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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

MARCH 31, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.13

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Julian ‘Mongkin’ Murray, given the sentiments expressed, was a well-loved person in the Mahoe community.

out of the house because they (relatives) did not ON SATURDAY 25TH want him to leave.”

March, a 58-year-old man Albert Murray, of Mahoe, Campden Park, Julian’s cousin, told THE was allegedly the recipient VINCENTIAN that he of a severe beating at the Beating at the hands of had been told around hands of his relatives. relatives 3pm on Saturday, by Julian Murray, aka some relatives, that ‘Mongkin’, was rushed to Relatives of the Julian had been “beaten deceased, through sobs up.” Not aware of the and tears, told THE extent of the injuries, he VINCENTIAN that they advised that they call the were convinced Murray’s ambulance and the death was the result of a police. beating he got during an He confirmed that it altercation with other was a female friend of relatives.

Murray who initiated his Murray, showing signs removal from the house, of being badly beaten, on Monday. was taken out of the A visibly distraught house he shared with a Albert also said that he brother, a sister and a understood that his niece, last Monday. cousin, before he passed A female friend of away, was able to tell the Murray had gone to the police who had inflicted house on Monday after the beating on him.

Albert Murray, spoke of not seeing him for two “I don’t know how his cousin’s (Julian) days and, according to a family could be so willingness to help relative, they had to wicked, and I hope anyone who requested “make noise to get him ‘Mongkin’ get justice,” his assistance.

by KENVILLE HORNE

the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Monday 27th March, but succumbed to his injuries one day later.

The house from which Julian Murray’s badly beaten body was removed. His brother is seated in the verandah. declared Albert.

a small payment,” one resident said.

Always ready to help Another remembered him making trips to “the According to persons mountains to pick in the community, Julian mangoes and plumrose, Murray was not and come back to the permanently employed, village and call out, but he would avail ‘Sale… see me this himself to assist persons side’.”

“Anybody go tell you in his community.

“Sometimes he would get about this guy. He is

quiet. The only thing is he drink his little booze,” said yet another villager, adding, “Oh God, why them have to do Julian like dat? Everybody want justice, we don’t want scape goat justice.

All unfair games would have to play again.”

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 3.

News 3 Another plan to clean up Kingstown Street vending has gone beyond the traditional fruit and vegetable stalls.

NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, the Unity Labour Party government is promising action to ‘clean-up’ capital Kingstown.

The most recent indication of another plan came from Senator Julian Francis, on his weekly (Tuesday) radio programme on Star FM. Senator Francis did

not detail any of the real action proposed, preferring, as he said, to avoid details until such time as they are firmed—up.

When they are, Francis promised that they will be taken to the people.

What he assured, with overwhelming

confidence, was that the plan his government had in mind should unfold in time to see changes for this year’s carnival.

And he had a direct message for street vendors when he said that most of the uncleanliness in Kingstown is due to

PM expects chartered flights THERE ARE NO REGULAR international commercial flights currently servicing the recently completed Argyle International Airport, but Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves told a press conference on Monday, that he expects to see international chartered flight for the carnival season, as well as regular flights during Minister of Tourism Cecil Mc Kie (left) and CEO of the tourist season in the Tourism Board Glen Beache (right) have been November. told in no uncertain way by the PM, to pin down This expectation, he those chartered flights for carnival. said, is based on talking to them privately in these information he has been given by terms.” those who are directly involved in The Prime Minister continued, “We getting international flights to AIA. The Prime Minister said he had told have to remember that only a relative Minister of Tourism Cecil Mc Kie and small number of persons can say that they are taking leave within a week’s Head of the Tourism Authority Glen notice, within days’ notice. People Beache to secure flights, “and they have to give their employers a good appreciate that point, that those charters have to be pinned down fairly two, three months’ notice to say, ‘Listen, I want to take my leave soon, because people are beginning to book flights to come home for carnival, around carnival,’ and they want to and visitors who want to come outside know if they could have direct flights … I am hopeful that within the next of Vincentians.” week or two that we are going to see And the Prime Minister is not some things being pinned down. Yo letting up on those responsible for can’t delay that.” pinning down these flights. He told Several chartered international the press conference that Minister Mc flights landed at the international Kie and Beache might think he was airport when it was officially opened using the media to put pressure on them, and acknowledged that “if they on 14th February, but since then there have been no chartered or scheduled feel that way, yes, yes, because I am commercial flights into SVG. (KH)

street vending.

Indication was given that some of the action being considered includes the power washing, painting of state-owned and private sector-owned buildings, and the cleaning of drains.

There was no indication as to whether vendors would be removed from sidewalks or other areas of

Kingstown that have become congested with persons plying their trade.

There have been a number of efforts to regulate street vending in and around Kingstown and the operations of shops and other vendors in Little Tokyo.

One observer told THE VINCENTIAN, that it was clear that the

number of persons carrying on business on the sidewalks of main and secondary streets in the capital has increased over the recent past.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Kingstown Town Board has the authority to collect a fee from street vendors. The extent to which this is enforced, is not known.

Mahoe community members who expressed grief on the passing of beloved Julian.

Helpful Mahoe man killed Brendon Goodgie, a 59-year-old watchman, died at the Port Elizabeth Albert added his bit about his Hospital, Bequia, hours after being hit cousin, saying that Julian learned the in the head by another man, said to be skill of furniture making at Duncan’s a labourer from Lower Bay, Bequia.

Furniture Shop, while he, Albert, was Reports from Bequia said that the employed there.

He recalled that Julian later found two men were involved in an altercation on the wharf at Port work in Union Island and Canouan, Elizabeth, around 11am, Monday 27th and when he decided to return to March, during which Goodgie was hit Mahoe, persons would call on him to in the head and fell into the water. do jobs for them.

Police, up to press time Wednesday, He was fished out of the water, had three persons in custody for taken to the Port Elizabeth Hospital, questioning concerning the matter. where he died just before 3:00pm.

The three were said to be Murray’s The man who allegedly inflicted the sister, his niece and her boyfriend. death blow on Goodgie has since been taken into custody by the police Another homicide Murray and Goodgie’s deaths bring the homicide count for the year to five.

Murray’s death came one day after Continued from Frontpage.

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4. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Ganja Ticketing System could be helpful Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS WHILE SENIOR Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche is of the view that having a Ticketing System here for persons found in possession of small amounts of marijuana could help to ease the burden on the court, he thinks there should be broad consultation on the issue before any such decision is made.

Delpleche was speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, shortly after the day’s adjournment of the Serious Offences Court where the issue of ticketing persons found in possession of small amounts of marijuana was highlighted.

Twelve persons appeared in that Court on Monday on separate charges of possessing small amounts of marijuana. They pleaded guilty to their respective charges, and were ordered to pay fines.

Attorney Grant Connell, who had represented four of the twelve defendants, told the court that if a ticketing system was in place, the matters could have been dealt with at the Central Police Station where the person(s) caught pay a fine relative to the amount of

marijuana, without having to come to court. He noted that persons who were brought to Court on Monday, charged with having small amounts of marijuana, had to spend the weekend in custody.

Connell described the situation as a waste of judicial time, manpower and paper. He noted that there were a number of Rapid Response Unit (RRU) officers in Court, who had come to deal with marijuana matters, while they could have been doing something else.

But in his conversation with THE VINCENTIAN later, the Senior Prosecutor opined, “A Ticketing System for possession of small amounts of marijuana could help to ease the burden on the Court, but such a decision should not be made without synthetizing the population on the issue”.

Delpleche pointed out that, while it is true that a Ticketing System is in place here for certain traffic offences, there should be much broader consultation before such a system is put in place in relation to marijuana, given the ongoing public debate on the issues surrounding it use.

“There would have to be legislation to govern the process, and therefore the public should be synthetized on the issue”, he added.

Delpleche, Senior Prosecutor who heads Adolphus the Delpleche has Summary been forthright in Division in his suggestions the Office of regarding matters the Director related to the of Public possession of Prosecutions small amounts of (DPP), was marijuana. expressing his personal views on the matter.

Several youngsters appear at the Serious Offences Court on an almost daily basis, charged with possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Connell had also suggested a Ganja Ticketing System during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN some years ago.

Lawyer says police ÂGanja huntingÊ ATTORNEY Grant Connell wants the police to place more emphasis on crimes that go to the core of society, rather than “hunting’ persons for small amounts of marijuana.

Connell made the call at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He represented four of the 12 persons who appeared in that Court on separate charges of having small amounts of marijuana.

The lawyer observed that in sharp contrast, there was nobody before the court on cocaine

charges, though, in his view, the police know where the ‘crackheads’ hang out, and where they get their stuff from.

He expressed the view that the police are not putting similar emphasis on crimes that go to the core of society, including cocaine offences and the robbery of yachts.

“We know the impact they crimes) are having, yet the police seem to be putting all their emphasis on hunting for ganja”, Connell said.

He pointed out that when the facts in these

marijuana Right: Attorney matters are Grant Connell read in has made a Court, they ‘career’ out of appear to be fighting copied and marijuana pasted, with related matters the only before the court. difference being the marijuana. names of the defendants He told Chief and the arresting Magistrate Rechanne officers.

Browne that it was “It (marijuana) has no rather disturbing that value, it is rotting in the the only drug related hills. Hundreds of matters before the Court pounds can’t get out”, were for marijuana Connell said, adding that the drug laws need to be possession, despite the fact that cocaine is revisited, in respect to destroying many of the nation’s young people.

Connell commended the Chief Magistrate for her approach on Monday, in accepting part payments of fines that were ordered to be paid forthwith for marijuana possession, and for allowing some defendants time to pay the entire fine.

He described the approach as a breath of fresh air, and explained that if a fine was imposed forthwith, and the offender does not have the means to pay, it would amount to a prison sentence. He noted that the Appeal Court was clear on this point.

More charges laid in ATM scam POLICE investigations into reports of fraudulent activities at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) here, have resulted in additional charges being laid against three St. Mario Chitolie Aaron Kadoo Lucians.

Jammy Harry, 22-year-old seaman; Mario Chitolie, 26-yearold labourer, and Aaron Kadoo, 29-year-old mechanic, are jointly charged with, that between March 9 and 12 this year, did agree with each other that a course of conduct, namely theft, shall be pursued.

Kadoo is charged separately with, that on March 12 this year, going equipped to steal, had articles in his possession, namely 121 ATM cards for use in the Jammy Harry course of theft.

Harry is charged separately with, that on March 12 this year, going equipped to steal, had articles in his possession, namely four ATM cards for use in the course of theft.

The St. Lucians pleaded not guilty to the charges, when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday. The matters have been adjourned to June 6, and the men were further remanded.

Harry was already facing nine charges of theft in relation to reports of fraudulent activities at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines ATM machines. He is accused of stealing the monies on a number of occasions at Kingstown, Calliaqua and Bequia.

The cash amounts to EC$15,500, $5,500 being the property of Michelle Williams of Owia; $6,000, the property of Willis Pope of Villa, and $4,000, the property of Curvis Lewis of Sion Hill.

The offences were reportedly committed on March 10,11 and 12 this year.

Harry was not required to plead to these charges when the men had initially appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on March 15, as they were laid indictably. The matters were however subsequently reduced to summary, and Harry entered a not guilty plea to all nine charges, during an appearance at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. They have been adjourned to June 6.

Chitolie and Kadoo have also been charged with, that on March 10 this year, at Barrouallie, they entered the state by boat and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

Kadoo is charged separately with, that on the same date entered the state as a prohibited immigrant without a passport. They pleaded not guilty to these.

When they made their initial appearance at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, they were remanded, following strong objections to bail by prosecutor Constable Shamrock Pierre. The theft matters were transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

The probe into reports of fraudulent activities at ATM machines here is ongoing, and THE VINCENTIAN understands that additional charges could be laid.

Attorney Duane Daniel is representing the St. Lucians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 5.

Regional

ECCB back on track after three years of loss WHEN EASTERN CARIBBEAN Central Bank (ECCB) Governor Timothy Antoine announced last week that the bank “is expected to make a small profit at the end of this fiscal year,” it just might have caught persons in the sub-regional by surprise.

Unknown to the majority of citizens in the sub-region, the ECCB has in fact, counted losses for the last three years.

But even as he confirmed the situation, Governor Antoine said, “..we have every expectation, and plans to increase the profitability of the bank going forward.”

Antoine, who took over from the late Sir Dwight Venner in February last year, stressed that he was encouraged by the progress recorded, and that he was even more pleased that the Eastern Caribbean dollar remained strong.

Speaking on a current affairs programme hosted by the St. Kitts-based ECCB that serves as a Central Bank for Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. KittsNevis and Montserrat, Antoine said he felt “very encouraged by the

progress we’ve made in my first year.

“Much of what we’ve set out to do was accomplished,” said the Grenadian-born economist, adding that he is satisfied with the maintenance of a strong Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar.

“We have maintained the strength of our EC Dollar which is exchange rate stability. Throughout the last year, the currency was backed an average 97 per cent, in some cases 98, but on average 97 per cent. So on that score we continue to maintain a strong dollar.”

Antoine had outlined a four four—pillar vision for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) and the ECCB on upon assuming office. They were financial stability, fiscal and debt sustainability, growth competitiveness and employment and organizational effectiveness.

Antoine said he is pleased that the ECCB was able to maintain a strong EC dollar to improve financial stability in the sub—region.

“We’ve also seen across the currency Union,

improvement in the performance of our national banks and our international banks; whether you look at capital adequacy or you look at profitability, we saw improvement,” the governor said..

Antoine said there was also improvement in asset quality measured by non-performing loans “which fell from a high of 17 per cent at the end of 2015 to around 12 and a half per cent at the end of 2016.”

There have also been improvements in the fiscal accounts, Antoine said.

“I am pleased to note that we have seen improvement in the fiscal accounts. Many of our governments were able to earn primary surpluses this last year, and overall there was an improvement in the fiscal accounts.

“We have also seen a reduction in the debt to GDP (gross domestic product) ratio for several of our countries…we’re down from 76 per cent to 75 there about…it is slight but it’s moving in the right direction.

“That’s an important target for us…we’re trying to get to a debt to GDP ratio of 60 percent

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Governor Timothy Antoine said he is pleased to note the improvement in the performance of our national banks.

Inset: Timothy Antoine, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Governor, is pleased with the bank’s performance during his first year in office. by 2030.”

However, the ECCB Governor said the period was not without its challenges, and the major challenge was with its pillar for growth, competitiveness and employment.

“I think at the moment we recorded 2 to 2.5 per cent growth in 2016. That is not bad, but not good enough,” the governor said, adding that “we

want to be at 5 per cent per annum or more.

“So that remains a challenge, but what we did in the first year was to build a foundation for how we are going to…attempt to raise the trajectory of growth.”

Antoine said there are a number of initiatives that the bank will be taking in the coming year to address the issue of growth and

competitiveness.

He said he is looking forward to the establishment of the partial credit guarantee scheme, the ECCU Credit Bureau and more opportunities for access to finance for youth, during his second year on the job.

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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Another man cleared of murder charges Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS ONE MONTH after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued a murder case against Vermont residents Malcolm Pollin and Mark Weekes, another man has been cleared of a similar charge.

When Devorn ‘Chiefman’ Charles returned to the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the prosecution would not be proceeding against him on two murder charges.

Charles had been charged with: the July 23, 2015 murder of Andrew ‘Sweat’ Durham, 39, who was shot several times next to his home at Monkey Hill, New Montrose; and the September 12, 2015 murder of Ottley Hall resident Andre ‘Judge’ Bowens.

Reports were that Bowens had sustained bullet wounds to the head and other parts of

the body. He died on the spot. He was reportedly met lying motionless on the floor at the entrance to the downstairs of a house in Gun Hill, Lowmans Leeward, occupied by a female, shortly after 8 p.m.

Up to press time Wednesday, THE VINCENTIAN was unable to reach DPP Colin Williams for a comment.

Attorney Grant Connell, who represented Charles, told the publication, “I indicated to the Court on several occasions, that the police had no evidence on which to base the charges against my client. It is unfortunate that a citizen should languish in prison on remand until the charges against him were withdrawn.”

Connell had also represented Pollin who, along with Weekes, had the charge of murdering Kamu Jones discontinued against them on February 27.

Jones died after receiving multiple

Devorn Charles, according to the prosecution, had no case to answer in respect of two murder charges. gunshot injuries, as well as chop wounds and blunt trauma to the head, during an incident at Vermont on July 20, 2016.

Pollin was shot dead at his home village on March 12, two weeks after he was cleared of the murder charge.

“Provide or decriminalize”, says lawyer ATTORNEY Israel Bruce is calling on the authorities to find ways to provide for young people through meaningful employment, or take the route of decriminalising marijuana.

Bruce was at the time making an appearance at the Serious Offences Court in the matter involving Erron Lavia, 21, of Clare Valley and Lyndon Prince, 31, of Greiggs, who had both pleaded guilty to possession of 1,555 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

Police, acting on

information received, intercepted a vehicle at Colonarie on Monday, in which the men were travelling. They were taken to the nearby Colonaire Police Station along with the vehicle.

A search of a black knapsack Lavia was carrying, revealed nine packages of marijuana.

The men were fined $1,000 each to be paid by June 9 or nine months in prison.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN after, Bruce expressed concern that far too many of the nation’s youth are being criminalized in relation

Attorney Israel Bruce has joined the chorus calling for ‘creative measures’ to address marijuana issues here. to marijuana offences.

He expressed the view that even though people from outside are invited to come here and invest to provide employment, they are going to find that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is full of people with criminal records.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 7.

Diaspora

Vincy mas, soccer pioneer Sam DeBique mourned at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Embassy in Washington, D.C. Vincentian nationals — from all walks of life — jammed the pews at the church, at which a number of Vincentian clergy attended and officiated.

The church’s Barbadianborn pastor, the Very Rev. Eddie Alleyne, presided over the service.

Among members of the Vincentian clergy in attendance were: The Rev. Ulric Jones, who assisted with the Holy Eucharist; Dr. Horace John, pastor of St. John’s Wesleyan Methodist Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn; the Rev. Rudolph Telesford, pastor of Nehemiah Christian Ministries in Flatbush, Brooklyn; the Rev. Sam DeBique – mas and Hoskin Prescott; Pastor football pioneer.

Cadman Roberts; and Minister Carmalyn Alexander.

Story and photos by Mourners paid tribute to NELSON A. KING DeBique in songs, hymns, naking@verizon.net; steelpan, speeches, poems, kingnaking210@yahoo.com scriptures and dance, among US CORRESPONDENT others.

Despite the solemn OVER 500 Vincentian and other occasion, mourners erupted Caribbean nationals Sunday with huge laughter when evening paid their last respects Kingstown native Gloria to Vincentian masman and DeShong, before singing ‘You football (soccer) pioneer Sam raised me up’, said: “I was not DeBique, who died on Mar. 15. on the program, but I am He was 79. now.”

In 2012, DeBique was Ormond ‘Paddy’ Corea, said diagnosed with a heart he and DeBique were friends condition, “and his health for 63 years, and that they deteriorated as years went by,” never had a quarrel or according to his obituary read argument for those years. at the funeral service at St. “ ‘I came not to bury my Gabriel’s Episcopal (Anglican) friend but to praise him’,” said Church on Hawthorne Street Corea, quoting William in Brooklyn, New York by Shakespeare. “For me, this is DeBique’s cousin, Omari perpetual. I will miss my Williams, Deputy Ambassador friend. Farewell my friend.”

In eulogizing DeBique, Dr. John, a Kingstown native, said: “I don’t think all of us will get the privilege like Sam. “I used to be around the park [Victoria Park, Kingstown), never played for a side [soccer team], but I used to lime [loud laughter],” he said in his homily. “Death is inescapable. You might think you have time. It does not matter what you accumulate in life, Ormond ‘Paddy’ you’ll leave it.”

Corea pays tribute to After asking mourners his close friend. to give DeBique a standing ovation — as the flowerless casket, with a where he retired. small black cross atop, was A renowned placed in front of the altar — masman, DeBique Rev. Alleyne asked Vincentian was not only a Adelle DeBique (l) – Sam wife - receives Sports Ambassador Stella masquerader but bible from Sports Ambassador Stella Boyea, a member of the also a carnival Boyea and the Very Rev. Eddie Alleyne. church’s Vestry, to present a band organizer, bible to DeBique’s widow, dating back to migrated to the United States Adelle, née King, on behalf of 1957 in his native land, of America,” the obituary said, the church. according to the obituary. adding that DeBique’s love for “His love for carnival was Bio and more sports “led him to join the sustained in Brooklyn, where Flambeau Cricket Team in he was instrumental in Neusam Sam DeBique was Brooklyn, which was bringing mas to life, for born on Feb. 20, 1939 to captained by one of his dear Brooklyn’s annual Labor Day Gertrude ‘Ma’ Alexander, née friends, the late Cadman Parade, through bands like Deane, of Kingstown, and Caribbean Festive Associates, Marksman.”

Herbert ‘Herbie’ DeBique.

DeBique is survived by, which was formed in his living After attending the among others, Adelle, of 45 room, and Mas Productions Kingstown Anglican School, years of marriage; children [Unlimited], formed by him DeBique pursued a career in Jacqui, Ruez, Damon and and his cousin, Wesley printing, working at the country’s Government Printing Millington,” the obituary said. Nassor; three grand-children Office in the capital.

It said DeBique founded the Kefira, Monique and Imani; sisters Gloria, Miranda, In 1966, he migrated to legendary Notre Dame Joycelyn and Ermine; and New York and continued Football [Soccer] Club that working in the printing dominated soccer in the nation brothers Raymond, Vin, Lennox and Alfred. business, gaining employment in the 1960s and ‘70s.

He was interred on Monday at, among others, Dover “He captained the team to at the Canarsie Cemetery in Publishing and Memorial numerous victories until he Sloan Kettering Hospital, from Brooklyn.

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Rumbling with the truth THESE ARE TESTING TIMES for us here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Between Saturday and Tuesday last, we were made to bear the tragedies of: a sea captain found dead, floating in the waters of the bay of capital Kingstown; a young man succumbing to death in a vehicle which must have been his pride and joy, given the priorities that characterize our young men especially; an altercation that resulted in the death of a man in usually tranquil Port Elizabeth, Bequia; a mysterious fire that threatened to put ‘cold water’ on the sixtieth birthday party for a leading entrepreneur; a case of illegal possession of ammunition withdrawn in the face of what every man Jack and woman Jill thought was solid; and up to Wednesday, an ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of a man whose body was found in a house at Mahoe, Campden Park.

These we might want to gesture, are, relatively speaking, drops in the bucket of tragedies that currently cloud the landscapes of: neighbouring St. Lucia - home of the region’s premier Jazz Festival; Trinidad - that ‘happy’ rainbow nation to the south of us; and Jamaica, a distant north, but oh so impacting on the lifestyles of our young people.

Yes, we must ask: Can we bear anymore? And that is the question on the lips of many Vincentians who would otherwise be going about their business as usual; feeling ‘safe’ in the celebrations of a brand new international airport, a Heritage month whose activities were supposedly geared towards arousing a heightened sense of our ‘Vincentianness’, and the preparations for our annual mother of all parties we call Vincy Mas. With all that, we should be a happy people. Furthermore, our government promises continued fiscal prudence and astuteness, even as it moves toward delivering on its many promises with an eye on the next general elections, amidst an electorate torn asunder by unwavering political immaturity.

We head into the future with much hope, if we are to believe our government’s reading of our reality, and the promise of bliss hereafter by the over abundance of Christian denominations.

But therein lies the challenge for us as a developing ‘civilization’.

Are we prepared to bear these tragedies as one people? Are we prepared to put aside our differences, forsake the handouts that so many of us are made to depend on, and join heads, hearts and hands with those we perceive as threats to our sense of stability, as misguided as it is, and say enough is enough?

But if the truth be told, our problems are sourced from much deeper, wider pool of influences.

Ours is a society that says one thing and does another. We are wont to deny the contradictions and prejudices that prevail among us, because it serves a personal agenda or that which we subscribe to as articulated by others.

Regardless of all the punitive action we will take against those who commit wrong against others, there is no guarantee that the source of our apathy- yes that is where we have reached — will be sought, caught and hung out to dry.

When we play footsy with the law, when the law appears to serve only those who are in authority and/or those who have fairy godmothers and fairy godfathers in positions of influence in this supposedly open and free society; when society is so manned by those in the hall of authority, that we protect the wider and deeper wrong and plaster only the sore, can we say our quest to build a safe, free, and just society is a genuine one?

When we accept that much of what represents itself as anger, is inherent in the lopsided society that still harbours and encourages an unequally yoked man-woman relationship and a man’s perception of his position in society as being that of dominant partner, to be upheld even in the face of ridicule by other men, then we are some way towards dealing with the fundamental, the deep-seated sources of our social problems.

We are wont to blame the perpetrator, but remain oblivious to certain attitudes and tendencies which we have nurtured and solidified, that are the real, root causes of the social challenges we face.

So, we will lock away some, set some free, but go on our merry way, with the attitude that the evil that abounds will never venture into our personal domains.

Think again!!

Heritage Month I DID MAKE A LIMITED contribution to our celebration of Heritage Month with a note on the Garifuna, of which I am a proud descendant.

This Week, I quietly join in recognising the 100th anniversary of the termination of the System of East Indian Indentureship, in my effort to add the rich tapestry of peoples that are assimilated in our Caribbean nations.

My personal experiences led me as a young boy to get thoroughly integrated with the Indians around the Argyle/Calder/Akers area. During my early years, I spent most school holidays at Akers at the home of my eldest sister, Stella, who was married to school headmaster Eardley Browne, who had been agent of the Brownes in the USA who owned four estates which employed many East Indians. I struck up lasting friendships, particularly with the Deanes and Thomases families.

I lived at Bottom Town near to the hospital, which I occasionally visited to pray with the sick.

In that endeavour, I came across an ill Indian lady who was impressed and, on recovery, called at my nearby home to meet my mother. That was the introduction to Gertrude Bowman of Rose Bank. I distinctively remember spending school holidays at the Bowmans and next door Bacchuses. The holiday relationship grew, where in 1950 we took a Bowman son to live at our home to attend with me the Boys Grammar School where I met, probably my best friend, Ian Hadley.

I got along well with Indians, always never a show of discrimination from either side. If truth be told, it is something of a mystery that I did not marry an Indian girl, at least a half-dozen of them passed by me unscathed.

It used to be said then, that a Black man would choose an Indian girl in order to ‘soften’ the hair of their children! Trouble was that the Indian girls often fancied the Portuguese, to raise the colour of their offspring!

Incidentally, I can claim some historical connection with the impressive Indian Business House of Jacks. The old man Nathaniel as tailor, did my shirts and bibs for official wear as a lawyer in 1972.

Thereafter, I worked for him, notably administering a family property from which he derived mortgage money to launch Jax’s Enterprise which today is flying aloft under the young Jacks.

I offer for pensive thought to the Indian Community, a quotation from a newspaper discussing their plight in facing a British Colony, that bristled with barbed biases.

(The Guardian 18/11/1865, Editorial “Our Coolies” ‘We are glad to be in a position to report that our Coolie venture has been a successful one. Not only are we benefited by the addition of upwards of 500 hands to our agricultural force, but the presence of the Coolies has been a stimulant to our native labourers, and instances can be given of estates on which the greatest difficulty was felt in securing the services of the labourers before the Coolies were located; but no sooner were the foreigners introduced than the natives turned out in sufficient numbers. The Coolies themselves have also improved. Their miserable skinny

skeletons are just filling out and rounding to the proper proportions of humanity; and as we learn that they are already able to finish the tasks ny noon, we shall not at all be surprised to hear of their proposing to extra hours for additional pay — measure that should have been long ago adopted by our resident labourers who are far stronger that the slender Asiatic.

They are wonderful fellows, too, these Coolies, in the matter on money-getting; the first batch of them came here in 1861, and it is said that some of them have amassed as much as 300 dollars..”

The editorial goes on to ‘entertain very sanguine hopes that our transient labourers would establish themselves permanently amongst us’.

The PM returned to the country from Qatar, as fresh as a drooping plant. He dealt publicly with several matters, including the announcement of a chosen slate of National Heroes, whose gestation time has exceeded that of producing the AIA which is now History.

Ralph will probably be forced to settle for Chatoyer, Mc Intosh, Joshua and Dr. Eustace. He attacked me for supporting his stand against Cato before the 1990s, which only changed dramatically on purely party political grounds, as he moved to bring off a successful union of MNU and Labour as the ULP. Ralph has deserted many of his comrades who remained in their moral creases staked to integrity and unable to support the transformation to Cato. Ralph can count on Cims, René, Colin and Hans!

The question as to whether or not the concessions granted to his wife to perform at the AIA is proper, is a moot point.

There is a modern democratic trend to separate husbands and wives, as it were. For instance, divorce is more easily obtained, income tax returns stand on their own feet, and rape is now possible within marriage. So logically, the wife must be treated in her own democratic right.

But, hold your horses! There remain the laws relating to bias, nepotism, undue influence and insider trading. Finally, such matters are best handled by our good friend elections, as ultimate arbiter.

The problem seems to be that the Government has probably smelled a rat, and is making hay while the sun shines. Ottley Hall, Buccament, Mount Wynne, Canouan and the development of the old Arnos Vale, all can go up in smoke if the Elections Petition and ensuing elections favour the NDP, and they do. So there is resort to any stroke to provide distraction and, possibly confusion, if not mayhem.

Focus, firmness and fixed concentration are most essential to a favourable situation.

Yvonne Francis-Gibson has chalked up yet another year. She remains calm and serene during the autumn of her years, but an early winter may set in. Carlton Horne with encyclopaedic knowledge of sports in SVG, seems challenged at the moment. While Sam De Bique has bitten the dust with Roland Sardine, whose music Bassy has appropriately described as dripping with honey, has taken the bow.

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Letters

Where have all the comrades gone?

THANKS for publishing my little something on the Trade Unionists. The question raised in that piece remains, especially in light of what I since overheard what a certain civil servant had to say about the leadership of his union.

Now to a certain something that I have been monitoring for some time.

I remember when Dr. Gonsalves, otherwise known as De Comrade, took the reins of government here in 2001, he met a number of his comrades in similar positions of government across the CARICOM region.

Correct me if I am wrong, but he would have met: Kenny Anthony in St. Lucia; Baldwin Spencer in Antigua; Patrick Manning in Trinidad; Owen Arthur in Barbados; Dr. Denzil Douglas in St. Kitts; P.J. Patterson in Jamaica; Pierre Charles in Dominica; and Bharrat Jagdeo in Guyana.

Can’t say that Dr Keith Mitchell, who was PM in Grenada at the time, could be considered a comrade of ‘De Comrade’. As far as that was concerned, it was and is a case of namesakes saying together.

Now, here’s the update: Anthony gone in St. Lucia; Spencer gone in Antigua; Patrick Manning (RIP) gone in Trinidad; Owen Arthur gone long time in Barbados; Dr. Douglas gone in St. Kitts; P.J gone long, long time in Jamaica; Charles (RIP) gone in Dominica; and Jagdeo gone for good, it seems, in Guyana.

So as it stands, De Comrade has as his comrades; Roosevelt Skerrit in Dominca who came in 2004; and Fruendel Stuart in Barbados since 2010, but who is a comrade only to make sure Barbados gets its share of LIAT. So, Comrade boy, it must be getting lonely at the top. I could hear you singing mournfully, “Where have all the comrades gone?” And the answer: “Thrown out of government, thrown out of government.”

Read the signs, Bro, read the signs.

A Worker

Doing good .. helping others LOOK AROUND you.

Yahushua brides see where justice needs to be done. Look for those in your environments or communities who are lacking in food, medicine, and/or can’t afford to pay their utility, car repair, and doctor bills. There are many elders and families of young people who are in need. Help them.

Do you have a car you do not want? Give it away. Do you have furniture you do not want? Give these things to organisations or other institutions that others could use them. There are so many around us that need our help.

Look for ways to give, especially to those who ask. It is also a great way to show our love.

This is what Yahushua wants of us, not to look down on those who are

in need, but to be kind in all our ways. And even if we sometimes cannot give, show love. There are great rewards when we go out of our way to help others. Doing kindness to strangers, helping with something can make them happy.

Do not grow weary in well doing. Yahushua loves us all. Let’s ask, do you know Yahushua (Jesus)? It is very important that people know Jesus.

Yah Descendant

We are encouraging the lewdness, etc.

SO I WAS HEADING to the supermarket with my eight-year-old daughter in tow. It was just another day in my life, or so I thought.

As it turned out, I was, on this day, going to get a rude awakening.

There, immediately in front of my daughter and me, was a woman, looking to be my age (40s), in the shortest of pants you could think about. I mean, it was just vulgar .. especially how it stuck…. you know where.

My daughter turned to me and asked, “Mommy, see what that woman is

wearing?”

Needless to say, I hustled my daughter into the supermarket and quickly did what we had to do.

A few days after, I am confronted with all this talk, since I have not seen the video — of school children involved in sex acts in the public.

I am not condoning this action, but I tell you, Mr. Editor, a lot of what we encourage today speaks about nothing else than sex. We are exposing our children — through music, dress, videos, even the behavior of our adults, especially

those men who seem to prey on young girls with their (men) promises of money and cell phones and the lot, to nothing else than sex, sex and more sex. Look at what passes for dancing today.

Is that not sexual simulation? What do you think happens after a night of this type of ‘dancing’?

I tell you, we - the adults,, the state and all those men in leadership positions in and out of government and business - have to admit that we are sending or encouraging the wrong messages. We must

accept that we are to blame for allowing and encouraging, by words and deeds, all this lewdness, vulgarity and promiscuity.

We have to take stock of the bigger picture before we begin to point fingers.

Tonnia A Parent

AIA: Time to stop the carping HAVING RECENTLY returned from a brief trip out of the country, I would like to publicly record my impression that the AIA has utterly transformed the travel experience.

I wish to thank the Prime Minister for his vision, his indefatigable energy and the political and diplomatic astuteness, which enabled him to see the project through to completion, where others could only talk.

I particularly want to commend the

management of the AIA. The staff I encountered at the airport were all pleasant, polite and efficient....the crucial element of any enhancement of our tourism product. I should perhaps point out that as a skeptic by nature, I had a great many doubts and concerns about the airport project.

It is now time for the carping to stop. Mean spiritedness will not take the country forward. On the contrary, it is holding us back. I want to remind Vincentians,

Misuse of taxes IT AIN’T BAD enough that Wallilabou full of criminals robbing tourists and locals. Now, Straker building new plywood houses for new criminals from Bottle and Glass. They finish building two of them and they plan to build many more. Free taxpayers’ money to build free homes for ULP supporters.

Please let everybody know what is going on here in Wallilabou. Visit and see for yourself. Take the road by Wallilabou bridge and you will find it. Ask Musa by the shop there for information. Best wishes.

Andy

Time to change the tourism video RETURNING from the diaspora infrequently, I always check the tourism channel, and I am struck now by the number of restaurants, business establishments and services (the jet ferry being a good example) that are no longer available, or out of business. Isn’t it time the video

changed so that they are no longer “selling” goods and services that don’t exist? What’s the point? To deceive tourists who are lured by this or that, and discover it doesn’t exist? What impression does that leave?

Odd John

particularly those who are impatient, that a government can only facilitate. It has no control over the decisions made by airline companies about their routes, services and business interests. It is now up to all of us to make St. Vincent an attractive place to visit.

This requires work on several fronts including

attitudes, littering, noise pollution, and crime. The task ahead is not up to the government alone.

Ann Eustace

La Soufriere equipment vandalized EDITOR: I wish to air my disgust with the recent development surrounding our La Soufriere volcano.

This has been an ongoing trend in our society, therefore, we must have this situation under control.

When you vandalize La Sourfriere monitor, you’re put an entire nation at risk. This type of behaviour should not be tolerated. These folks must be captured and locked away for a long time.

Jason Edwards

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The ULP…. 16 years in government

Introduction TO MANY VINCENTIANS in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, March 28th, 2001, was deliverance day in the country. On that day, Vincentians went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly to remove the heavy yoke of the NDP from their necks.

That decision by the voters, to cast their votes next to the star, the symbol of the ULP, ushered in a new developmental era in the country.

Having elected the ULP to office in March 2001, Vincentians then reelected the ULP to office in 2005, 2010 and 2015, four in a row. This was so, because the people trusted the ULP government to deliver on their commitments, having seen the impressive work of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his ULP. Never has there been such a prolific period of development in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Never has there been an outpouring of project work, all aimed at creating jobs, and making life better for the people of SVG. In this period of celebration, it is perhaps a good idea to reflect on the period before March 2001, as we chronicle the changes to the political landscape in SVG.

But it is the execution of the foreign policy of the ULP administration that has brought tremendous benefits to the people of this country. Objective observers have recognized that the foreign policy of the government, is bold, principled, creative and well grounded, with the interest of SVG at its core. Never in the history of the country has there been a foreign policy that is pro-active and so beneficial to Vincentians.

The evidence can be seen in some of the great ULP projects such as the bridge over the Rabacca dry river, the Argyle International airport, the education revolution, including the programme for non-Caribbean tertiary education for our students, and the list goes on. The central purpose of the foreign policy is to enhance the nation’s capacity to address the external environment, in the interest of the nation. We are friends of all, and satellites of none.

The ULP administration has kept its diplomatic links with old friends such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, where most Post 2001 of our Diaspora reside. But the administration has reached out to The period before 2001 was perhaps the worst period of economic new friends, for example in the Far development in the country. The NDP East nations such as Kuwait, the at the time boasts of a budget surplus, UAE and Qatar. Diplomatic relations with countries such as the Republic of but seem unable to use it to address the problems within the country. For China (Taiwan), Venezuela, Cuba and example, the indigent poverty level in Mexico, have been intensified and new countries are being added. the country stood at around 25 percent, meaning that there were about twenty-six thousand persons in Conclusion the country who were dirt poor. The Even as we celebrate the 16th ULP has since reduced this level to anniversary, we must understand that about three thousand persons. it is only the ULP that has the The NDP celebrated a budget compelling vision and practical surplus, and could not find money to policies and programmes to lift our address the shift system in the country to a new level. The evidence education sector. Children were is before our very eyes, and the ULP attending primary school for a half day tuition period. This reduced their has a great track record of performances. The voters know that period of exposure to formal they can trust the ULP to deliver. instruction and learning. Further, Meanwhile, the NDP offers nothing during this period, a number of schools, police stations and other state by way of philosophy, framework, buildings, fell into a state of disrepair. vision or policies. It focuses on personal abuse and tired slogans The ULP administration has since corrected many of these matters. One imported from elsewhere. It is backward, foolish and stupid! It is an could remember the herculean task completed by Senator Julian Francis, empty organisation obsessed with Ralph, our Comrade Leader. That to ensure that a number of school obsession predictably led to their buildings were repaired. In fact, it defeat last time, and will again when was a record achievement, and the polls are held around 2020. signaled the capacity of the ULP to While they seek to belittle Ralph, get things done. the Comrade keeps his focus and Since 2001, the ULP has been responsible for a number of strategies chalks up achievement after achievement. On the ground, the which have been responsible for evidence is clear. Regionally and significant progress in the country. internationally, he is seen as one of The education revolution is the handful of exceptional Caribbean responsible for raising the level of leaders. His views are sought; his intelligence in the country, and words are quoted internationally and providing an opportunity for poor in scholarly works; and his ideas are people’s children, to get a tertiary given currency, regionally and education. The housing revolution is another successful project, where poor elsewhere.

The ULP is the only party with a people were able to purchase lands, people-centered vision, along with the and turn their dead capital into live capital. The health services have been philosophy, the historical sensibilities, and the policies and programmes to improved through a combination of uplift further, the quality of life of training, the construction of new facilities, and the provision of modern Vincentians from all walks of life.

Long live the ULP. Long live the equipment.

Comrade Leader, now celebrating 16 years as Prime Minister of our Foreign Policy beloved country.

Sports Development - A Priority for the NDP THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) recognizes the importance of sports to our athletes, our people and our country, and we further recognize that early achievements in sports are a means for some to achieve higher education and better livelihoods. Therefore, the NDP will work relentlessly to ensure that sports has a place of prominence on the development agenda.

Decades ago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had established itself as a force to be reckoned with in sports.

We were regionally and world rated in football and in netball. We were producing West Indies team cricketers. We were sending track and field athletes out in increasing numbers on athletic scholarships and to international competitions.

However, over the past 16 years, our standing has declined drastically, as a result of neglect and lack of a proper vision for sports development. This is evident in the steady deterioration of playing facilities across the length and breadth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the fading away of interest in various forms of organized sporting events.

This is so, because there is no genuine commitment on the part of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government to develop sports.

Athletes are still competing on dirt tracks, as was evident in the recently concluded Schools/Colleges athletics championships, because the ULP government has failed to construct the national stadium that was promised since 2001, not to mention that a number of sporting facilities are in a state of disrepair.

Furthermore, the composition and functioning of the National Sports Council (NSC) reflect the way the ULP does business. It seems that membership of or support for the ULP is an unwritten criterion to gain selection to serve on the NSC. Rather than allow for decentralization of the work needed to facilitate adequate maintenance of playing fields, the workers at the NSC are expected to travel from one facility to another, at times, just to cut grass. Meanwhile, attempts at establishing Area Sports Committees have failed because of the seeming intention of trying to make them too politically biased, much like the NSC itself.

Moreover, national sports associations are not receiving any waiver of duty on sports uniforms for national teams. Most athletes often find themselves literally begging for financial support to access higherlevel training as well as to assist them with accessing scholarships abroad, even though the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) has a mandate to support sports and culture.

consultation with the relevant national sports associations; construct an Indoor Sports Facility for netball, basketball, table tennis, boxing, squash, volleyball and gymnastics.

Swimming will be a priority, both in the pool and open water. We will also join with the national governing body for swimming towards organizing a National Learn to Swim initiative that would go a long way in combating the numerous drownings we hear of so often.

We will work with the private sector, individuals and organizations at home and abroad to establish a Sports Foundation, not necessarily under the government, to facilitate specific aspects of the sport development process.

Sport is a major income-generating proposition, and we would examine the models around us, e.g. in Barbados and the Bahamas, so as to design an initiative that links sport tourism with the development of sport at the local level.

We will reorganize the National Sports Council. The National Sports Council has been narrowly focused in recent years, cricket seeming to enjoy most of the attention. The NDP will convene a special committee to redesign and redevelop the organization and diversify its focus, ensuring that the NSC is managed by appropriately qualified personnel who will lead and work in the interest of all stakeholders.

Further, the NDP will make sports scholarships available to athletes who excel in their respective sporting disciplines, to attend secondary school, college or university.

In addition, we will implement a framework for the upgrading and management of sports facilities at constituency and community level.

The NDP will implement a Service, Opportunity and Support (SOS) framework, which will ensure that sporting facilities are upgraded to accommodate their respective sporting disciplines. Community Sport Councils must be developed and sustained to assumed ownership and maintenance of the established facilitiesm and to support the programmes for physical activity and sport in their respective communities.

We will develop at least one playing field in each constituency, to the extent that it can accommodate competitions at the regional level.

These facilities will be fully lit and will have stands and changing The NDP will do better facilities. Where appropriate, fields be converted with the use of The NDP will have the appropriate will artificial surfaces, particularly in relevant expertise review the National areas where grass does not grow Sports Policy, to ensure its relevance easily. to an approach that locates physical Finally, the NDP will ensure proper education and sport prominently in funding of sports in St. Vincent and the broader national development the Grenadines, for training and strategy of the government for the associated activities. A fixed people of St Vincent and the percentage of funds from the National Grenadines.

Lotteries Authority will be made Literacy would constitute a available for sports development in prominent feature of our education and the Grenadines, and programme, physical education would St.Vincent funding will be provided to properlybe compulsory beginning at the preconstituted national sporting school level, with featured organizations coordinated through the programmes for parental ministry of sport, via an annual understanding of the importance of subvention. Funding will be available their own physical wellbeing to for training referees, umpires and healthy living and the attendant other sports resource persons. benefits. We would engage in a The NDP is committed to develop comprehensive forensic audit of the sports in St. Vincent and the National Lotteries Authority relative so that our youths and to its stated mandate to support sport Grenadines athletes can benefit from the and culture. opportunities that are now available The NDP will: have the national in their respective fields. stadium built, but only after We will make sports work again.

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Free will is a gift

“The Creator, in taking infinite pains to shroud with mystery His presence in every atom of creation, could have had but one motive - a sensitive desire that men seek Him only through free will.” Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952); born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, into a Bengali family.

FREE WILL is a gift! We all have the gift of choice. We determine whether we will focus on things that are noble and uplifting, or if we will give in to the temptation to embrace evil and darkness. We determine whether we will entertain pure thoughts and actions or if we will give in to the temptations to engage in acts that are unclean and dishonest. We choose! We decide! We determine how we use this free will gift that we have been given.

God, our Creator, gave mankind the gift of free will — the gift of choice; the free will to do good or to do evil.

We cannot abdicate that responsibility. We cannot get away with the excuse that “someone made me do it”. Except for cases where we are bodily overpowered (e.g. as in the case of rape, or where we are drugged, we choose; we decide. We have the free will to choose which paths we take in life, which actions we pursue, which words we utter, and so on. We are responsible, and we must bear the consequences of such choices.

We periodically hear persons say that God, in His wisdom, should not have given mankind this gift of choice. The argument is that the world would be such a better, more peaceful place, if God made us to do His will only. However, God designed us to have choice — to determine whether we wish to follow Him or not.

He was not interested in mankind being like robots — programmed to do His will. He gave us the gift of free will. We have the privilege of choice.

Joshua reminded his followers of this great privilege, as he took up the mantle of leadership following the death of the great liberator Moses. In the fifteenth verse of the Old Testament book of Joshua we read the record of his response to the challenges his followers faced when he says, “And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” We all have the gift of choice. We determine which direction we take. We decide. We make the choice. We choose how we respond to the situations that confront us; we choose between being cool and calm, or being irate and angry; we choose between good and evil; we determine whether we walk the path to evil or good; we decide whether we will be honest or crooked — we decide. We cannot blame our actions on anyone else. We reject the excuse that “The Devil made me do it!” We could have opted not to follow his invitation or pursue the path that he lured us to.

The preceding paragraph may have contained options that some readers found uncomfortable or “distasteful”.

There are some readers (hopefully very few) who do not believe in the bible. These individuals may not

believe that there is a God or a devil.

This, too, is a choice. We can choose to believe or not believe in the bible and in God. However, I choose to believe. I have seen God work too many things out in my life to not believe. I am thankful for His gift of free will. Non-believers may seek to advance many reasons why they do not believe in God. Some argue that if there was a God, there would not be so much evil existing in the world.

They postulate that a God will not allow bad things to happen to good people, or good things to happen to bad people. However, those of us who believe in God know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that our limited minds will never fully understand why the God who made the universe, allows these things to happen. We can resign to the fact that He will not be God if we knew everything about Him and His reasons for allowing so many of His faithful followers to go through the endless trials and tribulations that have become a regular occurrence in so many lives.

We ponder: Why did Job have to suffer so much? Why did Joseph have to be treated (and mistreated) like that? Why did God allow His only begotten Son to suffer such a humiliating death? Why did God not remove the thorn in Paul’s flesh? And there are many other questions that we will never fully understand or appreciate — that will never be answered. God allowed these incidents to teach us valuable lessons.

We can be so informed by such examples that, if perchance we are destined to experience similar challenges, we can make the right choices. We have the freewill to act and react under such circumstances.

We can choose whether to demonstrate faith and good judgement. We have freewill. We choose! No one can make us do it or not do it. We are responsible … and response-able. We decide.

Freewill is a gift! Salvation is a gift! The New Testament provides so many reminders that there is a heaven and a hell. It reminds us that we determine where we will spend eternity, depending on whether we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. The passport to heaven must be stamped by our recognizing that we are all sinners and cannot save ourselves - and that Jesus Christ came from heaven and died so that we can have eternal life.

It demands true repentance — a turning away from our sinful ways.

Our choice to accept Him and the salvation that He gives is what makes the difference in terms of where we spend eternity. Church membership will not do it. Singing in the choir will not suffice. Being kind and nice to others will not get us there. It depends on whether we accept this freewill gift that Jesus Christ offers.

Freewill is a gift!

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

Grenada Revolution: Law and change ‘IN POLITICS, BUSINESS or in life, the lows are lower than the highs are high. The down side risk caused by bad decisions is larger than the upside benefits that accrue from good ones.’ David Brooks, The Road to Character.

The Grenada and SVG constitutions outline the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. They are almost identical,except that the British were kinder to the Grenadian people than they were to Vincentians. I don’t know if we were given less rights because of our heroic resistance to British colonialism.

Of all the British colonial possessions in the region, our people fought longest and hardest, and resisted colonial occupation until 1797. We had full blown, islandwide slavery for only 37 years. Places like St Kitts and Barbados were conquered in 1624 and 1640 respectively.

But Grenadians have as a fundamental right the right to work. It will be interesting to see a test case on this point. I know of at least one government in our region that signed a binding agreement with workers, and when the time came to enforce the agreement, reneged, claiming that the agreement was only aspirational and not meant to be enforced. This matter is now on appeal.

The only other detectable difference between your constitution and ours relates to the legislature. Yours allows for a bi-cameral parliament–a Senate and a House of Assembly - while the Vincentian constitution is uni-cameral.

There are six senators in the House of Assembly in SVG, but they sit in the same chamber with the 15 elected parliamentarians.

revised constitution was a great advancement over the colonial independence constitution, he was an abiding party man and therefore, must vote No, in keeping with his party position.

A Grenadian friend of over 35 years campaigned against and voted No. In fact, he got tremendous satisfaction from the defeat of your referendum. Asked about his contradictions with the proffered bills, he responded that the referendum cannot be divorced from the political/electoral dynamic. Not a word about whether the repatriation of sovereignty via a change to the CCJ, fixed date for elections, or term limit for the PM were good or useful or necessary changes for Grenada’s advancement and development.

Looking Forward

It is clear, at least to me, that people’s upliftment, constitutional advancement and national development are often stymied by narrow, partisan bickering.

Unfortunately, national development is all too often imprisoned by considerations having to do with the political clock and the elections cycle.

Sadly, politicians and political parties confuse and conflate their own electoral fortunes and interests with those of the nation, often to the detriment of the nation.

To move forward, we, especially the politicians and politically minded among us, have to reconcile ourselves to the following truths: 1. Experience is a much better teacher than pure reason. When you think your logical mind has found the answer, or that our graduation and degrees arm us Constitutional reform with cocksure solutions to the problems, think again. We don’t even understand In their infinite wisdom, politicians in our own minds, much more to declare both Grenada and SVG saw inadequacies certainty about problems that have in their colonial/independence detained and derailed men for millennia. constitutions, and sought to revise and 2. Wisdom is not knowledge. Wisdom reform them. The SVG process went emerges out of a collection of intellectual from 2002 to 2009, while the Grenada virtues. Dedication, long study, reform process concluded in November discipline, stillness. To quote Timothy 2016.

Keller ‘Wisdom is knowing how to In SVG, we reviewed and attempted behave when perfect knowledge is to revamp the entire constitution. In lacking.’

Grenada, you tackled change by offering seven bills: Think October 1983 1. CCJ 2. Elections and boundaries A. Was the march to Maurice Bishop’s commission house that resulted in his freedom from 3. Ensuring appointment of the leader house arrest wise? Most people may say of the opposition yes.

4. Fixed date for elections B. Was the march to and occupation of 5. Name of the state army headquarters at Fort Rupert an act 6. Rights and Freedoms of supreme wisdom? I leave that for you 7. Term limits for the PM to ponder.

Each referendum went down to defeat.

C. I am of the considered opinion that Time does not allow for a detailed the tragic events of October 19, 1983 that analysis of the merits and demerits of led to the death of Maurice Bishop, the documents, and the positions of the Unison Whiteman, Jacqueline Creft, protagonists and detractors. Suffice it to Fitzy Bain and others, and the implosion say, the reform process in both islands of the popular people’s revolution, are started with bi-partisan support, and living proof that none of these brilliant, whittled away as the elections drew near committed, determined revolutionaries and the calculus of elections/power seized knew how to act when perfect knowledge the minds of mainly opposition is lacking. Do we now see why we have politicians. to be awe struck by power!?

Here is what we know to be true.

3. Public life is a contest between The essentials of the SVG referendum partial truths and legitimate contending were: interest. Leadership must be able to find a. Remove the British Queen as head a balance between competing values and of state/establish a republic, competing goals. b. Decrease the power of the Prime I therefore, leave you with these Minister. (It is well established that words. David Brooks in his celebrated West Minster bequeathed to us Prime text ‘The Road to Character’, commands ministerial dictatorships), us to erect this sign post at the entry of c. Increase the powers of the leader of our mind: the opposition, ‘In politics, business or in life, the d. Compelled the government to pay lows are lower than the highs are high. compensation in 12 months when it The down side risk caused by bad acquires private property, decisions is larger than the upside e. Fixed date for elections benefits that accrue from good ones.’ f. Establishment of a Human Rights Commission and an Ombudsman.

Send comments, criticisms & But in SVG, a leading opposition suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com politician told the country that while the

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Focus on Argyle airport and tourism is killing the SVG economy ACCORDING to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, the focus on Argyle airport and tourism is killing the SVG economy. The empty promises given by the ULP regime that Argyle airport and tourism will boost our country, are hogwash.

The SVG Minister of Finance has stated that the annual maintenance cost for Argyle airport will be $20 million. This means Argyle will be draining our economy of money, as it offers nothing more than what E. T. Joshua airport provided.

Most Caribbean countries base their economies on tourism, and consequently they are plagued by debt, poverty and high unemployment.

Tourism does not offer long-term stability and prosperity to SVG. Gonsalves told us that the OECS countries have pushed back the date for bringing down their debt to GDP ratio to 60% from 2020 to 2030.

Another sign that indicates that tourism is not the answer.

Jamaica has based its economy on tourism since 1890 and since the mid1950s, that country has been served by some of the larger airlines (of the day):

BOAC, BWIA (British West Indian Airlines), PAA, KLM, Trans Canada Airways, Delta, Avianca and Avenca.

Yet, after 127 years of tourism, Jamaica’s economy is in a real mess.

According to the Jamaican Gleaner newspaper, at the end of December 2016, Jamaica’s total stock of public debt stood at $2,150.0 billion, and was expected to increase to $2,180.3 billion by the end of March 2017.

Should SVG be following Jamaica and base our economy on tourism too?

The Jamaica Minister of Finance and the Public Service says that Jamaica’s public debt is expected to be 115% of GDP by the end of March this year. The Jamaican government will, this year, pay $137 billion in interest on loans and pay back loans to the tune of $172 billion. The Jamaican economy is in such a crisis that the government recently announced an increase in taxes amounting to an extra $13.5 billion.

Even as the Jamaican economy remains heavily dependent on tourism is, the excessive property taxes relevant to that sector are actually killing the tourism industry there.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist

Association (JHTA) president, Omar Robinson, said one small hotelier in Kingston has seen property taxes move from $594,000 to $6.4 million, and another operator in Port Antonio, Portland saw property taxes move from $92,000 to $895,000.

The JHTA says that hotel occupancy levels are low, and operators are struggling to remain sustainable, as hotels across the island are being asked to pay as much as 980% increased taxes.

Jamaican society is also in crisis.

The youth unemployment rate averaged 31.56% from 2012 until 2016, reaching an all-time high of 37% in the second quarter of 2013, and a record low of 27.4% in the third quarter of 2016.

It is astounding that, after 127 years of tourism, the lowest ever youth unemployment rate in Jamaica was as high as 27.4%. This is bad news for the youth of SVG if we follow Jamaica and focus on Argyle airport and tourism.

Following Jamaica, and basing our economy on Argyle airport and tourism will bring SVG doom, not economic growth. The SVG economy is getting worse by the day, and could

collapse at any time.

Under a Green government, SVG would focus on exports and stimulating the growth of small businesses. SVG needs an import substitution system to help agricultural export and small business development.

SVG needs to focus on education and vocational skills too, to create an educated and skilled workforce. This will attract foreign investment, strengthen the economy and create jobs. Capital Expenditure on Education for 2017 by the ULP government is only $7.7 million. This is a joke and bad for the economy. We need our own science and technology university to stimulate a knowledge sector in the economy.

It is foolhardy to think Argyle airport and tourism will boost our economy.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Sustainable use of marine resources THE LEGITIMATE taking of a humpback whale on Wednesday 15th March in Bequia, by traditional whalers, has sparked a series of comments by those who are opposed to whaling in any form. This activity takes place under the International Whaling Commission (IWC) convention on the regulation of whaling.

The international body agreed by consensus that SVG be granted a quota of four humpback whales per annum, for a period of five years (5).

The scientific committee of the IWC informed the general body at its plenary meeting, that the take will not harm the stock, and is sustainable as the annual increase of the

stock is approximately (33). Since the moratorium, the overall stock has shown an increase of all species of whales.

Despite the legitimacy, the anti-whalers and their local lobbyists continue the unabated onslaught on various fronts, even as it is noted that the Bequia hunt is classed as aboriginal, and based on its traditional cultural and historical nature.

The lobbyists proclaim that there is no need for the hunt, and Vincentians prefer chicken, so they don’t need whale meat for food… .

The 50 ft length, 28 ft girth animal was reduced to skeleton in less than 3 hours. An estimated 30,000 kg (just over 66,000 lbs) of whale meat were released into the community of Bequia at a value of EC$5.00 per pound.

Safeguarding our interests There are other factors besides food security for our people that bear down on this traditional practice. Not least is the orchestrated effort aimed at the erosion of our traditions and culture, by developed countries and powerful rich NGOs, and their local

representatives.

The anti-whaling countries use their economic strength and diplomatic clout to influence the agenda towards their stance.

The leading nations in this regard dispatch their delegations and launch a proverbial siege on OECS member states during the months preceding the IWC biannual meetings. This approach is effective with their threats of reneging on existing relationship between our small island states and the powerhouses. Member states of the OECS, Belize and Suriname face the threats of boycotts to their vital tourism industries. It leaves some fearful, mindful of the impact on developmental issues, particularly with the economic climate that we all face.

The configuration of the world’s largest and richest against the weakest and smallest countries is to be evident in the IWC and other international entities and systems.

Our use of our marine resources is threatened and brought into serious focus once again.

We cannot overemphasize the use of cetaceans in many parts of the world, including the Caribbean, and its contribution to

sustainable livelihoods in coastal and island communities, not to mention food security and poverty reduction.

The use of marine resources is an integral part of development options, especially for countries which need to diversify their agriculture.

world over?

The region has to be mindful of the threats that loom large. The delicacies that we have enjoyed are now on the lists of CITES, the multilateral treaty that seeks to protect endangered plants and animals. Our conch and the spiny lobster are not too far off from being What we are up against included in the CITES list.

A look at the The Buenos Aires pronouncements show groups who are at the there is an active and forefront (of wildlife overwhelming antiprotectionist policies and whaling public relations actions) are the principal campaign in the exporters of canned Caribbean that sadly, meats. Guess animals goes virtually are not killed in the unchallenged. production?

Full page Within recent times, advertisements regularly many initiatives have appear in the print been advanced by NGOs media in the OECS, and that are embraced by directly target governments, which limit government policy on the marine environment whaling matters. There on which many depend is the use of online for food for their tables. campaign and the cable In the interest of our channels to which fisherfolk and the users Caribbean people are of our marine resources, exposed. we must be vigilant in There should be no protecting our right to need to justify food, eat and live. We are culture or traditions as mindful of the need for we do at the IWC quota preservation of our meetings. Who is ever marine resources. We asked to justify the are capable of the quantity of hot dogs, burgers, and lamb steak, management of same , as or for that matter corned we have been for generations. beef, sardines, sausage ham or bacon that is Edwin Snagg widely consumed the

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 13.

Youth

JPEMSS Young Leaders on the go

GRADE 5 STUDENTS of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School were on Monday, March 27th sensitized on the importance and benefits of becoming a volunteer.

Young Leaders of the Dr. J. P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School (JPEMSS) conducted the session, as they continued their programme of activities under the theme ‘iVOLUNTEER, WE IMPACT’.

According to a release from the Young Leaders, the objective of the exercise at St.Mary’s R.C. School was to create awareness about how the students could become volunteers even at a young age, and how this could add value to their lives now and in future.

The students were asked to find ways to volunteer over the next few weeks. The Young Leaders will then make follow-up visits so they can share their volunteering experiences.

The JPEMSS Young Leaders also visited the Lodge Village Government and Kingstown Government School last Tuesday, and plan to conduct the sessions at all primary schools in the Kingstown area.

But prior to these school visit, the JPEMSS Young Leader joined with the Rotaract Club of Kingstown on Saturday, to give a facelift to the Thompson Home for the Elderly.

The combined team painted the perimeter wall and fence, as requested to by the Home’s management.

Young Leader Sanjay Lynch said that Saturday’s activity was a rewarding experience… one that has energised his drive to get more involved in volunteering.

“It was a very fulfilling and fun experience helping out in the community, and I am looking forward to participating in similar voluntary initiatives in future,” Lynch said.

(Contributed)

Right: Grade 5 students of St. Mary’s RC pose with Young Leaders from the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School following their volunteer training session.

Career Day in Georgetown

These students seem to be ready to begin their careers as firemen today.

Right: There are never enough police officers – male or female.

FRIDAY 24TH MARCH was a “special day” for the students of the Georgetown Government School.

That was the day the school held its Career Day, during which students got the opportunity to dress in uniforms or apparel representing a profession/career they would like to pursue.

And donned as they chose to, the students

paraded through the streets of Georgetown, to expressions of support and appreciation from many resifdents and parents who lined the route.

Principal of the School Mrs Paula Toney said, “It is very exciting for the children who in the

Zonique Williams has her eyes and heart set on becoming prime minister of SVG. Left: Nursing was a popular choice among these very young students.

process are having fun.”

Mrs. Toney explained that the Career Day was

part of the activities in support of the school’s literacy drive. Other activities included a Treasure Hunt and a Choral Speaking competition.

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14. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Road fatality No.2

ALVIN BACCHUS, a 40year-old resident of Richmond Hill, is this country’s second road fatality for 2017.

Bacchus is reported to have died on the spot where the Suzuki Swift he was driving came to halt, after it ran off the windward highway in the vicinity of the Streams of Power Church (unfinished) at Ratho Mill. The incident is said to have occurred around 4:00am on Monday.

Another occupant of

the vehicle is said to have escaped without any major injuries.

Bacchus was said to be employed with a construction firm here as a draftsman. He also worked for sometime as a graphic artiste.

When THE VINCENTIAN spoke with one of Alvin’s acquaintances, he described teh deceased as ‘full of life and

The car Bacchus was driving ran off the road and came to a stop in a wooded area.

Below: Alvin Bacchus had his last drive on Monday morning.

energy.. a man who enjoyed a good time.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 15.

News

Miss SVG 2017 Contestants presented THE CARNIVAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC) introduced the contestants for the 20127 Miss SVG Pageant last Tuesday evening, at a Sponsors Sashing Cocktail at Flow Wine Bar, Kingstown.

Seven young ladies were presented and were officially sashed by their respective sponsors, who, this year, drew the names of the contestants to determine who they would sponsor.

THE VINCENTIAN’s sister company, Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd.,long-standing sponsors of a contestant in the Miss SVG Pageant, selected 21-year-old La Donna Yorke of Cane End. The other contestants and sponsors are: Bryanna Hadaway, 20, of Sally Spring, Miss Quick Cash; Darisean

Right: The contestants in the 2017 Miss SVG posed with Miss SVG 2016 Nikianna Williams (4th from right)- (L-R): Bryanna Hadaway, Brittney Oliver, La Donna Yorke, Jimelle Roberts, Crystal Oliver, Darisean LaBorde and Nicolleen Lewis.

LaBorde,20, of Chateaubelair, Miss Kendra Aluminium Products; Nicolleen Lewis, 19, of Calder Ridge, Miss Mustique Co. Ltd.; Brittney Oliver, 24, of Calliaqua, Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse; Crystal Oliver, 26, of Glen, Miss Jergens; Jimelle Roberts, 24, of Belair, Miss Flow.

The 2017 Miss SVG Pageant is scheduled for Saturday 3rd June.

Last year’s winner was Nikianna Williams, Miss Flow.

Miss La Donna Yorke, Miss Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd.

V Chatoyer Dancers make waves across SVG 16. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

by GLORIAH…

ON THEIR VERY FIRST visit to their ancestral homeland Yuremei, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NYC put on performances across the country that left its audiences in awe.

The group’s visit formed part of the activities of the 2017 International Garifuna Summit hosted by The Garifuna Heritage Foundation.

The dancers’ energy, passion, the dance variety with their choreographed stories, and the singers’ conviction, told the Garifuna stories without much commentary — a creative work of art.

Performances On Thursday 9th March, having

The Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NYC ‘warmed-up’ at the Garifuna Village mounted on the compound of the National Trust, Kingstown.

Left: Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet dancers performing at the Schools’ Garifuna Folk Festival at the Victoria Park.

by local performers in between. Without speaking a word to their audience, they used dramatic dance choreography to explain the place of dance in the Garifuna culture: in its disembarked the aircraft was at the Garifuna Folk Festival at the ordinary activities of life; at the Argyle Village on the compound Victoria Park, then at a in death and grieving; in International Airport of the National Trust in performance at the SVG marriage and ecstasy; in and kissed the ground of Kingstown, where they Community College communal gatherings what group founder, ‘warmed-up’. They then Campus at Villa. and momentous Félix Gamboa called proceeded to the But the dance happenings. their “long lost mother,” Garifuna Marketplace at company’s signature Of equal significance they arrived at their Heritage Square to enact performance was was the group’s hotel, thinking they their first performance. reserved for the evening appearance at the would need some rest.

On Friday 10th, they of Friday, 10th March celebrations of National But so overwhelmed they continued to spread their when, at the Peace Heroes Day at the were that they headed campaign for an Memorial Hall, they Obelisk at Dorsetshire into Kingstown to appreciation and a unleashed the epitome of Hill. The mood on that immediately deliver yearning of the Garifuna Garifuna dance culture day had significantly expressions of Garifuna culture and heritage at with two sets of changed. They were now in dance. Their first stop the Schools’ Garifuna performances, supported paying actual homage to their Chief, His Excellency Joseph Chatoyer - defender of their human rights all those years ago. An air of reverence and solemnity prevailed, appropriately so, and the singing of their Anthem was at once mournful as it was yet celebratory as they constantly chanted “Yurumei.” Yet, the whole affair seemed to evolve into a sense of triumph and exhilaration. They had come “Home”!

Performances continued at venues throughout the country.

Visits were made to the Leeward side of the island with stops at Rose Bank, Troumaca, Rose Hall, Chateaubelair and the Richmond Vale Academy. On the Windward side, they performed at Owia and visited Sandy Bay and Fancy. At each of these community appearances, after a demonstration of the cultural form, the audience was invited to join the dancers and become involved in what proved to many to be something already embedded in their psyche. Many were the reactions of those participating in the dancing, with comments including, “This was amazing, I had to learn it.” “How do they get to do that?” “If this dance really belongs to us, then we should learn it and claim it.” “Better than that, spoil!”

Whatever the comment, it would be safe to say that the Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NYC came and made their mark here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will long be remembered for it. Many await their return.

A routine that remembered those who had passed on to another world – an integral part of routine life for Garifuna.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 17.

People

Vincentian Media Personality launches Talk Show NNEKA ELLIOTT, awardwinning TV news ‘gyal’ and former Reporter/Anchor at CP24, will launch ‘NNEKA’ - a digital lifestyle talk show for the Caribbean diaspora - on April 4th, 2017.

Hosted by Nneka herself, the show focuses on fashion, beauty, food, health, and culture through a Caribbean lens.

The show features interviews with celebrities and influencers of Caribbean descent, and will air every Tuesday at noon, on Nneka’s YouTube channel.

Season one guests include: YouTube star Marlon Palmer; comedian Jay Martin; success coach Karlyn Percil; Sandy Lion Brand Ambassador for DAYA by Zendaya, and many more.

The show brings a fresh and modern perspective to Caribbean lifestyle by celebrating Caribbean talent and the rich cultural nuances that are unique to

Caribbean people.

According to communication from Toronto, Ontario where Neeka is based, Nneka left CP24 news in the fall of 2016 “seeking growth and an opportunity to rediscover her voice.”

As a Canadian born in Quebec, raised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and living in Toronto, she has always felt that she, like many others in the Caribbean diaspora, has a unique lived experience.

“I’ve always had this cultural duality in the sense that I’m very much Canadian, but I’m also a Caribbean woman. I know what it means to ‘chip down de road,’ but I also go camping and house boating.

When I go to the Caribbean, I’m home, but ‘ah come from foreign’ so it’s a different experience.”

As a true story-teller and innovator, Nneka realized she wanted to create a show

through which she could share the narrative of that experience that was authentic and meaningful.

With millions of Caribbean people living around the world, Nneka recognized an opportunity to showcase both her and their incredible culture through her unique lens.

“I wanted to create a show that people who live at that same intersection that I do could relate to. I wanted the show to be something unlike the Caribbean focused shows I’ve seen. Yes, I’m going to interview reggae and soca artists, and other celebrities of Caribbean origin, but we’ll also talk fashion, beauty, health, food, culture using a Caribbean lens.”

In addition to the digital show, Nneka has launched her lifestyle blog NnekaElliott.com, and continues to work fulltime on building the talk-show

and her digital presence.

According to her communications handlers, Nneka Elliott is an award winning TV news ‘gyal’ turned lifestyle blogger and content creator. Nneka has held such roles as president of The Media Huddle, reporter and anchor at Newstalk 1010, national weather broadcaster for The Weather Network, Weather anchor for CTV news Toronto/ Canada AM., and most notably Reporter/Anchor/Host at CP24 news.

She is also credited with TV/Film roles in hits such as ‘Designated Survivor’, ‘American Gothic’, and ‘Remembers’ among others.

Nneka is the daughter of noted designer Walter Elliot and Personal Development Consultant Jacinta Thomas —Elliott, and the granddaughter of noted Vincentian novelist and commentator George C.H. Thomas.

Nneka Elliott describes herself as being “very much Canadian” but “…also a Caribbean woman.”

18. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Celebrating Celebra ating a at ting ting 16 years since it its ts victory ts first victory

h ULPU UL Ma Maintaining t ning its t coursee The -M aintain

CAMILLO GONSALVES GONSAL LV VES CAMILLO (20 15) (2015)

CECIL MC KIE (20 10, 20 15) (2010, 2015)

GIN CLAYTON BURGIN CLA AY TON BUR (2001, 2010) (2001 , 2005, 20 10)

CONRAD SAYERS SAYERS Y (2001, (2001 , 2005)

DR. DOUGLAS SLA SLATER ATTER (2001, (2001 , 2005)

THE UNITY UNIT Y LABOUR PARTY PART Y (ULP) is a social but it has remained steadfast in democratic political party St. t. t Vincent parrty in S delivering on its promises to the and the Grenadines (SVG).

(SVG). It has also people, not least being the been described in some circles as (promise of) construction of socialist a democratic socialis st political an international airport, the party. t . par ty largest infra-structural It is currently the governgovernp project ever undertaken ing party, led by Prime and seen to completion Minister Dr. Ralph GonGonin the history of this salves, who has overseen country. the party as Political The record of the Leader to victory in the ULP speaks for itself last four general elections with the majority of 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015.

5. nationals returning (See pictured those ULP home (whether as candidates who have visitors at certain peak been victorious in those times of the year or as elections.) persons returning to The party was formed in settle) commenting openly 1994. It morphed as a merger a about the visible evidence of of the St. Vincent Labour Party servic-infra-structural, social servic and the Movement for National es (including housing), cultural Unity in 1994, after both oth parties had and commercial development. contested that year’s general election as In the words of Prime Minister Dr. an alliance.

Ralph Gonsalves, “The ULP puts In the 1998 general elections, the DR. RALPH GONS GONSALVES AL LV VES people first.”

ULP garnered 54.6% of the votes cast (200 1 , 2005, 20 10, (2001, 2010, Most would agree that the ULP but the incumbent New Democratic 2015) 2015) has fulfilled this guiding principle Party won a majority of seats. since it assume the responsibility A popular movement led by the ULP as government of SVG, in 2001. constitu-forced an earlier than constitu tionally due general elections in 2001, (March 28) which the ULP won overwhelmingly (12 seats to 3), and that status quo has remained to date.

Since 2001, some nineteen i t candidates have been successful at the polls for the ULP. Among Gon-those, only two, Dr. Ralph Gon salves and Montgomery Daniel, have successfully contested tested the general election on each of the four elections between 2001 and 2010.

The parliamentary majority of the ULP has decreased in both the SIR VINCENT BEACHE BEACHE SIR L LOUIS STRAKER OUIS S TRAKER 2010 and 2015 general al elections,, (2001) (200 1) (2001 , 2005, 2015) 2015) (2001,

DR. JERROL JERROL THOMPSON (2001, (200 1 , 2005)

STEPHENSON FREDERICK S TEPHENSON (2010, (2010, 2015) 2015)

GIRLYN MIGUEL IGUEL GIRL LYN Y M (2001, 2010) (2001 , 2005, 20 10)

BEACHE CHE GLEN BEA (2005)

MAXWELL CHARLES (2010) (20 10)

MICHAEL BROWNE BROWNE (2001, (200 1 , 2005)

MONTGOMERY D ANIEL MONTGOMERY DANIEL (200 1 , 2005, (2001, 2010, 2015) 2015) 2010,

RENÉ BAPTISTE RENÉ BAPTIS TE (2001, (200 1 , 2005)

SABOTO CAESAR S ABOTO C AESAR (2010, 2015) (20 10, 20 15)

WALTERS SELMON W AL ALTTERS (2001, (200 1 , 2005)

ST. S T. CLAIR PRINCE (2015) (20 15)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 19.

20. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 21.

22. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. You may have to take a short trip to visit someone who hasn't been well. Be cautious of making any residential changes this week. The dan‐ ger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil.

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Acknowledge your lover's needs. Don't allow someone to do a job that was designated specifical‐ ly for you. When the work is done, they may serve you for a change. Family mem‐ bers may want you at home, when your heart is telling you to spend time with someone you recently met.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You will be able to talk about emotional problems with your partner. Visit those less fortu‐ nate than yourself; be sure to help them with their personal problems. You will find that social activities will be enjoy‐ able and will promote new connections.

Use your added discipline to get what you want.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship. You may find that female colleagues will be more help than you anticipated. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. Relationships will become stronger.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) Friends from your past may come back into your life.

You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. You can get support from groups that you belong to if you're willing to step out on a limb and voice your opinions. Your communication skills are at an all‐time high.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advance‐ ment will follow. Friends and relatives can give you good advice. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues this week.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this week. Do not make rash decisions about your personal life. You should consider getting into self‐ improvement endeavors. Romantic rela‐ tionships could be under pressure.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) You should consider getting into self‐improvement endeav‐ ors. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. If everyone wants to do their own thing, let them. In return, the satis‐ faction you get is enough for you.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts. You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize. Don't let anyone take credit for a job you did.

You're in the mood for love.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Do your job and then spend some time with family; you'll be glad you did. Things aren't as they appear.

You have a lot to offer.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You can expect insincere gestures of friendliness this week. Get back down to earth and to basics. You could be attracting individuals who are anything but good for you.

Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Confronting a sit‐ uation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Refrain from over‐ spending on entertainment or luxury items. Try not to donate to organizations if you can hardly afford to take care of yourself. Don't be too open or put your faith in unreliable co‐workers.

ACROSS

(garden chair) 1.Public television 50. Fleming and letters Hunter 4. Outer covering 53. “Band of 8. Mouth Brothers” surrounders event (abbr.)

12. “Electric” fish 55. Hoagie 13. Demanding 56.Commandment walk word 14. Liberal __ 57. “Terrible” 15. Eastern czar “truth” 58. “__ Man” 16. Served (2 wds.) perfectly 59. Mentally 17. “Giant” star healthy James 60. Armored 18. Venture forth vehicle 20. Fa’s follower 61. Bean‐curd 22. Wedding vows bean (2 wds.)

24. Bookkeeping DOWN entry 28. One of the 1.Tennis legend Reiners Sampras 31. Repute 2. Ray 33. Street (abbr.) 3. Untidy person 4. Pottery 34. “Trinity” fragment author 5. Bowl openers 35. Winter 6. Mike and __ ailment (candy) 36. French islands 7. Actor Beatty 37. Pen‐making and others name 8. Soup spoon 38. Employs 9. Wrath 39. Shopper’s 10. School org. item 40. Cigar leftovers 11. 9‐digit item (abbr.)

42. Roosts 19.

Is sickly 44. “__ so fast…”

21. Poem that 46. __ longue

praises 23. Shopper stoppers 25. Indonesian island 26. “Big Daddy” Burl 27. Tryout 28. Oscar winner Gooding, Jr. 29. Onassis et al.

30. Having megabucks 32. Guitar player, e.g.

36. Ingrid’s “Casablanca” role 38. Troop entertainment org.

41. Follow 43. Consider 45. Tease 47. Egyptian goddess 48. __ wrestler 49. On‐line auction house

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 23.

50. “Baby _‐ You” 51. “Just as I thought!”

52. Prefix meaning not 54. Wheeling’s state (2 wds., abbr.)

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24. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Is she too controlling? A weighty a couple occasions when I forgot to call in on time, SOME OF MY FRIENDS are and she threw a fit, telling me that I’m spoiling accusing me of being my girlfriend by telling her with another woman.

Other than that, I see no everywhere I’m going without her, and reporting issue with it. Should I communication between to her every hour about my tell my friends to butt out? you and your girlfriend, actions. They say she is you have to be careful controlling me and I All the way that it’s not a situation cannot see it. where your partner is You see, George, my Dear All the way, being manipulative and girlfriend made me controlling. promise her I’d do that, While it is a good to Hint of this was and it’s what makes her have a good line of leaked by her reaction happy. There have been

problem

Dear George,

Dear George,

after you missed checking in on time.

Everything should be done within reason, and anything outside of that should warrant a second look.

George

A question of how much sex Dear George, HOW MANY TIMES a week or month should a married couple have sex? I think I am married to an unreasonable man who is telling me it should not be less than 6 days a week and at least

twice per day. Give me your take on this, please.

Tired Dear Tired, There is no set schedule for frequency of sex in marriage. The

frequency will depend on the level of intimacy that exists between you two. Once there is a strong enough love connection, none of you should have to be concerned about frequency.

George

MY WIFE IS FAT and she hates hearing it from me. During the last year or so, she has packed on the weight and it does not look good on her.

We had a birthday celebration for our daughter, and she was eating everything in sight. I had to tell her right there and then that she should ease up. She got mad and said I embarrassed her in front of her friends.

I told her that I would tell her how fat she is until she gets her act together. Am I wrong?

Frustrated Dear frustrated,

There is nothing wrong in encouraging your spouse to get to and maintain a healthy weight. Based on what you are saying, it seems your way of addressing the issue is less than encouraging. You can encourage her without doing so at her expense, like doing so in front of her friends or in a public place.

Also, calling her “fat” and purposing in your heart to do so until she is driven to do better, is not only mean and degrading but speaks much of your true nature, and the love you professed to have for her.

It is not too late to take a different approach and to sincerely apologize for the hurt you have already caused her. If you are not careful, your present approach to get your wife to lose weight can result in you possibly losing your wife.

George

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 25.

V PM rebukes pastor 26. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

AIRPLANES MIGHT not be able to fly to heaven, but at least one pastor, seeking to share his opinion on how to improve the airport service and encourage international flights, has been told to focus on preaching the word of God. A certain pastor who commented about the

Argyle International Airport during one of his Sunday sermons, has agitated the Prime Minister, who in return, has appealed to the pastor to encourage more business to invest there or keep out of airport business.

During a press conference at Cabinet

room last Monday, PM Gonsalves told journalists that he understood that a pastor, while delivering his sermon last Sunday at his church, said that more persons should be employed at the AIA since it is such a big capital project.

“Of course, a whole set

a people are employed there, far more than at ET Joshua you could imagine. I don’t have the actual numbers, but I can get that easily… in excess of 200 people I would think; but what the pastor should do is to encourage people to have businesses out there, because the government

can’t go and set up a restaurant out there,” Gonsalves said.

“Sometimes, if a man don’t know anything, stay to pastoring…

Not even a pastor escaped the don’t get into tongue of the Prime Minister on airport business if you matters related to the AIA. don’t know ask people questions,” about airport business. the Prime Minister …. Doesn’t mean you advised the Pastor. (KH) can’t talk about it, but

No Strong Rum, please VINCENTIANS who were of the opinion that the commissioning of an international airport here would have made it easier to travel with certain typically Vincentian niceties, have been informed otherwise.

A release this week from the marketing/PR Department of the Argyle International Airport stated that “the AIA Aviation Security is required by law to inspect all checked luggage,” and in accordance with the regulations, “prohibited items when travelling St. Vincent very Strong Rum include alcoholic beverages exceeding will not make it on to any flights leaving the AIA. 70% by volume (140% proof).”

Items so assessed and found in checked-in luggage will be confiscated, the AIA management informed.

As such therefore, Vincentians are forewarned that ‘walking with a bottle of Vincy Very Strong Rum’ for the folks in North America or wherever, is a ‘NO NO’.

Sunset Very Strong Rum is clearly labelled as 84.5% Alc/Vol, and therefore, well over the bench mark of 70%.

Travellers are being advised to seek clarification on what is permissible for travel, before they arrive at the airport, so as to avoid embarrassment and unnecessary delays. (Source: AIA News Release)

V Hooper records 15-wicket match haul

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 27.

Harry’s burst destroys Strike Eagles A 7-WICKET haul by Javid Harry ensured a 9-wicket victory for defending champions Smashers, in one of two matches played last weekend in the National Lotteries Authority 50 Overs Sunday League.

Harry bagged 7 for 26, to be the primary reason why Strike Eagles were bowled out for a dismal 66 in 17.1. overs at the Stubbs Playing Field, Cklon Mc Kie scoring 22 .

Marvin Harry accounted for 2 wickets Smashers’ Javid Harry for a mere 6 runs. made life difficult for the The defending Strike Eagles batsmen. champions then put on a show of hard hitting, racing to 69 for 1 in just 6.2 overs. Ozico Williams hit 29, while Courtney Joyette was left not out on 26.

In the other match played at the Buccament Bay Playing Field, Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors recorded a 7-wicket win over Belfongo.

They bowled out Befongo for 112 in 21.1 overs, and proceeded to rush to 114 for 3 in a mere 12.4 overs, to record their second victory on the trot.

Kelvin Lorraine, 26, Vertil Davis, 24, and Rajiv Roberts, 20, were Belfongo’s best batsmen, while Bill Edwards topped the batting for Unique Warriors, with a knock of 46 not out. Reginald Jeffery grabbed 4 for 62 for Unique Warriors, with Vertil Davis accounting for the three Unique Warriors’ wickets for 27 runs.

Matches in this League continue on Sunday.

WHEN A BOWLER takes five wickets in an innings, he is overjoyed. But when he takes 9 in one innings and 6 in the other innings of the same match, he should not be envied if he sets himself up as King of the Turf, making his fellow players and his opponents his obliging subjects.

Asif Hooper will long That was the remember the weekend of case with Asif March 25 and 26, 2017.

Hooper, who stopped just that Castello had 74, Richie short of bowling Richards 54 and Lindon L-R: Hyron Shallow recorded yet another Premier out an entire team, James 42. Currency, 3 for when he had match Division century for Team Rivals, and Wayne Harper, 73, was Saints’ best with an even hundred, ensured first innings points for figures of 16 bowler.

Flow Radcliffe. wickets for 117 Batting a second time, runs playing for Saints reached 112 for 2 Team Rivals when the game was called. from Romel Currency, 59, account for 9 of the against Carl Joseph Law Rickford Walker recorded and Rickford Walker, 52. wickets to fall.

Chambers ASCO, in a last his second half century of Spinners Dyke Cato, 5 for Flow Radcliffe replied weekend encounter in the 78, and national Under 19 impressively and declared the game with a knock of National Lotteries 53, while Seon Sweden captain Othneil Lewis, 4 at 338 for 8. In addition Authority National scored 45. for 69, combined to to Harper’s 100, Marcus Premier Division Cricket Competition.

Playing at the Sion Hill Playing Field, ASCO won the toss and took first knock but could not negotiate the wily Hooper, CORDEL JACK is determined to half century. Melissa took 2 of something of an upset.

9 for 51, and were bowled cement a place of pride in local the three Survivors’ wickets to J.G Tigress overcame their out for 169, thanks women cricket. fall. more fancied opponents by a primarily to a 6th-wicket The former W.I. player Then it was the turn of Xharia comfortable 6 wickets. partnership between cracked her third century of this Jack to work her magic with the In a dismal performance, Deron Greaves, 82, and season’s National Women’s 40 ball. She claimed five wickets for given their form to date, Nimron Daniel, 46.

Overs competition last Saturday, a mere 27 runs, to keep the Gariffuna Stars hobbled to 110 In reply, Team Rivals to lead Untied Survivors to Radcliffe Girls to a less than all out in 23.5 overs, thanks declared at 263 for 7, victory over Radcliffe Girls at the commendable day’s work of 80 primarily to their mainstay mounted in great measure Stubbs Playing Field, and helped all out.

It was yet another Julianna Nero who top-scored on a 124 ball 136 (15 x 4, moved her team closer to overwhelming victory for United with 26. Shanika Campbell, 3 4 x 6) from Hyron retaining the title.

Survivors, this time by 143 runs. for 7, and Shenezia Daniel, 2 for Shallow. Greaves led this Jack accounted for 111 runs The other weekend match in 22, inflicted the damage. time with the ball, taking (not out) of her team’s total of the competition between J.G J.G Tigress replied with 111 3 for 66.

223 for 3 in 30 overs.

Kimone Tigress and Garifuna Stars, for 4 in 20.2 overs, Evelyn Chasing a deficit of 94 Hormer chipped in with an even played at Park Hill, threw up Turpin leading with 39 not out runs, ASCO were shot out and Stacy-Ann Adams adding 36. of 91, failing again to Julianna Nero, carrying her negotiate a buoyant team on her back, picked up 2 for Hooper who again worked 16, bowling Garifuna Stars. his wrist to claim 6 for 25, In related news, the national to hand Teams Rivals selectors have included three victory by an innings and newcomers in a 13-member 3 runs. female squad to represent this At the Arnos Vale Two country in the upcoming Playing Field, Wayne Southern Windward three-match Harper struck an even 100 50 Overs series against Grenada, not out to help defending in Grenada, next week. champions Flow Radcliffe The newcomers are: spin take first innings honours bowler Shema Wright, fast from Guardian General bowler Jennisha Hackshaw and Saints. batter Jenna Frederick.

Saints batted first and In the addition to the three Newcomers to the National Female Cricket team (L-R): Shema totalled 216 all out, with newcomers, those making up the Wright, Jennisha Hackshaw and Jenna Frederick. scores of merit coming

Cordel Jack slams her third century

Cordel Jack continued her exceptionally good form by hitting her third century of the 40 Overs competition. squad are: Juliana Nero (captain), Cordel Jack, Nyasha Williams, Stacy Ann Adams, Zavian Stephen, Glendeen Turtin (wicket keeper), Kimone Homer, Shenzia Daniel, Samantha Caine and Giany Marshall.

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

V

28. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Victrix Ludorum Tamara Woodley of the KCCU Girls High School.

KCCU St Vincent Grammar School – 2017 Male Inter-Secondary Schools Track and Field champions.

SVGS, CLSS: Inter-Sec Schools T&F Champs KCCU St Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) and Central Leeward Secondary School (CLSS) emerged as male and female champions respectively, in the 2017 NLA Inter Secondary Track and Field Championship 2017, staged at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field, last week Thursday, March 23.

KCCU/SVGS was in fact taking their sixth consecutive title, and did so having accumulated 298 points. Second was the St Martin’s Secondary School- SMSS (224 points), third the CLSS (221 points), fourth the Thomas Saunders Secondary School - TSSS (152 points) and fifth the Bethel High School BHS (118 points).

The CLSS dominated the girls division with 347 points, to dethrone KCCU Girls’ High School (KCCU/GHS), who finished second on 225

Central Leeward Secondary Girls champions.

Kyle Lawrence with his 45 points earned him the honour of being the competitors, and she was Meet’s Victor Ludorum.

Union Island was named Victrix Ludorum adjudged the best among of the Meet. SMSS’s the teams in the March

Tamara Woodley’s 49 points. Bethel High points put her ahead of School (190 points) was all other female third, the TSSS fourth (175 points) and fifth the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (167 points).

As far as Editor’s Note: In our coverage (last issue) of the (individual) recent Inter- Primary Schools’ Track and Field divisional Athletics Championships (IPSTFC), we were not armed champions were with the official results of the day’s proceedings. We concerned, Kyle went to press with the only announced record breaker.

Lawrence of the We are now privy to the full and accurate results, and St Martin are pleased to share the full slate of record breakers.

Secondary School took the Male EIGHTEEN NEW MARKS were set at the 2017 Junior Division edition of the National Lotteries Authority Interwith 45 points, Primary Schools’ Track and Field Championships, held and Ulando at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Wednesday.

Lewis of Central Establishing a new record in the male open 800m Leeward did was Randel Stowe of the Paget Farm Government, likewise among with a new top speed of 2 minutes 29.13 seconds. the females with Also etching his name in the books was Joel Hector 40 points.

Richland Park Government, whose 45.46 seconds in The the males Under-11 300m, proved the best ever to Intermediate date.

Male Champion Likewise, Fitz Hughes Government’s Cody Bartley’s was Ethan Myers 10.61 seconds in the male 80m for the 11 to 15 age of the KCCU/SVGS group, put his name in the record books. with 31 points.

Another record to go by the wayside was the male The female Under 7 80m, which now rests in the hands of Nazeo champion in this Free of the Questelles Government with a time of category went to 13.84 seconds.

Zamesha Myle of In the female segment of that age group and over the TSSS with 40 the same distance, the new record holder is Kazia points.

Peters of the Stephanie Browne The coveted Primary with 13.90 seconds.

Senior Boys Sion Hill Government’s Kyshana Champion was Alexander clocked 12. 84 seconds in Javorn Rawlins the females Under-9s 80m, to be the of KCCU/SVGS new recorder, while Shemron Gaymes who totaled 37 of the Buccament Government did points, while the similarly in the male version, with his Senior Female 12.36 seconds.

Champion award Taking hold of the 150m females went to Tamara Under 11 was Diara Bascombe of the Woodley of Stephanie Browne Primary. She KCCU/GHS with stopped the clock at 49 points.

21.51 seconds.

Shemron The other four Gaymes now Victor Ludorum records established holds the Kyle Lawrence of were in the field record mark the St Martin’s events. in the male Secondary Under-9s 80m.

Setting the new School.

Past.

Twenty-three schools took part in this year’s championships.

I.B.A.ALLEN

New records set at IPSTFC Nazeo Free of the Questelles Government School, who holds the fastest time in the 80m for Under-7s males. distance of 17.10m in the females Under 7 ball throw, was Diamond Government’s Larrael Durrant.

Two of the three High Jump records now reside with the St Mary’s RC, through Davids Holder, who set a higher mark of 1.45m in the male Under 15, and J’Aivar Cato in the male Under-11, with a jump of 1.20m.

The other record, 1.10m in the female Under 11, was recorded by Nissi Joseph of the Clare Valley Government.

And the Kingstown Preparatory School (KPS) was responsible for five of the six relay records established: the females Under-9, 4x80m in 53.56 seconds; the females Under -11s 4 X 80m, in 48.88 seconds; the males Under11, 4 x 80m in 46.56 seconds; the females Under -11s 4 x 150m, in one minute 33.32 seconds, New record holder in and the males Under 11s 4 the males- Under15 x 150m, done in one 80m- Cody Bartley. minute 31.49 seconds.

The other record relay breaking effort was attained by the Questelles Government School in the male Under-15s, 4 x 200m.

The new mark is one minute 55 .75 seconds.

The Kingstown Preparatory School finished as the overall meet champions.

V

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

Sports

Things talking CONVERSATIONS pop up in mysterious fashion from time to time, and one gets an awakening of the vagaries that Caribbean life throws up.

It took a Mexican to drive home the culture of the Caribbean.

Guyana, on the South American mainland, is a CARICOM member and also an affiliate of Concacaf which embodies North, Central, South America (Guyana, Surinam) and the Caribbean.

That’s a wide geographical spread..

The person pointing out the discrepancy was Mexican Marco Santillan. He winds up a coaching assignment here today, Friday, March 31. But aside from his agenda, he finds time to reflect on his curiosity.

He has resorted to the USA which has perhaps accounted for his interest in hemispheric issues.

Santillan’s outlook heightened the question as to the region’s pattern of settlement. Historians trace a flow of Amerindians. Where these citizens may have originated generates space for ongoing analysis.

There is the Belize factor into the football equation. Smack in the midst of the Central American zone lies another English country. This has similar political ties with the Caribbean, through CARICOM. And as far as Garinagu in that part of the globe is concerned, Yuremien, which has been designated as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is the original homeland of a Garinagu.

The retrieval rekindles, with commemorations of the Chatoyer episode reinforced in the annual ritual which has recent vintage.

Two years of Vincentian history define a period which has left a stamp on world heritage. March 14, 1795: Chatoyer killed at Dorsetshire Hill.

1797, those people who resisted attempts to capture their land are bundled into boats, first to Balliceaux, an island off mainland St. Vincent where existence for life is unlikely; then to Bequia from where they were exiled to Roatan Island.

Whereas the Garinagu pay homage to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Vincentians have their version of land patrimony. There is an extra reason for Vincentian pride. The Garinagu has survived to become a package of global recognition.

Santillan’s reason for being here was to help coaches up the ladder. The benefit of the Club structure to football has been proven in crystal fashion. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to encourage this phenomenon.

Perhaps we had taken it for granted. We had overlooked that subconsciously, it is the foundation on which we have been built. Notre Dame Football Club was the virtual national team. Victoria Park was not in ideal surface conditions as far as the level stretched. But that was the mecca.

It was not just local, but Windward Island contests.

Coaching was not systematic. But players gave their best and made it a sense of purpose to keep fit. Without the entrapments, sports people paid attention to their routine.

Sunil Ambris did what people wished. With the West Indies short of batsmen, there is no question as to who has the credentials.

Kesrick Williams circumvented the selection maze. He slipped the Vincentian strainer and grafted his way through the basics of regional interaction. Williams’s story is another of extensive intrigue. How often situations like these have occurred, will alarm casual observers. But most of them are not innings to declare.

SVG returns to Caribbean Junior TT Championship FOUR TOP JUNIOR table tennis players are currently in training ahead of representing this country in the Caribbean Junior (Under 18) and Cadet (Under 15) Table Tennis Championship, slated for Guyana early next month.

The original four - Andre Michael and Jadon Cunningham Howard of the St. Vincent Grammar School, Rondre John of Emmanuel High School Mespo, and Mikael Hazelwood of the SVG Community College - are under the guidance of coaches Sean Stanley and Joseph Carrington.

However, Cunningham has withdrawn because of CXC examinations commitments, and has been replace by Juwan Howard also of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Jamai Williams will also travel to Guyana, at his own expense, and although not part of the official delegation, is expected to compete in the open singles.

The team is expected to compete in the teams, open singles and doubles categories of the Championship.

Taking a break from training at the St. Vincent Grammar School, Hazelwood told THE VINCENTIAN, “It is a big honor because it is my first time representing my country, so I will go out there and try to do my best…. I am hoping to gain knowledge and (L-R) :Rondre John, Andre Michael, Mikael experience by playing against other regional Hazelwood, Jadon Cunningham and Sean Stanley (coach) comprise the official SVG players, and once we delegation to the 2017 Caribbean Junior TT play our best games, we will get good Championship. results.”

Stanley, who will now… I’m happy the focus is on accompany the team as coach, youth development. After all, top said, “I am quite happy that the players Robert Ballantyne, Joseph (Table Tennis) Association is Carrington, Carlton Daniel and sending a team to these myself cannot win gold, silver, championships because the bronze or ‘tinning’ at any development of the sports must tournament, so where do we go rest with the young people. As it from here? We must go to the is, the opportunities for the youths”. youngsters are far and few.”

This year’s Junior/Cadet A former national champion Caribbean Table Tennis himself, Stanley recalled that Championship runs from April 142015 was the last time SVG was 18 in Guyana. represented at the championship, adding, “.. so what we are doing I.B.A.ALLEN

Football coaches upgrading “I WANT EVERY Club to have an A licensed coach.” That’s what Venold Coombs, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation envisions.

He made his views clear last Tuesday while addressing the opening ceremony of a D Licence Course, at the Conference Room of the Federation’s Building, Kingstown.

Coombs pointed to improvement in the standard of the game when coaches are certified.

A strong Football Club redounds to the best interest of national football, according to him.

Mexican born Fifa Instructor Marco Santillan, along with Lenny Lake from St. Kitts/Nevis are conducting the training.

Santillan encouraged coaches to work hard. He noted that “teams that prepare best” are inevitably

the more successful.

“If you’re talented but don’t work, the person who works will beat you,” Santillan indicated.

Planning and work, he stressed, were important if a Club is to progress.

Lake, for his part, was blunt. He decried the tendency (L-R): Course facilitators Marco Santillan, among regional Lenny Lake and President of the SVGFF players who detest Venold Coombs at last Tuesday’s opening of the idea of being the D License Course for football coaches. coached.

He urged the undergo written, oral and field participants to acquire as much testing. The course material is knowledge as possible. “The more expected to cover, inter alia, Team knowledgeable you are, the better Management, Care and your players will be,” he posited, Prevention of Injuries, and Laws and implored coaches to commit of the Game. themselves to their assignments Successful coaches will move and to attend every day. onto the other stages of the The 24 coaches in training will journey to the A Licence.

Photo finish in cycling event ONE SECOND separated the top three finishers in the Elite class of last Sunday’s road race of the SVG Cycling Union.

Nipping Zefal Bailey and Lucky Antrobus at the finish line was Enroy Lewis, in a winning time of one hour 47 minutes 06 seconds.

Bailey and Antrobus registered the identical time of one hour 47 minutes 07 seconds.

It was the first time for the year that Bailey had to stand lower on the podium, as he had trumped the three previous events.

The Elite cyclists rode from Kingstown to Bridgetown, Biabou, then to Mt Pleasant, Stubbs and back to Biabou, doing the loop three times, before completing at Argyle.

But while Bailey got his run of wins blotted, this was not the case for Peter Durrant, who again headed up the Masters category of the race.

Peter Durrant stays unbeaten in the Masters’ category.

Durrant’s winning time was one hour 23 minutes 36 seconds.

The other competitor in the race was Curtis Lewis, Enroy Lewis who got an elevation from previous rode off with events, as his timing over the last distance was one hour 43 minutes Sunday’s 10 seconds.

The Masters’ route was the same, Elite class. except they were required to do the Mount Pleasant to Bridgetown, Biabou loop twice.

V

30. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Iruel Mathias of the GSS - MVP of the finals and best allrounder.

SVGS champs U15 Schools Cricket IRUEL MATHIAS, with the exceptional figures 7 wickets for 16 runs in 6 overs, bowling for the Georgetown Secondary School (GSS), could not prevent the St Vincent Grammar School from being crowned new champions of the Inter Secondary Schools Under 15 cricket here.

The GSS went down by 1 wicket in a nail-biting finish, albeit, in a low scoring finals at the Arnos Vale Two playing field, on Monday.

Georgetown Secondary, batting first, struggled to get to 59, their undoing the result of some steady bowling from Jawanza Woods, 3 for 11, Luke Wilson, 2 for 11, and Azar Williams, 2 for 9.

Set a meagre 60 to win, SVGS seemed to be cruising to victory, but once Mathias found his line and length, they lost wickets consistently in the middle, before holding on to reach 63 for 9 with overs to spare.

Mathias, as expected, was named the MVP of the finals. Additionally, he was the top runs scorer of the tournament with 91, and was adjudged the Best Allrounder of the Tournament.

Jawanza Woods of the St Vincent Grammar School took the most wickets (14).

Sandy Bay Secondary were the defending champions.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Jawanza Woods of the SVGS - most wickets.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017. 31.

Classifieds

FOR SALE

1995 Toyota Camry P179 784-494-0179 1992 Suzuki Escudo P940 784-494-0173

REPAIRS Washing machine and microwave repairs.

HOME SERVICES 455-5018

CECILIA ERCELLA NERO aka Noonsey

BERNADETH PETERS

VELMA POYER Age: 83 Years Kingstown Methodist Church Monday 27th March, 2017 3:00 p.m .

Church of God World Wide Mission Redemption Sharpes Saturday 25th March, 2017 3:00 p.m .

Revival Centre Murray Village Tuesday 28th March, 2017 2:00 p.m .

INEZ IONA STEPHEN

LAMBERT OLIVER

St. Mary Spiritual Baptist Church Spring Village Sunday 26th March, 2017 1:30p.m .

Gorse Apostolic Faith Saturday 25th March, 2017 3:00 p.m.

ANDREW PERRY TITTLE New Life Ministries North Union Saturday 25th March, 2017 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 31, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.13

TWELVE PERSONS HOMELESS AFTER FIRE Georgetown on Tuesday night, leaving the twelve — representing three generations of the Sutherland family TWELVE PERSONS here have had to seek homeless. shelter with relatives and friends, The houses, described by one following the destruction of their homes. member of the community as ‘antique Fire tore rapidly through three houses’, and their contents were wooden structures in Brownestown, completely destroyed.

Information and photos courtesy GEORGEITHA ‘AUNTY G’ NANTON

www.thevincentian.com

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The remains – cinders – of the buildings once shared by twelve persons.

According to one family member, with the exception of one male child, there were no other persons at any of the houses when the fire started.

The child was able to escape unhurt.

The fire raged to such an extent that the heat made it That family member said that it difficult for community members to effectively fight the inferno. appeared the fire had started, at whole set ah sparks.” around 7:45 p.m, in an inner room of They, however, were able to prevent one of the houses and spread quickly the fire from spreading to another to the other two nearby houses. house in close proximity to those The cause of the fire remained which were on fire. undetermined up to press time on The twelve persons affected first Wednesday. sought shelter for the night at the Persons from the community rushed Community Centre, but Bernadette with buckets of water and attached hoses to nearby taps; but their effort to Sutherland, one of those directly affected, said the Centre was far from curb the fire was to no avail. One ready to accommodate them. observer spoke of the hoses ‘melting’ “It didn’t have anything to sleep on, under the wave of heat that the and it was dirty,” she said. That was burning wood emitted. when, she explained, they had to seek A male resident, who had come to ‘help fight the fire’, related that at one shelter with family and friends.

The overriding comment heard on point in time, they had to stop “and the night was that Georgetown, touted run ‘cause de electric wire bus’ down as the ‘second town’ in the state, is and fall in some water and mek ah still without a fire tender.

Anyone wishing to make a Some of the persons who have been donations to the displaced families, left homeless. Bernadette can inbox ‘Aunty G’ on her Facebook Sutherland is pictured second from page. right.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.