The Vincentian PDF-26-07-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JULY 26, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.26

IN THIS ISSUE OF : THE VINCENTIAN

DPP powers not reduced Page 4

www.thevincentian.com

‘Charge upgraded to murder Page 5

Cornwall on a Mission Page 16

EC$1.50

1979 Footballer recognized Page 17

Ballantyne takes TT tittle Page 27

ÂRENEWAL AT 40Ê LAUNCHED

THE NATION CELEBRATES THE 40th year of independence in October this year, and the period has been declared as a time to reflect on the successes, and work on building the future of the country.

And towards creating a national thrust in this direction, the ‘Renewal at 40’ programme was officially launched last Saturday at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Villa, under the theme ‘With Strength, Honour and Dignity, we stand Resolute at 40 and Beyond’.

“Tonight, we commence this process of taking a fresh guard — that is what we mean

Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne performed his ‘Our Nation is Born’ that will be expected to be the undercurrent of the ‘Renewal at 40’ celebrations.

by the ‘Renewal at 40’,” Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves told the launch.

“In short, therefore, ‘Renewal at 40’ is designed to make our country better; to make optimal the outcomes from our strengths and possibilities [and] to reduce the effect of our limitations and weaknesses,” he continued.

The programme is expected to run from the launch date and end on October 26, 2020.

“The 15-month period will encompass multiple activities across various sectors and interests led by the state apparatus,” the Prime Minister explained.

During the past 40 years, this country had made tremendous strides and, according to Dr. Gonsalves, these have been evident in areas including education, housing, sea and river defences, air and sea ports among others.

But there were also some challenges, and he noted that we had to believe in our capacity to deal with some of these challenges, which included high unemployment, pockets of indigence, citizen security, debilitating patriarchy, political divisiveness and the threat of climate change.

“We have made immense progress, but there are things we have to do. I want to say this, that no progressive society has ever been built on an addiction to leisure, pleasure and nice time. I like them, but you cannot have an addiction to those things; progressive societies are built on hard-work,” Prime Minister Gonsalves cautioned.

Among the activities included in the Renewal at 40’ programme, as disclosed last Saturday by Minister of Finance Camillo Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves set the tone for Gonsalves are plans to refresh the country celebrations, activities and a list of state undertakings that will physically.

Continued on Page 3 run for the next 15 months.

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

Headstart PreSchoolers shine

FRENCHES’ HOUSE, Kingstown, was transformed on July 4, 2019, when the 2019 graduates of the Headstart Pre-School converged on the otherwise centre of higher discourse, to demonstrate some of what

they had learned and how much they had grown.

This year marked the 23rd of operation of the School, and at its 2019 Graduation Ceremony, parents and teachers alike beamed in awe and with pride, as the

courageous and highspirited four-year-olds entertained: Akayla Latchman welcomed parents and supporters; Kristen Thomas delivered the poem “I’m a Little Graduate”; Akili

Neverson and Jediah Luke played the piano; Sofia Joachim educated

the audience on dinosaurs, fossils, and paleontology; Zoey May danced to Alessia Cara’s “How Far I’ll Go”; Daniel Garraway and Jaedon Cromwell presented a poem “Fire Fighters”; and Aidon Shearman and Jourdan Cromwell recited the poem “I am Special”; Amori Jardine paid tribute to mothers in verse; Zemira Samuel offered the audience various facts on St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Xid Toney, J’Shawn O’Brien, Christopher Haynes, and Micha Adams gave historical depictions of this country’s political leaders, from Robert Milton Cato to Ralph E. Gonsalves.

And parents took the time out to laud the Preschool for its commitment to a holistic approach to education and to provide an inclusive educational environment where children with disabilities, speech impairments, down syndrome, autism, varying special needs, have been welcomed and have subsequently been able to function at the primary school level.

Marsha King expressed satisfaction.

“Headstart couldn’t have done a better job. They did everything expected and more. They allowed the children to be themselves.”

Eslyn Thomas expressed pleasure with the School’s “variety and quality of activities to

Headstart Pre-School Graduating Class 2019. which the students were exposed, during their time at Headstart,” adding, “Headstart is strong on discipline, social development and good nutrition - a wellrounded package.

Headstart ensures Kindergarten readiness.”

Ikarmola Laborde, mother of this year’s top CPEA performer, Seanté Marshall, stated, “Mrs. Francis (Founder and Principal) instilled good work ethics and encouraged the love of learning — wanting them [her students] to explore and not be satisfied with just the basics”.

Bronte Gieowarsingh, mother of the 2018 CPEA top performer, Christian Gieowarsingh remarked, “If I had to do it over again, right back to Headstart.”

In her speech, a dedicated and proud principal, Lavinia Francis, reminded her 30 graduands that “good manners and behaviour still take you through this world.”

It was clear that those who had been touched by the School, not least the parents, agreed that Headstart Pre-School has demonstrated that it has a winning formula; its current and past students shine, and that the school continues to receive commendations for having prepared the foundation for success.

(Submitted)

Graduates perform to a pleased audience.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 3.

News 3 New time-table for relocation of LPH residents THE RESIDENTS AT THE Lewis Punnett Home should be relocated to a temporary facility before the end of this year.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, while addressing the ‘Renewal at 40’ function last Saturday, said that he was hopeful that the move to the temporary facility, i.e. the former Nurse’s Hostel in Montrose, will be effected by October, during the Independence period.

“We can’t be renewing at 40 and not do something about the Lewis Punnett Home,” Gonsalves said.

Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, in his presentation of the 2018 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, signaled government’s intention to renovate the facility which is located at Glen, transforming it into a modern structure to house elderly persons.

That move, however, was thought to have been set in train, but Gonsalves, during a press briefing earlier this

year, in addressing a delay in this matter, put the blame squarely in the domain of the public servants concerned.

He said at that press conference that government had approved EC$1.1 million in the 2018 Estimates for work to be done at the temporary site at Stoney Grounds.

But a design had emerged from the civil servants for a temporary facility costing EC$4 million.

“If it was $1.5m, then I could go along with that; but you can’t give me $4m,” Gonsalves said.

He, therefore, blamed the civil

ÂRenewal at 40Ê Launched

servants, saying that it was Very little has been done to substantially their fault that the residents improve physical conditions at the Lewis Punnett Home. at the Lewis Punnett home spent last Christmas at the “horse of a different colour.” old facility.

The Lewis Punnett Home was In the end, constructed on its present site at Glen Gonsalves said that he in the early 1950s with a generous had reluctantly agreed grant from Lewis Punnett and to a design costing $2m assistance from the Colonial — which he said was a government. (DD)

ZHTF assist Grade 6 students Union Island Cultural Conquerors added a touch of the Grenadines to the evening’s programme. ($450,000); Peace Memorial Hall rehabilitation ($71,200); OVER THE SUMMER, he and Garifuna and Diaspora said, all primary and Homecoming activities secondary schools would ($65,000). receive upgrades at a total Elvis Charles, Coordinator cost of EC$6.5 million, and of the ‘Renewal at 40’ immediately thereafter, work programme, listed a number of will begin on constructing activities to be staged, footpaths in villages to inclusive of :the launch of the improve access. This project is ‘Sport against Crime’ initiative expected to cost US$5 million. on August 1; traditional games Also included is a clean-up throughout various campaign for capital communities; a gospel Kingstown expected to cost extravaganza, youth $1.7 m. parliament, schools essay Other notable plans: Fort competition; a National Day of Charlotte and bridge Prayer; a series of lectures and rehabilitation ($872,600); conferences; and the Annual Heritage Square rehabilitation Independence Day Parade Continued form front Page.

Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves was on hand to give assurance of funds being made available for the undertakings listed. followed by activities in Kingstown.

And according to Charles, the decision was taken to reintroduce the ‘Best Village’ competition this year.

There were a number of cultural acts that helped to enhance Saturday’s launch.

(DD)

THE ZERO HUNGER TRUST Fund (ZHTF) on Thursday July 18th, 2019, commenced the distribution of textbooks to three hundred and ninety-eight (398) Grade 6 students, in 15 primary schools across the state.

The support forms part of a Performance Enhancement and Teaching Support Programme developed by the ZHTF, to assist schools at which children have not consistently performed at the required levels at the CPEA exams.

In addition to the provision of textbooks, the ZHTF will also supply to each school, computers and related accessories to enable the students to more easily access resources to enhance their learning and research process.

In cases where the Ministry of Education deems that it is necessary, the ZHTF will

provide teaching support to the students.

The Performance Enhancement and Learning Support intervention is funded by the Government of South Korea at a cost of EC$320,000, with the cost of each set of text books approximating $400.00, and the remaining funds going towards the purchase of computer equipment.

The fifteen schools benefiting from this round of assistance are: Greiggs Primary, Kingstown Anglican, Diamond Government, Gomea Methodist, Sion Hill Government, Lowmans Windward, Fancy Government, Richland Park Government, South Rivers Methodist, Barrouallie Anglican, Belmont Government, Mary Hutinchson Primary, Sandy Bay Government, Kingstown Government and Buccament Governmeny.

V Former DPP lauded for historic move 4. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

embarked on a witness empowerment programme, and legislation is in place THIS COUNTRY’S former Director of for witnesses to give evidence from Public Prosecutions (DPP), now High outside the court room.

Court Judge in Belize, Colin Williams, has She noted that the NPS is a been lauded for the significant role he national institution which is all about played in the initiation of the process forging national partnership and leading to Wednesday’s historic launch determination. of the National Prosecution Services Captain Errington Shirland of the (NPS).

Regional Security System (RSS), based Acting DPP Sejilla Mc Dowall and in Barbados, in his presentation, her staff also came in for high praises urged, “Remember that you are here to for the work done in continuing the serve the people of St. Vincent and the process.

Grenadines. You must always be The commendations came from accountable to the people”. He members of the legal fraternity, highlighted the principles of honesty, locally, regionally and internationally integrity and fairness. at the NPS launch at the House of Chief Justice of the Eastern Assembly Hall.

Caribbean Supreme Court Janice The former DPP, in his remarks, Pereira whose remarks were read by said the idea of the NPS dated back as resident High Court Judge Brian far as 2010, with the early Cottle, suggested that a witness code prosecutorial training of police officers for SVG could be a positive step which under the leadership of then can be replicable throughout the Commissioner of Police Keith Miller.

Eastern Caribbean.

He noted that this was strengthened Periera stressed that Crime in 2015, with the DPP’s Office acquiring its own building, and the subsequent placing of a number of police prosecutors there, bringing them under the direct supervision of the DPP on a day to day basis, and making it easier for them to acquire continuous legal and prosecutorial training. He commended then Commissioner of Police Reynold Hadaway for his assistance and cooperation in making this move a reality.

All prosecutors are accountable to the DPP Williams said that when Hadaway wanted to recall certain officers he needed for other duties, he didn’t just recall them, but consulted with him first.

Wiliams also highlighted the several publications of the DPP’s Office, including the Code for Prosecutors which has been in existence as early Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste as 2010.

Wiliams added that Belize had just WHILE ATTORNEY at Law and gotten to the stage of the Prison Video Opposition Senator Kay BacchusLink System which has been ongoing Baptiste wishes the National here for some years now.

Prosecution Service (NPS) “much He was pleased with the success” on behalf of the Opposition continuation of publications by the New Democratic Party (NDP), she is DPP’s Office, in an effort to keep the of the view that unless the law is public informed. amended, this service does not change He pointed out that, while SVG is the all reaching powers of the small in size, great things are constitutional DPP. happening here.

Bacchus-Baptiste was delivering “I am very pleased with what I see, remarks on behalf of Opposition Leader and President of the NDP, Dr. and I am very happy with how things Godwin Friday, at the NPS launch at are going”. the House of Assembly Hall on McDowall highlighted increase and Wednesday. blossoming of the legal and The Senator pointed out that administrative staff, as well as interns Section 64 of this country’s at the DPP’s Office. She also Constitution gives the DPP control underscored the critical role of over public prosecutions, which means witnesses. that the DPP has power to institute “Witnesses are at the root of what and undertake criminal proceedings we do at the DPP’s Office. Without against any person for any offence witnesses, the Criminal Justice before any Court of Law. System will crumble”, she explained.

“The DPP can take over and McDowall said the DPP’s Office has Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Prevention, and maintaining the rule of law involve the efforts of all stakeholders.

She pointed out that “When a witness with relevant evidence fails to come forward, it weakens the Justice System”.

She noted that many witnesses to crime refuse to come forward, and commended SVG for taking steps to put in place measures to protect witnesses.

Justice Cottle, in his remarks, stressed the importance of having citizens, who reveal criminal activities empowered, protected, and even rewarded, and expressed gratitude to the DPP and staff for the steps taken in this direction.

Several other persons addressed the historic forum, including Sarah Abraham, Criminal Justice Advisor for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Don Suter, former Criminal Justice Adviser; Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne; President of the local Bar

Justice Colin Williams, former DPP. Association Rene Baptiste; Opposition Senator and lawyer Kay BacchusBaptiste, and Attorney General Jaundy Martin, who delivered remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who could not be there because of a Cabinet Meeting, and preparation for Parliament, scheduled to sit the following day.

The launch was held under the theme, “Speak up, it can be you! Share Personal Encounters and Accurate Knowledge — Unleash Power”.

Senator – NPS does not reduce DPP’s power continue such criminal proceedings or discontinue or Nolli Proseque Criminal Proceedings. The word Nolli Proseque is now a very familiar word for the Vincentian public, as the then DPP Colin Williams took over and discontinued many political criminal matters as he had the authority to”.

She added that the DPP may delegate such powers to persons who must follow his instructions, but the powers are vested in the DPP to the exclusion of any other person or authority.

“I have read the mission statement and the vision statement of the NPS. Very laudable, but to the extent that all powers really vest in the person appointed DPP. The success of this service really depends ultimately on the true impartiality, integrity and independence of the person holding office of the DPP. Maybe the time has come to vest all this power in a service like the NPS, but this will call for an amendment to the Constitution”, the lawyer contended. She hastened to add, “I am sorry if I burst any bubbles”.

Bacchus-Baptiste noted that in England, there is the 1985 Prosecution of Offences Act which created the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with the DPP as the head, came into effect 1996. According to her, in England, the DPP is responsible to the Attorney General, who is responsible to the Parliament. She noted that the key duties of the Crown Prosecution Service are, inter alia, advising the police in cases for possible prosecution; determining the change in all cases, except very minor cases; preparing cases at Court; presenting cases at Court and appointing private lawyers to present

cases at Court.

In relation to the NPS, BacchusBaptiste said that she expects that its main responsibility should be to provide legal advise to the police pertaining to criminal investigations, and to conduct prosecutions.

“This will presume that the NPS would be made up of lawyers or ought to ultimately. NPS should also advice on charges, and it is not desirable that police investigate and also prosecute matters”.

Bacchus-Baptiste also recommended that the NPS make it a policy to disclose all witness statements and other relevant documents to the defendants and their lawyers, which will avoid much delay, time and effort, by the defence having to write letters to the DPP for disclosure, or the Court having to order disclosure in every case.

“I recall the time when we only had one prosecutor, the DPP, for High Court criminal matters. Today, we have about six prosecutors. Before, the Assizes sat three times a year for limited periods. Now, we have a dedicated Judge sitting all year round for Assizes, yet the backlog remains. I have cases where defendants are waiting over five years to have their matters heard while they remain in jail. Justice delayed is justice denied”, Bacchus-Baptiste lamented.

She suggested putting more matters in the Magistrate Courts, thus reducing the burden of cases in the Assizes.

“Reading the mission and vision statements of NPS, it augurs well for the future apparently.

“From the NDP, we wish the NPS much success”, she concluded.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26 , 2019. 5.

News

Office secretary charged with theft

FIZIELA CLARKE, a 29-year-old office secretary attached to the Orange Hill Agricultural Station, will return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court September 12 on a theft charge.

The Sandy Bay woman is accused of stealing $1,527.50, the property of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Clarke, who is responsible for collecting monies from the Agricultural sub-stations and taking them to the Head Office in Kingstown, is alleged to have stolen the cash from an Agricultural Extension Station in Walliabou.

The monies are reportedly proceeds from sales of agricultural produce.

Clarke pleaded not guilty when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. She was granted bail, and the matter was adjourned to September 12. (H.H)

Fisherman’s charged upgraded to murder ROMANDO BRUCE, a 31-yearold fisherman of Clare Valley, who was charged with attempted murder, following the shooting of Murray’s Village resident Philson King, 33, had the charge upgraded to murder this week.

The charge was moved up following the death of the victim, who had been shot in the head with a fish-gun at Campden Park, July 13.

King died close to midday on Friday, July 19, about 45 minutes after he was taken off a life support machine at the Intensive Care Unit

to October 4.

When Bruce appeared at the Philson King was Romando Bruce Kingstown has been Magistrate’s Court last pronounced dead after he charged with week Wednesday, he was removed causing the was remanded, from a life death of following strong support machine. Philson King. objections to bail by Prosecutor John to check on Ballah, who had revealed his child. His child’s mother that the victim was on life left him at her house with support, and was expected to the child only to return and be taken off the machine by find him in blood. His his family. brother reported that the According to one of King’s spear that was used to inflict brothers, it is believed that the injury was removed from King went to Campden Park his head. (HH/KH)

Man in custody for stabbing death POLICE HAVE taken into custody a 55-year-old man in connection with the stabbing death of 52-year-old Alex ‘Shark’ Bradshaw, a resident of Fountain.

Bradshaw’s body was discovered last Sunday night outside the Corea’s Car

Jailed robber lucky to be alive KENTISH KEITH WILLIAMS, who was sent to prison for nine years, three and a half months, Friday, July 19 for robbing popular businessman Philo ‘Phil’ Moses, five years ago, is lucky to be still alive.

Before, Justice Brian Cottle handed down the penalty at the Criminal Assizes, Williams who was unrepresented, pleaded for leniency saying, “for the time I have spent in prison, I have realized that I have done something wrong. I have two children.

But Justice Cottle told him “You realize that you are here for sentencing. This matter could have resulted in the loss of your life”. Williams answered in the affirmative.

Williams, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea to guilty when the matter was called on July 1, but sentencing was adjourned.

Williams, who was 37 at the time of the incident, was charged with robbing Moses of $980 in cash.

Moses was closing his bar at the Kingstown Vegetable Market around 8:30 p.m. on June 1, 2017, when Williams, who was unmasked, pointed a gun at him and demanded money.

Moses threw the money on the floor, and while Williams was picking up the cash, the businessman pulled his licensed firearm from under the counter and fired two shots, one grazing the left side of the attacker’s head.

Williams ran, escaping with

(ICU) of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Bruce was not required to plea when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on the murder charge, Wednesday.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the Court that the investigator Sergeant Biorn Duncan indicated to him that he has about 15 witnesses so far, and the officer said to “just give him a date.”

The matter was adjourned

some of the money, but collapsed in the public road next to the Haddon Hotel at Mc Kie’s Hill.

By that time, Moses had made a report to the police, who subsequently received information that Williams was lying in the public road outside the Haddon Hotel with what appeared to be a bullet wound to his head.

The lawmen went to the scene and took the man to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. He was identified as Kentish Williams.

However, while he was receiving medical attention, he eluded the police and was not recaptured until about three weeks later.

Wiliams was subsequently charged.

In highlighting the aggravating factors, Cottle noted that a firearm was used in the commission of the crime. The victim was put in a threatening position, the firearm was never recovered and the accused ran from the police.

In relation to the mitigating factors, Cottle pointed out that at age 14, Williams was admitted to the Liberty Lodge Training Centre for two and a half years, and had left the home of his adopted mother when he was 17.

He acknowledged Williams’ early guilty plea which earned him a one-third discount on sentence.

He stressed, however, that Williams had previous convictions, including a firearm related one.

Cont’d on page 31

Park, Bay Street, Kingstown with a stab wound to the chest.

A release from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) stated that a 55year-old was in custody assisting the police with their investigations.

When THE VINCENTIAN arrived on the scene on Sunday night, police had already cordoned off the area.

Officers could be seen on spot conducting their investigation while Bradshaw’s body lay on the concrete sidewalk.

Bradshaw was known to be a regular figure in Kingstown, after returning from overseas where he had

spent quite some time.

A worker at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) told THE VINCENTIAN, that the man who is currently in police custody, had shown up at the hospital that very Sunday night, to have injuries treated.

He was later taken into custody.

A police source said that up to press time, Wednesday, the man has not been charged.

The source said that the police had taken the man into custody after receiving information that both men were in an altercation.

The source also confirmed that the man had shown up at the hospital to have

Persons say that Alex ‘Shark’ Bradshaw was a dapper figure around Kingstown. injuries treated.

Bradshaw’s post mortem result confirmed that he died as a result of a stab wound to the chest. (KH)

Another minibus accident AS OF MONDAY this week, reports were that four persons remains hospitalized following an accident at Argyle.

The accident is said to have occurred at around 3:40 pm on Saturday July 20, 2019, and involved a Nissan minibus, registration number HX819, owned and driven by Mr. Ashaki Dellimore of South River, and a pick-up, registration number T14, owned by Finishing and Furnishing and driven by Mr. Omri Mayers of Brighton.

The two vehicles reportedly collided on the Argyle Public Road in the vicinity of Still Waters Resort.

Both vehicles were badly damaged with the force of the collision causing the minibus to go over the bank on the side of the Argyle International Airport.

It came to a stop in a along the area of the perimeter fence of the airport According to police reports, the minibus was travelling from Kingstown towards Biabou with seventeen (17) passengers, while the pick-up was exiting the junction at Still Waters Resort with intentions of going to Brighton.

A number of the passengers in the omnibus sustained slight to serious injuries, with some sustaining broken limbs.

The driver of M/V T14 was also injured.

The injured were taken to the Stubbs Polly Clinic and the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

Private citizens were seen making trips with the injured to the Stubbs Polly

The minibus art the point at which it came to rest.

Clinic, with one citizen making at least three turns in this regard, as the injured awaited the arrival of an ambulance.

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

NY church holds fundraiser to aid SVG Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT The Bronx, New York-based St. Matthias Charities, Inc., on Jul. 13 held another successful annual BBQ fundraiser to help medical institutions, the less fortunate and various communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The weather condition could not have been better,” Robert McBarnett, the group’s president and pastor of the church that carries the same name, told THE VINCENTIAN about the balmy summer day for holding the event.

“Families, friends and supporters came out to support the charitable event,” he added about the BBQ that was held at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

“As one attendee puts it, ‘Rhis event allows me to connect with friends I have not seen in quite a while; the socialization was good for all of us’,” Pastor McBarnett continued.

Some members of the Brooklynbased Trinity Apostolic Church assisted St. Matthias Charities, Inc. in serving patrons at the BBQ. McBarnett said proceeds raised at the fundraiser will help in the church’s scheduled eighth mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from Aug. 24 to Sept. 7.

He said one of the highlights of that mission will be the distribution of 145 book bags, books and school supplies to the children of the Dickson Government School and the surrounding communities along the eastern shores of mainland St. Vincent.

During the mission, Pastor McBarnett said the group will also hand over, in capital Kingstown, a number of equipment and medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), including stretchers, crash

carts, EKG machine, Operation Room lights, rehabilitation chairs, adult pampers, hospital curtains and raw materials.

In addition, McBarnett said St. Matthias Charities, Inc. will continue to aid the Mental Health Hospital and the Lewis Punnett Home, a home for the indigent — both ta Glen — with food, clothing and other supplies.

In honouring his pledge during the group’s last mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Pastor McBarnett said St. Matthias Charities, Inc. will be partnering with the Ministry of Education with its zero-hunger programme for school children.

“Hundreds of crates of food will be on the container for this program,” he said.

The Stubbs Nine Morning Committee will also receive hundreds of Christmas lights as “an advance donation for their annual Christmas program,” McBarnett said.

On return from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he said the group will then head to Grenada for another mission.

During the Sept. 28-Oct. 5 mission to the “Spice Isle,” McBarnett said “a large supply of goods and medical supplies” will be donated to the Ministry of Health, including EKG machine, crash carts, crutches, canes and walkers.

He said “a small army of nurses is scheduled to be on this trip,” who “will be meeting with the staff of the General Hospital and assist in whatever way they can.”

In expressing gratitude to patrons during the BBQ fundraiser, McBarnett said “100 percent of the donation goes directly to the missions.”

Over the years, he said the St. Matthias Charities, Inc. has been donating medical supplies to the MCMH and other healthcare facilities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and books and other supplies to schools and communities throughout the length and breadth of the nation.

The next fundraiser, the group’s annual Prayer Breakfast, takes place on Nov. 16, 2019 at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Pl., Members of the Trinity Apostolic Church in Brooklyn assist Brooklyn.

St. Matthias Charities,Inc. in serving patrons at BBQ.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26 , 2019. 7.

Training

Twenty-six Flow Interns receive certificates TWENTY-SIX (26) interns, who comprised the first Flow Sales Academy class of 2019, have been awarded certificates.

In fact, the interns were so good at fulfilling their tasks, that the telecommunication company chose to give twenty (20) of them another three-month stint.

The closing ceremony for the 2019 Flow Sales Academy took place at Flow facility in Arnos Vale, Friday, July 19th.

Speaking at the ceremony, Marketing and Corporate Communication Manager Nikala Williams explained that the interns were drawn from the Community College, and comprised a number that exceeded any batch in the past.

For Williams, the interns gave all reason to be proud of them.

She described the last few weeks of the programme as an experience that impacted not only the interns but everyone at Flow.

(L-R) Interns Kareem Lucas and Oji Sutherland – recipients of 1-year contact from Flow.

Consumer Sales Manager Andrea Liverpool said that Flow made a deliberate effort to select persons who exhibited enthusiasm and passion for sales and marketing.

She too was impressed with the performance of the interns, and advised them to “be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you always imagine. “ Kareem Lucas, one of the more

Technical/Vocational programmes showcased

By Gloriah…

The National Qualifications Department: Sector Skills Development Agency (NQDSSDA) of the Ministry of Education, held a youth skills exhibition on the vacant Treasury Department lot in Kingstown last Friday, 19th July.

The activity was organized to create an awareness about what is available in Technical Vocational Items that were produced as part of Education Training the training programme at the (TVET), also to Barrouallie Technical Institute. provide an opportunity to select Mr. Kenneth and sign up for programmes.

Questelles, Director On show were exhibits from the of the NQDSSDA. Adult and Continuing Education programmes delivered at community region, without the centres across the country; and the need to obtain a work programmes done at the Technical permit.

Institutes in Barrouallie, Campden The mandate was Park, Kingstown and Georgetown. given to the SSDA to deliver the According to Mr. Kenneth certification.

Questelles, Director of the NQDSSDA, The National Qualifications the programmes cater to youths and Department: Sector Skills adults as they work towards Development Agency (NQDSSDA) was certification in both the National established in 2010 and is intent on Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s), addressing the challenges inherent in and the Caribbean Vocational Technical and Vocational Education Qualifications (CVQ’s). here in St. Vincent and the The NVQ’s allow the skilled worker Grenadines. to work only within his own country, Applications are still open for while the CVQ is regionally developed persons interested in accessing the and allows the person so certified, and services of the Department which is in accordance with Article 46 of the located upstairs the Medix Building in Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, to Kingstown. work anywhere in the CARICOM

popular interns, admitted that his first day was not so encouraging, but his mentor reassured him that every day would not be the same. He said he felt so motivated that he went out and gave it his best.

“The thing I like about Flow, is once you have joined this team you automatically become part of the amazing family,” said Lucas.

Arthur Laborde was moved to tears at the closing ceremony. He said that his experience at first was also challenging, but with help of his mentors he got better.

“Working here at Flow did not teach

The majority of the first Flow Sales Academy Class proudly display their certificates. me only how to get sales, but how to love and appreciate my fellow colleagues, how to perform proper team work ethics, and also how to support others in general,” said Laborde.

As a result of their performances, two interns - Kareem Lucas and Oji Sutherland — were awarded 1-year contracts with Flow.

The second class of interns was also introduced at the ceremony. (KH)

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 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 Corruption is real EDWARD ABBEY, AN American author and essayist, once wrote, “A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his Government.”

This statement hit arrowlike at the very pulse of the reality of keeping corruption in any government in check.

You see, the desire to attain more (and more) is considered innate in human beings. And when a person is in government, he or she has access to wealth and privileges.

Is it safe to say then that most people who enter politics want power and the comforts money can buy? Is it safe to say that Cabinet ministers in our system are well paid with extravagant benefits? Is it safe to say that the longer they remain in politics, not to mention government, the more they feel they are an entitled class?

If it is safe to ask the above, how then can we expect a politician to end corruption?

Isn’t this like asking a gangster to stop crime?

Usually, to get elected, a politician must engage or is expected to engage in offering some form of inducement. It can be through legitimate campaigning. But can they be expected to do honourable deeds when to ensure their victory some indulge in dishonourable deeds?

The fight against corruption, as Abbey implies, must be led by a country’s citizenry, or else it will be cosmetic.

And when we speak of fight against corruption, of what do we speak? Are we speaking of, for example, our politics, access to justice, jobs and livelihoods, management of national revenue and services which demand accountability and fair delivery of service?

If this is the case, then it follows that only an engaged public and civil society, which constructively monitors decision-making, is important to ensure accountability and therefore ward off corruption.

But back to corruption!

Corruption is also when business firms pay to get routine services and to get to the head of the bureaucratic queue. They pay to limit their taxes, avoid costly regulations, obtain contracts at inflated prices, and get concessions.

And when corruption

becomes endemic, lookout… elected officials will design and propose public projects with few public benefits but many opportunities for ‘private profit’.

Of course, too, corruption that comes in the form of bribes, payoffs and kickbacks, is another type of government failure.

All of this means that efforts to build and encourage anticorruption campaigns is not the panacea to promoting good governance.

It is well that we take note that governments may be honest but inefficient, because no one has an incentive to work productively, allowing elites to capture the state and exert influence on national policy, a la South Africa.

Bribery might induce the lazy to work hard and permit those not in the inner circle of cronies to obtain benefits. It may be a reasonable response to a harsh reality, but, over time, it can facilitate a spiral into an even worse situation that dismantles for good the dignity and self-worth of the person, leading to a disapproval of the adage that ‘you enjoy more when what you earn is the product of your own sweat’.

All said, is it wishful thinking that one day an engaged public and civil society will demand that there be an Independent Corruption and Fraud Unit, tasked with detecting and investigating instances of improper dealings by elected and appointed officials, government employees and law enforcement officers, as well as those seeking to do business with government entities? And what of tasking this Commission with the authority to focus on large scale theft from public programmes and even election fraud?

Of course, this Commission would be required to work closely with a police unit dedicated solely to investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

Then again, all of this could be lost even on ‘enlightened thinking’, whose only concern is the quick buck.

Maybe all we need in this era, when corruption and questions of corruption prevail, is a strong and extenuating piece of Integrity Legislation which we were promised.

NDP and Freedom-Gentle Reminder (Written in 2000) COMING FROM A SITUATION of eleven sitting elected Labour members of the Government to two NDP members of the opposition as a result of the 1979 elections, the NDP rode the crest of a wave of popularity to capture Government in the July 1984 elections. It was a big swing. The new readings showed 9 NDP as against 4 Labour. Worse was to come. Within months, a crestfallen and disillusioned Milton Cato turned his back on politics and his SVLP which lost his seat in a by-election, confirming and reinforcing the ascendancy of Mitchell and the NDP at 10 to 3.

After a five-year term, the NDP made a clean sweep in the 1989 election winning all fifteen seats (including two additional) in grand style. It was perhaps their finest hour.

True enough, the NDP, fresh, did take up enormous slack left by Labour and did bend its back to reach the people in its “Basic Needs” and other programmes but, back of it all, one was inclined to attribute the steep lift off of the NDP to the breath of fresh air which it let in, the sense of freedom which it generated.

The first pieces of legislation placed on the statute books removed the ban on prohibited literature and the restricted travel of socalled radical undesirables. It was a mightily blow struck for democracy, intellectual freedom and the fundamental freedom of conscience and the right of choice of political systems. More importantly, it symbolised that our people would no longer be treated as children of the ex-colonies still in need of mentors and chaperones to guide them from straying from the straight and narrow paths.

Only a generation ago, an official list of potentially “Subversive” persons, our own brothers and sisters of the Caribbean, had been sent out of the US States department and with the blessing of our British Colonial power adopted by the existing regimes in the area, including the local Labour Government.

As late as the 1970s, our most brilliant sons and daughters could not freely move about the islands. As in the days of slavery, they were penned and staked on their own massa’s plantation. And it was a veritable life of hell “at home” for the “radicals”, meaning anyone who dared to think independently or offered a challenge to the status quo.

In the result, several groups of the Left, led by the Educational Forum of the People (EFP) and the Youlou United Liberation Movement (Yulimo) were targeted and abused with severe curtailment of their civil liberties. At a dawn raid in May 1970, the police mounted simultaneous searches on the homes of Forum members —Parnel Campbell, Kerwyn Morris and John Cato — ostensibly for “arms, ammunition, and prohibited literature”.

Morris’ entire library of over 200 books had been removed to the police headquarters for detailed inspection. After nearly a year,

the books were returned minus half-dozen or so which “the authorities” had retained and also placed on “the banned lists”. For good measure, Renwick Rose’s yard was also dug in the late 1970s, under pretext of unearthing a non-existence cache of arms.

The historical trend is interesting. Even before there were elections in St Vincent, Marcus Garvey’s newspaper “The Negro World” had been banned from St. Vincent in 1920. With the dawn of the democratic revolution spearheaded by George Mc Intosh, our leader was framed, jailed and underwent a mockery of a trial for treason-felony following the 1935 civil disturbances. Joshua, who lit a fire under the trade union and mass political movement, suffered a not dissimilar fate in the 1950s. He was charged with sedition and being in possession of prohibited literature, including “Thunder”- organ of Cheddie Jagan’s PPP in Contemporary B.G. With more power localised and the Labour Party in charge of the home-front after the assumption of Statehood in 1969, the pattern actually hardened. This writer recalls the following random incidents in his own personal experiences. Firstly, police tailed and hounded members of the Forum while they hosted-“harboured” would be their wordJoseph Assinini of the ANC who had sneaked into the Caribbean and St. Vincent, in quest of Black solidarity to oppose the apartheid system. Secondly, after giving a radio talk on the troubled land of Guyana, I was hunted down by the police who finally found me at a social party, with orders to get a transcript of the talk for their files! I subsequently published the piece in an issue of the Flambeau magazine.

Thirdly, in the 1970s, I found myself in court defending Winston Butler of the Diamond Rural Transformation Centre (significantly, now the Walter Rodney Centre) and Calder Williams of the Chateaubelair New Rescuers Movement, for being in possession of the banned “Soviet Weekly”, which is as harmful as a glorified tourist brochure can be! When Labour turned the heat on the Teachers later on, young Junior Bacchus also had to face charges for illegal possession of “Soviet Weekly”. Long before Cuba assisted in bailing us out of an education problem, their official newspaper “Gramma” was also banned from these shores. Easily the most damaging effect on our general development, was wrought by the wholesale banning, in person and by works, of the brilliant Guyanese historian and Third World Scholar, Walter Rodney. Vincentians were never given the opportunity to look up on the academic icon, courtesy the SVLP which banned Rodney from landing into St. Vincent to address the SVUT convention in 1977.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 9.

Letters

Archer: The one we missed PROMPTED by your editorial of last week, I went searching out Jofra Archer’s background.

Seems he spent most of his life, to date, in Barbados and therefore, there would have been no excuse for our West Indies cricket authorities not seeing him developing.

In my search, I found some interesting things being said about Archer since his recent rise up the ladder. Here are what three persons who knew him before he left for England, had to say: “I was very vocal in calling for Jofra Archer to be included in the West Indies set up, way before the World Cup. “Once again, England has benefitted in us not

being able to recognise exceptional abilities in a player. It’s every player’s dream to display their abilities at the international level, to compete against the best in the world.

“With our lacklustre attitude to our cricket in the West Indies, we probably would not be able to get the best out of him.” Mike Wallace, Barbados and West Indies ‘B’ team wicketkeeper/batsman.

“Jofra Archer’s decision to represent England and not West Indies did not surprise me.

“He had issues with the authorities of cricket in Barbados, where he felt left out, and having

been given the opportunity in England and being cared for by the County of which he plays for (Sussex), his decision was made with a clear conscience.

“We in the Caribbean have lost a good cricket talent, and should learn from this experience how to deal with players with the talent of Jofra because others are waiting to do the same.”

Philo Wallace - former Barbados captain and West Indies opening batsman.

“Why wouldn’t it be good [to see him play for England]? If you want to see the best players in the world, it doesn’t make a difference where you come from.

“The only disappointing thing I would say on the whole issue, is we had people that made mistakes at home.

“That is why he is here, playing for England.” (Joel Garner.

West Indies Cricket legend).

Something to chew on.

Charles Edinboro

Who is the rightful owner of a property?

I AM GETTING problems with the law, and I want my friends to help me to get those relevant authorities to revoke the wrong ‘moral’ laws and improve the right ‘moral’ laws.

My mother died in 1997, and my stepfather died in 2007. After the death of my mother, my stepfather moved into the downstairs of the

house he occupied with my mother, and rented the upstairs for $600 a month.

After his death, I made a move to investigate the status of the property. One evening while I was there, up came a man and woman who told me to get out of there, because my stepfather willed the property to

them.

My siblings and I went to a lawyer, and the man and woman were asked to bring in their will. The will is still forthcoming.

In the meanwhile, the man and the woman had the downstairs, but after the tenants realized there was confusion with the property, they stopped paying rent.

Anyway, the tenant left and gave me the keys.

One day I went to check on the property.

Lo and behold I met a man and his family occupying the house.

They had broken in as far as I was concerned.

I told him he had no right to the house. I gave him the option of staying once he paid a rent. He refused, so I went back the next day and took off the door. I went to the CID and claimed responsibility for MR. EDITOR, Your ‘Don’t be foolish’ alcohol, you are likely at some point in my action; they told me editorial of Friday 28th June, provided your drinking career to get drunk. In to come back the next sound advice to ‘would-be’ Carnival their conceit, they boasted that they day. revelers as to how they should conduct did not have a drinking problem.

I went back and we themselves, and the likely I explained to them, some of whom had a meeting, with a expectations to look forward to during are in my age group, that being an mother and son (who are the Carnival season. alcoholic should not be a stigma, since claiming they are the That aspect of over consumption of alcohol has affected every stratum of owners), and two CID alcohol and persons drinking and human society: doctors, lawyers, officers. I presented my driving, in your editorial, was of nurses, teachers, are just a few of the information, of which particular interest to me, I being a professional groups. I also pointed out they (officers) took a part of the alcoholic fraternity. that all of us live in a glasshouse. We statement.

About a week or so before your are hard drinkers and that they must Two months have publication, I tried unsuccessfully to not point any accusing finger at their passed since that convince some stubborn drinkers fellow drinkers. Their body chemistry meeting, but it seems to about the dangers of drinking and may be stronger than mine, but we all me like nothing is being driving. share the same experience, addiction. investigated. I tried to One of them, a self-proclaimed In conclusion, your editorial was find out what I should do ‘great driver’, was obviously in denial timely and reflective of a concern for next, but I am asking like most hard drinkers, asserting that the well-being of returning nationals, God to give me the he never got into any accident and he and foreign visitors. Personally, it was strength, courage, and a was confident that it would be an admonition for me. Thank you. It willing mind to fight impossible for him to lose focus. was foolishness on my friends’ part against injustice.

I tried again, in the face of their indeed. harsh criticism of me, to convince Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon them that once you are flirting with Patmos Richards

Foolishness indeed!

THE VINCENTIAN raising the bar ALL OF A SUDDEN, since your back page piece on the CDB-SVG debacle, persons have been quoting your publication all over the place. Pity that persons did not notice some other pieces of national repercussions that your paper carried.

In your May 31, 2019 issue, as a front page article, you carried a sweeping piece on what appears to be attempts by the ‘new owners/major shareholders’ of the St. Vincent Brewery, to hoodwink Vincentians. Another paper carried something on it, but unlike your piece, it seemed to have glorified the persons willing to speak rather than presenting in a detailed manner, the glaring questionable action on the part of the new owners/major shareholders of the Brewery. I am certain there will be more to come on this issue, and I hope that those state bodies entrusted with oversight of companies like the Brewery, do what they are mandated to do, and not quake in the face of some major investment.

And then, there was a piece carried on your back page of July 19, 2019 which seemed to have missed the attention of serious and honest commentators here. That piece had to do with FLOW launching a new parental leave policy, one which recognized and increased leave for fathers. This action by FLOW must not go unnoticed; it must be heralded as one of the more progressive steps on behalf of workers’ benefits across the Caribbean, especially in light of the fact that places like SVG not having Parental Leave policies. I wonder how many of our leading trade unionists here ever addressed this issue. Hats off to FLOW for setting the pace and to THE VINCENTIAN for highlighting a concern that so few of us would have even given a second look.

Let me thank you, Mr. Editor, on behalf of what you might describe as the silent minority, for providing news and commentaries in a manner that is uplifting and challenging.

Curtis T. North Central Windward

The illusion of power PEOPLE ARE motivated by the lust for power that drives today’s political entertainment and business arenas. Popular culture invests in famous politicians, actors, athletes, CEOs and other celebrities with an illusion of unusual importance.

Christians even create power figures out of preachers and other speakers, worship leaders, and authors of Christian literature, but God’s power has little or nothing to do with spotlights or acclaim. (Read Acts 8: 18-19) Simon had adopted the world’s perspective of power. Showered with uncritical adulation, he became convinced of his supposed super human significance, and his entire world view became distorted as a result. It’s easy for us to sit back and judge each other, but we should ask ourselves if we too have succumbed to the illusion of power.

How much of us dream about becoming famous or just well liked? Do we heed people who are unwilling to let our weaknesses slide, unimpressed with our social status, or do we prefer only to associate with people who praise us and agree with us? How much do our status and position define who we are? How would we react if we were to lose it all?

God’s power is wildly different from the world’s.

We shall receive power. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”.

(Acts 1:8) Bishop Ezekiell Creese Faith World Ministries, Roseau

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Renewal at forty begins in Epic style

Introduction SATURDAY, JULY 20TH, 2019 was an epic day in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the citizens of the country launched a series of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of our attainment of independence in 1979. At the picturesque Community College, the organizers of the event contrived to assemble a potpourri of Vincentian artistes to mark the start of the celebration in song and dance.

Renewal at Forty is recognition of the reacquisition of our independence from the British, and it allows us as a nation to celebrate the wonderful achievements that we have attained in the 40 years of independence. It is an appropriate time for our country to reflect on the journey thus far, and to design the new pathway that will take us over the next two or three decades.

As a country, we have to recognize that the world has changed since the independence date of 1979, and so it is important to reflect on the path that we have travelled, and further, to reflect on the journey that is now before us. As a people, we have made tremendous gains, and have acquired a reputation that shows we are resolute, resourceful, creative and courageous.

The Launch The launch event was something that we see often on television, but do not envisage that we are capable of. Coordinator Elvis Charles and his committee really worked hard to transform the already beautiful Community College grounds, into an exceptional arena.

And then came the performances.

To single out a few, there was Kiokya Cruickshank-Jack who showed why she is one of the best gospel singers in the country. Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne showed why his song “Our Nation is Born” is still regarded as one of the leading national songs.

And then there was Darron Andrews, Rodney Small and Hance John, the Christopher siblings and the Union Island Cultural Conquerors, who left members of the audience hanging on to the edge of their seats.

Truly, it was a night to remember, and when Shaunelle McKenzie and the Melisizwe Brothers brought the curtains down, no one had any regrets, and all felt that it was an evening well spent. And then there were the three main addresses, delivered by the Coordinator of the Renewal at 40 Committee, Elvis Charles; the Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves. and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. It was during his address, that Prime Minister Gonsalves officially announced that the country was getting a new Governor General, and a woman, in the person of Susan Dougan, a former Cabinet Secretary, and former Principal of the Girls’ High School. As of August 1st, 2019, she will replace Sir Frederick Ballantyne, who has had a distinguished tenure as Governor General.

What a wonderful way to begin the activities to start the Renewable at 40 Process! Susan Dougan is a

wonderful human being, an outstanding Vincentian who has done great work in the field of education and public administration.

We are confident that Susan Dougan will be an exemplary Governor General, and will uphold the high traditions of this office, as representative to Her Majesty the Queen, in our blessed and beloved land.

Other Initiatives As part of the Renewal at 40 exercise, the government is proposing to spend some six million EC dollars in renovating primary and secondary schools in the State.

Much of the work in this regard will be done during the month of August, but BRAGSA has already started some minor work on some schools.

The government has also allocated some two million dollars for a cleanup of the capital city Kingstown. This work is overdue, and there has been a great deal of discussion on how this should be done. Nevertheless, plans are now being finalized for the cleanup and restoration of the capital city.

A similar exercise will be applied to Fort Charlotte, to include the bridge leading to this tourism site. A total of eight hundred thousand dollars will be spent on this facility. Other restorative works will include the further development of the Joseph Chatoyer Memorial Park, the rehabilitation of the Peace Memorial Hall, and a Garifuna and Diaspora homecoming event. The Renewal at 40 Committee will also embark on some cultural events, including a return to the best village competition of the 1980s, among other things.

One critical exercise which will be undertaken, will be the commissioning of a book on the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The country’s historians will get a chance to indulge themselves, in the production of a book, on our history. The Renewal Committee will be providing guidelines for this exercise.

Conclusion Renewal at 40 is indeed an appropriate time for us to reflect on the last four decades of our independence, to evaluate from when we came, and to determine where we want to go in the future. Even as we celebrate our accomplishments, and they have been many, we must refresh and prepare ourselves for the next stage of our journey, as an independent state.

We know that our ascension to a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council will have a great impact on our journey. Some 185 countries, and counting, have indicated their support for this small country, that we are capable of delivering on the world stage, despite our size.

As our National Anthem states, “what e’re the future brings, our faith will see us through”. Happy 40th anniversary of independence, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Is the ULP government practising good governance?

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS DEFINED as the processes implemented by the organization to produce favourable results which meet the needs of its stakeholders, while making the best use of resources: human, technological, financial, natural and environmental at its disposal. Accountability is a key tenet of good governance.

Good governance has eight (8) major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account, and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making.

It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Is the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government practising good governance? Of the eight characteristics of good governance that have been outlined, which one can we say is practised by the ULP government? We know that the government lacks accountability, and it is definitely afraid of transparency.

Since 2001, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has been calling for the ULP government to be accountable for the management of taxpayers’ money.

These calls have been ignored by the government. More specifically, Dr. Friday held a series of press conferences on accountability, and through numerous questions in parliament by members of our party requesting information on the financial statements of the Argyle International Airport Development Company and that of Petro Caribe.

During one of his press conferences on accountability, Dr. Friday stated: “The case for accountability is clear and it is compelling. The citizens of this country see the effects of the lack of accountability right in front of their faces every day. So Vincentians are not buying the excuses, the untruths, the contradictions, the side-stepping and the beating-around-the-bush that we have heard from Dr. Gonsalves and other members of his government and political party.”

Parliamentary accountability is mandatory; it is specified in the highest law of the land, the Constitution, and it must be delivered. There is no getting away from this legal fact. It is also morally and ethically necessary.

“There is a moral and ethical imperative for accountability that can be simply stated: if you, in good faith, take a man’s money from him, purportedly to do something for his benefit, then the man is entitled to an account as to how his money was spent.”

Presently, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is faced with another embarrassing situation where the Caribbean Development Bank has revoked the contract awarded for river defense works at Yarabaqua River (Belle Vue), and has also withdrawn funding for the project. This situation placed the ULP government under the microscope, as it relates to corruption and the lack of good governance.

Thus far, we know that a complaint was lodged by an unsuccessful bidder for the project. The CDB then conducted a review of the project. And, in a letter to the tenders from the Ministry of Transport and Works dated 27th June, 2019, states, “The

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) conducted a review of the procurement for the contract, and has declared misprocurement for the contract for the River Defense Works at Yarabaqua under the captioned Project.” The letter further states, “The CDB financing allocated to this contract will be cancelled and any amounts already withdrawn and paid in relation to the contract will be repaid by the recipient, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with interest. CDB will therefore no longer finance this contract.”

After such an embarrassment to the government, one would have thought that the government would have conducted an investigation to determine what went wrong. It would appear that will not happen. Instead, the government has announced certain measures that it will implement to complete the project. This action by the government is seen as one of utter disdain, arrogance and contempt to the taxpayers of this country. The New Democratic Party is cognizant of its role as a responsible opposition, and will do everything in its power to continue to highlight the issue and the corrupt practices of the government.

During the 2001 general elections campaign, the ULP labeled the then NDP government as corrupt. In its 2001 manifesto, the ULP made a commitment to tackle corruption. It stated, “The ULP is committed in waging a war against corruption in government. Big companies provide kick-backs to people in government for award of government contracts.

Corruption undermines democracy and people’s trust in government.

Corruption distributes wealth from the poor to the better-off. The ULP will make government clean and transparent, and introduce integrity legislation to the parliament.” Eighteen years later, what have we seen? A corrupt ULP government.

Further, based on the numerous allegations of corruption during the tenure of this government, it is perceived as the most corrupt ever to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We recall that a former chairman of the then National Commercial Bank (NCB) was involved in a questionable banking transaction at the said bank. The Director of Audit found that officials managing the Cuban Integrated Health Project in the Ministry of Health, had bought computer supplies and fast food, and paid monies to the International Airport Development Company, contrary to the government’s policy.

Also, in the Ministry of Agriculture, under the Agriculture Diversification Project, microphone cable was imported at a cost of ($EC32.73) and was sold to the ministry for EC$1499.76.

There was also the revelation a senior government official who was involved in a company that was formed to market and promote tourism in this country; the recall of the Deputy Consul General from the Consulate in New York for being involved in activities outside the scope of his employment, and the saga of the former Registrar of the High Court.

The ULP is corrupt to the core, and it is time for them to go.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 11.

Views

Fear of failure

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default.” Joanne K. Rowling (Born 1965) - British novelist, screenwriter, producer, and philanthropist.

It is sometimes quite amazing whose lives we touch when we are secure enough within ourselves to be comfortable sharing our failures.

Sometimes, being vulnerable enough to expose our foibles could inspire others who, from time to time, make mistakes or appear to fall short in the pursuit of their noble dreams or ambitions. Our sharing may provide useful insights in relation to the fact that it is possible to stumble and fall along life’s path, but recovery is often possible when we reach within ourselves to find the strength to carry on. However, some of our errors of judgement and shortcomings may be categorized as “sensitive”, and therefore not appropriate or wise to share with some audiences. This was recently the case when one of the guest lecturers at one of the programmes that I facilitate at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago. The guest lecturer had been invited to conduct his tenth two-hour presentation to a cohort of students in pursuit of their Master’s Degree in Business Administration. On the previous occasions, he commenced his presentation by highlighting the very poor living conditions that he had encountered as a child as he grew up in rural Trinidad. He would then proceed to describe his academic failures prior to highlighting the tremendous local, regional, and international recognition he gained as an adult. His business accomplishments now allow him to interact with some of the richest and most powerful individuals in the Western Hemisphere and Africa.

However, on this occasion, he neglected to describe his academic failures. He subsequently explained that he had done so because, unlike the previous occasions, his four preteen children were in the audience on this occasion. He was concerned that if his children knew of his early academic failures, it may have discouraged them from pursuing academic excellence at an early age; concluding that if their dad was able to recover from academic failure, so could they.

While we appreciate this father’s concern as described in the previous paragraph, many of us may take a different view. It is often useful to let our children know that we may have failed but that we recovered. Failure is not final. We regrouped. We refocused. Today’s successes are often built on yesterday’s failure.

Sometimes, sharing about our failures can inspire others. That was recently the case when I shared about my failure at the common entrance examinations several decades ago.

Continuing the personal history to describe my fortune in being able to refocus in my early secondary school life and networking with friends who we equally committed to my newfound pursuit of excellence, proved to be an inspiration. One of the members of the audience

subsequently revealed that the sharing about “failure not being final” inspired her to resume her pursuit of tertiary level education. The sharing helped. The sharing inspired. The sharing sparked a positive thrust that ignited a renewed passion for her academic pursuit. It was this young lady who then sent me an e-mail encouraging me to write an article entitled “Fear of Failure”. She anticipates that the thoughts shared here could encourage someone, somewhere, to accept the challenge to continue the pursuit of their noble ambitions with renewed effort and energy.

We may not have to go very far to locate individuals who have given up on some aspects of life because they are afraid of failure. They may discontinue the pursuit of a weightloss , having been frustrated by the number of times that the “fancy diet” or the exercise programme just did not work. Some may have given up prematurely — just at the time when the “breakthrough” in their body was becoming evident. That fear of failure may have infected the student who was struggling to learn a second language or to master a musical instrument. Rather than accept the challenge and the struggle, they may have opted to give up — fearing failure and opting to fail even before they begin. Anthony Robbins, the famous American motivational speaker and author, reminds us that there are many derelicts in the game of life who would rather fail before they try a particular task. However, this need not be the case. We all have the ability to focus on success, even though we realise that not every effort will result in success. Eloise Ristad reminds us that “When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel.” In addition, Paulo Coelho says it well when he claims that, “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” Reminders like these propel us to pursue of noble dreams with passion … fearlessly refusing to embrace the fear of failure.

It is probably fitting to conclude this essay with a useful reminder from Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), that outstanding American poet, singer, memoirist, motivational speaker, and civil rights activist. She challenges us when she says, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” As best we can, we must forever pursue our noble ambitions with passion. However, we must know that we will not always succeed. There may be limitations within ourselves and there may be challenges in the external environment that seek to nullify our efforts. Be that as it may, we must develop the tenacity to not fear failure. It is often merely the detour along the route to success.

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

Christianity did not save me from the Revolution FORTY YEARS ago this coming December, I met a young Grenadian revolutionary. His name is Leon ‘Bogo’ Cornwall. When I met him, he was deep black in complexion, tall, handsome, confident and full of energy. He had a charming, disarming smile. Cornwall was immensely popular among the Grenadian youth and he had a knack for organizing and was a stickler for details.

He was a major in the People’s Revolutionary Army and the junior minister for youth and sport in the revolutionary government which was led by the charismatic revolutionary PM Maurice Bishop.

We were to develop a lifelong friendship that has endured to this day. He was the leader of the New Jewel Movement’s youth organization, and I was then the leader of Vanguard Youth, the youth arm of the Youlou United Liberation Movement (YULIMO). As fate would have it I was the contact person between NJM and the United People’s Movement.

This job took me to Grenada dozens of times during the revolution, and Cornwall and I would meet once he was in Grenada.

In July of 1983, I made my last visit to Grenada before migrating to New York. I met with Cornwall and Ewart ‘Head Ache’ Layne. In conversation they disclosed that the party was engaged in a series of discussion whose outcome will determine whether the revolution survive or die. Apparently, the entire central committee of the NJM concluded that the revolution was so weakened, its cadres so tired and overworked, the pressures and aggression of US and Britain were so unrelenting that if radical solutions were not found and implemented, the revolution will collapse within 6 months.

Cornwall, now a Methodist lay preacher, a return to roots of sorts, since he was in the Methodist youth movement in his formative years told an audience at Frenches House last Saturday, that that flawed decision planted the seeds of doubts and suspicion among the revolutionaries and ultimately led to the implosion of the revolutionary process, the killing of PM Bishop and many of his ministers including Unison Whiteman and Jackie Creft, and ultimately to the American invasion of Grenada in October of 1983. In 2007, I was his lawyer during the resentencing hearing that led to his release in 2009.

Cornwall told the mainly Methodist audience that those tragic events which saw him tried and convicted for murder, brought to the doors of the hangman cell, reprieved and eventually released in 2009, amounted to his true baptism of fire and brought him back, full circle to the God he praised and loved as a youth.

Cornwall, who has been working as a counsellor at Richmond Hill prison and integrated into the Methodist church as a lay preacher, said he wanted to make clear that his return to the church and his acceptance of Christ as his personal saviour did not save him from the revolution; it saved him from sin. He defended the positive achievements of the revolution, especially those in health, education and infrastructural development of which the construction

of the Maurice Bishop International Airport is the crown jewel. Cornwall pointed to many of the revolution’s failures, particularly its tendency to unleash ‘heavy manners’ which resulted in many persons’ detention without trial. Cornwall blamed the strict discipline instilled in all of the revolutionaries; the puritanical and perfectionist notions which they all took as gospel as the seductive ‘drug’ that led them to do things that brought on the revolution’s demise.

Speaking to prisoners at both the Kingstown and Belle Isle prisons, Cornwall told the inmates that they cannot now be sorry for themselves; they cannot blame others for the errors and wrong doings that landed them in prison. He beseeched them to use their time behind bars to better themselves so that they can make a sharp turn away from whatever caused them to do time in prison. He told the prisoners that the choice was theirs. Using a stone and a tennis ball, he dramatically demonstrated to them that they can fall like the stone and stay down or they can live the life of the ball. They can go down and bounce back.

At the Biabou Methodist Church, Cornwall he told the congregation that they must reject the notion that God’s mission is to punish them. He told those in attendance that God’s true mission as reflected in the work of Jesus Christ was to save them from all sins and problems. He presented the novel view that those who presented the theology that God was a jealous, punishing God, inculcated in followers a bad idea because people who wanted to be Christ like, adopted notions as to what they thought God was. He said this is why there is so much confusion in the world, even among Christians and religious denominations.

Cornwall, who spoke at Georgetown, South Rivers, Union, Mespo, Belmont and Diamonds, is convinced that the method and style of work of the Methodist Church has to be radically changed if the church is to survive. He called on the church to embrace the youths of the nation and find new and better ways to connect with them and bring the youth back to God. He expressed the view that for the Methodist church to survive and grow it must come out from the 4 walls of the church and go into the communities, mingle with the people, identify and look after their needs, concerns and insecurities, while at the same time carrying forward the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Cornwall, who spent 27 calendar years in jail, says that while he has no interest in politics as a participant, he remains deeply concerned about the plight of the people in Grenada, the Caribbean and the world.

Cornwall, now 65 years old, remains energetic and full of life. He maintains the gift of garb and connects easily with people. Plain Talk is delighted that he was able to tell his story as he continues on his religious story to redemption and revelation.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Congratulations to Rt. Hon Prime Minister Boris Johnson

WE NEED LEADERS who can lead from the front and can deliver. Many Congratulations to Rt. Hon Prime Minister Boris Johnson from SVG Green Party Leader Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA He is patriotic, pragmatic and purposeful; he will deliver.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has identified education in schools as one of the main focuses of his administration, and accordingly will provide a very big budget for education. The United Kingdom has very high quality education, and when a new Prime Minister identifies education in schools as a high priority, we know he will deliver.

Singapore built Universities in the first five years of independence from England. Singapore focused on very high quality education as the engine for long term development, with an economy driven by knowledge. Today, Singapore is a World Bank success story with one of the highest standards of living in the World. Unemployment in Singapore is less than 2%.

In contrast, the highly incompetent ULP regime built a new jail in North Leeward in St Vincent, and not a new

University to drive a knowledge base economy. Today, under the blindness of the ULP regime, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has one of the weakest economies in the world, with very high unemployment. Young people leaving school and colleges cannot find jobs.

Destitution, poverty and digging a hole to fill a hole, borrowing large sums of money to pay public debt, characterise the ‘strength’ of the incompetent ULP regime.

Leader of the Green Party, Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal very strongly contends that the common denominator for major success by any country is very high quality leadership.

Nineteen years in power in Saint and the Grenadines, and the highly incompetent and useless ULP regime could not build a fiscal surplus for one year of those 19 years. That is incompetence which is very broad and deep, and full of short-sightedness.

Our dear country urgently needs a change to competence in the management of Public Accounts. It is time to formulate policies that will achieve an economy that is free from

begging the International Community for public debt forgiveness.

The SVG Green Party is totally opposed to the ULP regime’s special tax and customs duty exemptions, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, given annually to the superrich of Mustique and Canouan and to the Fish Tax avoidance to Taiwan, conservatively estimated at EC$54 billion for the period of 2002 to 2018.

SVG Green Party demands a fair tax system in Saint and the Grenadines.

Finally, under-achieving in all our schools and colleges is totally

unacceptable. A SVG Green Party government will invest EC$500 million dollars annually in our education system, and give high priority to the construction of our own Science and Technology University.

The SVG Green Party believes very strongly that high quality education in schools is a very good long term strategy to move our country into prosperity and provide our country with a multiplier system in education, that is to say, when parents of today are educated, they will have the education to educate their children, thus achieving the multiplier effect in education that will benefit our country in the long term.

SVG Green Party

‘Patronise the small shop’ IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the moniker ‘convenience store’ is used in context of distance and availability - as to what we call shops here, e.g. the popular rum shop.

A previous VINCENTIAN column, hailed rum as the ‘winner’ at Carnival, over the participants like Shaunelle and Magikal in a twist of irony in words In these hard times of rampant crime and not so recent shootings, one of which occurred at one of these hang outs, the spectre of alcoholism, aggressive and degrading behavior is the underbelly reflecting one side of our shops, in cultural experience.

However, I can think of quite a few shops where the majority rule is good times, moderation in intoxication, camaraderie, humour, and analysis of current events; a hang- out measuring escape and a safety valve for other options and behaviour which apply, in context of the impending misery of trends in current times.

The convenience store in the U.S is perhaps a bit larger than the average local shop, provides availability of a wider range of goods, and saves the hassle of travelling excessive distances to shop. Where would “country people” be without the local shop foregoing the long trip into Kingstown?

Convenience stores in the U.S. are almost always on the site of the gas stations, and in the last 2 decades, many of our gas stations have followed suit, but Sol in Kingstown heralds the sign posting ‘SHOP’ instead of convenience store, giving it a Vincentian twist.

Bonuses of our local shops are singular products not available in supermarkets, e.g. Ferdinand’s shop on the road to Kingstown Park, where one can still get local fresh mauby drink by the glass, bread and cheese sandwiches, local chips and sometimes brand names such as Dalan soap, a very potent product I have seen only at two shops - Yankees and the small unit outside Massy’s uptown.

Class lines are blurred in patronage of these shops often grass roots in structure and presentation, added to which music varies from long ago pop to current Caribbeaninclusive genres.

At the recently closed (Bens) near to Daddy’s shop, run by Fleety Grant and son Caz, in former days, late into the night/early morning, you could watch movies on TV, dance to hip hop at which Caz entertained, and keep away the boogieman crime present in Kingstown, features shared also by a lot of countryside shops.

Lynette and Michelle’s in Long Wall, just outside of Kingstown, have similar features, and the sound system almost always tuned to Hot 97, the gang analyzes sports, current events and gossips, as well as making fun of excessive smoking customers (personal jibe).

An important bonus is credit for the disadvantaged and a place where the disenfranchised can congregate in afterhours, especially in Kingstown.

Many small shops, however, are finding it hard to produce comfortable commercial product in the face of many larger supermarkets competing for a less and less financially equipped public.

Ferdinand’s shop, referenced earlier, has been around for decades and Mrs. Ferdinand, owner and chief shop attendant, s getting down which means, she advises, that she may soon be “extinct.”

Kerwyn’s at Villa/Glen is facing the challenges of competing with Randy’s and Toney’s supermarkets, the latter combining elements of the shop with supermarket, a trend which could increase with time.

For those of you looking for our roots and identity in terms of a shopping and cultural experience, patronise the small guy with the small shop who tends to serve a purpose, which keeps our general well-being in sight.

Colin King

V Port awards scholarships

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26 , 2019. 13.

News

employees, who were currently twenty (20) students, successful in the Caribbean excluding the 2019 recipients, who are Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). The scholarship provides support for a seven (7)-year period, from secondary through to tertiary level.

This year’s scholarship recipients are as follows: Juen John, Kadel Hector and Jonte Colin Delpesche.

Bursaries were awarded to an additional four (4) children who were also successful in the CPEA. (L-R) Chairman of SVG Port Authority Mr. The awards were presented Clayton Burgin presenting Award to to the students during a Scholarship Recipient – Mr. Juen John, in the ceremony held at the SVG Port Authority’s conference room on presence of his father, Mr. Bishen John – Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at CEO SVG Port Authority. which the children and their THE SVG PORT AUTHORITY continues to parents were in attendance. fulfill its corporate mandate through the In presenting the awards to the annual distribution/disbursement of the recipients, Chairman of the SVG Port Clarence Keizer Education Award.

Authority Mr. Clayton Burgin The award programme commenced commended the students on their in 1995 and sees the awarding of full success at CPEA. He urged them to be scholarship to children of the Port’s consistent in their studies and to make the most of the scholarship, as it is a stepping stone for them to go further in their academic pursuits.

The scholarship recipients and their parents (L-R) Chairman of SVG expressed gratitude for Port Authority Mr. the scholarships Clayton Burgin and the presenting Award to (L-R) Chairman of SVG Port opportunities Scholarship Recipient – afforded them Authority Mr. Clayton Burgin presenting Award to Scholarship Mr. Jonte Colin by the Port Delpleche in the Recipient – Mr. Kadel Hector, in Authority. presence of his father, the presence of his mother, Ms. There are Mr. Vivian Doyle.

Janelle Sam.

SVG Port Authority captures Award THE ST. VINCENT AND THE Grenadines Port Authority has captured the 2018 Award for Outstanding Human Capacity Development, an initiative of SVG Port Authority the Caribbean Maritime members who were on University.

The Trophy awarded hand to receive the The award was presented to the SVG Port trophy (L-R) at the 22nd Annual General Mr. Joel Providence, Mrs Authority for being Meeting of the Port the outstanding port Nichole Hazell Gun Management Associaton of the Munro, Mr. Clayton in Human Capacity Caribbean (PMAC) held at Development, in Burgin and Mrs Yvette Westin, Fort Lauderdale on 2018.

Pompey.

June 28, 2019.

Authority who attended the Annual The SVG Port Authority received General Meeting, were: Mr. Clayton this award for its investment made to Burgin, Chairman of the SVG Port facilitate training for the development of all categories of its workers. Some of Authority; Mrs. Nichole Hazell Gun Munro, Marketing Officer — Cruise and the training conducted included: Yachting; and other Council Members Strategic Leadership and Innovation; Mr. Joel Providence and Mrs. Yvette Cargo Handling & IMDG Code, and Pompey.

Port Facility Security The membership of the Port In 2017, the SVG Port Authority was Management Association of the narrowly beaten into second place by Antigua and Barbuda in this category; Caribbean (PMAC) is currently made up of sixteen (16) Ports. PMAC was however, the SVG Port Authority captured the title of the Most Improved founded in 1998, and the SVG Port Authority is one of its founding Port that year. members.

Representatives from the SVG Port

benefitting from the Clarence Keizer Award Education Award.

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Teachers urged to ÂMove with itÊ SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS throughout the Caribbean have been instructed to adjust to prevailing conditions. And in that regard, they have to adopt an approach that brings them more in line with present day developments.

This advice came from Curtis Greaves, President of the local Association of Secondary schools Principals and the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (CAPSS).

Addressing last Monday’s opening ceremony of the CAPSS 27th Biennial Conference and General Meeting at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Villa Campus.

Greaves noted the “paradigm shift” that the world is experiencing, and encouraged his teaching colleagues to “move with it.”

Greaves’ advice to the principals was that they ought to impart to their staff the imperative to “seize the moment.”

Delegates representing 11 countries attended Monday’s opening. They wind up the activity tomorrow Saturday July 27.

Greaves expanded on the conference’s theme: ‘Technology Infused Education in the 21st Century Caribbean’. He emphasised the need for teachers to “think outside the box,” and prompted them to “dare to be

different.”

A section of the delegates to the 27th CAPSS Biennial St. Clair Conference and General Meeting.

Prince, and Minister of the Education, highlighted Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs the and Information, expressed pride in his country hosting the body’s Biennial relevance of “quality Conference and General Meeting. teaching For Prince, this is a “critical” and juncture of history. leadership” The Education Minister noted the even as he “continuous expansion and emphasised consolidation in education at the core the need of the renewal process.” for “trained Prince pointed to the need to personnel.” Prime Minister Dr. Ralph “modernise our education.” He noted He both “optimism and scepticism with Gonsalves declared the technological use,” and suggested that pointed to Conference/Meeting the challenges must be confronted and open. increase in overcome.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves trained teachers at institutions here, declared the session open, but not before a humour -packed presentation engendered through a programme with the University of West of London, but which culminated in him declaring urged teachers to balance calls for that St. Vincent and the Grenadines “more” with “delivering quality was “the best place on God’s earth.”

He was conscious of education’s role teaching and leadership.” (WKA) “inclusive of Science and technology,”

Student pledges to fulfil GECCU’s investment SEANTE MARSHALL, this year’s top Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment student, has assured the General Employers Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) Lawyer Jadric that their decision to Cummings, a render financial 2001 GECCU assistance to scholarship successful recipient, this candidates, will not year’s be in vain.

Motivational She noted Speaker. “financial obstacles” parents faced in providing children with education, and promised GECCU that their “investment will not be in vain.”

Marshall made the commitment last Tuesday, at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown, as she gave the scholars’ response at GECCU scholarship ceremony.

She was one of 13 youngsters who each got $1600 for the first year of their secondary school careers.

The other recipients were: Jada Durrant, Shemoya Samuel, Sheya Weekes, Phillisia May, Lazaro Lynch, Taj Cain, Christian Joseph, Rian Veira, Seth Byron, Tye Lowman, Somya Adams, and Terri-Ann Bynoe.

In addition, one hundred and thirtyfive other students received bursaries.

In this year of its 55th anniversary, eighty-six students are under GECCU’s scholarship list, with those up to Form 3 receiving $1600 annually, and those from Form 4 to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, $1800 annually.

Add to this a grant of $5,000 to 11 persons to attend university, and GECCU “maintains the quest towards national development by helping students,” GECCU’s vice president

Those on hand to accept their awards and posed with GECCU officials and others (front from left) Somya Adams, Terri-Ann Bynoe, Shemoya Samuel, Seante Marshall, Rian Veiram, Sheya Weekes, Tye Lowman and Lazaro Lynch. Missing Jada Durrant, Phillisia May, Taj Cain, Christian Joseph and Seth Byron.

Brian Alexander told last Tuesday’s gathering.

Jadric Cummings, a 2001 GECCU scholarship recipient, was this year’s Motivational Speaker. He was admitted to the Bar here December 2012, and is a partner in Cardinal Law Firm, established by his father Andrew Cummings, deceased.

He was reluctant to advise students, for he doesn’t see himself as an experienced campaigner. He shared insights nevertheless, and warned about slipping into complacency.

Cummings urged students to strive for better results, and encouraged them to be competitive, not just in their classroom, but with others locally and abroad.

The young jurist endorsed extra curricula activities, but he conceded that “the trick is balancing with your academics.”

Minerva Glasgow, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, encouraged students to keep their dreams alive, and Senior Education Officer Yvette Antione praised GECCU as part of the “village” involved in the raising of a child.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26 , 2019. 15.

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Unemployed youth get training Photo Credit: API

SOME 92 unemployed young people are currently engaged in a training programme entitled ‘The 2019 Youth Employability Skills Programme’.

The programme, funded by the Mustique Charitable Foundation (MCF), commenced on July 15 at the St. Vincent Osborne Bowens, and the Grenadines Dean of the Community College Division of (SVGCC) Division of Technical and Technical and Vocational Vocational Education, spoke Education (DTVE), Arnos Vale, and will culminate of an over subscription to the on August 23.

According to Dean of the programme.

Division of Technical and Vocational Education Osborne Bowens who addressed an opening ceremony, at the SVGCC Division of Technical and Vocational Education on Thursday, July 11th, 2019, funding for this year’s programme amounted to over EC $200 000, of which, approximately $2,500 will be expended on each individual.

Participants, Bowen said, will be exposed to, among other areas, numeracy, cost St. Clair Prince, estimation and Minister of Education alluded entrepreneurship.

The Dean disclosed that 92 to advanced plans for a technical persons were selected for this institute in year’s programme, from an Marriaqua, the application list that numbered constituency he 400. represents in Director of the SVGCC Nigel parliament.

Scott said the DVTE has, over the years, provided training to persons who did not matriculate for College. In the past, persons with 3 O’ Levels were allowed entrance. Now persons with 7/8 O’ Levels are applying for entry, making it even harder for persons with fewer subjects to gain entry, he explained.

It was, Scott said, a case now when the population no longer thought of technical education as being the domain of persons “who do not have the brain for academics.”

He urged the participants to apply themselves and to do well on their various attachments as this can lead to future employment.

Project Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation Dularie Malcolm assured the participants that the Foundation believed in them, and that every penny spent to implement the programme was worth it.

“We believe in you all”, Malcolm affirmed, adding, “Last year, there was a 98% success rate … this year, we are going to have 100% completion.”

Minister of Education St. Clair Prince, said he

Dularie Malcolm, Project Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, anticipates a 100% pass rate for the 2019 programme.

A section of persons – including participants – at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Youth Employability Skills Programme.

completed designs for a technical institute in Marriaqua. was impressed with the Minister with responsibility for Youth Frederick programme since its Stephenson expressed gratitude to the Mustique establishment, and that any Charitable Foundation for affording the youths in initiative that supports the St. Vincent and the Grenadines the opportunity to development of the youth learn a skill. should be embraced.

According to Minister Stephenson, the OECS The Minister commended Secretariat will partner with the Department for Dean Bowens and all the International Development (DFID) United Kingdom agencies involved with the on a project that will train around 6000 young training. He also recognised people across member states, of which, St. Vincent the work of past Project Director of the Mustique and the Grenadines will be allotted approximately Trust Lavinia Gunn, and current Project Director 2500 spaces. The project should commence in Dularie Malcolm.

September this year or early next year, Minister Prince noted that a significant number of Stephenson said. participants in last year’s batch have been He also referenced the coming on stream of a Call employed. He noted that TVET provides an Centre in September which will provide up to 1500 alternative pathway for young people and alluded to jobs for young persons. (Source: API)

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Cornwall: Church, atheism, jail, redemption

His release came September 5, 2009, and one of his first trips was to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he was hosted by Jomo Thomas, current Speaker of the House of Assembly in SVG. He took time out last Saturday to pay homage to Thomas, for assisting his family financially during the ordeal.

Cornwall confessed that he returned to the knowledge of Christ, informed by his years as a The politics of the Revolution youth leader in the Leon Cornwall, the Methodist Church revolutionary who once subscribed to atheistic Leon Cornwall is a self-proclaimed reformed and redeemed In a sweeping lecture last Saturday at in his homeland. believer in Christ.

Frenches House , Kingstown, Cornwall He asserted that views. confessed to becoming an atheist, the result of “God is real,” that his immersion in radical politics. he is “hoping to make a He was so immersed that he was chosen to difference,” and declared, be one of 46 Grenadians who received “Christ has claimed me for clandestine military training in Cuba, and was himself.” one of those who descended on the True Blue A series of confessions and Barracks on the morning of March 13, 1979, admissions came during his the action that spurned the start of the presentation, but he was Grenada Revolution which saw, initially, the adamant that “God did not overthrow of Grenada’s Prime Minister Eric save me from the revolution.

Gairy.

He saved me from sin.”

Cornwall became a member of the Central He confessed that he went Committee of the New Jewel Movement which through a period of ran the government in Grenada from March misunderstanding, and 1979 to October 1983. declared that “Jesus Christ is That Committee decided on joint national the answer, the remedy to leadership involving Prime Minister Maurice every solution.

Bishop and his deputy Bernard Coard.

“I did not change myself.

But Bishop had a change of heart, and The Grace of God found me subsequent events have been documented as out,” Cornwall admitted, some of the most horrendous in regional adding that after asking God history. Bishop, four of his cabinet ministers, to forgive his sins, he felt a and six supporters were dragged before a weight lifted off his shoulders. firing squad and shot. That was October 19, He assessed the Revolution 1983. as a “human project of great Events escalated to such an extent that by vision,” and that there was a October 25, an American-led invasion of the “mixture of good and not so territory was in full force. good.”

By this time, the People’s Revolutionary He disclosed that he does Army was in disarray, leading to the arrest of not “glorify, nor condemn the 17 persons accused of being responsible for Revolution”, and beckoned Bishop’s death. that the Church ought not to As for the decision of joint leadership, be so overly focussed on soul Cornwall opined that “there was a naivety matters. about us in terms of understanding human “We must take our beings…. there was a face-off between two humanity seriously. Theology revolutionaries … it could have gone either and practice ought to be way.” involved in everything.” He contends that the “human On being released – Return to Christian spiritual state must be roots addressed.”

As expected, he faced Cornwall admitted that he ought not to reactions and comments from have been here, (Saturday’s lecture,) given an audience which at times, that he was already named as one of five showed signs of indifference. persons earmarked for execution.

Cornwall persevered, however, He recounted getting the news that “the even if it meant skirting a execution was off”, and ordered to go back to number of issues as they came his cell. his way. (WKA) GRENADIAN LEON CORNWALL HAS an amazing story. It is almost like going full circle.

A Methodist Lay Preacher, Cornwall winds up a Mission Series in the Georgetown/Mt Coke Circuit today, July 26, at the Mt. Coke Methodist Church.

He marked his 65th birthday last January, but the chain of events which he has endured perhaps brings to his life a thousand times more worth.

Cornwall was one of fourteen sentenced to hang in 2006, for killing Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and 10 supporters.

He would spend the next 26 years in prison during which time he returned to his Methodist roots, became a counsellor at her Majesty’s Prison in Grenada, and used his time in jail to complete an online course towards a Bachelor’s degree in Divinity.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26 , 2019. 17.

Sports Feature

V Honour for Vincy

Footballers THE FEAT OF AND THE 26 persons who formed this country’s contingent at the 1979 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Championship, played in Suriname between the 11-18 November, have been recognised.

That recognition came last Friday evening at the Russell’s Auditorium, Kingstown, and unfolded as a collaborative effort involving the Breakaway Masters Organisation and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF).

Those recognised included: players Elliot Millington, Oswald Millington, Guy Lowe, Raltie Lowe, Peter Morris, Stanley Morris, Raymond Ballantyne, Vibert Ballantyne, Tyrone Spence, Tyrone Barrow, Tyrone Grant, Ashley Baptiste, Keith Bonadie, John Cato, Alwyn Munroe, Dorian Phillips, Vin Phillips, Marcus Young, Paul O’Garro, Julian Small, Sydney Mandeville, Raymond Soso; officials Sylvester Taylor, Rudy Boucher, Rudolph Mayers, and Basil Cato.

An unknown entity then, St. Vincent and the Grenadines stunned the established sporting arena with victories over Suriname, previously unbeaten on home turf, and Trinidad and Tobago. They went under to Haiti 3-1, to place second.

That performance created the platform upon which this country’s football credentials were established, and Leopold Dopwell, President of the Breakaway Away Masters Organisation, expressed his satisfaction that the players have been given their due recognition.

Marvin Fraser, President of the SVGFF, acknowledged that the 1979 team plunged the nation into the international spotlight. “Everyone knew who St. Vincent and the Grenadines was,” Fraser sighed.

He also cited the accomplishment as a unifying thread in a country yearning for some sense of national identity then.

For Fraser, the team has left a legacy so much so, any squad flying national colours thereafter, considered it an accomplishment to which to aspire.

Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday thanked the organisers for the invitation and for allowing him to speak. He expressed pride with the performance of the squad and acknowledged that it signalled a sense of identity for the nation, and inspired a wave of confidence that “we can achieve.”

The Feature Speaker, former Principal of the St. Vincent Grammar School Curtis King, positioned the team’s performance in the context of events of that time. He likened the performance as an Independence gift to the nation, that had only a month or so before, October 27, gained

independence from Britain.

King cited the uncertain nature of the state then, with residents recovering from the volcanic Curtis King, eruption in April Feature Speaker, of that year. called on The team’s government to accomplishment, officially honour King reasoned, the National 1979 gave credence to Football Team. the adage, “It is not the size of the country that counts, but the quality of team- work,” which he said could fittingly become the state’s mantra.

According to King, the nation needed something to “lift people’s spirit, and the 1979 (national male football team) delivered that something.”

King is pleased that the men have

Those of the 1979 team who were on hand to receive their tokens of appreciation (from left) Alwyn Munroe, Raymond Ballantyne, Raltie Lowe, Guy Lowe, Dorian Phillips, Paul O’Garro, Tyrone Grant and Tyrone Barrow. been recognised but contended that the state should convey,” he asserted. government and people ought to King also used the occasion to call “officially honour the team.” for a National Honours System “As great as this is, it is not a “compatible with our status as an substitute for the honour that the independent country.”

SVG to get athletics track A RUNNING TRACK AND FOOTBALL field are to be constructed at a location at Diamond.

So said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves during an address last Saturday at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, to launch the ‘Renewal at 40’ programme.

“We are actively pursuing, and we are sure that before independence next year, we will have at Diamond, a track, football field and a small facility, not a full stadium accommodation, but a track that will be of a category two installation,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

He admitted that he facility The athletics track, as promised, will be a welcome gift to track athletes and will not be of Olympic standing, coaches here. but will be up to par with the Following the good showing by simple facility that would not cost us a other types of international standings Vincentian athletes in the 2018 lot of money and one which does not below that of Olympics standards. carry a high maintenance cost, but “So, you can do your running there CARIFTA Games, coach Rawlson Morgan said that he was “fed up” will meet the IAAF specifications,” he and get your records and they will be talking about the need for a synthetic added. counted,” he continued. track here.

According to Gonsalves, the Promises Woodrow ‘Killy’ Williams, certified Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, and the Director General of IAAF Technical Official for the North The Unity Labour Party-led America, Central America and Finance and Planning Edmond administration had promised the Caribbean region, noted that an Jackson have allocated a portion of construction of a National Stadium, athletics facility would suffice as money for this project as part of the however, in 2009, then Sport Minister opposed to a stadium.

‘Renewal at 40’ activities.

Williams made the comment as far Mike Browne announced that He, however, did not disclose the government was reassessing the idea back as 2016. amount allocated. of constructing the stadium, including “There has been a lot of talk for a considering putting the resources long time now, that we want a Ongoing issue synthetic track which might be of four toward the refurbishment of the Arnos Vale Playing Field. or six lanes, but all this can hold is The need for an athletic facility Back in 2013, Cecil McKie, the probably our inter-schools’ track here has been an ongoing public issue present Sport Minister, indicated that meets…What we need is a facility to for some time. there was to be some physical progress host local and regional meets where Vincentian athletes are currently by the end of that year, regarding the all the provisions will be made for all forced to train on grass, which puts track and field events,” Williams said. construction of the national stadium. them at a disadvantage when they (DD) “It will also be cheaper to build, it compete overseas and have to run on will be more user-friendly…do a artificial surfaces.

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Understanding the 2019 Queen of the Bands THIS COSTUME DEPICTS “Spirobranchus only 1 ½ inches, the word Giganteus” – SPIROBRANCHUS GIGANTEUS – giganteus seems tall for this Queen of the “Christmas Tree Worm” from miniature underwater Bands 2019.

SVG Players’ “WONDERS OF Chriostmas tree. This NATURE”. costume, Spirobranchus how God in his It was worn and displayed giganteus from SVG Players’ creation blends

by Jenilee Glasgow, “Wonders of Nature”, beautiful with the constructed by master builder therefore, wonderfully depicts practical.

Anthony ‘Weapon’ Quashie and decorated and finished by Paula Nichols and Team.

Christmas tree worms are widely distributed throughout the world’s tropical oceans. They have been known to occur from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific.

They are the feeding and breathing organs of the spirobranchus giganteus or “spiral gill”.

The worms’ most distinct features are completed on July 15th this year. Programme. two “crowns” shaped One section of the mural.

It features figurative, like Christmas STUDENTS OF THE FINE Art still life and abstract trees.

Design and Cultural elements that reflect the The worm is aptly Communication (FADCC) livelihood and history of WHEN THE ONEnamed; both its Associate Degree Programme of the Kalinago people. common and Latin MONTH Youth Summer the St. Vincent Community The use of warm and names refer to the Music Programme of the College, have graced the cool colours in the mural Royal St Vincent and two chromatically Vincentian public with yet depicts the strength, hued spiral the Grenadines Police another vibrant mural. beauty, and rich culture Force Band commences structures, the most The mural, pursued under the of the Kalinago. on Monday 22nd July at common feature theme ‘The Life of the Kalinago’, the Old Montrose Police The Art 2E Course, seen by divers. The and under the guidance of the which includes Mural Art Station Band Room, multicoloured Course tutor, is mounted on a apart from the main and Urban Space spirals are highly three-panel wall at the Kalinago Enhancement, is taught objective of the derived structures Museum, located at New introducing or in the first year of the for feeding and Montrose opposite the Kingstown FADCC Associate Degree enhancing the respiration.

Cemetery. The mural was participants’ knowledge Spirobranchus of music, organisers are giganteus is hoping that some “ commonly found brass “ players would embedded in entire emerge. heads of massive Co- ordinator of the corals. Like programme- Station members of its Sergeant — Vaughn family, it can secrete Miller, at a Press a tube around its Conference held at the body. This tube Central Police Station serves as the worm’s last Thursday to launch home and the Summer protection.

Programmes, emphasised that there Spirobranchus is a shortage of brass giganteus usually players. bores a hole into an “There is a need for existing head of more brass players in St living coral before Vincent and the secreting its tube, Grenadines,” Miller thereby increasing underscored, even as he its level of also cited that overall, protection.

Students getting things properly lined up before painting “there is a shortage of Although it is begins. musicians in St Vincent

SVGCC students complete another mural

Another section of the mural

ÂBrass playersÊ shortage noted and the Grenadines.”

But Miller is optimistic that those participants in this year’s Programme who will try their hands at the wind instruments, namely the trombone, trumpet and the clarinet, will be pricked to advance their skills.

“At the end of this Summer Programme, we are hoping that each participant will leave with the knowledge to be able to play at least a major, a minor or a piece of music,” Miller related.

Apart from the wind instruments, participants will be exposed to the rudiments of playing the tenor steel pan, side drums, the drum set, among others.

Miller noted, “We the members of the Police Force Band are very thankful and are grateful that Almighty

Station SergeantVaughn Miller.

God has blessed us with talent and the opportunity to share our talent with our nation’s youths.”

Apart from the Youth Music Programme, there will be the Police Youth Club Camp, as well as the SVG Youth Summer Coast Guard Programme.

The theme of the Programmes organised by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is, ‘Stimulating and nurturing young minds during Summer time’.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Trinity launches orchestra The ‘Yurumein International Orchestra’, comprising students and faculty of Trinity Medical Sciences University and local musicians, gave its first official recital to a highly energized audience at the Trinity Campus, Friday 12th July.

The orchestra was born out of the effort of avid guitarist Dr. Jovanovic who, on discovering a number of students with musical skills, pulled

together a diverse group, including Amanda Evans, Vincent Shieh, Michael Aycock, David Michael Green, Juan Sigala and Susanna KoppertHeerema.

Local music teacher Floyd Parris, his son Ivan and daughter Tamar, were later invited to join the ensemble. music teacher Michael Aycock, The orchestra’s musical director, explained that Yurumein, an medical student and accomplished indigenous term for homeland, was incorporated into the orchestra’s name to represent “our location and local participants.”

The Yurumein International Orchestra into one of its recitals at its first public appearance.

A powerhouse repertoire With a modest complement of instruments - violins, viola, cello and Dr. Javonavic’s guitar - the orchestra presented a wide repertoire from different musical periods.

There was no shortage of awe each piece was delivered with obvious skill.

The programme consisted of solos — Archangelo Corelli’s sonata in F major’; ‘Preludio” by Michale Aycock on trombone; Ennio Morricone’s ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ by Amanda Evans on violin; and Monti Vottorio’s Hungarian folk dance, ‘Csárdás’.

A sole duet of Franz Schubert’s ‘Serenade in D’ was presented by Amanda Evans and Vincent Shieh on violins; with the single trio being a J. S. Bach’s ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’

by Evans and Vincent Shieh on violin and Michael Aycock on trombone.

A delightful quartet, among whom were a duo of singers — David Green and Evans - and Juan Sigala on ukulele, tunefully presented Harold Arlen’s ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’, followed by Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah”.

The icing on the cake was provided with the performances of the entire ensemble: a Jeremiah Clarke’s baroque composition — ‘Trumpet Voluntar’”; Scott Joplin’s ‘The Entertainer’; Quincy Jones’ ‘Soul Bossa Nova’; and J. Pachelbel’s ‘Canon D’.

Floyd Parris, one

The way forward of the local

members of the The orchestra’s orchestra, is intent is to foster enthusiastic about a creative blend of what the effort persons of various could mean for nationalities, with Vincentian a variety of musicians. cultural backgrounds, and an obvious love for and knowledge of music.

Toward this end, an invitation has been issued to other Vincentian musicians to get involved.

Speaking on behalf of his family, local musician Floyd Parris expressed with gusto, “It is rather fortuitous really. I met Susanna KoppertHeeremea volunteering at the school where I teach music, and we struck up a conversation about the group at Trinity. When I learned that they played strings and classical music, the rest was history!”

He said that his daughter plays the cello, his son the violin, and that he had begun to learn the viola. “It came at the right time, I could tell you,” he said enthusiastically, adding, “It could foster a cross-fertilization because there’s a lot of local musicians who are trying to get our synergies together and interact.”

It was Parris who suggested the ‘Yurumein’ portion of the group’s name, and he looks forward to fusions involving Garifuna music.

Music Director Michael Aycock revealed that, “This group is dependent on who are here. Just tonight and at different times, we get leads on more Vincentians that could play with us. That will be wonderful, and we’re going to make it work!”

It would now be fair to say that the Trinity Yurumein International Orchestra is a functioning group at Trinity Medical Sciences University.

And plans are currently being looked at that would realize another recital.

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Harmless fun Dear George,

I LIVE A stone’s throw away from this girl with whom I have exchanged ‘hello’ and ‘Bye’. Lately, I have noticed she is making an effort to make small talk. My boyfriend noticed this, and said that this girl had a crush on me.

I did not believe him until I asked her straight up. I guess I was not ready for her answer. She admitted she did. George, the things she told me she wanted to do to me and with me, my boyfriend has never even thought of them, much less to do them.

She had my attention and to be honest, I am contemplating making the move. My question is, what if I like what I get to experience and decide to forget about my boyfriend? I love my boyfriend and do not want to hurt him, but at the same time, I won’t mind some harmless fun.

I do not think this is an opportunity to have innocent fun at all. Your boyfriend stands the chance of being hurt and possibly dumped by your inclusion of another party in your life.

You may think it’s just you having harmless fun, but it’s not. Your boyfriend deserves to know you are about to step out on him.

However, if you value your relationship as much as you say you do, then get on with the business of making it better, and stay away from the temptation of chasing after shadows.

In between.

George

Dear In between,

A job and an ÂexÊ

Dear George

Dear Wondering, FOR THE PAST three years, I’ve been searching for work, with zero luck.

The only opportunity is where my exboyfriend works. His uncle is his boss, and he can get his uncle to hire me, but my current boyfriend wants none of it. He says my ex-boyfriend still has eyes on me.

The truth is that my ex has been after me for some time now, but I don’t think he’s going to be any problem. I really need this job, but it is then cause of constant fighting with my boyfriend.

Wondering

Only you can decide on what course of action you should take.

Yes, your ex-boyfriend may very well be on your case, but that does not mean you have to get involved with him, though, there may be some wisdom in avoiding such an environment which can prove toxic for your relationship.

You can take the job and reserve the right to leave if things get overbearing.

George

Barking up the wrong tree happened before. How can I know that she is not just doing this on purpose, or that there is a secret man somewhere in the scheme of things?

never before given you any reason to think that.

MY WIFE is constantly This looks like a case complaining of of your wife possibly experiencing pain every experiencing menopausal time we have sex, and I symptoms. I suggest think she is doing this Suspicious both of you visit her deliberately so as not to doctor and have a entertain my desires. discussion surrounding We have been married Dear Suspicious, menopause and how to 39 years, and nothing The likelihood of your make sex less painful. like this has ever wife entertaining a The outcome might secret man after 39 years surprise you. of marriage is close to zero, especially if she has George

Dear George,

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Too much work and no play will not only result in fatigue and frustration but also loneliness, too. Children will be of major concern if you haven’t kept the lines of communication open. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Catch up on correspondence. Don’t give out any personal information that you don’t want spread around. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another. Don’t let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You’re intuitive this week; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think. Romance appears. Be ready to explain your actions. Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back and calm down.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don’t second guess yourself, just go to it.

Romantic relationships could be under pressure. Extravagance and overindulgence are not a cure if you’re feeling sorry for yourself.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Renovations or purchases made for your home will payoff. Knowledge can be acquired if you listen. You can make sound financial investments if you act fast.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) It’s time to reevaluate your motives.

Spend time by yourself to avoid any conflicts with family members. You can expect to have a problem with your lover.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items. You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Try not to take everything so seriously. If you can’t get away, make plans to do something special with friends or relatives. Don’t let your emotions take over. You should avoid getting involved in the personal problems of colleagues.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly. Find a way to consolidate. Lovers will be less than accommodating, and decisions regarding personal direction a necessity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) You will have a great deal of insight when dealing with others. Children will be of major concern if you haven’t kept the lines of communication open. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You may have a problem keeping secrets.

Travel will result in new romantic attractions. Dinner, theater, or a comedy club may be just the place.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Depression may be likely if you’re away from home. Make any necessary changes to your insurance policy. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly.

ACROSS 1. Barn bales 4. Wound protector 8. “Scram!”

12. “I knew it!”

13. Contend (with) 14. Pooch in Oz 15. Torme of jazz 16. “Grace” finale 17. Freshly 18. Detected an odor 20. Impish child 21. Suited to a purpose 22. Snoozes 25. Hardly quick 28. Acorn’s source 29. “It’s never – late to say you’re sorry!”

30. Pitcher rim 31. Expressive facial features 33. Turkey dad 34. Baseball official 35. Campus cheer 36. Measure of distance 37. Start again, as negotiations 39. Half of a quartet 41. “Immediately!”

42. Certain bank transaction 46. Summer drinks 48. Sports enthusiasts 49. Adoring poem 50. Pocket fluff 51. Predeal poker fee 52. Dixie general 53. Family animals 54. Take a nap 55. Beaver’s building Project DOWN 1. Smoked meats 2. Throat-clearing noise 3. Ivy League university 4. Where hair grows 5. Heavenly streaker 6. Imitated

7. Big __, London clock 8. Like old crackers 9. Celebratory bits of paper 10. Had a snack 11. Pull behind 19. Enforced rule 20. Cousins of caribous 22. Observed 23. Swimming area 24. An indefinite number 25. Blend words together 26. Green fruit 27. Foe 28. “Gorgeous!”

31. Produce (beer) 32. Galloped

36. Cow comment 38. Fence stakes 39. Fender dings 40. Emotionally distressed 42. Great __, large dog

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 25.

43. Marketed 44. Brain flash 45. Swarm (with) 46. Swiss peak 47. Board game’s dotted cube 48. Remote

26. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 27.

Table tennis titles decided THE NATIONAL HONOURS LIST OF TABLE Tennis players here has taken on a firm shape after the staging of the 2019 National Table Tennis Championships, with games played at a new venue – the Recreational Centre of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Kingstown Park.

Veteran Robert Ballantyne continued to pay homage to the adage that ‘age is just a number’, when he beat the number one seeded and younger Damion Dublin,4 games to 3, 9/11 3/11 11/3 4/11 11/4 11/2 11/5, to lay claim to the prestigious National Senior Singles title, which is not new territory to him.

Joining Ballantyne on the Honours List was Leah Cumberbatch who has been dominant among Female players here. She continued in this vein to create table tennis history here when she copped both the Junior and Senior Female Singles titles.

Cumberbatch beat Delecia Michael in the finals of both categories, taking the Juniors title with a 11-9, 11-7-, 11-9 victory, and the Senior title, 7-11, 11-5, 11-6, 117.

The Creese brothers (l-r) Mirac and Michel, totaled three National Championship belts between them.

The Pre-Cadets title, which was settled by last week Friday, saw Ezer Lucas of Bequia defeating Che’ Connell in a hard-fought finals encounter - 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-4.

Robert ‘Bob’ Ballantyne, 2019 National Senior Leah Cumberbatch, double But it was Lucas’ island colleague Table Tennis Champion, must have thought this Female champion, wrote Glenrick Hazell who secured the first was one of his ‘sweetest’ victories, given his herself into the history book title that was decided in the 2019 family’s recent bereavement. of Table Tennis in SVG. Championships.

Hazell took the Infantile Division by defeating Malikia Bascombe, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5.

Meanwhile, Michel Creese beat THE INDEFATIGABLE Caleb Howard 11/9 IAN Sardine was last 11/3 9/11 11/9 to Saturday recognised and take the National honoured by the Cadet title. He Breakaway Masters would return to Organisation, for his years add a second title of involvement in the sport to his cabinet when of Football, especially in he teamed up with Youth Development. his brother Mirac Sardine accepted a System Three Senior Team and System Three Under- 19 to add the Men’s token of appreciation from team facing off in a friendly match last Saturday at the the Breakaway Masters Doubles Title. The Grammar School Playing Field in Ian Sardine’s honour.

Organisation, at the Creese brothers opening of their Firms’ In between, Sardine led the formation of fought gamely to Football Tournament last Saturday, at the the Saints Football Club, which has since eventually defeat Grammar School Playing Field. emerged into the well -established System Robert Bob Not wanting to revel in the receipt of Three Sports Academy.

Ballantyne and Ian Sardine (left) gets his recognition accolades, Sardine nonetheless was happy Operating from the Grammar School Quan Greaves, plaque from Marvin FraserPresident of the that he was being appreciated for his Playing Field, the System Three Sports 11/7 6/11 11/8 SVGFF. contribution to the youths of St Vincent and Academy is today the model for all such 10/12 11/9, to claim the Grenadines. organisations in St Vincent and the Division; twelve are in the Agriculture Input their Doubles title.

As an added mark of appreciation for his Grenadines.

Warehouse (AIW) Under-16; eight are in the And there was ongoing selfless contribution, the Sardine is the current Youth SVGFF’s Under-19, and five are listed in further glory for opening matches featured teams from the Ian Development Co—ordinator of the St Vincent the SVGFF ‘s Women’s Division .The the Creese family Sardine led System Three Sports Academy. and the Grenadines Football Federation competition will consist of a League and when Mirac A servant of Football for more than forty (SVGFF).

Knock Out in each of the four divisions. defeated his years, Sardine’s entry into youth football Previously, he served as Vice- President as R & R Construction Transports and Works brother Michel, started when he organised a competition well as President of the SVGFF. won the 2018 League title in the Firms’ 11/6 5/11 12/10 among primary schools in the Kingstown Division.

11/6, to take the area.

2019 Breakaway Masters Organisation Je Belle took the Under-16 League title; coveted National Having taught at the Kingstown Competition System Three- the Under-16 and K & R Juniors Singles Methodist, the Mayreau Government, the St Strikers- the Women’s Division.

Mary’s Roman Catholic, the Kingstown Champion’s title.

The 2019 Breakaway Masters Football In the Knock Out, CWSA won the Government and the Kingstown Preparatory Competition has four Divisions: Firms, Firms; System Three One — the Under-16; schools, Sardine unquestionably, left a mark Under-16, Under-19 and Women’s.

Volcanoes — the Under-19 and System Three I.B.A.ALLEN in Football on all of these institutions.

Eighteen teams are contesting the Firms’ took the Women’s.

Breakaway Masters honours Ian Sardine

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28. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Welcome brings SVG bronze ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES claimed a bronze medal in the Female Triple Jump at the XX Pan Am Juniors Championships in Costa Rica, last Saturday.

That feat was accomplished by Vincentian-born, Canada-based Mikeisha Welcome who jumped a

distance of 13.15 metres and who, in the process recorded her best jump.

Ahead of Welcome were gold medallist Lotavia Brown of Jamaica (13.22 metres) and silver medallist Hernandez of Cuba(13.21 metres).

The 18-year-old Welcome, originally from

Diamond, is reported to have left for Canada at age 8.

Last weekend was the first time that she was representing the country of her birth.

Apart from Welcome, St Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the Pan Am Junior

Championships by Handal Roban.

Competing in the male 800 metres, Roban was fifth in his heat, clocking 1 minute 52.69 seconds, but this was not enough to advance him to the final.

Earlier this month, Roban gained a bronze in

the Male Under-18 800m at the NACAC Championships held in Mexico.

Mikeisha Welcome made herself and SVG proud in her very first outing as a representative of this country.

Marriaqua takes All Windward Football Title MARRIAQUA beat North Windward 21 on Sunday, at the Chili Playing Field, to take the All Windward Football Championship title.

North Windward took the lead in the 23rd minute through Forey Child; but Ozim Henderson in the 29th and Orlando Trimmingham in the 45th minute gave Marriaqua the ascendency going into the second half.

North Windward, though, had an opportunity to equalize, but Cameron Osment had his penalty saved by Marriaqua’s goal keeper Anthony Hazell.

Both teams reached the final after playing unbeaten in the preliminary round, quarter finals and semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, Marriaqua beat Stubbs 3-0, with Orlando Trimmingham scoring two and Ozim

Triple awardeeOrlando Trimmingham of Marriaqua.

Henderson the other.

North Windward had a 3-1 triumph over Greiggs in the other semi-final, with Cameron Osment — two and Kemron Osmentone, accounting for North Windward’s goals; and Kelroy Fredricks one for Greiggs.

Stubbs went on to take the third place last week Friday at Brighton Playing Field, when they defeated Greiggs 5-4 on penalties, after the

A jubilant Marriaqua team, following last Sunday’s take of the All Windward Football Title. match was tied 2-2 in regulation time.

Awards Marriaqua’s Orlando Trimmingham was the man of the moment at last Sunday’s Presentation Ceremony, as he was the competition’s leading goal scorer with 8 goals.

In addition, he secured the awards

of Best Midfielder and MVP of the Final.

Anthony Hazell, also of Marriaqua, was voted Best Goal keeper, and Curtney Peters of North WindwardBest Defender.

The other competing teams were Biabou, Calliaqua, Diamonds and North East.

CWI Under-19 bowls off here HOSTS Windward Islands will be looking to take top honours in the 2019 Cricket West Indies Under19 50 Overs Championship, which bowls off here this weekend.

The Windwards will be looking for an improved performance in front of their home crowd, especially with inclusion of three Vincentians - Camelo Cain, Jaheil Walters and Tijorn Pope.

The Kimani Tournament Melius of St. opens on Sunday, Lucia, will lead the July 28, with Windwards three matches: U19 team.

Windwards taking on Guyana at the Arnos Vale Playing Field; Leeward Islands versus Jamaica at Cumberland; (L-R) Camelo Cain, Tijourn Pope, Jaheil Walters will and Trinidad and Tobago and be looking to impress their home fans.

Barbados battling at Park Hill. while Barbados and the Leewards clash at Park The Windwards next game will Hill, and Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago do battle be against the Leewards at at Arnos Vale.

Cumberland on Tuesday July 30th, when Guyana It is expected that following the completion of this and Barbados clash at Arnos Vale, and Trinidad tournament, a W.I. Under-19 squad would be and Tobago and Jamaica at Park Hill. selected to do battle in the 2020 ICC Under-19 to be The ‘home team’ then takes on Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday August 01st at the Arnos Vale held in South Africa, January — February.

The Windward Islands’Under-19 squad reads: Playing Field; Guyana and the Leeward Islands Kimani Melius (captain), Taj Tavernier (vicematching skills at Park Hill and ‘big boys’ captain), Lincoln Durand, Savio Anslem, Malakai Jamaica and Barbados clashing at Cumberland, on Xavier, Teddy Bishop, Seandell Regis, Ronel the same day.

On Sunday August 4th, the Windwards will take Williams, Ackeem Auguste, Simeon Gerson, Jeheil Walters, Carmalo Cain, and Tijorn Pope. on Trinidad and Tobago at Park Hill, while on The Team Manager is Inspector Randel Baptiste, Tuesday August 06th, the Windwards and and the Coach is Mervin Thomas.

Jamaica will clash at Cumberland.

In the final round of matches on August 06th, the Windward Islands take on Jamaica at Cumberland, I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 29.

Sports

Honours roll IT HAS happened: recognition for the squad which placed second in their debut appearance at the Caribbean Football Union organised competition, in 1979.

Through the influence of the Breakaway Masters, and approved by the Football Federation, the 26-member contingent was honoured last week Friday.

Football and its place of pride in the annals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines always generates widespread debate. There are some who will claim that the performance of the 1979 team was a revelation of a pattern developed beginning in the 1940s and traversing into the early 70s.

For example, the 1979 coach - Rudy Boucher is a product of the Notre Dames outfit which, according to some historians, was itself a legacy of early (60s and 70s) Vincentian progeny. Boucher himself was a gem of a baller.

The awards came too late for Keith ‘Slick’ Bonadie, dubbed the midfield general, who passed away at age 58. Sydney Mandeville also missed the honouring, so too did Tyrone ‘Tweety’ Spence, both having also passed away.

Several others sent representatives to collect their plaques. Some might have plausible reasons for their absence, like the Millingtons - Morie and Sheen; the Morrises - Luxie and Pete, for they are overseas based.

The same token might apply for Marcus Young, Raymond Soso, Vibert Ballantyne, John Cato, his brother Basil Cato, and Vin Phillips.

Ashley Baptiste, Julian Small, though still resident here, opted to send representatives.

So just eight of the party made it to the Russell’s Auditorium: Those were the Lowes -: Guy and Raltie, Raymond Ballantyne, Tyrone Barrow, Alwyn Munroe, Dorian Phillips, Paul O’Garro, and Tyrone ‘Fleety’ Grant.

Rudolph ‘Ounce ah Beef’ Mayers was also absent. He is credited with instilling a sense of toughness in the players. Reports are that he had players running up ‘Nine Steps’, with one player carrying another his back, not to mention him drilling the players up the steepest hills around Kingstown. He was a student of the martial arts, and his sense of discipline must have rubbed off on the squad.

So, by the time it came to crunch (match) time, opponents faced a physically strong Vincy contingent.

Some of the present crop show signs of those battles on the football field. But many display an extraordinary fitness.

There is an affinity to sports and culture by those players. Raymond Ballantyne’s presence may have coincided with the burial of his mother Gloria earlier this month.

It was interesting to see the camaraderie which still exists among those players. It was sheer determination by that squad, for their appearance at the final was no easy matter. They had to overcome the more formidable opponents in order to qualify. Disposing of Martinique and Guadeloupe on the way to the finals, was in itself a phenomenal accomplishment. The law of averages suggested that those fixtures were designed to ensure that the big names progressed.

Given this country’s ranking on the world stage then, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not expected to progress beyond the preliminary. But such was not the script. And even at the final, up against Suriname, at home, and the giants of Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago, it was felt that SVG would have finished fourth on the table. That performance speaks volumes for Vincentian football.

Feature speaker Curtis King was impressed with the honouring, but he is calling for an “appropriate” recognition. He might not be alone in his thinking.

The players deserve that and more, even at this stage of their lives.

I have personal contacts with many of those players, and I endorse the appeal for their recognition. After all, two of my greatest fans in the calypso arena are Raltie Lowe and Tyrone Grant. Besides my appreciation for their skills on the field of play, it is flattering the way they have embraced me for my compositions. But that’s not the only reason why the entire squad ought to be given some real rewards.

They have cleared an obstacle which has served as the forerunner to this country’s current stature as a footballing nation.

Canadian female footballers visit SVG The West Rouge Storm Female Football Team of Canada, which recently made a one-week visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines, achieved their objectives.

The West Rouge Storm comprised sixteen players, ten with Caribbean roots, inclusive of three of Vincentian parentage.

In addition, the team’s two coaches - Gilbert Taylor and Mark Liverpool - are Vincentian born.

While here, the West Rouge Storm engaged the St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Team in two matches. They won the first match 4-0, played at the Campden Park Playing Field, and the second- 3-0, at the Diamonds Playing Field.

Taylor, in outlining the mission of the team’s

visit, stated: “It was an exchange programme…Because we are Vincentians, we wanted to bring a team home.”

He added, “We wanted to come and play a few games, by testing themselves against the Vincentian players, have fun and see our country, so what we set out to do, we accomplished them.”

The West Rouge Storm Female Football Team.

Gilbert Taylor is standing at right. that the players also wanted to soak up some of the culture of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He said that while here, the team went on a tour to the Tobago Cays, climbed La Soufriere, had a picnic at Rabacca, visited the Dark View Falls and picnicked at Mount Wynne.

The players, he said, gave rave reviews of their stay.

“The girls said that they love St Vincent (and the Grenadines) … Most of the girls had ‘mannish water’ for the first time, as many of them are adventurous,” Taylor summed up.

The SVG Senior Taylor thanked all Women’s Team- who made the team’s Lady Heat. stay a memorable one.

As it related to the strength of the local opposition, Taylor, who left St Vincent and the Grenadines almost three decades, said, “We did not know what to expect, so we took it in stride”.

He said that when he left SVG, Women’s Football was almost nonexistent, and expressed how satisfied he was that there is a move to advance the sport among the females.

But it was not all seriousness for the West Rouge Storm, as Taylor disclosed

Rivals, Police Two in Club Championship Finals TEAM RIVALS will be seeking their second title this year when they meet Police Two in the finals of the 2019 Club Championship.

Team Rivals earned their finals berth by beating Guardian General Saints by 4 wickets at Arnos Vale two. Team Rivals made 176 for 6 from 26 overs, Lindon James leading with 69. Rayon Williams, Jeremy Layne and Geron Wyllie each had two wickets bowling for Saints. Saints in reply reached 164 for 6 from 26 overs. Jeremy Haywood top scored with 53 and Layne finished a good all round performance with a knock of 45. Orlanzo Jackson and Davian Barnum had two wickets each.

In the other semifinals played at Sion Hill, Police Two made

light work of FLOW Radcliffe, beating them by 87 runs. With knocks of 54 from Romario Grant and 38 from Beniton Stapleton, Police Two made 173 for 8 from 35 overs. Deroy Strough

took 3 for 24. FLOW Flow Radcliffe had no anwer to thePolice bowling and finished on 86 all out in 24 overs, Nigel Small bagging 4 for 19, Kevin Abraham 3 for 21 and Casnel Morris 2

for 8.

The Club Championship final is scheduled to take place on Sunday 11th of August 2019.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Bequia T20 Round-up

A DISMAL batting performance by Knights Trading De Aussies, handed Southside United the easiest of victories, in one of last weekend matches played in the 2019 Bequia Champion League T20 Cricket Competition, at the Clive Tannis Playing Field.

Knights Trading De Aussies managed, eventually, 56 for 9, Marcus Castello standing out with 25. Kevin Samuel 3 for 20, Delroy Compton 3 for 22 were the leading bowlers for Southside United, who then comfortably got to 57 for no loss in 7 overs, to register victory by 10 wickets.

In antoehr weekend match, Sugar Reef Bequia United beat Friendship United by 17 runs. Scores: Sugar Reef

Bequia United 194 for 8 from 19 overs - Garvin Ollivierre 51, Jenery Ollivierre 40, Cosmus Hachshaw 26.

Levan Stowe 3 for 18, Courtney Ollivierre 2 for 19; Friendship United 177 from 14 overs - Aldrick Pompey 35, Chrisroy John 27, Garvin Ollivierre 4 for 43, Mackeson Kydd 2 for 13 and Cosmos Hackshaw 3 for 66.

In another extremely low-scoring match, Davis Constructions Masters beat Bequia Express Dem Bequia Boys Port Elizabeth by 7 wickets.

Scores Bequia Boys Port Elizabeth 44 for 6 from 9 overs - Olanzo Billings 30 - Allan Foyle 3 for 14. Davis Constructions Masters 47 for 3 from 7 overs. Iran Mack 2 for 17.

I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2019. 31.

Classifieds

Jailed robber lucky to be alive

From page 5 Cottle used 12 years as a starting, and went up and down, as he weighed the mitigating and aggravating factors. He arrived at a sentence of 11 years and four months, but took into account the two years and two weeks Wiliams spent on remand.

Robbery carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. (H.H)

GRILL MEN WANTED! Must have experience.

533-5979/493-6296

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 26, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.26

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EC$1.50

FIRE LEAVES MAN HOMELESS want help,” said Prince.

His mentally ill brother A RESIDENT of Diamond is desperately was apprehended on Saturday seeking help after his house went up in and taken to the court on flames, following an act of arson Monday, after which he was committed by his mentally ill bother. sent back to the Mental Cleus Prince, 33-years-old of Health Centre.

Diamond, told THE VINCENTIAN his But the pain for Prince home was set on fire by his brother on continues, and for now, he has Wednesday 17th, hours after he was to seek temporary lodging at discharged from the Mental Health one of his brothers.

Rehabilitation Centre in Glen He confirmed he has The father of one said that he was received assistance from the at work when he received a call from Social Welfare Department in his brother’s girlfriend informing him the form of a voucher to get that his house was on fire. some clothes, but that is as The conversation was ended much help as he has received abruptly as he dashed off towards his to date. home.

His visit to the Ministry of “When me come home , me meet my Housing turned up the sister, another brother and police on response that no building spot and the house burned down flat,” materials were available and said Prince, adding, “It’s a feeling I personnel at National Emergency and can’t explain , I burst down in tears Management Organization (NEMO) because it was a really emotional told him they do not deal with victims situation for me.” of fire, but rather with situations of He continued, “He burn down me natural disaster. house with everything in there. Me Now he is turning to the public with stove, TV, couch, everything gone, so I a simple appeal: “Me would like to get

by KENVILLE HORNE

Cleus Prince (inset), is appealing for help, after losing his house and its contents in a sad tale of a fire caused by one of his brothers. help to build back a house,” he contact him declared. at tel. no. 1 Persons wishing to assist Prince can 784-432-9901.

Dougan is next GG SUSAN DOUGAN, from August 1, will officially become this country’s first female Governor General and the sixth fully appointed since Independence in 1979.

The announcement of Dougan’s appointment was made by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves last Saturday.

“Earlier this month, I wrote to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to indicate to her that Sir Susan Dougan will officially become this country Governor General on August 1, 2019.

Frederick Ballantyne is not in the best of health, and has indicated his desire to demit office on July 31,” Gonsalves told those at the launch of the ‘Renewal at 40’.

“As of the 1st, H.E Susan Dougan will be the new Governor General,” he continued, adding that the recommendation had been approved and that the instruments for H.E Dougan’s appointment were on the way.

Dougan, a retired civil servant, served in the post of Governor General’s Deputy beginning 2014, following the retirement of Dame Monica Dacon.

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

She was a former teacher, and Headmistress at the Girls High School, Chief Education Officer and Cabinet Secretary.

Dougan takes over from Sir Frederick Ballantyne who was sworn in as Governor General in September 2002. He replaced Dame Monica Dacon who had been interim Governor General after the death of Sir Charles Antrobus in June 2002.

A trained cardiologist, Sir Frederick served as this country Chief Medical Officer 1992. He was the recipient of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2009. (DD)

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