Vin pages 29 09 17 e reader for web

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.39

www.thevincentian.com

Police moved quickly to cordon off the area where Wendel O’Neil and two others were shot.

Below: Wendel ‘Grindy’ O’Neil was shot in the clear view of many persons.

SHOOTING DEATH IN ‘TOWN’ Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

A VERMONT MAN was shot and killed in Kingstown in broad daylight last Tuesday, September 26.

Thirty-four-year-old Wendel O’Neil, better known as ‘Grindy’, was shot and killed around 1:00pm, while ‘hanging out’ at a vendor’s stall on the sea wall, just outside the Leeward Bus Terminal.

His girlfriend - Jihan Browne of Chauncey — who was in his company, was also shot.

Eyewitnesses told THE VINCENTIAN that a masked man alighted a vehicle and started “spraying bullet,” in the direction of O’Neal.

Persons within the vicinity of the scene of the shooting scampered for safety, with some even jumping into the sea, one eyewitness said.

Continued on Page 3.

Jihan Browne had to undergo emergency surgery to remove bullets from several parts of her anatomy.

Raphael ‘Snake’ O’Neil was shot and killed just days before his brother Wendel.

EC$1.50

The arrow points to the spot where the body of Michael Edwards was found.

LOWMANS MAN KILLED IN ALLEGED HIT AND RUN POLICE ARE TREATING the death of a Lowmans Hill man, who was found a short distance from his home, as a road fatality.

The body of Michael ‘Bully’ Edwards of Spring, Lowmans Leeward, was found last Wednesday morning, lying in the road that runs outside of James Apartments and Supermarket, and leads to the Spring community.

Edwards’ body, showing Vernie Brown, signs of multiple bruises, Edwards’s aunt, was discovered sometime summed up the around 6am on Wednesday sentiments of by a female friend. other residents of When THE the area when she VINCENTIAN visited the described her scene, impressions of tire nephew as a marks with red colouration helpful, nonwere still discernable on the violent person. road, just a short distance from where the body was discovered.

The police said they believed that Edwards was struck by a motor vehicle and dragged.

A Station Sergeant from the Traffic Branch confirmed that Edwards’ death was being treated as a Road Fatality and no suspect has yet been identified.

Edwards was well known in the Lowmans Leeward community. He was described as a ‘handyman’ who made a living by cleaning yards and picking fruits. He also sold coconut water just outside the Ash property on Lowmans Hill.

Edwards’ aunt, Vernie Brown described him as an “everybody person,” adding, “He was loved by everybody because if you ask him to do anything, he never refuse. Sometimes I even think that people used to abuse him, because he wasn’t a lazy person.”

Continued on Page 3.

V

2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Country Representative of Rubis SVG, Elroy Edwards (2nd from left standing) with members of the RRL and their Emcoms First Responders.

Rubis assists St. Vincent Rainbow Radio League EFFORTS BY THE RAINBOW Radio League Inc. (RRL) to send a hurricane relief team comprised of a medical doctor and a team of Emcoms (emergency communications) First Responders to Dominica, has paid off, thanks in part to Gas and LPG Company Rubis SVG.

The response team, including Dominican doctor Masada James, was flown to Dominica on Monday by SVGAIR. Doctor James is very familiar with the terrain which is most affected, as he was brought up in the district.

Rubis’ donation came

in the form of Avation gasoline (Avgas) for the SVGAir aircraft which airlifted the team to the Melville Hall Airport.

The RRL has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SVGAIR and Mustique Airways to transport first responders to affected areas requiring assistance, once fuel is provided for the aircraft.

The League’s request to Rubis was for fuel along with supplies to sustain the volunteers while on duty in Dominica.

Country Representative of Rubis SVG, Elroy Edwards said that his company was happy to be part of the national drive to assist “our sister island Dominica. We know very well what Dominica

is going through, and under these dire circumstances, we just want to stand in solidarity with them.”

Donald De Riggs, Director of the RRL, expressed gratitude for the assistance, acknowledging that “the donation has made their mission possible.”

He noted that despite the request being made late, Rubis responded timely and quite positively.

The Director also said that he was looking forward, on behalf of his League, to forge a standing relationship with Rubis, which, if it materializes, would put the RRL in an improved position of readiness to provide assistance to disaster affected countries more efficiently. (KH)

The barge taking relief supplies to the BVI has arrived safely in those territories. (Photo Credit: API SVG.)

Barge arrives safely THE 18,000-TONNE capacity barge carrying supplies for Hurricane Irma affected residents of the BVI, arrived safely in Tortola earlier this week.

After its first stop in Tortola, it traveled on to Virgin Gorda.

The barge left here last week Friday, after aborting its first attempt (last week Thursday) at its journey and returning to port Kingstown, due to conditions occasioned by the threat of Hurricane Maria.

Persons here took the opportunity of free shipment, to send food items, water, clothing and some medical supplies to relatives and friends, especially in Tortola in which a large number (estimates say 2000) of Vincentians reside and work.

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and business houses here also sent supplies.

In addition to the barge, the vessel Nurse Jean departed Port Kingstown, St. Vincent this week, with relief supplies for Anguilla and Dominica.

Focus was placed on Dominica in particular, which had become a site of utter destruction following Hurricane Maria’s full fall on that island, September 18 and 19.

Last Saturday, in a first response, a Venezuelan cargo plane left here with 4 tonnes of flour, rice, cereal and milk for Dominica. Fifteen police officers, including two members of the Prime Minister’s security detail, also left for Dominica to assist with security there. (KH)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 3.

News 3 Security guard killed

INVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING into the death of 56-year-old Roland Cunningham, resident of Fairbain Pasture.

According to a police release, Cunningham’s body was discovered on Monday night, sometime after 9, with a chop wound to the left side of his neck.

Up to the time of his death, Cunningham was employed as a security guard.

His death was one of two that occurred on Monday night, the other being the shooting death of Irona Bascombe, a 35-year-old labourer of Vermont.

According to the police, Bascombe and another individual — Jason Stephens — were walking along the

public road in Vermont when they were attacked.

Bascombe received gunshot wounds to the head and chest while Stephens was shot in the back.

Stephens survived the attack and was treated at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been rocked by a spate of homicides. Between Thurday 21st and Wednesday 27th September, seven homicides — including six gun-related ones - were recorded here.

In addition to Cunningham and Bascombe as reported above, the others were: Lionel Ashers (also

Roland Cunningham Left: Keisha Melville known as Rupert Anderson) at Ottley Hall — Sept. 21; Andrew Roberts at Casson Hill — Sept. 23; Keisha Melville at Murray

Shooting death in ‘town’ his girlfriend rushed into emergency surgery to attend to bullets wounds “People were running in her chest, stomach left and right. Me see a and leg. boy come out the water Up to Thursday, she with blood coming from was still warded at the his side,” another eyeMCMH. witness said, indicating A police source told that a third person was THE VINCENTIAN that also shot. the shell casing found at The gunman is said to the crime scene have left the scene in the suggested that an AK47 car from which he had might be the type of gun alighted. used in the shooting.

O’Neil and his girlfriend were Reprisal transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Wendel O’Neil died where O’Neil was four days after his pronounced dead, and brother, Raphael “Snaky” Continued from Front Page.

O’Neil, 32, was gunned down in Vermont. The younger O’Neil, police say, was on his way home when he was attacked by masked men and shot several times about hus body.

When THE VINCENTIAN visited Vermont on Wednesday, many persons who spoke with this reporter, opined that ‘Grindy’s’ death was a reprisal for the killing of Irone Bascombe, who was shot on Monday in Vermont along with Jason Stephens, also known as Godfred.

Residents speculated that Bascombe might have pulled the trigger on Raphael, and in retaliation, ‘Grindy’ took matters into his hands.

One villager, who spoke directly to THE VINCENTIAN, said that Wendel had promised to kill anyone suspected of murdering his brother.

“He bin want revenge and he na bin care,” said the villager, adding that both brothers had served time in jail.

Wendel’s death brought to 31, the number of homicides for the year.

Village — Sept. 23; Raphael O’Neil at Vermont — Sept 25; and Wendel O’Neil at Kingstown — Sept. 27. (DD)

Lowmans man killed in alleged hit and run Continued from Front Page.

She recalled that she was awakened by a young lady who brought the news that her nephew had died.

His death is a “big blow” to her.

“Is a big lash for me because if I have anything to do, he would do it for me. He was never rude to me, and he would be greatly missed. Even the church members he would go and do things for them,” the aunt explained.

She noted that Edwards’ death might have been an accident, but the driver of the vehicle did not even stay around to help or even report the matter to the police. “They should have stayed around and report it to the police,” said the aunt.

A few years ago, Edwards sustained serious injuries to his face, but no one was ever changed with the incident. This drew an outcry from the community, many resident, voicing the opinion then, that he was not a violent person.

V Students on dusk to dawn curfew 4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

and stealing foodstuff, toiletries and other items TWO 17-YEAR-OLD secondary which altogether valued school students were placed on EC$637. a dusk to dawn curfew as part The trio pleaded not guilty, of their bail conditions, when but while the students were they, along with an adult, faced granted bail, Jacobs was not. the Serious Offences Court this In his objection to Jacobs’ week on a burglary charge. bail, Senior Prosecutor The teenage boys, along Adolphus Delpleche told the with Cardel Jacobs, 45-yearCourt that investigations into old electrician of Union the matter were not complete, Island, were taken before and those investigations have Chief Magistrate Rechanne led to other which were Browne on Monday, charged ongoing. He expressed concern with entering the dwelling that if Jacobs was released on house of Collis Ambrose at bail, he could hinder the Campbell, Union Island, investigations. between September 20 and 21, Delpleche asked for a Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

seven-day period in the first instance, and that Jacobs be remanded at that juncture.

The Prosecutor did not object to the students’ bail, but as part of their bail conditions, he asked for a curfew and sufficiency of surety.

Attorney Roderick Jones who represented Jacobs, and one of the students, disagreed with the reason the prosecutor gave for objecting to Jacobs’ bail.

“I am concerned when the Prosecutor seeks to take away a person’s liberty on the

pretext that the investigations are ongoing. This is not a good enough reason for denying someone bail,” Jones argued, adding that bail could be granted with certain conditions. But the Magistrate upheld Delpleche’s objection and remanded Jacobs. He will return to Court on October 2, at which time the issue of bail will be reviewed.

The students were each granted $2,500 bail with one surety, on condition that they remain in their parents’ control and custody. They are

Teen charged with attempted murder EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Asbert Rodney was remanded on a charge of attempted murder last Monday, following strong objections to bail by Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche.

Rodney, a resident of Edinboro is charged with the attempted murder of Christopher Wilson, also a resident of that community.

The offence was reportedly committed at Edinboro on September 22.

Rodney was not required to plead when he was taken before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court.

However, when the issue of bail arose, Delpleche informed the Court that Wilson was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital suffering from a blow to the head, allegedly inflicted by a blunt object.

The Prosecutor added that the latest

information the investigator had on Wilson was that he was in a semi-conscious state, and was being monitored closely by medical personnel.

Delpleche asked that Rodney be remanded and that the Court be provided with a medical report on the victim’s condition.

Magistate Browne remanded Rodney and adjourned the matter to October 2, at which time bail will be reviewed.

Bajan visitor busted

BARBADIAN NATIONAL Vagn Johnson was fined a total of $7,550 forthwith on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to three marijuana possession charges at the Serious Offences Court.

The 48-year-old vendor was fined $5,000 or 6 months imprisonment for having 2,038 grams of marijuana with intent to supply; $2,000 or five months for possession of 816 grams of marijuana Asbert Rodney is now with intent to supply, and $550 or three months for on remand. having 292 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

Rodney was unrepresented.

Johnson was also fined $2,000 forthwith or six months behind bars after pleading guilty to failing to leave the state before the expiration of his visitor’s permit.

The sentences are to run concurrently if the fines with forgery. with intent that he or are not paid.

George, a labourer, is another shall use it to Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne also ordered accused of making a false induce the National that Johnson be removed from the country when instrument, to wit, one Lotteries Authority of St. the fines are paid, or on completion of his sentences, Triple Win scratch ticket Vincent and the serial no 36486045003, Grenadines to accept it if they are not paid. as genuine, on The facts reveal that on September 25, police September 25, 2017. went to the home of a Langley Park resident George was not Michael Piggot to execute a search warrant. required to plead when Johnson was met in the porch chipping up he stood before Chief marijuana with a pair of scissors. The police Magistrate Rechanne observed his Barbadian accent and asked for his Browne, as the charge was laid indictably. passport. Johnson took them to his bedroom where He was granted bail a bucket containing marijuana was found. A further on condition that he search was conducted revealing a black bag of surrender his travel marijuana in the kitchen. documents and report to After being slapped with the marijuana the Calliaqua Police Desborn George seems possession charges, he was handed over to the Station every Monday to have carried his ‘luck’ Immigration Department. between 6 a.m. and 6 a little too far. p.m. He is also not to Up to press time Wednesday, THE leave the state without VINCENTIAN had not ascertained whether The matter has been the permission of the Johnson paid the fines or not. adjourned to November Court.

29.

Man charged with forging scratch ticket DIAMOND RESIDENT Desborn George was granted $7,000 bail, when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday charged

also to remain indoors from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

An order was also made for them to surrender their passports and report to their nearest police stations on Mondays and Fridays. They are not to leave the state without permission from the Court.

Before imposing the curfew, the Magistrate asked the students if they were involved in any after school activities, such as sports, cadets or scouts. They both said no, but one of them indicated that he does night fishing as a means of supporting his schooling.

Browne, however, informed him that that was the responsibility of his parents, and advised that he focus on his books instead.

The matter was transferred to the Union Island Magistrate’s Court and scheduled for October 19.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 5.

Regional

Dominica arising from the disorder Monday, also said 18 people have also been confirmed missing.

Chief Carbon said further that the police have been kept busy, with the latest incident being a prison break that took place late Sunday, in which four inmates escaped. CMC reported the Chief as saying that two of these inmates had been captured.

Of utmost concern to his officers was the challenge of “massive

matters, and 86 Police Chief people who Daniel Carbon violated the confirmed curfew have that the police also been were kept arrested. busying He felt combating a assured, as he spate of spoke to the looting in media last capital Monday, that Roseau. his Police Force (Photo Credit: Prime Minister had brought Peepirit – Roosevelt Skerrit was this situation blogger) understandably still under control, saddened by the loss of “We as the police will and noted that his life. (Photo Credit: IRIN con-tinue to do our best, officers had welcomed News) so that during this the assistance of regional recovery process, crime is colleagues in this regard. minimized as much as Also speaking at the possible”. press conference was Prime Minister Deputy Police Chief Roosevelt Skerrit, in his Davidson Valerie, who CUBA CONTINUES to economy in their country, statement, assured the highlighted the fact that demonstrate that it is a country of moved swiftly to attend to country that the a large number of young resilience, especially in the face of cleaning up and repairs. distribution of supplies is people were involved in seemingly insurmountable Medalina Morales, one of the top priorities the looting. challenges.

Villa Bacuranao’s of his administration at “Many of them were Few would doubt the ingenuity Technical Sales this time, and appealed searching broken of a nation of people that have not Representative, within a for order. premises and looting only survived but advanced under week of the passage of “What we are seeking from them — primarily the strain of sanctions imposed on Hurricane Irma on to get from the residents business places. We were Cuba by the United States, September 8, reported is order. Yesterday we able to put the situation sanctions which have existed since that workers at the Villa did a fantastic job. We under some level of 1960 and are still enforced today. Bacuranao had already are attacking this from control and quell the That strength of purpose and a collected and removed land, from air and from sense of camaraderie came to life tree branches and rubble The Villa Bacuranao in Cuba was expected problems that were sea. emerging from the to be re-opened for business within two once again in the aftermath of from the grounds, and “Every single looting. Despite our Hurricane Irma which did they were into giving the weeks of being damaged by Hurricane community, every single repeated efforts on many family, every single home considerable damage along the ‘final touches’ to repairs Irma. (Photo Credit: cubazul.net) occasions, the mobs and street will be north-western coast of Cuba. to the roof. would move from one September 19, the hotel was reached by the Within days of the passage of Ms. Morales had reported location to another…..” expected to be ready to welcome authorities in providing Hurricane Irma, Cuban workers earlier, that most damage was Valerie also stressed vacationers in a week, mainly supplies. Our clear at Villa Bacuranao, belonging to inflicted on the restaurant area the importance of instruction is for the Caribbean visitors who travel Islazul Hotel Chain, one of Cuba’s (located near to the sea). The observing the curfew. equitable, nonregularly to the Villa each year. three state-owned hotel rooms were not damaged, thanks “We must not catch discriminatory In support of this effort and companies, recognizing that to the pre-hurricane protection distribution of supplies. any resident on the similar ones, an official tourism is now the motor of the efforts of the workers, the streets; at 4:00 pm (local We have lots of supplies government statement said, representative said. time), residents must be coming in today and “Advance in the recovery process According to the throughout the rest of home. When the police is the main objective not only to representative, who spoke on the week…,” the Prime find anyone outside the tourism installations — which Minister said, according without a permit — you Cuban workers from the rest is one of the main sources of hard to the CMC report. will be arrested if you do currency to the Cuban economy — of the country, banded PM Skerrit reiterated not have a permit.

This but the entire country aimed at themselves together to give how saddened the must be obtained from reestablishing normal activities on the spot assistance to country was by the loss the Chief of Police.

They and the socio-economic balance, the clean-up process in the of life, but pointed to the must remain inside until fact that it could have and continue the process of worst hit areas of the eight o’clock in the sustainable development.” country. (Photo been worse. (Source; morning.

(Source: www.cubanews.acn.cu) Credit:cubanews.acn.cu) CMC) AS OF MONDAY 25th September, 2017, the death toll in Dominica following the passage of Hurricane Maria stood at 27.

CMC reported that Police Chief Daniel Carbon, who made the disclosure during a press conference, early

looting” in the capital and other sections of the island.

“I can report that immediately following the passage of Hurricane Maria, we have had massive looting. Several business places in the city of Roseau and to a less extent in the town of Portsmouth, had looting,” Chief Carbon said as per the CMC report.

As of September 25, 40 arrests have been made in relation to criminal

Cubans: resilient as ever

Govt denies reports regarding IMF and Antigua & Barbuda THE GOVERNMENT of Antigua and Barbuda has taken umbrage with a certain report carried by several online news agencies/sites.

That news item stated, inter alia, that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had refused to discuss Barbuda’s debt after Hurricane Irma, and went further to state that the IMF had rejected a moratorium proposal to discuss the island’s US$3 million debt.

But the Antigua and Barbuda’s Government’s Chief-of-Staff Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst said on Saturday Prime

Chief-of-Staff Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst, sought to dispel reports that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda had made overtures to the IMF regarding a debt moratorium.

Minister Gaston Browneadministration had not made overtures to the IMF and, therefore, wasn’t even aware of the discussion that allegedly took place.

With respect to the outstanding debt of US$33 million, Hurst said, “that’s not true.”

Among the on-line news sites which carried the news item were Canadian Dimension and Courtroom News.

Courtroom News reported that Christopher Lane, the financial institution’s special representative to the United Nations, had confirmed

the IMF’s refusal to even Just one example of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma on the housing stock in Barbuda. converse about funds owed by Barbuda.

“Our general view is that we’d for the United Nations. rather put new money in than to have His plan is to spend about four days a moratorium,” Courtroom News in New York, during which time he is reported Lane as saying. expected to solicit resources for the Barbuda reels from having almost rebuilding of Barbuda. the entirety of its infrastructure and Hurst says Browne has a meeting 95% of its homes destroyed due to planned with several Commonwealth Hurricane Irma.

Prime Ministers, including the leader Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bowne of Canada. (Source: Antigua Observer, Courtroom News) was due to leave Antigua on Sunday

V

6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

SVG blames ravages of hurricanes on climate change contributing the least to the emissions that cause it.

“But that truism is the foundation of our just, urgent and unavoidable demand that the nations that have ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines says the contributed most to climate change death and destruction wrought by this similarly do the most to mitigate its hurricane season are not merely freak effects and assist others in adapting to weather events or the vengeful acts of the dangerous new realities,” he said.

God, but are “the direct result of the acts Noting that the global community and/or omissions of man.” came together, “through hard-fought “They are the manifestations of negotiations,” to craft the Paris climate change; the symptoms of the Climate Accord, Sir Louis chided as prescient predictions made by the “an act of hostility” any attempt to overwhelming majority of scientists,” disavow the “freshly-minted said Deputy Prime Minister and commitments of the Paris Accord.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis He called for “special and sustained Straker in addressing the 72nd support” of the international Session of the United Nations General community to Antigua and Barbuda, Assembly Debate last Friday.

St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, the “Almost every year is hotter than Bahamas and Dominica in “immediate the preceding one. Almost every and massive assistance in both hurricane season more intense. Almost immediate relief and long-term every storm, drought and flood more reconstruction.” destructive than the previous one.

“That assistance must be Today, it is a barefaced insult to the concessional and free from antiquated intelligence and experience of the notions of per capita GDP (Gross peoples of island states and coastal Domestic Product),” he said. “As such, areas to call climate change a hoax,” we join other countries in calling for a he added. donors’ conference to address the Sir Louis said that Small Island daunting challenges that these Developing States are the most countries face. vulnerable to climate change, while “Only together can we recover,” the Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

foreign minister added, Sir Louis Straker, Deputy stating that the Prime Minister and Caribbean territories, Minister of Foreign Affairs, with special addressing the 72nd relationships to Session of the United colonial powers in the Nations General Assembly United States, the Debate last Friday.

United Kingdom, exacerbated other France and the Netherlands, are “in desperate need of difficulties in the country. But, with assistance and with limited options for illegal street violence dwindling and all political parties committed to international cooperation, given their upcoming gubernatorial elections, the unique political statuses.” interventionist option increasingly Despite its small size and limited floated by the United States and an means, Straker said the people of St. imprudent OAS Secretary-General Vincent and the Grenadines have have no place in a modern Latin already sent emergency assistance to America,” Straker said. these territories, as well as technical Similarly, he said any threat, expertise. expressed or implied, against the “We call on both administering sovereignty of the “peaceful and noble powers and potential donors to look Cuban people, is an anachronistic past political issues and look instead throwback to Cold War posturing at the needs of the affected peoples without any logical justification, and communities,” he said. “We call particularly in light of recent detente too on the colonial powers to accept between the Governments of Cuba and fully their responsibility for the the United States. recovery and rehabilitation of these “Let us be clear: Latin America and territories.” the Caribbean is a zone of peace,” he The Vincentian Deputy Prime stressed. “There is no conflict, there is Minister said the rise of climate no challenge, there is no disagreement change, as “the existential threat of in our region requiring military ore,” intervention in any way, shape or has not replaced the persistent peril of armed conflict across the globe. form; be it covert, overt or by proxy.”

The Foreign Minister said St. In that context, he said his country Vincent and the Grenadines is, “views with alarm the continued threats against the sovereignty of the therefore, “resolutely and implacably opposed to any attempt to ferment Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“To be sure, the people of Venezuela external interference or interventionist activities against any nation in our have endured an extended period of hemisphere.” political conflict, which has

Outstanding Vincies honored THE BROOKLYN-BASED St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc. Saturday night honored veteran Vincentian broadcaster and journalist Don Bobb with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bobb was honored at the group’s Second Annual Heritage Awards at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

The Diaspora group also presented Cultural Awards to Donna Weekes, Cultural Ambassador Winston Soso, Godfrey “Cherry” Ince, Ainsley Primus and Gordon “Don” Sutherland.

Ruby Wood, owner of the Brooklynbased Square Deal Shippers and Movers; retired Registered Nurse Laverne Munro, and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania received the Humanitarian Award.

Former West Indies cricketer, manager and sports broadcaster T. Michael Findlay; national netballer Peggy Ince-Hull, Marc Cordice and the late Neusam “Sam” DeBique were inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame.

N’Keal Harry was also presented with the Sports Award.

The reportedly ailing Maxwell Haywood, chairman of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc., said in a statement in the souvenir journal, that the Committee was “proud to present its second annual Diaspora Heritage Awards.”

He added, “This event comes at a time of growing interests in the heritage of countries and the nature of the contributions of historical personalities. This process is vital for the development of all communities, especially when the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations are recognized and celebrated.”

Haywood noted that the Committee has “moved beyond the traditional way of recognizing and rewarding only individuals,” adding that “organizations will also be recognized and rewarded for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Vincentian people.”

“Congratulations to all honorees for your commitment to excellence and to the upliftment of our Vincentian community,” he said. “You truly deserve this honor, and your contributions are truly exemplary of Vincentian Excellence. We hope to engrave your contributions as legacies in the wider development of the American and Vincentian societies.”

In his message, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves said, “Events of this type are of much significance to Vincentians in the Diaspora,” stating that they “provide opportunities to highlight the many notable achievements of our compatriots.

“I am certain that these activities are marked by a great sense of pride and accomplishment, as, indeed, they should be,” he said.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 7.

News

CDC to decide on changes for Vincy Mas WHATEVER changes are introduced for Vincy Mas 2018 will be determined by the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC).

They will have much to inform their decisions following last Saturday’s Symposium, held under the theme ‘The changing

face of Vincy Mas’, at the National Insurance Services Conference Room.

The keynote address came from Marlon Stephenson. He threw out some spheres of the existing festival which served to spiral discussions as to a

suitable direction, even as he compared the phases that marked the evolution of the festival.

“Why have carnival since the view is that the CDC does not make profit,” he asked, and pondered on whether carnival ought not to be treated like the Ministry

Some of the participants at last Saturday’s symposium.

Students urged to make this nation a better place REVEREND Adolf Davis, Superintendent of the KingstownChateaubelair Circuit of the Methodist Church, has made plain his disgust about a society’s embrace of drunkenness.

He unleashed the observation on the St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) student population during a special service at the Kingstown Methodist Church last Friday, to mark the school’s 109th anniversary.

Rev. Davis contended that most of the problems associated with drunkenness involved men at the very root.

He lamented a situation in which the society seems to approve of alcoholic consumption, and pointed to situations where “Man plan to get drunk…. And again next week.”

He was at a loss to understand how such a routine could take place.

The Vincentian born minister and past student of the SVGS, urged the students to “take the problem regarding man personally,” and to do their part in “drying up” the concept of drunkenness.

If they heard anyone planning to get drunk, they must not be afraid to

say, “I aint dey in dat stupidness,” he told his audience of primarily young men.

Rev Davis based his message on Luke 12: 33 which urged a young rich man to ‘sell your possessions and give it to the poor’. Adolf Davis He reminded urged the the students that students of the they were SVGS to take privileged to be personal, the given responsibility of “opportunities nation-building. others will not dream of,” and challenged them to take personal, the question of nation building. “Make this nation a better place,” he exhorted.

Headmaster Curtis King also addressed the students, impressing on them the contribution the school had made to the society.

After the service, the students marched through the streets of Kingstown to their school, accompanied by a four-member Cadet band.

(WKA) SVGS students marched from the Kingstown Methodist Church to the school.

of Education with its the Book Loan Scheme whereby students pay $50 for supplies worth more, and the Ministry of Health with its subsidised prescription filling service.

He complimented the CDC and pointed to the need to balance growth of the tourism product with taking care of the ecosystem.

Vincy Mas has seen changes, Stephenson mentioned, but the tradition is making way for “more hype.”

There may be a decline in numbers in Kingstown at carnival, but that may be offset by expansion in Rural festivities.

Private entities have become dominant and Stephenson cited them as “leading the way as far as money making is concerned.”

Carnival Bands came in for commendation, and he analysed the planning and implementation that go into the product.

Should CDC be

organising competitions?

That will also be looked at.

Advertising the festival must be of paramount concern. The travel industry is relevant to the festival and Stephenson raised the aspects of trends in that sphere to appeal to potential visitors.

The target is vital to the marketing strategy for Stephenson, and he endorses the use of varied means that advances in information technology offer.

Whether CDC should own a server is another decision.

Ayana Baisden looked at the ‘Changing face of the masquerade’.

Anthony Theobalds addressed issues such as ‘CDC Components’ Shows, Versus Private Events; the Street Bar phenomena; and local music production and promotion.

Anthony Dennie served as moderator in a discussion: ‘Shows in or

Marlon Stephenson, lead speaker, raised some searching questions for the CDC to consider. out? New Marketing strategies?’

Those followed remarks from Tourism, Sports and Culture Minister Cecil Mc Kie. He announced the office of a Creative Cultural Coordinator which will be responsible for taking culture and the arts forward.

CDC’s chairman Ricardo Adams also addressed the gathering.

(WKA)

V

8. FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Fighting the crime wave HAS ANYBODY stopped to think who benefits the most from a situation in which there is no national plan in place to fight crime?

The only persons who benefit from such a situation are the criminals; and they will continue to do so as long as the government remains stubborn about getting the opposition party on board, to work out a non-partisan national response to the crime situation.

No one, not even the Prime Minister, can deny that we are living in unprecedented times of criminal activity.

Murder - domestic and gang/drug related — heightened burglary, all too prevalent assault and robbery aggravated by the use of guns, are becoming everyday occurrences. There are 31 recorded homicides for the year… twenty-eight too many, as this column is penned.

Every one of us is, to some degree, directly or indirectly affected by this crime wave, and it is high time that those we elect to craft a path for our peaceful and prosperous existence, are made to fulfil their responsibility to work to realise this goal — as idealistic as it might sound.

Take it or leave it, the ULP government has not shown, other than increasing the size of the police force, building the new jail at Belle Isle, improving working conditions and accessories for police officers, and establishing one department after the other in the police force, with some seeming to have more authority than others, that it has come up with any effective ongoing measures to fight crime. All this nonsense on being tough on crime and the causes of crime is a smoke screen.

Going after perceived major players in the criminal world has not put spend to associated criminal activity. In fact, this may have merely served to cause a redefinition in the manifestations of crime and the tendencies of the criminally inclined, the latter not born but rather made by their socialisation.

For, if the truth be told, what would be considered the major cause of crime — a combination of unemployment and under-employment continues to exacerbate steadily, and the disillusionment that sets in because of the failure to deliver on promises, forges a mindset among the youth which encourages one choice — take the easy way out — a life of crime, in which the gun has replaced the fist. No longer do adversaries fall for a count of ten, they fall for good.

And please, let’s not fool ourselves into accepting an explanation that speaks to our incapacity to patrol our multi-island state as an excuse for our inability to curb if not wipe out the illegal entry of guns into our state.

No one must be led to conclude that the reason there is not a nonpartisan approach to fighting crime here, is because one party or the other has something to hide.

To ward off any such ridiculous conclusion, we must accept, first and foremost, that we cannot continue with this tomfoolery that crime is a political issue to be attended to by the government.

A non-partisan approach to the spiraling crime rate here is the only true and sensible response to combating this scourge. We cannot continue, conveniently, to use the crime problem as a political football.

Government must swallow its pride — its inordinate love of itself — and invite the elected opposition to help set the agenda for devising a truly national, non-partisan plan for fighting crime.

In that agenda, it would make much sense that a National Strategic Anti-Crime Commission be established — comprising, though not exclusive to, the Ministry of National Security, the Police, the opposition, church leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, Vincentians at large, to ensure that we fight this problem together.

That’s the only way we’re going to conquer the beast.

Lest we forget, spiraling crime threatens our entire livelihood, making it all the more reason why we must deal with it as a Vincentian entity — not a ULP or NDP matter.

Don’t ever be fooled into believing that the police force, alone, can fight this problem. Crime is a national problem, and therefore, we need to deal with this, nationally.

What we need most at this time is strong, unbiased leadership, and it is not in poor taste to ask Prime Minister/Minister of National Security to display that leadership by causing the formation of this emergency strategic committee to deal with the issue we face, before our country is completely destroyed.

A crowning moment- De Man Age in his element (First published on July 7, 2007) WE ARE STUNNED by the wild behaviour of the forces of nature, the carnage and bloodletting especially among our youths today, the passivity and apparent hopelessness of the Government of the day, and we hope for the rise of some inspiration somewhere to give us a new lease of life.

In this vein we applaud the honouring of De Man Age by a new breed of Vincentians in the USA who refuse to follow the beaten path but selected De Man as our hero to tackle the Myriad problems heaped on our heads, through the medium of calypso.

My following article is like a citation to the honouring ceremony. At next Independence time, we hope to follow through with another article on the De Man Age with, possible another on a true hero who remains largely unrecognised — Robert “Patches” Knights.

“Errol Rose, De Man Age, has been in the Calypso business for thirty years now.

Certainly that calls for celebration among carnival revellers in general, and the devotees of the calypso in particular.

It was not easy; from start to finish, De Man Age had to fight the Powers-that-be for the right of Kaisomen and, by extension the masses for whom he speaks, freely to express themselves.

In 1977, as if to greet the new Carnival’s shift from the pre-Lenten season to the climax “Carnival in July”, De Man Age burst on the scene with a vengeance.

His double-barrelled “This Society Needs a Spectacle” and “In the Ghetto” were explosive stuff. The Labour Government of the day did what they did best, ban any songs that spoke the truth and disturbed the peace and quiet as of a cemetery!

It was the same pattern of behaviour that was used against thinking people: restrict the movement, ban their friends from coming in, and the books which inspired them.

In fact, De Man Age grew up in poverty and fought to attain a broad education — he was a qualified teacher- that questioned most things about him. He was an ardent member of the radical Teachers Union which was badly brutalised by the Labour Government in 1975.

Radical calypso was his way of carrying the fight beyond the four walls of the classroom. A group of us in the Democratic Freedom Movement at the time, spotted a kindred soul. So our 1976 convention held at the Market Square featured the playing of the steel band, Abucalyse, and moreso, De Man Age himself, defiantly singing the banned songs for all to hear.

To add fuel to fire, so far from being cowed into submissiveness, De Man Age produced a challenging song for the next festival, “Dey Go Ban it”. And you know “all dem bald-

heads” actually banned it, just as he anticipated.

But that did not stop De Man Age who had become the people’s favourite, the poet laureate of the ghetto, the spokesman of the masses, a virtual folk hero, from copping the crown.

Owing to circumstance, De Man Age lived for some time, like a king in exile, whose abdicated throne was filled by several persons who did credit to his themes- Poorsah, Professor, Skakes, Sulle, among them.

But, with narrowing of the world and the growing concept of the Diaspora’s role in nation building at the roots, increasingly the calypsonian saw his rightful place to be back home amongst his people. Persons headed by De Man Age took advantage of this duality to sort out their livelihood in a foreign marketplace, while reserving their commitment and love to the life back home.

In a sense, they carried on a double life, enjoying both worlds, in an arrangement born of necessity. It could be said that they were allowed to eat their cake and have it still.

During the Mitchell years, De Man Age remained mildly pro-NDP, based on the Party’s people oriented programmes, but moved on the attack whenever the Prime Minister showed signs of one-manism.

At the tail-end of the Mitchell regime, De Man Age could advise his countrymen, “We Have a Country to Build”.

With the governmental change in 2001, however De Man Age virtually saw red with Ralph’s clear moves to control calypsonians in the interest of Party. In championing Princess Monique, for instance, the PM had entered a field which the calypsonians jealously guarded as their own natural preserve, sacred and sacrosanct.

In other words, De Man Age has led a group of calypsonians in a stout defence of their individual rights and, incidentally, formed a bulwark against an emerging totalitarian state. Ipa, who took a different view, is beginning to see the proffered gifts as not at all wholesome.

On the other side, the Comrade’s “Gravy Train” is in full flow. It caters not only for favoured calypsonians, but selected carnival officials as well. In fact, this act of discrimination permeates the entire society.

Through it all, De Man Age has stood firm and weathered the storm. Indeed he has danced about in producing lovely songs like “Anselma” and above all the wonderful “It is Christmas time”.

We welcome De Man Age home, having chalked up thirty years in the business, in trying circumstances.

But there can be no sitting on his laurels.

He may have won one or two battles, but the war still stares him in the face. The struggle continues. Nay, it intensifies.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 9.

Letters

Retired police officers abhor recent violence

THE MANAGEMENT of Supreme Investigative and Security Services Inc. is abhorred with the recent acts of violence perpetrated against our female folk, and the heightened security risks that currently exist against the business sector and the local community.

Many Vincentians at home and abroad are of the opinion that the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is tasked to the brink. As a result, many crimes are left unsolved.

The void that is left by the local constabulary is an excellent opportunity for private security firms, service organizations, the church, other institutions and the citizenry, to strengthen their collaboration with our law enforcement agency, to minimize the scourge of violence in our beloved country.

Supreme Investigative and Security Services Inc. has noted the absolute silence of prominent Vincentians and organizations on this serious issue, and calls on them to let their voices be heard.

We stand readily, if called upon, to offer our services.

We also call on our former colleagues to recommit themselves to this task, with special emphasis on the rights of the victims.

Our condolences to the bereaved.

Ronald Christopher Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired) Artis Davis Superintendent of Police (retired)

When I become king BETWEEN the year 2025 and 2030 I will be the first king of this country. There will be no Prime Minister, no Opposition, no political office, no gutter politics, just me as king with a congress and a senate running the country.

Politics is for countries like England and America that have great security. Politics in my country is evil; it causes too many deaths, especially among our youth who are full of potential.

We will be having great men and women of science and specialists in all aspects. The hospital will be my main priority.

Sick people could never be a blessing to their country. I will make Georgetown, Barrouallie, and Chateaubelair equal with Kingstown. Every boy and girl, man and woman will get their equal rights and justice in this country.

No lawyer will get away with lies. The dentist that cripple me because of politics will not be able to do things like that to others and get away with it. The criminals will put away their weapons, because there will be peace and love in this country. The

children will love to learn about many things.

The port police, with their inferiority complex, will never use their anger again to manipulate people.

You don’t tell a king what to do; a king already knows what he has to do. I am going to make this nation a great nation for the next generation to come.

Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon

Hard times ahead I AM SO PLEASED to see how quickly my people home came to the assistance of those persons affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. All taken, the damage inflicted by these

hurricanes will run into billions of dollars, and we have to be prepared to be our brothers’ keeper for some time to come.

With the damage done to some of our OECS partners, the next ten or

so years could be challenging for the economies linked by the EC dollar.

I am no economist or finance expert, but if one or two economies in our region is in shambles,

then it must have an effect of the rest of us.

We have to be prepared to band our bellies for a while.

Garnet, N.Y.

Going to the dogs under Gonsalves MINISTER OF FINANCE and Prime Minister Gonsalves is not qualified in Finance. He wants to manage our finances but he is extremely POOR at managing money.

His style of management has delivered a significant killer blow to the SVG economy and society, which has experienced its highest crime rates during the 16 years of Gonsalves-led ULP government.

Our people break under the immense pressure and turn to crimes. As a result, and all too often, people are shot to death in their heads; others killed as a result of multiple gun fire; some stabbed and/or chopped to death; females of all ages raped, and innocent citizens robbed at gun, not to mention the number of burglaries.

It seems, too, that the criminals see no reason to desist from their evil ways, even as the courts apply tougher custodial sentences which, sadly, only leads

to overcrowding at our prisons. It would be no surprise if the system sees no choice but to apply early release to prisoners of all manner of convictions. People will eventually lose trust in the justice system.

As SVG continues to be governed by the ULP regime, in which not one of the ministers is qualified in finance, the economy is set on a path to death, and the society will have to brace itself for even further spiraling crime.

Kadmiel Mc Fee British War Veteran politicianmrmcfeekd@ gmailcom

Shame on the Trinis

MR. EDITOR, the Caribbean is definitely far away from becoming a truly united bloc.

Look at what is happening in Trinidad and Tobago. The Prime Minister of that CARICOM country extended an invitation to citizens of Dominica, recently devastated by Hurricane Maria, welcoming them to his country. Lo and behold, a whole section of that country’s society immediately began to question their Prime Minister’s show of

goodwill.

Now, more than ever, we should be reaching out to our fellow Caribbean people in their time of need, but here we have fellow Caribbean people ready to turn their backs on their Caribbean colleagues who are suffering.

I mean, these are not normal times for Dominicans, and the least we can do is reach out with a helping hand.

I admire the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister for his gesture,

and hope that Trinidadians would come down to earth, and welcome their Caribbean brothers and sisters.

Little SVG is prepared to take in students from the BVI, so why can’t oil rich Trinidad and Tobago do likewise?

This does not smell good for Caribbean integration.

Maybe we are fooling ourselves into believing that we can be one Caribbean nation.

Charles - Edinboro

individual but one who so easily transformed her seriousness into a warm, friendly relationship with customers of THE VINCENTIAN

by PATMOS RICHARDS VINCENTIAN newspaper, where newspaper. Her magnetic smile she served for a period which at times could endear her to you.

I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY to spanned thirty odd years.

Her characteristic punctuality commiserate with the immediate Although her tasks may have added to her professional stature family, friends, relatives and the seemed very simple to the and made her a staple asset at staff of this prestigious average observer who came to THE VINCENTIAN newspaper. newspaper, on the sad passing of THE VINCENTIAN office, her Internally, she found favour Mrs. Helen Hazell, who was laid undertakings could be arduous. with the Editor and his staff, and to rest last Sunday, September Among these, as I observed, tried her utmost to be on good 24, at the Richland Park were: ensuring that sufficient terms with everyone at the cemetery, following a church copies of the newspaper were in workplace. service at the Richland Park circulation; attending to It was unfortunate that in Seventh Day Adventist Church. newspaper vendors who worked recent times her health began to She was a native of Richland with her in mutual harmony deteriorate up until her death.

Park concerning accountability of One can only hope that her Mrs. Hazell, more popularly successor works with a similar known as Helen Small, by dint of newspaper returns/revenue; preparing and making actual passion and commitment. Her a previous marriage to the late payment to freelance work attitude is worthy of stand-up comedian Lucian ‘Saluche’ Small, was undoubtedly contributors, like yours truly. emulating by any worker, Mrs. Hazell was a serious a conscientious worker at THE especially the younger ones.

Mrs. Helen Hazell was an able employee

* When was the last time the official website of NEMO was updated? * Is NEMO now expecting that we will get their ‘important’ information on Facebook only? * Are ex-cons now in the employ of a wellknown wheeler and dealer here? * Did a would-be foreign investor say recently that the easiest way of getting business done in SVG is to pay off people involved in the process? * Was the announcement about tying all animals and taking action if they were not, just a puff of smoke? If it is not, how come there is no action when residents make reports about roaming cattle in their neighbourhood? * Is a relative of the ‘big man’ earmarked for the position of Accountant General?

V

10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The NDP has lost its way

Introduction THE RECENT DECISION by the former leader of the opposition, and former president of the New Democratic Party, Arnhim Eustace that he intends to contest the East Kingstown seat at the next general election, has come as a major shock to right-thinking Vincentians, including some members of the NDP. Constitutionally, the next general election is due by the year 2020, that is, if Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves does not call it before.

In 2020, Arnhim Eustace, who is now 73, will be 76 years of age, and at that age, he will have to face the rough and tumble of an election campaign. Is it that the NDP cannot find a young person, amidst the thousands of qualified and trained young people, to represent the party in East Kingstown? This decision by Eustace is a clear indication that the NDP has lost its way.

with a drive to see this country and its people develop.

All three are ministers of government, administering important government portfolios. Saboto Caesar is the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation. Camillo Gonsalves is the Minister of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Information and Labour, and Industry Trade. Luke Browne is the Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment. These ministries are very important in the overall development of the Vincentian economy, the creation of jobs and the provision of health services.

There are a number of younger people, both male and female, who came through the Education Revolution, and who are poised to Candidate selection embark on development work for the The signs were there since the 2015 country, under the direction of the general election. The NDP has shown ULP and Comrade Ralph. Many of them could be heard hosting radio a clear indication, that they are not programmes on Star Radio, the radio willing to apply a scientific approach station owned by the ULP. You can to the issue of candidate selection. A also catch them on Facebook and month ago, they ran into problems with the selection of disc jockey Colin other social media, defending the programmes and policies of the ULP Graham. The sorry episode of his administration. selection and his subsequent This is the problem facing the NDP. withdrawal have been told in the How to attract the many young people media and elsewhere. Of all the young who have been trained under the qualified persons in East St. George, Education Revolution? As a political the NDP finds itself selecting a man party, the opposition has been like Colin Graham, without doing the extremely critical of the Education due diligence process to avoid any Revolution, and the young people will pitfalls. never let them escape. The Education The same thing applies to some of Revolution has been a spectacular success. It has touched the homes of the other candidates identified, but every family in the State, and has not yet ratified by the central transformed the delivery of education, committee of the NDP. For example, for living and production. Of course, lawyers Kay Bacchus Baptiste and more can be done and the people trust Israel Bruce have already been the ULP to deliver even more benefits identified to contest the West St. George and South Central Windward to the youths of the country. constituencies respectfully. It is not clear if the NDP has done proper due Conclusion diligence checks in relation to these In the face of all this, what does the candidates, but that is a matter for NDP do? They continue to “bad talk” the NDP. But it must be clear to all and malign the good name of and sundry that when the election St.Vincent and the Grenadines. They campaign begins, certain issues will refuse to turn up to do the people’s be raised. business in the House of Assembly, It is significant to note that during doing no work, even as they accept the 2015 general elections, it was St. the salaries provided by the taxClair Leacock, who bemoaned the fact payers of this country. Why are we that too many young Vincentians are continuing to pay their salaries, when following the Unity Labour Party and they continue to default in terms of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. That’s because their duties? Truly, the NDP has lost the ULP has a clear vision and its way. developmental philosophy, aimed at Its political leader, Dr. Lorraine Friday, is at sea somewhere in the every citizen, but with special Bequia channel, not sure whether or emphasis on our young people, since not he is going or coming. Waiting in they are the future. This vision and philosophy have been well received by the wings is the representative of Central Kingstown, St. Clair Leacock, our young voters. providing advice on how the NDP should go about its business, if only The ULP approach they would listen to him; but they would not.

The ULP has been credited with And now Arnhim Eustace wants to presenting a candidate slate of run again, his sixth attempt at the Vincentians who are supremely polls, following the years 1998, 2001, talented, with a mixture of 2005, 2010 and 2015. Truly, the youthfulness and experience, and with people of St.Vincent and the diverse talents. Within its ranks, the Grenadines will teach them a lesson, ULP can boast about Saboto Caesar, when the Comrade rings the bell.

Camillo Gonsalves and Luke Browne, Long live the ULP! who are young, very intelligent, and

Motion on the crime situation in SVG THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is alarmed by the most recent spate of homicides in the country. We believe that government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizens by building a strong and safe society. However, it is obvious that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime has failed miserably in fighting crime; although Vincentians were promised by the ULP in 2001 that it would have been ‘tough on crime and the causes of crime’.

The NDP has seen it fit to draft a motion on crime, and is still waiting for it to be debated in parliament. It’s an appropriate time to remind Vincentians of the motion. The following is the motion: WHEREAS over the last few months, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has experienced an unprecedented series of heinous and barbarous crimes contributing further to a veritable climate of fear throughout this otherwise blessed land of ours; AND WHEREAS this trend has affected the lives of all Vincentians, resulting in a large number of our potentially productive young people being lost to crime, as can be evidenced by the number of youths in our prison population, the spiralling number of “homeless youth” roaming the streets of Kingstown and the creation of neighbourhood watch societies in several communities; AND WHEREAS there is an insufficient number of rural libraries and like facilities; an absence of a girls’ home to complement the Liberty Lodge Boys’ home; an inadequate number of rural counselling centres, and an absence of a scientific approach to dealing with these social problems; AND WHEREAS resources need to be available to address these concerns which continue to impact society negatively and in particular that such assistance be used for increasing community policing, lending assistance to such organs as crime stoppers anonymous, youths organizations, family life and spiritual development programmes and for expanding local and domestic security; AND WHEREAS this unsatisfactory state of affairs has been acknowledged by the media, civil society and the Human Rights Association as manifested by their editorials, statements of condemnation, calls for marches of peace and a request for a return to more Christian values and the need to be “our brother’s and sister’s keeper”; AND WHEREAS this prevailing climate now sustains an environment of uncertainty, despair and unlawful conduct which threatens the best of our democratic traditions, constitutional privileges and a reasonable sense of decency; AND WHEREAS given the impact of foreign cultural penetration on small developing countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the state has an obligation to reintroduce the family unit and specifically the basic role of parents in the upbringing of children by a sustained and relentless education initiative for the development of spiritual, ethical, moral and human values through social, cultural and economic interventions; AND WHEREAS it is universally accepted that there is an undeniable link between the levels of crime and depressed economic conditions and that the issues of drug trafficking, drug use and drug dependency along with poverty alleviation loom large and require the utmost priority; AND WHEREAS government spends over $13,000.00 per annum to maintain a prisoner in the main correction institution and only $5.00 on a Girl Guide or Boy Scout(at an organizational level, as evidenced in

the estimates) among youth who comprise the standard bearers of discipline for a kinder, gentler St. Vincent and the Grenadines; AND WHEREAS the potential for development of the criminal instinct is highest in disadvantaged , homeless and orphaned youth, it is imperative that the state complements the existing Liberty Lodge Boys Training School with a counterpart female institution, introduce truancy officers in the several constituencies, towns, villages as appropriate to back up a compulsory education initiative while the Ministry of Gender and Social Affairs is charged with the responsibility for tracking homeless and orphaned children and aiding in their rehabilitation.

Be it Resolved that this Honourable House support a Motion to be called: The Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter giving tangible effect to a national commitment to a just, equitable, confinement, fearless, respectful, proud and God-fearing people by providing resources, giving leadership, employing social and economic strategies to reduce the intolerable violence, providing hope for the Vincentian aspiration, tolerance for divergence, love and respect for the dignity of human life and our commitment to the Supremacy of God in all we say and do in building the kinder, gentler society for the 21st century.

Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter * Initiate household sustainability: Each Vincentian household must have at least one occupant employed over the next five (5) to ten (10) years. * Encourage prayer: A school prayer and pledge to be recited daily, suggested prayer to be crafted by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council in collaboration with other religious organisations.

The Ministry of Education will be the executing agency. * Invigorate Sunday school: Support a fund for Sunday/Sabbath teaching. * Strengthen youth development: work with the National Youth Council on a pro rata contribution of $1000.00 per member group base on an approval basis. The following organizations will be given special recognition, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Cadet Force, Girls Guide, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Brigade, Pathfinders, Red Cross and InterSchool Christian Fellowship and National sporting bodies. * Further stimulate the intellectual capability by promoting the capacity of students through compulsory debating societies in all government and assisted secondary schools. * Effect quantitative improvement in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force by the implementation of national security professionalization and leadership programmes for the Office Corps. * Grant amnesty for illegal firearms. * Provide a girls’ home similar to the Liberty Lodge for disadvantaged, homeless and orphaned girls. * Develop value laden family life telecasts for television * Establish a sport endowment of $20,000.00 to each of the leading sporting bodies for community based sports programmes.

The NDP continues to offer solutions to effectively manage crime in this country. The Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter is one such mechanism in the prevention of crime.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 11.

Views

To dare mighty things

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” ― Theodore Roosevelt Jr. - American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909.

MANY CARIBBEAN citizens have been socialised (nay “programmed”) to avoid taking calculated risks. Our parents and grandparents would have cautioned us to “play it safe” and to not “ruffle any feathers” or “rock the boat”. We were encouraged to pursue courses of study that would provide us with the opportunities to gain government employment where, according to them, we were guaranteed tenure and lifelong employment. In many instances, critical thinking or the expression of divergent views had been discouraged. Some may wish to blame such socialisation on our colonial masters. However, regardless of the reasons for the emergence and perpetuation of such thoughts, the new Caribbean citizen must break that mould.

If we are to survive in an ever increasingly competitive world, we must encourage our children to dare to do mighty things.

We must encourage our wards to consider how they can add new knowledge to the fields of science, technology, mathematics, agriculture, and so on. We must encourage them to break the shackles of mental slavery and explore the possibilities of being neuro-surgeons, astronauts, and astronomers. These are not occupations and professions that are set aside for those who were born in developed countries. The children from emerging economies have the same brain capacity as those who are born in developed countries. An examination of the advances in science and aerospace in places like China, India, and South Africa confirm that the capabilities are not confined to those with fairer skin pigmentation. This is not to imply that the facilities and exposure to advanced teaching methods will not make a difference. They certainly do. However, we draw hope from persons like Srinivasa Ramanujan who was born in a rural village in South India. He was not exposed to modern school facilities or highly trained teachers, but baffled the brightest and the best mathematicians at the prestigious Trinity College in the United Kingdom with his outstanding mathematical brilliance in the early 1900s. This brilliant mathematician gained admittance to Cambridge University during World War I, and became an accomplished pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his coach and mentor, Professor G. H. Hardy. His life story encourages us to understand and appreciate that it does not matter where we start from in life. If we have a strong desire to pursue our noble dreams with passion and gusto (and are prepared to study and work hard), we can accomplish greatness when we dare to do mighty things.

For too long, we have constrained ourselves and our wards by not encouraging critical thinking or taking calculated risks. Research has confirmed that India and China have “programmed” their youth to be “a new breed of aggressive businessmen and businesswomen”. The 2009 publication

Crime and violence in SVG ‘THOSE WHO DESIRE to give up their freedoms and liberties in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.’

Benjamin Franklyn

entitled “Getting China and India Right: Strategies for Leveraging the World’s Fastest Growing Economies for Global Advantage” (ISBN-100470284242), makes very interesting reading. The authors, Anil K. Gupta and Haiyan Wang, provide some useful insights in relation to how successive governments in China and India have facilitated and encouraged their people to launch out in every field and profession with confidence. They continue to expand the boundaries of science, technology, agriculture, medicine, and many other fields and disciplines. They are daring to accomplish mighty things.

Dr. Nirmalya Kumar, a professor of Marketing at the London Business School, provides some useful insights in relation to the “invisible innovation” that continues to emerge from India.

Several articles appearing in the Harvard Business Review confirm that Indian nationals continue to invent products and services that may be credited to the more developed countries that are the home base for the multinational companies that they work for. He points out that, for example, many of the inventions that are taking place at Silicon Valley in the United States of America are being done by Indian nationals. And while there is nothing inherently wrong with this, we must understand and appreciate that many citizens from emerging economies like our own, as migrant workers, continue to do mighty things in and for developed countries.

Citizens from emerging economies (developing countries) have the capacity to do mighty things. We must encourage this spirit of experiment and exploration within and beyond our schools. We have a responsibility and a privilege to chart a new and improved course for the next generation.

Education, in its truest sense, prepares students for life and for living. We must insist that the curriculum in our schools (at all levels) prepare our children to survive and strive in a “new world” that will demand that they dare to do mighty things. Our curriculum planners must have the vision and insight to anticipate what that world will be like, and chart the course now to make sure that they succeed. We need to ignite their creativity in every field of study. Our leaders in business, government, and society will be held accountable if we take on a “wait-andsee approach”. Our leaders, too, must dare to do mighty things by charting that new and improved course for the next generation.

Sir Ken Robinson, the British author, speaker, and international advisor on education, reminds us that we need to ignite creativity in all subject areas in the curriculum. He notes that, “You can be creative in anything - in math, science, engineering, philosophy - as much as you can in music or in painting or in dance.” We can inspire our children to be creative and to dare to do mighty things wherever their passions lie.

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

We have close to a 1000 police officers in SVG. We have to train them to be the first line of defense against lawlessness. The time has come for there to be increased, armed police presence across our communities.

Presence is deterrence. Armed presence by security personnel is an even greater safeguard against open disregard for the law. However, nothing beats a good people/police relations.

Our police need to be well trained to meet the new realities. Too often, cases Amilchar Cabral collapse at trial because the police evidence gathering techniques are in As of Wednesday, we recorded 31 shambles. The issues and problems homicides. Last year, we had 40. The which confront police and make it number is frightening because, with 94 difficult for them to give their best more days to go in 2017, we are ten must also be addressed. The time may more killings away from setting a new have arrived for us to seek foreign, record for homicides in a single year. professional policing assistance to staff This is a staggering number for a the highest echelons of our force. country of just over 100,000. We are Everything aimed at arresting the slide fast approaching world levels as it must be on the table for consideration. relates to violent crime that results in A bi-partisan commission on crime is death. necessary, if only to give the nation This rapid rise in criminal activity confidence that the entire political that results in bloodshed and death, is establishment is collectively addressing not good for the psyche of our people the problem we face. nor the image of our country. Nationals The ULP came to power with the are becoming alarmed because of the mantra ‘tough on crime and the causes brazen manner in which many of these of crime.’ The considered view is that killings occur. No longer are these the authorities have been tough on homicides occurring under the cover of crime but not sufficiently tough on its darkness, back alleys in our villages or cause. Too many of our youth still live between the thick foliage of our in a state of helplessness and mountainous forest. These deadly hopelessness with no meaningful way assaults are taking place in broad of making ends meet. Hundreds of daylight, in the presence of frightened young people with community college citizens in Kingstown. education are without work. This adds The criminal fringe is intent on to their frustration. dominating the national space. We Bill Clinton famously said ‘it’s the cannot let them. We must not let them. economy stupid.’ Unless more is done But what can we do? Where can we to make youth feel that they have an turn for support? The problem of equal and good chance of making a violent crime is much more than a good living, a significant number will police problem. It is a national problem turn to crime and violence. If and when and must be addressed with the foreigners with shady backgrounds seriousness and urgency that the times appear to get along with the political demand. Clearly, the policing has a big elite and rip off our people and country role to play. Some say we must get with impunity, our youth will take tougher with the criminals. Plain Talk their cue that crime pays. Think Aimes, don’t know how much more tough we Dr Rolla, Weise and other ‘respectable’ can get unless we are prepared to turn persons believed to be involved in our country into an occupied zone. shady activities. Jobs must be created Part of the solution to the problem and unemployment must be reduced if rests with policing, but we are we are to effectively fight crime. vehemently opposed to the notion that Finally, Grenada may offer a lesson police need to turn our villages and as regards homicides that flow from blocks areas of brutality and gun violence. Grenada experienced less occupation. Already there is too much than 10 homicides per year, while rough tactics by a large section of the Trinidad, Barbados, St Lucia and SVG police force. Too much force is used in are above 30. Last year, Barbados defusing very minor situations which recorded 33, Trinidad 452, St. Lucia 32 result in the alienation of mothers, and Grenada 9. By March of 2017, St fathers, sisters and brothers from the Lucia recorded 17 homicides. police. When the police storm a village Peter David, the veteran criminal and brutalize a youth and knock out defense attorney from Grenada, said his front teeth, as so often happens, that in the last 10 years only about 2 because of some alleged notion of homicides remain unsolved. He said disrespect, respect for law makers take when 15 homicides were recorded in a dive, and detection of crime suffers.

2008, there was an uproar and alarm Information from citizens is a crucial among the populace. David said he is element in crime detection, prosecution reluctant to say that Grenada’s and punishment. Criminals threaten experience with firearms, the and drive fear into potential witnesses, revolution, its violent implosion and and often go free because of lack of the American invasion has anything to evidence. A solid witness protection do with these very low rates. programme would help. A proper We are all in this fight together. Our inventory of all of the motor vehicle very existence depends on our success. numbers is needed. Criminals are using vehicles with false plates to make Send comments, criticisms & their getaway. A gun amnesty is suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com needed.

‘All too often, members from the lower stratum of society, responding to the object poverty and complete emptiness of their lives resort to senseless violence as a way to give sense, meaning and respect to their very existence. The brazen and wanton nature of these acts of violence by these ‘lost souls’ are a warped way in which they attempt to give purpose to an otherwise helpless and meaningless existence.’

V

12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Kingstown businessman believes ULP regime is unable to govern SVG

tax on them.

As they have not paid tax for decades, this billion dollar windfall tax is a fair amount.

To avoid further social calamity and to give our young people hope for a brighter future, we could invest some of the revenue from the windfall tax in education, skills training and the development of a light industrial A KINGSTOWN BUSINESSMAN told the destroyed by the grossly incompetent help the local law enforcement sector.

Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant ULP regime. The inability of the ULP agencies eradicate the out-of-control We should also use money from the Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, regime to manage the country’s gun crime, a la Haiti in 2007, and help windfall tax to set up: a tuna fishing MBA, that the ULP regime is unable to finances and create revenue, has made bring peace and civil security. and canning industry; factories for govern SVG. the economy very weak. This has * food aid, as many thousands of agro-processing leading to the export SVG has seen an explosion in caused high levels of unemployment, households have no income and no of fruit juices and other products; the bloody violent crime and brutal illiteracy and poverty, and food, and rely on other relatives for infrastructure and a factory to export killings. The living environment in consequently, the current explosion in meagre food supplies; surplus fresh drinking water in SVG is no longer safe, and that is a bloody violent crime and brutal * water aid, as many households tanker-loads. serious cause of concern. Also, it is a killings. have no mains water (International These industries would create work worry that the ULP regime has no Action needs to be taken now to agencies could help set up the for thousands of unemployed, lowstrategy to deal with the explosion in stop the bloody violent crime and infrastructure for hundreds of water skilled workers in SVG. In turn, this bloody violent crime and brutal brutal killings. Gonsalves — what the standpipes around the country to will provide a financial income and killings in SVG. hell are you waiting for? It seems that provide free water, and so help more food security to the many Already in 2017, SVG has had about SVG is on the verge of anarchy. prevent an outbreak of cholera and 32 brutal killings, and yet Gonsalves is thousands of poor households, and SVG lacks leadership under the other water-borne diseases). quiet on the subject. Gonsalves is the incompetent ULP regime, and this has reduce crime.

In the long-term, SVG needs a Minister of National Security, but he contributed to SVG being mashed up Gonsalves is foolish to sit back and coherent economic plan to create has not announced a plan to stop the and the high level of crime. SVG needs revenue and thousands of new jobs. do nothing, and hope the bloody explosion in bloody violent crime and competent leadership to implement violent crime in SVG will just go away This will require an update of our brutal killings. short-term and long-term plans to save infrastructure and a quick and by itself.

No one wants to even think that he our country. substantial injection of money, which is happy for guns to be smuggled in to In the short-term, to provide an SVG Green Party we can obtain by abolishing the tax SVG, and to let the bloody violent immediate crackdown on the brutal www.svggreenparty.org exemptions given to Taiwan and the crime and brutal killings continue, as killings, SVG needs: https://twitter.com/svggreenpartyhtt super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, it is black people killing black people. * armed United Nations ps://www.facebook.com/SVG-Greenand imposing a billion dollar windfall Our economy and country have been peacekeeping troops to intervene and Party-154937087877631/

Rally round the West Indies

Sammy earned draws on tours to New Zealand TWO MONTHS shy of (2008) and Sri Lanka twenty years, the (2010) respectively. The Sportstar magazine of five-triumphant series India carried an article were against Zimbabwe headlined, ‘The Titanic (2001 and 2003) and is sunk’. It said, “West Bangladesh (2002, 2011 Indies cricket eventually and 2012). may well be as much After Pakistan in part of history as the 1997, West Indies were Titanic’. trashed five-nil by South Hanif Mohammed Africa, then endured a (deceased) said, “Their two-nil defeat by New present team is the Zealand. This meant weakest amongst nine that the last ten Tests in Test playing countries”. the 1990s the West The nucleus of the Indies played on foreign team referred included soil were lost. Ten in a Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, row!

Curtly Ambrose, Ian Obviously, fans Bishop and Courtney thought this was just an Walsh (captain). All aberration. Many never played in June of that conceived that worse was year at Arnos Vale to come in the new against Sri Lanka, when century.

St. Vincent and the A false dawn Grenadines hosted its appeared at the start of first Test match. the five-match series in England in 2000. After Ten in a row winning the first Test in three days by an innings Inclusive of the 1997 and 93 runs, fans said series in Pakistan and the team had turned the the recently concluded corner under the campaign in England, leadership of Jimmy West Indies have Adams. Sadly, disaster contested 34 series, won was just around the 5 and lost 27. Chris bend. West Indies lost Gayle and Darren three of the remaining

by EARL W. ROBINSON

four matches. The fourth Test at Leeds lasted only two days. Our own Nixon McLean was in that line-up.

Whitewash Next port of call was Australia in 2000-01 for a five-Test series. Every Test was lost by huge margins. It was humiliation for former players like Sir Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Wesley Hall and Joseph Solomon. They were all invited to Brisbane to witness the first Test, to be part of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the tied Test in December 1960.

Forty years on, West Indies lost the opening Test by an innings and 126 runs in three days.

This set the stage for their first whitewash down under. An emerging talent from that four was Marlon Samuels — almost seventeen years ago.

From Centurion to Wellington In 2003-2004, West

Indies were defeated again in South Africa.

After earning a draw in the third Test, the team was back to old habits.

The final Test at Centurion ended in a 10wicket defeat.

This was followed by a four-test defeat in England; a 2-nil defeat (of a depleted team) at the hands of Sri Lanka 2-nil; Australia administered a mini whitewash in three Tests in 2005 in Australia; and a two-test victory (Auckland and Wellington) of a threetest series in New Zealand.

In total, West Indies had lost twelve consecutive overseas Tests between January 2004 and March 2006.

And the losing streak has not stopped; it has merely been punctuated by a few draws and the sporadic victory.

Eighty-four years So much has been said of the memorable five-wicket victory at Leeds, and having broken the 17-year

winless streak in England, expectations were high going into the final Test at Lords.

They were written-off and justifiably so, after an amateurish performance in the first Test at Edglaston, which saw them lose 19 wickets on the third day, to surrender by an innings and 209 runs defeat.

At the Oval on August 14, 1933, the second day of the third Test, West Indies had lost 18 wickets after England were dismissed for 312.

This team (2017) had rewritten the record books after 84 years.

Were Geoffrey Boycott’s comments unfair? At Lords, it was back to the familiar story defeat in three days and another series lost.

So, how easy or how hard is it to market West Indies cricket overseas?

In almost twenty years, West Indies have participated in 99 tests, won only eleven and lost 68. Five of the eleven victories were against Bangladesh, two each against England and Zimbabwe, and one each

against South Africa and Pakistan.

They last won a series against a traditional team in 1995. On February 13, 1995, Walsh’s team beat New Zealand by an innings and 322 runs to take the series one-nil. Fifteen years earlier, on the same day February 13, 1980, Michael Holding kicked the stamps out of the ground when umpire John Hastie refused to give John Parker out, caught behind by Deryck Murray. The home team won by one wicket as a result of home town umpiring.

In between those dates, West Indies lost no series at home or abroad. For almost 15 years they ruled the Test cricket world.

During the past two decades, many questions have been asked of WICB and by extension the selectors.

Presidents, coaches, captains and players have come and gone, but the proverbial Titanic has not ascended.

Yet, while we remain searching for ideas and remedies, we just have to continue to ‘rally’ round the West Indies’.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 13.

News

Medical students arrive DISPLACED STUDENTS attending the All Saints Medical University, Dominica, were expected to arrive here Wednesday following the passage of Hurricane Maria which damaged the institution’s Roseau campus.

According to Luis de Shong, Principal Assistant Registrar at the All Saints campus here, approximately 400 students were expected to be ferried into St Vincent from St Lucia.

He explained that following the passage of Hurricane Maria, the building that housed the campus in Roseau, Dominica was damaged and the students displaced.

The medical institution is comprised primarily of students from the United States, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and the region.

However, the governments of the United States, India and Canada had given its nationals the option of taking some time off, or continuing their education.

For those opting to continue, de Shong explained that 250 were ferried to St Lucia last Sunday, and the remaining were ferried in on Tuesday.

And so, by Wednesday, with the exception of those who were airlifted into St Vincent, all others were scheduled to arrive by boat at Port Kingstown.

“We are making arrangements to get housing,” de Shong said during a telephone interview on Tuesday.

Housing was not expected to be an issue,

he said, with a number of persons having already stepped forward offering accommodation.

He added that there was an existing list of possible accommodation and it was only a matter of expanding.

As far as how long the students would remain in St. Vincent, de Shong said that would depend on the length of Some of the students of the 2015 enrolment at St James Medical School, time that it took for the Anguilla, could well be in SVG. physical structure in Dominica to be repaired.

Similarly, word coming from the St James Medical School indicated that 55 students from their sister campus in Anguilla, which was also devastated during the passage of Hurricane Maria, had already arrived in the country.

Information coming from the school indicated that accommodation was not an issue.

The length of stay Students of the All for the St. James Saints Medical students was not yet University, determined, but in the Dominica, will short term, the continue their students were expected studies at the St. to complete one Vincent campus of semester — equivalent the University. to four months. (DD)

VINLEC continues to reach out to Caribbean neighbours ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY Services Limited continues to reach out to neighbouring countries that were ravaged by hurricanes in the past weeks.

VINLEC’s latest outreach is to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Company has donated canned foods, toiletries, tarpaulin, baby supplies and other items valued at Just part of a larger shipment of relief supplies that $15,000 EC dollars VINLEC dispatched to Dominica. to the Government and people of that VINLEC is providing technical country. support to the British Virgin Islands.

According to the Company’s Communication Officer, Mrs. Tamara She noted that a five-member team Job-Sprott, VINLEC stands firm with from Ruddy’s Electrical Contracting Company Limited, under the direction those impacted during the recent of Mr. Alston Scott - Line Supervisor hurricanes. She says this latest at VINLEC, left for the British Virgin initiative is in keeping with the Islands last weekend. This team will Company’s promise of providing service beyond the lines and poles. She assist with the restoration of electricity in that territory. This says that VINLEC understands how natural disasters can impact the lives undertaking is being financed by St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited. of people, and is providing this aid to VINLEC also has a five-member team help to ease the suffering of the in Anguilla assisting with the people. Earlier this month, VINLEC restoration of electricity. sent relief supplies to the British The Company continues to work Virgin Islands.

Mrs. Job-Sprott also indicated that with CARILEC to provide assistance to other affected islands. (Submitted)

V Maria devastates Dominica

14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Editor’s note: This article was submitted for publication in last week’s issue.

SHE WAS NO thief in the night. Every Dominican knew she was heading his/her way, and they were well aware that the country would be at her mercy.

Some prayed, some busied themselves in efforts to make ready for the onslaught.

And so, it was, in the middle of the night of Monday, September 18, 2017, into the early hours of Tuesday morning, September 19, 2017, the eye of Hurricane Maria smashed into the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, with winds of up to 160 miles per hour.

Dominica had, only two weeks ago, escaped the wrath of Hurricane Irma, and had even sent cash and in-kind donations to more Battered coast line.

(Credit: Daily Sabah)

Roads, poles, vehicles, torn asunder in Dominica. (Credit: BBC) northerly islands which This elderly lady may had been devastated. well have lost Now it was everything, like so many Dominica’s turn. others, and now Prime Minister wonders, what next?

Roosevelt Skerrit posted (Credit: hotnewhiphop) on his Facebook page, “My roof is gone. I am in rescuing at the complete mercy of the the trapped hurricane. House is flooding.” and Continuing before all securing communications broke down, the medical assistance for the injured.

Prime Minister posted as he became “We will need help, my friends, we aware of the extent of the onslaught, will need help of all kinds.” “…we have lost all what money can buy and replace. My greatest fear for As recovery work continues, the the morning is that we will wake to Prime Minister officially declared a news of serious physical injury and state of emergency and a curfew from possible deaths as a result of likely 4pm to 8am. landslides triggered by persistent As she left Dominica, Hurricane rains.

Maria headed for the nearby French “So far, the winds have swept away territory of Guadeloupe where, reports the roofs of almost every person I have indicate, she was also responsible for spoken to or otherwise made contact one death. with. The roof to my own official She continued on her ‘merry’ way, residence was among the first to go occasioning hurricane warnings for St and this apparently triggered an Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, the US avalanche of torn away roofs in the and British Virgin Islands, Puerto city and the countryside.

Rico, Culebra and Vieques.

“Come tomorrow morning, we will hit the road, as soon as the all clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.

“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating...indeed, mindboggling. My focus now is Downed utility poles was a nationwide occurrence.

(Credit: The Nation)

The Land of Many Rivers may just have to count some more as the raging water found new paths. (Credit: usma)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 15.

News

Guinness Mr. Macho returns after 9 years

TO MARK THE END of their 20th Anniversary year, the Image Modelling Agency will host its male model event Guinness Mr. Macho 2017.

This year, twelve competitors will take part in the Agency’s fitness and fashion competition, which culminates on Saturday, November 11th , at the Russell’s Auditorium.

Taking part in this year’s event are Image Models Javan Providence, Harvey Derrick, Amos Tittle, Azara Haywood, Trevon Joseph and Bradley Charles; Paragon Models Keyan Barrow and Desron Black; as well as independent competitors Kit Horne, Akini Hypolite, Giles Garraway Jr and Jerron James.

This year’s competition is broken down into four stages, which began with the first judged event last Saturday.

Up next will be the Fitness event, dubbed ‘Socacize’, scheduled for October 7th and staged in conjunction with Constant Fitness, the fitness group operated by the reigning Mr. Macho, Gary Constantine.

The third event, which serves as the semi-finals, will be the Guinness Mr. Macho Pool Party on October 21st .

The competition wraps up with the Final Night of Competition, from which Guinness Mr. Macho 2017 will walk away with a $2000 cash prize, a one-year gym membership from Fitness Lab, an Oasis Spa package and other prizes.

“Guinness Mr. Macho is our way to help promote current and aspiring male models. Too often, male models are not given the limelight to showcase their talent during regular fashion shows, which tend to be femaledominated. It’s also a fun event that builds camaraderie amongst the

Desron Black, from Paragon Models

Trevon Joseph, from Image Models

Akini Hypolite – Independent Competitor

Gary Constantine – reigning Mr. Macho competitors, as many of them already train together,” said Managing Director of Image, Monique Arthur.

The event is being held in association with Grenadine House, and

sponsored by Guinness, Fitness Lab, Campari, Johnny Walker Black, KB Pixels, Oasis Spa, Max Digital Dark Room, Dasani, with media support provided by FLOW.

V

16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Trinity Feature

CMDA and CAMSA donate to institutions in SVG

ON WEDNESDAY 20th and Thursday 21st September, Ms. Amoy Munroe, Director of Physical Operations at Trinity School of Medicine, along with Daniel Khashchuk, President of the Christian Medical Dental Association and his Vice President, Brian Coffey, paid visits to three institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The institutions visited were those whose primary concern is to offer care of persons in the society who cannot fend for themselves, with the purpose of handing over items which the institutions would distribute to their clients and use in their delivery of service.

Items distributed included linens, toiletries, clothing, foodstuff, water and supplies like gloves, gauze, and thermometers that would aid in patient care.

Students Khashchuk and Coffey also handed over items on behalf of the Canadian Medical Students Association (CaMSA).

Office Manager/Accountant, Ms. Julia Simmons of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, one of the organisations visited, praised the Trinity student organizations.

“For the Red Cross, this is great,” she said, “they are humanitarians.” She added, “Whatever is brought here, no matter what, it’s all used up.

Some persons may collect their ‘welfare monies’ and pay their utilities without having much left to purchase anything else.

They then head straight to the Red Cross to ask for clothing, food and other items.

This, therefore, will disappear very soon, especially as Some of the items, still in barrels, being it is nearing the end of the delivered.

Office Manager of the Red Cross- Julia Simmons (left) month.” confirms her gratitude with a handshake with Amoy She also disclosed Munroe, in the company of (from left) Daniel that items like water Khashchuk, Brian Coffey and Leroy Jack - Red Cross were given to Field Officer. preschools and daycare centers, as entities, even as Trinity’s “These supplies, especially the her organization Director of Operations linens, are very vital for making strives to fulfill its Amoy Munroe expanded the residents comfortable. They mandate of serving on the exercises being help to ensure dry beds, which the most vulnerable conducted. generally is a means of making first.

“Trinity is very them happy.

On Thursday at community oriented,” she “Also, when they see persons the Mental Health affirmed. “We make sure like the students come in, it Rehabilitation Center that we help persons. makes them feel that others (MHRC) in Glen, the That is embedded in our care,” she stated. group was warmly mission statement: to Vice President Coffey welcomed by Sr. raise physicians who confirmed the rationale behind Elizabeth Medford, would go out into the the exercises. “I think it’s Administration communities and help fundamental to a physician to Control at the persons. It’s very heartdo things like these because we facility. warming that we could are involved in a lifelong career VP Brian Coffey shows Sr. Marie Davis some assist. We welcome and Sr. Medford - not of self-service but explained that the of the equipment. encourage these student service to others. By our Centre serves males initiatives.” very nature, we’re devoting the and females, with a timely, especially as, included Continuing on Thursday at rest of our lives towards helping higher population of males. among the items, was a the Lewis Punnett Home, people, whether it be to “Male clothing is always in reasonable quantity of men’s Departmental Manager, Sr. overcome illness or overcome demand,” she told the donors. clothing.

Marie Davis, was elated to poverty and circumstances.”

“We supply everything for them, Both President Khashchuk receive items like blood pressure Both organizations plan to once they get here, but male and Vice President Coffey cuffs, pulse oximeters and high- continue the relationship which clothes are just never enough.” introduced the idea of a greater tech thermometers. About they have fostered with these She called the donation very collaboration between the two the other items she assured, institutions.

Eric Pierce gains Trinity Chancellor’s Scholarship ERIC PIERCE, medical student at Trinity School of Medicine, has been awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship at that institution.

An elated Eric, who was born in Thailand but moved to Utah at the age of seventeen, expressed his hesitation at applying for the achievement with, “The opportunity was presented to me, and at the beginning I felt that there was going to be many other applicants that I might not make it. But I was encouraged to try out.”

Now, having received the award, he recalls being astounded. “I feel amazing!” I feel like there’s this responsibility and integrity associated with it, so I would like to live the best I can to keep up to the standard of Trinity, and bring a good name to the school, for sure,” he asserted.

Trinity’s Chancellor, Dr. Douglas

Skelton, expressed his pleasure at having the scholarship issued in his name. ‘Of course, as Chancellor, I’m honored that this was done in my name,” he admitted, “We’ve seen some really verifying medical students receive the Chancellor’s scholarship and they’re doing quite well; and I’m sure this doctor of tomorrow standing next to me will do quite well also.”

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is an award of merit, and prospective applicants must have achieved a GPA of 3.2 or higher.

According to Chancellor Dr. Skelton, applicants must submit a three-page paper, the topic of which would have been decided by the faculty review committee. After this paper is reviewed, a determination for the award of the scholarship is made by the committee.

Eric wrote on the topic,

‘Nonprescription Medicines: Benefits and Risks Associated with their Use’.

Eric Pierce has gained for himself, $50,000.00. The Chancellor was happy that this would alleviate many financial concerns for him.

Eric is the fifth recipient of this scholarship award, and to remain eligible for the benefits offered therein, he will be required to maintain a 3.2 GPA and, to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 with a score of 210 and above, on his first attempt.

Eric is not daunted. “I am up for the challenge. I’m excited,” he said with assurance. “There are going to be ups and downs, but that’s how life is.”

Chancellor Dr. Skelton expects Eric to be “a consistent, powerful, positive, ethical presence for medicine, for Trinity, and his family and friends.”

Eric Pierce (left), the 2017 recipient of Trinity School of Medicine Chancellor’s Scholarship, seen here being congratulated by Chancellor Dr. Douglas Skelton, is ready to face the demand of excellence expected of him.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 17.

Festival

ÂEverything VincyÊ for Independence celebrations

PERSONS HERE ARE SHOWING more interest in their culture, and on that basis, a nine-day festival incorporating sporting, cultural, and business, is being staged to coincide with this year’s Independence celebrations.

The venture, dubbed ‘Everything Vincy’, kicks off October 21 at the site of the now decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport, Arnos Vale.

Sanjay Jiandani, President of the Vincy Motor Sports, and Chairman of the Steering Committee organising the festival, outlined the programme during a press briefing last Tuesday, at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Last year, Vincy Motor Sports and the Association of Music Professionals (AMP) collaborated on a Motor Sports/Culture independence package.

This year, according to Jiandani, they are digging deeper, and with the expected influx of drivers and riders from Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago, he is confident that the Motor Sports Extravaganza, planned as part of the opening ceremony for October 21, will be an improved spectacle and an ideal setting will be created a genuine Vincentian presentation.

Additionally, the

Garifuna have been invited to feature their cuisine, dance and music.

“We want this year to be different,” Jiandani outlined.

Monday 23 is for raising awareness of national colours, and emphasis will be the use of social media with the hashtag developing a trending topic.

A welcome party, also at the E.T. Joshua, is slated for Thursday 26, and after the parade on Friday 27, a three- day exhibition, Expo 2017, hosted by Invest SVG will swing into gear.

The Diamond race track will serve as the venue for the Motor Cross Rally on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29.

With motor bike stunts in store, plus drifting, testing and tuning, fans will be in for a treat, Jiandani promised. The International Sound Clash in addition to the Drag Race will provide extra attraction.

President of the Association of Music Professionals, Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles expressed pleasure with having “most of the major bands on one stage.” He is overwhelmed with the participation of the Department of Culture, and happy with the consolidation by the bodies.

He outlined that AMP will tailor music to fit

‘Everything Vincy Festival’ is a nine-day series of varied activities that promises to ‘change’ the face of independence celebrations here.

Minister Cecil Mc Kie views the Festival as added value to the tourism product of SVG.

Minister of Culture/Tourism Cecil Mc Kie (2nd from left sitting) with some members of the The Steering Committee, headed by Sanjay Jiandani (standing 2nd from left), that is tasked with co-ordinating the Festival. into the nine days of the festival.

Tourism, Sports and Culture Minister Cecil Mc Kie complimented the six entities who combined for the event.

He is satisfied that the event bears “great tourism offerings.”

Mc Kie noted that, “We have conquered the challenge in terms of

access by air,” and contended that this year is turning out to be one of the better seasons as far as Independence celebrations is concerned.

Along with the Motor Sports, musical display, and business opportunities, McKie highlighted an International Masters Cricket competition

featuring 12 teams including local outfits, to form part of the Independence celebration activities.

Andrew Phillips from Invest SVG stressed the need for persons keen on expanding their production or service industry to be part of pre-Expo 2017 training programme that is

Andrew Phillips of Invest SVG, reminded interested persons about the pre-Expo workshop. designed to expose them to social media marketing, branding, packaging, among other related concerns. (WKA)

18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 19.

News

Getting the barrels ready for loading on to the ferry.

Rise Up Bequia Âlifting othersÊ MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER was a day of overwhelming outpouring of care from residents of Bequia.

Residents turned up throughout the day to make contributions to a drive organized by Rise Up Bequia Inc. in aid Dominica, recently devastated by Hurricane Maria, Rise Up Bequia The quantity of lumber already on the ferry. reported at the end of the day’s effort, that its Bequia release, the group, in members and a team of volunteers association with BREMOL in Miami, were able to load eleven large barrels, is also raising funds through a ‘go-fund a pallet of bottled water and three me page’, with the intention of large bundles of lumber onto the purchasing and delivering 1000 pieces 4:30pm ferry, to be delivered to the of tarpaulins to Dominica. disaster management team in St. Rise Up Bequia Inc. expressed Vincent. thanks and appreciation to the many In addition to water and lumber, who gave their time, donated or the items donated included quantities supported in any way possible, their of canned food items, medication and recent hurricane relief drive, and toiletries. encourages those who want to And the effort in aid of hurricanecontribute to the tarpaulins drive, to ravaged Dominica does not end with visit https://www.gofundme.com/1000 this drive. According to a Rise Up tarpsfordominica/ to donate.

Hugo Chávez PLANT gets first filling CAPACITY at the Hugo Chávez Distribution and Storage Plant at Lowmans Bay, has been increased.

This comes as the plant, on September 8, received 5,902 barrels of RON95 premium gas, as a first step to a substantial increase of storage capacity in St. Vincent and the

Storage capacity at the Hugo Chavez Distribution and Storage Plant has been increased.

Grenadines.

Local personnel joined with experts from PDVSA- the Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company — in filling the tanks.

Local personnel also benefited from training in the operational processes by the PDVSA

experts, in keeping with the intention of having the relevant technological knowledge transferred to workers here.

The Plant has a total storage capacity of 37,000 barrels, catering to Diesel, Gasolene, LPG and Jet A-1.

V

20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

AUS contributes to Hurricane Irma relief effort

AS PER THE HIPPOCRATIC Oath, which White Coat recipients at the recently held White Coat Ceremony of the American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) recited, there is a social component to medicine.

Healthcare professionals are expected to adopt this social aspect and apply it towards delivering optimal care to their patients.

In that spirit, AUS, without hesitation, grasped the opportunity to help the victims of Hurricane Irma.

On Thursday, 14th September, 2017, the students and management of AUS contributed several cases of water, crackers, toilet paper, soap, pampers and other items to victims that were recently affected by Hurricane Irma.

Amidst the giving, the medical students present at the handing over of the items also had an opportunity to work on their communication skills, which is vital in medicine, as they interacted with other persons who were also contributing to the hurricane relief effort.

It was time well spent

away from the classroom, and a powerful as well as a memorable occasion for these students. Indeed, acts of kindness of this sort will likely mould these medical students into becoming better physicians.

First established in 2012, the American University of St. Vincent

School of Medicine is a medical school, located at New Montrose, St. Vincent. It is locally registered by the National Accreditation Board of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and is recognized by the World Health Organization.

(Submitted)

Medical students and Management of AUS hand over donation to Minister of Transport, Works, Urban Development and Local Government, Senator Julian Francis (right).

WINFRESH comes to assistance of Dominica WINFRESH, the largest exporter of agricultural produce from the Windward Islands, has quickly responded to the plight of the people of hurricane-hit Dominica.

Working in collaboration with the Dominica High Commission, the Company’s UK operation at Stansted in the United Kingdom, this week, loaded four forty-foot containers bearing relief supplies for Dominica. These were handled with great haste, by WINFRESH UK staff working overtime, to ensure that they were ready for the first vessel sailing from the UK, post-Hurricane Maria. This was generously facilitated by the GEEST LINE, an associated shipping company of WINFRESH, which also provided a freight-free service.

This follows an initiative launched in the UK, spearheaded by WINFRESH CEO, Mr Bernard Cornibert, working in collaboration with the acting High Commissioner for Dominica in London, Ms Janet Charles. A mass appeal was launched within 48hrs of the hurricane, resulting in an overwhelming response from the Dominican diaspora community in the UK, other Caribbean

nationals and the British public.

Mr Cornibert said “I would like to thank all of those who contributed to the relief efforts of our friends and families in Dominica. This initial shipment is part of a continuing commitment of WINFRESH and GEEST LINE to the Dominica relief effort, with further initiatives being launched. GEEST LINE has graciously agreed not only to provide freight-free shipping of these containers, but stands ready to provide The response to the WINFRESH appeal was quick and plentiful. similar support for subsequent weekly personal level with colleagues from shipments to Dominica.”

VINCYFRESH and WINFRESH (WI) giving Mr. Cornibert continued, “Our WINFRESH subsidiaries across the to a relief fund for Dominica.”

The WINFRESH response underscores its Caribbean have also been making continued commitment to the recovery of the contributions. Our premium Windward Islands that have been hit by water company in Saint Lucia, SUNFRESH, has shipped this week hurricanes. In October 2015, WINFRESH two containers of supplies including and GEEST LINE made a joint donation of EC$ 1 million to Dominica, following the the company’s H2O bottled water.

Our staff have also contributed on a destruction by Tropical Storm Erica.

(Submitted by WINFRESH)

St. Joseph’s Convents express sadness THE PRINCIPAL, staff and students of St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua and Kingstown, express profound sadness at the destruction and loss of life suffered

by Dominica, which was hit by category 5 hurricane - Maria.

As educational institutions, we recognize the sterling contributions made to the development of our schools and, by extension, the development of the educational landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by nationals of Dominica.

We especially remember at this time, the contributions of Dominicans, Sister Patricia Ann Douglas of blessed memory, who served faithfully as principal of St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua for 25 years; Sister Sylvia Toulon, former Principal of St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua also of blessed memory; and Sister Martha Sebastien, a past student of St. Joseph’s Convent

Marriaqua who now serves as the Deputy Principal at St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

It is against this backdrop that we, as schools, see it necessary to assist in whatever way we can with the relief effort for our sister island Dominica.

Towards this end, we appeal to persons who have benefited, in any way, from our schools, to make monetary contributions which will go towards the purchasing of relief supplies to be sent to Dominica.

These contributions can be made to the offices of St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

It is now our turn to give back to a country that has given so much to us.

Past students of both convent schools are especially invited to contribute and to do so generously. (Submitted by SJCM)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 21.

News

Statement from the Seventh-day Adventist Church

In light of recent spate of violent crimes THE SEVENTH-DAY Adventist Church affirms the dignity and worth of each human being, and decries all forms of crime, violence, gang warfare or manifestation of tribalism that denigrate men and women.

We are alarmed at the relative ease with which guns are available in our communities and are often used to commit the most heinous crimes. They illegally show up in homes, on the streets Pastor Dermoth or at public places, and are used Baptiste to terrorize, maim or destroy lives. No civilized society can remain indifferent to such violent behavior or tolerate such acts of terrorism. To condone this “new normal” is to perpetuate the evil and put ourselves and families at risk of living in fear, under siege or becoming victims of crimes.

Guns are made to kill people. They have no legitimate recreational use. Guns of themselves cannot kill. It is people who use them as instruments of destruction and weapons of death. The problem lies therefore with the users, who outside of the “will and purpose of God” are left to follow their depraved minds and carnal passions. The Church strongly condemns all forms of crimes and violence, and encourages all offenders or would-be perpetrators to draw back the curtains, look at your life, consider how valuable you are in the eyes of Christ and refrain from sliding down the slippery slope of “no return.”

Christ came into the world to save lives, not to destroy them (Luke 9:56). When Peter drew his weapon, Jesus said to him: “Put your sword back in its place. …All who take the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52 TEV).

Jesus did not engage in violence as He modeled for us humanity’s values, lifestyle and conduct. We therefore call upon everyone to halt the spate of assault and stop the spike of criminality in our country. We urge all to return to God and to civility, respect the sanctity of life and dignity of humanity, while we pursue peace and live in community with one another. Evil cannot be effectively met with evil, but must be overcome with good.

To all families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, we offer our prayers, sympathy and condolences, while we urge you to look to our compassionate Father who understands your grief, knows your sorrow, feels your pain and can meet your need.

Pastor Dermoth Baptiste President, Seventh-day Adventist Church, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission

Statement by the New Democratic Party

NDP alarmed by recent spate of homicides THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is alarmed by the most recent spate of homicides in the country. It was reported that on Friday September 22, 2017 that two men were killed in separate incidents and the following day, a woman was killed by gunshot. On September 24th, the Ottley Hall resident who was shot on September 21st succumb to his wounds. These tragic deaths bring the number of homicides in the country to an alarming 29 so far this year, only 10 short of the new homicide record of 39 that was set last year!

Commenting on the matter, Leader of the Opposition and President of the NDP, Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday, said: “This weekend was a rather unsettling one for me. I cannot accept a situation in which this country becomes a place that has three and more homicides in one weekend. I thought of the families of those involved, and it saddened me because every death brings pain and loss to family members and friends of those killed. The ULP administration continues to stifle the development

of our country, as they have failed in providing proper governance with respect to the escalating crime situation in the country. As a people, we have to think about addressing crime and violence by dealing with root causes. We must create jobs for our youths and provide proper training and working conditions for our police. We must go into the communities and implement social and economic programs to better the lives of our people. This, and more, the NDP under my leadership will do.

However, the only way

Dr. Godwin Friday, President of the NDP. we will succeed is to do it together as one people.

We must come together!”

The New Democratic Party urges anyone with information that might assist the police in their investigations to provide it to the police. We call on the police to redouble their efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

Lavern King, Public Relations Officer/NDP

V

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Common law versus code law in business interactions

countries once under English influence; 2. Civil or code law - derived from FOUR HERITAGES form the bases for the majority of the Roman law, and found in Germany, Japan, France, legal systems of the world: and in non-Islamic and non1. Common law - derived from English law and found Marxist countries; 3. Islamic law - derived from the in England, the United interpretation of the Koran States, Canada, and other and found in Pakistan, Iran,

Bases for legal systems

Saudi Arabia, and other Islamic states; and 4. A commercial legal system in the Marxist-socialist states of Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, China, and other Marxist-socialist states whose legal system centred on the economic,

Laws governing intellectual property offer the most striking differences between Common Law and Code Law systems. Under political, and moves towards socialist legal system with Common Law, ownership its own version of a freeChinese characteristics. is established by use; market system and enters The difference among under Code Law, certain the global market. these four systems are of agreements may not be A commercial legalmore than theoretical enforceable unless system is also evolving importance, because due properly notarized or from those Marxistprocess of law may vary registered in a Common socialist tenets. China had considerably among and Law country - the same announced that it will within these legal agreement may be adopt a constitution-based systems. Even though a binding so long as proof of country’s laws may be the agreement can be based on the doctrine of established. one of the four legal Although every country systems, its individual has elements of both interpretation may vary Common and Code Law, significantly — from a the differences in fundamentalist interpretation between interpretation of Islamic Common and Code Law law as found in Pakistan, systems regarding to a combination of several contracts, sales legal systems found in the agreements, and other United States where both legal issues, are common and code law are significant enough that an reflect in the legal system. international marketer familiar with only one Common law and Code system, must enlist the law aid of legal counsel for the most basic legal The basis for common questions. law is tradition, past Let us consider these practices, and legal examples. In the U.S, a precedents set by the Common Law country, courts through ownership of intellectual interpretations of statutes, property rights is legal legislation, and past established by prior use rulings. Common law whoever can establish seeks “interpretation first use is typically through the past decisions considered the rightful of higher courts which owner. In many Code Law interpret the same countries, however, statutes or apply ownership is established established and customary by registration rather principles of law to a than prior use - the first similar set of facts”. Code to register a trademark or law, on the other hand, is other property right is based on an all-inclusive considered the rightful system of written rules owner. For example, a (Codes) of law. Under trademark in Jordan Code law, the legal system belongs to whoever is generally divided into registers it first in three separate codes: Jordan. Thus, you can commercial, civil, and find “McDonald’s” criminal. restaurants, “Microsoft” Common law is software, and “Safeway” recognized as not being groceries all legally all-inclusive, whereas belonging to a Jordanian.

Code law is considered After a lengthy court complete as a result of battle that went to the catch call provisions found Spanish Supreme Court, in most code-law systems. Nike lost its right to use For example, under the the “Nike” brand name for commercial code in a sports apparel in Spain.

Code-law country, the law Cidesport of Spain had governing contracts is been using Nike for sports made inclusive with the apparel since 1932 and statement that “a person sued to block Nike (US) performing a contract sportswear sales. Since shall do so in conformity Cidesport does not sell with good faith as shoes under Nike label, determined by custom and Nike (US) will be able to good morals”. Although continue selling its brand Code law is considered all- of sports shoes in Spain. inclusive, it is apparent A company that from the foregoing believes it can always statement that some broad establish ownership in interpretations are another country by possible in order to proving it used the include everything under trademark or brand name the existing code. first is wrong, and risks the loss of these assets.

Commercial clashes with Code and Common code

Julian ‘Rockstar’ Williams

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 23.

V

24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Reversal or something else? procedure done, I changed my mind about not having children and begged him I WAS MARRIED for two years before we eventually to go and have it reversed.

This was to no avail. went our separate He remarried not too ways. During the marriage, I encouraged my long after we separated, and lo and behold, his husband to get a new wife is pregnant for vasectomy, and he him. I asked him about did. After he got the it one day and he simply

Dear George,

said to me that maybe the child she is carrying is not his, and went his merry way. I’m wondering if he in fact went and reversed the procedure for her, or if there was any truth in what he said to me about the child not possibly being his.

What am I to believe now? Men!

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, It would do you no good to be worrying about your ex-husband and the affairs of his present marriage. You do not know the facts surrounding the pregnancy of his present wife, and frankly, it is not your business to know. He has moved on and so should you.

George

Competition from the same sex word is that she and this girl are sexually involved. I asked her I CANNOT GET my girlfriend to cut the vibes about it and she admitted to having a she has for this other fling with her to cool her girl. I dismissed the remarks she made about curiosity, but admitted liking the way this girl at that she just could not her office looks and how stop. She now wants me to allow her to keep the she would like to get to girl while going out with know her ‘better’. me. I told her if she To cut a long story wants to remain with short, she began going me, the girl would have out with this girl, and

Dear George,

to go.

She is still with the girl and we are still arguing about it.

Disgusted Dear Disgusted, It is clear that your girlfriend wants to have her cake and eat it too. You need to stand your ground and let her

know she cannot have both. A three-way relationship can be quite problematic and is not recommended.

If your girlfriend can not detach herself from this other girl, then you need to make the decision easier for her. Wish her well and be gone.

George

A kind act questioned Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND and I have been going back and forth over this girl whom I am convinced he is seeing behind my back. He has denied any involvement with her and would get very angry anytime I bring it up.

Things came to head between us when, one day, he came home to let me know that the woman in question may need blood, and she has asked him to assist. She has this rare blood group, according to him, and there is no one else she can think of to ask but him.

I told him that if he granted her that request I am gone for good. After all, he did say that he had nothing to do with her. I think he has already given her his heart and now she wants his blood.

Not on my watch!

No push over Dear No push over, Under normal circumstances, it would be reasonable to hold your boyfriend to the promise he made, not to have anything to do with the individual in question.

Having said that, it would be mature and honorable of you to allow him to do this kind act for another human being. It may surprise you to discover that an attempt to save a life may be ranked higher than an attempt to save a relationship.

Your boyfriend may grow to love you even more for taking the high road by stepping aside and allowing him to make the blood donation.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Be careful not to sign your time or your cash away. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. You may need the space, but you need the extra cash more. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Do your own thing, you need time to yourself.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Don't count on correspondence to clear up major problems. Set a limit on the amount you're willing to spend, and be sure to stick to it. New romantic partners will evolve through group endeavors; however, the association may not be likely to last. You should be raising your self‐esteem and confi‐ dence in order to promote your work.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Partners may try to argue with you; however, you must stand your ground. You may find that purchases or enter‐ tainment could be expensive. Don't rely on oth‐ ers to do your work. Your partner may push but‐ tons that infuriate you.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Do something together and you'll be surprised how sweet a deal you can make. You could experience unusu‐ al circumstances and meet eccentric individuals.

Get busy putting your place in order. Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some free‐ lance work on the side. Remember that no one can walk through your door if there's someone standing in the doorway. New hair, new outfit, new you. Make changes around your house and plan to do some entertaining.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Try to stay calm, and whatever you do, don't nag.

Limitations will set in if you haven't followed the rules. Problems with your partner are apparent. You will be in the mood to socialize.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Your emo‐ tional partner will push all the right buttons this week. Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known. Kick your shoes off and relax. Your lover may be annoyed if you have been flirtatious or not attentive to their needs.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You will have splendid suggestions for fund raising events.

You will have no problem getting your point across to those in a position to help you. Take time to catch up on gossip and make plans to do a little adventure travel. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Put your efforts into being creative. Mingle with those who can help you get ahead. Visit those less fortunate than yourself; be sure to help them with their per‐ sonal problems. Use your innovative mind to surprise youngsters.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Use your quick wit to win points with friends. You can set your goals and make a beeline for your target. Trips will be exciting. You need more time to think this whole situation through.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Keep your thoughts to yourself for the time being.

Compromise if you have to, to avoid verbal bat‐ tles. You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life. Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Do not expect others to do your work. Invite friends in for a visit. Don't get talked into get rich quick schemes. You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversa‐ tions.

ACROSS 1.Masticate 5. Stage plays 11. Helper 12. Roman goddess of the dawn 13. Greek goddess of strife 14. Straighten out 15. Net fabric 17. Ocean 18. Newt 19. Fruit 20. Sash 23. Grieved 24. Money 25. Disposed 26. Slender bar 27. Spasmodic 31. On fire 33. Drug‐yielding plant 34. Victor 35. Festive occasion 36. Bean 37. Paradise DOWN 1.City in NW France 2. Rent 3. Prepare for publication

4. Situated in the west 5. Intimidate 6. Ladder step 7. Curve 8. Animal that catches mice 9. Debt that remains unpaid 10. Payment for regular work 16. If and only if 19. Thick soup 20. Illegible handwriting 21. Chinese

laborer 22. Assisting 23. Mineral spring 25. Cave 27. Eldest son of Noah

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 25.

28. Dressed 29. Gap 30. Bring forth young 32. Oxlike African antelope

V

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

International

October 2: Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of NonViolence

GANDHI JAYANTI is a national festival celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birthday, October 2, of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, internationally referred to as Mahatma Gandhi and revered in India as the Mahatma (Father), leader of the Indian Independence Movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of NonViolence.

The United Nations Mohandas Gandhi, in whose recognition the General Assembly on 15 June 2007, adopted International Day of NonViolence is celebrated. a resolution A/RES/61/271 - which declared that 2 October will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. It is celebrated every year as an occasion to “disseminate the message of Non-Violence through education and public awareness.”

The UN Resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of Non-Violence,” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and Non-Violence.”

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s then Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for the Mahatma, and the enduring relevance of his philosophy.

Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: “Non-Violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”

Presented by Elmore Gaymes The sculpture Non-Violence by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, in front of UN headquarters at New York City.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 27.

Goals galore as InterCommunity Football League opens Right: Chavel Cunningham hit a beaver trick for former champions- Barrouallie.

penalty each from Erel Hector in the 80th minute and Kewon Clarke three minutes later.

More goals were to follow when defending champions Layou and arch-rivals Barrouallie faced off in the second match of the Deomaji Samuel (left) and Curlon Joseph double- header (right) both had hat-tricks in Central on the night.

Kingstown’s 10-nil rout of East Kingstown.

Layou, littered with four zones are contesting for national players, was honours. stunned by the fast paced Making up Zone A are Barrouallie unit.

Diamonds, Greiggs, Barrouallie ran out 5-1 Marriaqua, North East and winners, as national playerNorth Windward, with Zone B Chavel Cunningham landed comprising Arnos Vale, a beaver—trick, scoring in the Belfongo, Calliaqua, South 11th, 34th, 78th and 83rd East and Sion Hill. minutes. Ishan Adams added Bequia, Central Kingstown, Barrouallie’s fifth in the 90th West Kingstown and East minute.

Kingstown are in Zone C, with Layou’s lone goal was Barrouallie, Layou, North scored by another senior Leeward, Buccament and national player- Myron South Leeward comprising East Kingstown’s Nikita Roberts makes a kick up field, as Samuel, when he converted a Zone D. Central Kingstown’s Geroni Peters, Dwayne Dennie and Damal penalty.

Apart from the Victoria Francis are in close attendance.

Nineteen teams, lodged in Park, matches during the SIXTEEN GOALS ushered in the 2017 Inter- Community Football League, organised by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, which opened last Sunday at the Victoria Park.

First to feast on the goals was Central Kingstown, who handed East Kingstown a 10-0 drubbing.

Responsible for Central Kingstown heavy scoring were

Deomaji Samuel and Curlon Joseph, who both netted hattricks.

Samuel’s goals came in the 24th, 56th and 78th minutes, while Joseph found the back of the nest in the 33rd, 67th and 71st minutes.

Adding to the woes of East Kingstown were single strikes

by Damal Francis, in the 4th minute, along with Donald Ferdinand in the 26th, a

preliminary round are scheduled for the Brighton, Chili (Georgetown), Campden Park and Layou playing fields, as well as the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Bequia.

At stake for the winning team is $10 000.

In addition to the Senior Men’s division, there will be competition in the Under-11s open, Under-14 Females, Under-16 Males, Under-18 Males and Senior Women’s Divisions.

This is the second time for the year, the Inter-Community League Football Championship is taking place, as the 2016 edition was staged in 2017.

Rising Stars Swim team staying buoyant THE RISING STARS Swim, previously named the Bequia United Swim Club and Baracudas as a competing team, is determined to see that the sport of Swimming is kept afloat on the Grenadine island of Bequia.

Formed in 2015 following a swim clinic held the previous year, and in response to the need for a structured approach to the sport, the Rising Stars have ramped up a membership of over 40 swimmers, and have contested local swim meets put on by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation.

Club Presdient, Tauran Ollivierre, said that overtime, the club has grown in all aspects.

He referred to the regular selection of Tavonte Forde, Tyrell Ragguette and Samari Ragguette to the St Vincent and the Grenadines team to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Swim Championships and other regional meets, among the major accomplishments thus far.

Ollivierre said that the “support of the parents”, along with assistance from the Grenadines Partnership Fund, the Mustique Charitable Trust, private individuals and businesses on the island, have contributed immensely to moving the Club from being a predominantly open water team, to be competitive in the pool.

Not having regular access to a swimming pool, Ollivierre said that limitation is compensated for through the use of the ‘readily available’ sea.

“We mimic by using weights and practise over distances to make the adjustments for when they go into the pool for competition, as it is easier to float in the sea than in the pool,” Ollivierre explained.

And training sessions are scheduled six times a week. “ We do training in the Gingerbread area on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm and on Sundays from 10:30am …Dry land training is done at Paget Farm , Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 430pm,” Ollivierre

Rising Stars Swim Team participants at the FLOW Invitational Swim Meet last month at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre. Head coach and president- Tauran Ollivierre is at left. disclosed.

In addition to Ollivierre who serves as head coach, training sessions are also directed by the beginners’ coaches

Martine Boitard and Ranalda Ollivierre, and Jonelson Compton, as the other competitive coach.

The long term aim of

the Rising Stars Swim Team, which is a sub set of the Rising Stars Sports Club, is to get a swimming pool of its own.

V

28. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Vincentian cops NJCAA Athlete of the Week award

VINCENTIAN Tyesha James was named the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division three Athlete of the Week, by the United States Track and Field Cross Country Association (USTFCCA), for her performance at the Queensborough Community College Cross Country

Invitational 5k, her first ever cross-country race.

A freshman of the Kingsborough Community College, James completed the distance in a time of 21 minutes 06.01 seconds, to be sixth overall, but was the top finisher for the NJCAA, among the 205 participants.

Seventeen-year-old James, with roots in Roseau, Sion Hill, competed against athletes from Division two as well, thus underlining her performance in her debut outing.

James is one of four Vincentian athletes enrolled at KCC this semester.

Director of Athletics at KCC- Damani Thomas said that the performance of James is encouraging, granted her inexperience.

In addition to James, other Vincentians enrolled at KCC are track and field athletes Kailon Kirby, Rogike Thorpe and Shantal Rouse, and

Mapp looks for improved performance ANDREW MAPP, one of the top junior athletes here, is into a training regimen which he hopes would lead to improved results in next year’s Inter Schools Athletics (Track and Field) Championship.

The second form 12year-old St Martin’s Secondary School student copped two silvers (100 and 200 meters) and two golds (4x100 and 4x200 meters relays) for his school in the 2017 Inter-Schools Championship.

In June 2017, Mapp finished first in the 60 meters in his age group, when he competed against the best at the North America Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC)

Championship in Trinidad.

“I will compete in the junior category next year, and I am working towards breaking the 100, 200 and 400 meters record; but in order for me to achieve this, I will have to continue to be dedicated towards training, which is going well with my coach Pamenos Ballantyne,” Mapp told THE VINCENTIAN this week.

Mapp is also expected to compete in the long jump.

The young man, though, is already resolved to working towards acquiring an overseas scholarship.

“I am also working toward acquiring a scholarship which is

Quashie: Still the best ranked Pamenos Ballantyne, Mapp’s coach, is encouraged by his care’s attention to his academics.

Andrew Mapp is bent on dominating his age definitely part of my group at next year’s goal, but this will depend Inter-Secondary on me keeping my grades Schools Athletics up, and once I do well, I Championship. believe it will make an impact in my school and training and his the country, and I hope it technique, I have no will serve as a role model doubt he will improve… in this regard,” he said, As he matures, I believe Mapp is grateful to his he will continue to mother and coach for dominate his category.” having guided him in Ballantyne is also both his athletic and pleased that, “Mapp is academic progress to also doing well in his date. academics,” and cites Coach Ballantyne this as a plus as he recognizes Mapp as an works towards being a exceptional talent. rounded individual.

“Once I continue to work on his basic I.B.A.ALLEN

National Gymnastics team announced

THE ST VINCENT and the Grenadines Gymnastics Association has announced the first ever National Gymnastics Team to represent this country at regional and international competitions for the 2017-2018 season.

Those selected to the national team are Abigail Deshong, Saskia Truchot, Teya Garraway, Chiamaka Jackson,

Dakia Child, Jasmine McLawrence and Miracle Doyle. Alternates for the National Team are Ciara Jeffers, Ariel Fraser and Lau Browne.

The Association also announced a Junior Developmental National Team comprised of Trinity Brown, Nia Forde, Kallai Outerbridge, Samara Haynes, Lydia Sutherland, Elizabeth Ralph and the lone male,

basketballer Consolo Edwards.

Kirby, Thorpe and Edwards Tyesha James joined KCC in January 2016, while Rouse started September of that same year.

Zach McLawrence.

These athletes are those who have been identified for future places on the national team.

The National Team is under the direction of LaPrise Williams, former head coach of Baylor’s (USA) intercollegiate athletics programme acrobatics & tumbling.

Members of the first ever National Gymnastics and National Gymnastics Development teams.

VINCENTIAN Mikal Quashie is still the best world ranked Caribbean Male Under-19 Squash player.

Quashie was in 20th position with 32.33 points, when the World Squash Federation latest rankings were declared.

His latest position is a slippage from his previous 12th place.

Meanwhile, another Mikal Quashie Vincentian, Kai Bentick, is in the top 50 in the most recent rankings. Bentick is at 40th, the same placing as Barbadian — Josiah Griffith.

Victor Crouin of France holds down the number one spot on 113.3 points.

Among the females, Jada Ross is the best ranked Vincentian at number 82.

The highest ranked Female Caribbean Under19 player is Barbadian Jada Smith-Padmore at position 35.

Egypt’s Rowan Reda Araby is the world’s number one ranked Female player.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 29.

Sports

Evin highest WEST INDIES lost to England in the fourth One Day International via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The stalemate brought out a revival that the team needed.

At 33 for 3, English fans envisioned a walk over. Even at 150 for 4 when Jason Mohamed fell for 46, another familiar collapse was on the charts. But there was Evin Lewis who went on to record his highest score in One Day Internationals, and were it not for an injury, he would have passed the 200 mark with ease.

The record breaking fifth wicket partnership with Jason Holder was spectacular.

Holder hit 77, and ended the innings with Rovman Powell at 356 for 5.

England acted positively and enforced deeper reaction to pull the requirements in their favour.

West Indies might have been less conscious of the weather and were perhaps anticipating the full distance.

There will not be widespread condemnation as is usually the case. There were moments of blissful reflection. Lewis’ performance, was supported by Alzarri Joseph with a five-wicket haul.

The West Indies produced a display of extremes, but there are signs of a focused unit.

Coach Stuart Law has a task on his hands. And he is not being aided by former West Indies players. They delight in belittling their compatriots in their quest for vengeance against the administration.

The feud between past players and the Board has been fuelled in recent years, and there is ever a match handy. Reconciliation with the big name players is not stopping the pull towards antagonism. It extended to the political arena until leaders with more pressing agenda items to contend with, reduced their agitation. It pays no politician to get embroiled in the administration of sports.

Their role is to ensure economic progress. And sport is a viable platform. Thereafter, they will have the avenues to exert their influence. In any event, West Indies stands out as a symbol of unity.

Until the leaders link the chains and maintain an economic base on which the region can be assured of genuine progress, manipulation will not bring stability.

Steps must be taken to harness the resources of our region, including catering for the new generation. It can’t be hit and miss in our efforts to keep up with the requirements.

When the next World Cup is held, West Indies will be in the mix. It will not matter how the path is achieved. There is a version that fixtures might have been arranged to facilitate a direct qualification for the West Indies. The next near struggler would have been Sri Lanka. But the emphasis was more on providing a target practice for England in preparation for the Ashes.

The die has been cast. West Indies have to go for it.

Rain affects Greiggs Softball Cricket DESPITE NOT enjoying the best weather and playing conditions, four teams made the best of what was on offer to register wins in the St Vincent Brewery/ FLOW/ Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem Greiggs Softball Cricket Competition, at the Greiggs Central Playing Field.

The slate of weekend matches, though, got off to a bad start, as Hard Hitters and Gairy’s Construction Simple Boyz had their intended match reset, as rain prevented any play.

But the showers stayed away to allow Operations Nar Fren Dem to make 140/ for 5 in their 17 overs against Warriors CC. Ceon Phillips top scored with 45 and Kenford Collins contributed 43 runs not out. Danroy Currency took 2/26.

In reply, Warriors CC - 94 runs all out in 12.1 overs, Shammon Hooper, led with 55, while. Keno

Matthews snared 3/13.

Nar Fren Dem won by 46 runs.

In Sunday’s first match, Log Enterprise Supreme Strikers batted first and were dismissed for 82 in 17.1 overs; Darren John struck 31.

Kenron Williams took 3/17.

At their turn, Country Meet Town-Outa Trouble rushed to 83/4 in 9.4 overs. Hitting the top score of 41 was Asif Hooper. Raffique Browne was Supreme Strikers’ best bowler, taking 2/12.

Also trumping was Street Fighters, who had an 84-run win over Fully Loaded.

Led by 91 from the bat of Lenroy Dalzell, Street Fighters powered their way to 175/7 from the maximum 17 overs allotted because of a late start.

Javil Harry picked off 3/18, bowling for Fully Loaded, whose response was 91 all out in 12.3

Shammon Hooper made 55 for Warriors CC, in a losing cause. overs. Javil Harry’s 37, was their best effort with the bat, as Dalzell also starred with the ball, taking 3/14.

And, in another match affected by the adverse weather conditions, RSVG Police had time to dismantle Extreme Strikers by six wickets, in a 15 over affair.

Extreme Strikers were

Asif Hooper hit 41, batting for Country Meet Town Outa Trouble. hemmed in at 76/6 from their 15 overs, with Kevin Johnson striking 34.Kenroy Martin was RSVG Police’s most successful bowler, taking 3/6.

RSVG Police took just eight overs to reach 77/4.

Desron Maloney hit 50 not out, while Darius Thomas had 2/18, bowling for Extreme Strikers.

RSVG Police maintain unbeaten record RSVG POLICE MASTERS beat Computec Belfongo by 43 runs to stretch their unbeaten record in this year’s Masters 20/20 Cricket Competition.

In one of the round three matches played last weekend, RSVG Police Masters posted 166 for 6 off 20 overs Parnel Browne 42, Joseph Bascombe 30, Elgin Richards 26. Felix Greaves 2 for 23, Denis Byam 2 for 42. Computec Belfongo Masters replied with 123 for 9 off 20 overs - Felix Greaves 44, Sylvannus Morgan 26. Elmore Alexander 5 for 26.

In other results, Bequia Cricket Association Masters defeated Marriaqua Mast ers by 6 wickets. Scores: Marriaqua Masters 112 for 4 off 16 overs (overs reduced to 16 because of rain) -Leroy Nanton 38, Ricky King 23 not out, Rohan Blake 2 for 10 and Victor Williams 2 for 17; Bequia Cricket Association Masters 116

for 4 off 15 overs Ronnie Gregg 41 not out, Leroy Nanton 2 for 16, Wendell Parris 2 for 21.

Pastures Masters defeated Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie Masters by 5 wickets.

Scores: Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie Masters 66 for 6 off 16 overs (overs reduced to 16 due to

rain) - Aaron Bentick 31, Rohan Ash 2 for 6, Lennox Samuel 2 for 8; Pastures Masters 68 for 5 off 14.3 overs Robbie Hackshaw 34, Rohan Ash 23, Samuel Byam 2 for 7, Aaron Bentick 2 for 8.

Mustique Company Masters won from Sion Hill Masters by default.

The following games

were abandoned due to rain: A R & G Trucking P’tani Masters vs Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters; Teachers Credit Union North Masters vs Kirk DaSilva’s LaCroix Masters; Mustique Company Masters vs North Leeward Masters.

I.B.A.ALLEN

TBPO results rained out JUST FOR FUN and All Stars recorded contrasting wins, but persistent rain affected most of the scheduled matches in the National Lotteries Authority TBPO 20/20 Cricket Competition, last weekend.

Just for Fun beat Gomea Bombers by 4 runs. Just for Fun batted first and made 76 all out in 13 overs.

Julius London made 20. Bowling for Gomea Bombers, Alwayne Quashie took 3 for 6. In reply, Gomea Bombers reached 72 in 16 overs. Keson Williams made 20. Bowling for Just for Fun, Julius London took 3 for 20 and Roger Francois 4 for 20.

In the only other game played last weekend, BOSVG All Stars defeated

Smart Snipers by 170 runs. All Stars made 227 for 8 in 20 overs. Ron Adams made 58, Godwin John 39, Kelly Murray and Glenroy Dasent 26 each. Bowling for Smart Snipers, Oneil Sayers took 3 for 33 and Ezreal Baptiste 2 for 39. Smart Snipers reached 57 in 17.1 overs in their reply. Bowling for All Stars, Dwayne Williams took 3 for 18, Ron Adams 2 for 7 and Kelly Murray 2 for 15.

The games, which were affected by rain were Computec Older Boys vs.

Out Ah Trouble; Challengers vs. Topi Fresh Top Shotters; and Nice Radio Clinchers vs. Dipcon Road Warriors.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

30. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA TO ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES And THE ASSOCIATION OF CUBAN RESIDENTS IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES INVITE PARTICIPATION IN TWO CONTESTS 1. NO TO THE BLOCKADE AGAINST CUBA Participation: Children up to 16 years and Adults Genres: Narrative, Poetry in English and/or Spanish, and Drawing Text: Maximum of 2 pages (Format A-4) Drawings: Any technique and dimension Deadline for Submissions: October 2, 2017 (May be extended) 2. IN REMEMBRANCE OF FIDEL Participation: Children up to 16 years and Adults Genres: Narrative, Poetry in English and/or Spanish, and Drawing Text: Maximum 2 pages (Format 4-4) Deadline for Submissions: November 10, 2017 Submissions should be sent to the Embassy of Cuba at embajador@embacuba.cu) or to the President of the Association of Cuban Residents at caridad904@gmail.com.

Originals of submissions are to be delivered to the Embassy of Cuba or to the President of the Association of Cuban residents, Ariana TaylorIsrael.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017. 31.

Classifieds HOUSE FOR SALE

Villa 784-457-5317(h) 496-8340 (c) New Dryer for sale

¾ One apartment building att Rose Cottage, Villa for (NEGOTIABLE)..

EC$1,250,000 (NEGOTIABLE) ¾ BANK FORECLOSURE: property that comprises of different apartments located at Villa on sale for OFFERS)..

EC$795,067 (OPEN TO OFFERS) ¾ BANK FORECLOSURE: commercial property located at Cane Grove for EC$486,020 (OPEN TO OFFERS).

OFFERS) . ¾ Land at Bequia from EC$11.34 / US$4.20 per sq ft. ft . ¾ 31,195 sq ft of land at Pilgrim Hill, Gomea for EC$100,000 (OPEN TO OFFERS).

OFFERS) . ¾ 8,308 sq ft of land at Cane Grove for EC$207,700 (OPEN TO OFFERS).

OFFERS) .

Website: h ps://www.sutherlandsrealestate.com W ebsite: h ps:// www.sutherlandsrealestate.com sutherlandsrealestate@gmail.com E-mail: sutherlandsr ealestate@gmail.com Tel: Te el: 1-784-498-1924 1-784-498-1924 / 433-9 433-9362 362

JESTINA THERESA LOUISA SIMON St. Matthias Anglican Church at Evesham September 25th, 2017 3:00 p.m.

CASSANDRA ROBERTS New Testament Church of God Clare Valley Saturday 23rd September, 2017 2:00 p.m.

AMELIA MALINA FERGUS

LENN HAMLETT LATHAM

Light of Truth Church of God 7th Day Mt. Greenan Sunday September 24th, 2017 S P ă p.m.

6W 3HWHU¶V Anglican Church Mt. Grenan Saturday 23rd September, 2017 3:00 p.m.

MAYTRAID BOYEA

VALARIE RICHARDS

Enhams Church of the Nazarene Saturday 23rd September, 2017 2:00 p.m.

Church Of Christ Brighton Sunday 24th September, 2017 2:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A.I. REAL ESTATE Clare Valley Residential Lot @ $12.50 p.s.f. - CALL - BB172 Fountain Villa 5 bedrm Property - Open to offers - H151

S A L E

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.39

Campden Park 6 bedrm Property on 3,483 sq.ft.

- $342,000.00 - H 145 Diamond Residential Lots @ $14.00 p.s.f. - CALL - BB191 - BB194 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

POLICE TO INTENSIFY CRIME FIGHTING MEASURES concern to the police as well as to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sop Jacobs told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, “As a result, we are making every effort to ensure that all the systems we have in place are up and running. We are intensifying our strategies, our intelligence, our SOP Ruth Jacobs, Head patrols and our tools of of the Criminal detection, to ensure that Investigation we have the situation Department (CID), has under control”. promised an SOP Jacobs, intensification of the recognizing that crime is Police Force’s crime a social issue and fighting measure in therefroe the police response to the recent cannot “fight it alone”, spate of violent crimes appealed for all hands to here. come on deck.

“We are calling the byKENVILLE HORNE churches to continue to pray for the nation, we THE ROYAL SVG Police are asking members of Force is expected to different communities to intensify its crime fighting protect your communities measures, following a and not to be a recent upsurge in murders perpetrator of crime to and other violent crimes your own community,” here. she implored, adding a Word of this has come call to community groups from Superintendent of and Non-Governmental Police Ruth Jacobs, Head Organizations (NGOs)to of both the Criminal join with the police to Investigation hold discussions, and Department (CID) and help persons to deal with the Anti-trafficking in matters in a better way.

Persons Unit.

“We are willing to Acknowledging that work hand in hand with the recent spate of different organizations in murders is of great

the communities to sensitize persons and educate them as to how to resolve conflicts and the causes of conflicts,” said Jacobs.

So far for the year, police have recorded 31

homicides, with the latest victim being Vermont resident Wendell ‘Grindy’ O’Neil, who was shot in broad day light just outside the Leeward Bus Terminal.

SOP Jacobs said that

presently they have not considered the death of Andrew Roberts as a homicide, but assured that as soon as investigations are concluded in the matter, they will make a

pronouncement.

Roberts was shot and killed by Dale Lyttle, around 11 p.m. last Friday in Casson Hill, during a hijacking attempt of Lyttle’s car.

Deputy COP: We have to apply common sense illegal as prescribed by the Drug Prevention and AS FAR AS IT relates to Misuse Act, but for more the marijuana issue, efficient use of police Deputy Commissioner of resources, the Royal St. Police Colin John says Vincent and the commonsense must be Grenadines Police Force applied in enforcing the (RSVGPF) have been law, and is appealing to diverting its resources police officers to towards the solving of continue in this regard. more serious crimes, John made the including possession of comment and appeal large amounts of while speaking with marijuana and harder THE VINCENTIAN last drugs. week Tuesday.

The Deputy The Deputy Commissioner explained Commissioner said he that this is not a written had no fixed position on policy of the Police the decriminalization of Force, but is pursued for marijuana, adding, “I the expedient but am here to enforce the effective use of law, but while enforcing resources. He noted that the law, we have to if a person is found in apply commonsense and possession of a very make adequate use of small amount of the resources at our marijuana such as five disposal.” grams and under, the John made it clear police do not normally that marijuana related make an arrest. issues — use, possession, “This does not mean trafficking - were still that if someone is seen

by HAYDN HUGGINS

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

smoking a cannabis cigarette, the police would not make an arrest if he/she shows disrespect or disregard to the police or lawful authority,” John said.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is also on record as saying that persons are no longer arrested for possession of very small amounts of marijuana, once those persons do not disrespect lawful authority while in possession of the herb.

A more sober approach to the marijuana issue has also been taken from a prosecutorial standpoint in recent years.

Senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, on a number of occasions, has withdrawn charges from persons who pleaded not guilty to possession of very small amounts of marijuana.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Colin John reiterated, in the face of some relaxation by the police, that marijuana was still a prohibited drug.

Defence lawyer Grant Connell, a staunch advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana, has repeatedly called for the drug laws to be amended to allow persons to have certain amounts of marijuana in their possession. He has also called for a ticketing system for persons caught with small amounts of marijuana.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.