers, featured close to 70 displays from farmers, small businesses, business organisations and government ministries/departments, It was billed as a joint effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Displays were mounted in the terminal building and on the tarmac in specially constructed booths. There was also nightly entertainment provided by local performing artistes. Addressing the opening ceremony on Wednesday, Cornelius Richards, Chairman of the Organising Committee, advanced that the EXPO was intended to highlight the agriculture sector which has been neglected, as per the impression of many of our citizens, but which, in his assessment, “is still a significant part of the economy, culture and overall fabric of society.” Dr Renata Clarke, Sub-regional Coordinator for the FAO, also addressed the

opening ceremony, and hastened to raise the concern about obesity, especially female obesity in the Caribbean (See separate story on page 24.) Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar recognized that farmers, here and abroad, were ill-equipped as it related to protective gear when they have to use chemicals. He described the EXPO as an opportunity to say thanks to our farmers and agripreneurs. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves also delivered remarks, taking the opportunity presented him to speak of the “positive developments” in agriculture, notwithstanding the need to do more. He also took lead from the issue of obesity as raised by Dr, Clarke, saying, “… Too many of us don’t exercise enough, and too many of us eat too much… .” But, the Prime Minister added, there was also the need to “take care of people … who don’t have enough to eat,”

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and FAO’s Dr Renata Clarke share in an EXPO cake.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 69.

International

SVGIHF delegation off to T&T

A SVG Indian Heritage Foundation (SVGIHF) delegation, headed by President Junior Bacchus, will attend the 33rd edition of the National Council of Indian Culture’s (NCIC) Annual Diwali Nagar Festival, to be held at the Nagar Site in Charlieville, Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. The Festival opened on October 18 and will run until tomorrow, October 26. The Vincentian delegation will attend the Local and Indian Classical on Thursday Junior Bacchus, 24th October, the Queen President of the Pageant on Friday 25th Indian Heritage October and the Final and Foundation, heads Closing ceremonies on a Foundation Saturday 26th October. delegation to A SVGIHF release said that Trinidad. their delegation is expected to be officially welcomed by Mr Kanhai Kangal, a former member of the NCIC, who attended the launch of the Foundation in 2006, and who has been attending the Indian Arrival Day (June 1) and Indian Heritage Day (October 7) celebrations here since 2007. Mr Purushottam Singh, Cultural Officer of the NCIC, will host the SVHIHF delegation and meet with other NCIC officials. In keeping with its recent practice, the NCIC, this year, will honour UK-based Trinidad author Dr. Latchmi Persad.

Double celebrations in Winnipeg

THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Association of Winnipeg in Canada is having double celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Independence of Renwick Rose will join their homeland. Vincentians in Winnipeg in In addition to their double celebrations. joining the tens of thousands of Vincentians all over the world in the national celebrations, the Association will also be marking its 43rd anniversary, making two significant milestones. Highlight of the celebrations will be its annual Banquet and Dance on Saturday, October 26. Vincentian social activist Mr Renwick Rose has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the event. Mr Rose is a former Coordinator of the Windward Islands Farmers’ Association (WINFA), retired Chairman of the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) among other posts. He has been a newspaper columnist for more than four decades. The SVG Winnipeg Association is also holding a Town Hall meeting and debate on Friday, October 25. Mr Rose has been invited to facilitate this session.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 71.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 73.

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017. 75.

Training

Media Houses must have a Disaster Plan

CoP (ag) Atlee Rodney also emphasized the need for media practitioners to ensure their own safety. by SHERON GARRAWAY AS THE SIX MONTHS’ hurricane season wraps up November 30th, media houses have been reminded of the need to have an operational disaster plan. This timely advice came from veteran Media Practitioner and Co-Editor of Barbados Today, Julius Gittens, as he highlighted the importance of media houses being prepared for hazards. Gittens was one of the presenters at a workshop for media practitioners held in Antigua & Barbuda from October 7 — 8, under the theme ‘Children in The Face of Disaster’. He noted, “The first thing that journalists across the Caribbean and their media managers need to do is to have a plan. The plan might simply be at the level of a small station that plays music, but you might just want to join the national station if you don’t have a standby generator. You may need to do something as simple as that.” The Barbados Today Co-Editor also advocated the importance of the media staff having food, water, being properly cared for and resting while at their media houses during disaster coverage. He advised

media practitioners to follow credible weather sources that are invested in their location, as some major networks may not be as invested in giving updated details, pertaining to weather patterns in the smaller Caribbean region. Gittens also reminded media workers to ensure their own safety as they carry out their duties. He expounded, “To stop those hazards from becoming disasters, we need to be prepared and we need to prepare ourselves first to be informed, to be educated about the science, whether it’s climate change or volcanoes or earthquakes or whatever hazards there are in our particular countries, we need to be prepared to communicate that calmly, dispassionately, soberly, intelligently to our audience.” Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (Ag) Atlee Rodney speaking on a panel discussion pertaining to institutional relations, also emphasized the need for personal safety as well as to assure that the welfare of others is looked after. He stated that where there is no coordination, there is confusion and there is lack of proper response to persons in need. The Chief said too often different agencies do not communicate with each other in time of disaster, but media practitioners must know the key players and their tasks to be efficient. Rodney advised the media practitioners that while their drive was to be the first to break the news, safety must always be their watchword. The two-day seminar in which some 20 media practitioners from across the Caribbean attended, was organized by the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM)

and sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area.

A very animated Julius Gittens driving home his point at the recent workshop for media practitioners.

76. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Bequia embraces SVGFFÊs assistance THE ASSISTANCE given to the Bequia Football Association (BFA) by the SVG Football Federation (SVGFF) in recent times, has been “unprecedented.” That is the view of President of the BFA- Clayton Ollivierre, who declared,

“We have never been treated so well by any Executive in the past.” Ollivierre’s commendation came against the backdrop of the SVGFF’s support for the 2019 BFA’s Zonal Competition, which opened last Friday

Part of the crowd at last Friday night’s opening of the 2019 BFA Zonal Football Competition at the Clive Tannis Playing Field.

Vincy athletes perform creditably THIS country’s leading long-distance female runner Linda McDowall was the first woman from the Caribbean to complete the UWI SPEC International Half Marathon, run off last Sunday, Oct. 20, in Trinidad. The feat earned McDowall an overall third place. Her improved time of Linda McDowall, SVG 1:27:28 in the 13.1female middle distance mile event, placed her runner, was pleased with behind first placed her outing. Kenyan Veronica Jepkoskei, in a time of 1:18:32, and second placed Colombian Palmenia Raquel Agudelo Berrio, in a time 1:21:13. McDowall, who went into the race with something to prove, i.e. her fitness and ability to handle a Half Marathon, was pleased with her effort. “This is the race they did not want to send me to, but I came and run, run. I am feeling so good and was proud that I was able to take the 3rd place,” she told THE VINCENTIAN on her return. She also expressed thanks to her coach Michael Ollivierre for his assistance and support, especially leading up to the UWI Half Marathon. Junior Ashton, meanwhile, was able to hold his own among the top male runners, finishing 5th in a time of 1 hour 12 minutes. Venezuelan Didimo Sanchez repeated his victory of last year in an improved time of 1:07:55. I.B.A.ALLEN

night at the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Bequia. “Again, the Federation has assisted us immensely, paying for the lights for the opening. They will once again pay the prize monies, help us with balls, you name it, they are there for us,” Ollivierre assured. He declared that with the SVGFF, under the headship of Marvin Fraser, the BFA is comforted that all the promises made will be delivered. The BFA President disclosed that the SVGFF earlier this year, outfitted all the teams in the Under-10 and Under-13 Tournaments. Following the Opening Ceremony, which involved a March Past of the participating teams, Bequia Masters defeated Computec Masters in a friendly match, 3-1. On Saturday, when the competition began in earnest, South West beat South 3-1 in the Under-17 Division, while in the Zonal Division, Central

President of the BFA- Clayton Ollivierre (left) with SVGFF’s President - Marvin Fraser. overcame North East 4-2. And on Sunday, West and South West drew 2-2 in the Zonal Division. The other teams in the Under-17 Division are South and Central, while South is the other team in the Zonal Division. South won last year’s inaugural Zonal Division.

Bequia Schools take Table Tennis titles LOWER BAY Primary Inc. Girls and Paget Farm Boys emerged respective team title holders in the Primary Schools Division of this year’s Inter-Schools’ Table Tennis

Championships. In last week’s closing rounds of the team; competition, Lower Bay Primary Inc. defeated Layou Government School 3 — 0 in the finals of the Girls’

Paget Farm Primary – Boys Team Champions.

Lower Bay Primary Inc. - Girls Team Champions. Division Camella Harry of Lower Bay beat Roshini Samuel of Layou. Zenneka Mc Kree of Lower Bay beat Kennisha Welcome, and Natalie Clarke of Lower Bay beat Awanna Stephens. Each victory was by a margin of 2 — o. In the Boys teams’ finals, Paget Farm Government School defeated Lower Bay Primary Inc 3 games to 1. Paget Farm’s victories came through Glenrick Hazell over Pareeze Cudjoe, Gideon Bess over Lamont Gregg, and Glenrick Hazell over Xontea Shortte. Lower Bay’s one set was won by Kontea Shortte over Kevin Bascombe.

In a semi-finals buildup to the finals in the Open Singles for Girls, Camella Harry of Lower Bay Inc beat Natalie Clarke of Lower Bay Inc., 11/8 13/11. Roshini Samuel of Layou Government School beat Zenneka Mc Kree of Lower Bay Inc. 11/7 11/8. In the semi-finals in the Open Singles for boys, Pareeze Cudjoe of Lower Bay beat Lamont Gregg 7/11 11/7 11/8, and Glenrick Hazell of Paget Farm Government beat Malachi Bascombe of Belair Government 7/11 11/9 12/10. Matches were expected to continue on Thursday, with the Secondary Schools Open Singles and Doubles. I.B.A.ALLEN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 77.

Sports

Volleyball Championships off and spiking The National Volleyball Championships returned officially last Saturday, with a grand opening at the Girls’ High School Hard Court. The occasion marked the first championships since 2012 which was aborted before completion. In welcoming the return of the championships, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association- Suzanna Ollivierre, impressed that the players are not only competing for the prizes and bragging rights, but opportunities to build the sport. “So we expect that our male players and our females during this competition, are going to display the

President of the SVGVA - Suzanna Ollivierre, addressing last Saturday’s Opening Ceremony of the National Volleyball Championships.

Gremlins One and Unique Touch One females, battling in the opening match.

Association (ECVA) Senior Men’s and Women’s Championships, that being a return for the females after a few skills and attitude, years absence. to so impress the Whilst it will be routine for the men coaches of the senior teams that you to be part of the Championships, it will will be selected to train, so that you be a return for the women after being can continue to build the sport of absent for a few years. Volleyball and represent St Vincent Ollivierre thus urged the players to and the Grenadines at the regional set the platform by doing their own level”, she said. advertising, saying, “So, don’t just Ollivierre come and play; tell your mummy and noted, that daddy, tell your little cousins, tell your come 2020, St little nephew to come and watch you.” Vincent and Director of Physical Education and the Grenadines Sports- Nelson Hillocks, also addressed will be engaged last Saturday’s Opening Ceremony. in the Eastern Meanwhile, Gremlins were adjudged Caribbean the Best Turned Out team at the Volleyball March Past. Eighteen teams are registered in Best Turned three Divisions of the competition. Out TeamCountry Roots, Alliance and Gremlins. Gremlins will play each other twice, as they seek supremacy in the Male Elite Division.

SchoolsÊ Tennis makes a return

St. Vincent Grammar School, St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and the Sugar Mill Academy are the 2019 Champions of Inter-Schools Tennis here. The Championship, held under the auspices of the SVG Tennis Association (SVGTA), was making a return to the National Tennis circuit after an absence of some 15 or so years. It concluded last weekend at the National Tennis Centre, Villa, with the presentation of trophies. As it was, the Grammar School took top honors in the Male Division of the Secondary Schools category, followed by the St Martin’s Secondary School Sugar Mill St. Joseph’s and the Bishop’s College Kingstown in Academy – Convent Kingstown that order. took the Female Primary School division among Champions. secondary schools, beating the Girls’ High School into second place. Sugar Mill Academy took the top spot in the Primary Schools category. St Mary’s RC was second and Kingstown Prep third. Brian Nash, President of the SVGTA, said he was pleased with the participation. A total of 14 schools participated in the Championship. Buoyed by the success of the 2019 Championship, Nash promises to work towards ensuring an even bigger Championship in 2020. St. Vincent Grammar School – Male I.B.A.ALLEN Secondary School Champions.

The Male First Division comprises Alliance One, Gremlins Two and Wings in Zone A, with Alliance Two, Unique Touch One, Country Roots and Gremlins One in Zone B. And, in the Female Division, Gremlins One, Unique Touch One and Two, and Wings are in Zone A, and Alliance One and Two, Gremlins Two and Country Roots in Zone B. When the championships got off in earnest on Saturday, Gremlins One inked a win in the Female Division, beating Unique Touch 3-0 (25-22, 2512, 25-24). Also on Saturday, Alliance dented Country Roots in the Male Elite, winning 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 27-25, 2518). And, Tuesday witnessed a Male First Division encounter, in which Country Roots beat Unique Touch 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-12). The championship is scheduled to end 30th November.

SVG Special Olympians strike gold SVG Special Olympics athletes Jason Williams and Josh Gibson combined for three gold medals at the 4th Annual Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago Unified Beach Games at Las Cuevas Beach, Sunday 20th October. Jason Williams won two gold medals in the 1500-meter Open Water Swim and the Aquathlon (run, swim, run). Josh Gibson took gold in the Aquathlon (run, swim, run). The athletes were accompanied by coach Ashanka Quashie and National Director Sezevra Joseph. During the trip, the delegation attended a two-day Unified Sports Coach and Unified Beach Games Training workshop on Friday and

The SVG contingent to the Beach Games in Trinidad (L-R) Ashanka Quashie (Coach), Special Athletes Josh Gibson and Jason Williams, and Sezevra Joseph - National Director Special Olympics SVG. Saturday. The four-person contingent returned to the state last Tuesday. I.B.A.ALLEN

78. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Pivotal IT IS TESTING time and interesting, with the reaction to Phil Simmons reaffirmation to the post of West Indies coach. This is not the time to open old wounds, for there is a new order, or some cynics may put it disorder. Simmons’ first assignment will be against a squad which he nurtured to some degree of respectability. In fact, so much so that they became something of a bugbear to the very West Indies squad. Simmons seems to be a man of foresight. He sets out his agenda purposefully, so it is no surprise that he more often than not comes up on the right side of the equation. The rapprochement in the West Indies outlook is welcomed. What is more urgent is for players to engender that spirit of togetherness on the field of play. Cricket has gone past the glitter. There is need for a combination of muscle and brain. There no progress without commitment. The new administration may have been too anxious to assert their authority with the axing of former coach Richard Pybus. He had seemingly injected a sense of purpose into the squad, and even through the air of patriotism or regionalism, approaches have to be pragmatic. The good thing about this encounter with Afghanistan, is that the West Indies will benefit from inside knowledge. The action swings open from November 6 with the first of three One Day International matches. Three T/20 International are fixed for November 14, 16 and 17. The one-off Test is carded for November 27 when a different type of temperament is required. Afghanistan showed adaptability across the formats with their recent win over Bangladesh in a Test match. That is a statistic that has to be assessed. Ironically, Bangladesh players have taken on a role of industrial confrontation. That is the path that sparked the West Indies’ decline. Sportsmen have to learn the art of diplomacy. No matter to what extent they control the sport, they have to show respect to the administration. The Afghan affair with the West Indies will provide valuable time to acclimatise. They will need to be at maximum readiness if they are to come close to challenging a marauding Indian party. The West Indies play three T/20 against India, followed by a similar number of ODI’s. There will be chances for the management to assess their crop and take stock for the upcoming competitions. But cricket, and all sports, are played on the field, or wherever the showdown surfaces. There might be issues which impact the flow. But those are matters having to do with the mental capacity, for no one can or should be able to overwhelm you or sidetrack you. But that is part of the competition. And not everyone may be inclined to instil those measures of fair play. The tendency might be for “fear” play, because for some people winning is all that matters. Simmons has been given the respect a coach deserves. The hope is that cordial relations exist and persist, and the realignment is transformed into a period of success.

Masters Round-Up: Two centuries LAST weekend’s 7th round of matches in the 2019 SVG Masters 20/20 Cricket Competition was decorated by two century makers. Elton Williams hit 119 for North East, and Gareth Wilson made 113 for North Windward, to help their teams to comfortable victories. At Park Hill, Williams’ century propelled North East to a total of 299 for 3 off 20 overs against Stanley Dalzell’s Park Hill, who managed 115 in 19.2 overs in replay. Orlanzo Jackson made a breezy 75 for North East and Deighton Butler tightened the screws with a knock of 50 not out and 4 wickets for 17 runs. In another match played at Park Hill, Garret Wilson’s 119 formed the better part of North Windward’s total of 199 for 3 off 20 overs against A. R & G Trucking P’tani, who mustered a replay of 81 for 9 in 20 overs. At Sion Hill, North East completed a second victory when they defeated Stanley Browne’s Stubbs by 6 wickets. Scores: Stubbs 80 for 9 off 20 overs Harvey Pope taking 4 for 12, and Deighton Butler 2 for 8: North East eased to 84 for 4 off 16.5 overs. At Buccament, Memorial Funeral Home North Leeward defeated Computec Belfongo Masters by 79 runs. Scores: North Leeward 168 for 9 off 20 overs - William Edwards 80, Alfie Gould 45; Computec Belfongo 89 off 14 overs - Junior Bacchus 21, Leniff Hector 5 for 20. In Mustique, Mustique Company,

with home Elton advantage, Williams – defeated RSVG century Police by 5 maker for wickets. Scores: North East. Police 135 for 8 off 20 overs - Gosnel Cupid 38, Michael Charles 3 for 13; Mustique 141 for 5 off 19.1 overs, Nicholas Baptiste 50. I.B.A.ALLEN

Gareth Wilson – century maker for North Windward.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019. 79.

Classifieds

HAPPY 40th INDEPENDENCE DAY On this our Independence Day We remember the years past We honour this very day For our flag, the ‘three diamonds’ has last. On this Independence Day Four decades ago, we Declared our Independence For justice and liberty. Let us celebrate with joy and honesty. Anon

EILEEN CLAUDETTE ANTOINE A.K.A Eileen Craigg John Evesham Methodist Church Monday 21st October 2019 Viewing : 1pm Service 2pm GEORGE BENJAMIN SAMUEL Sunday 20th October 2019 Evesham Seventh day Adventist Church Service 2pm Interment: Windsor Cemetery

NORRIS ALEXANDER RICHARDS

WILLIAM EZEKIEL DUBLIN

Saturday 19th October, 2019 Viewing 12:00pm, Tributes 1:00pm Service 1:30 Pm New Testament Church Of God, Wilson Hill

Sunday 20th October 2019 New Grounds Seventh day Adventist Church Viewing 1pm Service 2pm Interment: Sans Souci Cemetery

DERWENT STEPHEN LEWIS A.k.a After dark Saturday 19th October 2019 Biabou Evangelical Church Viewing 1pm Service 2pm Interment: Biabou Cemetery

STAVIA CHARLES Apostles Faith Mission Lower Questelles Saturday 19th October, 2019 Service 2pm

40 40

ebr Cel atin g

years of independence

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 25, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.39.

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TWO MORE HOMICIDES by KENVILLE HORNE POLICE on Wednesday arrested and charged Frederick Samuel, a 33-year-old baker of Dorsetshire Hill, with the offences of murder and attempted

Junior Brackin died when he went to the assistance of a wounded friend.

murder. Samuel is accused of causing the death of Junior Brackin, 34year-old labourer of Rockies, by stabbing him in the left side of his neck with an unknown object. He is also charged with attempted murder of a 31-yearold resident of Rockies, by stabbing him twice in the back with an unknown object. Both incidents, according to a police release, occurred at Middle Street, Kingstown on Saturday 19th October. 2019. When THE VINCENTIAN visited the area where Brackin Frederick Samuel – Dennis Richards was stabbed, persons were charged with causing was ‘left for dead’ generally tight-lipped. on the public road One person, though, who said the death of Junior Brackin. in Villa. he was on the scene when the incidents occurred, was prepared one who get stab to speak, on condition of anonymity. was running him down. After a while, He said he witnessed a fight like the one behind get weaker so he involving a friend of Brackin, in which throw himself on a car that was park, the friend was stabbed. Brackin, he and the one who stabbed him started said, got involved at this point, and he cussing,” the person said. too was stabbed, but he managed to He said that a friend of Brackin run after the perpetrator, only to fall came and assisted him, after which a after a short distance. car came and took him to the hospital. Another person, also speaking on Brackin, according to reports, died condition of anonymity, said that he at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. did not see when the fight started but His friend was warded and, up to how it ended. He said that he saw Wednesday, was said to be in a stable Brackin chasing another man. condition. “The man that did the stabbing And Law officers were kept busy on started running coming up, and the the weekend.

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

That section of Middle Street where Brackin was stabbed.

Hot on the heels of the Brackin stabbing, reports are that they were called out to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Dennis Richards, a 27-year-old labourer of Villa on October 21, 2019. A police release said that they responded to reports of gunshots in the Villa area, and discovered Richards lying on the ground, with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about his body, this in keeping with the eight explosions one resident said were heard. Richards was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy was scheduled to be conducted. Richards is said to be known to the police. He served a sentence in 2018, having been found guilty on two counts of using disrespectful language to Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, and was awaiting the hearing of an appeal in a matter involving possession of a gun and ammunition. The deaths of Brackin and Richards bring the homicide figure for the year to 24.

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