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JULY 18, 2014

VOLUME 108, No. 29

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GIBSON-MARKS ISSUE HEADING FOR THE COURTS

this jurisdiction.

The Gibson-Marks affair had aroused THE MATTER INVOLVING former speculation to the point Registrar Tamara Gibson Marks that Opposition Leader, is heading for the courts.

Arnhim Eustace, wrote to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime the Prime Minister Minister and Minister of Legal seeking clarification on Affairs, spoke to that issue the matter. last Monday at a press Dr. Gonsalves disclosed conference held at Cabinet at Monday’s Press room. conference that the The Vincentian leader made Commissioner of Police it clear, however, that the and the Director of Public disbarment measure was Prosecutions were aware different from a criminal of developments Colin Williams, DPP, is confident process. surrounding the former Gibson-Marks will make herself Gibson-Marks took up the Registrar. available, in person, to any court post of High Court Registrar Director of Public proceeding that will be held in in 2008.

Prosecutions (DPP), relation to her conduct as She not only vacated her Colin Williams, Registrar. position, but is reported to confirmed that the have left the state in a hasty Director of Audit was fashion and under a cloud of still checking on the impression that she was speculation in May this year, details with respect to the running and, in any event, following a meeting with former Registrar’s conduct. “there was nowhere to hide.”

Vincentian Attorney General That given, he does not He cited the absence of a Judith Jones-Morgan, who anticipate that any court Judge as an added applied subsequently to have hearing will happen too soon, impediment.

Gibson-Marks removed from but gave every assurance that The court proceedings, Gibson-Marks will be however, were of an Left: Tamara Gibson-Marks, available for the hearing. administrative nature, former Registrar of the High Williams disclosed that he Williams pointed out, making Court, vacated her post in was “taking her on her word,” them different from a criminal hasty fashion. adding that he was not of the matter.

Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

PM condemns abduction of businessman VINCENTIAN PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves condemned those responsible for the abduction of business executive Jimmy Forde which occurred last Saturday night.

In his capacity as National Security Minister, Dr. Gonsalves commended the Police for responding quickly to the incident. He disclosed that he was in touch with Acting Commissioner of Police

Reynold Hadaway.

He added that Forde’s vehicle was found at Upper Montrose in the West Kingstown area, and that Forde was ‘OK’.

“We have a lot of officers on this case,” the Prime Minister assured.

“We are pursuing vigorously the persons responsible for this crime,” the Vincentian leader asserted.

He added that “Copycat activity is not going to take root here,”

and that his government was “taking a tough route, as with other crimes.”

That was Monday when he updated the media on his attendance to the Caricom Heads of Government conference in Antigua and on his trip to the South American nation of Ecuador.

Local security forces were again called into action early Monday evening. That was in

response to a shooting incident at Evesham in the East St. George area.

That left two villagers Benjamin Jackson, a 53year-old farmer and Derwin Robertson, 26, dead. Two other residents, Deon Durrant, a 35-year-old watchman and Dominic Smart, aged 22, received gunshot injuries and were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Police officials were conducting investigations

into the incident, described as a drive-by shooting.

Up to Wednesday, post mortem examinations were yet to be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

Persons in that community were reluctant to speak about the incident, and there was a spectre of gloom overhanging that area.

The Police had no clue as to the motive behind the deadly shooting.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, warned that copycat criminal activity will not be allowed to take root in SVG.

2. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 3.

News 3

Report on CARICOM Heads 35th Regular meeting [Pt 1]

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

economic vulnerabilities,” the communiqué said.

Recognizing that access to development resources were proving a “binding THE 35TH REGULAR constraint” to catalyzing MEETING of the Conference growth in member-states, of Heads of Government of Heads of Government also the Caribbean Community agreed to pursue a (CARICOM) concluded at resource mobilization Dickenson Bay in Antigua strategy, based on and Barbuda, Fruday4th approaches to nonJuly, with leaders agreeing traditional sources of to the formulation of a financing. regional fiscal sustainability Additionally, they framework within six agreed on promoting months and the design of a public/private regional debt management partnerships for the mechanism. development of the Regional leaders also economic infrastructure, agreed to appoint a with technical advice from CARICOM Debt Advocacy the Washington-based Team to advocate, on Inter-American behalf of member-states, Development Bank (IDB) with development and the World Bank, and partners, on “appropriate the Barbados-based debt relief and/or debt Caribbean Development amelioration Bank (CDB). arrangements for the The Heads mandated highly indebted the Commission on the CARICOM states,” Economy to address the according to a regulatory framework communiqué issued at required to promote summit’s end. venture capital and other “This initiative new financial products, as recognizes that growing well as innovative out of the current financing schemes, which, burdensome debt is not they said, could support realistic for certain the Growth Agenda, member-states, given their including the needs of structural and other small and medium-sized

businesses in the Community, the communiqué said.

Report on the economy and Visa concerns The Second Report of the Commission on the Economy focuses on the reform of the business operating environment in member-states, and developed a work-plan for advancing the decisions that had been made by Heads of Government in respect of the Community’s Growth Agenda.

The report also underscores the importance of a stable macroeconomic environment as the “springboard” for the Community’s Growth Agenda.

In light of concerns raised in several quarters about the requirement of visas for nationals of some Caribbean countries traveling to Canada, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia, the Heads of Government welcomed “progress” made towards a CARICOMCanada Trade and Development Agreement,

CARICOM Heads convened their 35th Regular Meeting in Antigua, July 1 – 4, 2014. “which has led to the successful conclusion of negotiations in several areas,” the communiqué said.

“They acknowledged the flexibility shown by both sides in their desire to conclude an agreement,” it said. “At the same time, they recognized that there were some outstanding issues which remained to be finalized, “Heads of Government expressed confidence that with further engagement, including at the highest levels, and flexibility on outstanding issues, the completion of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement could be achieved within an acceptable timeframe,” it added.

“Heads of Government looked forward to positive responses from the Government of Canada, an

their development efforts.”

The leaders stressed their “strong support” for the efforts of St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance its regulatory regime in relation to its CIP. Citizenship by Investment They, however, said Programme they were “fully cognizant of the need to adhere to The Heads of the most rigorous Government said they received a report from the international standards to Prime Minister of St. Kitts safeguard the integrity of the country and the and Nevis, Dr. Denzil program.”

Douglas, on the “Heads of Government Citizenship by Investment urged all countries Programme (CIP) engaging in such a undertaken by the twinprogramme to co-operate island federation. They and co-ordinate their commended St. Kitts and regulatory systems with Nevis for its recent respect to both the CIP economic performance, and to financial services while acknowledging the generally, given the importance of such programs in improving the imperative of enhancing the security of the region fiscal position of some while ensuring the member-states “at a time protection and expansion of acute economic and of their revenue base,” the financial stress, thereby communiqué said. assisting in maintaining

important, longstanding and trusted development partner of the Caribbean Community,” the communiqué continued.

Ecuador funds bridge construction

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves displays the golden necklace, Ecuador’s highest civilian honour, which was bestowed on him during the visit.

BY SEPTEMBER 15 this year, rebuilding work will begin on four bridges on the Leeward end of mainland St. Vincent.

One will be at Kakarta at the northern end of Fitz Hughes; two will be in the town of Chateaubelair at Sharpes and Plan; and the fourth at Hope in the South Leeward zone.

The rebuilding in total will cost an estimated EC$11.3M and will be financed through a contribution to this country’s restorative efforts, following the flood of December 24 which devastated parts of the nation, by the government and people of Ecuador.

Confirmation of the rebuilding exercise came last Monday during a press conference hosted by Prime Minister, who had only recently returned from a visit to that South American nation.

Dr. Gonsalves was grateful to

Ecuador for their help, and he praised President Raphael Correa for his generosity, while highlighting the South American nation’s foundation in biodiversity, education and sport.

The Vincentian A number of bridges fell easy victims to leader displayed a the raging flood waters of December 24, golden necklace, 2014. symbol of that country’s highest civilian honour, years, so the fraternity between the nations can be expected to which was bestowed on him roll over for some considerable during the visit. time.

The linkages between the two Dr. Gonsalves condemned countries will be strengthened, with Ecuadorian teachers coming persons who he said swiped at to St. Vincent and the Grenadines the delegation to Ecuador for what was deemed an expensive to learn English. undertaking.

Additionally, this country’s He stated that the Ecuadorian name will be highlighted in Ecuador, through the naming of a government sent a plane to pick up the delegation in Trinidad, tortoise at the Charles Darwin Centre in the Galapagos Islands. and covered in-country expenses for the visit.

Those tortoises live up to 200

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

„Positive move,‰ says Senior Prosecutor Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

SENIOR PROSECUTOR Adolphus Delpleche has applauded Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, and other senior police officers, for taking the decision to make it a policy of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) to grant station bail to persons charged with possession of under 15 grams of marijuana.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the gazetted officers, July 4.

Station bail will be granted in the sum of $2,000 with one surety.

The gazetted officers met to discuss the issue, based on a letter the Commissioner had received from defence lawyer Grant Connell, requesting that the issue of station bail for persons on marijuana possession charges be revisited.

Delpleche, Head of the Summary Prosecutions Division in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), described the decision as “excellent” and “positive.”

Delpleche, a former police officer, explained that there was a time when the policy of not granting station bail to persons charged with possession of small amounts of marijuana may have been useful.

He pointed out that in those times, the minimum fine the court could have imposed for the smallest amount of

marijuana was $1,000, under the 1937 ‘Dangerous Drugs Act’.

However, that Act was replaced in 1988 by the ‘Misuse of Controlled Drugs Act’, under which a person could be reprimanded and discharged.

“The law had been changed, and I am of the view that the policy on station bail should have been looked at a long time ago.

“In my view, to have a person in custody for any long period, for example over a weekend, on a charge of possessing under 15 grams of marijuana, does not worth it. The cost to keep that person could far outweigh what the court may impose as a fine,” Delpleche said.

“One may argue that a price should not be put on justice; but in applying the law, one should be practical,” the prosecutor explained.

“Policies are not to be static. They have to evolve with the time, and time changes. Policies outlive their usefulness like anything else, and they ought to be practical,” he continued.

Delpleche has, on a number of occasions at the Serious Offences Court, withdrawn charges for persons pleading not guilty to possession of very small amounts of marijuana.

He had taken into account the Public Interest Test, a

requirement under the Code for Prosecutors.

The Senior Prosecutor had told THE VINCENTIAN on April 17, 2011, after opting not to proceed against a defendant who pleaded not guilty to having one marijuana cigarette, that the matter had not passed the Public Interest Test. He pointed out that it would have cost tax payers much more money to have the

drug tested, than what the court may have imposed as a fine.

Senior Delpleche had Prosecutor also told this Adolphus publication during Delpleche welcomes the an interview some months ago, that in move to grant his view, the police station bail to persons could exercise charged with better judgement possession of in respect to under 15 persons having grams of small amounts of marijuana. marijuana.

Connell: ‘Commissioner applied common sense’ DEFENCE LAWYER Grant Connell says that all Commissioner of Police Michael Charles and other senior police officers did was to apply some common sense and keep the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in mind, when they collectively took the decision on July 4 to make it a policy of the constabulary, to grant station bail to persons charged with possession of under 15 grams of marijuana.

Connell admitted, though, that there was a striking difference in the approach by Commissioner Charles from that of former Commissioner Keith Miller. He said he tried

about six or seven times during Miller’s tenure to get the constabulary to change its position on station bail for possession of small quantities of marijuana, but his efforts were unsuccessful, and many of his clients had to remain in custody for an entire weekend before getting bail.

The gazetted officers had taken the decision during a meeting July 4, based on a letter Commissioner Charles had received from Connell, requesting that the issue of station bail for persons on marijuana

possession charges be revisited.

“It is a great move, as far as I am concerned. As the world moves forward and we move on, we will catch up,” Connell said.

He pointed out that, although the amount of marijuana for which station bail could now be granted is relatively small, it is the beginning and, the basis has been laid. He suggested that the next step should be to make the offence quasi-criminal, Former Commissioner of Police Keith Miller, so that a ticketing according to Connell, system is never seemed prepared to introduced for address the issue of persons in station bail for those possession of small charged with small amounts. quantities of marijuana.

Connell stressed that Jamaica and of it. “Those who are the United States creating a storm in a have gone ahead as teacup over it, long after regards the marijuana they have gone to their issue. grave, it will still be “Nobody here wants there, because it is to deal with the reality mother nature,” he that marijuana is our quipped. underground economy.

Connell would like the It is a healing to the police to apply the same nation financially and emphasis they place on physically. We have to carrying out marijuana start discussing it raids, to how they deal together.” the lawyer with offences that go to said. the core of society, for He added that the Defence attorney Grant example in respect of Connell claims nobody issue would not go reports of the wants to admit that away, the reality being impregnating of 12 and marijuana is this country’s that our hills are full 13 year-old girls. underground economy.

V Jamaican female in line for Anglican bishopric

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 5.

Regional

Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin was ordained in 1994, in the first year that the Church of England accepted female ordination.

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER is reporting that Jamaican born Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin is “ideally” poised to be elevated to the seat of Bishop, as the Church of England/Anglican Church readies itself to appoint its first female bishop.

In fact, the Church was expected to vote this week on the question of whether or not Anglican women should be allowed to hold top jobs in the Church’s hierarchy. If it votes in favour, then the expectation is that the first female bishop would be named by year’s end.

When contacted by English newspapers, Rev HudsonWilkin, who is chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II and the

Speaker of the House of Commons, and already one of the most prominent Anglican women in England, said that if the Church of England voted in favour of elevating Anglican women, the move would be “”seismic…. It would be a big deal.”

Known as a passionate advocate of a woman’s rights, she argued, “We (women) have gifts and skills and abilities, and we want what we have to be placed on the table as well.”

But, when pushed on her possible elevation, she modestly played down the suggestion.

“Everybody thinks that I’m too busy enjoying what I’m doing,” she responded, and explained, “It is the Church that calls you to act in that role, not you that put yourself forward.”

Russia, Cuba getting closer

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin spent last Friday in Cuba.

The visit was the first stop on President Putin’s Latin American tour, which took him to Argentina President Vladimir Putin (left) and President Raul and Rio de Janeiro, Castro announced a new era of cooperation between Brazil, for the World their respective countries, Russia and Cuba.

Cup final game last Sunday. Russia is set to host the next World Cup in 2018.

While in Cuba, the Russian President met with President of Cuba Raul Castro, and Dr. Fidel Castro, Leader of the Cuban Revolution but who, because of failing health, no longer holds state or public office.

Speaking to the Cuban news agency Prensa Latina, President Putin assured, “Today, cooperation with the Latin American nations is one of the President Putin (back to camera) key orientations and prospects of also met with former President of Russian foreign policy.”

Cuba Fidel Castro.

He promised a new era of closer trip, and Cuban officials, announced relations with Cuba. “We are disposed that the firm would help Cuba explore to recover lost possibilities,” Putin for oil off the island’s northern coast. said.

Several international companies And in demonstration of this policy, have drilled for a massive reserve of Russia agreed to forgive 90% of the oil Cuban officials believe lies about 50 more than $30 billion Cuba still owed miles off their shores, but so far all Russia. The remaining $3.5 billion have come up dry. would be repaid over 10 years and Cuba and Russia once enjoyed one reinvested in Cuba. of the firmest Cold War alliances, but “It’s a great sign of the generosity of that special relationship ended Russia towards Cuba,” Raul Castro abruptly with the collapse of the said.

Soviet bloc at the start of the 1990s.

The two countries also announced The loss of supplies from oil-rich they would cooperate more closely on Russia along with the end of energy, security and health matters. favourable trade and aid that once The head of the Russian oil drilling propped up Cuba’s ailing economy, consortium, Rosneft, who plunged Cuba into a severe economic accompanied President Putin on the crisis. (Source: BBC)

In addition to her duties as to accept them, but could act chaplain, she also acts as vicar as a powerful precedent. of two churches in ethnicallyHudson-Wilkin said she diverse east London. She is hoped the vote would the mother of three, and her encourage Anglican churches husband is also a chaplain. in other parts of the world to The Church of England is “ask the question ‘what is the ‘mother church’ of the right for us?’” global Anglican Communion, which covers some 80 million people in over 165 countries.

Anglican women bishops have already been ordained in the United States, Canada and Australia.

A Church of England vote in favour of women bishops would not compel the remaining Anglican churches, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin is known to be a like the strong advocate on behalf of women’s rights.

Caribbean,

Minister sees no conflict in dual roles THE RUNNING battle between sports and politics has taken on new proportions in Antigua and Barbuda.

At the centre of a brewing controversy is that country’s newly appointed Minister of Sports, Paul ‘Chet’ Greene, who also holds the ministerial portfolios of Trade, Commerce and Industries, Culture and Community Services, Greene, a former Opposition Senator, was elected President of Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) in December of 2013, and elected to parliament in June of 2014.

He assumed ministerial position but, as many expected, has not vacated his position with the ABNOC. Greene has moved to rebuke those who say that his dual roles could make for a potential conflict of interest.

As far as he is concerned, very little can be done to unseat him in the absence of a conflict of interest policy of the NOC.

“The membership of the Olympic Committee is where I think it really stops; the membership of the Olympic Committee, the executive have weighed in on the matter, and they are satisfied there is no threat, no conflict of interest situations,” the Antigua Observer quotes him as saying.

Greene, the Observer says, went on to add that contrary to popular belief, the practice is a common and welcomed one around the world. “…The Caribbean is one of the regions where it seemingly has not happened or is not happening with the degree of regularity that it happens in other countries like Asia, Europe and in Africa,” he is reported as saying.

Rule 27.6 of the Olympic Charter (OC) however, states that “the NOCs must also preserve their autonomy and resist any pressures of any kind, including … political (or) legal … pressures which may prevent them from complying with the OC.“

Paul ‘Chet’ Greene will continue to serve both as Minister of Sport and President of the National Olympic Committee in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to one member of the ABNOC, however, this only protects the NOC from a government takeover, but does not handle the issue of a conflict of interest.

The Olympic Charter is a set of rules and guidelines for the organisation of the Olympic Games, and for governing the Olympic movement.

The Charter was last revised on September, 9, 2013. (Source: Antigua Observer)

V FLOW: Legal obligation causes channel change 6. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE ISSUE OF LEGAL Obligation is among the major reasons for changes to the Columbus Network (Flow) Channel line-up.

Last Wednesday, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Columbus Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Shelly Ann Hee Chung, and Country Manager for the Columbus St.Vincent and the Grenadines operation, Christopher Gordon, sat down with media personnel to give a clearer insight into the reasons for the changes currently being effected to the cable television service now trading as FLOW, but which was formerly Karib Cable.

Many Vincentians have been growing uneasy with the changes taking place at the Shelly Ann Hee Chung, Vice President of company, so much so that social Sales and Marketing for Columbus media have been abuzz with Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, said persons threatening to return she was not in any way accusing Karib their cable boxes.

Cable of providing illegal channels.

Gordon explained that the company is aware of the

by KENVILLE HORNE concern, and acknowledged and

empathized with the Vincentian public.

“It is a very emotional thing and certainly there are channels I wish I could watch, for example USA, I love watching Law & Order, that’s no longer available to me. But what I want to make very clear is that these changes were made on the channel lineup because we are legally obligated to offer content that is legally available to and cleared for St.Vincent.”

Hee Chung shared similar sentiments. According to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing , “As the largest single cable provider, it is our responsibility to do the right thing, because we set the precedent, not just for St.Vincent but to the wider Caribbean region as well, and if we don’t do the right thing, we cannot expect the landscape to change,” said Hee Chung.

Asked whether or not the previous owner was doing the right thing, Chung said, “I am not in any way saying that Karib Cable provided illegal channels.”

In the new basic package offered to subscribers here, FLOW has provided 28 new channels while removing 26 of the ones that existed before.

In the past, Karib Cable offered customers 78 channels on the basic package; the new line-up offers 80 channels. Gordon said the company now offers channels that provide relevant contents.

Lapse in communication Both Hee Chung and Gordon admitted that the information pertaining to the changes was not properly communicated, hence the reason for the backlash from the customers.

Gordon said that the company sent out a customer letter in June. A copy of the letter was provided to the media, dated June 11th, 2014. The letter detailed the time changes to consumers.

According to the letter, from Monday June 16, what was known as Karib Cable services will no longer be available to new subscribers. FlOW’s new digital video and broadband services will be available. The letter further noted that all new FLOW video customers will enjoy 30 days access to all optional video channels (except Adult content) at no additional cost.

However, Gordon admitted that many customers never received the letters, “so we certainly have a challenge there, how can we better communicate with the customers.”

He informed that the company will be utilizing channel 100 to disseminate information and in

Christopher Gordon, FLOW’s incountry manager, acknowledged that his company fell short of effective communication with Vincentian subscribers. addition, over the next few weeks, the company would be engaging in a number of outreach initiatives.

The Country Manager said that in all the markets in which FLOW operates, they work to ensure there are similar values to consumers, both from the product offered and the price paid, therefore, the packages in the Eastern Caribbean is very much aligned.

No return of boxes Addressing the Prime Minister’s comment that he would support a St. Lucian company providing cable television service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Gordon said his company is open to competition since it is healthy for SVG. Gordon also said he is not aware of persons returning their Cable boxes due to dissatisfaction with the change in Channels. “We have had various internal meetings in the past few days, and I’m not aware of customers bringing back set-up boxes to our store … they have brought back boxes for rescanning”, he informed.

Columbus International Inc. first announced in March 2013 that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kelcom International Ltd., which operated cable television services in Antigua, St. Lucia and St, Vincent and the Grenadines, trading such service in the name Karib Cable.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 7.

News

C.W. Prescod Primary gets new projector

Power Point Projector to aid in the teaching of certain disciplines.

Alfred said he used money from his late brother’s (Pat Prescod) estate to purchase the items.

“I am very pleased to hand over this projector,” he remarked, adding, ”I am trying to established a relationship with the school, because there are couple other things I am trying to do for the school, (especially) with the music programme.”

As far as the music programme is concerned, Alfred said, “I am trying to hook them up with my cousin, Victor Prescod, in Trinidad.” Victor Prescod is a musician/educator/adjudicator, who was responsible for the pan in the school programme in Trinidad.

Principal of the C.W. Prescod Primary School, Yvette Antoine, said the school was very happy to receive the Projector. She highlighted the Christopher Wilberforce Prescod, in school’s child friendly approach to its whose honour the C.W. Prescod teaching methods and said, “We really Primary School is named. needed the use of this projector.”

She thanked Alfred for coming to the school’s assistance, stressing that

by KENVILLE HORNE “he has been working with us for some time now, and we pray that he THE C.W. PRESCOD PRIMARY SCHOOL continues to work with us. Of course, can now boast of having its own Power the school bears his father’s name, and Point Projector.

This was made possible through the it reflects on his family,” said the Principal as she made her case for kind donation of the piece of equipment by Alfred Prescod, the last continued assistance.

Christopher Wilberforce Prescod surviving son of the Christopher (C.W. Prescod) was born in Wilberforce Prescod (C.W, Prescod), in Georgetown. He served as whose honour the school was named. headmaster of the Georgetown The Projector was handed over at Primary School and the Evesham the school on Tuesday 15 July.

Methodist School, before being Alfred, who resides in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a Horticulturist by appointed Inspector of Schools. After his retirement, he opened a profession. He explained that during a trip home last year for his brother’s ‘Commercial School’, teaching Typing, Shorthand and Bookkeeping. He was funeral, that brother being the also chairman of the Board of renowned musician Patrick ‘Pat’ Education for many years and a Prescod, he visited the school, where devout Methodist. he was approached by members of “Everyone knew him as ‘Teacher staff who outlined a number of areas Prescod’,” said Alfred, who described in which the school required his father as a strict man. assistance.

C.W. Prescod passed away in 1980.

One such area was the need for a

Alfred Prescod hands over projector to Yvette Antoine.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Fighting crime WHEN THE GOVERNMENT here moved to establish the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) within the Police Force, there was an air of welcome. Violent crime had risen to such alarming proportions, that it seemed a highhanded approach was necessary, in the short term, to curb the wave.

There was an all-out targeting of areas designated ‘hot spots’ and other pockets of criminal activity by the police, reinforced by the RRU, with powers to ‘deal with the criminals’.

For a moment back then, many who had taken to living in a virtual state of siege felt comforted as the RRU increased police patrols; their actions seemed to have served as a deterrent to those who harboured criminal intent.

If the truth be told, there might have been a temporary calming of the threatening waters of apparent gang war and drug-related criminal activity, but we may have, as one letter writer says in this week’s issue, ‘underestimated the criminal activity in our country’. Sadly, with all the reinforcement of the Police Force, the killings have not stopped.

And while there are reasons for the upsurge in criminal activity, that will be purported by the sociologists in our midst, reasons that will imply that the causes of crime are buried in societal behavior influenced by changing times and attitudes occasioned by a rise in unbridled adherence to materialism, the truth is the killings will continue once there is something worth killing for, regardless of how irrational that might sound. This ‘something’ might be drug dollars, turf, even respect.

Criminal activity that has given rise to execution type killings, and abductions (the recent one involving a businessman here is not the first) is the result of very organized networks that involve more than the ‘doers of crime’.

This country is no longer isolated from wider criminal activity and networks; we have become part of a wider network, and when our place in that network throws up any static so as to disturb its equilibrium, expect reprisals.

And yes, there is nothing rational about those miscreants who resort to crime to feather their nests and gain respect. Yet, they find the most ‘creative’ ways of justifying their actions, like, ‘all yo’ eating: we have to eat too’.

And then they have the apologists on their side — those who run quickly to the airways to blame poverty and unequal opportunity, for the rise in criminal

activity.

Yes, poverty and unequal opportunity might be contributing factors to this rise in crime. Yes, these imbalances in society have created a ‘class’, albeit still small, of young men especially, who are easily drawn into this network of crime, and are now making themselves available as foot soldiers in the scheme of things.

But, are there not thousands of persons who are victims of poverty and unequal opportunity who have not found the need to resort to crime to improve their situations?

These people are victims of the same political and economic systems that breed poverty, joblessness and lack of opportunity, especially for the young.

So, can we truly stand by and blame poverty, willy nilly, for the execution style murders of at least five young men in recent times?

Where is the logic?

Then there is the question of those foot soldiers and their incarceration during which they are exposed to ‘hardened criminals’, who make everlasting impressions, for the worse, on them. Those foot soldiers, on tasting freedom, are wont to commit even more dastardly crimes. The challenge remains: How do we reform these foot soldiers?

There are success stories of those who used their time in incarceration to educate themselves and have gone on to live productive lives, on the right side of the law.

And there are programmes in communities that, if they would only rid themselves of political colouration, could well yet make useful citizens of those on the fringes of the criminal world. But there is a sense that these ‘soft’ interventions are exercises in futility.

Let’s be honest, we will not save all the young people from those who would want to entice them into the world of crime. For sure, many of those who fall prey are among those who are encouraged, whether consciously or unconsciously, by irresponsible parents, opportunistic politicians and devilish ‘dons’ of the underworld.

If we are to be truly successful in our war against crime, these are the persons we must target; these are the persons whom the police, the judicial system and the social outreach programmes must also keep on their radars.

Crime flourishes only when it enjoys a certain level of protection by the same systems that are supposed to protect the wider citizenry.

E.G. Lynch EDWARDO LYNCH could be best described as a flawed genius. He had most of the attributes attached to the phenomenon, but the cramped space of a small poverty-stricken nation like St Vincent, where narrow party politics had become the dominant feature, was anathema to the full flowering of such a spirit.

In many respects, Lynch died a tragic figure. Details of the surrounding circumstances will be spared - perhaps supplied by other sympathisers, but in the final analysis, they are probably pointless, negative and in any event unhelpful or destructive in building back a nation which has completely been devastated by partisan politics, one-man rule, and talks of enforcing a “socialist” doctrine via charismatic leadership, which lost its appeal even to this benighted region a full ten years ago.

It is clear to all those with eyes to see, that the golden age of charismatic leadership is over, though there are artificial experiments to lengthen it through mere mention that Lester Bird, following his father Vere Bird, is to be named National Hero of Antigua.

Antigua is of course, an OECS brother, and is to be respected on that score.

But in the context of choice of National Hero, we are poles apart from Barbados and Antigua which believe in living heroes.

Such are exposed to the risks of hearing a rumour of a drunken brawl in which we, say, Gary Sobers or Lester Bird was involved. So we did not quarrel with Antigua who provided with an era of “democratic corruption” all we maintain is that we have other goals, Vive la difference.

After 1979, on UPM’s defeat at General Elections, I bowed out of politics, having been a member of the DFM (1974) and the UPM (1979). After that, I have given critical support to the

NDP to this day.

At the turn of the century, I recall attending a public session, with a strong emphasis on dance and drink, to celebrate the formation of what was to be the ULP- a merger of the SVLP and the MNU, with a few members looking for a bed to rest their wandering souls, mainly Ken Boyea and Carl Glasgow.

The venue was Lynch’s bar at Gorse where drinks flowed in celebration of the happening, and everybody was glad at the coming together of a party to oppose NDP. Lynch had been in his element serving drinks and food.

Then the ULP ran into serious trouble, largely over leadership difficulties. Then they patched up somewhat, with the loss of Ken Boyea, Stalky and Lynch!

They have gone on to run Government after a fashion, with much victimisation of persons that were considered traitors to the cause, of which Lynch, who ran the NDP radio programme, was chief.

It had been a terrible radio war, with no holds barred, and generally with Lynch more than holding his own against the trained and the formally educated.

folk - Otto Sam, Rollin Stapleton, Junior Bacchus and Mathew Thomas, representing the tip of the iceberg.

There are others too, groping and hoping, still in search of an elusive alternative: Luzette King.

Margaret London, Anesia Baptiste, Marlon Bute and even Jomo Thomas, caught in the cross-winds between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Lynch will be remembered for two coinages that related to the ULP - a party of 2 copy books and 1 large encyclopaedia - the front runners of the ULP - Dr, Gonsalves and cousin Julian Francis were like “the twin towers of evil”.

Most friendly writers of the NDP held the view that Arnhim was too full of human kindness. Lynch often took it as his role to shove fire in his Leader’s belly- to wit, several protest marches which were built up from Lynch’s radio program.

I like to refer especially to a time when the Government insisted on some undertaking by the NDP before allowing Eustace a free hand.

Eustace remained unmoveable. Then 24 hours Lessons From Lynch before the march was to take place, Lynch announced that I visited Elwardo Lynch he had just got news that recently, while he still ULP had backed down. laboured with illnesses So all tension was eased brought on by the pressures of life. I confronted him with and the NDP enjoyed their best procession, the sort of the thoughts that there are activity they need to march many who see him as a them right in to power the “Martyr”. Immediately he next time. At a subsequent declared in a whisper with house party, Lynch was hope, if not conviction, “I heard to remark “the people will be back”. had march without police My thoughts settled on those well-meaning folk who permission”.

E.G. had been the literally worshipped and ultimate in radio talk shows; danced attendance on the he had a plaster for every maximum leader, and have sore. By his twists and turns been left deluded, dejected, of the folk culture, many a and disappointed. spokesman often lost his After Lynch, there have point in a Lynch debate. been, among many disillusioned and dispirited

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 9.

Letters

Needed: Common sense

I LISTEN and look at my educated people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), I often wonder where the common sense has disappeared to.

Crime and violence are on the rise instead of decreasing. I am being tempted to put in my little bit of common sense. Some will be astonished at this article, but I only put out a little of my ideas occasionally.

When I see the number of lawyers and police in my country, it shames me when I hear of the number of unsolved crimes we have here in once our blessed island of SVG. I will like to know: Do we have any Criminologists here? How many? Where do they work? Do they visit our prisons, the Mental Health Centre, the Liberty Lodge Training School or other places where people go for counselling?

I beg that the big brains add some more common sense to their education, and take my advice by helping the youths through the criminologist study. Then SVG will be a better place for all of us.

I may be old, poor and looking stupid, but by inspiration from God, I am nobody’s fool, and can do all things through Christ who strengths me (Phil 4:13). Okay, until later by God’s help.

Bishop Lester Frank

More Vincy music, please Editor, I was appalled at the amount of ‘foreign’ music played on the road for our just concluded carnival. I heard songs from Trinidad, Grenada and even Antigua, and I could not help but think about all those local soca artistes who spent hundreds of dollars to produce music for Vincy Mas, and never even had their recordings uploaded into the fancy computers from which the DJ’s now play their music.

Subject to correction, but I understand there were more than 200 recordings made by local artistes this year.

Definitely not a great percentage of those were heard on the road. But even worse is that some of them were never played on radio, even in a situation when we have so many more radio stations.

I have experienced Carnival in Trinidad and Crop Over in Barbados, and it’s no way you can get a ‘foreign’ song on the road for those festivals. I am certain it’s the same in Antigua where Burning Flames are the flesh and blood of that country’s carnival music.

I am not saying that all Vincy music is made for the road, but come on, man, we have to support our own. If we

don’t, how can we expect that we will make it big anywhere else? We have already seen how the rest of the region has taken our ragga soca to even greater heights, and every man jack is claiming it as his own.

Vincy Mas is Vincentian culture, and the music played during that time should always reflect the creativity of our own. Lord Hawke and company didn’t work their *&^& off to have us destroy all they did.

Big up always to Vincy music.

Paul

Divine Intervention needed IT HURTS my heart to see the state this little country of mine has reached.

Crime has definitely reached proportions that none of us could imagine in our lifetime.

Not only do we have to endure the killing of our young people, but now we have risen to another level - abducting people.

It won’t be long, even as I pray it would never happen, when the abductions would turn into real kidnappings where the abductors demand ransom, and if that is not paid, you

know what will happen.

I recall our Prime Minister making public his strong stance against crime, and I have seen certain results in this regard. However, it seems that we have underestimated the criminal activity in our country.

I recall many years ago a certain candidate in a bye-election warning that the day cocaine was allowed to find a place in SVG, there was going to be an escalation in criminal activities, the type of which we would

Grace

Remember our sports people I WOULD like to join others who have commended Mr. Junior Butler for his effort in documenting the contributions of the individuals of the Stubbs community, in the area of sport. I, myself, remember one Mr. Gabriel of that village who was somewhat of a live-wire in the area of cricket, somewhere in the 50s-60s of the century just gone.

I would like to use this forum to suggest that we make some effort to look out for and give some meaningful support to those persons who have given us great service in the field of sports. In those yester-years, they lifted our psyche and made us proud. In their time, they had little or no support, no leave from work with pay, no funds with which to buy “gears”.

Today, some of them are in their senior years, not in the best of health, and are without substantial economic resources. They need our help! Let us therefore, stretch out a helping hand and so demonstrate our appreciation for their contribution. We were once told that the “Lotto” was to be used to support the sporting activities; but from the look of things, there may not be enough left there to address the suggested relief.

A pinch from incomesurplus of the VAT may well do the trick!

Can’t help noting that the sportsperson, in terms of rewards from the national purse, is the antithesis to the politician. The former supports him/herself during his/her tenure of national service and

Open letter to FLOW Dear Sir/Madam:

never imagine could happen in this country.

His words have come to pass.

Only Divine Intervention can pull us out of these frightening times. With all the Churches and praying here, it seems we have still transgressed against the Lord, and the quicker we seek His forgiveness and live according to his commandments, the better we will be as a people.

Let us commit to the LORD.

For most channels, the numbers or channel logos are so indistinct even on I HAVE TRIED several times over the the best of TV sets! past week to speak to your manager, Can you kindly explain how you with no success. decided to begin broadcasting from Most times, the line is busy, and Channel 100+ up? when I reach an employee, I was told I Why did you not publish clear must speak to that employee, as if the information regarding the replacement manager is not available to his numbers for all channels? customers.

I am at a loss to figure out the I must express my utter dismay at channels, especially as the display is the unilateral way you have changed so poor! our TV channels, without any I trust you will deem it important consultation whatsoever to ascertain to respond ASAP, and that you will which channels are most watched. make yourself accessible to your I act on behalf of several patrons.

Vincentians who are outraged by your decision to remove MSNBC and GSN Kay Bacchus-Browne from your line up of available channels.

Note: FLOW responded by In addition, many of the new telephone and by letter, but the channels are very poor in quality. We problems remain unchanged. prefer quality to quantity.

receives no gratuitous recompense in his “needy” years, while the latter has his cup filled to running over, his bread and butter, and the financially fortified

future, from the resources of the people to whom he has given little identifiable useful service. How unfair!

LeRoy Providence

ÂBigging upÊ the steelbands WELL, it seems we have men and women of SVG! the beginning of a new Garnet, N.Y. era in pan. I’ll have to call it the Sion Hill era.

Congrats to the men and women from the Hill. It is good to see a community that was at one time the heartbeat of sports and culture in * Is FLOW SVG making strides required under towards reclaiming that agreement with the position.

I must also NTRC to provide congratulate the one movie channel youngsters from the in the basic package South East Steel they offer to Cable Orchestra. Their second TV subscribers? place is a good thing for * What does it pan in SVG. It says to take to be a carnival me that the ole guard is changing. (mas) judge in this But you can’t take country? Is proper away anything from eye sight not Starlift. Say what you naturally one of the like; they have set the criteria? bar for pan, and it is * Is that report good that others have on the investigation raised it and are even jumping over it. conducted by that As an old part time former police officer panman myself, it into the death of heartens me to see that Sylma ‘Codo’ Howe we, the pan fraternity, going to be made are moving towards public? reclaiming its rightful * Why the long place in our carnival.

Now we can expect delay in appointing two things: the return of a Senior panorama to its own Magistrate? night in the Park, and Something more in the return of pan to the the mortar other road, especially on than the pestle?

J’Ouvert morning.

Big up to all the pan

V

10. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Housing Revolution St. Vincent and The Grenadines Introductory Issue: Progress all-around EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS has been made in the upliftment of the quality of people’s lives since the Unity Labour Party (ULP) assumed office in March 2001. On all the material socio-economic indicators, the progress is evident. The central examples in this regard, include: The reduction of indigence (“dirt poor” poverty) from 25.7 percent of the population in 1996 to 2.9 percent in 2009; the rise in the number of active employees and self-employed persons on the NIS roll from some 26,000 in 2000 to over 36,000 in 2011; the significant increase in wealth creation as measured by the jump in the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the rise in average income per head of population by more than one-third; the increase in salaries and wages in the public and private sectors, on an average, by over one-third; the reduction of inequality as measured by the fall the Gini Coefficient from 0.56 in 1996 to 0.41 in 2009; the impressive advances at all levels, and all sub-sectors, through the Education Revolution; the vast improvement in all the health indicators and health delivery; and the remarkable Housing Revolution.

All of this extraordinary progress, and more, have been achieved by a resilient, productive people in communion with their ULP government despite the following: severe natural disasters in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2013; the almost complete removal of the market preferences for bananas in the UK and European market; the massive increases in oil prices; the global economic meltdown of 2008 and continuing; the collapse of the BAICO and CLICO insurance companies; the economic downturn among our trading partners in CARICOM; and the unacceptable criminal conduct by a small minority of our nationals.

Housing Revolution The recent preliminary data for the 2012 Census indicate that the number of households in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has increased by over 20 percent (over one-fifth) since 2001, and that the average number of persons per household has fallen from 3.6 persons in 2001 to 3 persons in 2012. One of the major reasons for this is the increase in the number of new houses constructed and the expansion of existing houses.

Further, the actual quality of housing has risen dramatically. Undoubtedly, a housing revolution is in progress.

In its 2001 Election Manifesto, the ULP rightly proclaimed that “affordable quality housing is a human right”. The ULP government has acted vigorously and with focus on this uplifting proclamation. In thirteen years, the ULP government has built over 100 low-income houses or more than three times the number of such houses built by all governments (colonial, PPP, SVLP, NDP governments) for the 50 years between 1951 and 2001. Through the “100 percent mortgage programme” for public servants, teachers, doctors, nurses, and police officers, initiated by us through the then state-owned National Commercial Ban (and continues under Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines), several hundreds of middle-income houses have also been built. Further, our government has granted additional tax concessions for property companies engaged in housing construction.

Moreover, the ULP government reformed “the Building Code” to fortify housing construction. We have opened up, too, additional opportunities for training in building construction, land surveying, and civil engineering at the Associate and Bachelor’s degree levels.

At the same time, the ULP government has expanded and better-resourced the programme of granting building materials to poor and indigent persons for housing repairs and construction.

The ULP government, too, has facilitated private sector building contractors through duty-free concessions for heavy-duty and other equipment used in the construction industry.

Amazingly, after each natural disaster, the ULP government has done something which no other government ever did

before it.

We have repaired substantially or rebuilt on site, or on relocation, the houses of poor and not-so-poor persons who have been adversely affected by natural disasters.

Those who have benefited for example, after Tropical Tomas in 2010, the April Floods in 2011, and the December Storm of 2013, can attest to this.

Institutional Strengthening The ULP government revitalised the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) under the Ministry of Housing to spearhead this Housing Revolution. When the ULP arrived in office, the HLDC was practically dead. It was essentially a debt-collector’s agency.

Its last project before 2001 was the absolutely disastrous one at Gibson Corner which cost the ULP administration over $12 million, thus far, to correct with compensation and relocation.

Similarly, our government has strengthened the Physical Planning authorities. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the reputation now as the country which grants building permits swiftest in the Caribbean; and we are ranked in the top five in the world in this regard.

Further, we have been regularising Informal Human Settlements. It is a central part of the Housing Portfolio.

Distribution of building lots galore Complementing the housing construction programme is the grant of title to building lots for occupants of those lands and for the distribution of lands all over St. Vincent and the Grenadines at knock-down prices for the poor for the construction of houses. The famous 10cents-per-square-foot-lands are now part of the folklore of St. Vincent and the Grenadines under the ULP government.

Several thousands of persons have benefitted under this programme, through surveying and the granting of title for occupied lands and the distributing of “fresh” lands.

Nation alive with house-building Low-income houses have been constructed by HLDC all over St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including: Fancy, Sandy Bay, Mt. Bentinck, Langley Park, Colonarie, South Rivers, Sans Souci, Diamond, Brighton, Green Hill, Ottley Hall, Clare Valley, Peters’ Hope, Cumberland, Rose Hall, Petit Bordel, Chateaubelair/FitzHughes, and Union Island.

Titles for occupied lands and new land distributions for housing have occurred at the following, among other places: Fancy, Sandy Bay, Rabacca, Orange Hill, Mt. Bentinck/Langley Park, Georgetown, Colonarie, Park Hill, South Rivers, Diamond, Glen, Barrouallie/Glebe Hill, Charles Village, Spring Village, Barracks/Chateaubelair, FitzHughes, Bequia, Canouan and Union Island.

In order to facilitate persons to more easily purchase their lands, the interest rate has been reduced from 8 percent per year to 3 percent, and no interest in excess of 5 years is to be paid. In this way, we have reduced the cost of land particularly from the steeper prices of the NDP years. In some cases such as at Glen and Ottley Hall, we not only reduced the NDP prices but refunded monies to purchasers. What a government! Only the NDP high-ups in their time got lands at knock-down prices. Ask Eustace, he knows!

Final Comment On all these things, the NDP wants us as a people to have amnesia. Their failures on housing, and elsewhere, have been astounding; our successes in housing, and elsewhere, have been impressive.

At the moment, the ULP is executing this year a $20 million housing programme for persons who suffered during the recent Christmas disaster and for some who were not attended to properly from Hurricane Tomas of 2010 and the April Floods of 2011. What a government!

The NDP will restructure Carnival THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) congratulates all the winners for Vincy Mas 2014. However, Vincentians continue to raise serious concerns about Vincy Mas. But it appears that these concerns have been falling on deaf ears. For the past twelve (12) years, Vincentians have been calling for the end of victimization in carnival at the management level. And the major components of carnival have been appealing for better treatment from the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC); but the government and CDC have failed to co-operate.

For instance, the continuous appeal for a home for our masmen has not been addressed and coupled with the dreadful relationship between the CDC and the masmen, this has created major problems which have occasioned a poor working relationship between both organisations. Yet, for the love of carnival, the masmen continue to produce an extremely high quality of mas.

The calypsonians also continue to suffer. For years they have been searching for a place to perform during the season. Some calypso tents were forced to stage their shows in the open, in a car park. Luckily, the weather was kind to them. Is that the kind of treatment that should be handed out to our artistes?

The calypsonians should be applauded for their efforts this year.

Once again they have begun to sing about the social ills of society. It was refreshing to hear artistes such as Patches, Abijah, Ninja, Struggler, DeMan Age, I- Madd and Zion-I, to name a few, with hard hitting social commentaries; something that was missing from our carnival in recent times.

The ragga and soca artistes have maintained a high standard and the panmen and women continue to do well.

The judges in all of the categories have done an excellent job; they too should be commended.

The poor attendance at most of the CDC’s shows remains a major cause for concern. While we agree that the sad state of the economy is partly responsible for the low attendance at those shows, compare the attendance of those shows to the privately organised events. The private events were well attended, and one of the reasons for that was the extensive marketing of the shows; something that the CDC failed miserably to do.

The CDC must improve on its marketing, locally, regionally and internationally. To do so, persons who are competent in this area must be employed to do the job, so we can attract more visitors to our shores, and ultimately to the Victoria Park.

The NDP believes that it can do a better job of managing carnival than what obtains presently. The way forward must involve the removal of partisan politics form the management of carnival. In restructuring carnival, the NDP will invite individuals with the knowledge and experience, to the table to plan and ensure that we create and produce the ‘hottest carnival’ much like what truly existed prior to 2001.

Moreover, the development of carnival will be part of our overall programme in culture, which includes

the retooling of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) as an umbrella body, under which the cultural and creative industries can develop and flourish. The NDP will create links between culture, trade and tourism, to ensure that cultural industries benefit from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) agreement, and introduce permanent music education in schools, from the earliest level, with a view to establish an ongoing National Youth Orchestra.

The NDP will also support and encourage the use of Information Technology to: promote the cultural identity of our nation;, enforce copyright legislation to protect our local cultural stakeholders; collaborate with the Ministry of Education to introduce a visual arts and design programme in the schools’ curriculum; and provide fiscal incentives to encourage private sector investment in the music industry, carnival and the performing arts. In addition, we will promote, encourage and support active participation in all national festivals such as, Gospel Fest, Jazz and Blues Festivals.

Goodbye “EG” On Saturday 19th July, 2014, our brother and friend Elwardo ‘EG’ Lynch will be laid to rest.

‘EG’s journey on earth has come to an end. He has gone to a place of rest.

His contribution to the NDP as host of the New Times programme, and to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in general, will be appreciated for generations to come. His unique style transformed talk radio in this country.

From the countless tributes that have been paid to the late Elwardo Lynch, this writer is of the opinion that most Vincentians appreciated the work that he did for and on behalf of the NDP. His voice was a voice of the oppressed, the poor and working class. He fought vigorously for democracy, and suffered during the process; yet he did not retreat. He educated many on social, health, economic and political issues.

Moreover, he was inspirational and bold and fearless in the manner in which he performed his duties on the New Times programme.

The popular comment by most Vincentians was “If nah bin Lynch, me would ah never know.” That says it all about his impact.

It is anticipated that thousands of Vincentians will attend his funeral to pay their last respects to this great son of the soil. But, what would ‘EG’ be expecting of us? E.G would want us to continue to support the NDP, and call in to the New Times programme to air the problems that are affecting Vincentians. He would want us to keep the burning issues — issues like corruption, unemployment, the demise of agriculture, a declining tourism industry, the sad state of the economy, the increased crime rate and the deplorable condition of our roads. By continuing to voice our concerns, we would keep the memories of ‘EG’ alive.

Sleep on, my brother, and may your soul rest in peace.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 11.

Views

You get what you negotiate; not what you deserve

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” - John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963) 35th US president 1961-63, assassinated November 22, 1963 THE ATMOSPHERE at many workplaces may appear tense because people are dissatisfied for a host of reasons. The lack of effective communication often underpins many of these situations.

Employees who are unwilling or unable to express how they feel about working conditions, relationships in the workplace, perceived unfair treatment, the lack of adequate health and safety conditions and so on. To some, the fear is quite real. They know that the culture is such that if they dare to ask questions they will be victimized and/or, in some cases, terminated. And so they continue to go through the motions of “working under duress”; creating a climate that is emotionally and physically explosive.

Others exert a tremendous amount of effort; they are honest, always tidy, forever punctual, mannerly and customer-focused. They expect that under normal conditions, their desirable qualities will allow them to be recognised and promoted. Sadly, many testify that their efforts often appear to go unnoticed. In some cases, they observe less competent and less committed employees getting ahead of them in relation to recognition from their seniors, perks and benefits, salaries and responsibilities. When this happens, it may seem easy to decide to “be like everyone else” and just try to get by, exerting a minimum of effort; only doing what is required to avoid them getting fired. They may be tempted to refuse to go the extra mile for the organisation. But common sense and a sense of decency will prevail. They refuse to stoop to those low degrees. They have been conditioned to walk the moral high road. They will go the extra mile again (even though they may seem to slack off at times when their emotions get the better of them).

However, these scenarios do not have to exist in our workplaces if we will create an atmosphere of open communication. Persons should be comfortable negotiating conditions; holding healthy discussions with those in authority, even when they do not see eye-to-eye. Wow! I heard that response from some of the “bosses” who are wondering whether I am inciting anarchy and rebellion. They are some managers and leaders who will advocate that it is easier to “rule” when people are blind followers. But it stifles initiative; it strangles motivation; it maims critical thinking.

While it is certainly a longer process to encourage a culture of open communication and negotiation, it is far more effective than when we programme “zombies” in the workplace; people who blindly follow instructions and ask no questions. We do understand and appreciate that military institutions and some medical professions will programme persons to be blind followers of their superiors.

And this does not always have to be the case in these types of settings identified. But, in most other instances, there is wisdom in creating a culture where persons can share their views (although different to those that they report to). This is one way that we stimulate succession planning and create effective mentoring programmes. Growth takes place in leaps and bounds in such learning and nurturing situations.

However, such learning and open working cultures will need to be

effectively managed. Leaders will have to be secure in their own skins so that their egos do not kick in and lash out when persons politely express opposing views. And that becomes important to underscore at this time; respect is a two-way street. Persons have to be respectful and polite when providing alternatives. The “loose cannons” who seek to use this “new freedom of speech” to be disrespectful or impolite will have to be roped in early. They will need to understand that freedom of speech and freedom of thought do not provide a licence to be rude.

It becomes necessary for us to emphasise that these communication skills and these cultures of openness are just as valuable in the public sector as they are in the private enterprises. They will also add value in the ranks of the trade unions and non-government organisations. We are talking about people skills here.

Management situations and working conditions may vary, but the people skills required for leading and managing organisations are basically the same. What a beauty it will be when workplaces embrace such proactive and desirable cultures where people feel free, uninhibited, to negotiate; where they will not fear to negotiate or negotiate out of fear; where they will not be fearful of expressing themselves, and then have to look over their shoulders; where differences in opinion will be expressed and received with maturity and tact.

These conditions hold true within relatively small businesses as they do in larger enterprises. They may become more complex and challenging in the latter, but they are still invaluable to progressive organisation cultures. Here is where the quality of the leadership and management come out as significant variables. It calls for good communication skills and mature leadership to embrace open, unhindered communication. These are considered significant variables in creating and sustaining “progressive” organisations.

There is nothing wrong with negotiating for better working or general conditions. We must not assume that others will observe our needs and provide them in the absence of our placing our requests on the table. While there are leaders and managers who are insightful enough and proactive enough to do so, there are still so many, for a multitude of reasons, who will not. So very often they are engaged in fire-fighting activities that our conditions (in need of improvement) get placed on the back burners. Our tactful negotiations can bring the issues back on the agenda. In the worst case scenario, we should receive explanations in relation to why our requests cannot be met under certain conditions and in a particular time frame. The bottom line is that we should seek to create and sustain cultures within our organisations, where our views can be expressed, being ever mindful that we tend to get what we negotiate; not what we deserve.

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

Israel’s murderous style IN THE FACE OF ISRAEL’S murderous aggression against the people of Palestine, the American congress pledged another US$175 million in military hardware to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Since 2011, Israel has received about US$750 million in anti-missile aid from the US Government. The overall annual aid from the US to Israel is more than US$2 billion.

The money, which is supposedly used to help Israel build an antimissile system, amounts to overkill, especially since Israel has already murdered about 200 Palestinians compared to the 1 Israeli death.

Over the last 66 years, the state of Israel has killed, murdered and massacred tens of thousands of Palestinians, exiled hundreds of thousands of these defenseless people, and grabbed more than 90 percent of the lands that rightfully constitute part of Palestine. All of this takes place as the major media, such as BBC and CNN, cast a blind eye of connivance in the face of Israeli terror tactics, which bring untold suffering on the defenseless people of Palestine.

If you believe that Israel is on a righteous mission, think again. The state of Israel which was formed on Palestinian land by the USA, Russia and England in 1948, has grown exponentially as one Israeli leader after the other continuously steal Palestinian land. What is particularly shameful about this state sponsored terror and land grab is that the actions of Israel go on daily without condemnation from the major western states, such as the US, Germany and Britain.

An additional reason for Israel’s criminal aggression is the cover which its leaders take in the words of the Bible, where Jews are said to be God’s chosen sons and daughters. The Israeli leadership interprets these verses to mean that they can do no wrong.

The state of Israel also gets a tremendous amount of support from religious leaders and churches who proclaim that the establishment of a greater Israel is the fulfilment of God’s plans. How Christians justify the aggression and genocide Israel commits against the people of Palestine is, at least, beyond my comprehension, but biblical fulfilment appears to be the rational.

The treatment of the Palestinians by the state of Israel is not right. The callous treatment should be halted and the Israelis should be forced, if necessary, to give back much of the lands which its leaders have stolen from the Palestinians.

MIT professor Sara Seager explains, “Small planets are extremely common...1 in 5 sun-like stars may have a planet that is favourable, not too hot, not too cold but just right for life.”

NASA outlined a plan to search for extra-terrestrial life and announced the launch of another satellite, the Transiting Exoplanet Surveying Satellite, in 2017. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system. Currently, there are three big telescopes searching for signs of habitable conditions in space: The Hubble, Spitzer and Kepler Space Telescope.

Now this is a very interesting story with far reaching implications for how we look at and think about our world.

If the scientists are able to verify, and then to make contact with intelligent extra-terrestrial life, this contact may also have a destabilizing effect on our belief system.

As children, we were taught from Sunday school and through religious lessons that God made the heavens and the earth. The Bible tells us that God, satisfied with his creation, made Adam and later proceeded to make Eve, using one of Adam’s ribs.

Adam and Eve, we were told, were the first intelligent human beings.

Now if intelligent life is contacted on some distant planet and communicated with, then the question arises as to who created these beings. Clearly such a discovery will contradict the biblical story.

But many religious thinkers do not envisage a major crisis for religious teachings if extra-terrestrials are found. A group of ‘scientific clerics’ argue: ‘Despite the conventional wisdom, it is not reasonable to forecast that any of Earth’s major religious traditions will confront a crisis let alone a collapse should we confirm an encounter with extra-terrestrial intelligence. Theologians will not find themselves out of a job. In fact, theologians might relish the new challenges to reformulate classical religious commitments in light of the new and wider vision of God’s creation. Traditional theologians must then become astrotheologians.

Perhaps in preparation of this eventuality, the time now is ripe for some speculation. What I forecast is this: contact with extra-terrestrial intelligence will expand the existing religious vision that all of creation– including the 13.7 billion year history of the universe replete with all of We are not alone God’s creatures–is the gift of a loving and gracious God.’ If scientist attached to the Others say: American National Aeronautics and ‘As there is a multiplicity of Space Agency (NASA) are to be creatures on earth, so there may be believed, those of us who thought that other beings, intelligent, created by we were the only intelligent life in the God. This does not conflict with our universe may be proven wrong. The faith, because we cannot put limits on NASA scientists are predicting that the creative freedom of God.’ by 2034 we could find alien life.

It may not contradict the faith, but At a press briefing held at its such a discovery will cause questions Washington headquarters Monday, about whether the bible is the literal the agency said it’s highly unlikely word of God. Plain Talk eagerly we’re alone in the universe. NASA awaits those encounters. They will believes advancements in telescope certainly bring about an explosion in technology will help confirm the knowledge. existence of other life on at least one of the 100 million worlds in our Send comments, criticisms & galaxy. suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

New Argyle runway orientation increases risks of serious aircraft accident THE ULP REGIME’S Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Argyle airport recommended a runway orientation of 02/20. The runway’s south end would have been at Stubbs Hill and at its north end would have been ending in the sea.

However, the EIA has been ignored and the runway orientation has been hastily changed, anti-clockwise, placing the north end of the runway much closer to the cliff at Peruvian Vale. The new Argyle runway orientation has increased the risk of flight hazards and a serious plane crash.

The Argyle airport has very strong and dangerous crosswinds. The new orientation of the runway makes the crosswinds even more dangerous to aircrafts (as the wind is even more perpendicular to aircrafts), and increases the risk of an aircraft being blown into the side of the now closer cliff face or flipping over.

Another critical problem with the Argyle airport is that the runway is too narrow for an instrument approach

runway. Argyle’s runway strip will be restricted to only 2 x 75m, instead of the 2 x 150m that is needed for an instrument approach runway (Source: EIA).

In bad weather conditions, and especially in the dark, planes cannot be guided in to the runway. In these bad weather conditions, there is a serious risk of a plane crashing into the Peruvian Vale cliff face. The new runway orientation brings aircrafts too close to the cliff face. This is a major flight safety hazard, especially in the final approach when landing (at Argyle) under dangerous strong perpendicular winds.

These increased flight risks due to the new runway orientation, and the fact that the runway has failed a compaction test and has water underneath it, mean that it is highly unlikely that Argyle Airport will ever get a licence to operate international passenger flights.

The original project cost was EC$502 million; however, about EC$700

million has been wasted on this airport for tourists.

Meanwhile, the people of SVG have been neglected.

Our people have been starved of employment, and we have seen reductions in funding for education and healthcare for Vincentians.

All around the country, the evidence shows that the irrational and extreme

focus on an airport for tourists, at all costs, has had a massive negative impact upon our people, businesses, jobs and the economy. Poverty and unemployment are increasing; many households are having their water and electricity cut off; and there is an increase in violent crime.

A Green government

will put the needs of Vincentians first, not tourists. We would have invested the EC$700 million in a university, factories to create jobs for our people, and infrastructure to stimulate growth in small businesses.

Several weeks ago, the Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, asked the Argyle airport Public Relations Officer for the Argyle runway orientation to be made

public. Details of the new orientation seem to be hidden from the public.

For the serious flight safety reasons given above, we make a very strong call on policy makers to abort the Argyle Airport project now. We should not wait for a plane accident at Argyle Airport to close the Argyle Airport.

SVG GREEN PARTY www.svggreenparty.org

Preparing a new breed of ‘Prototype Leaders’ in CARICOM would tell a very sad tale one of dishonesty, selfIN THESE SMALL conceitedness and gross STATES of the Caribbean incompetence. A close Community (CARICOM), examination of our private we can so easily get sectors would tell an carried away in our quest equally dreadful tale - one to identify the brightest of greed, corporate social prospects for future irresponsibility, and acute leaders - movers and insensitivity to the needs shakers within our and circumstances of communities. And while it those whom they serve. is my earnest desire to see The economic, social, the expansion of this pool and political shortfalls of outstanding young men within our societies today and women, I humbly ask: are evidence of a disparity What are the indicators by between where we are which we determine now and where we ought prospective leaders within to be as a people, as our societies? What sovereign nations, and as systems have we put in a Caribbean Community. place to nurture a culture Our failure to objectively of excellence in examine where we have leadership? fallen short, has thrown How closely have we our economies and social been looking at our public systems into tail-spins of and corporate institutions historic proportions - a within recent times? A clear indictment on the close examination of our state of leadership across region’s parliaments CARICOM.

by JAMAL BROWNE

Our present criteria for leadership within our societies have undoubtedly failed us. So in identifying the next generation of leaders within our communities, let us start by looking in the right places and for the right people. We need more options - better options not for competition’s sake, rather for the cause of spiritual, civic and personal excellence. Mind you, such excellence is by no means reserved for some exclusive minority.

It is however a mere reward for hard work, discipline, passion, and goodwill, and is certainly accessible to all.

Whether you are a youth on the block, in the ghetto, in a slum, an accomplished academic, a Christian youth leader or an active member of some civil society organization,

this message is just for you. Make it your personal challenge, and start positioning yourselves to be true prototypes for excellence in the public and private spheres of your community today.

Begin by asking yourself: If I had the opportunity to transform my community - with just one bold declaration, one noble idea, one simple act of faith, one selfless gesture - what would that be? What is that single most pressing issue affecting my community today? Have I adequately positioned myself to effectively challenge the status quo? Do I have the insight, foresight, discipline and grit needed to effect that change that I envision?

It is my hope that those pressing issues that youths all across CARICOM would have identified within their communities - from the southern-most part of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region of Guyana in the south, to Grand Bahama in the north - would act as the spark that ignites the flames of leadership within their lives. Our region is in need of a new breed of leaders ‘Prototype Leaders’ in government, the private sector, civil society, and even the Christian community.

So do you think that you possess what it takes to answer this call? Well, as I am constantly reminded by that voice of reason in my life, once your heart is in the right place, everything else should fall in line.

Jamal Browne is an International Land Consultant and PhD Candidate with The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.

Email: jaavbrowne@gmail.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 13.

News

C.W. Prescod getting Child Friendly

A stroll around the school gave a clear idea of THE C. W. PRESCOD PRIMARY SCHOOl is moving ahead the repairs being undertaken by BRAGSA, with implementing the Child Friendly initiative as under the supervision of encouraged by with the Ministry of Education.

Kenneth Best.

Principal of School, Yvette Antoine, gave THE The upper floor had VINCENTIAN an update on the progress so far. damaged windows, “so we “The idea is to make the school more childare addressing that. We friendly” said Antoine. This included attending to improving physical conditions, and towards this end, spent over EC$5,000 to put in the windows, and we are the school used funds from previous fundraising events to facilitate some repair work, to complement also going to do some painting,” revealed the that undertaken by BRAGSA. According to the Principal, “We decided to take it principal.

Repairs were also being upon ourselves to get the work done”. effected to the ceilings The library that was far from conducive, is being where bats and pigeons repaired, “and we are making sure that by had made their habitat, September the school library would be ready,” and Antoine was quick to assured Antoine. add that the spending has Kenneth Best gives Principal Yvette Antoine an idea of what is to come. not ceased.

“By September, we are supposed to have a child “We have to buy more paint, so it’s going to run friendly school,” boasted the proud Principal. us up to a good amount of money.”

Following the repair works, parents, teachers, With this in mind, the principal is seeking the and well wishers will converge at the school for a assistance of the parents and business places. She massive cleanup operation. emphasizes the need for businesses to assist.

“We will be doing some scrubbing, some cleaning, “Happy parents make happy workers, happy so that when the students return to school in workers make successful businesses, well, happy children make happy parents, so we are hoping that September, they would meet clean classrooms,” concluded Antoine. the businesses would assist us one way or the other,” said Antoine.

She commended the BRAGSA workers for their “hard work,” noting that they started before Windows on the upper floor have been replaced. the school vacation and A proud Kenneth Best is pictured. are still working.

by KENVILLE HORNE

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

‘Shavees’, ‘cutters’ and organizers strike a pose of satisfaction with their day’s work.

Trinity marks St. Baldrick’s Day ON FRIDAY, 4TH JULY, students of Trinity School of Medicine participated in the St. Baldrick’s Foundation headshaving event, at the institution in Ratho Mill.

The event was organized by student Dave Owings. A number of students volunteered as ‘shavees’, allowing their heads to be shaved as a show of solidarity with children who suffer from childhood cancers.

Two students, Jamie Bailey and Kaley Stapley, volunteered as ‘cutters’.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a charity that is volunteer-driven.

It is committed to funding research to find cures for childhood cancers.

The worldwide estimate for children who suffer from these diseases is about 175,000. At these headshaving events, volunteers petition their friends and relatives to act as their sponsors, donating money that ‘shavees’ give to the cause.

The activity was started by business executives of Irish origin, who had been observing St. Patrick’s Day by having fun A willing ‘shavee’ allows a ‘cutter’ to drinking in pubs. They decided to remove her hair, all for a good cause. change the focus of their celebration and dedicate monies instead to the expressed overwhelming pride and cause of helping children diagnosed gratitude that so many students were with cancer. The chemotherapy willing to volunteer. Coming out of treatment, which the children this session, there was a call for the undergo, causes their hair to fall out activity to be repeated each term. and so, that original group recruited As St. Baldrick’s is about funding volunteers who had their heads shaved the most promising research to find in public, in return for pledges of cures for childhood cancers and giving financial support. survivors long, healthy lives, there Actually, there is no Saint called could be no doubt about the value Baldrick. The name “St. Baldrick’s” is which participants bring to the event. a combination of the words “bald” and According to the St. Baldrick’s “St. Patrick’s”. The celebrations website, “two-thirds of children treated usually take place on or just before St. for childhood cancer suffer long-term Patrick’s Day, but events can be held effects from treatment including loss of at any time during the year. hearing and sight, heart disease, As the medical students of Trinity secondary cancers, learning lined up to have their hair removed, disabilities, infertility and more”. their fellow classmates were valiant in Trinity volunteers have made an their support. Each ‘shavee’ felt it was excellent step towards contributing to a worthwhile venture, and presented the cause of giving hope to the him/herself unflinchingly to be shaved. unfortunate, young ones of the world.

Event Organizer, Dave Owings,

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 15.

News

Policewoman arrests Commissioner

by HAYDN HUGGINS POLICEWOMAN SERGEANT Juliana Browne arrested Commissioner of Police Michael Charles last Tuesday, July 15, and charged him with the responsibility of being her husband.

“I feel like I am walking on air with my new bride,” the top cop, who was still honeymooning, told THE VINCENTIAN when contacted on Wednesday.

Wedding vows were exchanged at the Bay Gardens Resort, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.

Matron of Honour was Corporal Dorothy Simmons, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles and his bride Best Man Sergeant Brenton Sergeant Juliana Browne. (Facebook picture) Smith of the Canteen and Police Welfare fame and programme, is also celebrating 20 years in Father Giver was Station Sergeant Hesron the RSVG Police Force, and last Wednesday, Ballantyne, who are all celebrating 20 years July 16, marked one year since the in the constabulary.

Commissioner is at the helm of the Constable Dereck Humphrey, attached to constabulary, an organization he described the Ministry of Legal Affairs, was one of the as ‘prestigious’. official photographers.

The top cop is currently on vacation leave.

Wedding arrangements were made by St THE VINCENTIAN extends its heartiest Lucia’s Commissioner of Police Vernon congratulations to Commissioner Charles Francois and his staff. and his new bride, and wishes them a long Sergeant Browne, attached to the Drug and fruitful married life.

Abuse Resistance Education (Dare)

Police Officer wins major jackpot

by KENVILLE HORNE A MEMBER OF THE SVG Royal Police Force, attached to the Special Service Unit (SSU) has become the latest person to put his hand on a major Lotto Jackpot here.

Randy Yorke of Colonaire, bought a quick pick lotto with the lucky Police Officer Randy Yorke (left) combination of accepts his cheque from NLA 15,18,20,31,32. However, it Anthony Dennie. took him two weeks before he realized he was the winner of me she couldn’t redeem the the May 20th draw, a whopping ticket,” said Yorke.

The police officer then took $334,000. He took home $300,600 after deduction of the his ticket to the NLA headquarters. It was there and 10 percent government tax. then he realized his fortune.

During a presentation “When I went, they told me I’m ceremony at the National the Jackpot winner”. Yorke said.

Lotteries Authority headquarters in Paul’s Avenue, He was shocked on hearing the news.

Yorke revealed how he was Yorke said he would be using encouraged by a colleague to his money to pay off a loan on a purchase a lotto ticket. He piece of land, his wife’s student confessed to being “a bit loan, and maybe build a house. hesitant” before he decided to The police officer is purchase a quick pick Lotto encouraging persons to play the along with a Super 6 ticket.

Lotto. “Keep on playing; you It was not until two weeks never know when it will be your later when he arrived at turn. National Lotteries Howard’s Lotto Outlet to purchase another ticket, that he sponsors a lot around the country, Sports, Culture, and realized he had another ticket things, so is a good in his wallet.

“So I decided to check it, and development,” said the elated when I checked it, the lady told Jackpot winner.

16. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 19.

News

Highs, lows during historic Caribbean Heritage Month Besides singing the national anthem of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Garifuna, some UVCGB members “Wuk De Land” in a wellreceived skit.

VINCENTIANS in the Diaspora had much Georgetown-born folk-song writer to celebrate, mourn and express outrage and guitarist Don Sutherland, of about during the just-concluded Affetuosos fame, who recently joined Caribbean American Heritage Month UVCGB, was also on hand, along with (June) that was proclaimed by United UVCGB musicians, in providing backStates President Barack Obama. stop music amid the effervescent One may say that June was, crowd in the school’s large auditorium. perhaps, an unusual, or extraordinary, “It is always a pleasure in month for Vincentian nationals in the expressing our Vincentian culture and US, which began with revelations from in sharing it with others, and learning the “Report of the Director of Audit, from other cultures,” UVCGB St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Public president Roxie Irish said.

Accounts 2009 & 2010”, and ended Earlier, Celia Ross-Latham, with nationals’ participation in a Director of Sales of the St. Vincent and grand celebration of Caribbean culture the Grenadines Tourism Authority, in Brooklyn, New York.

U.S.A., headed a booth in which The United Vincie Cultural Group Vincentian arts, crafts and tourism of Brooklyn (UVCGB), one of the products were showcased. leading Vincentian cultural groups in On Jun. 26, Beverley Regisfordthe US, was “front and centre”, as the Henry, president of the BrooklynGeorge Wingate High School in based Vincentian American Adventist Brooklyn came alive on Jun. 27 with a Association (VAAA), ensured that her Caribbean American Heritage Month country was represented at a gala grand celebration of Caribbean celebration, at Kingsbrook Jewish culture, a joint production of the New Medical Center (KJMC) in Brooklyn, York Police Department’s (NYPD) organized by the Brooklyn-based APC Community Affairs Bureau and New (Action, Performance, Commitment) Immigrant Outreach Unit, the New Community Services, Inc. York Caribbean Community “I take every opportunity I get to (CARICOM) Consular Corps and the showcase St. Vincent and the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Grenadines,” added the playwright Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) and dramatist. in staging a spectacular show in Shereescia Browne also tried her commemorating Caribbean American best in representing the nation while Heritage Month. competing in the Miss New York Continental Beauty Pageant on Jun. 14, at George Wingate High School. She competed against six other Caribbean beauties, but failed to place in the pageant that was won by 17-year-old St. Lucian Kelly Indy Smith.

The pageant was organized by the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc., whose founder and president is Paul’s Avenue native Yvonne Peters.

But while nationals reveled in the entertainment and cultural aspects, others sought to educate the masses about their health.

Lowmans Leeward-born Family Nurse Practitioner Celia Ross-Latham (standing), director of Suzette Williams, a diabetic sales, SVG Tourism Authority, U.S.A. at coordinator at the sprawling booth showcasing SVG arts, crafts and Kings Country Hospital Center other products, with Karen Johnson, aide (KCHC) in Brooklyn, was in the at the SVG New York Consulate General, vanguard of the Fifth Annual during celebration at George Wingate High Caribbean Health Summit on School in Brooklyn.

Jun. 5, organized by APC Community Services, Inc., in conjunction with KCHC, KJMC and the American Heart Association.

Williams was among health care experts who presented on diabetes, cardiovascular programs and healthcare in general.

She urged attendees to practise healthy living by eating Vincentian medical providers at Caribbean health healthy and exercising summit.

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

United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB) during a skit at George Wingate High School. regularly.

On Father’s Day, Jun. 15, another leading Vincentian educational and cultural group, the New York-based Club St. Vincent Inc., honoured 14 past members who had served at least seven years in the 35-year-old organization. (See THE VINCENTIAN of June 20, 2014.)

A week later, the Progressive Democrats Political Association, a prominent political group in Brooklyn, honored community activist Maxwell Haywood among 17 fathers, as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations. (See THE VINCENTIAN of June 13, 2014.) Haywood, a United Nations Social Development Officer, is chair of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc. was also in the mix on Jun. 22, honoring this correspondent at its gala Awards Luncheon at El Caribe Country Club in the Mill Basin section of Brooklyn.

But the June celebrations were dampened by a Father’s Day tragedy in which five Vincentians and an American were killed in a raging house fire in Newark, New Jersey’s largest city.

The victims were: Salome Keil Stewart, 58; her American-born husband, Reginald Stewart, 58; Salome’s daughters Noreen “Michelle” Keil Johnson, 43, and Natasha Kinsale Forbes, 37; and Salome’s grandsons, Stephon Sydney, 15, and Zion Forbes, 11.

Then, as nationals awaited the results of the preliminary judging of

the Dynamite Calypso Tent in Brooklyn for Vincy Mas 2014, high expectations turned to outrage when only three calypsonians from the tent were selected from among 12, Simon, Biabouto compete in born Beverley the semifinal Regisford-Henry, round at president of the Carnival City, Brooklyn-based Victoria Park.

Vincentian “I’m very, very American Adventist disappointed,” Association fumed Ainsley performing solo at Primus, the Caribbean Arnos Vale-born American Heritage president of the Month celebration sole Vincentian at Kingsbrook calypso tent in Jewish Medical North America, Centre in Brooklyn. in an exclusive VINCENTIAN interview. (See THE VINCENTIAN of June 27, 2014.)

And, as the month began, many Vincentians at home and in the Diaspora were, seemingly, riveted by revelations from reports by the Director of Audit, which cast serious indictment on the government’s accountability, compliance and transparency.

So, for good or bad, there was, unequivocally, a whole lot to reflect on — highs and lows — in the historic, Caribbean American Heritage Month of June.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

National Council of Women elects new President

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL of Women (NCW) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a new President.

Mrs. Beverly Richards was elected to the top position at the Council’s Biennial Conference, held on Saturday, 21st June 2014, at the Shekinah Worship Centre.

The Conference was held under the theme: ‘Women Forging Ahead, Against All Odds’, with focus on ‘Societal ills Affecting Women, Men and Children, Including the Impact of Climate Change’.

The NCW President, who served during the last term as a Trustee and acted in the capacity of the Public Relations Officer, noted that she was “ready to serve” at the Presidential level, and emphasized that it has become necessary to realize the scope of the challenges women face,

and strategize to tackle them.

Guest speaker at the event, Director of Finance and Planning and Lay Preacher at the Methodist Church, LauraAnthony Browne, highlighted poverty and climate change as two pressing matters which are cause for concern for women.

She articulated that “a high incidence of poverty is connected to or results from the unacceptably high levels of unemployment especially among youths” and that environmental problems “only exacerbate the other social issues.”

Mrs. Browne also noted that poverty manifests itself in numerous ways, such as women leaving their children unattended at home for extended periods, in an effort to earn a living or taking questionable or risky

employment.

The senior government official further explained that problems of hunger, malnutrition and disease afflict the poorest, who are also typically marginalized from society, and have little representation or voice in public which is additionally drowned by partisan political debates.

Anthony-Browne made a connection between poverty and education, and commended the current administration, in particular Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, for awakening in “unprecedented levels,” the “thirst” and “deep appetite for education.”

Anthony-Browne advised the NCW to redouble their efforts so that they could play a more meaningful role in the country, by rebuking manifestations of evil and

Back L-R: Lolita Tucker, Eflyn Robinson, Volita Tucker, Glenda Conliffe, Josephine Ollivierre, Cecile Mc Master.

(Middle L-R) Patricia Barker, Ayana Robinson and Brenda Olliver. Front L-R: Coleen Ollivierre, Beverly Richards and Anesta Rodney (Missing –Ideshia Jackson). social ills.

“We must do, even at the risk of offending the vanities of some people. I am afraid that if you as an organization, do not find your national voice, a voice that is independent of your particular party political preferences, a voice that calls out evil, that condemns corruption and exploitation of people, especially exploitation of our young women, then as an organization you are failing in your responsibility to this nation, you are failing in your responsibility as a NCW,” she

implored.

The new executive of the NCW reads: President Beverly Richards; 1st Vice President - Coleen Ollivierre; 2nd Vice President - Ideshia Jackson; Treasurer- Patricia Barker; Secretary - Brenda Olliver; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer - Volita Tucker; PRO - Glenda Conliffe; Committee Members - Eflyn Robinson, Cecile Mc Master, Josephine Ollivierre, Iyana Robinson and Lolita Charles.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) It’s doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass this week.

Expect to have problems with the ones you love. New romantic partners will evolve through group endeavors; however, the association may not be likely to last. You can make rewarding connections through the organized groups you associate with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship this week. You must strive to get the most important projects completed properly, rather than doling everything in a half baked way.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover. Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts. Don’t let your health suffer because of abuse. You can make drastic changes in your professional direction this week.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Use discrimination and play hard to get. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Don’t hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs.

You will be too quick to point your finger at your mate.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may want to put your creative thinking cap on. Don’t confide in any relatives whom you know have a tendency to meddle in other people’s affairs. Make changes that will enhance your appearance and entice potential partners. Generosity will put you in the poorhouse.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you’d like. You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you’ll have little patience with those who are slacking off. You could easily lose your temper at work. Don’t

push your opinions or ideas on others. Don’t forget to let your mate know how much you care.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Don’t start a dispute unless you’re prepared to accept irreversible results. Be careful not to come on too strongly. New projects may lead you into a dead end.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be best suited to doing things around the house or inviting friends over for a visit. Go out with friends. Do something constructive outside. Camping, swimming, and biking expeditions should all be considered.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don’t jump into investments too quickly. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish.

Take time to do something nice for yourself.

You will back yourself into a corner if you are baited and your stubbornness will only make matters worse.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Stomach problems could prevail if you haven’t been watching your diet. Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don’t push them, instead just continue working on development. Take time to do some writing, whether it’s correspondence, poetry, or keeping a journal.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Family talks may get a little combative. Do a little extra work at home. You can make new friends who could turn into intimate connections if you join clubs or take creative courses.

Be prudent and don’t be led down the garden path.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Refrain from using the highway as a racetrack. Try to take care of the needs of those you love. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects.

ACROSS 1.Deer 5. Standoffish 10. Vicinities 12. Sweetie-pie 14. Postage item 15. Novice doctors 17. __ Tac (mint) 18. Marsh grasses 20. One Gabor 21. Until now 22. Gambler’s notes 23. Produced eggs 24. Peaks (abbr.)

25. Crux 26. Sautés 28. Hoaxes 29. Permits 30. Guide 31. “Easy __, easy go” 32. Like milled wood 33. Lunch counter letters 36. Duo count 37. Acrobatic trick 38. Asia’s neighbour (abbr.)

39. Dieter 41. Ahead of time 43. Surface a road again 44. Deli pickles 45. Tag 46. “__ we forget” DOWN 1.Rash 2. Musician Shaw

3. Respond 4. Scottish topper 5. Parisian farewells 6. Advances 7. Granola ingredients 8. Miner’s paydirt 9. Rifle, for one 11. Pixies 13. Is jealous of 16. Unhappy 19. Vast ages 23. Cargo 24. Small part 25. Intoned 26. Tulip, e.g.

27. Do a room over

28. Stitched 35. Rendezvous 30. __ wreath 37. Skinned-knee (crown) sight 31. Middle (abbr.) 40. __ creek 32. Actor without a McQueen paddle 33. Comic Milton (2 wds.) __ 42. Fall ill 34. Calms

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 21.

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22. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

You are irresponsible! with their wives, then it is their business.

I hope they get to I have the HIV virus, but the men are still lining up read this letter to you, to sleep with me. What is George. If it is sex they want, then they will get surprising is that although I told several of it from me and more. them that I have the virus and they need to protect Sexy G themselves, they are still Dear Sexy G, having sex with me unprotected. In that Once you know you case, it is not my fault if they come down with the are HIV positive, then you have a virus. responsibility to act in a My best friend told me that I have to tell all manner that would not jeopardize the health of of them about my HIV status, but I do not see others. If after advising someone of your status, how that is everyone’s he still wishes to sleep business. If the men with you, then it is who flock to me do not incumbent on you to be want to be contented

Dear George,

disciplined and morally upright enough to redirect them otherwise. Having unprotected sex at this stage is irresponsible, and it is now up to you to become an advocate in the fight against this dreadful disease, and educate others about the virus.

Moving around and infecting others is unacceptable and

irresponsible, and you need to end this practice. I suggest that you visit a counsellor and get some much needed information about what you can do to live a productive life, and what you can do to create an awareness about the disease.

George

No trust, no gain happy with it.

We are supposed to be getting married next year June. I need your take on this one, because I need to know what to do.

mother-in-law to be does not trust you, and her actions are supported by MY BOYFRIEND’S your boyfriend. This mother is stressing me would be naturally out, and she needs to worrying to you and has stop. She comes to my to be immediately house, popping up at addressed. weird hours, just to see if Fedup You ought to know I am cheating on her that you do not have to son, so she could find me Dear Fedup, continue in the at fault. relationship with the I told my boyfriend No relationship can be present climate of about it, and all he said was that his mother was healthy and productive if distrust. Talk to both of them about this, and if looking out for him, and the element of trust is missing. Trust is one of there is no change, then he has no problem with the main ingredients for it is wise to end it and it. I said to him that it any relationship to find someone else who seems like he does not flourish. can trust you completely. trust me, neither does It is clear that your his mother, and I am not

Dear George,

George

Level with your husband Dear George,

him!

I BELIEVE I am pregnant, and I am afraid that the child I am carrying might be for any of the number of men I was sleeping around with.

I am married for 2 years now, and my husband and I have been trying desperately to have a child. I wanted to find out if the problem was with him, so I started sleeping around with different men to see if I could get pregnant by any of them. I know this sounds crazy, but I wanted a child so badly that I did not care who got me pregnant.

I am not very keen on telling my husband of my possible pregnancy because if, in fact, it turns out that the child is not his, then that is going to be another story. My husband and everyone else believes that I am this upright, quiet and no nonsense wife who is totally committed to the marriage.

Should I continue with this secret and let sleeping dogs lie? After all, what he does not know would not hurt

M/wife Dear M/Wife, Every relationship/marriage calls for total honesty and commitment. Living a lie or getting into the practice of deceiving your husband is not the way to go, and would only result in the demise of the marriage.

If you are still interested in saving your marriage, then I suggest that you take your husband aside and let him in on your double life, and the reasons that drove you to do what you did. Although the justification you may give will not excuse your actions, it may give you a chance to wipe the slate clean and move forward.

Be prepared to deal with the consequences of your actions, and the sooner you clear the air, the better it will be for both of you.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 23.

News

Calypso fans have their say particularly good, as last year, and I am because normally the kind of disappointed first round is good and with the crowd.

They have to do something to bring back the crowd. I attend four shows and I am kind of disappointed with the crowd. I mean at calpso finals in the past, you had to get in early to get a seat.

by KENVILLE HORNE

A NEW CALYPSO MONARCH was crowned for Vincy mas 2014, but calypso fans still had their say. Here is a sample of some views expressed.

Kay Bacchus-Browne Lawyer Rodney Abbott Rodney Abbott - from Layou

Albena Jack

My favourite calypsonian is Dennis Bowman, so I had Dennis in my top three along with Patches and Skarpyon in my top three. Patches had good crowd response.

The show was an improvement from previously, but I would still like to see more people come out to the event.

Albena Jack

Kay Bacchus-Browne

I am a long time follower of Calypso.

My top three were Skarypon, Man Zangie and Dennis Bowman.

This year is ok, but I don’t think it was good

My top three would definitely include Man Zangie, Patches. The third, I am not sure.

But that young guy Adams (Man Zangie), I think he is a terrific Calypsonian. His diction, his voice, I have never heard him before. and I am really impressed with him. I mean Patches is a veteran, everybody knows that he could sing and compose, but I was really impressed with the young talented boy, Adams.

I think this is one of the best rounds of calypso that we had. I generally come to this show;, its one of my favorite shows, the calypso finals, and the King and Queen of the Bands.

I think this year was

Digicel gives away more cash LAST FRIDAY, three more persons walked away with cash and free credit, while one person got a free cellular phone, compliments Digicel and their 2014 Carnival promotion dubbed, ‘Catch the cash and prizes’.

Going into Digicel’s Cash Vault, which was set up at Lano’s Bar in Heritage Square, and grabbing hundreds of dollars in cash were Calvert Tash, Michael Jackson and Akisha Henson.

Henson, the lone female, even walked away with a DL700 smartphone.

The trio comprised the second group of persons to have a chance to enter the cash vault since the promotion began on Friday July 4th at Fitzy’s Bar trailer, Heritage Square.

The first three in the vault, July 4th, were Levan Baker, Oscar Hackshaw and Dianza Stephens (who entered

Digicel’s Danielle Cupid (right) with winners Calvert Tash (2nd from right), Michael Jackson (2nd from left) and a Digicel model. for Gacia Ledger). Mary Carrington, a visitor to St. Vincent for Vincy Mas, was also given a random pick to enter the vault on July 4th.

To qualify for a chance to grab cash in this promotion, a Prepaid customer must top up $10 or more or activate a 4G data plan (7-days and more), while a postpaid customer must pay his/her bill in full to be entered in a random draw. This random draw will see three weekly

winners being selected and contacted via HOT 97.1 FM every Friday at 1:30 pm.

Winners will then be given a time and location where they will have the opportunity to enter Digicel’s cash vault, to walk away with cash and prizes.

Today, Friday July 18th, the cash vault returns to Fitzy’s Trailer Heritage Square, while Punkie’s Arnos Vale will see the cash vault on Friday July 25th.

the second round a little boring, but I think this year the standard was

fairly well balanced. I am impressed , Calypso is alive.

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Montrose man charged with murder NEW MONTROSE LABOURER Kirth Stapleton has been slapped with three charges in connection with the death of Mattthan Slater of Union Island/Canouan.

Stapleton, 25, is charged with the murder of Slater, 39, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, use of a firearm to aid in the

commission of the offence, and having a firearm without a licence.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Higginson Street, Kingstown shortly after 3 a.m. June 29, during which Slater was shot in the stomach. He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he subsequently died.

Stapleton was not required to plea when he appeared before Magistrate Zoila Ellis-Browne at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, and was

remanded.

The matter was adjourned to October 8 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 25.

News

Work on health institutions set to commence Health Centre, Doctor’s Quarters at Sandy Bay, REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENT and Canouan and Chateaubelair, construction of a number of health and a Staff Hostel in Union and health-related institutions are Island. expected to get going by August Monies for the projects have 15, 2014. been secured through the Prime Minister Gonsalves European Union. disclosed, at a press conference EC$5.3 M will be spent at the last Monday, that those Milton Cato Memorial Hospital institutions to be targeted which will see renovations to the include the Milton Cato Operating Theatre, Maternity Memorial Hospital, the Mental Ward and the Paediatric Wing. by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Work on the Mental Health Centre, long anticipated, will get going in August.

ÂNyabinghi WarriorsÊ celebrate Haile SelassieÊs birth

Ilee Tafari (right) and Wadada (left), Zadito (2nd from left) and Black Lion Shaka, at the office of THE VINCENTIAN last Tuesday.

by HAYDN HUGGINS ‘NYABINGHI WARRIORS’ are inviting the public to a march and rally in Kingstown, July 23, to celebrate the 122nd anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassi the first.

The march will commence at the Peace Memorial Hall at 3 p.m., proceed through the streets of Kingstown, and end at Heritage Square, for the rally, which will feature addresses and cultural performances, including drumming and music from a live band.

Ilee Tafari told THE VINCENTIAN that the event is also aimed at restoring confidence in the youth, in light of the situation regarding crime and violence, and to promote peace and love.

“For some time now, the progressive forces seem to be dormant. People who would have protested against abuses in our society in the past are now dormant,” Tafari observed.

He is of the view that the lack of educational opportunities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a major contributor to crime and violence. “The youth needs opportunities,” he stressed.

Tafari thinks that the country is still in a state of dependency.

“The mindset we have inherited through our colonial past is geared towards dependency and we are still awaiting the true Education Revolution.

“The Education Revolution should be geared towards a level of development, so that when the youths come out of school or university, they could create their own employment,” Tafari opined.

“The Nyabingi Warriors are fighting against spiritual wickedness in high and low places”, he declared.

EC$3.8M has been set aside for works on the Mental Health Centre.

Allocations for Doctors’ Quarters in Canouan, Chateaubelair and Sandy Bay have been set at EC$655,000, EC$478,000 and EC$395,000 respectively.

EC$2.6m will go towards the construction of the Staff Hostel in Union Island.

The Operating Theatre is among other facilities at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital that will undergo repairs/refurbishment.

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26. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

‘Woman gone, woman dey’ bacchanal From backpage recording studio. It (song) is not available for sale, it was done strickly for promotion,” he assured.

Bomani said efforts had been made to reach ‘Sir D’, but he could not be located, and at one point, there was some talk that he had died.

“Nobody could find him, so we decided to do the song so that people could hear and appreciate it.

Absolutely no disrespect was intended. It is a song that I always loved and appreciated since I was a child, but I was no longer hearing it on the radio,” ‘Bomani’ said. He noted that there were many very good calypsos of that era, that were not preserved, and therefore, people today are unable to hear and appreciate them.

“I never had the opportunity to meet him (Sir D), but if he wants to do any further work on the promotion of the song to keep it alive, he could contact me,” ‘Bomani’ said, giving his mobile phone number as 530-6534.

‘Sir D’ has all rights to the song When contacted, Lennox Bowman pointed out that ‘Sir D’ has all the rights to the song.

“I thought it was a good idea to keep the song alive. The idea was never to sell the songs but to help to preserve it.

“As the writer of the song, he (Sir D) could copyright it, so that he could take advantage of the royalties. Regardless to who did over the song, the royalties will go to him, and I will encourage him to have the song registered, if he has not yet done so,” Bowman said.

“It is a lovely song, and he should be the one to gain maximum benefits from it; but he could only do so if he copyrights it”, he added.

Like ‘Bomani’, Lennox said efforts were made to reach ‘Sir D’, but he could not be located.

“What we tried to do was to help to preserve the song. It was not done for sales. No disrespect was intended, and I think ‘Bomani’ will be prepared to work with him (Sir D) if he wants to do further promotional work on the song,” Lennox said.

‘Woman gone, woman dey’ tells the story of a trend at the time where some men were consuming the poisonous substance gramaxone as a result of fractures in relationships in which they were involved.

The chorus advises: ‘Play yourself and run around, I ain’t going to track you down. You could go out there and have your play, but woman gone and woman dey’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 27.

Parris gets Athletics Scholarship Brandon Parris of It. Dat Athletics Club, is the latest local athlete to gain a full scholarship.

BRANDON PARRIS, one of this country’s bright, young atheletics prospects, is heading to the USA on a four-year scholarship.

The 400m and 800m specialist, a member of the It.Dat Athletics Club, will attend the Clasting University, South Carolina, a second division National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) affiliate.

“I was a bit surprised about gaining this scholarship this year because I got an offer last year, but it was a bit difficult getting through,” Parris told THE VINCENTIAN. However, after his participation in the 2014 CARIFTA Games in Martinique, where he ran a personal best of 47:27 in the

400m, Parris said he was contacted by Linkon London, a Trinidadian born coach who resides in the United States, with an offer to assist and open negotiations for a scholarship.

Things developed from there, the result of which is the scholarship. Alongside his atlethics commitment to the University, Parris will pursue studies in Computer Sciences.

“People are of the opinion that Clastin University, a division two school, is not as well as division one, but for the past five years, the standard of this University has been rising,” Parris said, adding, “It will be a good experience for me and a challenging one.”

Parris was originally a

distance runner, competing primarily in the 5000m distances.

Under advice, he switched to the middle distances and specialized in the 400m.

The young man believes that his achievement should motivate more athletes.

“They should be saying ‘If Parris could do it, I can do it as well.’ I myself have been motivated by other athletes that’s where I got my inspiration. I hope other athletes will look up to others who have reached this far, and let it serve as a motivation to further themselves,” he advised.

He is well aware of the “temptations” that exist in the outside world, but he is determined not to falter on his

dreams. “I will not be side-tracked,” he promised.

Before he heads off on his scholarship, set for August 8, Parris will do national duties at the World Junior Games in the USA, for which he left yesterday, Thursday, and then at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 3. He will compete in the 400m at both events.

Director and coach of It.Dat Athletics Club, Michael ‘Mercy’ Olliveierre sees Parris’ break as “a kick start for us,” and expressed how “happy I

am that Parris has gotten the opportunity, and I am hoping

by January we will have another two or three athletes going out, and consistently every September.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Match referee says WIPA rep disrespectful Bramble said.

In recounting the incident ONE MATCH REFEREE at Bramble told the recently held THE Windward Islands under VINCENTIAN 19 cricket tournament, that Pope had has been left shocked and been reported disappointed over the by the umpires behaviour of a former West for behaviour Indies player, following an which was incident while attempting deemed to bring to carry out his duties in the game into that capacity. disrepute. He Reports say that was requested match referee Andrew along with his Bramble was in the manager to process of conducting a attend a hearing with St. Vincent hearing before and the Grenadines’ him, as match Andrew Bramble Gidron Pope, following a referee, and the shocked and report from umpires umpires. disappointed. about his behaviour, According to when the player was Bramble, the impeded temporarily player was then Indies Players from attending the detained by the former session by the former international fast bowler, Association) business, and you will have to wait pacer. a senior member of his until I finish with him’,” “I found his attitude to club team here.

Bramble said. be extremely “I then called the For his part, Bramble disrespectful and player and informed him said the example set by embarrassing. It was that we were ready to the player, who is an behaviour of the lowest proceed, to which this you would see from senior player responded, executive member of WIPA, left much to be anyone of that stature,” ‘This is WIPA (West desired. He attributed

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

“He is probably upset about that I believe, but if you are collecting monies, you must do the work. I do not think that our young players can benefit from such behaviour, and I have submitted my report to the SVG Cricket Association, and I hope Second VP Denis Byam that this reserved comment on the matter will be grounds that he had not seen an taken official report. seriously.”

The the attitude as a reaction Grassroots coaching to him (Bramble) raising programme is run by the concerns earlier in the SVGCA under the year on radio about direction of Windwards coaches who were TDO, Irvin Warrican, in collecting thousands of conjunction with the dollars as part of the WICB, with coaches West Indies sponsored expected to conduct Grassroots Cricket sessions on Saturday programme, and not mornings throughout the conducting any sessions.

island.

However, concerns were raised, under the previous Julian Jack-led administration, that little documentations could be found giving account of the more than two hundred thousand dollars which was reportedly disbursed during the last financial year.

Coaches had complained then, of going long periods without being paid, while some payments were made in cash from the pocket of a representative of the programme for the SVGCA. Second vice-president of the SVGCA, Denis Byam, said he had heard about the incident as reported by Bramble, but was in no position to make any comment, since he had not seen an official report. He, however, said that the reports on the incident “did not paint a good picture.”

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28. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGFF turns attention to womenÊs game

and young ladies playing football…we want to spread WOMEN’S FOOTBALL here is set the game throughout the to receive increased attention. schools and in the This when, in the next few communities. Our objective is days, the St. Vincent and the to have a good pool to supply Grenadines Football all our age teams,” Huggins Federation (SVGFF) embarks said. on a coaching programme for While recognising that female coaches as part of its there are some females who thrust aimed at the are playing the game development of women’s currently, there were not football here. enough players coming General Secretary of the through to ensure SVGFF, Trevor Huggins, told participation at regional THE VINCENTIAN that they competitions. had applied to CONCACAF for SVGFF First Vice-president this course, as it was felt that Kenton ‘Biter’“ Ollivierre also there needs to be development welcomes the course, and sees in the women’s game. this as an opportunity to “We want to see more girls improve and increase on the

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

female stock.

“Currently we compete at the senior and Under 20 levels but we will want to take part in the other competitions which are played,once the financial resources are available, but the absence of the SVG Women’s national team in session at quality players is Calliaqua. hindering us,” he competitions. pointed out.

Huggins said a total of 32 SVG recently competed in the Caribbean Football Union female coaches are expected to attend the programme which Under 20 Qualifiers in is set to run from July 22 - 26 Antigua, but narrowly failed at the Arnos Vale playing to get past the first round. field, with the main facilitator Currently, being FIFA instructor Andrea women compete internationally in Rodebaugh.

The General Secretary said the U17, Under that following the Women’s 20, Under 23 or coaching course, the next Olympics and developmental programme will senior

It.DAT summer camp in session

AT LEAST ONE ATHLETICS club here, It.DAT, is continuing its summer holidays camp for aspiring athletes.

Michael ‘Mercy’ Ollivierre, Director/Coach of It.Dat said “ ‘The objective of the camp is to begin the preparation phase for the athletics year Athletes going through their ahead, and also to warm up exercise at the try to get some of beginning of a day’s session the new and at the camp. inexperienced athletes exposed to He remains undaunted, the training method and has identified some and system as well athletes who seemed suited as the different to that event, involvement in drills.” which can increase their Michael Ollivierre, He expects chances of competing abroad. coach of It. DAT approximately 50 Ollivierre says his “hard Athletics Club, is not persons to attend work” with It.DAT is paying sitting on laurels, even off, and points to successes the camp, some of with his club’s whom would have like: Shafiqua Maloney being attended the camp successes to date. outstanding at the CAC level; over the last three 80% of the team that went to years. the OECS championship being from “I will be working in conjunction It. DAT; at five out of eight It.DAT with ‘Wally Mc Kie as we set out to athletes on the Commonwealth team; share what knowledge and expertise one out of two to the World Junior we have, and this year, I want to Games; two out of three on the place more emphasis on the lateral under-23 team. jumps, the triple and the long jumps, He is not moved to complacency, while trying to identify the athletes though, acknowledging that this for the throws. Little by little, I country still has to raise it standards want to expand to different areas of towards at least getting a gold medal the sports,” Ollivierre told THE at the CARIFTA junior level.

VINCENTIAN. The camp will be in session for Ollivierre hopes also to give some three days per week until the final attention to the hurdles which, he week of the summer vacation. admits, is not a very popular event here, to the point that there are no I.B.A.ALLEN organized events.

Trevor Huggins, Gen Sec. of the SVGFF, speaks about women’s programme. be a Grassroots Festival on August 10th at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

He, however, was unable to confirm whether regional facilitators will be part of this programme.

In related news, Huggins indicated that the SVGFF had applied for a Sports Medicine Course for September, but this appeared not to have been granted. He is still hopeful that it may come off sometime during the year.

SVG names squad for Commonwealth Games ST. VINCENT AND THE Grenadines will compete in five disciplines at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for July 23rd to August 4th.

The five disciplines are Athletics, Swimming, Cycling, Table Tennis and Squash.

Tyrone James will serve as Athletics Manager and Chester Morgan as coach for a Frankie Lucas this Natasha Mayers, SVG’s first team of athletes that country’s first and only gold medallist to includes Kineke medallist at the date at the Commonwealth Alexander, Courtney Commonwealth Games.

Williams, Courtney Games.

Bascombe, Brandon Jacintha Ballantyne will be the Chef Valentine-Parris, Josh Hamilton, de Mission and General Team Manager, Reuberth Boyde, Delohnni NicolStephen Joachim.

Samuel and Kimorie Shearman.

This country made its first The Swimming contingent of Adora appearance at the Commonwealth Lawrence, Issy Shne Joachim, Storm Games in 1958 in Cardiff, where Elton Gooding, Nikolas Sylvester, Dillon Anderson competed in the then 100 and Gooding, Storm Halbich and Kyle 200 yards.

Dougan will be watched over by Kim Participation by this country Halbich as manager. continued in 1966 through to 1978 and Emerson Holder will serve as manager of cyclists Cammie Adams and after a period of non-participation, returned in 1994 and has been Hansel Orano Andrews.

Former world acclaimed table tennis represented at every Games since then.

This country’s first Commonwealth player Orville Haslam will head the Games medal, a bronze, was won by Table Tennis team which includes Britain-based Frankie Lucas in 1974 in Romano Spencer, Kavir Gaymes Jr., the boxing ring.

Javier De Shong, Shenica Unica Velox Natasha Mayers would claim this and Sean Stanley.

James Bentick will coach the squash country’s first gold at the 2010 Games held in New Delhi, India. team that comprises Jason Doyle, Othniel Bailey, Kevin Hannaway and Jules Snagg.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 29.

Sports

Joy and sorrow GERMANS, especially football fans in that European nation, will be overjoyed with their team’s success in the 2014 Fifa World Cup. On the flip side, it will be sorrow for the other 31 nations.

The extent of disappointment for those 31 countries will be varied. Argentinian supporters, while still brooding over the opportunity missed at winning the trophy, will yet be pleased that they made it that far.

It will be satisfying to them having revelled in the backyard of their South American neighbours and arch-rivals, Brazil.

Netherlands displayed maturity, even with their loss to Argentina. It was the bravado of the Argentinian goal keeper that made the difference.

The Dutch repaired some damage by taking the third spot. That was at the expense of the Brazilians whose hopes for a berth in the finals were dashed as the Germans humiliated them.

There may have been some surprises in the Round of 16.

CONCACAF was represented there by three of their four squads. Costa Rica progressed to the quarterfinal, before being clipped by the Netherlands.

Mexico and the USA fell in the second stage, but their performance, even as they exited, provided a degree of pride for their followers.

Algeria can hold their heads high. They were eliminated by the Germans, but their advance was astounding.

Nigeria fell at the same stage as the Algerians and, while expectations were that they would have represented Africa with acclaim, the anticipation of their progress was more imaginary than real.

Disappointment surfaced from early. Spain found the going tough, and failed to recover from their thrashing from Netherlands. Chile sealed their elimination. Spain’s only win came against Australia. It was tears for England and Italy who were early departures.

Ghana was expected to carry the African flag, but that was not the case. Ivory Coast could feel depressed not to have progressed, but the other African nation, Cameroon, provided a degree of ridicule.

Dark horse Belgium created a stir, and their progress at the expense of the US, did much to raise the profile of the US and goal keeper Tim Howard in particular.

Ecuador was unfortunate not to have progressed.

But their South American neighbour, Colombia, enjoyed a tremendous first round. It was a pity that Colombia did not live up to their group showing.

Uruguay flattered to deceive, for having contributed to Italy’s and England’s departure, could not find the depth of character and faltered against Colombia in the second stage.

France may have found the wrong opponents in the quarterfinal, for by then, Germany was beginning to focus. Before that, the French outfit was dazzling.

Japan, Australia and Iran lived up to the billing as outsiders, and their elimination seemed a matter of time.

With the spectacle over, it is back to the preparation for the next encounter in Russia, four years on. Followers will be interested in how the build-up unfolds.

The joy and sorrow aroused during the tournament blended with an increase in violence on the global scale.

The plight of the Palestinians provided a harsh reminder of injustice to which that nation has been subjected.

Some used the period of football fever to enhance their notoriety. Residents in some countries were punished for their interest in the games.

The Palestinians had nothing to celebrate, no matter what team they supported. The Israeli bombardment was counterproductive enough. That onslaught persisted as the tournament climaxed.

The sad thing is that the rest of the world remained oblivious to the destruction, and there was no anxiety to bring the injustice to an end.

Fifteen teams, grouped in three divisions, will do battle in the 16th Annual Basketball Championship.

Bequia Basketball bounces off The 16th Annual Vita Malt Bequia Basketball Championship opened on Saturday 12th July, at the Clive Tannis Hard Court in Port Elizabeth.

Fifteen teams in three divisions are expected to compete in the Championship that runs until August 31st.

Addressing Saturday’s opening were National Basketball Federation Treasurer Rohan Providence, Sports Officer Samantha Lynch and Bequia Basketball President, Sabrina Mitchell.

Mitchell thanked the sponsors, St. Vincent Brewery (VitaMalt), Courts SVG Ltd, Frangipani Hotel and Vintages Bequia for their commitment to the development of Sports in

Bequia, and recognized the Bequia community for their loyal support through the 16 years.

Both Providence and Lynch commended the Bequia Association for their commitment to organizing basketball in bequia, with Lynch urging the players to show their respect for the hard, voluntary work that goes in to running such an event.

In one of the matches played to mark the opening, Blazing Heat defeated Rising Stars II 42 to 29 in a second division clash.

Leading scorer for Blazing Heat was Denroy Hutchins with 17 points.

He also had 20 rebounds and 3 blocks. Leading scorer for Rising Stars II was Kendoll Britton with

SVG Female Squad down to 18 EIGHTEEN (18) players have been short listed from the original 24 national female cricket training squad, for further preparation and consideration for selection to the 14-person team that will represent SVG at the West Indies 50 cricket tournament, to be held in Dominica next month.

The eighteen include, Juliana Nero, Hazel Ann Foster, Latoya Providence, Samantha Lynch, Shaniza Daniels, Vinisha King, Gleendeen Turtin, Shavone Clark, Stacy Ann Adams, Ronique Forgus, Sue-Ann Martin, Roshell John, Zavian Stephens and newcomers Nyiasha Williams, Kimone Homer, Kacy Campbell, Jepherna Joseph and Kayleen Garrick.

The squad is expected to engage the national under 15 and 19 teams in a series of practice matches, as they continue their build up for the tournament.

The final 14 are expected to be named next week.

I.B.A.ALLEN

8 points.

In a first division encounter, Duke defeated Warriaz 67 to 47.

Jonas King led the scoring for Duke with 21 points to add to his 15 rebounds. Leading scorer for Warriaz was Warrican Garrick with 13 points.

In an U16 match-up, Titans defeated Rockets 25 to 24, with Javid Morgan’s 17 points leading for Titans and Omario Louie with 15points doing likewise for Rockets.

Another second division match-up saw Blazing Heat beat Young Duke 54 to 32. Blazing Heat scoring was led by Denroy Hutchins with 12 points. He also had an astonishing 24 rebounds and 5 blocks. Leading scorer for Young Duke

was Shea Hazell with 12 points.

In another First Division match, Duke defeated East Blazers 67 to 52. Duke’s top scorer was Steveon Taylor with 18 points. Leading scorer for East Blazers was Cornelius Farrell with 12 points.

In the parade of teams, Second Division team Young Duke was adjudged best dressed.

Registered teams in the Championship are: In the U 16 Division, Hornets, Rockets, Dragons, Young Wizards, Hawks and Titans; in the second division Blazing Heat, Rising Stars 2, Wizards 2 and Young Duke; and in the first division Rising Stars 1, Wizards 1, East Blazers, Duke and Warriaz.

30. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014. 31.

Classifieds

Thirty-five athletes to represent SVGTU THIRTY-FIVE athletes will represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the 15th Caribbean Union of Teachers’ (CUT) Biennial Students’ Athletics Championship, to be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port of Spain, from July 25 to 26th, 2014.

According to a press release from the SVGTU, “The championship will provide a significant stage for our young athletes to compete with their colleagues from across the region. It will also provide a great opportunity for this very talented team of young athletes to get a taste of what is hopefully on the agenda for them in years to come. It’s a strong team, with plenty of highly ranked athletes, so the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union looks forward to the championships and

Student athletes from across the region will gather in Trinidad to match wits on the track and make lasting friendships. coming home with some great performances.”

The athletes will be accompanied by a team

of officials comprising Rawlson Morgan, Kent Cain, Vincent Benjamin, Santa Cruickshank and Gloria Endeavour.

The team leaves for Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday 23rd July and will return home on Monday 28th July. (KH)

KERVIN LE ANDREW GREAVES Aka Kevin or Globe

CLIFORNA JOHN CRUICKSHANK Church of God World Wide Mission Redemption Sharpes Wednesday 16th July, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

CHARMIN ROBERTSON Evesham S.D.A Church Sunday 13th July, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

Ebenezer Gospel Hall Belvedere Saturday 19th July, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

MATTHAN J. SLATER

LEONARD BROWNE

Maranatha S. D. A Church Block 2000, Old Montrose Sunday 13th July, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Lauders Deliverance Baptist Church Sunday 13th July, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

HYACINTH HOYTE Apostolic Faith Mission Paget Farm, Bequia Sunday 13th July, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 18, 2014

VOLUME 108, No. 29

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ÂWOMAN GONE, WOMAN DEYÊ BACCHANAL

by HAYDN HUGGINS

CALYPSONIAN FRANCIS MAYERS, who sings under the sobriquet ‘Sir D’, is contemplating seeking legal advice if those responsible for the covering of his song, ‘Woman gone, woman dey’, do not contact him within an appropriate space of time.

‘Sir D’ told THE VINCENTIAN that he was appalled that some 22 years after so much effort and time were spent to make the song one of the most popular numbers for Carnival 1992, Vincentian artiste Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles has sung over the calypso without his permission, and with no regard for his work.

‘Sir D’ said he was surprised when he heard the song being played on local radio stations and on the streets, during the 2014 carnival season.

“Nobody consulted me about doing over the song”, ‘Sir D’ declared, adding, “I believe I should get some benefits from my work.”

However, ‘Sir D’ is making it clear, “I am a man of compromise, I am open to negotiations,” and gave his mobile phone number as 532-7320.

‘Woman gone, woman dey’, was composed and performed by ‘Sir D’ while he was a member of the now defunct ‘Old Brigades’ calypso tent.

The song was arranged by Olson ‘Petie’ Peters, and took ‘Sir D’ to the finals of the 1992 National Calypso Monarch Competition.

It didn’t win him a place among the top three in that competition, but the song was undoubtedly one of the most popular calypsos that year.

‘Sir D’ recalled that a group had done “a very poor job” of covering the song in that year, without consulting him, and he never obtained the recording because it was done in New

Lennox Bowman, Executive Producer of the project, assured that the purpose was not one in search of gain, but one to help preserve the calypsos of the past.

Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles, who covered the song, says there was no ill intent on his or the producers’ part.

York.

‘Sir D’, who started in the art form in 1984 with the song ‘Chopper man’, has not been heard of or seen in the calypso arena for many years. He is 70 years old, but, according to him, “I don’t feel 70, you know.”

Asked whether he has any intention of returning to the stage, ‘Sir D’ replied, “There might be a possibility; you never know.”

Aim to preserve not profit

Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers says no one consulted him about re-recording his song, but that he is open to negotiations.

When contacted on Tuesday, ‘Bomani’, who is president of the SVG Association of Music Professionals (AMP), told THE VINCENTIAN that the song was originally supposed to be part of a project about three years ago, aimed at preserving songs from calypsonians of the past. He recalled that the compilation of other songs was made in 2010, but for some reason, ‘Sir D’s’ song was not included.

According to ‘Bomani’, because the

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

song was just languishing in the studio, “we decided to release it as a promotional cover.”

He said this was done after consulting with his producer, Kamal Archibald of the studio ‘Sound Domain’, who was also the producer and arranger of the original project.

He also consulted with Lennox Bowman, the Executive Producer of the project.

“No CD’s were done by the

Continued on Page 26

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