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THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 31, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.53

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Ben Exeter being hustled off to the Central Police Station (Credit: NDP Facebook)

contention.

Exeter, who was among the THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) protestors, is said to have been having candidate for the Central Leeward a casual exchange of words with constituency, Benjamin Exeter, whose police officers. application to the High Court to have One source said that he was ballot boxes and counterfoils released to explaining to them that he was a him was denied, was on Tuesday night released on bail, after being arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

The incident from which the charges stem is said to have occurred during a protest staged by NDP during the afternoon of Tuesday, outside the precincts of the House of Assembly, where members were sworn in during the first Session of the New Parliament, following the general elections of December 9, 2015.

The protest was all part of the NDP’s continuing public demonstration against what it deemed to have been ‘a stolen election’, which returned the Unity Labout Party (ULP) to government.

The NDP has refused to accept the 8-7 margin of victory in favour of the ULP, and has made the result Ben Exeter on the ‘condemned bench’ at in the Central Leeward the Central Police Station awaiting word A large crown gathered at the Central constituency the bone of about his charge. (Credit: NDP Facebook) over the arrest.

by KENVILLE HORNE

licensed firearm holder, after the police had observed he was carrying a firearm, which according to the law, he is permitted so to do.

Continued on Page 3.

Police Station to voice their disgust

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2. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Hundreds win in DigicelÊs Christmas Promotion Left: Lieutenant Ralphy Ragguette accepts a donation of books, made available by Digicel in collaboration with Fantasy Ent, from Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid.

and their Christmas merrier.”

She added, “The wish aspect was the most rewarding for me, as we DIGICEL ended its customers each walked saw the joy as people $150,000 Christmas away with a $5,000 purse, received what they truly Promotion, dubbed after a special draw at wished for from Digicel ‘The More the Merrier’, Heritage Square. this Christmas. on Dec 24th, Ten finalists in each Customers have always Christmas Eve, with a category stood a chance requested that they bang, when five lucky to walk away with their want to see more share of $25,000 Cash! winners, and in the 2015 The categories in which Christmas promotion, they qualified were Top we have seen the most Up $10 or more, activate winners in any single a data plan, pay your promotion Digicel has postpaid bill in full and brought to its customers. on time or simply join Hence the reason it is the Digicel family. The dubbed ‘The More the December text to win Merrier’. We look prize was also $5,000 forward to developing cash! more exciting and Beginning on Nov innovative promotions in 20th, Digicel made 3 2016.” lucky winners happy Digicel also every day, leading up to contributed gifts and the grand prize draw, by books to several granting Christmas Christmas parties in St. wishes and giving away Vincent and the up to $2,000 cash every Grenadines. day!

The Fantasy Ent. The grand $5,000 each Team collaborated with prize winners were Digicel to contribute Gilbert Stay, Skakinah books to the SVG Coast Richardson, Veronica Guard’s Christmas Mercury, Susan Nicholls Party. and Kenville Innis.

Add to this parties Digicel’s Marketing hosted for children in Executive Danielle the South Leeward and Cupid stated, “Christmas students of three Special is definitely the happiest Needs Schools, and time of the year for us at indeed, the Digicel Digicel. We truly look powered Christmas was forward to making our ‘more and merrier’ for customers’ lives easier many.

Gilbert Stay being presented his $5,000 by Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid and Digi Girl Lia Best.

Shakinah Richardson being presented her $5,000

by Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid and Digi Girl Melecia Warren.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 3.

News 3

New session of Parliament convened:

Opposition walks out The Government side of the House.

The Opposition side of the House.

The Opposition New Democratic Party did not make a nomination, and THIS COUNTRY’S House of the Clerk of the House, Assembly has been Nicole Herbert, declared adjourned sine die, (no Thomas the new appointed date for Speaker. He replaces resumption).

Hendrick Alexander who However, Prime served for the last 15 Minister Dr. Ralph years.

Gonsalves is hoping to Carlos James, who have the Estimates unsuccessfully contested completed by January the North Leeward 11, the latest which constituency on a ULP would allow ample time ticket, was elected for budgetary Deputy Speaker. presentations by January Members of the House 21. were then officially Dr. Gonsalves outlined sworn in. They included: the tentative schedule Prime Minister Dr. last Tuesday, December Ralph Gonsalves; 29. It was the third time Attorney General Judith following general Jones Morgan; Sir Louis elections that the Straker, Deputy Prime Ceremonial Opening of Minister and member for Parliament took place on Central Leeward; that date.

Montgomery Daniel, Jomo Thomas, a representative for North government senator in Windward; Saboto the last Parliament and Caesar - South Central an unsuccessful Unity Windward; Cecil Mc Kie Labour Party (ULP) - West St. George; candidate for the South Frederick Stephenson Leeward seat in the South Windward; St. December general Clair Prince — elections, was nominated Marriaqua; and Camillo by the government side Gonsalves - East St. as Speaker of the House. George.

BY WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Stephenson - South Leeward.

Two Opposition Senators, Dr. Jules Ferdinand who unsuccessfully contested the West St. George constituency, and lawyer Sherlan ‘Zita’ Barnwell, also took their oaths.

The Swearing in was the only period of full parliamentary Senator Sherlan ‘Zita’ participation that day.

Barnwell joins Senator As Prime Minister Dr Julian Francis as the Gonsalves began only two members of congratulatory remarks, the House who did not contest the Dec. 9, 2015 the opposition members made their departure general elections. from the chambers. They, The four Senators on however, were the government bench congratulated by the are Julian Francis, Luke Prime Minister on their Browne, Deborah elections.

Charles and Carlos Gonsalves James. congratulated his ULP Opposition members colleagues as well and took their oaths. They those candidates from were Arnhim Eustace the Democratic East Kingstown; Dr Republican Party, and Godwin Friday the Green Party.

Northern Grenadines; Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Ollivierre Gonsalves expects Southern Grenadines; Opposition Leader St. Clair Leacock Arnhim Eustace to serve Central Kingstown; five years in that role.

Daniel Cummings - West Newly appointed Kingstown; Roland Speaker Jomo Thomas Matthews - North came in for special focus.

Leeward; and Nigel Gonsalves noted that

Thomas was acquainted with all the senators: the four senators from the Government side; Dr. Ferdinand with whom he shares the pages of THE VINCENTIAN newspapers as a columnist on a weekly basis; Barnwell who is “no a stranger” to Thomas.

“You are well placed to take control of this business in the House,” the Prime Minister pointed out.

Deputy Speaker Carlos James, cited as this country’s youngest Deputy Speaker, was also praised on his elevation.

Prime Minister Gonsalves pointed out that general elections have been “shrouded in controversy since 2005, by those who did not win the elections.”

He expressed satisfaction that Supervisor of Elections Sylvia Findlay Scrubb had ensured that the elections were “free and fair,” an assessment, he said, that was shared by the Observer Missions from the Commonwealth

Jomo Thomas – Speaker of the House.

Secretariat, Organisation of American States, and CARICOM. Commenting on the recent ruling by Justice Brian Cottle in which he dismissed a preliminary challenge mounted by NDP candidate Benjamin Exeter, Dr. Gonslaves assured that “no protests by persons misguided as to the law and the facts, will trouble this government.”

The comment came in the wake of protests by opposition supporters.

Some placard-bearing members of the NDP had gathered outside the parliament to protest the results of the December 9 poll.

NDP candidate Exeter arrested A scuffle is said to have ensued between more than one police THE VINCENTIAN officer and Exeter. He spoke to Commissioner of was overpowered and Police Michael Charles was hustled off to the soon after he had left Central Police Station.

Parliament, and he A video posted on confirmed that the police social media showed that had observed that Exeter prior to the scuffle, police was carrying a firearm officers surrounded when he was stopped Exeter and appeared to from nearing the podium be searching him. There from which Prime was some resistance on Minister Dr. Ralph Exeter’s part.

Gonsalves was taking Commissioner Charles the march passt. told THE VINCENTIAN Continued from Front Page.

that he is aware that Exeter is the holder of a gun licence. However, he qualified, if someone resists arrest, the police might use force to apprehend him or her.

He also noted that the NDP’s candidate has been charged with a summary offence, and not an indictable one.

NDP leader, Arhnim Eustace, speaking moments before Exeter was released on bail, said that he was happy that

Exeter will not sleep at the police station, and that he (Exeter) would have to undergo examination.

Three lawyers had been at Exeter’s disposal to provide legal advice.

As Exeter emerged along with Shabazaah George who was also arrested and charged (see page 6), the large crowd of NDP supporters and members, including Eustace and other NDP parliamentarians who

had by now gathered at the main entrance of the Central Police Station, greeted them with loud applause and chants of support and goodwill.

Asked to comment on the arrest, Exeter said, “No comment.”

Exeter and George were expected to appear in court yesterday, Wednesday 30th December.

Ben Exeter gets a welcome hug from a supporter after his release.

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4. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Law

Ganja plant request renewed Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Grant Connell, a leading defence lawyer here, has been at the forefront of the call for a national conversation on the marijuana issue.

NEWLY APPOINTED Minister of Health Robert Luke Browne has been asked to indicate his position on the issue of having a legal marijuana plant on the compound of the Grassroot Tennis Club at Richmond Hill.

Attorney and Director of the Club, Grant Connell, had written to Browne’s pre-decessor Clayton Burgin, on November 5, 2015, before the dissolution of Parliament for the December 9 General Elections, asking for permission to cultivate a marijuana plant on the Club’s compound for display and educational

“Good year for the police,” says Jacobs HEAD of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Supt.

Ruth Jacobs has cited increased police diligence and the public’s cooperation as two major contributing factors to an overall reduction in crime for 2015.

Up to press time Tuesday, 25 murders were recorded for the year. Twelve were still under investigation, eleven were gun-related.

Thirty-eight murders were recorded in 2014, the highest count for one year in this country’s history, 28 of them being gun-related.

Twenty-seven murders were recorded in 2013, of which ten were gun-related.

Eleven of the 28 murders recorded in 2012 were the result of gun violence, compared to ten in 2011. Twenty murders were recorded that year.

Nine of the 25 murders in 2010 involved the use of firearms.

There were 36 murders recorded in 2007, the second highest count ever in one year.

Twenty-one of these were gun-related.

While THE VINCENTIAN was unable, up to press time, to access the overall crime statistics, Supt.

Jacobs told the publication that from

general reports this year, as compared to last year, there has been an overall reduction in crime.

“This year has been a good year for the CID and the Police Force in general, and we look forward to this trend continuing in 2016 and beyond, with the help and guidance of Almighty God and the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, Jacobs said.

She lauded her colleagues for increased diligence in 2015, but stressed that success would not have been possible without the public’s cooperation.

Jocobs also cited the police crime prevention education programme, which has been extended to the schools and communities, sensitizing citizens on how to protect themselves, their properties and communities, as contributing to a stance against criminal tendencies.

“Because of this education, the public has become more aware of their responsibilities to the police and themselves”, Jacobs explained.

The CID chief also lauded the local business houses that assisted the police from time to time with footage from close circuit television, and she is urging more of

Supt. Ruth Jacobs, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has cited the cooperation between the police and the public as contributing to the reduction in crime generally. them to invest in installing such surveillance measures.

Jacobs admitted there are several matters still under investigation, but she explained, “In order for you to arrest someone and close a case, you must have the evidence.

If the evidence is not forthcoming, you would not be able to successfully complete the investigation, and that is why we are still soliciting the cooperation of the public in coming forward and assisting the police with whatever information they may have.”

In concluding, Jacobs advised the public to continue protecting themselves and their properties; to continue cooperating with the police in the fight against crime; to continue to be law abiding citizens, and to show love and look out for one another.

purposes, in accordance with the Drugs PPrevention of Misuse) Act of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

However, with the appointment of a new Minister of Health, following the re-election of the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party, Connell has renewed his request, in a letter dated December 15, 2015, asking Browne to indicate his position on the issue.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, Connell stated, “We have a young and vibrant Minister of Health, and I trust that he would move with the times. I am not asking him a favour. The request is all within the ambit of the law. There are provisions under the Act for him to grant such permission, so I am looking forward to a favourable response.”

Connell had also suggested in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on November 10, 2014, the planting of a marijuana tree at the Botanical Gardens for educational purposes, and as a tourist attraction.

He told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, “As soon as we deal with reality when it comes to marijuana, it is better for us as a people,” adding, “Jamaica has already bolted. We simply cannot afford to lapse.

We must address the issue without fear.”.

Jamaica planted its first legal marijuana tree on April 20, this year. The site was the grounds of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

The planting ceremony followed the right granted to the University by the government to cultivate marijuana for medical research, towards positioning Jamaica to maximize benefits from the global medical marijuana industry.

Connell has been consistent, over the years, in championing the cause for the decriminalization of marijuana.

He had been instrumental in getting the police high command to establish a policy of granting station bail to persons charged with possession of 15 grams of marijuana and under, and has repeatedly called for a national discussion on the marijuana issue.

Antiguan wanted to sample local weed

Sion Hill man on gun, ammo charges SION HILL resident Clinton Cambridge has a court date set for early next year.

He will return to court on January 6 on charges of firearm and ammunition possession.

His first appearance was at the Serious Offences Court before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias on Monday. He is charged with possession of a 9 mm pistol and 36 rounds of 9 mm ammunition without licences.

Cambridge pleaded not guilty to both charges, and was granted $20,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he surrender his travel documents, that stop notices be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and that he report to the Central Police Station on Mondays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The charges reportedly stem from a police action at Sion Hill last Saturday.

Cambridge was not represented by a lawyer.

Connell also noted that his client was in possession of money with which he intended to pay for accommodation at a ANTIGUAN national possession of the drug guest house and to Grenville Gordon’s during a police search at explore the Grenadines, intention was to sample a yard in Clare Valley, but that money, this country’s marijuana, where he was met in the consisting of Euros, was when he was found in company of locals. seized by the police. possession of 24 grams of The matter was This was not revealed in the drug at Clare Valley adjourned to Tuesday for the facts, but Connell on Monday. sentencing. asked the court to take Gordon, a 32-year-old In mitigation, itinto consideration. seaman and labourer, Gordon’s lawyer, Grant “The state has already appeared at the Serious Connell, told the Court benefited financially Offences Court on his client got to St. from him being here, and Monday, charged with Vincent by paying for a I humbly suggest that he entering the state at ride on a boat from be deported and a small Clare Valley on Monday, Antigua. He met some fine imposed,” Connell and disembarking locals and wanted to said. without the consent of an sample some local Gordon was fined immigration officer. marijuana, which $500 forthwith or three Gordon was also Gordon referred to as “a months on each charged with, that on the small smoke”. immigration charge, and same date, being a Connell said Gordon $150 immediately or two prohibited immigrant, pleaded guilty at the weeks for possession of entered the state without first available the marijuana. a passport, and being in opportunity and was The sentences will run possession of 24 grams of remorseful for not concurrently if the fines marijuana with intent to complying with the are not paid. supply. procedures for entering A deportation order Gordon was found in the state by boat. was also made.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 5.

Regional

Guyana bans styrofoam COME January 1, 2016, a ban on expanded polystyrene, commonly called Styrofoam, will become effective in Guyana.

The ban will put an end to the use, manufacture, importation and distribution of all Styrofoam products, inclusive of cups, plates, egg cartons, meat and vegetable trays, hot and cold beverage cups.

Styrofoam has, over a very short period of time, become a cheap alternative to other food containers, and the ban will affect restaurants, hotels, and any other place that trades in the preparation of food, as well as manufacturers and importers who have benefitted from a thriving trade.

According to the Kaieteur News, Guyana, the ban ‘has been in the making for a number of years now, with the deadline pushed back time and again’.

It has long been established in Guyana, and elsewhere in the CARIOM, that Styrofoam is a major contributor to the solid waste problems in that country and across the region.

Styrofoam is not biodegradable, and for that reason, it presents a ‘severe headache’ for

governments, and more particularly, solid waste corporations and administrators who struggle against mounting garbage issues.

As far as the legislation governing the ban is concerned, a Guyanese or a Guyanese entity found to be in contravention (use

Some of the Styrofoam products that will be banned in Guyana. (Internet photo) importation or manufacturing) could face fines of no less than $50,000.

Guilty food establishments found possessing and selling food in the Styrofoam containers will be served warnings, and could face fines from a summary conviction upwards of $100,000.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or authorized persons from the Director of Public Prosecutions can bring prosecutions in a court of summary jurisdiction, the gazetted legislations said.

On the other side of the issue, the EPA is expected to work with

Styrofoam contributes in a major way to the waste problems of the region. (Internet photo) stakeholders to promote use of recyclable, biodegradable and other environmentally friendly products.

Towards this end, EPA’s Executive Director Dr. Indarjit Ramdass said that the agency is

promoting 100 percent bio-degradable and ‘compostable’ plant fibrebased products that meet ASTM D6868 standards, e.g. food service products made from waste sugar cane fibre pulp. (Source: Kaieteur News)

Beneficiaries bracing for after PetroCaribe SOME Caribbean countries which currently benefit from concessionary arrangements for their purchase of oil under Venezuela’s PetroCaribe energy initiative, seem to be already bracing for a curtailment if not a total dissolution of the arrangement.

One of these beneficiary countries is St. Vincent and the Grenadines whose Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is on record as promising that, “By the end of 2018, I expect to have 80 percent of the electricity in this country generated by renewable energy.”

Without direct reference to the possibility of a PetroCaribe meltdown, Dr. Gonsalves has placed his country on a path to alternate sources of energy, and therefore, a decreasing reliance on oil-based energy and Venezuela as a source of that oil.

Dr. Timothy Harris, Gonnsalves’ counterpart in St. Kitts and Nevis, is also on record as warning that, while “PetroCaribe is important to the Federation (St. Kitts and Nevis), and any watering down of the arrangement would impact in a negative way.”

All of this comes on the heels of recent parliamentary elections in Venezuela that resulted in a majority victory for a combined united opposition to the socialist party of President Nicolas Maduro, the successor of President Hugo Chavez, under whose Presidency PetroCaribe was designed and went into operation.

The new majority parliamentary opposition has already declared its intention to take a critical look at PetroCaribe.

“We cannot continue selling oil in 20 years when we are in need of immediate resources. We will promote that our oil is for Venezuelans,” one leading parliamentarian, Tomas Guanipa, is quoted as saying.

The CARICOM member countries which have signed on to the PetroCaribe arrangement are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Kitts and Nevis.

Cuba and the Dominican Republic are also beneficiaries of the arrangement. (Source: WIN news)

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro reiterated during a recent visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that, ‘There should be no doubt in our minds that PetroCaribe today is the backbone of the energy, social and economic development of our region.’ (Credit: news.xinhuanet.com) Tomas Guanipa, opposition Member of Parliament in Venezuela, made no bones about his United Opposition’s position that Venezuela’s oil is first and foremost for Venezuelans. (Credit: unidadvenezuela.org)

U.S airline making it easier to travel to Cuba JUST OVER a week since Cuba and the USA agreed to remove the barriers so as to allow commercial scheduled air services between the two countries, at least one US-based airline is positioning itself further to cash in early when the service is commissioned officially.

Havana Air announced last week that it will be the first carrier to launch a fully automated reservation system for direct flight bookings to Cuba.

This service is scheduled to come on stream January 1, 2016. It will allow users to book their flights via the airline’s website.

In addition to making reservations/booking flights, the service will also allow would-be travelers from the US to access and submit all required authorization forms and visa purchase for travel to Cuba.

And users will encounter little or no problem using the Havana Air internet service since, according to the airline, “Havana Havana Air already holds OFAC Air’s online authorization to operate Private reservation system Aircraft to and from Cuba. (Credit: is designed to Havana Air.org) seamlessly integrate Santiago de Cuba, one of five airports in Cuba, into which with all airline But while the Havana Air already flies. (Credit: Global Distribution Systems (GDS), internet cubasemana.blogspot.com) including Sabre, Galileo, Amadeus, reservation and and others.”

Camaguey, Santa Clara, Holguin, and extended service is new, Havana Air And, “Travelers can also complete Santiago. lights to Cuba are not new. Since its planning for their Cuba travel This is anticipated to increase, once establishment in 2007, the airline has experience through Cultural operated, under authorization from the the market opens to full commercial Explorations, Havana Air’s sister flight scheduling.

Office of Foreign Assets company, which specializes in As it stands, the US only allows US Control (OFAC) of the US Department providing one-of-a-kind Cuba cultural of the Treasury, which administers citizens and Cuban nationals to travel immersions that are uniquely tailored and the airline has been offering over to the island under one of 12 rigidly to each traveler’s needs,” said Havana 85 flights a month from Miami to five enforced provisions. (Source: Air. Caribbean News Now) destinations in Cuba – Havana,

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6. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Shabazaah cries police brutality arm of the New Democratic Party, was SHABAZAAH GEORGE, who charged for obstruction was among the NDP and released on bail later protestors outside in the evening. parliament on Tuesday, Recounting what and who was arrested transpired , George told along with with the New THE VINCENTIAN, “All Demiocratic Party’s I could remember is that candidate for Central I was approached by two Leeward, Benjamin Exeter, police while I was trying said he was abused by to take a picture, and police officers. then they started George, a leading assaulting me, and I member of the Young started enquiring why Democrats, the youth exactly they assaulting

by KENVILLE HORNE

Shabazaah George claims that he suffered the indignity of being manhandled by the police. (Facebook photo)

me,” said George, in the presence of cheering NDP supporters outside the police headquarters after his release.

He said he was brought to the police headquarters, Kingstown, where he was slapped and boxed.

“They took my phone, they broke my phone

photos of Exeter being arrested by police officers.

Moments later, it appeared that he was being beaten by at least three police officers, two Rapid Response Unit (Black Squad) officers, and a Special Service Unit (SSU) officer.

Persons brandishing Unity Labour Party screen, they took my placards and who had camera ….and my wallet gather on the opposite cannot be found. No form side of the road on which of my items can be the NDP protestors were found,” said the gathered, could also be distressed young man. heard calling for George He was, he intimated, to be locked up. happy to be released.

“I feel alright, man.

Video images God don’t sleep,” said surfacing on social media George following his showed George release. attempting to take

Opposition MPs vacated their seats before Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves rose to speak.

Opposition walks out CHEERS ERUPTED from supporters election results, even as the NDP of the New Democratic Party (NDP) positioned itself to file petitions in the who had gathered in front of the High Court, and encouraged them not Kingstown Vegetable Market, when to see the swearing in as a sign of Opposition members walked out of the weakness.

First Session of the tenth Parliament.

As far as Eustace is concerned, Following their swearing in, Leader refusing to take part in Parliamentary of the Opposition NDP led his six debates is an option available to the elected members and two senators out NDP, as it furthers the cause of of the Chamber, and headed for the turning around the elections results. large gathering of supporters whom he The NDP has maintained a daily had encouraged to come out in presence in front of the Electoral continuing protest against the election Office since Friday 11th December, results of December 9. the first working day after the The Opposition Members vacated December 9 general elections. their seats just about when Prime Leader of the NDP had requested Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves rose to that protests in capital Kingstown be make a presentation.

Eustace had announced, soon after halted temporarily for the Christmas season. The protest in front of the the results of the general elections, electoral office resumed once the that he and his elected colleagues would be boycotting the new session of season was officially over.

Parliament.

However, he recanted, according to him, after receiving advice from his legal advisors, saying further that this should not be interpreted as his party’s acceptance of the results and the ULP government.

He called on his supporters to continue their civil disobedience in Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the NDP, greeting NDP protest of the protestors after he led his colleagues out of parliament.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 7.

News

South Rivers youth killed POLICE ARE SAID TO BE investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man from South Rivers.

O’Javi Hooper, a 20year-old labourer, sustained a gunshot wound to his left side between 9am and 9:30am on Boxing Day, and died on his way to the Georgetown hospital.

According to reports from persons in the area, Hooper was hanging out at the Africano Disco in South Rivers, when three men brandishing firearms approached him. He tried to escape, according to an eyewitness, but one of the gunmen gave chase and shot him.

He was still alive,

according to reports, when persons lifted him into a jeep.

The shooting is said to unfold in front of many villagers.

Jaylana John, a cousin of the deceased, described Hooper as a very calm people, who loved children.

“He won’t interfere with you, unless you trouble him. He would keep to his self and he was a very handy person. Most persons in the community got O’Javi Hooper’s death is along well with him,” listed as the 25th murder for the year, according to said John. the CID. “A feel really sad because me and he George Stephens was like brother and Secondary School. He is sister,” John added. survived by his father, Hooper had attended mother, three sisters and the South Rivers three brothers. (KH) Methodist School and the

Christmas Eve shooting leaves one wounded

by KENVILLE HORNE ORANDE ‘BELLS’ DUNBAR, a 29-year-old man of Rillan Hill, is currently at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital recovering from gunshot wounds he received on Christmas Eve. Dunbar was ‘hanging out’ at the Plant Shop in Rose Place, when he was approached by a man decked in pure white, his head covered with a hood attached to his upper garment.

His face was masked with a handkerchief.

The hooded, masked man brandished a firearm and opened fire, hitting Dunbar in the hand, abdomen and leg, before calmly walking away from the scene.

Quick action by medical personnel may just have saved Orande ‘Bells’ Dunbar’s life.

Persons were seen running away from the scene of the warded at the MCMH. incident, while others rushed to see Dunbar, who earlier this year was what had transpired. Dunbar was taken out of the shop with the help of the target of a firearm attack, is the two young men. A passing vehicle was brother of Schemel Dunbar, who was charged for the murder of Alijay stopped, and the driver consented to Douglas. Douglas was shot in the head rush the wounded man to the nearby and stomach in May 2014, while Milton Cato Memorial Hospital executing duty as a gate man at a (MCMH).

The quick attention by at least one private event in Campden Park.

Schemel Dunbar was acquitted of doctor and a team of nurses may just the murder, after Crown Counsel have saved Dunbar’s life. At the Karim Nelson indicated to Chief hospital, nurses and at least one Magistrate Rechanne Browne doctor rushed to save his life. He was —Matthias that the prosecution was heard complaining of pain in his withdrawing the charges for lack of stomach. evidence.

Up to press time Tuesday, he was

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8. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 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

Our Editorial Voice: A New Year’s Message FOR OVER 100 YEARS, THE VINCENTIAN has been publishing the news, information and opinions which are important for the people of this country and its development.

This chosen intention and purpose are what drove the pioneers of this publication, those who saw to its growth through turbulent times, and this is what drives the current thrust of the hardworking complement here at THE VINCENTIAN. News, information and opinions are shared, with the intention that they will help to inform and shape sound decisions in our personal lives, and that of the country as a whole.

And in our commitment to try to inform about issues which affect our lives, today and tomorrow, sometimes we have succeeded and sometimes we haven’t. The latter we are not afraid to admit.

For sure, we may have not been overly concerned, it seems, with the sensational. That was and is a deliberate attempt to bypass the temporary, non-lasting impact of a ‘sensational story’, and transcend the viewing of it to a more meaningful and lasting impact.

All in all, we have striven always to keep our readers informed about issues and stories that generally, if the truth be told, are not generally seen in or preferred by other publications.

That we have tried to raise the bar and provoke thought and reaction at another level is deliberate, and for that we make no apology; though it would seem that our popularity is not translated in reviews of numbers of copies sold.

We prefer instead, to be guided and encouraged by the many, from right across the social and professional spectra of our society, from the very low to those society holds in high esteem, who, week in week out, through our own pages or telephones calls, have congratulated us on our mature, balanced approach to an issue of national prominence and concern.

In the coming year, we will continue to try to do the best that we can. That is our New Year’s resolution.

Even though we are a newspaper with limited resources, we will continue to strive to bring you the information, analyses and opinions we think have the largest impact on the community, so that you can judge for yourself.

As we close out 2015, we would also like to thank you the readers for your continued support and readership. We also thank the many people who have approached us personally to tell us how much they appreciate our efforts, and to offer their support.

That sentiment is appreciated more than we can ever express in words, and more than they will ever know.

We also say a big “thank you” to our advertisers, who continue to support us financially in our efforts to publish this newspaper.

We also offer our condolences to those in our community who lost a loved one, family or friends this past year. Each year at this time, we are wont to miss the many people, former readers and friends and family who are no longer with us. We miss them, but we continue to remember them through the many memories of Christmases past they left with us.

We hope that you will continue to read THE VINCENTIAN in 2016, and urge you to feel free to share your opinions on national issues and even on how we have covered a particular story and/or issue.

Unless we hear from you, we will never know for sure just what issues and topics are important to you, our valued readership.

So as we look toward another year of partnership, we wish all of you a Happy and Prosperous 2016!

Wrapping Up The Old Year: Anticipating The New With Trepidation I AM SAYING A FOND FAREWELL to 2015. I will not be handling the present state of political ‘betweenity’, but giving time for a clearer picture to emerge.

The following broad points can, however, be stated. Generally, we are experiencing the thunder, and should await possibly, the cloudburst, especially the accompanying flashes of lightning when things can be seen in their proper perspective.

We must at the moment, ponder the court’s first ruling that the N.D.P appears to be embarked on a fishing expedition, and wonder if we are to cut the fish to find its guts!

Another thing. The N.D.P is mounting a peaceful protest demonstration which will meet a police barricade sadly organized by a Commissioner who displayed his colours at a recent U.L.P rally, with a gesture indicating that there will be four in a row.

The NDP, rightly or wrongly, disputes the fourth.

Contrast that scene with the demonstration of the SVLP in 1998 at the opening of the House, seated in the “strangers’ gallery” and belching forth Party songs such as “We shall overcome”.

The labour crowds in the courtyard shook the G.G’s car and threatened Arnhim Eustace, who was a Minister serving the James Mitchell N.D.P government. Even then, in 1998, Arnhim had been selected as the man of the N.D.P future to watch and attack!

Most surprising of all, the turbulence was caused because the U.L.P had attained the majority of popular votes which they deemed was unfairly reflected in their return of 7 seats, and the opposition! We shall pause uneasily at this point and deal positively with whatever sequel confronts us.

But we are constrained to mention that Vincent Beache, who handled our security for the past 15 years, had committed himself to making the country “UNGOVERNABLE” in the circumstances of 1998.

The Passing Parade I lost some great friends during the passing year, people such as Albert ‘Jus’ Edwards, Nicole Sylvester, Stella HorneAnderson, my niece Elma Dougan, Dr. Erling Harry, Patricia Mitchell of Bequia, Cardinal Simon of Mustique and George Howard of “Call-That-George” fame.

A representation sample of those approaching or past 90 years remaining to guard the ramparts include — Clement Lawrence 102, Afflick Haynes (who ran for politics beginning in 1954), Clement Eton, Evelyn Quammie, Beryl Richards, Lawrence Dopwell, Sylvester Joseph and my own bevy of chicks: Georgina Barrow, Rosie Brisbane, Eden Bennett, Ena Carr and Viola John. Bringing up the rear are my sisters Ena in England, Elsie in the U.S.A, and cousin Mavis Maule of Chauncey Village.

A pair of social events were enough to fill my cup to over-filling during the Christmas holidays. The first was the singing of the Kingstown Chorale which I reported before, and the second was the 70th birthday celebrations of my niece Joy Browne, which I again mention in expanded version.

Joye was born on 25th December 1945 in the same room at no:4 Rose Place, Bottom Town, where I had been born on the 17th April 1938, on Easter Sunday in that Year.

If we needed a link apart from uncleniece relationship, we have it in the birthday of my own mother, born Arabella Cruickshank of Garifuna blood in the village of Fancy on the 24th March 1893, Good Friday. So Joye was,as it were, born on Christmas Day, died on Good Friday and Resurrected at Easter!

In my toast, I also spoke of the creation of the SVUT of which her brother Mike had been President, she was secretary and I was the Solicitor — Legal advisor that, on behalf of teachers and education, confronted “the strongest Government in the world” on what is now known as Tear Gas Friday.

As chairman of the PSC, I was partly responsible for the promotion of Joye to the headmistress position at the Girls’ High School, where she exploited every opportunity to sharpen her skills in general educational development. Never mind that I was accused of practising nepotism!

Joye has more than vindicated me in her general approach to national welfarism. Joy to the world.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 9.

Letters

A word in season: A Christmas to remember CHRISTMAS of 2013 was my best and worst.

The best part was, I spent the day helping people ‘clean-up’. That part was chaos, and as long as my memory serves me well, I shall remember the disastrous Christmas of 2013.

Let me share with you seven lessons that I learnt from it: First, man is not in control, God is.

Flooding swept away most of the Christmas Day preparation. Instead of the usual festive Christmas, a disastrous and chaotic Christmas greeted us. Again, I repeat, man is not in control. The sovereign Lord who rules over all beings, over the kingdoms of men, and over all situations, for His honor, is.

Second, we must war against our tendency to forget the events of Christmas 2013. We must not be afraid to revisit them. Those who forget, repeat the mistakes of the past.

Third, material things are temporary.

Because material things have a life-span, our relationship with them will not last

forever. This parting happens in two ways: either they part from us, or we part from them. Life, according to Jesus, is not about living for things (Luke 12). Life is bigger than that. Life has a greater purpose than that. Life as defined by the Prince of Life, issues from a relationship with God. Fourth, human life is brief. Of all the things which were lost in the disaster of 2013, the costliest was the loss of human life. James used a ‘puff of smoke’ to illustrate the brevity of life. Moses, who understood the brevity of life, instructs us ‘to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom’.

The fifth lesson which is connected to the fourth is that the life worth living is the life that is lived for God, through, Christ (Gal. 2:20).

In response to the question, ‘Where was God?’, the sixth lesson answers: God was over, and in the midst of the disaster of December 2013. I’ve heard stories of survival which prove that God was above

Qualifying for a Christmas gift I DIDN’T COME from a rich family. I didn’t always get birthday presents, but my mother always seemed to be able to give us children a small gift at Christmas.

And how we looked forward to that Christmas gift, even though to ‘qualify’ for the gift, there was one strict condition: Behave yourself or there will be no gift. So beginning in November or thereabout, especially when Christmas songs began to be played on the one radio station in our time, we, my brothers, sister and I, were on our best behaviour. There wasn’t a thing that our mother asked us to do that we wouldn’t move quickly to do. We wanted to be on her

good side.

You see, Mr. Editor, Christmas rewards, or the Christmas season, was all about being good; about not being naughty. If you believed in Santa Claus, it was a case of not being naughty, since Santa somehow always knew who was and who was not ‘naughty and nice’.

So, if you would permit a crazy thought, Mr. Editor.

It seems that Santa Claus had grown old or has simply changed his rules.

Whatever is the matter with him, he must have got distracted from the basic rule that only those who were good should get Christmas gifts. For I can’t understand for one moment how he could reward the

ULP, with such a Christmas gift like victory at the polls.

It seems to me that they were so ‘naughty’ and unfair to others, that, even if they hung up their stocking, they should never have been gifted with that victory.

I bet if my mother had anything to do with handing out gifts for Christmas during this season, that she would have bypassed the ULP. In the meantime, I wish all my fellow Vincentians, home and abroad, like I am, a Merry Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New year.

Lord help us all THANK GOD that general elections come only once every five years and not every year.

Thank God that it is only in one December out of those five years that we can hold an election. If that was not the case, every Christmas would be spoilt.

Look what happen this year.

Half the country in moaning and half the country celebrated. And all of this happen in a heavy air of doubt, since one party declared that the other party ‘thief’ the election.

In what should have been a time of good cheer, with election just before the big day, Christmas Day, and during the usual Christmas build-up, everything went cold. People face ‘push-up’, while some smiling so much, they mouth get wider.

Tell me how much real Christmas songs you hear this December to get you in the Christmas mood. Thank God for Ezee Radio — that’s the only station that play some Christmas music during all the bassa bassa.

Other than that, it was a whole set a propaganda and nonsense music.

And hear what!! After all the worst cussing you will ever hear, after all the enticing with this and that, where it come from I don’t know, we ups and say we going Midnight Mass — to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child and behave as though nothing happen.

I know it is Christian to forgive; but I tell you, I don’t know how some people will ever forget what other people had to say about them.

You know, picking up and going to Church for Christmas after such a bad tasting election campaign is not to me, being very Christian. It will take more than going to Church to cleanse some people of the wrong, the evil that they have done, especially during the campaign.

Lord help this small nation of mine!!

Bruce

Passy

will strive to get rid of the colours that separate us, and unite under the banner of our national colours.

We have to resolve to stop making everything we do in SVG red. That only serves to separate us further.

For example, it is not too late to make the airport a project that all Vincentians could truly embrace.

To continue to make it look as though the airport is all about those who vote ‘red’, is to defeat the purpose of building true nationhood.

So, let us resolve to stop making national efforts the property of one set of people.

My best wishes to you, Mr. Editor, and your staff.

Garnet, N.Y.

Alex Altidor Peniston P.O., Peniston, St. Vincent

The Salvation Army - a real army

One resolution for all Vincies BEFORE I do or say anything else, my thanks to you, Mr. Editor, for according me the opportunity to air my views on issues affecting us as Vincentian people.

With your permission, I want to use this space to extend to each and every Vincentian, wherever he or she is, a bright, prosperous and blessed New Year.

Always as we begin a New Year, we make resolutions about what we would want to do and accomplish during that year. As always, we tend, more often than not, to have to make adjustments as we go along, even sometimes having to forget altogether about a resolution or two.

There is one resolution that I think we as Vincentians should unite on for 2016. That is that we

and in the disaster.

Seventh, God has used, and is using this disaster for good. One lady said to me, “I can’t go back to a life of drinking after surviving this disaster.” She’s not the only one. There are others whose life found meaning, purpose, and direction. What about Yours? Has the Christmas Day disaster bettered your life?

CATHERINE and William Booth started the White Chapel Mission in a poor part of London, England, in the 1850s. In 1878, they changed the name to the Salvation Army, with the sole purpose of establishing a Christian army to fight sin and poverty. William became the first general of the Salvation Army.

A member of the Methodist Church in his early years of life, he broke with that denomination because he was disallowed to preach his own ideas.

His wife, Catherine, also of similar mind as far as ‘new ideas and evangelism were concerned, openly expressed a view that women had as much right to preach as men. She would, in the ensuing

years, ensure that all members of the Salvation Army enjoyed equal rights.

William and Catherine Booth, both of whom were born in 1829, are more than likely, basking in joy in their celestial home, as they look down and see the progress the Salvation Army is making worldwide, in its relentless effort aimed at alleviating poverty and suffering.

They look down from their celestial home and realize that the small island state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is no exception, thanks to the hard work put in by the current Salvation Army members, ably assisted by community-spirited persons like Mrs. Norma Knights and Ms. Nina

Maloney, steadfast ‘soldiers’ on behalf of the Army’s Soup Kitchen, Thrift Shop and Feeding Programme.

At this time of year, the festive Christmas season, let me take this opportunity to publicly salute the Salvation Army — a real army - for its outpouring of Christian love and kindness which spans decades.

Again, Catherine Booth, who died in 1890 at the age of 61, and her spouse, William, who left his earthly sojourn in 1912, must be overwhelmed with joy that the Vincentian chapter of the Salvation Army is living up their expectations.

Patmos Richards

V

10. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Into 2016 with confidence No retreat, no surrender (Excerpts of the address to the nation by the Hon. Arnhim Eustace on Wednesday 23rd December, 2015).

The Issue THIS WEEK, Vincentians will spend some time reflecting on the year that was 2015, and all the activities that made this year a memorable one for our country.

Here and there, many will offer prayers of thanksgiving to the Almighty, for preserving their lives in 2015, and for the blessings they received during the year. They will also look forward to 2016 and whatever that year has to offer.

Having re-elected the Unity Labour Party and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves for a fourth consecutive term in office, Vincentians are now looking forward to 2016 with confidence, having seen the work of the ULP over the last fifteen years, and having examined the manifesto of the ULP. Their reelection of the ULP is a signal that they approve of the plans going forward, and the leadership that will take the country into 2016 and beyond.

The election of the ULP is also an indication that the electorate wants to move forward in a positive manner, in terms of the economic and social development of the country. By rejecting the NDP at the polls, the electorate said that it was tired with the old, negative, nasty and backward rhetoric and ideas of that political party. They wanted positivity, a new developmental agenda, and a new narrative which addresses the theme of “shaping our future together for the better”.

completed this year, as well as the Vigie to Mesopotamia highway, which will terminate at the Peruvian Vale junction. A number of projects related to development in the Health, Agriculture, Education and Tourism sectors will commence this year, bringing further jobs for our people.

The construction sector

It is in the construction sector that we will see a phenomenal increase in activity. Indeed, St.Vincent and the Grenadines is poised for the greatest construction boom in the history of the country. First of all, the legacy of the international airport project will reveal an array of equipment such as stone crushers, asphalt and concrete batching plants, along with skilled technicians and professionals in the field of construction, all available for work.

All this will complement the already negotiated EC$400 million dollars to apply to roads, bridges, sea and river defences, and other infrastructure development. A further EC$1.5 billion will be invested (both government and public-private partnership) in the development of the new city at Arnos Vale, the relocation and modernization of Port Kingstown The year 2016 and the Cruise Ship Pier and Terminal, the re-development of the The main activity which will capital city Kingstown, and the dominate the developmental agenda construction of the acute referral in 2016, is the official opening of the international airport project at Argyle. hospital at Arnos Vale, to complement During the recent election campaign, the Milton Cato memorial institution.

Expect to see massive private the IADC, the organisation that is sector construction, some of it already responsible for the construction of the underway. There will be hotel airport project, caused four small development in Bequia, Canouan, aircraft to land at the runway at Union Island, Mustique and Mayreau, Argyle. That activity created a stir among thousands of Vincentians who as investors get ready to take advantage of the operation of the new flocked to witness this event. airport at Argyle.

At the time, the opposition NDP The ULP recognizes the centrality poured scorn on the event, claiming of the construction sector in providing that it was not a test of the “real economic stimuli and job creation for thing”. So, not to be outdone, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves caused the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and this will be a critical a LIAT ATR aircraft, along with a sector going forward.

Citation jet, and several smaller aircraft, to land at the Argyle airport.

Conclusion This time, the crowd which attended this event, was the largest ever in the Vincentians have come to the history of the country, surpassing the realization that our small nation has crowd which attended the opening of confronted the challenges of the world the Rabacca bridge. This is a further global financial and economic crisis, confirmation that the people of and has survived and even prospered St.Vincent and the Grenadines want the ULP to fully complete the airport, remarkably, under the leadership of the ULP administration. They further and further, that they value the realize that it is this leadership that importance of this project to the has helped to re-kindle the resilience economic and social development of and creativity required, to take the the country. country through the several natural Expect to see some activity in terms of the geothermal project, in the disasters that have affected our country. north of the country, as the drilling By returning the ULP to office for a process commences close to the end of fourth term, they are sending a clear the year. This will provide message; and that is, the expression employment, as the investors set up of confidence in the work of the ULP office and begin their work. Expect too, to see some development activity and the leadership of Dr. Ralph as the investors in the US$250 million Gonsalves. There can be no clearer Mt. Wynne/Peter’s Hope hotel project, message than that delivered by the begin their work, offering employment electorate, when they gave the ULP to people in South, Central and North the majority of seats and the popular vote, when they went to the polls on Leeward.

The South Leeward Highway from December 9th, 2015.

Hospital Road to Layou will be

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, brothers and sisters, I bring you greetings and best wishes for the season, from the executive and members of the New Democratic Party. For yet another year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, and the eternal Prince of Peace, and indeed Justice.

We, as a people, should not let our own human failings and the tribulations of life cause us to lose sight, even amidst all the hustle and bustle, of the power and the magnitude of the Christ whose birth we celebrate. With each of life’s challenges that we face, both as a community and as individuals, we must pause to think, ‘What would Jesus do?’.

For we know that this mighty God we serve gets angry in the face of injustice; and has no time for unfair play, graft and theft. And so we, as a people, must at all times do what Jesus would do. That is why our singular commitment to democracy and fair play, our continued commitment to live in a society that lives by its rules, must guide our actions in the coming days, weeks and perhaps months in regard to the December 9 elections.

We have already clearly stated our positions on these matters; particularly as it relates to the Central Leeward seat. Let it be made clear that we are not wavering on this issue. This ongoing injustice must be challenged from many fronts. And this injustice of which we speak must not be a concern to just members and supporters of the NDP, but to all conscientious and patriotic Vincentians, Christian believers and non-believers alike, who understand the dignity and desirability of fairplay.

My call therefore — not just as an MP or the leader of the NDP, but as a proud Vincentian, is for the development of a broad-based coalition, a new movement of the rich and the poor; the young and the old, to ensure that good governance reigns in this our proud nation. Persons must emerge from our communities — particularly from among our young people - to become part of the leadership of this fight. And so, right after our pause for the observance of Christmas, WE THE PEOPLE must march forward together as one united Vincentian family.

In the coming days, we will come together with people of all walks of life to send a clear message to this socalled Unity Labour Party government; a message that we would not accept this fraud that they have perpetuated. We have begun on a number of challenges in the courts, especially as it relates to Central Leeward.

A team of lawyers, working for WE THE PEOPLE, spent the entire day in court on Tuesday, December 22, fighting our cause. They will continue to do their legal work over the holidays, and return to the court on December 28. Our lawyers are fighting diligently for transparency and accountability as related to the

vote. The election commission and the government are fighting together to ensure that there is no disclosure.

We want the opportunity to look closely again at the ballots that were cast in Central Leeward. They are fighting to deny us this request. As we both made our cases, we wait on the ruling of the judge. But this early court skirmish is a prelude to the formal petition against the results that we would file after the holidays.

So, understand that, even while people celebrate Christmas, the fight is ongoing.

It is important to note in this matter, that while the people have donated to our cause, this illegal government is using the public purse to fly in expensive lawyers in this fight against the will of the people.

While this so called government will hear from us in the courts; they must also hear from WE THE PEOPLE in the streets. We have leaders throughout the community mobilising the people as we speak — and many of them will be in touch with you within the next few hours and the next few days, about what responsible actions we must take to ensure that this socalled government accounts.

Let the message go out that our reservations about these elections stand; that we continue to refuse to accept the results, and that we will continue to fight against this injustice on many fronts. The resolve of WE THE PEOPLE must be absolutely clear in this matter.

While we wanted to stay away from the opening of parliament on Tuesday, December 29, our lawyers have advised that the duly elected members on our side must attend and be sworn in. This, they have advised, is strictly for technical legal reasons and should in no way be seen as a contradiction to our stance. It was our desire to stay away from the very beginning. But we have listened to our lawyers and to many patriotic Vincentians on this issue.

Once we are officially sworn in as MPs, rest assured that we have appropriate ways to ensure that this so-called government accounts to WE THE PEOPLE. As we go forward, be wary of attempts to divide the community on this issue. This illegal regime will want to make this ongoing struggle about me or about my party.

We should not let them derail us. This struggle is about YOU — and about WE THE PEOPLE. This struggle is about restoring integrity to our land. This struggle is about sending the right message to our youth. This is a battle for the soul of the nation; and it’s a fight to save our collective consciences.

The one thing they have said before and we accept, is that undeniable fact of history that a people united can never be defeated. And so we chose to go forward on this matter on our feet and not our knees. Tell everyone about our declarative statement — no retreat, no surrender!

I thank you very much.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 11.

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Potential abounds in the cocoa industry

As We Greet the New Year

THE TIMES AND SEASONS and years, including this New Year, are in God’s hands. (Psalm 31:15). As Christians, we have nothing to fear, for God’s goodness is great (v.19). We can walk with Christ each day and join the psalmist in saying, “As for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’ ” (v.14). – David Egner, Our Daily Bread Communities and nations differ in relation to how they usher in the New Year. Many of the activities on Old Year’s Night (New Year’s Eve) centre on merriment and fellowship. David Egner, writing in the Daily Bread devotional booklet, noted that the citizens of Scotland, for example, encourage friends and family members to congregate at a designated friend’s home and exchange gifts soon after midnight.

This is their unique way of ushering in the New Year. Egner observed that many homes in Greece continue the tradition of having children leave their shoes around the fireplace on New Year’s Eve, in anticipation that St. Basil will fill them with a variety of gifts. The Japanese, on the other hand, maintain the tradition of dressing in new clothes and decorating their homes with bamboo and pine branches — depictions of long life.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and many other Caribbean countries, we look forward to the Old Year’s Night cook, as friends gather to have fun and to enjoy food and fellowship.

Thankfully, we have moved away from the dangerous practice of placing large obstacles in the roads, and we now seldom hear of the theft of small ruminants and poultry that was once so very common on Old Year’s Night.

As a teenager, I looked forward to Old Year’s Night and the practice of making the largest dumplings imaginable. As the “Backstreet Boys” gathered at “The Blue Max” (the blue building owned by the McIntosh Family and located at the southern end of Wilson Hill — near the area that now accommodates the George McIntosh Market, we prided ourselves on the quality of our corn, and coconut dumplings. We gorged ourselves on these flour products and a variety of meats. Those who dared to fall asleep during our period of “fellowship”, soon discovered that the “moosh” (decorating faces with flour or toothpaste) could be performed rather speedily. We also discovered a unique technique of having the individual perform their own moosh — we merely placed the flour in their hand and used an item (such as a feather) to tickle the area of the face that we needed to have covered. The sleeping recipient, by reflex action, performed the task (often amidst our laughter).

Old Years Night encouraged other pranks too. Having consumed a lot of liquids, and having a full bladder, it was often considered quite entertaining to place the sleeper’s hand in a container of lukewarm water. This action seemed to automatically open the valve controlling the bladder and the involuntary release of “bladder liquid” would be readily evident. “Those were the good old days”, some would say.

The New Year Holiday is one of those periods in the year when persons pause to reflect on the recent past, and seek to prepare for the year ahead. Some persons do this in a

very formal way, and may even venture to create Excel spreadsheets to calculate their expenditure for the designated period. Some may use “low technology” and resort to pen and paper, knowing that the act of writing things down will put them in a better position to making the plans come through. However, there are still many who are convinced that planning for the future is of little value. They do not believe in New Year resolutions, and they avoid planning at all costs. Many such individuals resort to a “let’s wait and see what happens” approach. They float along, hoping and wishing that life will be kind to them, and that “good luck” will smile on their efforts.

This, however, is a recipe for disaster.

We must take council from the old saying that “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”.

Introspection has value. This is as true at the end of the year as it is at any other time of the year. Each of us needs to spend that quality time to do an honest appraisal of where we are and where we need to go. This is as true in relation to our financial position, as it is in relation to our relationships. It is insufficient and unwise to merely float along and hope or wish that life would be kind to us.

We need to be more proactive than this. We need to be more responsible than this. We need to plan for the future, and move forward to make our noble dreams real. It often calls for energy and determination. It often demands our resolve to fight against self-doubt and the negative thoughts that often hinder great dreams. It frequently demands that we avoid the negative individuals in our lives that never seem to try to improve their own lives, but readily volunteer to redirect or hamper ours. We can accomplish so much more in life when we approach our situations in an organised/systematic way. Planning for life is critical. Resolving to improve our performance is an important early step in achieving success.

Many individuals look toward the New Year (and to the future in general) with anxiety and fear.

It is normal to be anxious about the unknown. However, those of us who are Christians, can be comforted (and can comforted others) by realising that the future is in God’s hands. He knows what is best for us. We simply need to learn to trust Him more. This is as true for the believer who is faced with physical challenges as it is for those who have lost a dear loved one or close friend. It also applies to the individual who has just discovered that he/she is facing financial ruin.

God is good! God is God! He knows the future. The future is in His hands. There are no better hands for our future to be in. So, regardless of our circumstances, let us greet the New Year with cheer and confidence.

Let us not be daunted by life’s various tragedies and setbacks. We thank God for what He has done in our lives, and we look forward to having Him bless us as He sees fit — and make us a blessing to others as we usher in this New Year.

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

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES can now boast of producing its own chocolate bar, this after the St. Vincent Chocolate Proud employers of the St. Company, a Vincent Cocoa Company subsidiary of the The St. Vincent and the including Chairman Harry St. Vincent Grenadines chocolate is Marriot (4th from left) and Cocoa Company, made only from cocoa Managing Director Andrew unveiled the grown in the country.

Hadley (3rd from right). product at a launching ceremony on Tuesday 22nd December, very proud and exciting day for the company,” said Marriot. at Flow Bar and Restaurant.

He explained that while cultivating Each bar consists of 75% Black chocolate, and is beautifully packaged and encouraging the cultivation of cocoa from the primary focus of their to appeal to a wider market. The business, the making of chocolate has chocolate bar is made from beans always been one of the investors’ harvested only in St. Vincent.

Andrew Hadley, Managing Director goals.

“Firstly as a profitable business; of St. Vincent Cocoa Company, told THE VINCENTIAN that the company secondly to add value; thirdly as a boost to our tourism, by producing will start selling the chocolate on the local and regional market. “… We are international product that all Vincentians can be proud of; fourthly going to see how that goes over a period of time, and then we are going to raise awareness of what we are doing here, which is to establish a to export it to the international viable cocoa industry; and lastly, we market.” all love chocolate,” said the Chairman, Production is expected to reach on the reasons for investing in optimal levels in the next three chocolate. months, however the product will be Disclosing that two investors in the available for purchase by January cocoa industry had committed to 2016 with a price range of $5.00 purchasing all that the Cocoa $10.00. The chocolate is also being marketed as the basis for a beverage. Company could produce, Marriot admitted that there remained the The chocolate factory, located in challenging of acquiring more lands Kingstown, will be in full production for cocoa cultivation, so as to satisfy in the next three months; however, this expected demand. the chocolate should be available for “There are many thousands of acres purchase by the end of January, at a of Crown Lands lying completely price of between to $5 -$10, Hadley fallow, so we have made a formal assured. request to the government to fulfill its The St. Vincent Cocoa Company, promise to lease us lands. Hopefully, according to Hadley, currently Cabinet’s approval will be forthcoming employs some 60 workers, with an intention to increase that complement. soon. I am very confident this will provide a welcome boost to the Chairman of the Company Harry industry, as well as produce jobs for Marriot described it as an excellent many more people, where it is organization with the potential to desperately needed in the rural bring significant benefits to the communities, the poorest people in the economy of SVG. country,” said Marriot. (KH) The launch of the chocolate was “a

Arrowroot still looking up THE HARVESTING OF the annual arrowroot, considered the most assured cash-earning agricultural endeavor here, is expected to commence on January 4, 2016.

And, according to Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, he and his Ministry are “very optimistic” for the 2016 harvesting of arrowroot.

Those connected with the arrowroot industry anticipate for 2016 an increase in production from the field, and consequently of the starch produced from the raw arrowroot rhizomes.

Given the trend of increase in production, which began in 2012, the yearly increasing acreage under arrowroot cultivation and the

increase in price to farmers and the Arrowroot Association, the anticipation seems founded on feasible ground.

“The Arrowroot Association has more than tripled the production of starch in the past 3 years,” the The refurbishment of the Owia Minister stated.

Arrowroot Factory is Plans, earmarked for 2016. according to the Minister, are in place for Association will be the refurbishment of the looking to expand its single arrowroot factory operation with the at Owia. The expansion commissioning of a Cassava Factory at of the drying facility Orange Hill. there will be given Cassava farmers and priority, a measure that other stakeholders have should put spend to the been meeting over the drawbacks up to 2015. recent past towards Meanwhile, the organizing for this Arrowroot Industry eventuality.

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12. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Fourteen years of economic delusion under Gonsalves

SVG diaspora are low.

SVG is getting poorer and weaker.

If we do not change direction, SVG could deteriorate to being as failed a VINCENTIANS of all walks of life should party the minority in parliament; dollars of tax and customs duty. The state as Haiti and Bangladesh. take a deep look at our country under Malaysia's Badawi is no longer in super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, Gonsalves is running the country by Gonsalves. SVG has had 14 years of power; Chen of Taiwan is in jail; and also Taiwan, must pay tax or pack economic delusion, and now our country Manning of Trinidad and Tobago is no their bags and go back to where they guess. Rather than guessing and is in the gutter, economically and longer in power. The coalition is now a come from. wasting taxpayers' money on useless socially. Everywhere, there is destitution, failure.

According to a business person, projects, SVG needs a government dilapidation, unemployment, crime and The delusion of which we speak is SVG's economy is dying by the hour. focused on building a sustainable pollution.

14 years of giving a false impression The business person is very concerned revenue base, and creating jobs from Our country has been economically about the economic situation of SVG. that the financial and economic Green productive sectors. mashed up by an incompetent The economy has become much worse situation in SVG will disintegrate, if We should focus on utilising SVG's Minister of Finance, who is not even a under the ULP regime. Granting steps are not taken to stimulate indigenous resources for agrouniversity graduate in finance. Since hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth economic growth. Businesses need a processing. We should sell water in taking office, Gonsalves has been of blanket tax and customs duty strong economy for them to flourish. tanker loads, build a modern fish digging a hole to fill a hole, borrowing exemptions to the super-rich of High taxes, such as VAT, are processing and canning industry, build money to pay debt, thus creating more Mustique and Canouan worth, and punishing businesses. at least 5 agro-processing factories, debt. Taxpayers’ money has been turning a blind eye to Taiwan not The economy has become build a renewable electricity industry, wasted on many projects that do not paying tax on the billions of dollars dangerously weak under Gonsalves' and build a science university. SVG create revenue for our country, such as they make using SVG’s deep sea governance: grass has taken over needs education, innovation and the Belle Isle jail. fishing licence, are major causes of agriculture; tourism is dying; the rural creativity.

Gonsalves' economic strategy of this decline. begging and borrowing around the Our country cannot go forward and economy has been slaughtered; small SVG Green Party businesses are going bust, and other world is a failure. The begging bowl is achieve sustainable development and businesses have had their lowest sales www.svggreenparty.org full of holes: Libya's Gadaffi is dead; create thousands of new, long-term in 40 years; and, remittances from the Find us of Facebook and Twitter Venezuela’s Chavez is dead and his jobs, while losing out on billions of

2015: Record year for road fatalities THE RECORD number of deaths that have occurred on the roads of this country up to December 29 this year is of concern for officers of the Traffic Department in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

According to Sergeant Henry Providence of the Traffic Department, the previous record was the 13 deaths recorded in 2009, resulting from 11 accidents.

He also noted that between January 1 and December 28, 2014, there were 692 reported accidents, among which were 10 fatal accidents resulting in 12 persons being killed.

Sergeant Providence confirmed that for the period January 1 to December 29, 2015, there were 15 fatal accidents with 25 persons being killed.

“That is a figure that is of serious concern to us,” Sgt Providence told THE VINCENTIAN. There has also been an increase in the number of reported accidents for the year so far, he further explained.

Up to November 2015, there have been 764 accidents reported, and the tally does not include the statistics for December.

It was expected that the year’s tally would be compiled by the end of this week.

“So it is a significant increase, and some drastic measures need to be taken to take this down to some level of satisfaction,” he said.

And with this being the Holiday Season, Sgt Providence explained that, while it is difficult to state factually that alcohol and/or drug consumption was a major

Traffic accidents up to November 30, 2015 have shown an increase over the total recorded for the entire year of 2014. contributing factor to the Sergeant Henry accident count to date, the Providence of the department has observed Traffic Department that there is usually is hopeful that the increased alcohol Traffic Laws will consumption during the be revised so as to provide for new Carnival, Christmas and and improved measures that could New Year’s periods. be used by Traffic Police in the The statistics for the dispensation of their duties.

Christmas weekend 2015, which Providence said was Providence told THE between Thursday December 24 VINCENTIAN that the and Sunday 27, there were 17 administering of breathalyser reported accidents, three more tests was not currently in the than those reported for the traffic act, but he said that he corresponding period in 2014. hoped that once the laws were Of the reported accidents for revised that that will be one of the Christmas weekend, there the things incorporated. were three with injuries, 13 “Because as it stands right without and one fatality. now, if an officer is of the That fatal accident occurred opinion that somebody is under on December 24. Francis the influence of a drug or Thomas succumbed to injuries alcohol, the person has to be he received when the motor taken to the hospital and tests vehicle PM845 which he was administered there. Blood has driving, overturned on the main to be drawn, [and] if the person road at Ratho Mill. refuses, that is it for the police; There were no fatalities they have no further authority recorded during the Christmas to compel the driver to draw weekend of 2014. that blood,” he said. (DDD)

“The Sexually Abused Child, and the Abusive Limitation of the Law” OVER THE YEARS, legislative reform in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has sought to remove elements of discrimination against women. We were recently reminded that one such reform was piloted by the late Hon. Grafton Cephas Isaacs, who successfully advocated for “women with children to enter the police force”.

In similar manner, Hon. Yvonne Francis Gibson successfully advocated for women teachers’ right to become pregnant without having to resign their jobs.

Recent judgements in the Court point to the need for such strong advocates on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse. These judgements raise the question as to whether special time is set aside and special resources made available to acquaint the victims and the justice system with the new laws on Child Abuse, Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence.

In another context, His Excellency the Governor General stated that Church and State had failed the people. Indeed I would take it further — Church and State have also failed to protect the vulnerable. How can the Anglican and Catholic Churches make declarations against Domestic Violence, the Opposition hold a Forum on Domestic Violence (DV), and the Government pass laws on DV and Protection of Children, yet a person with disabilities, repeatedly abused from childhood by a foster father, cannot express the grounds for her case, because she is helpless, not before the Judge, but at the hands of an experienced criminal lawyer? How can this happen when the person in question is a Ward of government, placed in a foster home where the sexual abuse is alleged to have taken place? But the case is dismissed because a frightened, traumatized epileptic girl is triply abused and cannot give voice to her ordeal, and does not have a criminal lawyer as advocate. She now joins the thousands of children and women “walking wounded”.

To place laws, declarations and protections on paper is of no effect if the mechanisms to ‘walk them off the paper’ are not put in place. If we want the violence to stop, a Legal Aid Clinic needs to be set up urgently to assist these vulnerable ones.

In addition, State and other entities need to apply the financial resources available to fight abuse, not to more consultations but to lawyers who advocate for justice, and to training for victims, magistrates and judges on these issues. To do otherwise is to have the abused child further humiliated by the abusive limitation of the law.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator - Committee for the Development of Women

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 13.

News

Vincentian on Trans-Atlantic voyage

KIRK GRANT HAILS from Bottle and Glass, one on the communities that comprise the Central Leeward town of Barrouallie, a town known for its seafaring men and women, and Kirk is no exception.

He has developed into a tourism ambassador of sorts in Walliabou, a tranquil bay north of Barrouallie and a popular mooring for yachts persons the world over.

He recalls swimming out to yachts as a youngster and singing for the guests, when they moored their boats at Walliabou.

Now grown but still traversing the Bay, Kirk, or Alex as he is more well known, has become the ‘unofficial boat boy’ of Walliabou.

“I have friends all over the world, especially in Europe,” Alex disclosed.

And one of those relationships recently afforded him an experience of a lifetime, when he was invited to join the crew of a 44-foot vessel called ‘Pura Vida’, for her particicpation in the now internationally renowned race from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain to Rodney Bay in St. Lucia, an Atlantic Rally for Cruisers started in 1986.

The experience lasted from November 22 and

December 14,.

“It was a real tough time,” Grant confessed.

He referred to waves six metres high and 35 to 49 knots of wind.

The event is more for fun and camraderie but no one will deny Team Brunel their kudos having shaved seven hours off the record.

They completed the Kirk ‘Alex’ Grant has had journey in eight days, what could be a lifeseven hours, 39, changing experience. minutes 30 seconds.

Grant admitted that event injected into that his crew encountered few country’s economy. problems, but at times Two hundred yachts he conceded his mind in our shores at one time flashed to his wife and is a major boost to the five children. tourism product, Grant He operated on shifts posited. from 1 to 4 both AM and He would be pleased if PM. that number of yachts He explained some of can be accommodated in the techniques he used, St. Vincent and the and outlined: “You dance Grenadines, but he with the wave. ….. I admits that something know my navigation very has to be done to reduce good (well), I know my the incidents of compass. Sometime me harassment that yachts alone outside… encounter in some parts everybody sleeping.” along the Vincentian He recalled that they coast. used the Jib most of the The “Shanties on the time. “We didn’t want to shores of Walliabou for use the fuel.” example,” he suggests, “One time we had a “serve as a haven for the squall but it was not so persons who create havoc dangerous,” Grant with some yachts.” outlined.

Visitors have suffered Grant spent his 45th as a result of birthday on the voyage unscrupulous invaders, December 11, and but thankfully many admitted that he learnt a visitors/guests have lot. returned, he remarked.

Once in St. Lucia, (WKA) Alex was immediately impressed how much the

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14. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bequia Reading Club gives Christmas delight

by GLORIAH…

‘Blossom the Clown’ and children showing off their gifts.

LAST SATURDAY, 19th December, the members of the Children’s Reading Club on Bequia and

children of families visiting by yachts were given a special treat at the Fig Tree Restaurant, Belomont.

According to club founder Ms. Cheryl Johnson, “Every year, we bring the children together and give them gifts and have a little party for them.

We always want to bring some cheer and smiles to their faces, so ‘Blossom’ and club founder that is what we Cheryl Johnson. did today.”

What was comprehension, special about this year’s composition, and event, was a wonderful reporting. session with ‘Blossom “Another great thing the Clown’. ‘Blossom’, a that happens at the Canadian who is a Reading Club, is that periodic visitor to when we have new Bequia, gave freely of children, a child — any her time and talent to child is called upon to entertain the children. welcome the new She was even able to children, as well as to captivate the interest of thank the volunteers several of the adult that are coming,” volunteers and patrons.

Johnson explained, The Bequia children’s adding, “Sometimes it’s Reading Club has been just one sentence, and in existence for some sometimes they say more nine years. It continues than that.” to attract volunteers who Johnson remarked come primarily from that she particularly persons who are enjoys this segment since holidaying on the island, it is heart-warming to persons visiting on cruise observe the children’s lines and yachts persons. growth in terms of their Children, three years language and confidence. and over, are only As for the Christmas required to present party, funding was made themselves at the Fig possible through the Tree Restaurant at book exchange facilitated 2:00pm twice per month, by the Fig Tree and to bring with them a Restaurant. Patrons are good attitude and a encouraged to take a willingness to learn book and to leave one in something new. They its place, while are divided into different contributing $1. A levels or groups. Each donation cup, stationed child is given a book at the Bequia Bookshop, which is specific to is also helpful. And so it his/her particular age was that each child was range, which she is able to receive a gift — an encouraged to read with activity which added to a volunteer, after which their delight, and put the he/she reports on the icing on the cake of their story. afternoon.

According to Ms. The Fig Tree Johnson, this fosters the Restaurant also hosts an child’s language skills of Adult Book Club.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 15.

LIME unwraps 200 smiles “THANK YOU!” “GOD WILL BLESS ALYO!” “LIME mek me see Christmas!” are some of the words of gratitude expressed to the ‘LIME Caravan of Care’, as they journeyed from Fancy to Fitz Hughes delivering care packages.

This tradition of giving by the telecommunications provider is now into its 16th year.

Members of the Sales and Marketing Department delivered vital foodstuff and toiletries to shut-ins, indigent and needy Vincentians, just in time for Christmas.

Senior Marketing and Corporate Communications

Executive Nikala Williams expressed the sentiment that “this continues to be a lifechanging experience for everyone who volunteers from LIME. Some of these persons are disabled, live alone and sometimes hungry or in pain,but still have the ability to smile, give God thanks and share a bit of humour.”

All the recipients, and even persons who did not receive the LIME care packages, commended the company for its gesture of care and compassion to the persons in need; who ranged from parentless children, to blind,

crippled and bed-ridden individuals.

One citizen was moved to comment: “In a time when most businesses looking to see how much they can get from their customers, it is refreshing to see LIME out here giving to people who can’t even help themselves.”

This was just one of the many ways that LIME Unwrapped Christmas throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. Hundreds of customers received FREE gifts with their purchases, won shopping sprees, free credit for a whole year, free hams and so much more.

Sion Hill seniors recognised SEVENTY-FIVE SENIOR members of the Sion Hill community were recent recipients of some Christmas cheer.

The cheer came compliments a combined undertaking by the Friends of Sion Hill Inc (FOSH) and the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra.

Each senior was presented with a specially designed gift bag of food items, distributed on the ground by members of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra.

Funds to support the gesture, which amounted to two barrels of items, were raised by the Donnette Fitzpatrick hands over a gift bag New York based FOSH Inc., to Augustine Woodley. through events that included a barbecue in June and a boat ride He said that the FOSH has other in August, in the USA. proposals and support events which Oxley Lowmans of the FOSH Inc. would not only serve the localised Sion noted that the presentation to the Hill community, but the wider St elders of the community, is a way of Vincent and the Grenadines. acknowledging their efforts in making FOSH Inc. was officially launched Sion Hill a better place for future in June 2014. Its motto is: ‘Rebuilding generations. a community… One life at a time’.

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16. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Culture

Big journey for Rodney Small

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY IF RODNEY SMALL gets his way, the next version of ‘Steel Expressions’ will be a calendar event that the Ministry of Tourism can advertise as a ‘Jazz and Blues Festival’ – the ultimate Vincentian cultural extravaganza.

A stage mounted in front of the Mike Findlay Stand at Arnos Vale Playing Field, December 27, 2015, was the place and date for the fifth edition of ‘Steel Expressions’ — a variety concert of sorts, the brainchild of renowned local pannist and Cultural Officer, Rodney Small.

Rodney Small, originator and top billed artiste of Steel Expressions The first edition was Small’s final year into one of many presentations on the night. project for his course Expression Crew broadened Addison Stoddard ensured of study at the Edna Manley the scope with their that the love segment was College of the Visual and drumming, story-telling and complete.

Performing Arts, Jamaica, and dancing. Their rendition of The ‘Circle of Inspiration’ on presentation of his Winfield ‘Mighty Rey’ changed the mood, and undertaking, he received Williams’ ‘Pickney get up,’ Shaunelle McKenzie in Gospel commendations, and was gave the event a deep homemode, had a sobering and advised to “take the show on grown foundation. enthralling impact. the road.” He has done just A segment entitled ‘Circle of Small himself carried the that.

Youth’ followed; it set the message with interpretations Small opened last Sunday stage for the younger of ‘Let it be’, ‘Satan Company’, night with a repertoire on pan, generation.

‘Lift up your head’, ‘Giving accompanied by the Ultimate Small rolled out numbers thanks’ among others.

Band, made up of two like ‘Stand by me,’ ‘Cherish A complement of trumpet, keyboards, bass, guitar and the love,’ ‘Just don’t want to be saxophone and trombone drums. That segment included lonely,’ ‘When I need love,’ players arrived on stage to a moving rendition of “When a man loves a woman,’ pay tribute to fallen ‘Redemption Song,’ in keeping with another calypsonian Gerard ‘Rasum’ popularised by Jamaican Bob segment dubbed ‘Circle of Shallow, as Small played Marley. love.’ Omoro Thomas on ‘Perseverance,’ one of Rasum’s But that segment was not Saxophone with ‘Never gonna classics. confined to Small. The Urban dance this dance again,’ and The ‘Circle of Next

Urban Expression Crew laid the home-grown foundation with their drumming and folkloric presentations.

Violinist Milan Compton doing the hit ‘One moment in time’ and bringing a fresh view of Vincentian talent.

Generation’ lived up to its billing with 11-year-old violinist Milan Compton doing the hit ‘One moment in time’, and Geniene ‘G3M’ Browne rendering a cool and relaxed vocal interpretation of Adele’s ‘Hello’.

And then there was Cacique Ollivierre, whom Small described as the one he is certain will maintain the legacy of ‘Steel Expressions’.

Cacique is one of Johnny ‘JP’ Pompey’s students, just like Small was. Together, they share a love and passion for the pan, and Cacique has no qualms about walking in Small’s footsteps. Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams performed the ‘Ras Shorty classic ‘Watch out my children’.

Small might have been mentally drained with the effort that he put in before and during the event. But there was no real signs of this when Hance John reached on stage. Hance performed unrehearsed, coming directly to the venue from the E.T. Joshua Airport on arriving from Barbados where he is a UWI student, and showed his versatility with a crisp medley of primarily reggae

contemporary numbers.

Reigning Ragga and Soca Monarch Gamal ‘Skinny’ Fabulous Doyle did not make the trip home for the show, but the audience filled in for him, bringing the curtains down with a singing along to a big screen video presentation of his ‘This Island is Mine’.

Small acknowledged that getting the event going “is not an easy task,” but intimated that there is “something in the basket,” for 2016.

Geniene ‘G3M’ Browne delivering an emotionally charged rendition of Adele’s ‘Hello’.

A combination of brass and electronic instruments and pan in tribute to Gerard ‘Rasum’ Shallow.

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 17.

ETROCINT GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD. celebrates another milestone – the 47th anniversary of its birth.

In an era when mergers and buyouts, some amicable some hostile, cloud the landscape of the world of business and commerce, Metrocint stands

M

towering on its own; honouring its commitments to a growing clientele, even as it expands its portfolio.

Those who have been intimately associated with the company, the first indigenous Insurance Company in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, speak to an

unlikely journey that began 47 years ago.

Many were those who doubted the ‘feasibility’ of the investment, and predicted its demise within a ear.

As fate would have it, Metrocint blossomed in a rigidly controlled, staid industry, to become a national leader.

Its services, originally

founded on a portfolio that included only coverage for motor vehicles, now include a full complement of General Insurance Products — Houseowner/ Householders, Commercial Fire and Perils, Consequential Loss of Profits, Burglary, Employer’s Liability and Public Liability.

It is safe to say, that

the huge gamble taken by its founder, Edgerton ‘Uncle Metro’ Richards, has brought returns on a humble investment made some 47 years ago, improved services to an expanding clientele, and injected a healthy competitive atmosphere to the industry.

As such, therefore, Metrocint is today an integral player in the broad financial service sector of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, honouring its commitment to both clients and the state.

So, as we look back over the last four decades and more, we are satisfied that Metrocint has become one of the top ‘movers and shakers’ in the local insurance industry. Those who laboured through the vineyards of the past, and those who man the operations today, must have got it right.

Admittedly, there’s much room for growth.

In some ways, even after 47 years, it could feel like the foundation has just been laid. For as Metrocint grows from strength to strength, as it gains territory and holds on to it, there is a sense that this company is focused on ensuring regular growth to the benefit of those its serves directly, and to the state’s economy as a whole.

And, perhaps all of this success is due to the personal connections and hometown ties that have characterised the company’s modus operandi, as enlarged in living colour by its founder, and continued by his successors.

That could well be the basis for what makes Metrocint so different.

Join us in celebrating our 47th anniversary.

‘We got you covered’.

18. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 27.

Diaspora

VincyCares making it easier for students

6th Annual Dinner/ Dance and Awards Ceremony in Brooklyn, New York, its role in making a significant difference in the lives of needy Vincentian students was put into better focus.

The group, which is only six years old, showed slides, and featured the progression of students, Franklyn ‘Supadex’ Richards – who, over the President of VincyCares Inc. years, have benefited from the Victoria Sutherland Scholarship Fund.

The fund was established to “assist less fortunate children who exhibit potential in academics, sports or the arts, but face financial challenges that may prevent them from achieving a secondary education,” said Dahalia-Ann Howard-Lewis, Kingstown-based board member VincyCares Inc., in a of VincyCares Inc. statement in the souvenir journal that was distributed to patrons at the sell-out event at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

The fund is named after one of the scholarship recipients, Victoria Sutherland, of Sandy Bay, who, by a “chance meeting”, on Victoria Sutherland, first Back Street, scholarship recipient, in whose Kingstown, six honour the Scholarship Fund is years ago, by named.

Dahlia-Ann Howard-Lewis,

by NELSON A. KING prompted Howard-Lewis naking@verizon.net; and Kenley “Shortmus” kingnaking210@yahoo.com John, the group’s former US CORRESPONDENT president, of Sion Hill, to form VincyCares, Inc. AS THE POPULAR InternetSutherland, then 11 based group VincyCares, years old, was living with Inc. recently held its gala

her grandmother, and had travelled from Sandy Bay to sell sorrel, at about 7:00 a.m. one Friday morning, to make ends meet for her impecunious family.

Since its formation in November 2009, VincyCares, Inc. — which is currently led by community advocate, graphic artiste and restauranteur Franklyn “Supadex” Richards — has facilitated nine scholarships for secondary school children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The group has, among other things, also provided school supplies, collected at fundraising drives in Brooklyn, to all 59 elementary schools in the nation.

one-on-one conversation” with Howard-Lewis, “who keeps a close tab on their progress, and works with their parents to address any potential concerns.”

Howard-Lewis said she was “extremely proud and encouraged” by the contribution VincyCares, Inc. continues to make in nation-building.

“As I watch our children mature, I often wonder what life would have been for many of them and their families if it had not been for VincyCares, Inc., and, by extension, all of you,” she said.

“I firmly believe that this organization came into being Saying Thanks specifically for the purpose we continue Addressing the to pursue,” she added.

Dinner/Awards “When our children Ceremony, Richards get together, it is as if extended thanks to the they were meant to be patrons “for your with each other.” continued help This year, throughout our six-year VincyCares, Inc. existence,” and “to all of awarded scholarships the private donors of scholarship who see it in to two additional recipients: Mary Ann their hearts the need to help, to change the life of Woods who attended the Pamelus Burke a child in need.”

Primary School, In appealing for entered the Girls’ continued support, he High School in said, “As we work in September; and harmony to make this Rosique Toney, who world a better place for our children, I pray that entered the Thomas Saunders Secondary our hearts be open; and whatever positive energy School, also in September, came from we can generate, may, hopefully, create a spark the Richland Park Primary School. that can light the fire Other scholarship that will burn out the recipients: Phileen negative energies of our Cambridge, a Form 2 generation, and replace student at the Girls’ it with love.”

High School whose Richards alluded to a donor is Vince hope of awarding Matthews; Giovanni additional scholarships Lewis - Form 3 at the in forthcoming years.

St. Vincent Grammar School; Rickeisha The scholarship Glasgow - Form 3 recipients student at the Girls’ High School, whose On Nov. 2, the nine donor is Anita Botti; scholarship recipients Gail Ann Pierre met with VincyCares, Form 4 student at the Inc.’s Kingstown-based St. Joseph’s Convent board member HowardKingstown - donor is Lewis, who received an update on their progress Sara Toyloy; Tyricia Samuel - Form 4 at school. student at the Girls’ VincyCares, Inc. said High School; ,Nieasha the event, held at the Richards, - Form 4 Methodist Church Hall, “allowed the children the student at the Girls’ High School. opportunity to have a

Gail Ann Pierre scholarship recipient.

Giovanni Lewis scholarship recipient.

Nieasha Richards scholarship recipient.

Phileen Cambridge scholarship recipient.

Mary Ann Woods scholarship recipient.

Rosique Toney scholarship recipient.

Rickeisha Glasgow scholarship recipient.

Tyricia Samuel scholarship recipient.

As for Sutherland, she pursuing a course in food currently attends the and nutrition, and food Georgetown Technical preparation.

Institute where she is

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28. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Go ahead with the wedding Dear George, MY FIANCÉE and I have been dating for 2 years and have agreed to get married early in the New Year. Her parents promised faithfully to take care of the expenses of the wedding. Her father especially, insisted on doing exactly that.

It so happened that my fiancée’s father and I had a disagreement over the wedding arrangements after he explained it to me. I don’t want to go into the details about that but only to say that, he ended up changing his mind about financing the wedding, and got his wife to go along with him.

My fiancée is devastated and, with our wedding only a few months away, she cannot see us getting

married as planned. I told her to let us forget about her father and have a wedding that we can afford. She agreed eventually, but when we told her parents, they both said they would not be there, seeing that we “wanted” our “own way.” Now my fiancée wants to put off the wedding until her parents change their mind from not attending.

I do not agree with that approach, and that is where the recent disagreement is between us. We need your help!

Wedding in jeopardy Dear Wedding in jeopardy, It would be nice for

A disappointing internet relationship Dear George,

your fiancée’s parents to be at the wedding but, on the other hand, I cannot advocate for both of you to be waiting indefinitely for a possible change of heart on their part.

She needs to have a daughter and father talk to let him know that his little girl has grown up and needs to be respected as an adult, and that it is childish of him to take such a heavy-handed approach, all because he did not have his way. What should matter to him most is his daughter’s happiness. If nothing positive comes out of that chit-chat, then you guys should just go ahead with your plans to be

married and downscale if you have to.

It is a great idea for both of you get some premarital counselling to try to deal with the hiccup involving your fiancée’s parents. In the likely event of her parents still refusing to budge, that would be a decision they would have to live with.

George

I HAVE BEEN corresponding with this girl through the internet for the past four months.

We got around to talking about our feelings and things got to the point where I sent for her to spend some time with me. She is from another Caribbean country.

George, I was terribly disappointed after meeting her, and we broke off the relationship within two days of her getting here. Too many things were simply wrong with her. Her breath smelled like rotten garbage, her body odour was terribly offensive, and I literally had to beg her to shower the day after her arrival. All of this ended with her getting mad at me.

I gently helped her pack her things, and volunteered to take her to the airport, but she left my house and is somewhere about. I don’t know where and I don’t really care. She assured that that she would return to her country when her time was up. Needless to say I’ve learnt my lesson as far as internet dating in concerned.

Never again!

Dear Never again, There are so many things that can go wrong when it comes to internet dating, which is why extra caution must be taken if you ever decide to go that route.

This would be a good time to pay greater attention to an old adage, “Measure twice and cut once’.

George

Get off the bus now!!

Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND did me something that I cannot get over, and when I try to address it with him, he is hell bent on making excuses as to why he did it. This incident is about to cost him big time because I refuse to be second fiddle to anyone.

We were out at an event, and he attempted to introduce me to a few of his girlfriends, including some who were visiting from overseas. At first when he introduced me as ‘a friend of mine, I thought he was joking, but he continued to do so with all his friends.

I took him aside and asked him about it, and insisted that he go back and tell them who I really was. He refused, saying that it would be embarrassing to him and would also appear as though he was controlled by me.

We ran into the same group of girls (visitors) later that evening, and he was asked by one of them if he was dating anyone seriously. He laughingly replied, “Why do you want to know?” It was clear to me that he

either has something going with one of them or would like to start something. He lost my trust since that evening, and I am not about to go further with this relationship.

Getting Out Dear getting Out, This could be one time your gut feeling is probably right, and you ought to follow it.

From what you described, it appears that you have seen and heard enough to convince you that your boyfriend may not be as committed to you as you might think. His failure or reluctance to openly declare your relationship should rightfully be of concern to you. You gave him a chance to explain himself, but his explanation only resulted in him digging a deeper hole to bury himself.

This is as good a time as any to stop the bus and get off, before the trip gets too costly.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make sure that you get legal matters checked out thoroughly. Invest wisely.

Your personal life could have you tied up in knots. You will be a bit of a spendthrift this week. Problems with your partner are apparent.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may find yourself in a romantic situation. Socialize with friends, but don't overspend on lavish entertainment. Children could cost you more than you can afford. Work hard on improving your living quarters.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may be emotional and quick to judge others. You should get involved in competitive sports this week. You will be able to make changes regarding your living arrangements. Don't be alarmed.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. Anger could lead to problems. You should get out and meet new people this week. You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art, or music this week.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Leave things as they are for the moment and focus on reaching your highest potential at work. Try not to spend too much on children or entertainment. You can make money through your creative efforts. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Travel will be favorable and bring you the greatest rewards. You need to look into new philosophies. Be sure not to reveal private information to the wrong individuals. Stop those bad habits.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't make promises you can't keep.

Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don't push them, instead just

continue working on development.

Direct your energy wisely this week.

Anger will prevail if you expect help from others. The existing problems must be dealt with one way or another.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. You may win favors if you present your ideas and include your family. Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items. Don't forget that your budget is limited right now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) In-laws may cause difficulties. Travel should be considered. Help children with important projects. Uncertainties about your home may cause tension.

Career changes may not be your choice right now, but in the long run they will be to your advantage.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. You can make money if you concentrate on producing services or goods that will make domestic chores easier. You will earn recognition for the work you are doing.

Property investments will payoff.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can meet new and exciting friends who will provide mental stimulation.

Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely. You will be able to work with fine detail this week. You may find out that someone is trying to undermine you.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Partners may try to argue with you; however, you must stand your ground.

You must deal with an emotional problem with your loved one that you have been avoiding for some time now.

Family may not want to get involved but an entrepreneur will. Health problems may prevail if you don't take care of them immediately.

ACROSS

53. “Get ‘em, Rover!”

1.Hog’s abode 54. __ and now 4. Society gal 55. Lad’s 7. Comic strip companion word 56. “Harper 10. “__ is Valley __” me!”

57. Bro’s 11. Volunteered sibling 12. School subj. 58. Whether or 13. __ bind __ (2 wds.)

59. Until now 14. Potato buds 15. Choir DOWN member 16. Cruel 1.Actress dictator Loretta 18. School subj. 2. Broadway 20. Penniless prize 22. Ancient 3. Leap __ Mexican 4. Florida 26. Helena’s racing state locale 29. Molars 5. Genesis 30. Physicians’ woman gp.

6. Mrs. Harry 31. Candidate Truman Landon 7. Comrade 33. Train stop 8. Mel of (abbr.)

Cooperstown 34. Reimburse 9. Question 37. Sowed word 40. Animal trap 11. Hard 41. __ Roman salami Empire 12. Shade of 42. Pen filler yellow 44. Speedy cars 17. Inclined 48. Orangutans (to) 51. The fat __ 19. Fancy the fire Feast (2 wds.) eater

21. Busdriving Kramden 23.Experiment 24. Diminutive suffix 25. __ & Jeremy 26. The Red Planet 27. Portent 28. Wine valley 32. Flower seller 35. Come up 36. Craving 38. Arkin and King 39. “Friends” setting (abbr.)

43. Potter’s oven 45. See at a distance 46. Religious ceremony 47. “Take a hike!”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 29.

48. Admiring sounds 49. Canadian prov.

50. Verbal pauses 52. __ Paulo

V

30. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Sports class

WHEN SCHOOLS sports attract community and national attention, then there will be renewed interest in extra curricula activities.

For most parents, sections of the population and teachers, having children attend sporting sessions is a diversion from educational programmes.

The contribution of sports to the maintenance of health has been acknowledged. Yet, there is a reluctance in some quarters to embrace some sporting activities, and neither children nor teachers are encouraged to hone their natural instincts.

The second term of the School year will see a number of sports competitions at the school level.

Inter Primary and Secopndary School Meets will take centre stage.

Scouts anxious to develop their Club structures will have their eyes open for potential additions to their outfits.

The relevance of training is becoming more obvious in many circles. The youngsters are keen.

They need support and encouragement from all sectors of the society, and the elders and inspirational members of the community must provide guidance in the right direction.

There is a tendency towards cross border conflicts. Officials put up the strangest justification for reasons why things ought to remain at a standstill. They have little desire to see progress and development of the total human factor.

We seem to thrive on the pillar of destruction and wear that tag with unabashed pride.

It has perhaps come as a natural part of our existence. When we see the possibility of progress beyond the horizon, we portray that attitude of suppression so as to maintain a system of egotism.

The Caribbean is at the crossroads of an identity crisis. Having been stung by the failure of our greatest unifying asset, Cricket, we have reverted to that narrow band of nationalism where we believe that our space has suddenly become the widest and most diverse piece of real landscape on the entire universe.

The Vincentian experience is that sport is a part time occupation. We approach it with caution. It is only when it rebounds to huge economic spill over, that the matter dawns.

Social requirements and other every need, including maintenance add strain on besieged regimes.

Reminders from certain quarters in some communities remind policy makers of the relevance of sport to the nation’s stability and growth.

There is the aspect of coordination between the bodies charged with organising the sport, and authorities entrusted by reason of logistics or decree.

The matter of interference and asserting control will always be factors on which differences will be distinguished on knife-edged interpretations.

Conflicts will persist, and if we are not mature enough to admit to them, much less try to solve them, they will fester and haunt us. There will hardly be consensus, for the opportunity to lift up mankind is uppermost in most people’s minds if they are concerned about future development.

The young Caribbean Sports generation have a huge task on their hand to keep up with the burst in technology that has engulfed mankind.

The notion has to be accepted that Sports must be a part of the society, from cradle to the grave.

The strategies have to be mapped up incorporating all stakeholders.

This is a deep-rooted affair, and there must be serious progression extended to be commensurate with all segments of the society that we look at bench mark for social advancement.

Guyana Jaguars lead the points standing after playing unbeaten in the first five rounds of the 2015/16 WIBC/PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament.

Smith wards off T&T attack THE WINDWARDS VOLCANOES maintained their place in the points tables after drawing their fifth round match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, in the 2015/16 WICB/PCL Regional 4-Day tournament.

However, this was only so after ex-West Indies opener Devon Smith ensured that they batted safely through their second innings.

The left-handed Smith’s innings of 56 was critical to the Volcanoes staving off a determined effort by the Red Force, to cause an early dismissal of the Volcanoes in their second innings.

Trailing by 76 on first innings and starting the fourth day, Monday 14th December on two without loss in the match played in St. Lucia, Volcanoes had reached 198 for eight in their second innings, a lead of 122 runs, when the two captains agreed to call the game off and declare it a draw.

The agreed drawn game gave Volcanoes six points while Red Force took seven Devon Smith put in points, having led on first an uncharacteristic innings. sedate innings to In saving the game, ensure that the Smith received support Volcanoes were not from Shane Shillingford overrun by the T&T who got 34. Andre Fletcher had earlier scored 29 and Red Force.

Kevin McClean 24.

Part-time off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine (2-27), leg- Off Spinner spinner Imran Khan (2-38) and Shane left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein Shillingford (2-84) were T&T’s main wicket- turned in an takers in the Volcanoes second innings with the innings. bat that also There was a clear helped to ward determination on the Red Force’s part when they took the off the Trinidadians. field on the fourth day. The determination seemed to have been paying off as the Volcanoes lost early wickets.

Smith watched as wickets fell around him, but dug in, and heroically led the rear guard action against a hyped Red Force.

His match-saving innings, 56, spanned some 186 balls, and he occupied the crease for some 3-1/2 hours. It was as sedate an innings as Smith would have ever played, one that included a mere 3 boundaries.

When Smith departed as the sixth wicket to fall and with tea approaching, he had all but assured that his team was out of the woods. However, Shillingford took no chances and whacked four sixes in a 94-ball knock, just to make sure.

The PCL resumes on February 11, 2016. The Volcanoes will face the Barbados Pride from February 12 — 15 at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

The points standing at the end of the fifth round, read as follows: Guyana Jaguars — 85 pts; Barbados Pride — 63 pts; Jamaican Scorpions — 53 pts; T&T Red Force 37 pts; Windwards Volcanoes — 29 pts; Leewards Hurricanes — 13 pts.

Non-Fathers return to dominate THE YOUNGSTERS may have won this year’s Over the years, the game has attracted the clash between the ‘Fathers’ vs ‘Non-Fathers’ at the participation of some persons from Marriaqua who Cane End Playing Field on Christmas Day, but the excelled both at the local and national levels. These experience of the veterans ensured that the victory included Alwyn ‘Parpy’ Guy, Jerry and Donovan did not come easy.

Crick, Keith Gilbert and Mikey Tesheira.

After a match in which both teams put their all, Some young and upcoming talent has also been for pride in themselves and their generations, the showcased, including National U-17 player, Non-Fathers emerged victors, beating the Fathers Emerson Prince. (DDD) by a two goal margin of 6-4.

The goal scorers for the Non-Fathers: Roger Samuel (2), Javorne Francis (Captain - 2), Yomari Harry and Emerson Prince one each.

Scoring for the Fathers were Orande James, Andre Primus, Freddy Richardson, and there was an own goal.

This year’s result means that the NonFathers continue their dominance over the competition, having won the first three titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The Fathers claimed titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012. There was no competition in 2013 due to the rain storm that wreaked havoc on the country, causing damage to property and loss of life.

Last year’s competition resulted in a 3-3 draw.

The game is organised by the ‘Out Ah Trouble Family’ as an activity to bring Carlos ‘Manage’ James (right) hands over the Carib Beer members of the Marriaqua Community Fathers vs Non-Fathers Competition trophy to Yoman Harry together. of the victorious Non-Fathers team.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015. 31.

Classifieds

Election application refused: Opposition leader remains positive Continued from Back Page. mutilated, and were not included in the final count. “They therefore, have no evidence as to for whom those ballots had been counted. They were not able to suggest that the inclusion or exclusion of these ballots would have affected the outcome of the election,� the document stated.

Justice Cottle ruled that the applicant, Exeter, had the opportunity to inspect all the ballots and satisfy himself of the accuracy of the count, but failed to do so because he was objecting to certain ballots, although he did not identify them.

“To my mind the application on the grounds presented and to the evidence adduced epitomizes a fishing expedition,� Justice Cottle wrote. (DDD)

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Happy new year

JANE VICTORIA HENRY New Testament Church Camden Park Wednesday 30th December, 2015 3:00 p.m

VINCENT GAYMES New Testament Church of God .HDUWRQÂśV +LOO Barrouallie Sunday 27th December, 2015 1:00 p.m.

MRS. ETHELYN DOREEN HARRIS-MC CAUL EHWWHU NQRZQ DV Âľ0RPVÂś Cathedral of the Assumption, Kingstown Wednesday 30th December, 2015 2:00 p.m

JANE SCARBORO St. John Spiritual %DSWLVW &RXOOÂśV +LOO Saturday 19th December, 2015 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

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S A L E

THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 31, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.53

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EC$1.50

ELECTION APPLICATION REFUSED:

OPPOSITION LEADER REMAINS POSITIVE LEADER of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and recently installed Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, says that while he accepts the Court’s ruling in an election related matter involving Benjamin Exeter and the Supervisor of Elections, he is not in agreement with it.

Exeter was the NDP’s candidate in the Central Leeward constituency for the December 9, 2015 general elections.

Eustace stated that the latest ruling will not have much impact on the NDP’s plans to file further petitions in the High Court.

“We are going to the next level. We are going on with the next business, and we expect that by the deadlines (for all the petitions to be submitted) that we will have all our petitions in court,” Eustace told THE VINCENTIAN, on Tuesday.

“The court has ruled, and I accept; but I am not saying that I agree with the ruling. I accept that the court has ruled,” he continued.

The ruling On Monday, Justice Brian Cottle of the Eastern Caribbean High Court sitting in the High Court of Justice St Vincent and the Grenadines, issued a ruling which rejected an application made by the NDP’s Exeter.

The application was for an order that the Supervisor of Elections produce all ballot boxes in her custody for the constituency of Central Leeward, and all sealed packages containing counterfoils.

The order also sought to have the Court order that the Applicant, Exeter, be allowed to inspect all counterfoils and ballot papers concerned.

In his ruling, Justice Cottle indicated that the court was concerned if the application was allowed, i.e. the inspection of counterfoils and ballots cast, that this would result in the identification of individual voters According to Justice Brian Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Ben Exeter, NDP candidate, and how they Cottle, the Complainant Ben had moved to have the Court NDP, does not expect the voted.

Exeter had every opportunity order his inspection of ballots recent ruling to curtail his Justice Cottle to inspect the ballots, but cast in Central Leeward where party’s plans to file further also ruled that he he contested. petitions in the Court. did not consider the chose not to do so. applicant to have shown any strong ever, grant it unless a petition or of postal votes had been overlooked. grounds for the application to be prosecution has been instituted or is However, in Monday’s ruling, granted. about to be instituted and it is shown Justice Cottle wrote that in this case, He wrote in his ruling: “No to be really required.” there was no issue of overlooked votes, suggestion has been made that there Justice Cottle referenced further the nor was there a complaint about the exists any danger that those Lancashire, Darwen Division Case preliminary vote. documents are in any way at risk of (1885) where the court refused to allow The written ruling stated that at being tampered with,” and he referred an inspection before an election the hearing, Stanley John Q.C. to Halsbury’s Laws of England, Vol 15, petition was lodged, and contrasted explained that Exeter and his legal paragraph 851 which stated that, that with the Gough v London Sunday representatives had objected to certain “Strong grounds for making an order Newspaper (2003) where there was an disputed ballots deemed to be must be shown and the court must be admitted error in the count of the satisfied that the application for it is votes.

Continued on Page 31. made in good faith and will rarely, if In the latter case, an entire packet

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.