THE VINCENTIAN PDF-30-04-20

THURSDAY, APRIL 30,

2020

VOLUME 114, No.18

Neighbors have doubt Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Police lose a ‘star” Page 4

EC$1.50

Testing to begin soon Page 5

Sports facilities a go’ Page ...

Sailors not coming home soon Page 28

POLICE OFFICER AMONG TWO KILLED

(Acting) Sergeant Philbert Chambers was said to have been a very community-spirited young man.

Gleason Lewis apparently exhibited signs of having mental health issues and was known to fall into bouts of aggression.

Chambers and civilian Gleason Lewis lay dead, feet apart from each

other, while another Continued on Page 3.

by KENVILLE HORNE

The body of Gleason Lewis, wrapped in a white sheet, lay on the pick-up as funeral home attendants awaited help to lift it into a vehicle.

EFFORTS BY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS to execute a search warrant at the residence of Gleason Lewis in Plan, Campden Park, on Sunday 26th April, resulted in tragedy.

Sometime around 7:45pm on that day, the relatively peaceful community of Plan was thrown into a panic, after a barrage of gunshots shattered the usual morning tranquility.

In the aftermath, the bodies of (Acting) Investigators with some of the evidence removed Sergeant Philbert from the house.

2. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 3.

News 3 Neighbours have doubts A NEIGHBOUR OF GLEASON LEWIS, who was shot and killed last Sunday at his home in Plan, Campden Park, told THE VINCENTIAN that he was at home when three police vehicles arrived at the Lewis’ residence.

He noted that the officers

The Lewis’ residence where the fatal incident unfolded.

surrounded the house, and moments later he heard the sound of pounding on a door on the ground floor of the house. A short while after, the neighbour said he heard gunshots.

“Dem shoot up the place and when they stop he (Lewis) come outside. come outside on the verandah of the top floor of the house and say, “Alyo got a warrant? Who give alyo permission to mash up the place?,” the neighbour recalled.

The police, according to the neighbour, responded by firing more bullets.

He also related that, at the time of the incident, Lewis was wearing jeans, a green shirt and a hat, and had an object in his right hand.

After the officers fired at him, the neighbour said Lewis ran back into the house, and from that point he did not know what happened, only that he heard a series of loud explosions.

According to the police, “A party of Police Officers, including the late, Sgt. 209 Philbert Chambers who was attached to the Questelles Police Station, was dispatched on duty to execute a search warrant at the home of Gleason Lewis in Campden Park. At approximately 8:05 am, while the Police were at Mr. Lewis’s home

performing their duty, he opened fire, killing Sgt. Chambers and wounding Police Constable 700 Verrol Sam in the process.

The Police returned fire and Mr. Lewis was fatally wounded. Both men died at the scene”.

But a number of residents who live in the vicinity of the Lewis’ home, told THE VINCENTIAN that they are of the opinion that he did not shoot officer Chambers.

According to one male There was an outpouring of grief at the scene of who did not want to be the incident. identified, “They opened fire first and it’s like one of the officers who was firing, ago I talk to him. He had a little made a mistake and shoot the other breakdown because I never see him officer. When the shooting done, the behave so before. He had some loud police bin all looking confused... the cussing with his parents and he even driver of the transport and another cuss the neighbour,” said the source. one was arguing; them kick up the “I think the situation could of drum that was by the side of the road handle differently. …. If the police all thing. Left to be seen what the wanted to catch the man, they could video camera find and what kind a have just asked the neighbour to call bullet kill the officer.” and hold him whenever he comes He described Lewis as a nice and outside or stake out for him,” said easy-going guy. “Just about two days another neighbour. (KH)

Police officer among two killed Continued from Front Page. officer was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Kingstown.

According to a police release, while the Police were at Lewis’s home, “he opened fire killing Sgt. Chambers and wounding Police Constable 700 Verrol Sam in the process. The Police returned fire and Lewis was fatally wounded. Both men died at the scene.”

house to receive medical attention.

But he locked himself in his room.

Prior to Sunday’s fatal incident, the police had attempted to get Lewis out of the house on at least two occasions, but to no avail.

Different strokes for ….

When THE VINCENTIAN arrived on the scene not long after the shooting, investigators were combing Victim showing disturbing signs Lewis’s residence, inside and outside.

They were later seen leaving the Lewis had only recently arrived in house with at least two laptop St. Vincent from his abode in the USA, computers and a suitcase. The footage and was expected to return to the US. from a home security camera at the However, with the COVID-19 bringing Lewis residence was also confiscated. a halt to international air travel, he When the transportation from the was forced to remain in SVG. Ever-Ready Funeral Home arrived to Members of the community, as well take charge of the bodies, the police as family members, spoke of Lewis officers readily assisted in lifting showing signs of mental (health) Chambers’ body into one of the problems. vehicles.

He is said to have grown aggressive However, there was a loud police to the point of threatening his parents command of, “Stand down, no body and one of his siblings, causing them move!,” when it was time to lift Lewis’s to leave their home to stay with body. Residents of the community another family member. assisted in this regard.

One person recounted that Lewis, in As the funeral home vehicle his aggression, had taken the occasion departed the scene, loud screams and to ‘chopping’ his father’s pick-up with a wailing could be heard coming from cutlass. family members and friends of both of According to a very close family the deceased. member, they had contacted the police On social media, tributes were paid to assist in getting Lewis out of the to both Lewis and Chambers. The

Sergeant was described as a very hard working, friendly and committed law officer. Lewis was considered to be a very quiet person who grew up in a decent family, his father being a former secondary school principal.

Attempts to get a statement from Lewis’s immediate family proved difficult. One relative, however, questioned the police account of what transpired.

“Something ain’t matching up, and

we are wondering if it is really Gleason who shoot those officers, or whether it was a matter of crossfire. Left to be seen,” said the relative.

Meanwhile, Lewis’s father, Glasley Lewis, is appealing to the authorities to hand over his son’s death certificate, so that he can lay him to rest.

The Commissioner of Police has promised a coroner’s inquest into the incident.

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4. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Police Force loses Âa starÊ at Campden Park last Sunday morning to SENIOR PROSECUTOR execute a search warrant Adolphus Delpleche has in respect of firearms described fallen detective, and ammunition, when Acting Sergeant Philbert he was allegedly shot Chambers, as “a star,” and killed by a civilian, while defence Attorney Gleason Lewis.

Grant Connell considered Lewis, 39, of Campden him to have been one of Park, also met his the “bright sparks” in the demise when the officers Police Force. returned fire.

Delpleche and Connell Chambers, a member were among those who of the Criminal paid tribute to Chambers Investigation during a sitting of the Department attached to Serious Offences Court the Questelles Police on Monday. The remarks Station, met his death had followed one minute only five days after silence by the Court as a testifying in a matter at mark of respect for the the Serious Offences fallen officer.

Court.

Reports are that That matter involved Chambers was among a Rennie Cruickshank of party of police officers Campden Park who was who had gone to a house charged with possession

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Bagga man charged with wounding father BARROUALLIE resident Kenute Lynch was denied bail when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, charged with wounding his father, Lenford Samuel, with intent.

Samuel, also of Barrouallie, reportedly suffered a cutlass wound to his head during an incident at Barrouallie on April 24.

In objecting to bail, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the Court that the virtual complainant was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with a fractured skull, allegedly inflicted by a cutlass.

“A fractured skull is very serious, as there is where the brain lies,” Delpleche added.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne upheld the prosecutor’s objection, and told Lynch she was not considering bail at that stage. She remanded him until Monday, May 4 when bail will be reviewed.

(HH)

of a .25 semi-automatic pistol, two rounds of .25 ammunition, and 1,362 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, stemming from a police action at the Yorke Mountains, Campden Park, September 26, 2018.

While Chambers was giving evidence in the matter, the Senior Prosecutor, observing something unusual about the officer’s demeanor, inquired of him, “You are not your usual self today”.

That trial has been adjourned to May 11.

Connell, who represented Cruickshank, told the Court on Monday, that despite his harsh crossexamination of Chambers, the officer greeted him outside the Court room and they exchanged pleasantries.

“He was undoubtedly one of the bright sparks of the Police Force. The Police Force has lost one of its bright sparks,” he opined, adding that he trusts that whatever transpired on the scene during the incident, be properly investigated.

The Senior Prosecutor, in his remarks, described Chambers as a committed, dedicated and hardworking police officer who was also a community builder.

In the latter regard, Delpleche highlighted him as the founder of the Questelles Police Youth Club, which reflected his humanitarian side.

Delpleche said that Chambers was so committed that even when he was off duty, he would still go the extra mile.

Chief Magistrate

Acting Sergeant Philbert Chambers was cut down in the line of duty. guns and ammunition, including a submachine firearm, during a raid at a house at Lowmans Leeward on January 18, 2017, when Chambers was still a constable.

Randy Shallow and his girlfriend Friekesha Douglas, both of Lowmans Leeward, were charged in connection with the raid, and were sentenced to prison following a trial at the Serious Offences Court.

Jamaican jailed for Vincy weed A JAMAICAN national who attempted to leave this country with 30 pounds of marijuana in his suitcase on July 28 last year, received prison sentences on Monday, Travis Mullings had been granted bail by the High Court in Aug. 2019, after he was refused same at the magisterial level, but was unable to find anyone to sign his bail bond.

Jamaican prisoner admits to using contraband NOVIAN TRAVIS VAUGHN MULLINGS, a Jamaican mechanic who was sentenced last Monday on three marijuanarelated charges (SEE STORY ‘JAMAICAN JAILED FOR VINCY WEED’ on this page), admitted to his use of contraband while on remand.

Last Friday, the Court learned that Mullings, a self-professed frequent traveller, journeyed to SVG three days before his arrest to visit a longtime friend who had taught him his trade — vehicle repairs/mechanics - in Montserrat, where he had resided for 11 years from the age of 17.

His frequent flyer miles, the Court learned, were accumulated travelling to and from Antigua primarily for purchasing vehicle parts.

The defendant told the Court it was his first time visiting St. Vincent opting so to do following a vacation in Barbados. His Vincentian friend, Otmore John, provided directions to Mespo so

Rechanne Browne said that when she heard the news about Chambers’ death, she could not come to terms with it, and wished that it was not true. She had presided over the matter in which Chambers had testified on April 21.

Glowing remarks also came from Court Clerk Atnel Ash and Corporal Orlando Collins.

Chambers joined the Police Force at the age of 19, coming through the Police Youth Club. He was a member of the Constabulary for just over ten years, during which he moved up the ranks, and was recently promoted to Acting Sergeant.

He is on record as cracking numerous cases, but one which stands out involved the seizure of several high-powered

that Mullings could get there by taxi.

It was to John, Mullings told the Court, who reached out to him via Facebook Messenger.

Senior Prosecutor Delplesche inquired of Mullings about the last time he had seen his friend.

“Since you were incarcerated?” the prosecutor pressed. “Yes,” Mullings eventually replied.

John, who did not appear in Court, never visited Mullings at Her Majesty’s Prisons, but he was said to have helped his Jamaican friend with a bag or two of fruits, throughout his 9 months on remand.

Mullings related that he was forced to hustle for his survival while in prison. He told the court, “Everybody know is weed and cigarette run Vincy jail,” before confessing to trading in the same so he’d be able to “buy a boxer or a soap.”

While imprisoned, he was also afflicted by skin ailments which resulted in a noticeable sore to the

back of one foot, so much so that he was unable to properly don his shoe.

At his sentencing, nothing of his (above) admission was treated as germane to the case, and defense attorney Grant Connell, who rose in Court amicus curiae at the start of Mullings’ Court proceedings, petitioned Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne to convert the 3 months remaining on the Jamaican convict’s sentence to a fine, considering that the first 9 months was discounted as time served.

Browne was minded to agree, but was immovable on the point that whatever the fine amounted to must be paid “forthwith.” The defense was unable to satisfy that prerequisite so Mullings returned to prison. But sources claim Mullings may walk free within 11 days, “when jail time is calculated.” jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

after being convicted on three charges at the Serious Offences Court.

Travis Mullings, 30year-old mechanic of Kingston, Jamaica, was sentenced to one year in prison for possession of 30 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply; one year and two months for possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking; and one years and two months for attempting to export it.

The nine months Mullins spent on remand were taken into account.

The sentences, handed down by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, are to run concurrently.

Mullings was nabbed at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), July 28, last year, as he was about to board a LIAT flight for Barbados.

He had come here legally and was given six months to stay, but only spent three days.

In his closing arguments on Monday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche noted that the suitcase was checked in and tagged with the defendant’s name (label) and boarding pass.

Reflecting on the evidence, the Prosecutor pointed out that Mullings had said he did check in a suitcase, but not that one; but when he was shown the

boarding pass, he said someone gave him the suitcase at a guest house in Kingstown.

“This is a very straightforward case, in my view. I am saying that, based on the evidence which is adduced in this case, and the law on possession, the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Delpleche submitted.

But the defence, led by Attorney Grant Connell, maintained that the prosecution did not present any evidence to show that the suitcase with the marijuana belonged to his client.

According to him, anyone could have placed the tag with Mullings’ name and boarding pass on the suitcase.

Connell argued that in the absence of any evidence to draw the nexus between the suitcase Mullings walked into the Airport with, and the one which was drawn from the trolley, and examined by security personnel for the LIAT flight Mullings was expected to board, the case remains a mystery.

After listening to both sides, the Chief Magistrate found Mullings guilty on all three counts.

He had three previous convictions for drug related offences in Montserrat. (HH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 5.

News

Local testing to begin soon IF ALL GOES well, this country was expected to begin local PCR testing, for the coronavirus this week.

Minister of Health Luke Browne said at a press briefing last week Thursday, that there had been a positive development as it related to having a PCR testing machine here.

Restrictions enforced by the United States government had prevented earlier acquisition of the machine.

With the machine in the country, this would allow for more tests to be conducted, a preferred option as against having to send samples (for testing) to the Caribbean Public Health Agency laboratory in Trinidad and Tobago.

And on the issue of tests, Minister Browne disclosed that as of last week Thursday, April 23, 101 samples from persons here had been tested in Trinidad and Tobago, with 13 having been confirmed as positive and 88 negative.

“We use these tests for the purposes of medical diagnosis and clearance,”

Coronavirus testing was expected to be ramped up beginning this week with the acquisition of PCR testing capability.

Browne said, adding that while it appeared that SVG was doing reasonably well by regional standards in terms of the numbers being tested, officials had identified the need to do more testing.

He assured that this was not an advocacy for the entire population to be tested, but rather that increased testing allow health officials the opportunity to conduct rigorous investigations of persons who satisfy certain established criteria for testing, and to identify any group profiles.

He referenced that earlier testing had identified a number of local cases as linked to a common place of

employment overseas, which then led to the remaining members of that group being tested.

“And this is one of the successes I believe that we have had in terms of surveillance, and it was an important development from the standpoint of containment,” the health minister commented.

As far as rapid testing kits received from Venezuela were concerned, Minister Browne revealed that the World Health Organization did not endorse them as an effective method of testing for the Covid-19 virus, as compared to the PCR testing method.

Stories by (DD)

Masks are optional WEARING masks in public spaces remains an option here.

Minister of Health Luke Browne made the disclosure last week Thursday — April 23 - during a press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Health.

He noted, though, that established N95 masks and surgical masks ought to be reserved for health practitioners.

Browne said that the WHO recently made some comments where it supported the use of non-medical masks, including cloth masks, in public settings, in instances where there was community spread transmission of the COVID-19 virus, or in cases where social distancing is not possible.

It was explained that cloth masks are effective in preventing an individual from spreading the virus, but it does not prevent a person from becoming infected following direct contact with an affected person who has just sneezed, coughed or dropped

saliva on to surface while speaking.

Within recent times, a number of countries have made it mandatory for face masks to be worn in Wearing masks public, as a might be optional, preventative but many of those measure who wear them against the sport rather spread of the fashionable types. disease.

The general advice provided by the WHO suggests that the wearing of a mask alone is insufficient in providing adequate levels of protection, and that other equally relevant measures must be combined with hand hygiene and other measures to prevent the human to human transmission of the COVID19 virus.

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6. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 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

Keep your mouth shut!!!

peaceful death.

Yes, as far as the GrenadaCarriacou-Petite Martinique THERE HAS BEEN NO END of issue was concerned, Gonsalves bellowing about the need for the region to ‘unite’ in the fight against should have kept his mouth shut, difficult as it is so to do. the dreaded COVID-19.

This is one time he failed to So, it was good to read that acknowledge, as a student of CARICOM had agreed, history and anthropology, “A regional protocol establishing generations of a relationship minimum standards for dealing between the people of our with the COVID-9 virus.”

Southern Grenadines and those The Heads of Government, it was reported, viewed the protocol of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. as “critical to avoid an outbreak For generations, citizens of of panic and fear in the Region.” both sides of the divide have And while we can say with enjoyed cordial business and some certainty that there has cultural relationships, even been no real panic/fear in the familial relationships. region, as Ministries of Health Why on earth did Gonsalves and citizens go about the business think it wise to open a can of of establishing guidelines, and citizens generally adhere to those words by inviting Carricaou people to engage in purchasing guidelines, the same cannot be food and other items, in a said about some of our leaders ‘structured manner’, during a and their ministers. time when their country was on Take for example the tussle lockdown? that morphed between our own This Publication is putting it Prime Minister Dr. Ralph to Gonsalves and Mitchell that Gonsalves and Grenada’s Dr. the trade (in goods) and Keith Mitchell - two of the more movement of people between the experienced political leaders and islands concerned, would have prime ministers among the proceeded regardless of what!! It current crop of CARICOM Heads has been going on for of Government. generations. No Gonsalves, no That one PM — Gonsalves Mitchell can stop it!! would have found himself Our esteemed leaders entered trespassing on the boundaries of the battle ring to settle another country’s ‘laws and something which neither should regulations’, smacked in its have interfered with in the first content of open disregard and disrespect for another’s autonomy place.

It is disappointing to say the if not sovereignty. least, that Gonsalves, well aware Having interpreted the of what his ‘invitation’ would overture by Gonsalves in those attract in these unprecedented terms, Mitchell let loose on times, would be so crass in the Gonsalves. Two sitting CARICOM Heads of Governments face of history and protocol.

Sometimes, all we need to do who, just a week before in a is keep our mouths shut so as to virtual Conference, had contributed to a regional protocol avoid ‘panic and fear’.

OH, what a quiet world it to deal with the spread of COVIDwould be if we all thought before 19, attacked one another like we spoke! bulls in a China Shop. Thank And even as we pen this piece, God, better judgement prevailed, there are similar rumblings and the bull did not destroy the between Ministers of whole regional caboose.

The simple fact of the matter is Government in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. that Gonsalves should have left This time it’s about the Trinis’ ‘the sleeping dog lying’. procrastination and hardUnfortunately, that is not the nature of the man. He thrives on headedness about bringing some of their students home from confrontation and controversy.

Barbados.

He is wont to start a storm and What will our CARICOM allow it either to blow away all in leaders think of next? its way, or to die a natural and

Days of Empire First published May 24, 1985

Colonial Brain-washing IN MY CHILDHOOD DAYS, a long, time ago, this day 24th May was eagerly awaited by all young people. It was a Rally of all schools staged at the Victoria Park.

On the parade ground, the various schools marched past the Administrator, waving little Union Jacks and displaying their uniform to be judged in a competition. Year in, year out, the Kingstown Methodists, dressed in white shirts and bodices and navy-blue pants and skirts, would emerge champions. The credit had to go to that stern disciplinarian of a Head-teacher, Cadman Fraser, who not only made sure that his charges performed with excellence, but himself provided out of his own slender resources the money to purchase brass instruments which supplied the accompanying music.

The highlight of the pageant was the Administrator’s speech counting the blessings of our membership of the British Empire, and our own dedication to continue to serve the King and country till thy Kingdom come. Now and then, there was a special feature as when “Sap” Coombs won the prize for the best essay on what the British Empire means to us.

There followed, naturally, the granting of various awards — Commanders, Officers and Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and what have you.

The formal ceremony over, the procession took to the streets of Kingstown with parents, noses swollen and eyes tearful, looking on proudly as little Johnny and Janey made their small contribution to the consolidation of Empire. The crowds followed the marchers through Kingstown to their final destination at the Workingmen’s Association Hall in Paul’s Avenue.

Here, again, the children were given the full works. Among other things, we lustily sang songs such as ‘Rule Britannia’ and all verses of the British National Anthem. For our dutiful showing, we were then treated to juice, bread and beef and buns, with a little bag of goodies to take to our supportive and appreciative parents at home.

The time, of course, was during the war years when the British Empire was at its zenith. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who has been sold to the colonies as an international hero, had

made his famous statement that he had not been appointed First Minister of Britain to preside over the liquidation of the Empire. In other words, concepts such as the self-determination of subject peoples had not yet made it to the vocabulary of politics, and you could be jailed for giving voice to ‘anti-British’ sentiments. Such fate befell the radical Jamaican poet, Roger Mais, who wrote among other things, “Now we know why the sun never sets on the British Empire”.

God does not trust Englishman in the dark.

Mc Intosh vs “Malcolm” We had our own radicals too. Among them was George Mc Intosh who was threatened with imprisonment on the ground that he was inciting feelings of illwill and racial strife among various sections of Her Majesty’ s loyal subjects.

All because Mc. Intosh felt that some of the White land owners should be relieved of part of their large tracts of land in favour of the toiling black masses. The early Mc Intosh also scoffed at the British awards. He noted that what St. Vincent needed most were persons with a human heart and no letters of the alphabet (OBE, MBE- CBE) could make up for its lack.

It is really heartening to see that people of the Mc Intosh mode of thinking are at long last being honoured in our country.

For every country needs heroes and symbols for its national development and social upliftment. At independence, some of the old symbols should go to signify our break with the colonial past.

It beats me how “Malcolm” who writes in The Vincentian cannot see that. Until we move on, though, we have to continue to make-do with what there is. So there is absolutely no inconsistency in my recommending Winston Davis for the MBE, while arguing that we should replace those awards with more meaningful symbolism.

And to say, as “Malcolm” does, that if one rejects British Civilian awards for public service, one ought equally to turn down standardised academic degrees from accredited British Universities for levels of scholarship attained, is convolution of logic with which I simply cannot cope! At the other extreme, however, one cannot but laugh at those persons who, according to “Don” Lopey, would enter after their names “B.A” (failed), as the case might be!

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 7.

Letters

Bring them home

THE EDITOR, Given what we have to work with, and if we are honest, we would give the ULP Administration a ‘thumbsup’ for the job they are doing in leading the fight against this COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to other states, we have been doing a good job of preventing this disease from spreading, we have been able to keep our cases of COVID-19 down and generally, the health authorities and workers in all departments are doing a fine job keeping us informed.

However, even though generally the Administration gets a ‘thumbs-up’, there is one area where it has fallen flat, in my humble opinion. That is in not bringing our citizens

home, whether they be students or workers on ships or elsewhere.

As afar as our citizens working on cruise ships are concerned, we must not forget the amount of money they remit to their families to help them (families) cope and improve their standard of living, and to help the economy in general. And as far as we know, those cruise ship workers are on ships where there has not been any outbreak of COVID-19.

Furthermore, they were not out there on some vacation; they were working, and from what I have been told, working very, very hard and long hours.

If you took the opportunity of cruise ship employment away

from our people, it will be chaos — more unemployment and more crime.

That is why we have to work with the cruise ship people, not against them. We have to be careful, Mr. Editor, that we are not biting the hand that feeds us.

We owe it to these cruise ship workers and all our Vincentian workers stranded overseas, to bring them home, at our expense, if they want to come home.

Lest we forget, it is the right of every Vincentian, every citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to enter these shores. If we prevent any one citizen from doing so, if we fail to make it so that citizens cannot enter

their homeland, then we are infringing on their rights.

In my layman understanding of this current crisis, I am of the view that containing the spread of COVID-19 and taking steps to safeguard their citizens stranded in foreign countries, should be treated as one and the same thing.

Billy A Voter

Appeal to Former Emigres to the UK THE BRITISH CARIBBEAN Pensioners Association (BCPA) and the International Consortium of British Pensioners (ICBP) are seeking the help of newspapers and media publications in the Caribbean, to find any former emigres to the U.K from the Caribbean (commonly known as the Windrush generation) who have now returned to their homelands.

Investigations are commencing into aspects of the Windrush scandal, and ICBP are involved with an All Party Parliamentary Group,

which is enquiring into how the U.K. government’s policy on pensions affects members of the Windrush generation.

Many members of the Windrush generation are being discriminated against by the U.K government and not being paid the full pension to which they

are entitled.

ICBP would like to hear from anyone who emigrated to the U.K and has now returned to their Caribbean country of origin or another Caribbean country.

Anyone directly affected or who has a relative affected, please contact John Duffy in Antigua on +1 268 725

2840 or john.duffy@icbp.info John Duffy john.duffy@icbp.info

Editor’s Note: John Duffy is known to THE VINCENTIAN as the Chair of the British Caribbean Pensioners Association (BCPA). He is a British national who resides in Antigua.

Learning to live with COVID- 19 WE ARE LIVING in the time of COVID-19. The coronavirus is here with us, and when it will pass is anybody’s guess. So

with the uncertainty of how long it will be with us, we have to live with it.

The Educational Institutions are learning to live with the virus by having online classes as a substitute for classroom instructions.

The churches have also adjusted their programmes and approach by having services online. (It may not be ideal, but it has brought to the fore a new method of spreading the Word). Regional and international Organizations and even blocs of countries/governments hold meetings using Zoom and Skype. Court cases, we understand, are being conducted using Zoom in some countries. In short, we are living and have

learned to live with COVID-19.

With the regulations regarding physical distancing, many persons across the globe are doing business online, without leaving their homes. Thankfully, SVG is not under a lock down, so people continue to go to work and do business as usual. There have been some adjustments, though, with some private sector services operating on a shift system as far as their workers are concerned. This, in some cases, has resulted in improved customer service and also production.

So living with COVID19 requires adjustments and discipline, but so far we are doing well.

Kennard King

Watch how things go change!

YOU KNOW something, Mr. Editor, there is a funny side to this whole coronavirus business.

Now that we know that there is not a country in the world that this virus has not touched down on, we going to think twice about going in another man’s land. It’s a case, Mr. Editor, of the grass not looking so green on the other side of the fence.

People are going to think twice about running off to Miami and New York in particular, because even if the world gets the all clear, we gonna think twice about whether New York is really free of the virus.

We, Mr. Editor, will be keeping our backsides put in we own country for some time.

And hear nah, watch how we could cringe when we learn that the nice looking girl we chatting in Heritage Square, just come in from New York.

Boy, the conversation will change quick, quick, if it doesn’t end right then.

I don’t think that the USA Visa is going to look so attractive for some time to come.

And if dem people who return home after clearance is given know what is good for them, they should avoid saying, “I just arrived from the Big Apple.” As Pappy said in his calypso, those persons will have “A Few less Friends.”

And by the way: Any bets on who is winning the campaign so far? What happen, you don’t believe that political campaigning going on all the time as we speak? It’s like the Editor reminded us a few weeks back — this is an election year and the major political parties will be looking to strike one on their opponent even in this time of the coronavirus and its COVID-19.

You see, COVID-19 or not, the politics still rule.

I gone with the same speed.

Charles Edinboro

Unity Labour Party: An incompetent regime THE INCOMPETENCE of the ULP regime continues to shine: an international airport that can’t afford to take off; a geothermal energy project which whisperers say isn’t quite there; turning a blind eye to agriculture; the bitter abuse of our North Atlantic fishing licence, and now the Royal Mill Hotel project.

On this new hotel project, we note that it comes at a time when hotels here have been struggling to keep their heads above water. What difference is the Royal Mill going to make? Yes, it will add value to the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina, but anything else?

Thousands of Vincentians are suffering under a lack of basic needs. Many, too many, are unemployed, and some of these turn to crime as a means of survival.

Employees at the Royal Mill project told this writer that they are just doing the slave master’s job so they can feed their children, but they know the project could add to the list of failures under the ULP. Any decent citizen of SVG will accept that COVID-19 is not responsible for SVG’s current financial and economic hardship.

It is time we as a people unite under the flag for a quality lifestyle and remove Ralph and his incompetence.

Kadmiel McFee British War Veteran/Economist

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8. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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How the COVID-19 pandemic stumped the opposition NDP

Introduction ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES recorded its first case of the corona virus on March 11th 2020. On the same day, the World Health Organisation declared that the COVID-19 as it is called, is a pandemic.

Since then, the world has been thrown into a state of panic with severe global socioeconomic disruption, the likes of which has never been seen before.

International countries have adopted their own approach to this crisis, with some countries following the World Health Organisation, while others have adopted a home-grown approach, following the science, and taking into consideration the existing health, social, and economic conditions.

As of April 27th 2020, some 2.98 million cases of COVID-19 was recorded.

The WHO says that some 207,000 persons have died, with 875,000 recovering from the virus. As of April 26th 2020, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was reporting fifteen COVID-19 cases, with eight persons who had recovered, and no related deaths. Health officials here had conducted 116 tests, and 77 persons were in quarantine.

The government of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has adopted a novel approach to the pandemic, opting to keep certain borders open, but ramping up the health services to provide for early detection, management, quarantine and isolation.

So despite all the talk of a lock down, and the closing of borders, the government has managed the situation in a commendable way.

2020, the leader of the NDP, Dr. Godwin Friday, wrote to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, demanding among other things, that the ULP administration close all borders and lock down the country. A number of NDP supporters and members supported Friday, and pushed this line on radio and Face book.

By April 7th, 2020, the NDP made a 360 degree about turn. A Vincentian on a cruise ship posted on FaceBook that they will no longer support the NDP, because they wanted a lockdown of the country, thus preventing the sailors from coming home. This simple post on FaceBook drove the NDP crazy. Godwin Friday, the “lock down kid”, changed his tune and began advocating for the return of the sailors.

In fact, this manoeuvre caught some of his supporters by surprise. Even as he continued to advocate for the return of the sailors, and those Vincentians on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, some prominent members, like Kay Bacchus Baptiste and Nigel Stephenson, continued their call for a lock down of the country.

And furthermore, the NDP went on to muddy the discussion over the return of the sailors on cruise ships, with MP’s like Nigel Stephenson stating that the ULP administration is using the sailors as a bargaining chip. This of course is utter foolishness and should be condemned by all and sundry.

The NDP is so desperate to obtain political mileage from the COVID-19 situation, that they find themselves involved in matters that they know How Covid-19 stumped the opposition nothing about. They have become NDP critical of the hard working professionals in the Ministry of Health, The political activists in the NDP even to the point of making personal recognize that COVID-19 may represent attacks on certain officials. They find an opportunity for the opposition, to themselves involved in the exchanges score cheap political points, particularly between the Prime Minister of St. with the expectation of general elections Vincent and the Grenadines and the towards the end of the year. And so, Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou through the use of social media, and Petit Martinique, without an particularly Face book and Instagram, understanding of the core issues. and through their main radio programme, New Times, the NDP has Conclusion started a campaign of mis-information, lies and half-truths.

It would profit the NDP greatly, if The central purpose of all this, is to they could find a way to study and create fear and hysteria in the country, understand the approach of the ULP and to oppose and denigrate the efforts administration to the COVID-19 crisis. of the ULP administration in the fight They should try to understand the four against COVID-19. So early in their dimensions of health, economic, social campaign, St. Clair Leacock and and security, and see how these affect Margaret London could be heard on St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Nice Radio, talking about some sort of They have failed to do this, and so estimates that the COVID-19 virus will they are not in a position to make any kill some two thousand Vincentians. professional statements that could be Where this information came from is helpful in the fight against COVID-19. anybody’s guess.

It is the ULP administration, led by Then it seems as though the NDP Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Ralph E went crazy. So there was a period of Gonsalves, ably supported by the hardmis-information and conspiracy theories working health professionals, who is about COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the leading the charge against this Grenadines, and then the presentation pandemic. Equally, they should try to of false news, all aimed at creating understand the stimulus and socioconfusion in the minds of Vincentians. economic recovery package that the For example, on March 18th, 2020, government has presented, to survive Daniel Cummings, the Member of and expand, once the pandemic is over.

Parliament for West Kingstown and By and large, the people of St. Chairman of the NDP, was heard on Vincent and the Grenadines have shown radio advocating the use of seawater as great understanding and support for the a cure for COVID-19. Such statements approach of the ULP, and have praised could only be described as incredibly Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves for the foolish. leadership that he has shown in this crisis.

Closing borders Throughout this crisis, he has remained calm, resolute and focused, in Then there is the amazing about turn providing leadership, without by the NDP on the matter of closing the succumbing to panic, hysteria and futile borders of the country. On March 21st histrionics.

Bring our sailors home!

THE NDP HAS BEEN CHAMPIONING the cause for our sailors and oil rig workers to return during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is disingenuous for spokespersons of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime to imply that the New Democratic Party (NDP) is opposed to bringing Vincentian sailors and oil rig workers home.

Dr. Friday is consistent on this issue. He addressed the nation on 1st April and advised the government on a number of measures that it should take to reduce the spread of COVID19. He recommended that the borders be closed for a while, but our nationals should be allowed to return.

He stated. “Clearly, we are not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot.

This means we must do all we can to protect our people. This requires closing our borders for a while by suspending all arrivals at our airports and seaports, except essential travellers (including nationals) and commerce. We would then review the decision as conditions change. Taking this action now will give us the best chance of avoiding more cases of COVID-19 in SVG, and of reducing the risk of an outbreak that may overburden our fragile healthcare system.”

Further, at the sitting of parliament on 7th April, during the debate of the Supplementary Estimates, Dr. Friday raised the issue of our sailors and oil rig workers, and pleaded with the government to put protocols in place so that they can return. From the debate, I Witness News produced a news story captioned; ‘Bipartisan support for bringing Vincy sailors home’. The news article states: “Six days after Opposition Leader Godwin Friday used a national address to call for the nation’s borders to be closed to all but essential workers and returning nationals, he told Parliament that he had spoken to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves that morning about repatriating Vincentian sailors and oil rig workers.”

IWitness News quotes Dr. Friday as he dealt with the issue: “And I want to say, that we all share the concern of their family members here and certainly, we would wish for them to be able to return home with the necessary guarantees, of course. That is, to ensure that the quarantine measures are in place and that they are properly enforced.”

He continued, “A number of them have called me and family members and they are concerned because some of them, they’re not working; they’re off the rigs and they are in conditions or circumstances that are really not safe for them.”

In the same article, the Prime Minister replied. “I’m happy that that is the position also of the opposition that we cannot allow our citizens overseas who would like to return home that like some other countries in the region that you prevented them from coming home.”

For spokespersons of the ULP government to spread this propaganda that the NDP is opposed to bringing our sailors and oil rig workers home, shows desperation on the part of the ULP. This is an attempt by the ULP to gain political mileage from such a sensitive issue.

It is the government’s responsibility to pay to quarantine them and to provide adequate security. Why would the government want the cruise lines to pay to quarantine our nationals when they return? We were told that about $2.1 million is needed to cover the expense to quarantine the sailors.

Why is the government not using some of the funds that it will receive from international institution specifically for quarantine purposes, to pay the hoteliers where the sailors will be quarantined?

The sailors have been contributing immensely to the economic development to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They should be treated as true patriots by the ULP government.

Their families are waiting patiently to welcome them home. It is said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only country whose sailors are experiencing such difficulties. The NDP wants our sailors and oil rig workers to return, and reiterates its call for the government to act reasonable and rational during this crisis. Dr. Gonsalves, the time has come for you to show that ‘Citizenship must mean something’.

COVID-19 in SVG The number of COVID-19 cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has increased to fifteen (15) as of Sunday 26th April. The good news is that eight (8) persons have recovered so far and there are no deaths. The COVID19 pandemic is still a major concern for Vincentians. One worrying factor is the lack of testing. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we have done very little testing thus far. As of April 27th, only 116 tests were done. The Head of the World Health Organization has made it clear that countries cannot truly know how they stand with respect to the spread of the coronavirus, until they have done widespread testing. Indeed, his advice to all governments, including ours, is to test, test, test! We should follow that advice.

In the absence of decisive leadership from the government on the effective management of COVID19, the NDP continues to encourage all Vincentians to be safe. We should be reminded that COVID-19 spreads very easily; in fact even more easily than health officials had earlier thought. It is spread from person to person, even from a person who has no symptoms of the disease. This makes it extremely dangerous and the drastic responses to it we have seen all over the world.

The government has yet to take any such measures. Not even making the wearing of masks mandatory for its citizens, as is done in Grenada. As we go through this holiday weekend, let’s continue to be safe. And at all times, practise good personal and respiratory hygiene and maintain our social distancing, so we can help to reduce the spread of the virus in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and save lives.

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Blossoms in the Dry Season

Justice must be seen to be believed

“When the woodpecker is searching for food, or laying siege to some hidden grub, the sound of his hammer is dead or muffled and is heard but a few yards.

It is only upon dry, seasoned timber, freed of its bark, that he beats his reveille to spring and woos his mate.” – outlook and envision a future that John Burroughs (1837-1921) American enables us to be super proficient and naturalist and nature essayist. productive.

There are many stories that readily SEVERAL OF THIS COLUMN’S READERS come to mind in relation to would have paused, somewhat confused, perseverance through tough times. to ponder the relationship between the Several years ago, this column provided topic and the John Burroughs’ quotation a synopsis of the life of Og Mandino, the that was used to introduce the essay. At a author of the New York Times bestglance, there may appear to be no selling book, The Greatest Salesman in connection between blossoms in a dry the World. Having battled with season and a woodpecker beating upon depression and thoughts of suicide, he dry, seasoned timber. But there is! Both emerged from that dark, lonely, dry relate to difficult times and circumstances place to pen words that continue to that result in positive outcomes. The encourage and inspire millions around blossoms emerge during a dry period and the world. we eventually benefit from the fruits. The Last week’s article, entitled sound of the woodpecker beating its tune “Unhealed”, shared some useful insights on a dry (worn out) bark results in his in relation to the life of William Paul finding a mate. These are useful life Young, the author of the best-selling lessons from nature. Tough times have book, The Shack. He also faced a their value. Bad times can result in good. stressful and daunting domestic It is often quite amazing to observe challenges, but emerged from that dry the number of tropical fruit trees that period in his life to bless so many with blossom in the dry season. The his writings. botanists and agriculturalists among us The life stories of the late Dr. Maya could provide the scientific explanation Angelou and Oprah Winfrey also beckon for why this is so. This writer’s to be included. Both of these esteemed research led to a most interesting and revered role models experienced article entitled, “Diversity of Flowering traumatic sexual abuse situations while and Fruiting Phenology of Trees in a they were children. However, they both Tropical Deciduous Forest in India”. struggled through those dry periods of The article was written by K.P. Singh their lives, found coping mechanisms to and C.P. Kushwaha and published in deal with their respective traumatic The Annals of Botany in 2006. Among situations, and refused to be shackled other things, the article describes by the pain, hurt, and disappointments variations in flowering relative to the that punctuated their past. They leaf flushing that occurs just prior or emerged from their respective dry during the hot, dry season. The seasons to become global role models researchers revealed that there are five and mentors to many. basic flowering types: summer flowering However, we now add Jack Ma to our (on foliated shoots), rainy-season list of esteemed individuals who flowering (on foliated shoots following emerged from a dry place. Jack, the significant rains), autumn flowering (on richest man in Asia, owns and operates the Alibaba company, one of the largest shoots with mature leaves), winter in China. He is estimated to be worth flowering (on shoots undergoing leaf US$39 billion. But his life was not fall) and dry-season flowering (on always rosy. Far from that. He faced leafless shoots). The article makes for most interesting reading for individuals rejection throughout most of his life. He applied for thirty (30) different jobs pursuing this field of study as well as (including KFC and the police) and had those whose curiosity may have been been denied. He also applied to whetted by this reference. However, it Harvard University and got rejected ten all points back to the wonder of God’s creation and, can present useful lessons (10) times. But he believed in himself and persisted. He knew that life’s dry about life and living. seasons are often the forerunner to t is often quite amazing to observe how the Gliricidia Tree (locally referred torrents of blessings. His break came in the 1990s as the Internet opened to as the Rain Bush tree) sends forth numerous business opportunities. He her blossoms in the dry season. Some now contributes millions of dollars to varieties of mangoes, the popular red nations all around the world to assist plum (locally referred to as the Bequia them in combatting the spread of the Plum), and some varieties of cherries pandemic created by the COVID-19 (especially the Barbadian Cherry) join virus. the band of “dry season flowering There are so many other examples plants” (my description). In so many that can be added to this relatively instances, the fruit-bearing plants referred to here, appear to flourish and short list of individuals whose blossoms emerged during their respective dry speedily ripen with the onset of rain. seasons, to provide a tremendous Sometimes our lives appear to present amount of personal and communal fruit. parallel lessons; we can survive tough We are encouraged to know that, even (dry) times in anticipation that good as we face our own dry seasons, there is times (rain) would follow. This is true reason to hope. We are challenged to on an individual basis. It is also look more intently for those blossoms evidenced in some aspects of business and community. However, it is so very that emerge in the dry season. We are determined to protect and preserve important that we understand and them, knowing that, in their own time appreciate that we make adequate preparations during those arid periods. and with God’s grace, they will bear fruit.

We have to populate and protect those sensitive thoughts (blossoms) that often Send comments, criticisms & emerge during times of difficulty. As suggestions to best we can, we must retain a positive julesferdinand@gmail.com

ALARM BELLS ARE RINGING regarding the rule of law and access to justice.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President Justice Adrian Saunders has repeatedly called on Caribbean people to ‘jealously guard and protect the rule of law.’ Janice Pereira, Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, has continuously raised similar concerns. In the United Kingdom, Lords Tom Bingham, Johan Steyn and Leonard Hoffman have been forceful advocates. And now, in Canada, Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella of the Canadian Supreme Court has weighed in on these critically important issues.

What follows are excerpts from a recent lecture: ‘I graduated from law school in 1970. North America had just experienced the social turbulence of the sixties, but I entered a world where there seemed to be a consensus about how to deal with justice issues — expand rights, respect differences and reduce disparity. We were all, I thought, on a unifying trajectory towards fairness. But then we discovered that too many people couldn’t afford us.

When I was in first-year university, everyone told me to take philosophy with professor Marcus Long. In the very first class, he asked: “If a tree falls in the middle of a forest and no one hears it, does it make noise?” I said: “I’m outta here. Who cares?!”

Now that I’m older and don’t have the answers to everything the way I thought I did when I was 18, I realize what a wonderfully instructive metaphor Marcus Long’s question is.

If you can’t hear something, you don’t know about it, and if you don’t know about it, then it possibly doesn’t exist for you. And if it doesn’t exist for you, there’s no need to do anything about it.

But that doesn’t mean the tree didn’t fall and make noise. And it doesn’t necessarily mean we can ignore it. It may have caused a lot of damage, and the longer you leave that damage, the harder it’ll be to fix. And what’s the noise we’ve been ignoring?

The sound of a very angry public.

And it’s a public that’s been mad for a long time. I’m not sure they’re going to take it anymore. Frankly, I’m not sure they should.

I’m talking of course about access to justice. But I’m not talking about fees, or billings, or legal aid, or even pro bono. Those are our beloved old standards in the “access to justice” repertoire. I have a more fundamental concern: I cannot for the life of me understand why we still resolve civil disputes the way we did more than a century ago.’

In a speech to the American Bar Association called ‘The Causes of Popular Dissatisfaction with the Administration of Justice’, Roscoe Pound criticized the civil justice system’s trials for being overly fixated on procedure, overly adversarial, too expensive, too long and too out of date. The year was 1906.

‘Consider what’s happened to the rest of our reality since then: The horse and the buggy of 1906 have been replaced by cars and planes; morphine for medical aesthetics and the surgical knife have been replaced by the laser; caveat emptor has been replaced by consumer law; child labour has been replaced, period; a whole network of social services and systems is in place to replace the luck

of the draw that used to characterize employment relationships; the hegemony of the majority has been replaced by the assertive diversity of minorities; and adoring wives have been replaced by exhausted ones’.

And yet, with all these profound changes over the last 114 years in how we travel, live, govern and think, none of which would have been possible without fundamental experimentation and reform, we still conduct civil trials almost the same way as we did in 1906. Any good litigator from 1906 could, with a few hours of coaching, feel perfectly at home in today’s courtrooms. Can we say that about any other profession?

If the medical profession hasn’t been afraid over the last century to experiment with life in order to find better ways to save it, can the legal system in conscience resist experimenting with justice in order to find better ways to deliver it?

Justice may be blind, but the public is not. And the public doesn’t think it should take forever and thousands of dollars to decide where their children should live, whether their employer should have fired them, or whether their accident was compensable. They want their day in court, not their years.

We can’t keep telling the public that this increasingly incomprehensible complicated process is in their interests and for their benefit, because they’re not buying it.

When we say, “It can’t be done,” and the public asks, “Why not?”, they want a better reason than, “Because we’ve always done it this way.”

We can’t talk seriously about access to justice without getting serious about how inaccessible the result, not the system, is for most people. Process is the map, lawyers are the drivers, law is the highway, and justice is the destination. We’re supposed to be experienced about the best, safest and fastest way to get there. If much of the time, the public can’t get there because the maps are too complicated, then There’s no there there. And if there’s no “there there,” what’s the point of having a whole system to get to where almost no one can afford to go?’

So, let’s be bold and acknowledge that the public has judged our relationship with the incremental change to have been largely purposeless. The tinkering at the edges, with reforms like mediation and arbitration, may have been a necessary rehearsal, but it hasn’t exactly been the hit with the public we thought it would be.

It’s time to think about designing a whole new way to deliver justice to ordinary people with ordinary disputes and ordinary bank accounts.

That’s what real access to justice needs, and that’s what the public is entitled to get. Justice must be seen to be believed. And getting people to believe in justice is what the legal system exists for. It’s time they got what they’re entitled to.

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

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SVG must adopt a meaningful education strategy THE ST. VINCENT LABOUR PARTY Government, the New Democratic Party Government and the highly useless and grossly incompetent Unity Labour Party Government have all been poor in the management of Public Accounts, and wasted 40 years since independence. They have shown that they do not have the skills and ability to move SVG from mass poverty and deep destitution to prosperity. They failed to adopt a strategy of free, highquality education from pre-school to university.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, who has a BSc (Hons) degree in Accounting and Finance and Economics from Oxford Brookes University, England, an MSc degree in MacroEconomics Policy and Planning in Developing Countries from the University of Bradford, England, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Leicester, England, is making a very strong call for the education strategy of Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland to be urgently adopted in SVG. Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland focus on educating their people, and provide free, high-quality education from pre-school to university for their children. We must to likewise and establish our own SVG science and technology university. That is the only way to stop generational poverty and bring prosperity to the people of SVG. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, believes that we must invest a billion dollars a year in education from 2021 onwards. Free, high-quality education from pre-school to university, for all, regardless of the economic status of a child’s family, is needed in SVG to lift our people out of poverty.

We can raise that billion dollars a year by taxing the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, and setting up our own tuna fishing and canning industry.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), education is crucial to poverty eradication. No country has succeeded if it has not educated its people. Not only is education important in reducing poverty, it is also the path to wealth creation.

Education can lift a poor child out of poverty for life.

With a university degree, the opportunities of employment are immense. SVG’s children could get highly-paid jobs throughout the world.

Generational poverty can be eliminated if a child gets a university degree, as children of graduate parents are more likely to become graduates themselves.

Research shows that university graduates earn much more than nongraduates. Jobseekers without a degree could earn up to EC$39,720 a year less than their graduate peers entering the job market, a UK report says — the equivalent of more than EC$1,655,000 over an average working life.

If our children were university graduates, they could get good jobs in the UK. There, the top five graduate degrees by pay are: Civil Engineering EC$148,456 a year; Engineering EC$141,790 a year; Accounting — EC$140,357; Computer Science EC$138,854 a year; Economist — EC$136,187. (Source: www.

Computerfuture.com) US President Barack Obama’s advice to CARICOM leaders in April 2015 was to educate their people, because ‘if they had a highly-educated workforce they

will attract a lot more foreign investment’. higher yield in revenue and high paid jobs, resulting in a higher quality of life.

Education is the clear alternative to tourism as the engine of the SVG economy.

An Education For All (EFA) report shows that education generates productivity gains that fuel economic growth. The EFA report shows that for every US$1 spent on education, between US$10 and US$15 would be generated in economic growth.

The education strategy of Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland should urgently be adopted in SVG. We must provide free, high-quality education from preschool to our own SVG science and technology university for every child in SVG. That is the only way to stop generational poverty and bring prosperity to the people of SVG.

Leadership matters (A view from afar)

I HAVE BEEN thinking a lot over the past several weeks as a City Manager, about this COVID-19 pandemic and how we responded in these moments of crisis.

A quick glance back, that’s all I can afford at this time, shows that our first reaction was totally emotional. We all knew we had to do something, and we had to do it quickly to calm the nerves of everyone, whether we were directly or indirectly affected by the reality on the ground.

What was that reality? People were dying at a rather alarming rate from an unknown virus; we were being told to practise “social distancing” which we have since modified to “physical distancing”, and most of all, no one could get tested unless you were suspected of having contracted the virus.

The virus now has a name and we know now that we are all vulnerable.

But we also know we can do a few things to minimize our chances of contracting this killer disease.

I am not going to spend time recounting the many things we could have or should have done differently or better. Social media, talk radio and TV shows locally and nationwide are taking care of that corner.

I do think, though, that the COVID19 pandemic offers some learning opportunities. Here are a few lessons I came away with: 1. Leadership and Trust are inseparable.

In the absence of recognized authority, chaos will fill the vacuum.

We are seeing this and suffering with it day after day. The issue is not whether we are politicizing the issue of a deadly disease, it is whether our polarization is obstructing more sensible activity.

In times of distress, we all crave leadership around which we can rally.

Effective leadership cannot be mandated, it is earned through effective communication, a keen sense of awareness, and most of all, it relies on relationships built on honesty and integrity.

This lack of readiness is forcing us to wonder if our investment and trust in government will be there for us when we need it most. Let this be a lesson in readiness or fitness for service.

3. We are stronger than we think.

For those of us who spent time listening to our parents about the things/crises they went through, realized that no matter what, we would make it. Today, we must keep this challenge in the correct perspective and find a way to work collaboratively to address the issues at hand. We can handle more than we think we can.

This crisis is as much about COVID-19 itself as it is about how we are addressing it.

For those of us, with loved ones who contracted the virus, it’s simply terrifying because we become keenly aware of one of the possible outcomes.

Losing someone unnecessarily is impossible to rationalize, so we try to find someone to blame.

For some of us the loss might be of a different nature and less devastating, e.g. loss of a job or loss of the after work “lime” with our friends. These things are inevitable during these times. It may be too early for us to think that brighter days are ahead, but they are and we will get through this together.

4. All behavior is consequential.

Many of us will receive discount on services and rebates for standard purchases from businesses and our government, in their attempt to show that they care about us as people.

What better way to thank them for this thoughtful gesture than to share this gift with members of our community who are truly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ask yourself, did you receive a full paycheck this week?

Instead of taking what is rightfully yours, this is an opportunity for you to be bigger than the moment and find someone in need and pass it on.

To our leaders: Listening to each other in this time of uncertainty matters, even if your opinions differ.

Our people need for you to work together on this issue’ it’s a matter of life. If you choose not to work with each other on this issue; if you choose to use this crisis to leverage your position for political advancement because you think you can get away with it, you are unlikely to enjoy any lasting benefit from your perceived success during this crisis.

2. Investing in readiness is not a luxury.

Very few enterprises can survive a substantial blindside without some preplanning and preparedness. If you have ever worked in a well-run organization, you would have been a part of scenario planning–deep discussions and studied research around abstract catastrophes, some may call it disaster preparedness.

Horatio Skeete - USA

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ÂWash Yuh HandsÊ, advises BECKET

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

AS THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ravages the world, and as the public is constantly urged to exercise precautionary measures, the “ABC of Calypso”, Alston BECKET Cyrus, says it’s timely to appropriately re-work his 20year-old track, ‘Wash Yuh Hand’.

“I decided to try CD Baby after I was persuaded to do so by a friend,” said the Vincentian-born BECKET, who prefers that the calypso sobriquet be uppercased and in bold as a “creative casing”, in an exclusive VINCENTIAN interview over the weekend.

“Also, the reality is that the conventional CD market, as we know it, is just about ended,” he added.

“So, I decided to give it a shot with ‘Coming High’, as a single, and ‘Mo Rush’, the album, which contains ‘Coming High’ as the opening track.”

While he was working on the

mastering and the cover designs for the single and the album, BECKET said the COVID-19 pandemic “began to dominate the news.

“So, we decided to re-work ‘Wash Yuh Hand’, doing some editing to make it shorter and more appealing to an international market, lyrically, as opposed to just re-releasing the original Caribbean version,” the veteran calypsonian said. “We decided that remastering the track would enhance its appeal.”

The legendary soca/raggasoca/calypso artiste and composer said the first verse of ‘Wash Yuh Hand’ goes: “Everywhere you turn today is indecency/ People getting more and more nasty/Is ah shame to see/That’s when I does remember my Granny/And the good health habits she instilled in we.”

The chorus is: “Wash yuh hand, wash yuh hand/Wash yuh hand, wash yuh hand/Granny say to wash yuh hand/Granny say to wash yuh hand/Before you sit at de table/Wash yuh hand/Before you touch dem utensil/Wash yuh hand/Wash yuh

hand, wash yuh hand/Wash yuh hand/ Wash yuh haaaaand/Granny say to wash yuh hand/Granny say to wash yuh hand.”

BECKET said the products are available for downloads and streaming, from most digital stores, such as iTunes, CD Baby, Spotify, Amazon and Google Play, among others.

He said the album may become available on CD later on.

Each track, on the ‘Mo Rush’ album and the two singles, ‘Wash Yuh Hand’ and ‘Coming High’, can be downloaded, for just 99 cents per track.

By using the CD Baby/Hear Now links for the three products — each product having its own link — BECKET said fans can purchase their product of choice.

Here are the links with each title: ‘Wash Yuh Hand’:

https://alstonbecketcyrus.hearnow.com/ wash-yuh-hand; ‘Coming High’: https://alstonbecketcyrus.hearnow.com/ coming-high; and ‘Mo Rush’: https://alstonbecketcyrus.hearnow.com/ mo-rush.

The links are also posted on BECKET’s Facebook page.

The links for the two videos are also on Facebook and YouTube: ‘Wash Yuh Hand’ at: https://youtube/_lL7QTEQFWI; and ‘Happy Happy Birthday’ at https://youtube/Q1Y55Dvo9kY.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 15.

International Relations

Global Health Security - A Call for Taiwan’s Inclusion

“A crisis anywhere readily becomes a problem everywhere.

Global health security requires the efforts of every person to ensure an optimal response to public health threats and challenges. Taiwan, though not a member of WHO, cannot stand alone and must be included in the fight against such threats and challenges,” Minister Shih-chung wrote in his recent appeal.

As far as the Minister is concerned, “Taiwan has fulfilled its responsibilities as a global citizen and abided by the International Health Dr. Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan’s Minister of Health Regulations 2005 system for entry and Welfare, makes another case for Taiwan’s quarantine, which allows (IHR 2005) in notifying inclusion in WHO membership. passengers with a local mobile phone number to IN THE 17 YEARS since it disease, and activated fill in health information was hit hard by the SARS the Central Epidemic via mobile phone; outbreak, Taiwan has been Command Center increased laboratory in a state of constant (CECC) on January 20 as testing capacity, readiness to the threat of a level 3 government expanded the scope of its emerging infectious entity, upgrading it to surveillance and disease. level 2 and level 1 on inspections based on This is the firm January 23 and trends of the COVID-19 conviction of Dr. Chen February 27, epidemic; retested people Shih-chung, Minister of respectively. with higher risk who had Health and Welfare, As of April 9, Taiwan already tested negative; Republic of China had tested a total of designated 50 regional (Taiwan), as he again 42,315 persons showing hospitals and medical made a case for his 380 confirmed cases, of centers and 167 country’s inclusion in the which 54 have been community hospitals and World Health indigenous, 326 imported clinics to set up special Organization and the and five deaths. wards or areas, towards global health network.

Despite its proximity creating a tiered system The case for Taiwan’s to China, Taiwan ranked for testing. acceptance as a full 123rd among 183 In addition, “Taiwan member and a more than countries in terms of banned the export of able contributor to health confirmed cases per surgical masks since needs and issues around million people.

January 24, the world is, according to “This has shown that requisitioned masks, and Minister Shih-chung, Taiwan’s aggressive expanded domestic mask strengthened by his efforts to control the production to more country’s response to the epidemic are working,” effectively allocate current COVID-19 Minister Shih-chung masks. On February 6, pandemic. asserted. it launched a namebased rationing system Taiwan reacts Taiwan’s response for mask purchases at immediately NHI-contracted In response to the pharmacies and local When news of the threat of the COVID-19 public health agencies,” novel coronavirus broke epidemic, Taiwan has the Minister’s stated. in December 31, 2019, implemented: border And in order to Taiwan immediately quarantine measures, maintain order and implemented “onboard including onboard prevent transmission, quarantine of direct quarantine, fever laws have been flights from Wuhan that screening, health instituted which subject same day,” the Health declarations, and a 14quarantine offenders to Minister wrote in his day home quarantine for fines or mandatory recent appeal. passengers arriving from placement.

By January 2, 2020, nations it has listed Taiwan had established under Level 3 Warning; Taiwan belongs in the a response team for the established an electronic WHO

WHO of confirmed COVID-19 cases.”

In addition, he said, his country has reached out to a number of countries across the globe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, to share information on confirmed cases, travel and contact histories of patients, and border control measures.

“Taiwan has worked with global partners to respond to the threat of COVID-19 to ensure that global health is not imperiled by a lack of communication and transparency,” the health Minister assured.

In his appeal for a change of mindset within WHO, the Minister posited, “WHO needs Taiwan just as Taiwan needs WHO, yet Taiwan

has long been excluded from WHO due to political considerations.

This has been regrettable, given all that Taiwan could share with the world thanks to its renowned public health experience, health system, NHI, and ability to perform rapid testing as well as research and manufacture vaccines and drugs against COVID-19. We can also share our methods for analyzing the virus.”

He added, “We hope that after this pandemic abates, WHO will truly understand that infectious diseases know no borders, and that no country should be excluded,... WHO should not neglect the contribution to global health security of any nation.”

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16. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Commander Brenton Cain and other SVGCG Officers along with benefactor Neil Collinger (2nd from tight) and Samantha Barrow (left) practising ‘social distances’ at a recent presentation ceremony.

Coast Guards get helping hands THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Coast Guard Service (SVGCG), which some citizens consider to be the unheralded arm of the Royal SVG Police Force, came in for some needed help recently.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the SVGCG received a donation of a tractor from the United States Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, an ongoing benefactor of the Coast Guard.

According to Commander of the Coast Guard Mr. Brenton Cain, the tractor will be used at the Coast Guard’s main base at Calliaqua, for vessel rotation and maintenance.

On Monday 27th April, the Service was the recipient of a donation of US$500.00, to be used in the annual Youth Development Summer Programme, hosted by the SVGCG. The donation was made by Mr. Neil Collinger, Captain of the yacht ‘NEMO’, and crew member, Ms. Samantha Barrow.

According to Collinger and Barrow, the donation was a show of their gratitude to Lieutenant Commander (Ag), Mr. Enos Hamlette and his team of officers from SVG Coast Guard Service, for their valiant effort in saving their lives and vessel approximately one (1) month ago in waters of SVG. The story is that “the vessel was experiencing difficulties with its rudder. It caused it to drift approximately sixty-five (65) nautical miles off the western coast of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Collinger said.

The Coast Guard was contacted for assistance, to which Lieutenant Commander (Ag) Enos Hamlette and

The tractor, donated by the USA Embassy, Barbados, is a much needed addition to the vehicle pool of the SVGCG. his team promptly responded onboard Coast Guard Vessel ‘Hugh Mulzac’, which towed the vessel and its occupants to safety.

All in all, the operation lasted for some 24 hours.

Speaking on behalf of the Coast Guard Service, Commander Brenton Cain applauded the donors for their financial contribution, and assured that their donation will go a long way in moulding the youths of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for “life’s high seas.”

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 17.

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18. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Satisfaction from outside

Dear George, MY HUSBAND has been making love to me the same way for the past 2 years.

The only reason I am putting up with it is because I’ve been able to go out and get servicing from a mutual friend of ours.

He has been doing a great job making up for what I’m missing at home.

My husband became a Christian two months before we got married, and since that time, he has insisted that that way we have sex is the way Christians ought to do it. I tried in vain to convince him otherwise. I have given up on that and am satisfied that I just get it the way I want it, as often as I needed it. Furthermore, our marriage is a happy one, thanks to our mutual friend.

Sometimes I feel guilty about making out with this friend of ours, but if I stop, that would mean going back to the old way, and I could not live with that.

Whatever it takes Dear Whatever it takes, You have been going about this the wrong way and, sooner than later, it is bound to land you in hot water. Yes, your husband’s religious views may need a rethink, but that does not give the green light to use a mutual friend to satisfy your desires.

I suggest you and your husband get immediate counselling which will give you both new ideas as to how to pleasure each other and continue in your marriage.

It is not as hopeless as it may appear, and you would be amazed how things can turn around, once you commit yourselves to work at it, and remain open to things that could become game-changing.

George

The COVID-19 stress Just being at home creates stress, including BEING AT HOME with among the children.

Suddenly the children my five children, husband and mother-in- are supposed to forget law, is driving me crazy. about COVID_19 and do During this time, as a school work online all day. I am supposed to Secondary School forget to cook, and teacher, I have to attend to the issues that prepare work for pop up and just continue students of different teaching and monitoring classes to do online; I school work. have to supervise the After all of this, work sent to my children by their teachers; plus I parents, teachers and children are going to have to see about my need serious children and my mental/psychological husband’s needs. I am about to scream my head help. Are we even considering this? off or worse, do something worse.

What happened? Did Mother Oh! someone sit down and Dear Mother Oh, decide I was a super teacher/mom/wife?

Dear George,

You have highlighted some pertinent points which the authorities ought to seriously address.

It is true that schooling your children at home does not exempt you from also managing their other day to day concerns. I would suggest you reach out to the Ministry of Education and voice your concerns. While there should be a concerted effort to take care of the academic needs of students, their psychological and emotional needs must be given equal consideration.

George

Isolation increases sex appetite Dear George,

Dear Out of nowhere,

I HAVE BEEN married for 11 years and have had a fairly good sex life.

However, things have changed since this period of isolation... stay at home policy.

We used to go at it 2-3 times a week and I would complain that that was not enough for me. His excuse was that he was working too hard but I thought he had another woman.

George, now that he is not at work, he is attacking me 2 to 3 times a day sometimes. Last week we had it 14 times! It is a bit much for me right now, but it is something I believe I can get used to.

The wise man warns: “Be careful what you wish for because, you might just get it.”

You can take from this recent development, that your husband desires you more than ever, a thought that can keep your marriage adequately spiced.

Perhaps to quell his craving and distract him, you might increase his workload around the house. In the meantime, enjoy each other as you cope with the stress of being inside.

As time goes on, you will discover that being inside together is not so bad after all.

Out of nowhere

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Children could cost you more than you can afford. Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. This might not be a day for hasty decisions. Focus on your domestic scene.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your emotional partner may make you angry this week. Your social skills with people may be more than just helpful.

You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members.

Minor health problems may lower your vitality.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't cause a scene, but when you get home let your partner know how you feel and why. Eliminate situations that are no longer to your advantage. Your nerves are frazzled. Money can be made if you use your ingenuity.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) It might be time to shake a leg and do a personal makeover. Opportunities to go out with clients or colleagues will be in your best interest. You will find the perfect outfit if you shop this week. Your ideas will be well received.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. Your dramatic nature may be too much to handle. Your confidence will stabilize your position. Direct your energy into physical entertainment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Get out and experience the spice of life.

Your persuasive nature will win the heart of someone you've had your eye on. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You might want to spend some time by yourself in order to decide exactly how you feel. Romance will be on your mind, and chances for ideal connections are in the works.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can increase the value of your dwelling. Look into residential moves that will give you more space. Stick to your work and avoid emotional confrontations. Social events should be the highlight of your day.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Sentimental feelings may make it difficult to get much done at work. Extravagance will be a problem. You will be quite excitable this week. If you're feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate your motives as well as your needs.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You should consider submitting some of your written work for publication. Follow through on some of the good ideas that come up, and you could have a real winner of a deal. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your lover will be extremely sensitive and now will not be a good time to make changes that they won't like. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up.

Refrain from using the highway as a racetrack.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You will need to take a look at the renovations that are necessary and try to find the cheapest way to get things done.

You may want to plan physical activities that will help burn off some of their excess energy.

ACROSS 1. Fitting 4. Inhale audibly 8. Sharp flavor 12. Lumber-cutting implement 13. Wimbledon star Arthur 14. Symphonic woodwind 15. Less tidy 17. Agreement 18. Blushing hue 19. Solemn vows 20. Tropical destination 23. Vacant 26. Approves 28. Thankful sigh 29. Fleecy female 32. Score a victory 33. Gain solidarity 35. _ airmail 36. Common conjunction 37. Family fellow 38. Film spools 40. Lawsuits 42. “Raggedy” boy doll 43. Lady 46. Crude abode 48. Russian czar 49. Flourishes 54. Funny Jay 55. Roof projection 56. Enemy 57. Forest growth 58. Tinted 59. “Sly” canine DOWN 1. Braying mammal 2. Bosom buddy 3. Pair number 4. Stare wonderingly 5. Stage whisper 6. That waitress 7. During each

8. This 24 hours 9. Assist (felons) 10. Ark captain 11. Salon preparations 16. Hunted creature 19. “In – words...”

20. Illinois neighbor 21. Banana peel 22. Terra firma 24. Bangor’s state 25. Stroke gently 27. Actress Sarandon 29. Tied 30. Undomesticated 31. Hardly hard 34. Vocal refusals

39. Enjoys cannoli or crepes 40. Paddled craft 41. Push 43. Sag 44. Sitting on 45. Lion’s neck feature

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 19.

47. Exploited selfishly 49. Restful spot 50. Set (down) 51. Light-switch position 52. Dairy-barn call 53. Gender

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20. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Diamond Track Facility taking shape Reports are that work will be ramped up in the coming months.

The need for a National Stadium had become quite a talking point in many circles here, with the issue being a prominent feature of the Unity Labour Party campaign leading up to the 2001 General Elections.

It surfaced again with much vigor in A view that the lead-up to the 2005 Geneal Elections.

There followed a groundbreaking ceremony, design displays and the setting-up of a National Stadium Committee.

Unfortunately, the issue moved from being a front burner matter to the back burner.

It was not until the launch of the Renewal @ 40 Workers from Dipcon Engineering laying drainage pipes on the activities in July of last football segment of the facility.

THREE MONTHS after the official sod turning ceremony (Jan. 24) for the construction of the Diamond Track Facility, things are taking shape.

The Facility, construction of which is funded to the tune of $4 million by the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, includes a 400m synthetic track and provision for field events, such as the Discus, Shot Putt, Javelin, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple

Jump, Steeple Chase, Hammer Throw and Pole Vault.

Also in place would be a full sized football field, dressing and wash rooms, a bleacher, a grass bank or Mound, as well as a parking lot.

3When THE VINCENTIAN visited the site last Monday, workers from the construction firm Dipcon Engineering, were busy installing the drainage pipes for the football field.

distinctly shows the 400m size track under construction. year, that the matter resurfaced in public. This when Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves disclosed that an Athletics Track and Football Field would be constructed at the he proposed National Stadium site at Diamond.

Gonsalves, though, noted that the facility would not be of Olympic status, but would include a track that would be ‘Category Two’ level, which

could host regional and some international Track and Field events.

He promised that the facility would be ready by October 2020, to coincide with National Independence celebrations.

German manufacturers REGUPOL BSW GmbH, one of the leading suppliers of sports and leisure surfaces, is spearheading the laying of the synthetic track.

Basketball Home gets facelift ROHAN PROVIDENCE, President of the SVG Basketball Federation (SVGBF) is upbeat about the progress his executive has made, despite the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Providence was speaking particularly to the work which has begun, on the upgrading

of the New Montrose Basketball Court.

“It is pivotal to the resurgence of the sport which will serve as one of the main activities for youths and adults. The Facility is being refurbished to host invitational and national competitions, usage as a central training facility

The SVGBF’s Grassroot Programme has been put on hold.

for our grassroots and national team programmes. We have received assistance from the NOC, NSC, and awaiting assistance from the Minister of Sports and the National Lottery to complete the work.

Our future plans for the Facility will be rolled out at a later date,” Providence explained.

The President further stressed, “The main focus of the Executive going forward will be the development of the grassroots programme.

This involves all the necessary facets being in place to ensure the growth and continuity of the sport, beyond the tenure of the current executive.”

Providence admitted that the pandemic has slowed down the

Some work on resurfacing the Basketball Court at New Montrose has already been undertaken. on hold, the SVGBF had to postpone a scheduled Rohan Providence, President of the SVGBF, general meeting.

However, the is looking forward to the Executive continues to be Court’s refurbishment in touch through as being pivotal to the continued development WhatsApp, administrative tasks (e.g. of the sport. correspondence); continues to receive activities of the attention, and Federation, like all the information related to other sport associations. the COVID-19 is In addition to putting shared/circulated. the grassroot programme Providence was

pleased to report that, “Coaches are in contact with their Athletes, through social media, providing support and guidance utilizing social media.”

The President expects greater involvement in the growth of the sport by all of our affiliates, upon the resumption of normal activities.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 21.

Sports

Bronze dominates SVG’s medal count at Carifta Games BRONZE MEDALS account for half of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ medal haul at the annual Junior Carifta Games since the country’s first entry to the Games in the year of inception, 1972.

In all, young Vincentian athletes have copped 36 medals, with 18 of them being bronze — third places.

At the inaugural Games in 1972 in Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines collected its first bronze in the Females Under-20 4 x100m.

The following year in Trinidad and

Ulanda Lewis became SVG’s second double medallist – double bronze – at the same Games - 2019.

Tobago, John Cato captured a bronze in the Males Under-20 Javelin.

Four years later — 1977 - in Barbados, Tyrone James was third in the Male Under-20 3000m.

One year after in the Bahamas, Theodora Corea, a Bequia native, took bronze in the Females Under-20 1500m, and Orde Ballantyne did likewise in the Male Under-20 Long Jump also in the Bahamas, in 1981.

The bronze medal tally increased a year later when Sebastien Warner medalled in the Male Under-17 1500m, in Jamaica Games.

Junior Ashton took bronze in the Male Under-20 5000m in 2005.

Tyrone James was this country’s first male medallist in a track event.

Helen Harry threw her way to bronze in the Females Under-17 Shot Putt at the Martinique Games, 1983.

Jacqueline Ross added to the count in 1985 in Barbados, when she picked up bronze in the Females Under-17 Long Jump, and followed that up with a second bronze in 1988 in Jamaica, in the Under-20 Shot Putt.

But a year earlier, Eversley Linley had continued the trend in Trinidad, in the Male Under-20 800m.

Yvette Haynes added to the Female count when in Barbados in 1989, she took third place in the Females Under20 Long Jump.

It took ten years for SVG to return to the podium, when Sancho Lyttle pouched the country’s first and lone Hurdles medal, taking bronze in the 300m at the 1999 Games, in Martinique.

Kineke Alexander added her name to the list when she finished third in the Females Under-17 400m, in the Bahamas.

In Tobago, 2005, Junior Ashton took bronze in the Male Under-20 5000m; Delhonni Samuel- Nicol was also third in the Male Under-17 3000m in the 2007 Turks and Caicos Islands Games.

The 2019 Games in Cayman Islands produced three bronze medals for SVG: Handal Roban in the Males Under-20 800m, and Ulanda Lewis in the Females Under-17 100m and 200m.

Orde Ballantyne took this country’s first gold medal (U-20 Shot Putt) and added a bronze (U-20 Long Jump) at the 1981 Games in the Bahamas.

In addition to the bronze medals, SVG’s medal tally at the Junior Carifta Games include 6 gold and 12 silver.

This year’s Games, scheduled for Bermuda, were cancelled because of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, but organisers have already indicated that Bermuda will host the 2021 49th Edition.

Umpire Head opposes ball tampering ÂlegalisationÊ HEAD of the SVG Cricket Umpires’ Association Goaland Greaves says he is diametrically opposed to the International Cricket Council’s ( ICC) proposal, to make ball tampering “legal.”

The ICC recently disclosed that it is contemplating allowing players to apply wax or shoe polish to the ball.

Under the current conditions, players are permitted to use their saliva, to shine the ball.

However, the ICC’s new proposal comes in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which would mean that saliva will be avoided.

But Greaves, in opposition to the proposal, stated: “I totally disagree with the ICC and its proposal.”

Greaves noted that whilst it is understood that health and safety are paramount in the current circumstances, applying such foreign substances can change what the ball does.

“It will boil down to which team can tamper with the ball best, and that should not be,” the SVGCUA’s President proffered.

“How far will they then go in adding such substances?” Greaves inquired rhetorically.

According to the ICC, if put in train, ball tampering will no longer be outlawed, but the application of such substances (e.g. wax) will be done under the supervision of the on field umpires.

But Greaves, while acknowledging the

supervisory role of the umpires in the ball “polishing” process, lamented the possibility of matches being decided, “not by the quality of the players, but by the ball.”

Several cricketers over the years, have been banned for ball tampering. The most widely publicised case was in 2018, when Cricket Australia banned the trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

The three were guilty of conspiring to alter the ball, by using sand paper, during the Newlands Test against South Africa in South Africa.

Smith and Warner, Captain and ViceCaptain respectively, were each given 12month bans, while

Bancroft got a ninemonth ban.

Meanwhile, a number of former cricketing greats have weighed in on the issue.

West Indies fastbowling great and cricket commentator Michael Holding is not in favour of any change to the traditional method.

“I don’t understand the logic. I have read that ICC is contemplating preventing people from using saliva on the ball due to Covid-19, and allowing them to use foreign substances on the ball to keep the shine on, but in front of the umpire. I don’t understand the logic behind that,” Holding is reported to have said.

However, South Africa’s Allan Donald

was all for the idea of tampering with the ball.

The former fiery fast bowler said it was something he had been advocating for a very long time.

“I absolutely agree with legalising balltampering. I said so in an article sometime in the 2000s. It happens anyway. We see guys throwing the ball on the

Goaland Greaves ground and umpires say to throw it up, and it’s pretty obvious what they are doing,” Donald reasoned.

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22. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Player with Vincy roots selected from NFL draft

Kamal Martin joins a profession outfit, Green Bay Packers that has championship pedigree.

KAMAL MARTIN is the latest player with Vincentian roots to be selected from the NFL draft.

He was last Saturday, snapped up by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth

round of the 2020 National Football League, which was staged virtually.

The Green Bay Packers are four-times (1997. 1968, 1996 and 2010) Super Bowl winners — symbol of champions of American Football.

The 21-year-old son of Vincentian Joyson Martina campaigned as a linebacker for the University of Minnesota, and in eight games in 2019 had 66 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, three passes defensed and two interceptions, to earn AllBig Ten honourable mention.

Martin was the first defensive player selected by the Packers in this year’s draft.

The elder Martin, who left these shores some four decades ago for the USA, makes regular visits to the country of his birth.

He grew up in the Arnos Vale area and was schooled mainly here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Kamal Martin followed on the heels of N’Keal Harry who, in 2019, was recruited by the New England Patriots as a Wide Receiver.

Harry was born in Canada to Vincentian parents, but after spending a few years here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, migrated to the USA. Before Harry, in 2013, Stefan Charles, Canadian born, son of Vincentian — Thelma Charles of Arnos Vale, was drafted by the San Antonio Commanders, in the NFL.

Burnett optimistic about Female Tournament CLETON BURNETT, Head Coach of the Windward Islands Female Under- 19 Cricket Team, is optimistic his team will get the opportunity to perform in the West Indies Female Invitational Tournament, scheduled for Trinidad later this year.

“Based on my knowledge, CWI (Cricket West Indies) has not called off this Under19 Tournament. The current situation is

being carefully looked at to determine when it will be possible to have this tournament for the girls. I am optimistic that, by the grace of God, we will be able to resume things,” Burnett told Cleton THE Burnett VINCENTIAN. Windward As it relates to Islands keeping in touch Female with the players Under-19 and keeping them cricket motivated, the coach.

Head Coach disclosed, “We have established a group chat with all the players across the Windward Islands, and I have been in regular communication with coaches on an individual basis as well.”

Additionally, “Players were asked to video sessions and submit to me. Even coaches sent in videos of sessions, which is highly appreciated. I was able to look at these videos and interact with players individually. At present, players are encouraged to maintain their fitness under a guided/flexible programme,” Burnett said.

I.B.A.ALLEN

CFU Solidarity; Support Trinidad

by PATRICK HORNE in New York FIFA (world football’s governing body) ousted the four-month-old, democratically-elected executive body of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, led by President William Wallace, on March, 27, 2020, and replaced it with a Normalizing Committee.

This action has far-reaching implications and eventually dire consequences for Caribbean football. The dictatorial action by FIFA against a CFU (Caribbean Football Union) member without consulting the Caribbean regional body, reveals the absolute lack of respect for and a condescending attitude towards the region’s football administrators. Those who believe that this FIFA move is a one-off situation, is myopic and had better think again.

FIFA’s action against Trinidad and Tobago stemmed from relatively moot reasons; the main charge was that the four-monthold Wallace executive body had no proper debt relief plan in place for the reportedly TT$50 million debt inherited from the previous administration led by David JohnWilliams, who campaigned for the recently-elected FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Wallace group’s actions in office pale in comparison to the performance of the previous administration.

Thanks to the John-Williams administration, Trinidad and Tobago football is now nothing short of a calamity; the once Caribbean powerhouse Soca Warriors is now a debt-ridden organization that can’t win a Gold Cup contest. The signature achievement - Home of Football — was inoperable until the government recently made improvements for it to host Covid19 quarantine victims and use it as a step-down facility. FIFA bias is prevalent in this fiasco!

act in good faith and instruct its Normalization Committee to work with the newly-elected executive body, to develop a plan to solve the debt problem and review the statues and meet other FIFA suggestions. This would have allowed the legally elected William Wallace administration the time to work through the calamity it faced, to kick-start Trinidad and Tobago football.

Sentiment would have favored FIFA. Instead, FIFA’s embarrassment of Trinidad and Tobago is an affront to the entire Caribbean; this is a portend.

CFU must be assertive

CFU president, Randy Harris, must show strong leadership instead of a defeatist attitude; he must cultivate Caribbean solidarity and remind FIFA that our collective 25 votes could determine the FIFA presidency; CONCACAF will also get the message (Past CFU administrators have discouraged CFU block voting, which is a mistake).

The only thing FIFA respects is the power of the vote, and we are 25-votes strong, and we must wield this power every four years.

Our vote is the only strong leverage that we have to ensure progress in our football, until we can consistently beat the top CONCACAF teams and send at least two Caribbean teams to every World Cup. With success comes power!

Caribbean Solidarity is the only way that we will control our own destiny! Solidarity means to forgo the complacency caused by FIFA funds and take on initiatives to do for ourselves, guard our autonomy and have the ability to survive FIFA recriminations and consequences. CFU must find Weakened leadership ways to finance its own tournaments at every level and Here is an analogy of FIFA’s with every gender; we should action that really hits home: constantly seek corporate funding Someone comes into your house, accuses your child of wrong doing for progress and not settle only for the provisions of CONCACAF. and without your consultation, We’re in a lull because of the proceeds to severely punish that Nations Cup tournament, a good child in your presence, and competition, but more games do neither you nor anyone else in your household could defend your not translate to more child; neither you nor anyone else opportunities for major in your family could even render a tournaments like the Gold Cup and World Cup. word as to the extent of the Let’s not be fooled. We must punishment or even to suggest a wake up and realize that this form of discipline in the matter.

FIFA/CONCACAF supported CFU, where’s the love among action is an attempt to make the family? Where’s the strength minimizing CFU appear to be in the household? Where is the inadvertent! Today, Trinidad and pride? Where is the solidarity?

Tobago, tomorrow, who? CFU CFU was virtually absent in must support our family member, this fiasco because we can’t Trinidad and Tobago, today, answer the aforementioned questions. CFU should have been tomorrow support another! in the position to strongly (Editor’s Note: Patrick Horne is an influence FIFA’s decision; we should have demanded that FIFA author, sports administrator and football coach.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

ROBERTHA THEODOSIA GRANT nee WALDRON

LUCY AGATHA DALZELL

MR. DANIEL ALFRED JOSEPH

St. Bethel Spiritual Baptist Church Chateabelair Saturday, 25th April, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Fitz Hughes Cemetery

St. Olive Spiritual Baptist Church Park Hill Sunday, 26th April, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Park Hill Cemetery

Church of Christ Biabou Sunday, 26th April, 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Biabou Cemetery

DENZIL EDWARDS Pray and Faith Assembly Rose Bank Saturday, 25th April, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Dark View Cemetery Rose Bank

POLICE CONSTABLE 342 DANIELE DAISY Kingstown Baptist Church Thursday, April 23, 2020 Service: 12:30 p.m.

CORNELIUS AUGUSTUS DASANTOS Belle Vue Upper Room Victory Church Saturday, 25th April, 2020 Service: 2:30 p.m.

AI REAL ESTATE Sion Hill was $375,000.00 - H884 Kingstown Park was $325,000.00 - H114 Sally Spring was $1.9M - H585 New Montrose was $350,000.00 - H157 Call for new prices.

(784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsappcell donp@vincysurf.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30,

2020

VOLUME 114, No.18

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Protracted negotiations between the government of SVG, represented by PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and Royal Caribbean Crusies, have further delayed the return of the sailors.

SAILORS NOT ARRIVING TODAY Centre for Disease Control (CDC) for the repatriation of the sailors.

THREE HUNDRED Vincentian sailors with According to the Prime Minister, in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. who were a statement via radio on Tuesday, the expected to arrive home today, April 30, sailors will now arrive by ship, but it will not do so now. is anticipated that there will be a This after Prime Minister Dr. Ralph period of up to two weeks before the Gonsalves disclosed that permission ship(s) set sail. was not granted to a Miami based The sailors, whose case has become airline — Swift Air - to land two 737 the focus of much attention on Social aircraft, transporting the sailors, at Media and radio talk shows, have the AIA on that day. spent several weeks in isolation Swift Air, apparently overzealous in aboard cruise ships since the outbreak its desire to deliver on a contract, had of what is now the COVID-19 overlooked a protocol governing the pandemic. return of the sailors. That being that In an address on April 24 via Social the returning nationals must have Media, Prime Minister Gonsalves said certificates of health issued by the that there were still relevant protocols authorities in the country of to be worked out as government does departure. The certificate must its all to bring home the sailors. indicate their COVID-19 status.

In that address, he urged families Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and relatives of the sailors, to “ignore acknowledged that this had not yet a lot of the falsehoods” that were being been realized, and that they had not circulated on Social Media and in the yet received approval from the US public.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

In response to all the publicity that the issue had attracted, Dr Gonsalves declared that there were persons seeking to undermine the negotiations between government and cruise lines.

And while speaking on radio on April 26, he addressed what he termed a falsehood i.e. that government was requesting cruise lines to pay up to US$150 per person, to accommodate crew members in quarantine.

He reported that accommodation for a batch of 299 crew members had already been identified, and that a request had been made for the cruise line to pay for the expenses related to the sailors’ quarantine, and explained that the $150.00 (inclusive of three meals) was the price the hotel here had asked to accommodate the sailors for a night.

And even as he said there were some who believed that the

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

government should pay for the accommodation, he considered that the responsibility of the cruise lines.

In fact, Gonsalves said that all but one CARICOM Head of State shared this view.

While some cruise lines had acknowledged their responsibility to transport crew members to St Vincent and the Grenadines, there were other details to be worked out in relation to getting crew members home, Dr. Gonsalves said.

One such detail surrounded the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (as referenced earlier in this article) which continues to restrict the movement of cruise personnel.

Cruise ships are not allowed to disembark passengers or crew members at any US port or station unless directed by the United States Coast Guard.

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