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FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 11, 2015
VOLUME 109, No.50
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
ULP supporters took to the streets of capital Kingstown, on Wednesday night, to celebrate their four-in-a-row victory.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, party manifesto in hand, led a campaign that highlighted his government’s achievements and detailed a development plan for the future.
THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) has been returned to government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The party’s victory at the Wednesday 9th December 2015 general election, albeit showing unofficially no change in their margin of victory or the allocation of seats between itself and the New Democratic Party (NDP) from the last general elections in 2010, marks an unprecedented accomplishment for the party’s leader, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The narrow margin of victory — eight seats to seven seats for the NDP takes nothing away from the fact that Dr. Gonsalves
becomes the first political leader to be returned as Prime Minister of this country, four times in a row, and as representative of the same constituency — North Central Windward. The hard fought election campaign may have given indications of a wider margin of victory one way or the other, as the momentum swung back and forth into the hours preceding the vote. It was, according to one observer, “Anybody’s game.” As expected, the ULP rejoiced in their victory, and in a statement issued within minutes of the announcement of the unofficial count, it recognised that, “Today, the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines embraced the politics of love. They embraced our progressive agenda for the future by returning us to government.” Continued on Page 3.
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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
News
A hooray of thanks for the joy Digi Santa brought.
Digi Santa brings cheer to Fancy students OVER 50 STUDENTS of the Fancy Government School were overcome with joy when Digi Santa (Digicel Santa) visited with them on December 4th, 2015. Aided by his helpers, Digi Santa handed out
gifts to each of the students, with instructions to open them on Christmas Day, thereby heightening their expectations even further. “Seeing the precious
Digi Santa did not forget a hug and gift for the smiles on the kids’ faces little girls. makes everything that Digicel has done thus Left: A hug and a gift for the little boy. far, completely worth it. The staff at Digicel another in a series of much to our customers at Danielle Cupid was anticipates the moved to comment. visits Digicel has made Christmas season merely this time,” Marketing The visit to the Fancy and will make to schools Executive of Digicel because we give back so Government School was across the state.
Leo Club St. Vincent hosts annual Christmas Party for Special Needs Students WORLD LEO DAY is recognized annually on December 5th. This year, the Leo Club of St. Vincent spent the time hosting a Christmas Party for students of the School for Children with Special Needs, Kingstown. The party, which is one of the Leo Club St. Vincent’s signature projects was held at the playground opposite the school’s compound for sixtytwo (62) students. The annual
event has been held for over ten (10) years, and is anticipated by both the students as well as Leo Club members. A fun time was had by all, including representatives from Digicel through dance, games, eats, drinks and face painting, with each student receiving a gift. The success of this year’s event was attributed to sponsorship from various businesses and individuals across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Leo Club St. Vincent wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following for their support of this event, which brought so much joy to the children:Digicel (SVG)
Ltd; StopLight Restaurant ; Jax Enterprises Ltd; St. Vincent Brewery Ltd; Allan Smith Family Bakery; Calvin Llewellyn; Leo Anton Jardine; Lion Raphie King (Lions Club Kingstown- SVG); Lion Sylvia De Freitas (Lions Club Kingstown- SVG); Principal and Staff of the School for Children with Special Needs, Kingstown.
Scenes from the School for Children with Special Needs Party on Saturday December 5th, 2015.
V News 3 ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR!!
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 3.
more rejected ballots than the margin, and Recounts coming those ballots should be examined closely to For his part, Dr. determine the intent of Gonsalves is quoted in the voters.” the statement as saying, The call by Dr. “I am humbled and Gonsalves might be honoured that the people adjusted. Information of St. Vincent & the received since the initial Grenadines embraced call was made, indicates our bold vision for the that the margin of future and rejected the victory for the NDP over politics of hate. ….We the ULP in the South ask Vincentians to Leeward constituency celebrate this victory in has been cited at a more peace and maturity. Now acceptable margin of 117 is the time to come votes, albeit unofficially. together as one nation to The NDP meanwhile, address our has also identified developmental challenges ground for concern, and and move forward to has called for a full uplift our nation and its investigation into what it people.” described as “late night However, the battle activities in Central seems far from over. Dr. Leeward,” a constituency Gonsalves has given awarded to the ULP but notice that his party will which it (NDP) claims it request recounts in at won. least two constituencies. “We are looking into Increasing the popular various issues in North vote share Leeward and South Leeward, and we are also The unofficial count calling for an immediate shows the ULP recount to ensure that garnering a total of ALL the votes are 34,068 votes as against counted in those its count of 32,099 in constituencies. There are 2010. The increase, Continued from Page 1.
People braved the blazing hot sun to exercise teir constitutional right to vote on Election Day 2015.
1969, represents a 6% increase, more than what pundits and pollsters had predicted as they forecast a ULP victory. On the other hand , the anticipated swing upwards that was expected to bring victory for the NDP, failed to materialise, with the party returns showing a mere 249 voter increase over 2010 - 30,817 to 30,568. The unofficial picture showed an increased share of the popular vote for the ULP, from 50.96% in 2010 to an unofficial 52% in 2015, but a decrease for the NDP, which moved from 48.53% in 2010 to appropriately 47% in 2015. As it stands, according to the unofficial count, the eight seats which the ULP won, it won with an average margin of 763.25. In contrast, the NDP’s seven seats were won with an average margin of 402.85 votes, with at least one seat, North Leeward, being won by a margin of a mere 7 votes, prompting Dr. Gonsalves to call for a recount in that constituency. The widest singled margin of victory was, once again, recorded by Dr. Gonsalves. He beat his closest rival, the NDP’s Kenroy Johnson, by some 2,255 votes. The preliminary count indicates that the voter turnout increased from 62,993 in 2010 to 65,684 in
Voters turned out early and in large numbers on polling day. 2015.
Who is in Dr. Gonsalves welcomes his son, Camillo, and St. Clair Jimmy Prince as newcomers to his slate of successful candidates, and newcomers to the next Parliament. The younger Gonsalves was able to retain victory for the ULP in East St. George, and Prince did likewise for his party in the Marriaqua constituency. The Prime Minister designate will also welcome back his former Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Louis Straker. Sir Louis came out of retirement from active politics to reclaim the Central Leeward seat for himself and his party, according to the unofficial count. In addition to Dr. Gonsalves, Sir Louis, Camillo (Gonsalves) and Prince, others reclaiming seats for the ULP were: Montgomery Daniel
Camillo Gonsalves (left), pictured with former ULP Senator Ronald Marks, was one of two successful newcomers on the ULP slate. (North Windward); Saboto Caesar (South Central Windward); Frederick Stephenson (South Windward) and Cecil Mc Kie (West St. George). The slate of successful candidates for the NDP showed no change: Arnhim Eustace (East Kingstown); St. Clair Leacock (Central Kingstown); Daniel Cummings (West
Kingstown); Nigel Stephenson (South Leeward); Roland Matthews (North Leeward); Dr. Godwin Friday (Northern Grenadines) and Terrence Ollivierre (Southern Grenadines). The December 9, 2015 general election was the eighth since this country attained independence from Britain in 1979. (THE VINCENTIAN)
Post Election Statement by the SVG Christian Council: allegations that abound, let us remember that the only challenge to an election result is evidence that proves wrongdoing. Anyone with such put on robes of state. evidence is obliged to report We therefore, appeal to you this to lawful authorities, to let wisdom, good sense and International and Caribbean charity prevail in all that we Observers and the National say and do. Monitoring and Consultative We, Leaders of the Mechanism (NMCM). Christian Council, call for We are one people, one calm and the rule of law. Vincentian people under God, Together we must find the and it is together that we best way to ensure we must forge ahead to build a preserve our young democracy. nation on those enduring In the midst of the many
Call for calm FELLOW VINCENTIANS, we have gone to the polls and exercised our democratic rights. We have expressed, by ballot, whom we want to form the government and to lead this country for the next five years. If yesterday we defined ourselves by parties and colours, today we must divest ourselves of such attire, and
virtues and values, which are commensurate with our dignity as human beings. Love, respect, unity, solidarity, the common good, moral integrity, tolerance, among others, are goods we should promote in all facets of life and living, and in all our relationships and interactions. And at this time more than ever, we need to invoke those values and virtues which would ennoble us and keep us in right relation with God and man.
Let us keep a still tongue, a calm heart, and pray for good sense and justice to prevail. Remember it is not good enough for ‘Justice to be done, it must also be seen to be done’. We also ask that no partial result be handed to the Governor General. Let us be patient and wait till we are abundantly clear that we have a final result. Then let us all abide by the result and begin rebuilding unity in our nation.
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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Law
Rillan man cleared of murder charge AN ELATED Schemel Dunbar walked away from the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday having been cleared of a murder charge after about six months on remand. Dunbar, 27, of Rillan Hill was charged with the murder of Aljay Chadrick Douglas, 23, of Campden Park who was shot and killed on May 1, this year during an incident just outside the Campden Park playing field where an entertainment Schemel Dunbar event was taking place. He had a charge of was reportedly shot in the murder against head and stomach. him discontinued. When the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was called on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne-Browne Matthia discharged Dunbar after Crown Counsel Karim Nelson indicated that the prosecution was withdrawing the charge. When contacted later, Nelson told THE VINCENTIAN that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviewed the files and found there was not enough evidence to support the charge.
Gonsalves answers student on ganja issue Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS POLITICAL LEADER of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, thinks that a discussion on the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for recreational and religious purposes, should begin here in relation to about 15 grams of the drug. Gonsalves was responding to a question from a student of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College during the question period following the political leader’s address to the students at the college, on Thursday, December 3. The student had asked Gonsalves, “What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?” Gonsalves pointed out that a number of states in the USA have decriminalized marijuana for medicinal
and recreational purposes, and Jamaica has done it in relation to two ounces for recreational use. The political leader, however, expressed the view that two ounces is a large amount, and that a discussion should begin here for about 15 grams. The students at the Community College had Dr. Ralph He recalled that Gonsalves give a little more detail about his position on in October 2013, he the issue of decriminalising the use of marijuana. had a poll done as to whether Commission, aimed to declare their party’s marijuana should be primarily at determining policy on the marijuana decriminalized for whether marijuana issues. medicinal, recreational should be decriminalized Connell had pointed and religious purposes, for medicinal purposes. out then that the and while 45 percent St. Vincent and the marijuana trade has said it should, 44 Grenadines has two helped significantly to percent said no. representatives on the feed, clothe and shelter Gonsalves told the several persons on the Commission. student that he is aware far Leeward side of the In a front page story that attitudes is evolving in the November 27, country, and pay for on the issue, but the their children’s 2015 issue of THE discussion continues, and VINCENTIAN, education. it is within this headlined ‘Declare your He commended Prime framework he is Minister Gonsalves for hand on marijuana answering the question. issue’, attorney Grant the role he played in the The ULP leader added Connell, one of this establishment of the that it is an issue that CARICOM Marijuana country’s leading occupies the attention of advocates for the Commission, and the region and that’s expressed hope that, decriminalization of why there is the marijuana, called on “When Parliament CARICOM marijuana candidates for the North resumes, there would be Commission, and work is Leeward constituency, amendments made to the being done in that law, to reflect the Carlos James of the regard. significant role Unity Labour Party Gonsalves has played (ULP) and Roland ‘Patel’ marijuana plays in the a pivotal role in the Matthews of the New Vincentian society”. establishment of the Democratic Party (NDP),
Shooting suspect held at Ottley Hall AFTER JUST over two months on the run, Denzil ‘Skamy’ Sam has been apprehended and is behind bars on four gun related charges, following strong objections to bail by the prosecution. The 29-year-old Montrose man was remanded after being charged with the attempted murder of Dexter Rodney, 25, of Rockies, who was shot as he emerged from a popular business place on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown, shortly after midday on October 1, this year. Rodney received two bullets to the stomach and one to the left arm. Sam is also accused of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger Rodney’s life on the same date. He was not required to plead to those charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences Court last Friday, December 4. A Preliminary Inquiry is slated for March 7, 2016. In addition, Sam is charged with possession of a .380 firearm and seven rounds of .380 ammunition. Sam pleaded not guilty to those,
and that matter has been adjourned to next Tuesday, December 15. In objecting to bail, police court clerk Corporal Kenrick Williams told the court that Sam is the subject of further Denzil ‘Scammie’ investigations in Sam was St. Vincent and apprehended the Grenadines after two months and Grenada. of eluding the Sam was not police. represented by a lawyer. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on information received, moved in on Sam at a house at Ottley Hall around 8:30 a.m. last week Thursday, October 3. Reports are that a search of the building revealed the gun and ammunition. Sam had been wanted in connection with a number of firearm related allegations.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 5.
Regional
Cuba, US to discuss property loss THERE HAS BEEN another major turnaround in the fiftyfive-year- old standoff between Cuba and the USA. Cuba has agreed, given the new climate of relations between Havana and Washington, to begin negotiations on settling decades-old outstanding property claims for thousands of American citizens and companies, whose assets were confiscated after Cuba’s revolution. The Fidel Castro led revolutionary Government in Cuba,
expropriated land, etc., from American companies and individuals, following the imposition of the trade embargo, on Cuba by the USA, October 1960. The UN General Assembly has, since 1992, passed a resolution every year, including its General Assembly of October 2015, condemning the ongoing impact of the embargo and declaring it to be in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. “This meeting is an
(L-R): Presidents Raul Castro (Cuba) and Barack Obama (USA) have led their countries into a new era of relationship. Cubans have embraced the opening of relations with the USA with much optimism. enormously big deal,” Settlement Commission, said Mauricio J Tamargo, an agency within the US the former chairman of Department of Justice the Foreign Claims that adjudicates claims
against foreign governments. “The Cubans have up till now never recognised these claims as legitimate or something they are even prepared to
Banana faces new threat
With banana already under massive threat in more ways than one, scientists now THE FLEDGING Banana Industry in until the fear a fungal the Windwards Islands, for that 1950s and 60s. infection could matter the Caribbean, is bracing Gros Michel be making its itself for yet another threat, this plants were way around the time one that threatens to replaced with world and into decimate banana cultivation. the Cavendish plantations. Reports from scientific variety, sources at the end of last week, because it was proven to be confirmed what experts have resistant to that Foc strain; but been warning about since 2013; it is now proving, experts say, that a strain of the disease susceptible to the new (Foccalled Foc Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) strain. TR4), is sweeping parts of the While the presence of the globe, decimating banana disease has not been confirmed plantations and hurting in Latin Amercia and the livelihoods. Caribbean which accounts for The Cavendish variety, the more than 80% of the world’s world’s most popular banana supply, experts say that the variety, is said to be highly FocTR4 - a fungal disease — has susceptible to the TR4. the potential to wipe out the This variety was introduced, entire banana industry in those including in the Caribbean, regions, not to mention the after a strain of Foc wiped out potential annihilation of the the Gros Michel cultivar - the global industry. main exported banana variety As it stands, the fungus has
already spread through Asia, particularly China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan, and more recently to Africa. It was found in north Queensland earlier this year, with Biosecurity Queensland springing into action to limit its spread. Attention has now to be focused with much haste, on Central and Latin America and the Caribbean, experts recommend.
Interestingly, Costa Rica is so concerned that it has declared a state of emergency over its crops, to protect its half-abillion-dollar export industry, which has already been hit by two separate bug and insect plagues. According to scientific journal Nature, things don’t look healthy for the world’s bananas, and countries have every right to be alarmed. (Sources: The Independent, UK)
discuss,” he added. “It has never happened in 56 years since the revolution began and they started confiscating American property. When Fidel Castro declared victory in 1959, many Americans fled their homes and gave up their land in Cuba. Since that time, close to 900 corporations have filed claims for their losses. The list of claimants includes Exxon, Texaco, Coca-Cola and Starwood Resorts. Half the value of the claims, now estimated at up to US$8 billion, reportedly belongs to just 10 companies. The Cuban government, on the other hand, has estimated that the American embargo cost Cuba about US$121 billion in losses. The issue has long been a stumbling block to the re-establishment of relations between the United States and Cuba, and indications are that the Obama administration moved to restore diplomatic relations last year, after being given the assurance, regardless of how vague, that property claims would be on the long list of issues to be taken up in bilateral talks. (Source: CMC)
Defeat for Socialist Party in Venezuela THE CENTRE-RIGHT opposition in Venezuela has won a key two-thirds majority of seats in the National Assembly. This follows the December 6, 2015 parliamentary elections held in that oil-rich South American country. The BBC reported that electoral authorities in Venezuela have declared that the united opposition had won 112 of the 167 seats up for grabs. The leftist United Socialist Party, founded by Hugo Chavez and now led by President Nicolas Maduro, was said to have won the remaining 55 seats. It was the worst-ever defeat for the leftist movement founded by former leader Hugo Chavez in 1999. In admitting defeat,
President Nicolas Maduro said his government would “recognize these adverse results and accept them.” However, he said the outcome of the election did not mean an end to the “Bolivarian revolution” he inherited from Chávez, who died in 2013 from cancer. “We have lost a battle today but now is when the fight for socialism begins,” he said in a late night address. Fireworks burst in the sky above Caracas as election officials announced partial results of the vote, indicating even then, that the opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) had broken the dominion the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has held on the legislature for 16 years.
“Venezuela wanted a change, and today that change has begun,” said Jesus Torrealba, leader of the MUD coalition. Victory for the opposition came as Venezuela experiences a deep economic crisis, occasioned by the continuing low price Reports are that there was in of oil, its main excess of a 70% turnout of export, according to those eligible to vote in some observers. Venezuela’s Dec. 6 Among the campaign issues parliamentary elections (Photo were chronic food Credit: The Guardian) shortages of staples the country’s economic crisis. Opposition supporters took to the - such as milk, rice, However, even as he streets of capital Caracas in wild coffee, sugar, corn announced a cabinet reshuffle, flour and cooking oil. celebration of their first victory in 17 President Maduro vowed to On the strength of years. (Photo Credit: Miami Herald) veto any amnesty law for its two-thirds would work to release jailed jailed politicians. (Source: parliamentary majority, the opposition leaders and address BBC, The Guardian) opposition announced that it
V Vincentian chef creates stir in Brooklyn 6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
Vincentian Chef Rawlston Williams in The Food Sermon Kitchen in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. (Photo credit: Boone Rodriguez)
Mishan for Inset: Rawlston Williams’ The Chicken Island Bowl’ the Times, with chickpeas, sauted kale, white rice and coconut ginger about sauce. (Photo Credit: Boone Rodriguez) Williams’ oxtail stew. that often involved lots of according to Classfare.com. RAWLSTON WILLIAMS, a Mishan cooking — it would be many Combining the influences of Vincentian chef is creating quite says more years before Mr. his upbringing with an haute a stir in Brooklyn, New York, Williams Williams would find his calling culinary expertise not often with rave reviews from a large has a “gift in the kitchen,” it says. seen with such simple number of publications in the for meat”, “I studied to be a pastor,” Caribbean dishes, New York metropolitan area. despite Williams said. “But after a Classfare.com says “these Williams, 38, who earlier being raised while, I had this feeling it plates are to be tasted and this year opened the Food as a wasn’t something that I was seen. Sermon in Crown Heights, in Seventh-day going to be able to do long “Despite growing up a the heart of the Caribbean Adventist term. I was sort of restless.” Seventh-day Adventist community in Central vegetarian. Since he couldn’t afford to vegetarian, it’s clear that Mr. Brooklyn, serves a clientele Williams arthritis, so she would shout that is largely White. still subscribes to the faith – ingredients to me, ‘Go get flour pay tuition for culinary school Williams has a knack for at the time, Williams instead cooking meat,” it adds. Though Crown Heights is the Food Sermon is closed and two sticks of butter!’ And watched YouTube videos and Though the Food Sermon predominantly West Indian, a from sundown Friday through she would give me listened to interviews on was originally designed as a significant number of Jews Sunday afternoon – but to the instructions, and I’d end up National Public Radio (NPR). catering business with small own homes and apartment dietary restrictions, “not at baking bread.” Subsequently, Williams bites available to those in the buildings, and reside in the all,” according to the Times. At 10, Williams migrated to graduated from culinary neighborhood, “people just neighborhood that is renowned It says the menu at the the United States to join his school and learned on the job kept showing up,” Williams for the Crown Heights riots Food Sermon is built around family in the East Flatbush at a number of kitchens said. back in the early 1990s. “island bowls” of rice and section of Brooklyn. It was a around town. “After a while, I realized I The three-day riot that beans, to be topped with a short reunion; his father died was running a restaurant,” he occurred from Aug. 19- 21, choice of protein and sauce — only two years later, My own said. “I love customers being 1991, resulted in Black and lush coconut milk and ginger, Classfare.com says. in here — engaging them. Orthodox Jewish residents versus tomatoes pricked with “And though he would help The Food Sermon is located Williams is proud to call the turning against each other, gochujang. take care of his brothers while Food Sermon – and its unique 355 Rogers Ave., at Sullivan contributing to deteriorating “A salad of mango and their mother worked — a task menu – his very own, Place, in Crown Heights. racial relations which apples with a tracery of culminated in, among other walnuts and blue things, New York City Mayor cheese is beautiful David Dinkins, an African and ephemeral, its American, being defeated by season soon to end,” former US federal prosecutor the Times says. THE BRONX, New York-based Rudolph Giuliani, in the 1993 “But macaroni pie, St. Matthias Charities Inc. election. a richer, firmer mac recently held its 4th annual He may be oblivious to, or and cheese, is fundraising Prayer Breakfast at care less about history, but forever.” the Friends of Crown Heights Williams, top Questelles-born Educational Center in Brooklyn, owner and head chief of the From Pastor to New York. Food Sermon, is serving up Chef “The breakfast was well delicious, bellies-full to attended and was a success,” predominantly White patrons. The Times says Pastor Robert McBarnett, the Williams is a group’s founder and president, Beyond a Caribbean menu theology-school told THE VINCENTIAN. “The dropout “who found St. Matthias Charities, Inc. No doubt, Caribbean food is salvation in the would like to thank all its Pastor Mc Barnett a mainstay of Crown Heights; kitchen,” and supporters for their continuous addresses the prayer but “the extraordinary Classfare.com adds support.” Patrons getting their fill. breakfast. McBarnett, a Georgetown brightness of the flavors, as if that he has “taken a native, particularly commended a veil has dropped,” elevates circuitous path to McBarnett had just returned Grenadines, and school and other Jamaican gospel artiste Croswell from home, where he donated two the Food Sermon, according to owning his own supplies to schools and Daley, as well as Questelles-born EKG machines to the Milton Cato the New York Times. restaurant.” communities throughout the Pastor Cornelius Olive, the Rev. It says oxtail comes not “When my Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in length and breadth of the nation, collapsed in a stew but in parents were in the Dr. Roxie Irish, and the Rev. Cash Kingstown. McBarnett said. and Pastor Joseph (first names hunks still whole, half-hidden [United] States, I He said the St. Matthias “As we continue to grow, we not given) of Crown Heights under broad leaves of was taught to cook Charities Inc.’s long term goal is would continue to look for Gospel Church for “their watercress and garlanded in by a family friend to raise funds for the donation of opportunities to help the hospital continuous support.” chickpeas. a bronchoscope to the MCMH, that was taking and schools,” he said. Daley and Cash sang at the “With each bite, I that will cost U-S$45-50, 000. care of me,” he told The group’s Annual Dinner will event, and Olive and Irish who is experienced a kind of sinking Over the years, the group has Classfare.com. “I be held on April 23, 2016 at the also president of the United been donating medical supplies to Friends of Crown Heights in, as if I were the one yielding was barely five Vincie Cultural Group of the MCMH and other healthcare to the dish and not the other years old. She had Educational Center. Brooklyn, offered prayers. facilities in St. Vincent and the way around,” writes Ligaya rheumatoid Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT
St. Matthias holds successful fundraising event
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 7.
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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 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
Only the election is over TO BORROW AND PARAPHRASE from the great calypsonian Alwyn ‘Lord Kitchener’ Roberts: The crowds are gone; the blasting sounds have waned; all that remains is the graffiti – and we know, THE ELECTION IS OVER. Of course, those of our readers who are of that generation of Caribbean music will know that ‘Kitchener’s masterpiece was all about the annual Carnival, i.e. ‘THE CARNIVAL IS OVER’. One wonders, when all is said and done about the recent election campaign, whether or not we, in fact, needed any paraphrasing of the great bard’s lyrics; whether or not we couldn’t just apply wholesale the lyrics of Kitchener’s original work, given the ‘Carnivaleque’ style that now characterises our political campaigning, It was a bruising battle, financed to proportions that ran afoul of the cry, ‘Things Hard!!’ that had pervaded the land over the last two or so years in particular. Not so much that physical wounds were opened and left to fester, but moreso because of the harsh, unadulterated language that was shot across the political spectrum. The rhetoric and propaganda were wild, at times redundant and too hurting, too often. Accusations of one make or the other flew with torpedo frequency, many, thank God, dissipating into nothingness. All in all, it was a long season, accentuated by what some observers say was the New Democratic Party’s early launch of its slate of candidates, and indications of their proposed policies and programmes for their ‘elevation’ to the seat of government. But once the campaign began in earnest, signalled by a hastening of activity by the incumbent, both at the level of government and party, the politics returned to that of old. So much so, we are wont to repeat some of what was contained in THE VINCENTIAN’s Editorial of December 17, 2010, the first edition post that year’s election: ‘Once it began (i.e. the campaign in earnest), it was no holds barred; gloves off, open combat. The blows were thrown fast and furious, perhaps with little aim’. And, THE ELECTION IS OVER. We have given, or to put it another way, we have chosen to give permission to the Unity Labour Party (ULP) the right of
government in our land; the authority to direct affairs of this country on our behalf, the opportunity to direct the affairs of this country on behalf of and to the benefit of all Vincentians. There will be demands, given the nature of our politics — one of patronage and cronyism —for their pound of flesh by those who had gone out of the way to ensure victory for the Unity Labour Party (ULP). The quicker we realise and accept that the ‘flesh’ is not large enough to inordinately allow a pound to each of those functionaries, the quicker we will come to making a genuine effort to transform the political culture that has divided us. This country is simply too small for us to remain ‘colour’ conscious, in the broadest sense of the word. We ought to make a pledge, with hands on hearts, to look upon this land and one another with a ‘colour blindness’ that will, in contradiction to the word, open our eyes to the need for a culture and national response that serves all interests. As idealistic as this sounds, this is the only truly meaningful intention that this country should have for itself. We may differ on how we can face up to and overcome those challenges, but that should not mitigate against being disposed to listening to the mighty and the small, to be informed by those whom we may be wary of, to be accepting of the fact that we face the same social and economic challenges and therefore, the way to surmount these must not be one that serves only the interest of the few. If it means that we have to take austere measures, then so be it. But let us be honest about it and stop fooling ourselves that ‘things are good’ because a certain sector has thrived and succeeded, while others remain at the emperor’s table with bowls in hands. The goods of the earth are for all mankind; there are no pigs that are more equal than others; in the sight of God, whose blessing we call upon so glibly at times, there are no haves and have nots. The next five years must not be characterised by complacency. We must live our democracy and one way of doing that is by demanding of those we have elected to serve, that which is due us as citizens of this land, as law-abiding, hardworking, committed Vincentians of all colours and political affiliation.
The die is cast THIS ARTICLE SUMS UP my views of the political race, down to the wire, bar the official final results which will be announced in a matter of a few hours. Despite all the fuss, I stick to my original forecast of 11 NDP, 4 ULP — give or take a seat which could end up 10 to 5 or 12 to 3. I think that U.L.P will hold the four Windward seats of N.C.W (Gonsalves) S.C.W (Soboto Caesar) South Windward (Frederick Stevenson) and Marriaqua (narrowly by Jimmy Prince). The N.D.P will retain their seven seats plus gaining 4 additional seats: North Windward, St George East and West by comfortable margins, and Central Leeward by less than 100 votes. During the campaign, Maia Eustace emerged as a political figure in her own right, and we shall hear much more of her, though she happens to be a reluctant politician. As we draw close to election day, it bears noticing that two in the past Labour leadership loop, Stalky John and Ken Boyea, and activist Junior Bacchus found themselves on the N.D.P bandwagon preaching lustily against their former party the U.L.P. Stanley John’s fiery contribution in particular “we tekking it (government) back” resonated with great force, and the quartet may have given the final heave to the N.D.P. In fact, Bish I and Robby Fitzpatrick have also joined the NDP extended family. After all, we are familiar with the old-time saying that if fish jump out ah sea and say shark got teeth, you have to believe him!
The campaign itself was marred with at least one incident of grief, when an U.L.P turncoat died after being hit by a vehicle, allegedly over which the driver had lost control, at an NDP event. On a whole, the campaign was generally peaceful with two or three localised flare-ups. The meetings were very large, especially those sponsored by the U.L.P, spiced up by foreign artistes, to which party supporters flocked transported in “free” buses laid on by their party flaunting an inexhaustible war chest. The opposition meetings were a mixture of large and small that focused mainly on the constituency involved, and often used local musicians and speakers to drive home their point. But everything for both parties was left for the last rallies on the Saturday and Sunday before the elections. The Opposition really laid stress on their last full-scale show. It was a veritable extravaganza that was a massive showpiece that was full of content. I think that this get-together sealed the fate of the governing clique. That description fitted the U.L.P when compared with the vaunted one-manism of the ruling group. The message was clear. “What a team, what a team led by Mr. Clean!” On the following Sunday, the U.L.P mounted a side more in numbers but mostly confined to the three constituencies encircling the airport — South Windward, Marriaqua and South-Central Windward, superimposed by North Central Windward of Dr. Gonsalves, who generally
stole the show with his histrionics, particularly his crocodile tears which he pours down at the drop of a hat. If for the second successive time (2010 was the first) the N.D.P manages to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory, then crapaud smoke their pipe. If the U.L.P brings off victory in 2015, Vincentians will suck salt for a long time before the unfinished projects get off the ground, especially the airport, now that their fairy brother, Maduro, appears to be losing power in Venezuela. Whatever the final outcome, I hold with Major Leacock that it should be called “the Ralph Gonsalves International Airport!” In sum, I personally look forward to a clear victory for the N.D.P, with at least double the seats of Labour, ten seats to five at the worst. A result of 12 to 3 is quite attainable, a far cry from the cliff-hanging result posed by Stephen Joachim and Bing Joseph, assuming a hygienic poll. I have deliberately refused to deal with the corruption, immorality and demonism with which the departing Regime has been charged. At this point, we should happily anticipate the great joy which is coming our way as a breath of fresh air. For now, we simply warn Ralph that “the instruments of darkness tells us truth, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence like the 2015 election”! The last-ditch appointment of forty U.L.P Police Recruits notwithstanding.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 9.
Letters
Real issues not addressed I MIGHT be guilty of not attending most of the political rallies staged by the two leading political parties here, and moreover might not have caught the majority of media (electronic especially) advertisement. I admit to that (the fore-mentioned) because I will be the first to confess that what I have to say hereunder is inaccurate, if evidence so necessitates. For whatever it is worth, I advance the view that neither of the major political parties has addressed adequately the role of the private sector in their plans for the economic revival of this country. For example, I did not hear, with any confidence and assurance, about a component (of the economic plan) in which the government (whichever party) will commit to actively instigating public-private partnerships? Further, I did not hear any of the political parties being brave enough to admit that recurrent expenditure, such as salaries and interest payments, are hindrances to capital expenditure and chance of improving the earning capacity of the nation. I did not hear any of our political leaders say that we should be lowering the recurrent to capital ratio, while at the same time ensuring value for money on both. You know something, Mr. Editor, I must be living in a fairy tale world to even imagine that my observations, as briefly as I described them, would ever be seriously admitted to, far less addressed by our politicians. Highlighting issues like these, the real issues that confront our economy, is simply not good politics. They will not get you votes. Forgive me if I appear to be desecrating the struggles of our fore parents, but in the circumstances, why should I vote? RP
Responding to Patmos
I WRITE to refer to an article in the Friday 04th December move from executive to executive causing these edition of your newspaper, ‘THE VINCENTIAN’. things. They were in The article, under heading ‘Coombs has done it executives before, again’, dealt with me unfairly. It is no wonder many including the 2007 one. people suffer from lack of proper and innovative Patmos must be leadership in governments. Patmos Richards, the author of the article referred, informed that I have taken legal actions against played under my management, and knows that I am a radio station, the host of for real development of people. He can personally and the caller to that radio attest to that. Albeit, Patmos eventually deviated station’s sports from my guidance and mechanism to excel. Patmos stated that ‘mixed signals went through the programme. THE RADIO STATION ISSUED AN sporting community. Maybe this went through APOLOGY, but I will not his communit. I know several sporting officials accept that alone. congratulated me; and the President of local cricket Patmos knows very few sports administrators can was even present at the elections. compare with me. Patmos played for Victors Cricket The article raised the issue of speculation prior to Club which I managed for years. Some of the best in the meeting that I ‘would suffer defeat’. I at no time cricket came out from Victors, and continue to so do. felt threatened, as the wise people in football knew Patmos once wanted to write about the great what I had accomplished - the most successful achievements made in sports under my leadership. I President football ever had. T he records and works wonder what state of mind he was in when he wrote are there. such a ridiculous piece of character ‘pull down’. Patmos referred to me as ‘Renowned as a Such a ridiculous article does not help sports. Bad controversial figure’. I believe Patmos was inebriated administrators get into sports because of people with when he wrote this article. Many top cricketing personalities played under my Patmos’ mind. My personality, which is very unassuming, does leadership, and some still do (Keron Cottoy, Donwell Hector, Miles Bascombe, Aticus Browne, Ray Jordan, confuse people like Patmos. Lauron Francois, Alston Bobb, to name a few. Venold Coombs Many benefited from my guidance and support. President Patmos got the support and didn’t make use of it. St.Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation. Under the previous football administration (i.e. 2007-2011), four persons resigned from the executive. And those who contested in the 2011 election were all Editor’s Note; Readers are encouraged to re-read the letter by Patmos Richards, on which this response is rejected. You had the FIFA scandal -$40 000USD. predicated, and decide for themselves whether in Patmos never wrote about this. fact, Mr. Richards’ piece was an attack on Mr. The administration before 2007 was confusion galore - general secretary at war. At the 2007 election, Coombs, as he Coombs interpreted it. I CAN well imagine the piccong that went on almost the entire executive was during the election campaign. If I know the opposed to the President, and made And that is just the reality Comrade well, he would have been crowned it public. Patmos never wrote about ‘Political Piccong Monarch’ at the end of the this also. On the horizon campaign. ‘Coombs victory came amidst There is a spark of hope (The way I see it) By the time this is published, if it is, the results scandal’. The perpetrators are With some positive action of the Dec. 9 general elections would have been perennial baggage carriers, who And some patience to cope I have a vision known. As the saying goes, Get rid of the finger pointing And it is crystal clear some would be drinking And stop degrading each other I see social destruction champagne, while others would Come reconcile and begin working Cause by moral decay be licking their wounds. That’s We are in this together Power-driven politicians, the nature of the game. With this global situation They are like snakes with double I WISH to remind Dr. Thompson of our brotherly laws But to the point of this piece. We can’t give up, we can’t give in tongues (10) in a nutshell, same being to be trustful, loyal, I have noticed that your We must stand firm and be They only seek self-satisfaction helpful, brotherly, courteous, kind, smiling, obedient, regular columnist Mr. Jomo headstrong And behaving like clowns thrifty, and pure in body and mind. Doc, you have Thomas has been missing in To weather the storm we are When you hear them talking broken our first commandment. Why do you try to action, as far as his column is facing progress deceive the people of SVG? concerned. I don’t think that They say it’s the people’s interest Doc, the electricity we produce on the mainland you, Mr. Editor, would have CHORUS But all you get is pure injustice cannot be sold to the Grenadines, all because we failed taken a decision to willy nilly So it won’t be business as usual With added pain and distress. to finance the cost of the submarine cable needed for cut him from your pages, so I For it causing chaos and confusion such. Reportedly, we do not sell anything more than am to assume that he simply It’s high time that we start They keep complaining 50-60% of energy produced. That means, we are losing didn’t show. changing Every day every year 40% in line distribution. We also have no way of If that is the case, I am This replica of the slave master While problems escalating storage, except with batteries, and that’s why disappointed that Jomo, who is system. Solutions disappear consumers have to pay for that loss as a fuel as involved in a political Sometimes life could be bitter Fast asleep without a vision surcharge. In reality, this is paying for loss or unsold campaign as his columnist Yet they pretending that they care sometimes it could be sweet energy that x amount of fuel produced and not used. colleague Dr. Jules Ferdinand, What you sow is that you’ll have Resting in a cradle of illusion Now Doc, if we are failing with fossil produced could not organize himself so to reap. And living in despair energy which is distributed by line, will not the that he could continue to Sometimes the journey is smooth No constructive criticism thermo-energy, to be distributed by line, also be at a contribute to the newspaper. Is waste? Next, tell us where else in the world thermosometimes it’s rough and steep Just negative contribution it that Jomo was so busy and What you sow is that you’ll have All they do is keep on yapping energy is sold overseas? If we cannot save fossil got a dose of ‘writer’s block’? to reap. With no sense of application produced energy, how will we save the thermo-energy? I understand that Dr. Jules If we ignore the past look it bound Doc, what container will you use to ship the energy has been able to keep his to get repeat This ain’t no mistake overseas? Will we build special ships or use plastic writing to more human issues, What you sow is that you’ll have It was design to be bags as in electrolytes? You have not as yet set a and therefore, would have found quantum of thermo-energy to be produced and sold, to reap. An instrument of conflict it a bit easier to fill his space. If we don’t change with the times, By this fraternity have not identified ‘markets’, but yet you claim sales of Is it that Jomo is so blinded by we would become obsolete In the House to make decisions $200 million. his partisan politics that he Just what you sow is that you will To govern our lives daily Doc, it is said: The wise live off the foolish, but not gave up his self-imposed label of all who hear or read are foolish. have to reap. Forget the topic of discussion critical, objective thinker? If To compete intellectually You have failed. Come clean on the issue of energy. that is the case, then he better Michael ‘Black Messenger’ John They say they are patriotic And remember to give thanks to Lord Penniston in find a new label for himself? St. Vincent and the Grenadines But talk is all that it could be your prayers. 2013 You can see that they are Garnet, N.Y. hypocrites Old Soldier
Where is Jomo?
The vision
WhatÊs up, Doc?
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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Politics
We won, says the NDP The unofficial result of the contest between Sir Louis Straker (ULP) and Ben Exeter (NDP) in the Central Leeward constituency was the bone of contention for the NDP.
Reports reaching THE VINCENTIAN indicated that the Police had taken up at least two persons in Layou, who had confidential information on the election, in their possession. But when THE VINCENTIAN contacted the
Layou Police Station, the officer with whom contact was made said that he was unaware that any arrest had been made. He admitted, though, that he had just arrived at work at the time of the call.
A time for bipartisan healing
The claim is predicated on what the party says its figures show, i.e. that, “the NDP had won the Central Leeward seat by 6 votes, which means that we won the general elections by 8 seats to 7.” Arnhim Eustace, Leader of The unofficial count had the NDP, had not, up to press given victory to Sir Louis time Thursday, December 10, Straker (2496 votes) of the conceded defeat. ULP over the NDP’s Ben Exeter (2182 votes). Further to the statement UP TO PRESS TIME, Thursday referred, Arnhim Eustace, 10th December, the New Democratic Party (NDP) had not Political Leader of the NDP, is reported to have said that six conceded defeat in the unsealed Ballot Boxes were December 9, 2015 general found, and at last one Box was election. missing in the Central The unofficial count, released during the evening of Leeward constituency. That being its position, the election day, December 9, NDP called for “..a full indicated that the Unity investigation into the late Labour Party had been night activities in Central returned to government, having won eight seats, to the Leeward… .” The NDP statement went NDP’s seven. on to describe the ULP claim However, in a statement to victory as action that is “a posted on its Facebook page brazen attempt by a dying during the early hours of regime to hold on to power Thursday morning, the NDP against the wishes of the said, “.. the New Democratic people.” Party are confident that we In a later posting on its have won the general elections Facebook page, the NDP based on figures received by warned that “it is not over.” our various polling agents.”
The posting said that the official count at that time was 7-7, with a recount for Central Leeward seat expected to be conducted at the Layou Police Station. The recount was in fact in process up to press time. The NDP statement had urged supporters to make their way to Layou. “We are asking everyone who believes that the Hon. Arnhim Eustace is the best leader this nation has to offer, that he has your best interests at heart, that he genuinely wants to see SVG move towards prosperity, and that we are ALL ONE PEOPLE, then make your way to Layou tomorrow (Thursday) morning BEFORE 8 am. And let’s show what a mighty people we are, and that we will NOT give in to dictatorship!” the statement read. Eustace himself made an appearance at the Layou Police Station during the count. Eye witnesses reported that he and Sir Louis Straker had a heated exchange of words which was punctuated by much finger-pointing between the two.
NDP supporters took to the street in front of the Layou Police Station on Thursday morning, with chants of “We want justice.”
CONGRATULATIONS to all candidates who participated in the December 9th General Elections. Kudos to the 15 victors who fought manfully, and commiserations to the vanquished who, no doubt, gave it their best shot. Congrats to the Prime Minister Doctor Ralph Gonsalves and his successful team on an historic victory. Indeed, the knife-edged results in many constituencies show the vibrancy and competitive nature of both mass political parties. Contrary to misplaced opinion, democracy is very much alive and kicking up a storm in SVG. Unfortunately, the election exercises unravelled the gaping immaturity of our populace, ventilated mainly via social media. Indeed, I observed the reactions/participation of Vincentians during the election season with foreboding and great apprehension. I’m left with no doubt that as a people, MOST of us are NAIVE, GULLIBLE and POLITICALLY ILLITERATE. Evidence of this manifested itself in the way the leaders of the two mass political parties were/are exalted to god-like status. It was crystallized in the LENGTH their fanatical supporters are prepared to ridicule themselves in defence of their demi-gods. Accusations of sexual misconduct levelled at our embattled PM were intercepted, blunted and rubbished by politicallycrazed supporters as sacrilegious. One was left to wonder: “Is this man HUMAN or god?” Not to be outdone, the Opposition Leader’s supporters went to ALL length to defend, protect and conceal all unearthed flaws of their ‘flawless leader’. Where is the objectivity? Is independent thinking an endangered practice during this “foolish season”? My GREATEST area of concern though, is the consummate ease in which our RELIGIOUS LEADERS have undermined and sacrificed FUNDAMENTAL religious values/principles, in an effort to lie in bed with these strange bedfellows. How can CHRISTIANS who professed to be followers of Christ get hitched in these unholy romances? No wonder GOD vents HIS wrath through Mother Nature who continues to unleash its fury with increasing regularity in SVG. Regrettably, SVG continues on an unprecedented downward spiral created by a senseless political divide. This malaise has caused families to be torn apart, churches to be ripped right down the centre, and colleagues to become competitors, competing against the common good. But, all is not lost; there may yet be hope. My three post-election recommendations are reconciliatory actions if applied and adhered to with hearts of love (NATIONAL LOVE!). 1. I STRONGLY recommend a Prayer session for ALL elected Members of Parliament in a designated worship place of GOD and NOT in a man- purposed institution. ALL CLERGY men involved in this solemn session MUST be TRUE servants of Christ, devoid of ANY political affiliation. 2. A second session of divine outreach/intervention conducted by at least SEVEN Clergy Leaders with the Prime Minister-Designate. These clergymen should be free of political baggage. This is highly recommended, since it is vital the PM-designate is guided towards confronting his shortcomings, impede his better judgement and undermine his legacy as a great leader. 3. Vincentians MUST take the HOLY season of Advent to reconcile and atone. It’s a herculean task, given the chasm that has been created. A bi-partisan approach is ABSOLUTELY necessary, with a view towards holistic and long-term national cleansing. However, one must be cognizant that the seemingly “unmendable” bridges can only be fixed through EARNEST and FERVENT prayers! Notwithstanding our reactions to the election results, I implore all VINCENTIANS to accept the wishes of the people, since SVG belongs to ALL of us. ONE GOD! ONE AIM! ONE DESTINY!!!! Written by: Collin CA$H Haywood
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 11.
Views
OAS Observers submit preliminary report observations of the electoral process in A THIRTEEN MEMBER fourteen of the fifteen Organization of American constituencies within the States (OAS) Electoral country. They visited Observation Mission was 74% of the polling, which present in St. Vincent and totaled 173 of the 232 the Grenadines to monitor polling stations. the general elections, held The opening of all in the country on monitored stations was Wednesday, 9th deemed to be on time December, 2015. Their and the early appearance presence came through an of patient voters to be invitation from the very commendable. government of SVG. Receiving praise also was On Thursday, 10th the harmonious work of December, the Mission the presiding officers, convened a press poll clerks, party agents conference to deliver the and police officers, whose preliminary report of work ensured the smooth their findings. flow of the process. To do its work, the Polling stations Mission had direct monitored were said to observation of the have been able to wind process, and also held up their preliminary meetings with the count within two hours of electoral authorities, the close of poll. government officials, OTHER IMPORTANT political parties, media, MATTERS civil society Additional to these organizations and findings, the OAS religious bodies, along Electoral Observation with other stakeholders. Mission was able to The delegation, which report on several matters was headed by pertinent to the electoral Ambassador Jacinth process. These included: Henry-Martin, conducted gender equity in elective by GLORIAH…
politics; youth participation; the voter’s list; voter information; campaign financing; political campaigning; and electoral management. The observers found that, while many women participated in the political process, only 7 out of the 43 candidates fielded were women, the majority of which was nominated by the smaller parties. Recommendations were tabled to promote development of women leaders. Youths were commended for their involvement, but the Mission stressed the need to encourage youth political participation at all levels. The voter’s list and voter information were sore points, as these were derived from complaints about transfers in competitive constituencies; and concerns about the 15day special registration period. Although the
NICE Radio’s De Freitas arrested
Douglas De Freitas was an active advocate on PROPRIETOR OF behalf of the New NICE RADIO, Douglas Democratic Party De Freitas was taken during the campaign into police custody on leading up to the Thursday, in connection December 9, 2015 with comments he made general election. on his radio station. Reports are that De constituency, had won Freitas was accused of the seat for the party. inciting violence , when NDP leader Arhnim he told supporters of the Eustace also stated that NDP during a live he had received broadcast on Nice Radio information from at between Wednesday least one of the party’s night and early agents in the Central Thursday inter alia, Leeward constituency, that ‘the ballot boxes that Exeter had won his should not leave the seat by 6 votes. polling stations in Sir Louis Straker was Barrouallie, or else they declared the winner would rig the election in with 2496 seats to Ben favour of the ULP.’ Exeter’s 2182. However In his defense, De there was a recount, Freitas said that he was amidst NDP protests in merely ensuring that Layou, where the democracy took its recount was conducted. course. There were smilar De Freitas’s remarks protests at the Governor came, apparently, in General official response to information residence/office where he said he had received Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to wit, that Ben Exeter, and others, including the New Democratic Sir Louis, were Party (NDP) candidate expected to be sworn in. for the Central Leeward
Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, head of the OAS Mission, delivers her organisation’s preliminary report on the December 9 general elections, in the company of Paul Spencer, deputy head of the Mission. authorities were applauded for purging and updating the list, it was recommended that this process be ongoing, and that a photograph of each citizen to make identification easy and immediate be a product of that process. It was noted that voters had come to rely on political parties to provide the information on the voting process. A more active, focused voter education programme was encouraged. Campaign finance regulation “will lead to a more equitable and transparent political contest”. This is the opinion of the Mission, informed by complaints
received about discrimination against smaller political parties for the duty-free importation of campaign materials. Political campaigns, despite their intensity, promoted calmness. A Code of Conduct for the SVG General Elections as advanced by the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism signed was encouraging, but would have been more impacting had it been signed earlier, the Mission report said. Finally, concerns were expressed that the post of Supervisor of Elections, a constitutional mandate, was dependent on the
Office of the Prime Minister. Consideration, the Mission recommended, should be given “to the establishment of an Independent Electoral Management Body”, which will remove the perception that it constitutes a lack of autonomy and independence. Chief of Mission, Mrs. Jacinth Henry-Martin, is expected to deliver an oral report to the OAS Permanent Council in early 2016. It will include additional observations and recommendations and will be available for public viewing on the organization’s website.
THE VINCENTIAN was unable to contact De Freitas. Efforts to get confirmed detailed information from the police also proved futile. However, according to a reliable source at Nice Radio, De Freitas was not charged up to press time, Thursday afternoon. He was being held at the CID office at the police headquarters in Kingstown. The source said that the proprietor was taken to Arnos Vale Airport earlier to sort out his flight arrangement, as he was expected to travel overseas. (KH) Members of the OAS Observation Mission at the Windsor Primary School Polling Station in the West Kingstown constituency.
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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Election
Gonsalves heckled in Redemption Sharpes
a threat. The police officer proceeded to LEADER OF THE Unity Labour warn the man, who Party (ULP) Dr. Ralph Gonsalves responded, “OK.” was heckled at a polling station Dr. Gonsalves, on Election Day. visibly upset, The leader was visiting the attempted to engage Central Kingstown another heckler, who constituency, when he stopped had said, “Way yo at a polling station in doing ya? Yo na Redemption Sharpes, only to suppose to dey ya,” , be heckled by some to which the leader constituents in the area. responded, “The A male, making a ‘thumbs whole a the country Incumbent MP for Central Kingstown, St. down’ sign in the direction of is mine.” Dr. Gonsalves, shouted, “We Others persons Clair Leacock, did not hide his getting rid a alyo, alyo gone, joined in and loudly disappointment over having missed the clean bowl. St. Vincent is ours made it known to Dr. opportunity to confront Dr. Gonsalves. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, back to camera, moves to own!” Gonsalves that he engage the hecklers. ULP political leader that he The Prime Minister then was not the Prime Minister, must move out the area, approached a police officer on since parliament had been the area in the Prime station. duty at the polling station, dissolved, and he would not be because he was not supposed Minister’s official vehicle, Leacock also said that to be inside the 100 yards and told him that what the the Prime Minister again. registration number G 7, Gonsalves was breaking the mark. man said could be considered One female even told the accompanied by police officers. law, because he was not A few of Moments after Gonsalves supposed to be travelling in the leader’s had departed the area, the Prime Minister’s official supporters incumbent MP for the vehicle, neither was he came to his constituency, St.Clair Leacock, supposed to be using the state rescue, so to arrived. police. speak, To a receptive gathering, he “Parliament has been assuring him said, “He get away.” dissolved. He supposed to be that he had Leacok declared that he travelling in his own vehicle,” nothing to wanted to confront the ULP said a seemingly disappointed fear. He eventually left leader — to inquire of him why Leacock. he was visiting the polling by KENVILLE HORNE
Accusations continue ON TUESDAY 8TH DECEMBER, 2015, one day before the general election here, the incumbent Unity Labour Party intensified its cry of shame on its main opponent, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). The ULP accused the NDP of threatening jail time for persons who the ULP claimed were lawfully registered to vote, but who the NDP thought were not. The ULP took their accusation a step further by calling on the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police to investigate these threats, and gave notice of its intention to inform the various missions here to monitor the elections, about the NDP threats. The ULP in the same breath, reminded citizens that, once their names were on the voters’ lists and they had bona fide national identification cards, that they were legally entitled to vote. All of this played out on polling day, Wednesday 9th December, with a
The ULP, through its leader Dr, Ralph Gonsalves, gave indication that it was not taking lightly, the ‘threats of jail time’ by the NDP.
Arnhim Eustace, leader of the NDP, has been consistent in raising concern about irregular registration of voters in East Kingstown.
constituency, of what it claimed were attempts to register ineligible counter by the NDP. persons in that In a statement, dated December 9, 2015, signed constituency. The NDP did, by Arnhim Eustace however, confirm that Leader of the NDP and the person who was released to the media, identified as attempting the party highlighted to commit this electoral what it said was its fraud, withdrew when foiling of an attempt by his actions were exposed. an ineligible person to Some observers here vote at a polling station say that each of the in the East Kingstown major political parties is constituency. The reported action by making its claims public, so as to establish the NDP followed on their promised vigilance, grounds on which to file post-election petitions. especially in this
V The threat of Zika
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 13.
Health
ZIKA, a mosquito borne virus from Africa, has spread to the Caribbean and is creating serious concerns. As a consequence, the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment has embarked on a series of training activities that will look specifically at further addressing vector control measures here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to a report from Caribbean 360 news site, the Brazilian Health Ministry has confirmed a link between Zika and a high incidence of birth defects. According to the officials, the Zika fever is behind a spike in
cases of micro-encephalitis — an inflammation of the brain contracted in the first months of pregnancy, which can stunt the growth of the foetus’ head. Doctors have found the Zika virus in the blood and tissue of a baby with micro-encephalitis in the north-eastern state of Ceara, and officials have issued warnings to women to think carefully about getting pregnant at the moment in areas where there are Zika fever cases. The news source reported that 739 cases of the disease and two adult deaths have been recorded. This
The electric vehicle is commonplace in many developed countries. Inset: This is not an uncommon occurrence in SVG.
Zero-emission goal set Editor’s note: While the Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, seems a distant affair, this particular component of this global threat should be one of which we take cognizance. Thirteen North American and European governments announced on Thursday 3rd December, 2015 that they will strive to make all new passenger vehicles in their jurisdictions zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by no later than 2050. Achieving this will accelerate the global transition to ZEVs and could reduce transportation sector climate impacts by more than 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year by 2050, lowering global vehicle emissions by about 40 percent. The governments, which are participants in the International ZEV Alliance, include the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway in Europe; California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont in the United States; and Québec in Canada. The International ZEV Alliance made this announcement during COP21 to highlight ZEVs as a key strategy to solving the climate crisis and to encourage further investments in ZEV technologies. ZEVs in use today include batteryelectric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles. Members of the International ZEV Alliance are committed to accelerating the global transition to ZEVs. Large-scale adoption of electric-drive vehicles, in concert with
clean energy deployment, is essential for limiting climate change impacts such as sea level rise and increased in extreme weather, ending oil dependence, improving air quality, and growing the low-carbon economy. ZEVs can also offer consumers a multitude of other benefits such as improved performance, and lower fueling and maintenance costs. ZEV Alliance participants represent about half of the electric vehicles sales worldwide. “These governments are leading the way when it comes to early adoption of electric vehicles by offering a mix of financial and non-financial incentives, vehicle policy, consumer awareness and outreach, and the installation of a charging infrastructure,” said Nic Lutsey, Program Director of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), which serves as Secretariat to the International ZEV Alliance. Yesterday the ICCT released a working paper, “Global Climate Change Mitigation Potential from a Transition to Electric Vehicles,” that quantifies the greenhouse gas benefits of increasing ZEV adoption. The paper is at the ZEV Alliance website. In addition to supporting ZEV adoption with innovative policies and investments within their own jurisdictions, members of the International ZEV Alliance are collaborating to expand the global ZEV market and encouraging other jurisdictions to establish ambitious ZEV targets and policies to promote electric drive vehicles. For more information on the International ZEV Alliance, visit the website. (Source: ZEV Alliance)
development marks the first time in the world that adult deaths from the Zika virus have been registered. According to Senior Environment Health Officer Todd Lewis: “Vector borne related diseases such as dengue fever, leptospirosis, and most recently the chikungunya virus, are all adversely affecting the general public and remain a constant threat.” Lewis further adds that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health to initiate programmes that will facilitate the work of each vector control inspector, which will make their task more effective and efficient, and that all is being done through training activities, and that the professionals are working to look more broadly on sustained integrated vector control measures and management here in SVG. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced earlier this month that the Zika virus has been detected in one Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation. While CARPHA did not identify the country, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicated that five cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in Suriname, with suspected cases in the Dominican Republic. Zika is a viral disease that is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also the insect vector for Dengue and Chikungunya.
The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The symptoms are also very similar to these diseases and include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, inflammation of the eye and eyeball pain, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness and rash. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, and symptoms last approximately four to seven days in the absence of complications. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment urges the public to inspect their homes and yards weekly and to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites indoors and outdoors by keeping water drums and barrels tightly covered, and throwing out stagnant water from flower vases, old tyres, and other containers that might serve as breeding sites. (Contributed by the Ministry of Health)
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14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Feature
Voters in orderly fashion at a polling station in Green Hill.
This curved line of voters in Richland Park took shape even before the polling station was open.
The Vincentian spirit reigns on Election Day by GLORIAH… AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS of hectic campaigning, Election Day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines finally arrived last Wednesday, December 9. Prior to that decisive day, many average individuals who had not been otherwise actively involved in politics, had already taken charge of
their opinions, and resorted to an entirely new (to SVG) methodology of campaigning; they chose to promote their party of choice on the World Wide Web. This was an excellent option. However, it began to lose its savour when persons began to mix their promotions with unsavoury pronouncements about
parties which they did not support. This had left many wondering about the possibility of open clashes, other disruptions, and an inability to return to normalcy on Election Day. Thankfully, this was not the case at all. The Vincentian spirit had surfaced and turned the activities of that day into affairs of decency and order, except for minor
Agents showing all signs of a sense of camaraderie as they go about representing their different parties.
instances. Polls opened at 7:00 am across the state, to welcome throngs of voters some of whom had gathered from the break of dawn. This set the pace for the rest of the day. Polling stations in a number of constituencies including South Leeward, West Kingstown, Central Kingstown, East Kingstown, West St. George, East St. George, and Marriaqua, all reported that for the first two hours, voters streamed in steadily. Reports indicated that voters generally adhered to the Code of Conduct, especially as it related to discarding party colours and symbols, congregating close to Polling Stations, and campaigning around the venue.
A calming atmosphere During the entire day, the regular stream of traffic into and within capital Kingstown was reduced to an all-time low. At polling stations, however, many vehicles could be seen busily making back-to-back trips with abled and disabled voters. Allowances were made for easy pick-ups and drop-offs. Additionally, on many public vans which were available, the rhythmic ‘party songs’ had changed into those ever-so-longedfor Christmas melodies. Their pace of travel too was greatly reduced from the almost proverbial “press gas” encouragements that went along with some campaigns. Several persons chose to use areas outside the 100-yard restriction at the stations to provide lunch packages, snacks and drinks for sale. There was no evidence of alcohol seen by this reporter. Party agents, whose major roles were to be
Right: St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince,
realized on candidate for Marriaqua. Election Day, could easily have put up barriers to separate themselves. Whatever distances separated them it for friendly exchanges. In Marriaqua, for example, it was heartening to see how ‘unified’ agents of contesting parties were at the Cane End Government School. Also of note were the visits to Polling Stations by candidates Incumbent MP St. Clair and other prominent Leacock (centre) was busy figures, not only to as he crisscrossed the vote, but to reassure length and breadth of the those supporters with central Kingstown their presence and to constituency on polling maintain calm.
day.
Oppositely On the opposite side of the spectrum, there were subtle occurrences that sometimes went unnoticed, but did not interrupt the process. Complaints of persons offering money (bribes) to voters prior to or after voting were reported. The appearance of different lists in constituencies were also whispered about. Party paraphernalia were brandished still on billboards, and flags and fliers strategically positioned on posts throughout constituencies but in keeping within the stipulated distance away from the Stations. Though, this does not directly contravene the Representation of the People Act, it was highly suggestive. Party colour were not brandished, but some parties found a way around it by uniforming their agents in other standard colours — a sort of t-shirt coding that were recognizable to their supporters. This is also not a contravention but provided affinity. That is not to say that, away from the polling
stations, party enthusiasts did not share their aspirations and fears for their party’s standing at the end of the process. One voter in the Central Kingstown constituency told THE VINCENTIAN (outside the vicinity of the polling station): “I done press gas. My candidate gone clear! Leacock me say!” In an interview with then ULP hopeful St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince in Marriaqua (outside the vicinity of the polling station), he told THE VINCENTIAN that his supporters, having requested his candidacy, had been showing their avid support at the polLs and therefore, HE was sure of victory. “WE were never in doubt as to who will win the election in Marriaqua,” he said. “That holds good now at this point. We are still awaiting the five o’clock hour but by then we would have known we’re clear!” Our National Anthem says, “What e’re the future brings, our faith will see us through”, and indeed, our Vincentian spirit had come in to save us perhaps from ourselves.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 15.
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understanding of how it can make a difference in improving customers’ cash flow and minimize bad debts. Rates are attractive - second to none. The offices of FRL are located on James Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And for those preferring to access information from the convenience of their own homes, FRL can be found at http://financerecoverysvg.com.
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16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Politics
Gonsalves confident about Sir Louis’ victory IN THE FACE of alledged discrepancies in the count in the Central Leeward constituency, which was initially announced as one of the eight seats won by the Unity Labour Party, that leader’s political leader, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has expressed confidence that the initial count was correct. Dr. Gonsalves, in a radio interview on Thursday, said that he remained confident of victory, and that the elections were free and fair. He was at the time responding to a question about the likelihood of election petitions.
“They have come with all kinds of matters, but they have come and went as with the ways in the flesh,” he quipped. He indicated that by law, a recount in all the constituencies was required, and disclosed that there was expected to be focus on the North Leeward seat, where the preliminary results indicated that the incumbent Roland Matthews of the NDP defeated the ULP’s Carlos James by a mere seven votes, and where there were a fairly large number of reject ballots. Nevertheless, he thanked the people
for what he said was a “magnificent, tall victory …. for giving us a fourth term with an increase in the popular vote.” He continued, “And the people have chosen the campaign of love, vision, policies and programmes over one of hate and divisiveness and commess.” Gonsalves boasted that, “We were bucking every single trend and we were bucking history and we have been doing so.” He thanked all the candidates, the
Supervisor of Elections, observers and his own campaign team and manager, Julian Francis, and most of all, those who voted for the ULP. Indications from Dr. Gonsalves is that Sir Louis Straker will be returned as Deputy Prime Minister, and Judith Jones-Morgan as Attorney General in the new ULP administration which he said then, was expected to be sworn in at Government House, Thursday 10th December. (DDD)
Winners of the Leeward constituencies as per unofficially count (from left): Nigel Stephenson (NDP – South Leeward – returned), Sir Louis Straker (ULP - Central Leeward – new) and Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews (NDP – North Leeward – returned).
The rumble in the Leeward Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, self-proclaimed ‘Duppy Conqueror’, is not conceding defeat of his colleague Sir Louis Straker (left back).
SIR LOUIS STRAKER was the Unity Labour Party (ULP) parliamentary representative for the Central Leeward constituency from 1994 to 2010. He was replaced successfully by Maxwell Charles for the 2010 general election, and went into retirement from active politics. When it became apparent that the friction stirred up by a quest for candidature between Charles and Dunston Johnson that could redound in an uneasiness in the constituency for the ULP, Sir Louis was coaxed out of retirement to, once again, contest on behalf of the ULP. He did so successfully at the polls of Wednesday 9th December, 2015, romping home victorious over newcomer Ben Exeter of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Sir Louis’s victory broke the trend of a rampaging New Democratic Party which threatened to take a hold of three seats on the Leeward area. Nigel Stephenson, buoyed by
overwhelming support from Campden Park, staved off a stiff challenge by the ULP’s newcomer Jomo Thomas, to hold on to the South Leeward constituency for the NDP. Preliminary results indicate a 13 vote lead for Stephenson. Roland Patel Matthews beat Carlos James by seven votes, according to preliminary figures released on Wednesday night. Tension mounted after the polls closed at 5 PM, but it was not until about ten last Wednesday evening that the winner was declared: Matthews 2,259 votes, James 2,252. The outcome in the Central Leeward constituency proved pivotal in determining an election winner after both parties were locked seven each. Once that was announced, celebrations erupted nationwide, with party supporters, clad in red outfits and waving red flags, paraded through the streets of mainland St. Vincent. (WKA)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 17.
News
C&W and ManU strike deal
Sports fans have yet another reason to celebrate, as Cable & Wireless Communications (C&W) announces a partnership with one of the world’s leading football clubs, Manchester United. The exclusive, multiyear agreement awards C&W and its retail brand Flow, sponsorship and media rights for the Caribbean. Both organizations will work together to help further grow football across the region, through competitions and coaching programmes with Manchester United Soccer Schools. The new partnership will also provide Caribbean fans with unique experiences, including the chance to win tickets to Manchester United games, signed merchandise, as well as interaction with Manchester United Legends such as club ambassadors Bryan Robson, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. “This is another big win for Flow customers”, said John Reid, President of C&W’s Consumer Group. “I am delighted to sign this landmark partnership agreement with Manchester United, the world’s most popular football club.”
Manchester United is one of the most successful football teams in the world, both on and off.
Added Reid: “Our aim is to become the home of sports in the Caribbean, and there is no better way to demonstrate our ambition than by partnering with one of the biggest sports brands in the world. This agreement with Manchester United is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships that already includes the Premier League and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and further demonstrates our commitment to delivering the region’s best sports content to Flow customers.” . Even more exciting for Caribbean viewers is the announcement that Flow will become the exclusive distributer of the dedicated MUTV channel. This means that from the 2016/17 Premier League season, fans will be able to experience exclusive Manchester United programing as well as behind the scenes access to the club. As the region’s leading quad-play operator, Flow will also enable access to Manchester United content “on the go” via mobile, tablets and desktop devices, as well as through the Flow ToGo app. (Contributed)
Signatories from Cable & Wireless and Manchester United on the partnership.
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20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Heritage
US Fund for Cultural Preservation now open
THE UNITED STATES Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS has announced the opening of the 2016 Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Since its creation by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation has provided financial The Carnegie (Kingstown) Public Library, which now support to more houses pre-Columbian artefacts , received AFCP than 640 cultural assistance for renovation work. preservation projects in more than 100 countries. This Fund represents a contribution of more than $25 million towards the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide. The Fund supports a wide range of projects to preserve cultural heritage, such as the restoration of historic buildings, assessment and conservation of museum collections, archaeological The St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Bequia, was restored to its former glory with a significant input site preservation, from the ACFP. documentation of vanishing traditional This project preserved, According to an craft techniques, Embassy release, the catalogued and displayed improved storage January 15, 2016 the ceramics and conditions for archives deadline is firm and that petroglyphs that record and manuscripts, and no extensions will be the oral traditions of the documentation of granted. Garifuna. indigenous languages. Late submissions will In 2005, an award of Qualified entities are not be considered. US $5,850 was made to reputable and Full information and enable the completion of a accountable nonproject eligibility and database of historic sites governmental in St. Vincent. The organizations, museums, requirements are available database includes ministries of culture, or here: http://eca.state.gov/c prehistoric petroglyph similar institutions and ultural-heritagesites, Amerindian organizations that are able to demonstrate that center/ambassadors-fund- villages, fortifications, cultural-preservation. and colonial era they have the requisite In the Eastern buildings. experience and capacity Caribbean, the AFCP has A successful bid was to manage projects to awarded US$138,280 in made to the AFCP for the preserve cultural the last ten years, to six restoration of the heritage. major projects in Carnegie Public Library The Embassy Dominica, Grenada, and in 2009. In 2001, the Bridgetown is now building was designated accepting proposals from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. for use as a museum to Antigua and Barbuda, During that period, exhibit and store preBarbados, Dominica, there are at least four Colombian collections. Grenada, St. Kitts and projects in St. Vincent In 2009, St. Mary’s Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. and the Grenadines that Anglican Church on Vincent and the the AFCP has supported. Bequia was restored with Grenadines. In 2002, US$14,430 help from the AFCP. An Proposals must be was granted for the St. amount of US79,000 was submitted electronically Vincent American-Indian made available to the St. to the U.S. Embassy Mary’s Anglican Church at BridgetownGrants@sta Artefacts and Oral History Collection: Restoration Trust for this te.gov by January 15, Recording and purpose. 2016. Conservation Project.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 21.
Feature
Airport work nears completion, says CEO
OPERATIONS AT on the eastern side has been THE ARGYLE done. International Matthias explained that Airport are the reason why more fencing getting set to work had not been done was begin, but there because earthwork was is still some ongoing on some of the areas work to be done. where the fencing would be Chief located. Executive “Once the earthwork is Officer (CEO) completed, then the fencing of the and drainage work will also International be completed,” he said. Airport Many other areas of work Development are also ongoing, among these Company the parking lot and access (IADC) Dr roads leading to the airport, Rudy Matthias both of which are expected to said that work Dr. Rudy Matthias, be completed by the end of at the site is this year, Matthias said. CEO/IADC, did what he expected to be The control tower is was expected to do, i,e, completed soon, gave an update on complete and fully The landing of a LIAT with the operational, and ongoing work at the aircraft came amidst completion dates International Airport. the facility that is still to be completed for some of the expected to house the perimeter works at the facilities, including the cargo terminal, Director of Airports and staff is airport site. set for the end of this year. being constructed next to the While speaking last Sunday at the control tower. site of the Argyle International Airport The fire station was completed and already been installed. where one of LIAT’s fleet landed, the IADC has entered into a Work on the Matthias explained that 6,900 of the contractual landscaping arrangement business side of the total 9,000 feet of runway had already for the beautification aspect of the facility is also been paved. facility. ongoing, according In some areas, two layers of asphalt And finally, Matthias said, the to Matthias. have been laid, while in others one has passenger terminal building is Advertisements been applied, he said. complete, but VIP lounges at the upper aimed at “While we work on the runway, we level of the facility are currently being Dr. Ralph Gonsalves addressing a large ULP crowd that are installing the lights,” the CEO worked on. The conveyor belt, airline encouraging local business people to turned out to witness first hand, the landing of the LIAT explained. agents, immigration and customs take up shop aircraft. Some 98 percent of the earthworks desks, public seating and spaces and over have been completed, and the fencing administration office equipment have 190 managerial positions required for already appeared in the local media. (DDD) the operation of the airport have The completed control tower and the home for the Director of Airports and staff can be seen in the distance above the LIAT aircraft.
he Fire station is said to be completed and ready to house the appropriate fire-fighting units.
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V A clear case of betrayal 26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Dear George,
MY BEST FRIEND has a boyfriend I wish I had. They have been dating now for 3 years and came close to getting married a year ago. Right now, she is having issues with him, and she tells me everything that is going on, even about when they ‘fight’. Her main issue with him is that he expects her to be available for sex more than four times in any one day. According to her, there isn’t a day when they don’t have sex at least three times, and as far as she is concerned, he is unreasonable. Apparently, he has threatened to find ‘additional’ sexual satisfaction outside. I said that I would speak with him, if she would approve. She did. When I spoke with him, he asked me to if I had any objection to a guy wanting sex that often. I told him “hell no!” It so happened that he told
me he wished he had someone to give him extra sex, and asked if I would do that favour for him. I could not believe that I finally had a chance to get what I had been longing for. Since that day, we have been having sex, and I do the things my friend refused to do with him. George, I have this guy fully satisfied now for over eight months. I feel no guilt, because I feel like I am doing a good deed keeping my friend’s man from going out too far, and ultimately keeping them together. I see myself as a guardian angel for her and her relationship. However, things got a bit complicated when he asked me to marry him. He said he had fallen for me some time back, and he is now convinced that he wants me as his wife. Should I say yes?
Unsure Love Dear Unsure Love,
It is a bit surprising that you are even considering this proposal! A proposal for marriage which, in your situation, seems to be based primarily on sex, is not worth serious consideration. Another consideration for you is, this proposal is also coming against a backdrop of betrayal. This man who now wants to marry you, saw nothing wrong with having a sexual relationship with you, leaving his fiancée to believe he was faithful all the way. Marrying someone who thinks deception has a place in a relationship, is a recipe for disaster. Redirect this man to your friend and ask him to sit down with her and resolve the issues between them, getting professional help if they need to. Encourage him to be brutally honest with her and let her know if they have a future together. I suggest you get your act together and start
being the kind of friend that you ought to be, i.e. looking out for the interest of your friend.
George
To do or not to do…. Dear George, Dear Tangled web, I CANNOT pay my rent, and I am behind in my car payment. My mom wants me to come back home until I can manage on my own again or until I get back a job. I do not really want to do that. My landlord has given me one more shot at bringing the rent up to date. I believe I can find a way to level things out, but some of my friends whom I have told, do not think I should go down that road. I have been taking care of this elderly man, and he has been asking me to give him full body massages in exchange for large sums of money. I have not accepted his offer as yet, but I am very close to doing so. The massages he wants have to be accompanied with oral sex. I have other friends who are encouraging me to just take a deep breath, close my eyes, and let him do his thing for a few minutes and done with it. He is offering me two hundred dollars for every massage, and he wants to be massaged twice daily, five days a week. George, this could be the answer to my prayers, but I am caught between the opinions of my friends. Of course, I have been keeping all of this from my boyfriend who does not even know I am taking care of this sweet old man.
Tangled web
It is one thing to be paid for giving massages, but quite another to accept monies in exchange for sexual favours. The decision is all yours to make but in arriving at a decision, you should bear the possible consequences in mind. You have hinted that you do have a boyfriend who is in the dark about this. Think carefully before you cross this line because once over, it may be difficult if not impossible to retrace your steps to keeping your dignity intact. It may be a wise idea to make choices that would be more in line with your value system and that of your boyfriend’s.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Focus on forming business partnerships. Your partner’s a little jumpy. Hard work will pay-off if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors. Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Relatives will want to get together. Be diplomatic when dealing with in-law. Listen to the problems of others and offer suggestions where possible. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Someone may be trying to take advantage of you. Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. Don’t gamble unless you can afford to lose. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be careful. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Things are looking good for you, so open your eyes and get to it. Try to get everyone involved; it will help bring you closer together. Make changes around your house and plan to do some entertaining. You will have to put those you live with in their place if they try to interfere with your work. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take time to catch up on overdue correspondence. You can make professional changes and direct your energy into making all the right moves. Go after your goals. Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner’s feelings. Work quietly at your own goals and forget about situations that you can do little about. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Residential moves will also be advantageous for all concerned. Past partners may try to come back into your life. You will probably have to defend your mate. You can handle situations that require contact with
institutions or large corporations. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Get down to business and do the work yourself. Try to keep to yourself; work diligently on domestic chores and responsibilities. You will have a blow-up this week if your partner does things that you feel are not above-board. Visit someone who hasn’t been feeling well lately. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can enjoy short trips. You need an outlet. Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. You can invest in profitable ventures. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. Limitations on the home front can be expected if you have been restricting your mate’s freedom. Risky ventures may turn in your favor. False information is likely if you listen to idle chatter or gossip. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Channel your energy wisely and you can score points with the boss. You need to get out if you want to meet potential partners. Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Financial affairs do not look too favourable this week. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don’t expect anyone else to pay your bills for you. Art investment will pay big dividends in the long term. Don’t push your luck with your boss. Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Help elders in your family. Groups and organizations that indulge in social events to raise money will be conducive to meeting new and exciting lovers. Your high energy and discipline will enable you to complete any seemingly insurmountable tasks. Correspondence may not clear up issues.
ACROSS
43. Scribble on a scrap 1.TVA project 47. Calamine’s 4. __ the Red target 8. Staffs 50. Lincoln __ 12. “__ Lazy 52. Accurate River” 53. Revamp (2 wds.) copy 13. Boy (Sp.) 54. Caribbean 14. Astonishes liquor 15. Private 55. Looked at 17. Imperfec56. Grounded tion jets 18. Praises (abbr.) 19. Make a 57. Football selection scores 21. Hollywood’s (abbr.) West 22. Hushed DOWN conversation, perhaps 1.Deceive 26. TV’s 2. Highest “Gomer __” point 29. Switch 3. Store or positions shop 30. Wide rdwy. 4. “__ Gay” 31. Old-time (famed auto plane) 32. Perfumer 5. Washing Lauder machine 34. Sirs cycle 35. House 6. __ manner addition of speaking 36. Deed (2 wds.) 37. Bothersome 7. Light one perfume 38. Wishing 8. Log floats well sound 9. Night bird 40. From __ Z 10. Narc’s org. (2 wds.) 11. Compass 42. Mediocre pt. mark 16. Nonspeci-
fic amount 20. Affectation 23.Unchanged 24. Currier & __ 25. Contained 26. Obama’s title (abbr.) 27. Injured pup’s cry 28. Lean back indolently 29. Mel of baseball 32. Alleviate 33. Sneaky plans 37. Lacking riches
39. Needed liniment 40. Confess to 41. Restaurateur Shor 44. Grime 45. Praise 46. Shade trees
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 27.
47. Follower of (suffix) 48. Endeavor 49. Billiards stick 51. Asner and Wynn
V SVG Diaspora 4Rs’ Helping Hands launched 28. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Arts & Youth
Saturday 5th, December 2015 at 10.00 a.m, the SVG Diaspora 4Rs’ Organization for Youths Inc. launched its youth volunteer programme, Helping Hands. The brief ceremony took place upstairs the Music Centre in Kingstown, and over 100 youth members drawn from the various SVG Diaspora 4Rs’ groups in St., Vincent were in attendance. The youth members represented the communities of Rose Hall, Chateaubelair, Barrouallie, Troumaca and Rose Place Kingstown. Pastor Lemmew Samuel of Chebar Evangelical Assemble of Rose Place opened the
proceedings with a prayer, and commended the youths on becoming volunteers. He encouraged them to continue to give of their time to help make a difference in the lives of others, and reminded the gathering that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Dr. Arlette Ann CoxTannis, Director of SVG Diaspora 4Rs’ Youth Organization USA, addressed the youths. She explained: “The purpose of SVG Diaspora 4RS’ Helping Hands is to encourage and support volunteerism in youths 8-19yrs, by providing opportunities that enrich lives of youths and help to mould them for a lifetime of selfless
Representatives of the Troumaca group.
service.” She added, “The goal of the programme is to connect young people with charitable services organization in need of help, for example assisting the Salvation Army with its Kettle Appeal or handing out meals to the homeless this Christmas season.” Helping Hands members are awarded, based on the amount of volunteers service hours performed in the year. Group members also benefit from the
following: toys, school supplies, clothing and shoes distributions, and camp and youths development sessions, as well as scholarships to assist with education. Dr. Cox-Tannis, in closing the ceremony, thanked the many persons in the USA for their contributions of toys and clothing. Special mention was made of the staff of the MSBI Hospital NY and ex-Police Office Orton Guy of Brooklyn. The young volunteers
Boucher meets Stones
Rose Hall Helping Hands group. present were treated to toys, clothes, and snacks. Those desirous of leaning more about the
programme are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/svgdi asporaorg4youths.
PATRONS at the finals of the Classic Country Music Club ‘Carry Your Own Key’ popularity singing contest and country dance, which took place at the Country Ranch upstairs the Music Centre in Kingstown on Saturday 28th November 2015, got more entertainment Finalists in the “Carry Your Own Key” than they bargained for. popularity singing contest.Inset: LM Many came out to meet LM Stones, regarded as the Caribbean George Jones of Stones and Judy Boucher in an after country music Stone is a St. Lucian and an show of camaraderie. international country music recording artiste. He thrilled the crowd with a short but fan, who requested that she sing at cheerful performance. Stone is scheduled to tour St. least one number. Vincent and the Grenadines in April 2016. The members the Classic Country Music Club were The crowd was further delighted with an honored to have had two of the Caribbean finest love impromptu performance by Judy Boucher. The and county music stars in their presence, at the same Vincentian songbird was spotted in the audience by a time.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 29.
News
Four receive Building and Loan Scholarships
by KENVILLE HORNE FOUR STUDENTS who are currently in their first year of secondary school, have received scholarships from the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association (BLA). Taylor Oliver and Jerona Mapp of the Girls’ High School (GHS) were awarded Merit Scholarships, and Rene’ Jackson of GHS and Nathalia Charles of the Central Leeward Secondary School were awarded Needs Base Scholarships, during a presentation ceremony on Tuesday, December 8, at the Building and Loan Association headquarters, Kingstown. Speaking at the present ceremony, Gilbert Porter, BLA Insurance Manager, said the scholarships are awarded to students whose parents are shareholders with the financial institution. He described the awarding of scholarship as fulfilling the Association’s social responsibility to SVG, and encouraged the recipients to work hard towards
Building and Loan scholarship winners (from left) Nathalia Charles, Rene’ Jackson, Taylor Oliver and Jerona Mapp. advancing their education and professional development, “and I would like to see you extract value from this commitment and make us all proud,” said Porter. The scholarship will run for 5 years, after which it will be revisited. He encouraged the parents of the students to continue to support the institution, since it will go
towards academic development. CEO of BLA, Elroy John, joined Porter in encouraging the scholarship winners to continue to strive for excellence. Lafern Oliver, mother of Taylor Oliver, expressed thanks to the Association for awarding the students the scholarships, especially in “the harsh economic times”.
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30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
People
Another Vincentian to receive QueenÊs Young Leaders award
by KENVILLE HORNE ANOTHER VINCENTIAN WILL receive a prestigious Commonwealth Queen’s Young Leaders Award. Dillon Ollivierre, 26-year-old, poet and teacher from the Grenadines
island of Bequia, is among 60 young persons from the Commonwealth who would be receiving the accolade in the second round awards. Ollivierre is the second person from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to have won the award. Journalist and founder of a sportsbased programme in the community of Rose Hall, Kenville Horne, collected his award from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Place in June this year. The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. Over the next three years, the Programme will support thousands of young people to achieve their goals. A release from the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados said that this year’s Award winners, aged between 18 and 29 and who come from all over the Commonwealth, are
working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality. “Dillon tries to inspire young people, both in the classroom and beyond, to become model citizens. He is the director of an NGO called Rise Up Bequia Inc., which was set up to help people affected by the country’s 2013 floods,” said the release. In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Ollivierre said that he became aware of the award following Horne’s achievement. He was encouraged by friends, he said, to make himself known to the Trustees. Ollivierre, an active poet for some ten years, explained, “I’ve written on issues such as crime and violence, suicide and bullying, to name a few, but I wanted to do so much more. In 2012, I took to the streets in support of a march against crime and violence in St. Vincent. In 2013 an opportunity arose to do more.... after the Christmas Eve flood on the mainland.” He joined a team that organized a collection drive to assist persons
affected by the flood, and organized a solidarity benefit concert, from which funds went towards purchase of school supplies for students affected by the floods. “The group stuck together, and an NGO called ‘Rise Up Bequia’ was created. This has given me the opportunity to further serve and assist our people and our youths,” said the new Queen’s Young Leader, ‘Rise Up Bequia’ would broaden its scope and, “In 2015, ‘Rise up Bequia’ organized a talent expo to showcase our island’s talent. This to me was a great accomplishment — bringing our youths together with already established performers, to help nurture and develop their talents,” added Ollivierre. And as far as how he is coping with the news of him winning the Award, Olliveierre said, “I’m still feeling extremely happy and excited, but more so humbled by the opportunity and the encouragement/support I’ve been receiving. To everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, congratulated me, from my heart, I offer these words, “Thank you”. THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Dillon on his achievement.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 31.
Shne Joachim destroys Barbados National Records THE BARBADOS NATIONAL Swimming Championships took place last weekend, and six swimmers from St Vincent’s Black Sands Swim Squad demonstrated their great competitive form. Shne Joachim led the way with some outstanding recordbreaking swims. Carifta record holder Joachim swam herself to a total of six golds, one silver and two bronze medals, and made her mark in the Barbados record
books by breaking three national age group records. Shne’s younger brother, Alex, also got himself on the medal podium, winning one silver and three bronze medals, and came away from the event swimming a total of nine personal best times. Long distance specialist Cruz Halbich controlled the pool waters, winning gold in the 800 meter freestyle, two silver medals, and
swam a total of six personal best times. Cruz’s cousin, Aaron De Freitas, was close on his heels, claiming the silver medal in the 800meter freestyle, two bronze medals and a fantastic nine personal best times. Youngsters Mia DeFreitas and Jamie Joachim also showed good form at the event. Mia cameaway with a total of eight personal best times, and Jamie Joachim returned
home with four personal best times. Black Sands coach Kyle Dougan said, “Shne Joachim’s records are a fantastic achievement, and I envisage that the records will stand for many years to come because she is swimming to a standard that very few swimmers are able to get to.” Her added, “All the swimmers swam exceptionally well and should be very pleased with their end of season
The six swimmers who represented the Black Sands Swim Club at the recent National Swim meet in Barbados.
Pope, McCoy in WICB U 19 Training Camp TWO of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Windward Islands’ top youth players, Obed McCoy and Gidron Pope, will join sixteen other top players from around the region, for a two-week West Indies training camp, scheduled for Grenada. The 18 players will be looking to impress the coaches and selectors as they juggle for places in a 15-member West Indies squad for 2016 ICC Youth World Cup, to be staged in January in Bangladesh. Speaking exclusively to THE VINCENTIAN upon arrival for the camp, McCoy said, “Going into the training camp is a dream come true. I worked real hard, and I can see the hard work is paying off, so what I want to do is continue to be focused.” And in response to being quizzed about his chances of
securing final selection, the young man said, “I think I have a good chance because I know I have the ability.” McCoy is among 6 fast bowlers in the training squad, and needed no prompting to express that, “Consistency is important. …. I am looking forward to bowl with consistency and line and Obed McCoy left Gidron Pope, left length.” arm fast bowler. hand opening Gidron Pope, also spoke batsman. with THE VINCENTIAN and batsman disclosed, “I was training very hard before the camp, doing a lot however admitted, “In order for me to do so, I will have to stick to of work on my fitness which is the basics, work on my very important. I think my weaknesses in the training camp, chances of making the team is very good because most players on but also play my natural game. I am looking to being one of the the team are fast bowlers, so opening batsmen and lead the making it as a batsman will be team from the front.” easy for me.” The aggressive opening I.B.A.ALLEN
Shne Joachim – local record holder, now BarbadosNational record holder. results. They’ve worked extremely hard all year and are now able to demonstrate to the region that swimming in St Vincent and the Grenadines is at a very competitive standard.” Next up for SVG swimmers is the Trinidad invitational meet on the 10th to 13th December. Following that outing, local swimmers can look forward to the Black Sands Sprint meet, which will be held here at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre. (Contributed)
Alex Joachim is coming into his own.
Lodge Village Primary School Football Champs LODGE VILLAGE PRIMARY are the 2015 Primary Schools Football Champions. They earned the title last week Wednesday, December 2, when they beat defending champions, Kingstown Preparatory School, 1 — 0, in the finals of that competition.. Lodge Village’s goal came almost on the stroke of half time, through Carl Ragguette, who was adjudged the MVP of the Competition. Earlier in the day, Layou Government School put eight goals past the Cane End Government School custodian, to take third place. Cane End had three goals of their own. Six of Layou’s goals were scored by their ace striker, Oryan Velox, who was the Competition’s leading scorer with 12 goals. The Primary Schools Football Competition was reintroduced last year. Matches are played over 40 minutes, with each team fielding nine players, among whom must be one female player. The closing ceremony which followed the finals heard addresses from Director of Sports Mr. Nelson Hillocks and President of the SVG Football Federation Mr. Venold Coombs.
V Police, Sion Hill in Masters Finals 32. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
RSVG POLICE MASTERS strolled into the finals of the 2015 SVG Masters 20/20 Cricket Competition, with a comfortable 9-wicket semi-final win over St. Vincent Cooperative Bank P’tani Masters, on the weekend. The lawmen will meet Sion Hill Masters in the finals scheduled for this Sunday, December 13, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. The match is set to commence at 1:30pm. In last weekend’s semi-final, P’Tani Masters took first knock and were bowled over and out in 19.1. overs for
a miserly 89. P’tani failed to get on top of the Police bowling attack and allowed spinner Calvin Glasgow to claim 3 for 8, and fast bowler Sigmond Allen 3 for 14. Renford Jack chipped in 2 for 14. As expected, Police Masters made light work of chasing the 70 runs set for victory, closing on 73 for one, in 9.5 overs. Not for the first time this season, Gosnel Cupid, 35 not out, and Trevor Bailey, 22, led the successful chase for Police Masters.
Gosnel Cupid would be hoping that his good run of form throughout the competition would not desert him in Sunday’s final.
Cricket fans here anticipate an exciting finals this Sunday. Police are on a quest to lay their hands on the title, to add to those they captured in 2007, 2010 and 2011. Sion Hill, losing finalists in 2014, are hyped and determined to gone one better in 2015. Organizers of the Competition say that a presentation ceremony will I.B.A.ALLEN follow Sunday’s match.
Windwards bend under guile of Sulieman WINDWARDS ISLAND Volcanoes remained stuck on 23 points, one position from bottom in the standings, as Round 4 of the 2015/16 Regional First Class Cricket Championship came to an end earlier this week. The Volcanoes suffered their latest loss in the Championship, when they went under to Barbados Pride by a whopping 181 runs. The Windwards folded in their second innings at 197, in quest of a victory target of 379. They wilted under the guile of veteran off-spinner, 34-yearold Sulieman Benn, who claimed six second innings Windwards wickets for 55 runs.
Benn was playing only his second game of the Regional First Class Championship, but he led the Barbados effort which saw the Windwards tumbling, to be all out 40 minutes after the scheduled tea break, following an extended post-lunch session. Beginning the fourth day on 40 without loss, the opening pair of Tyrone Theophile and Miles Bascombe carried the score to 92 before they were separated, when Bascombe went for 40 after some two hours at the crease. Theophile went on to get 47. Thereafter, it was only Johnson Charles with for 44, who showed any fight as those around him succumbed to Benn and company.
When it was all over, the records showed that the Windwards had moved from a promising 92 without loss to lose tem wickets for 105 runs. With the victory, Pride moved into sole possession of third place with 44 points. Guyana Jaguars head the points standing with 70 points followed by Jamaica Scorpions on 50. T&T Red Force hold on to the fourth position with 30 points and the Leeward Hurricanes fill bottom spot with ten Sulieman Benn may have thought his day’s work against the points. Windwards rather easy. The Windwards Hurricanes, who are yet to Volcanoes’ sole victory to date Championship with an eightwicket win over the Leeward register their first win. came in Round 3 of the
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 33.
Sports
Sports and slopes PERHAPS by Friday morning, the first Test in Hobart, Tasmania might have been well advanced. And by all intentions, the West Indies will have been completely humiliated. The signs were evident from the time they played their only Warm-up match against a young Australia squad. Their performance was pathetic and reflected signs of a wider dilemma that has overtaken West Indies cricket. Recommendations from a CARICOM Committee that the West Indies Cricket Board be revamped, does not seem to have found any favour with the Board. And given the current configuration, there seems very little that can be done to resolve the situation. It is a delicate situation. For the practice with sports is that government keeps its distance. But sporting administrators have become so powerful that they regard themselves as more influential than the politicians. And there is little that anyone can do to bring the WICB to any sense of accountability. We seem likely to drift along for a considerable period. And while we drift, our cricket spirals in a downward trend. No one appears willing to want to arrest the pattern. So we are left carrying the misfortune of a number of egotistic individuals intent on making a statement that they must be in charge of regional cricket. Some persons and indeed countries have found ways of working out marriages of convenience, so that they maintain the status quo. Nothing would have been wrong with that if it was successful. We continue to rush down the slippery slope and to lose the respect of the cricketing world. CARICOM leaders have grasped the relevance of sport to economic stability. It was noteworthy that sporting facilities became part of the national development in this last general elections campaign. New facilities have been opened in Vermont Valley and North Leeward. And though they are not any flag raising ceremony to mark the occasions, there could only be benefits for the entire country with the new avenues. Some level of compromise has to be worked out. Cricket administrators must step down from their sense of haughty outlook and look towards the future of the entire region. Announcements that Cumberland will be used as the base for the Guyana Jaguars Franchise comes as encouraging news. And with the Argyle International Airport nearing completion, this country’s exposure to the wider international circuit will be enhanced. Opportunities for travel and indeed competition will improve. More teams and individuals will be able to ply their skills here and Vincentians will find it easier to reach distant destinations. There is need and indeed the capacity to take advantage of the new base in in sports. The North Leeward Sports Association will be smiling, with the knowledge that they have more venues to bring off their events. So for example, next year’s VINLEC North Leeward T/20 Cricket final may very well be at Cumberland. That will make for an excellent backdrop that will serve to enhance sports in the community and boost the whole area. The Football competition is taking shape and Cumberland can also serve as a venue perhaps for the conclusion of that tournament, with the chance for the organisers to raise some monies through gate receipts. It is a good thing that sports have been recognised as a vehicle of national development. All necessary resources must be deployed to broaden the effect of sport on the nation.
34. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015. 35.
Classifieds
Regional Project Director, Professor Velma Newton and Attorney General Basil Williams pose with an IMPACT Justice Manual for Administrators.
IMPACT Justice meeting to discuss Drafting Instructions The Canadian Government-funded project Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) is hosting its second Arbitration Legislation Committee meeting to discuss drafting instructions for a Model Arbitration Bill. IMPACT Justice, which is a regional justice sector reform project, is being implemented from within the Caribbean Law Institute Centre, UWI, Cave Hill Campus. The Arbitration Acts in CARICOM Member States are based on English arbitration legislation of 1889 and 1934, later consolidated into the Arbitration Act, 1950. The English have since modernized their Arbitration Act in 1996. Additionally, some 68 countries have modernised their arbitration legislation and adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law while the legislation in CARICOM Member States remains, for the most part, outdated. The drafting of model arbitration legislation is part of the Project’s
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mandate to draft gender and environmentally sensitive model CSME and other laws for presentation to the CARICOM Legal Affairs Committee for approval. This is in keeping with the Project’s commitment to provide assistance to CARICOM Member Regional Project Director Professor States in formulating laws leading Velma Newton (left) and Canadian High to cooperation and economic Commissioner Richard Hanley at the integration as a means of official launch of the project in May of promoting greater integration and this year. (Photo via Caribbean360) sustainable economic growth in the region. for presentation to the legislative The meeting will take place on drafter. It is expected that the Model December 12th at the Hilton Hotel in Port of Spain and Committee members Arbitration Bill will be drafted by mid2016. will finalise the drafting instructions
Accountant on multiple theft charges A 24-YEAR-OLD ACCOUNTANT, formerly employed with the East Caribbean Flour Mills Ltd. was taken before the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, after being slapped with seven charges of theft. Romaldo Williams is accused of stealing a total of EC$90,926. 63 from the Eastern Caribbean Flour Mills,
RUTH HARPER
TIA-MARIA ATESSA CHARLES
Berean Baptist Church Georgetown Sunday 6th December, 2015 2:30 p.m.
S.D. Adventist Church Kingstown Sunday 6th December, 2015 3:00 p.m.
BEATRICE REHAIMA TROTMAN NEÉ ALLEN Mt. Coke Methodist Church Saturday 5th December, 2015 3:00 p.m.
through a series of transactions between September last year and June this year. Williams was not required to plead to the charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias on Tuesday. He was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with one surety, on condition that he report to the Spring Village
Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays between 6 a.m. and 6 pm, surrender his passport and Identification Card (ID), and that he does not leave the state without the Court’s permission. Stop notices will also be placed at all ports of exit. The prosecution did not object to bail. (H.H)
JOHN ELIAS ASHTON Clifton Gospel Hall Saturday 5th December, 2015 2:00 p.m.
MRS. ESTELLA SIMMONS NEE BRUCE Deliverance Baptist Church Lauders Saturday 5th December, 2015 1:00 p.m.
ANSELMA SYLVIA SMALL BOBB Kingstown Methodist Church Friday 4th December, 2015 3:00 p.m.
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NDP PROTEST HALTS SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Vehicles and protesters blocked the narrow roadway to Government House. BY DALE DASILVA HUNDREDS of supporters of the New Democratic Party (NDP) blocked the entrance to the New Montrose residence/office of the Governor General, to stop what was advertised as a swearing in ceremony for the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney General, following Wednesday’s general election. It was Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister designate according to the preliminary count of the vote, who first indicated the date and time for the ceremony. Clad in their yellow campaign t-shirts, the group, comprised of about 300 persons, chanted “no justice, no peace,” as they swarmed the usually quiet roadway to the GG’s residence/office. Radio personality and NDP activist Lavern Phillips told THE VINCENTIAN that the group was protesting the swearing in, since a winner of the Central Leeward seat was yet to be officially declared. The Unity Labour Party
(ULP) led by Dr. Gonsalves, according to the release of preliminary results, was said to have taken the seat, the last to be declared on Election night, giving that party a one-seat majority, and its fourth consecutive term in office. However, Political Leader of the NDP Arnhim Eustace refuted this, saying that according to information provided by his party’s agents, the NDP candidate, newcomer Benjamin Exeter, had won the seat by a mere six votes. Early Thursday morning, news broke that there were six ballot boxes unsealed and another missing. According to Phillips, the election results stood at 7-7 and there was no clear winner, therefore Gonsalves MP for Central Kingstown, St. Clair Leacock (centre) helped broker an understanding that brought some calm to the situation. could not have been sworn in until the all clear was given. “We intend to stay here as long as Leacock. That meeting agreed that the ceremony possible,” she said. would not go on until the Central Leeward seat had “I have decided that if it means that I will have to been recounted, and a clear winner declared. lose my life, I will do that,” Phillips told THE Once this was communicated, Judith JonesVINCENTIAN. Morgan left, under heavy Police escort, as did other Protestors blocked vehicles from entering or invited guests, including members of the Diplomatic leaving the compound of Government House, despite Corps. the deployment of officers from Special Services Up to press time, the final tally in the Central Unit and Rapid Response Unit. Leeward constituency was yet to be confirmed. One of the many persons making their way to the ceremony, which was expected to have started at 2pm, was Judith Jones-Morgan, the Attorney General designate. The protesters eventually had their way. The ceremony was aborted following a meeting involving the Governor General and Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, St Clair
Attorney General Designate, Judith JonesMorgan, left the Government House compound under police escort.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
STOP PRESS Swearing in ceremony held
FOLLOWING earlier protest in the day and apparent clearance from the office of the Supervisor of Elections that the preliminary count of the December 9, 2015 pool stood at 8 seats for the ULP and 7 for the NDP, a swearing in ceremony ensued at Government House in the early evening of Thursday 10th December. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was sworn in as Prime Minister, his fourth term in the office; Sir Louis Straker Deputy Prime Minister, a position he held prior to his retirement from active politics and government in 2010; and Mrs. Judith JonesMorgan — Attorney General, a position she has held since the ULP took office for the first time in 2001.
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