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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JANUARY 27, 2017

by HAYDN HUGGINS SENIOR PROSECUTOR Adolphus Delpleche has described as “unethical and unfortunate”, a news conference the police High Command held on Wednesday, January 18, to highlight a recent major firearms and ammunition seizure, and to display the guns and ammunition seized.

“In my opinion, putting the exhibits (guns and ammo) on display to the public should not have happened before the matter is ventilated in a Court of Law”, Delpleche added during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

The Prosecutor noted that, while that news conference was being held, there were persons detained in connection with the matter, with a strong possibility of them being

VOLUME 111, No.04

charged.

Delpleche, however, explained that in a summary matter as the one in question, the holding of such a news conference and the displaying of exhibits, may not be as damaging as if the matter would have been tried on indictment.

The Senior Prosecutor, who heads the Summary Division in the DPP’s Office, pointed out that in a trial on indictment, the tribunal of fact is the jury which comes from the public at large while in a summary trial the tribunal of fact comes from the bench who is the magistrate.

Delpleche’s comments came four days after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne stated that it was “most unfortunate”, when events like

www.thevincentian.com

the January 18 news conference occur.

She described the nature of such activities as a poor reflection of those who should know better.

Browne cautioned, that matters cannot be tried in public since there is Court of Law, and a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. She added that the issue of pre-trial publicity is a very sensitive and serious matter.

Browne’s comments were in response to those made by attorney Grant Connell, during bail application submissions on behalf of his clients Randy Shallow and Friekesha Douglas, a Lowmans Hill couple who was appearing before the Serious Offences Court last Friday,

EC$1.50

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche had initially withheld comments on the matter, but made no bones about his position when he did choose to comment. conference.

“If you haven’t seen the exhibits, look them here,” he told The Magistrate, and held Chief Magistrate Rechanne up a copy of last Friday’s Browne had prior to (January 20) publication of Delpleche’s comments, declared the public display of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper front page article, the exhibits as “most captioned ‘Cache of weapons, unfortunate”. ammo discovered’, and picturing the guns and January 20, charged on eight ammunition seized. counts of possession in The article carried an connection with the said extensive report on the news firearms and ammunition conference held by the seizure.

Commissioner.

Their appearance came two The Senior Prosecutor had days after the news conference declined to comment on the was held. issue, at the hearing last Connell highlighted the Friday, saying, “I will remain issue of pre-trial publicity, silent”. referring to the news But he told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, Left: The exhibits were when asked why he declined displayed at a news to comment, “I thought it was conference hosted by the the prudent thing not to COP (Ag) Reynold Hadaway comment then, because I in the company of Assistant needed time to think through Commissioner with the matter”. responsibility for Crime When contacted on Frankie Joseph (right) and Wednesday, Commissioner of Insp. Hawkins Nanton Police Renold Hadaway –Officer in Charge of SVGPF declined to comment on the Complaints and PR issue.

Department.

2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 3.

News 3 Airport delay affects discussions with airlines

THE DELAYED OPENING of the International Airport at Argyle has jeopardised efforts to work out flight arrangements with international carriers.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), Glen Beache revealed for the first time on Wednesday, on XTreme radio, that American Airlines (AA) had already signed a contract to land at the airport at Argyle on December 16, 2016 for three flights out of Miami weekly.

“That did not happen so know we have to go back to the drawing board to work out a few things,” Beache said.

He said that the airline was

still willing to fly into St Vincent, but that would now depend on the availability of an aircraft.

“These airlines make plans a year in advance, and a plane on the ground is a plane losing money, so they don’t American Airlines expected a December like to have planes just sitting there,” airlines including JetBlue and Beache explained.

West Jet and, according to The aircraft (AA) that was Beache, Sunwing was now expected to be coming here is added to the list. now flying a different route: Similarly, he said that they “so they will have to go were in discussion with through their planning and airlines out of the United see,” he continued.

Talks were continuing with Kingdom.

16, 2016 opening of the airport at Argyle.

But for airlines to operate, they may want to see how the facility operates for the first few months.

American Airlines, for example, requires a destination being in their system

CAL tickets expected today IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT TICKETS for the Caribbean Airline (CAL) chartered flight expected to depart New York for the International Airport at Argyle on February 14, 2017, would go on sale today Friday, or early next week.

So said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA), Glen Beache Tickets for the CAL chartered flight cannot be purchased through the regular while speaking on a Cal booking system. radio talk show programme on ‘Xwould have had to be in the According to Beache, as of Treme FM’ Wednesday. system 120 days prior to the Tuesday, just hours after the Beache was not able to give the departure date. information was placed on the cost of the ticket, but said that he “Which we couldn’t do, so it’s a system, some 50 of the total 170 expected that it may cost a little private charter, which means CAL seats available on that charter more than the price quoted for the cannot sell the tickets,” Beache were sold. chartered flight out of Toronto, said.

And Beache remained Canada, which was also expected The CAL flight, according to optimistic, saying that he to land at the International Beache, is offering a total of 154 expected that the full 170 seats airport on February 14. seats — 16 Business Class and 138 would be sold.

“I know that the Diaspora Economy - and that it was With regard to a flight out of wants to get this going, but there expected to arrive at Argyle the United Kingdom, the SVGTA’s are a few things that need to be between 4 and 4:30 on the top man said that they were still sorted out,” Beache explained. afternoon of February 14. working on getting a flight, since He went on further to say that This announcement came on the government was committed to the SVGTA had to look for a the heels of the details the effort to bring persons from travel operator to sell the tickets surrounding the flight scheduled the UK, who have contributed because for CAL to operate a from Toronto on Sunwing significantly to the construction of charter flight, the information Airlines. the facility. (DD)

about three months before its first flight, Beache explained.

British Airways (BA) requires two years.

“So all these are intricacies that you have to deal with.”

(DD)

Not for profit, says CEO “WE ARE NOT IN THIS to make a profit.”

So said the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) Glen Beache, in response to the rumours/speculation surrounding the chartered flights listed to land at the International Airport at Argyle on Glen Beache, February 14.

CEO/SVGTA, went at Immediately following length to clarify the the announcement that arrangement two chartered flights regarding the charter will land at the airport flights that will to mark the opening of inaugurate service at that facility, postings on the Argyle Airport. social media pointed to persons being required to show their political affiliation to be able to purchase a ticket; and that the government was using state funds to bring in the two airlines, Sunwing and Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

“We just want some people to come home and enjoy the experience,” Beache said.

He added that the goal was to “break even,” and that he imagined that the state may even fall short.

“We are not spending the money to give away free flights, people have to spend their money; it is as simple as that,” the SVGTA’s CEO said on ‘X-Treme’ Radio’s morning talk show programme on Wednesday.

“People are coming home, they are going to spend their money [and] they want to have that chance to land directly from North America,” he explained. (DD)

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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Defendant’s plight touches Serious Offences Court and during his youthful years, he has had to provide for himself, THE EXPLANATION given including finding the by a 19-year-old boy means of supporting charged with marijuana himself through school. possession, may have He said he lived by touched the Serious himself in a wooden Offences Court on Monday. house for which he has to After pleading to pay a rent. possession of 560 grams He explained that his of marijuana with intent mother sends money for to supply, the secondary him occasionally, and school dropout told the that he visits his Court that he never saw grandmother, who lives his father, and that his in the same district, to mother is employed in get food. the Grenadines.

After listening to the According to him, he lad’s explanation, Senior had dropped out of Prosecutor Adolphus secondary school in Form Delpleche contended 2 about three years ago, that, “His circumstances Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

are very unfortunate.”

Delpleche pointed out that “The Court System is not meant to manufacture criminals.”

He added that, “The system is to rehabilitate persons who can be rehabilitated, and this defendant should be given a chance, because he could be rehabilitated.”

The Prosecutor asked Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne to reprimand and discharge the youngster, but the Magistrate went further.

She exercised her power in law and discharged him without punishment.

For this reason, THE VINCENTIAN has opted not to disclose the defendant’s name.

He was arrested during a police stop and search exercise around 6:30 a.m last Saturday, January 21.

The marijuana was reportedly revealed when the lawmen opened a taped package found in a knapsack he was carrying, after police stopped a passenger van in which he was travelling.

As the youngster left the Court room, Delpleche shouted to him saying, “Take care of

The Serious Offences Court here has looked with a caring and concerned attitude on a young man who was charged with possession of marijuana. yourself, man”.

But even before he left the dock, the Chief Magistrate had advised him to keep his body substance-free, and to make the right choices.

After observing his physique, Browne had earlier expressed the view that he had the

P.I. into agentÊs death, nears completion MURDER ACCUSED Veron Primus, 39, of Vermont, will soon know whether or not there is sufficient evidence for him to be tired in the High Court, for the death of 36year-old real estate agent Sharlene Greaves of Dorsetshire Hill, just over two years ago.

At the end of Tuesday’s hearing of the matter, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche Sharlene Greaves’ body, riddled disclosed that with stab wounds, was the P.I. nears discovered in her office at completion, Arnos Vale, on November 13, though there is 2015. the possibility of another four of five prosecution witnesses to be called.

The matter was adjourned to next Tuesday, January 31, following the testimonies, last Tuesday, of Sergeant Desrine Daize, Corporal Mark Billy and the Investigator Constable Edmund Ollivierre of the Major Crime Unit (MCU).

The P.I. commenced on January 4 this year before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court, and 12 witnesses have testified for the prosecution so far.

Greaves, who was residing at Calliaqua at the time of her death, was found dead at her office at Bijou Real Estate, Arnos Vale on November 13, 2015. She had sustained multiple stab wounds.

Veron Primus is conducting his own defence.

build of a swimmer, and urged him to work towards getting involved in swimming at a professional level.

Arrests for ganja possession continue THE FOLLOWING persons were arrested and charged for controlled drugs over the weekend — Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd January, 2017: period:James Williams, 18 years, labourer of Chateaubelair, “609 grammes of cannabis”, with intent to supply it to another, at Mt. Wynne on 20.01.17.

Randy Shallow (2nd from left) and Freikesha Douglas (right) have to answer to eight charges of illegal possession of guns and ammunition.

Couple charged in major gun, ammo haul A LOWMANS LEEWARD couple was granted $45,000 bail each, with one surety, when they appeared at the Serious Offences Court last Friday, January 20, charged in connection with a major gun and ammunition seizure at Lowmans Leeward on January 18.

Randy Shallow and his girlfriend, Friekesha Douglas, both of Lowmans Hill, have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, to wit a submachine gun, serial number 9602178, and possession of one component part of a prohibited weapon, to wit a magazine of an AK47 rifle.

The couple is also charged with possession, without licences issued under the Firearms Act, of a .38 revolver, a glock firearm, 14 rounds

of .40 ammunition, 42 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one round of .38 ammunition and one round of 7-62 ammunition.

The couple pleaded not guilty to all eight charges when they stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne.

They were represented by attorney Grant Connell.

Bail was granted on condition that they surrender their travel documents and report to the Questelles Police Station three times a week.

An order was also made for them not to leave the state without permission from the Court, and for stop notices to be placed at all ports of entry.

The matter has been adjourned to January 26.

Earl Spencer, 30 years, farmer of Greiggs, “964 grammes of cannabis”, with intent to supply it to another, at Mt. Wynne on 20.01.17.

Demron Bobb, 19 years, farmer of Barrouallie, “460 grammes of cannabis”, with intent to supply it to another, at Mt. Wynne on 20.01.17.

Okeno Edwards, 26 years, mason of Petit Bordel, “445 grammes of cannabis”, with intent to supply it to another, at Mt. Wynne, on 20.01.17.

Sheldon Degrads, 21 years, farmer of Petit Bordel, “493 grammes of cannabis”, with intent to supply it to another, at Richmond on 21.01.17.

(Source: RSVPF Complaints and Public Relations Department)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Ex-Teachers prez welcomes opening of Argyle Airport

Entrance to the terminal building at the Argyle International Airport. “brings with it blessings and challenges.”

He said the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Teachers Association has been “an integral part” of the BrooklynJACKSON FARRELL, the longbased Friends of Argyle standing president of the International Airport, the Brooklyn, New York-based St. group that has been raising Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ex- funds to assist construction of Teachers Association, has joined the airport. the vast number of Vincentians “We have stated clearly that in the Diaspora and at home, in we recognize certain projects welcoming the Feb. 14 opening purely through the prism of of the Argyle International national interest and not as Airport (AIA). any political partisan “The airport, whether we objective,” Farrell said. like it or not, is coming on Speaking at the ex-teachers’ stream,” said Farrell, a former celebratory event, new Consul La Croix, Marriaqua resident, General Howie Prince said he in addressing, two Sundays has been receiving a number ago, the gala sell-out 34th of inquiries about the AIA’s Anniversary Luncheon of his official opening and charter group, at Grand Prospect Hall flights on the opening day. in Brooklyn.

He told THE VINCENTIAN “When the Comrade [Prime on Sunday that more concrete Minister Dr. Ralph E. information may be Gonsalves] passes on, the forthcoming during the week. airport will still be there,” Earlier, in a message to added the recently retired nationals in the Diaspora, public school teacher in Prince, the former director of Brooklyn. “So, let us stop the the National Emergency ‘dotishness’ [opposition to the Management Organization international airport].”

(NEMO), said he was awaiting In his remarks in the word from Glen Beache, the souvenir journal, Farrell, who point person on charter flights taught elementary and for the opening day. Beache, a secondary schools in St. former tourism minister, is Vincent and the Grenadines also the chief executive officer before migrating to New York, of the St. Vincent and the said the opening of the AIA Grenadines Tourism Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.comn US CORRESPONDENT

Authority.

Nevertheless, Prince told patrons at the ex-teachers’ anniversary luncheon that he, like an overwhelming number of Vincentians in the Diaspora, “look forward to land in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“One stop! SVG [St. Vincent and the Grenadines] we coming!” he exclaimed. “One stop! SVG we coming!”

In late December, Gonsalves announced on local radio station, Star FM, an organ of the incumbent Unity Labor Party (ULP), that the AIA will be opened on Valentine’s Day. “I called in just to announce formally that Argyle International Airport would be opened on Feb. 14, on Valentine’s Day, the day of love,” he said.

“All of us in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it’s a day which we’ve been looking forward to,” the prime minister added. “So, I thought that I should mention it to you.”

Last year, the International Airport Development Company (IADC) — a private limited liability company wholly owned by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whose mandate is to spearhead and

coordinate all matters relating to the financing and construction of the Argyle International Airport and arranging for the effective management of the airport on its completion — said that work on the AIA was “winding down.”

“Since construction started in August 2008, Vincentians have waited in anticipation of the completion of this project,” said IADC on its website, adding that, after several missed dates, “completion is on the horizon.”

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the IADC “had previously forecast - and missed - annual completion dates of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.”

“Government sources had originally stated that the airport project would cost around US$240 million or 700 million East Caribbean dollars and would replace the existing E.T. Joshua Airport,” Wikipedia said.

“Other sources cite a figure of one billion ($1,000,000,000) EC dollars as being nearer to the true cost of the project,” it added. “Some sources indicate that, when complete, the airport will have a passenger capacity nearly four times that of the current working facility, the E.T. Joshua Airport.”

Wikipedia said attempts by the previous government, led

by Sir James F. Mitchell, Premier and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 19 years, (premier 1972-1974, prime minister 1984-2001) to lengthen the E.T. Joshua Airport runway were “unsuccessful.”

It said engineers had advised that the runway could have been extended by 2000 feet into the sea, as requested

by American Eagle.

At a projected cost of US $50 million, Wikipedia said this would have allowed regional jets, with service as far as Miami and South America, with up to 120 passengers, “to safely fly in

Jackson Farrell addresses 34th gala luncheon of SVG ex-Teachers Association.

Left: New Consul General Howie Prince addresses ex-teachers’ luncheon. and out of E.T. Joshua Airport.”

“According to Prime Minister Mitchell, his government invited tenders for the final design at Arnos Vale,” Wikipedia said. “He stated, ‘I turned over the contract documents for a successful tender by a Canadian company to my successor [Arnhim Ulric Eustace] to sign, but he decided to wait until the next election and cancelled the visit arranged for Kuwaiti officials.’”

In an historic address on Aug. 8, 2005, Gonsalves said: “Foreign investors often shy away from St. Vincent and the Grenadines when the limitations of air access arise due to the absence of an international airport.”

Caribbean Airlines will make an inaugural flight out of New York City, while Sunwing Airlines will be doing a chartered flight from Toronto, Canada, according to Wikipedia.

It said these two airlines are expected to touch down at AIA one hour apart for the grand opening.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 7.

News

NDP will respond to Budget, where⁄. ?

THE OPPOSITION NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) will be responding to the 2017 Budget presentation; but it is however, unclear if

Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, gave no firm indication as to whether he and his colleagues will occupy the opposition seats to debate the 2017 National Budget.

Ralph Gonsalves, who Monday, January 30. announced at a press This is to be followed by conference on Monday his Budget Address and that the date scheduled the Budget Debate which ,Opposition Parliamentary Friday told THE very seriously, and that for the presentation on get underway on members intend to do so VINCENTIAN on they will respond to the 2017 Estimates of February 6. in the House.

Tuesday that the whatever is put forward Revenue and The NDP boycotted Leader of the members of his party

by Prime Minister and Expenditure will be the presentation of the Opposition, Dr Godwin take their responsibility Minister of Finance, Dr 2016 Budget, as part of an on-going protest to the results of the general election of December 9, 2015, opting then to respond at another partnering with location one week after government to build a the approval of a hotel.

EC$912.9 million “I am interested in Budget. getting some entity out It was expected that of the United Kingdom,” the Finance Committee said Gonsalves. would meet today, ahead Against the backdrop of Monday’s presentation, of reference to the recent to approve the figures, investment by a before it is taken to the Canadian group at floor of the House.

Mount Wynne/Peter’s According to the prime Hope, the PM said, “And minister, the process of that is an important printing the Estimates investment, but (we’re) had already started — looking to have one with this in order that an entity in the UK Cabinet has given the green light to the government’s involvement in the members of Parliament which has a certain construction and ownership of hotels here. have copies in their heft.”

Dr. Gonsalves said Cabinet decision that internationally.” further the discussion in hands.

He also announced that he was not going to endorses the state’s A Committee, headed that regard. that he was expected to disclose the name of the involvement in the

by Camillo Gonsalves, Regarding a location, be holding a series of UK chain of hotels, only construction and the Minister of Economic Gonsalves said that no meetings with a number to say that it was a very ownership of hotels, with Planning, has been set specific spot had been of groups, including trade “reputable international management to be the up to pursue this project, identified, but that this brand.” responsibility of and it was anticipated detail would be attended unions, farmers/fisher He explained that this reputable entities: that a delegation will to over time, with further folk and the business community, leading up to most recent initiative is “whether locally, journey to the UK discussions. (DD) the Budget presentation. in keeping with a regionally or sometime in March, to (DD)

State getting into hotel ownership THE PROCESS OF INCREASING the number of hotel rooms available on mainland St. Vincent continues.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves gave assurance of this last Monday, when he announced at a press conference that he had held preliminary talks with a renowned hotel chain in the United Kingdom, centred on the construction of a hotel on St Vincent to be owned by government, but operated by a private entity.

He said that while he was in London on his journey back from Abu Dhabi, he had a meeting with one of the principal owners of a brand name hotel in the United Kingdom and the company is interesting in

More road repairs/development coming FINANCIAL SUPPORT is being sought from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund for further road development in the country.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said at a press briefing on Monday that a proposal was submitted to the Abu Dhabi Development Fund for the financing of the repair of feeder, village and secondary roads throughout the country.

He assured that the government already had EC$90 million in its coffers set aside for road development work.

This money came from two sources — the Kuwaiti Fund and the OPEC Fund.

According to Gonsalves, he was expecting to roll out the first set of funds from the Kuwaiti Fund by March this year, and then he was hoping for the formal agreement from the OPEC Fund for International Development; but first he would have to take that particular loan to Parliament.

In related news, the Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to getting an approval for the proposal put forward for a reciprocal visa waiver agreement between Vincentians and persons in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to Gonsalves while addressing members of the media on Monday, the

issue was raised before with officials from the UAE about reciprocal visa waivers.

“I am hoping we will have the arrangements for the visa waiver,” he said.

The visa waiver will add UAE to an already long list of countries where a visa is not required by Vincentians wanting to visit those countries.

Back in 2015, it became official that Vincentians no longer Feeder, village and secondary roads here are to get attention in required a visa to travel 2017. to member states of the European Union. extended to Vincentians Liechtenstein, Norway and Visa waivers were also looking to travel to Iceland, Switzerland. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 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 A sustainable future and air transport ON FEBRUARY 14, 2017, this country, in what is highly anticipated as an affair akin to a tsunami of red flags and other so coloured paraphernalia, will witness the opening of its largest and costliest infra-structural project.

It will be the day, long awaited in more ways than one, if the truth be told, when we will open our international airport - at Argyle, to the world.

And as we open ourselves to the world, as far as our aviation facilities are concerned, it is not too late to focus, briefly, on what this means for the sustainable development of our small island developing state.

Make no bones about it- aviation connects the world. According to Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders — a watchdog aviation agency airlines are said to have flown nearly 50,000 routes and carried over 3 billion passengers in 2016. Additionally, the industry accounts for over 58 million jobs and $2.2 trillion in global GDP. But whilst aviation helps to bridge cultures and support business, trade and tourism, in some places, it plays a much more fundamental and important role.

The Air Transport Action Group, in a recent report looking at the role aviation plays in the world’s economy, said that air transport supported 1.7 million jobs and accounted for $37 billion in GDP in small island states around the world. Around 151,000 people were said to be employed within the industry itself at airports, airlines and air traffic management organisations, and the rest are within the supply chain and in tourism supported by aviation.

This is the milieu into which this country has jumped.

The international airport promises to position this country as a truly competitive tourist market. Tourism, and we agree, is potentially a vital source of foreign revenue for island states likes ours. The question remains, however, even with an international airport, is tourism any more sustainable that other sources of income?

Tommy Rememgesau. President of Palau, an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, threw up an interesting scenario when he announced that ‘all commercial fishing around the islands would be banned in order to create a marine sanctuary, which will enable Palau to promote snorkelling, scuba diving and ecotourism as an alternative way to grow its economy’. The president, a former fisherman, explained that a live shark was worth $1.9 million as a tourist attraction, while a dead one was worth just a few hundred dollars.

That is the extent to which some countries are prepared to go in order to accommodate the quick dollar promised by mass tourism.

Will our airport cause or force us into allowing our traditions and culture to die at the feet of a tourist dollar?

When we talk of the international airport in terms of it being a panacea (to our development), it is, as a letter writer in this week’s edition purports, ‘only the beginning.’

We have to guard against heading hastily into developments around the airport that might just cause us to lose focus of who we really are and what the airport really means.

Each connection for tourism purposes must be aimed at building social and business connectivity for local residents and traders. It must also mean that local aviation partners can help build quality long-term jobs for residents.

The Nadi International Airport in Fiji offers a lesson here. That airport handles an estimated 98% of all international visitors to Fiji.

But the airport operator does more than manage this vital gateway: it provides a base for developing skills to the local population across a wide range of aviation-related activities. Are we poised to ensure a simple impact?

And it is not too early (some might say it’s a bit late) for us to consider how we are going to reconcile the expected (sustainable) development with the other aspect of sustainable development — environmental improvements and specifically climate change.

Aviation currently emits around 2% of global CO2 emissions. If we have not been before, we have now to be proactive in working with others together to reduce emissions. After all, we have, by entering the market for jet-propulsion aviation services, increased the likelihood of increased CO2 emissions in the region.

We recognise the use of solar power around the new airfield.

Generating jobs and renewable energy? Now that is truly sustainable!

Are we up to the challenge?

Argyle International Airport- and Politics AIR ACCESS naturally took off in SVG only after we became, albeit notionally, independent in 1979.

As a bit, our flights were confined to the Diamond airport which was challenging and risky for the most part. I recall visiting the site in construction under a public works head, Claremont Providence of Troumaca, my friend and father of the late Fred Providence of Cane Hall, who was indeed the Godson of my father whose Christian name “Fred” he took.

The airport was opened, and I remember visiting it 1948-49 during the departure of the Administrator Ronald Garvey who left with his baby girl, Lavinia, who later returned to SVG, as the wife of my school-mate friend, Jeff Gunn of Villa.

Diamond airport was finally closed down around the time of the grant of Adult Suffrage in 1951 and, for some time, Vincentians had to make- do with flights landed on water between Young’s Island and mainland-Villa where the official offices were located. Villa was not only inadequate but also dangerous.

The new PPP Government under the venerable charismatic leader, Ebenezer Joshua, having had the results of several reports on airport development, settled on Arnos Vale. In fact, the bulk of the work was done by his brilliant Minister of Communication and Works, Stinson Campbell.

It was always known that the Arnos Vale site as originally conceived, was too cramped for expansion needed by a developing country which had begun to flex its muscles, such as permitted by increased constitutional instruments that accommodated a full Ministerial System and Statehood.

Premier James Mitchell then arranged with a French consortium to work on the abandoned site in Diamond with the advanced technologies and create a modernised international airport in place.

There followed the collapse of the Mitchell “Junta” regime and the return of the SVLP to manage the affairs of the country. Among other things, “the strongest government in the world” as described by Premier Cato, displayed its power by immediately abandoning this scheme.

It was rumoured that towards the end of his tenure, he tried to reopen the matter with the French, but too much water had flowed under the bridge.

When Son Mitchell was returned as Prime Minister in 1984, he again turned his attention to air access which was critical to his new Government’s social and economic thrust. He considered “Kitchen”, as an option, rejected the expansion of Arnos Vale, and seemed to hedge over long on Argyle which was full of problems.

At the end of a period of drift uncertainty and turmoil, the ULP won power in 2005 and

soon made the decision to build an International Airport at Argyle, despite all the warning signs. But the mere fact that the ULP had a couple of false starts is indicative of doubt that still lingered. Once their minds were fully made up, however, they proceeded apace, some will say like a bull in a china shop, licking down everything in its way - people rights, respect of the opposition, aspects of the laws of the country, all have been sacrificed on the altar of that single goal, worthy in its own right, but shamefully compromised by the ways and methods -totally uncalled for- by which it was attained.

From the time of the breaking of the ground to the start of the project to its completion, Dr. Gonsalves put a political spin on the achievement to make it a solely ULP affair. When the heavy equipment and the rest were taken to the site, they were wrapped in red, to the cheers of the ULP crowds which also sported red clothes, red flags- the ULP party colour.

The opening has been purposely placed on Valentine’s Day where the wearing of red dominates. It is a Red-Letter Day, the headlines are sure to shout.

The foregoing reports of the myriad problems involved and the various reactions response solutions which concern many persons cut across political party lines. For example, Stephen Joachim, a well-known supporter of the ULP, simply had to fall in line, and while endeavouring to make the best of the job, like so many of us, including me and I believe, Sir “Son” Mitchell.

Major Leacock opposed the move principally on account of the reckless way it was being pursued. In fact, with no water in his mouth, he declared the airport should be named after Ralph!

One should learn to ignore the rantings of the “lunatic fringe” on both sides. Beyond it all, I do believe that Ralph has vested interest in creating an opposition to the airport for narrow self-surviving purposes which are beautifully inter-woven with his legacy, the future of the ULP, and the fate of his own blood-family.

I tend to agree with Dr. Friday, now cutting his teeth as President of the NDP and Opposition Leader, an arrival show is being arranged for the opening with formal holiday and flying red is “absolutely ridiculous” in launching the admittedly grandest national project whatever.

We still have a two-party state and must respect its tradition. The leader of the Opposition, though invited, will not be one of the speakers. Will members of NDP in attendance he graciously treated! We congratulate Dr. Gonsalves on his magnificent gift to the nation.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 9.

Letters

An appeal to our politicians

WHY IS IT THAT there always has to be disagreement between the Government and the Opposition? When are our politicians going to put aside their differences and get on with the job of seeing to the interest of all of us?

When it’s not over some legislation, it’s some petty matter that one side blows out of proportions.

And when our representatives get into the House of Assembly, they squabble with one another, each side forgetting that we put them there to do our business and not to see who can win some picong war. Maybe our MPs should consider becoming calypsonians.

As a senior citizen who has seen better days as far as our politicians are concerned, I appeal to our present crop to set aside their differences and work for the benefit of our country. All this pulling down makes no sense. Leave the petty squabbles for the children.

And talking about the children, when will our politicians realise that they are not setting a good example for our children and grandchildren. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to behave like mature people.

So, for the New Year, I appeal to our politicians to unite in the interest of moving our country forward.

A house divided against itself cannot stand.

‘RETIREE’

Visitor complains about minibuses MY NAME is Irma Craigg. I was born in St. Vincent and spent part of my childhood there.

However, I am now a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, but the land of my birth will never change, that is why I am writing this letter.

I came (to SVG) with my children in 2001. I felt good taking them to use the washroom in the market. But after visiting St. Vincent about a year ago, I was very disappointed with the condition of parts of Kingstown, especially where you have to get the minibuses. It is awful, it looks like shanty town (slum)! Can’t the authority do something and clean up the place? It is not somewhere any rightthinking persons would be proud of.

St. Vincent needs a national transport (system), not those minibuses where they pack you like sardines in a tin, in a bus that carries more than the number licensed for. I not saying that my transportation system in Trinidad is perfect, but where you should carry 12, you shouldn’t (can’t) be carrying 15 or 18; the police can charge you for overloading.

When I was home last, I journeyed from Green Hill to the Methodist Church. It cost me EC$40.

Back in T&T that would have cost me no more that TT$12.

One can’t be advertising tourism, and your water front is full of shacks, and you don’t have proper transportation. Don’t get me wrong - I did not only see the negative. In terms of housing, St. Vincent has really developed in that area.

Irma Craigg

AIA: Just the beginning ENOUGH ABOUT the “dem against the Airport” rhetoric. This is a project that needs the support of all Vincentians of goodwill.

To constantly harp about what the NDP has done or not done, is not good for the future of the AIA or the future of SVG. Unless the ULP is planning to see the AIA deteriorate into the abyss of failed projects such as the Cross-Country Road, Buccament Resort, and others that opened with much political fanfare, only to be carted off to the graveyard of illusory economic developments, the comrade and his followers must cease this bait and switch game with Vincentians and our thirst for meaningful and sustainable economic development.

February 14, 2017 is not the be all or end all of the AIA success. We have much work ahead of us to work towards a modicum of success for this mammoth project by Vincy standards. Let’s stop the nonsensical talk, dig deep for leadership

stamina, cast a wide net to marshall Vincentians of every creed, race and political pedigree to the task of a united struggle in the service of our nation, and in support for the associated projects that will give full sustenance to the AIA when it becomes an economic reality.

February 14, 2017 is a premature juncture for breast-beating, political grandstanding and triumphalism. If anything, the near completion of the AIA should have taught us lessons in humility and respect for the challenges facing the AIA when it becomes fully operational, meaning an airport that supports weekly scheduled flights from airlines other than LIAT, Roraima, CAL and others that could have rightly used the Arnos Vale Airport.

Mr. Comrade, Please do not allow this airport to fail due to pretensions of political grandeur. Be

honest with the people.

Let them know that this is only the beginning for the AIA. Let them know that we need the AIA, but the AIA needs us more. More importantly, stop the politicking, rein in your cronies, and pray to God Almighty for the national strength and resolve to market, manage, and evaluate this project in the interest of all Vincentians. Not for political GAINS. Be strong enough to leave the RED garments at home on February 14, 2017. Be man enough to avoid trying to grind supporters of the opposition into the ground. Be CHRISTIAN enough to recognize that the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. And be intelligent enough to realize that National Leadership demands the unification rather than division of our people.

May God Bless St. Vincent and the

I am Vinci Vin

Make SVG great again

exist within our minibus system. It is high time that someone looks very seriously at the messages being conveyed by our deejays, and minibus operators, who appear to be more concerned about achieving popularity and fame than fulfilling a social responsibility with which they have been entrusted.

The church too has a role to play, as women in some denominations are often told to be submissive, and are not given any meaningful active or leadership role within the churches.

This is also reflected in the workplace where additionally, women are subject to sexual harassment and other negative conditions.

Our society is eroding at the seams, as few want to take the responsibility to correct the wrongs and do what is right. Can we blame our young people today for falling short, when those in authority are not owning up to their responsibility to ensure that the right decisions and actions take place?

I beg our people, please be cognizant that we have a very youthful society — one in which many of our young people fall by the wayside through abuse, neglect, peer pressure, etc. To those in authority, let’s review our policies and have a look also at the individuals who are placed in active roles to implement them. Let’s do what is right for the future of our young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

THIS IS A CALL for all ‘legitimate’ citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to unite as one to take back our country from unpatriotic, corrupted, disloyal, selfish ministers, and make SVG great again.

As ‘legitimate’ nationals of SVG through birth, we are the rightful commanders of this country. That is why we must be careful about whom we share our citizenship with, and revoke that citizenship when some prove to be underserving of it.

We must, for example, take back control of our fishing licence, abolish the Mustique act 48 of 2002, and move to detain anyone who uses our name for ill-gain and nefarious purposes.

Time that we took back our lands which others have bequeathed to foreigners. Do we want to be continued to be laughed at because we give so much and get so little or nothing in return?

And by the way, is there any truth in the ‘rumour’ that the Argyle Airport is to be leased out to a foreign concern?

Time to make this country great again.

Concerned

Kadmiel McFee

Who’s monitoring our airwaves?

IT IS WITH a grieving heart that I listen to our local radio stations. I’m repeatedly shocked and appalled at the content of both the discussions held by radio deejays, and the musical compositions that are allowed to be aired. Is it that we have so much erudition now, that we no longer have time for values or morals? Who is the governing body with the authority to monitor our local radio stations?

Radio deejays are permitted to engage in ‘hype’ that continues to denigrate the female gender, e.g. lyrical content that refers to women as ‘sketels’ and to the female genitalia and body in derogatory ways. Is there any wonder that others ask if there is a rape culture that exists in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

Women are seen as objects to be owned, controlled, used, possessed and disposed of as seen fit by the opposite sex. Is there any wonder that we now live in a society where domestic violence and assault against females are pervasive? Women are given negative labels and subjected to ridicule, even after many years of struggle for women’s rights, including a woman’s right over her reproductive health and her right to choose. Why are we allowing these things (degrading to women) to fester in our society?

What is the responsibility of the local media when it comes to these negative forms of education? Added to this, these messages are propagated daily through amplified music that

Grenadines. And may God Bless the Argyle International Airport.

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10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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The Economy of St. Vincent The Argyle International Airport: the Leadership factor and the Grenadines

Introduction IT IS AN ACCEPTED fact that the construction of the international airport at Argyle is the largest capital project ever attempted by any administration in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The scope of the project, the cost of the project, the mobilization of the resources, the vision provided, and overall, the leadership which ensured that the project was completed, despite several hiccups.

It is this leadership factor that is being addressed in this ULP article for the week. To be sure, this project required strong leadership skills from the very inception. The ULP formulated its approach to the problems associated with air access to and from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as far back as 2001. The election manifesto then, elaborated on plans to build an international airport on mainland St.Vincent.

At the same time, the ULP implemented relevant public policies on air access and development. We must remember the establishment of a hub at the Hewannora International Airport in St.Lucia, and the role played by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in keeping LIAT in the skies. We must also remember the practical work done to streamline and upgrade the airport facilities in the nation, including the construction of a jet port at Canouan, and the rehabilitation of the ET Joshua airport.

would have to find a suitable credit facility to provide this money.

Secondly, the debt servicing required, would affect other critical areas of the economy, as the money for interest payments in particular, would have to come from money already allocated for government projects and services.

The Funding process

Out of this thinking came the term “the coalition of the willing”, a group of countries who shared the vision of the ULP, to construct the international airport, and who were willing to provide substantial assistance. At the top of the list were the countries of Cuba, Venezuela, Taiwan and Trinidad and Tobago, who were early contributors to the project, as members of the “coalition of the willing”.

Later will come Mexico, Canada, and the local organisation called the “Friends of the Argyle International Airport”. Every little bit of financing raised was critical to the project, including the well promoted “drop a dollar” campaign, fashioned by the Consul General to Canada, Fitz Huggins.

Meanwhile, the ULP administration took the decision to vest some State lands in the IADC, the company that was charged with the construction of the airport.

Government also sold some crown The Leadership factor lands, particularly in the Grenadines, to raise further funds for the project.

One significant strategy must be The leadership of the ULP recorded here. In the construction administration clearly outlined the process, the IADC was required to issues related to the international airport in a clear and concise manner, remove a number of houses to the earthworks. This process so as to erase the doubts in the minds facilitate was conducted with remarkable ease, of some Vincentians. At the onset, the based on the even-handed attitude of question on the minds of most the ULP leadership. The IADC was Vincentians was “do we need an generally open, fair, reasonable and international airport, and can we progressive with the owners of properties, to the extent that they afford one?” (If the answer is in the affirmative). Having studied this issue were provided with a re-settlement grant, and were allowed to remove for some years, the ULP administration answered the question any fittings, windows or roofing that was salvageable, from in the affirmative. It was abundantly material their former homes. Most of them are clear to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the settled in the beautiful Harmony Hall leadership of the ULP that the full area. realisation of the potential of the country’s growth and development, Conclusion hinged on the presence of an international airport, among other The construction of the vital considerations. international airport at Argyle is truly The leadership determined that the a remarkable story. It shows the vision, leadership, the strength of country’s tourism potential could not character, project management skills be fully realised without an and resourcefulness of the leadership international airport. Indeed, the of the ULP administration, in integration of the economy of the completing the largest ever capital country, with CARICOM, Latin project in the history of the country, America, the USA and Europe, was in the face of some of the most vile being affected because of the huge and dirty criticism seen in a long restraints in air access. This situation while, by a group of unpatriotic also created a brake to the movement Vincentians, many of them supporters of the opposition NDP. of nationals in North America and The Argyle International Airport is Europe, in that they could not travel also the story of the faith of the to their homeland as frequently as voters, the electorate of St.Vincent they would like. and the Grenadines. They clearly said On the issue of affordability, the that only the ULP could build the ULP leadership recognised that, given international airport, and returned the costs involved, there was a need to the ULP and Comrade Ralph to find creative means to finance the political power in 2005, 2010 and project. Almost immediately, the ULP 2015.

Long live the Argyle International leadership understood that it would Airport, and may it bring sociobe foolhardy to borrow the seven economic benefits to the people of St. hundred plus million dollars to Vincent and the Grenadines. finance the project. First, the ULP

MEMBERS of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime have been reporting that the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is doing well; but the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) report of this country’s economic performance for the third quarter of 2016 does not paint the same picture.

In its overview, the report states that, “For the first three quarters of 2016, there was a mild deceleration of economic activity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with uneven developments across the key sectors.”

The report continues, “Despite improvements in tourism and related service sectors, activity in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors displayed modest declines. The subdued performance of the economy was accomplished by an upward trend in inflation, as the consumer price index rose by 1.2 per cent on an endof-period basis. The merchant trade deficit is estimated to have widened, attributed to rising import payments and falling export receipts. The operations of central government yielded a lower overall deficit, while the outstanding stock of public sector debt rose relative to that at the end of December 2015. Meanwhile, domestic financial conditions remained relatively favourable, driven by a moderate expansion in bank deposits and credit extended to the private sector. Commercial bank liquidity was slightly lower than in the corresponding period of 2015, but remained above prudent benchmarks, while the spread between the weighted average interest rate on loans and deposits widened.”

For the construction industry, the report reveals: “Preliminary data for the first nine months of 2016 suggest that the pace of activity in the construction sector retreated, compared to that in the corresponding period. The moderation was driven by development in both government- led infrastructural projects and residential construction. Public sector construction, proxied by capital expenditure, fell sharply by 14 per cent to $46.8 million owing to the completion of the Argyle International Airport as well as some slowing in a number of road projects. In the residential sub-sector, the pace of construction of private dwellings decelerated, reflected in an easing in commercial bank lending in residential construction and renovation to 4.4 per cent relative to the rate of 6.3 percent observed to the corresponding period of 2015. The diminished level of construction activity was further evidenced by an estimated 14.6 per cent reduction in the value of imported construction materials and supplies in the period.”

Also in manufacturing, the Central Bank declares, “The manufacturing sector, which largely consists of the grains, beverages and building materials sub- sector, showed signs of slowing, compared to activity recorded in the comparative period of 2015.

Output inn the grains sub-sector, which has historically been a key driver in the manufacturing sector has been on the decline amid lower consumer demand and competitiveness challenges in the regional market. This slowdown was reflected in contractions in the production of flour 3.9 per cent and rice which had diminished in the last two years. Offsetting some of the reduction in output in the grains segment of the market, was the production of feed, which expanded strongly by 13.5 per cent in the period. Meanwhile, output in the

beverage sub-sector, which had previously provided some cushion to growth in manufacturing, declined over the period, attributable mainly to 7.4 per cent decline in the production of beer.”

The agricultural sector, which was the backbone of this country’s economy during the time the New Democratic Party was in office, has not been getting the attention it deserves from this government. The ECCB report on agriculture for the period under review affirms that, “After a tepid recovery in the agricultural sector, output in the sector is preliminary estimated to have contracted modestly in the first nine months of the year. Despite a 6.9 per cent expansion in banana exports to the regional markets, exports of non-traditional crops, such as sweet potatoes, eddoes and plantains, fell during the period. The performance of the fishing sector was weak, on account of an 18.3 per cent decline in fish production.”

Because of our weak agricultural sector and the failure of the ULP regime to develop the manufacturing sector, the trade deficit continues to be a major concern. “Provisional trade data indicate that the merchandise trade deficit widened by 6.6 per cent to $584 in the first three quarters of 2016 relative to a deficit of $548 million in the corresponding period of 2015. The widening deficit was the result of a 4.3 per cent rise in import payments to $665.5 million which was exacerbated by a 10.3 per cent decline in total export receipts to $81.1 million. The fall in export receipts reflected a contraction of 27.3 per cent in the value of re-exports.

Additionally, earnings from the export of domestic goods fell by 8.6 per cent to $75.2 million, associated in part, to declines in the receipts from agricultural produce, grains and beverages.” the report outlines.

The report further states: “Investment in the government’s capital programme further contracted by 14.0 percent ($7.6m) and stood a $46.8 million in the first three quarters of 2016. The consecutive declines were consistent with the final stages of construction activity related to the Argyle International Airport, the modern medical complex and the post-disaster housing rehabilitation programme, associated with the Christmas trough of 2013.”

The ECCB report concludes that.

“The growth outlook for St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains subdued and risks are assessed to be broadly balanced.”

Admittedly, we have seen the productive sectors, with the exception of tourism, decline during the period under review by the ECCB. Even though there was an increase in the tourism sector, more can be done to market tourism and develop our tourism sites.

But what is disturbing, is the widening trade deficit, and the failure of the government to implement its capital projects. The ULP administration continues to mismanage the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We can conclude that the government does not have the programme and policies to effect meaningful change to this country’s economy.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 11.

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Tough times and big decisions

“Tough times and big decisions are opportunities to grow our faith in new ways.” - Tim Gustafson DR. ROBERT SCHULLER’S best selling book, “Tough Times Never Last, but Tough People Do” (ISBN13:9780553273328), is one of the books that best supported me through some of the toughest times in my adult life. Sometimes as we go through various traumas, it is so very important to gain an “external perspective” of the situation. Such perspectives may come from friends and loved ones who have “been there and done that”. Sometimes it comes from listening to or viewing presentations by experienced and/or professionally trained individuals.

Reading biographies and autobiographies can be most useful.

We can be encouraged as we imbibe the wisdom of those who have “travelled the road less travelled”. Their sharing experiences of their encounters with tough times and big decisions, can assist us in coping with our own. We may also readily discover that the problems that we previously viewed as mountains, are actually mole hills when compared to the experiences others have faced and overcome.

Sometimes we can feel very alone when faced with tough times and big decisions. These tend to be the moments when we most need a friend who can empathise with what we are going through. These are often the moments when we need someone who would listen with objectivity and, if necessary, provide impartial, balanced, non-judgmental guidance.

Such friends and associates help us to make sense of the challenges or problems. They show us how best to cope with the perceived void in our lives — regardless of how traumatic those events appear to be. Such individuals may assist us in retaining a sense of balance; in our imperfections we may make bad choices but we can rebound. They remind us that we are not perfect and that, in so many cases, we have the ability to rebound. As Dr. Anna Akbari reminds us that, “We can hack our way to happiness”. Failure is often not fatal, and it certainly is not final. As we review or analyse our situation, we often discover that we have the capacity to successfully manoeuvre through tough times and big decisions. We may even realise that greatness often emerges from adversity.

The question then emerges in relation to how best to navigate through such challenging circumstances (i.e. tough times and big decisions). There is no quick and complete response to this question.

However, there is wisdom in reflecting on the advantage of doing a detailed and critical analysis of the particular challenge, and then following-up by taking the necessary incremental coping and regrouping steps. So many of life’s trials can appear impossible until we take a closer look and determine which incremental steps to take. We do not have to become paralyzed by the magnitude and frequencies of the traumas that visit. We often have the capacity to rebound from our errors of judgement and from the tragedies that may visit uninvited. Accidents

will happen. Diseases with invade our bodies and the lives of our friends and loved ones. We will continue to arrive at forked roads in our lives, and have limited time in which to determine which route to take.

However, we are not unique in being challenged by tough times and big decisions.

Les Brown, the black American motivational speaker, reminds us that during the hard times, it is necessary for us to have faith … to call forth those things that are not. It is necessary to affirm that “No matter how bad it is or how bad it gets; I am going to make it”. It is essential to have patience and to engage in consistent action to overcome. Too many noble dreams become elusive and unattainable because we prematurely abandon our pursuits — using tough times and big decisions as excuses for quitting.

Is there a formula that can help? Is there a roadmap that we can follow as we go through these tough times and seek to cope with these big decisions?

While different persons develop a variety of coping mechanisms, this writer can attest to the value of pursuing a simple but powerful Action Learning process: observe the challenge or problem; review it in detail; conclude/affirm that you have the capacity to resolve the issue; plan how this is to be done; take action — implement the plan; and review the process on a regular basis. This personal development approach/plan has been used to turn many situations around. Business strategists will observe that it follows the logical sequence that they use to develop and retain competitive advantage. It works!

In conclusion, it must be realised that we need to develop a spirit of discernment as we “filter out” the comments of those around us. Some of our associates (including relatives and friends) are negative. They will not see or appreciate the vision that drives many of our noble aspirations or how we seek to cope with tragedies or traumas. Job’s wife did not appreciate the tough times that he was challenged with (Job 2:9).

Neither did his friends (Job 4:31).

Job’s success and his ability to rebound after tragic losses, resulted from his unmovable faith in a faithful God. The same is true of the Old Testament heroes Joseph (Genesis 3747) and Daniel (the book of Daniel).

They were humans, flesh and blood, just like we are. Their faith was grounded in a God who makes the impossible possible; a God who rewards faithfulness. So, even if spectators mock and laugh, even if associates criticise, even if family members turn away, our focus should forever be on following the precepts and guidelines that God has provided for us to successfully go through our tough times and make big decisions.

We have what it takes to make sure that our anchors hold during the varied storms of life.

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

Fighting for truth and justice ‘Love a man and you disregard his sin.

Despise the same man and his virtues are scoffed at.’

EIGHT YEARS AGO, the world was on the brink of a grand celebration: the inauguration of a brilliant and charismatic black president of the United States of America. Today we are on the edge of an abyss: the installation of a lying, racebaiting white president who will replace him.

This is a depressing decline in the highest office of the most powerful empire in the history of the world. It could easily produce a pervasive cynicism and poisonous nihilism. Is there really any hope for truth and justice in this decadent time? Does America even have the capacity to be honest about itself and come to terms with its self-destructive addiction to money-worship and cowardly xenophobia?

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Herman Melville — the two great public intellectuals of 19th-century America — wrestled with similar questions and reached the same conclusion as Heraclitus: character is destiny “sow a character and you reap a destiny”.

The age of Barack Obama may have been our last chance to break from our neoliberal soul craft. We are rooted in market-driven brands that shun integrity and profit-driven policies that trump public goods. Our “post-integrity” and “post-truth” world is suffocated by entertaining brands and money-making activities that have little or nothing to do with truth, integrity or the long-term survival of the planet. We are witnessing the postmodern version of the full-scale gangsterization of the world.

The reign of Obama did not produce the nightmare of Donald Trump — but it did contribute to it. And those Obama cheerleaders who refused to hold him accountable bear some responsibility.

A few of us begged and pleaded with Obama to break with the Wall Street priorities and bail out Main Street. But he followed the advice of his “smart” neoliberal advisers to bail out Wall Street. In March 2009, Obama met with Wall Street leaders. He proclaimed: “I stand between you and the pitchforks. I am on your side and I will protect you,” he promised them. And not one Wall Street criminal executive went to jail.

We called for the accountability of US torturers of innocent Muslims and the transparency of US drone strikes killing innocent civilians. Obama’s administration told us no civilians had been killed. And then we were told a few had been killed. And then told maybe 65 or so had been killed. Yet when an American civilian, Warren Weinstein, was killed in 2015, there was an immediate press conference with deep apologies and financial compensation. And today we still don’t know how many have had their lives taken away.

Black Lives Matter hit the streets and other groups and went to jail for protesting against police killing black youth. We protested when the Israeli Defense Forces killed more than 2000 Palestinians, including 550 children in 50 days. Yet Obama replied with words about the difficult plight of police officers, department investigations, with no police going to jail, and an additional $225 million in financial support for the Israeli army. Obama said not a mumbling word about the dead Palestinian children, but he did call Baltimore black youth ‘criminals and thugs’.

In addition, Obama’s education policy unleashed more market forces that closed hundreds of public schools for charter ones. The top 1% got nearly twothirds of the income growth in eight years even as child poverty, especially black child poverty, remained astronomical. Labour insurgencies in many cities across America were passed over in silence.

In 2009, Obama called New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg an “outstanding mayor”. Yet he overlooked the fact that more than 4 million people were stopped-and-frisked under Bloomberg’s watch. Protestors spent long days and many weekends for their opposition to these very same policies that Obama ignored when praising Bloomberg.

Yet the mainstream media and academia failed to highlight these painful truths linked to Obama. Instead, most well-paid pundits on TV and radio celebrated the Obama brand. And most black spokespeople shamelessly defended Obama’s silences and crimes in the name of racial symbolism and their own careerism. How hypocritical to see them now speak truth to white power when most went mute in the face of black power. Their moral authority is weak and their newfound militancy is shallow.

The gross killing of US citizens with no due process after direct orders from Obama was cast aside by neoliberal supporters of all colours. And Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning, Jeffrey Sterling and other truth-tellers were demonized just as the crimes they exposed hushed up or ignored.

The president’s greatest legislative achievement was to provide healthcare for over 25 million citizens, even as another 20 million are still uncovered.

But it remained a market-based policy, created by the conservative Heritage Foundation and first pioneered by former Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney in Massachusetts.

Obama’s lack of courage to confront Wall Street criminals, and his lapse of character in ordering drone strikes unintentionally led to right-wing populist revolts at home and ugly Islamic fascist rebellions in the Middle East. And as deporter-in-chief, nearly 2.5 million immigrants were deported under his watch, Obama policies channelled Trump’s barbaric plans.

Bernie Sanders gallantly tried to generate a left-wing populism, but he was crushed by Clinton and Obama in the unfair Democratic party primaries.

So now we find ourselves entering a neo-fascist era: a neoliberal economy on steroids, a reactionary repressive attitude toward domestic “aliens”, and a militaristic cabinet eager for war and in denial of global warming. All the while, we are seeing a wholesale eclipse of truth and integrity in the name of the Trump brand, facilitated by the profithungry corporate media.

What a sad legacy for our hope and change candidate — even as we warriors go down swinging in the fading names of truth and justice.

This most brilliant analysis came from the mind of Dr Cornel West. It is present here with minor modifications.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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‘When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice’ – President Donald Trump IN HIS INAUGURATION speech on 20th January 2017, President Donald Trump said that ‘From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it’s going to be only America First’.

SVG needs a vision for our people, one that puts Vincentians first. Too many of the economic policies of the ULP regime favour foreigners and cater for foreigners’ needs first.

President Donald Trump said that ‘When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice’. Unfortunately, the Vincentian people face a considerable amount of prejudice from the ULP government, which shows that the ULP government is not patriotic.

A number of tax laws discriminate against Vincentians and Vincentian businesses; we are denied access to some of our beaches; and, our fishermen are denied the right to fish in some parts of the sea in Vincentian territory, such as Mustique and Canouan.

President Donald Trump said, ‘For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government, while the people have borne the cost. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed’.

The same can be said for SVG. For too long, a small group of people in SVG has been getting richer, while the majority of our people have been getting poorer. In SVG, unemployment has risen significantly under the ULP government; factories have failed, many businesses are experiencing their worst sales in decades and have had to reduce their number of staff, and many businesses have been forced to close through lack of sales.

President Donald Trump went on to say, ‘And while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land’. This ULP government loves to celebrate, but there is little for our people to celebrate.

Throughout our country, thousands

our people, but discriminates against them.

President Donald Trump said that ‘At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of of families struggle in poverty.

America’. SVG needs a government Thousands of poor households have no that has total allegiance to our country mains water and electricity. Many and our people. At the moment, we cannot feed their children adequately, have a prejudiced government that and cannot afford to send their shows total allegiance to Taiwan, the children to school. super-rich of Mustique and Canouan President Donald Trump said, and other foreigners.

‘Every decision on trade, on taxes, on President Donald Trump said, immigration, on foreign affairs, will be ‘Protection will lead to great prosperity made to benefit American workers and and strength’. To make the SVG American families’. This is precisely economy strong, we must protect it what we need in SVG — decisions to from the financial greed of foreigners. benefit Vincentian workers and President Donald Trump said that Vincentian families.

‘Americans want great schools for The apartheid tax system in SVG is their children, safe neighbourhoods for bad for Vincentian families. The tax their families and good jobs for and customs duty exemptions given to themselves. These are just and Taiwan and the rich of Mustique and reasonable demands’. Vincentians Canouan, deprive the SVG Treasury of want the same, and it is not too much about EC$2 billion a year. This is to expect this of their government. money that could be invested to create SVG Green Party congratulates jobs for our people and a world-class Donald Trump on becoming the education system for our children.

President of the USA, and commends And now, the ULP regime is selling his vision for a strong America. off crown lands cheaply to foreigners; not even giving Vincentians a chance SVG Green Party to buy this land. This does not benefit www.svggreenparty.org

Colonisation and God’s plan for building his Kingdom The Queen did not live in the Colony, but I WAS BORN in St. resided in Buckingham Vincent in 1961 when Palace, and ruled the the island was still under colony through her British administrators and domination/colonization governors, who lived in and we flew the Union the colonies and who Jack, sang “Rule received, interpreted, Britannia”, and “God and transmitted the save our gracious will/decree of the Queen Queen”. to the Colony. The home

by Negus

country (Britain) also sent to the colony a small group of British citizens for the purpose of showing the colony how to live, behave, as British citizens. The administrators ensured that there was political and social order.

The colony was taught to drink English tea at least three (3) times per day in place of their indigenous “bush teas”, and to substitute their indigenous meals with English ones. The Colony was also taught British etiquette, how to hold a tea-cup, how to hold a fork, how to sit, and so on. In short, the Colonies were reeducated.

The impact of colonization could be seen long after the colony received Associated Statehood in 1969, and Independence in 1979.

We (still) drive on the left hand side of the road, we drink tea, we speak the Queen’s English, we wear neckties in ninety degree weather, and still observe English etiquette.

There are vestiges of Britain all around us.

We still have Crown (Royal) Lands, Her Majesty’s Prisons, the Royal St. Vincent and

the Grenadines Police Force, and the Queen’s representative - the Governor General. We still have buildings that display English architecture, we still have the narrow cobbled streets, and the buildings in Kingstown that are built close together just as they are in the home country England.

The Kingdom of God is a country and we are meant to be its citizens (Eph. 2:19). As a matter of fact, God is actually the first to apply the concept of colonization; his original plan was to rule earth from his invisible Kingdom through mankind, his spirit children, just as Queen Elizabeth did with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, impacting the colony with her “will” from many miles away.

She did not have to live in the colony in order to do this.

Gen. 1:26 outlined how God made man, and gave him exclusive authority and dominion over the earth. Gen. 1:17 told us how he did it, using the earth to form man’s body, and then breathing the (spirit) man into the body.

The word Human is formed from two words, humus —meaning earth,

and man — meaning spirit, so man is really a spirit that lives in a physical body, and possesses a soul (mind, emotions, will). God’s original idea was that through his children (mankind), he would rule the planet, impacting it with his will, his desire, and with the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven.

In creating man, God did so, using himself as the model. He made man with his characteristics, such as his creative abilities, his emotions, and his ability to reason, among other things, and most importantly his will. In giving man will, God was really taking a big risk, because man could have easily used his will to make decisions, even against God himself, which man actually did (Gen. 3:6).

Man used his will to disobey God and to obey Satan and, as a result, lost the kingdom he was to rule and dominate as God’s ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20). God had to bring swift judgment upon the perpetrators.

Adam now had to work very hard to earn a living, his physical body was now going to deteriorate until he was dead (Gen. 3:19). The

woman was to experience painful labor pains during delivery, and she was going to be ruled by her husband (Gen. 3:16).

The Serpent, too, was judged for its part in loaning Satan its body; it was relegated to crawling along in the dust and filth of the earth, and was now considered to be the lowest form of animal (Gen. 3:14).

Satan, too, was dealt with. God told him that he would use the same woman to produce a seed that would crush Satan’s head (authority), but Satan would bruise his heel (antagonize him).

Both Adam and his wife were thrown out of Eden. The word Eden means — presence of God, so they both were removed from God’s presence (Gen. 3:24), causing them spiritual death, because anything removed from its life source dies. So the couple was to die both physically and spiritually. What a terrible predicament!

Still, all was not lost.

God was not caught by surprise. Because of his great love for his children (mankind), he put his contingency plan into action (Jn. 3:16).

To be continued.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 13.

News

CWPPS holds Cheerleaders Competition

by GLORIAH… THE CW PRESCOD PRIMARY SCHOOL held its Annual Cheerleaders Competition on Tuesday 24th January at the school. The four houses - Balein Soufriere House - 2016/17 Cheerleading Champions House (blue), Charlotte House (green), Durvenette Durvenette House, settling themselves for another of the CW Prescod Primary School, into one of their routine in defence of their title.

House (yellow), and Soufriere House (red) – routines. engaged in exciting competition before an school with a functioning Bum Drum Band, it was convicted by its sound. That augurs well for the audience of teachers, students, parents, and other clear that the students were quite sensitive to and future. interested individuals.

A panel of three judges drawn from the Ministry of Culture - Ms. Maxine Browne, Ms. Gloria Williams and Ms. Claydonna Peters - adjudicated along stipulated competition criteria of: style and fit, finish and neatness of costume; originality of chant; enthusiasm of cheerleaders; coordination of cheer activities; creativity in presentation, taking into consideration the appearance and use of props; and impact.

Amidst an air of heightened anticipation, Soufriere House appeared first. Well-synced in their dress, they also proved well synced in their coordination. They boasted a well-written, welldelivered chant, and while their enthusiasm did not come off too highly, they impacted the audience both visually and creatively.

Next to come was Charlotte House. They boasted much glitter, and promised some hype from the number of props they brought. They, however, proved to be very disorganized in their presentation, with many interruptions that upset their smooth flow.

Reigning champs Balien House, appearing in third position, seemed bent on retaining their title as they arrived on Jet Blue’ aircraft, resplendent with pilot out front and passengers pulling luggage.

They were well-dressed. Their chant, though well delivered, lacked the power of original lyrics.

The final team to appear was Durvenette House.

They presented a neat, stylish appearance on first sight. With a core group and a separate chorus of ‘fan girls’, they ran rings around others who sought to expand on chants, and rather concentrated on giving a blend of chant and cheer; their most defining feature being those well-placed chant sentences by the ‘fan girls’ consisting of on-pointed diction and deliberate expressions.

In the end, the suave and convincing performance of Soufriere House gained them the judges’ nod for first place. Durvenette House placed second, Balein House, third, and Charlotte House came in fourth.

As in every other competition of this kind, shouts of joy were heard roaring through the school, and there were also dissenting voices and disappointed faces, but it was an afternoon well spent.

Newly installed Head Teacher of the school - Mrs. Suzette Abbott-King commented on the benefits such activities have on the students.

“Activities like these lend added diversity to the education process,” she remarked. “Students get to learn that excellence does not come only through the academics, but that Cultural Arts are also an avenue.”

Mrs. Abbott-King further explained that there was an inherent camaraderie which eliminates unfriendliness and negative rivalry.

In speaking about the participation of the staff, she was happy to report that it was an entire school effort, with teachers becoming actively engaged, showing talent that everyone did not know they possess. “It is amazing,” she proffered, “to see that a reserved, male teacher yearly becomes an integral part of this process by writing chants, practising cheers, and the absolute passion with which he is consumed. The students, naturally, are inspired to excel, knowing that they have a mentor who is driven.”

Through it all, the CWPPS must be congratulated for their deliberate use of the drum to provide music for their cheering teams. Being the only primary

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 15.

14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

““Weekend W ken Week nd o of W WO WOW!” OW!!”

Coryell Cory orye ry yelllll ret ye rreturned etu ettu urn urn rne ed fo forr their one night the th eir ei ir o ne nigh n igh ght ht sshow how iin how n Bequia.

Vincentian Bequ qui uia ui a. Vi Vinc nccen cen nti nti nt tia t an an entrepreneur Basil en ntr ntr nt trep rep pren reneu ur ur B asiill Charles was on Charl arl rle es w as o n sstage tag age ge to to welcome Mustique wellcome e th the eM usti tiqu qu ue ue Blues musicians Bllu B ues mu ue mus sici cia ians ans tto o th the e beautiful Plantation beau aut uti tifu ti ifu full Pl ful P lant ant ntat tat ati ttio ti ion Hotel.

Hottel.

Open O pen a air ir jjam am

HEADLINER HEAD EADLINER REGGAE REGGAE GAE LEGEND LEG GEND Freddie Fred reddie McGreMcGre cGreregor gave gor ga gav ave a memorable memorab rable performance packed pe perfo for formance ce to a pa ac acked ed crowd cro row owd wd at a De De Reef Reef in in Bequia Bequ equia this this past pas ast ast weekweekend, Bequia end, at the the Beq Bequia Mount Mountt Gay Ga ay y Music Mus usic Fest Fes es stt 2017.

2017.

Freddie Fre red reddie and and his his s Big Big Ship Ship Band Ban Band had had audiences audiences ce es singing sing ging along along to his his is classics clas ass ssi ssics s for for well well over over an an hour. hour.

But Freddie was But Fr Fred re reddie die wa as just just part thrilling part art off a th hri hril rilling g four-day, five-event music four four urr-d r-day y, fiv fi iv veve-eve ev vent vent mu usic Headliner Freddie Mc Gregor, Jamaican H festival, festiv fes tiival ival, al, described descr cri rib riibe ibed as as one one ne Reggae icon, had his audience singing R of of a kind kin kind in in the the CaribbeCari arib riibb be a along with him. an, place every an, that thatt takes take akes k kes pl lacce ce ev very very January, features Janua nu nuary ar ary ry, and and feat fea fe at atu atu tur ure ures res a wide music genres. wid wide variety vari ariet rietty t off mus mu sic gen ge nr nres res.

T Text Source: BEQUIA MUSIC FEST C COMMITTEE Opening O pening with witth wit th st ste steel tee te el P Photo Credit: CLOUD ISLAND MEDIA

Zac Harmon returned with the Mustique Blues Festival musicians to thrill Blues enthusiasts.

S Saturday atu at tur urd ur day af aft afternoon’s fter ft errno rno oon’’s open-air the o pen-a air ir jjam am in am in th he he gardens Bequia ga arden ard ns of of B equ qui uia ui a Pla Pl ant ant ntat ati at ti tio on w as a n Plantation was an un u nfo nfo forg rge rg gettt tttab tab ablle o ne wi w iith th ha unforgettable one with ssurprise ur urpr rpris rise fo forr m any who any who many h ad no ot he ot eard ard off th the e had not heard dy ynam yna am mic ic du uo, ssisters uo isterrs rs dynamic duo, J ane ane ellle le and and J anine nine e Janelle Janine Xav Xa avi vier vi er o av avi av vier vi err S tri tr rin ri ngs ng gs Xavier off Xa Xavier Strings of Tr of rinid rin ri nidad d, p errf rfor rfo f rm rm min ing Trinidad, performing o n el e ele ect ctr trron ronic nic vio v ioli olins. M usic F est on electronic violins.

Music Fest gol go ld ssponsor ponsor th the eB equ qui uia ui a Pl Pla ant ant nta agold Bequia Plantati tio on p rov ro vided th vid vi he p he errf rfe rfe fect f ct ve ven nue nue tion provided the perfect venue forr th fo t ea the aft ft fter errn rnoo noon fo forr a rel rrelaxing ella axi xiing ing g afternoon J am by th am the eb eacch ch. P ch. errf rfo rfo form f rm rmer erss er Jam beach.

Performers iincluded inc nccl clude clu ed Th The eH onky nky Ton T onic nics, th he Honky Tonics, the B equ uia B uia lu lu ues es B and wi and ith vo ith oca allliist Bequia Blues Band with vocalist and g and gu uita uit ui ari ri rist B ris ob o bB erl er rlling lin ing ngho gh g ho off, f, guitarist Bob Berlinghof, k key eyb ey yb boarrd rd p lay yer Mi yer ikey key Wi iilllk k kie ie, keyboard player Mikey Wilkie, g gui uit uitari ari risst D ave av ve Wry Wrry Wo Worr rry rr ry,, ry guitarist Dave Worry, d dr rum ru ummer merr Jer J errry rry S iim mpson a mps nd drummer Jerry Simpson and Ut Uth than an M cInt nto osh ho nb ass. Th The e Uthan McIntosh on bass. aft af fter ft errn rnoo noon cconcluded onccl clude clu ed wi w ith ccounith ou un unafternoon with try tr ry sstar tar ar L eiisa Wa ay fr ay fro rom ro mC anada, ana Leisa Way from Canada, g gu uest sstarring ues tarr arrring ring wi ith th ith the e IImpac mp pac ac guest with b and. and band.

Sharing S haring the the st sta stage tag ta ge wi w with ith it th the the rregion reg egion Saturday S atu at tu urrday rday ni n night’s igh igh ght g ht’ t’ss mu t’ much uch uch an ant anticipatnti ti tici ciipa ipat aate d Freddie Fred Fr reddie die M cGre Grre rego go or ssegment or egme gment ed McGregor did not did not dis d isap app point oint nt.. P atr at tro ons ssang ang an disappoint.

Patrons

The The fo four four-day ur--day ur event opened with ev ve ent o pene ed wit w it ith th a m assiv ive e tu ur urno rno out to to massive turnout he ear ar the the out o utssta ut ta and ndhear outstandiing in ng yo youn ung ttalent ung al ale ent off young th he Elite Elliiittte eS teell the Steel O rch rch rc hestr hes tra ao n Orchestra on T Th h hu hur urssday ni n igh igh ght h, ht, ht Thursday night, w wi iith th a 1 4-pie piece with 14-piece o rche rc ch chestr tra a lled ed by orchestra Ke esslon Wi Wil lson, at Kesslon Wilson, th he Frangipani Frrang angi ng gip gi pan ani ni the H ottel ot el el..

Hotel.

Frri riday nig rid n ig ght ght gh h w as Friday night was re sserved erv er rve ed fo forr th the e reserved Mustique M Mus usti tiqu que qu eB Blues lu ues Fe F estival e stiv tiiv v val al mu mus sici cia ans ans Festival musicians att the the Bequia Bequ qui uia ui a Pl llantation ant ant ntat ati at ti tio on H ottel ot ell.

Plantation Hotel.

Th his year, his year, yea ar, ol ld This old fav fa av vorites v vori vo ori rittes llike ike favorites g gu u uitarist uit ui tari ari risst and and guitarist vo ocalist o ca ali list Jo oe L ouis uis vocalist Joe Louis Walker, W a alllke ker ker, gu gui guitarist uiiita tari ari risst a an n nd d vo voc cal aliist IIan an and vocalist Si S iiegal, eg gal al al,, gui g guitarist ui uittari ari risst and and Siegal, vo ocalist o ca ali list Z ac ac vocalist Zac Harm arm rmo on, vo voc ca ali list Mahalia Cummins and the 2 Mile Hill, Harmon, vocalist Gregg J Gre ack ack cksson Gregg Jackson gave a charged rendition of hip hop and Murali Mur ural ral alii and and dance hall numbers.

Vocalist Mahalia Vo Voccal allis ist M ahal ah alia ali Cummins, Andre Cum umm mm min ins, A And nd dre re Clarke, keyboardist Clark ark rke ke,, ke ke e eyb ey y oard ybo yb ard dist dis and vocalist and vo ocali alist off 2 Mile Hill created Miile ile Hi H ill ill cre cr re reat atted ted a high voltage finish hiigh hi gh vo olt ol lta age ge fi inish ini of danceof hip h hiip p hop, hop, d anceanc hall, well ass hall ll, as as we ell el ll a some their som m me e off th the eir ei ir original oriigi igi gin nal al ssongs ongs gs llike ike ike “Billionaire” which “Bil illllio lio onai aiirrre” e” wh hich hich was well received wa s w wel elll ll re rec ceiiv iv ive ve ved d by young crowd. by the the yo youn un n ng g cr rro o ow wd.

Popular Shatta Po opula ular ar DJ JS hatt attta tta atkins, The he Baro Baron, moved the crowd at De Reef with his sweet of of Bequia Bequ qui uia ui a jjoined oine oine ed th the e Timothy Watkins, team team and and ke kept ptt th the e soca sounds. vibes flowing vib vib ibe es flow fl ow wing wing throughout the evening, th h hro ro rou u ugh gh ghou ou ut th ut h he e eve ev ve ven nin ng, g, closing out the party clo cl osing ou ut th ut h he ep art art rty ty y at a nearly 4am! ne earl arl rly ly 4 am! am!

Sunday afternoon De Sun nday aft af fter fterrrn n noo oon at a D e Reef Lower Bay offered Reef in in L Lo o owe we e err B ay of ff ffe ffe ferrre ed more performore e incredible incrrre edib dibl ible p errfo erf forrfo mances.

The Bequia Kids m a anc n c e s .

Th h he e B e qui qu uia ui a Ki K Kid ds (L-R): Jennie and Janelle Xavier enthralled as much as they entertained on Pan Steel Orchestra o nP an St an teell O rrch ch che estr tra ra with their electronic violins. opened afternoon, o pen ned th the e aft a fttter errrno no oon, followed Music Fest fol fo llowe ed by Mu usic F est legend Toby Armstrong with along Freddie’s classic tunes begging one more…. along tto alo o Fr rre eddi die’ e’ss cl e’ lassic tu tun n nes es b egg ging for ging ffo or jjust ust o n ne e mo ore re… …. . legen gend To ob ob by y Arm Ar rm rmsstr tro ro ron ng wit w itth th his guitar like Ship’, ‘What gonna The evening had opened with like ke ‘‘Big Big gS hip hip p’, ‘W What Wha a yo you u go gon n nna na Th h he e eve ev ve ven nin ni ng gh ad o pene ed wi w iith th th the e his extraordinary ex ext xtr tra tr aordi aor din nar ary ry g gui uiitar itar sskills. kil kills.

Abuza, Yaphatto Dynado’, you’, ‘When push young, extremely do’, ‘‘Stop Stop lloving ov ovi vin vi n ng g yo o ou u’, ‘W ‘Wh Whe en p ush yo you u ung ng g, ex g, xtre xtr xt e em melly ly energetic en n ne erge rg gettic ti tic Abu Ab uza, Ya Yap aph ap hatt atttto to and and D Dyn yn namite and their band ‘niced come many more.

Signal Band off D Dominica come tto o sshove’ h ho o ove ve v e’’ and e and m any ny m orre e.

S ig ig gn gna nal al B and o and o om min m inic nica wit with wi w itth th miiittte m ea nd tth the hei eir b and ‘n nicced nic ed up up the place with Vincy Off His warm energy had the crowd their unique version off ssoca.

His w arm ar rm en n ne ergy rg gy h ad th h he e cro cr o ow wd the th eir ei ir un niqu niq qu ue ev ver errsion o oca. the p lace ace wit w it ith th Vi Vin ncy ttalent. alent ale n .O nt. course, Sweet Soca Man ccou ou urs rse, Sw weet S oca M an an Baron was hit, Baro aro on w as a hit h itt, li llighting iigh gh ght hti tin ting n up p the well known the crowd crrow cro wd tto o his his w wel el elll kn k no no ow wn wn sweet tunes sweett ssoca oca tu tun nes llike ike ke ‘‘SomeSomebody’, it’, ‘Tell body’ dy y’,, ‘‘Feeling y’ Feeling ling it t’, ‘‘Te t’, t’ Te ell el ll m me e why’ more. wh why hy y’ and y’ and m ore e.

When asked had When na ske ked d if if sshe he eh ad a do’ Foster joined with local band K’Netic to provide a Akeido ‘Keido’ great weekend, one patron great we gre eek kend, o ken ke ne ep at atr trrron on icy-Style y-Style jam. genuine Vicy-Style from the USA fro fr ro rom m th h he eU SA ssaid, aid, aid “WOW! wait “W WOW! ""Can’t WOW Can’ an’ n’tt w ait ait until year"! un unt ntil nt nti ti til il next n nex e ext ex xtt ye ear ar" a r"! visiting The vis The v isitti tiing ng g musicians, many mussici mu cia ans, and ans and m any pat atr tro ons al a llll sspoke pok ke ke patrons all h hig ig gh gh hly ly o h he e ex xccep xc ep phighly off th the exceptional ho tio ospital italit alit ity ty a nd tional hospitality and smooth run ru n nn nin nin ng g off th the e smooth running fessti fe tiv iva al – and al and th the e festival un niqu niqu que e, m agi giccal, al, and and unique, magical, int nti tiimat imatte te atm at tmo osphere e intimate atmosphere in B equ qui uia ui a fo forr wh hich hich in Bequia which the Bequia Bequ uia M uia usic the Music Fest is is fa amou amou us.

Fest famous.

The perennial favourites Elite Steel Orchestra, was again in impressive mode as they opened four days of music.

The crowd at ‘De Reef Reef’’ for the grand finale.

Way, Canadian Country Star and Leisa Way, the local band Impac combined to create an impactful performance.

The grounds of the Bequia Plantation Hotel provided an ideal venue for the afternoon open-air jam.

V

16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

AUS holds White Coat ceremony THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) welcomed thirteen students into its MD programme, during a White Coat ceremony on January 13, 2017, at the NIS building in Kingstown.

The inductees represented countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, The Republic of Congo, the United States of America, India and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In donning their White Coats, they accepted the challenges and responsibilities of becoming healthcare professionals with a commitment to serving others.

Dr. Shakel Henson, the Dean of Student Affairs and an Assistant Professor at AUS, addressing the ceremony, urged the students to remain committed to the field of medicine and to serve selflessly. She reminded them that medicine “is not merely a job, but rather it is a commitment to individuals, populations and even the country in which you will serve.”

The Dean encouraged the students to enhance their knowledge and to continue learning, but she also warned the students that the path to success “is rugged and winding, but the endpoint may be reached through hard work and dedication.”

This need for hard work was further reiterated by the Dean of Basic

Dr. Shakel Henson, Dean of Student Affairs, appealed to the inductees to look on their profession as a service to mankind.

White Coat inductees with faculty, staff and management of the AUS.

Sciences, Dr. Dommalur Jayarangaiah. He implored the students to be disciplined, dedicated, diligent, empathetic and resilient, emphasized the need for a positive work attitude, professionalism and sincerity, and stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge.

The closing remarks were delivered

by Pre-Med Coordinator and lecturer,

Mr. Kenroy Johnson, who assured the students that the team at AUS represented a strong support network, which will help to guide them along their path to becoming a medical doctor. He also encouraged these aspiring physicians to remain focused throughout their career.

The occasion was witnessed by Faculty, staff and management of AUS, family and friends, seasoned students of the institution, as well as

new students enrolled in the Premedical programme.

A relative newcomer among medical colleges here, the AUS School of Medicine was opened here in 2012 at its current location at New Montrose, St. Vincent.

It is accredited locally by the National Accreditation Board of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 17.

Education

Winner in Secondary Idea category, Northern Lights of the Mountain View Academy.

Winner in Secondary Mobile App category, Northern Lights II of the Mountain View Academy.

Winner Tertiary Idea category, Hairouna Dragons of the SVG Community College.

2

NTRCÊs I Competition concludes and present projects in the form of ideas and THE ANNUAL ‘IDEAS AND mobile applications that INNOVATIONS, I² can implement news Competition’ hosted by the systems or improve National existing ones for Telecommunications businesses within the Regulatory Commission private sector of St. (NTRC), culminated in a Vincent and the Grand Finale and Prize Grenadines.” The Grand Giving Ceremony at the Finale saw each group Conference Room of the making presentations of National Insurance their idea of mobile app, Services, Thursday, 19th then facing a panel of January. judges for the answering The competition, of questions on their comprised of ‘Idea’ and a project.

‘Mobile Application’ categories, allowed for Secondary entries from secondary Competitions and tertiary institutions.

The Idea Category Of significant note was attracted entries from the participation of the seven secondary school Mountain View entries and three tertiary Academy. Two teams institutions. The Mobile from this institution Application Category saw Northern Lights and a total of three secondary Northern Lights II — schools and three which placed first in the tertiary institutions Secondary Idea and competing.

Secondary Mobile App According to Categories respectively. information coming out Northern Lights II of the NTRC, “The I² presented an idea for an competition is a forum innovative solution for that challenges students traffic management in from the secondary, times of emergency at technical and tertiary public events. Their institutions to develop responses to questioning

by GLORIAH…

were almost irrefutable.

Northern Lights presented an app to enhance and automate vehicular parking in Kingstown.

Placing second in this Idea category was the St. Vincent Girls’ High Schools’ MAKS Squad who described an idea which would allow persons to identify and order food from specific restaurants. For third place, the Petit Bordel Secondary School’s PBSS Inventors presented an idea of bringing together all those involved in the agriculture sector to communicate their needs and availability of products.

The Mobile App category saw the Thomas Saunders Secondary School’s Team Way placing second after presenting an app that acts as a communication tool for the sharing of information among families and teachers. In third position was the Troumaca Secondary School with an app designed to be used by the Vincentian public to

purchase food from restaurants.

Tertiary Competitions In this segment, the St. Vincent Community College supplied all entrants. Gaining the judges’ nod for first place Idea was Hairouna Dragons from the Division of Teacher Education, with an idea for businesses to upload job vacancies in real time. Ctrl Alt Del from the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies placed second with an idea for keeping track of customers’ purchases by taking a snap shot of the barcode and calculating their bill.

In third place was Group.cpp, also from the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies with their idea of providing users with the current location of the omnibus of their choice.

In the Mobile App category, Proactive Solution Innovators of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies described their

Winner Tertiary Idea category, Hairouna Dragons of the SVG Community College. app for allowing people to become aware of local businesses that are upcoming or not well known on the market, and won first place. The second place project came from Group.cpp with their app to allow users to select their desired meal from a variety of restaurants based on real time menus and current preference. Placing third was New Investors of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies presenting their app to provide protection and restriction on all electrical devices

regardless of location and physical supervision present.

For all their efforts, participants were generously rewarded.

Mobile App winners received $3,500, $2,500. and $1,500 respectively, while the Idea winners received $2,000., $1,500. and $1,000. respectively.

Other prizes of smartphones, tablets and supermarket and other vouchers were received.

The NTRC looks forward to fulfilling its mandate with the conducting of this competition next year.

SMSA music programme better equipped WENDELL EDWARDS, Principal of the St. Martins Secondary School (SMSS), expects no fewer than ten students to write Music as a subject in the 2019 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination.

All of this and more, Edwards said, towards making the institution ‘The Centre of Excellence’ for music in the school system.

Music is compulsory up to form three at the SMAS. The Principal extolled the virtues of music, e.g. building confidence, teamwork and focus, when he addressed a ceremony last Tuesday morning at the School’s library, where a quantity of musical instruments was being donated by a past student - Alexis Ballantyne, a graduate of the class of 1991.

Ballantyne migrated that same year and has since taken up residence in

Texas, USA. But, as he described, the St. Martin’s Secondary School provided his foundation, and he has high regard for his early settings. It is in demonstration of this that he donated the equipment.

Kay Martin Jack, Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, speaking at the handing over, praised Ballantyne for his donation of equipment valued at over US$1500, and which included two guitars, two keyboards, a drum set, acoustic speaker, amplifier, two mikes, two tambourines, and two djembe drums.

Martin Jack echoed the value of music in increasing the capacity to memorise. That she indicated “augurs well for your academics, as it will help in your Maths, as reading music requires counting notes and rhythms that can help your Math skills.”

Jack outlined the gains of selfdiscipline which learning music entails. Students gather a sense of responsibility on their musical journey by taking care of the instrument that they play, the Senior Education Officer indicated.

Persons can express themselves naturally and relieve stress by playing an instrument, according to Martin Jack, and they can create a sense of achievement.

Penola Ross, Music teacher at the institution, was elated with the gift. Alexis Ballantyne hands over a guitar, “We want to use music as a tool to one of a quantity of musical instruments he donated to his alma alleviate some of the ills of the mater. Music teacher Penola Ross is society,” Ross said.

“The boys have a lot of energy that also pictured (back). we need to channel in the right accompaniment by Ross on guitar and places,” she added.

A choir of eleven rendered the songs students on drums. Students Mitchell Israel and D’evane Boyd rendered a ‘One love,’ and ‘Give a little love’ to pan duet of ‘Cherish your love.’

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18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Customs Officers mark World Customs Day

towards making our communities safe and prosperous.

The Customs and Excise Department also expressed thanks to all THE CUSTOMS and Excise were visits to schools to with Customs to enhance Organization (WCO) in its clients, stakeholders Department of St. Vincent discuss the roles and trade and economic well- 1953. It’s an event that and staff for their and the Grenadines joined functions of the Customs; being.” recognizes the efforts of their counterparts around an Open Exhibition; a International Customs Customs workers all over understanding, support and cooperation the world to celebrate Prayer Breakfast, and a Day is the anniversary of the world, and the throughout the year.

International (World) Family Fun Day. the first meeting of the contribution made by The department Customs Day, January The activities sought World Customs Customs Administrations 26th, 2017. to showcase efforts and This year’s celebration activities that promote was held under the modernization. slogan ‘Effective Border In a release earlier Management in a this week, the Modern Customs department said, “As we Environment’. move toward the future, Guided by the theme, we focus on enhancing the Department border management and commemorated the working with occasion with a number stakeholders, to maintain of activities beginning a high level of operation.

January 23rd and International Customs extending to tomorrow, Day is also an occasion to January 28. acknowledge those Among the activities agencies that work along

anticipates continuing cooperation with the public, in a joint effort to ensure a more efficient Customs and economic growth of the country.

Vincentians (pictured) who left here in 2016 for study in Taiwan will soon be joined by a new batch of their colleagues.

Presentations of 2017 Taiwan Scholarship Programmes THE EMBASSY of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has announced this year’s schedule of presentations of the 2017 Taiwan Scholarship Porgrammes.

Presentations to the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) at Villa are scheduled for Wednesday, February 1 at 12:00 noon, at the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE) at Arnos Vale, Wednesday, February 8 at 12:00 noon, and at the University of West Indies, Open Campus: Thursday, February 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Vincentians who are interested in applying for the Taiwan Scholarship Programmes, namely MOFA Taiwan Scholarship and TaiwanICDF Scholarship, are highly recommended

to attend these presentations.

The Embassy will make an introduction of the aforementioned scholarship programmes, including their respective qualifications, requirements and application procedures.

Members of the SVG Taiwan Scholar Alumni Association will be present to share their experiences of studying and living in Taiwan. Special guests include two Project Managers from the Taiwan Technical Missions in SVG. They will brief on degree programmes in the area of agriculture and ICT in Taiwan.

The Taiwan Scholarship Programmes were launched in 2004 to encourage outstanding Vincentians to pursue higher education in Taiwan. It is also to improve cultural and people to people exchanges between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In addition to undergraduate (4 years), master (2 years) and doctoral (4 years) programmes, the Taiwan Scholarship Programmes also offer a 4-year postgraduate programme for medicine specially designed for international students.

More than 110 Vincentians have been awarded the scholarships since their inception. Last year, there were 16 scholarship awardees. The deadline is March 17 for Taiwan ICDF Scholarship, and 31st March for MOFA Taiwan Scholarship.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 19.

News

Lions Club St. Vincent South distributes packages MEMBERS and prospective members of the Lions Club St. Vincent South journeyed to Sandy Bay and surrounding communities on Sunday 15th January, to distribute food, toiletries and other household items to the less fortunate.

Packages were handed over to some 3 families in Point, Owia, Sandy Bay and other communities within the area.

The packages were put together as a result of the generous annual donation of barrels from Former OECS Liaison

Officer in Canada, Lion Evans Bernard John and friends.

The Club also used the opportunity to conduct a walkthrough of the affected communities, and has identified additional persons in need. Plans are already afoot to return shortly to the communities to make additional donations.

In related news, Lions and Leo Clubs here are preparing to welcome Lions District Governor Lion Errol Lee, MJF (Melvin Jones Fellow) of Jamaica.

Right: Lion Errol Lee, Jamaica, Lions District Governor, will visit SVG in early February.

The District Governor is expected to visit from February 1 — 4, during which he will conduct the annual District Governor’s audit of the clubs.

He is also expected to pay courtesy calls to His Excellency, The Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and the Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons

President Dr. Jose Davy and prospective Lions Club South members make a donation to a needy person.

with Disabilities and Youth.

There are three Lions and two Leo Clubs in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines. They are part of Sub-District 60B which stretches from Jamaica and Cayman in the North to Grenada in the South.

Currently, there are several Vincentians Lions Isaac Solomon

MJF; Zone Chairperson, Monica Glasgow; Dr. Jose Davy, Michael John, Dionne John, Gillian John and Beverley Reddock who serve as part of the District Cabinet in several capacities.

Vincentian moved to assist YET ANOTHER Vincentian national residing abroad has been moved to respond to the needs of residents of North Windward, following their displacement occasioned by recent torrential rains and flooding.

Recently, a quantity of food items and toiletries was distributed to twenty-two families and four mothers with new- born babies in the Peter Rozann DeFreitas (left) and friends went shopping, and Village, Level, packed three barrels of items for distribution to affected London and Sandy Bay areas. persons in North Windward.

In addition, toys This demonstration of was as a result of an and skipping ropes along care for those whose initiative of Vincentianwith snacks were also lives and livelihoods born, Florida resident delivered to the Sandy were directly affected, Rozann DeFreitas, who Bay Primary School. launched a campaign among her friends and relatives residing in South Florida, that raised some US$1,000 to purchase relief items for those affected.

Rozann also mobilised support on the ground here in SVG, to package and distribute the items.

Reports are that all recipients were Mrs. Sylvia DeFreitas (holding box), Rozann De Freitas’ appreciative of the thoughtful gesture. mother, supervised the distribution of the relief items.

Members of the Coreas Activities Club made a presentation at the Owia Government School.

Coreas Activities Club reaches out MEMBERS OF THE COREAS Activities Club responded positively to the needs of residents of the North Eastern areas of mainland St. Vincent, who were affected by the rains and floods occasioned by the recent passage of a Trough System in late November 2016.

On Saturday 07th January, 2017, employees and members of the Coreas Activities Club made the journey to that area of the country, to deliver food and other basic supplies.

The first stop at Sandy Bay saw representatives of seven families who were once housed at the Shelter in Sandy Bay, receiving packages.

Though no longer housed at the shelter, those persons were still in need of much vital supplies.

President of the Coreas Hazells Inc Activities Club, Ms. Kathy Harry, in addressing the gathering, gave a brief explanation of the day’s mission, and urged all to keep hope alive.

Following the deliveries in Sandy Bay, the team moved on to the Owia Primary School, where packages of foodstuff and toiletries were handed over. The children were in high spirits as they gathered in a classroom to welcome the team from

A senior citizen receiving good cheer and assistance from Members of the Coreas Activities Club.

Coreas Hazells Inc. Six baskets stocked with foodstuff and toiletries, were delivered, to cheers and shouts of approval from the students and teachers gathered.

Special deliveries were made to a blind senior citizen in Owia and another in Sandy Bay on the same day.

The total cost of the items delivered during the exercise was approximately $3000.00.

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Not marriage material have been together, I Dear George, have not advanced, and THESE MEN in St. Vincent it is all attributed to need to wake up and smell him. I have to be taking care of him as though he the coffee. I am a thirtytwo-year-old woman who is is a child.

He wants us to get going out with this married, but I do not man. He does not know think he is ready for the first thing about love marriage. How long or taking care of a should I wait before woman. I left my last boyfriend because he was tying the knot with him? a worthless good-fornothing. I told this to my Still having doubts present boyfriend and he promised to be different. I Dear Still was so disappointed to You would want to find out he shared pictures break the pattern of of our intimate sessions attracting men who are with his friends and now going nowhere. Take a one of them even has a step back and assess certain body part of mine your way of doing as wallpaper on his things. Now that you phone.

When I met this man, have realised that your he told me he was about present relationship is stagnating your progress, to get a job. It is now almost two years, and he you need to take the necessary action to still has not worked a correct what is not going day. He sits at home with his best friend (the right.

Sometimes we have to TV) and does not lift a stroke to clean up around make tough decisions for him or to at least prepare our own development, and one such decision something for me to eat you need to make is after I get home from work. I am the one who whether to keep this man does everything - paying on board. The subject of marriage should not the bills, doing the surface at this cooking, laundry etc. I point. Before discussing told him that since we

Coming out of the closet Dear George,

marriage, you need to have someone in your life who is marriage material and deserving of you.

Based on the description of your ‘partner’, especially the role he is playing or not playing, I am convinced that he is not marriage

I HEARD about the walk that you are going to do for people suffering from HIV/AIDS, and I want to thank you for doing it.

I am one of those persons who is HIV. At first, I was very upset with the woman who gave it to me, but I have since forgiven her. She gave it to me, not knowing she had it. I kept myself to myself after I found out I had it, but now I am ready to come out material. You need to and let people know the truth, and do whatever I immediately reassess do to help stop this thing from spreading. I and give the relationship can know other brethren who are like me, but they a permanent rest. prefer to stay under cover. I am encouraging them to come out, which is why I am happy you are George coming to do this.

Thanks again, Ole George, for doing this, and thanks to the people who are working with I must admit that I manipulated to suit our Dear George, you. I know the brother have a weakness for own interest. In the real ‘Pumpkin’, and I will let girls. I am involved world, this is not so and I AM A MARRIED man him know who I am. He (sexually only) with four we have to deal with the who has just done knows me, but does not different girls as we speak. consequences of our something very stupid. I know I am HIV Two of them have actions. wish I could turn back the positive. You guys are It is a pity you hands of time and correct informed me that they are pregnant for me. I do not undervalued your wife and doing a great job and my mistakes. must keep it up. marriage, and allowed I have been married for believe I am the one who

Giving into the flesh

4 years and I love my wife very much. I would hate to think she could be with another man, but I am beginning to believe that I stand a very good chance of losing her. I know there are many men who are after her, and I am now nervously hoping she would remain in this marriage, although I have just given her every right to move along without me.

got them pregnant, because they have their boyfriends. Two of these girls have just left school and they are depending on me for money, etc. They have threatened to expose me to my wife if I do not give them what they ask for. I am in a real hole here.

To be honest, I do not know how I got to this point. What am I to do now? I do not want to lose my wife; I do not want to be with any of these women permanently, and I cannot afford to take care of two extra children. I have children from my previous marriage.

your fleshly desires to get the better of you, but cannot hide two pregnancies for a prolonged period of time from your wife. If you know you have been sexually involved with these women and the possibility exists that you could be responsible for those pregnancies, then you should be prepared to man up and deal with whatever consequences that may follow. A good way to show your seriousness about getting things back on track is to get a marriage therapist to assist you while you, in the presence of your wife, lay out an action plan that would lead to your successful Man in a hole rehabilitation. It is always good to keep in the Dear Man in a hole, back of your mind that all It is said that hindsight stories do not have happy endings. is 20/20 vision, and it would have been great if the hands of time could be George

Hopeful Dear Hopeful, Thank you for sharing with me. I am happy that you have got past your anger. Continue to encourage others who are also HIV positive, to get as much help as possible from the system. Being HIV positive is not the end of the world, and you need to understand that you have an invaluable contribution to make. With the appropriate medication and care along with proper dieting, you should be able to lead a very productive life. Keep your chin up and continue spreading the message of hope.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations. Let others know what your intentions are and be honest in your approach. You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Not everything you hear will be legitimate. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident. Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive.

Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items.

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) They won't get away with it. Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests. You will be quite excitable this week. Take care when dealing with older relatives.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Short trips to visit others will do the whole family a world of good. Try to avoid any drastic/ decisions concerning personal legal matters. You can get ready to celebrate your new direction. You will impress new friends and acquaintances with your intellectual wit.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) You may end up being blamed if anything goes wrong. You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvements. You have to believe in yourself and your talents. You may find yourself changing crowds.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Compromising could be on the agenda this week. Try to take some time to listen to their complaints, and in turn, do something to appease them. You may find that others do not do things the way you want; however, if the job gets done, let it pass. Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) After all, they may have valuable information to pass on. Think of changes to your home that will please and add to everyone's comfort. You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate.

Try to include friends and relatives in your activities.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates; however, avoid being lavish. Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Be sure that you have all the facts before you take action.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) Minor fevers or infections will develop if you're over‐stressed. You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Take care of your personal needs.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club. Relatives will want to get together. Club memberships or donations could be expensive and prove unnecessary. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Work diligently and you will get ahead this week. Plan a nice evening for two.

You may find that romance will unfold through business connections. Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle those who are less creative.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Attempt to face key issues with lovers or problems could escalate. Do something that will be stimulating and creative. Mingle with those who can help you get ahead.

ACROSS 1.R.E. Lee’s gp.

4. Large ocean (abbr.)

7. Janitor’s tool 10. Chewbacca pal Solo 11. Parsley piece 13. __ carte (2 wds.)

14. Self‐esteem 15. One with top billing 17. Swordsman 19. Bro’s female sib 20. Thanksgiving treat 21. Makes a hole 24. __ truck 26. Tarzan’s hang outs?

30. GI’s hangout 31. Uses as clothing 32. Narc’s org.

33. Imitates 35. Small whirlpool 36. Like (2 wds.)

37. Pub drink 38. Provided snacks 40. Goes upward 43. Deduction 47. Bando or Maglie

48. “In __ begin‐ ning…”

49. Thin boards 50. Wind dir.

51. Common tree 52. “__ My Party” 53. Do needle‐ work DOWN 1.Cook 2. Fragrant herb 3. Of unknown Authorship 4. Mimic 5. Melodic syllable 6. Trunk tops 7. Big boy 8. Grand __ Opry 9. Golfer’s goal 11. Son Noah 12. Coasts easily 16. “__ soup yet?”

(2 wds.)

18. Graduate’s topper 22. Female deities 23. Moved rapidly 24. Owing

25. West Point (abbr.)

26. Asian holiday 27. “Norma __” (Sally Field movie) 28. Hesitation sounds 29. “You don’t __!”

31. Ultrathin crackers 34. “This Is Your __” 35. Quarterback Manning 37. Greek war god

39. Pastrami parlor 40. Makes believe 41. Well‐being 42. Killed a dragon

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 21.

43. Follower of (suffix) 44. Canucks’ gp.

45. Woman (abbr.)

46. Natalie Cole’s father

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22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Black Sands Resort set to begin From Backpage.

“Today marks the ground-breaking when the Buccument celebration, but it comes Bay Resort resumes with the responsibility operations and the Black and a promise to build a Sands Resort is realized. project that all “So let no man despise Vincentians would be what we are doing here. proud of and can We are working hard,” participate in,” said he declared.

Romano.

Joseph Romano, He disclosed that an Principal of Pace advance team has been Development Inc., on the ground in St. promised a first class Vincent for over a year, facility. and they have been in

touch with everyone concerned.

Most of the workers from the construction phase to the operational phase will be local persons, he assured.

“These promises we are making today are promises we will keep,” Romano declared.

Vincentian born Anthony Bowman who resides in Canada, said he feels a personal sense

of pride in the project. “…This project is giving back to the people in terms of skilled labour and numerous business opportunities, tourism , etc. My family and I are convinced that this project will succeed so much that we are making a significant investment in it”, said Bowman. He and his wife have already indicated interest in

purchasing a number of villas in the resort.

Prime Minister Gonsalves is confident that the resort will enhance the country’s tourism package, and expressed how pleased he was that Pace had decided to build a project of such magnitude in St. Vincent. The matter of building the resort has been in discussion for quite a while, he disclosed, adding, “This is a matter which we have been working on for many years. But as Joe (Joseph) Romano would have told you, he would not have been here, if it wasn’t for the Argyle International Airport. ….

You are not going to build a resort of 360 — 400 rooms without an international airport; you

have to have the air link.”

Also speaking at the event was Guyanese businessman Gerald Gouveia, Chief Executive Officer of Roraima, a Guyana based airline that is exploring establishing air links between New York, SVG and Guyana.

Thursday’s groundbreaking event also attracted a small group of protestors, many having previously registered their disapproval of the sale of lands to a foreign entity, and who sought to keep in focus recent developments in Canouan (regarding access to beaches) and the abrupt closure of the Buccament Bay Resort in focus.

Joseph Romano of Pace Development Inc. promised that the construction phase of the resort will see the employment of mainly local workers.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 23.

Smashers record double win in National T20

SMASHERS, unseeded in Group B of the 2017 National Lotteries Authority Neil Williams National T20 cricket competition, raised eyebrows among the cricket fraternity when they recorded two wins in last weekend round of matches.

On Saturday, Smashers dispensed with the fancied Police Two at Buccament.

Thanks to a typically blistering half century, 64, from Salvan Browne, Police Two managed 133 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Kirton Lavia 3 for 29 and Javid Harry 2 for 24 were Smashers’ best bowlers. Smashers, after a methodical approach to their run chase, closed at 138 in 19 overs, losing 6 wickets in the process.

Kurtbert Springer hit a match winning 29.

Captain Kenneth Dembar took 2 for 16.

Smashers recorded

their second win on Sunday, when they defeated Radcliffe Two in a 9 overs encounter.

Radcliffe Two struggled to 42 for 5 in their 9 overs. Kuthbert Springer took 2 for 13. Smashers romped to 43 for 1 in 3 overs, with Rawdon Bentick hitting 23.

Also in Group B action last weekend, Radcliffe Two, inspired by a late burst by seamer Mickron McDowell who bagged 5 for 15, including a hat trick in his final over, had an exciting one-run win over Victors Two. Radcliffe Two were dismissed for 120 in 15 overs. Calvert King top scored with 36. Leon Quashie and Shamick Roberts took 2 each for Victors Two who, in reply, ended on 119 for 8 from 20 overs, Adinol Richards top scoring with 29.

Top seed in Group B Team Rivals, had a

comprehensive win over newcomers RW Sporting World SVG Community College. The College boys were outdone when, in reply to Team Rivals’ 189 for 2 in 20 overs, they could muster only 63 for 9. Team Rivals’ total was built on 49 not out from Roniel Jeffery, 43 from Hyron Shallow, 36 from Casmond Walters and 32 from Harley Skeritt. Winsbert Springer, Rasheed Fredericks and Rayshorn Durrant took 2 wickets each for Rivals.

Police Two put their defeat by Smashers behind them and returned on the weekend to beat Victors Two by 74 runs. Salvan Browne smashed a 52 ball 92 to help the lawmen to 181 for 7 in 20 overs. Adinol Richards was Victors Two best bowler, taking 2 for 35. Victors Two replied with 107 for 7.

Gerald Gould led the

Rouse enters record books YOUNG VINCENTIAN SPRINTER SHANTAL ROUSE, on January 20, erased two of her School’s Indoor Records, competing at the New York City Gotham Cup Event on Friday.

Representing KINGSBORO COLLEGE, Rouse established new marks in the 60 and 200 meters. In the 60m, she clocked 7.78 to erase the 7.99 mark set in 2009,while in the 200m,her 25.42 eclipsed the two year old mark of 25.51.

Shantal Rouse is showing signs of improvement.

Lauron Francois hit a 36 ball 76 for Victors one.

Salvan Browne hit a 52ball 92 for Police against Victors Two and 64 against Smashers. batting with 36.

In Group C action, Guardian General Saints, maintained their winning streak when they beat French Verandah SVG Community College by 7 wickets, on

Sunday. French Verandah SVGCC scored 121 for 5. Jeremy Layne top scored with 35, with Ray Charles taking 2 for 19 for Saints, whose top order then raced to 122 for 3 off 16.3 overs, with good scores coming from Vincent Cupid 39, Rickford Walker 38 and Romel Currency 32.

Guardian General Saints also earned one point on Saturday 21st, after their Saturday match against Providence Electronic Solutions North Leeward never got going because of a wet pitch.

Staying with group C action, Belfongo beat French Verandah SVG Community College by 9 runs, in an exciting 10 overs affair.

Belfongo scored 99 for 6.

Stein Joseph topscored 23. Ronaldo Franklyn grabbed 3 for 19. French Verandah SVG Community College in reply made 90 for 5.

Tilron Harry was left not out on 32. Rajiv Robert was Belfongo’s best bowler, taking 2 for 17.

Providence Electronic Solutions North Leeward beat Bequia Cricket Association by eight wickets. Bequia scored 132 for 6 in their 20 overs. Olanzo Bellingy hit 54 and Cheslon Stowe 33. Winston Samuel took 2 for 15. North Leeward replied with133 for 2 from 16.5 overs. Colon Mckie, 45; Shamon Hooper 44 and Micheal Joseph, 24 propelled

Mickron McDowell took 5 for 15, including a hat trick, for Victors Two. North Leeward to victory.

Defending champions Flow Radcliffe hammered Strike Eagles, beating them by 153 runs in a Group A encounter. Flow Radcliffe amassed 189 for 8 in 20 overs. Romano Pierre led with 66 and Andy Harper 39. Darren John bagged 4 for 39.

Strike Eagles failed to soar and were dismissed for 36 in 8.3 overs. Andy Harper picked up 4 for 16 and Othneil Lewis 3 for 15.

Victors One became the first team to break the 190 score mark this season, when they registered 193 for 6, more than enough to beat Owia Stars . A 36ball 76 from Lauron Francois led Victors One, with Donwell Hector and Norlan Williams each adding 30. Dean Browne took 2 for 24. Owia Stars replied with 134 in 17.4 overs. Shem Browne topscored with an even 50.

Alston Bobb took 4 for 4.

Triumph United beat Combined Youths by 23 runs. Triumph United made 148 for 9 in 20 overs. Vangel Small hit 33. Oneil Endeavour took 3 for 50 while Geron Wyllie and Darie Haywood picked up 2 for 12 respectively. In reply, Combined Youths were dismissed for 125 in 18 overs. Nickie Antoine led with 42 and Frankie Farrell 31. Vangel Small and Rommel Jack took 3 for 36 and 3 for 41 respectively.

Matches continue this weekend at the Arnos Vale, Sion Hill and Buccament playing fields.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

North Windward eyes triple football titles

FIRST TIME FINALISTS in the 2016/2017 National Inter- Community League Football Championships – North Windward, is looking to snatch all three titles to be contested this weekend at the Victoria Park.

North Windward will appear in the Under-14 final on Saturday versus East Kingstown from 4 p.m, and the Under-18 and senior outfits will engage Layou on The question: Will Georgetown footballers create history by taking Sunday, at 4:30pm and three titles this weekend at Victoria Park, the ‘Mecca’ of football in 6:30pm, respectively.

SVG? It has been a dream regulation time.

South Leeward. season for the senior outfit And, despite regarded as the A 3-0 defeat of North East especially, which in the less favoured, it is a buoyant preliminary round, beat Greiggs and 2-0 over Barrouallie, North Windward clan which navigated their route to this 4-3, downed neighbours North goes into the triple finals.

Sunday’s final.

East 3-1, and trounced Arnos One of the persons behind North Windward U-14s, Vale, 9-0. the success of the North though, will have a score to Moving into the elimination Windward teams, Dwight phase, North Windward outdid settle with East Kingstown, when the two duel on Saturday. Baptiste, believes, “What we are North Leeward 3-2, and seeing here is a sign of the In the preliminary round, slammed Calliaqua 3-0. development programme that East Kingstown had swamped But North Windward will has been taking place in North North Windward, 10-1. meet an equally devastating Windward over the years.

Other results for North Layou senior team.

“It is the first time we have Windward included a 2-1 win Layou seniors are yet to over North East, as well as a 6- reached this far; in fact none of concede a goal, beating North 0 whipping of Marriaqua and a them ever made it out of the Leeward 3-0, Barrouallie 6-0 preliminary round, more so and Buccament 3-0 in the group 3-0 defeat on Greiggs. reaching the final… I am North Windward did not stage. satisfied with where we have Moving into the quarter final, have to break a sweat in the reached, and it is now for the Layou blanked Greiggs 4-0 and semi-finals, as North Leeward failed to show up in time for the players to go out on the field humbled 2015 winners- South and execute,” Baptise added.

Leeward 3-0 in the semi- finals. scheduled start time of the North Windward is going into match.

At the lower age grouping, the finals with a slogan of their East Kingstown’s Under14s North Windward’s Under-18s have been the more impressive, own, as they embrace ‘Three stopped South Leeward 2-1 in teams, three finals, one aim, the quarter finals, and had a 2- lacing Greiggs 3-0, North East 3-2 and edged out Marriaqua 1- one community’.

0 win over Marriaqua in the When the competition was 0. semis. last staged in 2015, South In their semi- finals, East North Windward’s Under-18 Leeward won the seniors, East Kingstown proceeded to the rivals, Layou’s, tale shows a Kingstown — the Under 17, and final over Layou 3-2 in kicks 0–0 draw with arch rivals from the penalty spot, after both West Kingstown- the Under Barrouallie, a 2-1 win over teams had played to 1-1 draw in 14s.

North Leeward and 2-3 loss to

(Front L–R): Anne Miller, James Bentick, Dominic Ross, Sheridan Slater; (Back L–R): Kevin Hannaway, Janine Doyle, Jules Snagg, Jason Doyle. Missing from photo is Shaunelle Mc Kenzie.

Bentick retains SVGSA presidency...

SVG prepares for senior CASA JAMES BENTICK was re- elected President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association (SVGSA), at the Association’s Annual General Meeting staged last Saturday at the National Squash Centre, at the National Lotteries Authority’s headquarters in Paul’s Avenue.

Bentick, who first took over from long standing president- Sheridan Slater in 2015, was among most of the outgoing executive who eased back into their respective posts.

Like Bentick, Dominic Ross retained the first vice president’s post, a position he has held since 2015; so too did Sheridan Slater as Treasurer, and Anne Miller as Secretary.

Kevin Hannaway is the new Public Relations Officer, taking over from Othneil Bailey.

Last Saturday’s meeting created a new position, that of Assistant Public Relations Officer, with Jules Snagg given that responsibility.

Jason Doyle kept the position of Junior Players’ Representative, likewise Janine Doyle as one of two Committee Members.

The other Committee member and newcomer to national squash administration is Shaunelle Mc Kenzie.

Last Saturday’s meeting also received the Executive and Treasurer’s report on the activities of the association for the year 2016.

The association’s major undertaking in 2017 is the hosting of the 25th Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Tournament, set for 13th to 20th August.

Set to host the 25th edition, Bentick said that his executive will be working towards being a good host of the senior (CASA) tournament.

St Vincent and the Grenadines last hosted the senior CASA tournament in 2010, when the 18th edition was staged.

Hannaway, Benticks feast on Squash titles KEVIN HANNAWAY, along with the son and father combination of Kai Bentick and James Bentick, emerged winners of the Rick Nick’s Cafe Invitational Open Squash Tournament, which ended Friday at the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue.

Hannaway took the senior title beating Jules Snagg 11-7, 13-15, 11-8, 12-10 in the final.

On their way to the final, Hannaway whipped Mikal Quashie 11-4, 11-6, 11-2 in the semi- finals, while Snagg overcame Othniel Bailey 11-8, 4-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6.

For champing the title, Hannaway received a Galaxy cell phone, compliments Flow, and a case of beverage from St Vincent Brewery.

Second place- Jules Snagg, third place — Othneil Bailey and fourth

place- Mikal Quashie, each got a case of beverages as well.

Kai Bentick took the junior title which was played on a round robin format. He had wins over Dominic Ross (11-1, 11-3, 11-5), Mikal Quashie (11-5, 11-5, 11-7), Kevin Hannaway (left) and Kai Bentick and won by default from (right) with main sponsor Dominic Ross of Jada Ross.

Bentick won a cell phone Rick Nick’s Cafe. from Flow and a case of Bentick secured as his winnings a beverage from St Vincent Brewery. $200 gift voucher from CK Greaves Quashie and Geronimo Ross who and Company. placed second and third respectively, The senior Bentick had laced were each rewarded with a case of Telbert Samuel in the semis, 11-4, 11non- alcoholic beverages.

3, 11-2 en route to set up the intended And, James Bentick was declared meeting with Cyrus. In the other half, winner in the masters segment after Cyrus had the better of Colin his intended opponent - Paul Cyrus Alexander 9-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-6. withdrew.

Cyrus got a gift hamper from

James Bentick (left) is congratulated

by Dominic Ross, proprietor of Rick Nick’s Café.

Coreas Hazells, and a case of beverages from St Vincent Brewery, and third place — Telbert Samuel- a case of beverage.

Also contributing to the staging of the invitational tournament was One St. Vincent Group Inc. (OSV)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 25.

Sports

WhoÊs waiting?

THE ONGOING Regional Super50 competition offers the opportunity to break into the senior mix.

Cricket West Indies, as it has been rebranded, is in need of resources to market its product. The Windward Islands Volcanoes will have to maintain the momentum and deal with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their second outing. The Volcanoes shrugged off a challenge by the West Indies Under 19 whose squad includes Vincentian Obed McCoy. The youngsters, buoyed by the inclusion of some overaged players, exposed so as to monitor them, face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in today’s other encounter in Antigua. Barbados romped to a win over Guyana Jaguars in the opening salvo at Kensington, while Combined Colleges and Campuses stunned Jamaica Scorpions.

The participation of an ICC Americas party makes for intriguing cricket.

English Kent Spitfires broaden the horizon, and interest in the affair will increase.

The final is fixed for February 18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. The local Cricket Association can bid for the staging of any round of the Regional Super 50 without having to worry about some prior logistics.

Communication will be easier, with connections more readily available to all.

Facilities have proven to be adequate, as the recent Under 19 competition disclosed. More grounds are on schedule, and the association will be emboldened to revel in the Cumberland Playing Field.

The Arnos Vale Playing Field, and the surrounding facilities will be ideal for adjustments which will enhance their environment. The sporting element can be an ingredient in the redevelopment.

Vincentians will return to the old road across the airport which was rendered out of use owing to airtraffic. With competition from the aircraft out of the question, room will be afforded for road expansion.

That will be nostalgia for some. Time was when some motorists played Russian roulette with some planes, and enjoyed the adventure that the closeness of the aircraft engendered.

The eight teams in the Regional Super 50 will be looking for semi-final places. There is the suggestion, conviction in some quarters, that West Indies cricket is at its lowest. However they may be justified, prospects are bright for the Caribbean youngsters.

There are places at the top. Players have to assume the role of discipline and prepare to step up to the level. It cannot be talent missing from the region. There is evidence from the recent Under 19 World Cup which the West Indies won for the first time.

The question has been what happens after the Under 19 stage. There is the inclination that turf rivalry may be playing some part in alienating the new generation.

Administrators have to sort out how they manage the resources. There has to be coordination between the different segments and programmes from the primary school.

It will be a boost for the Volcanoes if they can make it to the semi-final. The opportunity is there for Sunil Ambris to stake his claim for elevation.

Delorn Johnson has proven that he has the ability to make the breakthrough.

He must maintain his fitness, and with the correct attitude, the figures ought to be in the records to justify his inclusion. The Windwards welcomed Kesrick Williams, fresh from his exploits with Jamaican Talawahs. That was at the T/20 format. Williams’ performance earned his recognition. He is known for his success as a bowler, but has the ability to make runs. Williams’ call up inspired many of his patriots and has aroused pride in North Leeward.

There must be that thrust to ensure that sports is incorporated to the network. That is a way to an orderly society.

“Football is in muddy water,”- Walrond SEYMOUR ‘Rollit’ Walrond, a former president of the then St Vincent Football Association, has likened the state of football here, as being in “muddy water.”

Walrond’s assessment is that after twenty- five years of participating in its first FIFA World cup campaign, St Vincent and the Grenadines cannot get past the group stage and, in most cases, has finished at the bottom of its group.

“Football is going nowhere, and it will not go anywhere the way it is going with this administration ...There is no real development programme taking place,” Walrond noted.

Walrond is of the view that the national administrators are not charting the course for Football, and are allowing it to evolve rather than putting a development structure in place.

“All the community competitions which are running all about, if you don’t get them developing, then what will happen? ... It is the same community leagues and community competitions where you get the players from, and if they are not developed, when they go to the national team, what will you get? ...Football is depending on the various communities... If they stop (playing) football ... football will be in serious trouble in the country”, Walrond related.

He opined that one cannot at this time identify any major development strategy that is taking place with St Vincent and the Grenadines’ football.

The coach and former national player, however, acknowledged that the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation from time to time hosts technical

courses for coaches, but he thinks that they do not aid in the sport’s development.

“Just listen to the introduction of these persons who attend the courses... They don’t have a clue about what they are about, some ah dem never coach ... After attending a coaching course , ain’t mean that you are a coach , carrying on the principles of coaching, teaching and learning ...

That does not happen with the coaches that go there (to the courses),” Walrond explained.

An outspoken Walrond contended that they, attendees, are there “just for the exchange for their votes...They are just getting the goodies that FIFA is sending down here for the real coaches.”

Responding to the current 180th FIFA ranking for St Vincent and the Grenadines, Walrond said this must be the case, as there is no forward thinking by those in charge of the nation’s football.

Seymour ‘Rollit’ Walrond.

“You need an executive that has a development plan whereby we can have international friendlies on the FIFA dates ...If we just want to be here spending FIFA’ s money , and taking part in FIFA tournaments, our football will not develop ... They are doing nothing... They only collect things from FIFA and share them out...

That is why football is in muddy water and we just rolling over in it,” Walrond evaluated.

Walrond, as head of the national football association, presided over the sport’s affairs from 1976 to 1978.

He is a former national player, who served as an assistant national senior St Vincent and the Grenadines team coach.

Walrond has been one of the pioneers of structured coaching for youngsters through the Rollit Coaching Clinic, which was a feature of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ football in the 1980s.

Myron giving back HE IS NEITHER a politician nor a businessman, just a footballer on a quest to give back to his community.

On Monday 16th January, national footballer and USL , Seattle FC2 Striker, Myron ‘Left Eye’ Samuel handed over EC$500 to his former primary school, the Layou Government school.

The support follows on the heels of a number of donations that Samuel had made to young footballers in the area.

Samuel, told THE VINCENTIAN before his departure for the USA, that the donation he made was monies raised through a number of events he and his friends had organized.

The effort was dubbed ‘Community Shield’, and featured evenings of sporting activities (Volleyball, Netball and Football) on December 9 — 11, last year.

Some $500.00 was collected at the gates, and this amount was handed over to the Layou school.

Samuel explained that the ‘Community Shield’ initiative is aimed, in a broad sense, at getting “the community back together and

as a telent search for new talent.”

He made the donation to the Layou Government School because, as he said, “It is the institution where I started my football and educational development, and the teachers are hard working teachers who care about the youth’s education and athletic ability.”

The young man disclosed that he has “a lot of things I want to do for the youths. I just wish some others can open their eyes, come together, put aside all differences against each other, and work together for the better of the kids and the community.”

He will, however, continue to do what he can with the little that he has.

Purnell McDowall, Principal of the Layou Government School, echoed Samuel’s appeal, saying on receiving the donation, “We are very grateful to Myron for the support he is giving back to the community, and I hope more persons can follow suit.”

Samuel has been a prolific

Myron Samuel is making a name for himself as a professional footballer but he is not forgetting the needs of his native Layou. striker for SVG’s senior national team. To date, he has scored 19 goals for the national team in his 50 appearances. (KH)

26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017. 27.

Classifieds IN MEMORIAM

VEHICLE FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Queensbury (43,582) sq. ft Prime Land Buccament (11,894) sq. ft.

Tel: 528-3939

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Rooms for Medical students 456-2293 454-3217

FOR SALE THE DR. CECIL CYRUS MEDICAL MUSEUM Tel: 784-457-9781

MAXFORD SYMORE BURKE AKA THE MIGHTY LEADER May 17, 1936 – January 9, 2017.

WANTED

‘I am the resurrection and the life He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, Yet shall he live.’

John 11:25

FOR SALE: Building Lots & Agricultural Lands & Houses.

FOR RENT: Houses, Apartments.

Contact: 434-5819

Remembered by his children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

BERNADETTE ROBINSON

RANDOLPH CUMBERBATCH

Mesopotamia SDA Church Sunday 22nd January, 2017 2:00 p.m.

Kingstown Methodist Church Monday 23rd January, 2017 2:00 p.m.

IAN MICHEAL HARRIS aka Mickie & South Cathedral of the Assumption Kingstown Monday 23rd January, 2017 3:00 p.m.

JOHN GOULD SDA Church Barrouallie Sunday 22nd January, 2017 3:00 p.m.

CECIL FERDINAND Rose Hall Methodist Church Monday 23rd January, 2017 2:00 p.m.

WILBERT JUNIOR PROVIDENCE New Testament Church of God Chateaubelair Sunday 29th January, 2017 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JANUARY 27, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.04

A.I. REAL ESTATE EVERYBODY MAY NOT GET A HOUSE BUT EVERYBODY CAN GET A HOME. CALL US FOR CONDO OPTIONS. (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

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BLACK SANDS RESORT SET TO BEGIN

by KENVILLE HORNE THE SIGNAL to begin construction of a US60 million dollars resort in Mount Wayne/ Peter’s Hope was given last week Thursday, January 19, during a ground-breaking ceremony.

The Black Sands Resort development project is to be undertaken by Canadian company Pace Developments Inc., and will see a 200 room hotel and 50 villas being built in the Central Leeward district, on 36 acres of state land that the company paid for EC$7 million.

Construction is projected to take 2 years to complete, and will employ mainly local workers.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of Pace Developments Inc, as well as members of the public.

Delivering welcoming remarks, Deputy Prime

Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the constituency.

Sir Louis Straker thanked the Prime Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves (centre), Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker (right) and Minister for seeing Principal of Pace Development Inc. Joseph Romano turn the sod signaling the go ahead for construction of the Black Sands Resort. the land purchase negotiations through, and PACE for bringing the project to the country .

He described the project as no minor type of development, and noted that the event marked the beginning of a great project, “a tourism destination that would change the whole of Central Leeward.”

He added, “This is a big development; it would provide employment,… ; farmers take note, for the people in these villas and hotels have to eat. …”

Sir Louis expects that the area would be booming with tourism Cntinued on Page 22.

Site of the ground-breaking offers a picturesque view of the Caribbean Sea.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.