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FRIDAY,

JULY 24, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.30

www.thevincentian.com

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Delicate issue brews in Campden Park by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

CEDRIC ‘DREAMS’ YOUNG considers himself a promoter. He has operated the ‘Sand Ah Rush’ entertainment spot at Roucher Bay, Campden Park, where he also resides, for over 20 years.

His entertainment spot was a preferred spot for Vincentians and party lovers in particular, who assembled there to let off steam after a hectic day or work week.

Young recalls the days when his ‘spot’ was filled to capacity, and the surroundings were packed with people.

He reflected on having enlisted persons like Anthony ‘Papa Das’ Glasgow and the band Signal which became features at the Sand Ah Rush.

The band Resurrection, and some of the nation’s Top Disc Jockeys, established their credibility at that spot.

His was a renowned entertainment venue, and featured top musical bands like Signal and Resurrection and some of the top DJ’s in SVG. The area flourished, and business in the neighbourhood was booming, Young recalled.

Continued on Page 3

Cedric ‘Dreams’ Young whose entertainment spot has been literally brought to its knees because patrons can no longer put up with the stench.

Stream into which the ‘waste water’ flows and from which a stench arises.

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel on another cash binge

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER Digicel is at it again. They are giving away cash, and loads of it.

Beginning Friday July 17 and up until to August 31, a Digicel subscriber has the chance to win $1,000 daily.

There are also surprise gifts awaiting customers of Digicel during the period.

The ‘giveaway plan’ was launched on Friday 17th July, and featured ‘Digi Girls’, positioned at strategic points (e.g. Arnos Vale Roundabout), displaying appropriate signage. This proved effective, as it drew the attention of drivers and pedestrians alike.

Sandra Edwards left collects her $1,000 from Danielle Cupid, Digicel’s Marketing Executive.

And already there have been two winners in the great giveaway plan. Xavier Bailey and Sandra Edwards each took home $1,000 in raw cash this week. And the cash handout was timely, given that it is already time to prepare the children for their next school year.

Digicel subscribers are reminded that all they have to do is text 2for5 to short code 1130, to be a part of the excitement for a chance to win $1,000 every day until August 31.

It’s time for Xavier Bailey to collect his $1,000.

‘Digi Girls’ outside Pulse, a Digicel Agent, on Back Street.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 3.

News 3 Grace period suggests people living abroad

to cleanse the voters list.

“The records are showing that those AS OF MONDAY JULY, 20, some 866 people are people who no longer live individuals whose names were initially here,” Findlay told THE down to be removed from the voters list, VINCENTIAN. have taken the necessary steps to avoid According to Findlay, there has this. been a steady stream of persons This number was disclosed by the coming either into the Electoral Office Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay in Kingstown, or visiting their who disclosed that, based on the respective constituencies, to have their figures, the majority of the 23,702 status rectified. names that were published to be Persons whose names were on the removed from the voters, belongs to list to be removed were treated as individuals currently residing abroad. priority cases.

This observation comes against the “But generally, persons showed up,” argument that the current voters list she said, adding that there were also a in which 107,208 names appear, number of new voters who registered includes persons who are deceased, within the 30-day period. and that the list was too large, “But I think, based on the warranting the amendment to the information from the registering Representation of the People’s Act officers and the actual registration back in May, which initiated a process that has come to the office, most of the by: DAYLE DA SILVA

persons who would have registered within that 30-day period were persons who understood that if they did not meet the July 27 deadline, that their names could be removed from the list.”

Exercise worthwhile

Looking back, Findlay said that she believed that the exercise has been worthwhile, and persons have responded.

There have been a number of calls

by Vincentians living abroad wanting to have their situations dealt with, Findlay said, and some have complied by writing to the Supervisor explaining their circumstances and sending supporting documentation.

A lot of work has been done so far by the Electoral Office, she continued, to ensure that as many persons got registered, particularly during the recent Carnival celebrations when a lot of Vincentian nationals were at home.

“We tended to deal with two major groups - those who were visiting, and persons whose work or other commitments did not allow them to go to the constituency, and that was seemingly a major reason why some persons did not go to get registered. Given their work schedule, they were not able to go.”

This group included security guards, nurses, police officers, lawyers and certain business The outlet for the ‘waste water’ from the professionals, the Supervisor Brewery. of Elections said.

Delicate issue brews in Campden Park Continued from frontpage 3 Now, he is a worried man. He ponders on the worth of his business, for, as far as he contends, the swing that the ‘Sand Ah Rush’ once maintained, has ground to a stop. Business has spiralled downward, and the area has descended into a graveyard, he lamented.

Young spoke of having thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment hanging around his premises, for which he is looking for sale.

The descent, he said, began with expansion to operations at the nearby St. Vincent Brewery.

A series of factors have contributed to the decline. Young is of the view that a stench emanating from the Brewery and which intensifies at certain periods of the night, is one such factor.

He is of the view that the waste material from the Brewery ought to be directed in covered outlets and emptied several yards away from the shoreline.

“The water want to go in a conduit and run into the sea,” Young observed.

Other residents raised similar concerns about the loss of business in the neighbourhood.

The common cause of the disillusionment that now prevails in Roucher Bay is the stench that has overwhelmed the environment.

But the Brewery is not the only source of the problem.

While there is the industrial fallout, there is the admission that some residents have contributed to the situation.

One resident pointed to the falling of a tree in a river bed behind the Brewery.

One person apparently thought it fit to cut down branches of that tree and left the fallen branches to pile up in the path of the water flow.

like other documents, the national ID card has an expiration date; the second that people are now taking the electoral process more seriously.

Regarding the latter, people are now requesting to be transferred, whereas in the past they became complacent and remained eligible to vote in the constituency in which they were initially registered.

But now they were coming into the office and making the decision to deal with their voter registration in the proper manner, Findlay told THE VINCENTIAN.

Cleaning up the list

“All in all, it has been a productive period… we have seen positive movement and I think that is what is critical,” she said.

She further stated that she and her team were pleased to know that individuals were now subject to a rigorous process to obtain an ID card.

“And when I exit this office, I would be very happy that that was one thing under my tenure that we were able to do – to clean up the system, not just in the sense of the voter’s list, but cleaning up the data that is there recorded for individuals.”

A number of individuals were not pleased that they were requested to At the constituency level bring in their original documents, but, according to Findlay, this was done for From the constituency a reason. level, she explained that “So that the data that is there for officers reported that individuals stated that seeing the next 10 years, we know that it is reasonably reliable,” the supervisor of that they were eligible to elections said. vote, they never bothered to And for persons whose names will have their registration eventually remain to be taken off the updated. list, she is advising that all hope is not Because they had a lost. driver’s licence or passport, Findlay explained that registration they felt comfortable with The fallen tree that has exacerbated the will continue until July 29. Shortly that, Findlay said. situation by interfering with the flow of thereafter, the new voter’s list will be “Truth is if you have the water, causing stagnation and a published. another form of ID, you only stench.

But once registration resumes, need your ID card to vote; That has added to the problem. But the but there is that other wider persons will have the opportunity to have their names put back on the list group with no other form of residents are now up in arms with the as long as they meet the ID, so they have gravitated Brewery, whom they view as the primary requirements. towards getting an ID; but agent of their discomfort.

“This is just a period of ensuring for those who just needed to Officials of the Brewery were in that we have some process in place for vote, they were very meetings when contacted for their creating a more up to date voters list. complacent,” she continued. response.

Some persons’ names will be removed, The entire process has Representatives from the Ministry of been hailed a success for two but it does not say that they cannot be Health visited the area last Monday, but reasons: the first that people put back on the list at a subsequent residents have not been patient with the time,” Findlay said. are now understanding that approach of that Ministry to the issue.

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Jet Bridges arrive Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA THE INSTALLATION of two jet bridges was expected to begin earlier this week at the international airport site at Argyle.

The process is expected to last three weeks, with a fourth week designated to the training of personnel on the correct operation of the jet bridges, Torres said.

The jet bridges arrived here last week and, according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the entire project including the purchase and shipping costs – including the cost of moving the structures – was US$1.9 million.

Addressing a short ceremony at the Kingstown Port last week Thursday, after the arrival of jet bridges, the Prime Minister explained that they were important for the airport in terms of its competitiveness.

He conceded that Grantley Adams Airport in Barbados, Hewanorra in St Lucia, Maurice Bishop in Grenada do not presently have such facilities, and that the Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica recently added on such a feature.

“Those not familiar with air bridges may ask why is it such a big deal?”

But this country has an annual rainfall of about 100 inches per year, the Prime Minister explained, and the installation of the feature will allow for passengers coming in from distant locations the ability to disembark the aircraft almost immediately after landing.

Most importantly, Dr. Gonsalves said, the addition of the jet bridges now was to ensure that future generations would not have to spend money on items such as what was now being installed.

“I don’t want after I am finished, [they say] look he left the airport for us and we have to go look in 10 years’ time millions of dollars to put them in, because bring them now, or bring them in in 15 years, you have to bring them in,” Dr. Gonsalves

explained.

Some minor work will have to be done on the terminal building to accommodate the jet bridges, and the OECC have been contracted to carry out this work, the Prime Minister disclosed.

Manueal Torres, Project Manager at ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems, the company charged with producing and installing the jet bridges, explained that the planning and coordinating phase of the project started back in 2014.

The jet bridges were custom fitted for the terminal building, Torres continued, and will be installed to allow for a pathway allowing for vehicular traffic on the apron.

And the walkway has been fitted with sections of glass to allow first time visitors a view of the environs of the airport, the project manager said.

The facility will be operated by a hydraulic system which will extend to the aircraft, and has been designed to adapt to a variety of aircraft including the Boeing 737, 767 and Airbus.

The air bridges that will be installed at the International Airport at Argyle.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister defending the purchase of the air bridges now as against sometime in the future.

Meanwhile, Dr Rudy Matthias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) said that there were a number of other items that were being added on to the terminal: installation of the conveyor belts is expected to be completed by the end of July; installation work on the scanners expected to be completed by the end of this month; the placement of partitions and furniture including check-in, customs and immigration counters, scheduled for a September finish.

“By the end of September, we expect that the terminal building would have been substantially retrofitted to allow us to start operation of the airport. ….most of what we need in the terminal building would be in place by that time,” Dr. Matthias said

Airport works to meet deadline CONSTRUCTION WORK on the international airport at Argyle will be completed by the end of this year.

“If someone says that we have made this promise many times before, that is quite true, but I think you can believe this one this time,” Dr Rudy Matthias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC), said.

The objective, according to Dr. Matthias, is to have the airport operational by the end of 2015, Matthias contended.

“Whether that is November or early December, I am not quite sure, but what I’m almost certain of is that we are going to be in a position to have planes landing at Argyle, before the end of this year.”

Matthias was speaking last week Thursday following the arrival of two jet bridges which are to be retro-fitted on to the terminal building at the Argyle site..

While work on the terminal building was almost complete, Matthias explained that there was some work to be done on the airside (e.g. apron, runway).

“People are looking and seeing that we are making good progress in that regard,” the CEO said.

July was notoriously a wet month, Matthias continued, saying that the rain often slowed down the rate at which work could proceed.

“So we haven’t been able to do as much this month, and that is hardly any fault of ours.

“We know that it is going to be a wet month, and

All airside works are expected to be complete by September. we took this into account when we calculated the time in which the project was going to be completed,” he said.

Airside works are earmarked for completion by September.

“If we miss some time and we go over (into) October, we hope that people don’t hold us over the barrel for that.”

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves added that he had already given the timelines during the sitting of the House in February 2015, and based on those dates, he found the completion time to be reasonable.

Dr. Rudy Matthias, CEO/IADC, assured that planes will be landing at the Argyle International Airport before the end of the year.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 5.

Regional

CARICOM on the Guyana-Venezuela impasse Arbitral Award of 3rd October 1899 that established the boundary with Guyana, is null and void.

In that context, Heads of Government reaffirmed the inviolability of international treaties, agreements, awards and legal instruments, and made particular reference to those international legally binding instruments that establish international boundaries.

Heads of Heads of Government at the 36th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM which concluded in Bridgetown, Barbados on 4 Government further July, 2015. Note SVG Representative, Ambassadorial Ellsworth John noted the negative (extreme right front). (Inset):Venezuelan Vice President Jorge Arreaza implications of the decree for several other attended the CARICOM Heads Conference as a last minute replacement for President Nicolás Maduro.

CARICOM countries.

Heads of Community Member States fully apply to the territory Government called for adherence to respected, a delegation of Heads met and maritime space of accepted principles of international with the Vice President and Foreign CARICOM States.” law in relation to the delineation and Minister of Venezuela to delimitation of the Exclusive Economic express the Community’s Zone and Continental Shelf in the grave concern about region. CARICOM states do not accept Decree 1787. any unilateral proclamation which is Heads of Government inconsistent with international law. therefore call upon the They emphasized that CARICOM Government of the states have legitimate territorial and Bolivarian Republic of THE WORKING PEOPLE’S maritime entitlements that conform to Venezuela, in the spirit ALLIANCE (WPA), a member international law and that must be of friendship and of the ruling coalition in respected. cooperation, to withdraw Guyana, has come out strongly As a result of these concerns, and in those elements of Decree against CARICOM’s statement an effort to have the rights and 1787 insofar as they on the maritime border issue entitlements of the affected between Guyana and Venezuela.

In a statement issued on July 11, a week or so after the conclusion of the Meeting of CARICOM heads, the WPA said EVEN AS the Commonwealth and independent state, provoked or it “is surprised that, on their used aggression against any CARICOM have thrown their return to Guyana, both other nation: we have never support behind Guyana in its The Working President David Granger and continuing boundaries dispute used our political clout to veto People’s Alliance Minister Carl Greenidge with Venezuela, the war of words development projects in (WPA), led by Dr. expressed satisfaction with between the two countries has another country.” respect to the ‘Statement on the Rupert He added, “Guyana has no continued unabated.

Roopnaraine, Decree 1787 of Venezuela’”. interest or intention to be The presidents of both Minister of As far as the WPA was countries have, since the most aggressive towards Venezuela, Education, is a concerned, “the statement was recent CARICOM Heads of a country of 912,050 sq. km, member of the A extremely terse”, and that it Government Meeting, Barbados, more than four times the size Partnership for suggested “the Heads would of Guyana; a country with a have accused each other of National Unity rather be rid of the problem population of more than 40 violating law, and each claiming (APNU) coalition (which might have been the times that of Guyana; a innocence of that charge. government of position of Dominica, Haiti, Reports surfacing in the media country with armed forces, the President Nicolás President David Granger told his Maduro recalled Guyana.

Jamaica and St Vincent who since the CARICOM Meeting, National Bolivarian Armed country’s his country’s have especially benefitted from Forces, with more than 20 have quoted Venezuelan leader parliament, that ambassador to the Venezuelan connection)”.

Nicolás Maduro as accusing times as many members as Guyana will not Guyana, in the In fact, the WPA noted that the statement refers Guyana’s Defence Force.”

Guyana’s President David allow its wake of specifically to Guyana in only two paragraphs. (See President Granger affirmed, Granger of being “an agent Venezuela’s latest territorial statement on this page.) provocateur,” whose objective “is “We will not allow our claim to Guyana’s integrity to be The WPA went as far as to declare “…. it is not territorial integrity to be to divide the Caribbean.” violated. territory. surprising that a watered-down statement would Venezuelan television news threatened or violated, we have emerged out of the CARICOM conference, consider Decree 1.787 (Decree channel, TeleSUR, reports The latest given the PetroCaribe and other economic relations Maduro as saying, “He (Granger) of May 26, 2015) as constituting claim encompasses an area with Venezuela. Perhaps the strategy that Guyana an act of aggression against has come to ignore international equivalent to about two-thirds of should have employed is to argue for two separate, Guyana.” law, the mechanism to resolve Guyanese territory, including an but related statements — one dealing with conflict through dialogue, and try Tension between the two South area where US oil giant CARICOM as a whole, and another specifically to impose a position that totally American countries intensified ExxonMobil recently discovered related to Guyana”. ignores history, reality, and after President Maduro issued a oil.

In that light, the WPA declared that, given what international law as a whole.” presidential decree, on May 26, In direct response to the Venezuela called euphemistically “defence zones”, Maduro added, “I do not think 2015, the date of the 49th continuing impasse, President which are designed to allow it to aggressively and he represents the Latin American anniversary of Guyana’s Maduro has since recalled the illegally patrol Guyana’s waters, “it requires and Caribbean conscience or the independence, and revised it on CARICOM and all other supporters of the Guyana Venezuelan Ambassador to interest of the Guyanese people.”

June 8, 2015, laying his country’s Guyana, and reduced the staff at cause to immediately make another statement, this Addressing Parliament since claim to territorial waters in the time harshly condemning Venezuela’s action”. the Venezuelan embassy in his return from the CARICOM Essequibo region of the Atlantic (Source: Caribbean News Now) Guyana Georgetown.

(Source: meeting, President Granger Ocean.

Chronicle, Jamaica Observer) asserted, “We have never, as an Editor’s Note: The following is the statement on the Guyana-Venezuela territorial dispute, issued at the conclusion of the 36th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. “CARICOM Heads of State and Government reaffirmed the longstanding, deep and wide-ranging friendship between CARICOM and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

They recalled the numerous agreements in the area of trade, investment, tourism and people-topeople contacts which bind the Governments and peoples of CARICOM and Venezuela together.

They discussed in detail Decree No: 1787 of 26 May 2015 issued by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Heads noted in particular the negative implications which the Decree has for the peace, security and development of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

They recalled that just under a year ago, on 8th September 2014, the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, in his capacity as Chairman of Conference, had written to His Excellency Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, encouraging Venezuela to redouble its efforts at an early delimitation of the maritime boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

Prime Minister Browne had also encouraged Venezuela to assist in the finding of an early solution to the controversy that has emerged from the Venezuelan contention that the

Maduro disparages Granger

WPA condemns CARICOM Statement

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

„No drinking problem‰, says Commissioner Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS COMMISSIONER of Police Michael Charles has denied that the consumption of alcohol is a problem in the Royal St.

Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias on Monday, at the Serious Offences Court, told a defendant who had admitted to the

Court that he was an alcohol drinker — “You have to stop drinking. It is a big problem in this country, even in the police force”.

However, when THE VINCENTIAN contacted

the Commissioner on Tuesday in relation to the issue, he stated that, while there are police officers who have a drink (alcohol), it is not problematic in the constabulary.

New twist in fishing champ’s case A MARIJUANA possession matter involving 2015 Fisherman of the Year Ray Anthony Clarke, has taken a new twist, with Clarke’s travel documents, which he had to surrender as a condition for bail, being returned to him last week.

The Green Hill man was released on $40,000 bail with one surety when he first appeared at the Serious Offences Court June 2, 2015, in connection with the matter.

Clarke has been charged with

First, Ray Anthony Clarke had his boat returned, and now he has reclaimed his travel documents. possession of 25,651 grams of marijuana with intent to supply. The drug was allegedly found on Clarke’s boat ‘Ray J’, at the Fisheries wharf in Kingstown, around 6 pm, June 1, 2015.

When Clarke returned to Court

last week Wednesday, his lawyer Grant Connell made an application for his travel documents to be returned to him.

Grant indicated to the court, that his client needed them to apply for a visa.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche did not oppose Connell’s application, and the court granted the return of Clarke’s travel documents.

Delpleche informed the Court that he was awaiting further instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to the drug possession matter, which was then adjourned to Monday, July 20.

However, when Clarke re-appeared in Court on Monday, Delpleche was not present, as he was attending a Prosecutors’ workshop in Antigua.

When the matter was called, Court Clerk Corporal Kenrick Williams informed the Court that the drug was not tested, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias adjourned the case to October 19.

Persons following the case with keen interest are anticipating another twist to the matter before that date.

Charles stressed that it is an offence for a police officer to be drunk.

The top cop pointed out that the police canteen not only sells alcoholic beverages, but it is one of the leading restaurants in Kingstown, which caters for a number of functions. And he assured that the canteen stewards would not sell alcohol to any police officer or member of the public who already had enough to drink.

The Commissioner added that the canteen is also a place where police officers meet to socialize,

Some police officers have a drink or two, but the Commissioner of Police refutes any notion that there is a problem with abuse of alcohol in the local constabulary. not only among themselves, but with members of the public, which is necessary to foster a good relationship with the public.

Some members of the public with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke, were also of the view that alcohol consumption is not a problem in the constabulary.

Illegal entry was drugrelated BARBADIAN national David Quimby admitted to police that his recent illegal entry into St. Vincent and the Grenadines was drug-related.

The 56-year-old water-taxi operator of Christchurch, Barbados, made the admission when the lawmen, acting on information received, executed a search warrant on July 18th this year, at a house in Fountain, where he was staying.

Nothing illegal was found, but Quimby was arrested and subsequently charged with entering the state illegally by boat at Union Island, on May 8 this year. He pleaded guilty when he was taken before Chief Magistate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday. He was fined $500 forthwith or three months in prison. The Magistrate also issued a deportation order.

Up to press time Wednesday, Quimby had not paid the fine.

Presenting the facts of the case, Corporal Kenrick Williams revealed that Quimby, when questioned, told the police he was trying to obtain illegal drugs from St. Vincent to sell in Barbados, so that he could pay a fine imposed on him in a drugrelated matter there.

Corporal Williams said Quimby told the officers he took a flight from Barbados to Grenada, then made his way to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by taking a motor vessel to Union Island. He then took the ‘fast ferry’ to mainland St. Vincent.

Immigration records revealed that Quimby was deported from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2009. He, however, attempted to re-enter in 2012, but was refused landing, as a result of him not obtaining permission by the Chief Immigration Officer. Checks also indicate there was no record of Quimby entering the state since.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Quimby was deported in 2009, on the basis of a conviction here for possession of illegal drugs.

V NOBAÊs proposal forwarded to Cabinet

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 7.

News

by HAYDN HUGGINS

A NUMBER of recommendations the National Omnibus Association (NOBA) advanced to the Transport Board, in an effort to ensure a safer and better public transportation system, have been forwarded to the relevant authority, Cabinet, for consideration.

The proposals were outlined in a nine-page document, dated June 15, which included a Code of Practice for Bus Operators.

Chairman of the Transport Board, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, that the recommendations were forwarded to Cabinet, following a

Bee colonies are expected to increase in 2015, holding out for increased production in the future.

Honey production to show decrease

Allan Williams, Officer-inCharge of THE PROJECTED honey harvest in of 90 new colonies are Apiary 2015 is expected to be lower than the expected to be Development in the 1,728 gallons harvested in 2012, the established during Ministry of year of the highest output so far, since 2015.

Agriculture, the revival of the industry in 2006.

Williams also projected a This indication was given by Allan reported the decrease in Williams, Vice-president of the SVG encouraging news that honey Bee Keepers Association and the Beekeeping production Officer-in-Charge of Apiary Certification Training for 2015.

Development in the Ministry of Courses at levels one Agriculture, in a report to the and two were conducted at the Association’s Annual General Division of Technical and Vocational Meeting, held on Tuesday 21st July, Education of the SVG Community 2015.

College.

Williams reported that just over The success of these courses has led 538 gallons of honey were harvested to consideration being given to include during the first half of the year, and Beekeeping in the Agriculture the projection is that just about 1,000 curriculum. gallons will be produced by the end of Williams is hopeful that he will be the year. invited by that Division, to conduct This lower- than- expected output, training in the Construction of Hive according to Williams, could be Bodies, in August. attributed to: the occurrence of a Meanwhile, the AGM of the disease called Chalk-brood Beekeepers Association elected the (Ascosphaera apis); inconsistent following to serve on its Executive for weather, with intermittent rain the next two years: Ms. Beverly during the dry season and extended Reddock — President; Mr. Harvey period of drought; and lowered Farrell - Vice-President; Mrs. Yvonne investment in the industry.

Bonadie - Secretary-Treasurer; Mr As it stands, there are 497 bee Philmore Isaacs - Public Relations colonies kept by 58 beekeepers in St. Officer; and Mr. Allan Williams Vincent and the Grenadines. A total Trustee (Ex-officio Officer).

meeting the Board held with NOBA to discuss the proposals.

Representatives from the local insurance fraternity were invited to the meeting.

NOBA’s recommendations were highlighted by local media houses last week. (See page 4 of last Friday’s publication of THE VINCENTIAN).

Charles explained that while some of the recommendations could be implemented without the enactment of legislation, others would require amendments to the current traffic laws.

The Commissioner said he had no problem with many of the recommendations, which, according to him, are not only applicable to bus operators, but to motorists as a whole.

And, he does not feel that motorists have to wait to start putting into practice some of those

recommendations which do not require the enactment of Commissioner of legislation. He noted that many of Police Michael these are already Charles being policed, and confirmed that the proposal he cited the need for the police and advanced by motorists to work NOBA has since been forwarded to hand in hand.

Cabinet for their The consideration.

Commissioner is, however, appealing to police officers to be professional and courteous when dealing with the public, in this case motorists.

He told THE VINCENTIAN there have been complaints regarding the unprofessional manner in which some police offices deal with motorists.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 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

‘Unpatriotic dribbling’ SOME PERSONS in this country are bent on putting their own twist to the meaning of the word ‘patriotism’.

Given the predication of most of the utterances of the Unity Labour Party’s leadership since 2001, it appears that in SVG, patriotism can be applied to describe only those who support their position, without condition.

If the truth be told, and if those who make the utterances would indulge in some honest, unbridled reflection, they would accept that their ‘strategy’ has encouraged not only a misguided sense of ‘owning the government’, but moreso of determining who are patriots and who are not — who love their country and who don’t.

But why should this be an issue? Ain’t we all ‘100% Vincy to the bone’? It seems not.

The far reaching repercussion of this deliberate and misleading judgement, is that the country is further polarised between a group who are made to feel they are ‘patriots supreme’, and another who have been branded ‘unpatriotic dribblers’.

One is wont to ask: Why in Zeus’ name, is the word ‘unpatriotic’ used to describe only those who take up positions in opposition to this government, or who, for the want of pursuit of truth and justice, advance thoughts for open questioning and debate of what prevails as national policy?

The result of the last general elections (2010) in this country shows that some 30,012 or 48.1% of a total of 62,357 casting votes, did so in favour of the opposition.

To listen to the daily pronouncements and judgements of the ULP, is to believe that these 30 thousand and more persons, and many more who might not have voted but question some of the policies of the government, are not patriotic — do not love and therefore, are not loyal to this country.

The ULP leadership, read and schooled in the philosophies that have shaped and guided political thought through the ages, would be aware of the notion that political society owes its existence only to the consent of the people.

It seems that it has made this the cornerstone of its strategy, to ensure it remains ‘in power’, by courting its supporters with a view of them that makes them feel they are holders of this power, but, reinterprets this notion by applying the appendage that they can hold power only through the party.

The deliberate act then is to make its supporters feel they are a superior class, to be led by a select body of politicians. Can we not, if we stretch the argument, say therefore, that this notion is as unpatriotic as the dissenters are made out to be?

All of this runs contrary to the more truthful notion that ‘the people own the state’ — more profoundly, that ‘each person owns himself and herself’, and if that is the accepted norm, that there will always be dissent but no less love of country.

The ULP leadership will know the philosophy and its origins that purport that ‘from self-ownership is derived the idea of political consent, freely given or withheld or withdrawn’.

That is the inherent freedom that is ours as individuals, that must not be denied in favour of perpetuating political office, by dividing a people along the line of patriotism.

No one group within society, no individual, has a monopoly on patriotism — love of one’s country. We come into the world, and learn to become obliged to serve our country, and feel patriotic passions for it.

No record of any government should be defended on the basis of patriotism. To do so is to reject the idea of individual self-ownership which, as referred, is inherent in our very existence and consolidated in the free choice enshrined in our constitution.

Granted, people will develop patriotic feelings with the assistance of theoretical defence, but there must always be the respect for the fact that these feelings can take on different expressions as individuals become more informed. The flip side of this is to perpetuate false meaning of patriotism to ‘fuel one’s own gas tank’.

And to do so is, if a thought may be allowed to be advanced here, the most grossly unjust act that can be inflicted on a people. Is that not being unpatriotic?

No one has been able to explain the context in which he is reported to have said it, but it would be wise that national leaders consider the words of the 18th century English writer Samuel Johnson: ‘Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel’. Be careful what you wish for.

And if all of this is considered ‘unpatriotic dribbling’, then so be it.

Death of Nicole Sylvester THE DEATH of Nicole Sylvester came suddenly like a thief in the night, following within the span of four or so years, the deaths of her mother and father.

First, was Nicole’s mother, always the hand-maiden of husband Othniel , who left him dangerously ill, in the twilight of his own life.

Othniel, better known as “Syllo”, finally drifted out of life peaceably, without fuss, within a matter of months of his dear wife’s death.

Nicole, who in so many ways was her father’s daughter, appeared to be rallying well, settling the management of much unfinished business forced upon her by her father’s passing, when she, too, snapped, leaving her two teenage sons with their father, somehow to pull together and soldier on regardless in making sense of their shell-shocked lives. Thank God for friend Kay Bacchus who has pledged to fit in where necessary.

I last spoke with Nicole about six months ago at a Party at Paradise Inn, at which, characteristically, she threw as a fund-raising exercise to foot the rather high medical costs of a friend of her boys, who had been struck down by a rare malady that challenged the experts at the Mount Hope Hospital in Trinidad.

By a strange coincidence, Nicole herself was, in a matter of months, hospitalised at the said hospital which gave her hope, but she went home to SVG to die an untimely death.

In recent times, I also met Nicole several mornings at Arnos Vale Playing Field, where she went to assist the coach of her boys in training for their swimming exploits in which they have shown great promise.

I have deliberately emphasized Nicole’s concern with the overall development of her sons, to the exclusion of all else, including the acquisition or consolidation of wealth which many persons thought was her fatal obsession.

True, following the footsteps of her father, Nicole was developing as a diligent and clinical solicitor. Her analysis of cases was thoroughgoing and complete. She was making herself into the complete lawyer, so far as her clinical researches allowed.

I believe that, not only had Nicole felt that her own father had set her pace, but she knew that at her time of entry into the profession, women were beginning to make their mark, so she set herself up, with pioneers as exemplars of the trade, establishing that the female lawyer could hold her own anywhere.

That’s how she came to lead the field, as it were, becoming president of the Bar and, especially of the Human Rights Association in which her heart really lay. And, of course, she played a real role in attending to gender affairs, seeking justice and fair

play for the despised wife or woman and the neglected children in particular.

Most of all, it would not be a mistake to think of Nicole as a human machine at work. She could be pleasant and fun-loving.

In pre-law years, she could be the soul of the party, with a penchant for dancing and otherwise letting her hair down.

Nicole Sylvester would be solely missed by all and sundry, especially the ChaunceyClare Valley- Questelles folk, where her body, like her father’s, would be buried, to join those of my maternal grandmother and grandfather who settled in Chauncey after the Volcanic eruption of 1902.

Purely for history, and to tie me somewhat to the Sylvesters in Questelles, I here report that about 1910, my mother conducted a private school. Among the students was Conrad Roberts, a brother of Othniel Sylvester!

Condolences go out to her two sons, their brother Trevor, and the boys’ foster-mother and friend, Kay Bacchus-Browne.

Theo Worrell is Heavenward Bound This farewell will have a very limited appeal in so far as it relates to the death of Bajan Theo W.C Worrell, who taught at the Grammar School in the late 1950s.

Those were the days when the Grammar School imported teachers from neighbouring territories, Trinidad, Guyana, Grenada and especially Barbados.

Some became household names, like Grenadians Winston Baptiste, Norris “Toby” Antoine and Percy De Gannes.

The Barbados contingent once included Mr. Burnett, Phillip “Beansy” Greaves, headmasters Gilbert Millar and Ronnie Hughes, and Theo Worrell, who acted as headmaster of a completely undergraduate staff of which I had been a member, and First Lieutenant of the Cadets Corps of which I had been Second Lieutenant.

Theo once took the side to a West Indies camp in Barbados under officers Ian John, Kenneth Williams, Kerwyn Morris, Winty Roberts, Roy Austin and John Horne.

After a while, Theo Worrell resigned and went back home to Barbados, where he became a minister of the Anglican fraternity, and once or twice visited and preached to us in SVG. Sadly, he recently died in “Poor Home” in his native Barbados.

I can be forgiven for comparing and contrasting the levels of education existing then, with the kind of scholarship produced in 2015!

In 1957, the Boy’s Grammar School had 100% passes at HSC (“A”) level. But there were only 9 of us: Carlos Mulraine, Kenneth John, Cedric Harold, Camie King.

Karl John, Bertram Stephens, Michael Joshua, Leslie Davy and Edward Davy.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 9.

Letters

Understanding the word ÂhonoraryÊ

PERHAPS it is due to our habit of playing fast and loose with the English language, using it too often as a toy rather than a tool, that we are having a problem understanding the use of the word “honorary”.

Throughout the rest of the Anglophone world, the term is employed to mean an honour given without requirements or function.

The person to whom the honour is bestowed has no attendant power, authority, or function; it is simply recognition.

A boy who saves his little sister from a house fire is made an Honorary Fireman; a foreign

visitor to a sister city is made Honorary Mayor; a businessman who helps a local Indian tribe in Canada or the U.S. is made an Honorary Tribal Member; a college dropout who goes on to become successful or prominent in a given field is awarded an Honorary Doctorate in that field.

It’s a handshake and a pat on the back; a mark of respect and nothing more.

Winston Churchill was made an honorary citizen of the U.S by President John F. Kennedy.

Churchill was not thereby empowered to vote, hold elective

office, serve on a jury or exercise any other right of a U.S. citizen. It was “Honorary”: a recognition and appreciation for services rendered.

It may be a “thank you” or may be simply a courtesy. Mr. Eustace’s proposal to grant Honorary Citizenship to the Garinagu seems to be nothing more or less than that: it is symbolic, it grants no power or function, simply honour and recognition. What’s so complicated or difficult to understand about that?

HJA

Clearing the air about the Olympia Academy IT HAS COME to my attention that persons have been misleading others regarding the status and role of the Olympia Academy situated in Kingstown.

This school is NOT for children with Special Needs, as it has been rumoured to be, by people who should know better.

Before pupils are accepted at Olympia Academy, they are given detailed diagnostic tests which indicate their scholastic ability.

Children have to be of average to above average ability to be accepted at the school. Pupils are taught using methods which sharpen and strengthen their reading, language, penmanship, numeracy and scientific skills. The aim of this school is to produce wellrounded pupils who will have a strong Primary School foundation on which to build at the secondary level.

Too many of our nation’s children are inadequately prepared for secondary school.

Many have problems with basic reading, writing and mathematics (as for their scientific knowledge — much can be said). Olympia Academy successfully addresses these issues.

As an educator, parent and grandparent, I speak from experience. I have had and continue to have a personal and

professional relationship with this school. I have observed the improvement that one school term, approximately three months of attending Olympia Academy has brought about a positive change, in a child who had previously attended another school from Grade 1, up to repeating Grade 5. It is my considered opinion that, with the intervention of Olympia Academy, this child, on returning to the original primary school, was able to confidently handle the curriculum, and successfully complete CPEA examinations.

Olympia Academy is

an accredited primary school, which caters to pupils of various academic abilities, and between the ages of 6 and 11. Olympia Academy teaches all curriculum subjects.

However, the school’s main focus is developing and strengthening the reading, writing, spelling, language and numeracy skills of all its pupils, so that children work at or above their ability. As the school has high standards, each child is better equipped for secondary school.

I have noticed that Olympia Academy also provides after-school classes which are well attended by pupils of

Valerie Joy Cato Kingstown Park

gets. In my humble opinion, this was the best crafted song for the year, and one of the best in recent times. This is Scakes at his very best. He, Mr. Editor, must have made this one for all you Back Street Boys who could well be in your earlier 60s by now.

You fellows, according to Scakes, hold the ‘key’ (cure) to the next General Elections right on your fingertips.

Good one, Scakes!!! You certainly know how to craft and mask your message. The only question is whether those to whom you direct your message heed it.

And while I will dance with Scakes at ‘64, I, unfortunately, don’t hold the cure (finger), since my finger will not qualify for pointing or dipping in the next elections.

Garnet, N.Y.

I am a 1970s man. That is, I was born in that decade. I grew up on lots of calypso and reggae music, and have lived to see how both those genres have been modified or adapted to suit the modern times.

I will not get into any debate over whether what has happened to calypso and reggae is good or bad.

Needless to say, I am a traditionalist when it comes to calypso. I thoroughly enjoy the Monday evening ‘Calypso College’ hosted by Stephen Huggins on WE FM, and Saturday night’s ‘Caribbean Wax’, which has been a feature on NBC for so long, its host, Raphie King, should be awarded suitably for his initiative.

That said, because of my passion for calypso, I make it my business to listen, these days on the net, to as many radio stations across the region as I can, to keep abreast with how calypso is faring.

Recently, I happen to tune in to 100 FM in Trinidad, and lo and behold, they were into what turned out to be 18 hours of broadcasting devoted entirely to the Mighty Sparrow. Yes, 18 hours non-stop of Sparrow’s music.

I could have knocked myself out cold for having missed most of those eighteen hours, but what I heard was a fitting tribute — recordings by the Mighty Sparrow from the 1950s right up.

Apparently, this was 100 FM way of recognising Sparrow’s 80th birthday.

Then I got to thinking. Can’t we do something similar for our own? Take Sheller. How many of us know what he has accomplished and what he sang through the years?

We need to begin to highlight the lives and accomplishments of our calypsonians in a structured way, so that we can build, or re-build a true appreciation for the art form.

Congratulations to Man Zangie on retaining his crown, though, to be honest, ‘I will be dancing at 64’.

Richard

other schools — therefore, why is the school being given negative labels?

In concluding, I wholeheartedly and without reservation recommend Olympia Academy to any parent or guardian wishing for a quality primary education for your child.

Dancing at Â64 SO ANOTHER Vincy Mas is history, and my boy Luta failed to take the Soca Monarch title, but did not disgrace himself. From what I read and heard on the net, he made an impact and, with his fan base, I am certain, once he stays in the competition, that he will win sooner than later.

Congratulations to Nelson Bloc for returning to what they did so successfully in the past — winning the Band of the Year title. I understand that it is a new group of people who make up Nelson Bloc — no more ‘Goat’ Hector, Ossie Constance, ‘Tarya’ Boucher, etc. That being the case, their winning must have been very special.

Man Zangie may have regained his crown, but the tune that caught me the most was Scakes’ ‘Dancing at ‘64’.

The older this man gets, the better he

Recognising calypsonians

Tribute to Nicole Sylvester PLEASE permit a space in your column for a tribute to the late lawyer, Nicole Sylvester.

I must admit that Nicole Sylvester, who actually helped others, who was basically involved in cases of serious crimes, and succeeded her court cases, was a very brilliant lawyer.

Nicole Sylvester was a woman with outstanding credibility, and because of her remarkable personality, she developed great relationships with many persons, including her clients.

She must be credited for the brilliant job she did on Human Rights issues, where persons actually succeeded in obtaining justice in the end.

May she rest in peace.

Everton Mercury

* Why hasn’t a date been set for the presentation of prizes awarded for Vincy Mas 2015? * Why was Joan Gonsalves, who fifty years ago this year was adjudged the first Queen of the Bands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, not accorded a place of pride and honour at this year’s carnival festivities? * Now that the matter of monies owing to local businesses and professionals has been raised again, can we expect the Leader of the Opposition to ask for a detailed account of this indebtedness? * How come the PM didn’t go on radio and TV and say that the price of gasoline has gone up, like he likes to do when the price goes down?

V

10. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The NDP is ready to Ten of the top 25 Development strategies of the ULP administration transform the economy of SVG The Issue The campaign for the next general election is well and truly on, and ULP supporters are getting into high gear, in supporting their beloved party for the “four in a row” campaign. Often, they are asked what the ULP has done to deserve a fourth term. The answer to that question could take hours, as the achievements of the ULP have been tremendous.

In this issue, we catalogue ten of the top twenty-five of the development strategies of the ULP administration, for the guidance of both ULP supporters, and the undecided voters who are looking for reasons to support the ULP. 1. The Education Revolution: A complete revamp of the education system in the country to include universal access to primary and secondary education, more tertiary training opportunities for students, more university level training for students and teachers etc, and more funding for disadvantaged citizens.

The result has been a dramatic change/increase to the number of qualified Vincentians; that is those with a first degree and master’s; ready for the job market at home and abroad. There has also been an increase in the intelligence quotient in the country.

2. The 100% percent mortgage programme: developed by the National Commercial Bank at the time. This strategy allowed public servants to obtain mortgages for their homes, with very little security. In some cases, the NCB used existing land for security, but where this was not present, the Bank used the house, when constructed, as the security.

Over 300 public servants benefited from this, and the delinquency ratio is less than 2%.

3. Turning dead capital into live capital: The Land for All programme allowed the State to regularise the situation affecting persons who were squatting on State lands. The ULP administration offered these lands to the occupiers, as low as ten cents per square foot. This provided the squatters with ownership, gave them a base with which they can do business, and in many cases reduced the poverty level in the country. Over 1000 squatters from at least nine communities took advantage of this programme.

4. The Housing Revolution : This is manifested into three prongs: low income homes, middle income homes and no-income homes. Under this strategy, depending on their income, Vincentians were able to obtain their homes through this programme administered by the Housing and Land Development Corporation. A number of these houses have been constructed in several parts of the State, including Brighton and Peter’s Hope.

5. The construction of the Rabacca Bridge: This has changed the lives of the people above the ‘Dry River’ in a significant way. In terms of communications, there is no longer a divide between the people of North Windward and the rest of the country.

Now, commercial activity has picked up, and travel is no longer uncertain.

For that matter, people are no longer afraid to live above the dry river, since easy access to the rest of the country is now a reality.

6. The Public Service reclassification: This was an exercise that was not easy to be implemented, and was subject to immense scrutiny by the trade unions. In any event, the process was completed, which resulted in a number of public servants gaining salary increases, sometimes up to 50% after they were moved to the new salary bands. No public servant experienced a drop in salary, even where their positions were “red circled”.

7. Duty free concession for Christmas barrels: This was a strategy introduced by the ULP in December 2001, as a benefit for the poor and the working class, so that they could have a good Christmas, and to help them save money for food and household items. The strategy has expanded to the point where middle and upper class persons are benefiting, as well as the small business sector. It is estimated that an average of 60,000 barrels are imported every year.

8. The Youth Employment Service: This service provided jobs for secondary school students who had not done well at the CXC level. It provided them with an opportunity to obtain work related skills through an apprenticeship programme which paid them a stipend of around $500 per month for a two-year period. During this time, they were expected to pick up more CXC subjects to enter the community college system, or to become more qualified for jobs in the private and public sector. Many stories have been told of YES persons who have moved on to a first degree, and in a few cases, a master’s.

9. The Nursing Expansion programme: When the ULP came to power in 2001, there was a shortage of nurses in the country. In fact, the administration had to import nurses from Cuba to take care of the shortage. A decision was taken to expand the nursing programme, and to offer the entrants a stipend while they were completing their studies.

The result was a full staffing of nursing positions in the State. Over 100 nurses have moved on to jobs in the Caribbean and the USA. The programme has expanded to include training in Cuba and the UWI. 10. A Bold and Pragmatic Foreign Policy: Under the rubric “We are better than no one, and no one is better than us”, the ULP administration launched a foreign policy tailored to meet the needs of the country. It maintained the relationship with traditional allies, but broadened the scope to include new friends. All this has brought tremendous benefits to the country, particularly in the fields of education, infrastructure development, training, ICT and agriculture. The construction of the Argyle International Airport is a direct beneficiary of this strategy.

To be continued next week…..

IT IS WIDELY accepted that the development of our country has been both constrained and hampered by smallness of size, geographical isolation, small population, poor infrastructure, dependence on a single crop, and modest natural resources. In addition, we are described as being antientrepreneurial. However, the NDP has the programmes and policies when implemented will transform the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Within the framework of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), we accept the proposition that for the state of readiness of our economies to integrate effectively into the global economy, we must address the following development issues: competitiveness, macro-economic environment, governance, capital mobility, rising poverty levels, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) task force, to our minds, is quite relevant and on target in their contention that, for effective and sustainable development, our macroeconomic policy should practise the following: sound fiscal policy, solid monetary policy and savvy trade policy.

The history of the New Democratic Party (NDP), as reported by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) over the period 1984-2000, cannot be challenged. Under our rule, St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced the largest Current Account balance at 5.32 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

At the domestic level, the NDP therefore indentifies the following as being critical to the transformation of our economy: the structure of the economy; the nature of the relationship between the economic, social and political stakeholders; the quality of management of both the public sector and private enterprises; our approach to wealth creation; diversification of our risk, and exploitation of new opportunities. In essence, we are now more than ever obliged to pay serious attention to sectoral diversification, social differentiation and the role of the state. We accept the view that we must enlist the state in support of the struggle for resources in accordance with our Basic Needs Approach. Our transformation initiatives will be based on a more dynamic role for the private sector.

To achieve all this, we must get rid of the political divide that currently exists in our country. No one will doubt that one of the greatest problems facing us today is our political divisiveness. This is a broken nation that badly needs healing. Our challenge is, therefore, to transcend the political divide. The NDP will not perpetuate the existing practice of victimization that characterizes the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration. We say and pledge to you solemnly that we will break that cycle and build a nation. While we remain a plural country, it is imperative that we become one people.

It is simply not possible to pursue economic development if at any time, half of the country is either eliminated or alienated from productive activity.

Ours is an inclusive policy. We therefore repeat that no one will be discriminated against when the NDP takes office.

Of lumber, cement and galvanize The massive importation of building materials by the ULP

administration has created immense public discussion as to the rationale why the materials, are being imported. The government has given some reasons for the purchasing of the materials; but most Vincentians have disagreed and rejected the reasons that were given by the government.

They have concluded that it is an attempt to bribe the electorate of this country for the upcoming general elections.

In 2009, most Vincentians voted against the referendum on Constitutional Reform. Vincentians were then insulted by the Prime Minister and were told that they voted “No” for the referendum because they did not get cement, galvanize and lumber. In October of 2010, hurricane Tomas struck, and the general elections were in December of the same year. Building materials were imported and, during the general elections period, those materials were distributed throughout the length and breadth of this country. Although it was said that the building materials were for those persons whose houses were damaged during hurricane Tomas, most persons who got damaged during the hurricane did not receive any assistance. Almost five (5) years later, a family of four (4) still lives in a community centre in South Central Windward, and the story is similar in other constituencies.

Presently, we are experiencing a similar occurrence by the ULP regime to that of 2010. General elections are constitutionally due by March of 2016, and already we are witnessing the distribution of building materials throughout the country. The latest order of $4.5 million worth of building materials is expected to be delivered at the end of July this year, of which payment is expected to begin January 2016.

The NDP is seriously concerned about the latest development and the manner in which the government is spending the taxpayers’ money of this country. We want to know, why the government did not purchase the materials from businesses here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At a time when the economy is not doing well, this huge sum of money that is used to purchase materials overseas, could have been spent locally to stimulate some economic development in the country. Also, taking into consideration that the government owes the private sector close to $50 million.

Another major concern is the accumulation of debt by this government. At a time when St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been named among twenty-two (22) countries in the world, which are already experiencing external debt crisis. This government continues to put us deeper and deeper in debt. In the estimate of 2015, our national debt was $1.5 billion, excluding that of Petro Caribe. We recall that Scotia Bank stated in its report last year, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines owed Petro Caribe close to a billion dollars. How much does St. Vincent and the Grenadines owe Petro Caribe, Dr. Gonsalves?

Vincentians, you must stop and think. Do you want to be governed for another five years by the ULP administration? Then on Election Day, you must go to the polls and vote solidly for the NDP. We Ready!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 11.

Views

We Belong to Each Other Political Campaigns “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

- Mother Teresa, born Agnes G. Bejaxhiu (1910–1997), Albanian nun, Calcutta, created Missionaries of Charity 1950 WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER. Regardless of our religious beliefs, the colour of our skin, the texture of our hair, the shape of our noses, the thickness of our lips, or our sexual preferences, we are one people - one human family. Unfortunately, there are those who will seek to point out the differences among us, and ignite prejudices that destroy the harmony within and among communities. The radio, television, and the Internet broadcast news of people who are being unkind toward each other. We view the atrocities that are taking place in the Middle East and Northern Nigeria. We often wonder how persons who look so much alike can decipher the differences among them and proceed to physically mutilate each other. We cringe when we consider one human being setting another afire. We recoil when we hear of individuals who assassinate or behead others. They have forgotten that we are one people.

They are driven by the differences in religion and ideology and allow hatred, intolerance, anger, and greed to override love, peace, and goodwill.

Unfortunately, as these inhumane activities bombard us on the television and over the Internet, our society appears to become less traumatised by these brutalities. It now seems “normal” to hear and read about these cruelties.

We can be equally unkind to each other, while not having to brandish a cutlass, shoot a gun, or pull a switch that is connected to ammunition.

Our acts of unkindness do not require that we light a match that ignites a flame that ravishes the body of someone who dances to a different tune from our own. The abundance of FM radio stations throughout the region, and the encouragement from many radio talk show hosts now beckon listeners to unleash a barrage of insults on those whose views differ from their own. The insults and disrespect seem to erupt from cauldrons of anger and envy. They appear to be spewed with such intensity that listeners have no difficulty in deciphering that the commentary was intended to hurt - to maim. While at primary school, we would have recited, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never harm me.” But this is such a fallacy. Words can and do hurt — they harm. This is especially so when they are seasoned with lies and fuelled by malice. Persons who wilfully engage in such activities,forget that we are one people; that we belong to each other.

They appear to have forgotten that, in democratic societies, individuals have a right and a privilege to differ and that there is beauty in diversity.

A regular reader of this In Touch column, recently reminded me that we are all “differently imperfect”. I had never heard that expression, but readily warmed up to the accuracy of

the description — we all have faults and shortcomings. None of us can ever pretend to be perfect. My weakness, my faults, my foibles, will be different to yours … but we are all imperfect. We sometimes forget that this is so. And it is precisely because we are human (and faulty), that we should show some empathy for those whose errors are more obvious, more public, more visible, than our own.

Having said that, we should all seek to demonstrate more love and compassion for those individuals who are not in “our camp”. We can treat others with respect and dignity, even as we observe how far removed their moorings are from our own. They may be from different ethnic background. Their skin colour may be different to our own. They may engage in different religious practices. They may have different sexual orientation. Whatever the differences, we must never be so warped in our various cloaks of prejudice, that we forget that they are just as human as we are. We must never forget that they, too, have a right to be here. In our own special way — we belong to each other.

We are to be instruments of peace and positive change. We, you and I, have a tremendous responsibility and privilege to intercept others with intent, when we see or hear them fanning the fires of prejudice and division. We must not forget that we are one human race - one people.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) said it so well when he reminded us that “Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts, and everything will be well.” Those powerful words become the basis for our treating others with respect and decency. When our thoughts and words are pure (from deep within), we will see these reflected on the outside (by the way we behave in relation to each other). The way we relate to and treat others, will be a reflection of whether or not we have found that inner peace and contentment.

Those who spew bitter words and display unkind acts towards others, have forgotten that we are one people. We must remind them, and ourselves, that we are to create and sustain harmonious relationships throughout our communities. Even as we are “differently imperfect” we must be instruments of peace and righteousness, forever seeking to bridge the various divides among us.

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) reminds us, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” May we proceed to build and sustain peace and harmony within our workplaces and communities, by clearly demonstrating that we belong to each other.

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

THERE IS A STRANGE CONNECTION between political campaigns and carnival. Just as carnival has evolved from an authentic cultural expression to an orgy of fun and entertainment, there is a school of thought among political strategists that now views electoral campaigns as fun-driven, because of an insatiable quest to attract the youth vote.

The Youth is said to be the most vital segment of the electorate, and therefore must be given the most attention. There is a further assumption among these same strategists, about which major party controls the youth vote. There is the seductive notion among opposition commentators, which says that the youth will undeniably vote against the governing party, because of the high levels of unemployment among this segment of the population.

An equally charming view is that, because of the tremendous strides made in education over the last 14 years, and the advancements made by the youth, particularly with scholarships and university training, nursing training, increased pay and employment chances in the police department and the civil service generally, that they are bound to line up behind the governing party.

Both views speak to a particular reality or truth; however, each is limited as an analytical tool. The conclusions may seem logical and right, but this analysis appears one dimensional. Because a central tenet of the scientific method is scepticism and doubt, a policy based solely on anecdotal evidence is fraught with danger.

In electoral politics, perception is vitally important because, more often than not, perception translates into reality. The party and candidate that have the most vocal and energetic youth, control most of the major blocks in the villages, as well as have the most presence in the media, are said to be on their way to victory.

Energy and ‘noise’ are vitally important to success, but they must also raise a red flag to the strategists whose central concern is about victory on election night. In the end, it is not what we say that drives success or failure, it is what we do. Theory without practice is dead, and practice without theory is blind.

The youth, and by this we mean persons between the ages of 18 to 35, make up a significant percentage of the population. The assumption is rife they are also the most critical voting bloc. Historical trends may not bear this out. This group is the most fickle and finicky section of the population.

It is the section that has been least subjected to socialization, and least stuck with habits.

The youngsters, because of their greater exposure to education and travel, have developed a world view that is more informed and varied than their parents’. They may well be more stubborn, rejectionist and revolutionary than any other section of the population, and are therefore what we call a hard nut to crack. We must not talk down to them and we must not hide our better instincts to appear ‘cool’ among them. Persons who are serious about politics and national development must find ways to merge with the youth on some of their youthful activities that are meaningful, rather than submerge and follow them along highways that may lead to nowhere progressive or productive.

Therefore, a strategy of campaign

intent on winning the youth vote must have at its core activities that are entertaining and enjoyable. Such a strategy must not be consumed with entertainment. Entertainment without an educational component is a waste of resources. A political campaign organized around high profile entertainment will attractive huge crowds, but will not necessarily guarantee success.

Campaign 2015 must be a teach-in rather than a ‘cuss out’. A campaign of success cannot be directed solely or even primarily at the party’s base.

The base is loyal. It ain’t going anywhere. To be sure, a strategy must be developed and implemented to reengage and recommit sections of the base that have become disillusioned, but the aggressive and vile cursing of opponents takes you no closer to victory.

However, a conscious decision to curse rather than persuade may reflect a kind of desperation that tips the scales against the party or individuals so engaged. Further, because elections are won by the party that convinces the floating, thinking, objective, hard to get independent voter, it would be best to hone a narrative that is cogent and persuasive, coherent and progressive, forward looking and developmental rather than to concentrate on negative campaigning.

To use a basketball analogy, campaign 2015 should transition from the run and shoot merriment of the regular season, to the full court press, bump and grind style of play of the NBA playoff and championship. The campaign should be less about loose talk and name calling and more about issues, policies and programmes that address the most basic needs of the people.

The youth must be persuaded that even though we are going through a difficult period, the foundation is being laid for a better future through their educational attainment and the infrastructural development of their homeland. The elderly need to be assured that their wellbeing occupies the attention of major policy makers as is reflected in the Home Care for the Elderly, Lives to Live and income support programmes.

Farmers, workers, nurses, police, unemployed, entrepreneurs and professionals need to be convinced that they have a stake in our system of government. The outreach to these sections of the population must be more than generalized rhetoric.

Everything must be tangible and achievable.

Last but certainly not least, all political strategists ought to know that the art of thinking, which is so vital to success, is not easy. Thinking is serious business, and it demands hard work. Those who believe that thinking is talking, have another thing coming, and they are not going to like it. The party that wins the next election will be the one that thinks through most of the issues, comes up with, and conveys to the people convincing ideas about their reality and how they can change it for the better.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Gonsalves is bankrupting our country

THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT has been sending very strong warnings to citizens of SVG, that there is a significant breakdown in governance in our country. There is no parliamentary oversight on public expenditure, as mandated by section 75 (2) of the SVG 1979 Constitution.

According to the Director of Audit, the apparent non-functioning of the Public Accounts Committee could weaken Parliamentary control, and is a source of frustration of the audit function, as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments are not called to account for their stewardship.

Vincentians and others should take note that the Director of Audit has failed the SVG Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, on the audit of public accounts for 2008, 2009 and 2010. Yet, Gonsalves, who is not a university graduate in finance, has not removed himself as the SVG Minister of Finance.

Table 1 shows a comparison of the closing balances on the National Commercial Bank (NCB) current account and the approved overdraft limit, according to the Director of Audit. It illustrates that Gonsalves was recklessly overspending in the three years shown.

Table 2 shows that the gap between the balance in the Treasury accounts and the balance in the account of the NCB was widening, according to the

Director of Audit. The table illustrates that for the years shown, over $200 million went missing.

as listed on page 17 of the Environmental Impact Assessment, was meant to be $502 million.

However, over $800 million has been wasted on Argyle airport. The lack of parliamentary oversight has resulted in this reckless spending virtually bankrupting our country. The needs of Vincentians have been neglected.

Work on the Argyle airport is barely half completed. The people of SVG are at the mercy of In 2008, Gonsalves killed the liquidity of the Gonsalves’ incompetence and the lack of NCB with a massive bank overdraft of parliamentary oversight of public expenditure. SVG $185,142,677.08.

There is no oversight by the OECS Central Bank Green Party is calling for the urgent suspension of all work on the Argyle Airport. in St. Kitts-Nevis, and so our people are suffering, Gonsalves is knowingly spending money without and the economy is seriously weakened. parliamentary oversight and while parliament is in His Excellency, the Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, signed the Freedom of non-compliance of section 75 (2) of the SVG 1979 Constitution, according to the Director of Audit.

Information Act in December 2003, so that the Parliamentary oversight of government is a people of SVG can have an insight into the workings critical component of effective governance in our of public accounts. To date, Gonsalves has not gazetted the Freedom of Information Act to become country. SVG urgently needs parliamentary law, to allow members of the public to ask questions oversight and an effective Public Accounts Committee to strengthen the accountability role of about the public accounts. Should Gonsalves have parliament, and to curtail the reckless spending of the right to operate above the head of His our country’s finances.

Excellency, the Governor General?

The model of government in SVG has collapsed.

The massive failure in the parliamentary The country’s mash up under Gonsalves’ reckless oversight and in our system of governance has spending of our country’s finances. allowed Gonsalves — who is quite clearly reckless with SVG’s finances — to continue for so long.

The reckless spending continues to this day. The SVG Green Party cost for the construction of the misfit Argyle airport, www.svggreenparty.org

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 13.

Views

Green Hill resident cries foul on CWSA

She had every intention of paying the balance of $164.99 the following week, she said.

But the following week was to throw up a much more serious issue, when her mother went to pay the remaining balance.

Her mother was informed that the payment due was $599.99, and that the pipe had been tampered with while it was disconnected.

“I send my mom to pay the following Friday, and she call me and tell me they say our pipe was disconnected the 5th of May and that we illegally connected back the pipe, and we have to pay a fine of $600,” Martin told THE VINCENTIAN. But she insisted there was no disruption to her water supply in May. “There was never anything on the pipe, our pipe was never disconnected, never plugged, but they have it in the system that it was plugged,” said the frustrated woman.

She herself went to the company to Kristin Martin insists that she did clarify the matter. not tamper with the water In a meeting with the Customer connection to her residence.

Care Manager and the worker who claimed to have ‘plugged’ the pipe, the

by KENVILLE HORNE worker reported that he had, indeed, A GREEN HILL RESIDENT is crying foul on plugged the pipe and that he also plugged Martin’s neighbour’s pipe on the Central Water and Sewerage the same day in May. Authority (CWSA) for what she claimed “But my neighbor was never are charges for something she knew disconnected,” declared Martin. nothing about.

She claimed to know other persons Kristin Martin said that her water who have experienced the same bill went into arrears and she was disconnected on June 22nd , after she problem but have chosen not to failed to pay the $234.99 she owed the highlight it.

“I not giving up because I know that water company. this (the disconnection) did not Martin said she didn’t have all the happen, and I know nothing was never money to pay during that week, but on the pipe… no time at all. the following week she paid $170, Somebody needs to speak out , and I leaving a balance of $64.99 and the am asking the other persons who are reconnection fee of $100.

Documentation from CWSA shows two separate dates of disconnection – one in May and the other in June.

also affected to come and speak out as well,” Martin appealed.

Martin reiterated that she has never tampered with the pipe, that there was no disconnecting in May, and said, as far as she was concerned,

the balance on her bill was $9.99.

When THE VINCENTIAN contacted the CWSA, a promise was made to get back in touch with the newspaper, but up to press time that call was still forthcoming.

V

14. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

‘Don’t give out information,’ warns Findlay MEMBERS of the general public are being advised not to give out personal information to anyone unless they are provided with proper identification, and are told for what purpose the information is being solicited.

This advice comes from the Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay, based on at least one media report that persons were being visited and questioned about their national identification number, and their political

affiliation.

According to Findlay, she received a telephone call at her office on Tuesday afternoon around 5:30 from a person she said sounded to be an elderly woman. The woman enquired as to whether the Electoral Office was conducting any business in the field.

The Supervisor of Elections told THE VINCENTIAN that the woman explained that she was asked to give her ID

number and then questioned if she was registered to vote.

“She said that she responded then, but on reflection, she thought she should check with the office.

“So I said that I am sorry that you did not get more information from them,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. Findlay reiterated that her office had not dispatched anyone to go into communities, and that telephone enquiry was the only such incident of

which she was aware.

According to the Supervisor of Elections, she suspected that someone may have been conducting some research, but said that if that was the case, then the individual(s) ought to present proper identification, and the general public should insist that they do.

A person’s identification number and voter’s registration number are sensitive information, Findlay explained, and she said that

she hoped it was not an instance of a younger person trying to pry on an older person’s privacy.

“So I think Sylvia Findlay, as a Supervisor of precaution, Elections. regardless of what they are doing, they need to present ID,” Findlay said.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 15.

News

First winners in LIME Upgrade promotion handset by simply sending a text.

Lampkin, who won himself a brand new BBQ5, handed his prize over to his daughter Janelle, since, as he indicated, she was the one who sent those text messages from his phone.

Janelle was Winners in the LIME ‘Summer Upgrade Campaign’ beaming, and Janelle Lampkin (left) and Nicole Byron. declared, “Daddy is going to want his NICOLE BYRON AND PERCY LAMPKIN prize when he sees which phone I are the first two weekly winners in won! I don’t have a phone right now, LIME’s ‘Summer Upgrade Campaign’, so I am very excited and grateful.” after texting #SUMA to 6263.

LIME customers can also win free Byron, a long time LIME customer, grocery vouchers, when they top up won herself a Samsung Galaxy S6, $20 or more at LIME locations, and which immediately replaced her old receive free backpacks when they phone that was giving her problems. purchase smart phones.

She was extremely happy for the The Summer just got all that new device, and thanked LIME for the opportunity to earn herself a new ‘hotter and better’ because of LIME.

Spoken Word SVG stages third show

Misfit, Rhema D and GB perform at Spoken Word 2014. of the best Vincentian Spoken Word poets.

Organizers say that patrons can expect an evening of ‘passionate, lifechanging pieces’ on many social topics.

The evening will also include interludes of dance and song.

Elly Olive into her recital at Spoken And there is even more. Patrons Word 2014. will also get the opportunity to purchase local products from a variety THE ART FORM OF SPOKEN word of local vendors and entrepreneurs will be highlighted again this year, who will be present. when the group, Spoken Word SVG, The show, described as a night of holds its third annual show.

The show will be held on Saturday clean entertainment filled with poetry, August 8, 2015 at the Peace Memorial music, food and dance, will begin at 7:00pm sharp.

Hall, and will feature seventeen (17)

LIME to the rescue THE ADAGE ‘IT PAYS to be a LIME customer’ never meant more to anyone than it did to Loleen Stephens.

The longstanding LIME subscriber, who resides at Diamond Estate, had just experienced the misfortune of having her ‘old’ handset crash, and was in a quandary as far as figuring out how she was going to communicate with her loved ones and friends, when LIME came to her rescue.

Luck smiled on her that day. She became the latest in a long line of LIME subscribers to

win in the LIME Carnival Sweepstakes, in which hundreds of customers, apart from winning cash, earned themselves gifts and prizes by texting, topping up or upgrading their services from LIME, during the carnival season.

Stephens’ $1000 windfall could not have come at a more opportune time. Because of the money won in the LIME Carnival Sweepstakes, she was able to Upgrade to a smart phone.

Understandably, she was thankful to LIME for offering the

Loleen Stephens, latest winner in the LIME Carnival Sweepstakes promotion, and a confessed loyal LIME customer. promotion, and committed herself, given the company’s generosity and quality of service, to being a LIME customer for a long time to come.

16. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 17.

V FLOW catches the FEVA! 18. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

FLOW SUBSCRIBERS and those not yet locked on to this innovative cable television service, who are looking for features of a high quality content from Africa and the African diaspora in North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe, can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Flow has caught the ‘feva’ (fever).

As of July 17, subscribers have had FEVA (First Entertainment Voice of Africa) added to their cable television packages, including the basic package, at no extra cost.

The network that offers ‘Nollywood’ films from Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, the world’s third largest, following Hollywood and Bollywood, and featuring music videos and programming in Reggae, Soca, the Afro-Beat, Hip Hop, Samba genres, as well as documentaries, concerts, drama series, comedy shows and sports programmes, is now available on channel 245.

Launched in Canada last year, FEVA has already attracted a significant following , and rave reviews for its programming, including: ‘Planet Nollywood’ - a showcase of top quality Nollywood films; ‘Under 30’ - a drama series about the exploits of urban, sophisticated, Under-30 year old ladies in Lagos, Nigeria; ‘Shuga’ highlighting the sex life and relationships of youth in Africa, with a view to promoting HIV/AIDS prevention and correcting misconceptions surrounding the disease; ‘Lekki Wives’ - focusing on the daily lives of five housewives in Lekki, an affluent suburb in Lagos, Nigeria; in Africa; ‘Jam’Balaya’ featuring people on the streets around the world talking about their favourite music Reggae/Dancehall, Afrobeat, Soca, Hip-Hop and R&B videos; ‘Riddim Cha’ - an interview show with

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FEVA TV – Canada’s first 24-hour black TV network – is now available on FLOW in SVG. Yanique, the curvy diva, as she gets music stars in the Reggae, Soca and other African-inspired According to FEVA TV Chairman, Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, “FEVA TV’s expansion into the Caribbean not only exemplifies FEVA’s mandate of propagating black, African and Caribbean entertainment and culture, but also provides a gateway for FEVA’s push into other natural markets in the United States, Africa and South America.�

In welcoming FEVA TV to Flow’s Caribbean channel line-up, John Reid, C&W’s Consumer Group President said, “The addition of FEVA TV to our existing array of high quality programming is a further demonstration of our commitment to place the customer at the heart of what we do. As we refresh and rebrand Flow across the region, we are transforming the way our customers experience our products and services with the introduction of TV everywhere, enabling viewers to watch TV on any device, anywhere, anytime.�

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Creating environment for floral life plants and suitability of the basket.

Line the basket with foil or plastic. Add a PLANTED BASKETS make very pleasing gifts. small amount of potting soil. Set the plants in The plants require the the basket in a pleasing same environment and manner. Add additional care in terms of light, soil if needed, and cover humidity, moisture, any exposed soil with fertilizer and soil. moss.

In constructing a BULB GARDENS are planted basket, attention constructed much the must be paid to the same way as planted compatibility of the Planted Baskets and Bulb Gardens

baskets. To make a bulb garden, cover the bottom of the container with pebbles, add soil until the container is about one third full, then set the bulbs on top of the soil. Cover all but the tips of the bulbs with soil. Happy gardening.

Presented by the SVG Horticultural Society

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V Extracts from a tribute for Nicole Sylvester

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 19.

Remembering Nicole Slyvester

by REV. DR. PHYLLIS RALPH- BROWNE, International Leadership, Governance Vice President, SVG Human Rights and Human Rights award from the Association United States Government. She made a series of Press releases covering On becoming president of the SVGHRA domestic violence, police brutality, launching of peace rallies, building “WHEN SHE BECAME PRESIDENT, she capacity of persons living with HIV represented all of the late Victor Cuffy’s and Aids- stigma and discrimination, Human Rights clients in and out of juvenile ill treatment by the Police, courts, free of charge. Perhaps it was at subvention for the SVGHRA to assist this time that the idea of a Legal Aid Legal Aids programme, launching of programme was birthed. It was a an Educational Human Rights challenging period for the Human Rights curriculum for primary and secondary Association; we struggled, and when schools, among others. Perhaps, it is things got really hard and we were not also time to appeal to the Minister of able to meet the rent, Nicole embraced Education and Chief Education Officer the Association, as a mother would to implement the Human Rights embrace her child, and provided a home curriculum in the various schools to in her establishment for it. She paid the help in the mitigation of violence in salary for the staff, and took care of the our schools and society. Nicole felt bills. On behalf of the HRA, I want to say that, once we start to truly educate the a heartfelt thank you to her family for the children on how to prevent violence, sincere and unselfish actions taken by then it will become much easier to Nicole to support the Association.” control.”

Safeguarding Human Rights – her vocation

Heart filled with love

“Nicole dedicated her life with a passion to her profession (law), to her family, and to human rights. So much so, in 2006, she received an

“Yes, there is an overabundance of lawyers within our jurisdiction; but Nicole, like George Mc Intosh, stood apart from many with her

understanding of the way of life of the poor, powerless and the dispossessed people here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines….. she represented persons who were unable to pay, free of cost. Sometime they were not even able to pay the registration fee of $ 20.00 charged for the service.

Certainly, she had a heart of love and kindness; she was extraordinary.

Her unique way of speaking, her quick sense of humour, her lopsided smile never failed to match her opponents, and her indomitable spirit was an inspiration to me, and I believe, to all with whom she would have come into contact.

I believe it will be a theme in history for succeeding generations of lawyers, and will be remembered by those of us who loved her. May her Soul rest in Peace.”

Nicole Sylvester, lawyer extraordinaire, voice of the poor and dispossessed.

20. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 21.

22. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 23.

News

Eustace uncomfortable with Ottley Hall agreement Times” programme on Nice Radio last Monday, Eustace said that, according to the agreement, the owners of the marina will be paying US$ 64,000 a year in the first three years, which amounts to US$ 5,400 per month.

“So, first of all, the government will get revenue of only US$5,400 a month for 36 months, and during that 36month period, the people who are renting or leasing must put in Arnhim Eustace, Leader another US$2 million or of the Opposition NDP, thereabout, to invest in promised to let the different types of public know more equipment and other about the new owners things that need repair when he gathers the and so forth,” said information.

Eustace.

After the 3-year period, the owners of the

by KENVILLE HORNE marina will start paying rent at US$ 25,000 OPPOSITION LEADER monthly. “So even if the Arnhim Eustace has expressed disappointment company makes over a million dollars a month, with the 15-year lease the rent is still US$ agreement signed 25,000. I am very between the Government uncomfortable with the and St. Vincent Shipyard Ltd. (SSL), the new owners deal,” Eusatce declared.

The Opposition Leader of the Ottley Hall Marina admitted he did not have and Shipyard.

Speaking on his “New the accounts for Ottley

The funding and operations of the Ottley Hall Marina and Shiyard was the focus of a Commission of Enquiry.

Hall in the last three years and, therefore, he is unsure of the amount they were making, “They would not give the figures,” said Eustace.

The opposition leader further noted that he has heard that some of the owners are from Venezuela, and some are

local persons. “I understand the local ownership is a minority, it’s not the majority of ownership, but when I have the specific details I will make them public.”

The lease arrangement was signed on June 23rd, and took effect on Wednesday 1st

July.

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

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

opening of the supermarket.

The service that would be offered includes dry docking, inspection and repairs to hull, bunkering, sand blasting, shell plating, and the installation’ maintenance and the overhaul of marine engines.

V

24. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Taken for a ride

house, I ended up having sex with him. He invited me back to his house I AM SO DISTRAUGHT at this point that I don’t know time and time again, and each time we had sex. I what to do. My own stupidity has landed me in did not want to refuse him, for fear that he hot water. I told my boss would change his mind that I was thinking of about helping me. going to New York for a I told a few of my vacation. He said he girlfriends about my would help me to get a predicament. They told visa, and I must give him me I was being taken for my passport along a ride; that the embassy with some other stuff he does not operate like said was necessary. I gave this man my passport that.

I demanded my eight months ago, and no passport, and after matter how I beg him to telling me it would take let me have it back, he a little longer, he asked keeps giving me excuse after excuse as to why he me to sleep with him “one more time”. can’t.

It turned out that he The first week after he always had my passport had my documents, he at his house and never invited me to his house made any call to for the purpose of “making a telephone call anywhere or to anyone.

He used my ignorance to to a friend at the embassy” to ensure that satisfy his sexual desires. Shame on him!

I get a “10-year visa”. I was so excited, and after I want to let him know that the pictures we took a few drinks at his

Dear George,

in bed together, I am about to text them to his beloved wife.

Let Down Dear Let Down, It is sad you were ignorant to the visa application process, and allowed your body to be used by someone who was clearly using his position of authority to his benefit. You should let this experience serve as a reminder never to give up your passport to anyone just like that, and also that your dignity is more important than the granting of a U.S. visa.

As to you sending the

Run man, run!!

Dear George,

MY GIRLFRIEND tried to poison, me and it was the angels watching over me who saved my life.

We had an argument over a man I know she is seeing, and she kissed the ground swearing on her innocence. The man met me and told me how my girlfriend is “sweet”, and he even went as far as to pictures to his wife, that tell me the kinds of things she would say when she is clearly your decision, is sexually excited. The man wasn’t lying! It is and you would have to be the same kinds of things she would say in truth. aware of the tail wind He then told me about a birthmark she has such an action can cause. around her private area, and it is no way he would know this unless he saw it. This is a birthmark George that, once you see it, you will never forget it.

After I told her about what this man told me, she went on to threaten to poison me. I almost ate the food she prepared for me one time when the cat ran across the table and knocked the bowl Dear George, over. After seeing that, she told I AM SHOCKED to learn that my partner me I was lucky, but the next time I would not be so lucky, and that is HIV positive. We have been together I must watch my back. for 25 years, and we came together when I moved out from the house, she was a virgin. Neither of us has ever been with a man, and I was totally dumb- but after two weeks, she begged me to come back to her, and she founded when she was declared HIV apologised for her behaviour. I positive.

I questioned her about it, and she want to believe her, but I don’t admitted she had been seeing a man for know right now. This is why I the past 5 years. This was a big let down am writing to you for your advice. for me, to think I had kept my promise of not going with a man, and there she was Unsure doing her thing.

I want to know if I should have Dear Unsure, anything to worry about health wise. I told her to get out of my life, and that I You have very valid reasons for want nothing to do with her whatsoever.

She went back to the man she was seeing, packing your things and getting as far away as you possibly can was the last thing I heard. from this woman. Why would I tried to tell her all along, that men you want to be with someone you are no good and totally useless and they do not trust? You do not trust would always get you in trouble, but she her to be faithful to you, and you never listened. do not trust her with your wellbeing.

Depressed Trust is a very important Dear Depressed, ingredient that must be present for any relationship to survive It is never a good thing when someone and flourish. There are certain gets infected with the HIV virus. I cannot lines that must never be crossed. tell you that you have nothing to worry Death threats have no place in a about, but would advise you to get relationship or anywhere at all yourself medically checked out, to rule out for that matter. the concerns you would have at this time.

You need to be with someone While you are free to choose whom you who would want you to be alive want to be with sexually and otherwise, for as long as possible, and not to you should not make a blanket statement want to see your demise, once about the uselessness of men. Your things are not going her way. partner may have had a change of heart, Make good use of this new lease but I will hasten to say, she should have on your life, and keep searching informed you about her shift of direction, for that one person who would and give you a chance to agree or disagree want to love and cherish you, for with that action. as long as it is possible.

Cheating in a same sex relationship

George

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) You may find acquaintances being deceptive. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. Get together with people who stimulate you mentally. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Do your chores and get on with the things you enjoy doing. Do things for them but don’t allow them to make unreasonable requests. You can benefit financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Chances are you could get stuck with a colleague’s job unexpectedly. If you are in the midst of a financial deal, this is your lucky day. Put your efforts into job advancement.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Be careful of the groups you join or the people you associate with. Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. You may find yourself caught in a triangle. Find out if they have other commitments.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Your intellectual charm will entice mates who have common interests. Try to satisfy both of your needs. Lighten up your serious attitude Snap out of it.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with, but try to do things by the book.

Don’t confide in any relatives whom you know have a tendency to meddle in other people’s affairs. Try to enlist the support of your co-workers first.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just don’t have the time. Plan to visit friends or relatives. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish. You may not be that popular at home but you should be able to shine at social gatherings.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. You can buy or sell if you’re so inclined. You can get others to do things for you but be sure not to overpay them or lend them money.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your changing philosophies may lead you into new circles and open doors that will give you a unique outlook on life. Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle those who are less creative.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don’t hesitate to come right out and ask for the pertinent information. Be sure to keep communication open with those you live with. You are best to do your research before taking on such a venture.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You should socialize with clients or upper echelons of your industry if possible. Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident this week. Be careful when dealing with superiors. Get out and get active.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Be prepared to jump quickly if you wish to stay in the forefront of your industry this week. Travel will enhance romance and adventure. Put financial speculation with family members or friends on the back burner for now.

ACROSS 1.Parisian pal 4. Truck-making inits.

7. Tiny bit 10. Papa 11. Slip-up 13. Peculiar 14. Willis’s “–Hard” 15. “__ Frome” 16. “Goodness!”

17. Commercial manicurist 19. Dad’s neckwear 21. “__ Boys” (Alcott) 22. Comical Raye 25. Swiss sight 28. Female Japanese entertainers 29. Ripken of Cooperstown 30. Courtroom event 32. Lodge member 33. Destroys 35. Chief executive (abbr.)

36. Drawer freshener 37. Andrews, for one (abbr.)

39. Ogle 40. Begins to get tearyeyed 43. Murmur 45. More agreeable 48. Feedbag item 50. “Anatomy __ murder” (2 wds.)

51. “Lorna __” 52. Wheeling’s state (2 wds., abbr.)

53. Procured 54. Numerals (abbr.)

55. Opposite of pos.

DOWN 1.Tack on 2. Cripple 3. Mental image 4. Heaven’s pearly

entrances 5. Speed abbr.

6. Civil War side (abbr.)

7. “All __ now!”

8. Lime drink 9. Ike’s monogram 11. __-mutton (hyph.)

12. Involve 18. Record players (abbr.)

20. Taxman’s agcy.

22. “Cry __ River” (2 wds.)

23. Hearty 24. Invites 25. Pretends 26. __ Flynn Boyle 27. Tabletop protector (2 wds.)

28. Soldiers, for

short 30. Famous last words? (2 wds.)

31. On a pension (abbr.)

34. Retiring 35. “Sesame Street” network (abbr.)

37.Hymn

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 25.

endings 38. __ hydrant 41. Municipality 42. Hoard 43. Big pig 44.Alien’s ride (abbr.)

46.Charged particle 47. Baby noise 49. Kids’ game

V

26. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Canouan Carnival begins this weekend CLUB NUEVO will stage the 17th edition of Canouan Carnival, dubbed ‘The Ultimate Summer Event in the Grenadines’, from Saturday 25th July to Saturday 1st August, 2015.

Canouan is expected to be abuzz with activity and visitors during that period, and organisers expect an even ‘bigger event’ this year. Traditionally, the Canouan Carnival has, for many years, been the only post-Vincy Mas activity of its kind in SVG. Activities open tomorrow, Saturday 25th July, with the highly anticipated Soca 360, featuring ten local soca artistes, including ‘Fireman’, ‘Madskull’, ‘Mr. P’ and ‘Royal’.

President of Club Nuevo, Hansel Henry, told THE VINCENTIAN, that Soca 360 is deliberately intended to feature only local artistes.

“We began this way, and we intend to remain focused on local artistes,” he said.

Sunday 26th July is given over to

the one-of-its-kind Rural Queen Pageant. Seven young ladies (pictured), each representing a different rural district in SGV, will vie for the coveted title, currently held by Miss Fernella Frederick, Miss Southern Grenadines, who will be on hand to pass on her crown and sceptre to the new winner. ‘Skarpyon’, ‘Keido’, and Rodney Small are slated to be guest performers.

Wednesday 29th July will feature the Kiddies Carnival, and indications are that at least one Mas Band from mainland St. Vincent has offered to assist with ensuring an upliftment to this event.

‘Night Mas’, unique, as it stands currently, to Canouan, will be held on Thursday 30th, and participants are expected to showcase some “kind of body light to further the impact,” said Henry.

The annual Wet Fete is scheduled for Friday, July 31st, and the Carnival

Miss P’Tani Donnica Hunter

Miss North Windward Janella Osment

will conclude with ‘J’Ouvert and the Street Jump-up on Saturday 1st August.

During the week of activities, Club Nuevo will recognise three elderly members of the Canouan community, with, among other gestures, Miss North Leeward - Philicia Ashton a presentation of food baskets.

Henry said that his organization is especially thankful to businesses and individuals on Canouan for their continuing support, and is pleased to have LIME and Platinum Sounds/Xtreme Radio as major

Miss Central Windward Chantel Johnson

Miss Central Leeward Felicia John

Miss Southern Grenadines - Neka Miss South Alexander Windward - Lori benefactors. In fact, Jack Platinum Sounds has been one of the event’s benefactors from its inception.

All activities, other than the street events, are scheduled for the Canouan Hard Court.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 27.

SLATER heads SVGFF award list

the feat for East Kingstown in the STRIKER TEVIN SLATER Is Community Interpossibly still gliding in the surf League Women’s of achievement one week since division. being named the St. Vincent She was also one and the Grenadines Football of the standout Federation (SVGFF) Senior players in the SVG Football of the Year, at its team, which won Female Footballer of the Awards Ceremony at Frenches the inaugural President Venold Coombs right and Year Teffie-ann Browne House last Friday, July 17th Windward Islands vice-president Marvin Fraser hold up receives award from Dr. 2015.

Senior Women’s Tevin Slater was a unanimous Lennox Adams.

SVGFF new logo.

Teffie-ann Browne took the tournament. and popular choice of Senior awards for Female Footballer Rouse, a defender held under the theme Football of the Year. of the Year, and Deron Rouse with Parkside FC and South ‘Rewarding Excellence’, saw The SVGFF also unveiled a the Youth Footballer of the Leeward, caught the eye when many of the top performers at spoke about his tenure and new logo on the night, accomplishments, while the Year, on a night when many he was adjudged the best the local and national levels feature address was delivered replacing the one which had left pocketing cheques and defender in the U17 Division being recognised for their by former national athlete and been around for more than bearing silverware of value to in the National Club accomplishments. sports administrator, and now three decades. match.

Championship, and also It was addressed by The accolades were excelled in the Inter-League. president Venold Coombs, who medical practitioner, Dr. Lennox Adams. bestowed on the players on a The Awards Ceremony, night when the SVGFF went out of its way to recognise and reward the top performers across its many competitions for the 2014-2015 season.

Intosh promised. its administrative capacity through a THE NEWLY ELECTED Executive of Slater, the unassuming but Mapping out the road map for the strategy of encouraging inclusiveness. the Bequia Football Association, has lethal marksman from South revival of football on Bequia, Mc Intosh Support for Mc Intosh on the committed to work towards making Leeward, displayed an indicated, “ We are planning a youth executive comes from Anthony football on the island strong again, so insatiable appetite for goals, Ollivierre- Vice President, Relton John — tournament and we are asking all the that it can regain the respect of that led to him being a teams that by 2016, to form themselves Treasurer, Kendale Mercury- Secretary footballers, the football community and unanimous and popular choice corporate entities. and Ulrick Gurley- Public Relations into clubs and they must bring a Uon the night.

15....We are also looking towards having Officer.

Expressing this vision was new He, however, was unable to Mc Intosh is a former national president Clement Mc Intosh, who heads a U-9 and an Under-23 in 2016.”

Several sub- committees should soon defender who made his debut in the a five-member executive committee. attend the function, having be in place to assist the five- member Windward Islands Football Association “I took up the task because I have come down with a bout of executive with its duties and strengthen tournament in Grenada in 1985. seen in recent times, football on the illness, according to his team island has been taking a down turn for management. the worst and taking a different A fisherman by profession, direction. Being a past national player, Slater was the top goal scorer I think it was time for me to make an and Most Valuable Player THE SVG AUTOMOBILE Association (MVP) in the Hairoun Premier input and see what I can do to revive has a new Executive. football on Bequia,” Mc Intosh said.

Division. He led his team, At its Annual General Meeting held Bequia’s football has been a hot bed of Camdonia FC, to second place last Saturday, July 18, members of the worry and contention, over the last five behind Hope International.

Association elected the following: years, with the sport on the island In the Hairoun/Digicel President - Mr. Sunil John; Vice hitting an all time low, as several Community Inter-League, President - Mr. Adrian Harry; Treasurer administrative fall outs followed one Slater grabbed the MVP -Miss Diana Caesar; Secretary - Mr. after one. award as he led his team, Edward De Freitas; Public Relations Mc Intosh opined that it was this sort Officer - Mr. Jason Moussa; Committee South Leeward, to the title. of instability Slater’s exploits were not Members - Charlie Thomas, Albert just confined to the local level, which has seen a Francis, Art Huggins, Sanjay Jiandani decline in and Obed Williams. as he also displayed his footballers from Only Francis and De Freitas, Vice penchant for goal scoring on Bequia earning President and Treasurer respectively in The recently elected Executive of the the international scene, by spots on national the previous executive, were returned as SVGAA: (front from left) Edward De scoring a hat trick against Freitas (Secretary), Sunil John teams.

Executive members.

Trinidad and Tobago in the (President), Adrian Harry (Vice “It also pains John expressed a commitment, on CFU U23 Olympic Qualifiers.

President), Jason Moussa (PRO) (back me to see, as a behalf of himself and his Executive, to He helped to push SVG to the from left) Albert Francis, Art Huggins, former national set the Association on a strong next round of the competition.

Charlie Thomas, Sanjay Jiandani and player, I have administrative footing, and to plan and He also has three goals over Obed Williams (all Committee implement a slate of activities for its realised that no two legs in 2018 World Cup members and motor racing enthusiasts. Members). one from Bequia Qualifiers against Guyana.

The newly elected executive met is on the senior Browne, the petite System activities of the Association is behind closed doors immediately national time anticipated.

Three striker, was the top following the adjournment of the right now, and Steve ‘Capt’ Ollivierre was the goal scorer in the Women’s President of the General Meeting. we want to turn Division in the Club A detailed plan for the operations and outgoing president of the Association. that around,” Mc BFA- Clement Mc (Submitted by Paul James) Championship, and repeated Intosh.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Bequia Football set for a revival path

SVGAA elects new executive

V

28. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG off to Special Olympic Games

delegation to the World Games.

“As you can imagine, this was no easy feat; sleepless nights, followed by stressful days and lots Janice McMasterO’Loughlin, National and lots of begging,” McMaster-O’Loughlin Director ‘Journey to the World Games 2015,’ made said. no bones about how She lauded the challenging it was to athletes for their raise the funds to ensure compliance with the training regimen, and this country’s participation. the coaches for their dedication, neither giving up in the face of the mammoth task of raising the necessary funds.

Terrence Davis, coach and former team representative, echoed McMaster-O’Loughlin’s sentiments, telling the ceremony, “There were many uphill battles. As athletes and coaches, we worked together, not just for the benefit of travelling to a new country, but for the benefit of each other.”

The team, which left here on Tuesday, is slated to participate in Aquatics, Track and Field, Bocce, Football and Tennis.

They were also expected to participate in

by E. GLENFORD the Grenadines, the Windwards and the Host Town activities PRESCOTT the West Indies at various which would have been levels…but conversely when we held between July 22 and YOUNG PEOPLE stopped playing, we stopped 24.

IN St. Vincent producing, so there was a A section of the audience who seemed to When this country and the correlation between playing and have been captured by what Dr. Adams had participated in its last Grenadines are producing. to say.

Special Olympic Games, being encouraged “It was a similar thing with that 2003 in Ireland, it was to return to the excellent community of Sion Hill Dr. Adams also called for a great deal of represented by the largest days of which was a force to be reckoned with emphasis to be placed on academics since, team then, comprised of frequenting the in many sports, and produced some according to him, it provides the 20 athletes and six playing fields, good sportsmen and women; but when opportunity for scholarships and also officials. They returned backyards or the they stopped playing, they stopped offers them something to fall back on with fifteen medals idle plot of land, winning, and they, therefore, must also when their days as an athlete are over. three gold, six silver and “to play,” in an return to playing,” Adams explained.

“There are a lot of opportunities out six bronze. effort to increase Dr. Adams said that that playing there, once you do well in balancing your Dr. Lennox Adams made The 2015 contingent the pool of sports fosters genuine bonds and sports with your studies ….,” he said, a passionate plea for will be hoping to better resources associations. Not playing, he said, adding, “…you must therefore study long young people to return the performance of that available for could force persons into alliances like and play hard.” to playing a sport. team. (DDD) national teams. gangs, which has possibly This advice no sincere affection but is came from noted local surgeon, Dr. Lennox only an association of Adams, as he delivered the feature convenience that is fragile address at the St. Vincent and the and fickle at best.

Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) He said that, while he has THE SVG RUGBY UNION will host its Third Annual Summer Youth Rugby Awards Ceremony at Frenches House, no data to prove such, there Camp during the month of August.

Friday, July 17th, 2015. was a school of thought Sessions, to be held Monday through Dr. Adams, a former national athlete which purported that the Thursday from 9am to noon, are and respected sports administrator, increase in gangs and gang scheduled for: Kearton’s Playing Field centred his topic on “Let’s Play a Game’. warfare was attributable to - August 3 — 7; Georgetown Playing “It is clear that enough of our young the fall off in the playing of Field - August 10 — 14; Chateaubelair people are not playing anymore, and this sports by the young people.

Playing Field - August 17 — 21; and is going to have a negative impact on the Dr. Adams, who led both Calliaqua Playing Field - August 24 — The Third Annual Summer Youth Rugby talent pool available for selection to our the NOA (now NOC) and Camp is offered free of charge. national teams, whether be it football, SVGAAA (now TASVG), also 28.

The camp is open to both male and cricket, basketball or track and field,” pointed to those parents who female youth in grades 3 and above, and grassroots ‘Get Into Rugby’ programme, Adams, who represented SVG at the saw ‘sweating’ as something which delivers tag rugby courses to the cost is free.

Olympics and World Championships, bad and therefore did not primary and secondary age students at 8 A release from the Rugby Union said.. encourage their children’s schools located throughout mainland explains that the camp will focus ‘on He underlined his point by referring to particicpation in sport.

SVG. teaching the foundations of the sport of the experiences of the communities of Sion These children, he said, The grass roots programme has been tag rugby through fun and interactive Hill and Stubbs, his birthplace. invariably become slaves to running since January 2014. games while building character and “We in Stubbs played a lot, and when technology — television, the promoting life skills’. we did, we produced….and we not only computer and the likes.

I.B.A.Allen The camp is in keeping with the produced, we produced over twenty And while he urged a broader SVG RUGBY goals of the cricketer who represented St. Vincent and return to “playing a game,” ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES returns to the Special Olympic Games.

After a 12-year absence, this country will be represented at this year’s Games, scheduled for Los Angeles, California, from 25 July to 2 August, by a contingent of 26 athletes and 6 officials.

At a sending off ceremony held on Monday, at Frenches House, Kingstown, Janice McMasterO’Loughlin, National Director ‘Journey to the World Games 2015’, and head of the delegation to the Games, explained that the journey to the Games began some four years ago, with the formation of a team charged with the task of reviving Special Olympics in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ‘Take us to the World’ The SVG contingent for the 2015 Special Olympic Games and campaign was launched in an effort Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who was on hand on Monday to raise some EC$180,000 to send a to wish them well.

Dr. Lennox Adams asks Youths “To play again”

Youth Rugby Camp scheduled

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 29.

Sports

SVG dominate Southern Windwards series He said that the bowlers did well, with offspinner Jack and COACH of the senior women’s LaToya Providence showing good cricket team and recently appointed control and getting among the Southern Windwards coach, Cleton wickets.

Burnett, is a man beaming with He also recognised the batters, pride and satisfaction, after his with the experienced Nero and team thrashed their Grenadian Jack posting good scores with counterparts, 3-0 last weekend, in good support from Stacy Ann the Spice Isle.

Adams.

The Vincentians and The coach said that, with the Grenadians were involved in a exception of the first match in three-match series which served which the batters struggled a bit, as trial matches to select the the team never looked to be Southern Windwards team, for seriously threatened. the West Indies Women’s In the opening match, SVG won tournament. by three wickets.

Prior to leaving these shores, Grenada, who batted first, were Burnett had expressed confidence dismissed for 115 in 31 overs, that his team were going to win with left handed middle-order the series and, true to his batter, Akeria Peters getting 32. conviction, the Vincentians won, Vanisha King took 2/12. and earned eight selections, SVG found the going tough and including Julianna Nero as took all of 36 overs to reach their captain, and three of the four target, ending on 116/7 in 36 reserves. overs. Captain Nero hit a The other Vincentians who topscore of 35. gained selection are Latoya In the second match, SVG won Providence, Stacy Ann Adams, by five wickets.

Shavorne Clark, Vanisha King, Grenada batting first got to 126 Cordel Jack, Crystal John and in 44.3 overs, with Anisha Glendeen Turtin (Wicket-Keeper). Thomas getting a topscore of 57.

Shenezia Daniel, Nyasha The Vincentians gave away 27 Williams and Kimone Homer are extras, including 24wides. the reserves.

Shenezia Daniel, 3/32, enjoyed the “We played good cricket and we best returns. were always the better team,” a Jack then hit 53 in leading happy Burnett said upon SVG to victory. They went on returning home. batting after passing the score, to

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Building youths DES MORRIS has been at the helm of the Touch Masters Soccer Incorporated for many years. It was natural for him. He set the pace for his older brother, Pete, who himself is launching his own foundation, the Pete Morris Football Academy.

There is also an older brother on whom the family can count. That one is Luxie.

Des is perhaps the energiser bunny in the trio, and inspires the family along purely football lines.

Des was pivotal in the operations at the Summer Soccer Camp 2015, which is expected to end at the Arnos vale Playing Field Friday, July 31. By then, a number of youths will have been exposed to the highest level of training available in this part of the globe.

Spearheading the training was Jefrey Callau Casanova: Head Coach of the Barcelona Youth Football Academy based in Spain.

Jefrey spent some 18 hours travelling to get to St. Vincent, but as he landed, he wasted no time in getting over the jet lags and absorbing the temperature of the tropical paradise.

Des was pleased with his having the Barcelona coach available in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“It is the first time that anybody from Barcelona is in the Eastern Caribbean,” Des indicated.

The Camp organisers were hopeful that Callau would impart some of his skills to local coaches in charge of various local teams.

He expressed satisfaction with the programme up to Wednesday, even though some logistics were still be worked out.

The camp started with 40 youngsters, and the numbers increased to 60 by Wednesday.

Expectations are that the figure will jump to 120 by next week.

An EC$65 fee was charged for each participant, but that pales in relation to the extent of contribution that Des and his crew have made to ensuring that the programme comes off.

He laments the absence of structured youth programmes, and he is committed to seeing things in place to cater for the rising soccer generation.

There have been obstacles, but Des has enlisted support from various quarters, and that has served as inspiration for the team.

Des acknowledged support from the Department of Sports, and praised Nelson Hillocks for incorporating coaches from the schools programme.

The youths are dealt with in a sensitive manner, and measures are taken to ensure that youngsters learn the basics of the sport.

According to Summer Soccer Camp, the youngsters are assessed, and encouraged to develop along fundamental lines.

Des has been at odds here and there. He is absorbed with the programme, and even though he has met setbacks, he has learnt to adjust.

Des has helped many who have matured into the nucleus of the national squad.

The Summer Soccer Camp is a labour of love that the Morris Brothers continue to build on.

Nation building is a widespread responsibility.

Congratulations to Tevin Slater on his recognition. It comes in tidily with the blossoming of some factors. Other lessons of life unfold in real time.

The Vinlec North Leeward T/20 Championship is set for its 2015 version. This year’s episode is slated for its intrigues. With teams from the area’s secondary schools drawn into the orbit, there will be a wider catchment for teams at whatever level in the future.

The vacation period provides opportunities for students to sharpen their brains in preparation for ongoing tests. How they balance those elements of sport and academic prowess, will determine the depth of character on which creativity is engendered.

The victorious SVG Women’s cricket team.

Afy Fletcher of Grenada will serve as the team’s Vice Captain.

Julianna Nero, brings a wealth of experience to her postion as captain of the Southern Windwards team in the West Indies Women’s Tournament.

144/5 in 38.1 overs. Medium pacer Aria Fortune took 2/17 and Fletcher 2/26 to lead the Grenada bowling.

The third and final match was a relative high-scoring affair, with SVG posting 197/8 in their 50 overs, Nero getting 58 and Shavorne Clarke 48. Carena Noel 3-32 and Shantan Charles 3-28 were the best of the bowlers.

Grenada, led by a second half century by Thomas (53), replied with 168/7 in their 50 overs.

Latoya Providence 3-28 off 9 overs proved SVG’s best bowler.

The West Indies Women’s tournament takes place in Trinidad next month, with Southern Windwards Unit taking on Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Northern Windwards (Dominica and St. Lucia).

The full Southern Windwards team reads: Julianna Nero (Captain), Afy Fletcher (Vice Captain), Akeira Peters, Anisha Thomas, Rachael Cyrus, Holly Charles, Aria Fortune, Latoya Providence, Stacy Ann Adams, Shevorne Clark, Vinisha King, Cordel Jack, Crystal John, Glendeen Turtin (Wicket- Keeper).

Reserve Players: Sheniza Daniel, Nyasha Williams, Kimone Homer, Carena Noel.

Youngster shines in Bequia basketball DARIO BARBER was the highlight of last weekend matches in the Vita Malt 2015 Bequia Basketball Championship, when he led his team, Titans, to two weekend victories.

In the first, on Friday, Barber stuffed 25 points, had 11 rebounds and 8 steals, as he led his team to a resounding 44 — 16 victory over Dragons.

He returned on Sunday to once again lead his team to victory, this time over Young Wizards, scoring 15 points, pulling down 4 rebounds and making 8 steals in his team’s total of 39 points.

Young Wizards registered 20 points on the hard work of Mario Tannis, who converted 11 points.

Second Division weekend matches threw up victories for:

Blazing Heat over Rising Stars, 59 to 48; Hawks over Rockets, 21 — 19; and Blazing heat over Young Dukes, 112 — 47.

A First Division encounter on Saturday, resulted in a 64 — 44 victory for East Blazers over Warriaz, with East Blazers’ Steveon Taylor accounting for 30 points, the weekend’s highest individual contribution.

Wizards bounced back on Sunday to defeat Generals 85 to 47.

There was also an 85 — 47 win for Duke over Rising Stars 1, with Duke’s leading man, Ishama McKree, accounting for 27 points, 2 assists and 1 steal. Rising Stars1 Kirstin Lampkin also had 27 points.

Matches continue this weekend

in the Championship that is scheduled to conclude on August 30.

I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015. 31.

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SEARCHING IS AN IMPORTANT ACTIVITY

by DAYLE DA SILVA PERSONS travelling to the Grenadines are subject to random searches, so says the Chief of Port Police, Lenroy Brewster.

According to Brewster, users of the port are usually profiled and subject to random searches, a practice that has been in place since the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) back in 2004.

Lenroy Brewster, Chief of The Grenadines Wharf is usually a hive of activity, with locals and visitors The port’s Security at the Kingstown and alike preferring to use the ferry to get to and from the Grenadines. security chief said Campden Park ports, confirmed that this code has that random searches on conducting searches on individuals was an conducted based on the been implemented persons travelling to and from important activity, adding that passengers on level of security threat, across all ports of the Grenadines is a common cruise ships are also subject to searches. so during level 1, entry and departure and accepted practice.

He denied that students who travelled between searches are conducted throughout the the Grenadines on a daily basis are searched, but in the normal manner. country, and the policy of randomly searching said that students going on excursions are subject to But on a level 3 alert, passengers was already in place when he took up searches. where an attack may be the position as Chief of Security for both ports in And this has resulted in alcohol being confiscated, imminent, the security Kingstown and the one at Campden Park. the port security chief said. protocol at the port will A caller in to the ‘New Times’ radio programme He added that there was a list of prohibited items be changed to suit the said on Monday that he thought the searches were including firearms, BB guns, screwdrivers, knives, situation. not legal, and that it appeared as though all users of razors, flare guns and gun powder.

“Security across the facility were subject to being searched.

Items such as axes and hatchets must be properly states is important,” he The Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, wrapped, he added. said, adding that the added that he had heard of instances where “There are also a number of people looking to ply threat of terrorism or students were also searched. the drug trade in the Grenadines,” Brewster added. other acts of violence is Last month, Opposition Parliamentary And persons have been intercepted carrying a potential danger.

Representative for the Northern Grenadines, Dr drugs, while others have been arrested, under the “Nothing has Godwin Friday, was the subject of a search.

‘Proceeds from Crime Act’, with large amounts of happened in the past, Friday stated his objection to the procedure, cash. but something can saying that he did not think that it was justified.

Brewster further explained that searches are happen,” he said.

But Brewster told THE VINCENTIAN that

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

Dr. Godwin Friday, MP for the Northern Grenadines, was subjected to a search to which he had initially objected.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.