Vin pages 28 10 16 e reader for web

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 28, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.43

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

LAWYER PROPOSES MONEY FOR GUNS

“It may be costly to put this mechanism in place, but life is DEFENCE LAWYER Grant Connell priceless. is proposing a gun amnesty with “Given the increase in gunthe mechanism in place for related crimes here, something persons to receive financial has to be done with a great rewards, as an incentive for degree of urgency to address handing over illegal firearms to the issue,” Connell said. the police.

Asked how successful he Connell’s proposal came on thinks this approach would be, Tuesday while speaking to Connell, who has, over the THE VINCENTIAN. years, represented several He disclosed that he had persons in Court on firearm spoken to Commissioner of related charges, said, “When Police Renold Hadaway, in an you work for certain clientele, informal setting, on the issue. you learn how they think, and The lawyer expressed the I am not the first defence view that this approach would attorney in this jurisdiction to be a catalyst in the process of express this view.” getting the illegal guns off the But he stressed that the streets. current economic situation Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

must be taken into account.

“Some may not want to admit it, but times are hard.

Persons need to put food on the table, and within these circles, there is knowledge of or access to the illegal firearms on the streets, and sometimes these guns fall into the wrong hands. Every gun off the street will prevent another crime,” Connell explained.

“Persons surrender their firearms, they are paid and they remain anonymous,” he added.

The lawyer said he is hoping that the Commissioner would forward the proposal to

those who have the authority to make it a reality, if they so desire.

When contacted on Wednesday for a comment on the issue, the Commissioner told THE VINCENTIAN that the Police High Command continues to meet to discuss the current crime situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a view to devising the most plausible strategies to address the issue.

He declined to comment further.

‘Let’s try a money for guns exchange as a way of reining in the illegal guns,’ suggests Attorney Grant Connell.

MAJOR COCAINE PI NEARS COMPLETION THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY (PI) involving two men charged in connection with a major cocaine haul, November 6 last year, will continue on November 8 when three more prosecution witnesses are expected to be called.

L-R: Trinidadian Junior Gomez and Gabriel Hutchins are charged jointly with possession of over 10.000 grams of cocaine.

Continued on Page 3.

The ‘paint buckets’ in which the cocaine was discovered.

V

2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Ex-inmates face problems of reacceptance

Left: A mural at Her Majesty’s prison in Kingstown aims to motivate inmates to be positive about turning their lives around.

SUPERINTENDENT of Prisons Brenton Charles is appealing to persons to help when their relatives are released after serving time in prison.

Charles made the appeal while speaking at the launch of a ‘Positive Reinforcement Programme for the Re-Habitable (PRPR),’ last Monday.

The Superintendent expressed delight with the initiative, and described it as one aimed at stemming the flow of persons returning to the penitentiary.

Ex-inmates face the problem of housing when they are freed because they are “shut out,” by relatives on notice of their release. Former inmates also faced great difficulty with finding jobs, Charles said.

Even when they do find jobs, the situation is compounded by distrust of ex-convicts, and Charles referred to the case where a former inmate was dismissed from a job, after he was identified by someone.

Charles made the comparison with “We have to embrace our former inmates,” Charles pointed out, alluding to the situation of former South African President Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in jail.

He indicated initiatives that the Prison authorities have taken to prepare the inmates for release, including some aspects of academic training. He admitted that competing with the School system was difficult for the prison, hence an emphasis on teaching “workable skills.”

In this regard, Charles highlighted an Auto mechanic programme done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, as well as a plumbing venture undertaken with help from a local individual.

“Our best bet is to provide programmes that will assist persons on their release,” Charles contended.

But he also took time to chastise persons who, he said, try to disrupt the Prison’s attempt to rehabilitate inmates by smuggling marijuana and cell phones into the

Superintendent of Prisons Brenton Charles highlighted the problems ex-convicts face on their return to their communities. facility.

In Charles’ view, such persons were trying to keep prisoners in crime.

He pledged his institution’s commitment to the ‘Positive reinforcement programmes for the rehabitable.’

Merrica Burke, Social Development Director, presented the feature address in the absence of Minister Frederick Stephenson. She was impressed by Charles’ presentation, and described her duties as redundant, in light of the Superintendent of Prison’s presentation.

She, however, echoed the importance of former inmates receiving adequate housing, social protection and being reintegrated into their families, communities and the society as a whole.

“We fail if inmates are not reintegrated,” Burke said, as she stressed the importance of encouraging ex-inmates to use their second chance.

She noted that education of the population was a “critical element. We have to educate the public about the importance of accepting former inmates.”

Assistant coordinator in the Gender Affairs Division Anton Caesar outlined aspects of the programme. When inmates have one year of their sentences remaining, they are enlisted in the programme.

Some 460 persons are incarcerated here, including eight women who are housed at the Kingstown facility. A number of male inmates are at Belle Isle Correctional Facility, opened in 2009. (WKA)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 3.

News 3 Crime escalation: Blame the ULP

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION - Arnhim Eustace has blamed the Dr Ralph Gonsalves Unity Labour Party (ULP) led administration for the current crime situation.

While speaking on Monday’s ‘New Times’ radio programme, Eustace said that, while crime is a multidimensional, complex issue, and there is no single cause of crime, it is accepted that the lack of economic opportunity — jobs — is a contributing factor to crime.

“And Gonsalves has contributed to that,” he said.

According to Eustace, Gonsalves promised the nation as one of his election promises, that he intended to get tough

on crime and the causes of crime; however, the facts have shown that the ULP administration has failed to do anything of the sort.

There were 12 homicides recorded in 2001 when Gonsalves first took office, Eustace explained, but in 2015 this country recorded 37 homicides.

And so far, the country has recorded close to 30, Eustace continued.. “(Recently) We had two shootings on the same day. All this translates to an existing murder rate of 34 homicides per 100,000 population, which places St Vincent and the Grenadines among the top 20 countries in the

world as far as homicides are concerned,” Eustace said.

“The blame for creating the conditions for feeding the cancer of crime is on the government,” he continued.

Eustace then fingered the ULP administration for doing things and/or allowed things to happen that have sent a signal to criminal elements that under certain circumstances, crime will pay.

He mentioned the reinstatement of the three officers in 2010 who were found guilty of severely beating 15-yearold Jemark Jackson in 2008, to the point where the teenager went into a coma.

The decision (reinstatement) taken at that time by the then Commissioner of Police, Keith Miller was illegal, according to Eustace, but Gonsalves as the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security stood by the decision.

And it was Gonsalves who, according to the Opposition Leader, spoke disparagingly about the court system, only to come back and say that one can go to all the courts, but one must come back to ‘papa’ — leaving one to conclude that the courts are a waste of time.

Eustace also raised the issue of crimes against women saying that in 2001, the issue of rape was not as

New Cumberland Bridge on the horizon THE LONG AWAITED replacement bridge at Cumberland is now clearly on the horizon.

Even before a ground-breaking ceremony was held at Cumberland on Thursday, October 20, on October 4th, Trinidad Contractors Ltd., with whom a contract has been signed for the undertaking of the project, had commenced works to the river banks, and started preparing for the installation of the by-pass bridge.

The new bridge will span some 82 feet, making it, according to Works officials, the longest The old Bailey bridge at Cumberland will be replaced. (Photo Credit: (bridge) span in SVG. Its We FM) . expected width of 21 feet will facilitate two lane vehicular provided by the government of Mexico, through the traffic and provide for a pedestrian walkway.

United Nation’s Office for Project Services The overall project, which also includes river (UNOPS). embankment protection near the Spring Village The Cumberland Bridge was one of 12 bridges Primary School and Community Centre, is that sustained severe damage during the torrential estimated to cost some 13.5 million EC dollars, to be rains and floods of December 2013.

prevalent as it is now, but all that changed in 2008 following the allegations of rape that were Leader of the Opposition Arnhim made against Esutace has put the blame for the Gonsalves, escalation of crime here on the first by a member of the ULP administration. local constabulary, “So what sort of and then by a human message is being sent to rights lawyer. the public about the “Both cases are a application of justice?” matter of public record, Eustace questioned, and they were quickly prompting him to declare dismissed before being that a newer approach heard in the court,” was needed. (DD) Eustace said.

Major cocaine PI nears completion Continued from Frontpage.

Junior Gomez, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, and Gabriel Hutchins from the Northern Grenadine island of Bequia, are jointly charged with possession of 10,892 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, importing the drug, conspiracy for the purpose of drug trafficking and possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking.

The PI had commenced at the Serious Offences Court on September 7 and was adjourned on a number of occasions.

So far, seven witnesses have testified for the prosecution, including customs officer Eddie De Freitas and former police corporal Fitzborne Chambers.

The matter was adjourned last Friday to November 8 to accommodate three additional witnesses, including Head of the Narcotics Unit Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Foster Scott, and Sergeant Pedro Harry of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Attorney Grant Connell is representing Hutchins, while Gomez is being represented by Israel Bruce.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche is leading the case for the prosecution, while Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne presides.

The charges reportedly stem from a police operation at Port Elizabeth, Bequia, November 6, last year.

The cocaine was allegedly found in 12 buckets usually used to contain paint.

V

4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Ari Shaw’s video in AG’s hands Wendell Corridon, of the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent A VIDEO SHOWN at the and the Grenadines Kingstown Magistrate’s Police Force (RSVGPF).

Court October 11, this The video had year, showing two police corroborated Shaw’s officers savagely evidence in relation to manhandling journalist Ari the treatment meted out Shaw of Searchlight to him by Corporal newspaper, is currently in Corridon and another the hands of Attorney police officer, while Shaw General (AG) Judith Jones- was being taken to the Morgan.

Central Police Station Commissioner of following his arrest in Police Renold Hadaway Kingstown last J’Ouvert told THE VINCENTIAN morning July 4, for on Tuesday that he has allegedly assaulting perused the video and Corporal Corridon, he has forwarded it, along being a police with a letter from Shaw’s officeracting in due lawyer Grant Connell, to execution of his duties. the Attorney General for In a letter to the her guidance.

Commissioner dated The video was October 11, Connell tendered in evidence as asked the top cop to have part of the case for the the matter redressed. A defence at the trial in copy of the DVD shown which the journalist was at the assault trial, acquitted on a charge of revealing Corporal assaulting Corporal Corridon’s manhandling Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

of the journalist was attached to Connell’s letter to the Commissioner.

The letter was copied to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Chair of the Police and Public Service Commission Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, president of the local Bar Association Rene Baptiste and Shaw.

Connell has since received acknowledgement of receipt of the correspondence he sent from the Commissioner.

In his letter, dated October 14, Hadaway assured that he would peruse the video enclosed, following which he would update Connell on the course of action to be taken.

When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Connell on Monday and asked whether he would

Kimron Henson (left), charged with attempted murder, was granted bail.

Judith Jones-Morgan, Attorney General, is expected to offer guidance on how the state should proceed with respect to a matter of police brutality. be taking legal action in relation to the treatment meted out to his client, he said, “We will wait to see what the good Commissioner does after his perusal of the DVD. I am also awaiting further instructions from Mr. Shaw.”

Before dismissing the assault charge against Shaw, Magistrate Bertie Pompey stated, “The video speaks a million words.”

He also concluded that the police were the aggressors. He noted that Shaw was going along willingly and was not retaliating.

Layou man charged with attempted murder A LAYOU MAN was granted $30,000 bail with one surety when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, charged in connection with a chopping incident at the Central Leeward town of Layou, September 10 this year.

Kimron Henson has been charged with the attempted murder of Steve Patterson, also of Layou. He was not required to plead.

Patterson suffered chop wounds to his head and hand, during the incident, and was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Henson was granted bail with reporting conditions. He was also ordered to surrender his travel documents.

He will return to Court on January 31, 2017.

Farmer charged with elderly man’s death VIV SIMON, 36year-old farmer of Victoria Village, has been charged with the murder of Errol Sutton, 74, originally of Stubbs, but who was a resident of Georgetown at the time of his death.

Sutton died after being shot several times during an incident at Stubbs around 12:30 p.m.

October 11.

Simon was not required to plead when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He was remanded.

The matter has been adjourned to February 1, 2017.

Viv Simon (front) has been charged with murder.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 5.

Regional

LIAT pilots refute GonsalvesÊ allegation Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Chairman LIAT shareholder governments, has come under attack for statements attributed to him.

The Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) has described as “erroneous and totally false”, statements allegedly made by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, at the conclusion of a meeting of the Shareholder Board, held in Barbados last week.

Of particular concern to LIALPA was Dr.

Caribbean: 25 years without polio THE CARIBBEAN has not recorded a case of “wild poliovirus,” (commonly referred to as polio) over the past 25 years.

This is the word coming The polio vaccine is from the Pan administered orally, making the American experience easier for children.

Health (Credit: Siasat.pk Forums) Organization (PAHO).

In a CMC report of October 23, PAHO is quoted as saying that the last case of the disease in the Americas was reported on August 23, 1991, in Peru.

PAHO said the countries of the Americas, including the Caribbean, have been able to eliminate polio and maintain the Americas free of the disease,by achieving high rates of vaccination coverage of children and through sustained epidemiological surveillance to ensure early detection of any outbreaks.

“Thanks to the strong commitment and hard work of the countries of the Americas, as well as health workers, donors, and other partners, poliomyelitis is now a fear that belongs in the past for parents in our region,” said Cuauhtémoc Ruiz Matus, head of PAHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunization.

Matus warns, though, that, “It is critical that we continue vaccinating so that polio disappears from the world. This is something we have been working toward for 30 years.”

In 1975, PAHO said nearly 6,000 cases of polio were reported in the region, adding that, in 1991, the last six cases were detected.

Three years later, in 1994, the disease was formally declared eliminated from the region, PAHO said, noting that since then, no child has been paralysed by polio in the Americas.

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis in a matter of hours.

It especially affects children under age five, said PAHO, adding that there is no cure, but it is preventable.

When administered several times, PAHO said the polio vaccine can provide lifetime protection.

More than 15 million people around the world who are walking today would be paralyzed if not for vaccination, PAHO. PAHO said only three countries have detected polio cases in 2016, namely Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria, with the last country reporting in August that two children had been paralyzed by the disease, after two years of no detected cases.

(Source: CMC)

Gonsalves’ statement in which he claimed that the airline was facing many cancellations as a result of illness by flight crew.

“LIALPA wants to categorically state that there is no abnormal sickness occurring among crew members. Presently, if a single pilot gets the flu and cannot fly, the sickness of that one pilot can cause several flights to be cancelled. What effectively run airline pleads on a regular basis with pilots, to work on their off days and personal vacation days?”

LIALPA is reported to have said.

And in response to a statement by acting chief executive officer Julie Reifer-Jones, who earlier this month allegedly said the airline has enough cabin crew to fly LIAT’s schedule, the pilots association said, LIAT is “woefully short of adequate crew to properly execute” its current flight schedule.

LIALPA also noted that the airline has not employed a single pilot over the last two years, even though 31 pilots have left the company, 19 of these having been trained to fly the newly acquired ATR type aircraft.

“Management sat on their hands while this mass attrition of ATR pilots occurred, and did nothing to rectify the situation, and this resulted in the company losing all of the monies it invested in the training of these pilots,” LIALPA retorted.

It is understood that the cost of training an ATR pilot is approximately EC$100,000 (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) per pilot.

The pilots say the airline continues to schedule flights even though it is aware that there is no crew available for the scheduled flight, and it would inevitably be cancelled.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (left), Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Chairman of LIAT’s Shareholder Board, makes a point during a press conference after last week’s meeting of shareholders in Barbados. Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart looks on. (Credit: Barbados Advocate) Flight cancellations are also occurring because LIAT has no reserve coverage on a daily basis, LIALP contended.

In related news, LIAT is expected to record EC$9.2 million (BDS$6.8 million) in losses at the end of this year, even though it has declared a net profit of EC $5 million (BDS $3.7 million) up to August.

Dr Gonsalves said shareholders were now considering a request to provide an additional EC $5 million for the airline. Once approved, he said it would be divided between Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua & Barbuda.

The chairman also disclosed that current shareholder governments have asked three other regional governments to become “partners” in the airline — St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada.

(Sources: Antigua Observer; Barbados Today)

Barbados sees beyond the arts of CARIFESTA BARBADOS will host CARIFESTA X111, from August 17 — 27, 2017.

It will be the second time that that country will host the Caribbean Festival of Arts, their first being CARIFESTA 1V, July 19 — August 3, 1981.

In fact, after CARIFESTA 1V, there was a lapse of some eleven years before the Festival returned, to be hosted by Trinidad and Tobago. Since then, the Festival has seen irregular inclusion in the Caribbean’s calendar of events.

And while Barbados will, as they have demonstrated they can do, ensure that all is ready for the hosting of the multi-cultural event that gathers artists, musicians, authors, and exhibits the folkloric and artistic expressions of the Caribbean, Barbadians, especially business people, are being urged to use the opportunity of CARIFESTA X111, to showcase their goods and services to the world.

Barbados Culture Minister Stephen Lashley made the appeal, saying, “I hope you’ve thought a lot about the creative sector. There are many opportunities, within the CARIFESTA experience…I want you to factor in how business and entrepreneurs will respond to the opportunity of CARIFESTA,” Lashley said as he addressed the media launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, held at the Cave Hill School of Business.

Lashley urged entrepreneurs to consider the benefits of developing a strategy to promote their products and services during the 10-day festival.

He also advised entrepreneurs that such creative ventures should be leveraged for international visibility, as their success will soon become a more mainstream source of economic development.

“This event is not just another CARIFESTA, it focuses on the empowerment of men and women through the creation of business ideas that can be transformed into products and services the rest of the world wants,” the Culture Minister noted.

One way persons may market their goods and services during the regional arts festival, is by taking part in the CARIFESTA XIII Grand Market and Buyers’ Shopping Mall.

CARIFESTA X11 was held in Haiti from August 21—30, 2015. (Source: CMC)

The logo for CARIFESTA 1V HOSTED BY Barbados in 1981. We’ve come a long way since.

(CARICOM Secretariat)

CARIFESTA is a mix of art, dance, music, cultural storytelling and more, with delegations from across the region. (Credit: Caribbean Journal)

V

6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Vincies begin independence celebrations in NY

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIANS on Sunday, Oct. 23, crammed the pews of The Church of St. Mark, Episcopal (Anglican) in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York, for an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates its 37th Anniversary of Independence.

The near three-hourlong service - organized by the Brooklyn-based Vincentian umbrella group in the United States, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), in collaboration with the New York Consulate General — drew nationals from throughout the New York metropolitan area.

The service marked the beginning of a week of Independence activities in the Big Apple, organized by COSAGO, culminating next Sunday, Oct. 30, with a gala Luncheon and Awards Ceremony at Grand Prospect Hall in

Brooklyn.

A number of Vincentian clergy officiated and participated in the Service of Thanksgiving, reading the Scriptures and offering myriad prayers, among other things.

The Rev. Claudius Davis prayed for the adopted country, the United States; Fr. Carver Israel prayed for the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Rev. Myron Ashton prayed for the youth; Bishop Robert Yearwood prayed for peace; Deacon Wilmoth Seaton prayed for the clergy; and the Rev. Simeon King prayed for thanksgiving. Rev. Dorage Stephens introduced the participating clergy.

The Scriptures were read by the Revs. Pester O’Garro, Dr. Roxie Irish and Derwin Grant.

Bishop Kenroy Cuffy served as liturgist for most of the service, succeeded by Crispin Friday, chairman of the Independence Church Service Committee and elder brother of the Right Rev’d C. Leopold Friday, Bishop of the Windward Islands.

The Rev. Hoskins Prescott delivers sermon.

A section of the congregation.

The Service was graced by the presence of United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.

Brief Independence remarks were delivered

by United Nations Ambassador I. Rhonda King; New York Counsel General Howie Prince, and COSAGO president Laverne McDowaldThompson. O’Brien Simmons, COSAGO’s treasurer, appealed to congregants to assist the organization’s disaster relief fund.

In his maiden Independence Church Service address in New York, Prince said, while he was yet to receive Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves’ Independence Message, the Vincentian leader had asked him to convey that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still beautiful.

In addition, Prince said the prime minister asked that nationals humble themselves and pray for the multi-island state.

Prince asked the congregants to stand and sing ‘The Right Hand of God’, a popular hymn

composed by the late Patrick Prescod.

Stating that St. Vincent and the Grenadines “holds a special place in our hearts,” McDowaldThompson, a former teacher at the Chateaubelair Methodist School, urged nationals to “pause and work to make our homeland prosperous.

“Brothers and sisters, you know unity is strength,” she said.

“Don’t make our differences separate us.”

In his sermon, the Rev. Hoskins Prescott, the retired pastor at St. Leonard’s Church in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, and member of the Independence Church Service Committee, appealed to nationals to “reach out to somebody, to help somebody, so your living will not be in vain.”

Preaching on the topic, “Call for Another Day of Service,” Rev. Prescott, a Sion Hill native, said: “As a people called to a life of service, let us build bridges. No one [by him or herself] can build a city.”

He implored: “As we celebrate the 37th year of independence, there is still some work to be done, (The Book of) Galatians tell us [that] we need to bear each other’s burdens. Jesus, in his teachings and preaching left us a legacy of love….. And so, as we celebrate this day, I implore you to follow the path of Jesus Christ.

Let love and togetherness be your motto.”

Besides the gala

NY Counsel General Howie Prince addresses church service.

Luncheon, COSAGO will host a free “Cultural Evening” Friday night, Oct. 28, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Pl., between Franklin and Bedford Avenues in Brooklyn.

Earl Bailey, of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Humanitarian Association of New York, leads procession with St. Vincent and the Grenadines' flag.

V Students receive Sister Pat Award

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 7.

Youth

by GLORIAH…

SEVEN STUDENTS of the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua were awarded the Sr. Pat Award for Excellence for the academic year 2015-2016.

The awards were presented in a ceremony on Friday 21st October to: Kenezia Baynes and Vynique Miller —Form One; Mackayla MacDowall — Form Two; and Alexis Brown, Kaliyah Marks, Aviann Fergus and the lone male student, Alejandro Tesorero — Form Three.

Sr. Patricia Ann Douglas, affectionately called Sr. Pat, was a former Principal of the school who served for some twenty-five years.

She was a firm believer that everyone deserved a ‘second chance’ and so, became the very first Principal in St. Vincent

and the Grenadines who allowed teen mothers to continue their education.

She was also known for seeking out and nurturing students with behavioural and academic problems at the SJCM. The event programme elaborated, “Sr. Pat’s enduring legacy is the creation of a value system, which enriches the spirit, embodies the heart and nourishes the mind — all sharpening a sense of common mission, which has the goal of ennobling our World. Her life is an example for all of us.”

Following on this, the aim of the award is ‘to motivate students to achieve and maintain high academic standards, promote and develop the ‘soft skills’, help prepare students for life after school — the world of work, and encourage good

Right: The lone male, Alejandro Tesorero being pinned.

The Sr. Pat Award for Excellence 2016=16 recipients (from left): Kenezia Baynes, Vynique Miller, Mackayla MacDowall; Alexis Browne, Aviann Fergus, Kaliyah Marks and Alejandro Tesorero. citizenship’.

A student becomes eligible for the Award when he/she maintains an academic average of 70% or more; is consistently punctual for school and class; participates in

community service day — outreach to the less fortunate; is involved in at least one extracurricular activity; maintains a grade B or higher for conduct.

Recipients of the Award

each receive $100.00 towards a scholarship fund for their tertiary education, at the end of the academic year.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Alejandro Tesorero stated, “I believe

that the Sister Pat Award for Excellence is not only a great way to show appreciation to the students who are excelling academically and socially in this school, but also a great way to motivate students to try their best and take after their peers to pursue this great reward. The organizers and sponsors are doing a fantastic job in highlighting the bright sparks in this school body, and also in remembering and honouring the life of a very influential person in our Vincentian community today, Sister Patricia AnnDouglas.”

V

8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

More SVG $$ for LIAT? IF A REQUEST FROM LIAT is approved by its shareholder governments, then this country would make an about turn on a position recently articulated by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves, that LIAT will not receive another cent from SVG until its service to this country ( and by extension across its routes) improve.

And given that the recent shareholder governments meeting in Barbados agreed that LIAT needed to seriously address its customer service, it would not be too far off the grid to conclude that the shareholder governments, SVG included, are not yet satisfied that LIAT has dealt effectively with this shortcoming.

If the request is approved, the governments of SVG, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados will be obliged to input, together, another EC$5m into LIAT’s fledging operations.

From where SVG’s share would come, is anybody’s guess!

This request for further capital input comes on the heels of LIAT’s recent declaration that it is projected to record EC$9.2 million (BDS$6.8 million) in losses at the end of this year.

This loss is projected, even as LIAT declared an operating net profit of EC $5 million (BDS $3.7 million) up to August.

The bottom line, regardless of what the accountants will say, is that the regional airline continues to operate in the RED… below the line.

Are we to believe that this recent request for EC$5m would ease the operations above the line… take it out of the red?

It would take a lot more that EC$5m to resuscitate LIAT, as one observer remarked.

The regular requests by LIAT for real capital input from shareholder governments speak to a graver situation, we think, than the shareholders, directors and management are prepared to admit.

For certain, LIAT means much, in direct and meaningful ways, to the economies of Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados. And Vincentian nationals will, for some time to come, be reliant on the airline for scheduled air service, even if we have little to gain otherwise as a major shareholder in the airline.

Does it make sense, therefore, for Vincentians to continue to cut off our noses to spoil our faces?

The further LIAT falls into the abyss in which it has already found itself, the less likely it can attract anything near substantial interest from parties who might be prepared to take over majority ownership, and set it on a course compliant with sound business decisions, not tainted by any narrow political obligation or agenda.

This country is hard-pressed to complete its largest physical infrastructural project in history — the much anticipated Argyle International Airport. We have, on a number of occasions, pushed our hands deep into pockets of local reserves and placed our foreign reserve standings at the benefit of LIAT by guaranteeing loans. Can we honestly afford to do anymore for this albatross? Should we?

And then, we have a case of mouth open and story jump out.

Dr. Gonsalves’ slight of tongue against the already overworked pilots of LIAT was met with a response that has revealed some of the major operational shortcomings of the airline.

It is accepted that if barracuda jumps out the sea and says that shark has lost his teeth, that we should accept barracuda’s disclosure as truthful.

What are we to make of the pilots’ claims? That they are fabricated? That they are the mischievous pranks of some overpaid group of cognac drinkers, who want to continue to prey on the meagre resources of regional governments?

None of it! Sixty million Frenchmen have never been wrong, and the LIAT pilots have revealed in detail, (perhaps for the first time) to the taxpayers of shareholder countries, how ‘not so nice’ things are with their airline.

Long have we called for the devolution of this quasi-state-owned airline. It seems that this is a call on ‘dreadfully’ deaf ears.

The more we fiddle with the nuts and bolts of the airline, the less attractive it would be to would-be investors.

Even some governments, whose people are served by LIAT, are wont to say, “Not a damn cent for you!”

Why in Zeus’ name do we want to continue to plaster a sore that could well lead to the amputation of an arm and a leg?

37th Independence of SVG QUITE DELIBERATELY, I do not reflect any joy on the Independence Day when all around I encounter an enveloping social gloom. As cultural icon and National Hero Shake Keane has advised, when the masses jump up, only their legs get developed; so our people should try and grab a few fleeting moments of relaxation, but concentrate on pensive moods in prayer and meditation for relief and salvation.

I will present here a picture not necessarily of reality, but my own interpretation of events which currently holds the nation as hostage.

It seems to me that the ULP election victories of 2001 and 2005 were clearly won, with the third victory in 2010 academically suspect, but legally righteous owing to hesitancy and lack of proper home-work on the part of the opposition NDP. But the last elections of 2015 have been challenged on two counts of which I have not pronounced an opinion on the first, awaiting the long delayed ruling of the court on the matter.

I give my gut feelings on the second, the NDP belief that Straker was an American citizen, still is, at the time of his election to Parliament 2015, and ought to be disqualified ab initio (i.e. from the beginning, December 2015) from holding the Central Leeward seat.

I am a Vincentian to my marrow, of Carib blood, and should not need to show my unbiased nature, but in the political jungle that is SVG, everyone is branded one way or another.

As a writer, I have had occasion to treat with this matter continually.

I repeat for the thousandth time, that I never joined the NDP, though my newspaper column was once described by Mike Browne as having been written by KENDP! But I vividly recall that I had been naively swept off my feet by the polish of Straker who had come back to SVG and competed in the 1994 election, impressing with the content of his message cast within the framework of an Old Testament prophet sparked by a Vincentian version of glib Americanism. I forecast that Straker would take the Central Leeward seat from my friend Herbie Young, no doubt shaking the faith which the NDP had in me!

Straker grew in political stature up to 1998, after which he showed his own colours in the demonstration which brought the NDP down but infused the country with a negativism which continues to sap the nation to this day.

From the time of his shocking behaviour during the Road Block Revolution, I have to admit that I have grown to detest the best bone in Straker, but, respected and accepted him as the representative for Central Leeward and Deputy Prime Minister of SVG until October 2016, earlier this month.

Lawyer Kay Bacchus-Baptiste had cause to write Sir Louis inviting him to produce evidence that he was not a citizen of the USA

before sun-down, failing, which the matter will end up in Court.

This simple request for credentials perhaps to clear up a misunderstanding, elicited a savage and most undiplomatic response from the chief diplomat of the land!

Straker’s arrogance and pomposity in the reply showed that his mixing with the cream of diplomats abroad had so swollen his head that he felt that no simple constituent could put a question to him who had been wined and dined in European and other capitals of the world.

But the real point immediately picked up by Daniel Cummings, was that Straker made no reference as to whether or not he was in breach of any electoral law, only that he would love to see which Judge will rule against him, strengthening doubts I raised in an article, that the ULP administration was a “Government of men rather than a Government of laws.” It is possible that Straker could have earned back his American citizenship after the 2010 elections in which he did not compete, announced his retirement from local politics and resumed, living in New York while enjoying trips to his homeland, savouring a bite of both cherries so to speak.

My trend of thought has the PM requesting Straker to re-enter the fold and run once more for Central Leeward in which the ULP had been experiencing problems of choosing between two candidates?

Indeed, Straker fulfilled his role perfectly by winning the eighth seat that returned the Party to Government by yet another masterstroke.

In the negotiations for the Central Leeward constituency in 2015, apparently either both men forgot to stab at Straker’s status and ignored it altogether. Now it has surfaced, possible with fatal consequences.

The far-reaching effects would see the installation of an NDP Government featuring Ben Exeter!

In the circumstances, Arnhim Eustace would likely call for dissolution of the House and fresh elections to follow, but only after new electoral officers have been appointed, from captain to cook.

Straker never resumed citizenship of the USA. The sequel was all wishful thinking informed by political bias. I only pray that reality does not happen to be ten times worse than my luxury of an academic exercise. After all, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

In spite of all, for whatever reason, it seems that both parties are readying themselves for early elections 2017.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 9.

Letters

Independence and national pride in SVG

Editor’s Note: We have ‘bent’ the rules a bit and included this lengthy but relevant opinion piece on our Letter Page, usually reserved for shorter submissions.

This topic brings to mind the national anthem of Barbados, which is widely regarded as a song of pride more than anything else. The lyrics of the first verse of this anthem are as follows: In plenty and in time of need When this fair land was young Our brave forefathers sowed the seed From which our pride is sprung A pride that makes no wanton boast Of what it has withstood That binds our hearts from coast to coast The pride of nationhood.

The word “pride” is potentially problematic, since it often carries negative connotations. We are familiar with passages of Scripture such as Proverbs 16:18 which says that “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Other similar verses are Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 29:23 and I Peter 5:5. These passages all extol the virtue of humility.

Thankfully, the Barbadian anthem

is not referring to this type of pride.

The anthem itself goes some way to clarifying the issue by establishing that it was not speaking of a pride that makes “wanton boast”, but rather the “pride of nationhood.” According to the anthem, the birth of their nation with all the sacrifices that went into bringing that about, was the foundation of their pride; and so too can our reclamation of Independence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines be the foundation of our national pride.

This makes sense when we look at the definitions of pride provided in the Dictionary. The pride which the Bible abhors is defined in the Concise Oxford English Dictionary as “the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself.” The pride to which the national anthem quoted above refers is a “consciousness of one’s own dignity,” and dignity is “the state or quality of being worthy of honour or respect.” When St. Vincent and the Grenadines reclaimed Independence on October 27, 1979, we re-asserted on the international platform in no uncertain terms that, despite all the degradation and dehumanization we endured through slavery and colonialism, we were people too, and

that we were worthy of honour and respect. The Constitution of our blessed country makes it plain that we are a nation founded on a belief in the Supremacy of God and the freedom and dignity of man.

We have a lot to celebrate this Independence. We have come a long way as a nation and as a young democracy since the Honourable Milton Cato first raised our national flag 37 years ago. Vincentians have excelled in the field of education, as manifested in the fact that our students routinely emerge as Valedictorians on all the Campuses of the University of the West Indies. We are also known to shine brightly at Cuban and other universities in every corner of the globe. Our flag is flying high. We can also celebrate the progress we have made in healthcare over the years, and the fact that this country has become a recognised centre for pediatric care in the Eastern Caribbean and CARICOM. Our flag is flying high. This particular achievement was made possible by a longstanding relationship between the World Pediatric Project and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Hairouna remains a

bulwark against the encroachment of undesirable foreign values and principles that can corrupt our morals, lead to the disintegration of our social fabric and undermine our sovereignty.

Thank God. Ultimately, let us celebrate the fact that we live in a land that is acknowledged in our very own national anthem to be “so beautiful.” Nothing and no one must be allowed to spoil this beauty.

At this time, I would like to commend to you the words of a famous former president of the United States of America — Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln said that he “likes to see a man proud of the place in which he lives” and also “to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

Let’s continue to build a society that we could be proud of, and in doing so make this nation proud of us. I raise a toast to St. Vincent and the Grenadines as I pray for its eternal prosperity.

R. T. Luke V. Browne October 2016

Politicians? Same Teachers’ broader struggle old khaki pants SO OUR Teachers Union has found another issue on which to raise concerns about Government’s neglect of the education plant — schools - here. Earlier this year, it was the Canouan Government School, now it’s the Adelphi Secondary School.

This is a good showing on the part of the Union.

It is within their purview to ensure that the conditions under which teachers work and children learn, are conducive to both. That is fundamental to any education system in any part of this world.

But, why has the Union blown hot and cold on what should be

I WAS A YOUNG and impressionable young man in 1979, earned my right to vote that year, and cast my very first X for the United People’s Movement (UPM) and its symbol the HEART. Since that time, except for one occasion when I was overseas, I have voted in every election in this country, and have always sought to put my X for a party that seems to be closest to what the UPM promised us young people in 1978.

Yes, I have voted regularly, and would have switched from supporting the New Democratic Party (NDP) to supporting the Unity Labour Party ULP) through the years. My change came when I was convinced that the NDP in 2001 had all but sent this country down the drain, and there was need for a change. The ULP, I was convinced, offered the way out.

Sure there has been some physical development here and there since 2001, but my hope that the ULP would have caused a change in our politics, and our attitude to politics has all but been shattered.

In fact, and some may I have become cynical, politicians, of all sides, colours and symbols, have caused us damage, both socially MR. EDITOR, you are a fair man. I know that. That and financially. We is why I know you will publish what most have been following Vincentians, especially black Vincentians like me, like aimless sheep would think is crazy. But I hope they get my drift, so while they abuse their positions — especially in I am hoping they would read this to the end.

You see, Mr. Editor, I think that Donald J Trump, parliament — and all we the Republican candidate for presidency of the USA, continue to get are is a winner. promises about how He is a winner a lots of times over. Consider this: they plan to do this and Trump is a winner because against all odds he put do that with our taxes. a bund of republican hopefuls out to pasture, got the In the long run, we most votes ever for any Republican, and won his remain a people party’s nomination. dependent on the Trump is a winner because he was first a politicians for favours, Democrat, changed coat and became a Republican, and the politicians and has mashed up the Republican Party. since 1979 have And Trump is a winner most of all because he has learned only how to spend what is truly not handed the presidency to Hilary Clinton, making her the first female president in the history of the USA. theirs and how to ‘bigGet my drift now? up’ themselves.

Trump is a winner

Regular Voter

Charles

its wider concern?

Even as they raise a concern here and a concern there, why has the majority of teachers still in what I call social justice hibernation?

History shows that there is no better non-political organization to lead the charge for good governance — to lead the charge against corruption and cronyism.

I would have thought that the Teachers Union, given its long history of activism, and as the vanguard for social justice in this land, would have by now come to understand and embrace the principle that if change cannot come from the top, then it has to come from the

nation’s citizens — the bottom — the masses.

Because they work with the children of this country, the teachers are perhaps the most informed on issues affecting Vincentian households, e.g. students’ struggle to finance their education; parents clinging to politicians to help with school fees, uniforms, books, pocket money, school supplies, and transportation.

Why has this firsthand knowledge not informed a broader struggle by the teachers?

It is in this light that the teachers must be steadfast in a quest for good governance. They are fully aware that if those with power can

become honest honorable human beings, that the lives of the ordinary Vincentian can become more dignified, if not better.

As custodians of the children of this land — the nation’s future — teachers and their Union have to recommit to the broader fight — one of social justice for all, that can only come through good, transparent and accountable governance.

Isadore

V

10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

We have done well in 37 years of Independence

Education revolution an empty slogan

Introduction

THE POOR IMPLEMENTATION of Universal Access to secondary education, coupled with a deplorable teaching and learning environment are responsible for the many problems affecting the education system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The much talked about “education revolution” is now seen by most Vincentians as an empty slogan.

During the past week, a video surfaced on social media of two students in a fight at a secondary school in Kingstown. This has become the norm in recent times. This shows the extent of the behavioural problems that exist at educational institutions here. What has caused those behavioural problems?

And, what has been done by the government to remedy the situation?

While the Ministry of Education may wish to say that there are counsellors at secondary schools, one counsellor to serve a school population of five hundred (500), or even two hundred and fifty (250) students, is woefully inadequate.

Moreover, we have seen where St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the highest dropouts and repeaters of secondary students in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

For the period 2009 to 2013, a total of 1296 students dropped out of secondary schools here, 374 of these during the 2009 to 2010 school year. During the period 2009 to 2012, 1,432 students repeated. St. Lucia, the island with the largest school population in the OECS, recorded 289 students as having dropped out of secondary school in the 2012 to 2013 academic year, 123 repeaters for the same period.

What has gone wrong in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Why are so many students repeating and dropping out of secondary schools?

There are situations where some parents are unable to send their children to school because of the hard economic situation that exists in the country. We read in the Honourable Arnhim Eustace’s Independence Message, of the plight of three mothers who had difficulties sending their children to school. He stated, “Three mothers were in my office again seeking assistance. Between them, they had 13 school-aged children. None of these children was at school that day because their parents could not afford transportation, books and food.” There are other examples that can be cited by our candidates from other parts of the island. Too many students are at home who cannot attend school.

Furthermore, the teaching and learning environment at a number of our educational institutions is not conducive to learning. The situation as reported at the Adelphi Secondary School by the News Newspaper of Friday 21st October, 2016, is a disgrace.

The paper reported, “Some of the problems included: exposed electrical wires, bat droppings in classrooms, termite-eaten furniture, non-functional toilets and general deterioration of the school building.” Yet, the illegitimate ULP regime had teachers and students functioning in such an environment. It was not until the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union instructed the staff of the school not to enter the building, that the government was forced to close the school. Why does it have to take industrial action by the teachers union for the government to repair the school?

There was a similar situation at the Canouan Government School, where the school was unsafe for work and

THIS WEEK, Vincentians from all walks of life celebrated the 37th anniversary of our nation’s independence in a number of ways. Vincentians at home are proud to display their national colours, particularly on their cars and their houses. Many workers designed their own uniforms in the colours of the national flag, and wore these with pride.

The truth is that as a country, we have made significant socio-economic and technological progress despite our geographical size, and our scarcity of natural resources. Much development has been accomplished and achieved in the face of unfavourable economic conditions. But much work still remains to be done.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines became independent in 1979, under the administration of Milton Cato of blessed memory. His Labour Party was in office for the period 1979 to 1984. This was followed by Sir James Mitchell and the NDP from 1984 to 2001. The ULP and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves assumed office from 2001 to the present day. It is this period of governance that has made many Vincentians proud.

What we have achieved There is a general agreement that the level of education in the country has increased and improved, thanks to the Education Revolution. Our young people are more intelligent today than ever before, in the period leading up to our 37th anniversary.

There has been an explosion in the ICT sector, and many Vincentians have easy access to the internet and, by extension, to social media.

Regionally, our country has gained recognition at the UWI campuses in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, an indication of the success of our students at the Community College. Our enrolment at these campuses has been staggering. And all this over a period of fifteen years.

The country now has a political leader who is revered and respected in the region and further afield. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is now regarded as one of the leading Prime Ministers in the region, widely sought for his opinions and thinking on regional matters. The same cannot be said for the leader of the opposition NDP, Arnhim Eustace, who calls Vincentians a “wasteful lump of nothing”. How can you love Vincentians and refer to them in this manner?

Overall, there have been significant developments in Health, Tourism, ICT, and Agriculture. Scholarships abound, and our students are pursuing studies as far as Malaysia and Taiwan. In the area of diplomatic relations, the ULP administration has developed new international relationships with a number of countries, particularly those in the Far East. This has resulted in benefits for the country, particularly in the areas of geothermal energy and infrastructure development.

Salaries have increased, and with the current low to zero inflation rate, many public servants, including teachers, nurses, and police officers, enjoy a comfortable standard of living.

The government has made a significant dent in the poverty level,

and with the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, this battle will continue.

Now the country is poised for further development, with the imminent opening of the international airport at Argyle, the opening of the new city at Arnos Vale, and the ongoing work on the expansion to Port Kingstown. The opening of the international airport will bring investors to the State in large numbers, leading to more employment and wealth creation. Already the stage is set for construction work to begin on the Mt. Wynne/Peter’s Hope project, and tourism development in Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau and Union Island, are in train.

And so, as we celebrate our 37th anniversary of independence, we can look back at our achievements with a large degree of pride, confident in the ability of the ULP administration to deliver on its socio-economic goals. As a people, we must take confidence from our leadership, knowing that the ULP administration is in love and communion with all Vincentians.

The future As we move forward, we must reaffirm the necessity to build a modern, competitive, post-colonial economy which is at once national, regional, and global. In the process, we must train our people to think in these terms, to acquire the required skills for this modern political economy, and to interface confidently with the region and the world. This is the only credible path to continued progress, prosperity and social and political stability.

Our nation’s small size imposes on us an obligation to interface in a meaningful way, with the region and the rest of the world, always in the interest of the development and upliftment of all Vincentians. Our people are overwhelmingly lawabiding and nonviolent, but emerging is an unacceptably high incidence of violent crimes, committed by young men using illegal firearms. This is a worrying feature, and the ULP administration is committed to reducing markedly, and then eradicating, these gun related, and other crimes of violence.

This is a task not only for the law enforcement agencies, but touches our homes, the schools, the churches and our communities. Indeed, the media must be engaged in a focussed way to address this condition. Still for all this, our country remains safe, and the security of citizens, though challenged, remains sound.

Conclusion We close by referring to the words of our National Anthem; “What ere the future brings, our faith will see us through”. We must recognise that Almighty God has been good and loving to us, and He has helped us overcome our limitations and realise a host of our possibilities.

learning; but the government deliberately refused to repair the school.

Repair work was done only after parents kept their children away from school, and the teachers union had intervened. Does the ULP government care about the teachers and students? Is the ULP regime concerned about the development of education?

The failure of the ULP regime to effectively implement universal access to secondary school and manage education efficiently, is being recognized more and more by Vincentians, as problems within the education system surface on a regular basis. The government has failed to develop and implement programmes to enhance the teaching-learning situation. We can conclude that the government does not have the capacity to manage education in this changing environment.

The NDP aims to tackle these problems through increasing monitoring of schools by education officials, continuous assessment of students, and providing adequate counsellors and several forms of assistance where needs are identified.

We do not have a system for assessing students in order to identify those who may be falling behind their peers; and we do not have a targeted programme of remedial education for children who are so identified. In addition, many of our classes are not small enough for teachers to be able to give personalized attention to those falling behind. This means that too many of our students continue to fail to reap the full benefits of the education system. When we have a 16-year-old still in Form 3 of a secondary school, something must have gone seriously wrong with that student’s primary and/or pre-school education, a problem that is difficult to correct at the secondary level.

The NDP’s goal is to ensure that every student entering Kindergarten is professionally assessed in order to facilitate early assessment of issues which may affect the student’s learning.

Similar and appropriate tests will be conducted at strategic Primary School Grades in order to monitor students’ progress.

Also, the NDP will ensure that relevant remedial programmes are implemented in order to address the problems of literacy and numeracy, before students enter secondary school.

In order to implement these two key programmes we will begin by reviewing the training/capacity of all our educators, to see if we have sufficiently qualified people to start this assessment programme and remedial education. If we do not have these skills in SVG, then we shall seek to develop, with the assistance of aid donors, a programme of training in assessment and in remedial education for teachers, with the initial aim of having at least one teacher with each of these skills in every school. This cadre of trained teachers will then be employed to train others.

There are other programmes that the NDP stands ready to implement. We reiterate: The ULP has failed to effectively manage education in this country. The NDP will do a better job.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 11.

Views

Exceptional customer service

“Profit in business comes from repeat customers; customers that boast about your product or service, and that bring friends with them.” W. Edwards Deming (1900-1993) American engineer, statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and management consultant.

TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT THE CARIBBEAN provides ample opportunities to hear the gripes and groans of dissatisfied customers. It is often quite surprising to discover that even those territories that focus on attracting clients and customers to their service sector, grapple with the challenges of creating a “welcoming culture”. It is often equally surprising to discover that many of the territories that focus on the agricultural sector, appear to “produce” individuals who are more caring about the needs and expectations of those with whom they interact.

The preceding paragraph is presented without references to research that will prove or disprove the accuracy of the thoughts submitted.

However, many readers will attest to the fact that when they visit rural/agricultural sectors of our Caribbean nations, the people appear to be so very warm and welcoming. Even those that seem to have so little, readily want to share what they have with visitors/strangers and friends alike.

This is always so very commendable.

Many of these individuals were socialised to show empathy and acts of kindness to others. We trust that as our nations develop, our people will not lose sight of these graces.

The way we are socialised has a significant impact on how we perform our duties in the workplace. The homes, schools, and churches must continue to play a major role in encouraging our citizens to be pleasant, kind, gentle, and caring. Companies must engage in activities that encourage their members of staff to develop their “softer skills”. Such training must not be limited to those who are on the frontline of the business (e.g. the receptionist, salesperson, etc.).

Many experienced managers and researchers in organisational behaviour will attest to the fact that company cultures where staff members are not pleasant to each other (i.e. do not respect or appreciate the internal customers) invariably receive multiple complaints from their external/regular customers. Time, effort, and money spent on enhancing positive attitudes and behaviours in the workplace invariably pay huge dividends in relation to enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.

Outstanding positive customer service is an excellent way of retaining customers or clients. It is logical to conclude that if two competing firms are offering identical products, the one that will achieve sustainable competitive advantage will be the enterprise that offers the better customer service — where the customer feels cared for and appreciated.

There are several examples of exceptional customer service that readily come to mind. Rex, one of the chefs at the Hilton Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is probably the first on my list. He was responsible for my continuing to stay at that hotel, after I had concluded never to do so following a very bad experience that I had encountered while checking in. I had arrived at the hotel close to midnight after multiple flight delays. I was hungry. I was tired. I needed a fast check in. The lone receptionist looked up from her desk (did not greet me) and returned to doing whatever her “important task” was. As destiny would

have it, a Caucasian couple arrived and stood beside me awaiting their check in.

To my utter surprise, the receptionist looked up, smiled, and ushered them to advance. The lighting in the reception area was good — she had to have seen me arrive before them. I was understandably furious. I was mad. I had already done a mental draft of the “stinging letter” to be written to the hotel’s management, once I returned to my office. However, my breakfast discussions with Rex the following morning (even with him not knowing what transpired when I checked in the previous night) changed the draft of my mental letter. I certainly lodged a complaint and expressed my utter disgust about the poor treatment I had received. But I went further — I described the significant role that Rex paid in retaining me as a customer. On my next visit, I discovered that Rex was subsequently recognised and promoted.

A more recent example beckons to be included in this essay: I needed to obtain some parts for my vehicle. The local agent informed me that they did not have the required part in inventory.

They kindly arranged to contact their counterpart agent in St. Lucia, in an effort to ascertain whether they had the desired parts. They subsequently confirmed that the part was available there. I then discovered that I was required to attend a regional board meeting in St. Lucia at the end of that week. I e-mailed the company indicating that I was due to arrive in St. Lucia late that Friday afternoon and therefore needed to confirm whether they opened to business on the Saturday morning, noting that my flight home was scheduled for later that afternoon. Unfortunately, I had not received a response prior to checking in for my flight. However, on arriving in St. Lucia, I chatted with the driver who was taking me from the airport to the hotel. He noted that most stores in St. Lucia would have been closed by that time, but that, since the parts department was located along our route to the hotel, we could drop by and enquire. The security guard at the facility (Ms. Pologne) informed me that the offices were already closed and that there was only one member of staff who had not yet left the facility. She proceeded to let me know that the firm is not opened to business on the weekend. However, she did not stop there. She offered to approach the lone employee to ascertain whether he would be prepared to assist. She intercepted with intent. As destiny would have it, the member of staff who had remained behind was the same one who had received my e-mail and had opted to remain in office in the unlikely event that I passed by. This is customer service at its “three fold best” — the agent in St. Vincent who went out of her way to enquire whether St. Lucia had the part, the security officer who went to enquire, and the employee who remained behind in the event that I passed by.

The preceding paragraph reminds us that there are still many employees who are prepared to go beyond their duties and provide exceptional customer service. We commend them highly!

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

Philathropic Capitalism: The world has changed “PHILANTHROPIC CAPITALISM is the idea that capitalism is or can be charitable in and of itself. The claim is that capitalist mechanisms are superior to all others [especially the state] when it comes to not only creating economic but also human progress; that the market and market actors are or should be made the prime creators of the good society; that capitalism is not the problem but the solution to all the major problems in the world; that the best thing to do is to extend the market to hitherto private or state processes; and, finally, that there is no conflict between rich and poor, but that the rich is rather the poor’s best and possibly only friend.”

Danish Historian Mikkel Thorup’s ‘It’s all part of Capitalism: How Philanthropy Perpetuates Inequality’.

Carnegie and Rockefeller formed Foundations. Today Google, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Bill and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few, are into the foundation business. They all claim they want to give away money, to do good and make the lives of the poor better.

Like Carnegie and Rockefeller before them, they made moneys by using their social positions, exploiting workers, doing enormous environmental damage, as is reflected in the poisoned air, rivers, waterways, and most prominently climate change.

In a world where an increasingly small percentage of the population controls a larger percentage of the world’s resources, income and wealth, where the income of workers have stagnated or reversed when checked against inflation, where increased borrowing and debt is the only explanation why some people survive, the moneyed philanthropists tell us that only their brand of benevolent capitalism can solve the problems facing the world.

They offer philanthropy as the cure for the world’s problems, as they encourage people to support the fire sale of the assets of the people. In some countries, schools, prisons, water as well as the security systems are now in private hands. Everything must be done with a profit motive in mind. The state must jettison its welfare policies and let the titans of business do their magic.

Therefore, when the Clinton Foundation partners with us in our effort to exploit our geo-thermal resources, we are told to drop our guard because foundations’ sole intent is to do good. When Bill Gates smiles his way to more billions and impact negatively on agriculture in Africa and Asia, we must turn a blind eye because the Gates Foundation says its mission is to eradicate illness and disease in the poorest regions on earth. When in 2014 the Indian Supreme Court raised questions about Gates Foundation practice of using rural Indians as ginnea pigs for drugs made by big pharma, we are told to disregard all such claims as anti rich bashing and conspiracy.

Another fallacy that has gained ground in the last 40 years is that government efforts to ameliorate poverty are bureaucratic, inefficient and ineffective. The flip side of this is that business, with its unwavering fixation on the bottom line, is the opposite, and that by applying market principles to social ills, society can be cured of what ails it. Indeed, this idea is repeated with such regularity that it is almost universally accepted throughout the Western Hemisphere.

As society adopts a more materialist culture, there is the mistaken belief that individual consumption can change

the world. We are told to buy “green” and save the planet, buy “red” and help those with HIV/AIDS, wear pink and show solidarity with those suffering from breast cancer. While these campaigns are useful, if they are not kept in perspective, we can become duped and miss the main reason for suffering on this planet.

People are not suffering and dying of preventable diseases because the well to do members of society have failed to consume enough products. People are not hungry because of a shortage of food. They starve and die because of the manner in which food is distributed.

Central to our understanding is how we answer the following: Is the environment, and the climate, best served by ‘smarter’ consumption?” Or would the planet be in better shape if we shopped less and conserved more?

We all get mesmerized by the ‘spectacle politics’. We are the world type of advocacy of celebrities such as Bono, Angelina Jolie and music producer Bob Geld. But we have to be cautious and skeptical, otherwise we miss the reality of the world’s problems.

These celebs may criticize inequality but are dependent upon it themselves.

They may ally themselves with the poor in campaigns, but their lives are spent rubbing shoulders with the rich and mighty.

We must keep our eyes on the prize.

The world’s richest 85 individuals earn more than the bottom 50 percent of the world’s people. Philanthropy is not poised to do anything about this obscenity. It is here that community organizers and organizations, as well as governments have a vital role to play.

With its power to tax the rich, rein in corporate abuse and support the creation of necessary social and cultural institutions, governments can work for the majority and enhance their lives.

As it stands now, governments across the world pander to corporations and the rich for money to build and maintain schools, endow museums and build housing for the poor. To bring or keep jobs in their areas state officials are forced to offer the parents of these philanthropic foundations millions in tax relief and abatements.

Kim Klein, author of Fundraising for Social Change, says it should not be this way, “We have become a patronage society in which we depend on the largesse and generosity of the super wealthy for way too much.” If we agree with Kim Klien, the clear conclusion is for us to look anew about the role of government, of taxes, of philanthropy, of what should be funded privately, what should be funded publicly, and how the people will benefit.

In conclusion, the objections to wealthy private corporations dedicated to doing good, as they see it, have remained the same since the early twentieth century when the first megafoundations were created: they intervene in public life, but are not accountable to the public. They are privately governed, but publicly subsidized by being tax exempt; and in a world where money translates into political power, they reinforce the problem of moneyed class: the exercise of power derived from wealth.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The Honourable Doctor of Incompetence SVG is going through its worst economic crisis in living memory. Many businesses have been forced to close, and unemployment is increasing steadily and could well be in the mid-twenties. The majority of children leaving schools and colleges cannot get jobs.

After almost 15 years of gross economic incompetence, coupled with poor vision, SVG’s economy is virtually dead. The people of SVG are paying a heavy price for Gonsalves’ incompetence, and are having to endure much pain and suffering.

The table shows that the ULP regime has squandered about $8 billion between 2001 and 2016:

It takes a special kind of incompetence to waste over EC$8 billion. One must be a Doctor of

Incompetence to waste about $8 billion and leave our county as an empty shell with no university, no new factories, high unemployment, high crime, an agricultural sector in tatters, and thousands of people going hungry.

Gonsalves has driven the SVG economy, with a policy of begging and borrowing. It was foolish and not sustainable. Gonsalves’ begging targets Gaddafi of Libya, Chen of Taiwan, Badawi of Malaysia, Chavez of Venezuela and Manning of Trinidad and Tobago - have all been kicked out of office or are dead.

Begging is no way to run an economy and this policy has made our economy weak and put our people in poverty.

Gonsalves’ economic incompetence is illustrated by his wasting of millions in projects that bring no financial returns, like the Belle Isle Jail. The safe and responsible way to manage government resources is to invest in projects, such as factories and small businesses, so that SVG could export goods, and bring money into the country on a continual basis.

Money earned from exports could then be used to fund other projects to modernise infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, factories and roads, and build a university. This way, thousands of long-term jobs could be created and the economy made strong and stable.

A core problem in SVG is the highly unfair tax system which foolishly gives tax and customs duty exemptions to developers in Mustique and Canouan, choking off hundreds of millions of dollars every year from the SVG Treasury.

In the 15 years of the ULP regime being in office, we have witnessed the death of the banana industry

and the rural economy. The tourism industry cannot be the engine of the SVG economy, as that is very weak too. Also, the Argyle Airport is a massive failure that has had a dangerous negative impact on an already weak economy.

According to Mr Ivan O’Neal, who has a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from Oxford Brookes University, England; a Master of Science degree in Macro-Economics, Planning Policy from Bradford University, England, and a Masters of Business Administration from Leicester University, England, the ULP regime is a bunch of jokers who have shown that they do not have the ability to build a strong and sustainable economy.

We need to abolish the tax evasion scheme that is exploited by foreign developers, so that the SVG government can be assured of its fair share of revenue to maintain and develop its infrastructure, and to be used as a stimulus for significant employment and economic growth.

SVG needs a strong private sector as a vehicle for a strong and buoyant economy. The government must provide incentives, and lower taxes, so that small businesses can flourish and create jobs.

We need a change of government from the highly incompetent ULP regime to a sensible and competent Green government, in order to stimulate economic growth and prosperity for all in SVG. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

PRESS RELEASE FROM LIALPA

‘In response to PM Gonsalves’ THE LEEWARD ISLANDS AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION (LIALPA) has noted the public comments of Chairman of the Shareholder Governments, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in the October 19th 2016 Edition of the Barbados Today Newspaper. Dr Gonsalves is quoted as saying: “We have too many cancellations caused by illness of flight crew….we have too many bouts of illness which results in cancellations.”

We have also noted that those statements come a mere two (2) weeks after Antigua’s Observer Newspaper issued a Retraction of Statements purportedly made by LIAT’s Acting CEO Julie Reifer-Jones in its October 8th 2016 Edition, where Mrs. ReiferJones allegedly said: “On record we have enough cabin crew to fly LIAT’s schedule. We have a high level of reported sickness from crew.”

LIALPA strongly refutes the statements made by PM Gonsalves and by Acting CEO Reifer-Jones as erroneous and totally false.

First of all, the action of the Acting CEO to have the Newspaper retract the Article is because she knows without a doubt that her statements were dishonest. Here are the facts: LIAT is woefully short of adequate crew to properly execute LIAT”s current flight schedule. Over the last two (2) years, LIAT has not employed a single pilot, even though thirty-one (31) pilots have left the company either because of retirement or

resignation. Nineteen (19) of those who have left were trained to fly the newly acquired ATR type aircraft.

Management sat on their hands while this mass attrition of ATR pilots occurred, and did nothing to rectify the situation, and this resulted in the company losing all of the monies it invested in the training of these pilots.

To be specific, the cost of training an ATR Pilot is approximately EC$100,000 per pilot, therefore this amounts to a total of EC$1.9 million dollars of training investment that has been lost. Is this as a result of poor management? Now, after suffering such losses, and as the winter schedule is prepared, Management in a last minute panic is employing additional crew, but this is already too late, as it takes at least 3-4 months for a new pilot to train before they can actually fly with passengers.

The incompetence of LIAT’s Management is exposed even further, as they continue to schedule flights even though they are aware that there is no crew available for the scheduled flight, and it would inevitably be cancelled. This then leads to Management asking the skeletal remaining Crew to double their workload, and to work at maximum time with minimum rest. This is not a feasible model and it is just a matter of time before this operation model breaks down and flight cancellations increase even further. Flight cancellations are also occurring

the final four months of the year to project a loss of EC$9.2 million. This was totally avoidable and we lay the blame for this squarely at the feet of Management. LIAT lost millions of dollars when it sold its Dash 8 airplanes. When there was a hangar fire in Antigua, records of the airplanes were destroyed and were not backed up. Therefore, the airplanes were depreciated and sold under value because even though LIAT spent millions of dollars putting in new (replacement) parts in the airplanes, they could not prove that the parts were new, nor could they prove how much flying time (usage) the airplanes did, all due to reckless negligence in basic record keeping. No one has been held accountable to date.

On the matter of the projected millions of dollars in losses for LIAT, the travelling public needs to ask LIAT’s management two (2) simple questions: 1) Has the removal of flights from certain profitable routes led to these projected losses? 2) Are the projected losses due to political interference in the Airline’s Destination and Flight Schedule Planning?

LIALPA, as always, continues to reassure the travelling public, that we are committed and dedicated to serving you at the highest professional levels. We want to avoid flight delays and especially cancellations, but we simply cannot do so, due to a shortage of crew, poor working conditions and an incompetent management team.

because LIAT has no Reserve Coverage on a daily basis and so a single pilot in a single island has to cover the operational model throughout the network. This is ludicrous and represents poor planning and incompetent management.

LIALPA wants to categorically state that there is no abnormal sickness occurring among crew members.

Presently, if a single pilot gets the flu and cannot fly, the sickness of that one (1) pilot can cause several flights to be cancelled. What effectively run Airline pleads on a regular basis with Pilots, to work on their off days and personal vacation days?

After several months of being silent, and trying our utmost to go above and beyond the call of duty, we are now bringing to the attention of the traveling public that some Pilots have fallen ill due to extremely high and unbearable cockpit temperatures, and also in part, due to the usage of chemicals/ pesticides to address an existing roach infestation in cockpits and passenger cabins.

LIAT recorded a profit in the first half of this year, and Management has yet to recognize that this would not have been achieved if the Pilots did not make the sacrifice of working 1011 hours per day, and without the company scheduling meal breaks.

The Barbados Today article also St John’s, Antigua mentioned that LIAT is expected in October 23, 2016.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 13.

Education

Three receive Mustique Trust bursaries THREE FEMALES are this year’s recipients of the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT) annual bursaries to students pursuing studies at the Kingstown Open campus of the University of the West Indies.

The three are: Shari Roberts pursuing BSc Social Work; Dawn Samuel, BSc in Management Studies; and Janielle Thompson - BEd (Literacy).

Each recipient received assistance to the tune of 60% of her tuition course

L-R: Trustee of the Mustique Charitable Trust, Marie-France Demolis , Janielle Thompson, Dawn Samuel, Shari Roberts , Administrator of the Mustique Charitable Trust, Lavinia Gunn and Head of the UWI Open Campus, Deborah Dalrymple.

up to the completion of their studies and a brand new laptop (computer).

During a presentation ceremony on Thursday 20th October at the University of the West Indies Open Campus in Richmond Hill, Head of the Open Campus — Deborah Dalrymple expressed pleasure on being on the receiving end of the Trust’s contribution.

“We are so happy to be on the reaching end ….. so that the students can

benefit from that,” said Dalrymple, adding that the bursary is a special one, since it is not the normal one off support, but one that continues throughout the recipients course of study.

According to Dalrymple, the benefactors of the MCT are closely involved in the recipients’

Beache and Dyer are Port Security certified ECGC’S KINGSLEY DYER- Head Miller and Deputy Port Facility Security Officer , and Ian BeacheHead of Security and Port Facility Security Officer, are now certified Port Security Officers.

The two received their certification after participating in a Caribbean Regional Drug Law Enforcement Training Center (REDTRAC) Port Facility Security Officer Course, held in Kingston, Jamaica, from September 19 — 30.

The Course drew participation from Anguilla, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman Islands, host country Jamaica and SVG, and included sessions on topics such as Maritime Threats, Port Security Regulations, and Discipline and Responsibilities of Kingsley Dyer (right) receiving the Post. A plan of action was also certification from Captain Sydney designed as part of the course Innis (VP Security and Safety - Port requirements.

As far as Beache was concerned, the Authority Jamaica). training was necessary, given ECGC’s involvement in export, which requires the use of port facilities in SVG. Being up-to-date with security measures was extremely necessary since the international security changes of 9/11, Beache added.

Dyer assessed the experience and knowledge gained as placing him in a better position to keep safety and security at the forefront for the company.

Raw materials used by ECGC are shipped from the USA, and he wants to ensure ECGC never falls short in adhering to proper policies and guidelines.

The Course was the first of its kind done by REDTRAC, and while the content modelled that of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it was made applicable to the Caribbean’s needs.

In May 1995, the Government of Jamaica and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) signed an agreement for the establishment of a Regional Drug Training Centre (REDTRAC), to serve the needs of the eighteen English-speaking countries of the Caribbean.

The Centre was officially opened on the 27th September, 1996.

Ian Beache, ECGC REDTRAC is a Post-Secondary, special-focus training Head of Security institution and a regional training hub, aimed at and Port Facility enhancing the capacity of each participating country to Security Officer, reach its respective national drug control objectives, in the displaying area of drug law enforcement operations.

certification.

development.

There are currently 15 students — inclusive of the three recent bursary recipients — pursuing programmes of study at the Open campus.

Administrator of the MCT Lavinia Gunn described the relationship between both organizations as a very family-oriented one, and she congratulated the recipients, noting that they had to overcome many hurdles to get thus far.

According to Gunn, the recipients had to go through a stringent interview process.

She said the MCT has a

selection committee in place comprising of trustees, who are guided by the Open Campus when selecting the recipients.

Recognising that the students face many personal challenges while pursuing their academic development, the MCT has put in place a mentoring programme to assist the students, along with a system to link the current recipients with “study buddies”.

Sharlene Wyliie, a previous recipient of MCT bursary, expressed gratitude to the Trust. She said that while young

person’s try to develop themselves, it is not always easy due to financial difficulties, “and I think we must commend the (Mustique) Charitable Trust for the work they are doing because in these economic times, it is not always so easy to give to students continuously.”

Shari Roberts expressed thanks on behalf of the new recipients, declaring that the support would go a long way in their schooling, and she promised that they will be taking advantage of the opportunity, making it money well spent. (KH)

V

14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The Oppositon New Democratic Party is expected to be out in full force for today’s Sitting of the House.

Busy Sitting of the House expected IT IS ANTICIPATED that the controversy surrounding Sir Louis Straker’s status as a citizen of the United States will be put to rest during today’s sitting of Parliament.

A question in relation to the issue is included on today’s Order Paper.

It is listed to be put forward by the Opposition New

Democratic Party (NDP) Senator, Dr. Jules Ferdinand.

According to the Order Paper, Senator Ferdinand is down to ask the Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), Dr Ralph Gonsalves, to state whether or not Sir Louis did give up his US citizenship prior to him being a candidate for the ULP. In furtherance, Dr. Ferdiand is down to ask the Prime Minister, if he (Straker) had done so, to give a date and if not, then why was he allowed to contest the election and breach the laws of the country.

The Order paper points to a busy session for parliamentarians.

Marcia Barnwell, the other appointed opposition senator, has

three questions which she is putting to the ministers of Education, National Mobilisation and Economic Planning.

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, MPs St Clair Leacock and Roland Matthews are the others seeking oral answers in today’s Sitting of the House.

Together, they are expected to seek responses from government on questions relating to the fiscal situation of the country, the international airport project at Argyle, and the assets of the state owned company National Properties.

Nineteen Bills are down for consideration, including the Occupational Safety and Health Bill which is at the Select Committee stage. (DD)

More assistance for agriculture THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO is extending support for an effort to improve and modernize Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary (SPS) measures here.

The programme of assistance, to be conducted through the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), was highlighted during a press briefing hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, Monday 24h Saboto Caesar, October.

Minister of In expressing thanks to the Agriculture, gave Government of Mexico and insight into IICA, Minister Caesar said anticipated that the programmme will assistance from the provide Phyto Sanitary government of equipment and training of Mexico.

Technicians, towards increasing vigilance in detecting pest and diseases at all points of entry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He also highlighted that Agricultural Extension Officers will travel to Mexico for training in geospatial mapping (drone technology) to advance techniques in data collection.

Technicians from Mexico are also expected to conduct training in data statistics, in SVG. Four persons from the Ministry are also earmarked to travel to Mexico for training in coffee production, as part of that country’s commitment to assist the Coffee, Cocoa, Condiments and Spices Unit in 2017.

Michael Dalton, IICA’s Senior Technical Specialist, told the gathering that the Ministry of Agriculture is viewed as IICA’s primary client and as such therefore, his organisation is committed to work with the Ministry, in pursuit of fulfilling the IICA mission of working to develop agriculture and rural communities here and in the region. (DD)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 15.

Arts

Avenues Dancers impress in T&T was ‘Ubuntu - I am because we are’.

FOR THE FIRST TIME in its almost According to founder and thirty years of existence, the choreographer of Avenue Avenues Dancers Company chose Dancers, Ms. Bridgette John, to capitalize on the opportunity to the invitation to attend came attend a festival overseas. through the Department of That opportunity was the Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Shashamane Cultural Sports and Culture.

Ensemble’s 2nd Rhythm and The Festival ran from Motion Festival 2016, held in Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th the St. Patrick Districts in Point October. It provided Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago. opportunities to showcase the The Festival, according to the skills of Vincentian dancers and Ensemble, seeks to showcase others, afforded cultural the diversity of Caribbean dance exchanges, and allowed for the and drumming traditions. The hosting of a workshop segment theme for this year’s festival by some of the dancers.

Stories by GLORIAH…

In addition to dancers from the immediate communities and the Avenues Dancers of SVG, companies of dancers also came from St. Lucia, Grenada and Tobago.

Workshop Itinerary

The festival started early on the morning of Thursday 13th with a school performance of indigenous dances in the Eastern District of Point Fortin.

The Vincentian dancers did a ‘Cake Dance’ to rave reviews.

This was followed up with a ‘Carib Dance’ at the official Opening Ceremony which was held at Subnaik Park.

Friday saw the dancers doing another school performance in the Western District, this time their rendition was a creative folk piece entitled ‘Ribbon Dance’. This event was held under the auspices of the the IN WHAT WAS DESCRIBED follow. As for the story itself, Mayor of Point Fortin, Clyde as, “A contribution to my nation the robust colour of the images as we celebrate our 37th and the great variety of scenery Paul.

Saturday brought with it a anniversary of Independence,” used, while still adhering to its drum exhibition that sought to Gospel artiste Stacey Little simple plot, pulled the viewer launched her first music video in, and sustained that attention change the group’s mindset about the drum. entitled, ‘Nothing is Impossible’, right up to the final leap of Choreographer Bridgette told at the Kingstown Cruise victory into the air. It was a THE VINCENTIAN how Terminal last Friday, October work of art! amazed she was, and so too her 21st.

When asked about how she dancers, about “the power of the The video, according to felt at the high point of the drum.”

Stacey, was a production which launch, Stacey gushed, “I am She was quick to state, “I “started out with a different excited, and I hope to contribute plan, but it morphed into an more to the arts in my country. know that everybody have their own culture, and the official video for which we came What a way to celebrate with up with a story line. This story St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Shashamane’s specialty instrument is the drum. But was developed along three letting all know that as we go different aspects of my life: the through adversities as a nation, after listening to those drums, I started to realize that the drum struggles which I had and what we can overcome because I overcame.” nothing is impossible with God. is really sufficient for a lot of dances. It was amazing!”

She went on to detail these We’re a godly nation! We are At the culmination of the struggles as being heavily in Hairouna, Land of the Blessed, drumming, a dance workshop charge of her sibling and and we can reiterate that ensued. This was where the running of the home while still throughout the entire nation, in school; having a heavy-set north, south, east and west. We Avenues Dancers were allowed body image which people are overcomers!” decried as “too fat”; and battling The ‘Nothing is cancer with her husband who Impossible’ track eventually succumbed. was produced by The video, shown after the Lonzel Jones. The formalities of the programme video was directed were out of the way, and as she and produced by had indicated, it chronicled the Symich Ollivierre of life of a young Stacey who went LunaRPix through situations that could Productions, a first have turned out differently, had timer for this type of she not been determined to rely production; and on God. engineered by She was shown to be an Adrian Bailey. overcomer, pressing forward Stacey has and still making strides in a promised to currently mature life. complete a second The musical track itself video of her popular boasted an up-tempo beat which track, “Bless Him made the storyline easier to Up”.

Stacey Little lanches first music video

(L-R): Pam Lyttle - who played a young Stacy in the video, Symich Ollivierre – video director and producer, and Stacey Little – artiste.

The Avenues Dancers into the ‘soca’ segment of their medley of dance moves they called ‘The mix-down’.

Right: A backstage shot of the majority of overseas dancers involved in the Festival. to take to the stage and teach dance steps to the entire assembly of dancers. Shania Peters and Sharlize Fedee, like masters, taught six steps of an African dance.

They worked as polished, accomplished instructors, and the response was excellent, according to Bridgette.

Thereafter, it was time for the feature show of the festival, the Rhythm and Motion Show, staged at the famous Naparima Bowl.

Each contingent was allowed to do two dances. Avenues chose to repeat their sought after ‘Cake Dance’, then mixed it up with what they called a ‘mix-down’ — a medley of moves taking the piece from genres like ballroom, to hip hop, and dance hall, to soca. It brought the house down!

The final opportunity to make a presentation was unscheduled, but the Avenues Dancers accepted the challenge

and did a gospel-based routine entitled ‘My Redeemer Lives’.

Unexpected as it was, it still evoked a properly poignant response, and relevantly so, as Choreographer Bridgette wanted it to be a gift to the Shashamane Cultural Ensemble and the other dancers, for the ready acceptance they had all extended to the Avenues Dancers.

All reports say it was “a learning experience!”

Avenues Dance Company was so impressed that they are considering attending this festival at its next sitting, whenever it is scheduled.

V More Miracle Mission surgeries for SVG

16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Over 200,000 ophthalmic surgical procedures have been performed in the Caribbean (not including Cuba) under the Miracle Mission programme.

Miracle Mission personnel with surgey recipient (left).

SURGERIES under the Miracle Mission, formerly referred to as the Vision Now Programme, continued here, with 26 procedures being performed between October 22 – 25.

Fifteen of these were cataract related and eleven (11) pterygium removals.

The Miracle Mission started in 2005, after the signing of the Sandino Commitment between the former Presidents of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, and Cuba, Fidel Castro, for the visual health care -

totally free of charge- for patients in both countries and in the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since then, there have been almost 6 million surgeries, 200,000 of them in the Caribbean, except in the case of Cuba, where there have been more than 1 million.

Initially, patients were airlifted from each country to Venezuela, but in 2015 a new modality began whereby Venezuelan doctors would travel to countries to perform surgical procedures.

The first country where this new type of International Miracle Mission was implemented was in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where, thanks to the cooperation

of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment and the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, 236 patients were treated last year, performing 284 surgeries, 124 of them cataract, 159 pterygium and 1 case of strabismus.

The operations that were done over the past few days mark the completion of this

process, since the goal was to reat patients who had a second surgery pending.

The completion of this phase, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, increases the total number of surgeries to 4,364, 310 of them by the Venezuelan team and 4,054 by Cuban teams that came in previous years.

VINLEC retirees on sailing trip THE 8TH ANNUAL VINLEC Retiree Appreciation Day was held on Friday October 21st.

This year, the retirees were taken on an excursion to the Southern Grenadines, sailing through the Tobago Cays, with a stop at Mayreau for a picnic.

Retiree Appreciation Day is one feature of the Company’s Retiree Appreciation Programme, which demonstrates VINLEC’s appreciation of the retirees who contributed to the development of the Company.

Another aspect of the programme is the celebration of birthdays.

This involves distribution of gift baskets to retirees, along

with home visits by members of staff.

There are also other opportuntites for interaction, e.g. at the Family Fun Day and Awards Ceremony.

Previous outings included tours to VINLEC’s Power Station, Rawacou, Bequia, Black Point, the Leeward coast and Dark View falls.

At the conclusion of the recent outing, the retirees indicated that the trip was exciting, and offered expression of thanks to VINLEC for the programme.

They noted that at these events they are updated on the activities within the Company, and also have opportunities to socialise, share knowledge and exchange ideas.

Retirees getting ready to board the boat that took them on a tour of the Southern Grenadines.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 17.

Health

Medical supplies for Chateaubelair Hospital STAFF AND PATIENTS at the Chateaubelair Hospital will be more comfortable, thanks to a donation of medical supplies to that institution.

The donation was made by government Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Carlos James, at a consultation with health officials and residents last Friday, October 21st, 2016 at the Chateaubelair Learning Resource Centre.

According to Senator James the donation was timely, as the health ministry makes final preparations to relocate the hospital to a nearby Resource Centre, so as to facilitate the retrofitting of the hospital into a new Smart Healthcare Facility.

The donation, including four high velocity electric fans, boxes of adult pampers, an electric oxygen tank, diabetic machines and strips, bedpans and urinals, among other medical supplies, was made possible through Senator James’ philanthropic efforts and donor partners including

CARIMEDIX in Kingstown.

“In a few months, the Chateaubelair hospital will be temporarily relocated, and I thought the donation was necessary to make both the staff and the patients more comfortable during the transition,” Senator James said.

The Chateaubelair Smart Hospital project, which is funded by Standing: Senator Carlos James (2nd from left) and Minister of Health, Luke Browne (3rd UKAID and from left) at the presentation ceremony. Also pictured are Senior Nursing Officer Cecile implemented by James-Samuel (left), Family Nurse Practitioner Judy Haywood (second from right), District PAHO, will be Medical Officer Dr. Francis Murray (right). retrofitted with solar panels for renewable Senator James noted that this million dollars, is part of the energy, rain harvesting tanks, project is a welcomed initiative, and government’s plan to improve the improved functional sections for staff thanked the personnel at the ministry delivery of healthcare nationally, and and patients, new maternity and of health for its quick implementation. North Leeward is not being left out of pediatric wards, a pharmacy, dental The new Smart Hospital, to be the mix, Senator James assured. and doctors’ stations and restrooms for constructed at a cost of some $1.6 the public.

Hospital Administrator Sister Grace Walters accepts the donation of linens from Sir Louis Straker.

Sheets and pillows for MCMH THROUGH a combined effort of the SVG High Commission in London and the New London Association of Vincentians, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) was recently the recipient of a gift of sheets and pillows.

Last week Thursday, October 20, Sir Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, handed over 200 sheets and 100 pillows to the MCMH Administrator Sister Grace Walters.

The gift was the result of Sir Louis’ ongoing work with SVG High Commissioner in London, H.E. Cenio Lewis, in soliciting help for the hospital.

This time around, Ambassador Lewis reached out to Denzil Winsboro, President of the New London Association of Vincentians, who was instrumental in putting together the gift.

“We are extremely grateful to His Excellency Cenio Lewis and to the President of the New London Association of Vincentians, for making the sacrifice and being so

considerate in knowing that these things are always needed at the hospital, and going out of their way to work so hard in order to have them for the comfort of the patients at the hospital,” Sir Louis said at the handing over ceremony.

In her remarks, Hospital Administrator Sister Grace Walters expressed gratitude to Sir Louis Straker for facilitating the donation.

“When we see linens at the hospital, those of us who are in administration, it is like a child opening presents on Christmas morning, because we can never have too much linens,” Sister Walters said.

She noted that in a hospital, one patient may use up to 5 linens in a period of 4hours, making the need for same a very fundamental one.

Sir Louis was pleased to report that Ambassador Lewis had assured him that another donation is forthcoming, with the Redding Association of Vincentians already pledging to donate 200 sheets and 100 pillow cases to the hospital, before year end.

V

18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

The Lewis Punnett Home has become more than a Home for the aged and may be bursting at its seams in an effort to serve a diverse group of persons in need of round the clock care and attention.

Sardine doing it for the

ÂPoor Home’

Mark Sardine has had a firsthand impression of conditions at the Lewis Punnett Home and is doing something to make others aware.

THE MAN who led a team of kayakers to Bequia just over a month ago in a journey aimed at raising awareness about the ‘hunger’ issue in schools, is taking to the waters again.

This time, Mark Sardine will kayak solo to Mustique, as an expression of concern for and to raise awareness about, the conditions at the Lewis Punnett Home, commonly referred to as ‘The Poor Home’, at Glen.

While a date for the ‘trip’ is not yet fixed, Sardine explained that he has to first assess the weather conditions, but said that it will take place before December.

Sardine called on the authorities to do something about what he termed the deplorable conditions that residents and workers face at the facility.

And if by the time he journeys to Mustique and back, nothing is done, then, he said, he will organize an event outside the facility scheduled for the second Saturday in January 2017.

“This situation must be fixed,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. According to Sardine, he was first made aware of conditions at the Home by a former employee, but the reality was brought home when he visited the facility humself.

He described what he saw as, “Ridiculous,” adding, “These are not animals, these are not heartless criminals that were kept at Guantanamo Bay,’” where he was certain, inmates were treated much better than the residents of the ‘Poor Home’.

“When I walked in at the facility, the reflections of the faces of the men and women that toil in the hot boiling sun on our mountain sides, bare feet as they born, with their hoes and cutlass to make this country what it is

today…. To have them live in this type of condition is unacceptable. This right here is a crime against humanity and it must be corrected,” he lamented.

The auto body mechanic turned social activist, said that he was not pointing fingers at any of the two major political parties, but did observe that they both had equal opportunity to do something about the Home.

“We want the conditions to improve, we want to see improvements — we will not tolerate this from no one; this has gone on for too long,” Sardine said.

If he is successful in his attempt, it will be the second time that Sardine will be doing what he loves — kayaking- and using it as a way to bring awareness to a public issue.

Back in August, he and four others kayaked to Bequia, and did so in a time of one hour and thirty-five minutes.

That event was in an attempt to get individuals to get on board a school feeding programme here.

This time, however, Sardine said that he will be making the journey alone, seeing that he has the most experience and because of the distance.

(DD)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 19.

Education

The International Financial Services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines A Brief Overview ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ like many of its counterparts in the Eastern Caribbean has traditionally been an agricultural and tourism based economy. The mainland and in particular, the beautiful Grenadine islands, continue to be a popular attraction and destination for tourists, sailors and yachtsmen across the globe. However, a dependence on these sectors has of necessity, led to several sustained efforts at diversification of the economy.

As early as 1976, St Vincent and the Grenadines introduced international financial services as a legitimate means of economic diversification through increased opportunities for investment, employment and revenue generation.

Indeed, many leading international financial centers in the world today, have had a similar genesis. Historically, there has been strong foreign cooperation and support for foreign direct investments in the island’s economy dating back to the projects of the islands of Mustique and Canouan.

Even in these early times of development of the international financial services sector, there was recognition of the need for relevant accompanying infrastructure in the form of the Offshore Finance Authority (later re-named the International Financial Services Authority (IFSA)), which was created by an Act of Parliament in 1996 to manage and supervise the growing industry. Sector specific legislation governing the industry was also introduced, in relation to the various product and services offerings (i.e. international business companies, international banks, mutual funds, trusts) all of which provided a formal regulatory framework for licensing and operation in the market (e.g. the International Business Companies Act, International Banks Act, Mutual Funds Act, International Trusts Act,).

The products and services offered by St. Vincent and the Grenadines are on par with those offered internationally. Licensed and regulated service

providers are the conduit for applications to the country’s licensing/regulatory authority.

In 2011, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) replaced its predecessor, the IFSA which served as regulator of the international financial services sector. The FSA was established as an independent statutory body and merged three (3) regulatory bodies into a single Authority with regulatory and supervisory oversight of the international and domestic financial services, with the exception of the domestic commercial banking sector. In November of this year, the FSA will celebrate its fourth anniversary.

As at 2016, the international financial services continue to be an integral part of the financial services industry in St Vincent and the Grenadines. There have however, been marked and significant developments, as the country seeks to ensure that the reputation, regulatory integrity and soundness of the jurisdiction is maintained.

Some of the major developments in this regard relate to development of a modernized and enhanced regulatory framework through revised primary legislation governing the sectors as well as the introduction of accompanying Regulations and Guidelines to provide guidance and direction to industry. The on-going examination of entities licensed to operate within the international financial services market allow for regular assessments by the FSA in relation to compliance with statutory and prudential requirements.

Of significant importance is that since the early 2000s, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has established a strong antimoney laundering (AML) and counter financing of terrorism (CFT) regime through the enactment of relevant laws and the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Unit, widely known as a ‘centre of excellence’ in the Caribbean region. This

AML/CFT regime works hand in hand with and complements the continuously enhanced regulatory regime being driven under the FSA. Also of significance is the FSA’s work with local, regional and international bodies to ensure that St. Vincent and the Grenadines complies with regional and international standards and best practice pertaining to the international financial service sector.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the OECD Global Forum and as such is subjected to its international standards and assessments. The two phases of the OECD Global Forum Peer Review of the country’s tax regime and its ability to exchange tax information, took place between 2011 -2014 and has resulted in exceedingly positive assessments of “Largely Compliant”, demonstrating the jurisdiction’s commitment to global tax transparency and accountability.

The FSA has been intrinsically involved with stakeholders in coordinating the arrangements for the implementation of the United States Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (US FATCA) and the OECD Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) initiatives in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Model 1B was signed on August 18th, 2015, and The Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance (United States) Implementation and Enforcement Act was enacted in September 2015, to provide the domestic framework for the legal exchange and automatic transmission of financial information of individual customers of financial institutions to the US Inland Revenue Service by December 2016.

St Vincent and the Grenadines has also committed to implementation of the OECD Global Forum’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS) on AEOI by 2018. The CRS which builds on the US FATCA, requires countries to agree to automatically exchange

financial account information on persons for tax purposes, on an annual basis with countries which have signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (MAAC).

These international standards which are introduced from time to time, at tremendous costs to smaller jurisdictions, are deemed important for demonstrating overall transparency and accountability. These are also necessary prerequisites for every jurisdiction in order to maintain an interface with the global economic community.

Of equal importance are the increased costs and myriad of potential problems arising for

service providers, mostly due to externally driven factors which could negatively impact the sector, if left unresolved.

While marketing of the jurisdiction to potential investors and clients remains within the purview of Invest SVG, the official national investment promotions agency, the FSA has been actively involved in ensuring that St Vincent and the Grenadines remains competitive while in full compliance with the international standard setting bodies for the operation of international financial centers.

As St Vincent and the Grenadines continues the process of economic growth and diversification, the FSA envisages continued

compliance of the jurisdiction with requisite standards, as well as increased advocacy along with its regional counterparts, on behalf of the international financial services. The deepening of competitive advantages while striving for world class excellence as an international financial center will remain a focus for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Submitted by: Financial Services Authority St. Vincent and the Grenadines October 2016.

V

20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

You deserve better Dear George, I JUST LEARNED that my boss hired me so that men would be attracted to the business.

I discovered this when the question of a raise came up, after everyone else got one except me. I went to his office and asked why I was overlooked for a raise, and he bluntly told me I was not hired for what was above my shoulders (referring to my brains) but rather what was below.

I was never so insulted by a man. This man hasn’t the slightest clue about running a company. I am the one who is keeping his business afloat, and he fails to recognize that fact.

I am so stressed working in this place. Please give me your opinion on what I can do to get a break.

Slighted Dear Slighted, You do deserve better, and let that conversation you had with your boss about your raise be that wake-up call — one that should get you out of there and back to where you ought to be in terms of your dignity and self-respect.

With your business skills and enthusiasm, as you implied, you can hold out hope of finding alternative employment. You may well want to even consider starting your own business. At the end of the day, it is what you think of yourself and potential that will make the difference.

George

Moving on ⁄.

Dear George, I WAS PLACED in an awkward position when my childhood boyfriend came knocking at the door of my heart again, after I thought he had long forgotten about me.

We dated seriously for five years, then he left for Jamaica for on a month’s vacation. That was two years ago. He corresponded with me for the first six days while he was there. I never heard from him again.

I tried to get information on his whereabouts but to no avail, so I moved on with my life and met this wonderful man. We are deeply in love and he has proposed to me.

Now, my old boyfriend has shown up at my door with an unbelievable story. He said he was framed and ended up in jail and had no way of communicating with the

outside world, and that he was just lucky to be alive. He wants us to resume our relationship.

I informed him I thought he no longer had interest in the relationship, which was why he disappeared literally. Furthermore, I told him about my new lover, and that almost drove him insane. He accused me of being unfaithful and told me if I had loved him like I said I did, I would have waited.

He thought he had done a good job in making me feel guilty, but when I asked him, what was I supposed to do, he never answered; he just walked away.

you waiting indefinitely for him to show up. You were not legally tied to Dear Innocent & him, and thus your confused, obligation to wait has to be looked at through You should not beat different lens. It is not up on yourself for moving for him to judge you or on with your life. you him, but rather for Two years of silence is both of you to find a way enough to give you more to discuss what than a good and transpired, in the instinctive feeling that interest of both your his interest in the healing, even as you relationship had keep moving on. faded. Surely, he cannot be serious about having George

Innocent and confused

Make new arrangements Dear George, I HAVE BEEN living with my aunt since my mother passed. I am now 29 years old and have lived with her since I was 18 years.

The situation is that my aunt and I have been at loggerheads over the man I love. He is not a native of SVG and would visit me every 3 months. This has been going for the past 2 years.

My aunt has no problem with my boyfriend sleeping with me, but forbids me to lock the door while we are there, even if we have turned in.

Her reason for requesting that is that ‘just in case I want to enter the room’, that’s all. There have been times, especially late at night, when she has barged into the room without even a knock I feel like a little child. It disturbs me that my aunt does not respect the relationship between me and my boyfriend, and neither does she

respect me. I would hate to think what would happen if she gets wind that I am pregnant or even wants to marry this man. I think she is just jealous, and it is eating me out.

Unhappy Dear Unhappy, It’s something of a mixed message for your aunt to permit you to sleep with your boyfriend but with an open door clause. The reality is, however, it’s your aunt`s house, and she has the last word in all instances.

If neither you nor your boyfriend is comfortable with the rules of the house, then alternative boarding arrangements need to be made. On this, you do not need your aunt`s permission, and it will be a solution that may help everyone in respecting individual space.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home. You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members. Your boss may be on the rampage and you certainly don't want to be the one to take the brunt of a bad situation. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Acknowledge your lover's needs. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries. Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. It would be in your best interest to stay away from any intimate involvement with a client or co‐worker.

Don't let co‐workers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Romance will develop through work related activities. Look into events that you might find interesting, and compromise by doing a few things that you both like to do. Travel, although enticing, will cost more than you expect.

There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Changes in your home environment may cause friction. Deception will play an important factor in relationships. You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you. You will attract new love interests.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You will be emotional with regard to your personal life. New relationships will surface through work relate events.

Exaggeration or deception coupled with

overindulgence might be a problem. Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Travel and family gatherings should be in order. Try to channel your energy into professional endeavors. Try not to be overly generous. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Try to be understanding. You may be experiencing emotional turmoil in regard to your mate. You are best to work at home, clearing up overdue projects.

Creative endeavors will give you somewhat of an outlet.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You should be putting your cash into long‐term investments like real estate.

You will have the discipline to make changes you feel are necessary. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. Your charm will be captivating.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Avoid being overly opinionated or you will alienate friends. Don't push your luck with authority figures. Be careful when dealing with superiors. Enlist co‐workers in order to get the job done on time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Do not borrow or lend money or belongings to friends or relatives if you wish to avoid any hassles. You're apt to make a move or experience changes at home. Don't settle for less than the best.

You can make new friends who could turn into intimate connections if you join clubs or take creative courses.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Your creative ability will surface, giving you good ideas for ways of making money. Be careful not to push your luck or take too much for granted when dealing on either a personal or professional level. You may win favors if you present your ideas and include your family. Don't let the cat out of the bag.

ACROSS

45. Promissory note 1.Turkey baster 47. Buzzing part insects 5. __ Lanka 51. Long, 8. “Fame” singer detailed Irene story 12. “Understood!” 52. Quick snort (2 wds.)

53. Composer 13. Ecru Stravinsky 14. Crude minerals 54. Keep cut 15. Incite 55. Island (Fr.) 16. Hold one’s __ 56. Deceives 17. Lox location 18. __ Aviv DOWN 20. Rage 22. Door bell 1.”__ deal!”

24. Dozed off 2. GI’s social club 28. Shuts violently 3. Grassy 29. Film studio meadow letters 4. “__ for Bonzo” 30. Retiree’s acct. 5. Fur neckpiece 31. Remove rind 6. Like carrot 32. Behave or print sticks preceder 7. Baseball 33. Hertz’s periods competitor 8. Wrote into 34. Bug symbols 35. Jogged 9. “People __ 36. Attain Funny” 37. Daytona 500 10. Cousin, aunt, sponsor or Uncle 39. Foot woes (abbr.)

40. Frequently, in 11. “Just __ poems thought!”

41. Artist Yoko (2 wds.)

42. “__ Smile Be 19. Mommy’s Your Umbrella” three (2 wds.)

21. CD‐__ 22. Nurse Barton 23. Listens to 25. Couch 26. Sevareid and Clapton 27. Go quickly 28. Washer cycle 29. Time division (abbr.)

32. James Bond’s drink 33. Type of exercise 35. British fliers’ gp.

36. Director Howard 38. Football

team’s Instructor 39. Closed, two‐door auto 42. Trip segment 43. Clean air gp.

44. Scale notes

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 21.

46. Grapeseed or canola 48. Freudian word 49. Eternity 50. Last‐year students (abbr.)

V

22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

JCI ST. VINCENT at JCI WI Convention

The 56th Annual JCI West Indies National Convention was held in Barbados, October 11 to 15, under the theme ‘Passionate Leaders ACT for Positive IMPACT’.

The Convention is held annually in October to discuss the business of the organisation, elect an executive for the upcoming year and plot its future course.

It also provides an opportunity for members to network and socialise with people of like mind, who share a common interest in youth leadership development issues and serving their community.

This year’s Convention attracted participation of JCI Chapters from across the region, including Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago.

Members from chapters in the French West Indies - Martinique and Guadeloupe — were also in

attendance.

JCI St. Vincent The JCI St. Vincent Chapter delegation at the was represented by a five (5) Colouratic Fun member delegation of executive Walk/Run in and ordinary members, led by support of the President Shevern Lewis-John.

The delegation participated in Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of motivational sessions; training sessions with focus on leadership; Barbados. marketing, networking and financial management sessions; along with the Public Speaking and Debating competitions.

The St. Vincent delegation returned home with awards in the category of Best Inter organisation and Cultural Evening’ gave persons the opportunity Collaboration Project and Most Punctual President. to socialise and enjoy cuisine and cultural One of the evening events dubbed ‘Island Night presentations from the various countries.

Chapters also contributed to a Community Project at the Government Hill Nursery School, the First Nursery School in Barbados which was founded by the Barbados Jaycees.

In addition, all organisations participated in the JCI Barbados Colouratic Fun Walk/Run where all proceeds support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI), formerly known as Jaycees, is a non-governmental, voluntary organization with the main objective of developing and empowering young people, and contributing to community growth through active involvement.

Last year, the organisation celebrated 100 years of impact with over 200,000 members in more than 5,000 local organisations across the globe.

Persons interested in joining the organisation can learn more at www.jci.cc or www.facebook.com/jci.st.vincent. Contact may be made via email at jcist.vincent@gmail.com.

Vincentian Consul receives award for baseball VENEZUELAN Jose Santos on behalf of Ulster Buccaneers Baseball and Belfast Northstars Baseball presented an award plate to Dr Christopher Stange for his distinguished service to baseball through the Consulate for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland.

This award was to commemorate the efforts to club and sport in L-R: Venezuelan Jose delivering the first Santos – Head Coach, purpose built baseball Ulster Buccaneers diamond in Northern Baseball and Dr Ireland through Lisburn Christopher Stange – & Castlereagh City Hon. Consul, St. Vincent Council. and the Grenadines to The Belfast Northstars Northern Ireland. and Ulster Buccaneers both compete in the B Division - North of the Irish Baseball league.

Dr Stange commented: “I am honoured to receive such a prestigious award on behalf of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This sports diplomacy initiative on the island of Ireland has not only led to the first high quality baseball facility for future generations to grow the sport and league, but in its first season both Northern Ireland teams went on to win the B league (Northstars) and place second (Buccaneers) overall. Baseball brings all communities together, including the large Diaspora in Northern Ireland from North America, Caribbean, Latin and South America, and the Pacific, where baseball is either the national or main sport.”

The awards evening was held at Cutter’s wharf and included players, staff, family and friends of baseball, softball and American football. Peter Kavanagh on behalf of Baseball Ireland provided closing comments followed by a barbeque banquet. (Contributed)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 23.

SchoolsÊ table tennis titles decided

THE NATIONAL TITLES of the schools’ table tennis tournament for 2016 were determined last Friday at the St Vincent Grammar School’s auditorium.

The tournament saw some new champions emerging, while two titles were retained.

One notable team champion was the Paradise Primary School of Bequia, showing that the pilot project undertaken by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association on the island in taking root.

Paradise Primary in copping the primary schools’ male division of the tournament, in the process condemned last year’s winner- the Belair Government to the runner, beating them three games to nil.

Crafting Paradise’s comfortable triumph were: Joevel Morgan got past Jelanzo Patterson 11/5, 11/2; Zane King smothered Jelani Cumberbatch 11/6, 11/2, and Jayden Friday had the better of Daymarlie Enville in the most competitive of the matches, 11/5 10/12 , 11/8.

But the Bequia Seventh day Adventist was not that fortunate, as the St Vincent Grammar School’s Team One got the better of

St. Vincent Grammar School team one- Saeed Bowman, Andre Mitchell (singles champion) Jaden Cunningham.

School and the St Vincent Grammar School.

Sugar Mill Academy’s Caleb Howard had to ward off a strong effort from Leah Cumberbatch (left) in the female Joevel Morgan of Paradise singles for primary schools’ facing Primary, but prevailed Kiara Moses.

11/7, 11/8, 12/10, in a very competitive showdown.

Inset: Vedel Charles of the SJCM- secBut Leah Cumberbatch ondary schools’ female singles champiof the Kingstown Prep on.

School retained her females singles with a came from Kingstown’s owed their them three games to one 7/11, 11/9, 11/7, 11/4 win Caleb Howardmale Jenelson Compton who victory to Vedel Charles as well. over Kiara Moses of the beat Andre Mitchell 11/5, who beat Karisssa Rogers primary schools’ singles Layou Government School.

Accounting for the 12/14, 11/7.

11/0, 11/6; Terina Phillips champ.

Grammar School taking And, Andre Mitchell got Joining in the team sidelined Deshonte' the title for the second his third straight champions list was the St Baptiste 11/0, 6/11, 11/7, went on to cop the year in succession were secondary male open females’ singles title when singles title, when in an Joseph’s Convent also defeated Kariis Saeed Bowman who beat she defeated Donique Rogers 11/3, 11/5.

Reon Ollivierre 11/7 11/6; Kingstown who bettered all St Vincent Grammar Richardson of the Bishop’s School final, defeated the Dr JP Eustace Convent’s Kingstown Jaden Cunningham had Memorial three games to lone loss came as a result College Kingstown, 3 an 11/7, 11/6 win over Jaden Cunningham 11/3 games to one.

Jovian Derrick and Andre one, en route to the title in of not having a third 11/8 11/9.

Charles won 4/ 11, 11/ the secondary schools’ player, thus conceding to Mitchell roughed up The presentation of 9, 11/ 8, 11/ 7, in the final awards won in the their opponents.

Reon Ollivierre 11/2, 11/5. female division. match up.

St Joseph’s Convent Vedel Charles then Bequia SDA’s lone win tournament is set for a The other singles titles later date, to be were taken by the Sugar determined by the Mill Academy, the Ministry of Education.

Kingstown Preparatory

Black Sands swimmers impress in Barbados

OOPS…..

A TEN-MEMBER Black Sands Swim Squad team returned recently from competition in Barbados, with a twenty-two (22) medal haul.

The medals were snared at the October 20 — 23 Titans Aquatic International Swim Meet, held at the Barbados Aquatic Centre, featuring swimmers from throughout the region.

Alex Joachim was the standout swimmer for Black Sands swimming his way to one gold, five silver and five bronze medals — his gold coming in the 100m backstroke in the Boys 11-12 years category, in which he also did a

WHAT AN OOPS we made last week when we credited Flex Greaves with having recorded the first century in this year’s SVG Masters T20 Cricket Competition.

That accolade belongs to Jerome ‘Parry’ Samuel, who smashed 106 for St. Vincent Cooperative Bank P’tani against Bequia Masters, the weekend before Greaves did his bit against Computec Belfongo.

Jerome Samuel We are all over ourselves in has been a prolific apologising to ‘Parry’ for our run-getter in the error, and assure him that our Masters Cricket error was not intended to belittle his accomplishment in Competition here. any way.

Here’s hoping that he has put aside the error and will continue on to another successful outing among in the Masters Cricket Competition.

person best time of 1 minute 11.18 seconds.

Alex’s sister, Jamie Joachim joined him on the podium with one silver and one bronze medal and also achieved personal best times.

Shane Cadogan brought home six of the medals — a gold in the 50m freestyle in a time of 26.14 seconds, and an additional two silver and three bronze medals.

Tia Gun-Munro and Mya DeFreitas battled hard in the girls 9-10 years age group, with Tia winning one bronze medal in the 50meter Breaststroke, and Mya winning two bronze

medals, one in the 50m Fly and one in the 200m freestyle. Both girls also had personal best times.

Paige Cadogan, Alex Cyrus, Cruz Halbich, Kyle John and Aaron Defreitas also competed as part of the Black Sands Swim squad and were competitive in all of the events which they competed in.

Coach Kyle Dougan commented how proud he was of the performance given by the squad, and was pleased to see that continued training and dedication to the sport were paying dividends.

He also commented on the significance of Alex

Alex Joachim was Blacks Sands Swim Squad’s top performer.

Joachim’s swimming times, stating that Alex’s times place him in the top 5.7% of the boys in the 12year age group, within the whole of the United States of America.

V

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Mustique Masters in double win

MUSTIQUE had double wins last weekend as the SVG Masters Cricket Competition hosted nine matches.

Mustique returned to winning ways following their loss to Belfongo, by stopping Coreas Hazells North Leeward by 5 wickets at Buccament on Saturday.

North Leeward were dismissed for 92 off 17.3 overs, with Michael Charles taking 4 for 11, Vibert Williams 2 for 10 and Roy Baptiste 2 for 26.

Mustique - 94 for 5 off 13 overs. Ancil Hooper was North Leeward’s most successful bowler, picking up 2 for 11.

Then on Sunday, Mustique defeat

ed Pastures Masters by five wickets.

Pastures scored 102 all out off 19.5 overs; Rohan Ash 25, while Caswell Dorsette got 4 for 8.

Mustique responded with 103 for 5 off 16.2 overs.

Mustique has so far won five of their six matches in their first year in the competition.

On Saturday, Glamorgan Masters defeated Park Hill by 8 wickets at Sion Hill. Scores: Park Hill scored 94 for 9 off 20 overs; Glamorgan replied with 100 for 2 off 15.5 overs.

At Arnos Vale One, North East trumped over St Vincent

Cooperative Bank P’tani by 56 runs. Scores: North East - 190 for 5 off 20 overs - Deighton Butler 61 not out, Olanzo Jackson 30, Arnold Gilkes 25 and Peter Campbell 24; P’tani 34 for 6 off 20 overs Jerome “Parry” Samuel 50.

On Sunday, Computec Belfongo defeated Coreas Hazells North Leeward by 34 runs. Belfongo scored 130 for 9 off 20 overs - Bradley Brooker 43 and Curtis King 31; North Leeward - 96 all out off 18.2 overs Samuel Holder 3 for 21.

In a replay of last year’s final, RSVG Police defeated Sion Hill by two wickets.

Sion Hill - 150 for 6 off 20 overs - Joseph Carrington 38, Lauren Baptiste and Colin Shoy 23 each, Nixon Mc Lean scored 78 not Frankie Joseph out for Stubbs. took 3 for 19; RSVG Police Lavis — 23, Benedict 152 for 8 off 19 Phillips 3 for 9; La Croix overs - Jeffrey - 60 for 6 off 13 overs.

La Borde hit 32, Benedict Phillips 25.

Colin Shoy And, Stanley Browne’s snapped up 5 Stubbs defeated Bequia for 20, bowling Christopher Campbell stroked 45 Cricket Association for Sion Hill. not out for Stubbs.

Masters by nine wickets.

Also, Rudy’s Bequia 172 for 9 off 20 Electrical Challengers 73 all out off overs - Calvin Hazell 36; Barrouallie registered a 15.3 overs Stubbs 178 for 1 off 16.1 72-run win over Rate Meanwhile, Marriaqu overs - Nixon McLean 78 Your Boys Challengers. a stopped Kirk Da Silva’s not out and Christopher Rudy’s 145 all out of 20 La Croix by 9 runs in a Campbell 45 not out. overs - Ashley Cordice match reduced to 13 Another round of 78 not out, Noel Samuel overs. Marriaqua - 84 all matches will be played 4 for 17; Your Boys out off 12 4 overs; Olanzo this weekend.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 25.

Sports

Cumberland denied THERE IS THE SAYING about justice: when it is delayed, it’s just like being denied. That seems to be the case with the Cumberland Playing Field.

The Vinlec North Leeward Cricket Championship is going through its stages. When the curtains came down on the 2015 season, optimism was rife that the next final would have been at the Cumberland Playing Field.

That outlet, subject of immense discussion, lingered for an inordinately long time. It was completed nearly a year ago, but North Leeward residents and indeed anyone for that matter, have been denied use of the upgraded project.

Announcement was made of the turf being used as a base for the Guyana team in the Caribbean Premier League. Vincentians cherished that notion of the Playing Field bingo put to use. The spillover bore prospects of an enhanced economy with the injection of money that activities on the field would generate.

Fulfilment of those aspirations has been left hanging. Residents have become disillusioned by the foot dragging that has become the hallmark of this venture.

Conservative observers have lamented the casual way in which this issue is being handled.

One would have considered it an ideal presentation to the North Leeward constituency at this time of national freedom. They have been patient and have endured the abandonment of their area for many years.

The neglect has been compounded by the malaise which the area has been exposed to.

Whilst it has served its purpose of providing a number in the government’s collection, things are left to wander in bewilderment.

The current trend complements the pattern that has seemingly become part of the modus operandi. So no matter how the residents and other patriots clamour for an end to the trauma, the plight happens to be the area’s lot.

What will it take for the situation to be rectified? Will it be another disaster?

Cumberland is filled with untold potential. The zone on the beach is part of an eco-tourism plant from which the whole nation benefitted recently.

The Playing Field adds to the scenery, for with a jetty on site, plus access to the communication network, Cumberland has the prestige of a virtual gold mine.

It is time that the value of the area’s natural resources are harnessed and maximised. There has to be some means by which this neglect can be reversed.

Thirty-seven years of national independence are sufficient for us to be overwhelmed with a feeling of national pride. That sense of nationalism must be all embracing. It is time that the ribbon is cut to declare the Cumberland Playing Field open.

There can be no excuses for the ongoing act of abandonment. What’s the sense of going through the process of completing the operation only to have it resting as an object of ridicule?

Sports must be seen for the value it can bring to any nation. North Leeward is known for its production of national stalwarts in sports and other spheres.

Cumberland Playing Field can usher a dawn of an era in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is time that this matter is handled once and for all.

Biabou community holds road relay THE INAUGURAL DIGICEL Biabou Road Relay was completed last Sunday in Biabou.

Eleven teams contested the event, circuiting the village four times, with each leg beginning and ending at the Biabou Playing Field.

Winning the open male division was IT- DAT Academy in a time of 30 minutes 25.40 seconds, with Chatoyer second in 31 minutes 38.47 seconds Third was X -Cel Team One in 33 minutes 02.72 seconds.

The three top finishers received $300, $200 and $100, respectively.

The lone entrant in the secondary schools’ male category was the St Clair Dacon Secondary, whose time was 40 minutes 18.03 seconds. They cashed in on the $200 first prize.

Taking the primary schools’ category was the New Prospect Infant quartet who IT- DAT Academy – winners of the male open clocked 45 minutes category.

40.86 seconds.

He, however, did not hide his Second was the Biabou disappointment with not having Methodist Team One in 53 any participation in the open minutes 24 seconds, and third segment from teams from the was Biabou Methodist Team Biabou Community.

Two. Given the number of teams Each primary school team participating in the annual was composed of two males and Biabou football competition, two females.

Morgan said he expected some to The primary segment saw accept the invitation, especially as the winners collecting $150; the relay was the first to be run second place- $100 and third off in the area. place- $75.

The primary category was Chief organizer of the event restrictive to schools within the Rawlson Morgan expressed his South Windward constituency, satisfaction with the turnout of and secondary schools’ segment the primary schools. for institutions from Carapan to North Windward.

The St Clair Dacon Secondary team.

The students of the Biabou Methodist teams ensured that their community was represented.

New Prospect Infant team that won the primary schools’ bracket.

Super-40 title decider this weekend VICTORS ONE will be looking to ensure that Team Rivals remain empty-handed, when the two square off this Sunday from 10 am, at the Park Hill Playing Field, in the Super- 40 cricket final.

The two booked their places in the final with triumphs last Saturday and Sunday, also at Park Hill.

On Saturday, Victors One had it their way against the 2016 National Lotteries Authority First Division winners Smashers.

Victors One got up to 195 for 7 from 31 overs, as rain caused a reduction in the overs.

Victors One’s decent total was led by Donwell Hector who stroked 47, along with Kenneth Dember’s 36, Miles Bascombe- 34 and Jerron John- 32, Romano Russell was Smashers’ most successful bowler, taking 2 for 42.

Donson Andrews struck 46, but that was not enough as Smashers fell for 130 in 27.5 overs.

Kenson Dalzell - 3 for9, Shaquille Browne- 3 for 30 and Ray Jordan- 2 for 17, combined to

assure Victors One a 6-run win and a place in the final.

Victors One’s foes in the final, Team Rivals then registered a five-wicket win over Premier Division champion- Flow Radcliffe, on Sunday.

Lindon James scored 42 and Kensley Joseph 23 to help Radcliffe to an unconvincing Donwell 136 all out in 37.2 overs.

Veteran player, former West Hector will be Team Rivals will one of Victors be banking on Indies One Day International player - Deighton Butler One’s key Deighton Butler’s collected 3 for 27, while SVG players experience with and Windwards Under-19 in Sunday’s bat and ball as player - Rasheed Fredericks final. well as his had 2 for 14. Deron Greaves tactical input. picked up 2 for 26 and Roneil the Premier Jeffrey had 2 for33, bowling for Division, in this case Radcliffe, Team Rivals.

Team Rivals and Victors One in The batting combination of that order, and the first division Rickford Walker - 31, Dillon winners — Smashers.

Douglas - 30 not out, Hyron The rules of the competition Shallow - 24 and Deighton Butler permit teams to include guest - 20 not out, saw Team Rivals to players, with premier division 142 for 5. teams allowed at most three and Richie Richards had figures of the first division outfit, a total of 2 for 22, bowling for Flow four.

Radcliffe.

Guardian General Saints won The Super- 40 competition the 2015 edition. combines the top three places in

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016. 27.

Classifieds

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 28, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.43

A.I. REAL ESTATE Brighton Evans Double on 7,517 sq.ft. - $450,000.00 - H112 Fountain Commercial Property on 7,386 sq.ft.

- CALL - CC088 Fitzhughes 9 acs. - $75,000.00 - BB337 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

FURTHER ACTION TO REMOVE ROBINSON EXPECTED Right: Wendell Robinson was appointed Commissioner of Police in Antigua and Barbuda in January, 2016.

WENDELL ROBINSON, the Vincentian-born Commissioner of Police in Antigua and Barbuda, continues to be in the spotlight, with the lawyer for the family of a thirteenyear-old, who alleges molestation by one of his officers, calling for his (Robinson’s) resignation.

Attorney Leon ‘Chaku’ Symister, who is also the Opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) spokesman on national security, said in a radio broadcast last week, according to the Antigua Observer, that since his party has got no way

with its advances to the Minister of Public Safety Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin, it will, in the form of a letter, “direct its demands for the resignation of Commissioner of Police Wendell Robinson, to Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Kelvin John.”

The UPP had called for Robinson to be suspended or that he “demits office voluntarily,” pending a full investigation and impartial investigation into an allegation of complicity by the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force.

It is implied that police officers may have assisted one of their own, a Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin, Minister of National Security, does not think the matter warrants Robinson’s suspension far less dismissal.

Leon ‘Chaku’ Symister, lawyer for the family of the alleged victim, is bent on seeing the back of Robinson.

Vincentian national, to flee Antigua for his homeland, after he was accused of sexual assault of a 13-year-old minor.

But Minister Benjamin ruled that for him to suspend Robinson at that juncture would have been “premature and unwarranted.”

But on Friday last week, Attorney Symister declared, as quoted by the Observer, “If Commissioner Wendell Robinson refuses to voluntarily step aside, then the Police Service Commission has an obligation to act.

“A letter will be sent to the Police Service Commission, and we’re calling on the chairman…who is known in his profession to be a forthright, honest, and firm individual who is

only done on the minor on October 3, after the alleged sexual assault was reported on fair; who is moral [and] who has a sense of what September 28.

Speculation is rife in is right and what is Antigua and Barbuda wrong.”

According to Symister, that the accused police officer left that country Robinson must step by air. down before a “proper” And as of press time investigation can Tuesday night, officers of commence because “as the Royal SVG Police the head of the police Force were still in search force, if there is an of the accused officer investigation taking who, it was confirmed, place it would be awkward…while he is in arrived in St. Vincent and gave Byrea as his command…[for] junior expected place of abode. officers to be Commissioner (Ag) investigating him.”

Renold Hadaway had In a further told THE VINCENTIAN development, the UPP last week, that he had has questioned why a medical examination was set a task force in motion, headed by a

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

gazetted officer, to locate the Antiguan police officer.

Efforts to locate him in Byrea had proved futile, but information was received that the officer might have journeyed to the Questelles/Campden Park area.

A number of Vincentians, since the 1970s, have served in the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force with distinction, even in the face of challenges within and without the Force.

Robinson is the first Vincentian to be elevated with some permanence to the top post in the Police Force there.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.