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FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 28, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.48

www.thevincentian.com

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Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John led the case for the prosecution.

by HAYDN HUGGINS A 29-YEAR-OLD WOMAN who was this week cleared of six criminal charges, including a murder charge, is appealing to persons to “stay away from crime”.

Otricia Smart, also known as ‘One Eye’, originally of Greggs, made the appeal while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN, just after emerging from the High Otricia Smart hugs her lawyer, Patina Knights on emerging a free woman from the High Court last Monday.

Court building on Monday, November 24, a free woman.

Smart had been behind bars for almost four years, charged with the June 22, 2010 murder of 37-year-old Venezuelan businessman, Juan Carlos Cuauro Chirinos. She was also charged with:

unlawfully and maliciously wounding with intent his brother, Douglas Efren Cuauro Chirinos, 34; two counts of unlawful use of a firearm; and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence. All the charges stemmed from the same incident.

Smart was charged jointly

with Sheon ‘Scobie’ Veira, 42, who resided at Arnos Vale, but is originally of Lowmans Windward.

Following a ruling by Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo on legal arguments heard during a Voir Dire (trial within a trial), which had started following the commencement of the substantive matter on November 17, at the Criminal Assizes, Smart was freed of all six charges. Justice Latchoo directed the 12member jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty on all counts. The case against Veira continued.

Going back to prison as God’s servant An elated Smart hugged her lawyer Patina Knights after emerging from the court building smiling.

“Right now, I am so excited, I just want to thank God because I made it after so long”, the mother of two told THE VINCENTIAN. “It is a real good

feeling. Thank God for my lawyer; in spite of everything, she stuck it out with me to the end,” she added.

Smart admitted that prior to her incarceration, certain things had caused her to stray away from God, but she has since recommitted herself to the Almighty.

She does not belong to any specific church, but considers herself a Christian, and she intends to return to the prisons periodically, not as a prisoner, but as a Christian soldier administering the word of God. Despite the challenges of prison life, Smart described her time behind bars as a learning experience. “I learnt a lot”, she declared, and singled out crocheting, a skill she can now use to create self-employment.

While in prison, Smart gave birth to a girl, now three years old. Her other child is a 13-year-old boy, a student of the Emmanuel High School,

Mesopotamia. She was anxious to reunite with her children.

Case development Smart was initially listed as a key witness in the case involving the Venezuelans, but at a Preliminary Inquiry, which had commenced on December 24, 2010, the prosecution withdrew the charges against Veira after Smart did not testify against him.

However, minutes after, Smart was arrested and charged with the murder of the Venezuelan and the other crimes, and Veira was subsequently recharged in connection with the matter.

Continued on Pg 3.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

No blame for road breakage

by DAYLE DA SILVA

The portion of road on the Argyle Bypass that ‘caved’ in.

PRIME MINISTER AND Minister of Transport and Works, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, says that he will not be assigning blame to the designers or contractors of the Argyle bypass road.

Dr. Gonsalves was referring to a situation where a section along the recently constructed Argyle bypass highway had collapsed.

According to the Prime Minister, who spoke on Tuesday 24th November during a press briefing in his capacity as the minister of transport and works, said that he had been advised that the road had collapsed as a result of the heavy rainfall.

The area was described as being originally a ‘gully’ which filled in with material, Gonsalves told members of the media.

“It is not the first time that a road has subsided in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and it would not be the last time,” Gonsalves proffered.

The question, he continued, was how to address the problem.

He explained that the road was constructed because of the international airport project. He contended that, with the problem of sea water coming on the road at the former site of the Argyle public road, it was going to have to be relocated sooner rather than later, even if the

airport was not being built.

“So we decided we were going to build a bypass road,” Gonsalves said.

The site was selected by professionals, and funds for the project came in the form of a loan of just over US$5 million from the Caribbean Development Bank.

According to the Prime minister, the CDB later hired an engineering consulting firm and it was later determined, just as the loan was approved, that some further alterations were necessary to the initial designs to strengthen the drainage system. This cost a further one million dollars, he said.

“The road was constructed with the best technical advice, locally, regionally and internationally.

“I hear that I am being blamed for the construction of the road,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

The Prime Minister did not disclose a figure, but said that the rehabilitative work will include the construction of a retaining wall, and the road will have to be dug up, packed with the relevant materials, then paved again.

He added that work will also have to be done to ensure that the drainage systems, both underground and on the surface, are in order.

The alternate route was made ready and motorable by Wednesday.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 3.

News 3 Judgment reserved in BiggsÊ case

Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel is kept waiting yet again.

MAGISTRATE (AG) CARLA JAMES said that she was reserving her Judgment in the traffic case involving businessman Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel, until Wednesday, December 3.

This after Samuel’s Legal Counsel, Stanley ‘Stalky’ John QC, had his no case submission overruled by James on Wednesday.

John submitted the no cased submission on two of the charges — the failure by Samuel to comply with the road sign ‘no parking’ and that he inconvenienced other road users by blocking the entrance and exit to the parking lot of the building, which houses the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Legal Counsel argued

that proper road signs ought to be properly marked, and that the sign in question did not come under the description under Section 54(1)(a) of the traffic laws.

“I submit that since it wasn’t gazetted, it was not a road sign.”

He further questioned the charge that Samuel was parked on a public road causing an inconvenience.

“Is there evidence that he caused inconvenience to the public in their common right?” John questioned.

However, James overruled, saying that, in her opinion and on principle and authority, Samuel ought to be made to answer.

Prosecutor ASP Glenford Gregg stated that traffic offences were straight liabilities.

“It is either you did it, or not,” he argued.

Under Section 7, Gregg noted that it stated that a driver must comply with all road signs unless guided by some reasonable cause.

“The question for Mr Samuel, what was the cause for him blocking the traffic?”

According to the prosecutor, the evidence clearly showed that Samuel refused to move his vehicle.

Samuel, who has been at the centre of a dispute with the government over the revocation of a mining licence and eventual shutting down

of his mining business at Rabacca, was arrested on September 15 while picketing the area outside the Attorney General’s chambers on Granby Street.

He was charged with being the driver of motor vehicle PR382: failed to comply with road sign ‘Police Notice No Parking’; on the said date, did unlawfully allow the said vehicle to stand on such a way as to cause unnecessary obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the same date; and fail to move his vehicle when told to do so by a police officer in uniform, and causing inconveniences to the public in exercise of their common rights.

Woman not guilty of Venezuelan’s Phillips demands apology and more murder

similar defamatory against our client and WILLIAMS AND compensation in an WILLIAMS LAW FIRM, amount to be agreed.” acting on behalf of The letter concluded Berisford Phillips, that “our client expects a Chairman of Housing response from you within and Land Development seven days hereof, failing Corporation (HLDC), has which we are instructed written to Margaret to issue a claim form in London, former nurse the High Court to compel and radio talk-show host, you to justify your demanding an apology slander”. for statements she A letter dated published in relation to November 21, 2014 was Phillips, during a live also issued to BDS Ltd, broadcast of her ‘Night owner of Nice Radio, for Nurse’ programme on statements made on its NICE Radio, on October airwaves by London and 29, 2014. one Sanford Charles. The The letter dated letter issued demands by November 21, 2014, and Phillips for “a suitable signed by Richard apology containing a Williams, outlined that suitable withdrawal and the remarks constituted apology in terms a grave and malicious approved by us on our slander on Phillips, and client’s behalf to be that Phillips demanded published in one issue of “a full and unequivocal each of the local weekly withdrawal and apology newspapers, undertake of the slander to be in writing that you will published in one issue of not repeat these words or each of the local weekly similar allegations newspapers, the text of concerning our client, such apology must be in indemnify our client in a form which has been respect of the costs thus approved by us, an far, to which he has been undertaking not to put in the matter in the publish any or any sum of $2,500, pay an

by HAYDN HUGGINS

appropriate sum in damages in the sum of $140,000 to compensate our client for the serious injury to his reputation which he has suffered and the associated distress and embarrassment caused by the publication of these allegations”.

The letter concluded, “We must ask you to let us have a reply by Friday 28th November 2014, no later than 3 p.m. In the meantime, it must be clearly understood that our client has instructed us to prepare a draft claim form for damages for defamation should you fail to comply with our requests”.

Phillips’ lawyers have also written to Sandford Charles issuing similar demands for comments he made in relation to Phillips, during a call to the ‘New times’ Programme on Nice Radio on or about November 14, 2014.

London and BDS Limited had, just over a week ago, received letters from lawyer

Continued from Front Page.

Another Preliminary Inquiry was held, and they were committed to stand trial in the High Court.

The matter was adjourned several times at the Criminal Assizes.

The crime

Beresford Phillips has claimed that he was slandered during a broadcast hosted by Margaret London, on NICE radio.

Grahame Bollers, on behalf oof Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, demanding apologies to be published in the local newspapers and compensation in an amount to be agreed, for statements London published in relation to Gonsalves, during a broadcast of her ‘Night Nurse’ programme on October 29, 2014.

The Venezuelan businessman was shot and killed at Dacon’s Apartment, Ratho Mill, around midnight, June 22, 2010. His brother received gunshot injuries to fingers on the left hand during the incident. He was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and subsequently discharged.

The prosecution’s case relied on the deposition of Efren Cuauro Chirinos, as he did not return to the state to testify at the trial.

According to the Deposition as read in Court, Chirinos, who had testified at the Preliminary Inquiry at the Serious Offences Court, identified the accused as the person who shot and killed his brother, and seemingly the same person who shot him. He said he never knew or saw the accused before the incident. He said, “They came to the hotel to rob”.

However, in a previous statement to the police, he had described two persons, one dark-skinned in complexion, who he said shot him, and another stout and clear in complexion, who he said was fighting with his brother before his brother was killed.

When the prosecution rested its case on Wednesday, Veira’s lawyer Carlyle Dougan QC made a no case submission on his behalf. This was heard in the absence of the Jury. Justice Latchoo was expected to rule on the submission yesterday (Thursday).

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Traffic Department constrained from the road,” Marks said, adding that it was important DISTRACTIONS WHILE driving to make the distinction have become the leading cause between talking to a of road deaths, along with passenger and talking to speeding and alcohol – this someone on the phone. according to Roger Marks, Studies, he said, have President of the International shown that brain waves are Safety Council. very different while talking on Marks made the disclosure a cell phone as opposed to while speaking at the launch talking to a passenger. of a Defensive Driving Course It was also important to last Saturday. note that there was no He explained that 80 distinction between talking on percent of drivers surveyed a hands free device — it has have admitted to using cell the same rate of fatalities, he phones while driving, and that said. research has further shown that those who use cell phones Void in the law books while driving, are more likely to be involved in a crash.

When the matter was “What happens while pursued with Commissioner of driving and talking is that Police Michael Charles, he told your attention is withdrawn THE VINCENTIAN that Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

currently there was nothing in the law books which allowed for a charge against a person, for using a cell phone while Superintendent of Commissioner of Police Persons who use cell phones driving.

Michael Charles while driving are said to be more Police (SP) He explained likely to get involved in an confirmed that Kenneth John, that as the Head of the Traffic recommendations with accident. situation respect to revising the Department, because he/she outlined some of existed, it was easy for a ‘no traffic laws have been case’ submission to be made in was talking on the constraints advanced to the a court case, by or on behalf of a phone while Attorney General’s under which his driving. an individual arrested for Office.

Department As it stands, operates. committing the act. he explained, COP Charles emphasised, though, that an individual can officers are driving under the influence, limited to only being able to be charged if involved in an would, John opined, put traffic caution an offender if they are officers at some advantage. accident, and it was spotted using a cell phone determined that he/she was not able to control the vehicle while driving.

Speed

Drinking under the influence

SP John also addressed his department’s constraints with respect to those drivers who Continuing the speed unnecessarily. programme will Driving Course, said that road investigation, THE While he referred to become a fatalities in Trinidad and VINCENTIAN learned that sections under the current permanent Tobago have been reduced by traffic laws that dealt with feature in St as much as 23 percent since the this was not the only inhibition traffic officers speeding, he admitted there Vincent and the implementation of the faced in effecting their was no device in use to Grenadines. programme.

“We are in the “This is in the most part, due duties. determine how fast a Head of the Traffic process of setting to the role played by the perceived offender would have Department, up an office, and insurance companies,” Kipps been traveling.

Superintendent of Police shortly after this said.

An offender may be ticketed course, we will be The programme has been so (SP) Kenneth John, told for speeding, however, without marketing the successful in that country that THE VINCENTIAN the a means to record the speed at office and what insurance companies were now Traffic Department was which an offender was services will be paying the full cost of the virtually handicapped in traveling, without hard offered,” Taylor programme for their policy its ability to deal with evidence, it was difficult to Fidel Taylor, General Eric Kipps, the said. holders, Kipps added. individuals who they Manager of Sentry Director of Jaric He continued, And to ensure that drivers of perceived to be operating a effectively prosecute offenders, Insurance, spoke of his ESH Limited, SP John explained. saying that the public transportation vehicle while drunk or company recognising highlighted the courses will be system, commonly referred to under the influence. the need to do importance of Laws under revision offered to minias ‘maxi-taxis’, conformed, As the situation something about road proper road use bus operators, insurance companies stopped safety, given the currently exists, there was practices as being a young drivers, COP Charles confirmed insuring their vehicles, or increased number of nothing legal that could be that he was aware that the concern to Heads heavy equipment increased the premiums. claims his company done in the event it is of Governments in operators, truck Traffic Department had put Road safety is an issue of received. the region. observed that a driver is drivers, among concern for Heads of forward some operating a motor vehicle, recommendations as per the other classes of Governments in the region, IT MAY BECOME A drivers.

Kipps said, since they recognise and it appears that the revision of the traffic laws, compulsory measure that individual is under the Last Saturday’s event took the negative impact improper and that those should have individuals looking to obtain a some time in the making, he influence. and unsafe practices on the been at the Office of the driver’s licence, would first be explained, and resulted after roads can have on the economy “There is nothing to say Attorney General. required to pass a defensive his company saw a significant of their respective countries. that that person is drunk,” The seeming lack of driving course. increase in claims stemming He highlighted the situation SP John told THE movement, he surmised, could Commissioner of Police from an increase in accidents in Jamaica and Trinidad and VINCENTIAN. have been due to other Michael Charles told THE across the country.

Tobago where tourists are “We really need the matters of greater importance VINCENTIAN that he was “It was cause for concern, appearing in increasing breathalyzer,” he sidelining the progress of the looking in that direction. and it forced us to think hard numbers among the road continued. revised traffic legislation.

“I will be taking a proposal and deep in our hearts and fatalities in those countries.

He informed that And while he said that he to the Minister of National minds as to what we can do as “In countries where tourism provision has been made Security,” Charles said. was not making excuses, a company to combat this is a part of the economy, what for the introduction of This comes following the Charles said that this was just problem,” Taylor said. we see happening is tourists breathalyzers in launch of a Defensive Driving the reality of the situation, There has been an increase around the world are now recommendations made by and in the meantime, the Course last Saturday, at the in young, inexperienced drivers looking for the road safety Russell’s Auditorium, Stoney and in the number of motor performance of countries, when his Department, with existing legislation would have Ground. vehicles in the country as well, they are choosing a destination respect to a revision of the to prevail.

Fidel Taylor, General traffic laws here.

Sentry’s GM said.

— they don’t wanna get on a THE VINCENTIAN was Manager of Sentry Insurance — The introduction of Eric Kipps, the Director of plane, fly to this beautiful told that the Attorney General the company responsible for Jaric ESH Limited and island and then be killed on the breathalyzers and was not in the state when her establishing the course here — National Safety Council Master roads,” the Jaric’s Director accompanying legislation to office was contacted for confirmed that once in place, Trainer — the company that said. make its use mandatory for comment. the Defensive Driving administers the Defensive persons suspected of

Defensive driving to be implemented soon

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

PM presents embattled Dep. Counsel Gen. to NY audience made on local radio in August, regarding jobs that he said some Vincentians in the Diaspora, particularly in the United States, hold, Despite initial outcries such as ‘baby-sitters’ and over his would-be ‘dog-walkers’. appointment, Prime As the controversy Minister Dr. Ralph E. brewed, Marshall Gonsalves on Sunday, apologized for his presented embattled, comments, and Foreign newly-appointed Deputy Affairs Minister Camillo New York Consul General Gonsalves, the prime Sehon Marshall to his minister’s eldest son, compatriots in the ‘Big urged nationals, at a Apple’. town hall meeting, at the Marshall, who Friends of Crown officially assumed office Heights Educational last week, was dogged by Center in Brooklyn in controversial remarks he September, to give the Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US Correspondent

potential diplomat “a chance.”

The prime minister noted at a standingroom-only town hall meeting at the same venue Sunday evening, that Marshall’s appointment was “clouded in controversy,” adding, however, that “Vincentians in New York, people of the Caribbean and the Diaspora, should go past it (the controversy).”

The Vincentian leader said that Marshall, “has come from the barrels of the poor in Chateaubelair,” a town

along the north western coast of mainland St. Vincent.

“There are some people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines infused with the body of colonial ideas, who think the only people who should represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines abroad are those who came for a particular background and a particular class,” he said.

Gonsalves said Marshall, a qualified teacher and former talk show host, with a Master’s degree in international relations from “a prestigious university in Azerbaijan,” brings, therefore, a set of experiences for this job.

“We heard him on radio in St. Vincent and the Grenadines being a sharp defender of the ULP (incumbent Unity Labor Party),” he said.

“When he misspoke, those who had been at the suffering end of his sharp tongue politically, they saw this as an opportunity to bring him down and to seek to persuade me to throw him under the proverbial bus.

“Well, I would not allow someone who did not quite appreciate, at that time, the importance of a transition between talk show host and diplomat — his failure to sufficiently appreciate that transition led him into error; but, in my judgment, the mistake did not constitute a hanging offense,” Gonsalves added.

“And I reflected on the matter and applied my heart to wisdom, and concluded that he is worthy to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he continued. “I will not allow them (opposition critics) to bring down a young man from a humble family, who, by dint of God’s gifts, which he embraced and developed, and they want to bring him down solely because of partisan politics.”

Gonsalves said he had read carefully the letters of Paul in the Bible, and “was struck by his sense of balance and proportionality, and I had to bring balance and proportionality to this question, and to give Sehon Marshall a

PM Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves addresses town hall meeting. chance.

“And I want those of you who are more mature than him, to help him and guide him,” said the prime minister, adding that it was not planned that Marshall’s debut meeting with Vincentians in New York be at Sunday’s town hall meeting.

Maiden Address In his brief maiden address to nationals here, Marshall said it was “with profound honor and deep humility that I address you today — honored to have been chosen by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be a consular representative here in New York; humility in the acknowledgment of the tremendous responsibility this opportunity offers to be of service to this community of Vincentians.

“I take his opportunity to thank the prime minister for imposing such confidence in me, and I assure him that this faith will not be disappointed as I pledge to perform my duties with the greatest ideals of service,” Marshall said.

“To you, the members of the New York Diaspora, I assure you that I shall work with Vincentians all to strengthen the bridge of communication, collaboration and cooperation,” he added. “I dare say, I’ve not embarked on this journey pretending to have all the answers, but rather acknowledging that your support, your cooperation and your encouragement are vital as we journey together on a path that has been, and must continue to be, mutually beneficial to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to those living in New York.

“I know as we work together, we will find

Newly installed New York Deputy Counsel General, Sehon Marshall, delivering maiden address in New York. more common goals that can drive our actions, uniting us over the task of building our country,” Marshall continued. “I reiterate my firm commitment to you to do everything I can to ensure that I reflect the values, goals and ambitions of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as regards improving the relations between Vincentians at home and in New York.

“Rest assured that these duties will be performed with the greatest degree of humility, dignity and professionalism,” he said to loud applause.

No public objection Unlike September’s town hall meeting, featuring Camillo Gonsalves, which ended in uproar over Marshall’s potential appointment, no one in the audience, this time around, publicly objected to Marshall’s assumption of office.

Calliaqua-born Ulric Jones, Jr. — who carries the sobriquet “Soca Jones,” a popular Vincentian entertainment promoter in New York, who was among the most vocal critics of Marshall’s appointment in the September town hall meeting — on Sunday “sang a different tune.”

“As a conscious Vincentian, I will adhere to your request for the new Deputy Consul General,” Jones told Prime Minister Gonsalves during the question-and-answer segment.

Gonsalves replied: “Thank you, ‘Soca Jones’”.

Marshall replaces Edson Agustus, a Richland Park native and former Seventh-day Adventist pastor, who was recalled earlier this year over reports of alleged mishandling of visa and passport matters at the New York Consulate General.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 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 Learning from Arthur Connell PHILANTHROPY ETYMOLOGICALLY means “love of humanity” in the sense of caring, nourishing, developing and enhancing “what it is to be human”.

This definition was personified recently when the executors of the will of Arthur Connell fulfilled his directive that large sums of money he left on his passing, should be donated to his church, the Anglican Church, and his favourite charity, the School for Children with Special Needs. (See story on page 14 of THE VINCENTIAN of November 21, 2014.)

Not in living memory has there been such a practical demonstration of a person’s wealth being put at the disposal of causes which endeavour to empower, if not transform, the lives of people — the salt of the earth - and in so doing exemplify “what it is to be human.”

And there is no nobler act.

Mr. Connell’s bequeathing of large portions of his (liquid) wealth speaks to a human who loved and respected humanity.

His disposing so broadly of his wealth, and to use that word may just be a misrepresentation of his status as he would have considered it, must have been motivated not only by his deep personal convictions, but also by a recognition that that which he acquired in life was because of the ‘generosity’ of the wider society. To be human, to be truly a child of God, as he would have put it, meant that some portion of his acquisition should be returned for a common good, the good of those in need.

That the very act was uncommon within the Vincentian context, is to cast some shadow of doubt as per the degree to which the wealthy in this society recognise that their greatest gift to humanity, is to ‘give’ back’; to ensure that humanity continues to be ‘good’ to itself.

That others should take a leaf from the book of Mr. Connell is an overstatement. It should be that all those blessed with an abundance of wealth should consider it their duty, their immediate needs taken care of, to see to it that some of what they would have acquired, sometimes because of the sweat of others, is returned to a cause of advancing the common good.

Philanthropy is what it is because it transcends so many other disciplines, politics included. There is nothing divisive about it.

In fact, it is a tool that rekindles faith in mankind, and mankind’s faith in itself.

Mr. Connell, for those who knew not, didn’t just give on his passing; he stood towers above many of his peers in giving back to what he considered to be the representations of ‘Vincentianness’ — to the culture that distinguished us from others — to expressions that spoke to the ingenuity of the people — to those who gave flavour and colour to our very existence, our meaning.

How well we recall his support for, among so many other causes, the steelband movements of the early 1960s — not yet the steelband that would become so immersed in our everyday culture, that we forget that it stands today as a symbol of national pride, only after long periods of struggle against prejudice and scorn.

Mr. Arthur Connell was not afraid to be affiliated with those early efforts riddled with mistrust by the broader society, for he recognised the human value in the effort.

Recall the Castrol (Motor Oil/Lubricants) and Sherwin Williams (Paint) steel orchestras, to which he attached the international brand names which he represented here in SVG. If ever there was a revolutionary, Arthur Connell was one, for he flew openly in the face of the Establishment of his day.

Many of the carnival makers, even the more established avenues of our cultural expression, found easy favour with Mr. Connell, for, steeped in the attitude of recognising what the people were saying, he gladly gave generously in support of advancing the development of cultural art forms that have become standards in our society.

It is instructive that not only in life, but even in death, Mr. Connell recognised the need to support ‘what it is to be human’; to give wherever and whenever it was in a cause of advancing the Vincentian society, one cog in the mass of humanity.. God’s richest blessing to creation.

There is, simply put, a lesson for all who sit on wealth and holdings that have been generated because of the support and efforts of the broader society. There is no greater gift to humanity than the gift of giving and sharing.

Therein lies the message of Mr. Arthur Connell in his life and in his death.

The last of the mohicans --RALPH GONSALVES prides himself as a charismatic leader. The term was coined by a German Sociologist Max Weber and applied to a leadership type with special qualities.

Transferred to underdeveloped countries on the verge of becoming Independent or newly independent countries, “charismatic”- gift of grace- generally referred to politicians blessed with a qualitative flair, flamboyance, seemingly spiritual gifts, to which the masses attached themselves with a supplicant reverence.

It became fashionable in the Caribbean to cite the following as classical charismatic leaders — Bustamante of Jamaica, Vere Bird of Antigua, Eric Gairy of Grenada , Cheddi Jagan of B.G. (British Guiana, now Guyana), and Ebenezer Joshua of SVG. Some of the attributes and characteristics of the foregoing included a magical almost biblical appeal that is magnetic. They ran Governments in a personal way, as though all power flowed and radiated from them. They regarded opposition to their sometime reckless and ad hoc behaviour as subversive, unpatriotic, even sinful.

And more often than not, they aimed at fostering dynasties starting with the closest family members.

Breezing through these points in no set order, we note first the family ties in Government: Vere Bird and his flight of Birds; Eric Matthew Gairy and his wife, Cynthia; the Guyanese couple of Cheddi and Janet Jagan; Ebenezer and Ivy Joshua with a nephew Leroy Commissiong, who ran the affiliated trade union, and a brother Joseph, who made an honest-to-goodness attempt to win the Kingstown constituency and so form the first party Government of PPP in 1954.

Today, Ralph is equipped with a Government of: himself as Prime Minister; a son, Senator Camillo Gonsalves, who heads an important ministry and is being set up to replace his father (after his death); one busy-body cousin, Senator Julian Francis; and two “adopted” political sons in Minister Saboto Caesar and Senator Luke Browne, in reverse order of priority. Jomo Thomas knocks at the gate, but does not really belong!

Ralph is indeed a modern-day Pop-Eye, the comic strip character who can do a multiplicity of things simultaneously. The insightful Elwardo Lynch had quickly summed up that the two early ULP administrations comprised one encyclopaedia and eleven copy-books. Ralph controls over 70% of government business through the several Ministries of which he is boss. He makes nearly all speeches at the open, start or completion of projects, including some not in his Ministry. The world is his oyster, so far as conferences and speech making are concerned.

So much so, that everyone has long forgotten Eggy Richards’ criticism of James Mitchell as the National Bird!

Ralph knows that the ULP has deteriorated somewhat, particularly during the past two years; but self delusion has not deserted him, so he still counts on his “infallibility” and his talents as a “come-back” kid. But age, health and the myriad problems of which he is mainly responsible keep plaguing him; trouble, coming not in single spies but in battalions is sure to

floor him.

Flaunting his brand-new expensive car on the campaign trail as “the people’s car” only sinks him further; for most people have woken from their belief that he is their saviour.

As far as I can see, the NDP will confirm their retention of seven seats and certainly add North Windward and East St George to their tally. So at the moment, the NDP should be home and dry, bar the shouting, having given the ULP a 6 for a 9! But there is much more to the final calculation, regardless of who vex the Prime Minister.

If East St George is captured by the NDP Dr. Linton Lewis, it would be a fatal political blow to the Prime Minister, who had earmarked that seat for Camillo, the heir apparent. He had first to frustrate the incumbent Clayton Burgin. Then he had to kick favourite son Fitz Huggins upstairs in the diplomatic service. Then he sought to purchase Cato’s house for Camillo. At the same time, he all but breached his trust with old friends Renwick, Blazer, Oscar, and Jomoover his plans to make Cato a National Hero, so Camillo could bathe in that reflected glory. Right now, this latter aspect remains unsettled.

If Jomo continues his disloyalty to the ULP, expect that he will be dropped from the ULP slate by edict of the PM. But to return to the main issue of “Charisma”.

I believe that a sine qna non of the term is that the personality must impress from the word go, winning his personal seat on his entry into politics.

In the mid 1940s, Alexander Bustamante registered his claim, and Jagan did likewise in 1947.

And the small islands’ chieftains, Lester Bird, Eric Gairy and Ebenezer Joshua, from the first time that they hit the political trail, they cast their spell over their mass following.

Ralph’s development was vastly different. His first three attempts at the polls met with ignominious failure. Then he first won a seat when Beache generously gave up North Central Windward. He won twice again before aspiring to the leadership of the ULP, amid much infighting, skulduggery and political calculation. It was while he was on the campaign trail in 2000 that his discovery of charisma was made. The genuine charismatic leader is born and does not need to fight and win incremental gains.

The truth is that Ralph has a doctorate in political science -not economics as has been claimed- and studied well the concept of charisma and the history of the political behaviour of its adherents in the West Indies, notably “Comrade Joshua” who ran in Ralph’s own home constituency. Then he aped, practised and mastered the properties of charisma facilitated by his whiteness among a gullible Black mass, and spiked with a few sharp tricks that he learnt from the ideology of Russian Communist Philosophy, to which his whole make-believe Kingdom genuflected. Cracks now appear in his system, like the Clare Valley homes, and it is fated soon to fall to the ground, unregretted. It perhaps closes a sorry chapter on Vincentian socio-political life.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 9.

Letters

Youth Affairs Division disappointing THE DIMINISHING role of the Youth Affairs Division within the Ministry of National Mobilisation, over the past three years or so, is unbelievable, but not surprising.

This year, 2014, has been the worst - no programmes organised for the nation’s youth. Those which existed are treated with scant regard by the present staff of the Division, the Minister of Youth Affairs and, by extension, the cabinet.

The 4H Movement is dormant, the Men as Partner Programme seems to disappear within some one of the churches which decided to take it up, The Block programme has lost momentum, the community outreach programme has lost its way as none of the officers do community outreach anymore. The youth development policy and the Youth Foundation seem to have taken a back seat for all in the Ministry, as persons in the Ministry/Division focus on ways to elevate themselves to positions of control.

The only programme in operation

right now is the YES Programme, which gives youths an opportunity to be exposed to some form of employment and gain valuable work experience. It may be fair, however, to say that not even this programme is run by the Youth Affairs Division staff. Of late, persons will register by the Division, but their names are sent to the Permanent Secretary according to constituency listing, which is then forwarded to the ULP parliamentarians and caretakers. The names are then discussed among constituency council representatives selection and a selection (of names) is returned to the Minister or Permanent Secretary. The selected names are then sent to the Youth Office. What a time for youth development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines!!

What was really unbelievable was when the Division held a function at the end of October, to mark the tenth anniversary of the Youth Office being in Rose Place. What a laugh, and a slap in the face of the nation’s youth who are struggling for education,

proper nutrition, parental guidance, employment, safer communities, and role models.

October is normally celebrated as Youth Month in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the highlight being the National Youth Awards, when a number of youths look forward to being recognised for their positive efforts, be it in sports, education, culture, agriculture, community development, and business. This year, there was none, and no explanation or apology was given.

It is important that the Youth Affairs Division function and function to the fullest. It took years of lobbying from youths, under the umbrella of the National Youth Council and others, to realise this Division in 1985. So, what should really be celebrated is the years of existence of this Division in the ever changing lives and development of youths of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. If the present staff does not recognise that the existence of the Division is what has allowed them to be employed in that field today, then

they should do some serious research and recollection, even as they pursue their ‘degree’ in youth development work.

Our youths are facing too much negativity today for us to be celebrating a building they can’t even call their own. The role models they should be looking to are constantly sending a message of “wrong could be rewarded as right”, once you are of a particular grouping. Please, policy makers, youth workers, social workers, magistrates, church leaders, and all who interact with our youths, let right be right and wrong be wrong, regardless of what or who.

By the way, the week of the 3rd to 9th November was celebrated as “Youth Workers Week” by the Commonwealth; but did we hear anything about that from the Division?

Lord help us.

Disappointed youth worker

ULP all the way The LordÊs voice THERE APPEARS to be an overdose of impressions that the ULP government is fast coming to its end. For those who think so, think again!!

One has to be real sick not to recognise the improvements that have been made in this country. I don’t think I need to repeat the progress made in education, the economy, etc.

The ULP can do that for itself, and the evidence is there for every man jack to see.

But the real reason why the ULP government will not be unseated is because of the leader of the main opposition, the NDP. Mr. Eustace has proved that he is a most unattractive leader. So much so, there are some stalwarts of his party who wish that the NDP’s founding father, Sir James Mitchell, would return to take over his party, since, as they say, Eustace is no match for de Comrade.

Eustace has failed miserably to whip up his party. He is like a bad DJ, spinning records that nobody in the party like… no body is dancing to his music.

So you see, when the bell is rung, the voters will ask, ‘Have we benefited from the ULP administration?’ and they will say a big yes.

Yes to the ULP and no to the NDP because they cannot take a chance on the NDP. When all is said and done, Vincentians will not risk changing a good thing. After all, if something is working, why change it.

D. J.

crieth unto the city THE MEN OF WISDOM shall see and hear the rod and who hath appointed it. He hath showed us, man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of us, to do justly, to love, to show mercy, and to walk humbly with God. To whom shall I speak, and give warning that they may hear!

Behold their ear is uncircumsised, and they cannot harken. The word of the Lord is unto us as a reproach (yet) we have no delight in it. By swearing and lying, killing, stealing, commiting adultery, we break out and blood toucheth blood. We to this bloody city, it is all full of lies and robbery.

This land is in mourning.

This city is as a voice of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her

that bringeth forth her first child, that bewaileth herself saying: woe is me now, for my soul is wearied, because of murderers. All this is come upon us because we have failed God. The heads judge for reward, the priest, and the prophets divided for money, this is evil. These are the men that devise mischief and give wicked counsel in this city. The leaders of God’s people have caused them to err and they that are led of them are destroyed, when a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

For every one of us is a hypocrite and an evil doer. Think, for among God’s people are found wicked men. We lay wait as he that setteth snares. We set a trap, we catch men, as a cage is

Welcome the Muslims WHEN I LEFT home in the mid1970s, there was a handful of young men who professed to be Muslims. I recall that at least one of them made a nuisance of himself with his loud chants (prayers) up and down Kingstown, and even disturbed classes at the St. Martin’s Secondary School which I attended then.

Your article highlighting that Islam is now being practised in SVG was a surprise to me, since I thought that the religion had never grown roots home.

It is good that we can boast that we are an open society when it comes to religion. It will help

to broaden our appreciation of other religions (something you, Mr. Editor, sought to do when you taught at St. Martin’s, and hopefully encourage an understanding about the whole Islam affair that has gripped the world.

I hope that the Muslim brothers and sisters do not suffer the same fate that the Rastafarians did in the early stages of Rastafari coming to SVG. I recall how they were treated with scorn. Mind you, there were some among that group who irritated the situation by referring to us non-Rastas as ‘Bald Heads’, saying how ‘Fire go

bun yo’, and all that sort of things.

The Muslims should not take that route, and it seems, from what they had to say, they are not prepared to do so. They appear to be open.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. I suppose SVG could not escape it. We as a post-colonial society should embrace this ‘new’ religion, try to understand what it truly stands for, put all the misconceptions aside, and demonstrate that ours is a country where all races and religions can live in harmony.

Garnet, N.Y.

full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit. We become great and wax rich, fat and shine. We over pass the deeds of the wicked.

The whole city is full of deception. The habitation is in the midst of deceit. One speaketh peaceably to his neighbour, with his mouth, but in heart, he layeth in wait every day, day after day, on the radio stations - political deception. This ought not to be so. Where is the love, the peace, and the tenderness?

I heard the leader of this city saying that he is a forgiving person. This is a step in the right direction. Leaders must lead by example. They must have the spirit of humility and gentleness.

When we the men of God have become crooked and corrupt, that is a bad state to be in.

Pray for all men in government. There are some shepherds who are doing a very good job in this city; keep it up. I am applying that men go to the mountains and in the hills to solve their conflict peacefully, (for) guns and ammunition must never be our chosen way of life, but peace and love must prevail in this city. And at such a time as this, let there be peace and goodwill towards all men.

A voice from the city

* Have the workers who did duty during the recent West IndiesPakistan Female cricket series played here, been shortchanged on their agreed wages? Is the Sports Council at fault in this matter? * And talking about the Sports Council, is a letter of dismissal already written for Manager Cecil Charles who is currently on vacation? * If the by-pass road at Argyle is sinking, what is to stop us from believing that the runaway at the airport site is not suffering the same fate? * Were those ULP supporters who were so loud in their opposition to Sehon Marshall’s appointment at last weekend Town Hall Meeting hosted by the PM? If they were, did they put their tails between their legs and accept everything the PM had to say?

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

What the IMF says confounds the feelings of Arnhim Eustace The Issue ANYTIME THE ACRONYM IMF is mentioned, persons conjure up the thoughts of economic failure, fiscal austerity measures, hardships, job losses and so on. That is the image that the IMF has internationally. Although there has been a shift here and there, in terms of the perception, by and large the IMF is still regarded as the bearer of bad economic news.

In the month of November, an IMF team spent two weeks in the State, engaging in what is called the Article 1V consultations. This process involves a series of meetings with a number of agencies here, including the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the private sector, the Credit Unions, the Ministry of Finance, and of course the Opposition.

From these talks, the IMF would determine the economic state of the country, and make suggestions as to the way forward.

So it was with great delight that Arnhim Eustace took to the airwaves following his article IV consultation with an IMF team, to announce that the IMF is not pleased with the economic performance of the country.

He said this with glee, telling his audience that he is awaiting further news of “doom and gloom”. Naturally, when the IMF held its media conference on November 18th, 2014, and the contents of that media conference did not square with the statements made by Eustace, the NDP then said that they will await the media release of the IMF, in this regard.

Clearly, Eustace and company are preparing themselves for a fall, and so they want to cloud the IMF team in wrapping aimed at creating some doubt, in terms of the findings coming out of the Article 1V consultations.

We await the media release.

team was made aware of the plans of the government in this regard.

The Argyle Project The third critical point made by the IMF team relates to the construction of the international airport project at Argyle. The IMF team leader was quoted as saying that “the airport looms large in our thinking”. He added “having spoken with a number of groups involved in tourism, both in the private sector and the public sector, I think we feel good that there is going to be a considerable interest in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, once the airport opens”. This statement is loaded with positivity.

What it says is that the economy of the country will see a pick-up, once the airlines begin arriving here towards the latter part of 2015. In fact, the IMF team is predicting that 2016 will see a “reasonably substantial pickup in growth”, a factor which gives more justification to the decision by the ULP administration, to embark on the largest capital project in the history of the country.

All these points along with references to salary management and the possible impact of the loss of Petro Caribe were raised by the IMF team.

But it is clear that there were no signs that the IMF team was “unhappy”, following their consultations with finance officials in the State.

Poor Arnhim

It is clear that the leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace, is clutching at straws. He and his party are so What the IMF said obsessed with bringing down the ULP administration that they are not There are three critical points thinking clearly. Anyone who has a which the IMF team made at their basic understanding of economics, will media conference on November 18th. understand that the heavy rainfall The first and most important is that last year will affect the economy in a the country will experience modest negative way. The simple truth is that economic growth in 2014, despite the the ULP administration had to natural disaster of Christmas Eve provide assistance to those persons 2013. Ellie Canetti, an IMF advisor who were affected by the rainfall. who headed the team, told the media Did the opposition expect the that the floods and heavy rainfall government to abandon those persons severely affected a number of sectors who lost household items, their including agriculture and fisheries, houses, their cars and personal but that there is underlying belongings, and leave them to fend for momentum in the economy. themselves? That would have been The second critical point is that the the action of a thoughtless and ULP administration has to continue uncaring government. The ULP is a to pay closer attention to the debt government that cares for the poor situation, although the IMF and the working class, and the ULP delegation describes the situation as will never abandon the people of this manageable. In fact, Prime Minister country.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in his 2014 Perhaps Eustace could never take budget address, referred to this solace in the thoughts of the IMF matter, and said “sustainable debt team, that “there are other countries management is obviously a critical in the Caribbean where we have factor in the overall management of greater concerns…”. This means that public finances”. despite the global financial and He also went on to warn the economic crisis, despite the many country that the fiscal deficit will natural disasters that have affected widen, due to the increased costs the country, despite the manmade associated with the recovery from the disaster of Clico/Baico, the country is heavy rainfall of December 25th, holding its own, and is weathering the 2013. So the ULP administration is on storm, under the leadership of top of this situation, and the IMF Comrade Ralph and the ULP.

The NDP will win the next general elections THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) will form the next government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines whenever the general elections are called. The NDP has the programme and policies which, when implemented, will restore economic growth and development in SVG, and improve the well being and quality of lives for all Vincentians.

The NDP is concerned about the high level of unemployment in this country, especially among our youths.

We believe that unemployment among young people is as high as 60%.

Therefore, the NDP has job creation as a major priority when it is elected to office. One of the areas that has been identified to create employment for our young people is that of Information Communication Technology (ICT). We have begun discussion with a number of ICT firms towards establishing ICT businesses here. From this venture, we anticipate that thousands of our youths will be employed.

Our youths are not lazy, as the Unity Labour Party (ULP) will like us to believe. They want to work; they need jobs but the ULP administration is bankrupt of ideas and cannot and will not deliver any jobs to our young people. Our youths must know that the NDP cares about them and we cannot allow them to sit “on the blocks” on a daily basis. We will change that.

The NDP will also fix the country’s economy by developing the productive sectors, such as agriculture and tourism. We have parties who are ready to invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and we will implement our Economic Citizenship programme.

Through the Economic Citizenship Programme, our country will earn millions of dollars similar to what is earned by other Caricom countries which have a similar programme, and will ultimately ease the tax burden of the poor and working class of this country.

Moreover, the NDP has recognized the important role of agriculture to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and to the wellbeing and livelihood of all Vincentians. We will do all that is possible to revive the agricultural sector, to include the banana industry. Our overall goal in agriculture is to optimize and maximize our capacity to provide for our food needs. This will be done through increasing production of a range of crops and livestock species, as well as fish and related byproducts, thus ensuring sustainable food security for all. The NDP will place tremendous emphasis on technology for production and marketing, and will also seek market for farmers’ produce, and repair and construct feeder roads.

For our banana programme, we intend to rehabilitate and replant 1000 acres of bananas within our first year of office. Farmers will be assisted with inputs and technical support. In addition, an income support of $500.00 will be given to each famer for the first seven months of production, to assist with their day to day affairs. Presently, we are not exporting any bananas to Europe. St. Lucia, Dominica and Jamaica are exporting bananas to Europe. Yet, the ULP, in its effort to discredit our programme, tells farmers that banana

is dead. While they say that, Haiti has now gone into banana production.

Leader on the go We are pleased to report that the Hon Arnhim Eustace has begun his island tour and will be visiting each constituency in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So far, his visits have been a resounding success. He has been showered with love and received with open arms by everyone, NDP and ULP supporters alike. He sits with the youths, the middle aged and the elderly, and listens as they lament their problems and explain the suffering and hardship they are experiencing under this vindictive ULP regime.

The electorates also have the opportunity to touch the “flesh” of the Hon Arnhim Eustace, and dispel the rumours and propaganda of the ULP about Mr. Eustace. Yes, the Hon. Arnhim Eustace can relate to their experiences and already, we have begun to hear positive reports from the areas that he has visited. The future looks bright for the NDP. It will win the next general elections when they are called. Vincentians have been suffering for too long, and they are now convinced that the NDP is the only alternative.

The Collapsing Government Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has become the first comedian Prime Minister in the Caribbean. The Town Hall Meeting in New York on Sunday 23rd November, 2014, was nothing but a comedy show; where he entertained his audience. However, he continued to attack and insult Vincentians, referring to a section of our society as “half decent”. Shame on you Dr. Gonsalves! Shame! Shame! Shame!

His presentation lacked substance.

One would have thought that the Prime Minister would have outlined his government’s achievement, but he failed to do so. Instead, his presentation was centered around the Hon. Arnhim Eustace; a clear indication that Mr. Eustace is a threat to the ULP and its leader.

And Dr. Gonsalves must be a worried man because everything around him is collapsing. The Clare Valley Housing Project is collapsing.

The economy is collapsing, and very soon his government will collapse.

And to make matters worse is Moody’s latest credit ratings on St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Moody’s is a global credit rating agency that rates a country based on analysis of the state of the country’s economy and finances. And Moody’s has downgraded St. Vincent and the Grenadines once again. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has gone down from B2 to B3. And the outlook for the country’s finances has been downgraded from stable to negative which means, that it is likely to get worse.

Dr. Gonsalves, you have failed Vincentians, you have insulted us too much and you have tarnished the good name of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All we are asking of you is for you to announce the date for general elections so that Vincentians can elect the NDP.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 11.

Views

The Promises

“If we are faithful in keeping the commandments of God, His promises will be fulfilled to the very letter. . . . The trouble is, the adversary of men’s souls blinds their minds. He throws dust, so to speak, in their eyes, and they are blinded with the things of this world.” M. Russell Ballard (1928 – ) American religious leader, various businesses: automotive, real estate & investments

GOD IS ABLE TO DO great things through us when we are faithful to Him; when we humble ourselves and abandon our selfish will for His divine purpose. It is often useful to reflect on the tremendous blessings we receive when we serve Him faithfully. It is on those occasions that we seem to rest in His arms and listen to Him call us “friend”.

Oh, how thrilling it must have been for Abraham, a human being just like you and me, to be called God’s friend. We could learn from his experiences and be reminded that although Abraham made mistakes, he received God’s blessings and saw God’s promise fulfilled.

Abraham was 75 years old when God told him that he would make him the father of many nations. This historic record is captured in Genesis 12:4. But like so many of us, Abraham demonstrated impatience as he waited on God to fulfil that promise. In his moment of weakness, he entertained some doubts, and reflected that several years later he and his wife Sarah were still childless. The biblical passages indicate that he and Sarah did not have a son until 25 years after the promise. He was then 100 years old and Sarah was 90. The records in Genesis 17 confirm that God is a God of the impossible. Sarah was able to give birth long after her child-bearing period had ended. God keeps His promises. He may not work with our schedule, but He delivers what He promises. The New Testament book of Romans (Chapter 4 and verse 21) reminds us that what He has promised, He will perform.

God is faithful. He will keep His promises. He has promised to bless us when we are faithful; when we live righteous lives. Sometimes we wrongfully assume that the blessings will be poured out in material things.

While this is sometimes the case, it does not always happen this way. As a matter of fact, God may very well bless us by removing material things from our lives ... so that we become more reliant on His provision. There are multiple blessings that emerge through such experiences. God knows how to provide an oasis in the desert.

He knows how to show a path through the wilderness. We, you and I, just need to trust Him more. To be more faithful to His call and his commands.

So very often, we get engrossed with our dreams and ambitions, and forget that He has work for us to do to. We can be used as His instruments to deliver untold blessings to others. We have the selfless example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And those of us who are called by His name (Christians) have a tremendous

responsibility and honour to continue many of the works that He started.

We also have powerful examples to model and mentor in the New Testament. Oh, to be an encourager like Barnabas. His encouragement was not only with words; history records that he also sold some of his possessions and used the funds to help those in need. He was used by God to fulfil a promise to provide for the needy.

What a wonderful God we do serve!

A God who has promised to provide for His children. A God who has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. With promises like these, we should be forever encouraged to stand boldly for Him. We should be able to say like the great apostle Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Romans 1:16). But Paul also reminded the saints in Corinth and Thessalonica to stand boldly in their faith in the God of promises. His letters to young Timothy also encouraged him to stand boldly and not be ashamed of his faith in God. Today, you and I can be encouraged by Paul’s writings, inspired by God, reminding us that our God is faithful; He keeps His promises.

You and I can, therefore, be encouraged to stand firm on God’s promises. We are to guard our thoughts and fortify our minds with things that are pure and just. In doing so, we are better able to cope with the many distractions and temptations that regularly come our way. We can stay focused on the narrow path that leads to purity, integrity, and righteousness. Yes, we may stumble and fall from time to time (as Abraham did), but we can rest on God’s promise to restore and re-energize when we are truly repentant. Peter knew what that was like. After all, he walked with the Lord for years. He was the “rock” upon which the church was to be built. But he took his eyes away from his noble calling ... and denied that he knew the Lord. He later repented.

God’s grace was extended ... and this same Peter performed miracles. His testimony stands out today to remind us of God’s grace and mercy ... and His promise of restoration of whosoever will come to Him. God is faithful. God keeps His promises. He blesses those that are His own. And He expects us to serve Him faithfully. We can rest assured that if we are faithful in keeping God’s commandments, His promises will be fulfilled to the very letter.

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

Politics and economics IT IS SAID THAT NOTHING in life distorts economics like politics. We are also reminded that a good economist must always look at the economy through political lens. And so we take these hazards on board as we attempt to analyze the recent pronouncements by the credit rating agency Moody and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Few countries, Denmark, among them have avoided being downgraded by the either or all of the top three credit rating agencies, A credit rating is issued by a credit rating agency of which Fitch, Moody’s and Standard and Poors are the major players.

A credit rating assigned to a country is an expression of how likely the assigning agency thinks the country will be able to repay its debts.

A credit rating assigned to a country also influences the interest rates that country will have to pay on its debt. If the country’s debt holders know the debt will be paid back, they do not have to price the chance of default into the interest rate. However, it should be noted that these ratings sometimes measure different things; for instance Moody’s considers the expected value of the debt in the event of a default in addition to the probability of default.

So SVG was downgraded last week.

It was the second downgrade slapped on the country in just over two years.

The news of the downgrade, taken in isolation may bring alarm. Taken in context, one would conclude that this is a reflection of the current state of economic affairs in the region and in the world.

In the last two years, economies as powerful as the United States of America and England were downgraded. In the Caribbean, every country in Caricom experienced a downgrade.

The following is a sample of some countries that were downgraded in 2014: Bermuda, Bahamas, Finland, Puerto Rico, Spain, Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine. Stable Finland, resource rich Russia to poor scarcely endowed SVG. Last week, the Financial Times signaled that 9 of the countries in the European Union, experienced downgrades, and that this development may signal a return of the recession in Europe.

Two weeks ago, it was reported that Japan had officially gone back into recession. Even China, the ‘work horse’ of the modern world, and rapidly developing India have slowed from the break neck pace of 10 percent to the still dynamic 5 to 6 percent growth.

A number of conclusions can be drawn from the following: that the modern economy has become ungovernable, that the international crisis in capitalism cannot be solved and that more hardships can be expected, that the boom/ bust economic cycle which plagues capitalism makes it impossible for countries, rich or poor/developing and developed to experience significant, continuous and sustainable economic growth.

Or there is another view that the downgrades follow poor economic performance of many countries can be traced to poor economic and fiscal planning or mis-management of the national economy by those charged with the responsibility to steer the ship of state.

Moody cites the December 2013 floods, which destroyed more than 17 percent of SVG GDP, as a main contributor to the deficit, the need for increased borrowing and the resultant higher interest rates we may incur as we attempt to finance our development. Thus the reason for the downgrade. Clearly, the government’s management of the economy cannot be blamed for the floods of last year.

Are we prepared to claim that mismanagement caused the downgrading of major economies like the US, Britain and Finland? Or is the charge of mismanagement only applied to governments in the developing countries? There can be no doubt that economic mismanagement can afflict big and powerful countries as well as small and poor countries.

What is even clearer is that the financial and economic crisis which currently has a death grip on the world economy was not of the making of countries and the political leaders in the developing world. While the poor and the meek bear the brunt of the fallout from the crisis, it was the losing of regulatory control, the merger of huge banking and financial concerns and the immoral rush to make profits out of everything, including life itself, which have brought the economic system to the verge of collapse.

Even as economies contract and the suffering of citizens from all countries across the earth intensifies, the profits of the banks and insurance as well as other private business concerns continue to rise at exponential levels. Poverty increases while the income gap between tiny economic elite grows by leaps and bounds.

It is in this light we must see the recent IMF forecast on the Vincentian economy. Although the fund recognizes a number of weaknesses, it sees as well prospects for economic growth of between 1 and 2 percent.

The IMF also anticipates increased economic activity once the international airport becomes fully functional and operational.

The projection is for increased travel to the island, an influx of foreign direct investment that will surely create even more economic activity. Clearly, the IMF did not confirm the doom and gloom picture which the opposition leader is fond of painting. Its forecast for the Vincentian economy can be described as hopefully optimistic.

But it must never be forgotten that Moody’s, like Standard and Poors and Fitch, the World Bank and the IMF, are institutions of regulation, domination and control. They can make or break a country’s economy.

As we try to make sense of economic matters, we can never disregard the politics of economics nor the economics of politics. The two go together, but they must never be seen as one and the same thing. Education for understanding is needed now more than ever.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Is SVG competing with Haiti as the poorest nation?

It is well known that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere; but is SVG competing with Haiti to be the poorest nation? About 6 years ago, PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves compared SVG to Haiti, and after 13 years of ULP’s economic incompetence, there are now many similarities between SVG and Haiti.

Food insecurity and hunger are chronic issues in Haiti. In SVG, thousands of households struggle to feed themselves, and regularly do not know how they will find food the next day. Many children of the poor go to school on empty bellies. The issue of food insecurity is such a big problem in SVG, that praedial larceny - the theft of agriculture produce is a major concern.

Thousands of Haiti’s poor live in dilapidation and misery. Travelling throughout SVG, one can see many areas of dilapidation. Poor families have been forced to live in hardship and poverty, because the ULP regime has failed to create mass employment and stimulate significant economic growth.

The rubbish and dilapidated shacks near the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Day Parade, Kingstown, on 9th November 2014, illustrate that the ULP government barely functions. Focused on the airport for tourists, the government has grossly

education as the engine of the Singapore economy and having built a number of universities, attracted vast amounts of direct foreign investment and neglected the basic needs of the Vincentian poor.

In Haiti, thousands of households have no mains boosted employment.

In Singapore, the primary school curriculum is supply of electricity and drinking water. In SVG, the focused on mathematics and science. Singaporean same is true; the poor having had their electricity and drinking water supply cut off because the rates students consistently rank in the top five in the world in the two major international assessments of are so high. mathematics and science knowledge.

An analysis by the World Bank highlights the Singapore has the highest number of millionaire reasons for Haiti’s poverty as being: no or low incomes; poor access to credit; low educational households per capita and topped the charts for levels; inequality of access to inputs – water, highest GDP per capita in 2010, at close to electricity, good land; and economic decline. They EC$152,636 (USD $56,532), according to a study in may as well had been talking about SVG! the Wealth Report 2012.

A once glorious nation, our country has fallen to The incompetent ULP regime has chosen to ruin under the incompetent ULP regime. Yes, compete with Haiti for the poorest nation title, officially, Haiti is the poorest country in the devastating our economy and creating a high level Western Hemisphere, but seeing all the filth, of crime, poverty and unemployment. A Green squalor, poverty, hardship, unemployment, crime Government will follow the innovative route of and begging in SVG, it is clear that SVG is a close Singapore. We will focus on high-quality education second. and invest in universities and technical institutes.

When the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant This will boost the economy, create mass Officer Ivan O’Neal, served with the British Royal employment and reduce crime and poverty.

Air Force in Singapore in 1963, Singapore was virtually a swamp, covered in filth and dilapidation.

Within 10 years of their 1965 Independence, SVG Green Party Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, using high-quality www.svggreenparty.org

MoodyÊs downgrades SVG Moody’s Investors Service, a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, has today downgraded St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ government bond ratings to B3 from B2 and changed the outlook to negative from stable. The sovereign’s short-term foreigncurrency and local-currency ratings are affirmed at Not Prime (NP).

The key drivers of today’s rating action are: Increased external vulnerabilities following a strong weather-related shock in December 2013; and the fiscal deterioration hanging over from 2013 which is expected to continue in 2014, leading to weaker public debt ratios and substantial downside risks to debt sustainability.

Ratings rationale With respect to the marked increase in external vulnerability and deterioration in external finances, Moody’s noted that St. Vincent’s already sluggish economic recovery following the global economic crisis, “was derailed by a strong weatherrelated shock in December 2013, which caused massive damage to infrastructure, housing, and agriculture as a result of severe floods.”

Tourism activity in 2013 contracted by 3.5%, and Moody forecasts a further weakening of tourism activity.

This, along with increased imports of construction materials related to the reconstruction effort, “are likely to

more than offset the respite brought about by lower import prices on fuel and other commodities, pushing the current account deficit to nearly 34% of GDP by the end of the year, an increase from 30%,” the report stated.

Moody’s noted that although the emergency funding (including an IMF approved disbursement of approximately $6.4 million - 0.9% of GDP - through its Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) and Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)) alleviates the immediate pressure on St. Vincent’s external accounts, “the country’s vulnerability to exogenous shocks remains elevated, and downside risks to balance of payments sustainability remain, stemming from uncertain tourism prospects.”

As far as the continued deterioration in government finances and substantial downside risks to debt sustainability was concerned, Moody’s cited the widening of the fiscal deficit in 2013 to 6.4% of GDP from 2.1% the previous year, which led to an increase in debt to 63.1% of GDP from a low of 41.5% in 2007, and predicted that this widening would increase “as authorities move to boost capital spending in 2014 in order to repair damaged infrastructure and continue building climate resistance.”

Moody’s referred to the budget speech in January as envisioning a widening of the fiscal imbalance to around 9.5% of GDP, which Moody’s estimates would push debt ratios slightly above 70% of GDP. “Stabilizing debt ratios at under

71% of GDP and then reversing negative debt dynamics would require the effective execution of the authorities’ plans,” Moddy’s opined.

The Investors Service also stated Moody’s Investors Service envisions that unless there is that it “believes increased economic activity, SVG will continue to there are experience negative credit ratings. substantial downside risks to by the completion of the Argyle airport the fiscal outlook and debt and the expected associated increase sustainability; these doubts underpin in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the negative outlook on the B3 rating. the tourism sector as potential — Slow disbursement of grants and supporting upwards movement in St. financing could prolong reconstruction Vincent’s rating. It also cites projects and delay the projected significant strengthening of the recovery in tourism revenues. Such a government’s balance sheet, through a recovery depends on critical marked reduction in debt metrics or infrastructure being fully repaired, diversification and increase of funding and importantly, the new airport being sources, as placing upward pressure completed.” on the rating. A significant reduction Further downside risks that support in external vulnerabilities would also the negative outlook on the rating create upward pressure. relate, according to Moody’s, “to the However, Moody’s warns that “a possibility that the economy may not further deterioration of the public respond to the planned fiscal stimulus sector balance sheet, the assumption measures, suggesting that debt of contingent liabilities, or increased sustainability may also be jeopardized commercial borrowing to finance by the slower recovery.” potential cost-overruns related to the Argyle airport would be creditMoving the rating upwards negative. Downward pressure on the rating will also arise if access to grants Moody’s sees limited potential for and concessional finance were to upward rating changes in the deteriorate or if a large external shock immediate future. were to jeopardize balance of It sees faster growth being driven payments sustainability.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 13.

News

Digicel not letting up

John Delves, CEO of Digicel Trinidad and Tobago, says CWC/Columbus should not pressure the TATT. DIGICEL, IN A STATEMENT released on Friday 21st November, 2014, has accused Cable and Wireless Communications PLc (CWC) and Columbus International Inc. of embarking “on a strategy of seeking to railroad through this acquisition by seeking to ‘put a gun to the heads’ of regulators right across the Caribbean region.”

According to the statement, “CWC and Columbus seek to do this by artificially setting purported dates for termination of their share purchase agreement. This deliberate ploy is designed to seek to avoid or curtail proper regulatory consideration of the proposed transaction and the undoubted impact that it will have on the telecommunications industry right across the region.”

And in a direct appeal

to one regulatory body, Digicel called on the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) “to hold firm and withstand the severe pressure” being applied by CWC and Columbus to rapidly approve the proposed acquisition of Columbus

by CWC. Under the conditions governing Columbus’s operations in Trinidad and Tobago, CWC/Columbus are obliged to seek regulatory approval from TATT to allow the change of control of Columbus’ operations in Trinidad and Tobago to CWC. TATT, on the other hand, is obliged to consider the application and may insist on certain conditions being applied to the proposed transaction before the change of control is approved in Trinidad and Tobago.

CEO of Digicel Trinidad and Tobago, John Delves, comments; ‘It is not for CWC or Columbus to tell TATT or any other Regulatory body how to do their job or the period of time that they are allowed to do it in. These attempts to force their will on what is a hugely significant regulatory process must be resisted and rejected by TATT. This application to allow the acquisition of Columbus by CWC needs to be subjected to a rigorous review by TATT and a proper, considered analysis of the effects on the telecoms market and

industry in Trinidad and Tobago must be conducted and acted upon. “ Cable and Wireless Communications PLc (CWC), trading as LIME in the OECS, announced on November 6, 2014, that it had agreed to acquire Columbus International Inc, a

With the acquisition of Columbus, CWC stands to become the largest internet service provider in the region. leading privately-owned fibre-based telecommunications and technology services provider operating in the Caribbean (as FLOW), Central America and Andean region. The acquisition was valued at

US$3.025 billion.

Should the acquisition be approved by the regulatory bodies concerned, CWC would become the largest internet service provider in the CARICOM region.

In the announcement

of results of its operations for the six months ended 30th September, 2014, Cable and Wireless declared total revenue of US$848 million, representing a net profit of US$103 million.

14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 15.

News

Sion Hill first in KCCU quiz

SION HILL Government School, represented by Vashon Thomas and Selena Davis, are the 2014 champions of the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union’s Annual Primary School Quiz.

They won the 22nd edition of the Quiz by beating five other finalists - Biabou Methodist, Evesham Methodist, Clare Valley Government, Kingstown Government and Buccament Government School.

Second position was taken by Clare Valley Government School represented by Tamika Miguel and Makkeda Miguel, and third was the Kingstown Government School with Ashyah Mc Kie and

Jahdiel Charles as representatives.

The final, November 15 at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall, was preceded by a preliminary round held on November 1 at the St. Vincent Grammar School, and involving some nineteen schools.

The Champions took home the Thomas Saunders Challenge Trophy along with a cash prize of $2,000.00. The two who championed Sion Hill to victory each received three hundred dollars (EC$300.00), trophies, gifts and a KCYC account at the Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union Limited, which will be

opened with twenty-five (EC$25.00) credit.

All other finalists were rewarded for their hard work and participation, with cash prizes, trophies and gifts.

Prior to the actual competition in the finals, participants and an audience comprised of students, teachers, parents, invited guests and persons from the public who came out to support the students, heard an address by past KCCU scholarship holder Shaquille Thomas, who encouraged the Credit Union to continue the good work in improving the lives of youths in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

(From left) Kingstown Government School’s Ashyah Mc Kie and Jahdiel Charles; Champions Sion Hill Government School’s Vashon Thomas and Selena Davis, and Clare Valley Government School’s Makkeda Miguel and Tamika Miguel, with officials of the KCCU.

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16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

„I am a rehabilitated person,‰ Brigo

He is hoping to get a Liquor Licence, December 11, and is HIS NAME IS BRIAN looking for his Trader’s ALEXANDER, also known certificate as well. as Brigo. He lives in “I am a rehabilitated Walvaroo, in the East St. person,” Alexander George district. confided.

At age 47, Alexander “Within my heart, I has seen a great deal in am a good person, even life, some of it on the though there is a little wrong side of the law. He ‘ignorantness’ within confessed, however, that me,” he added. he has changed his life.

“I want to be

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

somebody, to try to uplift me nah t’ief again.”

He grew up in capital myself,” Alexander city Kingstown, having continued. moved from his The turbulent period hometown of Chateaubelair as a He admitted to having primary school child. been a bandit, robber, He recounted having been hooked on cocaine, and being simply dishonest. and described some of He recounted being the things he went referred to as ‘London through during that Cat’, and acknowledged: turbulent period.

“Me hand was fast, but With a straight face,

he confessed to having sold everything, including his daughter’s gold chain, in order to fulfil his cocaine habit.

“Cocaine used to make me hide from me(y)self. But when I look in the mirror, it’s Brian Alexander says that he has myself I see,” put his ‘bad ways’ behind him the former and is now on a straight and convict narrow path. admitted.

“My name that such actions are was Gun smoke. I used wrong, but he is of the to stick up and rob,” view that some Alexander admitted. neighbours are bringing His record includes pressure to bear on him bouts in prison and because they know of his many excursions down past record. He believes the darker side of life. persons in his He confessed having neighbourhood are trying seen many of his exto “spite me. convict friends killed, “I only want the public and mentioned names to know it is a personal like ‘Spanny’, ‘Bow’, thing against me,” he ‘Scaredem’ and ‘Laybay’. stated.

Even if the list may not “Most time, people be exhausted, there was used to tell me to behave a feeling of sincerity yourself. Now me about Alexander’s plight. behaving me(y)self, people don’t like me,” Not easy reintegrating Alexander said.

“The next move is to In 2005, he won a go closer to God. People Juggling Competition, tell me God has a lot for put on by Digicel, and me,” Alexander disclosed. that has perhaps been an influencing factor in his Today’s youth life.

He noted that he has With all that he has changed. He has learnt been through, he now to be satisfied with what regards himself as an he has, and confessed “elder”, and took the that he avoids gambling. liberty to make an “Whatever money I analysis of what he sees have, I will put it to use happening presently. and be content with “I see some youths that.” have qualification, but Unfortunately, he has they are not ambitious,” become something of a Alexander declared. He target for thieves, and would have been happy complained that when he to be as fortunate as the reports incidents of theft youngsters today, with from his property, the all the opportunities in Police remind him of his education. past misdeeds, and He surmised that this suggest that his generation of youngsters situation is a repayment show “no discipline. of the treatment he People throw down handed out. respect and forget about He has also come the elders,” Alexander under focus because of outlined. his tendency to play He plans to expand on music into the wee hours the small business he of the morning. operates and move up to Alexander admitted a Minimart.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 17.

Court

‘Judicial system needs looking at’ bars.

“I think it is very hard that we have persons on DEFENCE LAWYER Patina remand for such a long Knights thinks that this time before their matters country’s judicial system are dealt with, and at should be looked at, with a the end of the day, they view to identifying ways of are released after being improving it. acquitted,” Knights said.

Knights made the She pointed out that a point while speaking to person is presumed THE VINCENTIAN on innocent until proven Tuesday. Her client, guilty.

Otricia ‘One Eye’ Smart, “We really need to was on Monday cleared look at our judicial of six criminal charges, system to see in what including a murder ways we could improve charge, after spending the system,” Knights close to four years behind added.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Woman charged with failing to provide⁄⁄ A 42-YEAR-OLD JANITOR of Upper Cane Hall is scheduled to reappear at the Family Court, charged with failing to provide two children with the basic necessities of life.

According to a police release, on November 17, Joycelyn Stapleton, 42-year-old janitor of Upper Cane Hall, was arrested and charged with failing in her duty , without lawful excuse, to provide the necessities of life and so endanger the lives of the children, ages 7 and 5, both students of Upper Cane Hall, on November 14.

It is alleged that Stapleton left the children unattended and they were seen about the streets.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the police responded to calls from persons in the area and took the children to their grandmother’s residence.

Stapleton was granted bail when she appeared at the Family Court.

She noted that her client now has to catch up with what she had lost over that period, including being close to her two children, ages 3 and 13.

“I wish her all the best in the future and I am glad that I have been of assistance to her,” Knights said.

Other lawyers, including former president of the SVG Bar Association Kay Bacchus-Browne, have raised concerns in the past about persons being on remand for lengthy periods, before their cases are dealt with, only to be acquitted at the end of the day.

‘Lifer’ charged for making threats The Royal SVG Police Force reported in a release of November 20, 2014, that 17.11.14, Michael Jeffrey, 58 years, described as a ‘lifer’ of the Mental Health Centre, now located at Orange Hill, was arrested and charged on November 17, for making threats on the life of Jeffrey Moffford, in a public place.

The threat is said to have been made around 10:30 am on November 7.

Mofford, a 45-year-old resident of Belair, is a Nursing Aide at the Mental Health Centre.

Reliable sources at the Centre say that Jeffrey is an aggressive character.

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to verify information that Jeffrey was returned to the Centre after being charged.

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Scorcher, Soso named cultural ambassadors During his address last month at the Military Parade in commemoration of the country’s 35th year of political independence from Great Britain, PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH E. Gonsalves Gonsalves said his Cabinet had decided to has added renowned Brooklyn, New Yorkaccord ambassadorial status to 15 sporting based soca artistes Cyril N. ‘Scorcher’ and cultural icons.

Thomas and Winston Soso to the “pantheon The cultural ambassadors announced of cultural ambassadors” in St. Vincent and then were: Cecil “Blazer” Williams, Ken the Grenadines.

Isles, Marlon “Mattafix” Roudette, Elroy “This evening, on behalf of the Government “Blondie Bird” Boyde, Julian “Pilling” and People of St. Vincent and the Pollard, Errol “Sardo” Sutherland, Rondy Grenadines, I will like to announce formally “Luta” McIntosh, Orande “Bomani” that Winston Soso and Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Charles, Shaunelle McKenzie, and Thomas will join the pantheon of cultural Shernelle “Skarpyon” Williams. ambassadors,” said Gonsalves, in making The announced sports ambassadors the announcement at a town hall meeting at were: Dr. Halimah Deshong, Deighton the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Butler, Denis Byam, Sabrina Mitchell and Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, to Stanley “Luxie” Morris. enthusiastic, sustained applause.

Morris, a former national football “We thank Winston Soso and Cyril captain and coach and perennial head Thomas for their immense contributions,” coach for Team SVG in Brooklyn’s added the Vincentian leader, Caribbean Soccer (Football) Cup, was stating that “I know many of us ‘front and center’ at Sunday’s town hall have danced and sung, for meeting. example to Winston Soso’s ‘I Don’t Almost immediately after the prime Mind’(pre-empted by the crowd’s minister’s announcement on Sunday, the disclosure).

Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the “Well, we recognize him this Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New evening in the midst of the jam,” York Inc., which had commended Morris he said. “And, of course, I always for his award, congratulated Scorcher and tease Scorcher about, among other Soso, saying that they “truly deserve this things, ‘Fork Dem Up’. ” (Applause honor. and laughter).

“For a very long time now, both of you Gonsalves said he had have brought joy, love, unity and dignity to commenced the process of naming our nation and its people in the Diaspora,” cultural and sport ambassadors said the group, which is led by community shortly after the incumbent Unity activist and UN social development officer Labor Party (ULP) assumed office Maxwell Haywood. in 2001.

“We have had many very The ‘new’ Ambassadors important contributors to our sporting and cultural Sion Hill native Scorcher, a former development, who have been Deputy New York Counsel General under accorded the honor of being an Gonsalves’ tenure, holds of a bachelor’s ambassador — cultural or sporting degree in political science, a master’s — and to have the dignity and the degree in urban administration, and an privilege to carry a diplomatic Advanced Certificate in Educational passport of St. Vincent and the Administration and Supervision from Grenadines,” he said.

Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

Scorcher, who is a retired public school teacher in Brooklyn and US Army veteran, also holds a Master of Philosophy degree from Ignatius University.

In an article published in THE VINCENTIAN two years ago, and written

by Luzette King, producer and host of ‘Global Highlights’, Soso, a Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown native and ex-national football goal keeper, declared his respect for Scorcher and the ABC of calypso, Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus.

“There is this brotherly, happy feeling when we meet; we’re not there to compete against one another,” he said on the eve of his then 60th birthday.

Soso also extended his gratitude to musical maestro Frankie McIntosh and record producer extraordinaire Granville Straker, according to King.

In 2012, perennial Band of the Year New sports ambassador Stanley champs Nelson Bloc recognized Soso’s “Luxie” Morris gets “ringside” contribution to calypso, soca and carnival seat at PM Gonsalves’ town hall by portraying ‘Dat is Sos’ in VincyMas. meeting.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas (R) and Winston Soso among audience at town hall meeting.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 19.

News

Steel Expression to explode in December

by KENVILLE HORNE

THE ORGANIZERS of the ‘Steel Expression – I Am Legend Show’, are

Kevin Lyttle was on hand to offer his full support to Small.

promising an exceptional show.

The show is slated for 28th December at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, but last Tuesday, sponsors, entertainers, well- wishers and members of the media gathered at the Grenadine House, for a Media Launch and Cocktail.

Rodney Small, featured artiste, producer and artistic director of the show, promised that the event will be a high level production, to demonstrate the possibilities of the creative sector.

According to Small, “Some persons asked me why did I call the show ‘I Am Legend’. My replies were… I see myself having developed from a student to a graduate and moving to being a

legend. I have to discover myself and the potential to become a legend. I have to first discover the legend in me, my innerself. The freedom, courage, strength, will power, wisdom, positive attitude towards life and death and passion.”

The show is expected to feature Small, one of this country’s leading pannists and arrangers, and the Ultimate Band with Olando Kedo Foster.

A fabric dance routine by the National Dance Festival Champions, Arabesque Dance Company, will add to the mood, and a mass choir of 50 members from different choirs throughout SVG, will take things up another notch.

Several documentaries will highlight the contributions of the

‘Legends’, who will be honoured on the night.

These include Vincentians David ‘Darkie’ Williams, Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus, Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh, Iron Tuff from Foster’s creation, Ken Isles, Gerard ‘Rasum’ Shallow; Jamaican icon Robert Nester Marley; Grenadian-born Slinger ‘Might Sparrow’ Francisco; and internationally acclaimed Americans Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Tina Tuner.

‘Becket’, ‘Luta’ and David “Darkie” Williams are also down to perform.

The tributes would be done through live steel pan music played by Rodney Small, accompanied by the Ultimate Band and a cast of local singers. “The fusion of all these performances using

various genres will ensure that our patrons’ appetites will be sated, (so) at the end of the event that they may want to leave an extra contribution at the exit,” Small cited.

According to Samll, Steel Expression — I Am Legend Show is Rodney Small, producer of also a fund-raising ‘Steel Expressions’ sees it event in support of a as a journey he must make youth development to ‘discover himself’. programme that would be on stream Recording/Performing early 2015. That Artiste Kevin Lyttle were programme is aimed at on hand at the launch, to helping youth “to give endorsement to the channel their energies show. into developing ‘Steel Expressions 2themselves, their The Graduate’, produced families, their

by Small and staged in communities and December 2013 at the inevitably our Nation,” Russell’s Auditorium, explained Small. was well received. The Senator Luke Browne, producer anticipates any Manager of Scotiabank even greater level of Fitzaudy Wright and support for this year’s International production.

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

PM not hiding

assurance, and disclosed that he drove in the Prime Minister’s vehicle with the glass down.

He cited the cost of the newly acquired vehicle for the Office of the Prime Minister as a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado costing EC$175,000.00, and declared that it was in the 2014 budget.

“Parliament approved for a new vehicle for the Office of the Prime Minister,” he pointed out.

He vowed that there was no “misuse and abuse” of government vehicles by his Ministers. He admitted that there may have been abuse by some public servants, and compared it to former government officials who he PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves chided those who queried the purchase of recalled, used government vehicles as if they were their a new vehicle for the Prime Minister’s Office. own.

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph protection, even as he indicated “Half-decent individuals Gonsalves is not hiding behind that “it can be oppressive.” change vehicle every four any iron curtain, nor any bullet He scoffed at reports that a years,” the Prime Minister proof vehicle. He will make bullet proof vehicle had been posited, as he decried those who himself available to the people. provided for him. queried the new vehicle for the “If anybody wants to do “There is no bullet proof Prime Minister, after seven anything to me, let them do it,” anything with it,” the Prime years. he told the media on Tuesday.

Minister asserted. He dismissed The Vincentian leader also He conjectured that one or suggestions by detractors that highlighted a provision granting two policemen could not prevent he was protecting himself from parliamentarians concessions on him from being shot, but the people’s wrath. vehicles every four years. expressed gratitude for the He painted a picture of (WKA)

Foreign company pays up tax A FOREIGN COMPANY here has paid $19M in outstanding tax. A settlement was arrived at following a “forensic audit” by this country’s Inland Revenue Department.

Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves made the disclosure earlier this week.

He highlighted the issue of tax arrears, during a press conference he hosted last Tuesday, November 25.

The Prime Minister assured that other companies are being targeted in the government’s effort to collect its fair due.

“There are others. We are seeking within the framework of the law to collect the arrears owed by big tax payers,” the Prime Minister outlined. He referred to a Tax Payers Unit which he indicated was working to ensure compliance by all sectors.

The Prime Minister

made it clear that he did not discuss tax business, and maintained his stance when pressed on the issue.

He referred to clamping down on exemptions on Transfer Tax on properties, a practice from which churches have benefited.

This process will be stopped, Dr. Gonsalves hinted.

The Prime Minister indicated that the exemption may be an insignificant one on an individual basis, but pointed out that “when there are several, they add up.”

The number of persons seeking concessions from Cabinet is also of concern to Gonsalves. Dr Gonsalves noted that there had been as many as twelve requests on Cabinet days.

He disclosed that, while the practice of making the concessions was noble, he indicated that the numbers put a strain on the tax collection process. (WKA)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 21.

Mac’s Snacks

All about 30 years

STOP BY MAC’S SNACKS in town for some friendly conversation and ‘fast food Mac and Judy style!”

Contributor to the Travel Advisor Blog - Things to do in SVG. Thirty years ago, 1984, South River Road, now renamed Heritage Square, while already established as something of a rendezvous (point) for many, and the focus of non-Victoria Park carnival-related activities, was not the all-year-round buzz of activity that it is today.

Thirty years ago, 1984, two retirees, Albie and Judy McGowan, not yet ready to put up their feet and sip pink lemonade (or is that red wine?) into their more golden years, began the metamorphosis of Heritage Square with a mobile food (snack) service they called Mac’s Snacks.

Even the conveyance, the actual truck, was a first for SVG, and that may have provided the initial attraction for the business venture.

Under the one cedar tree that remained from a time when the street

“

Drop your bags, have a seat and enjoy a tasty Mac’s Snacks ‘bite’.

Even the young ones get (lower half) was decorated with shade trees that bloomed at different periods throughout the year, and provided cover for taxi operators and their posh cars, Mac’s Snacks took up abode, bringing a new atmosphere, sense and purpose to the area.

Concentrating today on serving freshly prepared snacks, (rotis, hamburgers, hotdogs, patties, beef and fish sandwiches), cold beverages made from fruits in season, (of

withstood the test of time, and can celebrate thirty years of unbroken service.

Boasting a clientele that ranges from the retiree, through to the working adult and down to the children, Mac’s Snacks continues to be a first stop. Yes, the tasty culinary delicacies and wide range of drinks have remained its first lines of attraction; but its location has proved to be a meeting place for just a special attention. conversation between old friends, a chance to catch course mauby is served up with friends visiting all year round), there from overseas, and even was a time when the a place at which to service included hot conduct business beverages, chicken and chips, and it even had its transactions.

Mac’s Snacks is, own barbeque nights, therefore, not only about especially during the Carnival and Christmas food, it is about people; about creating an seasons. atmosphere that speaks Economic factors and to pleasant service, changing trends, not to mention the proliferation characterised by smiling of food and drink services staff.

Five years ago, when that abound today in the Mac’s Snacks celebrated area, may have caused Mac’s Snacks to curtail its range of offerings, and in so doing, it has

The same truck, consistent quality and great service.

its silver anniversary, Albie attributed the venture’s ‘stayability’ and success to, “Determination.”

But there is more… there is hard work.

A typical Mac’s Snacks day begins at 4:00 am or so, signalling the start of ‘making everything from

scratch’ at the remarkably hygienic, stainless steel outfitted and equipped kitchen at Cane Garden.

After all, Albie and Judy pride themselves on serving fresh food and drinks, and that is Continued on Page 22.

No better plan than to include a stop at Mac’s Snacks on your trip into Kingstown.

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Mac’s Snacks Feature

Mac’s Snacks: All about 30 years arrive on the mainland in the early post-dawn ensured by the labour of hours, attest to the love that goes into every valuable service that day’s preparation of what Mac’s Snacks provides to patrons savour from them.

8:30, at Heritage Square, That service, its Monday to Friday. quality and style, are Persons who trek from summed up by one the Grenadines and patron who told THE Continued from Page 21.

Even media personalities, like Randy D and Sheron Garraway, find Mac’s Snacks ideal for a little chit chat.

VINCENTIAN that she has been “buying from Mac’s since I was in school.

“I graduated from hotdogs to rotis, but I still have a hot dog for old time sake from time to time,” she said.

Yes, they keep coming back… some bringing new customers, whose palates Another truly satisfied customer. are quickly enticed by the can cause.

Mac’s Snacks taste, and Vincentians recognise warmed by the friendly the pioneering role that service.

Mac’s Snacks has played “I don’t think I can in the hospitality find a more comfortable industry here, and seem place to tell a friend to ready to ensure that the meet me,” another food truck, the same one customer said. “It’s not that began the business just about the food and drinks; it’s also about the thirty years ago (December 15, 1984), will atmosphere.” continue to serve And a friend of THE generations to come.

VINCENTIAN, now Congratulations to residing in New York, requested that we “Fed X Albie and Judy on achieving another a Mac’s Snacks roti for him.” Talk about missing milestone.

Big up to Mac’s home! That what’s being away from Mac’s Snacks Snacks.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 23.

24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 25.

Advice

Rekindling an old flame the women there invited all of their EXs. I was so ashamed when one I HAVE TRIED not to be too controlling as far as my relationship of my co-workers (female) told me with my girlfriend is concerned, but about the way my girlfriend was getting down with her EX , the this one is too much for me.

My girlfriend of 3 years came to same man she vowed would never get close to her ever again, me with a request to attend a party some of her girlfriends were physically or otherwise.

I feel very betrayed by the organizing. She said it was a special party, but could not quite woman I fell in love with 3 years ago who I thought was genuinely say exactly what kind of party it in love with me. She has now was. given me much food for thought.

I felt uncomfortable about her going to a party that she could not say what type it was; but I simply Deeply Hurt told her that I was not her father, Dear deeply Hurt, and did not want to have to tell here where she could and could You can now conclude that all not go. I was just trying to be fair is not well in your relationship, with her. and that whatever the issues your The next day I began girlfriend is having need to be hearing about a party that was brought to the fore and discussed thrown the night before, where

Dear George,

candidly. Of course, that is assuming that you want to continue the relationship.

Your girlfriend could have been more forthright with you. Mind you, her decision not to tell you about the nature of that party could have been hinged on the fact that she knew you would have strongly objected.

This period of conflict has definitely provided both of you with a platform to discuss some issues that were not fully dealt with.

At the end of the day, however, your girlfriend needs to decide which boat she is sailing on, and who the designated captain is.

George

Tongue-lashing Dear George, I MET MY NEIGHBOUR’S son smoking a marijuana joint, and immediately went and told her. Her son is 11 years old.

Instead of thanking me for being so caring, she gave me a good tongue-lashing, telling me that I should mind my own business, and what her son does and does not do was none of my business. I just shamefully apologised and went back to my little corner. Up until that incident, I really thought we had a good thing going, but now I know differently.

Next Door Dear Next Door, You did your neighbour a service to inform her of her son’s lifestyle. Her response could have been triggered by a number of things, including unresolved or unspoken issues between you both.

This particular situation could just have the spring-board she was looking for to get at you, for other reasons.

You did well to let her know what is going on, and it is now up to her to use the information wisely in the interest of her son’s future and development.

George

Getting out is the correct thing Dear George, Dear teary Eyes, MY HUSBAND is begging me to take a holiday, and is adamant that I ought to go by myself or with one of my girlfriends, to have some girl time. I told him that I would prefer to be with him and to have that same quality time with him; but he said no to my suggestion.

I later found out that the real reason why he wanted me to go alone was so that he could be with the woman he has been seeing secretly.

We argued over it, and now we are in the process of getting a divorce.

I am divorcing him because I found out, as well, that he had two families at the same time, and was living a double life. How could I have been so blind?!

Teary Eyes

Sometimes the things we cannot see are the things that are right in front of us but we choose to ignore the clues along the way, for one reason or the other.

At least now your husband can get all the time he needs to spend with his other family, and for that he should be satisfied.

What this does is to release you from someone who would have just continued to make a mockery of your love and life. Severing this tie could be the best thing that could have happened to you.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Friends may not understand your situation. Self-deception about relation ships is a problem. You will have a little more energy than usual. Your determination and stamina will make your work look flaw less and effortless.

TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You will do well with clients this week.

Get busy. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your words will be taken out of context if you're evasive with coworkers or employers. Don't divulge secret information. Residential moves will be favorable. You should make special plans for you and your lover.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship.

Limitations on the home front can be expected if you have been restricting your mate's freedom. Changes regarding your career direction will payoff handsomely. Your obviously unique way of doing things has caught the eye of someone in a higher position.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Residential changes, renovations, or moves are likely to disrupt your routine.

Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Don't get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvement's.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Someone you live with will get angry if you are neglecting your duties. You may find that your boss is not delighted with your work lately. Your accomplishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure. Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Chances are you could get stuck with a

colleague's job unexpectedly. Make the necessary changes that will enable you to advance financially. Take care of any paperwork concerning institutional or governmental agencies. If you're feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate your motives as well as your needs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Social activities that involve the whole family will be enjoyable. You will impress others with your initiative and ability to accomplish while on short business trips. This will not be the day to lend money to friends or family. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. If you can't trust someone, question the connection. You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you. There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation. Your involvement in interest groups may bring you popularity. Don't let individuals with wild schemes talk you into a financial deal that is not likely to be successful. You can easily impress others with your generous nature.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position.

Your passionate nature may make you jealous if your mate has been too busy to take care of your needs. You will enjoy interaction with others this week.

Romance appears.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Upheavals may occupy your day. Don't be too confident that coworkers are on your side. Past partners are likely to reappear. Try to keep to yourself; work diligently on domestic chores and responsibilities.

ACROSS 1.Long bath 5. Ostracize 9. Ken’s ex 11. Desert springs 13. Picks a politician 14. Certain exams 16. Clothes 17. Tax expert (abbr.)

19. Particle 20. Insurance’s PPO alternative 21. Store up 23. Musician Rawls 24. Walks in 26. Great Sphinx location 28. Model Carol 29. Hong Kong __ 30. Salivate, like a St. Bernard 33. Liquefied 36. IM provider 37. President after Bush 39. Bachelors

41. Naturalist John 43. Cable network 44. Dalton of “Falcon Crest” 45. Is jealous of 47. Comedic actress Bea __ 49. Intensity 50. Clown Kelly 51. Bawdy 52. Actress Dawber et al.

“Little Women” 10. Accompany DOWN 12. Cutter 15. Filth 1.New 18. Dads Testament 21. “__ Mary dancer Lou” 2. Salem’s state 22. Singer 3. Rudiments Reese 4. Young fox 25. Truth, in 5. Until now China (2 wds.)

27. Clean a fish 6. “Bali __” 29. Hen, for 7. Annapolis one inst.

30. __ Margot 8. Tidily Fonteyn 9. One of 31. Spherical Alcott’s

32. Dickens hero 33. Pas’ mates 34. Badge 35. Invoices 38. Bright‐eyed and __‐ tailed

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

40. Russian rejection 42. TV host Kelly 44. __ mater 46. List abbr.

48. Mischief‐ maker

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 27.

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28. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. . THE VINCENTIAN

News

LIME leads the way LIME is the best mobile telecommunications network in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

So declared MSI, an independent engineering company with a deep level of knowledge and experience of telecommunications technologies in use in the Americas, in findings of studies it recently conducted.

The group conducted a Mobile Network Drive Test here which, it said, proved that LIME’s network coverage ranged from “good” to “predominantly excellent” nationwide, while the competitor’s coverage failed to match up to LIME’s signal strength and reliability.

In order to secure the most reliable results, LIME and its competitor were measured at the same time; 2G, 3G and 4G technologies were measured separately; various kinds of connections, including short and long calls, data transfer and idle calls, were established; and exhaustive routes focusing on areas of internet and mobile customers, regardless of the network conditions, were used.

CEO of LIME Caribbean, Martin Roos, responding to the test results, said that his company was proud of the findings, and more proud of the men and women who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the results attainable.

“The experts have spoken…. Within record time, LIME was able to mobilise a major EC$16m network

Martin Roos, CEO of LIME Caribbean, has committed his company to providing the most technologically advanced network for the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. upgrade investment programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and set the pace of innovation by being the first telecoms provider to launch 4G in St. Vincent.

“LIME is committed to delivering the most technologically advanced network for the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines to be globally competitive. LIME is not standing still, we are the pacesetters and we are committed to ensuring that our customer experience exceeds expectations,” Roos said.

Scotiabank extends Black Friday sale boundaries WITH THE NORTH AMERICAN tradition of Black Friday (postThanksgiving) sales growing in popularity in St. Vincent, one financial institution here has recognised that those sales have been primarily concentrated in the retail sales market, i.e. dry goods, and has taken an initiative to broaden the whole affair.

Today, Friday 28th November, ‘Black Friday in the commercial calendar of North America’, Scotiabank offers a Black Friday Loans Sale.

Scotiabank Country Manager Fitzaudy Wright disclosed that the bank will be offering special, low rates on mortgages and Scotia Plan Loans today, only.

“Obviously, Christmas is a time of year when homeowners start thinking about sprucing up their homes. And with 2015 around the corner, those who aren’t homeowners may have made the resolution to get into their

own home. This Black Friday sale will let people fulfil their Christmas to-do list and New Year’s resolution on the same day,” Wright said of the initiative.

Personal Banking Manager at Scotiabank, Lesley Howard-Bowman, noted that the event was an all-day extravaganza to kick off the Christmas season, and those visiting the bank today will be treated to Christmas music, gift-giving and other festive activities, to get Vincentians into the holiday spirit.

On hearing of the initiative, one person with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke, responded with, “Like Scotiabank want to change the thing from Black Friday to Red Letter Friday or what?”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 29.

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30. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

‘We have to do it,’ Dr. Gonsalves THE VINCENTIAN GOVERNMENT has committed itself to providing fortification on the banks of the river entering the Buccament Bay. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves disclosed that a project was being done so that residents living on the side of the river opposite to the Buccament Bay Resort are protected from the downstream flow.

“It is important to get the work done,” Gonsalves emphasised.

He informed that the contractors for the Buccama Resort did not provide the embankment.

“We have to do it,” he promised.

The situation has become “more urgent because of the weather events that we have been having,” Gonsalves pointed out.

The Buccament Bay Resort came into focus last Christmas Eve. A trough system dumped about ten inches of rain on St. Vincent over a five-hour period.

Josel Small Morgan, a 27-year-old resident of Rillan Hill and an

employee of the Resort, was among those who died as a result of the floods.

Two other Buccament residents, Sheila Edwards aged 36 and Inka Jack aged 12, were on the missing list.

Five of those who died were in one house in the North Leeward village of Rose Bank. Two others were from Cane Grove, just before the Buccament

Bay Resort, and one man vanished in the Vermont area. The other death occurred when landslides enveloped Raymond Gonsalves’ house at Manning Village in the North Central Windward district of Byera.

Residents in the affected areas were given fridges, stoves and mattresses as part of relief efforts. However, persons

living in the Buccament area, across from the Resort, have encountered further floods since December.

Some homeowners have opted to raise the foundation of their premises. Others have rebuilt in the same location or are awaiting plans to protect their surroundings.

The raging waters of December 2013 overflowed river banks causing loss of lives, damage to road, infra-structure and residential properties.

Taiwan CCH Medical Team visits A MEDICAL TEAM of six from the Chunghua Christian Hospital (CCH) in Taiwan ARE is currently in the state, on a working visit.

The visit, the second for the year (the first being from May 18 to June six), and the sixth since 2010, began on November 17 and will conclude on December 5.

The team, headed by Dr. Nina Kao, CEO of the CCH’s Overseas Medical Mission Center, also included three medical doctors and two nurses with the specialties of Anesthesiology, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Otorhinolaryngology, and Intensive Care.

While here, the team are working hand in hand with

colleagues of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in providing medical services at that institution, and will also offer services at clinics in Calliaqua, Georgetown, Barrouallie, Stubbs, Richland Park and Mesopotamia.

Since arriving, the team has called upon: Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne (November 18), who expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the medical team’s volunteer medical service; and Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel (November 21), who welcomed the visit and highlighted the cordial relations and friendship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and St. Vincent and the

Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne (4th from right) expressed appreciation for what CCH was doing for SVG, when the medical team and Ambassador Baushuan Ger visited with him recently.

Grenadines.

Minister of Health Clayton Burgin, during a welcome dinner hosted by Ambassador Baushuan Ger, lauded ROC (Taiwan) Government and CCH’s continued efforts to provide medical assistance to SVG.

The CCH and MCMH twinned in August, 2010. Apart from sending medical teams, the CCH also offers training programmes for doctors, biomedical engineers, and laboratory technicians from MCMH.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 31.

Volcanoes looking to rise from the ash TWO MATCHES, two losses: that’s how the stats read for bottom-placed Windwards Volcanoes in their campaign in the 2014/15 Professional Cricket league.

The Volcanoes, following a narrow 13-run defeat to Jamaica in their opening match, were comprehensively thrashed by Guyana Jaguars by 92 runs in their second match.

They will be taking on one from bottom Leewards Islands in Grenada today, hoping for improved performances from their batsmen who have failed to put any major innings

Shane Shillingford replaces wicketkeeper Lindon James.

together, with veteran opener Devon Smith the only one to record more than one score in excess of fifty.

Captain Liam Sebastien is the only other player to have scored a half century.

The selectors have made one change to the team for the Leewards match.

Off spinner Shane Shillingford, who has recovered from a groin injury which caused him to miss the first two matches, will replace wicketkeeper Lindon James, according to a source.

In the match against the Jaguars, it was the perennial problem of ineptness against spin which proved the Volcanoes’ downfall, with left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul grabbing 8/36 in their second innings and 11/76 in the match.

Batting first after winning the toss, Guyana Jaguars, on the back of a second consecutive hundred from Narsingh Deonarine (139) and 62 from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, posted 291 after the game started after lunch on the first day owing to early morning showers.

Left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters took 5/36 to show signs of that purple patch when he took 40 wickets in the 2014 season. Mervin Mathew 3/29 and Nelon Pascal 2/53 saw the pacers taking all the wickets.

The Windwards Volcanoes then stuttered badly against the off spin of Deonarine, 5/24, to be dismissed for 184 in their first innings. Captain

Veersammy Permaul, 8/37, wrecked The Volcanoes. with Chanderpaul going by the run out route.

Faced with a gettable victory target of 283 on the final day at the Guyana National Stadium, the Volcanoes looked to be well on their way at 100 for one, until Permaul doused their hopes. The last nine wickets then Kenroy Peters, 5/36 in Guyana cascaded downhill at a cost of 90 runs.

Jaguars first innings.

Smith tried to tame the Jaguars for a time with a top score of 55, while Sebastien hit a top score of 54.

Sunil Ambris hit 39, Andre Fletcher, Batting a second time, Guyana 38, and Alston Bobb, 24.

Jaguars declared at 175-6, with Smith and Fletcher put on 72 for Chanderpaul scoring 44 and Deonarine the second wicket after Tyrone 34, setting the visitors a target of 283 Theophile had fallen lbw to seamer in just over two sessions.

Chris Barnwell for nine, with the score Mathew 3/43 and left-arm spinner on 28; but once the partnership was Alston Bobb 2/30 shared the wickets, broken, the innings collapsed tamely.

SVGCA focusing on new constitution THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Cricket Association (SVGCA) will, this Saturday, attempt to set the groundwork for improvement in its governance structure, with a meeting to discuss the body’s draft constitution.

The document will be looking at doing some revision to the current constitution, which has been in existence for just about two decades.

The meeting, expected to be attended by clubs, affiliates, and other members of the cricket fraternity, comes after four months of consultations and discussions on suggested changes to the 1994 constitution, according to a release from the SVGCA. It takes place at the President’s Suite at the Arnos Vale Playing Field

Delegates to Saturday’s (tomorrow) meeting are expected to make some crucial decisions. from 10am.

The release reports President of the SVGCA, Kishore Shallow, as saying that the suggested amendments will move the administrative arrangements that govern the operations of the Association to a new level.

“As one of the leading sporting organizations in the state, we need to have a constitution that reflects and governs the way we

operate, at this particular era in our cricket history,” the release quotes Shallow as saying.

Among the proposed changes to be discussed on Saturday, will be the introduction of a term limit for the SVGCA presidency, changes to sub-committees to better commercialize the operations of the association, membership, and voting procedures, the

release added.

One source told THE VINCENTIAN that, while they agree with a revision of the constitution, they will not agree with term limits for a president, since, “Good people do not get voted out of office”.

The question raised by the source is if an organisation is flourishing under a leader, why must he stand down because he has held that position for

Dr. Gideon Cordice, longest serving president of the SVGCA. a period of time?

The SVGCA has seen three presidents in the fifty years prior to 2014, with the late Dr. Gideon Cordice (25 years) Lennox John (18 years) and Julian Jack (nine years) being the men to hold that position.

Cordice and John declined re-election, while Jack was booted out

Julian Jack, first president to be voted off in fifty years. following a Vote of No Confidence in May of this year, with Shallow being elected to serve out the remaining six months of the term.

Under the 1994 constitution, two thirds of the members present at the special meeting, must support the changes to the draft new constitution, before it is enacted.

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32. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Leeward dominates schools netball

and senior titles respectively.

Central Leeward stopped the Bethel High from making it three in a row on them, as they met for the third year in succession in the Juniors final.

Central Leeward came Central Leeward – Schools Junior Netball away champions, 19-13, Action in the Senior Division final. having led in all at the end Champs. located on the Leeward side of mainland of each quarter.

High Mespo. The 2013 winners ran St. Vincent, have topped the Junior and Anica Hackshaw 5 from 10 and out 13-2 at the end of the first quarter, Senior Divisions of the Ministry of Cimoria Solomon 14 from 17 tallied for 25-8 at the midway point, 32- 11 at GTM Bethel High repeated victory in Education’s Netball tournaments.

Central Leeward, while Bethel’s total the end of the third quarter and the Senior schools netball The trend continued last Friday came from Yanniesha Scipio who had finally wrapped up the no contest, 39championship. afternoon at the Arnos Vale Netball 7 from 9 and Collisha Velox 6 from11. 16.

Complex, when the Central Leeward But Bethel High was able to repeat THREE- PEAT FOR LEEWARD secondary Itiesha Matthews converted 32 of Secondary and the GTM Bethel High their hold on the senior title, making schools in Netball competitions. her 41 attempts to, lead Bethel’s School emerged winners in the junior light work of Fast Cash Emmanuel For the third straight year, institutions scoring, and Mauricia Cuffy contributed 7 of her 10 tries.

Kadicia Samuel had 11 from 17, Keloy Francis 3 from 6 and Affiene Thomas 2 from 4, for the losers. million registered female players; that “We got to encourage our female The Central Leeward’s it is the strongest performing players to stay in the game, not just to Allyah Anderson was named confederation group of nations excel as players, but there are endless internationally; it is the leading possibilities in coaching, refereeing and player of the junior final, with professional league in the world, with the medical aspect,” London pointed out. Bethel’s Nersissa Delpesche a raft of regional women’s She also said FIFA is looking at copping the award in the competitions, including the newly increasing the monies allotted to female senior division final. introduced U-15 girls tournament this development, from the 15% of the FAP Bethel High School’s LLiana summer. which currently stands.

Henry was the top shooter in London said that suggestions were London said that Cedella Mandela, the Junior category and the St made as to how to not only increase daughter of Nelson Mandela, spoke of Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua’s that number but to get players her involvement with the Jamaica senior Khadija Williams, the senior performing at a standard which would female team and how pleased she is to be category recipient. see them putting themselves in a able to contribute, especially financially, This year’s Leeward position to further their careers. to their development and participation. domination follows the Bethel “The priority for all our Member Mandella also spoke about being not only High School taking the junior Associations should be development. a financer but a mentor to the Girls, SVGFF Women’s Footbaal Co-ordinator title in 2012 and Buccament Yoland London, takes in a training session This is an opportune time to be a part London added.

Bay Secondary the senior of women’s football — regionally and Meanwhile the female component of alongside Technical Director, Keith division. globally. I encourage each of you to the National Club championship is Ollivierre.

In 2013, the Bethel High utilize your strengths to start your scheduled to kick off this Saturday, WOMEN’S FOOTBALL HERE is to School took titles in both own programmes, with the confidence November 29th, at the Campden Park receive urgent and comprehensive divisions. that CONCACAF and FIFA are with you. Playing Field. Seven clubs are expected attention from CONCACAF, according to I want us all to believe in a new to take part in the competition. information coming out of the movement for organisation’s first Women’s Football women’s football,” Development Summit. the CONCACAF The summit which saw 39 of its 41 YES, THE NEWS IS CORRECT. site quoted member associations present in The highly favoured Police team is not in the CONCACAF Philadelphia, coincided with the finals of 2014 final of the Hairoun/Printery Sports and President Jeffrey the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Cultural Club Firms Dominoes Competition.

Webb as saying.

Championship at PPL Park in The lawmen, ironically, had to give way, in nearby Chester, Pennsylvania, the their semi-final encounter to the Mini Bus COCACAF website said.

Association, after what patrons say was the St. Vincent and the Grenadines tensest but most exciting match in the was represented by Yoland London, competition. the SVG Football Federation’s coThe match was far closer than the final ordinator of Women’s football here. score, 25 — 22, indicated.

London said that the general And as if last weekend was predestined to information which came out of the throw up surprises, if not disappointments, session was that much has been the originally scheduled semi-final between done, but there is more to do to Even after being reinforced by Assistant defending champions CWSA and Transport build the women’s game nationally, Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John and Works never got going, as the latter regionally and globally.

(2nd from left at table), the Police could not failed to field a team.

Themed ‘Let’s Develop Women’s get the upper hand of the Mini Bus As a result, Government Printery, having Football’, the Summit included Association. finished fifth at the end of the preliminary sessions on : elite player round, will now play Police in the third place development; football pathways; and Association and CWSA. playoff.

Women’s professional leagues.

Organisers of the Competition say that The grand finale is scheduled for tomorrow, Information coming out of the they are pleased to once again, see this Saturday 29th at the Kingstown Anglican Summit showed: that CONCACAF School, beginning with the third place playoff, competition through, with the kind support of Getting ahead; female holds a lead position in Women’s the St. Vincent Brewery, and they anticipate to be followed at 7:30 pm by the football globally, with more than 26 footballer using her wide support at tomorrow’s final. championship bout featuring Mini Bus head.

Big things in store for Women’s Football

Police out of Dominoes finals

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 33.

Sports

Old School, present day THERE is something intrinsic about cricket in North Leeward. Cricket has always been a socialising factor. Football has been entrenched in the district in some areas more than others; but for the most part, the playing field in the community was invariably described as the ball ground.

That ball specifically pointed to cricket.

Volleyball, ‘rounders’, and other games were incidental.

In the village of Troumaca, where I grew up, cricket was a big thing. No holiday would pass without some team playing a match at the Troumaca Playing Field. Crude as it was, sloping and tremendously undersized, it served as an outlet for the community. Many rivalries took place at that ground. Cricket games generated widespread business opportunities, not to mention contacts in life that have remained as part of life’s legacy.

Living in the neighbourhood provided the opportunity of seeing pitch preparations taking place first hand. There were no official groundsmen. The driving forces behind the outfits responsible for bringing the touring team assumed responsibility for fixing the wicket.

Inevitably, everyone in the village joined in.

I recall journeying with the crew, even if it entailed using a donkey to gather sand to fix the wicket. There were supplies at two places near enough to the playing field. One was at a place called ‘Peters’, on the road to Belmont, and at Bad John corner, leaving the village to Troumaca bay.

It was real excitement for us as youngsters engaging in that pastime. We would watch the older men carry out their duties. We were not shunned away, nor were we exploited. We were happy to be part of the event.

That included all the youngsters in the village.

It was something of an honour to help the elders.

Those lessons have provided a real resource.

The recently concluded Vinlec North Leeward Cricket Competition benefitted from those early lessons in pitch preparation.

Julius Anthony is president of the North Leeward Sports Association. He became the de facto groundsman at Petit Bordel.

He managed to co-opt a team including Keith Pierre.

Jules used his contacts and influence in having the Petit Bordel Playing Field ready for all the matches that were played this season, and indeed for most of the tournament since it has been sponsored by Vinlec.

He is a former worker with that Power Company, and developed a rapport with management. He has retired, but found strength to see this year’s competition through. A prizegiving ceremony has been planned when Police will be rewarded.

It was a sacrifice by Jules in seeing the tournament to its climax. The competition was of a reasonable standard.

It served as a platform for talent, not just for the area, but the nation and the region.

He encountered hostility, but having been brought up in the traditional fashion, he found fortitude to withstand attacks aimed towards him.

Football normally takes precedence from September when cricket ends. Owing to the floods, things took a different pattern.

It was important that the competition went on.

There were hopes that Football would have taken place at alternative sites. Those never got going.

Organisers of the Football will have to come up with a formula to cope with the adjustment.

There are plans to revive the Under 15 segment of North Leeward Cricket. Jules will have to summon the will to ensure that this occurs.

The Police team, winners of the VINLEC North Leeward T/20 Cricket Competition.

Bowlers did it for Police 45, which took the score to 126 when Browne fell. That was after GERALD GOULD, captain of the an opening 54- run partnership.

Police team which captured the From 126 for 1, Police slid to VINLEC North Leeward T/20 135 for 5 before Gerald Gould, 22 Championship, has no doubt about not outs, and Elmore Alexander who “did it for them.” sauntered on undaunted and He made it clear that the unbeaten. bowling department was the Nigel Small 2 for 33, his team’s strength, and he praised brothers Rangel 1 for 17, and fast bowler Romano Bibby, and off Vangel 1 for 31, along with spinning all-rounder Kenneth Shamon Hooper 1 for 38 were the Dember, whom he described as wicket takers for Peto Triumph. quality players.

Nigel Small, 21, led the scoring “The bowlers did it for us this for Peto Triumph. There was year,” Gould admitted. never a sizeable partnership to Gould was speaking after his threaten the Police total. Kenneth team’s victory in last Sunday’s Dember 3 for 16 was the pick of final at the Petit Bordel Playing the Police attack. He was Field. Police scored 180 for 5 from supported by Bibby, Sylvan their 20 overs, and restricted Spencer, Jedi John and Elmore Carlos James Peto Triumph to Alexander.

139 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Kenneth copped the most McLean Williams, 57, named wickets with 14 for 100.

Man of the Match, was the Gould also paid tribute to the foundation of the Police innings. opener McLean Williams. He He shared a 72-run second wicket commended the season’s toppartnership with Salvan Browne, scorer on the sacrifice he made

by WILLIAM KOJAH’ ANTHONY

journeying from the interior Richland Park area. He scored 291 runs from seven innings, with a best of 83 not out.

The presence of Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, former Commissioner Keith Miller and other high ranking Police officers, served as a source of motivation, according to Gould.

He also complimented the supporters for providing a keen setting for the occasion, and paid tribute to the tournament organisers.

Sunday’s final was set up after on Saturday Police overcame Ajuba by virtue of a better run rate.

Damp conditions forced a late start to the affair, and in an adjusted overs quota, Police reached 102 for 9 in 13 overs.

Ajuba were 79 for 8 from 9.3 overs when fading light brought the game to a halt.

Ashton shines in North Windward JUNIOR ASHTON, representing XCEL, ran away with last Sunday’s North Windward 5K road race, organised by Team Athletics SVG. Ashton took the 19 and Over male category, breasting the tape in 21:19:33, ahead of Cyron Lewis, also of XCEL, in 21:26:37, and Kamal Tempro, currently unattached, in 24:45:15.

In the U-19 male category, XCEL again took top honours, with Sherwin Peters finishing ahead of his peers in 25:15:58. He beat Elrico Patterson and Shaffick Cordice, both of Owia United, into second and third places respectively.

Patterson clocked 26:03:97 and Cordcie 28:00:59.

Kerry Ann Small of

the Technical College took the female U-19 in a time of 25:53:47.

The U-15 male and female categories were dominated by ruralbased clubs and/or schools.

Denelson Nero, representing the North Union Secondary School, was first among the male U-15’s, in a time of 29:55:47. Adrian Lewis of the Sandy bay Secondary School was second in 33:03:50 and Kirk Baptiste, running for Owia United, took third position in 38:07:47.

Akisha Lewis of the Owia Government School, with a time of 33:03:87, took first place among the Female U15’s. She was followed to the finish line by Cheyenne Lewis

Junior Ashton, one of the few persons to have defeated ace distance runner Pamenos Ballantyne on local soil, took top honours in last Sunday’s 5k.

(43:25:79) of the Sandy Bay Secondary School and Shanneil Huggins (49:01:62) of the Owia Government School.

This Sunday will see the running of the Kingstown 5K, beginning at 3:00 p.m, at the Girl Guides headquarters.

34. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES COMPANY ACT (1994) RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL (ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES) INC. (Company No. 76 of 2003) Pursuant to Section 438 of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Company Act (1994). Notice is hereby given of a general meeting of the Company convened for the 30th day of December 2014 at KPMG Eastern Caribbean office, Kingstown Park for the purpose of laying before it the audited accounts.

Brian A. Glasgow Liquidator Contact for enquiries: Name: Brian A Glasgow Telephone: (784) 456-2669 Facsimile: (784) 456-1576 Address for Service: KPMG Eastern Caribbean The Financial Services Centre P.O. Box 561 Kingstown Park St. Vincent & the Grenadines

V Dember, Williams top awardees Classifieds

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY WHEN THE AWARDS for the Vinlec North Leeward Cricket Championship are handed out, Police will be high on the list. Besides collecting the championship trophy, two players topped the runs and wickets columns.

McLean Williams, 291, was the tournament’s leading run getter.

Second in the runs table was Shamon Hooper who played for Carlos James Peto Triumph. He scored 211 runs with a highest of 57 not out.

Saville Murray 204 was third, followed

by Casmond Walters (Ajuba) 196, and Kevin Small (Somerset) 194 runs.

Kenneth Dember, 14 wickets from 18 overs, took the top bowler. The right hand off spinner is still training to be a Police, but he showed his worth for that squad with an impressive bowling display.

He overtook Carlos James Peto Triumph’s Vangel Small who captured

11 wickets for 124 runs.

Third place in the wickets column was taken by Donson Andrews who racked up a dramatic day when Police played back to back in their opening encounters. Andrews took 7 for 35 in his first match and followed with 3 for 8, including the tournament’s hat trick, to end up with 10 for 43 from 5.4 overs.

Had Andrews continued, it might have been difficult for any to catch up with him. Unfortunately for him, he never showed up thereafter.

Ewaldo Stapleton from Robertson Surveying Future Legends was fourth with nine wickets for 85 runs. The fifth bowler was Kimali Williams from Ajuba. A right arm fast bowler, Kimali also had nine scalps which cost him 112 runs.

Chrisroy John was the tournament’s only century maker with 107. He was seventh on the overall batting list with a total of 185 runs.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014. 35.

F O R

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„ONLY I-MAN CAN RING DE BELL‰ term. General elections are constitutionally due in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by March 2016.

“But depends on what they (the main Opposition New Democratic WITH VINCENTIANS anxiously awaiting Party) say, from what I’ve said here — the date for the next general elections, and they provoke me — I may get all Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves has the candidates selected quickly and reiterated his readiness to ring the move faster than they expect me to proverbial “bell.” move, because I am ready to ring de Gonsalves told a town hall meeting bell,” he added. in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday Gonsalves stressed that, based on evening, that the incumbent Unity the nation’s Constitution, he is the Labor Party (ULP) is putting only one who can officially announce everything in place to ensure the party the date of the next general elections. retains power for a fourth consecutive He recalled a conversation he had earlier this year, during Vincy Mas at Victoria Park in Kingstown, with an NDP supporter in the presence of Opposition Leader and NDP leader, Arnhim Eustace.

“So one of his (Eustace) supporters was next to him say, ‘Ralph yo come to hear Patches say ring de bell’,” recalled Gonsalves, referring to the calypsonian. “I said, ‘Listen to me, Eustace and Patches are into Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

entertainment’.

“I said, ‘there’s only one man can ring de bell — is I-man’(loud laughter),” he added.

“I tell you, I’m the only man can ring the bell (loud laughter)…You ever hear a song could be a (political) strategy? Can you imagine you can base a political strategy on a calypso?

“They (NDP) go up and down the country (saying), ‘Ring de bell comrade, ring de bell’. They had rallies, they had it day in, day out.

They (are) trying to make Patches’ song into a road march, which it can’t be. … From where I am in the Financial Complex, I can see them coming down. But I said, ‘da band dey smaller than Melbourne mas band’. Ah say, they (are) playing mas in July, late July. They (observers) say, ‘no, it’s de ring de bell march’,” said Gonsalves, as the packed crowd rolled with laughter.

“The fellas (NDP) came to town to ring de bell and, when they ring de bell, when they look for de bell — and you can write this (looking at this correspondent seated in the front row

of the hall) — the bell tongue drop out, (more loud laughter). And that’s the end of ‘ring de bell’ yo’ know. The bell tongue come out. Anybody could take dem man day seriously?” asked the prime minister rhetorically in local parlance.

Former NDP South Windward candidate Stephen “Scombo” John, who was, among a few NDP supporters, seated near the back of the hall, did not ask any question during the question-and-answer segment, but later told THE VINCENTIAN that Gonsalves’ “entertainment speech” masked the real, serious issues confronting nationals.

“Last night was entertainment, which I thoroughly enjoyed,” added John, a public school principal in Brooklyn, noting that the NDP won seven of the 15 seats in Parliament in the last general elections almost five years ago. “Even the airport (prime minister’s reference to completion of the Argyle International Airport next year) was a joke…very sarcastic to entertain some and stifle ideas from others.”

Is PetroCaribe debt part of our national debt? toward an eventual end of the arrangement,” Eustace LEADER of the Opposition said.

Arnhim Eustace says that According to the report, he is determined to find the total money indebted out if the debt incurred by to Venezuela since the this country to Venezuela, agreement was signed under the PetroCaribe back in 2005 to 2013 agreement, is included in amounts to US$11 billion the national debt.

(EC$29.7 billion).

Speaking on the New He went on to state Times programme on further that, based on the Monday, Eustace — a bank’s report, St Vincent strong critic of the and the Grenadines arrangement — said that appeared to have 3 percent he had come upon a report of the total loan — which done by the Scotiabank, amounted to around entitled ‘PetroCaribe — EC$900 million.

More noose than Lifeline’, “But the thing is, that is in which it stated that not set out in our there were political and estimates for our national fundamental factors which debt; that is not there,” were affecting the Eustace said. longevity of the He continued, saying agreement. that this therefore, meant “They tell you up early, that unless the debt was and both trends are going

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves resorted to Vincentian colloquialism to drive home the point of his control over setting a date for general elections.

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

going to be forgiven or the government had decided it was not going to repay, then the overall national debt would be over EC$2 billion.

“You know what that means? It means that our debt to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio, which is important and which is now at 72 percent, will go to 114 percent putting us in a very bad category of debt,” the leader of the opposition said.

Within recent times, Eustace has spoken out against the PetroCaribe agreement, calling on the government to put measures in place in order to cushion the effect of the possibility of a fallout with Venezuela.

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, says this country debt under the Petrocaribe agreement amounts to around $900m.

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