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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.39

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Residents of Lowmans Windward wade through a road of mud, caused by landslides.

Kenron Antoine (Lynch) is recorded as the only fatality associated with Tropical Storm Matthew.

(Internet Photo)

by DAYLE DA SILVA TROPICAL STORM MATTHEW was expected to continue to intensify today Friday, as it churned its way northwards through the Caribbean Sea. The system, however, left behind destruction and at least one fatality as it affected this country, Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.

Information from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) stated that as of Thursday, in the immediate aftermath of the passage of the system, at least 450 people were

forced to evacuate their homes, and were occupying 23 relief shelters throughout the country.

This country recorded one fatality. Keron Antoine (Lynch), a fourth form student of the Buccament Bay Secondary School, died while trying to clear a pathway for gushing water that was beginning to affect the residence he occupied with his mother.

Reports indicate that a boulder came loose and pinned the boy against the wall of his home. It is reported that he died on the spot.

Continued on Page 12.

Flooding was commonplace in low lying areas.

2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 3.

News 3 Matthew takes one

LUWEEN ANTOINE experienced another moment of dilemma last Wednesday evening. She rushed outside her home just before eight that evening, to follow-up on her son’s activities. He had ventured outside to see if he could reduce the flow of water into their residence, tucked into a hilly section of the Central Leeward town of Layou.

What Luween encountered instead, was her son crushed, according to her “between two stones. I scream(ed) out,” Luween recounted.

She acknowledged advising him not to go outside, and the episode evoked the response: “I feel so down.”

Her son, Kenron Samuel Elijah Antoine, was born October 1, 1999. His father, Kenny Lynch, a mason, is resident in the USA. According to the family, he was in the process of getting his son up to meet him.

Kenron, a student of the Buccament Bay Secondary School, died three days before his seventeenth birthday.

Luween Antoine has counted the loss of two sons in tragic circumstances.

He is the only recorded fatality associated with A portion of the house had to be removed in order to release Kenron the passage of Tropical Antoine’s body after it was pinned by a boulder.

Storm Matthew, Wednesday 28th September. bears even moreso on faith, was one in a triple murder And while Kenron’s death since it amounts to a recurrence which occurred at Lowmans has left a cloud of disbelief in of misfortune. She lost a son Hill, August 7, 2007. (WKA) Layou, for Luween, the incident Javon Antoine who, at age 20,

Calypsonians looking to build MEMBERS of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association will be continuing efforts to improve the prospects of calypsonians, when they meet again October 8.

That will be a follow-up to a ‘Retreat’ staged at the conference room at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Saturday.

President Earl Caba’ Bennett described the session as “rewarding” when he addressed the closing, albeit, noting governance of the Calypso body was not exclusively an executive undertaking, so as to involve others in the work of the Association.

audience.”

‘Governance in calypso’

Veteran calypsonian Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne shared the presentation on ‘Governance in calypso’ with lawyer Stephen Huggins. But it came across that there were differences in philosophy between the two presenters.

Huggins made it clear that the art form should encourage and embrace innovation, noting, “There is always going to be progression,” and emphasised, “We must accommodate the Marketing and Promotion young people.”

Huggins proffered the view that Marketing Consultant Candice Sealey elders were not adding much to the made a presentation on Marketing and advancement of calypso.

Promotion.

Scakes took a different outlook and She highlighted the importance of warned, “We can’t have a tendency of having a “brand.” For her, one’s image putting down senior calypsonians to and reputation help to connect with fans. bring up the juniors.”

Artistes must interact with fans, and Financial Sustainability there must be contact with the public through, among other means, the Tent manager Bentley Browne innovations available through addressed the issue of Financial technological upgrades.

“Listen to feedback from fans. … Your Sustainability as far as the Association, tents, and artistes were concerned. development as an artiste is shaped by Browne noted that the Association your fans,” Sealey urged.

Artistes must clear up any doubt as to was competing with the Carnival who they are, and Sealey indicated, “You Development Corporation for sponsorship, and used the occasion to have to figure out what you want to be encourage the Association to do more known for.” promotional events.

Artistes have to increase their fan “We have to become more focussed on base, she posited, and pointed out ways of broadening the base through different raising funds,” Browne said, and towards that end, advanced the view strategies, competitions and other that cultural activities should be all year ingenious means. round, not seasonal.

She pointed to the benefit of having Browne made a special appeal to goals, and being able to “target the right

calypsonians to become members of the Copyright organisation since, as he saw it, calypso was no longer confined to the narrow ambits of any island nation.

In that light, he also encouraged artistes to make songs that will have appeal beyond the village.

Marketing Consultant Candice Sealey impressed upon calypsonians the importance of a fan base.

Growing the Art Form Musical arranger Joffre Venner, who for many years served as the Coordinator of the Junior Calypso/Soca competitions, addressed the art form as it related to the schools.

He noted that the transition from junior to senior ranks was not automatic, and he, too, urged Tents to promote year round activities.

There are fewer children coming from primary schools who are showing an interest in calypso, according to Venner.

He cited the absence of incentives as a possible reason for the fall off.

Venner stressed the need for training among the youngsters in areas like voice, song writing and performance. He wants youngsters to get hooked on a musical instrument as early as possible, and in the case of calypsonians, they ought to learn the keyboard or guitar, at least.

If Venner gets his way, there will be more live band performances so that

Lawyer Stephen Huggins chided the senior calypsonians for not having contributed much to the advancement of the art form.

Kenneth ‘Scakes’ Alleyne warned against putting down the ‘elder bards’ so as to elevate the younger ones.

calypsonians will have a more practical approach to the job. Still, Venner pushed for the bards to “practise professionalism”, and impressed upon his audience of calypsonians, the importance of having two songs completed and rehearsed for shows.

Venner, a pioneer of the efforts to raise awareness about copyright, stressed the importance of registering with the Eastern Caribbean Copyright Organisation, and looked at it as the “calypsonians’ pension.”

Marlon Stevenson, a long-standing producer of carnival shows, addressed the audience on ‘Enhancing competitions’. He raised issues of relevance, and opened consideration of the need for Calypsonians to become more familiar withlibel and defamation laws.

“Sometimes people are misplaced as to what they can do,” Stevenson said.

(WKA)

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Defence sees no merit in DPPÊs appeal

„Unfair justice,‰ victim cries PENNISTON resident Kevin Neil is not pleased with Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne’s decision to acquit Police Constable Orthwel John, who was charged with wounding him, by shooting him in the left thigh.

When the 36-year-old mason visited the offices of THE VINCENTIAN Publishing Company this week, he was still visibly upset with the decision, which was handed down at the Serious Offences Court on Kevin Neil is Thursday, September 22, pleased that the following a trial.

Office of the But Neil is happy that the DPP has Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed an appealed a decision to appeal against the decision. acquit a police “Me ah go through the proceedings because me nah like officer who is that justice whey me get. That is alleged to have shot him. unfair justice,” Neil told this publication.

“It come like police could do people whey dey like and get away with it. Is madness going on in this country or what? Me nah do nothing to deserve this,” Neil stated.

“I have to get justice. The man just come from behind and shoot me just so.”

The incident had occurred around 7:45 p.m.

June 22 last year at the Hope Bridge, Penniston.

prosecution had adduced sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt,” and he is DEFENCE LAWYER Ronald Marks says he sees no merit confident that the Eastern Caribbean Court of in an appeal filed against Chief Magistrate Rechanne Appeal would overturn the Chief Magistrate’s Browne’s recent decision to acquit his client, Police decision.

Constable Orthwel John, on charges of wounding “Justice should be for everybody, the rich and the Penniston resident Kevin Neil, a civilian, and of unlawful poor,” the Crown Counsel added while speaking with discharge of a firearm.

THE VINCENTIAN on Monday.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin But Marks, when contacted on Wednesday, said Williams confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on that he cannot see how the Appeal Court was going Monday, September 26, that the DPP’s Office has to overturn that decision. appealed the Magistrate’s decision.

“The Magistrate made certain findings of fact, and The appeal was filed on Friday, September 23, the after she made those findings, she applied the law to day after John’s acquittal. the facts”, Marks said.

The Special Patrol Unit Officer was accused of While the defence lawyer contended, “I don’t see shooting Neil, a 36-year-old mason, minutes after much merit in the appeal”, he revealed, “I am persons in the area had parted a fight between both waiting to see the grounds (of appeal) that they men. would be advancing”.

Neil, according to the prosecution’s evidence, was The prosecution’s case was that minutes after the shot in the left thigh at Hope Bridge, Vermont, fight between Neil and the police officer was parted, around 7:45 p.m., June 22, last year, shortly after a John walked up behind Neil and shot him. Williams ceremony to officially open the bridge ended, and told THE VINCENTIAN that all the civilian people were enjoying themselves to music. PC John prosecution witnesses supported Neil’s story. was off duty at the time.

On the other hand, the defence argued a case of self-defence.

Browne delivered her not guilty verdicts In his evidence from the dock, John said Neil was Thursday, September 22, following a trial which had commenced May 23, this year and was adjourned on choking him severely. He (John) tried to get away from the headlock, but when he felt like he was a number of occasions.

Crown Counsel in the DPP’s Office, Carl Williams, passing out, he shot Neil in the thigh. John called one witness to support his case. who prosecuted the matter, insists that, “The But Williams, at the trial, argued that self defence did not arise, since the fight between John and Neil was already parted when Neil was shot.

In his closing submissions, Marks pointed to what he A FOURTH form secondary school described as several student who was reprimanded and major inconsistencies in discharged on Monday after pleading the evidence of the guilty to possession of 16 grams of prosecution witnesses, marijuana with intent to supply, and asked the Magistrate could have left the Serious Offences to find his client not Court without a criminal record if the guilty. circumstances of the case were John, who was slapped different. with the charges last Following a mitigation plea from December, some five months after the incident, the student’s lawyer Carlos James, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus was suspended from Delpleche told the Court that, “Under duties pending the outcome of the matter. He normal circumstances, I would have withdrawn the charge; but this is an was released on $7,000 bail with one surety when exceptional case where the student was about to take the cannabis into he made his first court the school,” appearance last Attorney Ronald Marks (left) sees no grounds on The facts, which were presented December 30 and pleaded which the decision in favour of his client, P.C not guilty to the charges. earlier, revealed that around 9 a.m., Orthwel John (right), could be overturned.

September 23, this year, the school’s security guard, during a routine check, discovered 13 wrappings (bombs), which when opened revealed marijuana, in a pencil case found in the concerned student’s bag.

The guard reported the matter to the principal, and the police were called in, resulting in the student being detained and subsequently charged.

When contacted later for a comment, the Senior Prosecutor told THE VINCENTIAN that each case has to be taken on its merit, and the facts and circumstances of each case determine the decision as to whether to prosecute or not.

“This case is a peculiar one in which a student was about to take controlled drugs into the school which he attends, and as a prosecutor, I cannot turn a blind eye to that type of behavior. If I do that, I will be encouraging delinquency and Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Student fails to escape criminal record criminality in the school,” Delpleche explained.

“This is not the normal case where you meet a youngster on the street or in the privacy of his home with a spliff (marijuana cigarette; and even in these cases, the full Senior Prosecutor code test has to be applied before Adolphus making a decision Delpleche as to whether to proffered that in prosecute or not, the dispensation as I have done in of justice, each case has to be previous cases involving persons taken on its merit. charged with marijuana possession,” he continued.

Delpleche disclosed that in the recent case, the full code test was applied, and the matter failed the public interest and evidential tests.

He made it clear that, while he does not support the criminalization of youngsters, marijuana possession is still an offence and, “We cannot send a message that because you are a youngster, you can do anything you please and get away with it.”

The Senior Prosecutor had, on a number of occasions in the past, applied the full code test to prevent the criminalization of youngsters/students by withdrawing charges, in the appropriate circumstances, for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 5.

Cuba Feature

Cuba/SVG relations intact

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has been assured that the bi-lateral relations and the programmes of co-operation with the Republic of Cuba are entrenched.

Word of this comes from H.E. Vilma ReyesValdespino, Cuba’s resident Ambassador to this country.

The Ambassador made this clear when she met with THE VINCENTIAN, Tuesday 20th September, during which she exchanged views and courtesies, and gave updates on existing areas of co-operation.

Managing Director of THE VINCENTIAN, Desiree Richards, and Editor Cyp Neehall were pleased to entertain the Ambassador at the VINCENTIAN’S Offices, Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown.

Airport, Education assistance and more Among the areas of support that will remain

in place is Cuba’s role in the construction of the International Airport at Argyle, Ambassador Vilma ReyesValdespino confirmed. Cuban engineering and technical personnel will see the construction through, making them the only foreign presence that could boast of being involved in the construction of the airport from its very beginning to its completion.

Cuba’s assistance for advanced/tertiary education for Vincentians will continue this year, with some seven scholarships being made available in Medicine, and two in Medical Technology. The Medical Technology scholarships were awarded on the specific request of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Assistance in Animal Husbandry will be ongoing,with Cuban specialists being made available to the Ministry

H.E. Vilma ReyesValdespino (centre) with THE VINCENTIAN’S Managing Director Desiree Richards (right) and Editor Cyp Neehall after their very cordial exchange of views and information.

by the Ambassador, was this country’s acceptance of the use of Herberpro-P, in the treatment of diabetic-related ulcers. of Agriculture for that According to H.E Ministry’s programme of Ambassador Artificial Insemination.

ReyesValdespino, St. As always, local related personnel will benefit from Vincent and the Grenadines is the first the presence of Cuban specialists on the ground. Eastern Caribbean country to have the use of And even as that this therapy, and “stands Spanish-speaking positioned to become the Caribbean partner country of reference for commits to ensuring that the whole geographical the Diagnostic Centre at area.”

Georgetown is complete, The drug, made both in terms of available free of charge to construction and the people of St. Vincent equipment, a brigade of Medical Personnel stands and the Grenadines, was first administered here on ready in Cuba for deployment to St. Vincent December 4, 2015.

To date, some 26 and the Grenadines, to begin the service from the patients are in treatment all, according to reports, Centre and to train with very good results.

Vincentians accordingly.

About four of the cases have seen complete Herberpro-P: SVG the closure of the wounds, and first more than 50% show signs of granulation, i.e.

Of particular gratification to Cuba, and formation of healing passionately expressed so tissue.

Indications are that there have been no major amputations in any of the 26 cases under care and treatment with HerberproP. A Cuban specialist, Dr Eberto Carrazana Peinada, remains on the ground here monitoring patients, carrying out consultations and evaluations, and training local medical personnel.

Herberpro-P was developed by the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Cuba, and is patented in more than 30 countries, including the United States of America.

the United Nations General Assembly is expected in October this year, to votes, as it has done for the last twentytwo years, in favour of Resolution 70/5 which calls for an end to the blockade.

Notwithstanding the recent inroads made with the reopening of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the results of the blockade remain in effect, not least being the prosecution of companies that make transactions with Cuba, directly or through third parties.

The Cuba government and the people of Cuba, as they have done for the last The US Blockade fifty-six years, have called for a full dismantling of As would be expected, the blockade, and seek H.E. Ambassador Reyes support from all peoples of Valdespino raised the the world in this cause. issue of the continuing This country is on economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed record as having called by the USA on the people consistently for the unconditional removal of of Cuba.

This was timely, in that the blockade.

Cuba still counting the cost IN 1960, one year or so after the revolutionary forces of Cuba led by Fidel Castro had ousted Fulgencio Batista Zaldíva, president and dictator, the USA government imposed an economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.

It was President Dwight Eisenhower who signed the order for the embargo which took effect from October 15, 1960. In February 1962, his administration expanded the trade embargo to cover all trade with Cuba. The following February, President John F Kennedy issued a ban on travel to Cuba.

The embargo in its totality was intended to put pressure on the Castro government and weaken his rule. Fifty-six years later, the revolution remains intact in Cuba, in the face of recurring tightening of the embargo, and Cuba has made tremendous strides in delivering services to its people

and even sharing their resources, not least being manpower, with the rest of the world.

But the real records show that Cuba continues to suffer a “systematic worsening” due to a US embargo. According to RT, the first Russian 24/7 Englishlanguage news channel, Havana values its losses at $1.1 trillion since Washington imposed the sanctions in 1960.

In the words of Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno, “There is not, and there has not been in the world, such a terrorizing and vile violation of human rights of an entire people than the blockade that the US government has been leading against Cuba for 55 years,” Abelardo Moreno told reporters.

RT reported that the Minister accused Washington of carrying out the “implacable persecution’” of investors in Cuba and the country’s

financial transactions via the numerous sanctions that create substantial disincentives for establishing economic links with Havana.

Cuba’s annual report to the United Nations on the US sanctions said that Cuban foreign trade between April 2013 and June 2014 amounted to $3.9 billion, the report said.

“Without the embargo, Cuba could have earned $205.8 million selling products such as rum and cigars to US consumers,” it added.

Moreno also emphasized the damage inflicted on tourism, with that sector being unable to earn at least $2 billion due to the impediments on traveling to the island imposed on US citizens.

In the health sector, no figure can “reflect the intangible costs of the social and human importance of the damage caused by the impossibility of getting access to medications and technology,”

Despite the trillion-dollar loss since 1960, Cuba remains committed to the ideals of the revolution which moved its status from being a dictatorship to be a socialist republic. the deputy foreign minister said.

He also blamed the embargo for the difficulties in accessing internet on the island, saying that the United States creates an obstacle for companies providing broadband services in Cuba. Additionally, he said that the area is one of the “most sensitive” to the embargo, with

economic losses estimated at $34.2 million.

In the face of all of this and more, US President Barack Obama recently signed the oneyear extension of the embargo on Cuba, based on the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, created to restrict trade with countries hostile to the US. (Source: RT News Channel)

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Rudeness and disrespect ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXPERTS tell us that there is a difference between rudeness and disrespect.

They tell us that to be rude generally occurs one event at a time, while disrespect is more pervasive and sometimes subtle.

Whatever, inherent in rudeness is the response of being offended, which, barring all that we say we have discovered about lesser animals, only human can have. That is to say (no offence meant to those for whom animal rights and protection have become a vocation) kicking a dog is not rude, since that dog is assessed as not being capable of being offended.

But rudeness is also about knowledge. To be rude is to engage in any behaviour that one knows in advance, will be offensive to another person or group. Not to know that a certain behaviour is going to be offensive, passes for a mere goof. Done a second time, and done so deliberately, raises the level to rudeness and by repeat, becomes disrespectful and dishonouring of that person or group on the receiving end. So, can it be that we can be disrespectful without being rude?

In some cultures, rudeness and disrespect are the same. Take the custom of ‘wiping your foot (shoes)’ before entering someone’s place of abode. Entering before ‘wiping your foot’ is disrespectful of a custom or expectation; entering with mud on your foot and not wiping it, is not only disrespecting the custom, but downright rude.

Then, there is a kind of disrespect that is pervasive and subtle.

That kind of disrespect rests just below the surface of any interaction, and often is unrecognised by the receiving party. Take for example the disrespect felt by females coming from men. It is almost the norm — some say it is our culture — that our males are disrespectful of our females as a matter of routine — treating them as second class citizens not worthy of value and honour; to be used, if not misused, at man’s whim and fancy.

The thing about this routine occurrence is that the disrespect is hardly realised or accepted as such. It is so engrained that males are convinced that they don’t disrespect females, resulting in them harboring the same disrespect their fathers and grandfathers had.

Not until opportunities arise to test the quality and extent of their presumed respect for females, does it become too obvious to ignore.

In some cultures, this disrespect for women is so glaring that you can see it in their eyes. If and when the female awakens to the reality and she lets her voice be heard, the males begin to tune out — as if they become brain dead. They may respond to key words bellowed by the female, but when questioned or pushed further, they simply tune off, not realising that they have no clue of the real situation.

That is why not to listen when a female speaks, could also be described as rude. This disrespectful attitude could be considered uncivilized and impolite when, in fact, it’s far more insidious and destructive in that it devalues...and crushes the spirit, self-esteem and confidence of many, many females, who have as much to contribute to their families, communities and countries as any male ever born.

Oh how this (disrespect) violates our treasured JudeoChristian principles, for it is an indictment on our culture, and a stain on the character of every male who’s perpetuate it. This amounts to giving males permission to dehumanize females on every level, which no one ever has the right to do.

As said before, the disrespect men show for females can be so subtle that even wives sometimes don’t realize they are not being respected to the extent they deserve.

Charmed and seduced by say good looks, great sense of humor and good-natured, down-to-earth personality that everyone loves, it could take a wife decades before she accepts that she is being disrespected, and realise the potential for cruelty that lies under the surface.

Even for those great men who want to respect, value and honor women, the disrespect of their forefathers toward women is there, so subtle it’s often imperceptible.

So what do we make of the recent scenario in New York City, viz the outburst of anger and allegation levelled against our Prime Minister and his response?

That scenario is a mere representation of an issue, as we have tried to express herein, which is so much bigger and deeper, and one, it seems, we are wont to sweep under the carpet, in the name of some misguided culture.

1972 Election as forerunner to 2016 (Pt 2) CLIVE TANNIS: Winner of the Grenadines seat 1951, 1954, 1957 and 1961; a PPP Minister for Trade 1961-1966; an efficient administrator with a tendency to push his family business interest; a committed Party man and a devout disciple of Joshua’s; ought to earn his reward in the West St George seat despite the tremendous fight waged by the Labour Party candidate.

ARTHUR WILLIAMS: Is something else; a Labour Party fanatic; a man with boundless energy and stamina who will move mountains to reach his goals; and great believer in the potency of University degrees; is obsessed by the notion of power; pretends to be the man of the people but mixes uneasily; incapable of standing up to criticism; in spite of the length and intensity of his campaign likely to lose West St George by about 150 votes.

EMMANUEL ADAMS: a determined plodder in the field of law and politics; Speaker of the House 1961-66 and a lacklustre Minister of Trade in the PPP Government 1966-67; a forceful speaker when preaching to the converted; has been given the “safe” PPP stronghold of East Kingstown.

RANDOLPH RUSSELL: a shrewd businessman and astute politician; made much economic head-way under a former PPP regime of which he was a member; defeated on PPP ticket for Town Board Elections 1957 and Labour ticket for West St George in 1967; has shown a talent for work and organisation as Chairman of Town Board1971/72; Disliked by the ‘Olives” faction of the Labour Party; will lose in East Kingstown.

HUDSON TANNIS: a loyal and devoted Labour Party man; a fine advocate and logical debater; easy mixer; good company; and a kind person; becoming of late very involved in business and over concerned with law and order and gives little thought for social change; a determined political fighter unbroken by a record of failures; lost Federal Elections 1958 and Kingstown constituency in 1961 and 1966; showed moderate achievements as Chairman of Kingstown Board, but did not fulfil expectations in Ministries recently held; has clearly lost the support of the youth by his complacency; his West Kingstown seat is therefore in jeopardy though he is still tipped to win by a slight margin.

OTHNIEL SYLVESTER: Diligent barrister and sharp businessman; Speaker of the House 1966/67; lost the South Leeward on a PPP ticket 1967; generally regarded as the brains behind Joshua; became tarnished by his involvement in the Deep Water Pier issue; has lost credibility and therefore finds it a bit difficult to win South Leeward against a weak Labour candidate; still likely to carry the day.

RODERICK MARKSMAN: a tough political customer; PPP member of Town Board 1960; PPP nominated member 1961-1966; PPP minister 1966/67; Labour minister 1969/72;’ has never shown a flair for ministry; a seasoned campaigner with a grass-roots

appeal; will give his opponent a good run for his money in South Leeward.

THEOPHILUS WOODS: an apparently nice and pleasant fellow with a good bedside manner; used village cricket as an instrument of political appeal; his unassuming exterior might well be a cover for other things; likely to confirm Labour’s hold in Central Leeward but facing a spirited bid by opposing candidate.

SAMUEL SLATER: The master of political brinksmanship; enjoying his seventh outing at the hustings, plus one by-election; a political acrobat of class with a talent for correct timing; defected in 1967 to bring about the first real change in Party Government; endeared himself to constituents by kindness performed more than 10 years ago; as Minister of Home Affairs presided over the erosion of civil liberties; or slept while the police did their own thing; is running (or limping) on his very last leg and could lose the race.

ALPHONSO DENNIE: is a closely packed bundle of energy; a very successful and hard working ex-teacher; an asset to any Government if properly harnessed; more likely than not to replace Slater in North Leeward.

SON MITCHELL: A very competent, resourceful and industrious person; handles his Ministry of Trade excellently; well respected in the Government circles of the Commonwealth Caribbean; enhanced the image of the Labour Government; cannot suffer fools gladly or trade in the cloak- anddagger politics of the times; has his constituency in fairly firm control; could by a turn of fortune determine the complexion of the next government.

JAMES DANIEL: The best candidate Labour has ever fielded against Mrs. Joshua; has enough local support to neutralise some hard-core PPP supporters; will be good loser in every sense.; might now slip in the thin edge for the future. ...

I have exhausted my quota and must come to an abrupt halt. Enough has been said to dismiss the claim that our history really began in 2001 when Ralph captured power. If your appetite is whetted and you need more, just say the word.

In November 1971, I returned for good to SVG while Soufriere “ah bile”, according to calypsonian-politician Wade “Kojo” Williams, revived the Educational Forum of the People, and wrote political articles in Forum, after being called to the bar.

At age 34, I began my analyses of Vincentian politics in early 1972 which saw the two parties locked in fratricidal struggle in an election described by calypsonian “Leader’ in “First Time”… “ two parties ran but none didn’t win”.

I virtually predicted the course of events in 1972!

Forty-four years later, my analysis can be laughed to scorn owing to the intervention of skullduggery of every variety. Vincentians have to learn how to sanitized firmly on the path to a miraculous restoration of our country!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 7.

Letters

Bad, wrong and confusing signals

THERE ARE SOME PERTINENT issues which continue to send some bad, wrong and even confusing signals in society. These confusing signals, I am sure, have had many Vincentians wondering what the hell is going on in certain parts of Kingstown and its outskirts.

I am left to feel that the Physical Planning Division has thrown its ‘hand up in the air’, when they attempt to do their work but are confronted by political interference. The resulting situation leads to a disorganised people. These

confusing signals need to be nipped in the bud by the relevant authorities.

Let’s take for instance the sidewalk in front of the Central Police Station in Kingstown. This area has a sign saying ’no loitering of any kind’. Many times, pedestrians are ‘chased’ away when they stop on that sidewalk to greet each other. The sentry on duty is known to say, “Move on, you can’t stand there.” But what do we see happening there for some time now?

Police officers are loitering in the said area and

Give us back our Match Day DEAR AUNTIE FLOW, A British Premier League plea.

We appreciate your effort to have a sports channel.

You show sports, Chinese, American etc., but you do not have a genuine sports channel with the analysis and after game commentary, etc. that go with the game.

The mid and lower table BPL games you show are not MATCH DAY. We want ARSENAL, CHELSEA, MAN U and MAN CITY. Please unblock NBCSN so we can watch MATCH DAY premier games.

When you are unable to do a job, please allow somebody else to give us the value for money which we pay you. Give us back our MATCH DAY!!

Robbie

encouraging pedestrians to stop and converse with them. And in recent times, the police have been holding exhibitions, and erecting a ‘tent’ from which to sell raffle tickets, on the same sidewalk. (Some police officers even approach persons in the flow of traffic to buy the raffle tickets). If all of this is not breaking the rule of ‘loitering’, tell me what is.

This bad, wrong and confusing signal needs to be curtailed immediately.

I noticed that a physically challenged lady constructed a stall (looking like a house) along the North River opposite the building housing BRAGSA. This was removed within two weeks. But, tell me, what about the unsightly development presently located in front of the main entrance to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH)? Some six vendors have taken ‘residence’ in that area, close to the Kingstown Clinic. Some (of these vendors) even occupy the seats for patients, with their containers and ice boxes. One lady who vends food and drinks from a van, sells the same food and drinks which the doctors and nurses advise us to avoid, since they contribute to diabetes and hypertension. The most recent vendor to move into that area erected a fruit stall. During the carnival season, the stall was extended and drinks were being sold. Alcohol is now the latest commodity on sale right in front of the MCMH. And what about the reclamation area in Kingstown? That area

Empty wishing and hoping

from the Fish Market to the Leeward Bus Terminal is a line of unsightly, bad, wrong and confusing signals, with the use of tarpaulin, pallet board tables, torn umbrellas, to add to the gambling and drinking that take place there. This situation needs to be addressed once and for all.

Out of Kingstown, one wonders why the Physical Planning allowed the erection of a temporary shed below the wall next to the bus stop at the top of the air strip. And why are all those unsightly looking stalls still being allowed outside the Massy Supermarket at Arnos Vale?

One realizes that times are hard and the economy is slow. But that’s no excuse to turn the capital and its outskirts into an uncontrolled vending haven. It is unsightly, bad, wrong and confusing. Such vending, especially with the erection of stalls, should not be encouraged.

Some years ago Senator Julian Francis, a Minister of Government, promised to clean up Kingstown and introduce the use of collapsible stalls dedigned for vending. Where are these stalls? We’re still waiting. Meantime, the situation has worsened.

Oh, I just remembered: Why are vehicles allowed to occupy the entire area where the old Treasurer building was? There must be some limit and regulation to parking in that area before it becomes another bad, wrong and confusing signal.

But, are we serious?

I READ THE ARTICLE headline “Vincentians jump for education” by Nelson King in the newspaper and I chuckled a little bit. Why? Because I hear and have heard for 46 years, the same lofty wishing and hoping by Vincentians in USA, about the presence of a Vincy band on the Parkway.

It’s all empty wishing and hoping.

We have nobody to blame but ourselves.

The Vincentian community, particularly in New York, is not a culturally oriented group. I am not just talking about mas (carnival). I mean the wide plane of culture. Most Vincentian functions attract only that group of people who are directly connected to it (teachers to teachers, nurses to nurses, this school alumni to their group and ex-police to ex-police, etc.)

No matter how much advertising is done, it falls on the deaf ears of the wider community. I am talking from first-hand experience. I am the godfather of Vincy Mas in New York and the Vincy Expo also, starting with the first Vincy band in 1972, at the behest of my friend Sam DeBique.

The general talk at the time was exactly the same as today. Then in 1973, with my second band only fractionally bigger than the first, it was the same talk again, and ‘74, ‘75 and ‘76, the same lament again and again.

They talk the talk, but never walk the walk.

They loudly begrudge the other islanders who come out in huge numbers and wave their flags.

It’s not others, it’s not foreigners, it’s Vincentians themselves. They can’t blame anyone but themselves. When we restarted Vincy Mas on the Parkway as Mas Productions in 1991, and I brought ace masman/builder Ricardo ‘Puzzle’ Grant to New York, it was the same old song being sung - the wishing and the hoping.

Every year since then, Wesley Millington single-handedly has kept a Vincentian presence on the Parkway, going out of pocket most times to make the band a reality. And you would think by now the tune would have changed. No!! Even with our competition successes, including Queen of the Bands in 1974 (Butterfly designed by Skully Hunte) and Adell DeBique 20 years later, you would think that would be enough to coerce this lethargic community to ‘come out and play’.

It has never happened. I doubt sincerely that it will ever happen.

Confused

E.J. Paddy Corea

The Bible is for the free world THERE IS A WAR going on in the world between Christians and Communists, though, I never heard pastors preach about the war.

Now, the Bible says, “Go ye therefore into the world and teach all nations”. However, you cannot go into a communist country with a Bible to preach the Gospel; that is interfering in the sovereignty of that country.

Some people believe that when the lives of all citizens of a country are at the same level, that that is better. Others, on the other hand, believe when you live in a democracy, that is the best life to live.

The Bible is designed to allow a free will: what you work for, that is what you will get; work hard and you will be blessed; lazy persons end up living on the streets; living a Sodom and Gomorrah life — like a life of same sex marriage - is all up to you.

The first life God gave to us, we lost it through our first parents.

But God gave us hope, once again, when He sent His only Son to die on the cross. Now, we have to keep our eyes on Jesus, if we are to regain that life.

I say this to the missionaries: Do not take any chances to carry the Bible into any Communist country.

If the authorities catch any missionary or native with the Bible, they would persecute you or send you to prison. The Bible could never be harmonised with communist policies. The Bible is for the free world.

God controls all mankind through their consciences. Anyone who lives in a Communist country and who wants to know God, can get to know Him without the Bible.

God will give them the way to know Him. God gives everything freely.

We either choose Him or the devil.

Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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Excerpts from the Hon. Arnhim Eustace’s Statement at the Press Conference on Monday 26th September SINCE THE GENERAL ELECTIONS of 9th December, the passage through the courts of two petitions complaining of misconduct of the elections in Central Leeward and North Windward has captivated the national attention. On the 23rd June, Justice Brian Cottle essentially threw out those petitions without hearing any of the evidence. ….

The NDP has appealed that judgment.

That appeal will not be heard this week while the Court of Appeal sits in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is the direct result of three things: the time it took to thoroughly prepare the appeal, which was nonetheless filed on time; the time it took for the Court Office to prepare the transcripts, and the time it took before our team received the transcripts after they were prepared.

The Appeal was filed the 3rd August, yet the transcripts were not received by our lawyers until the 8th September, the very day the Court put out the preliminary list of matters to be heard by the Court of Appeal this week..

I have heard the comments by Dr Gonsalves and Senior Counsel Astaphan

over the last three days. They suggest that, even though the transcripts were received late, the record, which must include the transcripts, ought to have been prepared, and somehow the appeal would have been heard this week. That is not the case.

But I say to you St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have heart. The Court of Appeal will be sitting as many as four more times over the next two months. ……. The Vincentian electorate will not be denied justice. Our appeals will be heard shortly.

Astaphan’s claims We turn now to the grave claims of Mr Astaphan on Friday. Mr Astaphan clearly states that a number is located on the back of each of the ballots in the December elections, which corresponds to the number printed on each counterfoil, so that any inspection of the counterfoils and ballots cast will reveal both the identity of each voter and for whom they cast their ballot.

This is absolutely illegal. Under the

Representation of the People Act, no ballot shall bear a number of any kind. A number is printed on the counterfoil only, which is removed before the ballot is placed in the ballot box.

Mr Astaphan, the lead lawyer of the Supervisor of Elections, has described in detail to this nation a complete perversion of the voting process. You just heard him participate in an explicit discussion for over three minutes, while Mr Stephen Joachim, himself a voter, repeatedly sought clarification and expressed his total confusion at Mr Astaphan’s comments. Yet Mr Astaphan persisted. So when we learn this morning that he has hurriedly apologised for his comments, it is difficult to believe and unacceptable that his persistence and detail on Friday can be explained away.

The question arises naturally: why are these comments, coming from Mr Astaphan, so important? Well, not only is he the Supervisor of Elections Mrs Sylvia Findlay-Scrubb’s lead lawyer in the petitions, but he represented her in the application of Ben Exeter for

Argyle IntÊl Airport: ÂHour nighÊ Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT AS VINCENTIANS in the Diaspora eagerly anticipate the opening of the Argyle International Airport, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves has assured that “the hour is nigh.”

“I want to say we’re not open yet, but the hour is nigh,” Gonsalves, who turned 70 on Aug. 8, told enthusiastic supporters last Saturday night, at a town hall meeting, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York.

He cited three main reasons for what he said contributed to the delay in the opening of the largest capital project in the nation’s history: removal of petroglyphs at the airport site; excessive rain in the last three years; and delay in receiving promised monies for construction of the airport.

“We were delayed in an area of the airport by two years, because we were determined not to destroy rocks,” said the prime minister, alluding to the petroglyphs. “But our patrimony means a lot to me.

“But the physical works are now winding down,” Gonsalves added. “The IADC [International Airport Development Company] will do their finishing.”

New Board, airline outreach

He said an airport authority has been established under the chairmanship of Garth Saunders, and that a number of persons have been hired, including a Barbadian-born chief operating officer and a Jamaican, who will be in charge of cargo operations, as well as a financial controller.

The Vincentian leader said the chief executive officer of the Tourism Authority, Glen Beache, a former tourism minister, is charged with seeking out international airlines willing to fly their aircrafts to Argyle International Airport.

“We’ve made progress with four airlines, and there’s a fifth we’re working on,” Gonsalves said.

Additionally, LIAT “has come in”, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago-owned Caribbean Airlines.

“We’re working with them, and we’re satisfied with them,” said Gonsalves, spokesperson for civil aviation in the Eastern Caribbean.

The prime minister also said his administration is “putting pressure” on the Mustique Company and Mustique Airways to have a hanger completed soon at the Argyle International Airport.

IADC Update In its update on Sept. 23, the IADC said on its website that it is “currently in winding down mode as it prepares to hand over the project to Argyle International Airport Inc. for operations.”

The IADC confirmed the following: completion of

Discussions with the Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines is ongoing, with respect to that airline including the Argyle Airport on its schedule. construction of the Passenger Terminal Building, the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Station, Airside and Landside Electrical Substations, the Runway, Aprons, Taxi Ways and the Taxi Operators booth, and the Control Tower; equipping of the Control Tower and installation, testing and commissioning of the Airfield lighting system and the training of personnel to maintain and operate the system; continuing readiness of the Passenger Terminal Building; removal of the Petroglyph Hill, the end of blasting on the site, and the continuation of work on the fencing of the airport perimeter Ongoing word as of Sept 23 included: installation of a retaining wall at the end of the runway on the Southern side; construction of a Mechanical Workshop, storage space for ground handling equipment, a security booth and the hangers that are being constructed by the owners; work on the road that connects the passenger terminal, to the cargo terminal ,and the road that also passes in front the Rubis Fuel Station; installation of

the VOR-DME.

Post Argyle Gonsalves told the standing-room-only audience that his government is also moving towards expansion of the port and cruise ship berth in capital city Kingstown and the construction of a container port in Rose Place in lower Kingstown.

With the decommissioning of the E.T. Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale, the prime minister said a 135-140 acute hospital will be built at the site, making it clear that it will not replace the 220-bed Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown.

He said a “Movie Town/Cineplex” and residential housing facilities will also be constructed at the old airport site.

“I want to put everything in place before I ask the party [incumbent Unity Labor Party] for me to go home [retire],” he said, adding that, even when he steps down as prime minister, he will continue to assist his successor.

“I have a lot of bright young men in the ULP,” he declared.

inspection of the very ballots and counterfoils about which you just heard Astaphan speak.

Let’s have some context here. In an issue of the Searchlight Newspaper published December 15th, just 6 days after the general elections, Mrs Findlay Scrubb asserted her office’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections.

She further stated indignantly that “when all the facts are known, it will be evident that the allegations which are now being made are based on misinformation and half-truths and untruths.” Two days later, Mr Ben Exeter filed an application to inspect the ballots and counterfoils in that very election Mrs Findlay-Scrubb had just described as transparent, and Mrs Findlay Scrubb opposed the application tooth and nail. If the election was free, fair and transparent, what was the harm in showing that? That was her first inconsistency in the post-election period.

The Supervisor in an affidavit sworn the 21st December, and especially her subordinates Mr Winston Gaymes and Mr Clyde Robinson in their own affidavits, claimed that Mr Exeter and one NDP lawyer at the final count in Layou lied when alleging improper sealing of ballot boxes and mutilation of ballots, among other irregularities. Yet in its May 2016 final report on the December 9th general elections, the Organization of American States Observer Mission corroborated the account given by Mr Exeter and his lawyer at the final count. That was the Supervisor’s second major inconsistency.

Then on 28th December, Justice Cottle gave his judgment on Mr Exeter’s application to inspect the ballots and counterfoils. Among other things, the judge stated that it would be possible to tell how each person voted if the ballots and counterfoils were inspected. Public confusion ensued, and the judge’s statement became the subject of radio call-in programs and even an online video which went viral. Yet there was a deafening silence from the Supervisor of Elections on what was undeniably at variance with the RPA. It was not until I-Witness News interviewed the Supervisor on the 12th January that the Supervisor spoke on the issue. And even then she refused to calm voters’ fears and alarm at the suggestion that their ballots were not secret. She refused to say that the ballots in the 2015 general election she supervised were designed and printed in accordance with law and therefore individual voters’ choices could not be known. She failed to defend the secrecy of the ballot following the judgment. The Americans would call that strike 3.

But it does not end there. As I stated, the judgment of Justice Cottle, in the inspection matter, was delivered the 28th December. To arrive at that judgment, the judge relied on, among other things, the sworn affidavit of the Supervisor of Elections. Imagine then the shock that ensued when the Supervisor wrote to her lawyers two weeks after the judgment seeking to change her said affidavit. In particular she wanted to change aspects of her sworn evidence about the ballots. That would be strike 4.

Having lost all credibility, the Supervisor of Elections Mrs Sylvia Findlay-Scrubb must be removed from office immediately. The Supervisor must go!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016. 9.

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Evoking magnificence

“I think people want to be magnificent. It’s the job of the leader to bring out that magnificence in people and to create an environment where they feel safe and supported and ready to do the best job possible in accomplishing key goals. This responsibility is a sacred trust that should not be violated. The opportunity to guide others to their fullest potential is an honor and one that should not be taken lightly. As leaders, we hold the lives of others in our hands. These hands need to be gentle and caring and always available for support.” - Ken Blanchard (1939- ), American author and management expert.

SOME YEARS AGO, a friend who is an accomplished accountant introduced me to the statement: “Potential is not reflected on the balance sheet”. He proceeded to explain that there are firms that have the potential to generate a tremendous amount of business, but fail to do so (for a host of reasons). He continued by indicating that we often come across talented individuals who never really appear to reach their true potential. They have talent and abilities that remain untapped, under-utilized, undeveloped. Teachers and parents are regularly challenged to aid younger ones in unearthing their talents and abilities.

This is often quite perplexing. So many of our gifted youngsters appear to resist the urge to excel; they are comfortable with mediocrity and underachievement.

To them, it is okay to drop out and fade into nothingness. But responsible adults must regularly seek to evoke magnificence in those that have been entrusted to our care. Leaders in society also have a responsibility and privilege to inspire their direct reports to excel at all that is noble. However, in seeking to do so, we must demonstrate a commitment to magnificence in all that we do. Our children and our direct reports are more likely to follow our directions if we demonstrate the desired outcomes and behaviours.

Our attitudes, beliefs, and value systems are influenced by those around us and what we take in through our senses - what we view and listen to. This is especially noticeable when we observe children in their homes and school environment. Some appear ready to venture out and explore their surroundings (prepared to take calculated risks), while others seem to withdraw (and play it safe) when exposed to similar circumstances.

Invariably, the responses are largely due to how these children have been socialized. The child that is encouraged to display magnificence would have been encouraged to embrace winning attitudes; constantly seeking to better their best attitudes, having a strong belief in their ability to perform the various tasks well, and displaying the commitment to doing things right away (avoiding the temptation to procrastinate).

Our homes, schools, churches, neighbourhoods, and workplaces would be places for innovation and enhanced productivity and efficiency if and when we encourage individuals to embrace magnificence. Settling for mediocrity, average performance, is a recipe for disaster and failure. Ralph Marston (1907-1967) reminds us of the need to retain a focus on what is

stunning. He says, “Your destiny is to fulfill those things upon which you focus most intently. So choose to keep your focus on that which is truly magnificent, beautiful, uplifting and joyful. Your life is always moving toward something.” His writings focused on encouraging and championing attitudes and behaviours that resulted in self growth and self motivation. We can learn so much from the pearls of wisdom that are captured in this quotation. Pivotal in this statement is the need for us (all of us) to retain a focus that keeps our eyes and our thoughts latched to attitudes and behaviours that encourage us to strive for excellence — for magnificence.

Where do such thoughts come from? They do not appear uninvited.

They are not the result of automatic, knee-jerk, responses. We, you and I, have to cultivate those desires. They are largely influenced by what we look at, read, listen to, who we hang around, and so on. If we entertain negative thoughts, we should not be surprised that we become super negative. If we regularly view videos and movies that evoke negative feelings, we should not be surprised when we develop and retain a negative persona. But the flip side is also true. We can programme our minds to evoke and retain magnificence by feeding our minds with thoughts that are pure, inspirational, and uplifting. We have to be the guardians of our thoughts.

Dr. William Glasser, in his book entitled “Reality Therapy”, reminds us that we have a responsibility to chart our own future and to develop habits and behaviours that propel us to excel. We are responsible and response-able (able to respond). We must accept the challenge to arouse magnificence in our lives. Our lives will be rich and fruitful when we pursue goals that are noble; when we set our targets on what will drive us and those around us to excel — when we evoke magnificence. Sometimes these goals will stretch us (as is the case when students set targets to obtain high grades). Stretching is good. We can often do much better than we originally thought.

We are all invited to better our best efforts; to stretch the boundaries of our performance — to evoke magnificence. This is as true for the athlete who is seeking to improve performance as it is for the student desiring better grades. It is equally true for the spouse whose desire is to better please their partner as it is for the business leader who wants to improve productivity levels within the workforce. That desire, that will, that thrust to improve performance is a useful starting point as we trek towards evoking magnificence. We contribute to building better lives and communities when we ignite and encourage that desire to achieve magnificence in all that is noble.

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

Food security is a human right THERE HAS BEEN AN ADVERSE TREND in the food and agriculture sector in recent times, with the control of seeds and chemical inputs being consolidated through various proposed mergers. If these mergers go through, it would mean that three companies would dominate the commercial agricultural seeds and chemicals sector.

Big agribusiness players like Monsanto rely on massive taxpayer handouts to keep their business models on track; highly profitable models that have immense social health and environmental cost to be paid for by the public. Across the globe, healthy, sustainable agriculture has been uprooted and transformed to suit the profit margins of transnational agribusiness concerns. The major players in the global agribusiness sector fuel a system of food production that results in numerous negative outcomes for both farmers and consumers alike.

Aside from the domination of the market being a cause for concern, we should also be worried about a food system controlled by companies that have a history of releasing healthdamaging, environmentally polluting products onto the market, and engaging in activities that might be considered as constituting crimes against humanity. If we continue to hand over the control of society’s most important infrastructure — food and agriculture — to these wealthy private interests, what will the future look like?

Despite nice sounding rhetoric by companies about the humanitarian motives behind these endeavours, the bottom line is patents and profit. And despite nice sounding rhetoric about the precision of the techniques involved, these technologies (GMO) pose health and environmental risk.

There could well be severe social and economic consequences too. The impacts of synthetic biology (another sector dominated by a handful of private interests) on farmers in the Global South could result in a bio-economy of landlessness and hunger. Synthetic biology has the potential to undermine livelihoods and would mean a shift to narrower range of export-oriented monocropping, to produce biomass for synbio processes that place stress on water resources and food security in the exporting countries.

Aside from these social, health and environmental implications, can we trust private entities like Monsanto (or Bayer) to use these powerful (potentially bio-weapon) technologies responsibly?

Given Monsanto’s long history of coverups and duplicity, trust took the last train out a long time ago. National laws that exist to protect the public interest are little more than mere hurdles to be got around by lobbyists, lawyers and political pressure. So what can be done?

More citizens need to look for an alternative to corporate-controlled agriculture. This is no easy task, for as much as people and communities strive to become independent from unscrupulous corporate concerns, and as much as localised food systems try to extricate themselves from the impacts of rigged global trade and markets, there also has to be a concerted effort to roll back corporate power and challenge what it is doing to our food. These corporations will not just go away because people eat organic or choose to eat food produced locally.

The extremely wealthy interests behind these corporations do their level best to displace or dismantle alternative models of production — whether organic, public sector agriculture systems or anything that exists independently of them — and replace them with ones that serve their needs. Look no further than

attempts to undermine our coconut oil industry.

Whether it’s on the back of US-backed coups (Ukraine), military conflicts (Iraq), ‘structural adjustment’ (Africa) or slanted trade deals (Caribbean), transnational agribusiness is driving a global agenda to suit its interests and eradicate impediments to profit.

Our economies are opened up by forcing small and medium-sized enterprises into bankruptcy or obliged to produce for a global distributor, state enterprises are privatised or closed down and independent agricultural producers are impoverished. Increasing profit and shareholder dividends are the bottom line. And it doesn’t matter how much devastation ensues or how unsustainable their business model.

As long as the domination of the food system by powerful private interests is regarded as legitimate, and as long as their hijack of governments, trade bodies and trade deals, regulatory agencies and universities is deemed normal or continues to go, we are destined for a future of more contaminated food, ill health, degraded environments and an agriculture displaced and uprooted for the benefit of self-interest.

The problems associated with the food system cannot be dealt with on a single-issue basis: it is not just about the labelling of GM foods; it’s not just about the impacts of Monsanto’s Roundup; it’s not just about Monsanto (or Bayer) as a company; and it’s not just about engaging in endless debates about the science of GMOs. Despite the promise of the Green Revolution, hundreds of millions still go to bed hungry, food increasingly lack nutrition, functioning rural economies have been destroyed, diseases have spiked in correlation with the increase in use of pesticides and GMOs, soil has been eroded and degraded, diets are less diverse, global food security has been undermined and access to food is (about) manipulated international markets and speculation, not supply and demand.

Food and agriculture have become wedded to power structures that have created food surplus and food deficit areas that have restructured indigenous agriculture across the world, and tied it to an international system of trade based on export-oriented mono-cropping, commodity production for a manipulated and volatile international market, and indebtedness to international financial institutions.

The problem is the system of capitalism that is driving a system of bad food and poor health, the destruction of healthy, sustainable agriculture and systemic attack on groups and individuals who oppose these processes.

At the very least, there should be full public control over all GMO/synthetic biology production and research. And if we are serious about reining in the power of profiteering corporations over food — our most basic and essential infrastructure — they should be placed under democratic ownership and control.

The protection of our food must be seen as a most basic human right. Food must be produced to meet human need, not corporate greed. We have hunger, not because there is not enough food, but rather because it is not distributed equally. The core of the problem is not a shortage of food, but capitalism production and distribution.

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

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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Argyle airport foolish

With no mandatory ICAO five year continuous wind study of the Argyle airport site, it is highly unlikely that Argyle airport will achieve the 95% usability factor.

Argyle will fail to get a licence to operate international passenger flights.

IN THE WEEK ENDING 23 September Argyle airport is like St. Helena 2016, SVG Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph airport on the British Overseas Gonsalves was at a New York Town Hall Territory of Saint Helena, a remote meeting, telling the SVG diaspora that island in the South Atlantic the Argyle airport will become operational soon, and hundreds of acres Ocean. There was a lack of wind of land at E.T. Joshua airport will be sold studies done there, and now EC$1 billion has been wasted. Windfor development. speed and turbulence have made it Nothing has changed with regard Saint Helena airport, whose grand opening was abandoned after safety tests to the multitude of serious flight safety too dangerous to use. Planes trying showed commercial planes could not land because the wind near the runway to land there are blown off course. hazards that plague the Argyle was too unpredictable.

It is likely that the St. Helena airport. Any talk about opening the airport will be mothballed.

It will use. Passenger flights are postponed elections, which appear to be on the Argyle airport for international not open. Strong crosswinds at Argyle indefinitely by Comair and Atlantic horizon. passenger flights is absolute rubbish.

Star Airlines because of safety fears.

If the ULP regime’s strategy is to The Green pParty has always insisted airport make it unlikely to open for 5 Airlines say they won’t fly there as it operate Argyle airport at all costs — that the runway is in the wrong place years, until we have 5 years of continuous wind studies completed at is too dangerous. It is likely to be the despite the obvious flight safety and the wrong orientation, and there Argyle airport. same case, i.e. that airlines find Argyle hazards - to provide an opportunity to are very strong and dangerous gusty The UK government was warned of too dangerous. And remember, the close E.T Joshua airport, to sell off cross winds. the risk of high winds at St. Helena in ULP regime still cannot name airlines hundreds of acres of land for According to the Federal Aviation that are contracted to fly to Argyle development, then only utter madness Authority, airport development should a report by the Meteorological Office, but the site for the St. Helena airport airport. will be the outcome. not proceed until adequate wind data had been chosen three years before Work on Argyle Airport has come Argyle airport is a foolish project are acquired. However, at Argyle, only that report. Likewise, the Argyle to a virtual standstill. Appointing a and should be aborted so that no more 9 months of wind studies have been new Chairman of IADC will not cure money is wasted. seen. The International Civil Aviation airport site and the Argyle runway the multitude of serious flight safety Organisation (ICAO) says that 5 years orientation have both been chosen before a 5-year continuous wind study hazards that plague the Argyle SVG Green Party of continuous wind studies are has been done. airport. Gonsalves’ Town Hall meeting www.svggreenparty.org needed before construction of an Test pilots testing St. Helena in New York was simply political Find us on Facebook and Twitter airport. airport said it was too dangerous to oxygen for the ULP regime for general

SVG Fishing Licence: Falsehood, incompetence or what?

VINCENTIANS NEED to investigate and discuss the Atlantic Ocean fishing issue.

When I reflect on the high taxes, high unemployment, high cost of living and the high rate of poverty that exist in our country, I also think of what we have at our disposal to turn things around; to empower our people in an attempt to develop our nation.

After listening to a programme hosted by Mr. Jerry George two Monday nights ago, I returned to an article penned by the leader of the Green Party Mr. Ivan O’Neal. In that article, entitled, “Taiwan eating our lunch, while our children go hungry”, O’Neil stated that Taiwan uses a new jumbo class of fishing boats that can take up to 11,000 tonnes of tuna a year. He estimated that Taiwan has 40 vessels registered in SVG with an offshore company. He also gave an estimate of the amount of money Taiwan makes every year from fishing with a St Vincent and the Grenadines’ deep sea fish licence. He claims

that Taiwan’s annual intake from fishing, using the ships registered under the SVG Flag is EC$800 billion per year.

Taiwanese have been using the SVG Fishing Licence since 1987.

How did he come up with this figure? He cited firstly, a Taiwan Embassy press release on Wednesday, 10 April 2013, which confirmed that Taiwan fishing vessels are registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines under the High Seas Fishing Act 2001, on which to base his position.

He then uses half the capacity of the boats, which is 5,000 tonnes of tuna a year, which, incidentally, is less than the Taipei Times estimates.

Here is the breakdown: 1 tonne = 1000kgs, therefore 5000 tonnes = 5,000,000kgs.

40 boats (Taiwan) catch 40 x 5,000,000kg = 200,000,000kgs of tuna.

1kg tuna at £1000 is 200,000,000kgs x £1000 = £200,000,000,000 (200 billion

pounds) £1 = EC$4 dollars, £200,000,000,000 = EC$800,000,000,000 (800 billion EC dollars.

He went on to state that if the figure (800 billion) is divided by the SVG population of 110,000, then that makes EC$7, 272,727 a year for every person in SVG, making the occasional donations to SVG from Taiwan look like peanuts.

Mr. O’Neil ended his article by posing a few questions to the Taiwan Ambassador.

These questions are relevant then and are still relevant now, and are as follows: How much does Taiwan make from SVG’s deep sea fish license? How many years has Taiwan been using the SVG fish licence?

How many Taiwanese ships have used the SVG fishing licence?

What is the total catch in tonnes of fish from these Taiwanese ships?

How many billions have been made by all Taiwanese ships when using the SVG fish

Greenpeace activist about to stop a Taiwanese tuna longliner illegally fishing in the tuna-rich tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. The ship was escorted back to Taiwan where it faced suspension from operation for a year. (Source: www.worldfishing.net) licence?

Now, my intention is not to bash Taiwan, nor am I getting into the discussion of whether we should realign our diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China.

The point is, we have professionals in the various government ministries here, who are more than able to research these issues, and advise our political leaders, who vow to act in the best interest of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Have they failed us? And if they know better, why are we getting “peanuts” from this arrangement?

Are the figures stated above

incorrect or false? If so, what are the correct figures? Is it a situation that we have failed to strike a better deal? Who is benefiting from all of this?

Once again, the intention of this letter is not to exacerbate the Taiwan and the China debate, but to get the facts from our professionals in the Ministry of Fisheries, in particular, and our political leaders, from Prime Minister Mitchell to Prime Minister Gonsalves.

I know in this country, the power of the lobby and spin is greater than common sense.

Truth Seeker

V WomanÊs charge overshadows NY meeting

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 11.

News

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

PM Gonsalves addresses town hall meeting. who was at the podium on the elevated stage, his wife, Eloise, sitting to his right at the head table — Wood blurted out: “I am a young lady. I was 15 years old when I walked up to your office, and you attacked me.”

While Wood did not state how she was attacked, most in the audience could not believe their ears. Some hung their heads down, while others put microphone at the centre of the hall.

Wood, who was one of the protesters their hands on their jaw, but most shouted back at Wood, disputing her outside, at first donned very large, white-framed spectacles, as though to allegation.

It took a few minutes for the hide her identity. But she later moderator of the town hall meeting, removed them, when questioned by Vaughan Toney, president and some members of the audience. chairman of the Friends of Crown She said she was neither a Heights Educational Center, at the supporter of the ULP nor the main urging of some members of the opposition New Democratic Party audience, to restore order.

(NDP), but was a “no P” — no party — as Gonsalves alluded to earlier in his PM’s response and further mayhem address.

Miranda Wood poses questions to PM Gonsalves.

Minister Gonsalves, as is customary, proceeded to give detailed answers to a slew of questions that ranged from allegations of medical negligence at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, the Vincentian capital, to land acquisition, to law and order.

The town hall meeting that started at about 7:30 p.m. ended at 11:17 p.m.

Many, however, stood around past midnight, as the prime minister — whose primary mission to New York was to address the United Nations General Assembly Debate on Friday — greeted them and listened to their personal concerns.

“One of the things I learned from Dr. Gonsalves tonight is how to handle pressure,” said Sehon Marshall, former Deputy New York Counsel General, now a Minister Counsellor at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission to the United Nations, in giving the VoteFrom protest to disruption of-Thanks.

“Despite pressure, he maintained Amid the dissonance and serious Allegation time Before Prime Minister Gonsalves’ his composure,” added Marshall about allegation, the prime minister stood at Gonsalves. entry into the expansive hall, at about the podium, remaining very calm and While Wood’s first question about 7:30 p.m., a handful of picketers, In the immediate aftermath of composed. whether Deputy Prime Minister Sir protesting the administration’s rule, Saturday’s town hall meeting, many Then, he simply answered Wood: Louis Straker — who along with his had gathered on the nearby streets.

ULP and NDP supporters took to the “You made an allegation, and it’s not wife had arrived at the meeting late They were largely peaceful. social medium, Facebook, to voice their true.” and his wife, Lady Linda, had But the antagonism — some would opinions.

He then proceeded to answer Wood’s say, “out of the blue” — erupted inside attended the town hall meeting late — As expected, NDP supporters hailed almost two hours after the Vincentian had renounced his US citizenship, was other query about Sir Louis: “I happen Wood’s allegations, while ULP to know Louis Straker is not a citizen supporters denounced them greeted with much objection from the leader delivered his address in which of America.” ostensibly partisan audience, her he gave a general overview of his vehemently.

Sir Louis did not speak at the town second — more unexpected — claim was government’s stewardship.

Some ULP supporters also posted hall meeting, but he and Lady Straker photos of Wood warmly embracing greeted with consternation, After Albert “Ziggy” Tannis, a walked out shortly after a calypsonian, Prime Minister Gonsalves, at a town bewilderment, embarrassment, former national cricketer, asked, outrage and antagonism, primarily by shockingly, blurted out an “F bomb” during the Question and Answer hall meeting, at the Friends of Crown segment, a question about the need for ULP party supporters in the standing- when asking a question.

Heights Educational Center in 2014.

It was not clear what was said to the government to issue “Certificate of room-only meeting.

Vincent Kennedy, who “I’m here as ‘no P’,” Wood said. “I Citizenship” to nationals, a young carries the calypso represent St. Vincent and the lady, giving her name as Miranda sobriquet “Groovy D”, Grenadines…,” claiming she was Wood, of Layou, took to the sexually assaulted “all over while he was asking his question, but Kennedy, and over again,” without stating when, where and by who suffered a stroke a few years ago, lost his whom.

As the cacophony sought cool in issuing the profanity, taking his to drown Wood out, one seat immediately woman — who was later afterwards. discovered to be Wood’s His outburst left the friend and town native — audience in shock, and was heard shouting: “Let it took some doing by the girl talk; freedom of the moderator to restore speech.” calm.

Then, the discomfort reached a crescendo when Wood made the most serious Weathering the storm allegation about Prime Despite the firestorm Minister Gonsalves. of allegations and Addressing the Protesters outside the Friends of Crown Heights outbursts, Prime Vincentian leader directly — A section of the audience.

Educational.

SUPPORTERS of the incumbent Unity Labor Party (ULP) had hoped that it would be another very successful and peaceful town hall meeting, as was always the case when Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves visited New York on previous occasions.

But while many would argue that last Saturday night’s town hall meeting, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York, was again extremely successful, others, or most, would say that it was very far from peaceful, and even downright disrespectful.

Many would also venture to say that it was the most hostile and acrimonious town hall meeting that the prime minister or any member of his administration has ever encountered in the Big Apple.

12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Chill Spot issue: Not a decision of any politician

WHILE THE Physical Planning and Development Board (PPDB) is an extension of government, the decision taken against ‘Chill Spot’ and ‘Aqua’ was not the decision of any politician.

So said Dr Ralph Gonsalves during a press briefing last week Thursday.

He told members of the media that the PPDB was an independent Workers under instructions of the body Physical Planning and Development established Board, removed part of the Chill Spot under the Town structure last week Wednesday. and Country know; and I have Planning Act, Chapter 334 under the found him to be, in laws of St Vincent and the my conversations Grenadines. with him, to be a The body consists of 15 members reasonable person,” 12 being office holders and three Gonsalves told the appointed by Cabinet. media.

Among the office holders are the “As a maturing Director of Planning, Manager of democracy, we must National Properties, the Chief get our facts in Engineer, Chief Agricultural Officer, Prime Minister order,” he Chief Surveyor, Chief Environmental Dr. Ralph continued.

Officer, the head of the Housing and The businesses in Gonsalves said Land Development Corporation question, Chill Spot that when (HLDC), the General Managers of the politicians get and Aqua, while Central Water and Sewerage involved they do many appreciated Authority (CWSA) and VINLEC, the so with policies.

Commissioner of Police, Warden of the the service they provided, were the Kingstown Town Board and the focus of ongoing complaints by Permanent Secretary in the ministry residents who cited smoke and responsible for Planning. excessive noise as ‘disturbances to Among the three appointed by Cabinet are the Chairman and Deputy their health and well-being’.

And while there were no zoning Chairman — and the other person who laws to regulate what types of is appointed by Cabinet is a former head, Adam Nelson, who, according to businesses can operate in the area, Arnos Vale, those who chose to operate the Prime Minister, “.. is a splendid professional. I don’t think that anyone there are obligated to do so within the can say that he has any political axe to framework of the law.

“Politicians don’t go out and see grind with anyone.” what’s going on with He went on to say that he was restaurants…where politicians get aware of the situation, gathering updates through direct reports, and/or involved, they do so with policies; if we want to change the law,” Prime from discussions on local radio.

Minister Gonsalves said.

But he went on to indicate that as Matters of Planning, he said, rest far as he knew, no journalist or radio with the authority of the PPDB. (DD) talk show host took the time to see who was on the Planning Board.

The PPDB has authority, and the individual who heads the unit is the secretary to the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Gonsalves said that there was talk circulating that the individual, whom he did not identify, was a supporter of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and that he “have Ralph head spinning round and he taking advantage of ULP (Unity Labour Party) people.”

But the Prime Minister said that as far as he was concerned, the Head of Physical Planning was a good professional.

“It doesn’t mean that he cannot make mistakes, but his politics, I don’t

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 15.

Politics

Election protest hits 292nd day

NDP parliamentarians (four persons from right) joined in the protests.

that we have numbers on ballots that could be traced, and that in itself is a problem. He tried to retract it, but it’s already out,” said King.

Anthony Astaphan, lawyer for Supervisor of

by KENVILLE HORNE Elections Sylvia Scrubb in the matter of two election TODAY, Friday 30th petitions filed by the New September, would mark the Democratic Party (NDP), 292nd day since the protest had referenced, on Boom action began against the FM on Friday 23rd December 9, 2015 general September, to a number elections, outside the office of located on the back of the the Supervisor of Elections, ballots used in the Bay Street, Kingstown.

Luzette King, one of December 9, 2015 general That election saw the the major players in elections, which return of the Unity Labour the ‘Front Line’ corresponded to the Party (ULP) for its 4th protest, has assured number printed on each consecutive term as that the protest will counterfoil. He retracted government. continue as long as his statement later the Luzette King, political the ULP remains in same day, during the activist and one of the the seat of ULP-favoured Shake-up primary players in the government. programme on We FM. protest, now dubbed the Under the ‘Front Line’, said that the Representation of the People Act, ‘No protest action will continue, despite ballot shall bear a number of any kind. the challenges faced, including the lessening in the number of protestors. A number is printed on the counterfoil When THE VINCENTIAN spoke to only, which is removed before the King on Wednesday, she admitted that ballot is placed in the ballot box’.

King said that there have been a no one thought the protest would have number of damning statements by lasted that long. persons in authority concerning the “We didn’t think the illegitimate December 2015 election, yet it’s ULP regime would have been so difficult for the NDP to get justice. adamant that they would stay (in But she assured that the longer government), because it’s clear that they stay on the ‘Front Line’, the more the election was rigged. To me, if you resilient they become. “The more we listen to what was said recently, Senior Counsel Astaphan made it clear stay here is the more we see the need

to remind the Vincentian public that all is not well. We have a regime that did not win the elections. They are pulling all kinds of stunts to distract us from that issue of a rigged election,” King asserted.

“We will continue, because if we were to pack up and go, the public will forget. Our very presence here reminds people every single day that something is happening, something is not right. If it’s even three of us,” added King.

She said that despite police harassment, they continue to protest, since, “We have to remind the

Supervisor of Elections (that) she has not done a good job, and the people do not have confidence in her,” King stated.

Following the December 9th 2015 general elections, the opposition NDP by way of petitions, asked the court to overturn the results in the Central Leeward and North Windward constituencies, that had been declared in the ULP’s favour. However, High Court Judge Brian Cottle struck out the two petitions. That decision has since been appealed.

This is perhaps the longest unbroken protest of any sort here in recent memory, according to some observers.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Rose Place community day returns THE ROSE PLACE Community Day that once featured as a prominent activity to mark the anniversary of this country’s independence from Britain, is back on the official calendar.

The day, which included a day of card games, especially Pedro, and culinary activities, went into hiatus for a number of reasons, the challenge of soliciting sponsorship not being among the least of these.

A renewed effort has pervaded the community, and a committee, comprised of representative of the Rose Place based Goodwill Fisherman Co-operative and leading activists in the community, met and formulated plans for re-activating the Day, and has received the sanction of the National Independence Committee.

Come October 27, 2016, Rose Place will be a hive of table games, activities for children and a general opening and offering of the culinary skills of the community.

If all goes according to plan, a number of Rose Place stalwarts who have since passed on, and current outstanding community activists would be recognised.

The all-day affair is, according to a representative of the Planning Committee, expected to attract the support of business houses and small business

Rose Place is set to reintroduce its Independence Community Day this year. people in the community.

In leading up to the actual Community Day, a number of cleaning-up and general beautification tasks are expected to be undertaken by the community.

According to a representative of the Planning Committee, the revival of the Rose Place Community Day is intended to sow the groundwork for the formation of a genuine community organization.

Shekeira Jack gets memorial scholarship

ON MONDAY 26th September, Shekeira Jack, past student of the Gomea Methodist School, became the recipient of a five-year secondary school scholarship awarded by the Williams family. Shekeira was successful in the recent Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment p.m. whole. Their numbers are increasing Examinations, and is attending the St. A team of seven veterinarians from drastically, and without human Joseph’s Convent at Marriaqua.

Italy, Japan and the United States, intervention, the current ‘problem’ of The Scholarship is in memory of plus seven technicians and assistants, overpopulation will become a ‘crisis’. twins Francis Egerton Williams and will volunteer their time and skills to The problem? Thousands of dogs and Frances Elaine Cupid (nee Williams) spay and neuter dogs and cats. cats are unwanted and uncared for, who would have been100 years old on Spaying and neutering (also called yet they keep reproducing, 2-3 litters 30 April 2015, and is being awarded sterilising, fixing, tying off) benefit not per year, 4-10 pups or kittens per by their children. Francis “Frank” only the animals, but the Nation as a litter. They suffer, the environment and Frances were the children of suffers, and humans suffer — Darnley Egerton Williams and Mabel physically, socially, economically.

Williams (nee Fraser). Darnley was World Vets recognize the importance of the One Health concept not only a revered Head Teacher of very long- standing of the Gomea in which the health of humans, Methodist School, but also a Local animals and their ecosystems are Preacher of the Methodist Church inescapably linked. “Our programs help not only animals, but also people throughout Saint Vincent.

Under the guidance of their father, and the communities in which they both Francis and his twin- sister live.” Everything is connected.

Through the spaying and neutering of Frances excelled in their lessons at Gomea and were successful in being owned and stray dogs and cats, we admitted to the St. Vincent Boys’ humans decrease and control their Grammar School and the Girls’ High numbers, which ultimately benefits School, respectively. the whole.

By co-incidence, while Shakeira is The World Vets team will also one of two sets of twins born to her provide health consultations and mother, Shirene, Francis Egerton and additional surgical procedures, if requested ahead of time. Additionally, Frances Elaine Williams also fathered and mothered respectively multiple they welcome the participation of births. Francis’ (Frank’s) wife bore locally based veterinarians, vet twins and Frances (Elaine) herself students and/or skilled volunteers. bore one set of twins as well as one set Please call the VSPCA at 532-9327 to of triplets. And this request participation in was not all! They each the clinics’ service saw one of their activities, or for extra vet offspring bring forth a services for your dogs and set of twins. cats. There is no charge This Scholarship is for your pet’s health care, being awarded to but donations are Shakeira, based on appreciated. strong recommendation The VSPCA invites from her past school, as persons to bring all owned is evident by a letter and stray dogs and cats, from its Principal. which have not yet been It is within this neutered, to the World Vets/VSPCA clinics in context, therefore, that Biabou and Owia. VSPCA the children of Francis and the Ministry of Egerton Williams and Agriculture will assist with Frances Elaine catching strays and Williams (Cupid) find it transporting owners and fitting to award this pets to and from venues. scholarship in their The VSPCA in Please take advantage of memory. The collaboration with these free services. YOU presentation was made World Vets, will conduct can make a difference in today at the Gomea another round of free the welfare and well-being Methodist School. spaying and neutering of your Nation’s animals (Contributed) clinics. and people!

World Vets set to visit St. Vincent IN CONJUNCTION with the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, World Vets, an international aid organisation for animals, will hold free spaying and neutering clinics on 13 October at the Biabou Learning Centre, and 14 - 15 October in Owia at Sheep Pen next to the Salt Pond, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00

At centre is scholarship recipient, Shekeira Jack with her mother (Shirene) receiving scholarship funds from Michele Samuel (nee Williams) – daughter of Francis “Frank” Williams, while Leroy Cupid (L), son of Frances Elaine Cupid (nee Williams) and Oswald Robinson (R), Headteacher of the Gomea Methodist School look on.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 17.

Tribute

Maestro plays last note September 26th, at the age of 95.

A well known and beloved son of the village of Troumaca, Leo attended the primary school there, and was one of the earliest students in the district to gain entry to the then Boys Grammar School, in 1933.

Leopold On leaving that institution, he taught for some time, before, like many of the young men in the area, he migrated to Aruba, where he spent several years in the employment of the Largo Company.

In 1949, Leo married a young lady in his village, Miriam Providence (now deceased), and the union produced nine children, some born in Aruba. These were Esther, Michael (deceased), Phillip, Julius, William (Kojah), Angela, Marion, Laura and Deirdre, all of whom have made significant contributions to national development.

In 1954, Leo returned to St. Vincent, and reentered the teaching profession, serving at Westwood, Chateaubelair and his own Troumaca primary schools.

He was among the earliest batch of teachers to attend the Leopold Anthony joined another Maestro, Pat Prescod, at a Concert at local Teachers’ College in Kingstown, the Kingstown Methodist Church.

THIS COUNTRY has lost one of its most accomplished and versatile music exponents.

Leopold Anthony, affectionately known as ‘Leo’ and ‘Anto’, passed away peacefully at his son’s home, Clare Valley, early Monday morning,

and was noted for his strict discipline and devotion to duty. He was appointed Head Teacher at his alma mater, and retired in 1975.

Leo was a dedicated Methodist, and ministered at churches in his district as a local preacher. He was instrumental in organizing and conducting musical programmes, for various church functions throughout the island.

Leo cared for generations of his Music was his ‘craze’; he offspring, as well as those of the lived music, and enjoyed wider community. playing any genre, from religious to calypso. He among the greatest attractions. played both individually and Anto was a lover of sports, with local bands, including the especially cricket, and would famous Mc Intosh Brothers in sometimes journey to Trinidad the 50s and 60s. to witness the West Indies Leo was at home with all encounters. types of instruments- wind Leopold Anthony is no longer strings, percussion, and not only with us, but his memory will taught others how to play, but live on. made some himself. But his His funeral takes place at the favourites were the saxophone and the violin, the latter he was Kingstown Methodist Church tomorrow, Saturday, and burial never without, especially at will be at the Troumaca funerals. He even took it to cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Cuba when he went there with THE VINCENTIAN extends a Vision Now contingent. our sincerest condolences to our Leo led the National String reporter ‘Kojah’ and other Band to the Commonwealth Arts Festival in the UK in 1986, members of the Anthony family. and their performance was Leroy Mulraine

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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Avoid the lionÊs den had walked out with the children, now wanted to come back. Moreover, I MET THIS WOMAN (a she said that he and the Barbadian) in the children would be Barbados airport in February of this year, and moving back with her, at the end of that said since that time, we have week. been communicating George, you can electronically. imagine how shocked I She assured me she was. Why didn’t she tell was single and me about the children unengaged, so I packed my belongings and went before? Why would she make me pack my things to Barbados. My and move to Barbados? intention was to marry I can tell you, once she her.

The day after I arrived spilled her guts, I moved in Barbados, she sat me out of the house as fast as I could and stayed at down and told me that a hotel until my return the man she was with, and with whom she had to Vincy.

Lo and behold, she two children, and who

Dear George,

sent me an email a month after my return, begging me to come back since she had put out the man because he was abusive. Should I believe her this time?

Foolish love Dear Foolish love,

contemplating whether you ought to go back into the Lion’s den after your miraculous escape the first time. This woman is playing you, and you need to get a grip. Find someone who is much closer. The advice here is to measure twice and cut only once.

Stand firm!!!

Dear George,

I HAVE BEEN called a lot of things, but never a whore. My boyfriend and I were having a fight, Before making such George and he ended up calling me a whore. I assume he your first move, it would did this, and he feels justified because I told him I have served you better to had three others before have done more research him. in terms of background, I did not answer him. etc. You did yourself no Instead, I calmly took my favours by rushing off to things and left his house. the ‘promised land’, the That was one month way you did. ago. He is now calling me You are now to come back to him. This he did after he saw this other guy coming around Dear George, me. I am not involved with the guy, but he thinks that MY HUSBAND told me I would end up just I am. like my mother, if I continue to eat everything What should I tell my I see. I saw this as a negative statement to sad ex-boyfriend? It seems make, knowing that my father left my mother he does not know his status because he claimed she was too fat. She took it has been changed to Ex. on and later died of heart failure.

Why would my husband make such a Proud Gal statement? Maybe he too is thinking of leaving me, which is why he said I would end up like Dear Proud Gal, my mother. Maybe he is wishing me dead?

Give me your thoughts on this.

Good for you! Sometimes you have Sad Wife to take a principled stand and stick with it.

Dear Sad Wife, You showed your ex that you are not willing to Maybe your husband wanted to tell you that tolerate such deep, by your indiscriminate eating, you can very wounding insults, which well bring harm to you, and therefore you need can have a serious to check on that habit. It could have been that backlash later down in the he botched it all up, and the message he relationship. What you did intended to convey came out all wrong. was to nip that right in the bud Let him know his comment hurt you, and Remember, he will treat give him the opportunity to apologize. At the you how he sees you. . It same time, let this be a wake-up call for you, is interesting that he is and start making plans, together with your ready again to be with you, husband, to engage in healthier eating. The despite of your ‘whore success of this exercise would eventually flow status’. Keep aiming high, over into the overall scheme of things, and and settle for nothing less hopefully, bring (both of you) full satisfaction than the best. of being together.

An eating problem

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You will find their philosophies worth exploring. Try to include the one you love in your plans this week. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. Your competitive nature will enable you to win any contest you enter.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts. Sort situations out as best you can. Watch your spending habits. Overindulgence will mean poor health. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You will be extremely receptive to new and progressive methods at work.

Difficulties with female members of your family may result in estrangements.

Don't be afraid of opposition; your suggestions are valid. Disputes may start because of a lack of honesty.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Hobbies will be good for your emotional well‐being. Accept the inevitable. You should put in some extra hours developing that creative idea you have.

Your relationship appears to be stressed out and depleted.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Observations will be far more productive. You will be able to make changes regarding your living arrangements. You should look into a healthier diet. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family.

You should be looking into making changes around the house. Be supportive in order to avoid confrontations. Avoid any petty ego confrontations; they could lead to estrangement if you aren't careful.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Do not get upset about situations you cannot change. Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation. If they don't want to get involved, work by yourself.

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

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22)

Visitors may drop by unexpectedly, resulting in tension with your lover. Be creative in your efforts. Go out with friends. You would be best to work late in order to avoid such disharmony.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Avoid disputes with family; their complaints can't change anything anyway.

Now is a good time to ask for favors. You can put in some overtime and make extra cash. Disruptions may set you back, but you're strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Sudden changes at home will affect family members more than you anticipated. You should be looking into making changes around the house. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. Travel will promote romantic connections.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people. You need to be active and spend time with friends you enjoy. Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness. Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. The locks, stove, gas, or electric wires may not be secure. Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with self‐awareness. You may find acquaintances being deceptive.

ACROSS

45. Dr. or lbs., e.g.

1. Baseball’s 48. “_ Town” Hubbell 50. Above 5. Shower _ 53. Tra‐_ (hyph.)

8. Judge’s attire 54. GI 12. Draft status entertainment (hyph.) center 13. Regret bitterly 55. Chianti, e.g.

14. Water pitcher 56. Scheme 15. Clip suddenly 57. SSE’s 16. Scrap of food opposite 17. Fall fruit 58. No, to a frau 18. Processes 59. Construction hides area 19. Certain grain 60. British 20. Responsibility thanks 9. TV lawyer 21. University 61. Concordes Marshall head (abbr.)

10. Suitor 23. “Affirmative!”

11. Goes astray 25. Half a fly DOWN 22. Fury 27. Fishing snare 24. “Frasier” dog 29. Intensity 1. Expense 25. Diet soft 33. Fifth or 2. Actress drink Madison Magnani 26. “Law and (abbr.)

3. Rudolph, e.g.

Order: _” 34. Imposing 4. Memory 28. _ Mahal 36. “_ had it!” slippage 30. Messy places 37. Actress Delta 5. Crosby or (2 wds.)

39. _ alai Como 31. Federal 40. Freon, e.g.

6. Subtle power inits.

41. Wrist’s locale essence 32. “_ So Fine” 43. Cincinnati 7. Type of cash 35. Constricts players 8. Loll

38. Black belt’s art 42. _ Rainier 44. Early mornings 45. Heidi’s mountains

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 19.

46. “_ Ha’i” 47. Soak up ink 49. Annapolis Inst.

51. “Don’t bet _!”

(2 wds.)

52. Corrals

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

“SVG needs an athletics facility, not a stadium” – Woodrow Williams AN ATHLETICS FACILITY will suffice part of the sporting needs of St Vincent and the Grenadines, not a national stadium.

That is the view of Woodrow ‘Killy’ Williams, a certified IAAF technical official for the North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) region, certified lecturer for technical officials and certified coaching for jumps.

“There has been a lot of talk for a long time now, that we want a synthetic track, which might be four or six lanes;

but all this can hold is probably our inter schools’ track meet ... What we need is a facility to host local and regional meets, where all the provisions will be made for all track and field events,” Williams said.

“It will also be cheaper to build, it will be more user-friendly ... Do a simple facility that would not cost us a lot of money and one which does not carry a high maintenance cost, but will meet the IAAF specifications,” he continued his argument.

Williams advocates

that, should St Vincent and the Grenadines embark on such a facility in preference Woodrow ‘Killy’ to a fullWilliams speaks to fledged Track and Field in SVG, stadium, they with his background of will be better years of active served, as it An artistic view of a proposed stadium for SVG, presented by involvement, and can also British Architectural firm Arup Associates, circa 2007/08. provide for a international exposure full size administrative centre, but people,” he advised. and accreditation. football field. it will not be a monstrous He cited the Sion Hill “ With such a facility, edifice, … on one or two Playing Field as being the African Championships, you will still have a levels, with a maximum most appropriate site for European Championships medical facility, a doping seating capacity of about the athletics facilit;, and so on,” Williams control room , an two or three thousand however, once recountered. designed, Williams Williams also pointed to revealed that the venue the fact that many of the will no longer be able to stadia which were built in host cricket matches. the past have to be Making references to reconfigured to chance, and eventually due to rain). Ancil Hooper Jeffery LaBorde top-scored developing trends, accommodate a video Williams stated, “The labored to 145 for 6 off stroked 27 and William with 28. Michael Charles referee, which is a new world is changing, and their 20 overs. Vibert Edwards 21. Bill Edwards took 3 for 13 and Felix provision instituted by the what we are seeing are Williams led with 35 grabbed 2 for 9 for Sion Greaves 2 for 6, to seal IAAF, track and field’s facilities which are more and Calvin Hazell 32 Hill, whose reply with the victory for Mustique. world governing body. competitor-friendly, where not out. Deighton bat closed in their 15th This weekend, on St Vincent and the there are grass banks, Butler followed up his over at 81 for 9. Jose Saturday from 2pm, Grenadines is one of few batting binge with 2 Carrington hit 24. Angus Pastures face RSVG Police mounds, but where you islands in the Caribbean have two main stands. for 35.

Cyrus took 4 for 12. at Sion Hill; Park Hill without a national “Look at the other In another weekend Mustique Masters put oppose St Vincent stadium or a synthetic match, J G & Sons the icing on a good Cooperative Bank Ptani at countries in the Caribbean track. which have stadiums; Glamorgan Masters weekend outing by Park Hill, and JG &Sons The incumbent Unity these are hardly used, and Labour Party government made light work of defeating RSVG Police, Glamorgan play for St Vincent and the their encounter with albeit by a mere 1 run.

Marriaqua at Arnos Vale made the need for a Grenadines, it will be the national stadium an Kirk Da Silva’s La Mustique Masters made One. On Sunday from same thing, as the cost for election issue as early as Croix Masters,, who 85 for 7 off 15 overs (overs 2pm, Sion Hill face RYB using a stadium will be struggled to a total of reduced to 15 due to rain) Challengers at Sion Hill, the 2001 general election. prohibitive”, he added.

71 for 7 off 20 overs, in with Lenford Hooper top- Rudy’s Electrical play While there have been “The only countries which Basil Weekes scoring with 20. Lawmen Computec Belfongo at some bureaucratic moves which are building large hit 24 not out. J G & Elgin Richards, 2 for 16, Buccament, and North in that direction over the stadiums are those who Sons Glamorgan and Elmore Alexander 2 East take on Stanley past decade or so, and the are going to host the Pan cruised to victory for 18 tried to rein in their Browne’s Stubbs at early proposal of a site at American Games, closing at 73 for 1 off opponents. RSVG Police Stubbs.

Diamond, and even a Commonwealth Games, 9.4 overs, to win by 9 Masters were then held to design, nothing tangible NACAC championships, wickets. McNeil 84 for 9 off their 15 overs. I.B.A.ALLEN has materialized to date.

Morgan took 3 for 11 Deighton Butler hit 76 and in helping to keep took 2 for 35.

Kirk Da Silva’s La Croix Masters in A GOOD ALL ROUND check.

ACTION CONTINUED amassing a formidable 143 performance from former Mustique Masters last weekend in the for 4 in the completed 12 Windwards Islands fast made up for their fellow bowler Deighton Butler Grenadine island’s loss by GECCU-Owia Sports and overs. Bottom Town Cultural organization Tallawahs, already dazed helped guide North East defeating Sion Hill by their opponents’ to a convincing 111-run Masters by 6 wickets. Sion (OSCO), Women 12/12 win over Bequia Cricket Hill Masters made 110 for cricket competition, at the batting display, put in an Owia Playing Field. apology of a reply, and Association, in one of last 9 off 20 overs. Lauren In the first of last were decimated for 34 weekend matches in the Baptiste top scored with Saturday’s games, Fancy runs, losing by the SVG T20 Masters Cricket 27, William Edwards Hard Knox took first whopping margin of 106 Competition. recorded 25 and Colin knock and made 107 for 8 runs.

North East Masters Shoy 22. Michael Charles Action in last weekend round of matches in the off their allotted 12 overs.

The first game on took first strike and returned the enviable GECCU-OSCO Women 12/12 Cricket Competition.

In reply, Point Red Sunday afternoon saw St. amassed 255 for 6 off 20 figures of 5 for 10.

Flames made hard work of James Strikers of Greiggs overs. Deighton Butler Mustique Masters lost 4 Top Challengers of Owia determined but seemed to getting to 45 for 7 off 12 matching skills with Top top- scored with 76. Other wickets in 18.4 overs, in overs, to hand Fancy Hard Village Vipers from Owia. and Bruce Law Chamber’s have lost count of the good contributions with getting with ease to 114.

Nah Fren Dem of Greiggs. overs and were 55 for 8 Knox victory by 62 runs.

The Greiggs outfit were the bat came from Peter Chadwick Carrington led Nah Fren Dem, who have when their allotment was The second match on too skilled for their Campbell, 68, and with 33 and Roy Baptiste Saturday afternoon pitted opponents, defeating them featured in both male and complete.

Winsbert Springer, 51. was left unbeaten on 27. female softball The competition Sandy Bay D Big Deal by 79 runs. Scores: St. Ellis Lavia with 2 for 44 Sion Hill suffered a competitions across continues this weekend, against Bottom Town James Strikers (Greiggs) and Vibert Williams 2 for second weekend defeat by mainland St. Vincent, weather permitting, with Tallawahs. Sandy Bay D 109; Top Village Vipers 28 were Bequia’s best North Leeward Masters posted a total of 84 at the 2 games on Saturday and 30. bowlers. Bequia Cricket by 9 runs. North Leeward Big Deal, batting first, 2 on Sunday afternoon, at literally ill-treated their The final match for the completion of their 12 Association never looked Masters made 90 for 8 off overs.

Top Village the Owia Playing Field. opponents’ bowling attack, weekend was between Hill like they were in with a 15 overs (overs reduced Challengers looked

Butler inspires North East to big win

Owia female cricket round-up

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 21.

Sports

Five teams repeat Round D Town relay wins IT- DAT Academy retained both the minutes 32.20 seconds. Third male and female open categories, place Central Leeward team two St Martin’s the male secondary clocked 44 minutes 44.52 title, and Fitz Hughes – the seconds. primary division, when Team Central Leeward’s winning Athletics SVG held its Round D unit included Zita Vincent, Town Road Amanda Solomon, Leana relay Sunday afternoon, in capital Lovelace and Chaunte Williams, Kingstown. and they were the first female The combination of Caswell team to cross the finish line.

Lewis, Akani Slater, Mesach And, it was all Fitz Hughes Dublin and Ryan John was too in the primary schools segment, much for the others in the open as that institution bossed both male, as they completed the the male and female, as they route in 27 minutes 32.03 did in 2014, when the event was seconds. last staged.

IT- DAT also won that The males won in 39 category in 2013 and 2014. minutes 1052 seconds, and the Second was X- Cel females in 47 minutes 0554 Academy in 29 minutes 16 seconds. seconds and third was IT- DAT They were the only school to second team in 30 minutes finish, as the Sandy Bay failed 01.40 seconds. to complete the distance in both Among the females, IT-DAT genders, while Fitz Hughes Academy, spurred by Linda Mc ‘second team’ was disqualified in Dowall who was ably supported the male category.

by Tara Joseph, Tamara Winners in the open Woodley and Sorenya Miller, categories gained $ 600; second outlasted the field to win in 36 places - $400 and third minutes 28.05 seconds, beating $200.

X-Ceed Sports Club into second In the secondary schools’ place in 41 minutes 21.76 segment, winners pocketed seconds. $400, second places - $300 In the secondary schools’ and third- $200; and in the category, the St Martin’s primary, the winning units Secondary retained the boys’ got $300 each and the second title, while Central Leeward place - $200.

Secondary topped the female The four-leg relay began bracket. at the intersection of Halifax Powered by Kyle Alphonso, Street and South River Road; from there, runners headed Tyreke Anthony, Truloni Mc Kenzie and Newman Peters, St up to Sharpe Street, then via Martin’s triumphed in a time of Linley Street on to Back 29 minutes 48.96 seconds, with Street, thence to the changeover at the starting Central Leeward second in 30 minutes 12.36 seconds. Petit Bordel Secondary was third in 30 minutes 33.48 seconds.

Trailing Central Leeward’s winning time of 36 minutes 1.60 seconds in the female was the Sandy Bay IT-DAT – male open category winners Secondary in 43

point.

Each leg was estimated to be a distance of one mile.

Twenty- eight teams began the event, with twenty- six completing.

Next event on the road racing calendar is the Log Enterprises Byera Hill race on Sunday 9th October.

Athletes set off in last Sunday’s Round D Town Road Relay.

Combined male and female teams of the Fitz Hughes Primary.

Participants of the goal keepers course taking in information from Claine Plummer.

Goal keepers and coaches get timely insights

IT- DAT – winners again of the open female.

St Martin’s Secondary boys winners.

De Freitas dominates in Grenada TWO MEMBERS of the Black Sands Swim Club competed in the September 23-25 Annual Grenfin Invitational Swim Meet at their Gold Hope Pool, Grenada.

This Meet was an age group event, and used by Grenada for their national team selection for the forthcoming OECS competition, scheduled for St Vincent on the 10th - 13th November.

Aaron De Freitas competed in a staggering twelve events, and Caitlin Polius competed in eight events over the two-day Meet.

De Freitas excelled in the 1-14 year-old category and, in fact, came away as the overall champion in that class, showing versatility as he dominated over both long and short distances.

He topped the class, having struck gold in the 500 meter freestyle, and in the 200, 100 and 50 meters for each of the

Butterfly, Backstroke and Freestyle events.

Polius copped a bronze medal in the stamina-sapping 500 meter Freestyle in a huge personal best time. Though unable to medal in her other seven events, Polius returned home with the satisfaction of knowing that she swam personal best times in every event in which she competed.

Kyle Dougan of Black Sands who accompanied the twoperson party as coach, expressed satisfaction with the swimmers’ performance, as well as the professional manner in which they conducted themselves representing both club and country.

The OECS Swimming Championships will be held on 10th-14th November at Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre.

SVG’s swimmers have been in training preparing to showcase

(L-R): Caitlin Polius and Aaron De Freitas tested their swimming skills with contrasting results in a recent meet in Grenada. their talents alongside the subregion’s best.

A THREE-DAY goal keeping course staged by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) at the Media Centre of the Arnos Vale Playing Field and at the adjoining Arnos Vale Two, sought to assist in advancing better goal keepers over time in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

CONCACAF Instructor Instructor – Claine Plummer (left) poses — Claine Plummer, who with national senior facilitated the course team goal keeperwhich was attended by twenty- four participants, Lemus Christopher, noted that goal keeping is during last Saturday’s an area needing attention Closing Ceremony. in the region. “ In the region, there is a big deficiency in goal keeping for coaches , but hopefully the concept which I have introduced over the last three days, they would have grasped it”, Plummer explained.

Plummer assessed, “Not only they (the participants) were able to grasp the concepts taught, they applied it and were able to see the results instantly in the same sessions just by making the adjustments to their techniques, things in the past they would struggle with”.

Some of the course elements included video analyses, methodology, training session models, positioning, communication, distribution, crosses and set plays.

The sessions were both theoretical and practical.

Generally satisfied with the course, Plummer reasoned : “ This is just the tip of the iceberg; more follow up coaches and more exposure to new techniques are key in starting to see progress…

Overall there a lot of things which would take a longer time because they are going to require more training”.

Plummer was born in Costa Rica to a native mother, but to a Jamaican father.

Plummer played for the Costa Rica junior and Olympic teams before heading to California, USA where he competed at the Collegiate level, then a pre- season with LA Galaxy, alongside VincentianEzra Hendrickson.

Plummer also coached at the USLA, the now defunct Chivas USA in Major League Soccer and the Real Salt Lake Academy.

V

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Good bye, Dad LEOPOLD DAVID ANTHONY, born September 15, 1921, departed this life Monday, September 26, 2016. That was 11 days after his 95th birthday.

I knew him my entire life, and being the one born perhaps at the peak of his masculinity, it was not unusual that I inherited some of his traits.

Those have served me well, and perhaps have been some of the causes of my not so acceptable moments.

He had become known by a number of soubriquets. Many delighted in promoting one which was felt to have created some embarrassment.

That one was ‘sleepy’ which persons still persisted in using, even though he had proven to be wide awake in the midst of the closed eyes. He was subject to ridicule in more instances than one, owing to fact that he adopted certain stances that did not fall in line with established norms.

He was a musician of talent. I never questioned the nature of his musical spirit, and was happy to sponge off his melodious creativity. He was not only a musician, he was music fanatic.

His house was something of a museum, with nearly every type of instrument hanging around.

Being a teacher for many a year, he combined music with normal academic activities, and for some people, he brought a feeling of harmony to the school career. He was a composer of great value. He scripted songs for many and any occasion, and his linguistic skills helped to broaden his productivity.

He was imbued with a sense of religion, and ‘Harvest’ for any Methodist Church in North Leeward was a special affair not just for him but for the members who anticipated the exercise with deep passion.

Sport was his forte. I saw him bat at the twilight of his sporting chapter, so I knew he had some ability. He boasted of many a recordbreaking feat as a bowler. And I never questioned him.

It was inevitable that he followed the interest of the younger generation, and he motivated and inspired, not only members of his family, the school to which he was attached, but his Troumaca base, and the wider North Leeward network.

He was practical and pragmatic, and perhaps those factors contributed to a tendency to alienate him.

Anthony was a political analyst, and it was through him that I gained early exposure to aspects in that arena that most students were not exposed to. He worked at Polling Stations on many general elections, so I was able to maintain an interest in those types of events in a natural way.

Numerous tales will be revealed of his idiosyncrasies, for he had a type of fixed determination which many persons may have found offensive. His worth was immeasurable, for he had the vision and foresight to have come up with solutions to problems that may have appeared insurmountable to some. Anthony will be laid to rest tomorrow Saturday 1, at Troumaca Bay. A service is slated for the Kingstown Methodist Church thence to his home village. His passing leaves a void, especially for me. No longer will I be able to count on his wisdom and support when controversial issues surface.

The memories will flash forever, and I will have to sort out those most applicable to my productivity and preservation. After all, he was the trend setter. I can only follow him.

He has been the ultimate leader. I will follow him wherever he goes.

Middlesex takes Brooklyn T20 title MIDDLESEX WON their first major championship when they took the title in the 2016 Brooklyn Cricket League Twenty20 Competition, in what some described as ‘uncricket’ fashion.

After their counterpart Cavaliers, which boasts a number of players of Vincentian background, was knocked out in the semifinals, Middlesex, with former Vincentian national players in their ranks, ensure that a team with Vincentian connection took the title.

In the final played at Marine Park in Brooklyn, Pak Brighton won the toss and asked Middlesex to take first strike.

Middlesex started cautiously due to the difficult pitch conditions, but were Middlesex celebrate their Brooklyn T20 Championship win. soon in trouble at 52 for 4 from 11. It for 12. was left to Tegana McKenzie and opener Donovan ‘Puss’ Nelson, the former West Indies under 17 I.B.A.ALLEN player, to consolidate and extend the innings, with an important 87-run 5th wicket partnership.

Middlesex eventually closed on a creditable 176 for 5 from 20 overs, Nelson unbeaten on 68, an innings that included 6x6s and 1x4. Tegana McKenzie, 28, and Mark Audain, 21, were the other major rungetters. Bowling for Pak Brighton, Thir Sadiq took 2 for 24 and Shahid 2 for 40.

EXCITEMENT in the VINLEC North Leeward Pak Brighton failed to withstand some early, T/20 Cricket competition reached the ultimate last accurate Middlesex bowling, and were groveling at Sunday when North Stars and Big League played 31 for 5 when the game was brought into an abrupt to a tie. end when the two batsmen at the wicket were Big League was dismissed for 165 off 19.2 overs, instructed to “walk off the field,” thereby forfeiting built around Shang-I John, 43, with support from the match to Middlesex.

Ansil Hooper, 33.

At that stage of the game, Middlesex’s Dominic National and Windward Islands opener Atticus Audain had taken 2 for 5 and Rushane Manning 1 Browne 63 not out, watched in disbelief as his fellow North Stars folded for 165, with 20 balls remaining. Javon Samuel hit 29.

Carlos James Troumaca Starlight, 223 for 6 off 20 overs, beat Sharpes United by 53 runs. They were spurred by Tilron Harry 65, Keshawn Lewis 42, Nicholas Alexander 33 and Donald Delpesche 32.

DEFENDING champions Gairy Construction Sharpes reached 170 for 8 off 20 overs. Alfred Simple Boyz registered a 9-wicket victory over Riley Howe led with 64 led. Edson Williams and Kevin Snipers, to firther impress their determination to Robertson each got to 23. Zimron Providence 3 retain the championship title in the National for 20, Kwando Lewis 3 for 26 and Kentish John 2 Lotteries Authority TBPO Softball Cricket for 25 were the wicket takers.

Competition.

Peto Stars, 248 for 5 off 20 overs, overwhelmed In their weekend encounter, Snipers batted first Kishore Shallow Coulls Hill Rangers. Shaman and made 81 for 9 in 20 overs. Keson Williams Hoper 63, Vidal Edwards 57 and Alison Samuel 51 made 18. Eldon Morris took 3 for 9 and Desron were in smashing form for Peto Stars. Their Maloney 2 for 5 Simple Boyz. In reply, Simple Boys bowlers tightened the screws, with Ronique made the chase a simple one, racing to 82 for 1 in 5 Laborde Kenneth Westfield and Rohan Laborde overs. Jobari Cunningham topscored with 38 not two wickets each, combining to rout Rangers for out and Desron Maloney got 29.

73 off nine overs.

EZ Wood Toppers beat Carriere Blazers by 6 Ajuba 113 for 7 off 10 overs held off Upsetters wickets in a match in which no team made use of to secure a 15- run win in a match reduced to 10 its allotment of overs. Carriere Blazers made 77 overs because of rain. . Kenny Stapleton 31, Afeel all out in 13.3 overs. In reply, Toppers made 78 for Mason 25 were the principal contributors to 4 in 13.3 overs Ajuba’s total. Upsetters reached 98 for 6 in their Smart Strikers defeated Sunset Strikers by 48 10 overs. Cklon McKie, 27, raised hope for runs. Smart Strikers batted first and made 93 in 10 Upsetters but Ronald Franklyn, 2 for 13, put the overs. Bristol Scott led with 47. Sunset Strikers brakes on their chase. best bowler was Ian Bushay with 2 for 11. Sunset Circumstance and Carlos James Troumaca Strikers reached 45 for 9 in 10 overs. Bowling for Starlight meet in tomorrow’s first match, with Smart Strikers, Kemron John took 2 for 8 and Rudy’s Electrical against Ajuba in the afternoon Rajvie Pompey 2 for 9. clash. Sunday’s fixture sees Robertson Surveying BoSVG All Stars outplayed Young Stars, beating Future Legends in action against Summerset, them by 10 wickets. Young Stars batted first and followed by a Rose Bank United - Hishore Shallow made 58 in 14.5 overs. Ron Adams took 2 for 7. All Coulls Hill Rangers encounter.

Stars replied with 64 for no loss in 4.3 overs. Ron Adams hit 30 and Nyron Dasouza 27.

Stingers were too hot for Dipcon Road Warriors.

They blazed their way to a mammoth 200 for 3 in 18 overs, Adonis Nanton accounting for 95 of those runs and Vincent Cupid 46. Bowling for Warriors, Richard Jeffery took 2 for 23. In what was one of the more dismal performances in the Competition to date, Warriors were bowled out for a measly 37 all out in 11.1 overs. Bowling for Stingers, Azmon Forbes took 5 for 5.

Matches in the Competition continue this weekend.

North Stars and Big League tied up

Simple Boyz making it simple in TBPO

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016. 23.

Classifieds

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.39

www.thevincentian.com

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WATER MANAGER DEFENDS SHUT DOWN

BY DAYLE DA SILVA

Kingstown. “… But because the raw quality was AS OF THURSDAY morning, so bad, we had to shut down again,” he the water supply had been said on Thursday morning. turned on for residents According to Saunders, The CWSA being fed from the was doing inspections of the entire Montreal intake, following system in phases. the passage of Tropical “St Vincent is mountainous, so there Storm Matthew on could be some damage,” the CWSA GM Wednesday 28th cautioned.

September.

“So we want the public to know that This was part of the it (the water supply) will be response given by Garth intermittent. …. We will have to continue to monitor closely and try to Garth Saunders, Saunders, General Manager of the Central bring it back as quickly as possible.”

General Water and Sewerage But he advised that in as much as Manager of the Authority, as he the CWSA would like to be able to CWSA, offered responded during a call-in restore water to consumers as quickly justification for Heavy flows of muddy In terms of when the water supply was to a radio station, to as possible, it had to be done in the right the shutting expected to be returned to normalcy, water and stones criticisms by some way. down of the Saunders said that the disruption would have would have blocked citizens who were of the During the interim, Saunders said water system continued well into Thursday, since the team the system, had it not residents should continue to store water, here during the view that the water of engineers would most likely opt to keep the been turned off. supply should not have especially so at this period, i.e. the peak of passage of a system turned off. been affected. the hurricane season. tropical storm.

The GM said that the decision, to shut down the system, was a good one in terms of protecting the water supply, and cited that the supply was under some pressure

by KENVILLE HORNE Reports are that other than because of heavy flows of muddy water. the men’s cell phones, there was “The rivers are still flowing heavy and THREE VINCENTIAN fishermen, who no other navigational or we cannot take that water into our went to sea on the morning of Monday communication equipment system, because the level of treatment 26th September, and were reported as onboard. that we have does not cater for that raw missing when they failed to return as When the men failed to return water quality that is muddy and filled expected (early evening), were rescued as expected, a report was made with stones and mud,” he said.

“So we are not in a position to take that at sea by the Martinique coast guard on to the local Coast Guard by Thursday.

Lorenzo James, part- owner of water in our system,” Saunders disclosed, News of their safety was received by the boat. He was particularly noting further that if the system was not shut down, then the lines would have been family members on the said Thursday. concerned, given that by that Family members await their return, time, news of a pending tropical blocked. a date for which was not fixed, up to system had surfaced.

“So it’s a good thing we did that,” he press time, late Thursday.

There are reports that James continued.

Captain Andrew ‘Dougee’ Baptiste, did not receive a co-operative Shutting down the system was not an 54, of Rose Place, along with crewmen response initially from the Coast (L-R): James ‘Bow’ Baptiste, Lesworth uncommon practice, and in the event of a Guard, but this was not fire, there is an emergency plan in place to James ‘Bow’ Baptiste, 35, and ‘Gargan’ Young and Andrew ‘Dougee’ Lesworth ‘Gargan’ Young, 31, both of confirmed. ensure the supply of water in cases of that Baptiste are said to be safe in Martinique.

New Chapmans Village, Georgetown, When THE VINCENTIAN nature, Saunders assured. set out to sea around 7 am on Monday, spoke with Kozel Lewis, daughter Saunders said also, that the Dallaway OK, especially my Dad, and I want to on the boat ‘Driver’, a 25-foot fiberglass of Andre ‘Dougee’ Baptiste, she said, system was turned on briefly, in order to thank all who called and prayed. We pirogue.

“I am just very happy to hear they are check the transmission between that are very grateful”. intake facility and that at Montrose in

Fishermen rescued

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.