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FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 04, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.49

www.thevincentian.com

ÂWE WILL OBJECT,Ê WARNS GONSALVES

Monsignor Michael Stewart, who heads the NMCM, has been advised by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves that he should not allow anyone who is a known anti-ULP activist to serve as an elections monitor.

by DAYLE DA SILVA “WE WILL OBJECT to any wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

So says the Political Leader of

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, pictured with His Holiness Pope Francis, has gone out of his way to remind the populace that he is a member of the Roman Catholic faith. the Unity Labour Party (ULP), Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who, last Saturday, told a public meeting of his party, that he was advising Monsignor Michael Stewart, Chairman of the St Vincent and the Christian Council and the

National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM), to be very selective with respect to those who will make up the team of local monitors.

Continued on Page 3.

EC$1.50

POLICE REMAIN ON FULL ALERT AS INVESTIGATIONS continue into the matter involving damage to the motor car belonging to Deborah Charles, the Unity Labour Party’s candidate for West Kingstown, Commissioner of Police(CoP) Michael Charles is reporting that the election campaign, while it has been challenging for the Police CoP Michael Charles has given the Force, has gone, assurance that the generally, without many incidents of misbehaviour RSVG Police Force will be on full alert as by citizens. the country enters Charles told THE the final days of the VINCENTIAN that to campaign leading up date, the only two major incidents to have occurred to the December 9, 2015 General were: the act of Elections. vandalism that occurred against Charles’ car, when the driver’s side window was smashed and the battery stolen; and the bottle-throwing incident that occurred at Petit Bordel during a function being held by the ULP. The CoP did say that there were other minor incidents that have occurred, the majority of which were traffic related when supporters parked vehicles in an effort to block opposing supporters.

“Other than that, the police have been on the ball,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. “This time is usually referred to as ‘silly season,’ and during this time, we will be out in full force,” he said.

In response to an earlier claim made by members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) that police presence was often absent at their political rallies, the top cop said that this was not true, and assured that police will be present at all major political events scheduled by any of the four political parties here.

And as far as this weekend, the final before the 2015 General Elections, is concerned, Charles affirmed that the police will continue to be on full alert.

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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Police Office Shorn Williams should be a happy man having had his wish come through.

Digicel: Making wishes come true!

DIGICEL is granting a wish a day in their Christmas promotion dubbed “The More the Merrier with Digicel!”

Customers simply have

to Top Up $10 or more, pay their bill on time, activate a data plan, join the Digicel family or send a text to 1130 stating what their Christmas wish is, to qualify for a chance to win, and win big.

To date, Digicel has fulfilled the wishers of four persons: Orin Ashton whose wished

was for his mother’s University tuition to be paid off; Shorn Williams who wished for a washing machine; Veronica McDowall who wished for a New Stove; and Antonio Forbes who wished for a Microwave.

With Christmas fast approaching, Digicel is encouraging all their

customers and potential customers to be a part of the ‘More the Merrier Orin Ashton will have Christmas Promotion’. his mother’s university “Enter now to get a chance to have your wish tuition paid off. granted,” Digicel urges.

Wishes are granted 5pm. Enter and listen live on Xtreme radio at for your name.

Veronica McDowall collecting her Stove – her Christmas wish.

CIBC-FCIB staff reaching out THE STAFF OF CIBC First Caribbean International Bank brought smiles to the faces of residents of the Lewis Punnett Home, with the donation of toiletries to that institution in October this year.

The gesture was an activity of the bank’s Adopt-A-Cause programme.

The items were purchased and packaged by the staff.

The Adopt-A-Cause programme aims to foster staff volunteerism and community involvement, and is an annual ongoing exercise, which sees staff cleaning, painting, and building, among other community based activities.

CIBC First Caribbean International Bank staff will soon be involved in the erection of a wall on the south side of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, which would increase the safety and security of the faculty and students at the school.

The staff will also be making a donation to the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, towards the purchase of much needed science supplies.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 3.

News 3 ‘No fear of victimization,’ says Fya Empress school,” Nedd-Reid told THE VINCENTIAN via telephone, from her base in Tobago, last Wednesday.

is that 24 hours ago, I had given the NDP notice that I would not be performing because of my family, but they chose instead to talk about Defending her decision victimization. Let me say this, and I know they will hear the Making a ‘surprise’ message loud and clear, that I appearance at a Unity was not victimized in any way, Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ NeddLabour Party (ULP) on the and my family has not been Reid at the ULP Meeting same Saturday in Calliaqua, victimized in any way by the defending her decision not to perform at an NDP Youth Rally. ‘Fya Empress’ defended her ULP. On Election Day, vote action. for what you want, family “I was not supposed to be comes first,” she continued.

LORNETTE ‘FYA EMPRESS’ here, as a matter of fact I was NEDD-REID, Vincentian born, hired to sing for the NDP. I Annoyed – Forced into Trinidad-based calypso and soca decided to make a choice that responding performing and recording was my own, and I want you artiste, and former Calypso, all to know that it was my own The sought-after Ragga Soca and Road March choice because, at the end of entertainer told THE winner here, says that she has the day, family comes first,” VINCENTIAN on Wednesday no fear about being victimized she told the ULP gathering. that she was annoyed at what following her decision not to Nedd-Reid further was posted on the social media perform at a New Democratic explained that after receiving site Facebook.

Party (NDP) political rally in the call to come to St Vincent, “It’s what they wrote, they Barrouallie, last Saturday. she contacted her parents. got 24 hours’ notice, they Nor does she have any fear According to her, her father ought to have announced it that members of her family expressed disappointment that just as they heard the news,” will be targeted. she had consented to perform she said.

“My father was an SSU The post that surfaced on at an NDP event.

(Special Services Unit) officer, “And that was coming from the NDP’s Facebook page my mother was a nurse and my dad. Me being a first born, minutes before 8 on Saturday my sister, they cannot so you must know how I feel night stated: ‘We regret that victimize her because she one of the contracted about that. Family comes works as a teacher at a private first, so what I am here to say performers who was to appear

here tonight has withdrawn at the last minute; after her family had come under pressure and threats of victimisation by the DYING regime of Ralph Gonsalves.

We stand in solidarity and sympathy with Fya Empress, who dearly wanted to perform here tonight. This latest action by the government emphasises the fear and intimidation with which they have sought to rule. Fortunately, the era of fear and victimisation ends on December 9th’.

The incident prompted Nedd-Reid and her team to issue a statement.

The statement indicated that she was contacted at the beginning of the week of November 23 by Vynette Frederick on behalf of the NDP, and was asked whether she would be willing to perform at a youth rally on November 28.

She was subsequently contacted by Jamron Delpleche and an agreement was reached on the appearance fee and accommodation. She stated, however, that she decided to stay with family.

‘An airline ticket

NDP would not hire ‘Fya Empress’ again person who has respect for me in the ULP, told DOUGLAS DE me that the ULP has FREITAS, proprietor of reached ‘Fya Empress’ Nice Radio, a perceived ….and she would not be pro New Democratic performing’.”

Party (NDP) radio Persons from the NDP station here, has made it contacted the artiste, clear that party will not who informed them that attempt in the future to her family had been contract the services of pressured. “So she Vincentian Soca Diva refused to perform,” said Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ De Freitas, who Nedd. indicated that the The position was message was advanced following the communicated at the artiste’s ‘no show’ at the NDP’s Youth Rally in NDP Youth Rally in Barrouallie.

Barrouallie, last The Trinidad and Saturday.

Tobago based ‘Fya De Freitas, speaking Empress’ proceeded on on the Boom FM 106.9 Saturday night to the OMG morning show last ULP meeting in Wednesday, said that he Calliaqua, where she paid for the artiste’s explained her reason for flight to St.Vincent from withdrawing from the Trinidad and Tobago. cast of the NDP Rally.

According to De She followed that up Freitas, she arrived later with a Press Release on than scheduled on Wednesday of this week.

Wednesday and went De Freitas confirmed straight to the band on the BOOM radio room, where she programme, that the rehearsed with the band artiste, accompanied by Kinetic. her father, came to the “Thursday night, Dr. NDP’s headquarters on Friday called me. He Monday, to refund the said, ‘Dougie, a reliable money for her airline

by KENVILLE HORNE

ticket.

He also confirmed that he expressed his disappointment to her, explaining that disappointment as arising from the fact that the female artiste had performed for the NDP during two previous general elections, and had, in fact, composed and performed a special song for the NDP campaign in 2010.

De Freitas, an experienced music producer and promoter, advanced the opinion that ‘Fya Empress’s’ action will affect her in St, Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I don’t want people to treat her badly, because she made an error, an error of judgement; but people are very different you know,” said the business man.

He admitted that some NDP supporters have been calling for her music to be pulled from Nice Radio, but the

was sent to me via email by Mr Dougie De Freitas…I travelled to St Vincent on Wednesday, November 25.

Upon arrival to St Vincent, I was not met by any official responsible for organizing the Youth Rally, nor by Mr De Freitas. I was not in receipt of any per diem, allowance either,’ the statement read.

It went on to state that Nedd-Reid made contact with Delpleche and was advised of a rehearsal on Thursday, November 26, which she said she attended.

However, up to Friday, based on information provided in the release, the entertainer had received no contract, although advertisements were already out referencing her scheduled appearance.

The final paragraph in the release stated that she took a ‘personal and principled’ decision not to perform, and informed the NDP 24 hours before appearance time.

‘I indicated my willingness to refund the Party for the airline ticket which cost approximately EC$1,300.00, and I did so on Monday, November 30,’ the release indicated.

‘We will object,’ warns Gonsalves Continued from Page 1.

Douglas De Freitas of Nice Radio, who was integrally involved in arranging for ‘Fya Empress’ to perform at an NDP rally, said that her not performing signals the end of the relationship between the artiste and the party. message from the NDP leadership was one that said, “Just dismiss that, that done gone already , you can’t change that.”

He did reiterate, though, that the NDP would not hire the artiste to perform again.

“Because if you do that to me once, I can’t trust you,” said De Freitas.

According to Gonsalves, there were some who pretend to be independent, but were activists for the New Democratic Party (NDP).

“You are my Monsignor, you belong to my church. I am an older Catholic than you [and] I am just advising you, please…we will object to any of those being monitors of the National Monitoring Mechanism,” he said.

The NMCM came into being in 2000, following the political crisis which evolved from the 1998 general elections where, although the NDP had then won 8 of the 15 seats, the ULP received the majority (54.62%) of the popular vote.

It was the view of the ULP then, that although the NDP had won the majority seats, they had no moral right to govern the country, and a series of protests resulted, until the OECS and CARICOM intervened and led to what is now known as the Grand Beach Accord, under which then former Prime Minister and founder of the NDP, Sir James Mitchell, and Gonsalves agreed to fresh elections in March, 2001.

The Grand Beach Accord also mandated for the formation of the NMCM which includes representatives from a number of organisations, including the Chamber of Commerce, the National Youth Council, the SVG Bar Association and the Christian Council.

Since its formation, the NMCM has actively been involved in the monitoring of the 2001, 2005 and 2010 general elections, and the 2009 Constitutional Referendum. (DDD)

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Maia Eustace appeals to young voters

by KENVILLE HORNE MAIA EUSTACE, featured speaker at the New Democratic Party (NDP) Youth Rally in Barrouallie last Saturday, November 28, appealed to young people to be more conscious when making decisions.

Eustace, the daughter of Arnhim Eusatce, the Political Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), told the gathering of hundreds of young persons, that realizing who they are is the first aspect of consciousness.

In that regard, Eustace said that for 31 years there has not been an elected black leader in the country.

“They want you to believe that leadership carries a particular complexion in this nation, but let me tell you something, all I see is people of every colour in this country, many of whom are black people too, who have a chance to take leadership,” said Eustace.

She made reference to the Ralph Gonsalves’ comment that former United States president, George Bush, would not recognize the opposition leader, who is of African descent, if he and Gonsalves were walking together in the dark of night.

Eustace, a lawyer by profession declared, “When they tell you that about Arnhim, they tell you that about yourself. …, are you invisible?”

She chided the ULP for not facilitating a

climate of “speaking out” by young people. Instead, she said, there are threats to ‘deal with them if they speak out.’

And further, according to Eustace, there are the threats of legal action — suing — arising out of opinions when they are expressed.

Eustace admitted that the ULP recognizes that young voters have no memory of what St. Vincent was like before the ULP came into power.

The youngest voter, Maia Eustace delivered a special but detailed appeal she calculated, to young people (voters). would have been four years old when You have the power to the ULP first formed hire and to fire. They government.

“Therefore, they would have been hired for 14 years. Fire them on not know what it was like when the IMF said, December 9!”, declared ‘Much to praise, little to Eustace with a passion fault’. When the country belying her age and experience. experienced 5% growth The Rally also heard every year. When you drove into town and you addresses from leader of the NDP Arhnim had to face traffic, Eustace, and party because banana trucks candidates Roland lined the streets from Matthew (North Geest Yard, right back Leeward), Nigel up Richmond Hill into Stephenson (South Sion Hill junction. You Leeward) Terrence don’t know about that, and that’s why they prey Ollivierre (Southern Grenadines) , Ben Exeter on you,” said Eustace.

(Central Leeward), “Rub your eyes, among others. remove the scales, open There were your ears and decide for yourselves when you are performances from some of SVG’s finest artistes, approached by the ULP to sell your vote. ….. All including the of you want jobs, and all internationally renowned performing and of you deserve jobs, but recording artiste, the job you have to Vincentian born Kevin decide on first is who is going to lead this nation. Lyttle.

The NDP rally in Barrouallie, attended by hundreds of young people, was an ideal audience for Miss Eustace.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 5.

Regional

Baroness Scotland is first Commonwealth Secretary-General DOMINCAN-BORN Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal is the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, referred to as The Commonwealth.

Her election and confirmation came during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Malta, from 27 to 29 November, 2015.

A former UK Minister of Government in the Labour Party Administration, Baroness Scotland replaces Kamalesh Sharma of India, and becomes the sixth Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

She is the first female to hold the position and the second person of Caribbean origin to so, the first being Sir Shridath Ramphal, who served from 1975 to 1990, the longest tenure in the position to date.

Baroness Scotland’s election came after a two-year ‘battle of sorts’ which pitted her against another Caribbean person — Sir Ronald Saunders — who was nominated by Antigua and seemed to have had the support of Caribbean Commonwealth members, in the face of the Baroness’s nomination by her native Dominica.

In the end, the spread of membership over 53 member countries mattered, and the Baroness won out in the long run.

Baroness Scotland, who will

officially assume her position on April 1, 2016, seemed, according to some observers, to have already begun to court controversy.

Speaking with The Independent, UK newspaper on Sunday, she projected that she will spend the first two years of her tenure as the Commonwealth’s top diplomat, persuading 40 of its member states to decriminalise homosexuality. However, The Independent reported that she refused to guarantee that the issue would be on the agenda at the next CHOGM, noting that the Commonwealth operated by consensus, and so needed to be Baroness Patricia persuaded rather Scotland is than told what to do. expected to hit the A report this road running when month by the she assumes her Kaleidoscope Trust duties in early shows that more 2016. than 90 per cent of Lesbian, Gay, Left: Sir Ron Bisexual, and Saunders, with Transgender (LGBT) majority CARICOM Commonwealth backing, was citizens live in tipped by some jurisdictions where regional media they are treated as houses, to become criminals or suffer the next Secretarydiscrimination.

General.

Testimony from LGBT people in that pelted with report ranged from the struggle to stones in unprovoked attacks in find work in Rwanda, to being Dominica.

Chastenet wins again THOSE WHO WOULD have thought that Allen Chastanet’s popularity among the members of St. Lucia’s United Workers Party was waning, were jolted back to reality after the annual National Convention of that party.

The November 15

AGM gave Chastanet a vote of confidence when they re-elected him as political leader, with 280 votes to 55 votes for his closer rival, Sarah Flood Beaubrun.

Dr. Gale Rigobert, the current opposition leader, was re-elected deputy political leader.

The voting membership of the UWP was not swayed by the criticisms of those who moved to oppose Allen Chastanet. Internet photo)

This was Chatanet’s third consecutive victory and many observers had advanced the Allan Chastanet consolidated his view that position as political leader of the this time opposition United Workers Party around was (UWP). (Credit: thevocieslu.com) going to be his fiercest stronghold. tests, since he first In the face of open ousted former Prime criticism about his ability Minister, Leader of the to lead the UWP into an Opposition and Party election victory, Leader of the UWP, Chastanet claims, Stephenson King, according to St. Lucia An economist, Online, that under his Chastanet is not a leadership, the UWP has member of the current been modernized and parliament of St. Lucia, that the party is much having failed to win the stronger than it has ever Soufriere Constituency in been before, with more the 2011 general transparency and election. accountability.

Word is that he plans The next general to contest the Micoudelection in St. Lucia is South seat in the next due on or about general elections.

November 2016. (Source: Micoud-South is SNO) considered a UWP

Visitors thronged the entrances to the festival site from very early in the morning.

A party of Jamaicans with their ganja and ganja-derived products which they displayed at the festival.

Negril, Jamaica high on ‘ganja’ THE INDIGENOUS Rastafari culture and the marijuana plant will take centre stage in the resort town of Negril as of today, when Rastafari in Inity presents The inaugural Rastafari Rootz Fest, which included hosting the High Times Cannabis Cup at the Long Bay Beach Park, climaxed in the Bay beach Park, Negril, Jamaica, November 15, after four days of what one member of the organizers said was , “A Charlo Green, highly peaceful four days of former Alaskan INity.” weatherperson It was the first time the High who gave up her Times Cannabis Cup was held day job to in Jamaica, and it was codevote her time ordinated on the ground by to cannabis Rastafari In Inity, on behalf of legalization, the American-based High Times delivered a which has, for many years, lecture on Day staffed the High Times Three of the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, and in some American States, to festival. thousands of patrons.

The festival climaxed with an awards ceremony.

YDK Jack by Lorax Labs with CannaSutra LA and 420DLVRY.com, of the USA, walked away with the Cannabis Cup festival’s top prize, with A.P.M. by Junior Gordon taking the top honours among the Jamaican entrants.

Entrants of cannabis, in various forms, states, smells and colours came from Jamaica, Europe and the USA, but no entrant was listed as having come from the rest of the Caribbean.

The four-day festival featured an exhibition highlighting and displaying educational material on marijuana, including booths mounted by government agencies; lecture and workshop sessions on ‘the ganja industry’ and related topics; and a number of cultural performances.

There was also, a good dose of display material and workshop sessions that explicitly provided insight into the Rastafari faith.

Observers say that Negril was abuzz with economic activity. Hotels and guest houses are said to have done a thriving trade, together with shops, restaurants and vendors.

One member of host Rastafari In Inity reminded media persons that ”Marijuana has long been one of the main ingredients attracting tourists to Negril.

This occasion was no different.”

V Coming: Vincentian Cultural Association in US 6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

community.

In addition to Haywood, others comprising the Steering Committee include Atiba Williams, who chaired the meeting, and cultural artistes Cauldric Forbes, Owusu Slater, “Pure Mystics” (real name not given) and Alex Kwabena Colon.

Others are: Busta Neverson, DesMarie Greenaway, Fransesca Sam and Peter Burke.

“It was decided that a community meeting will be held by the end of January 2016 to officially launch the Cultural Association,” Haywood said, adding that delegates agreed, among other things, that the cultural arts association should serve to “pool resources to promote Vincentian artists and organizations and to avoid organizational clashes and duplication of efforts.”

Some observers say the formation of this association may, indeed, duplicate and conflict with the goals and objectives of the Sports and Cultural Committee of the Brooklyn-based umbrella Vincentian group, Council of St. Vincent and the

Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT THE BROOKLYN, New Yorkbased St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc. says a Steering Committee has been established for the formal creation of a Vincentian Cultural Association in the United States.

According to a statement issued by Maxwell Haywood, chair of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc., the committee was recently established after a facilitation meeting at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, Brooklyn.

Haywood said that the Steering Committee, which will work as part of his organization, will seek to accomplish a number of objectives, by the end of January 2016.

Among these objectives are: to identify initiatives and organize a programme of activities for the first year; develop the structure of the cultural association, especially a constitution; and prepare outreach information to report back to the

Grenadines’ Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO).

But, at the same time, others question the full operation and efficacy of COSAGO’s Sports and Cultural Committee.

Haywood said delegates also noted that “there is a serious problem with the absence of permanent venues or Vincentian Centers owned by Vincentians in New York and other states.

“This is important for the growth and development of the Vincentian cultural arts in the USA,” he said, stating that US Counsel General Selmon Walters has underscored “the intention of his office to, very soon, lead the process to acquire such a property in New York.”

Additionally, participants said “It is very crucial for Vincentian artistes to get financial rewards for their great talent and productions,” according to Haywood, adding that the cultural association “should work to help Vincentian Diaspora artistes to get contracts to do their work.”

Delegates also noted that, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines has “some of the best reggae artistes in the world living in the USA,” but are not given opportunities in the Vincentian Diaspora to perform, the rest of the world shows appreciation for them.

“Vincentian reggae musicians are treated like outcasts by their own people who organize

events in the USA,” claimed delegates, according to Haywood.

He said the Steering Committee is expected to meet regularly until end-January “to prepare all the requirements to officially launch the Cultural Association of Vincentians in the United States.”

At that meeting, an executive committee will be elected, and a constitution and a one-year programme of activities will be adopted at the launch.

Maxwell Haywood, Chairman of the SVG Diaspora Committee of New York, expects that a formal launch of a Vincentian Cultural Association in the United States will take place by the end of January 2016.

VincyCares to honour outstanding women THE INTERNETBASED group VincyCares, Inc. will be honouring five outstanding Vincentian women during its 6th Anniversary

Dinner/Dance on Dec. 12 at the Friends of Crown Heights Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Women Who Empower Our Nation’, the group said it will be honoring Jean Johnney-Findlay and newly-minted Sports Ambassador Gailene Windsor, for their “dedication and outstanding contributions to the Vincentian community.”

The group said in a statement that it will also be awarding a Lifetime Achievement Award to Yvonne Patterson for her “significant contributions in sports, community services, disaster preparedness education and women development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the wider Caribbean.”

Additionally, VincyCares, Inc. said it will be bestowing Visionary Awards on Kimon Baptiste, fashion designer and chief executive officer of Kimmystic.Clo; and Dr. Jacqueline P. JamesLyttle, civil engineer and entrepreneur, and

Mrs. Yvonne Patterson will receive the 2015 VincyCares Lifetime Achievement Award.

(Photo: VincyCares Facebook). renowned Vincentian community activist Maxwell Haywood, the Educator and chair of the Brooklyncommunity advocate based St. Vincent and Sherrill-Ann Haywood the Grenadines Disapora is slated to be the Committee of New York, Keynote speaker at Inc. VincyCares2015 Annual VincyCares, Inc. said Dinner/Dance and every contribution made Awards Ceremony. to the group “affects the (Photo: VincyCares life of a child who might Facebook) otherwise be unable to achieve his/her wife of Vincentian-born educational goals. international artiste “Think about what it Kevin Lyttle. means to make a VincyCares, Inc. said difference in a child’s Baptiste and Jameslife,” said the group, Lyttle have set “the bar which, over the years, for career advancement, has furnished school self-empowerment and supplies and strong commitment to scholarships to needy our homeland.”

Vincentian students.

Keynote speaker at “VincyCares is very the gala event will be grateful for your educator and community continued support to advocate Sherrill-Ann this worthy event.”

Haywood, wife of

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 7.

Foreign Affairs

Ecuadorian diplomats bade farewell Stories by GLORIAH… LAST FRIDAY, 27th November, the first cohort of Ecuadorian Diplomats who participated in the programme, ‘Learning and Perfection of the English Language’, was bade farewell in a ceremony held at the

Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The five Diplomats - Mrs. Myrian Noroña Martinez, Mrs. Mónica Torres Jima, Ms. Janeth Ayovi Veliz, Mr. Jorge Saavedra España, and Mrs. María Bautista Ortiz - arrived in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines on July 31st of this year.

They went through an intensive programme of language learning which went beyond regular classroom sessions. These involved direct interactions with the Vincentian public, learning

Government ICT division gets final boost THE FINAL SIGNING of the Memorandum of Understanding and the handing over of a cheque in the amount of US $39,000.00 in relation to the ICT Technical Cooperation Project, took place Friday, November 27, at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The signing and Minister Gonsalves and handing over involved Ambassador Bershon Ger at the principals Minister of signing ceremony.

Foreign Affairs, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves and H.E Bershon Ger, Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ICT Technical Cooperation Project was implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology, and has provided training and other E-government applications for the Information Technology Services Division.

Some of the applications developed under this project include the National Website and Intranet, the E-Archives System, and a Government Cloud.

Minister Gonsalves, in accepting the cheque, expressed gratitude for the assistance given by the government and people Taiwan, in helping to advance the information communication technology over the last year, especially.

He explained that the government of SVG has to improve and upgrade the way we collect, archive and disseminate information, and Taiwan has been very valuable in helping to set up the relevant Eservices.

“We believe that very shortly, these will revolutionize the way in which government collects, analyses and disseminates information,” the Minister said.

The Minister expressed confidence in the work which has been done so far, describing it as of excellent quality.

Soon, he promised, citizens will be able to interact with the government, using their cell phones and laptops.

Ambassador Ger, in his remarks, told the gathering that his government has been quite pleased to become involved in the ICT project, and that huge progress in the sector has been seen.

He congratulated the government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their dedication to see the project through.

He reported that, hopefully, with the implementation of a new agreement, a further upgrade of the ICT sector could be undertaken.

Taiwanese Ambassador H.E. Bershon Ger hands over cheque to Camillo Gonsalves, Minister with Responsibility for Information Technology.

and participating in events of our culture, tourism, social life, and recreation, among other aspects.

The trainers conducting the programme were Mrs. Flavia Howard and Mr. Bert Williams.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme came out of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Republic of Ecuador and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on Cooperation for the Learning and Perfection of the English/Spanish Language for Diplomats.

The objective of the MOU is to provide a framework of cooperation in the field of training diplomats of both countries, in the learning and improvement of the respective languages.

It was clear, from the testimonies of the participating diplomats, that the objectives and opportunities were tackled.

During the farewell ceremony, the diplomats were given the chance to relate, in English, memorable aspects of their sojourn in St. Vincent

Ecuadorian Diplomats with Minister Camillo Gonsalves (right), PS Nathaniel Williams (2nd from left) and facilitators Flavia Howard (left) and Bert Williams (3rd from right back). and the Grenadines.

They regaled, in detail, their wonderful experiences with our Vincentian culture and how much it was similar to and different from aspects of theirs. What was overwhelming, though, was their enormous appreciation for the fact that, with their English significantly improved, there is now a guarantee of career enhancements.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves expressed his Ministry’s view on ways in which SVG could benefit from its relations with Ecuador, e.g., in “agriculture, animal husbandry, and other aspects of production that they have shared with us.”

Minister Gonsalves made a call especially for Spanish speakers, to register to facilitate this programme, as fifty new participants will be arriving in the country in January 2016.

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 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

Abrogating our rights and privileges DEMOCRACY in our 36-year old nation is characterized by one major expression – general elections every five years that are, for the most part, free, fair and transparent, notwithstanding the continuing monitoring by regional and international bodies.

A Caribbean theologian of revered memory, referred to that act, that-once-in every-five-year vote, as our democracy being ‘caricatured by five seconds in a polling booth’.

That may or may not be so, for we have cherished that right, albeit only once every five years, but have been known to let our emotions run amok in order to ensure that for whom the vote is cast, so shall he rule (us).

Sadly though, this democracy which we so cherish and, if the truth be told, whose foundation rests squarely on our right to vote, has oftentimes been played out by a complacency that sets in between elections; during which the people, the very foundation, the voters, abrogate their rights and privileges to a selected few - some who will comprise the highest law making body of the land, legislature/parliament, fewer still who will give face to the executive arm (government) of the state.

The reality of our first past the poll system guarantees that a majority of one seat is enough to have the executive arm dictate in the highest law-making chamber of the State machinery, the parliament, whose one purpose, in the circumstances, it seems, is to allow those elected to exercise their vocal chords.

And so the people, who should matter to those elected, and who unto themselves should assume the real authority, lose focus of the real picture — that of the state of the State.

The question that needs to be asked as we reflect on how far we have come, is whether, quietly and unconcerned to the people, the State has become mightier than its base, the people.

History has shown that the state can evolve, between elections and even in situations of changing government, into a centalised authority, untouched by those who should matter in its real progression.

After 36 years of independence and on the eve of our ninth postindependence general election, should we not reflect on how much we have relinquished our authority

and rights and decide to reclaim them?

Have we in our slumber of complacency, allowed the state to become unresponsive if not totally oblivious to our wishes and expectations?

Has the State not assumed more and more power for itself, taking on the sole right to decide for and on behalf of the people, even when those people are not certain about how meaningful those decisions are to the nation as a whole?

All in all, have we not handed our democracy to a political class and, in so doing, given that ‘democracy’ to a coercive power, an authority that now threatens to punish us?

Has the State not assumed, through this class and those who aspire to this class, the right to dismiss, demote and inflict psychological punishment like unbridled criticism, disapproval, satirical remarks (what some like to call innuendo) on its subordinates?

And what of the political power that now characterizes the State, and to which the electorate is wont to abrogate its rights and privileges?

Political power can come only from a support group that allows itself to be mesmerized into given blind allegiance to a leader or party.

We give into this subordination when we fall victims to the ‘If you do something for me, I will do something for you’ syndrome. When these trade-offs are successful, both parties might get something they want; but one, the more powerful, will always end up with the larger share.

That said, it is wise that we reflect on the writings of Emma Goldman from as long ago as 1940, notwithstanding her being an anarchist and one known for political activism. It was she who proffered in 1940, that, ‘Civilization has been a continuous struggle of the individual or of groups of individuals against the State and even against society… .’

That struggle has always been one waged by the majority (the people) who have been subdued and hypnotized by the State.

If at all we cherish the right to vote for those we would want to lead us, we must do so with the added commitment that we will wage a continuing battle to ensure that they do not allow those whom we elect, to fashion the State so that it usurps the power that is ours.

The final spurt: A disguised funeral march OF LATE, the governing U.L.P simply could not deny some glaring faults, and admitted to several misdeeds with the rider, “Better the Devil that you know, rather than one you do not know.” I beg to differ, emphatically.

It so happens that this columnist was the Chairman of the PSC during most of the period of the NDP governance from 1984 to 2001, lasting 17 years. During that period, in judicial posts were appointed Errol Clinton Mounsey as Chief Magistrate, a former Chairman of the Labour Party; and as Solicitor General Mr. Donald Browne, a front-bench member of the Labour Party, who had contested the East St. George seat, vacated by Milton Cato following the defeat of his Labour Government in 1984.

In the field of education, the following appointment of members or close associates of the Opposition Labour Party were made: Dr. Veronica Marks, principal of the Community College; Mr. Winfield Williams principal of the Boys Grammar School; Miss Joye Browne principal of the Girls High School; and Mrs. Aberdine Browne Principal Nursing Officer.

I recall the securing of the elementary school principalship to Tyrone Burke, whom I then knew to be a protégé of Opposition Leader, Ralph Gonsalves.

As a matter of interest, my secretary of some dozen years standing, Audrey Bennett nee Gonsalves, is a relative of Ralph’s, who weekly typed the “This Week” column, usually with much argument and a heavy heart!

I did not do as well with the police force, where my good intentions were thwarted. I recalled in particular when Daniel John, secretary to the Police Welfare Association,

gained promotion over Asst. Supt. Lester Smith for the senior post of Superintendent, I think. In this case, I remembered recording my objection. I did so because when I asked John to assess himself against his competitor, Daniel John admitted that Smith was the better man, but somehow he was beholden to Toussaint who had Mitchell’s support.

Another case from the police concerned Nick Dougan, who had been unfairly kept down, for whatever reason. I was certainly in his corner. The most I could do against the weight of opinion, was to constantly request explanations from the Commissioner, which riled Toussaint that he let me have it good and proper at his farewell dinner at which characteristically he came near to exploding expletives in the presence of the G.G, the P.M “Son” Mitchell and guests that included the formidable Caribbean Jurist Carl Hudson Phillips of Trinidad & Tobago.

I have demonstrated in several earlier columns, that “Son” Mitchell largely used the Administrative structure as he had inherited in 1984 from Milton Cato.

James Pompey, the Cabinet secretary was sent abroad on promotion. In his place fitted Anselma Soso.

The Ministry of Finance was dominated by women left him by Labour.

Speaking for myself, he made me Chairman of a body to enquire into the possibilities of reintroducing local government. I invited the other parties which sent representatives Leon Huggins and Leonard Providence (Labour); Adrian Saunders (U.P.M) and Blazer Williams (MNU), under Minister Jerry Scott who played a very active part, until the project was aborted. Such had been the inclusiveness

of the NDP in their last days of governance.

Incidentally, no member of the Commission, including the Chairman, received a red cent for the troubles!

As we go to the polls, a few thoughts overwhelm us.

The question of N.D.P’s Democratic Leadership making possible a government not only “of” and “for” the people, but “by” the people also. “What a Team! What a Team!”

Standing in contrast is the leadership of the one “Encyclopaedia of the Maestro” and the choir of the Almighty and his doyen representing the U.L.P. This columnist worries over the trading of votes, recalling that in December 2000, Gonsalves’ statement of inciting crossconstituency voting which was advantageous to his party, provided the deed was done legally.

Secondly, the NDP is advised to remain focused to the end, ignoring pollsters. A corrupt Government will employ frauds to complete their dirty job; they will do anything to win.

Thirdly, this election is about power and money, and the incumbents will go all out to avoid shame and embarrassment over the exposure of their skullduggery.

Finally, we must heed the lessons of the rancid fruits of what some have termed a battle of Spiritual Warfare, while pondering the deaths of Michael Hamlett, George Mason, Sister Pat, Glen Jackson, Shirley Francis, the disappearance from the face of the earth of “the Servant of the Lord” Menelius Jocelyn, Elwardo Lynch and the rest. Our SVG needs a purge to clear a way for redemption.

Armageddon is at hand.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 9.

Letters

Secrecy, lies, deceit, the order of the day ANY GOVERNMENT that is in power should be a government for all the people and so, should ensure that as many as possible are meaningfully employed, based on their qualifications. But it appears that power has a force for the worse. Those who are entrusted with this power see it fit to use it for their own purposes, with our young girls, and adults too, being a great part of such purposes.

It is a shame to know the things some people succumb to, all because they need something to do.

They are abused, ill-treated, sampled and recommended to others for the same by persons with a little power. And, sad to say, after they (the abused) have done it all, they are yet to receive what they are promised.

Many are suffering in secret as a result of ignorance. If only they would believe more in themselves and trust the Creator, and be prepared to wait, things will be so much better for them.

But some fail to realize that the words ‘Lord’ and ‘God’ do not possess magic. If we want results, we have to earnestly inquire of our Creator, and be prepared to do all that we are expected to do.

Failing to do this, His wrath is awaiting us, along with all who see it fit to minimize the extent of the wrongdoings and condone them. They could do this, but they cannot prevent God from seeing, because His eyes are in every place, beholding the good and the bad.

All too often, persons who find themselves in these unfortunate situations, comply because they are too weak. Be it what it may, God still expects us to do the correct thing because He promises never to leave us nor to forsake us.

Our young people and even adults need to make sure of the more important things. They need to love, value and treasure themselves. They need to avoid compromising situations, where they will end up doing things they did not bargain for, and instead, attach importance to self. Does it pay to gain this world and lose self?

Be wise, the Bible says, and make God’s heart rejoice. Work for the things that are lasting. Look beyond men who are entrusted with a little temporary power. They cannot save themselves.

God can save all if we allow Him. Disgusted

PLEASE PRINT this article for others and the PM to see. While he is talking love, there are people on his team who are trying to destroy that dream. I have known the PM since 1982, along with Mike Browne. When my house got burnt, they campaigned to help for me, but I was a stranger back then. I never asked for anything from my party, because I was getting jobs at times.

Sometime ago, my wife got a job with them, and they complimented her for her early arrival on the job, and her steadfastness in doing her job. Now, she asked for a road job for Christmas. They took her name. After she saw others turning out to work, she inquired of the person who was

responsible for selecting workers about her application. She was told that her brother had ‘cuss’ the representative for the area, so the recruiting officer was not giving his sister any work.

Now, Mr. Editor, as the husband, I have under my influence 15 persons (wife, children, grandchildren and nieces). What will that lady like me to do? Skip voting this election? I won’t go to the other side. I am confused because my family has been voting Labour from the time of Lennie Bynoe.

My wife’s family goes back three generations, but only this brother hates the representative.

Hurt

If that’s your choice, then …..

THE PROBLEM WITH educating stupid people is that they don’t know they are stupid. You may be pretty smart and not know it; but if you are stupid, you really don’t know it, and don’t know enough to acknowledge it when it is pointed out to you: “No, I’m not!” But you are, and don’t know it because you

can’t know it.

“The ‘Government’ (the ULP) is giving me everything! Why should I vote against them?” The Opposition wants to create more jobs, thus reducing Government assistance. So maybe you really don’t want a job. A job would mean work,

showing up every day at the same time, day after day. That’s a bummer.

Vote for no jobs and free welfare–you got it now, why take a chance of losing it?

This is a wonderful country! The many that have much from undisclosed sources,

Tablet or chemical weapon?

enjoy their plunder, fraud and drug profit proceeds, while the few that have legitimate incomes are taxed to support the indolent and incapable. Why would you want to live anywhere else or support any other kind of Government? Hooray for a demagogic kleptocracy! If that’s your choice, fine. I’ve already paid for my ticket out.

I WENT TO A DENTIST sometime in August this year to do a filling. He did JOE the filling, but a few days after, the tooth began to pain me. I went to him on September 3rd for him to check it for me. He said he will have to extract it. I had to return to work, so we arranged to do the extraction the next day.

The next day, the 4th September, during my lunch time, I went back to take out the tooth. He injected the gum and told me to wait a while. After about ten minutes, he called me to pull the tooth out. I reminded him that I had to return to work so he should hurry.

He asked what work I was doing, and I told him I was transporting MAN-ABOUTmaterial for government. There and then, he started up with a political talk, TOWN, returning but I won’t go through all that detail. after a week of That done, I was lying on the bed when he gave me a tablet and instructed relaxation, would me to swallow it. I asked him what this for; he said it had insulin; that it was like to know: good for me. I told him I have a trace of sugar, but I was able to keep it under * Are the steel, ply good control. Then, I remember the story about the school girl board, cement, etc. who had an extraction and then bled to death. I swallowed currently being the tablet, and he proceeded to do the extraction. distributed in variIn the afternoon, my left foot began scratching me. I said to ous constituencies myself, the tablet is working. across the state, But the following Saturday, my left foot began paining me, being re-sold for but I still went to work. On Sunday afternoon, I visited a profit, while those neighbor, during which the pain in my left foot increased. responsible for the elections; but Coombs, in his On Monday, I went back to the dentist and told him the distribution turn a characteristic confident style, situation. He referred me a doctor who twisted me (my foot). blind eye?? overcame all odds and That didn’t work. I visited another doctor who wanted to give * Are Vincentians vanquished his opponent. who once resided in me a tablet that could have serious side effect, so he referred Coombs’ victory came amidst Canada making me to another doctor. That one checked my heart, etc. scandals, allegations and their business to Everything was in order. innuendos about impropriety. return home in In the meantime, I called my He was stoic in his resistance to search of national sister and told her my condition. this onslaught. leadership positions, She recommended that I drink Obviously, Venold Coombs after declaration of plenty aloe. That helped a bit. has demonstrated that he is of bankruptcy in that I then went back to the dentist strong character and fortitude, North American to get the name of the tablet he which should serve as country? inspiration to community had given me, and I took it to a * Why are persons leaders. pharmacist to find out if it asking Man-AboutAs a member of the sporting contained insulin. The pharmacist Town about where community, I take this ruled that it did not, that it was in the money coming opportunity to salute Coombs fact, an antibiotic. from to fund the and his new executive, and wish As it stands, the dentist lied to political parties’ them all the best in charting a me. Believing that the tablet could campaigns? better way forward for the have killed me, I reported the * Maybe it’s time we development of football in St. matter to CID. introduce legislation Vincent and the Grenadines.

I would like authorities to look to govern how and I encourage them not to allow into this. We can’t allow ‘chemical who finance political individual differences to tear parties here? Then weapons’ to be deployed in this them apart. is a case of mouth small country. open and story jump Patmos Richards out, eh?

Alistair ‘Live up’ Simon

Coombs has done it again!

VENOLD STEVE COOMBS’ triumphant return as president of the local Football Federation two Saturdays ago at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, has sent a wave of mixed feelings throughout the length and breadth of the sporting community.

Speculation was raised prior to his re-elections, that he (Coombs) would suffer defeat to his major rival, Roddy Dowers.

However, fate has dictated that the experienced Coombs will enjoy another 4-year stint at the helm of the Federation.

Renowned as a controversial figure both in politics and sports, Coombs, before Saturday’s elections, was reported to be in conflict with members of his executive, the media on occasions, and persons who felt that his leadership style was tantamount to one of a dictator.

The latter view was touted in the lead up to the 2015

Representative, take note!

V

10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

We must punish the NDP at the polls ItÊs Time for Change in SVG The issue

BY THE TIME this article hits the street, the campaign for the 2015 general elections will be in full swing, and Vincentians will have a matter of four days to go, before the poll on December 9th, 2015. The expectation over this period is that the NDP will descend to the very bottom of gutter politics, in an effort to derail the momentum of the Unity Labour Party. You will hear all sorts of degrading comments about the candidates of the ULP, and the race, sex, and anti-woman political sentiments will be played for all they are worth, and they are worth nothing.

Expect the NDP to become more bellicose in their campaign. They have already destroyed ULP posters, and they and their supporters have engaged in acts of conflict, including the bottle throwing incident in Petit Bordel. As they get more desperate, they will become more irresponsible.

We urge the ULP supporters and well-wishers to remain calm, avoid provocation and any acts of violence.

The ULP has campaigned on a sound, professional platform, based on its record of achievement, leadership, the quality of the candidates, the brilliance of the manifesto and the clarity with which the plans are laid out for the fourth term. Most important is the issue of love, Labour Love, as demonstrated by the ULP, over the last fourteen years, through a number of programmes, including the education and housing revolution, poverty reduction, land distribution and the ongoing work in the health sector.

extremely weak leader, and that he is not fit to govern the affairs of the ship of state called St.Vincent and the Grenadines. No wonder when he was asked at his town hall meeting in New York, about his five to ten year development plan, his answer was “Ask Ralph”.

ULP continues to surge

, By comparison, the ULP led by Comrade Ralph, continues to surge, and is poised to win the December 9th general elections. The message of the ULP, including the development narrative and the plans for the fourth term, has resonated with the people of this country, especially the young people. In the polls, the political leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves leads Arnhim Eustace by 61 percent to 37, in terms of the preference of Vincentians for a leader. This is an outstanding factor, and is a clear illustration of the leadership qualities of both leaders.

Let us quote from the manifesto of the ULP: “The ULP’s vision is centred on our people; our philosophy is that of social democracy fashioned from universalist principles and grounded in our own Vincentian and Caribbean historical and contemporary circumstances; our socio-cultural outlook is premised on the self-evident truth that we in St. Vincent and the The NDP has disintegrated Grenadines are a magnificent The truth of the matter is that the component of our independent, authentic Caribbean civilisation which campaign of the NDP has has its trajectory for further disintegrated and has fallen apart in a disastrous manner. Arnhim Eustace ennoblement in the interest of our people’s humanisation; and our and his party have virtually policies and programmes in every area abandoned their manifesto, opting of governmental endeavour are now to support a number of ULP creatively designed and implemented initiatives, as if they always to uplift the lives of our people. supported these ventures. This is a “All of this is well-known and is disingenuous ploy by the opposition. instinctively in the consciousness of Having opposed many of the our people. It resonates even in the programmes implemented by the hearts and minds of the Opposition, ULP, for the benefit of the poor and the working class, how could they now as was made plain in their leader’s public response to a query about their turn around and say that they are in fifteen-year plans for St. Vincent and support? the Grenadines: “ASK RALPH!” Our Then we have the unfortunate government’s 12-year National statements made by Daniel Cummings, St.Clair Leacock and Mia Economic and Social Development Plan 2013-2025 is available to the Eustace, all aimed at gaining some form of traction from the voters in the public on the government’s website and in hard copy”. country. We have Daniel Cummings insulting the noble Cuban workers at the Argyle International Airport, and Conclusion further insulting Vincentian women, The future of the country is at by claiming that his party could not stake. Vincentians, when you go to find competent and qualified women the polls on December 9th, 2015, you as candidates. must choose the party that has And then we have the spectacle of demonstrated leadership and vision, Leacock and Mia Eustace trying to introduce race, as an election issue, at that will: complete the international airport; develop a new city at Arnos a time when the electorate wants to hear about plans for the development Vale with a second hospital; provide more jobs and training for our young of the country. These are not serious people; introduce geothermal energy; people, and are therefore not fit for and care for our elderly. That party is these serious times in our history.

Ultimately, the people will judge them the Unity Labour Party, led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. harshly on December 9th.

The other party, the NDP, has It is clear to all that the NDP is not squandered its years in opposition, ready for governance. They continue and we must keep them out. On to display an absence of any compelling narrative, no development December 9th, 2015, go to the polls philosophy, and no vision. Eustace and vote for the star, the symbol of continues to demonstrate that he is an the ULP. Four inna a row!!!!

ON WEDNESDAY 9TH December, 2015, the electorate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will go to the polls to elect a new government. All indications show that the New Democratic Party (NDP) will win the next general elections. Most Vincentians are dissatisfied with the failed policies of the wicked and vindictive Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration, and have been gravitating to the innovative and exciting programmes and policies which the NDP has presented.

Under the ULP government, unemployment is at an all time high, and government corruption is rampant. We have also experienced an increase in violent crime, unprecedented in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Health care is at its lowest; a record number of the business have closed; agricultural activity and exports have declined significantly; tourism has shown little or no improvement, and our economy is in the worst state since conquest and settlement. For the fourteen years of the ULP regime, Vincentians have experienced the worst days of their lives. This is unacceptable.

As a result, St. Vincent and the Grenadines needs a new direction to jumpstart our economy and rebuild a government that works for all of us.

Towards that end, Arnhim Eustace and the NDP will bring a fresh approach to government. The NDP will: create meaningful long-term employment for Vincentians, especially our youths; adopt a zero tolerance policy against corruption; rehabilitate our agriculture; and reduce murder, rape and violence against women.

One of the ways we will transform St. Vincent and the Grenadines is through Information Communication Technology.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) The 21st century is well into its second decade. But given the present government’s approach, you would think we were still in the era of the cassette tape. Evidence of the government’s outdated thinking on technology is everywhere, and is best summed up by their derogatory labeling of citizens on Facebook as ‘internet crazies’, simply because these patriotic Vincentians are not toeing the ULP party line.

The New Democratic Party accepts that technology is not something in our future. It is here and it is now!

And we need to put it to work for our development, today. An NDP government, in collaboration with already identified world-class partners, will embark on an ambitious technology agenda that will adopt and adapt technology as a way of life for Vincentians, thereby transforming our economy in every sector, and attracting technology businesses that will create 500 jobs in the first year, powered by our nation’s youth, and up to 1500 during our first term in office..

The NDP commits to making SVG a free wireless hotspot. Free, wireless internet connectivity will be available to residents and visitors, in town and country, in offices and at tourism sites.

Government services will become accessible on mobile apps. We will make government services available and accessible in the palm of your hand through mobile government (mGovernment) initiatives, thereby reducing the cost and inconvenience of conducting certain types of business.

Community-based smart labs will be established. Existing learning

resource centres will be transformed into smart labs where information can be accessed by citizens as required.

Manned by tech-savvy young people, these centres will allow, say the farmer who needs information about black sigatoka, to walk into a smart lab, ask his or her questions, and get the answers. The smart labs will also connect to users via SMS and other messaging services, to provide valuable information to citizens.

The NDP will invite technology leaders to use SVG as a growth and mentorship hub. Already, we have connected with top international tech achievers, who have agreed to come to live in and run their business from SVG, for a year. During that time, they will train and mentor our youth in technology- based entrepreneurial development. Capacity building in a hands on environment and mentorship by some of the world’s top innovators, will become a reality in the new SVG. A coherent, improved programme for ICT in Education is also on the agenda. Without a well thought-out and implemented ICT in Education programme, giving laptops and other devices to students and teachers will not have the required impact. The new NDP government will work with service providers and educators regionally to implement a programme that will, among other things, provide access to secondary school textbooks in digital form where possible, which will directly reduce the cost of education for those families with secondary level students at home.

Further, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education will become a priority. The New Democratic Party believes that a key factor in the country’s development in the 21st century will be the creation of a new generation of citizens, with at least a basic grounding in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). We feel it is important that the citizens and students of St. Vincent and the Grenadines should not be simply passive consumers of technology, but also originators and creators of technology. Education curriculum reform must therefore, aim to bring the teaching of relevant subjects (including app development and coding) to the primary and secondary schools.

Healthcare will also be impacted by and through the use of technology.

Healthcare practice will be taken to the next level with cloud-enabled record-keeping at the district level, making access to information and treatment easier; and SMS messaging to connect medication reminders, appointment reminders, important alerts and health tips. We will initiate a tele-medicine pilot project that will allow our own doctors to connect, in real time, with other doctors around the world, to provide consultancy, advice and even perform minor procedures through the internet in real time collaboration.

Vincentians are ready for change.

Vincentians are ready for Arnhim Eustace and the NDP. The NDP has the better team. The NDP has the better programmes and policies.

That’s why, on Election Day, Vincentians will vote overwhelmingly for the NDP. We are ready for a new direction. WE READY!

V Until lambs become lions

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 11.

Views

“Rise and rise again until lambs become lions.” – Robin Hood the Movie, 2010

MANY ACTION MOVIES contain scenes and/or sayings that can be very motivational. Movies like Gladiator, Brave Heart, Three Hundred, Alexander the Great, and Robin Hood are just a few of those that I have found to be most inspirational. They provide useful insights into leadership, friendship, betrayal, perseverance, dedication, prudence, loyalty, and a host of other useful understandings about character building and the ability to survive, even when facing extremely difficult situations.

In Robin Hood the Movie, Robin Hood (portrayed by Russel Crow) is an English mercenary who had been fighting with King Richard in his Third Crusade. King Richard dies in battle (1199) on foreign soil, and Robin is essentially unemployed. On his journey home to England, he comes across a dying soldier who persuades Robin to commit to returning a sword to his father. The words “Until lambs become lions” were engraved in the sword’s handle, and now become the title for this week’s article.

Radio and television interviews with Russel Crow following the launch of the movie in 2010, revealed that the catch phrase “Rise and rise again until lambs become lions” means “never give up”; regardless of how daunting our circumstances may appear, and how weak we may seem against great odds, we must develop the fortitude, the strength, to continue to press on. In so doing, even the weakest among us (lambs) may discover that we have

strength that goes far beyond our normal capabilities - the strength and prowess of a lion.

There is a lot that can be said about the value of persistence. Having a passion to pursue noble dreams (against great odds) can greatly enhance the possibilities of our attaining those dreams. The obstacles may appear to be high, and our talents and skills may appear to be miniscule.

However, we often have the strength, the fortitude, to face great odds … and overcome them. Many of us may initially appear to be weak (lambs, but can readily discover that we do have the DNA of a lion, if we would only exude the confidence to meet and defeat the foes that we confront.

Sometimes, all it takes is that little bit of confidence in self and in our God; a God who still performs miracles on the personal and community level.

Success, regardless of how you define it, is so very often dependent on the way we view our circumstances. If we take on a negative, defeatist attitude, we discover that we fail long before we commence the task. This is as true of the athlete who concludes that he/she is inferior to her opponent, even before the tournament begins. It is equally true of the student who incorrectly assumes that the course of study is too difficult for them to pursue. The overweight individual who unwisely concludes that he/she is too fat or too heavy to ever fit into that smaller sized outfit, commences with a defeatist attitude also. In each case, those negative thoughts have the potential to encourage the selffulfilling prophecy. The individual then lives out a life that makes the

Ask Arnhim

negative outcome real.

However, the reverse can also occur: persons who embrace a winning attitude and strive to accomplish great feats, may readily discover that their positive outlook can (and does) fuel a passion, a drive, which makes the impossible possible. In such cases, these lambs have become lions.

How many persons do you know who have the talents and abilities to do great things, but have settled down to accept mediocrity and average performances? In other words, how many persons do you know who seem to have the DNA of a lion, but have been programmed to passively accept being a lamb? I sometimes see such a person when I look in the mirror. Do you see a similar image when you stare into your mirror? We have so many hidden talents and abilities but, for a host of reasons (excuses), do not allow them to blossom out. We all have so much more potential than we display. Sometimes, we have been so hurt by failures and disappointments, that we shy away from trying again.

This is as true about academic or athletic pursuits, as it is for forming and/or maintaining relationships. But we must be prepared to try again, knowing that failure is not final.

Failure is often just a pause along the road to great success. We must be prepared to rise and rise again until lambs become lions. Sometimes to have to re-programme our negative self-talk and/or eliminate the negative unbelievers from our lives; individuals who regularly tell us why we cannot accomplish a particular task — even

$20,000 administrative fee and at what term? A loan/ mortgage is normally compounded half-yearly, but has 12 monthly payments. Hence, it is the effective interest rate that matters NDP recently launched their the source(s) of funding you have in manifesto, and has exposed what they mind or have engaged? Is this source in financial decision-making. This plan to accomplish, once elected to a charitable institution? Is it a grant- interest rate is the price of borrowing and is a reflection of money market government. There are a number of fund source? Will these funds be at information, i.e. risks of one form or areas where more clarification is concessional rates and terms? Or, is the other. The term, the duration of needed. Who is better placed to government the source of funding? the loan, also impinges on the interest answer them than Arnhim?

Will the formal banking system rate. Arnhim, just like all of us, seems Everybody has been told to ask Ralph. provide funds at competitive rates? to have horror with the size of interest I am asking Arnhim.

These and other questions beg payment and the repayment quantum.

NDP is promising to build low answers.

He has reason to be concerned, —income houses, a significant What else is new about NDP’s because we are all faced with the departure from their earlier modus approach? “There will be an awesome power of compound interest. operandi, i.e. giving building material administrative fee to cover the It is the means by which financial to the poor. Under this new plan, government’s cost for building the institutions make money. homeowners will save over $140,000 house.” What is this administrative I now examine the $70,000 loan on mortgage payments. On the face of fee? From the example given, one can Arnhim proposes to cap at $90,000, it, it seems a great vote-catcher. deduce that it is the selling price of and not $240,000. Arnhim is However, it raises a number of the house less the cost, $20,000. Will proposing a very short time to pay for questions about its feasibility. this administrative fee be the the house, but a much smaller sum of What are the problems faced by maximum possible? Will it be the money to be paid. I take his cue and low-income home-owners under the same for 5-year, 10-year, or the 30current dispensation? According to year terms? If the answer is yes to all, use a five-year term, or 60 months for a loan/mortgage. What interest to Arnhim, homeowners borrow money what rates of interest will be apply? I use an effective interest rate from the banks, hand over the money applicable to the above terms, to of 5% compounded semi-annually and to the Housing Authority, who, in guarantee the administrative fee of derive a monthly payment of $1483 at turn, hands over a completed home. $20,000? What then is the a monthly interest rate of 0.0082%.

Some houses are long overdue, administrative fee, if it is not the The book value, due to rounding, is incomplete, and homeowners broke. horizontal summation of interest just around $89000. It is close enough Could it be that the loan amounts payments over the term of the to justify the point. were inadequate rather than, as NDP loan/mortgage? Will the Housing Can a real low-income family afford is insinuating, misappropriated? NDP Authority be the financier in this the repayment of almost $1500 per is claiming that some of these case? If so, will it source funds from month and still live a fairly decent homeowners have been dealt a double somewhere and then relend to home blow: paying mortgage and rent at the owners? Will the spread between the life? Not even the banks will impose same time. Poor souls! two rates be sufficient to lend low and such a burden on a customer after Arnhim promises a different source long to make the Housing Authority a doing their evaluations. They will tailor their repayment to the of funding for homeowners in the low- going concern? customer’s ability to pay. Hence, income bracket. Will you please tell us What interest rate will ensure the borrowing short is not a feasible

though they are convinced that we have the potential to do so.

Courage is sometimes the missing ingredient in creating the “DNA conversion” from being a lamb to being a lion. We so often become fearful of trying; fearful of possible failure.

Sometimes even having fear of success. We must remember that courage is not the absence of fear.

Fear is normal and healthy. For example, it is normal and healthy to have a fear of heights and the impact of gravity; if we fall from an elevated area, we are likely to get hurt. That is a healthy fear. We can also think of the healthy fear of fire. However, fear should not debilitate or paralyze us.

This is where courage comes in. We should have the courage and confidence to press on to attain our noble dreams, regardless of the obstacles that may appear. Even when the odds appear great or insurmountable, we must remind ourselves that, “it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of fight in the dog.” We can often whip up the courage to do great feats when we realise that we can rise and rise again until lambs become lions.

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

option for low income homeowners. Do you really know the disposition of lowincome people?

What will be the better option for a low-income homeowner? Obviously, a longer term and a lower repayment. I extend the analysis to a 10-year loan, assuming the same effective interest rate of 5% compounded semi-annually.

A monthly repayment of $846.18, at .0066%. The book value of this loan is $101,542. Interest payment amounts to $31,542. It is this growth in interest and debt that frightens us off, but it is the nature of the beast called compound interest. To the borrower, it is a scary beast; but it is a lucky charm for the lender. This is the domain of mathematics, and is often outside of the toolkit of the politician.

Financially, will the low-income homeowner be able to afford this lower repayment? If not, he may have to extend the term at the expense of higher debt in the future. By then, the interest payment may double or treble. Have you ever wondered why Maynard Keynes in his famous G.T., postulated the ‘euthanasia of the rentier’? We simply hand over our entire being to the rentier class.

NDP’s offer of lower payment on low-income loans might only be viable at a below-market rate, and financed from grant or concessional funds at very short term. The borrower will pay back high for a short term. How many low-income homeowners will be able to own a home under this new approach? Ask Arnhim.

Godson Cain

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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Airline pilots concerned about safety at Argyle airport

tourism will never make our economy strong and sustainable.

Gonsalves has been reckless with taxpayers’ money, and a disaster in managing the country’s finances. The Director of Audit failed the ULP regime for 2008, 2009, 2010. Gonsalves is financially incompetent.

SVG needs change and competent financial leadership. We cannot waste millions more and wait 10 more years and hope that Argyle might bring a profit. We need to invest in our people today, and create thousands of new jobs. We must focus on Vincentians’ needs, not tourists’ or rich foreigners’ needs.

For the sake of our country and our children, SVG Green Party supporters should vote NDP in the constituencies that do not have a Green candidate.

Equally so, SVG Green Party is calling on NDP supporters, to vote SVG Green Party in the constituencies where there are SVG Green Party candidates. An SVG Green Party / NDP coalition will manage the country better.

AIRLINE PILOTS are concerned about the safety of landing and take-off at Argyle airport, when there are strong winds. The winds at Argyle are crosswinds. Landing and taking off in crosswinds is much harder, and the Federal Aviation Authority says take-offs and landings in certain crosswind conditions are inadvisable or even dangerous.

In very windy conditions, “wingstrike” may occur, which is when a wing hits the runway. Airbus says, wind is the main cause of 4% of ‘approach and landing’ accidents.

The farcical scene of four planes landing at Argyle recently was a joke, and proved nothing. The day was clear and there was little wind.

All aircraft have a maximum crosswind limit that they can fly in. A number of the LIAT aircrafts have a maximum crosswind limit of only 20 knots on narrow runways, such as at Argyle. It is likely we will see many occasions when LIAT cannot operate flights to and from Argyle, because the winds there are frequently stronger than 20 knots.

Airline pilots say, to really test Argyle, a day should be chosen when the crosswinds are 20 knots or more.

The problem airline pilots foresee, is that the new LIAT aircrafts will likely be unable to land or take-off at Argyle when the winds are 20 knots or more, and this is often. The new LIAT ATR planes are more unstable in strong crosswinds than the old Dash-8 aircrafts.

The wheels on the new LIAT ATR aircrafts are under the fuselage, whereas on the old Dash-8 aircrafts, the wheels are under the engines, about one-third of the way along the wings. As the wheels on the new LIAT ATR aircrafts are much closer together, landing in strong crosswinds will be more dangerous as it is more unstable.

As one pilot said, ‘Iit’s like riding a bicycle in a hurricane’.

If Argyle airport is opened and E.T. Joshua airport is closed, then our country will have major problems. Due to the crosswinds, Argyle will be closed for many, many days of the year when the winds are strong. On these days, there will be no flights in or out of St. Vincent. This will damage our economy and inconvenience many passengers.

We know E.T. Joshua airport works:

better to keep that open and in use rather than close it and take a big risk with Argyle, and suffer many days of no flights at all. We cannot afford to keep both airports open.

The whole Argyle airport fiasco has been yet another financial disaster under Gonsalves. Over 800 million dollars has been wasted at Argyle, yet no cost — benefit analysis has ever been presented to the public to show Argyle will boost the SVG economy.

The ULP regime has already admitted that Argyle will not make a profit and will cost more to run than it will make. Argyle should not be opened. Airlines are not overly keen to fly to Argyle. The ULP regime has revealed that the only way to get bigger airlines to fly to Argyle is to pay them. This will waste millions of dollars more and would be an economic disaster, plunging our country further into debt.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, has a BSc (Hons.) degree in Accounting and Finance from Oxford Brookes University, England, SVG Green Party and in his opinion, the project should www.svggreenparty.org have never been started. Argyle will Find us on Facebook and Twitter only drag our country down, and

AN IN-DEPTH examination of our society may well reveal that there is a relationship between loose conduct immorality unrestrained, and crime and injustice.

The constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines affirms, that the nation is founded on the belief in the supremacy of God (the creator) and the freedom and dignity of man. But it is irrefutable that our behaviour generally does not reflect harmony with that affirmation. Yet we have the privilege of having access to the documented word of God, which clearly sets out how we as his creation ought to behave, to enjoy success.

I had been of the opinion, that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council (SVGCC) represented an organization of strong, sincere followers of Christ, who were determined to influence the behaviour and day to day living of the populace, in a way that promoted and produced harmony and goodwill.

To effectively carry out the task of generating harmony and goodwill, the members of the Council would have to be always vigilant, so as to recognize the factors and agents which pose the threat of debilitating the community.

When those agents of evil are identified, it might be the duty then of the Council to act with prudence but forthrightly, to neutralize those evils.

Lawlessness and ungovernableness are not of a disposition in harmony with submission to our God’s authority and counsel.

For some years now, I have harboured the view, that when towards the end of the last

millennium, some of our respected citizens vowed to make the country ungovernable, they had unwittingly invoked an evil force which has subverted their will, and has enslaved them to be his agents of confusion, so that even today, they are still entrapped, and we are finding it difficult to extricate ourselves from the malaise. Are we not seeing many of our institutions fail, and our grandiose economic ventures bringing us merely more indebtedness?

I am hoping that the SVGCC could

be re-invigorated; they can still do much to retrieve the harmony of the society. Two areas I would like to recommend for their intervention are loud boisterous music in residential areas, and vulgarity even on the airwaves, in the lyrics of quite a few of the songs aired. Even NBC’s 705, disappoints in this area!

It may well be that the SVGCC’s exhibition of enthusiasm in the effecting of their mandate and mission, would influence other civic organizations like the Chamber of

In support of the Christian Council

Industry to be more involved. At the beginning of the century, the ODD held promise to be serious, but the organization seems to have evaporated and the once strong voices have been silenced by their good fortunes.

There are many citizens who are in positions to make an impact in the reduction of crime, but they need to be emboldened to make the interventions when the occasions arise.

LeRoy Providence

Commonwealth Women’s Forum – Nov. 22, 2015 THE COMMONWEALTH WOMEN’S NETWORK (CWN) is a strong voice for the advancement of women, and has continuously lobbied at the Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting, Partners Forum and other key spaces, for the greater involvement of women in Politics and Leadership.

In numerous Statements and Press Releases, it is stressed that without gender equality and freedom from violence against women, the advancement of women and their countries will be severely hampered.

It is therefore, with a sense of relief, that the Commonwealth Women’s Network welcomes the first ever Commonwealth Women’s Forum as part of the activities of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). It is our hope that the deliberations of the Forum will build on the research and analysis and action already taken at civil society level, and at

governmental level in some countries.

In making this appeal, the CWN draws on the Statement from the Partners Forum held at the 8th “WAMM” held in Uganda in 2007, which in reference to women’s leadership states as follows: “Political leadership is a precondition for social and economic empowerment Equal participation by women in governance and leadership can only be achieved by providing an enabling environment for women’s leadership training and opportunities for engagement. We call on Member States to: - Honor commitments to existing 30% targets and fast track towards equal representation of women in decision-making at all levels; - Support capacity-building and provide spaces for public advocacy amongst women leaders, potential women leaders and persons with disabilities, and women and girls in

isolated communities and overseas territories; - Provide opportunities for gender training for Parliamentarians”.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with four Parties facing the Polls on 9th December, a total of six (6) women are among a total of 43 Candidates. The Commonwealth Women’s Network congratulates these women for stepping up to the Challenge of informing the public that women can contribute to the country’s development from the level of the Parliament.

The women of the regions eagerly await the outcomes of this CHOGM Women’s Forum, expecting a wellresourced plan for women’s empowerment in the area of political leadership.

Nelcia Robinson Chair Commonwealth Women’s Network

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 13.

News

Barrouallie Technical Institute: 2015 Schools Drama Champions THE BARROUALLIE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, in only their second attempt to date, copped the coveted champion title in the 2015 Secondary Schools Drama Festival.

The festival climaxed last week Thursday with a finals face-off between the eventual champions and the Girls’ High School, and an awards ceremony.

St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (SJCK) took third position.

The Barrouallie dramatists won with a play entitled ‘Inquest of My Father’, beating the GHS’s ‘Duelling Voice’ and the SJCK’s ‘Mal Pale’.

Interestingly, the SJCK ‘Mal Pale’, written

by Mrs. Junette Bascombe, was adjudged Best Original Play.

Barrouallie Technical Institute also captured the majority of individual awards: Best Lead Actress, and Dramatist of the Festival — Shanell Gibson (Granny Ivy McTier); Best Supporting Actress - Ashekah Hutchins (April); and Best Costumes and Best Make Up. Thomas Saunders Secondary added three awards to their cabinet of trophies: Best Supporting Actor — Dexton Scott (Business Man); Best Set; and Best Stage Management.

The GHS took the award for the Best Director, and Chad Graham (Cory), of the

Campden Park Secondary School, was adjudged the Festival’s Best Lead Actor.

This year’s Festival opened on November 10, and the preliminaries ran until November 23. Drama Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Culture, Martin Quashie, described the presentations as being “very good”, and proffered that “this is a positive development for the performing arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Eight Secondary Schools participated in this year’s Festival: the Campden Park Secondary (Bethel); St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown; West St. George Secondary; Thomas Saunders Secondary School; Troumaca Ontanio Secondary; Petit Bordel Secondary; Girls’ High School; and the Barrouallie Technical Institute.

The Annual Secondary Schools Drama Festival is produced by the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Mr. Ruthvin Harper (2nd from right) demonstrating one of the many ways to cut the cassava stem for planting.

Rapid propagation of cassava encouraged CASSAVA FARMERS in Region Two Lowmans Hill to Argyle - are better equipped to efficiently propagate cassava.

This, after 14 of them were involved in a workshop-demonstration organized by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), November 24, at the Dumbarton Agricultural Station.

The activity was co-ordinated by Agricultural Officer Ms. Sophia Henry, and the actual demonstration was conducted by Mr. Ruthvin Harper MOA Scientist, and Dr. Gregory Robin Country Representative for CARDI. The workshop-demonstration was in keeping with the Ministry’s effort to promote its ‘Rapid Propagation of Cassava’ drive.

Those involved were exposed to,

among other procedures, using all parts of the cassava stem for propagation purposes.

According to information at hand, cassava production still remains an important source of livelihood for farmers in Region Two. In the face of many challenges, over 11 acreage of cassava were planted in this Region for the year among 70 farmers, and it is anticipated that this acreage would be increased in due course, as planting material becomes readily available.

Cassava is the main ingredient of the local farine which continues to be produced here, and is available throughout the state for purchase.

The potential for growth in this regard was recognised by the farmers.

The Barrouallie Technical Institute’s cast (left to right back): Alicia Gibson (Vio), Lorren Stapleton (Selma) and Ashekah Hutchins (April McTier); (left to right front) Ricknol Richardson (Vince), Linzy Millington (Alpian), and Dramatist of the Festival, Shanel Gibson (Grandma Ivy Mc Tier).

14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 15.

Politics

Camillo Gonsalves, ULP candidate for East St. George, insisted that the NDP has plans to introduce austerity measures should it form government.

NDP will implement austerity measures IN THE FACE of denials by the leadership of the opposition New Democratic Party, Camillo Gonsalves, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for East St George in the December 9, 2015 General Elections, maintains that an NDP government will implement austerity measures to deal with the economy.

Gonsalves made the statement during last Saturday’s ULP meeting in Calliaqua, the heartbeat of the East St. George constituency.

To support his claim, a recording was played, featuring the NDP’s political leader, Arnhim Eustace, speaking about austerity.

‘Kenny Anthony has gone further now, he has reduced salaries and look at what Barbados is doing, sending home thousands, so when you have these fiscal problems, these budget type problems, action has to be taken but you must tell the public. You must bring the public into your confidence, say, listen we are in this trouble, we are in that trouble, we have to take certain steps to get through the trouble. Some will be painful or austere as the word they like to use’, Eustace was heard saying.

“He is saying look how they cutting jobs in St Lucia and Barbados, and we

have to do the same thing in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves asserted.

The NDP’s manifesto does not include austerity, according to Gonsalves, but he insisted that they were embracing the idea as the plan for the future.

He accused the NDP of planning to cut a number of programmes implemented by the ULP, including the YES and SET programmes, the ‘Lives to Live’, economically disadvantaged student loans and the nurses stipend programmes.

“Now in the last days, everything they say they going to cut, they change their mind; they ain’t going to cut it again,” the first time candidate said.

However, Eustace is on record as saying that the allegations made against him and the NDP about cutting some social programmes, were not true.

He was responding then to the ULP’s political leader, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who first listed a number of ULP initiatives that an elected NDP government would remove.

Eustace was adamant that those allegations were all false. (DDD)

NDP not making sex-tapes THE POLITICAL LEADER of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Arnhim Eustace, has spoken out in defence of his organisation, saying that members of the Party had nothing to do with the production of the sex tapes that recently surfaced.

He said on Monday’s ‘New Times’ programme, “In relation to the so called sex tapes…I simply say that the NDP has no involvement whatsoever in the production of those sex tapes that have become so topical.

“Any statement by anyone which gives the impression that the NDP has involvement is totally incorrect,” Eustace continued.

He spoke out after weeks of silence and following the circulation of an electronic recording that featured a male, whose voice sounded similar to that of a member of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), and a female, engaging in a phone sex conversation.

Subsequent to the release of the tape, Trade Unionist and ULP activist, Joseph ‘Burns’ Bonadie gave detailed information about the THE VINCENTIAN female on the understands that the tape, and recording referred to linked the in the article went individual to viral. the NDP, saying that the young woman’s mother is employed with a relative of an official of that political party.

However, Eustace announced that such information linking the NDP to the production of such material was “totally false.”

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16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Political Leader of the incumbent ULP, urged hundreds of supporters to get out and vote on December 9 – Election Day.

Gonsalves urges persons to vote PERSONS are being encouraged to go out and vote, despite threats of taking legal action being uttered from the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), Dr Ralph Gonsalves, made the call last Saturday at a meeting at the Calliaqua Playing Field, in response to the Leader of the NDP Arnhim Eustace’s repeated threats that his

party will be taking legal action with respect to persons found guilty of registering in constituencies where they are not eligible to vote, and may have done so.

Eustace indicated that the NDP had set up a group of persons tasked with monitoring the registration process, and this has turned up a number of individuals who he (Eustace) has alleged, have registered in

constituencies where they do not reside.

Last month, he said that he had received information that some Nigerian nationals, as many as 16, had registered to vote in East Kingstown, although they did not reside in that constituency.

The Supervisor of Elections subsequently refuted the claim.

And on Saturday, Gonsalves told party supporters that the ULP will obey the law, and that once persons were eligible to vote, then they should do so.

“I say to every one of you eligible to vote will be able to vote because that has happened legally, and if anybody has any challenge, let them bring it on,” he said.

“And I want to add further, Eustace I hear you, Linton Lewis I hear you, ‘Jules’ Ferdinand, I hear you talking ‘bout you all will prosecute people. I am telling each and every one of you,

you all are not prosecutors, learn the law,” Gonsalves said.

He continued, saying that if there was anything wrong, a complaint could be made to the office of the Supervisor of Elections, the police or the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

But, if any of these complaints filed were found to be frivolous or without merit, then the police or the DPP will not pay any attention to them, Gonsalves explained.

“Your lawyers that are coming in, I tell you, deal with your criminals in your country. Try and keep the criminals in Trinidad from coming to St Vincent. Don’t bring lawyers here to try and subvert the democratic process,” he said in response to the announcement made by the NDP that Trinidadian lawyer Keith Scotland will head a team of 24 lawyers, who will visit the 15 constituencies during next Wednesday’s election. (DDD)

OAS to observe SVG elections Constitutional reform.

The OAS said the mission will be led by the Chief of Staff of The Organization of American States the Secretary (OAS) says it will send an Electoral General, Observation Mission (EOM) to the Ambassador general elections in St. Vincent and Jacinth Henrythe Grenadines on Dec. 9.

The Washington-based hemispheric Martin.

The OAS/EOM to It will include SVG will be headed body said this is according to the observers from agreement signed on Monday by its

by Jacinth Henry representatives and that of the multi- different Martin, former St. nationalities island state.

Kitts and Nevis who will be OAS Secretary General Luis Ambassador to the deployed in all Almagro said the mission will be the United States now 15 14th deployed in 2015 to various constituencies of Chief of Staff to countries of the hemisphere.

OAS SecretaryHe noted that the mission will focus the country General Luis on issues of electoral organization and before, during Almagro. and after the gender equality, and respect for electoral conditions of equality and process, the OAS said. transparency in the electoral Observers say the elections will be competition. closely fought by the incumbent Unity Interim Representative of St Labor Party (ULP) of Prime Minister Vincent and the Grenadines to the OAS, Omari Seitu Williams, welcomed Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves and the main the EOM to his country, adding that it opposition New Democratic Party will be the fifth mission that the OAS (NDP) of economist and former Prime Minister Arnhim Eustace. Two other has deployed to the country after minor parties are contesting the general elections in 2001, 2005 and elections.

2010, and the 2009 Referendum on

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 17.

Education

A Health Fair with a difference NOT OFTEN WOULD WE hear of a Health Fair promoted by entities outside the Ministry of Health or by professionals directly related to health care. Not so anymore!

On Friday 13th November, 2015, the Home Economics TVET group of teachers from the Department of Teacher Education, based at the Community College at Villa, hosted a successful Health Fair, under the theme ‘Back to Basic’.

The Fair, together with a community food demonstration that was showcased earlier, on October 23rd at the Anglican Parish Hall in Calliaqua, were in direct response to the requirements of the University of the West Indies, regarding the students’ programme of study in pursuit of their teaching degree.

At the end of this semester, rather than writing an examination, the students are required to apply and share the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their training, with the community in which the

Time for some sampling.

function. Evidence of those activities is then to be submitted to the UWI as part of their work, for final assessment.

Information made available The Fair was considered a very successful event and, in many ways, surpassed expectations. The wide array of exhibits and the range of free health services and activities that were made available to all attending the Fair, were encouraging and certainly motivated the students to participate in Viewing the range of healthy foods that we can those activities.

There were several display prepare for ourselves. booths in which posters, flyers, fact sheets, booklets, brochures given as samples included cold pressed coconut oil, eggplant rolls, papaw skin and recipes, all filled with various care mask, oatmeal facial scrub, health information, were mounted. avocado hair moisturizer, spinach The information disseminated focused on medicinal uses of herbs and balls, sorrel, rosemary, roasted garlic kebab, soursop ice cream, peas and plants that have been bean humor, saffron, detox water and researched, and are now aspects of the Mediterranean food being recommended as choices. supplements or alternative Health professionals who made remedies for many ailments that affect our health, here in presentations at the fair included Dr Michael Goodluck (District Medical St Vincent and the world Officer).; Dr Jose Davy, who dealt with over. infectious diseases, and Ms. KerryAnne Hamilton (Counselor) whose Healthy Foods focus was on Nutrition and Mental Health. Ms Hazel Anne Hadaway Students also researched, (Nutritionist) was also present. created and packaged their own health, beauty care and food products that were given Other services as samples to individuals Health information and services following the exhibition. were also provided throughout the Items produced and

Students avail themselves of the blood pressure and blood sugar levels tests.

Course Co-ordinator, Mrs Zita Arthur, assessed the Fair as having accomplished its objective.

duration of the Fair by Nurse Practitioner Sis. Beverly Mc Nicholls, and District Health Aid at the Calliaqua Clinic, Mrs. Dawn Dellimore. The pair worked all day testing blood pressure and blood sugar levels while, at the same time, advising individuals on what measures to take in cases that were of concern to them.

Ms Kemora Kydd complemented the team with her Body Health Check machine, which gives an indication of how well the body is performing, and what areas need improvements.

Course Co-ordinator, Mrs Zita Arthur, together with the students, given the extent of patronage, were confident that the objective of Fair was achieved.

The hope is that those who took the time out to patronise the fair, would continue to be aware of the food choices they make, and use the information gained from the Fair to make positive decisions as far as their health is concerned.

V Lawyer challenges Gonsalves on land issue 18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Law

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

provision in the Crown Lands Act that overrides the Limitation Act on adverse ATTORNEY KAY BACCHUSpossession of crown lands.

BROWNE is challenging Bacchus-Browne, who Prime Minister and leader recently returned to the of the Unity Labour Party state following a 3-week (ULP) Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to stint abroad, issued the show the nation any challenge while speaking

Cash seizure prompts investigations UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing investigations in relation to claims of discrepancies about an amount of cash, which is the subject of a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) application for forfeiture.

The sum of money was reportedly seized after being found in possession of Redemption Sharpes resident Calford George, who claims to be a pastor. George is reported to have told the Grenville Williams, police that Peng Zhang, a native of China, who resides FIU Director, is confident that a here, gave him the cash to “reasonable take to Union Island. conclusion” will be At a Preliminary hearing arrived at after a fair at the Serious Offences and transparent Court on Tuesday, Grant Connell, lawyer for the inquiry. respondents, told the court that his instructions are that an official report was made to the police, that an amount of money was allegedly missing from the amount that was seized.

When contacted, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, “I have no comment, as the matter is before the court, but I trust that both civil and criminal matters would be resolved.”

Reports are that a search, conducted at the Grenadines wharf in Kingstown, November 15, turned up most of the money in a ‘Pringles Potato Chips’ container found in a knapsack George was carrying.

The rest of the cash was discovered in one of George’s pockets.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that when Peng Zhang was taken up for questioning in connection with the seizure, he told the police that he had given George more money than the EC$41,390, which was reported to have been seized by the police.

The FIU applied for forfeiture of that sum, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2013, but that matter has been adjourned pending investigations into the discrepancy claims.

When contacted on Wednesday, FIU Director Grenville Williams told THE VINCENTIAN, “Caution must be exercised by the FIU in addressing these unfounded allegations, as the matter is before the court in both the Civil and Criminal Jurisdictions”.

Williams, however, went on to say, “I have no doubt that after a fair and transparent inquiry into these allegations, a lawfully constituted tribunal will arrive at the reasonable conclusion that the officers acted honestly, with utmost integrity, and that the allegations are spurious and without merit”.

He pointed out that, “History has shown that there are no instances where the integrity of officers of the FIU have been called into question as it relates to the management of seized monies”.

The FIU Director commended the police officer who detected the cash, which led to the seizure, for her vigilance, keen sense of observation, and commitment to the performance of her duty, including the protection of the nation’s ports, as well as the security and safety of the people and nation.

with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday.

She had outlined, while addressing an opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) public meeting at Murray’s Village on October 17, that under the Limitation Act No 11 of 1988, Revised Edition 2009, families who possess crown lands continuously for 30 years and over, without government reclaiming the land, have the right to own those lands, as the government’s title has been extinguished. As a result, Bacchus-Browne advised persons who are on crown lands for 30 years and over, to ignore offer letters by government for sale of those lands, regardless to what price they are being offered at.

However, speaking at a ULP rally in his home village of Colonarie, October 25, Dr. Gonsalves, seemingly in response to Bacchus-Browne comments, questioned rhetorically, “She read the Crown Lands Act?” Gonsalves, himself a lawyer, went on to say, “Read the Crown Lands Act, don’t only read the Limitation Act.”

He, however, did not refer to any specific provision in the Crown Lands Act to rebut the legal argument raised by Bacchus-Browne, who was at the time out of the country.

Taking up the issue since her return, BacchusBrowne told THE VINCENTIAN, “The Limitation Act takes precedence over any other law in relation to adverse possession of crown land.”

The lawyer added, “I challenge Ralph Gonsalves to show the nation any provision in the Crown Lands Act that overrides the Limitation Act on adverse possession of crown land.”

Dr. Gonsalves had also declared at the ULP rally on October 25 that, “Some lawyers vex with me because they want the money to do the deeds, but we are doing the deeds at $35.00.”

But Bacchus-Browne told this publication that, “They (families) don’t have to apply for title until they are ready, and they can go to any lawyer.

“Government cannot move them from the lands legally if they have been

there for 30 years and over, and government cannot sell those lands because the government’s title would have been extinguished.”

Bacchus-Browne also responded to an article on page 4 of THE VINCENTIAN, October 30, headlined ‘Lawyers disagree with BacchusBrowne”.

The story reported that some lawyers, speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on condition of anonymity, expressed the view that it would be far more costly and time consuming to acquire title by applying under the Possessory Titles Act 2004, and that one may also run the risk of the application being challenged by another person/persons with a similar claim to the land.

The lawyers had stressed that government is offering the lands at 50 cents and 10 cents per square foot, and is giving title which, according to one lawyer, is an act of kindness and a gift to the people, compared to the costs involved in acquiring title, by applying under the Possessory Titles Act. But according to Bacchus-Browne, “Those

Attorney Kay BacchusBrowne has called out Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on the issue of the Crown Lands Act. lawyers did not present any legal argument to show that I am wrong.

Their argument is a political one. I am challenging them to declare who they are, because I am ready to challenge them on the legal arguments.”

She added, “I stand by what I say. If the government’s title is extinguished, how can they ask you to pay for the land. This is a serious matter.”

Veteran prosecutor on pre-retirement leave VETERAN POLICE Prosecutor Assistant Supt. (ASP) Glenford Gregg proceeded on pre-retirement leave last Friday, November 27, after 34 years and nine months service to the local constabulary.

ASP Gregg was at his home in Diamond relaxing when THE VINCENTIAN contacted him by telephone on Wednesday.

“I have to give the Most High all the glory for keeping me all these years. I am satisfied that I would have served my country and people to the best of my ability, and I have no regret”, the outgoing officer declared.

But, he hastened to add, “It wasn’t all smooth sailing; there were ups and downs, but I kept the faith, and my love for and dedication to the job kept me going”.

Gregg was a prosecutor for 11 years, serving at the Serious Offences Court, Kingstown Magistrate’s Court and Family Court.

He served at a number of outstations, and had the distinction of working on all the Grenadines islands and at all the police stations

on the Leeward side of the country. He did two stints, five years and three years respectively, at Special Branch.

In 2001, at the time a Special Branch officer, he Police Prosecutor Assistant Supt. (ASP) Glenford assisted in the apprehension of a Gregg (left) accepts a plaque of appreciation U.S national who from Commissioner of Police Michael Charles was wanted in the (Photo: WeFM) United States on Charles Harding, now deceased, of a number of money laundering the Nation Newspaper, Barbados. allegations.

Gregg was in-charge of Process Gregg, who attended several Department, which is responsible local and overseas training courses in general policing, is also a trained for the courts, and was third in command of the Criminal journalist.

Investigation Department (CID) Some years ago, he and retired when he proceeded on preAssistant Superintendent of Police retirement leave which will run Jonathan Nichols represented the until February 25, 2016. police force at a training course in As he makes his exit, Gregg basic journalism at the University of the West Indies Open Campus, at declared, “I have to give credit where credit is due. I gained most Richmond Hill.

The course was organized by the of my promotions under the current administration.”

Searchlight newspaper, and THE VINCENTIAN wishes ASP facilitated by Media Consultant Gregg a happy retirement.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 19.

Business

LIME unwraps Christmas along Leeward Coast

Right: Activity from the LIME Leeward Christmas Road Show.

LAST SATURDAY, November 28th, was another memorable day for the LIME team as they completed their first road show for the season.

After a first stop in Layou, the LIME caravan made its way through every town on the Leeward side of the Island, ending the show at Fitz Hughes.

LIME Country Manager Wayne Hull was a part of the caravan and expressed that, “We were really pleased with the

responsiveness of the people we met. We were even more pleased with the hundreds of new customers who joined the LIME network, whether by switching or purchasing a handset for the first time. We welcome all to the LIME family.”

Some of the deals that were made available were smartphones at as low a price as $99 each, free trades, and the return of the famous double bubble.

The free gift with

purchase also met the approval of the many patrons on that day.

The LIME caravan not only consisted of LIME employees, but also LIME ambassador Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper and models from the Image Modeling Agency.

Nikala Williams, LIME’s Marketing Manager, encourages the Windward side of the island to “look out for the LIME caravan as we will be coming to your town soon, with unbeatable deals for the season.”

20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Two for trial on cocaine charges TWO UNION ISLAND men have been committed to stand trial in the High Court, on two cocaine charges.

Benjamin Harvey and Vincent Denbar will go before a judge and jury on joint charges of being in possession of 9,159 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking.

At the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Serious Offences Court last Friday, November 27, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias concluded that a prima facie case was made out for both men.

The charges allegedly stem from a cocaine seizure in the vicinity of Sail Rock, as a result of a joint operation by the local Coast Guard and officers from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), July 3, 2014.

The men were reportedly intercepted while travelling in a speed boat from Union Island towards Bequia, shortly after 8 p.m.

Some five witnesses testified for the prosecution, including the RRU officer that headed the operation.

Attorney Ronald Marks represented both defendants.

No disclosure, charges withdrawn THE PROSECUTION, led by Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, on Tuesday at the Serious Offences Court, withdrew several money laundering charges against Belair resident Michael Charles (not the Commissioner of Police).

The case commenced on Tuesday with the first witness, but Charles’ lawyer, Grant Connell, informed the court that, despite a court order, he had no disclosure of documents to which the prosecution intended to refer. He pointed out that, given the magnitude of the offence, it would be highly prejudicial to proceed in the absence of such documents.

Connell highlighted the fact that there was an order by the Court in May 2015 for disclosure.

The matter was stood down for about half an hour, and when the court resumed, the prosecution indicated that they were withdrawing the charges.

Charles was accused of bringing monies into the country over a period of time, suspected to be the proceeds of crime. He was charged under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2013.

Stories by HH

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Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. Competitive games will be your forte. You may be out of sorts If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. Exercise programs will be effective.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Keep an eye on your weight. Your confidence is growing and advancement is apparent. You can complete any projects efficiently, especially if you put the effort in yourself. Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may find out that someone has not been completely honest with you. You can make moves, but they won’t be settling. Travel opportunities should be your first choice. Try not to argue about trivial matters.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try to avoid being extravagant this week. Unreliable people will be negative about your ideas. You should not be concerned with coworkers who insist on spreading rumors. You have your own family to consider as well. Go after your professional goals.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. Secret affairs will only lead to deception. Don’t give your heart too readily. Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. You will have problems with co-workers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. Be prepared to take care of the issues at hand. You will need to take a look at the renovations that are necessary and try to find the cheapest way to get things done.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Watch your weight gain due to water retention. Don’t be a pest or a troublemaker this week. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on.

You can’t make things better if you don’t know what to fix.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be honest in your communication and don’t lose your cool if someone backs you into a corner. Your creative imagination will help you in coming up with unique ideas. Do not invest in ventures that only appear to be lucrative. Some situations may be blown out of proportion.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position.

Trips, educational pursuits, or projects that could lead to new outlooks should be on your agenda. You have your own family to consider as well. Go after your professional goals. Opportunities for romance will flourish through travel.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don’t say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose. Your emotions have been pulled out of shape and you need to do a little backtracking. Don’t rely on others to handle the workload.

Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the family.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Better still, take your mate and let them foot the bill.

You may find yourself in a heated dispute with a friend if you try to change your mind. Feeling under the weather may be a result of overindulgence.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t get involved in other people’s private doings. Someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and if you’re gullible, it may cost you. Don’t shy away from potential mates they want to introduce you to. Your sensitive nature will allow others to read you well.

ACROSS 1. Blocker of “Bonanza” 4. Likely IRS worker 7. Moved smoothly 11. __, dos, tres…

12. Tortoise’s opponent 14. Twosome 15. Teen’s channel choice (abbr.)

16. Like some tea 17. Heronlike bird 18. Long-eared dog 20. “__ had it!”

22. Eliminate 23. “__ to the Marines” (2 wds.)

27. Hamster’s home 30. Basketball stand for tykes 31. Bride’s answer (2 wds.)

32. Tiger __ 33. Advanced degree (abbr.)

34. Merely 35. Lemon drink 36. Wray of film

37. Car openers 38. Type of floss 40. Gardner of films 42. Cutting tool 43. “__ the blue horizon …”

47. Horn sound 50. Thick rug 52. “__ Tripper” 53. Very unusual 54. British farewell (2 wds.)

55. Basis of heredity (abbr.)

56. Comedian Laurel 57. Director Craven 58. __ Marino

9. Roman 3 10. Surgeons, e.g. (abbr.)

13. Revised copy 19. Earl __ tea 21. Low neckline 24. Fishing DOWN string 1.Type of luck 25. In a lazy manner 2. Poker stake 26. Playpen 3. __ Scotia items 4. Tex-Mex 27. Attired dish 28. Candy 5. Regulated striper the rate 29. Small of valley 6. “People __ 30. “Love __ Funny” neighbor” 7. Sales pitch 33. Whitest 8. Chem.

34. Approve Classroom

36. Office machine 39. Captured 40. Ebb 41. Las __ 44. Toteboard figures 45. Grandma 46. Actress

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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Cannon 47. Day’s 24 (abbr.)

48. Cereal ingredient 49. Gun lobby (abbr.)

51. Hem’s partner

V I left her He can’t satisfy me with him 30. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

thinks I have to just stick it out and be satisfied because I am I HAVE BEEN sleeping around with my boss, and I his wife.

My trouble is I am have been lying to my husband about being with pregnant, and I am absolutely certain it is him.

My husband is unable for my boss. Yes, he has his wife, but I prefer to to satisfy me sexually, be pregnant for him than and I have told him so a husband who has lost many times. I do not his way. My husband want to continue in the knows about my marriage, but he does pregnancy, and pretends not want to end it to be happy for “us” as he because, according to him, it will not look good puts it. Little does he know that he is about to in the eyes of his family father a child that is not and friends. his. Good for him!!

He is not a bad husband otherwise, but now he wants to put me Sleeping by on a once a week diet, and sometimes it goes to Dear Sleeping by, once every two weeks, I cannot say that I even though he knew about my sexual appetite agree with your method in dealing with the and desires before we situation in which you were married.

I am not ok with this, have found yourself.

Sleeping around is not and he does not seem to care or want to care. He the way to register your dissatisfaction with your refuses to seek help husband’s sexual medically or otherwise. performance or lack He does not want to admit he has premature thereof. Your present ejaculation problems. He behaviour will only

Dear George,

Dear George

result in further complicating matters, and cannot be condoned.

If you have totally lost all interest in saving the marriage, then you ought to come out and say so, and not sink to levels that would raise questions about your

dignity and character.

Tell your husband the truth about the possibility of the child not being his, and use that opportunity to make a decision on the future of your marriage.

George

I met my wife in bed with a man who is one of the directors in the company I work for. It was a double shock. One, I was shocked that she would do this, and two, I was shocked that this man would do this to me.

I was about to out both of their lights, when he grabbed my hand and offered me a promotion, telling me that nobody has to know about this.

George, all I did was to walk out of the room, and told him he could have her. I intend to reveal the whole story sooner than later, and everybody will know why I am no longer with my worthless wife. It is time that these men stop using their positions to steal other people’s wives.

I have since filed for a divorce and taken a vacation to cool my head.

Child caught up in politics

No Excuse Dear No Excuse,

Dear George, THE FAMILY COURT has ruled that I can have my child every other weekend; but her mother has refused to stick to that arrangement.

Just because she is supporting a different political party from me, she refuses to send the child, saying that her child is not sleeping in any house that supports “a devil party.”

It is two weekends now I have not had my child, and I am trying to keep my cool; but the temptation is there to manhandle this woman. How can a woman who calls herself a mother be so ignorant and stupid? I need your advice, please.

Upset Dad Dear Upset Dad, You need to go back to the court to settle this. She has disobeyed a court order or judgement, and it is not for you to take matters into your hands but rather, to let the court deal with it.

This is the time for you as a parent to show some maturity and not let your child get caught up in another custody battle. The court needs to know what has developed subsequent to the original judgement, and make a determination as to what happens next.

George

It is good that you chose not to get yourself in conflict with the law.

It is unfortunate that your wife would stoop that low and defile the matrimonial bed.

Let us hope that the man in question would take stock of his ways and start living an upright life, and that your wife would come to the realisation that the bone should never be thrown away for the shadow. The man she is flirting with is only a passing shadow and will not be there after the dust has settled.

Do not rule out speaking with someone professionally to help you complete the process of clearing your mind.

George

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 31.

Diaspora

Vincy group brings Christmas nostalgia —symbolizing the Christmas season — UVCGB members sang, among others, ‘Mary’s Boy THE BROOKLYN, New York-based Child’ and United Vincie Cultural Group of ‘Christmas, Brooklyn (UVCGB) last Saturday Christmas’, and night brought much nostalgia rendered the Emily Mentos-James O’Brien Simmons about Christmas to Caribbean choral speech on harmonica (mouth rocks the house nationals, with the staging of the ‘The Gift’. with a Christmas organ). group’s second annual UVCGB medley. serenading concert. member Ralphie Holy The concert, which attracted Cunningham recalled “singing Night’, and her fellow towna large number of Vincentians, out” in his hometown as well as Caribbean nationals, Chateaubelair, and giving most native Emily Mentos-James played, on harmonica (mouth was held in the Fellowship Hall of the speeches back in the organ), ‘Joy to the World’, of Miracle Temple Ministries, 1970s.

‘Once in Royal David City’, and an evangelical church in the “Good night to the Mistress ‘While Shepherds Watched’.

Brownsville section of and Master of this lovely Evangelist Shirley Browne Brooklyn, where many of cottage,” he recalled saying, rendered ‘Hear What UVCGB members worship. before singing ‘Joy to the Christmas Means to Me’; and Many nationals, as well as World’, with the audience Bequia native O’Brien UVCGB members, participated joining in.

Simmons, treasurer of the largely in carol singing and Zita Adams, a Georgetownumbrella Vincentian group, speeches, as they reminisced born, Brooklyn-based public Council of St. Vincent and the about Christmas at home. school teacher, struck up ‘O, Grenadines Organizations, Dressed mainly in red Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Members of United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB) perform choral speech, “The Gift”. UVCGB president Dr. Roxie Irish is pictured furthest right.

U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), received rave reviews with ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’.

Other performers, including singers and poets, comprised nationals from Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

UVCGB members distributed gifts to several children — and adults. Patrons feasted on local delicacies, such as callaloo soup, salt fish and bakes, dukuna and potato pudding.

Caren Charles-DeFreitas, a public school teacher in Brooklyn, who hails from Cedars, and who served as

Mistress of Ceremonies, told THE VINCENTIAN, “It’s always fun when we come together…. You get a sense of Christmas … It makes you yearn to be home.”

“It was very good,” said Don Sutherland, UVCGB musical arranger and cultural icon.

“Our group is really promoting what Christmas is all about — with the family.”

Dr. Roxie Irish, UVCGB president, agreed, adding that it was a good occasion for fellowship.

“The people had lots of fun,” she said. “It shows what Christmas is all about.

Christmas is all about family and kids.”

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32. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

It tight EDITOR’S NOTE: We are pleased, with the writer’s permission, and on popular request, to publish this calypso, which was sung during the 2015 Carnival season.

WITH ELECTIONS looming, everyone anticipating, They wondering which party is going to win.

Imagine people asking me, “Tell me, what you think, Mercy, How will it go”? Ah tell them, straight…..Ah dont know!!

The man in the street he tell me, this one will be agony, It will be gloom and mutiny in one party, For the two ah dem in a dog-fight, dey campaigning day and night And from all indication, this race is high tension.

Michael ‘Lord have Mercy’ Ollivierre.

be plenty scrutinising And they insisting, “this time, no double-voting”.

NDP say change it’s gonna be, Labour say land-slide victory So look out for drama, surprise and controversy.

From the archives they pulled Sir Louis Straker And a photo-finish in sight believe me, To take the beef out of Exeter THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT So there is plenty tension, and THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT, character assassination.

MERCY, THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT They fighting with all dey might, THIS Look me ah beg unno tek it light, for ONE WILL BE TIGHT me ah tell you sey THIS ONE WILL NDP confident of victory, and they BE TIGHT making plans already THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT, Like who will be Governor and who MERCY, THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT getting which Ministry People switching overnight, THIS But with Julian the campaign ONE WILL BE TIGHT specialist and the political scientist, If Labour wins its 4 in a row, and for Labour have might, but trust me, Mr. Eustace also THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT Lose, and civil servants, some will have to go Diplomats tell Washington, for leaders So brace yourself, we’ll be in the in the region spotlight, go out and vote and do Comrade is the brightest and the most what’s right charismatic one But remember, ah tell you, THIS ONE Eustace they say has integrity, and WILL BE TIGHT. thinks he can fix the economy A man of principle, he clean like a Nature and Jomo in a real prize-fight, whistle.

South-Leeward But when I listen to dem talk show I THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT hearing things I did not know Me brethren Shearer I hope you allLike who the next PM will be on Nice right, North Windward Radio THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT And when you hear Star and We FM, Bridge, gutter, sidewalk and drains SVG aint have no problem overnight, all over Yet the two party battling, both ah THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT dem promising.

Facebook junkies will be smoked out of sight me ah tell yo Ah wonder if Sir James Mitchell will THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT re-unite Camillio, an upstart, Linton said one Maybe, but still, THIS ONE WILL BE night, East St.George TIGHT THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT, Linton Lewis Camillio say that yo MERCY, THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT blight and he don’t think I hope there will be no gunfight, THIS THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT ONE WILL BE TIGHT Some coming to vote on a chartered One leader they tell me is sinister and flight, but tell them a dirty character THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT They wondering why he does not, go to Major wey the wreath..Ah gee yo Canada mammy last night, leave me alone The next one’s leadership is so lackTHIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT lustre; he’s boring and has no Some party Supporters like parasites, charisma Convince dem What a plight, for certain, THIS ONE THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT WILL BE TIGHT. The Green Party park up by the stoplight, save yo deposit Ivan Last election victory, 8/7 for the THIS ONE WILL BE TIGHT. Labour party, Opposition say “RIGGED, it was a Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre clear-cut robbery”.

July 2015 So for this election coming there will St. Vincent and the Grenadines

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 33.

V Ex-Police Association gets new executive 34. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

AT A MEETING of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association, held on Saturday, November 07, 2015, a new Executive Committee was elected to

oversee the business of the Association for the next year.

Mr. James Blugh and Pastor Marsden Sam, were re-elected unopposed, as President

and Vice-President, respectively. The other members of the Executive are: Pastor Lennox Haynes Chaplain; Mrs. Cecile McMaster — Secretary;

Mr. Philbert Hachshaw Assistant Secretary; Mr. Glasgow Providence Treasurer; Mr. Jonathan Nicholls - Public Relations Officer; Mr. David Charles Committee Member; Mr. Arnold Duncan, Mr. Alfred Peters and Mr. Ashley Culzac Committee Members.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ex- Police Association was established in October of 2004. The Association went dormant for a few years but was revived in

October, 2013.

The Association recently donated a sum of money to an expolice officer in Dominica, who suffered losses during James Blugh was returned the recent disaster in as president of the SVG that country.

Ex-Police Association.

President of the Association, Mr. James behalf of the Association, Blugh, said that the to Sgt. Brenton Smith of Association intends to the local Police Force, work more closely with who recently obtained a the RSVG Police Force, Master’s Degree in Police and will make its Leadership and services available where Management from the needed.

University of Leicester.

He also expressed Members of the congratulations, on Association worshiped at the Kingstown Methodist Church, on Sunday November 29, 2015.

(Contributed)

Alphonso ‘Buck’ Homer is missing.

Carriere man missing ALPHONSO HOMER, better known as ‘Buck’, is missing.

The 75-year-old, mentally ill man of Carriere is said to have left home on Saturday night and has not returned.

When he was last seen, he was wearing a black track pants with grey streaks at the side, and a black T-Shirt.

Homer’s relatives have made a public appeal for assistance in locating their loved one.

Anyone who may have seen him, or has any information with respect to the missing man’s whereabouts, is asked to contact his family at 432-0114 or 492-1348, or the nearest police station.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 35.

Sports

ÂGet into RugbyÊ returns

A cross-section of the students who participated in this year’s ‘Get into Rugby’ Inter-schools Fun Day and Competition.

THE SVG RUGBY Union’s ‘Get into Rugby’ Interschools Fun Day and Competition returned last week, November 25.

Close to 100 students from the Georgetown Government, Barrouallie Government, Chateaubelair Methodist and C.W. Prescod Primary schools converged on the Richmond Hill Playing Field, for a day of fun, drills and healthy competition.

As obtained in previous competitions, the student players were involved in fun games, drills aimed at helping them develop skills and core competencies, and for the first time, a full tag rugby competition.

When the final whistle was blown to end the competition, the results showed that the Barrouallie Government School were tops among the boys, and the C. W. Prescod Primary in a similar position among the girls.

Those familiar with the sport and who were present, commented that it was Barroualie’s do or die defence that worked

The girls in full attack in one of the tag rugby games. in their favour, while the C.W. Prescod girls dominated with their decisive running.

According to SVG Rugby Coach, Mike Jackson, “This is a fantastic step forward for the union. Rugby can be a complicated game to pick up, especially for young children; but these guys have done a great job, and have demonstrated that today with some fantastic rugby being played.”

A source from the SVG Rugby Union said, the main aim of the day was to make sure all the children had fun, and that it was plain to see

A young female player is all smiles as she believes she has ‘tagged’ her opponent.

from the smiles and laughter, that this mission had well and truly been accomplished.

The SVG Rugby Union expressed thanks to the National Sports Council, the Ministry of Education and all the volunteers on the day for helping to make the event a success.

The records show that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union (SVGRU) came into existence on Sunday 18th January 1998, when the

first game of touch rugby was played at the Sion Hill playing field, using four traffic cones as pitch markers.

Since then, the sport has grown by leaps and bounds, played locally at both the senior and junior levels, and by both males and females.

SVG Ruby teams have participated in regional and hemispheric competitions and tournaments.

The team of young Vincentian gymnasts who will compete in the February 2016 Houston National Invitational.

SVG gymnasts head for the USA ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has added the prestigious sport of Artistic Gymnastics for female and male athletes, to the country’s list of physical education activities.

Pioneering this effort is the Dolphin Gymnastics and Health Academy Limited, which currently offers gymnastics, tumbling and cheer to children of the ages 3 years to 15 years.

The gymnasium is LaPrise Harrislocated at Prospect Williams, USA Raquet Club, and offers National Brevet full instruction on Judge and former Olympic gymnastics coach of the Baylor apparatus.

University Dolphin Gymnastics Acrobatics and Programme was started Tumbling team, has in October of this year, offered her expertise and already has a girl’s to the Dolphin competitive gymnastics Gymnastics team.

In fact, the team plans Programme and the to compete in the USA at SVG team heading for the USA. (Internet the Houston National photo) Invitational, February 57, 2016, under the direction of USA National Brevet Judge and Coach, LaPrise Harris-Williams, who currently resides in SVG. Continued on Page 37.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Adams in West Indies Female Training Squad FOLLOWING CONSISTENT performances in the West Indies Female Limited Overs cricket championships, Vincentian Stacy Ann Adams has earned her first reward at the regional level.

She has been named in a 24member West Indies training squad for future tours.

Adams will join the other selectees for training in preparation for tours to South Africa and India in 2016.

However, before that, Vasbert Drakes, head coach of the West Indies Women’s team, will visit SVG from the 19th to the 22nd of December, to conduct sessions with her.

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN, Adams said, “I was extremely calm and my first thought went to the workload, you know, juggling work into this season and now this. However, after settling this in my mind, I

started thinking about how excited any female cricketer in the Caribbean would be for this opportunity, and that’s what it is, an opportunity. I plan to make the most of it; it was not a call I thought I would be getting this year.”

As Adams prepares for the biggest challenge of her career to date, she is aware that there are certain things she must improve on to compete with the top players in her group. “I know I had to work on getting stronger so I was spending a lot of time in the gym. … I have switched to more endurance work and also the cricket side of things, batting and bowling, mainly modifying my bowling action.”

When asked about how optimistic she is about making the final cut, Adams said, “I haven’t thought that far ahead actually.

The furthest I have gone with

thoughts is knowing that these men are coming (WI coaches) here, and I have a chance to make an impression on them (and) also, to pick their brains, Stacy Ann so to speak, Adams, national about all-rounder, gets anything I her first big can do to be a break. better cricketer.”

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Stacy Ann and wishes her all the best.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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36. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

WIFA discusses development plans which will enable them to develop their skills and talent, and ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES provide an avenue to make a will host the 2016 Senior Windward living through possible contracts Islands Football Tournament in with overseas clubs,” he pointed April, this after officials took the out. decision to shift the tournament Coombs said that they would from Grenada, upon request from be approaching UEFA for some officials of that country. level of financial assistance, and Grenada will now host the with a specific request to assist 2017 tournament. with accommodation costs President of the Windward towards the 2016 WIFA Senior Islands Football Association Men’s tournament and beyond. In (WIFA), Venold Coombs, said that addition, he said, the meeting this was among decisions which looked at providing a cash prize to came out of the organisation’s the champion team and payments meeting in Grenada on the to players in the tournament. weekend.

SVG are the defending He said that WIFA will be champions. looking at expanding the senior He said that WIFA will also be men’s tournament to include, making a request of UEFA for through the help of UEFA, one of help with coaching programmes the smaller European nations. within the sub region.

“Our aim first of all is to give The meeting also held tentative our footballers in the Windwards discussions on a number of a chance to play a lot of football ambitious initiatives including a amongst themselves and, if all proposed semi-professional among goes well, against the likes of the Windward Islands. either Andorra or Luxembourg , Funding for the semiby E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Getting to reality I NEVER GOT into the details of his life. I simply remember him as a die-hard cricket fan.

He played the game admirably, and was one of this country’s best wicket keepers. At least at the Grammar School Pastures, as it was known then.

I am talking about Augustine Williams otherwise known as ‘Minna’.

How he got that name was never known to me.

He was eloquent and very knowledgeable of the game. He had a flair about him, and I cultivated respect for him. That I maintained throughout his life and displayed it whenever I met him. He left an impression on me so much so, I copied that sort of bravado into my own life style as I attempted to face every situation.

One afternoon at the famous ‘Concrete Strip’, I was one of those adventurous youngsters who believed in getting involved in the ‘big people game’. From the late sixties to the early seventies and perhaps after, the ‘Concrete Strip’ at the Grammar School Pastures was the training ground for the nation’s top cricketers. It was there that Colville Browne and Douglas Haynes honed their skills. The men from the Frenches area had established a foothold there. So had the Murray’s Village players, and persons like Fred Trimmingham made the ‘Concrete Strip’ the testing ground. Sparrow Duncan baptised many a potential batsman to the rigours of the game. For once you ventured onto the arena, no one was going to spare you.

I recalled one of those moments. There were no pads. There were gloves, if you were allowed to use them. In those days, most youngsters had no gear. It was enthusiasm that spurred you.

It was during my turn at the wicket that one of the bowlers unleashed a fierce delivery on my pads. It thudded into my shin, resulting in a painful blow. But before being able to decide whether to rub or cry, there was Minna, shouting: “That is an on drive boy!”

That stopped me in my tracks, and hardened me as to my approach to batting. There is the saying “life is like cricket,” so lessons I learnt on the playing field helped to shape me forever.

I fell under the tutelage of many a cricketer who came on duties here for whatever occasions.

Some include cricketers like Vivian Richards, who played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field for the Combined Islands in 1973.

It was no surprise that Richards rose to be such a dominant player. He played cricket the hard way. He set high, tough and hard standards for himself.

Those are traits current West Indies cricketers will have to inculcate. This roll over tendency that we seem to have adopted is paying us no dividends. We gain nothing from perpetual malaise.

Cricketers and administrators have to be straightforward and honest with themselves.

There is point in settling scores by deception and disguise.

If we can’t overcome the parochialism that has strangled us over an historical journey, we will remain on the fringes of world cricket. Other nations have taken up our gusto. We have resorted to the casual imprint.

SVG Defender Reginald Richardson and Sports Minister Ces Mc Kie with WIFA championship trophy which SVG hopes to reclaim in 2016. professional league is expected to come from sponsorship and they will be tapping companies within and outside the region, including sportswear manufacturers and other such entities.

Among the other items at the meeting was the decision to postpone the WIFA Females U14 tournament, which was scheduled for SVG, as a result of the upcoming General Elections, Coombs indicated.

Williams pushes Sion Hill into Masters finals

William ‘Bill’ Edwards stroked 103 not out for Sion Hill.

Gosnel Cupid hit 53 to be top scorer for RSVG Police Force against Bequia.

respectively.

NATIONAL opening batsman William Bequia got to 68 for 7 off 14 overs ‘Bill’ Edwards blasted an unbeaten century, to ensure a place for Sion Hill in when rain stopped play for the day.

Carlos Sampson took 3 for 16 to be the the finals of the 2015 Masters 20/20 lawmen’s best bowler.

Competition.

Edwards’ 103 not out included four I.B.A.ALLEN sixes and seven fours, and together with 39 from former national player Sylvester Vanloo and 22 from Keyon Jack, he helped Sion Hill to a formidable 217 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs, against North Leeward.

Conroy Ryan was North Leeward’s most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 25.

CGM Gallagher Novice, Gomea Bombers and North Leeward’s chase was Richmond Hill United recorded victories, as anything but spectacular. action continued in the NLA TBPO 20/20 cricket They folded for a dismal 88 off competition, last weekend.

17.3 overs, failing to negotiate CGM Gallagher Novice defeated Woods the bowling of Colin Shoy, Toppers by 72 runs. CGM Gallagher Novice whose 4 wickets cost him a batted first and made 114 for 8 in 18 overs. Elton mere 6 runs. Brian Davis, Williams top- scored with 24 and Zane Edwards Joseph Medford and Gary made 19. Bowling for Toppers, Sheldon Nanton Rodriguez chipped in with 2 took 3 for 5 and Darron Henry 3 for 25. In reply, wickets each.

Toppers reached 42 all out 17overs. Chris King William ‘Buddie Willie’ took 3 for 10, Shamic Roberts 2 - 8, and Vernardo Edwards with 30, was North Primus and Nolan Williams each took 2 for 2.

Leeward’s top scorer.

Gomea Bombers beat Smart Strikers by 7 runs.

Sion Hill now awaits the Gomea Bombers made 86 all out in 15 overs. outcome of the other semi-final Raymond Sayers made 25 and Omar Woods 19. that pits RSVG Police Force Bowling for Smart Strikers, Alex Roberts took 3 against St. Vincent Cofor 6 and Shawn Williams 3 for 10. In reply, operative Bank P’tani Masters, Smart Strikers reached 79 for 8 in 15 overs. Alex a match scheduled for this Roberts made 17 and Shawn Williams 15 weekend.

Bowling for Gomea Bombers, Raymond Sayers Police claimed their semitook 3 for 13 and Edwin Joe 3 - 18. final berth last weekend when Richmond Hill United turned on the heat on they won on a faster run rate Winter Boys, beating them by 55 runs. Richmond against Bequia Cricket Hill United made 140 all out in 17 overs. Top Association, after rain brought scorer was extras 42, better than Rohan Ash 37 the match to a premature and Zenroy Lee 16. Bowling for Winter Boys, closure.

Raffique Sayers took 3 for 37 & Glenroy John 2 Police batted first and for 10. In reply, Winter Boys could only reach 85 posted 175 for 1 off 20 overs. all out in 14.2 overs. Emmanuel Baptiste made 24 Gosnel Cupid led the batting and Raffique Sayers 21. Bowling for Richmond with 53.

Hill United, Collin Lee took 4 for 13 and Deptor Trevor and Trevor Bailey Culzac 2 for 12.

Parnell also hit a half century, 52 not Browne were I.B.A.ALLEN both not out out, for the on 52 and 42 Police.

More matches completed in TBPO

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 37.

Sports

SVG gymnasts head for the USA Director LaPrise Harris-Williams. She is confident that the natural abilities The St Vincent and the Grenadines and work ethic exhibited by the gymnastics team will compete along athletes in St Vincent will lend a with1500-2000 other athletes. They successful competition. are slated to contest on the Vault, The Dolphin Gymnastics and Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and in Health Academy Limited describes the the Floor Exercise. participation in the Houston National The team is currently fine-tuning Invitational as ‘a great honour and a the skills required to compete in USA wonderful opportunity for St Vincent gymnastics sanctioned events. athletes and the development of the “There’s no doubt that the sport will sport on the island’. (Source: Dolphin surely add enhancements to the Gymnastics and Health Academy) island’s athletic offerings”, says the Continued from Page 35.

38. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2015. 39.

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They came from far and wide, decked in yellow, to show their allegiance to the NDP.

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Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, former Leader of the Labour Party and MP, made a surprise but seemingly welcomed appearance on the NDP Rally’s platform.

FORMER LABOUR LEADER ENDORSES NDP charge of the management of the country’s affairs,” he said FORMER POLITICAL LEADER of at the NDP’s rally at Sion Hill the St Vincent Labour Party, on Wednesday.

Stanley ‘Stalky’ John Q.C The NDP was removed from returned to the political stage office, but something else for the first time in 14 years on occurred, John proffered.

Wednesday night; this time to “The man’s voice that you speak on behalf of the very are listening to tonight, lost political party he criticized the seat which he was elected during his days in Parliament to in 1998 as a Unity Labour and moreso as a member of the Party (ULP) candidate.

St. Vincent Labour Party (SVLP).

“Having parted ways with And he came to spread a the ULP after years of message – that it was time to working and building that join with Vincentians to take party for the 17 years that the back the country.

NDP was in office, that person According to John, back in was considered to be one of March 2001, the people of St the foremost critics in the Vincent and the Grenadines opposition,” John explained. did a profound thing that has That was a momentous impacted their lives up to the occasion in the country, but present. since then, he said, he has “It wasn’t Soufriere been exiled politically, tending erupting…Vincentians cast to his own personal affairs. their vote and when the votes “Tonight, after 14 plus were counted, they voted a years, I am back on the new government to take political platform rostrum, and

by DAYLE DA SILVA

what will amaze many is that I am back on the rostrum for the New Democratic Party.

“After many years of criticizing NDP governments, I am on the platform again, but I am on the platform of the NDP,” John said.

He went on to explain why he had made the decision to do so, saying that he was there because he thought that it was his duty to rally with the people to take back the country.

“I am responding to the call of the ‘De Man Age’ who is the voice of the masses; we must tek back NDP Political leader closed the proceedings with an impassioned we country,” John told ‘Thank you’ to the people of East Kingstown, in particular. the gathering of NDP supporters at Sion Hill. party in 1992 and served in Representative for East St John served as a SVLP that capacity until 1994. He George from 1998 to 2001 as a Senator from 1984 to 1989. then served as Parliamentary candidate for the ULP. He became leader of the

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