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FRIDAY,

JULY 31, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.31

www.thevincentian.com

GARIFUNA LEADER: ÂPM REFUSED TO DIALOGUEÊ

reckless, and that citizenship was serious business and ought not to be THE RULING UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) tampered with lightly. would be foolish not to become involved But the Prime Minister has come in the process to right the wrongs that under some heavy criticism by Ramos, were inflicted on the native Garifuna who stressed that it was important for people some 218 years ago.

Garifuna to reconnect with their That is the view expressed by beloved ancestral home.

Professor Wellington Ramos, a Garifuna descendant and head of a Wrong contact Garifuna diasporic contingent currently in St Vincent and the Ramos went on to say that the Grenadines, who are expected to work current Vincentian government was in with the Leader of the Opposition, contact with another group of Arnhim Eustace, and the NDP, to individuals, referring to ‘another’ chart the way forward for granting organization of Garifuna people in the honorary citizenship to the Garifuna USA. people living in the Diaspora.

“But the other people, they have no “You would be foolish not to be a substance,” he said, and went on to part of it,” he said. accuse them of only looking for Ramos said that he had been attention. hearing comments being made by the “We cannot sit on the side-lines ULP that the issue was of a political anymore. The division that is taking nature. place is the same that was done to But politics was essentially part of manipulate and control (in the past),” everything, Ramos rebutted.

Ramos said.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves He said that he had suggested to a has voiced his opposition to the idea of member of the group (referred) to honorary citizenship, saying that the begin speaking with the Leader of the proposal was irresponsible and Opposition, to which, Ramos said, the

EC$1.50

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Professor Wellington Ramos says an attempt to reach out to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was met with a wall of silence. response was that Eustace was a waste of time, as he was not in a position of power.

“I said to him, “My friend, what are you saying? You have been with Ralph for 14 years, and you have nothing to show for it’,” Ramos explained.

He then decided that he was going to contact Eustace, and made the relevant arrangements.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP government are known to have something of a working relation with the Garifuna Coalition USA Inc.

Good news turns sour Ramos said that he was present at the town hall meeting when Eustace announced to the Garifuna the world over, his intent to grant honorary citizenship.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 3.

News 3

NDP, Garifuna meet who were invited here to begin the discussion process.

The journey has started “We want that to be a negotiated matter, not us LEADER OF THE announcing something OPPOSITION, Arnhim that we going to offer, Eustace and the New but to sit down with the Democratic Party (NDP) Garifuna and discuss are expected to sit down those ways we think are with representatives from best to the growing the Garifuna community relationship we have today, Friday 31st July, to now,” he continued. discuss how the opposition He however political party can move acknowledged that he did forward with its plan to not see the issue as an grant Garifuna people overnight matter, as honorary citizenship. there were matters “There is going to be a relating to international session that will not be law that they will have public on Friday, where to sit down and discuss we will be discussing and reflect on. what should be included Back in May, Eustace, in honorary citizenship,” by way of a town hall Eustace said on meeting in New York in Wednesday at a press the United States, briefing, during which he declared that it was his introduced members of a and the NDP’s intention delegation of Garifuna Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

that should they be successful at the next General Elections, they would grant honorary citizenship to the surviving Garifuna descendants who currently reside in the Diaspora.

“We have begun the process on May 21, 2015.

I committed myself and the NDP to right the historic wrong perpetrated by the British 218 years ago on the Garifuna people, when they banished the Garifuna people to the uninhabited island of Balliceaux, where about half of them died from the terrible conditions within a few months,” Professor Wellington Ramos (left) is met on arrival at E. T. Joshua airport by NDP Eustace said.

President Arnhim Eustace and PRO Vynette Frederick. (Photo: NDP Facebook) The week of activities to mark the visit of the included rallies in the and Sandy Bay. headed by Professor Garifuna delegation communities of Greiggs The delegation is Wellington Ramos.

Firearms discovered in ‘the hills’ EFFORTS TO RID this country’s streets of illegal guns continue.

This assurance was given by Commissioner of Police (CoP) Michael Charles, in the wake of discovery of guns and ammunition during an exercise in the hills conducted as part of the Phase 2 exercise of the Regional Security Systems (RSS) training, which took place here from July 8 to the 24.

Although admitting that no arrests were made, Charles briefed the media last Friday, two days after a highpowered rifle, one .22 rifle and two 12 gauge shot guns were discovered during the RSS exercises.

The exercises were concentrated in the areas of Petit Byahaut, Peter’s Hope and the Roseau

and Duvalier mountains.

Along with the firearms, five cases of shotgun ammunition, 119 shotgun cartridges and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were also uncovered.

A bullet proof vest was also among the items found.

The CoP also stated that 4,866 marijuana plants, 829,171 seedlings, 3,198 pounds of marijuana and 128,172 mature plants a Guns, ammunition and bullet proof vest discovered were destroyed during during an exercise by persons involved in a RSS the exercise. training exercise here.

And although not confirmed, Charles be in possession of illegal they may have come said that, based on the firearms, to make use of from Martinique, a brand of the ammunition neighbouring dependency the ongoing amnesty, that was seized, they saying that they will not of France. were likely “Guns are a concern, be prosecuted if they opt manufactured in Europe, and we are doing all to to do so. which suggested that The issues of illegal see how many illegal guns we can take off guns and the number of gun related crimes were the street,” Charles causes for concern, and told members of the media. the Commissioner said that the police will be He encouraged continuing in their effort individuals who may to get guns off the street.

COP Michael Charles, Measures to be employed in the company of in this regard include Commander of the stop and search Coast Guard Brenton exercises, and the Cain, displays one of execution of more the rifles discovered, searches on the property which he purported of individuals who they could well have (police) have been tipped arrived here via as being in possession of Martnique. illegal firearms.

Garifuna leader: ‘PM refused to dialogue’ Continued from Front Page.

But this good news would become charred when Ramos said he received an email and a video posting of the Prime Minister’s press conference, in which Dr. Gonsalves did not show any support for the proposition put forward by Eustace.

“I got so angry and disgusted.”

Ramos also criticized the motion for reparation for those enslaved and the victims of genocide.

According to the professor and leader among the Garifuna community, it looked good at first, but on careful reading, there was nothing much touching on the issue of genocide and how it related to the Garifuna people, and they were not consulted.

A letter of concern was subsequently written to Gonsalves, according to Ramos, but no response has been forthcoming.

He said that he later understood that the reasoning behind the no response was because the Prime Minister thought that Ramos was disrespectful.

“Eustace is honest and trustworthy, and one who can negotiate for me,” he said.

SVG – Mecca for Garifuna The task at hand was to put a programme together, and for the Garifuna people and the NDP to work hand in hand, in order that the project will benefit both sides.

Ramos was of the opinion that St Vincent and the Grenadines will become the Mecca for Garifuna people all over the world.

In terms of reaching out to the government, Ramos said that the letter that was sent earlier was their way of wanting to open the dialogue with Dr. Gonsalves; however, until he (Gonsalves) is ready to meet and speak to them on reconnecting displaced Garifuna people, they would have to wait.

“We cannot force them,” he said.

V Bright future for cocoa in SVG 4. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Economy

was never so, and, in fact, the Company is THE ST. VINCENT COCOA alive, and has developed COMPANY will be investing an ambitious business a significant amount of plan, which is set to reap money in the cocoa benefits for all industry here, and many stakeholders in the farmers are poised to industry. benefit.

In an exclusive Change of ownership interview with THE VINCENTIAN According to Marriott, newspaper, Harry he was informed a year Marriott, Chairman of ago, by then Manager of the St. Vincent Cocoa the Company Andrew Company, assured that Hadley, that Amajaro his company is in the was experiencing industry for the long problems because there term. was not an adequate When the previous supply of cocoa in the investors, Amajaro, country. pulled out of the Marriott said he was industry, many persons of a different view, and predicted that it would expressed that he always be a downward trend for felt “there was a great an industry that was still future for cocoa in this in its infancy. Some country.” concluded that the Keen to get the project company had folded, but going, Marriott explained Marriott assured that that the Company never

by KENVILLE HORNE

folded, it merely changed ownership.

He was in praise of the original investors, who took the risk of injecting money into the venture, “because if they didn’t, there wouldn’t be a cocoa industry at all.”

On purchasing the company, Marriott and his team proceeded to meet with the Prime Minister, to decide on the way forward, and the government’s role in the industry.

St. Vincent Cocoa Company, under new ownership, took over management of the company in September last year.

The new plan Soon they became aware, like Amajaro before them, that there

was not enough cocoa.

But instead of backing out, they came up with a business plan that included: purchasing lands from private owners; leasing government lands; and providing material support and training to farmers.

The company is currently distributing free cocoa plants to farmers, and would also supply the fertilizers and apply it to the fields.

Payment for fertilizer will be deducted from earnings when cocoa is sold.

Additionally, two Extension Officers will train farmers on the windward and leeward sides of the country in cocoa cultivation.

Towards the end of the year, a Solar Dryer and a Fermentation plant should be commissioned on the windward side.

This will be duplicated on the leeward side at a later date.

The company currently cultivates 100 acres of cocoa, and provides employment for 36 persons. The plan is to increase cultivation to 1000 acres through the purchase of more land.

“Not only will that increase the volume of cocoa coming out ….. but it will demonstrate to our famers, the people, the politicians, to everybody, that we are in it for the long term, and backing it with our own money. We are not about to run away,” Marriott said.

The Business Plan also proposes the acquisition and use of Crown Lands on a lease basis. Towards this end,

Cocoa plants will be continued to be made available to cocoa farmers and farmers interested in cocoa cultivation.

Andrew Hadley (left) and Harry Marriott, Managing Director and Chairman respectively of the St. Vincent Cocoa Company, are convinced that the cocoa industry here will develop into a major economic contributor. the St. Vincent Cocoa Company has forwarded a proposal to the government, that is currently being studied by the administration.

“This is further demonstration that we are in the business for long term,” the Chairman reiterated, adding that he has been in contact with the acting Chief Surveyor and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture to secure suitable crown lands.

“And we are hopeful that when that comes to fruition, we will make a big jump forward, that will enable us to reach a critical mark in terms of cocoa being produced in St.Vincent,” Marriott further explained.

Marriott was adamant that cocoa on St.Vincent “is of a very high quality, and that would result in a higher price on the market.”

Other plans for the industry include the approach of ‘contracts farmers’, where persons who have land and find difficulty in financing cultivation, can receive planting materials and technical services from the Company for an arranged fee.

A win win situation Andrew Hadley, Managing Director of the St. Vincent Cocoa Company, sees the industry as a “win win situation” for everybody involved.

He is cognizant, though, of the need for unity among farmers, the private sector, and the Government.

Hadley also recognises that persons are concerned about the length of time that cocoa takes to bear, and suggested that, while farmers await the cocoa, they can intercrop by planting cash crops.

Cocoa takes up to three years to bear fruit.

And as far as the benefits of the cocoa industry are concerned, Marriott is optimistic that as the company grows from strength to strength, the benefits to be derived are “not only for ourself, but also for the country, in terms of employment, balance of payment. I envision that in years to come, there could be many hundreds of people directly involved in the industry, maybe even thousands … the trickle-down effect … will feed through the entire economy.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 5.

Regional

President Granger wants stronger regional security GIVEN THE RECENT ESCALATION in tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over land and maritime boundaries, it was perhaps no surprise that Guyana’s President David Granger has made a call for “ a stronger collective security system” in the Caribbean, to deal with what he sees as “new threats”.

President Granger’s call came while in an address at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (WJPC) graduation ceremony, in Washington, July 23.

The President is a former

President David Granger addressing a graduation ceremony at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, made a call for stronger security system in the Caribbean. (Photo credit: Guyana Chronicle)

student and adjunct faculty member at the institution, which is an academic institution for defense and security dialogue in the Western Hemisphere.

He made his call with special reference to small states, saying inter alia, “Unless the small and weak are secure, the strong and large will also suffer,” and called for collective international and regional mechanisms that include medium and large states, and respect for the sovereignty of small states.

The prevailing impasse with Venezuela did not escape President Granger’s attention.

With respect to that issue, he said that there are a number of issues at stake: the sovereign right of a country to exploit its own resources; the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes; the

Eleven charged for Senior Counsel’s murder contingent of heavily armed security officers were also visible along the route and in buildings within the vicinity of the court.

The accused, as announced by Deputy Police Commissioner Glenn Hackett, lead investigator in the case, are Rajaee Ali, Hamid Ali, Davough Cummings, Ishmael Ali, Ricardo Dana Seetaha’s murder Stewart, Earl Richards, was always considered Stephan Cummings, Gareth Wiseman, Kevin a hit by police in T&T. Parkinson, Leston Gonzales and Roget THIRTEEN MONTHS Boucher.

AFTER Senior Counsel The Trinidad Express Dana Seetahal was reported that, in addition ambushed and fatally to the murder charges, shot five times in the the 11 have been charged head and body, in with offences under the Woodbrook, Trinidad, Anti Gang Act. (May 4, 2014), 11 men Rajaee Ali has been have been charged for her charged with being a gang murder. leader, while the other Seetahal, 58, worked ten have been charged closely with the Office of with being gang members. the Director of Public Seetahal’s murder has Prosecutions as the lead been one of the more prosecutor for several profiled killings in high-profileD cases, Trinidad and Tobago, including leading the given her work both as state’s team in matters legal counsel and against the newspaper columnist.

Jamaat al Muslimeen and She was known to be its leader, Yasin Abu hard-hitting in her Bakr. writings, sparing no The 11 appeared on party, individual, religion, Monday 27thth July, civic group, etc.

2015, at the Port of Spain In August 14, 2014, the Magistrates’ Court to Trinidad Guardian answer the charges, and reported the man who reports are that the pumped five bullets, at street, St. Vincent Street, close range, into the head on which the Magistrates’ and body of Senior Court is located, was Counsel Dana Seetahal, blocked off, preventing had been identified as one both pedestrian and of three men killed in a vehicular traffic. A large police shootout the day

Rajaee Ali, one of the 11 charged and a wellknown Muslimeem member, says none of what he is accused of is true. before.

The case was kept open since police had concluded that there was a wider conspiracy that led to her death.

Meanwhile, the Magistrates’ Court at which the 11 were scheduled to appear on Saturday, was expected to be a hive of activity, in normal circumstances, with disgraced FIFA Executive Member Austin Jack Warner also down to appear in the same court, and before the same magistrate as the eleven.

Warner is charged with 12 offences related to racketeering, corruption and money laundering, allegedly committed in the jurisdiction of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, dating as far back as 1990. (Source: T&T Newspapers)

avoidance of the resort to the use of force, threats and intimidation; and the inviolability of international agreements and adherence to international law.

The President noted that small states also face internal and international There have been numerous calls down the threats which decades to make the Caribbean Area a zone can have their of peace. sources in political and increased international focus on strategic objectives. He added the region, he emphasized the that there are transnational need, all the more, for threats such as the trade of appreciation of the “the illegal narcotics, illegal weapons importance of national and human trafficking. sovereignty and international “Small states, on their own, cooperation, and more cannot hope to combat these particularly, the need for the transnational threats,” Caribbean to remain a zone of President Granger said, and peace in this turbulent world.” while recognizing that these (Source: Guyana Chronicle) transnational threats have

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Senator Camillo Gonsalves addressing campaign launch.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER CAMILLO GONSALVES on Saturday night made what can be described as a strong case for the incumbent Unity Labor Party’s (ULP) reelection to office, saying that the party is best suited to run the multi-island state in the next five years.

“I come to you not only for financial support; I come for moral support to spread the good news of the ULP,” Gonsalves told an ebullient crowd of party supporters and well-wishers at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, as he officially launched his campaign in New

Camillo: ÂSVG best served with ULP re-electionÊ

York for the East St. George constituency.

“And this country is best served if the ULP is elected in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” added Gonsalves at the fund-raising gala party, organized by a group calling itself ‘Friends of Camillo Gonsalves’, led by Vaughan Toney, the Calliaqua-born president and chief executive officer of the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers.

“I will not call you stupid tonight; I will not insult you with demagoguery,” continued the Foreign Affairs Minister, taking a jab at Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, who many critics claimed insulted some when he declined or brushed aside pointed questions at a town hall meeting at the same venue a few months ago.

Gonsalves was enthusiastically received — with a standing ovation — by the clearly partisan gathering, and worked the crowd — offering handshakes and hugs — when he

entered the hall about 2 ½hours after the event began.

Toney told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards that his group had planned the campaign-style entry.

“Let us not get distracted by shining objects and side shows; there are serious changes St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to make,” said Gonsalves, using familiar words, as his father, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves.

“This election is whether you trust the future of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the ULP, whether you trust Arnhim Eustace (president and leader of the Gonsalves greets Vaughan Toney, president and main opposition New Democratic Party — NDP), or CEO of the Friends of Crown Heights Ralph Gonsalves,” added the Educational Center, who endorsed Gonsalves’ candidacy. younger Gonsalves. “The choice is pretty clear.” developments among other initiatives.

Stating that the current He expressed confidence that he’ll administration has adopted a “peoplesoundly beat his main challenger, NDP centered” approach to governance, candidate for East St. George Dr. Gonsalves spoke for about two hours, Linton Lewis, saying that, on rattling off some of the government’s completion of the Argyle International major accomplishments, policies and Airport, that constituency will be the prospective plans. “epicenter” of activities in the nation, He said St. Vincent and the with tourism taking center stage.

Grenadines has undergone major “I believe I have the capability, I transformations since the ULP assumed believe I have the experience, I believe I office in 2001. have the desire to serve the people of Completion of the international East St. George and St. Vincent and the airport is conceivably the ULP’s foremost trump card going into the next Grenadines,” said Gonsalves, disclosing that he has developed the phrase, general elections that are “RAISE the Bar,” which demonstrates constitutionally due early next year. “resilience, alleviation, integration, Gonsalves affirmed that the airport will be completed this year, contrary to infrastructure, investment, innovation, education and employment.” the opposition’s misgivings.

He said Prime Minister Gonsalves is “…The international airport is the very best thing to do, and we’re going to the best person to continue leading the country, pointing out that leadership is complete it to develop St. Vincent and not only about the next general the Grenadines,” he said.

Gonsalves pointed to achievements in elections but about “the next generation.” education (Education Revolution), “The ULP has won because of its housing,, geo-thermal energy policies,” he said, claiming that the exploration, cruise ship/port rehabilitation, medical school and hotel NDP has many “strikes” against it.

“May the ULP continue!” expansion, and infrastructural

Section of audience listening to Gonsalves’ address.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 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 CARICOM is too polite CARICOM HEADS, meeting in Barbados in early July, made a rather polite request of Venezuela: ‘Withdraw those elements of Decree 1787, in so far as they apply to the territory and maritime space of CARICOM states’.

This polite appeal we understand as one that pricks at the conscience of a nation that has ignored all existing international treaties and protocols, which have demarcated the boundaries of Guyana.

The statement issued by the Heads stops short of any condemnation of the larger and more powerful Venezuela.

In fact, the statement appears to be apologetic to the new found benefactor of many of the CARICOM membership, to wit, ‘We have to say something to appease our CARICOM colleagues, but we apologise for having to do so, so please accept this polite appeal for your understanding’.

The statement is, in fact, prefaced by open recognition of ‘the longstanding, deep and wide-ranging friendship between CARICOM and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’, and proceeds in very careful language to speak to the possible implications for ‘the peace, security and development of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’.

If it is that the Heads can cite possible implications for peace and security of one of its colleague member territories, why are they so reserved about their approach to the issue? Have they redefined ‘peace and security’ to appease the new found benefactor?

Longstanding relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and CARICOM there might have been. But if the truth be told, these relations may have become cordial only in recent decades. For most of the 20th century, those ‘relations’ have been coloured with demonstrations of the might of Venezuela over not only Guyana, but also Trinidad and Tobago and even Dominica.

In the case of the last named, after years of claim to Bird Island, also called Isla de Aves, Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Sherrit, all but agreed in 2011 to cede jurisdiction over this island to the mightier Venezuela.

Sherrit’s announcement came immediately on the heels of Venezuela’s gift of some US$29m to aid in housing development in Dominica.

Bird Island, by the way, is a mere 375 meters in length and never more than 50 meters in width. The Geography text books say that it rises four meters above the sea on a calm day. According to the UN Law of the Seas, it is a rock, located 140 miles west of Dominica and 340 miles north of the Venezuelan mainland.

The situation begs the question: What on earth could a rock that rises a mere 4m on a calm day, mean to a country, 340 miles away, that has a total area of 916,445 square kilometers and a land area of 882,050 square kilometers?

Nobody in his right mind would want to provoke a war with Venezuela, Guyana not the least.

But if it is that we are all equal at the table of bi-lateral or for that matter multi-lateral relations, what is it that we fear about Venezuela, so much so that we cannot come out and condemn it for raising its might against a CARICOM colleague’s territorial right?

Do we feel ourselves so obligated to Venezuela for the assistance handed out under PetroCaribe and ALBA, that we must, at every corner, stop and consider how best we can appease that country, even if it is at the demise or belittling of one of our very own?

Are we to remain subjects to the mightier simply because of the oil, which we have to pay for now or sometime in the future, and dollars with which we have been able to provide material worth for our people?

For certain, we must be thankful, but must we remain subjects to the wealthier. Does this acquiescence not smell of a colonial mentality?

There are those who will say that CARICOM has turned a new page in our foreign relations and policies. That we have moved, and some will say successfully, to foster new south-south dialogue and relations, breaking the ‘shackles’ of north-south relations that have retarded our efforts of finding our true place in the global community, is well and good and must be pursued with continuing and increased vigour.

However, if it means that we have ‘to put our tails between our legs’ every time some new and mightier ‘friendly government’ turns in on us, then going south might not be so fair after all.

Like the WPA of Guyana, we find the statement (of position) by our HEADS of Government on the matter of Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s land and sea, as being far from appropriate, and too patronizing.

Growing up stupid under the British Empire Salute Emancipation Day A book by the name Little England by a national of Barbados, was presented to me on the 77th anniversary of my birthday, by “Ambassador” Joel Toney and his wife Dr. Joyce Toney.

I had read that book on its appearance several decades ago, and was tremendously impressed by its message. The Toneys must feel somehow that the script is still relevant down to these days of Independence.

As a little boy, I was surrounded by symbols and images that spoke to my inferiority as a black child of colonialism. At home, we were dominated by photographs of the Royal Family, which occupied pride of place in the home.

My old Queen swore by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of England.

We were subtly indoctrinated that “whiteness” was the measure of all things.

I wore a cork-hat, at age 5, to Miss Ford’s Primary School, and a neck tie to all fetes, with engraved letters below a bull-dog —“there will always be an England”.

At the Government school, we all looked forward to Empire Day when we praised as heroes the British Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Francis Drake and the rest.

We flew the Union Jack with unalloyed pride. In fact, a poem “The Flag of Britain” was set to music by another Bajan, Weston Lewis, who, during the crucial years of our political experience, was editor of the sole VINCENTIAN newspaper, planter owned and controlled.

At school, the Royal Family appeared on our exercise books. In the early 1950s, a black legislator, Rudolph Baynes, attempted to produce exercise books featuring the photographs of Four Black and distinguished men- Webster Clarke, Hubert Daisley Snr, Darnley Williams and Wilberforce Prescod- and was officially castigated for well-intentioned effort.

The celebration of Discovery Day, January 22, was one of the bright spots on the historical calendar. When in the 1960s, Eddie Griffith dared challenge the historical validity of it all, he was virtually declared a mad man by Theo Browne and the ‘Strolling Scribbler”, who could not understand how a people just appeared on the scene and had not been “discovered” by some other folks!

The colonial mentality could not take the truth, and Premier Milton Cato announced that he had planned Independence Day for 22 January to commemorate a falsity, but was defeated by logistics.

In the end, we celebrated Independence on a nondescript day 27th October that had absolutely no resonance with our history, though it fell within a week of the anniversary of “the 1935 riots”, the dawn of the Democratic Revolution.

There is nothing really amiss in accepting British and especially

Commonwealth awards; but in the present instance, two wrongs were committed.

Firstly, it happened at carnival time when the whole nation should have been focussed on the presentation of our National cultural show-piece. After all, Scorcher constantly reminds us that colonialism took away many valuable things from us, but “they couldn’t take Carnival”, though they tried.

So Carnival survived the colonial nightmare, but in a sense was now challenged in the age of enlightened “Independence”, with the grant of a Commonwealth Award, albeit to a most deserving and promising Vincentian youngster.

In the middle of the season, THE VINCENTIAN chose to highlight pictures of the Queen and recipient on the entire front page of the paper of June 26, 2015.

What is more, Mr. Kenville Horne, in his euphoria, made some remarkable utterances. To wit: Prime Minister David Cameron. “There was a ‘deafening silence’.

I stared at the well-dressed figure - all in white - and overcome by aura of humbleness that he carried about his person”.

Also Horne kept blowing his repeated references to the “VIPs” that were present.

The picture was all planted in the mind, set up by years of indoctrination.

Wow. Horne saw the British Tory P.M as something a touch above normal, in other words, as a sort of charismatic figure. This is my opinion: There is no way that Cameron could step in the shoes of either of our leaders, Ralph or Arnhim, so far as intelligence, brains and love of ordinary people go. They say simply that “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder!”

Horne’s description of the “Cabinet room” bespoke a past power when Britannia ruled the waves, and the sun never set on the British Empire. All that is over, save in persons thoroughly brainwashed about the past.

Frankly, I like Mr. Horne generally for the things for which he stands and champions. But he needs to take a hard look at himself.

At the same time, I must concede that my approach simply is not in sync with the thinking of most Vincentians. If that is so, then I plead guilty for my stand. The simple truth I had to restrain myself from puking that was the sorry effects on me of the publication.

Meanwhile, let us try and enjoy our Emancipation holiday when we’re legally set free, but will work to our total freedom after the next election. Liberation is on the horizon, free at last, including our Garifuna forbears.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 9.

Letters

What games are they playing with us?

VERY OFTEN these days, when I hear and see individuals who hold positions of authority in this land, purporting to lecture us on the way we should organize our business so as to enjoy success in our lives, I have to subdue my anger with laughter, and lighten the agony with the expression of thought, “they take us for a bunch of asses”.

That was how I was impressed when I heard a portion of the speech of Raymond Ryan, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.

He had, for some considerable time until recently, held the post of Chief Fisheries Officer, and it was during his tenure that the decision had been taken to place the Fishing Complex at Owia. It must be remembered, that that facility was constructed with funding from the Japanese, and it has been well documented that, they, the Japanese, desired to have the facility placed at Bottom Town; but the authorities, Mr. Raymond Ryan included, had it put at Owia instead, and now we have there a veritable “White Elephant”.

What a tremendous waste! The doings of Mr. Ryan and his team, and the mischief has been carried over into the agriculture sector in general, and on to the Banana Industry in particular, where, contrary to the declared election promise of 2001 to revitalize the Banana Industry, the ULP government effectively destroyed the Banana Growers Association, the apparatus which serviced the needs of the Banana Growers, and through which they made a significant weekly contribution to the economy. So now the economy is dead, the farmers have been brought to ruin. They have not been compensated for the real property held by the association, and they are called upon to “kiss the ground” in gratitude for the pittances that they were grudgingly handed.

So now the whole economy is ruinously crippled, and spokespersons like Mr. Ryan and others, seem now focussed on attempting to herd the farmers and fishermen into cooperatives, through which they probably anticipate the opportunity for further control.

But effectively among the masses, decisions have been taken; there will be no significant socio-economic venturing out, until after the critical imminent elections.

In the meantime, those operatives of the ODD and associate organizations who were vocal in 2001, need to be reminded that they ought to be speaking to the people in this era of palpable crises. Their ease of conscience and their honour may well be creditably served in the exercise.

LeRoy Providence

Politics is about power THINGS are heating up here as the next general elections draws near. As he has repeatedly said, only God and he (PM) know the date.

That in itself is a real injustice to the people, and I would have supported any move to make the date for elections a stipulated one.

Anyway, back to the heating up. Both the ULP and the NDP have stepped up a gear. The incumbent, with the reins of government in their hands, will use any occasion of the state acting as it is expected to, to highlight that it is the ULP who is delivering the goodies.

People must understand

that we elected them to do that, so when government provides services for us, they are only fulfilling their duty.

The NDP will be crying foul, complaining about how the ULP has not done this and not done that. That is what we have come to expect from them. After all, they are the opposition.

You see, any election is about those who want to stay in power and those who want the power. That is, in my opinion, the name of the game we call politics.

Regardless of how much the politicians sound off about how much they care about the people, politics is about power — power over you and me.

What we must realise is that it is we the electorate who give these men and women the power. We vote for them. That is why we must be careful about into whose hands we place this power, since this power will determine how we are treated in our daily lives.

Over the years, we the voters continue to find ourselves with the same khaki pants. We hear the same accusations about corruption and favouritism. Yet we continue to cast our vote without making serious demands of those who come looking for them.

In this system, it somehow feels that all the ‘power’ the people

have is a chance every five years to vote for this or that. And we continue to do so without seeing any change in our government and how our politics are conducted.

Sometimes I am left to wonder about how much difference my vote makes. And as it stands, I am not certain whether I will cast a vote or not at the next elections.

And if people were honest, there are many out there who share my feelings.

Edward

Act of vandalism I HOLD NO brief for any of the two major political parties in this country.

In fact, given what he writes and his consistency as far as how we are shooting ourselves in our feet all the time, I might be tempted to support the Green Party, if it was a true Green Party like what I understand them to be.

That said, I must register my disgust with what was an act of vandalism and outright, lowest type of behaviour.

I speak about the

defacing of the Leader of the Opposition’s constituency office in Sion Hill.

Now, let’s be honest and tell the truth. Who in the NDP camp would have done a thing like that? No one!! So who is left for us to blame?

Supporters of the ULP? To think that Mr. Luke Browne would want to put himself up as a future Prime Minister of this country, is to say that we scraping the bottom of the barrel, because he must take as much

ÂA Woman for a ManÊ AFTER reading the Searchlight newspaper of 10 July 2015, I strongly believe that the churches have failed to proclaim the true mandate of God to man.

Genesis 1:21-22 shows that before God made man, he made all creatures , male and female, and told them to have sex in order to procreate (multiply). Then man came. He did not tell him to use the male or female of the other creatures, but the creatures continue to mate openly in front of man, because it was a divine command from God. Yet man did not develop any feelings for them; he remained all by himself. When God saw this, he declared that man was lonely and that He must make a help mate (female) for him. God did, and gave them the same command: have sex and procreate.

Against that, God declared that it will be an abomination to Him if any man or beast should have sex with the same sex. If they did, they should be put to death. It was also established from the beginning, that beast and man shall only have sex with their own kind. This lesson is borne out with the example: If a horse has sex with a donkey, the offspring is a mule, which cannot procreate. Its womb is cursed, for it was produced from beast of different kind. Therefore, a man with another man, or a female with another female, is like a mule; they cannot procreate.

Now, this same sex thing was started by the Church of Rome, and it spread to France. It was openly practised by the soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte on their march to Moscow during the winter. That was modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. If only the churches would spend their collection wisely to SOMETIMES I wonder why some beers at a cheaper price? their flock, this people are over-pricing their inferior Most of the young people want to go educate ‘same sex’ would not things. Is it because of the lack of real somewhere. They could get some appear as relevant as commercial businesses knowledge and recreation, to feel relaxed by drinking some would want to activity in this country? softer drinks. Rum will shake you make it.

The small local businessmen are down, but the beers will keep you Churches should reorganize a social over pricing their commodities. steady. evening for adult Another thing I don’t like is this: I am I will like somebody in authority members (18 years and not against the vendors selling their for Hairoun beer, to stand up tall and over), and show some of drinks for a living, because every man say, ‘Look, let us make it affordable these educational films. has a right to do something for a for the public to drink more Hairoun Unless the churches living. Now, in Barbados, the small beers than rum.’ stand firm on this issue, business people there are selling So let us try to make the young and clean up themselves Hairoun beers 4 for $10, sometimes 5 people relax their minds and feel up, God will intervene, for $10. Hairoun beer is made here in happy, and have a desire to become and as He did with Sodom and Gomorrah.

St. Vincent, so I want to know why the nation builders for their country. public here can’t get the privilege to Hutchie enjoy themselves by buying Hairoun ‘Live up’

Cheaper Hairoun beers, please

blame for this backward, stupid act as anybody else.

I am not saying that he put those vagabonds up to it, but there must have been something, somewhere in the scheme of things to make those vagabonds think that what they did was a good thing. Lord help us!

The ULP must come out, including its leader the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and condemn this act, and they must move to have the Opposition Leader’s office repainted at cost to the ULP, not the government. Nuff said.

Charles - Edinboro

Senator Luke Browne responds I WOULD like to state that I had nothing to do with the application of red paint to the building that was earmarked to be an office of the New Democratic Party in Sion Hill.

I do not support this sort of action, whether the perpetrators be supporters of the ULP or the NDP. We are not concerned with political gimmicks and tricks, but rather about our constant quest to make East Kingstown a better place, and to ensure that the people of this constituency have the representation they deserve in Parliament.

Senator Luke Browne

* Who is going to stand the cost for repainting Mr. Arnhim Eustace’s constituency office at Sion Hill? * Are the police pursuing the investigation of this crime with the same vigour they would have pursued it, if the shoe was on the other foot? * Is the Planning Division on holiday or what? Is its clout only for a certain sector of society?

Have they not noticed car repair shops opening here, there and everywhere, like the one overlooking the Kingstown harbour? * Is the ULP leaving the vendor problem for the NDP to deal with? Has any member of Cabinet walked under the sidewalk from BOSVG and what used to be KFC recently?

V

10. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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More of the top 25 Development strategies of the ULP administration 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 continue to catalogue more 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. Learning Resource Centres: Over the last 14 years, the ULP administration has constructed 16 learning resource centres throughout the country. The facilities are designed to enhance adult education programmes, meetings, conferences and seminars, and in some cases, weddings. Some centres have been provided with computers, and all have wireless internet services. The usage has been slow because of the absence of many social groups in the society with the drive to use these facilities.

2. Expansion in sporting facilities: Since 2007, the government has spent over EC$150 million expanding sporting facilities in the country. The Arnos Vale Complex was rebuilt for the ICC World Cup, which also included the upgrading of the Sion Hill and Stubbs fields. Three major fields have been established at South Rivers, Park Hill and Chili. Work on facilities, aimed at improving sports such as football, basketball and netball, has been carried out. This development is aimed at getting more young people involved in sports.

3. Taxation relief: The ULP administration has reformed the tax system in the country, to provide relief across the board for employees and businesses. For example, the government reduced the tax threshold from $12,000 in 2001 to $18,000 in 2010. The standard rate of tax has moved from 32.5 percent to 27 percent, allowing professionals to take home more money. Tourism enterprises are paying less tax money, down from 40% in 2001 to 20% currently. These series of relief measures have affected businesses across the board, including construction, manufacturing and commercial.

4. Home Help for the Elderly: A programme that is getting currency in the region. The ULP administration has recognised that many families are having a difficult time taking care of their elderly. A cadre of professionals have been trained in this regard, and they have offered their services at a very low cost, to families with elderly relatives who require constant supervision and care.

5. Enhanced National Security: The ULP administration has spent considerable sums of money enhancing the security of the country, at all levels, including the police, the magistracy, the coast guard and the prisons. Salaries have been upgraded, conditions of work improved, and there has been an increase in the level of training, including academics

and specialisation. The government has built new police stations, purchased new Coast Guard ships, and established a surveillance system to monitor the movement of ships.

6. The Canouan Jetport: The Canouan Jetport has enhanced air access and air access options for persons travelling to and from St.Vincent and the Grenadines. The clientele that travel to Canouan to vacation at the top-of- the-line resorts there, find this facility to be very useful. Many of them had to leave their jets in Barbados and St. Lucia and use turboprop aircraft to travel to Canouan. Additionally, because the jet port has a longer runway than ET Joshua, it serves as an alternative for persons who require additional airlift out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

7. Salary increases: Perhaps we need to refresh our minds in relation to the salary increases implemented by the ULP administration since it came to power. In December 2002, the government made a one-time payment of 4.25% of monthly salaries. There was no increase in 2003, but in 2004, the government increased salaries across the board by 4%. This was followed by 3% in 2005, 4.5% in 2006, 5% in 2007 and 5% in 2008. In 2009, public servants received 3%, a further 3% in 2010, and another 3% in 2011 paid in two instalments. Into the mix, we must place the re-classification process, during which a number of public servants received increased salaries, because their positions were upgraded. Let’s not forget the annual Christmas bonuses paid by the ULP administration, and the constant adjustment of the tax bands, to allow workers, including teachers at the lower salary scales, to take home more money. Into this mix, we must put the annual increments earned by all public servants, in the various salary bands, which amount to another salary increase.

8. Health and wellness: The full story of the developments in the health sector remains to be told. The delivery of health services has improved significantly over the last 14 years. Some 21 clinics have been improved, pharmacies have been installed and equipped, polyclinics are under construction, and there is a modern diagnostic centre at Georgetown nearing completion.

Under the 10th EDF programme, the government has earmarked the health centre for further priority treatment and greater focus.

9. Lives to live programme: This is a strategy that is maligned by the opposition NDP, even as it brings tremendous benefits to the families of persons who are physically challenged. Under this programme, the ULP administration is providing facilities, including new and additional bathroom, to those persons who are in this category. The response has been terrific, and the ULP administration has been applauded for this strategy.

To be continued next week…..

Welcome Home, Garifuna, Welcome Home (Message by the Hon. Arnhim Eustace to our Garifuna brothers and sisters, first published 19th June, 2015) Buti rambouweyu niduhenyu Garifuna. Good evening, my Garifuna people. It is with deep emotion and national pride that I speak to the exiled Garifuna Diaspora — two hundred and eighteen years after our proud common ancestors were sent to Balliceaux, brutally tortured by the British, and subsequently exiled to Honduras.

Over the last few years, since I began to attend conferences held by the local Garifuna Heritage Foundation here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I have heard many fine presentations by Garifuna presenters from the exiled Diaspora.

These presentations, including the one held earlier this year at the Peace Memorial Hall, heightened my interest and deepened my concern. I have looked at various papers and documents on the issue of the Garifuna, and have held meetings with some representatives of our exiled people, including Professor Wellington Ramos and Mr. Joseph Guerrero. Dr. Anatol Scott was also a significant participant. As I read further, I came to the conclusion that the time was past due to take a public stand on this issue, and to recognize the fact that the vast majority of us here on Yurumien and our exiled brothers and sisters across the region, are one Garifuna people.

On the eve of a recent visit to the United States of America (USA) last month, I decided that something practical must be done to formally recognize our relationship. I called a meeting with the leadership of our party, the New Democratic Party (NDP), and we discussed proposals to address this pressing issue. On my arrival in the USA, I held three meetings with members of the Garifuna community in New York.

These meetings, which I regarded as very important in formulating our position, turned out to be very successful in terms of the meeting of minds on what steps should be taken to recognize the Garifuna as our own.

We made it clear that we, based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, did regard ourselves along with our brothers and sisters ripped from our shores two centuries ago, as one Garifuna people. A week later, on the evening of Sunday, May 31, 2015, I addressed a Town Hall Meeting in New York of the Vincentians Diaspora, including some Garifuna exiles. I stated and proclaimed that the NDP, confident of winning the general elections in 2015, would offer honorary citizenship status to all Garifuna. I and my party unequivocally share this view; and tonight, I repeat the same “Welcome Home, Garifuna, Welcome Home” wherever you may be.

Our exiled Garifuna family has done remarkably well over the years.

Ours is a remarkable story, not only of survival; we have gone way beyond that in growth and prosperity, and the maintenance of our language and culture; since only approximately five thousand Garifuna were sent to Balliceaux, and the estimated number now is over seven hundred thousand.

I say we, because Garifuna history is Vincentian history, and we recognize that the Garifuna present is an integral part of our reality. We welcome all Garinagu to join us in charting a glorious future together!

We in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are extremely proud of you, and we know that you spread across many countries, including the USA, Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Since I made the announcement with regard to honorary citizenship

for the Garifuna in exile, overwhelming public support can be seen and heard in Yurumein. This public support has exceeded my greatest expectations; that is why tonight I am confident of our future.

Understandably, many have raised questions, including some Garifuna, as to what does honorary citizenship mean. We recognize you as an integral part of Yurumein.

Over the next few months, we shall meet with the leadership of the Garifuna, and work out the rights and benefits that accrue because you are honorary citizens. We know that Garifuna live in many countries and are citizens of many countries, and we do not expect that all Garifuna will suddenly rise up and move to St. Vincent and the Grenadines; but we must put in place, in consultations with the Garifuna, the privileges that are associated with honorary citizenship. We expect to complete that process within a few months. We expect the vast majority of Garifuna will want to come to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in their capacity as tourists, which will provide a welcome economic benefit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We would wish to encourage the Diaspora, including the Garifuna, to invest in business ventures through a system of incentives, fiscal and otherwise, and would be willing to examine the use of our development banking facilities for this purpose. At the completion of those discussions and consultations, we will have a clearer idea of the benefits of honorary citizenship, and the full extent of our deepening relationship.

I have taken note of a coincidence in our history, just prior to your exile in March 1795, that the British General, who led the battalion that eventually killed our hero Joseph Chatoyer, was none other than Ralph Abercrombie. He died on March 28, 1801. I take note that another Ralph became Prime Minister of this land of the blessed, some 206 years later, on March 28, 2001. In the same vein as Abercrombie effected the eventual exile of our Garifuna brothers, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, in responding to our proclamation, sought to lengthen our separation by conjuring fears that the Garifuna honorary citizens will come to take away our jobs and houses from Vincentians. This kind of thinking is unacceptable, especially from someone who claims to be a leader in the reparation movement in the Caribbean. In about one month’s time, the NDP will hold a public meeting, to which Garifuna leaders will be invited to discuss the current developments.

This meeting will be held in “Garifuna Territory”.

I say to you, as President of the NDP, that we will do everything we can to ensure that your future in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be assured with us. The way I see it, is that the Garifuna represent the unification of two peoples to stand against a common foe. Centuries ago, the Kalinago inhabitants welcomed and harboured proud Africans who had escaped European slavery. They joined together to become the beautiful resilient people we are today. The time has come for us to join together as one people again, right the wrong and heal the wounds inflicted by our separation on that fateful day 218 years ago. I look forward to the completion of our consultations; and again I repeat “Welcome Home, Garifuna, Welcome Home”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 11.

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The stretch

“If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness.” — Les Brown, American Motivational Speaker

WE ALL HAVE THE CAPACITY to do more with what God has blessed us with. As good and as competent as we are – we can do better. So very often, we talk ourselves out of the challenge to stretch beyond our present reach. We could so easily succumb to settling for what is good when we have the potential, the capacity, the ability, to reach much higher and to be much better. This is when “good” becomes the enemy of “great”; when mediocrity becomes the opponent of excellence. This is true in relation to those who are engaged in academic pursuits. It is equally true in relation to those who are employed and hesitate to go beyond the call of duty – preferring to settle for average performance and just doing enough to get by. We also see it demonstrated in our homes, as various family members succumb to folding their arms and relaxing in the lazy chair, while others engage in making sure that domestic chores are done. Regrettably, such behaviours can also be seen in various church assemblies (of all places). Too many parishioners play the role of being benchwarmers and spectators, when there is work to be done in and around the church communities. It is high time for all of us to consider which aspects of our life now need to be stretched as we seek to live more fulfilling lives.

Donald Baldeosing, Managing Director of the ENMAN Group, recently shared his experiences as a corporate turnaround practitioner with some participants and facilitators at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago). His presentation focused on many aspects of leadership and management of enterprises — especially when they are in “crisis mode”. He shared his experiences and insights from the days when he was Chairman of Petrotrin (one of Trinidad and Toago’s large oil and gas companies). During his presentation, he referred to Howke’s law, and noted very often individuals and organisations are required to stretch in order to develop coping mechanisms. However, as is the case with Howke’s law, we often return to “old ways and old behaviours” if/when the stretch has been insufficient to take us to a “new level”.

Students of physics will be familiar with Howke’s law. Not having an extensive background in the sciences, I opted to conduct Internet searches on the subject immediately following Baldeosing’s powerful presentation.

It was quite revealing. This law in physics is named after the 17th century British physicist Robert Hooke who, in 1678, examined how “the extension is proportional to the force”. Hooke measured how much pressure needed to be placed on various coiled springs to distort their shapes. Today, Hooke’s law is also used to determine how much force

(pulling or pushing) is required to deform elastic and other stretchable materials. Hooke’s law provides an accurate approximation for most solid bodies and is considered the foundation of many disciplines such as acoustics, molecular mechanics, and seismology.

We, you and I, can learn a lot from science. In this case, we can learn a lot from Hooke’s law. We have the capacity to be stretched.

Many of us have the ability to engage in lifelong learning pursuits. Many readers of this column have been guilty of putting off the urge to return to the classroom in order to enhance their skills and, in some cases, their marketability. Others have been disregarding the urge to learn to play a musical instrument, to write a book, to learn yoga, or engage in a rigorous exercise programme. We appear to so readily erect excuses to avoid the stretch. Sometimes we succumb to the temptation to put the decision off for “a more convenient time”. By doing so we lose out on so many opportunities to grow. We miss out of the possibilities of discovering new things about ourselves and our abilities. We seem to be like that individual who walks along the shore wishing and hoping for that ship (opportunity) to take us beyond the horizon.

It is often normal to suffer from panic-citis when we contemplate moving from the familiar to the uncertain - from the sure to the unknown. But we soon discover that when we focus on calculating the risk, and put systems in place to mitigate failure, we are in a much better position to accomplish great things — to successfully make the stretch. It is important to plan and prepare.

Sometimes that level of planning and preparation will force us to understand and appreciate that the effort may require the assistance of others. It is often not necessary to face the challenges alone. However, even in those instances when we take solo flight, once we embrace the winning attitude, we often discover that it is possible to accomplish tasks that previously seemed above and beyond our reach.

We are therefore challenged to stretch our minds, to imagine noble goals, to see farther from behind our eyes, and to stretch forth to accomplish greatness. As we embrace such outlooks, we discover that we see the world in a whole new light.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said it so well when he noted, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”

We therefore welcome, we embrace, the stretch in search of those new dimensions that enrich lives and communities.

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

Narrow partisan politics choking SVG LAST MAY, parliament debated and passed an amendment to the Representation of People Act. The amendment was intended to bring under control the number of persons who were registered to vote in national elections. For years, political parties, especially when in opposition, lamented the fact that the voters list had as many names as the total population. This could never be, because about 30 percent of the nation’s population was younger than the required voting age of 18 years.

During the debate, opposition parliamentarians, especially Godwin Friday, Vynette Frederick and Dr Linton Lewis, made presentations on the amendment to the bill which gave the distinct impression either that the opposition was having second thoughts about the utility of the amendment, or that they forgot that the amendment was supported by the leader of the NDP. Since the passage of the amendment, opposition talking heads and supporters have gone into open rebellion. Many claim that the NDP leadership was shortsighted when it joined the government side to unanimously vote for the amendment. Not in an election year, they say.

Taken outside of the context of elections, most people will instinctively conclude that the electoral list is bloated. There is no way those eligible to vote can be as many as the entire population. Now that an attempt is being made to ‘clean up’ the list, politics has reared its ugly head. The Supervisor of Elections, Mrs. Findlay Scrubb, is being called all kinds of nasty names for trying to do what the politicians told her to do. And to show that she has no agenda apart from doing her work well, she has reversed herself on a decision to suspend registration for 4 weeks while her staff clean up and publish a new clean list of electors.

In retrospect, we have been thinking of the electors list in the wrong way for far too long. Even though we say citizenship is the most fundamental and cherished of rights, we always seem to bend our thoughts to suit our politics.

If we are thinking straight, we should never be talking about cleaning up our voters list, except for the removal of persons who are dead, or to encourage citizens to transfer to areas where they currently reside. We should change the law which currently mandates the removal of the name of a citizen, who has resided abroad and has not returned in 5 years.

In the same way we clamour for continuous registration of eligible citizens, we should protect the right to vote of Vincentians who are already registered. Too often, elections and politics bend our thoughts. On one side of our mouths, we commend our diaspora for the outstanding contribution it makes to various aspects of our lives. Remittances from our diaspora amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. Without this money, a large slice of our population will sink into poverty and dress in drabs. During disasters, our diaspora is lauded for its herculean effort and contribution, yet we are quick to impose restrictions on nationals who live abroad.

Is it not amazing that, on an issue as fundamental as voting, a person born anywhere in the commonwealth could more easily establish his/her right to vote than a natural born Vincentian? A citizen from a Commonwealth country simply has to reside in SVG for 6 continuous months. Such a person could also join a party and run in our elections after a relatively short stay here, whereas a Vincentian national,

who acquires citizenship in another country, is barred from representing his country of birth, in national elections.

We need to think anew about citizenship and how it should be expressed. We need to liberate our thinking from the prisons of tribal politics, so that we could think through and implement policies that will benefit the nation and its entire people. The current conversation, especially that which comes from the mouth of opposition parliamentarians and supporters, about the voters list, is positive proof that we are thinking more about elections and power rather than the right of citizens to participate in the democratic process.

We are a small developing country.

We should try to leverage everything we got, so that it is used in our national interest. We have land and people.

Therefore, we should do nothing which limits our ability to utilize the full potential of all our people. Citizenship, properly conceptualized, will help us to maximize these benefits.

Some countries have a policy of economic citizenship which is aimed at attracting rich foreigners. The NDP has embraced this policy of economic citizenship as a strategy of economic development. The governing ULP has repeatedly spoken out against such a policy. But that is related to how we deal with foreigners.

It is said that there are more Vincentians living abroad than currently residing at home. Every effort should be made to contact as many as possible, and have them recommit their interest to SVG. Too often, we see our diaspora as a source of giving, and this is inevitable. But we now need to find ways to give back to our diaspora, so that it will give even more to our people and country.

The easiest way for us to do this is to show gratitude to those Vincentians living abroad, by regularly praising and thanking them for their effort, while at the same time making things easier for them to come home or to contribute to the development of our nation. In this regard, the attempt to strip the electors list of all persons who may not have returned home in 5 years is counterproductive.

Many of our people leave these shores in an attempt to make things better for themselves and their families.

Because of the stringent immigration laws enforced in developed societies, our people are finding it increasingly difficult to attain legal status. But many of these persons are integrally connected to SVG and send moneys to friends and family. It is only when we think in narrow electoral sense do we see the need to remove Vincentians living abroad from the list.

Some countries make it easier for their citizens to vote, no matter where they are in the world. Based on the troubling experiences regarding overseas voting in Guyana during Forbes Burnham’s rule, few will support such voting in SVG; but we should move from the principle that all effort should be made to make citizen participation in our democratic processes easier rather than more difficult. If we think through and make policies outside of the prism of tribal politics, we will serve ourselves and SVG much better.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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$800 million wasted on Argyle airport country, caused many businesses to close down, and increased poverty.

Given how hard it will be for large aircrafts to land and take off at Argyle, imagine how hard it will be for small aircrafts, and how often LIAT flights would be postponed or cancelled. If the E.T. Joshua airport is closed, then SVG may have less air capacity than now, because with strong crosswinds of up to 53 knots, Argyle would be closed often, and less able to take flights than E. T. Joshua airport.

THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD with Argyle carried on regardless. The ULP regime Rather than turn back, what SVG airport was an act of economic madness. It displaced many families and businesses needs to do is to move forward, and the is a shocking abuse of power by the ULP at Argyle, and destroyed hundreds of only way to do that is by aborting the regime, to waste over $800 million acres of prime agricultural land at Argyle project and not waste millions of building the Argyle airport, knowing in Argyle, knowing that the winds speeds dollars more. It will take at least 4 more advance that the wind study shows that at Argyle would make it unsuitable for years to complete, because there is a Argyle is not suitable for an airport.

747 aircrafts.

What kind of psychosis exists among The ULP regime have their heads in river running through the runway, and the ULP regime leadership to waste over the sand. Their stance of ‘we gone too far even then, it will not get an ICAO $800 million on Argyle airport, while to turn back’ is highly irresponsible, and licence to operate, because of the strong Vincentian children live in poverty and has led to a financial disaster. Over $800 crosswinds of up to 53 knots and the other flight safety hazards associated go hungry? They were ‘dotish’ to build million has been wasted on Argyle with the site.

Argyle airport — their actions are airport, and this has devastated our Argyle has been an economic disaster shameful. economy, virtually bankrupted our According to page 14 of the ULP regime’s Environmental Impact Assessment, the whole rationale for building the Argyle airport was to accommodate Boeing B747-400 aircrafts. by NELSON A. KING efforts on issues of mutual concern, such However, the conditions at Argyle are naking@verizon.net as education, library operation and not suitable for Boeing B747-400 US CORRESPONDENT management, economic development aircrafts, because of the very strong and tourism, agriculture and fisheries, crosswinds at Argyle.

ST. VINCENT AND THE Grenadines and arts, crafts and culture; and sharing The ULP regime has failed to carry and Martha’s Vineyard are said to be best practices and knowledge,” the out the 5 years of wind studies needed deepening their relationship with the statement added. before constructing an airport runway, recent visit, July 10 — 12, to the island Members of the delegation, who as set out by International Civil off Cape Cod in Massachusetts, by a visited several historic sites, were Aviation Organisation (ICAO) five-member delegation from the New hosted to a dinner in their honor, and guidelines. The wind studies carried out York Vincentian Diaspora. presented their ideas for deepening the between February and October in 2007 According to a statement dispatched partnership at a community meeting, showed that the wind direction was

by Camille English-Darling, but attended by several Martha’s Vineyard predominantly east to west; that the carrying no official letterhead, the residents representing major wind speeds at Argyle reached 53 knots, group, led by New York Counsel General government, business, education and and it was not uncommon for the wind Selmon Walters, included New York cultural organizations. the statement to be around 40 knots. This is too much residients Stefferny Boyce-Herbert, said. for a 747 aircraft.

Sherrill-Ann Mason-Haywood and Steve Vincentian tourism material and local The table (below) shows that in good Henry, represented the “Diaspora arm of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ weather, Argyle will be highly the St. Vincent and the Grenadines — products were on display at the library, unsuitable for landing and take-off for Martha’s Vineyard Sister Island and persons sampled Vincentian sorrel, 747 aircrafts. In bad weather, wet partnership.” mauby and goodies at the meeting, the weather, it will be impossible for 747 In response to an inquiry by THE statement said. aircrafts.

VINCENTIAN, English-Darling said in It said the delegation also collected an email, that the statement was 100 boxes of books, a gift to the SVG furnished by the “SVG-MV Sister Island Public Library Services, and firefighting Council and Counsel General Selmon gear for the SVG Fire Services.

Walters”.

Walters read a message from Prime The purpose of the delegation was to Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves at the “deepen the dialogue on the meeting that was held at the West Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Tisbury Public Library, according to the signed in September 2014 by SVG statement. Details of the address were Ambassador to the USA, LaCelia Prince, not provided to THE VINCENTIAN. on behalf of the Government of St. “The visit was highly successful and Vincent and the Grenadines, and has lots of potential for mutual benefits Martina Thornton, Dukes County for both islands”, the statement quoted Manager, on behalf of the Government Walters as saying. of Dukes County, Massachusetts,” the It said the New York Counsel statement said.

General also announced that a collection The MOU seeks “the desired goal of of books on Vincentian culture and deepening a relationship and friendship books, written by Vincentian authors, by agreeing to explore, promote, and will be donated to the West Tisbury support exchanges and cooperative Public Library. activities between the citizens of both The statement said other persons islands”, according to the statement. involved with the “Vincentian side of the “This will be achieved through the partnership” are Vaughan Toney, following areas: Promoting and president and chief executive officer of In 2007, it was known that the facilitating consultation and technical the Brooklyn-based Friends of Crown crosswind speeds at Argyle were up to exchanges on fire prevention, security, Heights Educational Center; Celia Ross53 knots, and that the site was not citizen safety, readiness, emergency Latham, director of sales of the St. suitable for 747 aircrafts; yet the ULP response, management and training; Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism regime ignored the facts and recklessly encouraging and facilitating cooperative Authority in New York; and Ruby Wood,

and massive white elephant. The ULP regime have mentioned that airlines will have to be paid to fly to SVG, and this shows that the whole project is a financial mess, and will not create revenue for our country.

A Green government will abort Argyle airport immediately. We will invest money in a tuna fishing and canning industry, and build factories to export agricultural products. This will create revenue for our country, and create jobs and prosperity for our people.

Vincentians’ needs have been ignored too long.

The Argyle Airport site can be turned into an industrial estate for small businesses, or a wind farm to produce cheap electricity from renewable energy.

Vote Green Party — both the ULP and NDP regimes want to waste millions of dollars more on Argyle airport.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

SVG, Martha’s Vineyard deepen relations

New York Counsel General Selmon Walters with Steve Klebs, a representative from the West Tisbury Library on Martha’s Vineyard. owner of the Brooklyn-based Square Deal Shippers and Movers.

The notion for the partnership, according to the statement, was first proposed by Anita Botti, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Calliaqua during the 1960s, with support from several other Martha’s Vineyard residents who are closely connected to Bequia “and its world famous tourism products, including yachting.”

Martha’s Vineyard, which lies seven miles south of Cape Cod, is renowned as an affluent summer colony.

It said the island’s population changes dramatically from one season to the next. Martha’s Vineyard has a yearround population of about 15,500, swelling to 115,000 in the summer, the Chamber of Commerce said.

About 63 percent of the island’s housing stock is second homes for seasonal residents, with an additional 10,000 visitors “coming and going on ferries, in private boats and via air travel every day mid-June through Labor Day,” (the first Monday in September, a public holiday in the United States), according to the Chamber of Commerce.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 13.

News

Local prosecutors sharpen skills its presentation skills, and the workshop has helped DPP Colin Williams to reinforce this. assessed the recent DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS (DPP) Colin He described the workshop as “probably one of Prosecutors Training Williams has described as “useful and very practical,” a the best workshops I have ever been to.”

Workshop held in Antigua, recent Prosecutors Training Workshop held in Antigua, The DPP headed a team of local prosecutors as one of the best he has in which St. Vincent and the Grenadines participated. which included Assistant DPP Colin John, Crown ever attended.

Williams told THE VINCENTIAN that the DPP’s Counsel Karim Nelson, Sejilla McDowall and Office recently embarked on an exercise to enhance Tamika McKenzie, as well as Senior Prosecutor prosecutorial skills, and was Adolphus Delpleche, to the training opportunity in modelled on the NCSC style Antigua. of teaching.

The exercise ran from Monday 20th to The DPP described this Wednesday 22nd July at the St. James Club, and method as more dynamic was facilitated by the National Centre for State and interactive compared to Courts (NCSC) in the United States.

COMMISSIONER of Police Michael Charles has In addition to SVG, participants were drawn from others. He noted that there were three facilitators who are involved in active warned that it is an offence to deface people’s Dominica, Antigua/Barbuda, Grenada and trial advocacy in the United States. property.

Barbados. It was geared towards the sharpening of The training focussed primarily on the leading of “People must respect other people’s property. evidence, crossDon’t go about defacing or damaging other people’s examination, leading of property. Once caught, persons will be arrested, expert witnesses, crosscharged and taken before the Court,” Charles examination of expert warned during an interview with THE SENIOR Prosecutor Adolphus study, worked in groups, and each witnesses, impugning of VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

Delpleche has declared that he is member of the group gave individual witnesses, and closing He assured that two recent incidents of better equipped, following a recent presentations. addresses. defacement of property were under investigation.

Prosecutors Training Workshop in “It (training) has enhanced my There were video He cited the defacement, with red paint, of a Antigua, aimed at sharpening prosecutorial skills; it has sharpened analysis of presentations, building at Sion Hill housing the New Democratic prosecutorial skills. the edges, and it has broadened which also allowed for Party (NDP) East Kingstown constituency office, He was part of a legal team from my scope in terms of crossweaknesses and and the defacement of a bridge at Fitz Hughes. the Office of the Director of Public examination. In some areas, it could strengths.

Section 297 chapter 171 of the Criminal Code Prosecutions (DPP), headed by DPP be referred to as the retooling of my revised edition of the laws of St. Vincent and the THE VINCENTIAN Colin Williams, which participated in prosecutorial skills. Overall, I would Grenadines 2009, entitled, Defacing Building, understands that the the three-day exercise. say it was very beneficial to me. It states, “Any person who, without the consent of the NCSC covered the entire Delpleche, who heads the was a lot of hard work, but I owner or occupier - (a) posts any advertisement, cost of the workshop, Summary Division in the DPP’s thoroughly enjoyed it,” the Senior bill, placard or other paper against or upon: or (b) including airfares and Office, told THE VINCENTIAN, he Prosecutor explained. writes upon, soils, marks or defaces any building, accommodations, for all enjoyed the practical format of the The workshop was facilitated by wall, fence, lamp post or other similar object, is prosecutors from outside training. He explained that the National Centre for State Courts guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for of Antigua. participants were given cases to (NCSC) in the United States. three months.”

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

COP warns against defacement of property

Senior Prosecutor better equipped

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

CA$H and more from DIGICEL Left: Jonnique Chance (left) receives her $1,000 from Customer Care Supervisor Nicole Delpeche.

DIGICEL CUSTOMERS continue to have a chance to earn some hot cash to help out with back to school expenses, in particular.

The opportunity comes with the ongoing Digicel “2FOR5” $1000 cash promotion.

Customers simply have to top up on their accounts, and/or text “2FOR5” to 1130, to be eligible for a daily draw of #1,000.

To date, 10 lucky customers have each collected a $1000 cash reward.

The promotion continues into the month of August, giving a lot more customers a chance to ‘cash in’ with Digicel.

Meanwhile, Digicel will join with its partner G-Teach, this Sunday, August 2, to open its newly

Commercial Manager Dionne Emtage (right) hands over $1,000 to winner Marlene Ash. renovated store in Georgetown, with a grand Family Fun Day. “We recognized a need to reach our valued customers on the Northern side of the island, and we are happy to partner with G-Tech to provide ease and availability to our products and services,” Digicel Marketing Executive said.

The Fun Day will feature Digicel 2 for $5 specials

(Digicel’s new unlimited plan), specials on handsets, and chances to win cash and surprises in the Digicel cash vault.

Sunday’s opening will also feature a bouncing castle and face painting, snacks on sale, gifts and surprises from Digicel, music, and the Digicel ambassadors. The fun starts at 1pm.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 15.

News

Students receive LIME rewards

step up.”

He also projected that the facility “will help FOUR STUDENTS, Jeshari with research and access Munroe, Donya Lucas, to information.”

Davon Ellis, and Keishante Parents of the Smart, are guaranteed recipients were united in secondary education with a chord of gratitude for some ease on the pockets the scholarships. of their parents, thanks to David Ellis, Davon LIME. Ellis’ father, expressed Three of those the view that the money received the first part of will go a long way in their scholarship funds easing the financial from the strain. Keliesha Richards telecommunications was thankful for the service provider, last assistance to her Wednesday. daughter Keishante The students have Smart, and so was Ianca been assured assistance Lucas, mother of Donya worth EC$10,600, by the Lucas. time they are ready to Donya placed third enter university. overall in the Caribbean The support comes as Primary Exit part of LIME’s ongoing Assessment with grades investment in education. of 98 for Science, 96 for But the students must Mathematics and 92 in maintain good grades in English Language. order to keep the Davon Ellis, a former scholarships.

Spring Village Methodist LIME’s Country School student, was the Manager Wayne Hull top male performer with declared: “We want to 98 for Math, 92 for change lives. Investing Language Arts, and 90 in youth is one way in Science. towards achieving this Keishante, a former target.”

Park Hill Government Hull welcomed the School student, was 11th new awardees who join for girls and 15th the existing cadres of overall. scholarship recipients She obtained 94 each before them. in Science and Maths, Hull also alluded to and 84 in Language scholarships which are Arts. given to the top three performers in the National Public Speaking competition.

Also, the Top Student after Remediation will have his/her tuition and other expenses taken care of by LIME. Hull used the opportunity to promote his company’s Student Light service which he described as “an important tool in giving your children that

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Scholarship awardees with Country Manager Wayne Hull (left) and Nikala Williams (right).

16. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 17.

V Elvira Finch strikes 100 18. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Elvira ‘Baby Jack’ Finch on the occasion of her 100th birthday. by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY LAST TUESDAY, JULY 28, was a special day for Elvira Finch. The Dubois born woman celebrated her 100th birthday.

The occasion was an event filled with commendations and celebrations, as it was with thanksgiving and worship, at the Garden of Eden Senior Citizens Home, Dorsetshire Hill.

Mrs Finch, affectionately known as ‘Baby Jack’, moved into the Home in 2008, shortly after the death of her only daughter, Carmen Baker. She had one other child, a son, Vincent Jack.

Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and National Mobilisation Minister Frederick Stephenson joined the celebration.

Sir Frederick handed over a card from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, while Stephenson presented a basket of fruits on behalf of his Ministry and staff.

Sir Frederick paid tribute to the centenarian, and declared she “laboured hard to build this country.”

Tables at the Garden of Eden were adorned with cards, snacks, bouquets, and drinks befitting the occasion. And ‘Baby Jack’ received showers of praise

from those who showed up. Everyone testified to her kindness.

Jimmy Samuel, known for the extravagant Christmas lighting up of his residence in Rillan Hill, spoke of growing up in her neighbourhood, and he recalled, “Anytime, we would pass by and get something to eat and drink.”

Daren Gould recounted: “We were always in her place. Anything she had wasn’t too good to give us.”

Clementina Samuel, another neighbour, echoed Gould’s sentiments.

But one of the pillars in Elvira Finch’s life is her son-in-law, George Baker. He married Elvira’s only daughter and since her death seven years ago at age 64, he has assumed full responsibility for his mother-inlaw.

He and Carmen have three children - Amanda and Kenroy who reside in the United Kingdom, and Robin, in the United States.

He went about his duties on the day in humble fashion.

Staff at the Home and members of the Dubois Gospel Hall ensured that there were expressions of thanks to God for ‘Baby Jack’s’ long life.

Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne (2nd from right front), Minister Frederick Stephenson (left front) and son-in-law George Baker (2nd from left front), were among the many who came to celebrate with ‘Baby Jack’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 19.

News

Wife accepts the worst FRANCELIA MCDOWALL-QUESTELLES said that at this point, she has given up any hope that her husband, Errol Questelles, is still alive.

“By now at this time, I give in. I cannot prove it until I see a body because he was not someone to just leave like that,” McDowall-Questelles told THE VINCENTIAN. Questelles, 59 years old, has been missing since leaving his home to go fishing on July 22.

According to his wife, he was in the company of one of his sons and another friend.

McDowall-Questelles said that she was not at home when her husband left on his fishing trip.

But she said that her husband, a former Prisoner

Officer, loved the activity, and that he would usually venture to the end of the airstrip at the E.T Joshua Airport, and make his way around to Sion Hill Bay, Nancy Rock or Cane Garden Point to fish.

The couple’s son, Syd, called in to make the report of his father’s disappearance, the missing man’s wife explained, and that was shortly before 9 p.m on July 23 – almost 24 hours after he had left home.

A bag with nylon was recovered on Nancy Rock, a short distance from the Southern end of the airstrip.

That is all that has been recovered.

The couple has been together for the past 30 years, although having been officially married only

Five vie for Miss PÊtani FIVE young ladies will vie for the Miss P’tani crown tonight at the Boxing Plant in LaCroix.

The five are Zoneh Seymour Miss Prime Consulting; Zeleisha Williams - Miss Touch of Pearl; Kelisha Henry - Miss People’s Pharmacy; Arena Foy - Miss Cato’s Heavy Equipment, and Nicolleen Lewis - Miss Mikey’s

Roast City.

Tonight’s show is a first, in that it is the first time that the show will be held outside of the rural P’tani Carnival activities held in June; but according to LynMarie Nichols, Secretary of the P’Tani Carnival Organising Committee, having the show outside the Carnival was an idea

that the committee was toying with for some time now.

“We just wanted to see what the response would be like, having a Queen Show outside the Carnival, but it is still the Miss P’tani and, yes, the Miss P’tani is still on,” Nichols said.

The show is expected to get underway at 8; admission is $15.

eight years ago.

McDowall-Questelles described her husband as a good and loving man, and she doubts that his disappearance is as the result of foul play.

“He was always there for me,” she said.

She said that she is trying to Errol Questelles take it easy, particularly since is the second she is hypertensive. person in recent She said that she has been relying on the support of friends times to have disappeared after and loved ones throughout the venturing on a ordeal, and has come to accept fishing trip. the worst.

Questelles’ disappearance is the second in recent times, after 53-year-old Prospect resident, Leroy Douglas, went missing after leaving home to go fishing back on June 14.

(DDD)

20. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 21.

News

EustaceÊs letter to Deputy triggers questions admitted that the Commissioner was, at the time, in the country.

QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN When contacted and asked why the RAISED in some circles as letter was addressed to the Deputy to why Leader of the Commissioner, Eustace, who is also Opposition Arnhim President of the NDP and Eustace’s letter to the parliamentary representative for East police requesting a thorough Kingstown, said, “I understood the investigation into the Commissioner was not in the country, defacement of a building at and I called the Deputy Sion Hill housing the New Commissioner.”

Democratic Party (NDP) constituency office, was addressed to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Reynold Hadaway, and not the Commissioner.

Checks by THE VINCENTIAN revealed that Commissioner of Police Michael Charles was in the state on July 23 when the building was said to have been defaced, and on July 24, when Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, Eustace’s letter was emphasized his right to call whosoever he dated, and received by the pleased.

Deputy Commissioner.

Checks did reveal that the Commissioner was recently out of the country, but that was from July 13 to July 17. He returned to office on July 20.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that all correspondence to the RSVG Police Force should be addressed to the Commissioner of Police, whether he is in or out of the country.

THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed that an e-mail was sent to the Commissioner’s secretary with the letter attached and addressed to the Deputy Commissioner. In that letter, Eustace asked for a thorough investigation into the defacement of the building.

When contacted on Tuesday, Hadaway confirmed that the letter was dated July 24, and he received it on the same date.

The Deputy also confirmed that on Reynold Hadaway, Deputy that date, prior to him receiving the Commissioner of Police, confirmed letter, he received a call from that he took possession of the letter Eustace concerning the matter. He which was addressed to him.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Youth to compensate middle-aged man A YOUNG LABOURER of Cane Garden who inflicted an injury to the head of a middle-aged man of the same community by pushing him off a porch, was this week ordered to compensate the victim in the sum of $500.

Julian Williams, 20, was allowed one month to make the payment, with an alternative of three months in prison.

Magistrate Carla James issued the order at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after Williams pleaded guilty to wounding 53-yearold construction worker, Stanley Lewis.

The facts revealed that around 4:15

p.m. on July 24 at Cane Garden, Williams was removing some material from the yard and placing them under his mother’s house, when Lewis emerged from his (Lewis) house and began cursing Williams sister’s children, who were on a flight of steps on the complainant’s premises.

An argument ensured and escalated between Williams and Lewis, which got out of hand.

Williams went to Lewis’ porch, slapped and pushed him. Lewis fell off the porch and received a cut to the head. The matter was reported to the police, and Williams was arrested.

Eustace then asked, “Why call me about this?” and added, “This is just pure mischief.”

According to Eustace, “I don’t have to call the Commissioner. I could call the Deputy, I could call the head of the CID.” Both the Commissioner and the Deputy preferred not to comment on the issue.

22. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 23.

Diaspora

Vincy Unity Picnic in Canada a blast!

Legendary Vincentian saxophonist Syl McIntosh (with plaque) poses with, L-R: Sandra Bobb, of Dubois, president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Toronto; Roger Haley, Mayor of Mallorytown, and Rosmond Ryan, of Cane Hall, vice president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Montreal.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT TENS OF THOUSANDS of Vincentians converged on the massive Brown’s Bay Park in the 1,000 Is. area in Ontario, Canada on Saturday, July 18, for the annual Vincy Unity Picnic.

A kaleidoscope of colors, a potpourri of mouth-watering Vincentian delicacies, hypnotic Vincy and Caribbean soca vibes provided by Vincy DJ in Brooklyn, Supa Eyes, gyrating hips, and nice pleasantries and camaraderie, were the order of the day that started under a thick, heavy cloud, and ended under very

pleasant sunshine.

As usual, bus- and car-loads of nationals trekked from major cities in North America – New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, among others – for the annual spectacle that has been described as arguably the largest picnic comprising Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora.

Nationals even came from home and the Caribbean, to be part of the extravaganza, which, over the years, has attracted a large number of non-Vincentians, such as Jamaicans, Trinidadians, Grenadians and native Canadians.

“It’s a nice gather-

Laverne McDowald-Thompson, president of COSAGO, hands over winning prize of US$600, for fund-raising raffle for SVG participation in the Penn Relays, to Lorenzo DeCaul (R), president of SVGOP, on behalf of Philadelphia victor Courtney Nicholas. Others in photo, L-R: O'Brien Simmons, COSAGO coordinator and treasurer; Cosmus Cozier, former NY Counsel General; and James Cordice, coordinator of SVG Penn Relays.

ing, it’s unifying,” said Rudy Dos Santos, of Diamond (King’s Hill).

He along with his niece, Donna Ash , an Old Montrose, Kingstown native and Brooklyn, New York resident, were attending the picnic for the very first time.

“I’ve met cousins who I’ve not seen for 20-30 years,” added Dos Santos, who was vacationing with his children in Montreal.

“It’s impressive. It shows camaraderie. I wish we can see more of this at home.”

Ash corroborated her uncle’s comment, saying, “I’ve seen people I’ve never seen in years,” as she hastened her uncle to meet and greet other relatives and friends.

A few yards away, Philadelphia residents and members of SVGOP – Patsy Cuffy-Philip, of Park Hill; Yvonne O’Garro, of Back Street, Kingstown, and Jackie Williams, of Kingstown Park – describing themselves as the ‘Phillie Possé’, said they were having a time of their lives.

“I love it,” said Cuffy-Philip, a fifth-time attendee.

“We’re proud to be Vincentians and to carry on our culture,” added Williams.

Attending his seventh picnic, Bequia native Steve Fredericks said he was very pleased with the picnic organization – coordinated by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines associations of Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

“It’s great,” said Fredericks.

“One word to describe the picnic – awesome!” said Mrs. Allison Phillips, a former teacher at the Dickson (Georgetown) Methodist School, who, too, was attending the picnic for the first time.

“It’s very peaceful. You feel a lot of love.”

Diamond Village native June Cruickshank-Joseph, a founding member of

COSAGO/SVGOP picnic-goers. the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Massachusetts, hung out with her daughter, Nicole Joseph, and village friend Paula King-Pompey, who resides in Toronto.

“The crowd is good,” said Cruickshank-Joseph, whose children had attended the picnic since the 1980s. “It’s nice to have a Vincy Day. It’s the first event where I see so many Vincy people.”

“As a chef, it’s good to move around and taste so many dishes,” Nicole chimed in.

“Everybody is open, and open to sharing.

That’s where you feel the family vibes.”

Chilling out with Mikie Joseph, his Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown homeboy, Dennis Laidlow, who resides in Toronto, simply said: “Beautiful! Wonderful day!”

Over at the main stage, at the center of the humongous park, a host of Vincy artistes and dancers entertained the party crowd.

They included IKonnection Gospel Band, singer Barrett Brackin, Lively, Wiseguy, Curty Banton, dancers Xhauan Hutchinson and Elaney Bentick, and fresh from Vincy Mas 2K15, home-based soca artistes Royale, Madskull.

“As usual, it’s fantastic, dynamic,” said Alfred ‘Jack’ Dear, president of the St. Vincent and the Grena-

Kneading flour, L-R: Dofflyn King, Ruth King, Donna Richards and Sonia Thompson. in Philadelphia. dines Association of Vincentians in the Montreal, whose group Diaspora now look this year is celebrating forward to another its 50th anniversary, grand unity picnic, on about the picnic.

Saturday, Aug. 15, in “It’s bigger and Long Island, a New better,” added Dear, York City suburb. who hails from Back Street, Kingstown.

“The weather was threatening, but it’s better now with the sun.”

The organizers honored legendary Vincentian saxophonist Syl McIntosh, who said he began playing music at 10.

“This is surely a very beautiful plaque,” said the Toronto resident after receiving the award from St. Vincent and the Grenadines Counsel General to Canada Fitz Huggins.

“I feel very good,” McIntosh later told Alfred ‘Jack’ Dear, of Back THE VINCENTIAN Street, Kingstown and tersely.

Rosmond Ryan, of Cane Further away, Hall, president and vice COSAGO and president, respectively, of SVGOP awarded the St. Vincent and the prizes for lucky Grenadines Association of winners in a raffle to Montreal -- one of the help support Vincen- organizing groups of the tian athletes in the Vincy Unity Picnic in annual Penn Relays Canada.

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Stop sharing the blame all live in the same house. I don’t know what came over me, but I also ended up having sex with the grandmother as well. She seduced me I HAVE a big problem, and to be honest with you, I do not know how it happened. I thought I had things into doing so.

The whole thing got messier when my under control, but boy, was I wrong! girlfriend told me she might be HIV I am dating a young lady who is fourteen but positive. Since that time, I have had a steady looks much older. She is not in school, for headache, and my whole mind is in a spin. I reasons I do not want to get into. I am honestly do not know what to do, and how to unemployed but searching for work. handle all of this. This is why I am writing to The situation is that she is pregnant, but you. possibly not for me, since she admitted to going with another man. Nonetheless, everybody Head Man thinks that I am the father.

I went to her mother to let her know what was happening, and to let her know that I was ending Dear Head Man, the relationship with her daughter. Her mother Based on what I can gather, you are very encouraged me to do exactly that, and then reluctant to take responsibility for any of your asked me to be with her instead, because I am actions. more her age.

It was you at the age of 35 years who got I was hesitant, but she forced me to sleep with her, and now, low and behold, she is pregnant as sexually involved with an under-aged teen, and it well. The mother, her mother and my girlfriend, was you who made the decision to get sexually

Dear George,

involved with her mother and grandmother. But, you chose to come up with the excuses that you were “forced” and “seduced”, to make it appear as though you had nothing to do with it.

You will have to assume the responsibility of being that child’s father until it can be proven otherwise, and be prepared to face the ramifications of being involved with an underaged teen.

As far as the HIV question is concerned, it is either she is HIV positive or she is not. Get yourself tested, then set yourself a new commitment to clean your life up and to start acting in a responsible manner as an adult.

Take your girlfriend or suggest that she get some much needed help from Marion House.

George

Pregnant and nowhere to go Thanks, have to find a place to go.

I do not have I am 19 years and anywhere to go. The man pregnant. My mother I am pregnant for told wants me to remain at home, but the man she is me he was going to Barbados, and that was married to, does not some months ago, and want me in the since that time, I have house. So my mother not heard from him. I do told me that I would not think he is coming

Dear George,

back. His parents are long dead, and he was more of a loner.

My stepfather controls the home, and I know if it was not for him, my mother would have been OK with me living there in my pregnant state. Can he force me out of the house

because he is not my father? What recourse do I have?

Muddled Dear Muddled, You are at that age where the law considers you an adult, and as such, you no longer can enforce that privilege of remaining in the house under your mother’s care.

Talk to your mother and stepfather, and let them know you offer no resistance to leaving, but that you would want some time to organize yourself better, to facilitate this move on your own. Your mother can be the most suited one to make this appeal on your behalf.

In the meantime, you may want to get some assistance from The Marion House in terms of the way forward.

George

Ole George Dear George I WANT to thank you for the advice you gave to my daughter some time back. You told her it was best she run away from the man she was with, because he was up to no good, or words to that effect.

She did run away from him, and now she is happily married. The man she ran from is now living with AIDS, and the woman he is with also has the virus. It is anybody’s guess who else he may have infected.

I am just happy that my daughter is fine and health, and much thanks to you, Ole George.

Happy Father Dear Happy Father, While I am pleased to hear that your daughter is doing well, it is unfortunate that this man has contracted the virus and may have infected others along the way.

Let’s hope that he will find the help he needs, and that your daughter will remain in good health and continue to be happy.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Avoid any erratic behavior or it could cause isolation at home. You can make drastic changes in your professional direction this week. You may have difficulties with foreigners. You should consider submitting some of your written work for publication.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Make amends if you can. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. You can pick up some overtime this week. Do not trust others with important information.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings.

People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do this week. You may be looking through rose colored glasses. Be creative in your efforts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't let others know about your private affairs. Don't put all your cash in one place. Underhandedness will affect your reputation. Don't expect support from your mate.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Sort situations out as best you can.

Watch your spending habits. Try not to take others for granted. Tempers could get out of hand this week. Do things for them but don't allow them to make unreasonable requests. Social gettogether will bring you in contact with intelligent new friends.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't be too open or put your faith in unreliable co-workers. Your partner's a little jumpy. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. You will be emotional with regard to your personal life.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Deception will play an important factor in relationships. Lend an ear to children; it can make a difference. You're best to channel your energy into work. Rest and relaxation will be more favorable than you think.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't rely on others to handle the workload. You will be emotional about your personal life. If you're feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and re-evaluate your motives as well as your needs. Do not let them blow situations out of proportion.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Help with your aspirations is likely, and profits could follow. Don't be too quick to judge those you live with. You may have to explain your actions to your family. If you take on too much, you will find yourself in martyrdom.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may have a hard time relating to children this week. Sit back and observe, regardless of how hard that might be. Don't spend too much in order to impress others. You may want to pull out some of those unfinished project you've got tucked away.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends.

You can stabilize your personal relationship if you're willing to communicate honestly. Your personal life is going through a state of confusion.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. You can get phenomenal returns if you present your ideas to those who can back your interests. Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury. Travel will turn out to be far more exciting than you imagined.

ACROSS

49. Preparing hamburger 1.Boxing outmeat comes (abbr.) 53. Actress 5. Drama division Skye 8. Columnist 54. Window Maxwell section 12. Bulb measure 55. Skill 13. Caspian__ 56. Like 14. Passable (2 wds.) grades 57. Opie’s pa 15. Absorbed by 58. College 16. Small ax cheer 18. Barbara 59. Actress Bush’s hubby Lamarr 20. Ace 21. Western lawDOWN man Wyatt 23. Flowerless 1.Bit of kindling plants 2. Carol of 27. Awesome “Taxi” 31. As __ as a 3. Director well Preminger 32. Sea inlet 4. Put away 33. “The __ of a 5. Solar system Nation” floater 35. Holiday brink 6. Company’s 36. Necessity head (abbr.)

38. Thrown off 7. Pack a pipe tracks 8. Resounded 40. Poisonous 9. Pasture 42. Guns the 10. Do home-ec engine homework 43. Fa follower 11. Query 45. Approached 17. Pup’s sound

19. Dress 22. More chaste 24. Stagger 25. Actress Campbell 26. Drove too quickly 27. Lack 28. Sandwich cookie from Nabisco 29. Taos’s state (2 wds., abbr.)

30. Force 34. Contain 37. Animator Walt 39. Biblical

prophet 41. Cape __, MA 44. Falsifier 46. __ quartz 47. Author Bagnold 48. Go aginst orders

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 25.

49. Student’s concern 50. Campaigned 51. Not Dem. or Rep. 52. ‘30s relief agency (abbr.)

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26. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Boston’s Caribbean J’Ouvert to be shortened

WHILE SOME CARIBBEAN NATIONALS resident in Boston, Mass., USA, cry foul of the authorities, there is no backing down on a decision to shorten the annual ‘J’Ouvert parade this year.

Authorities in Boston, including the Boston Police Department, have decided that the early morning celebration, scheduled for August 29, will be cut nearly in half, in an effort to contain what authorities say had become a chaotic and unpredictable event.

The celebration has been traditionally staged over a four-hour period.

“J’Ouvert has outgrown its size and our ability to make sure it goes off safely. I’m not about being the anti-fun type guy. But I’m concerned about the children,” Police Commissioner William

Evans told media personnel.

The Globe newspaper quoted officials as saying that residents have complained for years about the celebration, because of the rowdy crowds it drew.

“People were literally urinating in people’s yards, making a lot of noise,” said state Representative Russell E. Holmes, who represents the neighborhood where J’Ouvert is celebrated and who helped create the new rules.

But while those who have participated and intend to participate in the celebrations complain, Shirley Shillingford, president of the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston Inc., which organizes the Caribbean

festival, appears to have a different view.

“I personally feel that having the J’Ouvert, it’s a privilege, it’s not a right. … We have to do everything in our power to make it safe, and also to be understanding to the community,” she said.

Andre Modeste, one of the founders of the Boston Caribbean Carnival some 20 years ago, was a combatant in the face of the decision to cut the time allowed for the J’Ouvert celebrations, declaring “We’re being picked on,” he said. “This is people having fun. We deserve to have fun because we’re taxpayers of the Commonwealth.”

The decision to shorten the J’Ouvert may well have

been propelled by the death of Dawnn Jaffier, 26, just after 8 a.m. on August 23, 2014.

Two men have been indicted on murder charges for engaging in the gunfire that sent bullets flying through the crowded street; the shots hit Jaffier and another woman several blocks away.

The second woman survived.

Police statistics show flare-ups in crime in the city each year on the weekend J’Ouvert is celebrated.

The statistics have revealed that in 2014, there were eight non-fatal shootings, six nonfatal stabbings, and one homicide. (Source: CMC/Boston Globe)

Dawnn Jaffier, 26, - her shooting death during the 2104 J’Ouvert may just have been the catalyst for the decision to shorten the celebrations.

Shirley Shillingford, president of the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston Inc., has called for an understanding of the community’s concerns.

CCJ ruling: A message for Telecom companies THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE industry in the Caribbean continues to throw up scenario after scenario.

In what is described as a ruling that could have implications for ‘ how telecommunications companies dictate to their customers about what they can do with their internet service’, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on July 20, delivered a ruling in favour of the complainant against a local telecommunications service provided.

The CCJ ruled that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), the defendant, had breached its contract when it disconnected the internet service of James Samuel, plaintiff, because of his use of Vonage, an internet phone service, not unlike the popular ‘magicJack’ service that many Vincentians use.

According to a report carried on Caribbean News Now, the CCJ allowed Samuels’ appeal and dismissed GT&T’s cross appeal.

A statement from the CCJ said that the Court had accepted the findings of the trial judge, that Samuels had not signed any written agreement with GT&T, and he was given no notice of any restrictions on his internet usage.

The CCJ ‘held that the court of appeal wrongly implied a term into the contract restricting Samuels’ use of his internet service for making and receiving international calls’.

The CCJ ruling said there was no evidence to show how Samuels’ conduct would have affected GT&T’s business. The court refused to rule on whether Samuels’ action infringed the Telecommunications Act, as this was a matter for the director of telecommunications.

GT&T was ordered to pay The recent ruling by damages and costs as the CCJ is seen as awarded by the trial judge, one that sends a as well as the costs of the strong message to appeal before the telecom companies CCJ. (Credit: Andre Huie, operating in the Caribbean News Now) Caribbean.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 27.

PresidentÊs tactics result in SVG victory

SVG had to combat a protest by the Guyanese, who had ST. VINCENT AND THE questioned the eligibility of GRENADINES will play Aruba in UK born striker Gavin James the next round of the Russia to represent SVG, the birth2018 World Cup Qualifiers in place of his mother and father September, following the results as well as his grandparents. of last Saturday’s draw in The protest by the Moscow.

Guyanese was predicated on And this country’s place in James producing a British the next round could well be, passport as against a St. because of the tactical Vincent passport, as his intervention of Venold instrument of travel and Coombs, President of the SVG identification.

Football Federation (SVGFF).

The Guyanese contended SVG advanced to the next that the SVGFF had violated round of the Qualifiers after the regulations which said overcoming Guyana on the that a player must present a away goals rules, after both valid passport of the country teams had played to a 2-2 which he aims to represent. draw at Arnos Vale, and a 4-4 The matter was seen as draw at Providence in serious enough for FIFA to Guyana. pass it onto its disciplinary But despite winning the tie, committee. The matter was

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

decided in SVGFF’s favour, but president Venold Coombs said it could have been a different ending, had he not acted with haste in responding to correspondence from FIFA Headquarters in Zurich.

“I received a copy of a letter on Thursday while in New Zealand on a FIFA assignment, requesting information on the eligibility of Gavin James, and even though the General Secretary, whom the letter was addressed to, was here in St. Vincent, he did nothing until Sunday. By then, I had already replied and asked Mr. Stowe to handle it from this end. Let me say now, if I did not take that decision and acted the way I did, we would have lost that matter. I make

no apologies for the way I acted, since I was doing so to ensure we came out on top in this matter”, Coombs explained with a passion.

The president said that he sought legal advice on the matter, and this resulted in him eventually sending a copy of the relevant section of the Constitution, which spoke on citizenship, to FIFA. He, however, said the turning point in the matter came while in Canada, where he was informed of a precedent as per a matter involving Aruba and Montserrat.

He disclosed that he was informed of this matter in a conversation with the president of the Montserrat Football Association.

Immediately after receipt of

Burnette eyes Southern Windwards success Notwithstanding, CLETON Burnette said, “We BURNETTE are a confident is thanking Southern Windward God for team and we are having ready to make a blessed him major impact in the with the tournament and do opportunity our people proud.” to coach the He admitted, “It Southern is no secret we are Windwards the underdogs going in this year’s into this West Indies tournament, but Female 50 with the composition Overs of the team, which is Cricket a well-balanced one, tournament, I have confident the and he is team will do well.” anticipating As far as that his team Cleton Burnette is strengths are will make a confident that the concerned, the coach “big impact Southern Windwards identified fielding on the and bowling as the tournament.” will put in a good performance in their stronger areas.

Burnette Captain Julianna expressed the debut at the West Nero; the sentiments Indies level. experienced Cordel during a break in a training session he Jack, who is back after a onewas conducting with the SVG year absence; Afy Fletcher, contingent of the team, at the Anisha Thomas and Shevorne Clarke are expected to carry Arnos Vale Playing Field the batting for the team. The earlier this week. bowling attack will be The Southern Windwards spearheaded by Stacy Ann is comprised of players from Adams, Vinisha King, Aria SVG and Grenada, selected Fortune and Akeria Peters. after three trial matches Meanwhile, Captain Nero between the two countries. acknowledged that leading a Unable to afford a joint training camp, the Vincentian team comprised of persons ladies are going through their from two countries is not the preparation at home, and the same as leading a SVG team; Grenadians are doing likewise but she recognized that “the team still has to go out and in theirs.

get the job done, and as a captain I am up for the challenge.”

The captain also expressed delight in having Jack in the squad, who she says, “will add some quality to the batting and the team in general.”

Nero, who has lost her place in the West Indies team, says her aim is “to go and represent the Southern Windwards in this tournament, and if the selectors see that I deserve to be back on the team with my performance, then I’ll accept it with both hands.”

The Southern Windwards’ opening games are against former champion and host Trinidad and Tobago, and current champion Jamaica. The other participating countries are Barbados, Northern Windwards and Guyana.

The team is expect to leave the state on August 3rd for Trinidad and Tobago.

I.B.A.ALLEN.

Juliana Nero, captain of Southern Windwards, recognises the challenges of leading a mixed team, but is up for the count.

Venold Coombs, President of the SVGFF, gave a detailed and passionate account of his personal involvement in this country’s successful response to the Guyana protest. the information from Montserrat, he forwarded it to FIFA. Coombs, in tracing the sequence of events, also took the opportunity to chastise some members of his executive, who he said appeared to be working against the country’s best interest with comments posted on social media, and their attitude during the process.

The president said that attention will now focus on the preparation for the Aruba match, which will take place on Friday, September 4th at Arnos Vale, with the return leg in Aruba on Tuesday, September 8th.

He said the World Cup Support Committee would be reactivated within the next few weeks, as his Federation looked beyond Aruba and into the next round against the USA, Trinidad and Guatemala/Antigua.

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28. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Heading into third gear THE SPECULATION IS OVER, and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Team have advanced to the Third Round of the World Cup qualifiers. The announcement caused a sigh of relief across the whole nation.

SVG’s opponents will be Aruba, who progressed, courtesy a foul up by Barbados. The Bajans took care of business on the field with 2:0 and 1:0 victories. But they played a person who ought not to have been, and lost the bout 3: 0.

The protest by Guyana over St. Vincent and the Grenadines fielding an ineligible player was ruled in the latter’s favour.

They secured a four all draw in Guyana, on the heels of a two all draw at in the first encounter.

The away goals gave the Vincentians the tie, until the protest surfaced.

Should the Vincentians overcome the Arubans, they will be in Group C with the United States of America, and Trinidad and Tobago already seeded. The fourth spot will be either Antigua and Barbuda or Guatemala.

Given the record of those nations, one can expect a tense clash for that berth.

Thereafter, twelve teams in three groups will vie for the Hexagonal, from which three teams go on to Russia, while a fourth still stands an outside chance.

There are interesting times ahead for Vincentian football. The prospect of the USA on Vincentian soil bears huge repercussions for our economic (tourism) potential.

Jamaica proved that the region has the ability, when they clipped the USA for a place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. We have proved that on the regional level, St. Vincent and the Grenadines can hold its own.

It will be a tussle for the two, and we will not be afraid of going after all and sundry with all guns blazing.

We could expect a harsh welcome in the States, perhaps in some unfriendly environment. Once the dates are fixed, the USA is not going to be taking anything for granted.

We will be underdogs. But the onus is on us to display that we are not in the Group to make up numbers. We have scores to settle with Trinidad and Tobago, and they have their own nightmares about the USA to overcome.

T&T have perpetually been our boogie team. It is time we come to grips with the situation, and make sure that we are prepared from the start to the final whistle.

Whether it’s Antigua/Barbuda or Guatemala, is a factor to which we will have to adjust.

Our football would have stepped up a notch or two, once the Fourth Round begins. Resources will have to be furnished, and there will be provisions for the longer haul.

President Venold Coombs beamed with satisfaction at a meeting with the media to drive home the success of his Federation in the impasse following the two matches against Guyana.

He did not hide his pleasure with the result, and he attributed it to his leadership.

Elections for a new executive loom. That invariably churns up rivalry. One hopes that the fever would not boil over to affect the national effort.

Our Under 20 Female Footballers made a reasonable showing with their exposure on the regional front. Coombs expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players.

“I look at it as a plus,” he chimed. The President projected towards a female Under 14 competition in December this year. That will be a platform for players.

A Grassroots programme is gaining momentum, and coaches are being encouraged to reach out to school-aged players. National Club Championships will continue to receive attention, and Clubs can look forward to an injection of funds so as to get the ball rolling.

The Schools’ vacation provided a valuable period for coaches and institutions. Many made use of the opportunity to strut their stuff. Pete and Des Morris, with their Barcelona connection, are examples. Sammy Carrington had his stint.

National Coach for the Senior Female squad Andrew Bramble made use of the vacation to impart his skills. Other activities are surfacing as the holidays go on.

And with the Olympic qualifiers scheduled for August, a hectic programme is in the offing.

Kineke brings Pan Am bronze to SVG IN CLAIMING a bronze medal in the women’s 400m of the 2015 Pan American Games (Pan Am Games), Kineke Alexander increased this country’s overall medal haul at these Games, from one to two.

Alexander joins Eswort Coombs as the only two Vincentians to have medalled, so far, at these games.

Coombs’ feat was a bronze medal in the male equivalent of the 400m, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in March 1995. He taken this country 20 years to was also a semi-finalist in the medal again at the Pan Am 400m at the 1996 Olympics held Games. in Atlanta, USA. Alexander’s form going into the Put into perspective, it has Games, spoke of a strong medal hope. In fact, given the level of competition anticipated, many expected that she would have brought home this country’s first Pam Am gold.

And it looked so as she led, going into the home straight. It was not to be her day; she was caught in the straight by American Kendall Baisden, the reigning world junior champion, who took gold in 51.29, and another American, Shakima Wimbley, silver medallist in 51.36.

Alexander clocked 51.50 in Kineke Alexander, bronze medalist at the 2015 Pan Am Games, keeps the SVG name alive in international Track and Field events.

The SVG contingent to the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada. claiming bronze and although this was well below her personal best of 51.23, the clocking meant that she has qualified for the 2015 World Championships, to be held in Beijing in August.

The 2015 Pan Am Games, held in Toronto, Canada, from July 1026, marked the seventh time that this country was participating in the Games. The first time SVG participated was in 1991 when the Games were held in Havana, Cuba.

The SVG contingent to the 2015 Games comprised: Kineke Alexander and Courtney Williams — Track and Field; Nikolas Sylvester and Shne Joachim — Swimming; Mikhail Charles — Taekwondo; Godfrey Harry, Kyle Dougan, Emulus Alexander and Francis Shaun Young — Officials.

TT umpires and referees get certified TEN LOCAL Table Tennis umpires and seven referees have been certified to carry out their duties and responsibilities at the local and regional levels.

The certification comes as a result of their participation in a one-week course conducted by Silvia Girro of Costa Rica, which took place at the St Vincent Grammar School.

Those who qualified in both areas of responsibility are Damion Dublin, Tyrone Jack, Sean Stanley, Desmond Shallow, Joseph Carrington, Unica Velox and Romano Spencer.

Giles Garraway, Deighton King and Westfield Williams received certification as umpires.

Spencer came out on top in both areas of the course.

Apart from the locals, the courses were attended by Trinidadian — Taramatti Bansi, who also earned the required pass mark in both the umpires and referees’ programmes.

The common thread among the participants was that the courses were “demanding and intense”.

Girro lauded the participants for their effort, stating, “It is very good because from courses that I have taught in other countries, usually in these courses, not a lot of people pass.”

In explaining the different duties, Girro said, “The umpire is the person that is on the table when the players are playing, and he/she will decide whose point; but the referee’s duty is to supervise the tournament”.

Girro brought to the course

Some of the successful Table Tennis umpires and referees with Course Instructor Silvia Girro (left). fifteen years of experience as an Top performer in umpire and five years as a both Table Tennis supervisor. courses- Romano At age 30, Girro is both an Spencer. international referee and umpire and, in fact, served as deputy in the Olympic referee in the World Games next year Championships in Paris two years in Rio de Janeiro, ago, and last year held that post Brazil, and will be a referee for in China at the Nanjing Youth the Women’s World Cup this year, Olympic Games. and for the Pan Am Parapan Girro would be deputy referee Games in Canada, in August.

Hornets record big win in Bequia HORNETS recorded a resounding 41 to 16 victory over Hawks in an Under16 game played last Friday in the 2015 Vita Malt Bequia Basketball Championships.

Tristin Stowe led the Hornets with 10 points. Darren John led the Hawks with 12 points.

In another Under16 match the same night, Titans defeated Young Wizards 38 to 26. Javid

Morgan topscored with 15 points for Titans, and Jovian Derrick put in 11 points for the losers.

Rockets had a narrow 3-point win over Dragons, 40 to 37.

Leading scorer for Rockets was Omario Louie with 24 points. He also had 8 steals. Jovanni Derrick, with 17 points, was the leading scorer for Dragons.

Continued on page 31

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. 29.

30. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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

Classifieds

Hornets record big win in Bequia

ON SATURDAY, also in the Under 16 division, Dragons turned around their fortunes, beating Hawks 24 to 20.

Jovanni Derrick, with 11 points, was once again Dragons’ leading scorer, with Darren John leading with 12 points for Hawks.

In the fifth Under 16 match for the weekend, Rockets defeated Young Wizards 32 to 17. Rockets were led by a 13-point game from Omari Louie.

In Second Division weekend action, Rising Stars trounced Young Duke 67 to 20. Leading scorer for Rising Stars was Jadley Bynoe. He had a field day with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Young Duke’s leading scorer was Delroy Stepelton with 12 points.

In the First Division, The Generals went past Warriaz 56 to 45. Colin Blugh led the scoring with 17 points for The Generals, while the leading scorer for Warriaz was Keon Skinner with 21 points. He also had 13 rebounds.

Also in the top division, Duke were comfortable 70 to 57 winners over Wizards. Jonas King excelled for Duke with 16 points and 6 rebounds; but it was Wizards’ Xavaughn Dennie who had an outstanding individual night, wasting the Duke defense to score 30 points to go with 9 rebounds and 1 assist.

Matches continue this weekend at the Clive Tannis Hard Court, Port Elizabeth.

I.B.A.ALLEN

ERTHRICE AUDAIN KING Holy Trinity Parish Church Commercial Road, Georgetown Friday 31st July, 2015 2:00 p.m.

CLAUDON CAMPBELL Gospel Hall Stubbs Sunday 26th July, 2015 3:00 p.m.

REMUS „SAMUEL‰ ALEXANDER better known as POPE-I

EQURAN BAPTISTE

STAFFORD MORGAN

Prayer and Faith Assembly Sunday 26th July, 2015 2:30 p.m.

Biabou Church of Christ Saturday 25th July, 2015 3:00 p.m.

Church of God of Prophecy Victoria Village Sunday 26th July, 2015 3:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A.I. REAL ESTATE Kingstown Commercial Property on 3,138 sq.ft - $795,000.00 - CC086

Carapan (Belmont) 6,451 sq.ft. @ $10.00 p.s.f. - $64,510.00 - BB330

S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 31, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.31

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Other listings are available Office: 784) 457-2087/533-0431 Cell: (784)-493-9431 Office:718-807-4376 Email: donp@vincysurf.co Website: www.aisvg.com

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EC$1.50

EVANGELICALS DENOUNCE SAME SEX MARRIAGE subversion or change,” the Resolution stated.

In practical terms, the THE EVANGELICAL ECWI will not allow its CHURCHES of the West pastors to “perform, Indies (ECWI) is sticking to encourage or support any the principle that marriage such marriages.” And the is a union solely between a ECWI will prevent man and a woman. They Evangelical Church, are rejecting any notion of buildings or premises changing the concept of from being used for any marriage to mean a union same sex ceremonies. between any “two Ministers who violate persons.” the Church’s stance will Pastors representing be disciplined, and have constituent territories of their marriage officer the ECWI at its biennial marriage licence revoked.

General Council held at The ECWI contends Hotel Alexandrina, Prospect, from Monday to Thursday last week, resolved to “adhere to God’s fiat concerning

by DAYLE DA SILVA marriage as between a man and a woman.”

SUPERVISOR of Pastor Wade Carter, Elections, Sylvia Moderator of the local Findlay, has reversed arm of the ECWI, joined the decision to suspend

by Pastors Gerrard registration in the fifteen Keens-Douglas, Alfred (15) constituencies Horsford (Grenada), nationwide for the period Errol Bedase (Trinidad 3rd August to 4th and Tobago), Cletus September, 2015, as was Henry (St. Lucia), stated in a release issued presented a resolution of on July 24. the issue.

The reversal, disclosed Dr. Andy Homer, in a press release from Professor at Nazarene the Electoral Office, College in Trinidad and circulated on Tuesday.

Tobago, was in The previous release, attendance, Friday 24th July, had The Resolution stated that the 30-day condemned this move as period provided in the a “devilish plan and Representation of the deliberate actions” to People (Amendment) Act subvert and change of 2015 for voters to God’s declared principle update their registration of marriage from would have ended on anything different from Monday July 27, and that of man and woman. that the Supervisor of “We reject totally and Elections was advising equivocally any such

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

that the Grace of Jehovah God, provided by the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus, is available and is able to bring salvation and transformation to any such persons of the lesbian and gay community, or anyone who practises any form of homosexuality and any other perversion of biblically unacceptable sexual lifestyles.

Pastor Douglas Neverson of the Kingstown Evangelical Church introducing panel at last Monday’s press briefing. Sitting (L-R): are Pastors Wade Carter, Errol Bedase, Alfred Horsford, Gerrard Keens-Douglas, Andy Homer.

Supervisor of Elections reverses decision registering officers that registration would be done on Wednesday, July 29, to cater for persons who could not have been accommodated on Monday, July 27.

It went on to state that “the Electoral Office…will continue to complement the efforts of the Registering Officers until Friday, 31 July,” and that during the month of August, the Electoral Office will focus on the preparation and publication of the voters’ list.

As a consequence of this, there was going to be no registration in the constituencies from August 3 to September 4.

The release, however, indicated that the Electoral Office will provide emergency services to the public

during the period, and National Identification Cards will be distributed.

But Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace objected strongly to Friday’s disclosure, during the NDP Monday ‘New Times’ program.

Eustace considered the decision as an act that was depriving people of their rights, saying, “This is some foolishness; we need to have it done, registration must continue.

He continued: “I know people that have been registering people in their homes. How do they know that will not happen over the next month?’

According to Eustace, the proposed suspension of registration in the constituencies was not

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

canvassed to the political parties previously.

“We can’t operate on this basis, otherwise people are going to question the integrity of the process,” he said.

However, in the subsequent (Tuesday’s) release, the Electoral Office assured that registration will continue uninterrupted in the upcoming week and throughout the month of August.

During this time, the Office will also be working on the preparation on and publication by midAugust of the new voters’ list.

The new list is expected to reflect the names of all those registered between June 1, 2005 and July 31, 2015.

Sylvia Findlay, Supervisor of Elections.

Arnhim Eustace, leader of the Opposition.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.