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FRIDAY,

JULY 10, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.28

www.thevincentian.com

NELSON BLOC IS 2015 BAND OF THE YEAR

EC$1.50

Nelson Bloc’s red hot section ‘Spain’, featuring Anna La Borde (up front), 1st Runner-up 2013 Miss SVG. The section ‘Brazil’, home of the ‘lovely game’ and even lovelier women.

DIGICEL NELSON BLOC are Band of the Year champions, Vincy Mas 2015.

The last time they copped that coveted title was in 2005 with a presentation, ‘You Ask For It’.

It seemed a long time to endure being in the socalled ‘wilderness’ of top mas bands here.

But in 2015, all their resilience, all their pent-up passion and emotions came rolling out in colour, in sequence, in creative tribute to the world’s most popular sport, with their presentation, ‘Soccer: The Game of the People’.

Indications of their resurgence came earlier, at the Junior Carnival, and they steadied themselves along the path of costume bands competitions, waiting to unfold their completeness on Mardi Gras.

They had dominated the local mas scene in the 1990s. The question with this victory is: Is this the beginning of another reign?

Nelson Bloc unseated 2014 Band of the Year winners, Blondie Bird and Friends, whose 2015

presentation was ‘Illusion, Never See Come See’. They had to settle for second place.

SVG Players, who have shared honours with Blondie Bird and Friends through the last decade or so, were adjudged third with ‘Masquerade’.

High Voltage Mas Production’s ‘Candy World’ consolidated that band’s position among the leading mas troupes here. They placed fourth.

Ahdrenalin Mas, showing signs of increased competitiveness since 2013, settled comfortably in fifth position.

‘Germany’ celebrating their reign as World Soccer champions.

All the other competing bands paraded with passion: Xtreme Fanatics — ‘Carnival Fetes’; Imagination Mas band — ‘Love — ‘We’ve Got the Blues’; Tribes Mas Band — ‘An Story’; Dragons Cultural Organization — ‘50th Explosion of Colours’; Melbourne Artisans — Anniversary Celebrating’; and Beautex ‘Masorama 45’; Lynx Mas band — ‘Songs from Machel Montano; Owen Ralph and the Professionals International — ‘Heritage’. (SR)

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Starlift back on top

SEA OPERATIONS STARLIFT Steel Orchestra are, once again, Senior Panorama Champions of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

They leaped frogged two places up and, in the process, turned the tables on arch rivals Sion Hill Euphonium, on the night of Thursday, July 2, 2015, at the Victoria Park, and sent their supporters into abandoned merriment as they celebrated, in one night, for the six years they couldn’t, when Sion Hill had relegated them to runners-up positions in the pecking order.

Their riveting rendition of a Duvonne Stewart arrangement of Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus’ ‘Teaser’ was just too much for the competition, and they sent Sion Hill packing, even as they, Sion Hill, put down

a tantalising presentation of a Seion Gomez arranged interpretation of ‘Soca Train’ by the Rebels.

Winfresh Scotia Bank South East Steel Orchestra, who had given notice that they were no push over with a second place finish in 2014, settled for third place with their Barry Mannette arrangement of Winston Soso’s ‘I don’t mind’.

Potential Steel Orchestra, in fourth position, remained on the periphery of the top three, as they had done in 2014. They rendered a Johnny ‘JP’ Pompey arrangement of Cornelius ‘Poorsah’ Williams’ ‘Right Up In Dey’.

Rodney Small seemed to have injected new life

into Mustique Charitable Trust Georgetown All Stars. His arrangement of ‘Musical Ride’ by Johnny Rebel, was full of enthusiasm.

Elite Steel Orchestra offered a Kesslon ‘Taffa’ Wilson arrangement of Field Marshall’s ‘Cocaine Jumbie’, to be the night’s final competitor.

The number of participating orchestras decreased from seven in 2014 to six in 2015.

Sea Operations Starlift had much to raise their hands about – they reclaimed first position among senior steel orchestras in SVG. (Photo by Oris Robinson)

Sion Hill Euphonium was stopped, but only after a gallant effort to set further precedent with a 7th win.

South East Steel orchestra demonstrated that they are here to stay among the top echelons of steelbands here. (Photo by Oris Robinson)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 3.

News 3

Skinny earns his first Ragga Soca title

by KENVILLE HORNE GAMAL ‘SKINNY FABULOUS’ DOYLE is the 2015 Ragga Soca Monarch of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The internationally renowned soca recording and performing artiste, staked his first claim in new territory, Ragga, when he defeated ten other competitors, including the defending monarch champion and arch rival Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper on Saturday 4th July at Carnival City, Victoria Park, with his Gamal ‘Skinny song entitled, ‘This Island Is Fabulous’ Doyle on Mine’.

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper was his way to taking his ’Fireman’ had to settle for ‘Drunk Again’ and could not first Ragga Soca third position with a number retain his title.

Monarch title with a James ‘Jamesy P’ Morgan he called, ‘Drunk Again’. song that aroused as ‘smoked’ up the place to Known for his expansive much emotion as it be heard reciting the capture second place. supporting casts, props and theatrics did movement. national pledge. A in the Power Soca competitions, sense of ‘Vincentianess’ It was left ‘Skinny’s’ outing in the Ragga Soca and anticipation permeated the to him to deliver, and he did, competition was no different. atmosphere already heightened by the He set the stage for his captivating thousands who had flocked the venue. resoundingly, with thousands in the crowd waving in unison miniature performance from the ‘get go’. A cadre The pannists struck up, and SVG flags that his handlers may have of pannists from the Sion Hill dancers, attired in typical traditional provided before the show.

Euphonium Steel Orchestra, including Caribbean female wear, and carrying Add to this a segment when he the popular Rodney Small who cobaskets on their heads, added a invited calypso icons Alston ‘Becket’ wrote the song, and a group of persons further Vincentian flavour to the Cyrus and Kenneth ‘Scakes’ Alleyne, donned in choir gowns, and displaying atmosphere. and the Royal SVG Police Force Police large SVG flags, took up position in Then ‘Skinny’ emerged — decked in Band, to whom he presented Living front of the stage band. a full all white suit, contrasted by a Legends Awards, and ‘Skinny’ had not Images of the beauty and scarf in the national colours — and the only made his point, had convinced his accomplishments of SVG flashed on crowd went into a frenzy. ‘Skinny’ audience, but had put down, more the big screens, as a female voice could knew he had created his first impact. importantly, a winning performance.

Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle not only recognized the RSVGPF, but effectively worked them into his performance.

The judges’ verdict ruled that James ‘Jamsey P’ Morgan was second, after a very well received performance of his popular and infectious ‘Chronic Disorder’, a tribute of sorts to marijuana smokers.

The other competitors were: Shaunelle McKenzie singing ‘Disengage’; Hance John with ‘ Atmposphere’; Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams with ‘Soca 365’; Shertz ‘ Problem Child’ James with ‘ So Amazing’; Reon ‘ Fete King Maddzart’ Primus with ‘ My Queen’; Shane ‘ Hypa 400’ with ‘ Too Hard’; and Lancelot ‘ Mad Skull’ Gloster-Scott singing ‘ Man of the House’.

Skinny takes Soca Monarch to complete double He had to give way to Shane ‘Hypa 4000’ Husbands, as far as the Road March was concerned , but ‘Skinny’ came away with the Ragga Soca title and his fifth Soca Monarch title, both secured at Victoria Park last Saturday.

His rendition of his ‘Mash up International‘ in the soca monarch, left defending monarch ‘Fireman’s ‘Lunatic’ in second place.

Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc . The lead up to the competition Intosh returned suggested that the big showdown It was a determined Gamal to the was going to once again be competitive ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle between both men. stage and who took to the Soca But Doyle’s win was not proved that he Monarch stage and ‘put without some disapproval, with was still among missiles being thrown on to the down’ a controlled but the better live riveting performance to stage, following the announcement take his 5th Soca Monarch performers in of the results.

SVG. title.

Both men are known for their on stage appearances, but this by: DAYLE DA SILVA year, both Doyle and Hooper opted to make their entrance on stage via a zip line.

GAMAL ‘SKINNY FABULOUS’ DOYLE Wearing an illuminated suit, ‘Skinny’ came within reach of equalling the made his way on to the stage effortlessly; achievement of his closest rival, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, who had taken the titles however there were some obvious problems when it was time for ‘Fireman’ to come on of Ragga, Soca and Road March monarch stage using the same type of apparatus. in one year, 2014.

The show, however, proceeded and both men used a combination of on stage antics assisted by pyrotechnics and other ‘explosive’ devices to woo the massive crowd and accentuate their performances. .

Supporting cast In what was a very open year, the lead up to the show had patrons wondering if a new Soca Monarch would be crowned.

Up and coming talent such as Lancelot ‘Madskull’ Gloster -Scott followed up on his good showing last year, and was one of the favourites with his 2015 ‘Alyo know me’. There was a ‘feeling’ that he could upset the status quo of a ‘Skinny’, ‘Fireman’ finish, in any order. at the top.

He had to settle for third place, bettering his fourth place finish in 2014.

The veteran, Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh, making a return to competition after a 13year break, rounded up the top four with his hit ‘Charlie Charlie’.

Also making a return to competition was Alhaji ‘Alla-G’ James who performed ‘Disturbance’.

Another youngster showing great promise was Phil ‘Dr P’ Da Silva who had patrons excited about wanting to attend

Delroy ‘FIreman’ Hooper would have employed some old and some new tactics, but ‘just’ couldn’t stop ‘Skinny’.

Lancelot ‘Madskull’ Gloster –Scott was having his best year to date, and can only learn from this experience.

the Soca Monarch show with his number ‘Not me alone’.

The list of young talent present at the Soca Monarch competition this year included Ryan ‘Royall’ Abraham, Travis ‘Wiz Kydd’ Lynch, Keith Currency and Shane ‘Hypa 4000’ Husband.

Hance John continues to impress, moving on from his days at the junior Soca level, and Orlando ‘Syxx Krazi’ Foster continued in his quest to establish a solo career in the business.

The stalwarts also continued to impress.

These include Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James, Raeon ‘Fete King Maddzart’ Primus and Shaunelle Mc Kenzie.

V Child caught in gun blast 4. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Persons are calling for increased police patrols in ‘The Gulf’ where allegedly regular shoot outs take place.

are calling on the relevant authorities to provide some level of security in the area.

RELATIVES of 4-year-old Leanna Harry, who was shot at The calls came from Leanna’s father Leon Rose Place, Kingstown, in an area called ‘The Gulf’, are Harry and her Leanna looking sleepy and sent her into worried about the constant shoot outs that take place grandmother Patricia her grandmother’s shop to sleep. She, there.

Telemaque. however, came back outside unknowing They claimed these incidents occur in the Leanna, who resides at to him. He said he was shocked when presence of innocent people, including children, and Ottley Hall with one of her somebody told him his daughter got aunts, was spending the shot. She ended up between her Carnival weekend in ‘The grandmother’s shop and a nearby one Gulf’ with Patricia, when after being hit. she was hit by a stray Leon said Leanna told him she was in bullet, allegedly during an front her grandmother’s shop and, on exchange of gunfire hearing the explosions she tried to run between two rival factions, back into shop. It was at that juncture shortly after 8 pm last the bullet apparently caught her. She Saturday, July 4. then ran and ended up between the two The bullet entered shops.

Leanna’s right leg and Leanna herself told THE exited. She was rushed to VINCENTIAN she ran when she felt the Milton Cato Memorial something hit her.

Hospital where she was Both Patricia and Leon described the warded, but was situation in the ‘The Gulf’ as “very discharged on Tuesday.

MEDFORD CAINE, 49-yeardangerous”.

Patricia, who owns and old carpenter of Lowmans Patricia said that about two or three operates a shop in ‘The years ago, one of her nephews survived Leeward, is behind bars Gulf’, told THE a bullet to the mouth during an incident awaiting a Preliminary VINCENTIAN that when there.

Inquiry (PI) into the death of she heard the sound of “There are regular shoot outs in the 18-year-old Katisha Bess, who gunshots, she ran to a area, and they take place in the nearby shop for shelter. also resided in that presence of innocent people and When the explosions community. children”, Patricia lamented.

Leon Harry comforts his daughter ceased, she stepped Caine was not required to “Sometimes when the police come on outside and asked persons Leanna in the company of her the scene, the gunmen gone or hide the plea to the charge of murder grandmother Patricia Telemaque. if anybody was shot. guns,” she added. when he appeared before “I ask if anybody get hit, Leon said, “My daughter could have Chief Magistrate Rechanne and people telling me dey don’t know. I just been killed, and it could have been anybody.”

Brownecuriously look back and I saw Leanna’s father Leanna has just completed her pre-school running with her. I say ‘Lord, Leanna dead’, and Matthias at The body of education, and is expected to move to the Kingstown somebody tell me ‘is shoot she get shoot’.” the Serious Katisha Bess Anglican Primary School in September.

The child’s father said he had earlier noticed was reportedly Offences discovered by Court on Wednesday. Forest Rangers in the King’s Attorney Hill Reserve.

Kay Bacchus-Browne appeared on his behalf.

Bess’s body was discovered in the King’s Hill Forest Reserve on the Windward side TWO MEN appeared at the Serious Offences Court charged with unlawfully of the country, July 1. on Wednesday on firearm related charges, in discharging a firearm at An autopsy showed she died connection with an incident at Rose Place, Medford Caine has Lara Carter, also of Ottley been charged with from blunt trauma to the head. Kingstown, on July 4.

Hall, possession of a firearm the murder of the Andre ‘Judge’ Bowens of Ottley Hall has been with intent to endanger the HH 18-year-old female. life of Carter, and assaulting Carter causing him bodily Andre ‘Judge’ harm.

Bowens Carter is charged with unlawfully discharging a

by KENVILLE HORNE The discovery of the 8, was not that of Walker. firearm at Bowens, and unidentified body comes on the Persons in the community also possession of a firearm with A MAN’S BODY has washed heels of the recovery of two bodies alleged that another body was intent to endanger the life of ashore in the North Leeward near the Richmond beach. recovered from another area in Bowens. They pleaded not town of Chateaubelair.

On June 25th, the bodies of North Leeward sometime in the guilty to the charges.

According to a police press Glenroy Delpesche, 26, of Petit week, but the police did not The men were each release, dated July 8, 2015, at Bordel and Brian Baptiste, 49 confirm this report. approximately 6:20 am on granted bail in the sum of years, of Owia were found Wednesday, the body of an floating at sea.

The police are asking anyone $20,000 with one surety, on unidentified male was discovered The two had reportedly left who has not seen a relative or condition that they report to floating in the waters near the home on a fishing expedition, friend for the past twenty four the Central Police Station Chateaubelair beach. along with Charles Walker, 36, of (24) hours, to contact the every Friday. The matter The release stated that the Chateaubelair, who, to date, following telephone numbers: has been adjourned to deceased was clad in a plain remains unaccounted for.

September 10. green t-shirt and a red and black Information received indicated 458-2229, 456-1810, 457-1211 exts. 224/225.

Lara Carter short pants. that the body discovered on July HH

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Carpenter charged with young femaleÊs death

Two charged with Rose Place gun blast

Another body washed ashore

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 5.

Regional

LIME+FLOW needs more investigation THE MERGER involving Cable and Wireless (C&W)/LIME and Columbus Communications Ltd/FLOW warrants further investigation.

This is the ruling of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Competition Commission, at the end of its preliminary assessment of Cable & Wireless’s US$3 billion acquisition of Columbus Communications.

According to Caribbean 360 News, the Commission released a statement

on Wednesday 1st July, in which it said: “Given that the findings of the preliminary examination indicate that an investigation is required, in accordance with Article 176.4 of the RTC [Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas], the Commission will hold consultations with the member states concerned, to determine and agree on its jurisdiction to investigate the business transaction.”

The Commission also committed

FLOW-LIME to begin layoffs THE CONCERNS expressed in some quarters, (THE VINCENTIAN included) about the likelihood of retrenchment following the merger of FLOW and LIME in certain Caribbean markets, have received their first round of corroboration.

News coming out of Barbados indicate that the merger of the two telecommunications companies will soon see its “first Toni Moore, casualties.”

Two weeks ago, Toni Moore, General Secretary of the Barbados General Secretary the Workers Union, Barbados Workers Union, made the bargaining agent for the announcement of workers at LIME, Barbados, forthcoming disclosed to the media, that layoffs. (Facebook there was a plan to send phorto) workers home; but there was, at that time, no indication as to when the retrenchment will begin, and how many workers will be affected.

Barbados media quotes Moore as saying, “… there has been no formal indication as to the extent of those impacts; but what the company has said is that, in those areas where it recognizes that it may need to shed labour, every attempt would be made to engage the Barbados Workers Union to make sure that the process in exiting workers is being upheld, and that every effort will be made as well to ensure that, to maintain the company’s competitiveness, the best persons will be kept back.”

The imminent layoffs may be the first under the new structure, (i.e. following the merger)’ but it is not new to LIME workers. That company, in its singular jurisdiction, has seen significant downsizing over the last decade or so, across its Caribbean-wide operations, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There has been no indication of a similar action here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where LIME workers are represented by the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU).

Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC), trading as LIME in the English-speaking Caribbean, announced in November 2014, that it was taking over the operations of Columbus Communications Inc., which traded in some markets as FLOW. The takeover was valued at US$3 billion.

One of the conditions of the US3 billion merger of FLOW and LIME, is that FLOW will become the trading face of both companies, with Cable and Wireless operating under the corporate banner C&W Communications.

itself to a consultation phase with the member states affected by the merger, after which an update will be The Cable and Wireless-Columbus merger is provided. still under investigation.

Should there be a Council for Trade and Economic difference in opinion between the Development (COTED).

Commission and member states The Commission said it was ‘regarding the nature and effects of the business conduct or the jurisdiction of important for the transaction’s (merger’s) impact on competition be the investigating authority’. The matter will be referred to CARICOM’s thoroughly considered.

LIAT staying in Antigua THE PROTEST by Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, over the proposed relocation of LIAT from his country to Barbados, may just have brought him satisfaction.

Speaking with Caribbean 360 News ‘on the side-lines’ of the 36th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Shareholder governments of LIAT, guaranteed a CARICOM held in Barbados, loan of US$67 million from the CDB, to meet rePrime Minister Browne was fleeting costs estimated at US$110 million. emphatic in declaring that ‘all plans to relocate the LIAT headquarters from Antigua and Barbuda had been 360 News, that the airline was going nowhere; that it would scrapped’. remain headquartered in PM Browne had, in March this year, voiced Antigua and Barbuda. strong objection to a document which, he said, The Prime Minister also proposed that Barbados take over ownership of confirmed that his government LIAT ATR aircraft, and that the airline be had recently injected ‘a further relocated to Barbados, to take advantage of the $400,000.00’ into LIAT, as part purported lucrative southern Caribbean market.

The major shareholder governments — Barbados, of $10 million that his country has promised to deliver to the St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica — airline by year end. were reported as having given support to the LIAT has been serving the proposal for the airline’s relocation. region for 58 years, but has been The proposal is said to have also recommended layoffs in the airlines regional network, that would burdened through most of those years with financial incapacity affect up to 180 employees.

But PM Browne insisted, according to Caribbean and questionable management.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, insisted that LIAT will not relocate its headquarters from his country to Barbados.

ÂNO $$ for LIAT,Ê says PM Anthony PRIME MINISTER of St. Lucia, Dr Kenny Anthony, has called out his colleagues Prime Ministers of Antigua, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the issue of LIAT. In telling reporters during his trip to Barbados for the recent CARICOM heads of Government meeting that his government is not prepared to invest in the cash-strapped regional airline, Prime Minister Anthony called on its shareholder governments to bite the bullet, and put in place policies that would ensure the financial viability of the Antigua-based carrier.

A CMC report of Monday 6th July quotes Dr. Anthony as saying, “This is not a question of governments making sacrifices; it is also a question of LIAT, its employees and its pilots also making sacrifices for the future of LIAT.” The St. Lucia leader’s ‘call out’ comes against LIAT shareholder governments’ appeal to other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments to invest in the airline.

And Dr. Anthony had even stronger words for his colleagues when he said that his country has suffered “greatly under the new regime” that the airline is now applying.

He added, “Our citizens enjoy fewer flights, we have also had reports in some countries our citizens are being discriminated against, and they are told

by LIAT staff in some of those airports that they cannot assist them because the government of St.

Lucia does not invest in LIAT. “That kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable, unwarranted. St. Lucia is an important destination for LIAT, but I do not believe that kind of pressure should be exerted on St Lucia merely because St Lucia does not invest in LIAT. “The fact of the matter is Dr. Kenny that we are spinning top in Anthony, Prime mud, and as much as I would Minister of St. want to see a strong viable regional carrier, it cannot be at Lucia, made it clear that his all costs, meaning that you government was invest solely because it is a not prepared to regional carrier.”

Prime Minister Anthony pump any money though had some advice to in the cashoffer, suggesting that what is strapped regional needed right now is to airline LIAT. transform the airline to ensure that it is far more efficient, “that it is operated strictly on appropriate financial formula that ensures losses are curtailed and efficiencies are gained”.

LIAT services 17 destinations in the Caribbean.

It recently upgrading its fleet with a loan from the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Vincy doctor, nurse receive healthcare awards Dr. Clifford Young and wife, RN Hilda Young (back), with former New York Consul General Cosmus Cozier and his wife, Caroline.

RN Judith Lewis (c) receives award, flanked by Mistress of Ceremonies Jamaican RN Claudette Powell and Caribbean Life Associate Editor Grenadian Kevin Williams. indigent, has been unbiased, thorough and empathetic,.. but it is owed to anyone who has ever supported me,” Young continued.

CALLIAQUA NATIVE Dr. Clifford “This award should be a Young, who practises medicine and symbol to all youth, of the resides in Brooklyn, and registered dreams you can not only achieve nurse Judith Lewis, of Bequia, who but also share and celebrate with also lives and works in the same family and friends,” said the borough, were among 34 health physician for the past 26 years. care professionals honored by “As such, thank you to New York Caribbean Life, Brooklyn, New York, City, my Caribbean brothers and the largest circulating Caribbeansisters, including my Vincentian focused newspaper in the United ones, for allowing me to give my States. time and care as your physician.”

The award ceremony took Lewis, an associate professor place two Thursdays ago at in the Department of Nursing at Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn. Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College, told THE VINCENTIAN she was Honorees’ respond “truly honored” to receive the award.

“Receiving the Caribbean “It is a blessing to be American Health Award 2015, acknowledged for something that along with 33 other persons, has I love doing,” said Lewis, who has been the most humbling over 40 years of nursing experience,” Dr. Young, who experience, beginning in the early currently works with the North 1970s as a staff nurse and Brooklyn Health Network, and midwife at the Milton Cato founded and owns his private Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, practice, Citi Medical of then Colonial Hospital.

Canarsie, (Brooklyn), told THE “Nursing, healthcare and VINCENTIAN after receiving the helping others are the passions award. that have given me such “Though I have received many appreciation and fervor for life. other awards, they all signify the To be recognized by a prestigious same sentiment: hard work Caribbean publication holds teamed with support, love and special meaning,” she said. dedication truly does lead to “I am delighted to represent success,” said the former St. my home country, St. Vincent Martin’s Secondary School and the Grenadines. My country student, whose Jamaican-born provided a strong training and wife, Hilda, a registered nurse, foundation for my nursing was also honored. practice,” continued the soft“So this award shows that my spoken, easy-going and wellwork to all patients, including the respected nurse. “I am grateful to Story and photos by Nelson A. Kingnaking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

RN Judith Lewis (standing) with supporters.

Professor in Nursing until its closure in 1999.

She then worked as a public health nurse with the New York City Health and Hospital Cooperation.

She continues to work in nursing education at her alma mater, Medgar Evers College, a predominantly Black college, with over 65 percent of students either born in the Caribbean or of Caribbean heritage.

Lewis is a member of Omega Chi Chapter (Brooklyn), Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, in which she has held numerous leadership positions, and from whom she received recognition for her contributions to the organization.

Dr. Clifford Young (c) receives award, flanked by Mistress of Additionally, Lewis is an Ceremonies Jamaican RN Claudette Powell and Caribbean active member of the St. Vincent Life Associate Editor Grenadian Kevin Williams. and the Grenadines Nursing graduating, enrolled at those who paved the way for my Association of New York, Inc. Downstate Hospital Medical accomplishments. I am forever For the past 15 years, she has School in Brooklyn, where he indebted to my parents and my been volunteering twice weekly received his Doctor of Medicine fellow Vincentians. The as an adult literacy instructor at (MD).

Caribbean Life award is ours to the Brooklyn Public Library, and Young has also been the share.” has also been involved with recipient of awards from the domestic violence advocacy.

Vincentian American National Dr. Clifford Young Over the years, Lewis has Charities, Inc. (VINCI) and the received many professional and Council of St. Vincent and the Dr. Young grew up in service awards: the Dedicated Grenadines’ Organizations, Calliaqua, surrounded by Service award from New York relatives and watchful neighbors. U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO) — both City Health and Hospital based in Brooklyn.

“Instilled in me were the Cooperation; the Member of the values of hard work and Year and Unsung Hero award determination,” said Young, who Judith Lewis RN from Chi Eta Phi Northeast completed his elementary Region; the Student Appointed A graduate of the School of education at Calliaqua Dedicated Faculty award from Government School before going Nursing in Kingstown, Lewis Medgar Evers College; a citation on to St. Martin’s, from which he migrated to New York in 1974. for community service from the She received her Bachelor of graduate and entered the work Brooklyn Borough President’s force as a student lab technician. Science in nursing with Office; honour from the Brooklyn distinction from Medgar Evers Soon after, he was awarded a Public Libraries for her work in College, and a Master of Science scholarship to attend the Adult Literacy Education. in nursing, also with distinction, Barbados Community College, She is the proud mother of two at State University of New York, where he received an associate children.

Downstate Medical Center. degree as a Medical Laboratory The awards to Lewis and For over 20 years, Lewis Technician.

Young come on the heels of “Still, I thought to myself how worked at St. John’s Medical Father’s Day honours recently Center, later Interfaith Medical unfair it would be to me if I did bestowed on community Center, Brooklyn, as a critical not act upon my passion to be a advocates James Cordice and care nurse. physician,” Young said.

Franklyn ‘Supadex’ Richards, by Later, she moved into the field So, he migrated to New York the Brooklyn-based Progressive in 1980, and enrolled and studied of nursing education at Interfaith Democrats Political Association chemistry at Hunter College, City Medical Center School of (PDPA).

University of New York and upon Nursing, and served as a

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 7.

News

New King of the Bands crowned Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher placed third with ‘Chucky’s Back’. portrayal, whose construction commenced in April this year, ‘Sky’ swamped the competition.

Jelanie Niles, debuting in this competition, put up a fight that spoke of good things for the future, with his ‘Lord of Illusion’ from Blondie Bird and Friends’ ‘Illusion, Never See Come See’.

Veteran King of the Bands King of the Bands 2015, ‘Eastern Interlude’, portrayed by David ‘Sky’ competitor, six-time winner and Llewellyn. defending King of the Bands, Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher, defended MASTER MAS BUILDER OXLEY ‘D Giddy’ Lockhart is stoutly, but ran third with his ‘Chucky’s Back’, from back with a bang.

Melbourne Artisans’ ‘Masorama 45’.

After a hiatus, during which he bemoaned the Digicel Nelson Bloc provided the fourth spot standard of competition among the Kings and through Kenroy Francis, who portrayed ‘The Finals’ Queens of the Bands in particular, ‘D Giddy’ returned this year and was responsible, in no small from a presentation ‘Soccer: The Game of the People’. measure, for Ahdrenalin Mas Band’s first claim on In what was considered to be a marked step up the title of King of the Bands. from last year’s competition, the others who helped Masterminding the building of a Lennox ‘Scully’ to make it such were: Fernando Serieux Hunte design entitled ‘Eastern Interlude’, from a representing Tribes Mas Band’s ‘An explosion of band presentation ‘An Eastern Travelogue, he Colours’, with the portrayal ‘Neptune the Protector ensured that David ‘Sky’ Llewellyn took bragging of the Sea and all its Colour’; Rohan Bailey with rights back to his base in New York.

‘Strawberry Swirl’ from High Voltage Mas With a typically overwhelming ‘D Giddy’

Kenroy Francis, 4th place, with ‘The Finals’.

Debutant Jelanie Niles, 2nd place with ‘The Lord of Illusion’, from Blondie Bird and Friends’ ‘Illusion, Never See, Come See’.

Production’s ‘Candy Land’; Philmore Drayton playing ‘Blue Whale’ from Xtreme Fanatics ‘We’ve got the Blues’; and a portrayal ‘The temptation of Eve’ from SVG Players International’s ‘Masquerade’.

Semone takes Queen title for ÂBlondieÊ

BY THE TIME THE Master of Ceremonies was ready to announce the results of the King and Queen of the Bands competitions, it was well into the wee hours of Monday morning. The show had commenced in the early hours of Sunday 5th July.

The Victoria Park was sparsely populated — a few diehard enthusiasts, but moreso persons Petra Pompey, 2nd place, with ‘Canaryassociated with the Brazilian Soccer’, from Nelson Bloc. mas bands.

To that apology for return by taking fourth position with a representation of our Queen of the Bands 2015, Semone Richardson their ‘The Fog’ from a band, ‘Songs ‘love’ and ‘appreciation’ portraying ‘Mirage’ from Blondie Bird and Friends. from Machel Montano’. for our mas, the The other competitors who qualified announcer bellowed masquerade Petra Pompey for the finals after an ‘in-the-tent’ that Semone Richardson, portraying representing them for the second preliminary round of judging, were: ‘Mirage’ from Blondie Bird and straight year, moved up the pecking Cleopatra Weekes, ‘Mardi Gras’ from Friends’ ‘Illusion, Never See Come order, placing second with a portrayal Melbourne Artisans; ‘Masorama 45’; See,, had re-captured the coveted title entitled ‘Canary — Brazilian Soccer’, Terricia Govia, ‘Taste the Rainbow’ of Queen of the Bands, a title she had from a band presentation ‘Soccer: The from High Voltage Mas Production’s relinquished to SVG Players game of the people’.

‘Candy World’; Verlene Ralph-James, International’s Jenilee Glagow in 2014.

Jenilee had to settle for third Soca Diva’ from ‘Owen Ralph and the The 2015 title registered Semone’s position with her ‘A Venetian Professionals’ ‘Carnival Fete’; and sixth victory over the period 2009 — Masquerade’, from Players’ 2015 Philicia Ashton, ‘Cherry Blossom’ from 2015. presentation ‘Masquerade’.

Ahdrenalin Mas Band’s ‘An Eastern Nelson Bloc Mas Band, with veteran Lynx Mas band announced their Travelogue’.

Jenilee Glasgow, 3rd place, with ‘A Venetian Masquerade ‘ from SVG Players International.

The Fog’ 4th place, portrayed by Cynthia Lockhart from Lynx Mas Band.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 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

Playing ÂmasÊ with the Carnival AS HAS BECOME THE CUSTOM at this time of the year, we declare: Another Carnival is over!

And, as usual, there will be a post-carnival debate on how well the carnival was; a ‘post mortem’ to determine what we did and didn’t do; and deliberation on what we can do better.

Same old khaki pants … year in, year out… and as one patron said to THE VINCENTIAN, “Nothing comes of it (the post carnival discussion).”

But if the truth be told, in recent times, the Carnival never closes.

The Carnival has thrown up a certain attitude that, unfortunately, does not respect nor promote the legacy of our forebearers, who used the carnival — costume and music — to mock the plantation owners, their wives, the white establishment in general.

There has been, admittedly, a struggle to keep alive the traditional but genuine representations of what our carnival truly is. It appears, in defeat, we have allowed the carnival to become the mother of all parties — a Hiroshima-type explosion of energy — pent up or otherwise, which, if not carefully monitored will, like the atomic bomb, have repercussions for generations to come.

Once upon a time, the once-ayear festivities were considered a ‘time of release’ for pent-up energy and stress; psychologists dubbed it a type of mass therapy unscientific but workable.

Now, a distorted version of that is carried throughout the year — the attitude — the overindulgence in partying. Even the masqueraders, a far removal from who he/she used to be - no sooner has the carnival ended that they begin to make plans for the next one — deciding not only with whom they will play, but that they must prepare themselves for the next carnival, by partying the whole year through.

Is it not true that, in these times, we look for every occasion every DJ event, every river lime to get together to have carnivaltype fun?

Time we stop, take a deep breath, and then a hard look at our Carnival, to discern whether we are playing ‘mas with the mas’; whether as we indulge incessantly in the ‘party’, we overlook those who create the real work that ensures there is a time for partying.

The Carnival touches the lives of more than those who enjoy the party. The mas component, for example, touches the lives of

artists, crafts persons, welders, seamstresses, and more, who, hidden in the depths of inadequate working conditions, turn out representations of our artistic talent that have become the envy of the world.

Those who hold fast to the ‘party’ appear oblivious of those who labour long and hard to produce costumes of irrefutably exquisite beauty. These are the ones who are not into the ‘party’, opting instead to labour night and day to create the components — in this case mas - around which every other thing about the Carnival revolves.

While the majority ‘parties’, a rapidly diminishing minority of devoted , some say ‘mad’ people, holds fast to their craft, and contributes in unmeasured manner to the survival of the Carnival.

So amidst the ‘party’ that has come to characterize Vincy Mas and many other similar festivals throughout the Caribbean, a band of ‘mad’ people are engaged in more than a ‘cottage’ industry — a fact we would like those in authority especially, not just to play lip service to, but to ensure its development.

Given the rapid expansion of Caribbean-type carnivals throughout the world, including Nigerian, we ought to be looking to secure a niche for our mas men, in particular, in what is already a lucrative industry.

Are we going to continue to sit idly by, wait for another ten days in June-July to display our artistry, while the rest of the Caribbean, some far less gifted than we are in the rudiments of mas, capitalize on this developing market?

Yes, there will have to be some adjustment in how we approach our production as we delve into the international mas market. The need for increased production is paramount.

The first step, therefore, is to recognize that we need an industry to support this export of our talent.

When we begin to think ‘this big’, when we look beyond contributing to the ‘party’ and recognize the potential that exists for our talent, then we will, in the process, guard against our own Carnival becoming one of import.

What a sad day it would be, if the ‘party’ should wag the real meaning, the true body and wholesomeness, of the Carnival.

It is instructive to learn from the Roman Emperor Nero who fiddled away while Rome burned.

Robert King Alias Patches Knight I CHOOSE MY TOPICS precisely. It is with good reason that I elect Robert “Patches” Knights, ne` King, as my subject, immediately following Carnival week.

“Patches” got married last Saturday afternoon on the eve of his copping second place in the Big Yard competition. “Patches” has been singing calypso for over 40 years now, and his second position this year is the highest position, the same position he occupied in 2014.

The truth is that “Patches” is not concerned with where the judges call him, so long as he sings what the masses need - some history as to how they got to the parlous situation which they now occupy, and how they can improve their lot in the future.

So that his two calypsos, ‘Don’t Give Up’ and ‘Massa Day Done’ are directly on point, like the many others that did not make it over the years. He served a wake-up call with “Ring De Bell” with the runner-up pair reserved for the occasion of the Monarch’s competition. Next year, he is sure to sweep all before him, for the guava crop will be no more, owing partly to “Patches’ contribution to national development, and he will be performing in more amenable circumstances to a country officially more congenial and acceptable to his independent and progressive thought.

His recent marriage was itself historical. He had known his bride for over 35 years. For about the last 20 or so years, they lived apart, he in SVG, and she in the USA. But they maturely carried on with their being mother and father of “single” parent children.

Well, not really, for one of Patches’ real human assets is the love he gave one of Sharon’s sons who had to leave the USA and, owing to his condition could not be contained by medical and security authorities in SVG, “Patches” did more than some natural fathers to save his son.

But he eventually died from bullets of a rival gang, and for months thereafter, “Patches” was not himself.

Generally, “Patches” immediate family is well known to me. His father, a Mr. Knights, picked up tickets at the Lyric Cinema, where my sister Ena also worked, and later at the Russell’s Cinema His no-nonsense mother, Iris King, passed her legal matters to me, that involved purchase of property at Arnos Vale and defence for a son who sold clothing at Georgetown.

Of course, I sold the building at Lower Long Wall to Reginald “Spooky” Knights, and I was games master at Boys Grammar School to the multi-talented Raymond. Who was a fine batsman, an aggressive footballer, and an above-average table tennis player. “Patches” was equally talented, especially in the broad field of music.

So the wise and divinely-inspired marriage

took its own good time to ripen, and culminated last Saturday. Chief among the guests was the best-man Daniel Cummings, who had to make it back to SVG from Trinidad where he was treated for a serious back injury which had a political source, and maid of honour Joanne Ballantyne with whom the bride co-starred in net-ball several years ago.

Among the guests were several public figures, including the MC John Horne, Errol “Sardo” Sutherland, Monte Maule, Alston “Becket” Cyrus, Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne, Grantley “Ipa” Constance and Alvin “Zion-I’ Dennie.

The ceremony had its own theatricals, as befitted a calypsonian’s marriage. I recalled with some trepidation, “Patches” completely covered by the bridal outfit in the elusive search for the bride’s garter, with which he emerged later, with it in his mouth, the bride having winced several times during the hunt, reminiscent of “Teacher Mildred” tickled by the lizard, a la Sparrow!

I am somewhat connected by family and politics to both Sharon and husband. In fact, Sharon calls me “Uncle Kenneth” up to this day. I recall my attending a karaoke dance upstairs V-Jay to celebrate Sharon’s birthday with her and Dawn Chapman, another “niece”.

In the course of the evening, I noted that “Patches” was absent, and enquired. Sharon snapped back, “He is at home taking care of the children. Uncle, I ain’t day with “Patches”, you know, is “Patches” who dey with me”. Story done.

I recall in particular, a brilliant address delivered in court by “Patches” answering a charge of disturbing the peace when the Organisation of Black Cultural Awareness, headed by Jim Maloney, publicly protested the presence of Princess Margaret about 1975. I can remember that he had the most “offensive” placard. “Margaret tell your sister to stop the brutality of Black People in England”. It was at a time when there was an anti-Black flare-up in Britain.

That is “Patches’ in the 1970s as at the turn of the 21st century and later when he teamed up with Frank Da Silva to force a change of the Supervisor of Elections.

“Patches” will not be tamed. Nothing material can get him to change his mind, which is trained and chained to respect truth, progress and Democracy. If the NDP wins the next elections, it carries a dangerous customer in its ranks, who will express himself if they fail to deliver the goods.

Meanwhile, we dwell in the present and share the good life of “Patches” as husband and, moreso as oil which lubricates the wheels of the NDP.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 9.

Letters

Unequal treatment for unequal partners?

I READ your Editorial on the categorizing of SVG as a poor struggling country.

My mind immediately went back to the situation with “Bananas” — the Lome Agreement coming to an end, and now the EU Partnerships.

NGOs like mine (at that time CAFRA) always felt that just as countries were climbing out of poverty, the brakes were put on and indeed, a struggle to survive began. European Aid had to be by’ Projects’ — and therefore, ‘Projects’ had to be twisted to finance everything in the county.

‘Projects’ were taken whether or not they were what we really wanted.

Then, NGO’s funding dried up because our countries were classified as ‘Middle Income’, and finances went into Latin America and the new Europe bursting out after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

I believe the move to fund is a ‘back-handed ‘way to unequal treatment for unequal partners, and perhaps, instead of admitting “wrong has been done to our countries,” they now appear as ‘God Fathers’, helping struggling islands, i.e. the very Windward Islands that felt the brunt of the banana fallout.

Just a different view that I have not yet developed, but I thought I would share it with you and your readers, Mr. Editor.

Nelcia Marshall-Robinson

Time to take stock WHY ALL the senseless killings? It seems every time you turn on the radio or read the newspapers of late, that there is a report of another murder.

I used to think a little while back when there appeared to be some gang war going on, that the reason for all of this was a combination of the drug trade and the number of guns that had become so easily available to our young men.

Of late, there has been, subject to correction, as many murders without the use of guns than there has been with guns.

It is, therefore, tempting to conclude,

country that will soon fall into anarchy.

Time that we deal with the influences , e.g. the T.V., the music, the bickering among our leaders, who are guilty about giving the impression that we must forever argue about what is right for this country.

Time that we put people to work; time that we offer real hope to our young people and stop inculcating false expectations with our talk about the Education Revolution; time that we cut out this elitist attitude to everything that we do, which praises those who achieve, but literally forget those who fail

according to our standards.

There is just too much anger in our society, and the quicker we admit that we need radical and stern change, the quicker we will set ourselves on a path to recovery.

HF

Time for some sober discussion IT IS A PITY that a recent development in relation to a calypso sung for the 2015 Carnival Season, has been subject to such frivolous debate, if that word can truly be attached to what I have

Mr. Warner brought benefits IN THE MIDST of all the revelry of our carnival, believe it or not, my thoughts landed on Austin ‘Jack’ Warner. Now, I have never been an executive member of any football association or committee here; but I have been close to the game of football in St. Vincent. I can’t include the Grenadines because I have never spent any time in those islands and, therefore, know nothing about football there.

I say all of that to say that I have kept abreast with developments here as far as football is concerned, and I want to state, regardless of how many want to disagree, that footballers and football administrators here have benefited from the generosity of Mr. Warner.

It was Mr. Warner who brought FIFA money to St. Vincent, take it or leave it. When the money was flowing in, no one took a moment to question him about where and how the cash was coming. Things were too good, so why spoil a good thing, eh? He was spending left, right and centre, and this island benefited.

Now that Mr. Warner has been exposed, there are those, including those who would have benefited from whatever he did, who would want to separate themselves from the good times when his pockets were overflowing, I say, if what is being said about Mr. Warner has the smallest degree of truth in it, then we cannot separate ourselves from his deeds. His wrong deeds, if they are proven to be, have brought benefits to us, and we cannot

that the guns are probably not the cause of the number of murders we have had here in recent times. This is not to be misunderstood to mean that I am condoning the use of guns especially illegal guns, for that is no lesser of two evils.

But when a twelveyear-old kills her ‘friend’ with a knife, and others appear to be beaten to death, we have to stand back and really take stock of where we are going. And if we don’t admit that something is wrong, and that we need to do something about it, then we may as well close up shop and tell the world that we have a

rub that out.

Yet, I have not heard one voice here that has come out in support of him.

To tell the truth, I haven’t heard any voice who has condemned him either.

There must be a strong case for Mr. Warner to answer. If not, would the USA go to such lengths to have him extradited?

When and if he is found guilty, every man or woman here who benefited from his deeds, should hang his/her head in shame. It is too late to say, “If ah did know?”

heard on radio and on the streets.

I say so because the issue at the centre of this ‘controversy’ — homosexuality — deserves more sober discussion than what it is getting.

Homosexuality remains a criminal offense on our law books.

So, if one gentleman implies that another is a homosexual, the one accused is, if I understand this thing correctly, being accused of committing a crime.

Now, that is serious business. See why I say we have been frivolous about our public discourse on the issue?

There is no doubt that we are a homophobic society, and there seems to be the intent on the part of our leaders, especially those with the power to effect change, to keep it that way.

Instead of allowing for sober public discussion on the matter, we have resorted to fingerpointing and

Concern about Carnival coverage

KINDLY ALLOW me to make two comments about the coverage of carnival.

The first is directed at FLOW, to remind them that having deprived persons who had paid for ‘pay Evans per view’ of about 2 hours of coverage, we hope that this will be reflected in our bills.

Then to the owners and managers of VC3, to let them know that when we opt to tune to VC3 for coverage of the Mardis Gras, our interest is in seeing the band on stage and not their reporters who continually imposed themselves on the screen, preventing us from seeing some of I HAD THE pleasure of working with Mr. the sections of the bands. It became totally Cordice as the 2010 U.S. Census Partnership disgusting after a while. They could Specialist assigned to the City of Philadelphia interview masquerades without having the and surrounding areas. cameras focused on them for such a long As a direct result of James’ help, more time while there is activity on stage. people were counted in Philadelphia in the 2010 Census than over the previous 20 years.

Viewing from home And, thanks to James, many members of the Caribbean community were counted, thus bringing needed government resources to their communities.

I am now proud to count James and the Caribbean American Heritage Collaborative as a community partner with The American Health Council, for the purpose of promoting health awareness in the Caribbean community.

Kudos for James Cordice

Richard Sumter

condemnation, forgetting that in this civilized world, all human beings deserve equal treatment.

George

* Who is responsible for inspecting restaurants and ‘cook shops’ in this country, and are there regular inspections made? * Ju-C used to be the official soft drink of the Carnival here. Can anyone name the soft drink that has replaced it? * Is it right for large corporations to compete with small private operators on Carnival Monday Afternoon Street party? * Should the day for the Soca Monarch be changed so as to give some breathing space to the Dimanche Gras show? Is the dwindling patronage at what used to be the premier show (Dimanche Gras) really a concern for the CDC?

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

U.S-Caribbean relations in a post The NDP is ready to revive embargo Cuba - Part 1 Carnival and culture Editor’s Note: Speaking at a roundtable on the future of U.S–Caribbean relations in a post-embargo Cuba, on Friday, June 26, at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C, Ambassador Kingsley C.A. Layne, C.M.G, delivered a comprehensive, experiential based presentation on the evolution of relations between the Spanish-speaking country and the English-speaking Caribbean, and his vision of the place and role of that relationship in the emerging Cuba/U.S rapprochement.

HE WAS SVG’S AMBASSADOR to the U.S.A and Permanent Representative to the OAS (1990-2001), and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1990-1994). He conducted the negotiations leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, and became SVG’s first Ambassador to the Caribbean country in 1995.

Ambassador Layne’s Presentation The subject we discuss this afternoon represents a natural progression of the development of principled relations between Cuba and the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the postindependence era, as well as their long-standing and pivotal relationship with the U.S. Cuba was a founding member of the OAS, having signed the Charter of the august institution, in whose house we meet, in 1948, and ratified it in 1952. When the Eighth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OAS, meeting at Punta del Este, Uruguay, in January 1962, excluded the current government of Cuba from participation in the proceedings of the hemispheric body, there was not a single English speaking Caribbean member country.

The country was never expelled from the organization, and remains a member, albeit an inactive one. Trade sanctions imposed on Cuba in 1962 and 1964 were initially relaxed at the Sixteenth Meeting of Ministers in July 1975, when, under pressure from a number of Latin American countries, it was agreed that member states were free to take whatever action they deemed appropriate in their bilateral relations with Cuba.

The U.S first imposed its own embargo on exports to Cuba in October 1960, in retaliation for the nationalization of American owned properties, without compensation.

Caribbean-Cuba relations were formally launched on December 8, 1972 when Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago simultaneously established diplomatic relations with Havana. Significantly, this event predated the 1975 relaxation of OAS sanctions against Cuba, and represented a bold signal of self-determination and regional solidarity, at a time when the Cold War was still ongoing. When Cubana Flight 455 exploded off Barbados, on October 6, 1976 some thought that it was an act of reprisal for warming relations between Cuba and CARICOM. If anything it further cemented the nascent relationship between the two sides. December 8, has been designated CARICOM-Cuba Day by the respective Heads of

Government since 2002. Flight 455 is commemorated on October 6 annually.

Close familial ties between the peoples of Cuba and the Caribbean were forged since the early twentieth century, when many young people from the islands migrated in search of work, and eventually settled there. I first met the late great Cuban Olympic heavyweight boxer, Teofilo Stevenson, in the village of Biabou, St.Vincent, when he came to visit his paternal relatives. Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, spent a part of his adventurous youth working in Cuba, and took the name Bustamante, in honor of a Spanish sea captain he encountered during his travels.

By 2000 all the independent countries of the Caribbean Community had established full diplomatic relations with Cuba. In the early 1990s, when I shuttled regularly between Havana and Washington, D.C. negotiating the modalities of St.Vincent and the Grenadines’ engagement with that country, on the instruction of Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell, I was struck by two observations: (1) complete respect and understanding of the different historical journeys and experiences of our two countries; and (2) meticulous observance of the principle of noninterference in each others internal affairs. Prime Minister Mitchell had made it clear that SVG’s engagement with Cuba was based on mutual respect, realpolitik, and regional solidarity, not ideological identity.

The CARICOM-Cuba relationship has blossomed and borne much fruit through strategic functional cooperation, in critical areas of need.

There are over 1200 students from member countries studying in Cuba, in a range of disciplines, including agriculture, education, medicine, engineering, and Spanish. There are more than 1000 Cuban doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel deployed throughout the region. Since 1998, leaders of both sides have instituted regular summits, convened on December, 8th every three years in alternate countries. The first of these was held in Havana, 2002, then in Bridgetown, 2005, Santiago de Cuba, 2008, Port of Spain, 2011, and Havana, 2014. The next one is scheduled for St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, in 2017. At a time when aid from traditional benefactors is falling, Cuba has been increasing its assistance to the region. By opening embassies in Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and SVG, Cuba has become the only country with an embassy in every independent CARICOM country. Most also have embassies in Havana.

Caribbean Community countries have consistently advocated for Cuba’s greater inclusion in the activities of the hemisphere. At the United Nations they have moved from abstention, in the annual General Assembly vote to lift the U.S. trade embargo, to voting for its removal. In bilateral and multi-lateral contacts with the United States Government CARICOM member states have never ceased plugging for Cuba’s interests, fully cognizant of U.S concerns. (To be continued)

THE ANNUAL CARNIVAL is over and the New Democratic Party (NDP) congratulates all the winners of Vincy Mas 2015. Since the Unity Labour Party (ULP) took power in 2001, there has been a steady decline in carnival and culture here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP is ready to revive carnival and culture.

The ULP has failed miserably in the development of carnival and culture. One of the reasons why Vincy Mas has deteriorated under the ULP regime, is the deliberate omission from the Carnival Development Corporation of competent personnel, who are perceived to be supporters of the NDP. In its 2001 manifesto, the ULP stated that it would have provided the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) with the financial, administrative and technical support necessary to make it function as the leader in the cultural field. After 14 years the question is: Where is the National Cultural Foundation today?

Bear in mind, the NCF was established by the former NDP administration. The ULP also promised to build a modern multi-purpose and aesthetically appealing Creative Arts Centre. Fourteen years later, Vincentians are still waiting for the Creative Arts Centre.

The way forward must involve the removal of partisan politics from 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’ about which we continually boast. 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 bod,y 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 benefits from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

We will also introduce music education in schools, from the earliest level, with a view to establish a Youth Orchestra and permanent music programmes in schools.

Moreover, the NDP will 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 to 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.

Furthermore, the NDP will support the revitalization and proliferation nationally of poetry, dance and drama festivals at all levels; support the expansion of culinary arts programmes at a community level to afford all of our people the opportunity to explore this aspect of our culture; and provide support for cultural programmes at a community level, to reinforce our values and our indigenous culture.

The NDP is committed to the revival of carnival and culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will do all in its power to create a viable, sustainable industry, which can contribute significantly to our country’s economic

development. We Ready!

Elwardo “EG” Lynch Thursday 9th July, 2015 marked one year since the popular talk show host of the New Times (NDP) programme, Elwardo “EG” Lynch, went to the great beyond. He was celebrated as the most popular radio talk show host in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This week, we remember the late Elwardo ‘EG” Lynch and the tremendous contribution he made to the New Democratic Party.

“EG” was the voice of the oppressed, the poor and working class. He fought vigorously for democracy and suffered during the process. He educated many on the social, health, economic and political issues. The popular comment by most Vincentians was, “If nah bin Lynch me would ah never know.”

During his tribute at the funeral service for the late “EG” Lynch, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace had this to say about EG: “He loved being host of the New Times Programme and he was natural for that type of programme. Natural, because he was an excellent communicator; he touched and moved the emotions and affected the thought patterns of thousands of our people, including some from neighboring islands and the Vincentian Diaspora. He really did love people and was adored by his radio audience.

Despite efforts to silence him, through the courts and in other ways, he persevered and implemented the New Times Programme without fear or favour.

Despite his natural talent and ability, “EG” possessed an admirable work ethic and a very quick mind. He controlled the airwaves for three hours a day, five days a week, and his performance contributed immensely to Nice Radio being ranked as the number two (2) station in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am also advised that during the hours the New Times Programme was aired, Nice Radio ranked number one (1) in listenership.”

To cherish the memories of the late “EG” Lynch and the role he played for the NDP established the “EG” Lynch Scholarship in August, 2014. . It was awarded to Moraldo Mornix of Diamonds Village who is now attending the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Sleep on “EG”. May your soul continue to rest in peace.

Nicole Sylvester The New Democratic Party mourns the loss of a giant, a proven stalwart in the Legal Profession, a woman who was the epitome of strength, resilience and determination. She was a fearless practitioner and a true friend and ally of the New Democratic Party, standing to represent our members without hesitation from time to time, over the years.

Nicole Sylvester, you were a genuine untiring warrior for justice, human rights, and peace. We mourn your loss, we pray for your family, your young sons and the friends you leave behind. Rest in Eternal Peace.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 11.

Views

The rights and wrongs of the homosexual

“Those who advance the idea of ‘marriage’ between two consenting adult homosexuals have incorporated the notion of ‘equality’ and support their argument from a ‘rights’ perspective.” — Steve Smith – letter to the Daily Express of Monday 6 July, 2015 The title of this week’s article may have caught the eyes of many readers.

Some of the regular readers to this column, being aware of my stand on moral and “socially acceptable” behaviours, may have wondered how this writer would dare to even consider “rights” of homosexuals.

Such a reaction is quite understandable. However, I merely plead your patience as we spend the next few minutes exploring this most controversial topic.

The Supreme Court in the United States of America (USA) recently legislated that all of the states in the USA can now facilitate same sex marriages. This decision means that a man can get married to another man, and a woman can get married to another woman (to put in simple terms). This decision has resulted in a flurry of commentary in the local and international media. Those in favour of the decision appear to be rejoicing. Some now display their rainbow flags as they publicly snuggle up against individuals of the same sex. Many have shaded their photographs on Facebook and other Internet sites with the colours of the rainbow. With this “stamp of approval” from the USA’s highest legal minds, they boldly proclaim that they are now “truly liberated” and “free”. Some even venture to equate the event with the laws that enabled black people and women to vote.

The outbreak of commentary in the media prompted me to seek a biblical perspective. After all, the bible is my manual of procedure - my legal and moral compass. The Old Testament book of Leviticus was my destination.

I read and re-read Leviticus chapters 18 and 20. Way back in the days of Moses, God had provided his people with a list of things to do, as well as what they (we) should not do. The instructions captured in those two chapters, in particular, indicated that we should not engage in incest; humans (male and female) should not be having sex with animals; and men should not be having sex with men.

In those passages there are clear statements that these acts are considered an “abomination”. In other words, society understands that such behaviours are considered shameful, repugnant, and disgraceful. Back then, the laws required that those deemed to be guilty should be stoned to death. That was how seriously the offences were to be considered. Over time, the punishments have “softened”. However, many nations still retain laws that classify these behaviours as socially and morally unacceptable. It should be noted that there are some nations, like the USA, that appear to be relaxing their positions on such behaviours. The USA’s recent decision to allow samesex marriages would leave us to believe that this is the case. This law now appears to seek to make wrong appear right in the eyes of man. We can be assured that it is still categorised as wrong in the eyes of God (based on the passages cited in Leviticus).

Some may argue that we now live in an “enlightened” society, and people have the right to live how they want. This is not enlightenment.

Moving away from God’s word and His laws, is a move in the direction of darkness - not light. Those who seek to justify homosexual behaviours should read the two passages referred to earlier in this article. Having done so, respond to whether incest is acceptable behaviour. Consider whether it should also be legal for men and women to have sex with animals. This writer is confident that contemplating those two scenarios would result with a resounding “No!”.

Our modern society would find both instances very repulsive. God listed homosexuality along with those other two behaviours. This alone should convince us that a moral society should never contemplate legislating for such activities to be right.

GHomosexual behaviour is not new.

It is not a modern day activity. It has been around for a long time. There are passages in the Old Testament confirming that the behaviours occurred back in those days. But those behaviours were unacceptable.

They were wrong. And they are still wrong today. Stealing was wrong then, and stealing is still wrong today.

Adultery was wrong then, and it is still wrong now. Incest was wrong then, and it is wrong now. Having sex with animals was wrong then, and it still is wrong today. The picture is quite clear to me.

We should note that, even if/when countries legislate to make wrong appear right, we still have to face the Righteous Judge, God. Persons and countries that break His rules and turn away from His guidelines for righteous living, will face the consequences. God’s design for marriage was union between a man and a woman. Any other combination is unacceptable in His sight. It does not matter who passes a contrary law.

His laws override all other laws. We know that God hates it when his creation engage in and encourage presumptuous sin. However, we are assured that, while God hates sin, He loves the sinner. We are so very grateful to God for His mercy and His grace. He is ever ready and willing to forgive us for our follies and infractions.

As a society, we are encouraged to treat all people with respect — regardless of how they differ from ourselves. We value the individual differences in relation to nationality, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences too. We should be encouraged to respect the rights of others, and note that those differences should not result in any citizen being denied their civic rights and privileges. As we seek to keep societies strong, we encourage all of our people to use God’s “manual of procedure” (the Hoy Bible) as our guide. He has indicated the rights and wrongs for our society. He has highlighted the rights and wrongs of the homosexual.

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

Elections and the dangers of snake oil salesmen PARTY DUN! Carnival is over, and the next big agenda item on the Vincentian calendar is the 2015 national elections.

Elections are always big. They determine whose vision of the future will be accepted by the people. This one is (the) biggest for a number of reasons.

It was never said that 4 times is a charm. Eustace will lead his team for the 4th consecutive elections. Will he finally emerge? Gonsalves will ask voters yet again, to stay with his tried and proven method of leadership. Will they give him the nod again? These elections are also transitional. The leaders of both parties are destined to play their last role as leaders of their respective parties.

Will the people conclude that Eustace, at the ripe age of 70, is too old for the complicated task of PM in these turbulent years of the 21st century, or would they take a leap of faith and go with him, with the hope that things might be better?

Or will they stick with Gonsalves, with the knowledge that he offers, among other assets, a cadre of candidates who are better armed with the youth, skill, training and experience so necessary in these difficult times?

There is no doubt that these questions loom large. But there are others. A Vincentian living abroad, on learning that I was a candidate for the governing party, asked that I offer 3 convincing reasons why the ULP should be returned to power.

Unhesitatingly, I offered 3 reasons why the ULP will be elected again.

Firstly, I offered that the ULP has done more to benefit the poor, marginalized and vulnerable sections of the Vincentian population than any other political party since adult suffrage. Advances in the areas of education and housing, scholarships and training, tax concession to those in the lowest income bracket, home health care for the elderly and disabled and the ‘Lives to Live’ programme, increase in relief benefits to the poor from $50 to $240, as well as the conscious decision to turn dead capital into live capital with the sale of lands, at concessionary prices, to home owners who squatted on government owned lands.

Do I need to offer more to make and further crystalize the point? I asked. My friend, while not discounting what I offered, asked that I move on to points two and three.

I then said Gonsalves’ leadership was visionary and at times exceptional in more ways than one.

There was an immediate acknowledgement. I posited that Gonsalves’ stature in the region and further afield was beyond question, and that this has certainly redounded to the benefit of our country. I offered that his position on the illegal overthrow of Haitian President Bertrand Aristede, condemnation of the authorities in the Dominican Republic for its horrendous treatment of Haitians, demonstrated that he was unafraid to lead from the front. His early and public support for Cuba and Venezuela, which resulted in the ongoing work to build the international airport at Argyle, and the benefits to our people through the Vision Now Programme and Petro-Caribe, were evidence that Gonsalves was willing to go beyond our traditional friends to ensure that SVG gets scarce but

necessary developmental assistance.

His leadership in taking the issue of reparations for genocide, TransAtlantic slave trade, slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean, to the United Nations since 2007 and in 2013, his work in leading CARICOM’s claim for reparations against Britain, France and the Netherlands, were proof positive that he was prepared to speak truth to power in pursuing our national interest.

No one seriously denies that Gonsalves is a policy wonk constantly looking for new ideas, issues and policies that may offer relief to the people without compromising the stature of the nation. His government’s early decision to ban the sale of citizenship, while granting citizenship to foreign nationals who demonstrated a commitment to St Vincent, was accepted by my friend as proof of Gonsalves’ Visionary style of leadership.

Finally, I said that the incoherence, policy deficit, inability to present a compelling, comparable or contrasting narrative, the overall lack of intellectual heft frequently displayed and demonstrated by the opposition leader, his candidates and leading supporters make it virtually impossible for any independent minded Vincentian to feel confident that the NDP leaders have an understanding of how small developing states like SVG, with limited resources, and shrinking levels of assistance from traditional donors, can be effectively governed.

Again my friend almost instinctively agreed.

In pronouncement after pronouncement, the opposition demonstrates that there is no big thinker, no intellectual ring leader, a dearth of basic understanding of elementary necessities of governing.

The leader and party are reactionary in style and character.

The opposition sells a brand of politics that is a throwback to the early days of independence. The outdated and worn tool of anticommunism remains a big weapon in its arsenal. Saving the country from a white Gonsalves is a major plank of its campaign play book.

Oppose, oppose, oppose, with the hope that people will be blinded by the dusty noise and vote it into office, is the daily diet the opposition feeds the populace, instead of a vision that proposes how it intends to get things done.

As a result, the opposition strategy of oppose, oppose, oppose will fail once again. Social media and cable television to which most Vincentians are connected, will prove its undoing.

People read and view what is happening to the economies of our neighbours. They appreciate that countries big and small, rich and poor are experiencing major difficulties.

As my friend agreed, unemployment is a big problem in SVG as in the United States where 20 million persons remain jobless. And so the NDP, he demanded, must not only speak of high unemployment, it must come with detailed plans as to how it will reduce it. Failure to do so, he concludes, means that they are nothing more than snake oil salesmen, undeserving of the confidence and vote of the people.

Send comments, critical comments and other views to jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

CWSA $25 monthly fixed charge on price of water is a gross injustice

THE CWSA $25 MONTHLY fixed charge on the price of water is a gross injustice and stops thousands of households from being able to afford mains water, and is the reason why thousands of households have had their water cut off.

According to CWSA statistics, during the period of 2006 to 2010, the average number of household water disconnections per month was 360. Over this 5 year period, about 21,600 households were disconnected from the mains water supply.

If the average household is 3 or 4 persons,

then the number unt of people cut off from the piped water supply over this 5 year period was between 64,800 and 86,400.

The table shows the water bill for a CWSA customer for the month of June 2015. The actual water consumption by the customer is only 18.8% of the bill.

Incredibly, 81.2% of the bill is the $25 monthly fixed charge.

(INSERT TABLE SAVED AS TABL;E FOR GREEN PARTY) CWSA imposes a Basic Water Charge of $14 every month on the water bill, but has failed to explain to its customers what this Basic Water Charge of $14 every month is for. It is a gross injustice that poor households are forced to pay an environmental fee of $11 each month to keep the SVG environment clean for the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan who pay no tax.

A Green government would abolish the $25 monthly fixed charge to reduce the cost of water and make it affordable to poor households. To subsidise this, CWSA would export fresh drinking water in tanker loads and earn about $30 million dollars every year. Global bulk water prices are increasing and this will help CWSA to operate with surplus revenue. An SVG water export industry will contribute to our economic growth and the creation of new jobs.

A Green government would take the sewerage unit out of CWSA. The sewerage unit and environmental fee of $11 should

be funded from the Consolidated Fund, i.e., government central funds, not poor households.

The CWSA reconnection fee of $100 is outrageously high. A Green government would bring smart meters to SVG which use the key charge system. Households could then top up (as people do with mobile phones) their water meter key in amounts that were affordable to them, from $1 upwards. This way, no household in SVG would ever have their water cut off again and fear a reconnection fee of $100.

Smart meters would reduce CWSA’s running costs significantly, as the need to disconnect and reconnect customers would be history. Reduced running costs will also make reducing the price of water more feasible.

A Green government would bring in

water barges to transport fresh drinking water to the Grenadines islands and build bigger reservoirs in the watershed areas and interconnections between the reservoirs to increase the reserve supply of drinking water.

The price of water in SVG is much too high and the $25 monthly fixed charge must go. It is essential that piped water is made affordable and accessible to all households in our country, as river water is now highly polluted with chemical runoff from chemicals used in agriculture.

River water is not fit for human consumption owing to the pollution.

Vote Green Party to reduce the price of water.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Garifuna Heritage Foundation calls for long term approach and the Garifuna in the Diaspora as a whole.

The issue of Honorary Citizenship or full citizenship for persons from the Garifuna Diaspora not presently entitled, “The issue of Honorary Citizenship or full is one which first and foremost concerns Citizenship of Garifuna from the Diaspora in Vincentians as current holders of this St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not one sacred birthright. It will be guided that was ventilated by the delegates during principally by the Laws of St. Vincent and discussions at any of our International the Grenadines and changes to Citizenship Conferences. That being said, it does not can be made, and changes to the existing exclude its consideration at any point in laws, by the Vincentian Lawmakers under time, although it is an issue that is delicate whose responsibility it falls to determine. and complex.

Persons from the Garifuna Diaspora who The Garifuna people in the Diaspora are not Vincentians can express opinions reside in several distinct political nation and ideas, however, these opinions and states in Central America. A significant ideas, at this point in time, will more than number have migrated and established likely not be emerging from one common, vibrant communities in the USA. The consensual position of all people in the Garifuna in the Diaspora have yet to Garifuna Diaspora. It is more important determine among themselves a consensual that a strategy be outlined for the mechanism for identifying a common Vincentian public to be fully engaged in leadership and overarching authoritative the development, and approval of any voice. At the 2015 International Garifuna proposal which affects the conveying of Summit, the issue of the Garifuna Nation such citizenship. Any approach which was addressed to a limited extent, to seek seeks to force the issue will, in our view, to clarify elements of the concept. There be counterproductive. was no intention to develop a leadership Above all, we urge that discussions on structure. This attempt to develop a the issue be given the seriousness it global Garifuna Leadership structure has deserves in all its complexity. In the been made at various times, the most context of an upcoming General Elections, recent being 2014 when a Garifuna Nation discussions of such a nature could be Summit was held in New York, USA. impacted by the divisiveness of party There is still much work to be done in politics. We also urge that a long term this regard before a concrete result can approach be adopted, within which emerge in future to determine whether proposals for strengthening the there will be any unified organization educational and awareness programmes speaking for all Garifuna people. This consensual voice may be required if the on the Garifuna Heritage and culture at dialogue on Honorary Citizenship is to the local level be included for development take place on a constructive basis, between and implementation, and that the representatives of the Government and approach of dialogue and consensus people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines building be strategically employed.“ Editor’s Note: The following is an extract from a statement by the Garifuna Heritage Foundation on the issue of Honorary Citizenship for Garifuna from the Diaspora.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 13.

News

was not only his birth place, it was his home for the better part of his life.

Circumstances in that country, and a desire to ‘find his real roots’ pushed him to settle in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and he now resides at Sion Hill.

John is an artist, and it seems not by chance that he would have found a place in Sion Hill, since that community is renowned for its heightened cultural, sporting and artistic activity, not to mention its place as a political hotbed.

He has been painting as a professional artist — in both oils and acrylics on canvas - for the past twenty years.

He began doing cartoons at an early age, identified art as his calling, and sought formal accreditation in that discipline through a correspondence course while still a youth in the Dominican Republic.

John Hoyte is highly influenced by Of African stock, it is easily the patterns and colours of Haitian understood that his art — with a art. special penchant for landscapes and human forms interwoven in the JOHN HOYTE WAS BORN in the natural beauty of things Caribbean Dominican Republic of Vincentian ancestry. That Spanish-speaking country would be influenced by the strong

Haitian presence that abounds in the artistic life of the DR. His work is packed with vibrant colours strategically spread through his work so that it is difficult to be overcome by any one colour.

His strong compositions comprising human forms depicting some activity of Caribbean life, are carefully patterned and colured, so that each object stands apart, yet merges with the others to form a single, lingering image.

John’s work is available in large sizes (20’ x 24”) and smaller more functional pieces John Hoyte’s human forms and activities are (6’ x 8”). carefully interwoven to project a single image.

He has had showings to deliver pieces on order. and sales in Union Island and, as he He can be contacted at tel. no. 528 — introduces his work to more persons on the mainland, he has and stands ready 5223.

14. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V Mayers keeps Miss Carival title in SVG Carnival

De Yonte Mayers, Miss Carival 2015, in her winning evening wear.

by KENVILLE HORNE NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD De Yonte Mayers, Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2015, ensured that the title of Miss Carival returned to the host country, after a six-year absence.

De Yonte was consistent throughout the 30th Edition of the Miss Carival Show, held at Victoria Park on Friday 3rd July. So much so, the adjudicators awarded her first position in three of the judged categories: Swimwear, Talent and Evening Wear. She also took the Miss Photogenic award.

Her stunning evening gown caressed her body to near perfection. The predominantly blue outfit with glittering effect, was designed by one of SVG’s most successful fashion designers, Kimon Baptiste.

In the talent segment, Mayers included a multimedia presentation, to reflect the experience of this country’s only designated National Hero to date, Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer. Pulsating live rhythms from drummers provided the musical accompaniment for a creative and enticing interpretation.

First runner-up and Best Interview went to Miss Dominica, Odessa Elie, who just failed to do the hattrick for her country by one position.

Heidi Barrow, Miss Barbados, re-established her country’s presence among the top positions by taking the second runnerup spot. She was also voted Miss Congeniality.

Miss Guyana, Alicia Bess, was adjudged Most Community spirited.

The other contestants in the pageant were: Miss Anguilla, Shereena Richardson; Miss St. Lucia, Crystal Octave; Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Afeya Jeffrey; and Miss St. Kitts and Nevis, Tishima Browne.

Heidi Barrow, Miss Barbados, 2nd Runner-up and Miss Congeniality.

Odessa Elie, Miss Dominica, almost did the hat-trick for her country.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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New Vincy restaurant in town Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT YET ANOTHER VINCENTIAN restaurant has opened its doors in the epicentre of the Caribbean Community in Brooklyn, New York Vincentian-born graphic designer and community figure, Franklyn ‘Supadex’

The proud owners and operators of ‘Caribbean Spot’ Franklyn ‘Supadex’ Richards and Marge Durant.

Richards, and his Trinidadianborn fiancée, Marge Durant, a professional hairdresser and owner of Discover Beauty Unisex Salon in Brooklyn, opened ‘Caribbean Spot’ early last month.

Located on 3916 Church Ave., between East 39th and 40th Streets, Richards, president of the popular Vincentian community group VincyCares, told THE VINCENTIAN in an exclusive interview, that the restaurant “was pretty much her (Durant) idea; she always wanted to own a restaurant.”

Richard said further that Durant, who was involved in food catering, “wanted to take it to another level, and she started looking at the possibility of owning a restaurant.

“So when this place became vacant, we jumped on the opportunity because of its location,” he continued.

Richards, who owns the Brooklyn-based Blak Shuga Graphix, said one reason he got involved in the restaurant

business was to “fill a void” in the Vincentian community in New York metropolitan area.

“We wanted Vincentians to get access to a restaurant they can call home — where they get access to local drinks and food, and a place where they can socialize,” he said.

Durant, who hails from Woodbrook in Port-of-Spain, the Trinidad and Tobago capital, said her love for cooking and service goes back to growing up in the twinisland republic.

With a mixed heritage of Chinese, Spanish, Indian and African, Durant said she can cook a wide variety of ethnic and local food.

From her famous curry crab and callaloo to her Chinese “pow”, she said the rest of her repertoire is “very wide.”

“I’m very proud it,” said Durant about the new restaurant in town. “It’s

The ‘Caribbean Spot’, the latest to offer Vincy and other Caribbean delicacies in the Big Apple. something I always wanted to do; it’s part of my dream that came true.”

The walls of the restaurant are adorned with pictures of some of what Richards regarded as the greater leaders and nation-builders in the Caribbean. These include paramount Carib Chief Joseph Chatoyer, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; late St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Robert Milton Cato; late Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams; and Jamaica’s national hero and panAfricanist Marcus Mosiah

Garvey.

“The long-term vision is to financially empower Vincentians at home,” he said.

“I want to go there and purchase produce, such as conch, Blackfish, fish and fruits and vegetables, and make them available for Vincentians in the Diaspora.

“I just want to thank the Vincy community for their support so far,” he added.

“We’re trying to be in there for the long-run. Vincentians needed a restaurant where they can get access to food they’re accustomed to eat from home.”

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Ottley Hall Marina in new hands

THE OTTLEY HALL Marina and Shipyard is in for some major rehabilitation and upgrade.

Following a lease arrangement which it signed on June 23, 2015 with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, new lease, St. Vincent The Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard Ltd. (SSL), Shipyard is said to have not disclosed that some fulfilled its true potential to date.

EC$5 million have been earmarked for ‘restorative activities in relation to the shipyard, to make the facility ready for full operations’.

According to SSL, these activities will include the completion of a small hotel and the re-opening of the supermarket.

The new lease, which will span fifteen years, took effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, the day on which SSL assumed full management of the facility.

According to a release from SSL, “the company intends to retain the current staff at the Marina,” adding that more persons will be employed as the activities at the shipyard increase.

Daniel Ravotti, Chairman of SSL said, ‘The company is excited about this development which will enhance the provision of ship yard and dry docking facilities in the state”.

The facility is expected to offer services inclusive of dry docking, inspection and repairs to hulls, bunkering, sand blasting, shell plating and painting, and the installation, maintenance and overhaul of marine engines.

SSL directors include five local engineers, and three persons from abroad.

Family remains hopeful IT HAS BEEN a little over two that her husband left to go father, and weeks since Leroy Douglas was fishing, as he usually did on that she reported missing. most Sundays. suspected Douglas disappeared on June The family became worried foul play.

14 after he left his Prospect after the man did not return.

(DD) home to go fishing.

Daughter Nerisia DouglasThere has He never returned and, Harry explained that her been no trace according to some of his close father had related to them a relatives, they feared that he few encounters with another of Leroy was killed. individual who threatened her Douglas since he Veronica Douglas told THE father’s life. disappeared VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, She told THE on June 14, that nothing has since turned VINCENTIAN then, that she 2015. up. feared the worst for her “There is still no sign of him, no body, no fishing gear,” she said.

Douglas said that she and the rest of the family were doing their best to “keep the faith,” and that Many plant lovers enjoy having DISH those plants whose light and water “We are learning to GARDENS. They are very beautiful needs are similar. and can be placed in various places, be strong.”

Put a layer of pebbles or light such as on desks, where people work, gravel and charcoal for drainage, Douglas also said that the family bathrooms and kitchen counter tops, making sure they sit at the bottom of among others. were hoping and the container. Add a layer of peatA Dish Garden can be made of praying that based potting soil. Arrange your something will turn practically any material. To make a plants as desired. If the garden will be dish garden, select a low broad and an viewed from only one side, place the up in order that open dish deep enough to hold the they can get some taller plants at the back, and the potting material needed for the closure. shorter ones closer to the front.

About two weeks plants.

Tighten the soil around the individual Select a variety of young foliage ago, Veronica said plants and add water. plants. Remember to combine only

Creating environments for floral life

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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Joseph-Laidlow-Wilson bursaries available RELATIVES of the late Francis Haywood-Joseph, Miriam Ross-Laidlow and Edmay Bramble-Wilson have announced that bursaries, in the name of the three women, are now available to primary and/or secondary school students here in St.

Vincent and the Grenadines.

Three Bursaries are to be awarded for the 20152016 school year. They are: The Francis Haywood -Joseph Bursary for male and female students; The Miriam Ross- Laidlow

Bursary open to male students only; and the Edmay Bramble-Wilson Bursary open to female students only.

To qualify for consideration, applicants/students must be enrolled in a primary or secondary school for

the 2015 — 2016 school year.

Each applicant is required to submit an essay - 500-600 words for primary schoolers and 1000 — 1100 words for secondary school students - on the topic, ‘Why I Love my

Grandparent or Elderly Relative’.

Submissions are to be made via email to candicelaidliow@gmail.co m, no later than July 31st, 2015. Winners will be contacted by August 17th, 2015.

Benefactors of the Bursaries say that a brief presentation ceremony will be held at a date to be announced.

The bursaries are the brainchild of Candice Laidlow, who was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and now lives in Toronto.

Candice said to THE VINCENTIAN in August 2014 when she launched the scheme, that she had had the continuous

Candice Laidlow established the bursaries in memory of those she described as her ‘three grandmothers’. influence of “three grandmothers, who were great believers of service towards their family and community.”

The Bursary is her way of “perpetuating the memory of these three women, and their demonstration of service towards their family and society at large.”

Vinsave pre-schoolers proudly displaying their certificates which ‘send them off’, prepared for another stage of their education.

Vinsave ‘sends off’ twenty-seven TWENTY-SEVEN (27) pre-schoolers of the Vinsave Child Development Centre held their ‘Send Off” on Thursday 25/6/15 at the Vinsave Auditorium, under the theme — ‘Healthy Children Healthy Nation’.

Feature Speaker, Ms. Shanika John, Health Promoter, Ministry of Health, spoke to parents and guardians about their roles and responsibilities as parents, and encouraged them to continue to be supportive of their children. The audience heard reports of the Centre’s programme over the year 2014-15, while the children performed in dance, drama, poetry and song, to the their delight.

The children will join many others at the various primary schools across the country, as they move onto the primary level, having been exposed to Early Childhood stimulation programmes here at Vinsave.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Let him go back

that he plans to tell his wife, so I can go right ahead and tell her.

George, I believe he is bluffing; I HAVE BEEN going with a married he will never tell his wife about man for over 6 months now, and us. Should I go ahead and tell things between us have been nice until lately, when he told me that he her about us and let him pay the price for cheating on her? Why do wanted to break if off. He said he can no longer continue to cheat on I feel like I am the one who is on the losing end here? his wife.

The thing is, George, when he Mad Keeper came to me the first time and he got what he wanted, did he not know that he was cheating on his Dear Mad Keeper, wife? He thinks he can just walk It was wrong for you, in the in and out of my life just like that first place, to agree to a without paying a price? relationship with a man you know I told him that if he ever breaks it off with me, I would tell was married. You should have redirected him back to his wife at his wife and make havoc in his the very first time he made an marriage. He then said to me

Dear George,

advance to you.

He now wants to get back on track, and the upright thing for you to do is to encourage him and apologise to him for encouraging him down an immoral road. If he says he is going to level with his wife about you, then leave him to do so. Give him the benefit of the doubt and leave him to walk away from you and back to his wife.

There is hardly any winner when someone steps out of bounds and gets involved with someone else. Guard yourself better in the future, and let the person in your life be someone who is free to love you and only you.

but now he has gone too far.

We have been married 1 year, and I want out of this marriage. I MY HUSBAND was found redtalked with my mother, and she handed having sex with my said she was attracted to him and mother, and this is something I could not resist him sexually. She cannot forgive him for. My did not even apologise to me for mother is 20 years older than I, and I cannot see for the life of me doing what she did, but said that if I intend to break up with him, why he would go and do such a she would be more than willing to terrible thing to me. have him for herself.

From day one, when he first My husband agreed to break met my mother, he kept on commenting about how young she the marriage, and he said that he intends to date my mother looked and even looked better than I did. I allowed that to pass, instead. I cannot believe what

Dear George,

I’m living right now. It is a total nightmare. I do not want to go to any counselling, but I just want you to know, and to let the women out there know, that they have to be on their guard with their mothers when it comes to their husbands.

I WANT THIS letter to be a warning to all the mothers out there, to keep a closer watch on their teenage daughters.

I am 14 years old and attending a secondary school. I have been going out with a man who is 3 times my age. Since I have been going out with him, I have no need for money or food.

The fact is that six of my school friends are also seeing the same man, and the word is that he has other girls in other schools.

What my friends do not know is that I have tested positive for HIV, and I am scared, too scared to even tell my mother. I do not know how many of my friends are infected, but I have not told them about me yet.

I told the guy about it, and he said he knows I have it because he had it a long time. I am so sad right now and very depressed. I do not know what to do. I do not want to die.

Hurt

Sad

Dear Hurt,

Dear Sad,

Very unfortunate indeed. The good news is, it is not all mothers out there who are like that. Your mother did you a terrible injustice but despite that, you need to realise that that is not the norm but rather the exception, a very sad and unfortunate exception I admit.

You may still need to speak to someone to help you to reorganize your thoughts a bit.

I enter into your feelings. What you need to do now is to let your mother into this situation. If you are not sure about how to do so, you can go to a counselling agency and ask for help.

I would recommend that you go to the Marion House. Someone there will help you through this and invite your mother in on it at the right time.

It is not the end of the world for you but, at the same time, you need to get the right counselling/information to allow you to live a productive life. It is also a good idea to encourage your friends to get tested, so that they would not only know their status, but also prevent them from spreading this disease indiscriminately.

George

Losing out to my mother Dear George,

HIV + and scared of dying

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don’t be too confident that co-workers are on your side. A lack of support and negativity have been the main problems. Show what a dedicated person you can be. Your ability to deal with others will help you accomplish your goals.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don’t let others know about your private affairs. Don’t hesitate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. You must be careful not to reveal secrets or get involved in gossip. Concentrate on work and on making money.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise. Travel will promote new romantic connections. Take care of your personal needs.

Family outings or a quiet stroll through the park will lead to stimulating conversation and a closer bond.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Money can be made if you are willing to take a chance. You will enjoy travel and getting together with peers. Try to think things through. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. Opportunities will unfold; however, you must be willing to pay the price.

You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t let others know about your private

affairs. You are best to deal with those outside your family. Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren’t well organized. Look into ways that you can make extra cash. You can make a serious attempt at quitting those bad habits that you’ve picked up over the years. You may want to put everyone to work on a project that will keep them all too busy to complain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Visit someone who hasn’t been feeling well lately. You may be more emotional than usual.

Don’t overspend on children or on large purchases. Your mate may not have been honest with you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. Changes regarding family members will set you off. Go out with friends or family. Don’t let children or elders put demands on your time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas and directions. You won’t have to look for the action. Don’t be too eager to give a piece of your mind or even your opinion this week. Try not to take everything so seriously.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. You will meet new and exciting people if you attend social activities or sporting events. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget.

ACROSS 1. ”Shane” star 5. Behave or print preceder 8. Pen-making name 11. “Peekaboo, __ you!” (2 wds.)

12. Comic Johnson 13. A Gabor sister 14. Cleansing bar 15. Catastrophe 17. Bear the price 19. From __ Z (2 wds.)

20. Soft mineral 22. French student 26. Become wealthy 29. Lavished affection 30. Charged atom 31. Society girl 33. Angle starter 34. Luxurious 37. Get the oven ready for baking 40. Borden animal 41. Bathroom floor piece 42. Some monopoly purchases (abbr.)

44. Exonerates 48. Appointment diary 52. “Heart and Soul”, often 53. Have 54. Terms of a bargain price (2 wds.)

55. Writter Ferber 56. Stiffen 57. Reaction to an IM joke 58. “Runaround Sue” singer DOWN 1. __ Marie Presley 2. __ today (now, 2 wds.)

3. Hard of hearing 4. Transportation terminals

5. Modern diagnostic test (abbr.)

6. “__ deal!” (2 wds.)

7. Sitting 8. Belmont transaction 9. Common contraction 10. Motor vehicle 12. Confused 16. Unaccompanied 18. Knocking sound 21. Moved furtively 23. Kitchen follower 24. “Alice” role 25. Check galleys 26. “__ down!” (“Hush!”)

27. Pillsbury product 28. Load 32. Storybook building material 35. Foal’s father 36. Kind of tea 38. House wing 39. Paid attention

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 21.

43.

45.

46.

47.

48.

Fair (hyph.)

German auto Nevada city Comic Laurel It follows uno 49. Wonderment 50. Explosive initials 51. Frying liquid

V

22. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Lawyer recalls last conversation with Sylvester road peace march the Universal Peace Federation will be hosting here.

THE LATE PROMINENT Vincentian lawyer, “She said to keep her informed Nicole Sylvester, was looking forward to about it. We discussed some other being back on the job in September. issues that I promised to look into and According to her close friend and get back to her,” said Bacchus-Browne, colleague, Kay Bacchus-Browne, also a prominent Vincentian lawyer.

Sylvester relayed that information to She recalled that Sylvester also told her during a telephone conversation her that her children were supposed to between 7:30 and 8 a.m. on Thursday, collect their report cards that very day, July 2. It turned out to be their last and she could hear her (Sylvester) conversation, as Sylvester died just reminding one of them about that. She hours after at her Questelles home. noted that her conversation with Sylvester, who was president of the Sylvester lasted for about 15 minutes.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Around 5 p.m. that day, BacchusHuman Rights Association (SVGHRA) Browne received the spine chilling up the time of her death, had to be news that the woman with whom she flown to Trinidad and Tobago earlier had spoken just hours before, had this year, after taking ill. She died. underwent surgery there, and “I said no, not at all, it couldn’t be,” returned to SVG about three weeks she told THE VINCENTIAN. ago.

“I spoke to her close friend, and she THE VINCENTIAN understands confirmed it. I just couldn’t process that an autopsy was expected to be that information then. It really rocked done. me. I think I am still processing it.”

In recounting that last and Bacchus-Browne recalled visiting memorable conversation, BacchusSylvester the day after the former Browne related, “She (Sylvester) said SVGHRA president returned to St. everything was okay. She was Vincent and the Grenadines, from thanking God for pulling her through Trinidad and Tobago. the operation: that she was going to According to Bacchus-Browne, “She the United States for a further check- (Sylvester) looked so well.” up, and hopefully she would be back Sylvester and Bacchus-Browne, both out to work in September.” former presidents of the SVG Bar Bacchus-Browne said they spoke on Association (SVGBA), had worked several current issues, and discussed a together on several court matters.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Prosecutor: ÂSylvester was kind and caringÊ communities. He said that Sylvester was from Questelles and he from Campden Park.

While the Senior Prosecutor noted that Sylvester was very easy to approach and speak to, he stressed that she was a consummate professional, who took her work very seriously.

“She was a very thorough, conscientious, hard-working person, who always gave the Adolphus Delpleche, maximum representation Senior Prosecutor, to her clients at all described Attorney Nicole times.”

Sylvester as ‘the Delpleche also said consummate Sylvester was a very professional’. thorough researcher and recalled that while he

by HAYDN HUGGINS was pursuing his A’level studies in Law, she ADOLPHUS DELPLECHE, assisted him in researching Senior Prosecutor in the and explaining certain Office of the Director of cases.

Public Prosecutions, has He added that when he described the late was about to travel to Vincentian lawyer Nicole England to pursue his law Sylvester, as a very degree, Sylvester gave him humble, kind and caring guidance as to what to person. expect, and how to Delpleche told THE approach certain subjects.

VINCENTIAN he knew Delpleche said there Sylvester since he was a were persons who told him child, both having grown up Sylvester did substantial in neighbouring

work for them pro bono.

“She had her strengths and weaknesses, possibilities and limitations like every human being. ‘He who is without sin throw the first stone’. None of us can throw stones because all of us have sinned,” the Senior Prosecutor said.

But he declared, “When her (Sylvester) balance sheet is written, she would have more credit than debit.”

Delpleche had called for one minute silence last Friday at the Serious Offences Court in respect of Sylvester. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias agreed, and the minute silence was observed.

Attorney Kay BacchusBrowne formed a partnership with Nicole Sylvester to fight number of ‘controversial’ matter here.

Bacchus-Browne said, many of these were related to issues of democracy and the rights and freedoms of Vincentians.

Sylvester passed away at her Questelles She also noted that they home on July 2, 2015. handled personal matters for in God, a mother, a sister, a colleague each other.

“She was my lawyer, and I was her and a friend. She was fair but fearless,” she stated. lawyer,” she disclosed.

Sylvester was also a former Bacchus-Browne described Sylvester president of the Organization of as a brilliant, committed and dedicated Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Bar lawyer, and expressed the view that persons of her calibre are very difficult Association.

The OECS Law Fair, a continuing to replace. legal education exercise for lawyers of “Our nation has lost a stalwart, a the OECS, was her brainchild. woman activist, a social activist, a woman of strength, character and faith

Retired judge saddened by Sylvester’s death Judge and former Magistrate added.

RETIRED SENIOR High Court Judge, Sylvester was Frederick Bruce-Lyle, says the late Nicole President of the St. Sylvester was one of the best lawyers in St. Vincent and the Vincent and the Grenadines, and possibly Grenadines Human in the Caribbean.

Rights Association Sylvester, who returned to St. Vincent (SVGHRA) at the and the Grenadines about three weeks ago time of her death. after undergoing surgery in Trinidad and She was also a Tobago, died at her Questelles home former president of Thursday, July 2. the St. Vincent and Frederick Bruce“I was shattered, I was stunned when I the Grenadines Bar Lyle, Retired heard the news. I thought she was coming Association Senior High Court along good,” Bruce-Lyle told THE (SVGBA), as well Judge, ranks VINCENTIAN. as the Organization Nicole Sylvester as “She was one of the best lawyers in St. of Eastern being among the Vincent and the Grenadines, and maybe in Caribbean States best lawyers in the the Caribbean. If you retain her, you know (OECS) Bar Caribbean. you would get good value for your money.

Association.

She was a very good advocate in her Sylvester profession. She was a consummate appeared, as a lawyer, in a number of high advocate. I am sad to know that she went profile cases here, including matters of a this way, but God knows best,” the retired political nature.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

SVG Human Rights Association laments on the passing of Ms. Nicole Sylvester THE EXECUTIVE AND MEMBERS of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights Association are deeply saddened by the passing of its president, Ms Nicole Sylvester.

Nicole was a pioneer in the field of human rights here in St. Vincnet and the Grenadines, across the Caribbean and internationally, and championed the cause of the less fortunate nationally and regionally.

Her stints as President of both the Eastern Caribbean

Bar Association and the local Bar, placed her in the position to work towards enhancing the work of the SVG Human Rights Association, and building its capacity.

Nicole will be greatly missed by the executive and members of the Association, and her passing has surely left a void.

The entire membership of the SVG Human Rights Association extends sincere sympathy to the bereaved family, particularly her sons, on her sudden passing.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 23.

SVG claim Windwards U19 Title

and turn in some timely performances.

The SVG team recorded three wins, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES two no results and alone loss on their Under 19 cricketers returned home on way to winning the title. the night of the Soca Monarch show, Team coach Orlanzo Jackson said with the Windward Islands title in their the team played as a unit, and this possession. helped them out of some tight The SVG team last won the title in situations.

2008 and for the last few years have He said that in the first match, they failed to get a lien on the coveted piece only made 89, but were able to dismiss of silverware owing to poor play, bad Dominica for 83 in the final over. umpire decisions or dicey weather.

The victorious SVG U19 cricket team.

Going into the final, SVG were Reports say that the team under the second with the hometeam Dominica beating Dominica, SVG claimed the leadership of Romano Pierre atop the tables. title. encountered challenges of poor play, SVG were dismissed for 133 in 27 The coach said that the standard of questionable umpiring decisions and overs but fought back to dismiss St. the tournament was very high, with dicey weather, were able to dig deep Lucia for 124, and with Grenada the pitches also being of a high quality. He expressed disappointment with the batsmen not capitalising on the good wickets, but said this may have had something to do with the format of the 50/50 cricket, “where batsmen felt that they had to be always playing attacking shots.”

He was full of praise for Pierre and FORMER NATIONAL Othneil Lewis both of whom, along BODYBUILDING champion, Garvin with fastbowler Obed McCoy and Phillips, now residing in Bermuda, is Gidron Pope, were named in the still active and winning.

Windwards squad.

His most recent victory came in St. Pope, who was named captain of the Maarten early in June, when he won SVG team, did not play in the the heavyweight title at the 2015 Inter tournament, after being offered a Island Body Building Championship. development contract with the St. Phillips continues to represent St Lucia Zouks, in the current Caribbean Vincent and the Grenadines at the Premier League-CPL-. championships in which he competes, He said that Lewis looked a classy and he did so at the St. Maarten player and was spoken of highly by all Championships which featured bodywho saw him. Lewis was named builders from Barbados, St. Lucia, St. SVG’s MVP of the tournament.

Kitts, Antigua, Anguilla, Martinique, On the bowling, both Jackson and Trinidad, Saint Martin, and St manager Parnel Browne were high in Maarten. praise for left-arm seamer McCoy. He ‘This was the 5th edition of the picked up ten wickets in the championship and my first time tournament and was the quickest competing in it, so I am happy to finish bowler in the tournament. as the top performer,” Phillips said.

Garvin Phillips continues to compete He added, “The quality of the for SVG even though he resides in athletes was very high, where most of Bermuda. the athletes that took part in the things, making it difficult for him to championship were athletes I have seen competing at the Central America stick to his regular preparation schedule. and Caribbean (CAC) Body Building He was pleased, regardless of his and Fitness Championships.”

Philips also represented SVG, for the showing in Trinidad, to have performed in front of his mother, Agatha Phillips, first time, in the 13th Annual Sports his sons Nicholas and Garrin and his World Body Building and Fitness Championships 2015, held in Trinidad uncle Felix and wife, Marlene.

Next up for Phillips is the Central last weekend.

America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Over 50 athletes from across the championships slated for The Bahamas Caribbean competed in different from 1st to 4th October 2015. He will bodybuilding and fitness classes.

“I competed in the heavyweight class compete in the masters’ class for persons over 40yrs, and the super which included males over 200lbs. heavyweight class.

There were seven (7) athletes in my Venold Coombs has headed an St. Vincent and the Grenadines is class. I came fifth,” Phillips stated.

Executive of the SVGFF that has expected to host, later in the year, its He explained that his condition was kept good on its commitment to off, having spent the week prior to the first Invitational Body Building award prizes and pay prize money Exhibition.

Trinidad championship, in St. Vincent, for all tournaments organised under where he had to attend to a number of its direct auspices.

I.B.A.ALLEN

By E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Phillips wins another heavyweight title

“Everybody was talking about Obed (McCoy) with his pace. In fact, many people were saying that he has a bright future and were looking for him in the Windwards team soon….he Orlando Jackson, coach of the U19 really bowled team, is confident with good pace,” Jackson that SVG can repeat victory in 2016. said.

Jackson is confident that the team can repeat, with possibly six players expected to return for the 2016 tournament, and he suggested that the SVG Cricket Association should look at the possibility of playing the U19 team unit in the national competition.

SVG ended the tournament on 22 points, followed by Dominica 18 points, Grenada 16 points, and St. Lucia 12 points.

Grenada won the tournament in 2014 after rain affected SVG in a number of crucial matches.

Football Prize-Giving Ceremony set FOOTBALLERS HERE CAN LOOK forward to a windfall of rewards when the SVG Football Federation (SVGFF) holds its prize-giving ceremony for two successfully completed tournaments held here in 2015.

A release from the Federation says that the Awards and Prize Giving Ceremony for the 2014 edition of the National Club Championships and the 2015 National Community Inter League Championships will be held on Friday 17th July 2015, at Frenches House.

The date is postponed from the originally scheduled date of Friday 10th July 2015.

The Federation, under the presidency of Venold Coombs, has fulfilled all its prize commitments to footballers here, and 2015 seems not to be an exception.

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Williams’ record breaking run being questioned

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT “COURTNEY WILLIAMS, one of two athletes on an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship in the United States, sprinted into the record books by breaking the 200m national record, on his quest to Pan Am Games qualification.”

“On Friday 5, June 2015, at the 2015 Texas State University Friday Night Lights All Comers Meet, Courtney lived up to long held expectations in the 200m when he clocked 20.59 secs, qualifying for the 200m event Coach Michael in the Pan Am Games and ‘Mercy’ Ollivierre breaking the national record in has questioned the the process.” sudden remarkable That was how, inter alia, improvement by Team Athletics St. Vincent Courtney Williams. and the Grenadines-TASVG-

heralded the arrival of a ‘star’.

However one month after the acclaimed feat, many ‘in the know’ here are questioning the veracity of the information as dispensed by the local ruling body.

Veteran track and field coach, Michael ‘Mercy’ Ollivierre has expressed concerns over the time since, according to him, the athlete has never run close to that time before or after “breaking the record.”

Ollivierre said that he would only be satisfied when the equipment used in timing the event and the correct wind speed is given.

“It is really strange for an athlete who never posted that quick a time or come close to it, to all of a sudden to do…something is not right”, Ollivierre contends.

A technical official with international accreditation when asked about verification and confirmation of records, explained that each time a record is broken, the equipment is checked along with other things related to that particular event, before it is stated as a fact. He like Ollivierre admitted that he had some reservation with the claim of the record, but prefers to allow time to produce the real evidence.

Top distance runner and now coach, Pamenos Ballantyne, not one to ignore an issue regarding track and field, was forthright in query of the time.

“There is no way that Courtney Williams could

run that time there….no way …,” he said with the usual passion in his voice.

“Look at his times since then….he went to St. Kitts and other places and never came close to that time….he is running high 21’s….and 22’s, so where did he get that speed all of a sudden?”

The concerns of both Ollivierre and Ballantyne appear to have some merit with Williams at the Lobo Courtney Williams is said Collegiate Invitational to have clocked an in AL-BU-QUER-QUE, outstanding 20:59 secs in New Mexico posting a a 200 m run. time of 22.32 seconds and placing 3rd in his 200-metres heat then.

Telephone calls to General Secretary of TASVG Tyrone James and chairman of selectors Rohan Thomas received no responses.

The 200 metres record of 20.76 was set by top athlete Esworth Coombs in May 1995, at the NJCAA Championships in Odessa, United States.

Andrews is grassroots volleyball co-ordinator Action in the St. Lucia Veterans-Barbados Arms Unit final of the 2015 Guinness Street Football Caribbean Challenge. (Internet photo)

St. Lucia takes Guinness Street Football Challenge St. Lucia Veterans are the 2015 winners of the Guinness Street Football Challenge Caribbean.

They trounced a hapless Barbados Arms Unit, 4-1, in the finals of the Challenge, staged in Jamaica from June 27-28.

St. Lucia earned a spot in the finals after they disposed of SVG’s Mareyna Bar and Grill White Squall, 2-0. White Squall had earned a semi-final berth with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rams Village Superstars of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Aruba’s Soccer Giants got by St Vincent 2-1 to claim third place.

The regional champions pocketed US$6,000.

Second-placed Barbados received US$3,000, with third-placed and fourth-placed, Aruba and St Vincent, receiving US$2,500 and US$1,000, respectively.

Romiel Felix, captain of St Lucia’s Veterans, was named the Golden Boot winner. He was presented with a US$500 cheque, courtesy of Digicel.

Mareyna Bar and Grill White Squall had earned the right to represent SVG in the Regional Challenge finals, having won the local leg of the Challenge, which climaxed here on June 20.

Their team comprised Reginald Payne, Shelly Williams, Jomo Brudy, Durwin Ross, Dexter McCree, Kyle Peters and Roddie Thompson White Squall.

THE DEVELOPMENT of Volleyball from the grassroots level here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has been placed in the capable hands of Vance Andrews.

His responsibilities include introducing the game at a young age through school visits, volleyball festivals, summer camps and community outreach programmes.

“I am glad for the appointment, and will do my best in the position”, Andrews said about his undertaking.

Significantly, Andrews’ pursuit of Members of the Division of Physical Education and Sports these noble task is purely on a voluntary being introduced to the fundamentals of Volleyball. basis.

But Andrews will not be He was selected and accepted the task after shadowing Canadian Sean Mc Kay for the past four alone in his efforts. He is months, while he, McKay, was guest of the St expected to get some Vincent and the Grenadines Volleyball Association. assistance from members of Mc Kay described Andrews’ appointment as the the Division of Physical most important position.

Education and Sports who, “Vance was selected based last Thursday, were given a on his ongoing involvement show in on the basics of with the volleyball volleyball, at the Grammar community, and his School Playing Field. newfound knowledge and They did so under the passion for dealing with guidance of Mc Kay and youth athletes,” Mc Kay Andrews. said.commented.

Andrews, who has coached Mc Kay emphasised that several age group national the appointment of Andrews Olympic Solidarity teams and the interis part of the “Growing the coach- Canadian secondary schools’ team, Sean McKay. Team”, initiative which he brings with him a wealth of thinks will help propel the knowledge, having attended sport in St Vincent and the Grenadines. several courses overseas.

Vance Andrews

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 25.

Sports

Obstacles and hindrances A TENSE moment awaits the Vincentian Football Federation as the ruling into Guyana’s complaint over an ineligible player goes through arbitration.

Guyana lodged their protest and are seeking to overturn the result which saw the Vincentians progress by virtue of the away goals rule.

Barbados paid the price, and Aruba, beaten on the field of play, has the opportunity of creating a fairy tale advance into the Fourth Round.

If the Arubans muster the depth to get over their opponents, they will be in with a shot of qualification.

They have to win. That is the same situation the Vincentians have found themselves in. Ironically, Aruba could be our opponents, so we have to start putting them under the microscope.

There are ten other teams: Antigua and Barbuda, El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, Belize, Canada, Nicaragua, Curacao and Guatemala.

Winners of those six pairings move on to the next Round with six big guns shared between three groups of four.

It will be interesting times, as long as the Vincentians overcome their next hurdle.

The relevance of athleticism cannot be overlooked. It is that factor that has turned up a new trend in Vincentian football.

We are building an arsenal of strikers, and their strength is speed. Our Under 20 squad missed an opportunity to the finals in Egypt in 2009. That crop contained a number of runners who excelled for their schools at the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports.

Since then, it has become a hallmark of Vincentian football.

The youngsters are incorporating a degree of skill and science. Opposing teams are caught offguard by the intensity with which the Vincentians launch not just their attack but their counter attack.

That method pays dividends. Even though there will be misses, the conversion rate will be enough to give them some advantage.

Nevertheless, the defense must be solidified.

I can’t make any informed comment on the ongoing Caribbean Premier League. My ignorance is no fault of the organisers, but I get the feeling that all is not well with the development of that tournament.

How the CPL has been reduced to that shadow event is something the connoisseurs will explain St. Vincent and the Grenadines has distinguished itself as the outside child in the Windward Islands. The other territories get their way, so much so that players from those countries of less quality and calibre than the Vincentians are allowed to cruise into many a Windward Islands squad.

It doesn’t matter whether or not St. Vincent and the Grenadines are quite often Windward Islands champions. Captain Lyndon James has been made to look as if he has to struggle for a place on the squad when legitimately, he ought to be captain.

We see what has happened to Kenroy Peters, Miles Bascombe, Romel Currency, Sunil Ambris, Donwell Hector and Salvan Browne.

The disturbing factor is that the pattern of mistreatment of Vincentian cricketers has been documented.

The irony is that at home, there is the tendency to treat persons from certain quarters in the same way players are dealt with at the regional level.

Work has been progressing at the Cumberland Playing Field. My wish is that the venture is completed.

To suggest that the Vinlec North Leeward Twenty /20 Championship having its final there this year, will be ambitious.

The 2016 final should not be out of the equation.

If attention is given to the North Leeward constituency, that will rebound to national progress.

It is encouraging that our Under 19 Cricketers are the Windward Islands champions.

That is a turnaround of fortunes from the Under 15 level. We have to correct that Under 15 deficiency and ensure steady foundation.

Vincy Squash player in professional tournament Squash The British Virgin Islands Squash made possible by the initiative of local businessman Keith Boyea of officials are Open 2015 Professional Squash BMC Agencies and Percy Rhoden hopeful that Association (PSA) tournament of the BVI. Snagg’s was held from the 23rd - 26th In related news, the OECS will recent June 2015, and for the first time send a full team to Cayman exposure will SVG was represented in a Islands in August 2015. The propel the professional tournament. team will boast a number of OECS men’s Jules Snagg was Vincentian Jules Snagg, the number one player in St. Vincent Vincentians, namely Jules Snagg, team into the the first Vincentian squash player to and the OECS, was listed among Kevin Hannaway, Othniel Bailey, finals.

Romario Constance, Jason Doyle, the top international squash The OECS be involved in a Professional James Bentick and Sherian players who participated. was the Squash Slater.

Participants came from men’s tournament.

The men’s team was ranked 4 Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Caribbean in last’s year championship.

England, Guatemala, Mexico, Champions in 2011 when the Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Wales Bentick will be defending his tournament was last held in Men’s Over 40 Caribbean title for Cayman. and host BVI. In the qualifying round, Snagg a third year in succession. won by default over Percy Rhoden of BVI, and in the qualifying finals, defeated local top player Stefan Joseph, 118, 11-2, 11-2, to move into the main draw.

In the main draw, Snagg faced Antonio De La Torre of Guatemala, who is seeded 234 in the PSA rankings.

Undaunted, the Vincentian displayed a high level of skill, engaging the more formidable De La Torre in long rallies.

Unfortunately, Snagg made too many unforced errors, and his more experienced opponent (From left to right on bikes) Cammie Adams, Lucky Antrobus, Orano won the first game 11-8.

Andrews, Zefal Bailey and Enroy Lewis. (Standing left to right) The second game was Management team of Orel George, Peter Durrant, and Shimano Bailey. similar to the first, as Snagg engaged his opponent in long constructive rallies, but experience and attacking shots resulted in Snagg losing the second game 11-7. The third game was a close thriller as both players were showing signs of fatigue, St Vincent and the Grenadines Antrobus placed ninth in a time of occasioned by the missed out on a podium finish, at the two hours 27 minutes 59.71 seconds, intensity of the previous Organisation of Eastern Caribbean with Adams twelfth in two hours 30 matches. Snagg tried to States (OECS) Cycling minutes 42.47 seconds. to take the game to his Championships last Friday, in Bailey’s eighteenth place, saw him opponent, but, once Anguilla. completing the 53-miles course in two again, De La Torre’s Orano Andrews finished fourth to hours 35 minutes 10.03 seconds and experience was too much be highest placed Vincentian finisher. Lewis, in his first outing for St for him, and he was He trailed the Antigua and Barbuda Vincent and the Grenadines, finished defeated 11-8, 11-7, 11-8. trio of Andre Simon, Jymes Bridge twentieth in a time of two hours 44 Squash officials here and Joel Phillips, who placed one, minutes 07.15 seconds. say that Snagg has two, and three respectively.

The race entailed eight laps around gained great exposure Andrews, who is based in Tortola, the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway. and experience which clocked two hours 25 minutes 30.98 Apart from St Vincent and St will help him as he seconds, behind: Simon- two hours 22 Vincent and the Grenadines and returns to training in minutes 36.03 seconds; Bridge- two Antigua and Barbuda, the other preparation for the hours 25 minutes 21.78 seconds; and competing territories were Grenada, prestigious Caribbean Phillip - two hours 25 minutes 21.82 St Lucia and host Anguilla.

Area Squash Association seconds.

Twenty—two of the twenty-five Tournament.

The other Vincentians in the race cyclists who started the race, made it Snagg’s participation were Lucky Antrobus, Cammie in this tournament was Adams, Zefal Bailey and Enroy Lewis. to the finish line.

No podium finish for SVG cyclists

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26. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Classifieds

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015. 27.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

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S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 10, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.28

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ÂMAN ZANGIEÊ RETAINS CALYPSO TITLE Robert ‘Patches’ King, 2nd place, produced ‘Massa Day Done’ to register yet another of the more popular calypsos for another season.

overwhelmingly, not least his sister Azubah who lectures at the Community College.

ZAMFIR ‘MAN ZANGIE’ ADAMS is the Man Zangie regards her as 2015 Calypso Monarch. He defended his Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ 2014 oat the Dimanche Gras Show, June the one who “critiques me the Adams, became a member hardest.”

5th, title at Victoria Park, and became of the elite club of His foundation is solid, and one of five calypsonians to have won two calypsonians who have includes colleagues in the titles on a straight, since 1981. had two straight wins in Police.

The other two-on-a-trot winners the Calypso Monarch He praised Carlos have been: Professor (1981/82); Competition, since 1981.

Sampson, a former Band Carlton ‘Man CP’ Hall (1985/86); Anthony ‘Papa Das’ Glasgow (1989/90); Master with the Police.

Zangie also commended Errol ‘Man Age’ Rose (1999/2000); Corporals Thomas and Smart Princess Monique (2003/04) and for their input in his songs, Bridgette ‘Joy C’ Creese (2009/10).

A member of the local constabulary, and had special thanks to Man Zangie played trombone with the Commissioner of Police Michael Charles for allowing Police Band to which he was once time off for his preparation. attached.

‘Zangie’ also complimented He was the 2006 and 2007 Junior members of the Narcotics Calypso Monarch, while a student at Division, and acknowledged the Bethel High School. the role of Assistant By 2008, he was sparring with the Superintendent of Police heavy weights, and echoed ‘Support Cumberbatch, Co-rdinator of the Scott, whom he described as a “strong National Society of Persons with the motivator.”

International disAbility on that production.

The road to retaining his title was Airport’ as his A new drama group, Focus, and La never going to be easy, but he was contribution Gracia Dance troupes supported him “confident” that he was going to that year. on stage performances. succeed.

This is his He undertook his preparation with third year in Influences gusto, leaving no stones unturned. the national “I know it would have been a stiff final. His It is perhaps a case of the student competition. I had to be better than success has getting better than the teacher, as far last year,” he confessed. been received as ‘Zangie’ goes.

He designated himself ‘protector of with glee by He acknowledged growing up and the vulnerable’, and lived up to this residents of idolising Robert ‘Patches’ King, who, with his songs ‘Am asking?’ and the Central for the second straight year placed Leeward town ‘Change in attitude’. second to him.

The former raised questions as to of Barrouallie.

“I observe and learn from him,” the end of time, and was the result, The Zangie declared. lyrically, of detailed research and community He also expressed his appreciation supported him interviews with a number of persons, to Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne, including pastors and others with deep and admitted, “I looked up to him”. religious insight.

And while he appealed for unity His second contribution put the Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne, within the calypso fraternity, he spotlight on the treatment meted out third place, is going nowhere soon, concluded that “this was one of the to persons with Disabilities. He and he showed, with a twist, that he best years” for calypso. worked closely with Patricia can still ‘dance at 64’.

‘Patches’ second place was earned

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

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

on the basis of his popular ‘Massa Day Done’ and ‘Don’t give up’.

‘Vibrating Scakes’ rendered the well-received ‘Dancing at 64’ and ‘Ole School Calypso’, to capture his third place.

Shaunelle McKenzie was fourth place with ‘Ears to the ground’ and ‘Solution’.

The other finalists were Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar - ‘Appreciate Carnival’ and ‘Calypso Politics’; Noel ‘Defoe’ Castello - ‘Calypsonian Educator’ and ‘Track hot’; Dennis Bowman ‘Calypso Best Friend’, and ‘She done know’; Joel ‘Navel String’ Bartholomew — ‘Where the guns coming from?’ and ‘Come out and vote’; Cleopatra Hendrickson - ‘Spirit of the festival’, and ‘Sexy gone crazy’; Glenroy ‘Homey’ Delpeche — ‘‘Straight and Narrow Road’, and ‘Youths have a story to tell’; and Junior ‘Marshie’ Marshall - ‘Play your role’, and ‘Professional Bowlers’.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.