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FRIDAY,

MAY 08, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.19

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Aljay Douglas was doing service as ‘a doorman’ at a public event, when he was shot to death.

man was taking his last breath, at the entrance to the Field.

Aljay Douglas, a 25-year-old WHILE MOST PERSONS at the labourer, originally from the Campden Park Playing Field North Leeward town of were ‘partying’ at a ‘Wete Fete’ Chateaubelair, who resided in event dubbed, “Water, Soca, and Rillan Hill and Campden Park at different periods in his Alcohol’, in the wee hours of Friday (May 1) morning, a young young life, was acting as security and money collector at the entrance/gate, when he was gunned down - shot in the abdomen and head - bringing the ‘Wete Fete’ to an abrupt end.

At about 2:45am Friday, as a slight drizzle caused patrons to seek shelter, and with Douglas still manning the gate, the sound of gunshots was heard. Some patrons said they concluded, there and then, that someone had been shot.

As they made their way throw the gate, the sight that confronted them was horrific.

Douglas, a former member of the SVG Cadet Corps, lay on the ground, blood pouring from his head. He was still Jamie Porter is sad when she decked in his military boots hears the negative comments and his bag was intact on his some persons make about back. her cousin Aljay.

by KENVILLE HORNE

witness “scattered because of fright,” but not before seeing the gunman, “taking his own An eyewitness, speaking to time and walking away from THE VINCENTIAN, on the crime scene.” condition of anonymity, About four minutes after recalled seeing Douglas being Douglas was shot, residents approached by a tiny figure said the sound of a gun blast wearing a hoodie. The witness could be heard coming from spoke of hearing a gunshot, an area known as Coconut and noticed Douglas Range, not too far away from “staggering back.” the Playing Field. Whether The gunman then that had anything to do with approached Douglas and shot the incident involving him again, at which point the Douglas, is a question which

Eye witness report

remains on the minds of many residents of Campden Park.

The police took about 30 minutes to arrive on the scene, despite a police station being located about a brisk 10-minute walk from the scene of the incident.

Douglas’s body was not removed “until day made light,” according to another witness.

Continued on Page 3.

Patrons at the ‘Wete Fete’ gather at the spot where Aljay Douglas lay dead.

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2. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel connects with Âthe game of the peopleÊ

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Football Federation (SVGFF) and its title sponsor, Digicel, together ensured that the 2015 National Inter-League Community Football Competition closed with a bang, Thursday 30th April.

Thousands of football fans turned out to witness first hand, Oland Williams (kicking) proved too good the highly anticipated clash for the competition, and came away winner between finalists Central of the Digicel Kick Off. Kingstown and South Leeward.

(See full report on page 23 of this issue.)

And Digicel was present to add that extra spice to the evening’s proceedings, with a Kick Off Competition, with the Digicel Girls on hand to encourage the participants.

Patrons were invited, during the half time break, to ‘kick for prizes’, which included tablets and free airtime.

This followed on Digicel’s support, throughout the Competition’s various stages, with door prices and other specials.

“We

believe in continued support to our sporting community, and with this sponsorship, we saw the benefits of connecting the communities throughout St. Vincent and The Grenadines, through football,” said Juno DeRoche, Marketing Manager of Digicel.

“Digicel, the telecommunications service of the people, is proud to be associated with football, ‘the game of the people’, she continued.

Digicel has had an intimate relationship with football throughout the Caribbean, not least being its sponsorship of the Caribbean Cup, and support for the Digicel Football Academy for young footballers.

Roache is new Soroptimist President MIRIAM ROACHE is the new president of Soroptimist International St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SISVG). She will serve for the 2015 — 2016 year.

Ms. Roache, a Soroptimist for the past four years, has had a career of service, as a teacher, Gender Affairs Coordinator, Acting Director of Social Development, and Senior President Miriam Assistant Secretary in the Roache Office of the Prime Minister.

She has worked throughout her life to improve the lives of women and girls.

Her current undertaking sees her serving as Vice President of the Committee of Experts on Violence against Women (CEVI) of the Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI), mandated to assess the compliance of the OAS states on implementation of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women, known as the Convention of Belém do Pará.

This Convention was adopted in 1994, and defines violence against women, establishes that women have the right to live a life free of violence, and that violence against women constitutes a violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Ms. Roache heads an Executive Committee that includes Patron- Lady Antrobus, President Elect & PRO- Shannon Durrant-Samuel, Vice President Angella Taylor, Secretary - Keisha Fraser, Treasurer- Euna Thompson, Programme Action Officer- Ikamola Laborde, Membership Officer Nelcia Primus, Development Officer - René Baptiste, Immediate Past President - Nicola Williams, and Committee Members - Christine Da Silva, Zeitha Hadaway and Norma Knights.

Among the Club’s running projects are as follows: a maintained room at the homeless Shelter in Kingstown; support for Glebe Hill Pre School in Barrouallie for toddlers whose parents cannot afford their early childhood education; The Helping Hands Centre for Children with disabilities; and the Comfort Station at Heritage Square.

More recently (2014-2015), the Club has adopted two families whose household are headed by women, and were victims of the 2013 December Flood.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 3.

News 3 ÂNot a case of human traffickingÊ short while.

During her time there, she AN INCIDENT where a young woman left befriended a gentleman — for whom these shores for Ecuador, had nothing to she became pregnant. do with human trafficking.

Since her return, the man has This was revealed by visited St. Vincent, the Head of the Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth CID confirmed.

Jacobs, Head of the Anti-Trafficking in “So it had nothing to do with human Persons Unit of the Royal St Vincent trafficking,” she said. and the Grenadines Police Force, when “I don’t understand why we cannot asked for a response to a comment be responsible; I cannot be the given made by Leader of the Opposition the authority to be in charge of a Unit Arnhim Eustace. that deals with a serious offense, and Eustace, it was, who said in condone it.

Parliament last week, that he knew of “But what is happening when we at least two cases of young Vincentian give this information that is not true, women who were victims of human it reflects badly on St Vincent and the trafficking.

Grenadines,” Jacobs observed.

Eustace said, during his contribution to the Domestic Violence International profile Bill last Thursday, that he had to intervene in two cases of human A representative from the US State trafficking, where the young women Department visits the country were taken to a Latin American periodically and, according to Jacobs, country. they meet people who often fed them “Don’t tell me there is no human information that is inaccurate. trafficking here… I have heard that “And at the end of the day, they statement made already on air,” Eustace said in Parliament. ”I didn’t believe that was happening either, but one is in my constituency, so I know.

“And both are now back here, and one pregnant. So let us not assume Continued from Front Page. anything; let us dig and find out what there is,” the Opposition Leader said.

Sentiments about Aljay He went on further to say that a mother had come to him for help to Aljay Douglas was sometimes locate her daughter, only to find out referred to as Chris Brown, the popular that the girl was in Costa Rica.

American R&B recording artiste, since he performed that artiste’s songs at Case misrepresented concerts and Karaoke sessions.

Some persons expressed the view But SP Jacobs, who now also heads that he was a firm person, who was not the Criminal Investigation afraid of anyone. Others remembered Department (CID), disclosed him as a friendly and jovial person. information on one of the cases to THE His Facebook page was overwhelmed VINCENTIAN, saying that, after they with tributes and expressions of heard about the issue on the local admiration for him, with many raising media, an investigation was launched. the questions: How can people be so The information gathered from the wicked? What could he have done to be investigation showed that the girl had killed in such a manner? misled her mother, telling her that she Differing theories abound, some was travelling to St Maarten, but she concluding that Douglas was killed was, in fact, travelling to Ecuador to while being robbed; others purporting meet up with two friends. that he was deliberately targeted.

The individual went to Ecuador, and later messaged a relative, saying Remembered by his cousin that she was in Ecuador and not St Maarten.

Her mother became worried, Jacobs What is certain, is that Aljay explained, after she heard about the Douglas was the only child of his sex industry in Ecuador, and went to a mother, who is still alive but has a politician for help. mental issue, one relative confirmed.

A statement was given by the Jamie Porter, who now resides in the mother, but the young woman USA, told THE VINCENTIAN that she returned to St Vincent shortly after, would miss her beloved cousin. Since and gave a statement to the police, in his death, she said, she “has not eaten which he confirmed that she had gone for three days (up to Monday).” to Ecuador, where she worked in a Porter said that she and Douglas restaurant. “spoke” regularly on Facebook, and it However, the business closed, and was he who encouraged her to stay in she decided to stay in Ecuador for a

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, told last week’s Sitting of the House, that he knew about at least two cases of human-trafficking, in which Vincentian women were the victims.

SP Ruth Jacobs, Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, disputed the allegations of the Leader of the Opposition, and sought to offer a plausible explanation.

that a new report is expected by June this year, “so when it comes out, we will know what tier placement we will have.” place us on a list that we do not Countries are classified according to deserve to be on.” four levels, in accordance with the St Vincent was repositioned at Tier degree to which they are perceived to 2 on the Human Trafficking watch list comply with the Trafficking Victims of the US State Department last year. Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum This was after the country had been standards. removed from that Tier following some SP Jacobs assured that her Unit extensive work that was done by the and the police generally, were working government and police to address the to do all in accordance with the issue. legislation that was enacted, to stamp The listing characterised SVG as a out human trafficking in St Vincent source, transit and destination country and the Grenadines. for individuals who were forced into “We will not condone human labour and sex trafficking. trafficking in this country,” she SP Jacobs told THE VINCENTIAN emphasied.

Murder at the gate the United States and work through the challenging early period of her time there, when she so desperately wanted to return home.

According to Porter, once she got settled, she encouraged him to come to the US, and he would promise to, but always found some Aljay Douglas (right) was known to enjoy being in the excuse for not company of his peers. beginning the a reason for her cousin’s death.

Visa application process.

During what was their ‘last chat’ on Number Five Facebook, she said she asked him to sing the popular song ‘Stay with me’ by Amidst all the speculation and pain, Sam Smith, and he promised to do so police say investigations into Douglas’s the next time they chatted. That was death, the fifth recorded homicide for not to be.

Porter recalled that, during a period the year, are ongoing. in Douglas’s life, he had nowhere to call A police report of Monday 4th May, stated that the assailant reportedly home. “I had to ask for help for him,” ‘relieved Douglas of a purse containing she disclosed. The distressed cousin gate money before he left the scene’. expressed how sad she “feels when Anyone with information relating to persons make negative comments about Aljay, because they don’t know what he the murder is asked to call the went through,” adding, “God wanted his Criminal Investigation Division at angel, and if that was the way it was to telephone number 456-1810, or the go, then so be it,” as though in search of nearest police station.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Lawyer condemns sexual exploitation of women EC$300.

On April 23, Cabral said that A LAWYER who successfully defended a Georgiades told her to come to his client in a theft case, used the hotel because he had a surprise. She opportunity in his closing arguments to was overjoyed. condemn the sexual exploitation of However, when she got to the hotel, women here. he told her he had moved to another The remarks of attorney Israel room with two beds. She went to the Bruce, made last Monday, were room, where she met two girls. prompted by the telling evidence in the According to Cabral, she told case of Shemica Cabral, a 22-year-old Georgiades she wanted to speak with unemployed woman of Glen, who was him privately, and when she did, she charged with stealing US$1,700 from asked him what was going on.

Nikitas Georgiades, a national of the “He told me he wanted me to have United States, working here as a sex with the two girls, and he would computer consultant. video tape it, and he would have sex with two, and one of us would tape it. I Sex for money told him that I don’t want to have my body on the internet.”

In her defence, Cabral told the court Cabral said that she slammed the that she had first met Georgiades at a door on them and left, but not before bar on April 14 this year. finding out from one of the girls that She admitted to visiting him at his she was 14 years old. hotel room on a number of occasions The following day, she said, the thereafter, and of having sex with him, police arrested and charged her with after which he would give her money, stealing Georgiades’ money. for what she told him was to pay bills Cabral insisted that she did not and attend to other needs. steal. In fact, she said, she did not Cabral recalled for the Court that, have to steal from him, since he would on the first occasion, Georgiades gave give her anything she asked for. her US$800; on the second US$500 and EC$50; and the third US$400 and Admission Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

In his testimony earlier, Georgiades admitted that Cabral visited him at his hotel on a number of occasions, had sex with him, and that he gave her money.

He, however, admitted to giving her only small amounts, in the range of US$100 and under.

He explained, under crosssexamination, that Cabral would ask him for money each time she was leaving, saying that she had bills to pay.

Georgiades said that on April 23, he and Cabral took a shower together, had sex, but when he went back to have a second shower, Cabral left the hotel without saying she was leaving.

He made checks, and discovered that his money was removed from the wallet. According to him, he and Cabral were the only persons in the hotel room that day.

Investigator’s proof When investigator Constable 657 Westfield took the stand, he said, under cross-examination, that the only proof he had was what the virtual complainant (VC) told him.

When Bruce asked, “Is the complaint by the VC proof?”, the officer replied, “Not necessarily.”

PC Westfield said Georgiades told him that he took off his pants with the wallet in it, and placed it on a bed, and that he and Cabral were the only persons in the room.

When the lawyer asked, “Apart from what the VC told you, you had no proof?” Westfield said, “The VC suspected the defendant.”

A serious social ill In his closing arguments, Bruce posited that the case revolved around a serious social ill.

“It is wicked to treat our Vincentian women like that,” he pronounced.

He noted that the defendant was a

Israel Bruce successfully defended his client in a case that told of attempts to entice her in an act of sexual perversion. well-off computer consultant, while the complainant was an unemployed, impoverished woman, who found herself having to trade her body.

He stressed that Cabral was honest to admit to the court that she had sex with the defendant, but she insisted that she did not steal.

“She refused to engage in an act with a 14-year-old. When she decided that was against her moral compass, she slammed the door right there on him and left,” Bruce said, pointing out further that, “She was not going to agree to pornographic exhibition for internet production.”

But prosecutor Sergeant Elgin Richards contended that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. He noted that the case was built around the two having sex, and money being provided, and insisted that on April 23, Cabral went for the ‘big kill’, and stole Georgiades’ money.

He argued that there was no evidence before the court, apart from what Cabral said, that there were two other girls in the hotel room on that occasion.

In dismissing the case, Magistrate Carla James said there was doubt in her mind, ruling that, “Once there is doubt, it had to go in favour of the defendant.”

Case against journalist discontinued PROSECUTOR Sergeant Elgin Richards has discontinued the criminal matter against prominent Vincentian journalist Duggie ‘Nose’ Joseph.Joseph, Assistant Editor of The NEWS newspaper, was charged with assaulting Auxiliary Police Officer Rickcoldo Durrant, with intent to commit an offence to wit, wounding.

The charge was reported to have stemmed from an incident at the Office of The NEWS newspaper at Kingstown Hill, around 12:30 p.m., April 10.

Joseph, who was granted station bail, had pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence. The matter was adjourned on two occasions at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

When it was called on Monday,

Prosecutor Richards told the Court, “My honour, I am not offering any evidence in respect to this matter.”

Magistrate Carla James then told Joseph that he was free to go. Duggie ‘Nose’ When contacted Joseph had the on Tuesday, charges against Sergeant Richards him withdrawn. told THE VINCENTIAN, “Having considered the code for prosecutors, and having looked at the evidence, I didn’t think that I would have been able to secure a conviction.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 5.

Regional

Laventille changing?

“A SECURITY BLANKET will be thrown over crimeinfested Laventille, which will see a coordinated response to marauding criminals and gangsters.

Policemen, soldiers and officers from private security firms will move into Laventille, with the aim of not only flushing out criminals and seizing arms, ammunition and drugs, but also to give lawabiding citizens a sense of security.”

That was how Nalinee Seelal, writing in the September 12, 2012 issue of the Trinidad Newsday newspaper, introduced her lead story on the

state’s reaction to a crime wave in the Laventille community, of oil rich Trinidad and Tobago.

The community, with its rich cultural legacy, birth place of steelband greats like Winston ‘Spree’ Simon and Clive Bradley, soca diva Destra Garcia and US Ambassador to T&T John Estrada, had all but degenerated into a crime-infested community, feared by the establishment and long forgotten, in a real sense, by those who would have paraded through the years as representatives

Patrols by the Defence Force of T&T became a regular feature of crime-fighting measures in Laventille.

of the community, in and out of parliament.

Now, if Roman Catholic priest Fr. Clyde Harvey is to be believed, things are changing in the community.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the refurbished Morris Marshall Development Centre, St Barb’s, Laventille, (a that centre will offer after school assistance, computer training and mentoring), Saturday 2nd May, Fr. Harvey declared that “close to 100 young men in Laventille have made a pledge to turn away from a life of crime, and the community has begun changing.”

The Trinidad Newsday of Sunday 3rd May, 2015, reports Fr. Harvey, as saying, that last February, Shurland ‘Boombey’ Garvin, the ‘PRO’ and only surviving member of the then Laventille-based Sandy Gang, had told him that things were changing in the community; that the youth wanted to do things differently, to end the killing, and wanted to get some education; and asked for his help.

Fr. Clive Harvey is convinced that things are beginning to change in crime-infested Laventille.

Not entirely convinced, the RC Priest and community activist said that he asked Garvin to bring him a list of youths, who were so inclined.

He was expecting a few names, he said, but was shocked to receive a list of close to 100 names.

Fr. Harvey went on to explain that, in his experience, people who assist - politician, benefactor or who else believe that money will solve all the problems, “(But) what young people need is

Voting gets going in Guyana VOTING in the May 11 General Elections in Guyana has begun.

Last Friday (May 1), members of the Joint Services — Defence Force, Prisons and Police - cast their ballots at their respective polling places.

After spot checks at the polling stations by the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces President Donald Ramotar, he declared that he was pleased with the system.

“I am very happy that all places that I have been to in the Army compound, Police headquarters and the Prisons, everything seems to be going smoothly and very (well). So I am happy about that, and I hope that it will continue and go into the General Elections on May 11,” the President commented.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, told the Guyana Chronicle after he had cast his vote last Friday, that, based on reports he had received, the soldiers were all ready and excited to exercise their franchise and constitutional right, and predicted that, “The Joint Services’ voting will be the most peaceful voting, setting the example for the country, come May 11.”

General elections in Guyana have, since 1968, the first elections after the country gained independence from Britain in 1966, been the focus of heightened attention from the region and beyond.

Members of the Guyana Defence Force line-up at a polling station to cast their votes in that country’s General Elections.

Right: President Donald Ramotar (front left) was pleased with what he observed when he made spot checks at polling stations.

Historically, votes have been cast along racial lines, with observers deducing that the Indo-Guyanese votes go to the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) founded by Dr. Cheddie Jagan in 1950, and the AfroGuyanese votes to the People’s National Congress (PNC), founded

by Forbes Burnham.

That focus continues, and the May 11 General Elections in that CARICOM Republic is expected to have observers from the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth

Secretariat, the Carter Center and the CARICOM Secretariat, among others.

Once again, the election battle will pit two coalition bodies against each other: the Donald Ramotar-led incumbent Peoples Political Party/Civic (PPP/C); and the David Granger-led Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

Voting is expected to be “vigorous,” according to one observer.

The community of Laventille, nestled in hills overlooking capital Port of Spain in Trinidad. relationship. They need to know that you really care. Not somebody just helping (them) to feel good,” he told his audience, which included Garvin, National Security Minister Carl Alfonso and Port-ofSpain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee. Garvin, 42, also made remarks at the opening

ceremony, expressing appreciation for the “the help and support for the centre,” but noted that more help was needed.

He said they needed financial help and other support, and asked for people to “dig beyond the murders and the killing,” stressing that there are good, genuine and honest people in Laventille.

Alkaline performs after all JAMAICAN DANCEHALL artiste Alkaline performed last Saturday night in Dominica, but only after strong protest against him, and the eventual intervention of that country’s Prime Minister.

A self-confessed singer of songs/music Alkaline was one of the that are “raunchy” first Jamaican dancehall and “unedited,” artistes to undergo a Alkaline found procedure that tattooed himself at the other his eyes black, so that he end of the wrath of could differentiate the Dominica himself from other Association of dancehall artistes and Evangelical rappers.

Churches, which petitioned local authorities to bar the Jamaican from performing, given that he might incite unreasonable behavior.

However, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit moved to dispel any tension, by declaring that unless he posed an unambiguous security threat, Alkaline could not and should not be prevented from performing in Tommy Lee Sparta Dominica, and openly is a controversial admitted that there was figure in dancehall nothing that the government due to his selfcan do to prevent the artiste described Alkaline from coming to ‘Gothic Dancehall’ Dominica. style, which is The Prime Minister is reported to have said that to said to feature bar a Caricom resident from dark and Satanistentering the country, who is inspired subject not a security risk, would be matter. in violation to that person’s right.

The CARICOM Treaty supports the free movement of people within the Caribbean Community.

The protest against Alkaline follows similar action which led to the arrest, detention and deportation of controversial Jamaican dancehall artiste, Tommy Lee Sparta and three members of his team.

Tommy Lee was scheduled to perform in that OECS/CARICOM country.

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival Heat

Hero - feeling confident this year

Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts took the Best New Song Calypso Competition on his first try.

yard this year.

He explained that he was This is his first performance Roberts is a member of the and win in the competition. He only able to sing three of the IT IS ALREADY SHAPING UP to be submitted an entry in 2014, verses of the song, due to time cast of the Graduates Calypso a promising year for calypsonian but did not make the cut.

Tent, and has been such since constraints.

Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, who 1983, when the tent was So the next time you hear And on the song of choice, copped the Calypso title in this ‘Three D woman’, Roberts said his winning composition, it will named ‘Undergraduates’. year’s New Song Competition.

He is also noted for his steel be refreshed, he said. that he decided to compose a Roberts placed ahead of “I have a few other changes pan talent, and is a member song that contained humour; veteran and former Calypso and arranger of the Sea to make, but I will be waiting something that was different Monarch Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar from the usual commentary on for the right time,” he said, as Operations Starlift Steel and Cleopatra ‘Cleo’ he anticipates a trip to the big Orchestra. government.

Hendrickson in the Calypso category of the Best New Song competition, at the launch of Vincy Mas 2015, staged at the Victoria Park, Saturday 2nd May. AURELLA ‘KAHALIA’ And she has kicked off second ‘Best Song’ Ragga to be released on “The sky is the limit. I BEACH is just now the 2015 Carnival season Soca title, having won Wednesday of this week. am hoping for big things getting started. She says on a winning note, back in 2012, and she is The member of the this year, especially with that she has evolved into a capturing the Best New used to winning after ‘Graduates’ Calypso Tent, the support of my fans,” new artiste.

Ragga Soca title at last copping the best new says writing calypso comes Roberts told THE Beach now uses the Saturday’s launch, Calypso for the 2011 kick easy she says.

VINCENTIAN, adding stage name ‘Kahalia’, performing the song ‘Do off.

She aims always to that he feels confident opting to drop the Sump’ n’.

She is missing a impress people with her The other competitors Calypso Crown, or a Soca skill and creativity, and about his chances of being sobriquet ‘Queen B’, or Ragga Soca Monarch she says that she wants crowned Calypso Monarch saying that that person no in the category included longer exists.

Roland ‘Chico B’ Veira title, but she said that she the public to listen to her this year.

“I have become doing the song ‘Under D does not feel slighted. lyrics, and hear what she As he reflected on last Bed’, and Kevin ‘Kev’ “The judges are has to say.

Saturday, he said that he something else, I have become a better artiste, I Veira with ‘Change’. subjective, they have their And this is what keeps was pleased about his want people to see it in But even in victory, own feelings, so whatever her motivated she says – performance. the name and in the Beach says that she feels they say, I use it to make that despite not having “I had melody,” he image,” she told THE normal. myself better,” she said. won a major title, she has said.

VINCENTIAN. After all, it is her And that is her been a force to be intention for this year. reckoned with since her She promises that, once participation in the finals she qualifies for the of major shows. various competitions, she But this year is going to intends to do well. be different. Her Her song ‘Do Sump’N’ management team and is doing well so far, and she have established some her 2015 Calypso goals for the year, Beach production was expected said. Some have already Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

‘Kahalia’ - New vision, new direction

Aurella ‘Kahalia’ Beach has begun on a winning note in what she expects would be another breakthrough year for her. been accomplished, but there is still a lot more to go, and once all goes as planned, it should be a good year.

‘Syxx’ repeats WITH BACK TO BACK ‘Best New Song’ titles in the bag, Orlando ‘Syxx’ Foster says that he feels pretty confident.

Foster’s ‘Celebrate Life’ was judged the best new song in the Soca category, as the 2015 carnival season officially got underway last Saturday, at Victoria Park.

He got the judges’ nod ahead of Aurella ‘Kahalia’ Beach’s ‘D Street’ and Mustafa ‘Tapha’ Jackson’s ‘Dishonerable’.

He says that he feels good now, this after admitting to some nerves on the night of the show.

“Having won the new song competition last year, and to win this year, I can see that the hard work has paid off,” he said.

Perhaps it is the pride he takes in his performance and effort to ensure that his delivery is exceptional, that helped him to his second consecutive title.

Whatever it is, ‘Syxx’ said that he tries to do

something different, when he hits the stage.

His singing career has been comprised of stints as vocalist with the bands Blaksand, Akcess and Hottsand, the last with whom he said he had the longest stint, performing for eight years.

“And at that time, I was not interested in doing my own music,” he said, adding that he spent time doing covers of other regional and local Soca artistes.

All that changed for him in 2010 when he decided to produce his own music.

He told THE VINCENTIAN of having “some exciting projects for the upcoming Carnival season and beyond.”

These will include three tracks, which are yet to be released, and among which the local scene will be introduced to him doing calypso.

Those projects extend to outside the season as well, for he intends to

Orlando ‘Syxx’ Foster confidently making his appeal in song to ‘Celebrate Life’ release some other tracks after the carnival season.

“An artiste cannot remain seasonal,” he said.

He also intends to do some work in other genres, including R&B and Reggae.

But his success, he notes, will depend on a few things, inter alia, “The radio stations have to realise their role to play the music that the artistes produce, so that the people get to hear and fully appreciate what the locals, such as ‘Syxx’ have to offer.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 7.

Carnival

Chang-I dethrones Dennis Bowman Asterisks, of Layou, later told THE VINCENTIAN. Chang-I competed in the N.Y. New Song Competition for the first time in 2013, and was runner-up in 2013 and 2014.

David ‘Chang-I’ Morgan performs his winning number, ‘Ah Feeling Good.’

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; naking11236@gmail.com US CORRESPONDENT BARROUALLIE NATIVE Chang-I is certainly “feeling good in ah de neighbourhood” after dethroning defending champion Dennis Bowman in the New York New Song Competition Saturday night/Sunday morning, at the Sugar Mill Night Club in Brooklyn, New York.

Toronto-based Chang-I, 49, real name David Morgan, defeated nine other competitors, that also included veteran John ‘The Truth’ Dougan, Fabulous T, Jakie and Bob MC. “It’s a long time coming,” exclaimed Chang-I, after Ainsley Primus, the Arnos Vale-born president of the organizing group, Level Vibes Promotions, presented him with the winning trophy, about 2:55 a.m. on Sunday.

“I always tell myself that, if I work hard, I’ll get to the top,” the former vocalist with defunct Vincentian bands, Resurrection, of Barrouallie, and

enormity of the politics. In this modern time, everything [songs opposing the powers-that-be] is seen as a threat.”

Consequently, unlike his fellow artiste and former school mate at the BSS, Returning to traditional soca Paul ‘I-Madd’ Scrubb, The former Barrouallie Secondary Chang-I said he steers clear of including what could be School (BSS) student, a finalist in the Nickeisha misconstrued as 2013 National Calypso Monarch “Nickie D Diva” Competition, said he wanted to return to controversial political lyrics Pierre, third Tyrone “Fabulous T” Pierre, in his songs. traditional soca songs with ‘Ah Feeling place.

Being a monarch is not Good’. aka Jeffrey Providence, second new to Chang-I. He recalled “Traditional soca music is hardly place. that five years after migrating to being played these days,” said Chang-I, Toronto in 1987, he entered the Soca the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Monarch Competition there for the first Road’); Samuel ‘Stamina Smurf’ Thomas Toronto-based Caribbean soca band, time, and won the title from a field of 35 (‘Soca Rise’); Bob MC (‘Comrade’); Jakie Moses Revolution. (‘Everybody Waiting’); and Francis contenders “I said to my friend, Moses He stopped competing five years later ‘Stryker’ Brown (‘Fish Lover’).

(Trinidadian with whom Chang-I coThe artistes were judged on lyrics (25 founded the band in 1990), ‘we need the when the organizers complained that points); melody (25); rendition (15); they lacked “funding.” traditional soca songs’,” he added. presentation (10); originality (10); and Acknowledging that he was feeling crowd response (25). good about his victory, he urged, “I want Other competitors Calypsonian Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas, you to feel good with me.” former vocalist with the band Clymax He had every reason to be elated, for Tyrone ‘Fabulous T; Pierre, aka Jeffrey Garfield Palmer, and soca artiste Edison he had trekked 12 hours by bus from Providence, of Troumaca, was first ‘Lively’ Mc Dowall, the first winner in Toronto to compete in the event that runner-up, with ‘Ah Working’; and the New York New Song Competition in coincided with the launch of Vincy Mas newcomer Nickeisha ‘Nickie D Diva’ 2007, officiated as judges.

2015 and the local New Song Pierre, of Campden Park, was second ‘Wise Guy’ and ‘Problem Child’ were Competition in SVG. runner-up, with ‘Weh Yuh Want’. guest artistes in the post-competition “Ah feel good that I won the crown,” The other contenders were: Bowman party. he continued, stating that, in so doing, (‘She Done Know’); Dougan (‘One fo de he had fulfilled a promise to his wife.

Avoiding the politics The first cousin of former United Nations and United States Ambassador, Kingsley Layne, of Barrouallie roots, and second cousin of Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus, of neighboring Layou, bemoaned what he described as the gradual diminution of traditional calypso and soca genres in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Our culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is heavily influenced by politics,” he lamented. “I realize the

Norman Quashie displays some of the drawings from ‘Love Story’, Imagination Mas Band’s presentation for Vincy Mas 2015.

A ‘Love Story’ for Vincy Mas 2K15 IMAGINATION MAS BAND is out to engulf St. Vincent and the Grenadines with a wave of love.

According to leading members of the Mas Band, they are set to wash the streets of Kingstown and grace the stage at Carnival City, Victoria Park, with a presentation entitled ‘Love Story’, for Vincy Mas 2015.

The eight-section band will feature themes a la ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Broken Heart’, ‘Venus’, ‘Cupid’, ‘Love at First Sight’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Love Triangle’ and ‘Valentine’s’.

And to ensure that they “live up to expectations,” Imagination Mas Band has employed, for the first time, the services of ace designer Oswald ‘Ossie’ Constance to bring the themes to life.

Additionally, the leadership of the

band has changed hands, with Norman Quashie, who has been at the helm for some time now, giving way to his former deputy, Denrick Woodley.

But Quashie is going nowhere, and promises that the Band will make every effort to improve on its all-round positioning in the Mardi Gras competition in particular, and mas competitions in general. The Band placed fifth in the 2014 Section of the Year competition.

With their eyes focussed on attracting some 300 masqueraders, those stalwart supporters of the band, and those wishing to join for the first time, can visit the Mas Camp at the former Bacchus residence, Beachmont.

Contact can also be made through tel. nos. 432-6753 or 455-5346.

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 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 Deeper than just physical abuse OUR HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT showed a serious, mature side over the last week.

Members on both sides of the House found reason to sound a united stance in favour of much need legislation to protect women against abuse, primarily physical abuse.

If the truth be told, there was not the usual bantering and unnecessary loss of time in side talk and blatant disregard for the requirements of good behavior, not to mention those of the House.

Members seemed to have pre-destined the last Sitting of the House as one that was going to make a difference. They did, and the extent to which there was unanimity, was all the more significant, given that it came within the heightened period of preparation (albeit still early), for General Elections.

So pat our law-makers on their backs for having, at last, strengthened the laws relating to spousal/domestic abuse and abuse of women generally.

And while all of that is good, and we begin the challenging task of putting the legislation to the test by implementing its principles, we must not lose sight of the wider picture relating to our women.

We need to remind ourselves that violations of the right to dignity, easily descend into violations of the fundamental right to life. That if we do not keep the light on a wide focus, and advocate accordingly, despite all the intentions of a ‘good law’, abused women would continue to simply , ‘die quietly’.

Space in the wider picture provides for attending to the violations related to women’s socio-economic rights, so basic to all that speaks to the holistic development of our womenfolk, and so connected to situations of abuse.

If we stretch the argument, then we would all agree that the lack of socio-economic rights by many of our women, especially those at the lower and middle income sectors of society, constitutes in the cases of victims of conflict and/or domestic violence, the main impeachment to self-determination, self-realization and the enjoyment of other basic human rights.

How often have we heard of an abused woman drowning her pain and suffering in want of a sense of economic (financial) security?

Denying women’s rights to access and control over resources — money, land — is the single most recurrent cause of gender inequality, and promotes the women as subjects of those who control the resources — men.

Inequalities occasioned by economic related power, at the household level especially, limit, to a great extent, the opportunities that women would otherwise have to guarantee a certain independence for themselves.

In situations of inequality and abuse, wouldn’t it be even more difficult for women to unravel themselves from such a sordid mess?

Let’s not fool ourselves: Having to depend on their husbands or male counterparts for their economic livelihood, places women in a situation which severely limits their choices and access to their basic socio-economic rights; and when this situation exists in a circumstance of domestic violence and abuse, it clouds the mindsets of those women, and impairs the opportunity they might have to break free from a cycle of violence and threat to actual life.

So, lest we forget, we have to attend to the cause with the same vigor with which we move to address the consequence.

And lest we forget further, women who are deprived of property rights and economic power, simply cannot afford to find safer environments for themselves. To deny them this basic right and power, is for the state to perpetuate an institutional-type plaster to the sore of abuse; one that will require ongoing resources of the state.

That is why, as we peep in on the situation of abuse of our women, that we also address the economic situation generated by this lack of economic independence.

There can be no true invocation of rights in a situation of economic deprivation.

Indeed, it appears that, long before it ever became an item on governments’ agendas, the genuine Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of old had recognized that one of the most effective solutions to situations of victims of domestic abuse, was to direct the women so affected, into income-generating activities.

And while access to income-generating activities is meaningful and a solution worth noting, as far as women’s immediate needs are concerned, the reality requires more long term changes — changes that encourage co-ownership of property, and equal access to and control of the fruits of their labour.

When all is said and done, the struggle continues to ensure that our women folk are equipped with the basic tools — socio-economic independence, rights to education, etc, if they are to be truly empowered to rise out of situations of subjection.

Beware the prejudice and bias of the press (28th July, 2000) “ALREADY THE PRESS, which generally opposes the ruling NDP, has begun to get its act together; it is armed to the teeth for the coming electoral battle, so to speak.

“The NEWS” is the most ‘newsy’ and most widely read of the journals. Its editorial knocks the Government at every turn, while the ULP has been cast in the role of the second coming. Unfair side swipes are also routinely made at Boyea and Stalky John, and their new PPM. Among their resident columnists, Blazer Williams stands supreme. Now Blazer was first secretary of Ralph’s MNU, then Deputy Leader, the secretaryship taken over by Matthew Thomas, who today writes letters in “The NEWS” that genuflect to alleged political High Priesthood and academic genius of Ralph Gonsalves.

In 1994, Thomas had been the MNU man slated to run in South Central Windward constituency when he gave way to a Labour candidate, as a result of the Beache-Gonsalves pact.

Blazer himself had run for East Kingstown on an MNU ticket in both 1984 and 1989, and for the MNU-Labour in 1994. He regularly used to give opinions on the financial state of the St Vincent and the Grenadines in Cana Reports. Blazer, who today practises law in a Firm headed by Dr. Gonsalves, is invariably introduced by Cana Reporter Corlita Olliverre as, “Independent Economist Cecil Blazer Williams”... what effrontery!

Caspar London contributes a regular column that massages Ralph’s huge ego, and like Matthew Thomas’ letters, are geared to presenting the doctor as an academic and political demi-God. The relationship deepened when Gonsalves became the ideologue for Yulimo in 1975 and leader of the group in 1979. Caspar blindly followed the leader when he broke with Yulimo in 1982 and formed his MNU...

Amazingly, Caspar’s political articles can best be described by the very words he has chosen for mine: “servile, sycophantic and grovelling”.

“The SEARCHLIGHT” started out by hewing an independent, balanced line but, over time, became distinctly anti-government, first subtly, then more openly.

Enter Cims Martin who, of course, was a leading light in Cato’s entourage when Labour ruled the roost. In fact, his competence and vision in economic matters represented the brighter side of Labour. The real problem is that Martin never could hit it off with Mitchell, and probably feels that he has a further contribution to make to the national weal, if some other administration were put in power.

Bassy’s attempt at witticism fails to mask his deep-seated hatred of Mitchell and the NDP. There is a vicious streak below the humorous garb. In fact, Bassy’s was only an exaggerated response to the shabby way Mitchell treated him on the issue of choice of an Independence flag.

My own view is that Bassy should leave election matters severely alone, and stick to his strong point of predicting tri-tri catches!

As for Renwick, our “representative of Civil Society”, he is busy drafting a “social contract” to operate between the next Government of this country and the ODD. Meanwhile, his slippage from the tight-rope ensured that he has fallen in the ULP camp, whatever the smoke-screen of expectation and rationalisations.

Only Adrian Fraser continues to write with a measure of objectivity, though he seems to be gravitating towards the NDP, especially since the Road Block Revolution. If this is true, it could represent the pattern of a subconscious drift of Forum men to the NDP. And Frank Da Silva, who formerly favoured the ULP, seems to be having second thoughts about the stature and promise of Dr. Gonsalves.

The foregoing seeks to lift the veil on writers to the press who have had a serious effect on the creation of public opinion, particularly overseas where they are marketed.

Briefly, “CROSS COUNTRY”, which is run by an NDP supporter, has tended to show sympathy with the ruling party without viciously cutting down or demonizing the various opposition forces.

In THE “VINCENTIAN” , there is evenhandedness and balance. Feature writers Jerry George and Jeff Trotman wrote with some detachment, which is why “Albert Mc Kenzie” (a pen name of the ULP big-wig) has launched an insidious attack on George’s socalled lack of journalistic qualifications.

The powerful and controversial writer, P.C Hughes, does not mince words. He has said that the government is “corrupt from top to bottom”; that he intends to follow Oba’s advice and vote ULP even “with eyes shut”; and would thereby favour “the white peasant” (Gonsalves) as against “the Black aristocrat” (Eustace) in the coming encounter.

As for me, I make no bones about my support of the NDP, a decision confirmed after the attitudes displayed by Ralph and his gang in the aftermath of the 1998 election.

I would admit to a bias informed largely by the continuing presence of my old friends and colleagues of the Forum-DFM sitting in the cock-pit of the NDP, including Parnel Campbell, John Horne, Yvonne Francis Gibson, Marcus De Freitas, Allan Cruickshank and Stuart Nanton.

So nobody needs look for some sinister or selfish motivation in my general support of the NDP which, in its own right and with Mitchell at the helm, has always seemed a party superior to its rivals.

The news that Arnhim Eustace and Kerwyn Morris (a further two “Forum boys”) stand good chances to gain the leadership and general secretaryship respectively of the party now chaired by Parnell Campbell, has only increased the pull. The behaviour and attitude of Ralph and his gang only provide the push as to where to throw my support, such as it is.”

It took all of 15 years for the chickens to come home to roost.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 9.

Letters

* Are there any male attendants at the MCMH moonlighting on behalf of funeral homes? * How come no representative of the NWM signed that communique that was issued after the meeting between the PM and Trade Unions representing teachers and other public sector workers? * Given some of the conditions for obtaining a duty free shop at the Argyle Airport, how many local persons can afford to take a shop there? * Was the Victoria Park designated for another use for Saturday, but was withdrawn to accommodate the ULP? * How are things progressing at the Family Court? Any unnecessary backlog there? * Was the Attorney General’s opinion sought before judgement was passed with respect to that matter of the importation of a vehicle by the Comptroller of Customs and Excise? Does the ruling as explained by the PM now open the door for similar ‘behaviour’ by others? * Is the Customs and Excise Department a law onto itself? Who’s really guarding the guards?

Gangs, an ever rising hazard THE FORMATION of gangs is regarded by many, these day, as a very profitable way to get by. This idea is upheld and supported by many ‘twisted-thinking’ individuals in many communities. These persons tend to reason that others have what they do not. So, to them, it is within their rights to enter the homes of others, and business places too, without an invitation, during the wee hours of the mornings, and help themselves to things that do not belong to them.

There are some who are privy to these unlawful acts, yet they maintain their silence for unknown reasons, making it easy, for others to speculate (as

regards who the culprits are).

The word ‘why’ could never be exhausted, for right-hearted ones are always wondering why people engage in such low down dirty acts, and why others see the need to uphold and do not condemn such.

The actions by gang members are wreaking havoc on the lives of many persons in their communities. The work of the Police Force is becoming increasingly difficult, even as they vigorously exhort themselves to combat these unwarranted attacks.

Why do humans who were created in God’s image, with His

qualities, and who are endowed with a conscience, and with the ability to do what is right, see it fit to resort to such actions to inconvenience others?

There is a powerful wicked spirit, who is instrumental in bringing about such actions, and the scripture warns that some of those who commit wrongful acts are desperately wicked.

Gangs can be likened to woodlice. They will nip away at you until they eventually destroy you.

These should be nipped quickly in the bud.

Extremely harsh measures should be put in place, and they should be dealt with swiftly in order to bring about

complete eradication. If we don’t take action, we are heading for larger terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS. The fear of men, the bible says, is what creates a snare. The actions of a few isolated good-for-nothing school dropouts should not scare well-intentioned citizens into throwing their hands up in frustration. Instead, people should be other peoples’ keepers. All should be prepared to work assiduously to stamp out all ills, including gangs, and restore their places of abode to the safe haven God intended them to be.

Very Concerned

After death, all thought perishes

IS HUMAN thought, blood and flesh such that they spoil after death, when the breath leaves the body?

Or is something like the soul?

I am 75, and will be joining my forefathers soon in the sleep of death, but I am confused by modern religious teachings. I am told that anyone seeing a dead person or relatives who has already passed to the great beyond, the person already dead, is a demon. Although that experience might be a medical cure for you, it still is a demonic act.

Demons are the wicked angels who were thrown out of heaven with Lucifer.

Now, Jesus told a story to his followers about Lazarus and a rich man. The rich man, looked up from hell and saw Lazarus, a man whom he despised, in the arms of Abraham. The rich man, knowing his own fate, and not wanting his brothers to undergo the same, asked Abraham to go warn his brothers to do good, while on earth. Is that the words of a demon or a man whose thought had perished after his death, or was Jesus lying when he spoke of the man’s desire towards his brothers back on earth? (Luke 16:22-30).

At Christ’s transfiguration, while praying to his Father, before that dreadful climax of his life’s mission (Matt 12:3), there appeared Moses and Elias, talking with Jesus. Both men had died before Jesus came to earth through Mary. Were they two demons, speaking to the Son of God, telling him what they (demons) will do to him? Were their thoughts not supposed to perish when they died?

THERE IS A saying in some sports, that In the bible, there is this defence wins games. However, in the case of verse which reads, “Come out West Indies’ recent victory over England, it was of Babylon, else you will a case of ‘attack won the game’. partake of her punishments.”

Yes, we recorded our first win in a very long Why so many religions today? time over England, but we did so because our Which one is the true one? bowlers came out fighting. For the first time in The tele-evangelists of today a long time, they came out to attack. And, while preach as though they can’t we had some batsmen with good individual catch their breath. scores in the match, the match belonged to the My consolation is, Christ bowlers from both sides. said: “My sheep know my I’m not certain what new coach Simmons and voice (not hear it but know bowling coach Ambrose said to the West Indies it). Behold I stand at the door men, but their performance reminded me of and knock. Anyone who when we were winning in the 1880s and 90s. hears my voice and opens Sure, we had a list of world class batsmen, but unto me, I will enter and we had even better bowlers. They were some of fellowship with him.” the best the world had ever seen and will ever The listener first hears see. and recognizes the knock or My point: Bowlers still win matches. voice, then opens (they don’t Congrats to the West Indies. I wonder how open to strange voices). There those who called us mediocre now feel. are so many strange voices out there, that they put me Charles

Bowlers win matches

back to Jesus’ words: “On that day, many will say, ‘Lord have I not cast out devils in your name?’, and He will say, “I know thee not, depart from me.”

Woe unto those pastors who only think of the quantity of collection, and not of their flocks’ spiritual needs.

That’s the Babylon the bible talks about that you must get out of.

Ordinary Layman

Remembering Jennifer Lewis I wrote the following poem for the Vincentian artist Jennifer Lewis in 1996. She was gunned down by intruders at her mother’s home in the Brighton district of St Vincent on 17 June 2012 (as reported at the time by THE VINCENTIAN).

I first met Jennifer in 1986 when she was twenty and working as the stylist for the group Soul II Soul, and we were in touch until just before her death. I write mainly books on history (which did not interest Jennifer particularly) but have also had a couple of novels published, which she liked, and have also had poems printed in various magazines.

Even now, after three years, I think of Jennifer most days. She was a quiet, self-contained person, but was very focused, and when she spoke to a group, she had a surprising authority. I guess I was a little in love with her: I think quite a few other people were too. I am sure many people besides myself miss her enormously.

I want to make something with you So that the magic in what you do The vibe that goes from your bones to your work Becomes my magic too.

I want to put the best of me In a shared design that gives the key To the dreams and the hopes and the loves of the world Till at least the twenty-second century.

But even more I want to see New existences take shape That come from your eyes and your will and your hands In some way because of me.

Dr A.D. Harvey 273 Stoke Newington Church Street London N16 9JH Great Britain

Should Christians partake in Carnival festival?

AS THE CARNIVAL season approaches, many Christians forsake church meetings and find themselves in Street jump-ups, the Queen Show, Soca Swing, Soca Monarch and Wet Fete. Many other shows, like Uncle Skinny Shows and Kiddy’s Carnival, attract our young children. These are worldly activities.

In Galatians 5:1921: ‘Now the work of the flesh are manifest and they are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, quarrelling rivalry, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, drunkenness, revelling and such like. About these things I tell you again, as I have also told you in times past, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.’ In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15: ‘Be ye not unequally yoke together with unbelievers for what communion hath righteousness with unrighteousness. And what Christ with Belial. Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel.’

In 2 Corinthians 6:17: ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you.’

A believer

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Turning more dead capital into live capital The issue OVER THE LAST THREE WEEKS or so, the ULP administration has been busy with three functions in which deserving citizens were provided with letters of offer, to allow them to purchase State lands, at a price as low as ten cents per square foot. These functions took place at Caratal, Colonarie and Carapan, and some one hundred persons benefited from this exercise.

To some of these persons, this is a dream come true; something that they have been waiting for. Now they will get title deeds to their properties, and can now engage in some business activities, including mortgages, and the acquisition of finance to expand their properties, purchase vehicles, and to send their children to tertiary education institutions.

Additionally, about 15 persons whose houses were damaged from the floods of December 24th 2013, got new dwelling places from a caring and socially responsible government. No government in the region is doing this for their citizens after a disaster.

Indeed, the government in the United States did not provide this relief to those persons who suffered from Hurricane Katrina.

It came as no surprise when the NDP launched an attack on this process. In their criticism, they claimed that the ULP administration was giving away precious State lands at cheap prices; and that this was being done to attract votes for the upcoming general elections. This only showed the continued denigration of poor people in this country, by the opposition NDP, boasting a leader who is said to be “kinder and gentler”.

The ULP administration has constructed some 175 new housing units for Vincentians who were affected by natural disasters, starting as far back as 2002, with assistance to persons in Rose Hall, following the passage of Hurricane Lili. The ULP administration has also rebuilt houses, or provided material, for hundreds of Vincentians following natural disasters.

Chateaubelair to Sandy Bay. Perhaps the best example is the work that was done in the Central Leeward constituency, where over 250 persons in the Glebe Hill area in Barrouallie, were given titles to their land at knock- down prices. Already a number of them have purchased their title deeds outright, and have gone further to use this new asset, to further enrich their lives.

What a pity that the NDP did not adopt this approach during their 17 years in government! They preferred instead to sell critical state lands in the Grenadines, to party hacks and followers, at unbelievable prices, way below market value. Arnhim Eustace, the current leader of the NDP, was one such beneficiary of this wicked strategy, as evidence has proved. By comparison, no ULP politician has purchased state lands at cheap, knock-down prices, since the ULP came to office in 2001.

Impressive record

It is clear that the ULP administration has established an impressive record, when it comes to providing lands for the landless in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Vincentians will recall that it was the ULP administration that enacted the Possessory Title Act, to facilitate the acquisition of a sound title, through the law courts, under the established legal principle of adverse possession.

Almost every week, readers can follow the notices in the weekly newspapers, with the names of Vincentians who have applied to the court, for possessory titles to particular plots of land.

Through this and other strategies, there has been a marked increase in the number of households in the country between the period 2001 to 2012. The statistics show that this has increased by 20 percent, as more Informal Human Settlements people got title deeds to their lands, a process that allowed them to do The strategy of turning dead business with financial institutions. capital into live capital has confused The ULP administration is committed the strategists in the opposition New to this process, and already a number Democratic Party. It is that party that of sites have been identified, to allowed some Vincentians to squat provide poor people with plots of land, indiscriminately on crown lands, at concessionary prices. without any thought for order and the The NDP will continue to be critical rule of law. Some persons actually of this strategy, because they have no constructed significant buildings on love in their heart for the poor and these lands, without having a title the working class in this country. deed in their possession.

They oppose everything that is This wanton and irresponsible act progressive, and they feel very by the former NDP government has comfortable in trading every day, in created issues for the provision of the currency of lies, insults and halfwater, electricity and roads. It is the truths. The people of St.Vincent and ULP administration, through the the Grenadines will remember that, implementation of the Informal despite the challenging global Human Settlement programme, that scenario that has been affecting the has successfully managed this country since 2008, despite the situation, so that these residents natural disasters that have struck could put some (social) order to their this country, the ULP administration, lives. It is the ULP administration through sound, pragmatic and who arranged to have specialized insightful leadership, has been able to services like land surveying, land provide substantial benefits for our titling, and solid waste disposal, citizens. available for these residents.

That is why they will return the This is not the only example of the ULP to office for a fourth successive ULP administration turning dead term, when the Comrade Leader rings capital into live capital. There are the bell. examples all over the country, from

The NDP and tourism TOURISM CONTRIBUTES substantially to the Vincentian economy, and if properly developed and managed, has the potential to make an even greater contribution. In recognition of this, the New Democratic Party (NDP) will place emphasis on the continued development of the tourism sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as it has done in the past.

0ver the years, tourism has emerged as a major economic activity that is labour intensive (employment-oriented, and earns significant foreign exchange.

Today, a significant number of people around the globe are employed in the tourism industry. In fact, the rate of employment generation is much higher when compared to most other economic sectors. In the future, the tourism industry is likely to see unprecedented growth in this regard.

That said, we must admit that we have not yet fully developed this lucrative aspect of our economy. The potential for growth is not surprising, since St. Vincent and the Grenadines possesses a wide range of tourist attractions - natural physical beauty, wildlife, beaches, historical attractions (e.g. forts), and a number of unique cultural activities.

The inability of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration to develop our full tourist potential is due to ineffective international marketing, inadequate infrastructure, the lack of planning, and the lack of specialized personnel in the tourism industry.

The NDP will solve these problems, driven by the objectives of: increasing employment opportunities at all levels; creating linkages with other (local) economic sectors; and ensuring the protection of our environment and cultural resources.

Moreover, the NDP will position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as leaders in tourism in the Caribbean, by means of the following: * Diversification of the tourism product: We will identify specific areas and develop strategies to promote and exploit each of them, e.g. diving, yachting, cruise tourism, eco-tourism, retirees/returnees, entertainment/cultural events such as carnival, music festivals, and nine mornings. * Targeted marketing: Europe, Canada, United States of America and the Caribbean. We will develop special packages for Caribbean tourists, e.g. four-day weekends offered at special rates, especially at off season through collaboration with LIAT and hoteliers. * Development of marina facilities in Bequia and the Southern Grenadines for power yachts * Focus on high end stay over visitors: We will promote the development of small to mid-size luxury hotels/villas, * The establishment of a training institute to meet the needs of tourism operators and workers. * The encouragement of yachting, especially cruising. * We will provide better security in our harbours and bays, by frequent coast guard patrols and police patrol in resort and beach areas. * Improvement of air transportation, in terms of cost reliability and frequency of service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. * Promotion and development of historical and natural sites as tourism sites.

Cruise tourism The NDP will work with the private sector and all relevant stakeholders in developing a cruise tourism policy, which will be focused on manageable numbers, with a fair distribution between all appropriate ports within St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The development of a smaller cruise ship pier in North Leeward will be considered as per its market and financial feasibility.

The NDP sees the improvement and upgrading of Kingstown as an integral

part of a successful cruise tourism policy, and will work assiduously in developing a short to medium development strategy towards this end.

Also, identification and development of appropriate strategies will be critical to achieving the level of visitor expenditure that will be desirable.

Sourcing and availing supplies for cruise ships and encouraging the employment of Vincentian nationals on cruise ships, will be other important thrusts in the NDP’s Cruise Tourism Development Plan.

Yachting The global yachting industry is in a state of growth. With an increasing number of persons retiring early, and higher average incomes, there is an increasing amount of leisure time. A greater proportion of that leisure time is now being spent in water-based activity.

The growth of the yachting industry is also evident by the growth in the production of pleasure craft and mega yachts. This increase in the number of recreational boats worldwide is creating additional strain on the existing yachting infrastructure, and the demand for marina space is increasing.

The benefits of developing the yachting industry outweigh the costs.

Countries are now investing significantly in additional infrastructure, in an attempt to meet the ever increasing demand. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will capitalize on this opportunity for employment creation and foreign revenue generation.

Culture As a nation, we have reached a crossroads where culture is concerned.

The way forward must involve the removal of politics from culture. The best and the brightest of St. Vincent and the Grenadines must be invited to the table to ensure that we create a viable, sustainable industry which can usefully contribute to our country’s economy.

Towards this end, the NDP pledges to: * Retool the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) as an umbrella body which the cultural and creative industries can develop and flourish; * Create links between culture and tourism to ensure that the cultural industries benefit from the EPA agreement; * Support music education in schools from the earliest levels, with a view to establishing a Youth Orchestra and permanent music programmes in schools; * To design training progammes, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, for teachers, with the view of improving the visual arts element in schools; * Support and encourage the use of information technology to promote the cultural identity of our nation; * Implement the SVG policy framework and development strategy for cultural and creative industry development; * Provide fiscal incentives to encourage private sector investment in the music industry, carnival and the performing arts; * Enforce copyright legislation to protect our local cultural stakeholders.

The programmes and policies advocated here for tourism and cultural development, programmes and policies that will undoubtedly redound in benefits for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will not see the light of day unless the NDP is elected to government.

Do the right thing. Elect the NDP.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 11.

Views

Class One Friend

Domestic Violence Act

“Respect and trust go a long way to building friendships in life and in business.” — Sir Hilary Beckles – Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies

‘WHEN MAN OFFERED his hand to woman in holy matrimony, it was the biggest trick yet that man had perpetuated.’ Frederick Engels, German Philosopher.

‘Common law marriages and civil unions were essentially about a dominant man and a subordinate woman.’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice, US Supreme Court.

‘Patriarchy is a social and political system that gives men privileges, which result from a socialization process that teaches people heterosexual men are superior to women and all nonheterosexual men. Sexism is a consequence and symptom of a society that practices patriarchy’. Bell Hooks, American social critic.

The passage of the Domestic Violence Act is a most welcomed piece of legislation that should help to protect women and children against oppression, exploitation and sexual violence. While we cannot legislate behavior, the law at its core intended to put an end to the culture of violence, as well as the culture of silence which permeates our society and results in pain and suffering that impact on our women and children.

The law defines domestic violence as any controlling or abusive behavior that harms the health, safety of a person or any child. Among those behaviors that are deemed domestic violence are physical harm or threat of physical harm; sexual abuse or threats of sexual abuse; emotional, verbal or psychological abuse; economic abuse; intimidation, harassment, stalking; damage to or destruction of property or entry into someone’s residence without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence.

Domestic relationship has been broadened to mean: parties married to each other according to any law, custom, or religion; persons who live together or lived together; parents of a child or persons who have or had parental responsibility for the child; persons sharing the same household or residence, or persons who are/were in an engagement, dating or visiting relationship, which included but is not limited to an actual, or perceived romantic, intimate or sexual relationship.

The law commands the police to take seriously all reports of domestic violence, to assist anyone who has suffered injury, as well as to ensure the welfare of a child or dependent who may be at risk, and to prevent a further breach of the law.

The act also places strict reporting conditions on anyone who might come into contact with a child and suspects abuse. A dentist, medical practitioner, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or a teacher, who examines, attends to, deals with any child in circumstances giving rise to reasonable suspicion that a child has been subject to any act of domestic violence as a result of which the child suffers injury, shall immediately notify a police officer.

The act is the very beginning of our understanding of the serious problem we face as a people and country. Unless we ground our understanding with the knowledge that domestic violence springs from the very formation and foundation of our society, and indeed, the ways in which we are socialized as a people, we will not get to the root of this problem.

At the very root, domestic violence is about the oppression of our women and children. We cannot hurt a woman or child in an attempt to mirror ‘proper behaviour,’ and expect the child to do something else when he grows. If you

I FIRST HEARD THE DESCRIPTION “Class One Friend” during a presentation by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles at a meeting that he chaired, as he neared the end of his sojourn as Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies. Sir Hilary now takes up his new assignment as Vice Chancellor of UWI (as of May 1, 2015).

Sir Hilary’s comment in relation to “Class One Friend” was used as he shared insights related to the SuzhouUWI Global University — an institution of higher learning that will link some of the most brilliant scientists in Suzhou (China) with those at the various campuses of the University of the West Indies. He noted that China regards Barbados as a “Class One Friend”, since the Government of Barbados was among the first to recognise China as a nation. The Chinese have never forgotten the fact that the government and people of this small independent nation stood by them when others neglected or refused to do so.

The description prompted me to consider whether I have any Class One Friends. Additionally, I could not help examining my list of friends,in order to ascertain whether they would consider me to be in such a friendship category. Friendships are so very important. Good friends can make a significant difference in terms of how we see the world and how energised or demotivated we become as we traverse this celestial sphere. Some of the older persons may recall that our fore parents cautioned us about hanging out with “dry weather friends” - individuals who readily disappeared when the rains and storms of life appeared on the horizon.

While keying in these words, a host of biblical passages emerged. I reflected on the famous parable about the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). He had so many friends when he was in a position to share the wealth that he had procured from his father.

However, when he was financially drained, those “dry weather friends” quickly vanished. But there were some other images of friendships that surfaced. I reflected on the life of the English poet and hymn writer William Cowper (1731-1800) who went through a series of tragedies in his adult life. He was especially vulnerable to emotional depression and bouts of mental illness. During such episodes of ill health, he discovered that many of his so-called friends vanished; they quickly abandoned him. However, he could always depend on his close friend John Newton (1725-1807) to be there for him. Newton provided Cowper with a place of physical, emotional, and spiritual shelter. He made sure that his dear friend was well cared for and nursed back to good, sound, mental health. What a friend! He was indeed a Class One Friend.

We understand that friendships can be so very fragile. Friends have the potential to inflict great wounds of pain when they disappoint us with their words and actions. It is said that those individuals who are closest to u, have the capacity, the potential,

to do us the greatest harm. Their words and behaviours hurt us most because of their emotional closeness to us. However, even when we are hurt in such a manner, we should resist the temptation to become cynical and mistrusting of others. We become wiser … but we do not abandon the invitation to get emotionally close to others. We must challenge ourselves to learn to trust again. We must learn to respect again. We must prepare to be vulnerable again. Yes, we must prepare to be Class One Friends again. Wow! Life is filled with beauty. The splendour appears to be magnified several times over, when we have someone to share it with. It is good to have family members around to bask in the glory and beauty of our achievements. But life becomes boring when we limit our celebrations to family members. We need to have friends, true friends, to be a part of the circle of celebrants. Class One Friends should be there to bask in the glory when we celebrate our outstanding feats and appear to be at the top of life’s mountain. And oh, how they are needed when we sink low to our valley experiences - when life hits us on the blind side! Those are especially the times when friends are valued. We need friends who remain faithful when we are challenged by a debilitating illness or some other traumatic misfortune. We all need these Class One Friends.

As we conclude these thoughts on friendships in general and Class One Friends in particular, it is probably more valuable for us to assess what level friend we are to those who call us friend. In other words, we should close by examining how well we are performing our friendship duties.

Have we been guilty of allowing close friends to slip away by neglect? Is there some “long lost friend” that we need to reconnect with? Are there now letters that we must write, telephone calls that we must make, email messages that we must send, thank-you cards to be delivered, etc. etc? Oh, to know that our friends would classify us as Class One Friends!

Sometimes, it becomes so very easy to let friends slip away. Many will not call out to us as they see us become so busy, so pre-occupied, with pursuing our own dreams and fighting our own battles. Sometimes, they wrongfully assume that we have outgrown their friendship; that we have “bigger fish to fry”. But the introspection and reflections that occurred earlier in this essay now prompts us (you and me) to determine whether some of our Class One Friends were allowed to drop through the cracks. More importantly, we recommit to rekindling those friendships; rebuilding the associations; blessing others with our expressions of love and appreciation; resuming our position as a Class One Friend.

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

beat him to do the ‘right’ thing, he will grow up believing that the best way to get others to do as he wants, is to inflict pain, hurt, insult and abuse. Therein lies the cycle of violence that is prevalent in society. The woman does not attempt to beat the man; she takes out her frustration on those perceived weaker: other women and her own children.

Therefore, while we work to break the culture of silence around domestic abuse and sexual violence, the recitation of horror stories will not take us very far. We need understanding that can only come through robust debate that takes us to the very root of the problem.

Such an understanding will alert us to the fact that domestic abuse and sexual violence are not fundamentally an issue of police inadequacy. Domestic violence is a grotesque manifestation of the weaknesses and inadequacies prevalent in the institutional architecture of our society. The current relations based on male domination and exploitation need to be struggled against and abandoned. The way we socialize our boys and girls needs revision and change.

In short, we need to arrive at a new understanding of patriarchy or male domination. Politically, the struggle over women's reproductive rights is symptomatic of patriarchy. While men are given the ability to control their reproductive organs without state interference, the state constantly interferes with women's ability to do the same. The right of the state to determine what women can and cannot do with their bodies is a symptom of patriarchy.

Socially, sexual assault is symptomatic of patriarchy. The denigration of women is another obvious social symptom of patriarchy that includes the widespread reference to women as "bitches, thing, my girl, and my beef.’

More subtle social symptoms of patriarchy include descriptions of sex.

Common ways of referring to sex include, "hit it," kill it," "smash," “pound the meat” and/or "beat it up." All these popular terms for sex involve men inflicting physical injury on women in the name of sexual pleasure. Patriarchy teaches men and women to think that the metaphoric destruction of the female body is the goal of good sex.

Unfortunately, some women have been socialized into adopting this view of sex.

Men must acknowledge, empathize with, and learn from the experiences of women. The elimination of patriarchy will allow men to be free. With this new consciousness, men liberated from patriarchy, will be free to experience a whole range of human emotions that patriarchy teaches them to deny.

Because men have no reason to complain about being the victims of sexism, when men hear about patriarchy from other men, it is harder to dismiss sexism.

We need a He for She movement in SVG. Otherwise, we are only scratching the surface. However, the Domestic Violence Act is a step in the right direction.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Young people – university, free WiFi internet and innovation THE YOUNG people of SVG are the future of SVG, and it is important that they are given all the resources they need to reach their full potential, so they can be great leaders and problem solvers.

Young people in SVG need a university in SVG. In most western countries, 50% to 75% of young people graduate from university. In SVG, only about 2% of young people graduate from university, and this is a shockingly low number.

Young people in SVG need a university, so that they can compete with graduates from other countries for highly-paid jobs all over the world.

In the UK, graduate jobs have a starting salary of between roughly EC$80,000 and EC$200,000 a year.

For example, see http://www.graduateschemes.co.uk/co mpanies/goldman-sachs/.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for other companies’ graduate schemes.

However, few Vincentian children can apply for these jobs, because we do not have our own university, and only about 2% of our children are university graduates. A Green government will build a science and technology university, so that

Vincentian children can become eligible for highly-paid jobs all over the world, and are able to lead a life of prosperity.

Obtaining a university degree helps children of the poor break the generational cycle of poverty, and enables them to gain prosperity.

Having our own university in SVG will enable our young people to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

In 2014, there were 1.2 trillion Google internet searches. The internet is the gateway to knowledge and ideas, and is an extraordinary resource for learning. It is important that there is free WiFi internet in SVG, so that everyone, especially young people and children of the poor, have access to the internet.

It is important to expose young people to new ideas, new technology and the innovation that is taking place all over the world, so that they can learn and be innovators themselves.

Home computers and internet access have become integral to the way many teenagers study at home. Young people can do research and their homework easier with free WiFi

internet access.

A Green government will provide free WiFi internet access for everyone in SVG. Research has shown that children without home internet ‘lose out big time’ and that, on average, their exam results are a grade lower than their peers, because they do not have internet access at home.

The e-Learning Foundation says that children without access to a computer and the internet at home, are being increasingly disadvantaged in the classroom, and that the gap between rich and poor pupils’ performance would widen unless every child can use a computer and access the internet at home. Young people living without internet access miss out both educationally and socially.

The ULP regime has failed young people. After 14 years in office, all they have to offer young people is a jail or a life of unemployment. It was madness to build a jail instead of a university, and be totally disrespectful of the aspirations of young people. A change of government is needed for young people to achieve their dreams.

Under a Green government, young people will be given skills training to

Effects of shift work on workers

enable them to become entrepreneurs — start-up and run their own businesses. This will help them to become innovators. With free WiFi internet access and a university education, young people will be in a better position to give value to their knowledge and expertise, to provide services to companies all over the world.

A Green government will build a university, provide free WiFi internet access for all, and focus on helping our people to innovate. It is innovation that will be the foundation of richer countries in the future. The more innovation we have in SVG, the richer our country and people will become.

Vote for a Green government.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

and other conditions such as depression, ulcers, cancer, ischemic stroke and Prepared in celebration includes night shift, gastrointestinal the job due to lack of of International Workers’ rotating shift work and dysfunction. sleep and the disruption Day, May 1st 2015 There are also irregular work hours. of circadian rhythm. suggestions that cardio This 24-hour approach Studies about the SHIFT WORK is vascular disease (CVD) in the work environment relationship among long described as a stressor may be linked to creates a window for the work hours, shift work that affects individuals occupational factors, in workforce to be and sleep, show that the physically and particular shift work. negatively impacted. result is an effect on the psychologically; the Research suggests that (Son et al 2008) mental capacity of shift vulnerability of that there is a 40% higher Several researchers workers. The study also individual will determine are of the view that shift highlighted the increase which eventually leads to relative risk of CVD shift work disorder the impact and effects of work negatively affects among shift workers in body mass index (SWD). Shift work is shift work, the state of when compared to day the health, safety and (BMI) in persons with mind and body is of well-being of workers short sleep duration; this said to be also associated workers, in both male with problems in importance in coping and female. (Esquirol et directly, and can also has implications for (Wright et al 2012). al 2011). indirectly affect the obesity in shift workers. sleep/wakefulness and social life. (Härmä et al Shift work, according Studies discovered general population, due (Di Lorenzo et al 2003, 2005) to Eberly and Feldman that reduced sleep to acts that may be Wright et al 2012) The daily pattern of 2010, comprises work periods and long work committed by workers Shift work has also sleep and wakefulness is hours heighten the risk patterns that extend who may suffer from the been implicated in as a consequence of the beyond the conventional effects of shift work, e.g. disrupting circadian of injury on the job, 8-hour daytime work. It the lack of alertness on sleep and alerting cycles, combination of circadian proving that sleepiness alertness and the and fatigue have homeostatic sleep drives. implications for If the natural flow is performance on the job disrupted, it causes and accident causation. circadian misalignment. (Costa 2010, Son et al This, in combination 2008). with other The psychological and environmental causes, mental health of workers influence excessive associated with shift sleepiness at work, work, cannot be especially in night shift overlooked, as workers workers, affecting continue to exhibit alertness and irritability, nervousness, compromising the health anxiety and problems and safety of the worker with family and social and others alike. (Di life. These conditions Lorenzo et al 2003). and disorders are greatly Evidence from influenced by the epidemiological studies disruption of circadian suggests that shift work rhythms, and lack of has been implicated in sleep, leading to chronic causing increased risk of fatigue, mood disorders health problems, and depression, and may including heart disease further lead to an

increase in absenteeism rate, and the use of psychotropic drugs. (Di Milia 2009) A case control study reported an increased risk of breast cancer among women who worked mostly at nights, in different occupations.

(Hansen 2011).

It is also believed that the menstrual cycle in women is affected due to disruption of circadian rhythms as a result of night work and rotating shifts. Studies in this area reported high incidence of miscarriage, birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight in pregnant women working shift.

(Costa 2010) The ongoing surveillance of shift work and its many impacts on workers’ health is paramount. A number of interventions can be applied to reduce possible effects of the same: strengthening of the legislative framework; improved surveillance; health education and promotion; administrative controls (Risk Control Hierarchy); strengthening of surveillance systems; stakeholder partnership; pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment of the affected individual.

Prepared by: Carlos K Wilson

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 13.

News

No more LIME

MARKETS IN THE CARIBBEAN that have given regulatory approval of the approved merger of Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) and Columbus International, can expect, in the coming months, to be washed with new corporate and consuming-facing brands, for the combined group.

A release of May 6, said that ‘a refreshed Flow will be the unified consumer-facing brand throughout the Caribbean, replacing the former LIME and FLOW businesses.

The release also stated that: CWC will operate under the corporate banner C&W Communications; C&W Networks will be the brand representing the wholesale submarine and terrestrial fibre optic cables of C&W Communications, and the former Columbus Networks/JVCO business; and C&W Business will be the business-facing brand across the whole group, replacing the former CWC Business Solutions, Columbus Business Solutions and Sonitel brands.

Phil Bentley, CEO of C&W Communications said, “This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for us. With feedback from our customers and team members, we have refined our portfolio of brands to ensure they really represent the strengths of the combined group.”

He added, “Flow, with its bold blue colour, captures the essence of the Caribbean sea and sky, and is renowned for innovation, technical excellence and great customer service. It is time to say ‘goodbye’ to our old friend, LIME, as we look forward to defining new levels of customer service and product innovation under the refreshed Flow brand. We will be rebranding our stores, our vehicles, and our uniforms to Flow, and we plan to ‘paint’ the entire Caribbean blue.”

In November 2014, Cable & Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) announced that it had agreed to acquire cable TV and Internet provider Columbus International Inc., trading as Flow, to expand in the Caribbean and Central America.

The announcement disclosed that Cable & Wireless was expected to pay US $707.5 million in cash and sell US$1.56 billion new shares, as well as raise additional debt to finance the US$$1.85 billion deal.

The news of the Cable & Wireless’ buyout of rival Columbus International made more than ripples in the telecoms sector in the Caribbean, with customers and business experts expressing concern about an eventual “monopoly”, and one analyst even calling for Caribbean governments to block the deal until they had “secured guarantees open to public scrutiny and monitoring”.

There was, amidst all the opposition, little that could be done to ‘block’ the merger across the English-speaking Caribbean.

14. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V Rural Carnival activities

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 15.

Carnival

of the benefits of rural carnival activities.

Roberts also stated that rural carnival creates opportunity for artistes entering national Soca and the Ragga Soca competitions, as they have the opportunity to test the popularity of their songs, and fine-tune their performances.

Esworth ‘Ezzie’ Roberts, Coordinator of Rural Carnival activities, spoke of the high cost of employing a (music) band as the reason for the noninclusion of a calypso competition in the rural carnivals’ list of activities.

that the arrangement with Bibby was for this year only.

In another change of organizers, a Committee

headed by Kasi Simmons will assume responsibility for organising carnivalrelated activities in

carnival activities to be Bequia. This was previously undertaken by launched for 2015 was in the Central Leeward the group RESCUE Bequia. district.

The first rural

Calypso component

Forty events are down to take place in the 8 zones that have indicated readiness to host

by KENVILLE HORNE rural carnival activities.

There is a noticeable CO-ORDINATOR OF RURAL reduction in the number CARNIVAL activities, of calypso related events.

Esworth ‘Ezzie’ Roberts is Roberts attributed this to of the view that there is the cost of using the more to rural carnival service of a band, “so activities than what meets over the years, because the eyes. of the cost of running a According to Roberts, calypso show, most of the rural carnivals encourage rural Committees, they heightened economic are not really hosting a activity where they are Calypso competition as staged. “Persons from such. However, they outside the communities include calypsonians in go into these areas and some of the spend their monies, programmes.” thereby creating The Calypso additional income,” Association is aware of declared Roberts, at a the challenges that exist, recent Carnival Roberts assured, and he Development confirmed that steel Corporation CDC) press bands will be featured at briefing held at its the various launching headquarters at Victoria and queen shows of the Park, on Tuesday 28th rural carnivals.

April.

Rural carnivals also New players expose new talents, and winning and nonOf note for Vincy Mas winning contestants from 2015 is the absence of rural queen shows enter the North Windward the Miss SVG show and activity organised by the make valuable the Owia Sports and contributions, said Cultural Organisation Roberts, as he cited some (OSCO).

This has opened the door for a privately managed activity.

Radio personality and private promotor Joel ‘DJ Fugitive’ Bibby has agreed to organise events in the area, to include the J’Ouvert and street jump-up.

According to Roberts, the CDC will not make any monetary input into these activities, but has Private promoter Joel sanctioned them.

‘DJ Fugitive’ Bibby has “Fugitive’ is stepped up to ensure responsible for securing that there are carnival sponsorship,” said related activities in Roberts, and assured North Windward.

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16. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 17.

News

Thirty for ECGC Baking Competition Stories by KENVILLE HORNE THIRTY PERSONS, including six students of

Ali Medjahed, ECGC Baking Consultant, urged would-be participants to practise their recipes.

the Culinary Arts, will participate in the sixth East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) National Baking Competition this year.

The Competition will take place at the Methodist Church Hall, on Thursday 21st.

Last Monday, May 4, the ECGC staged an official launch of the Competition at its headquarters in Campden Park.

Addressing the launch, ECGC Sales and Promotion Executive Rachel Haslam proudly disclosed that, “Each year, the standard has risen, and the number of entrants has grown.”

Entrants are expected from both the mainland and the Grenadines, and to highlight the involvement of hotels and restaurants from the

Grenadines, a Would-be participants and similar launch judges in attendance at was scheduled for last Monday’s launch.

Mustique, ECGC Baking Wednesday 6th May, Haslam said.

Consultant, Ali Glender Francois, Medjahed, also Marketing Officer at addressed Monday’s ECGC, outlined the launch, and guidelines of the speaking directly to competition. some of the wouldCompetition is open to be participants who (L-R): Michelle Guy, Glenda Francois and Rachel persons employed in were present, he Haslam also addressed the launch. bakeries, restaurants advised them to and hotels, and each ensure that they the judges with good presentation and use of participant is required to followed the recipes presentation, and use the ingredients. submit two entries, with properly. right ingredients. “Your The ECGC National one being in the “You must practise recipe is going to carry Baking Competition is Speciality Flour category. your recipe. You do it one you, the look and the the premier Culinary The flour used in the time, two times, three taste,” said the Baking Arts competition in SVG. competition will be times,” said Medjahed, provided by ECGC. Consultant.

Participants will be adding, “You must have Francois encouraged Michelle Guy, judged in the following people trying it, because Education Officer in the categories: Best in participants to look beyond the Competition’s obviously whatever you Ministry of Education, Specialty Flour do would be pleasing to prizes, saying that with responsibility for Compulsory Category; you; but would it be competing should be Home Economics, also Best in Breads; Best in about expressing “..your pleasing to others?” spoke, highlighting the Cakes; and Best in creativity and improving He implored importance of Pastries. on your business.” participants to impress

JCI West Indies official visits SVG EFFORTS are afoot to re-energise JCI St. Vincent, formerly known as the Jaycees.

It comes at a time when JCI international is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

On Monday 13th April, Antiguaborn Ms. Alexis Murray, Vice President of JCI West Indies, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to further the plan.

While here, Murray held discussions with Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, officials of the Ministry of Mobilisation, and the Executive of JCI

St. Vincent, and availed herself of radio and television interviews.

According to Murray, her jurisdiction covers Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinque, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad, and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

When she visited with THE VINCENTIAN, Murray described JCI as an organisation that encourages young people to become responsible citizens, and to participate in efforts towards effecting and/or influencing

JCI is a non-profit international non-governmental organization of young people between 18 and 40 years old, and has members in about 80 countries.

Vice President of JCI West Indies Ms. Alexis Murray and President of JCI St. Vincent social and economic Cuthbert Tucker at the office of THE development, international coVINCENTIAN. operation, goodwill and President of JCI St. Vincent, said that understanding.

Positing that young people are faced the organization is just about coming out of a period of dormancy. with many challenges and issues, the “We are now trying again to push young Antiguan said confidently that the name JCI out there, so that JCI is the place they can come and persons would become aware that we interact with people from different are a force to be reckoned with, and cultures and places, which will “open up opportunity to travel and network. there are opportunities that they can If you want to be an entrepreneur, you take up to be active, positive citizens within St. Vincent,” Tucker told THE want to start up your own business, VINCENTIAN . then you can use your contacts Membership to the organisation is through JCI to help.”

JCI also offers the opportunity, in a open to persons between 18 and 40 years old. real way, to develop public speaking As part of the celebration to mark and leadership skills, which, according the 100th anniversary of JCI to Murray, are skills that are International, JCI St. Vincent will be recognized at the work place and distributing 100 food baskets to needy provide the basis for promotion. citizens. Toward this end, both She is appealing to young Murray and Tucker invited the Vincentians to join the organization, corporate community to partner with saying that JCI helps persons to find their place in the real word, and “gives the initiative.

JCI in St. Vincent is headquartered you that sense of social responsibility.” at Stoney Grounds.

Meanwhile, Cuthbert Tucker,

18. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V Charles is new SVGTCCU President

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 19.

Business

Charles takes over from Dwight Lewis, who, Julian CECIL CHARLES is the Jack, Chief Executive new President of the SVG Officer (CEO) of the Teachers Co-operative SVGTCCU, said, had Credit Union Ltd. already served as (SVGTCCU). president for two His elevation to the top consecutive one-year post was endorsed on terms.

April 23, 2015, but he was Jack explained that the introduced to the public in constitution did not allow his new post, Wednesday for officers on the Board to 29th April, 2015, during a serve for more than two press conference hosted by consecutive terms. the SVGTCCU. This afforded Charles Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

the opportunity to become the top man on the credit union’s Board.

Charles said that he was coming into the position during a very interesting period, when they (the SVGTCCU) were trying to provide services toward establishing themselves as the best non-banking organisation in the country.

“And I am committed to do my best,” Charles told

Teachers Credit Union tackling delinquency rate DESPITE ASSETS HAVING CROSSED the EC$100M mark, the number of delinquent loans is a worry for the management at the SVG Teachers Co-Operative Credit Union Ltd. (SVGTCCU).

Julian Jack, CEO of the SVGTCCU, while speaking last week Thursday (April 30) at a press briefing, acknowledged that the delinquency situation in the country was a serious one, “Not only for the Credit Unions, but the banks are having problems as well,” he said.

There are a lot of people, he continued, who are the heads of households, and have lost their job.

Jack said, though, that his Credit Union has been successful in reducing the number of delinquent loans, as is evident in the SVGCCU’s 37th annual financial report.

The SVGCCU was successful in reducing its loan delinquency to 6

percent, which represents a reduction of 3.4 percent over the 2013 figure.

Jack explained that measures had been implemented to deal with the situation, following a visit by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), who approved a plan to correct the situation.

According to Jack, some customers make the process easier by coming in to discuss their respective situations.

“During the last two years, we have been working with some customers. We converse with our members, we encourage them to come in and discuss the issue,” the CEO said.

It is only on rare occasions that a decision is taken to sell, especially property, Jack said.

But nevertheless, the financial organisation reached a milestone, he said, having crossed the $100 million asset mark.

“The first million was the hardest,” Jack quipped.

Care and treatment of potted plants WATER

Julian Jack, CEOSVGTCCU, confirmed an increased asset base but recognised the need to further reduce the delinquency rate on loans.

It was back in 1985, seven years after the SVGCCU was founded, that it reached its first million, Jack recalled.

In the years following, he said that a number of changes were implemented, including the expansion of membership, not just to teachers, but to all members of the general public.

“We are thankful that the members then saw it fit to move on,” Jack said.

plant as each plant variety sends out its own signals when it is thirsty. A trained eye can spot early warning signs that call for watering a plant.

Never over-water plants, as this causes the root system to become waterlogged. Remember roots need air as well as water. When the root system can’t get air, bacteria and fungi begin to grow around the roots, eventually causing them to rot.

LOOK OUT FOR OUR HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION IN OCTOBER 2015.

NATURE provides water for plants, in the form of rain, mist and fog, which they absorb primarily through their root system. Plants which are cared for indoors, are dependent on humans for this live-giving water supply.

Water acts as a medium for transporting nourishment to the cells.

It is difficult to know when to water a Presented by the SVG Horticultural Society.

members of the media.

Charles has been a member of the SVGTCCU for 25 years, 20 of which he has served on its Management Committee.

He has also served on the Board of Directors for a considerable amount of time, and before his most recent appointment, was

the SVGCCU’s Vice President, a position he held on two separate Cecil Charles, new occasions within the past SVGTCCU President, 5 years. says he is assuming the The rest of the board top position during an includes: Gwendolyn interesting period.

Burgin – Vice President; Byron Wilson — Treasurer; Wilson - Assistant Kay Martin-Jack — Secretary-Treasurer.

Secretary; and James (DDD)

V

20. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My girlfriend took me for a fool Lend a listening ear brought her mother who attested to the fact that they were both on the cruise. I took my buddy along the YOU COULD be my last stop before I do something very stupid. My girlfriend has next time I confronted her, and she was speechless. been constantly fooling around, and I truly loved this woman and expects me to be forgiving her. I am an ‘ignorant’ man, and do not take kindly to wanted to marry her; but how could I do so after this last experience? And a woman playing me for a fool. to think her mother would join with I have given this woman her to conspire against me! To be everything she needs: money, car, jewellery and even a European cruise, honest, George, I still have a rage building up in me and I want to take on which she was to have taken her mother. A buddy of mine was on that my satisfaction on them both; but I would like to hear from you first. I am same cruise, and reported that she so mad right now, that my blood is was doing the cruise with another man. She did not know my buddy, so not moving! he went up to her pretending not to Firebun know her, and in no less than five minutes into the conversation, this Dear Firebun, Jamaica accented man came up to her, put his hand around her waist No doubt you are very hurt by this and took her away. He said the man experience, and you have every right chided her for having a conversation with him, but before she left, she told to be upset, even enraged. Having said that, I must also advise you to be him that they were on the cruise careful and not allow this anger to together. influence you into doing things you George, I had no reason to doubt will later regret. my friend’s account, so I confronted In itemizing the things you gave to my girl about it. She denied being there with another man, and she even your girlfriend, I note that the focus

Dear George,

was on material things. Sometimes we get it wrong, and end up neglecting the areas that matter most in the relationship.

However, it appears that the tag team of your girlfriend and her mother would give you the fight of your life, should you decide to continue in the relationship. It makes sense to just cut your losses.

In the meantime, maintain your composure and take the high road. Your girlfriend has proven beyond doubt that she is not deserving of you and, regardless of how you may feel now, you need to know that the hurt will pass, and your heart will heal, allowing you to find love again as soon as you are ready.

George

My brotherÊs girlfriend has plans Dear George, MY PARENTS died and left me in

charge of the house. I have five other siblings, and it was their wish that I keep the house in such a way, that all

of us would continue to benefit from it.

My oldest brother brought in his girlfriend to live with us, and she now wants to take over things. She finds fault with everything that we do, and went as far as to tell me that my brother will be marrying her soon and when that happens, she would be the one who will be in charge of the house, and we would have to find somewhere else to live. She even said that my brother does not know yet that she will be cleaning house, meaning she will be getting rid of us all.

My last sister just happened to record all that she had to say on her (sister) phone. We played it back for our brother. Unfortunately, my brother believes in this girl, over all of us and what we know. What can we do?

Troubled Dear Troubled, Before you worry over whether your brother would believe you or not, play the recording for him once again. He must decide, without emotion, what he wants to do with the information.

I would advise that you seek the guidance of a lawyer, as to how to protect this family house from people such as your brother’s girlfriend. Maybe, just maybe, he is the one who needs to be doing the house cleaning.

George

Dear George, MY WIFE’S BEST FRIEND fell on some very hard times and she had a fling with a man, other than her husband. I stumbled upon them accidentally a few days ago, when I was doing my usual beach walking, in the wee hours of the morning. My curiosity was aroused by sounds coming from some nearby bushes. I investigated, and there they were, doing their thing.

I was so shocked that I unconsciously called to her. She stopped and begged me not to tell her husband. She admitted there and then she was only doing it for the money; that she needed to pay her bills seeing her husband was not working. In the end, she invited me to join her and this man, and told me I was welcome to her body anytime I wanted, once I kept my mouth shut.

I have to be honest and say that I was tempted. She has one of the most amazing bodies I have ever blessed my eyes on; but I managed to walk away. To this day I have not said anything to her husband, and I know he thinks she is the ‘Queen of Honesty’.

Should I let him know about his wife’s outside activities? I know if I do, he might get very violent with her, and I do not want to be responsible in any way, for anything bas happening to her.

T-Cee Dear T-Cee, You have shown great discipline in not taking up this offer by your wife’s best friend. I quite understand why, given the husband’s violent streak, why you would not want to divulge what you know.

However, you need to have a serious talk with this woman. Let her know that her actions will not help her marriage; that it will be just a matter of time before her husband finds out; and that could very well spell the end of the relationship, or even have a more disastrous outcome.

Let her talk to you about her financial difficulties, and see if you could try to assist her in finding a better way to solve them. You can even suggest that she consult with a counsellor before things get to the point of no return.

Her respect for you for trying to genuinely help might just be the starting point in her finding her way back to a life of fidelity, and honouring her vow to forsaking all others and cleaving only to her husband.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Hard work will not go unnoticed. Do yourself a favor and leave your plastic at home. Work at home if at all possible. Unexpected visitors will be a welcome surprise. You’ll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will get along well with your colleagues this week. Don’t lend or borrow money or belongings. Try not to upset others with your plans. Don’t let others put unreasonable demands on you.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You could lose money or precious belongings if you aren’t careful. Don’t get intimately involved with a coworker.

People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you. Your talents might just be discovered.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your domestic scene could continue to be in an uproar this week. Investments are best left alone this week. You need to keep everyone on your domestic scene too busy to complain. An older member of the family may need assistance.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You’re not your usual self this week.

Minor fevers or infections will develop if you’re over-stressed. Overindulgence may cause conflicts. Don’t overindulge in anyway.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Talk to your emotional partner about your intentions. Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely.

Don’t overload your plate.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try to keep ahead of the game. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Do not overspend on entertainment. Don’t let those close to you get under your skin.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your doubt could lead to insecurity.

Communication will be your strong point and you should be able to persuade others to see things your way. Be careful not to come on too strongly. Minor accidents could cause trauma and major setbacks.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Real estate investments could be prosperous. Trouble could be brewing at home. Secret affairs may be brought out in the open. Frustrations and limitations could cause anxiety this week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will have a tendency to put on pounds. Get busy making those changes to your home. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind. You may not be happy if members of your family are not pulling their weight.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try to avoid being extravagant this week. Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relationship. Update and review your personal investments.

Try to be understanding.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Pamper yourself; you deserve it. Think before you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine. Don’t let your jealous imagination play games with you. Don’t ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems.

ACROSS

dot item of song 1.Baby’s bed 47. List ender 5. Waves 48. Mrs. Eddie 9. Bandleader Cantor Kyser 49. Subsides 12. Car dealer’s 51. Soccer star model Mia 13. Draft status 55. “__ It Be” (hyph.)

(Beatles 14. “The Lady __ song) Tramp” 56. Great Lake (2 wds.)

57. Jacob’s twin 15. Wood strip brother 16. Berra or Bear 58. “Now I __ 17. Jug spout me…”

18. Bar tally 59. Social 20. Sports escort centers 60. Farm 22. Task building 24. Caustic cleanser DOWN 25. Language lesson 1.New-style LPs 27. Sluggers’ 2. Uncle or successes cousin (abbr.) (abbr.)

31. “__ the 3. “__ Man” ramparts…”

(2 wds.)

32. Smell 4. Lowest part 35. Fruity 5. Tofu source refresher 6. Numero __ 36. Think 7. Like a queen 38. Most 8. Tinkerbell, powerful e.g. primate 9. Potter’s need 40. Peanut 10. Tibet’s product continent 43. C&W’s Travis 11. Sounds 44. Yellow polka from toy

dogs 19. Guns 21. Always, in poems 22. Canadian Indian tribe 23. Rabbit’s relative 25. Deity 26. Tractortrailer 28. Like Kojak 29. Lazily 30. “Dames at __” 33. Use a crystal ball 34. Campus gp.

37. Miss Piggy’s word for

“me” 39. Foot parts 41. “__ You” (Beatles song, 2 wds.)

42. Fall zodiac sign 44. Beak 45. Inspiration

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 21.

46. Pop singer Perry 50. Nipped 52. Volcanic sprinkling 53. Daisy __ 54. Stick in the __

V

22. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Fashion

Fashion House hosts inaugural graduation inform that Ms. Chenise Hendrickson, one of the LAST SATURDAY, May 2, Fashion sewing enthusiasts, has since signed with his Company, House Caribbean, a fashion which assisted her to develop establishment located in Arnos Vale, held its first graduation of her own brand, ‘Caress Clothing’. She is now earning students in its Sewing Tutorial a living from the production of Course. The course ran from garments. Her success January to March, 2015.

Manager of Fashion House spurred the introduction of the first Sewing Tutorial class.

Caribbean, Mr. Rhondel Dickson, described the course as “the beginning of a concept The Graduation to develop the skill set of Saturday’s graduation individuals,” proffering that ceremony was held on the since his establishment was concerned with fashion, it was premises of Fashion House Caribbean. only natural to produce The graduants turned up in tutorials for the production of garments they had made garments. themselves, and were eager to The ultimate goal of the share details of their progress. course, he explained, was to “I must say that the end of have the participants develop their personal clothing brand. this three months, I am totally satisfied. Sometimes I go into Mrs. Rhonda Dickson, a store and I say to myself, Rhondel’s mother, developed ‘Wait, you know I could make the tutorials for the course, that!’ In my head, I know and taught them to the class, exactly how I am going to cut this after the tutorials were that cloth, how I am going to tested with a group of sewing make it. So I am equipped enthusiasts, in October 2014. now to move on,” were the Rhondel was pleased to

by GLORIAH…

sentiments of Ms. JonQuil Cadougan, echoing the sentiments of her classmates Sharol-Rose Abbott, Sue-Mona Moses, Ruthann Williams, and Precious Woods.

Addressing the function were Mr. O. T. Mayers and Mr. Manager of Fashion House Caribbean Rhondel Andrew Miller.

Dickson (left) and Course Tutor Rhonda Dickson The deliberations of (right) with graduates (from left): Precious Woods, Mr. Mayers of ‘Finishing JonQuil Cadougan and Sue-Mona Moses. and Furnishing’ centred on the wisdom of twinning Feature Speaker of ‘Andrew’s himself to never let his formal education with the Andrew Miller. knowledge and use of a Refrigeration’, setbacks prevent him from marketable skill. “I tell you gave instances of his moving forward. He indicated this, to tell you how impressed experience with young people, that each one should be I am to see how young people as a mentor and motivator. determined enough to keep have the skill and are using it He encouraged the graduands moving forward. to bring out the knowledge to follow their dreams.

Following the presentation they have,” he intimated, “Follow your dreams,” he said, of certificates, invited guests expressing further that, “I am “because no one else could and well-wishers had an happy for this graduating dream for you. You have to be opportunity to view garments class,” but cautioned, “When the one to keep them alive!” produced by the graduates. you leave here, you might get He described himself as a Fashion House Caribbean a certificate, but I will like to Second Form dropout who intends to make the Sewing see you do something with it. began working at age thirteen, Tutorial Course an ongoing Don’t put it up on a shelf!” one.

Feature Speaker, Mr. Miller but had always promised

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 23.

South Leeward take Interleague title

by KENVILLE HORNE HAIROUN BEER SOUTH LEEWARD are the 2015 champions of National Community Inter League Football in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

They took hold of the title when they defeated National Lotteries Central Kingstown, 2-1, in the finals of that Competition, played at Victoria Park, Kingstown, last week Thursday evening, in front of a large and boisterous crowd.

Considering the visiting team South Leeward was

South Leeward, 2015 Champions of Community Inter League Football in SVG.

A more even second half

Scorers for South Leeward (L-R) Nazir McBurnette and Antoney John. returning to the finals after last appearing in the coveted showdown in

“You need both” - advises Howard ANOTHER PERSON has joined in and added his voice to an appeal to young footballers here, to pay more attention to their academics.

The latest comes from former St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-20 football squad member Kareem Howard.

Acknowledging that the country possesses a lot of football talent among the youths, Howard is, however, cognisant Kareem Howard that many do not have the matriculation needed to obtain a scholarship at US colleges.

“You need to have discipline in both Football and in school ...You can’t do one without the other ...

Football can’t get you there all by itself,” Howard advised .

Howard, who was born in the US, but whose father is Vincentian, revealed, “I have good connections with college coaches. Colleges are always looking for players, but I can’t help you if your grades are not good.”

Howard disclosed that he was instrumental in getting one Vincentian to the USA back in 2009; however, that person, although blessed with the football talent, did not have the academic background, nor was willing to go the extra mile.

Speaking of his own rewarding experiences, Howard recalled, “Growing up, I wanted to be a professional soccer player, but I knew I needed to have some kind of knowledge to go with ...I am not a professional, but soccer paved the way for my life ...

I have travelled the world through sports, and have been introduced to many different people, and through sports I have been able to get three full scholarships.”

Howard is a university major in Geography, specialising in Geographic Information Systems. He presently works in the oil and gas industry as a cartographer, mapping oilfields.

2013, they were far from being nervy, and their large band of supporters were responsible for setting the tone by roaring on their team.

South Leeward’s first half It was not long into the game, that South Leeward took control, dominating possession in the process.

Almost expectantly, South Leeward opened the scoring in as early as the 12th minute, through the busy Nazir McBurnette, who hit a perfectly weighed right footed shot past a hapless Central Kingstown goalkeeper.

The opening goal added a new life to the game, and Central Kingstown sought desperately to register some claim on the game, and came close to equalising when Damal Francis sent a shot just over the cross bar, from a distance.

But it was South Leeward, and their long passes into the Central Kingstown half, that would register again, this time in the 38th minute, through Antoney John.

South Leeward took their 2-0 lead into the break, which was a protracted one, made so by what some patrons described as unnecessary, uninspiring entertainment, which was corroborated by the shouts of disapproval from sections of the crowd.

The second half proved to be an exciting encounter. Central Kingstown appeared to have redirected their attack down the flanks, but South Leeward held firm, their national midfielder, Emerald George, playing a pivotal role in keeping his unit’s attack alive. In fact, Central Leeward came closest to adding another goal when, in the 52th minute, George delivered a decent ball to Mc Burnette, who controlled, turned superbly, but with only the keeper to beat, lifted the ball over the goal.

Central Kingstown’s pressure on their opponent’s goal eventually paid dividends when a Dwayne Dennie header found the back of the South Leeward net, in the 64th minute.

The ‘home fans’, smelling blood, spurred on their team with thunderous support. But it was South Leeward who, soon after, came closest again to increasing their lead. A ball swung into the Central Kingstown goal area fell perilously close to the boots of a few South Leeward players, ending up on the boots of McBurnette, who buried the ball into the goal, to the keeper’s left. Goal!!

Pandemonium!! Short lived. The player was ruled off side. Goal disallowed!! Deadly silence.

There was an even exchange thereafter, but forty-four tired legs worked themselves uneventfully down to the final whistle. Final score:

South Leeward 2, Central Kingstown 1.

Leeward dominates Speaking with THE VICNWETIAN Emerald George, national after the match, Captain midfielder, played a pivotal role in ensuring victory for South of the South Leeward.

Leeward, Andrew victorious. ...... We are Durham, attributed his doing a lot for the team’s success to unity. community of South “The whole team played together,” he said, adding, Leeward because we have “Our plan was to come out been developing a lot of players, and it is time and attack and score enough we reaped some goals.” rewards.”

Durham expressed Grant hailed the victory thanks to the supporters as an indication of the and all the players for dominance of footballers their patience. from the Leeward.

Keith Ollivierre, who South Leeward’s victory offered technical advice to registered the fourth the team, said they had consecutive title hold for “analysed how Central the Leeward, defending Kingstown plays, so all our training sessions were champions Barrouallie — geared to counteracting all Central Leeward - having won successive titles in they had to offer.”

Wayne Grant, Manager 2012, 2013 and 2014.

There was some of the victorious unit, was consolation for Kingstown overwhelmed. He said earlier in the evening, they have been knocking at the door for some time. when the East Kingstown “This was the second time Under 17s defeated their South Leeward we were playing in the counterparts 3-2 on finals, and we were penalties, after a 4-4 tie at praying and hoping that the end of regulation time. we would come out

Just a small section of what some say was the largest turnout of spectators for a local football match in recent times.

V

24. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Victors ONE/ASCO in gentleman’s draw

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

compassion of Victors ONE captain, Donwell Hector, his team could have VICTORS ONE gained first innings points walked away with full points without over Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO, in raising a sweat. a drawn game, but were it not for the The match, which should have

Survivors continue winning streak UNITED SURVIVORS continued their prolific form, with a comfortable 9- wicket win over Northern Girls, in the RBTT Bank Senior Women’s Limited Overs National Cricket Competition.

In the weekend contest which was played at Park Hill, Northern Girls were dismissed for 98 off 23.1 overs, batting first. Roxanne Williams hit the top score of 16.

Bowling for United Survivors, the evergreen Samantha Lynch took 4 for 15, Zaria Jack 2 for 15 and Clea Hoyte 2 for 18.

United Survivors responded Romando Mars Samantha Lynch with 99 for 1 off 19.2 overs. Clea Browne’s all-round hit 26 and took 4 Hoyte was 46 not out, and not to effort was key to for 15, and was be left out, Lynch hit 26. the Under 15s instrumental in At Arnos Vale 2, after their victory.

Survivors’ win. poor showing in the Windward Lavia, who Islands under 15 tournament this returned figures of 2 for 32. year, the Under 15 male nationals Garifuna responded with a paltry bounced back with a convincing 18767 off 20.2 overs. Keisha Nero toprun mauling of Garifuna Stars.

Under 15 batted first and made 254 scored with 21.Bowling for Under 15, Handel Roban took 4 for 8, and for 7 off 30 overs. Romando Mars Romando Mars Browne 3 for 21, to Browne took advantage of some record a good all round performance. unimpressive bowling, to smash 114 against Garifuna Stars, whose best bowler was national off spinner Trisha I.B.A.ALLEN

started at 1pm, did not, since at that time ASCO had only six Alex Jessop grabbed (right) 6/30 for players Victors ONE. present at through Maloney the venue. With the chance of (56) and Deron claiming the match before him, Hector Greaves (53), chose instead, to allow a ‘grace period’ easily erased that for his opponents to get a minimum when they raised requirement of seven players, much to 121 for the first the chagrin of his teammates and wicket. Maloney, manager. playing some The favour showed signs of blowing exquisite shots up in Hector’s face late on Sunday, both sides of the when the distinct possibility of an wicket, struck ASCO win looked on the horizon. seven fours.

ASCO, taking first knock, with their Greaves counted full team, were dismissed for 95, with eight in his knock.

Desron Maloney 28 and Kelshun Da Andre Hunte had But from the Silva 25 being the principal scorers. a match haul of almost Young upcoming medium pacer, Alex 8/60 for ASCO. impregnable Jessop, with a controlled display of position of 160/2, ASCO crumbled for stump to stump bowling, finished with 212 in 42.1 overs.

6/30 from nine overs. Hector picked Norlan Williams, bowling off spin, up 2/18 from his exploratory off spin. took 4/40, Shaquille Browne, had 2/37, Victors ONE then rushed to 65/2 by and Jessop, 2/52. the close, with Hector (one) and Set 175 for victory in a minimum of Chrisroy John (14) at the wicket. Miles 33 overs, Victors ONE appeared Bascombe (38) and Atticus Browne interested, but after slipping to 34/3 (10) were the batsmen dismissed. with only nine men available to bat, it Resuming on Sunday with plans of took some sensible batting by Hector possibly posting a big first innings (16*) and an injured Bascombe (20*), total on their way to an outright win, to keep ASCO at bay.

Victors ONE saw John run out, for yet Even in the face of Hunte creating another time, without addition to his serious pressure on the batsmen, the overnight score. Hector (30) stuck captains, Maloney and Hector, decided around for a while; but his team fell to call play, with another nineteen for 132. Left-arm spinner Andre overs still to be bowled.

Hunte, 6/37, proved their undoing.

Hunte finished with 2/23.

Facing a deficit of 37, ASCO,

Full Points for Police Two

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Mc Leon Williams hit an attacking 71 for Police TWO.

POLICE TWO bounced back from the ignominy of a forfeiture to Team Rivals, to inflict a ninewicket defeat on Triumph United, at the Sion Hill Playing Field last weekend.

SCORES: Triumph United 121 & 123, Police TWO 227 and 19/1.

Batting first, Triumph United once again failed to last 40 overs, as they were dismissed in 37.3 for 121, in conditions which were tailor-made for runs, once batsmen were prepared to apply themselves.

The newly promoted unit found themselves in early trouble, but showed some fight to recover to reach 104/4. This was due to captain Rohan Ash (59), who recorded his first half century for the season, and added 62 for the fifth wicket with Ezra Jacobs (17). But with Ash’s dismissal and Jacobs’ two runs later, Triumph went to a

now familiar slide, losing their last six wickets for 17 runs.

Ash struck four fours and three sixes in his top score.

Fast bowler Romario Bibby, who appeared to have recovered from an early season injury, grabbed 4/25, and leg spinner Elmore Alexander 3/50, bowling for Police TWO. Police TWO, with great panache, rushed to 103 for the first wicket between the big hitting McLeon Williams (71) and Marcus John (40).

John, opening in place of Salvan Browne, filled the role admirably. He faced 41 balls and struck five fours and one six before being the first to go.

Left-hander Williams, who is finding some form, struck nine fours and three sixes. But, as has been the case many times over, the Police opener presented his wicket on a platter to the opponents, with one attacking shot too many.

In a position to get some muchneeded bonus points at 192/3, Police TWO then took a left turn down “reckless avenue”, and ended on 227/8.

Leg spinner Kenroy Roberts, 5/64,

was the most successful bowler for Triumph United, but he only bowled nine overs, while Ash took 2/51.

Batting a second time, with a deficit of 106, Triumph United were dismissed for 123 in 44.3 overs. Opener Ahmed Baptiste (23) put in Captain, Rohan Ash another gutsy performance in struck 59 for batting all of 27 Triumph United. overs, displaying his powers of concentration and skill against both pace and spin. Alexander took4/28 and Bibby 3/23, in helping to set up the win.

Set 18 for victory, Police TWO ended 19/1.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 25.

Sports

Stalwarts recognised

by PATMOS RICHARDS ON THE OCCASION of its 5th Softball Cricket tournament which commenced on Saturday 18th April at the Grammar School Playing Field, the East Kingstown Sports Association (EKSA) honoured four persons, whom they deemed to be unselfishly involved in sports development in St. Vincent.

The four to enjoy the accolade were Sylvia Knights-Clarke, Ian Sardine, Leopold ‘Doppy’ Dopwell and Kenville Fredericks.

The lone lady, Sylvia KnightsClarke, originally from the Sion Hill community, has been responsible

along with others, for spearheading the revival of competitive netball in Sion Hill, to the extent that that community has hosted an unbroken period of ten years of competition in that sport.

Ian Sardine, dubbed ‘Mr Indefatigable’, is recognised for his tireless and stringent One of the newcomers in the tournament, Printery United, pose with the awardees (from left): Leopold ‘Doppy’ Dopwell, Kenville Fredericks, Sylvia Knights-Clarke and regimen in mobilising a Ian Sardine, as a mark of respect for their contribution to sports. plethora of juvenile footballers. He has devoted juveniles. competition. In so doing, Dopwell and himself to this task for in excess of Leopold Dopwell and Kenville Fredericks have made it possible for two decades, and has won the Fredericks have been working jointly football legends to continue to admiration and support of parents, for some time now, to ensure that showcase their skills and establish adults and sports administrators for Masters Football, is not just a themselves indelibly in the annals of his unwavering commitment to the pastime, but a real and outright local football. development of football among the

President Shallow helps Victors to victory KISHORNE SHALLOW, President of the SVG Cricket Association, donned his cricket whites, and put in a creditable all- round performance, to help his team, Victors TWO, to register a 6-wicket victory over Combined Youths.

The match, played at Park Hill, was one of last weekend’s matches played in the National NLA First Division Cricket Competition.

Combined Youths took first knock and made 151 off 38.3 overs. Javid Cordice topscored with 34, and Ricky Hoyte hit 22. Bowling for Victors Two, Jermaine Cruickshank bagged 5 for 27, supported by Kishore Shallow 3 for 23, and Denson Hoyte 2 for 8. Victors TWO responded with 152 for 4 off 29.3 overs. Denson Hoyte led with 64 not out, and Kishore Shallow was also not out with 31. Combined Youths’ best bowler was Shane Roberts with 2 for 32.

At Arnos Vale 2, Belfongo defeated Georgetown Combined by a massive 150 runs, their batsmen literally putting the Georgetown bowlers out to pasture, as they compiled a remarkable 313 for 4 off 45 overs.

Stein Joseph led the way with a stroke-filled 91, Joel Patterson hit 81 and Emmanuel Quashie 57 to be the principal scorers. Georgetown Combined in reply reached 162 off 24.3 overs, Lenson Spring topscoring with 40. D. Troy Bullock took 4 for 39, Ian Bushay 2 for 16 and Emmanuel Quashie 2 for 37 to ensure Belfongo’s victory.

The Police One - Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors encounter played at Buccament, contrasted with the other two weekends matches.

Unlike the other two matches, in which the victorious teams dominated, this one was decided on a difference of 12 runs, in favour of Police One. Police One made 231 for 9 off 47 overs. S Caine topscored with 45, Vertil Davis stroked 34, Kenroy Williams 25 and Gerald Gould 21.Bowling for Ruddy Electrical

Unique Warriors, Reginald Jeffrey took 3 for 42 and Leon Samuel 2 for 21. Ruddy Electrical Unique Warriors, led by a belligerent 95 from William ‘Bill’ Edwards, fell just 2 runs short of their target. Leon Samuel

Packed schedule ahead for SVGFF

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

contributed 39 and Jenilo Neil 20. Vertil Davis grabbed 3 for 38 and Parnel Browne Sr. 2 for 45.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Kishorne Shallow showed that he leads both off and on the field of cricket.

Venold Coombs, President of the SVGFF.

FOLLOWING the completion of the National Community Inter-League Football competition, various national teams will be involved at the regional and international levels, according to SVG Football Federation president, Venold Coombs.

Coombs said that the senior national team will be in action in the Windward Islands Men’s Championship.

The tournament is scheduled for St. Lucia at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort, with two games being played on each of May 12, 14 and 16.

This is the third edition of the men’s tournament, which was revived

Under 15 prospects in a match situation. on the initiative agreed to host both games, on May 22 of Coombs, who is also president of the and 24.

Windward Islands Football The focus of attention will then Association (WIFA). switch back to the senior men’s team, According to the president, the who will engage Guyana Golden coaching staff will have a pool of Jaguars, home and away in June, in players who are match fit and highly FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 motivated, and this should serve them Qualifiers. in good stead going forward to a Coombs, while not understating the possibly win. importance of the WIFA Tournament, Following the Windwards Senior assesses the FIFA Qualifiers to be of Men’s tournament, it will be the turn utmost importance, and believes that of the U23 players, who will engage the SVGFF will be making every effort their Dominican counterparts in to get the services of overseas based Olympic Qualifiers, over two legs. players, who make themselves Coombs available. disclosed that “The FIFA World Cup Qualifiers the Dominicans are treated as very important fixtures, are unable to and we must therefore try everything host their leg in our power to have the best players because of on the field representing this country,” international he stated. cricket, and The Under 15s are in training for SVGFF has engagements in the Cayman Islands in August, and the Women, the The Women reigning Windward Islands are involved in champions, are continuing their ongoing preparations as well, for upcoming training. fixtures, Coombs explained.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

‘I not too big,’ says PM IT IS NOT UNCOMMON for Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves to travel without security detail.

He made the point during a press briefing on Tuesday, May 5, following an April 14 incident which occurred at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados.

PM Gonsalves was en route to St Vincent when, a report said, he refused to comply with a female airport security officer’s request to return for further screening.

Reports also indicated that there were breaches, in that protocol was not present when the Prime Minister arrived in that country.

He has since received an apology from the Barbadian Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart.

But, according to Dr. Gonsalves, he had read comments, speculating that it was the norm for

him to have security detail accompany him when he travelled abroad.

The Prime Minister refuted this, pointing out that he does not have security when he travels to Britain, and that while in the United States, it is upon their insistence that Secret Service provide security for Heads of Governments.

But when he travels regionally, he assured, he goes unaccompanied by security.

“The host country will provide security and transportation and the like, and the protocol would meet me, but if it doesn’t, I go through the immigration. I do what I have to do,” he told the press conference.

“So for those who are saying that he does travel with bodyguards, look I try to save money for the country, eh. I try to save money for the country; I just want to

say that,” he said.

He further stated that if he arrives and the protocol is not present to meet him, he would proceed to immigration and then to claim his luggage.

“So when I read things like, he feel he is too big, not me, not I.” There are some other leaders who do not do that, Dr. Gonsalves said, adding that when he was finished with the job, he will return as being an ordinary citizen.

“I know the runnings,” the Prime Minister said.

(DDD)

CORNELIUS THOMPSON

LAYOUTH MICHAEL BLACK

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Wednesday 6th May, 2015 2:00 p.m.

Fountain Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday 3rd May, 2015 3:30 p.m.

LILLITH JOHNSON AKA Lynette or Mother Johnson 6W -RKQ¶V Christian Pilgrim Church Sion Hill Monday 4th May, 2015 2:30 p.m.

GAYORN DA SILVA

GRANVILLE THEODORE JOHN

LLOYD HILLARY BAILEY

New Testament Church Wilson Hill Saturday 2nd May, 2015 2:00 p.m.

Bethel Gospel Assembly North Union Sunday 3rd May, 2015 2:00 p.m.

Apostolic Faith Dorsetshire Hill Sunday 3rd May, 2015 2:00 p.m.

F O R

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FIRST FEMALE CID CHIEF APPOINTED

EC$1.50

Superintendent of Police Ruth Hazel Ann Jacobs brings a strong background of training and experience to her new post.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

week, becoming the first female to head the Criminal Investigation SUPERINTENDENT of Department (CID) of the Police Ruth Hazel Ann Jacobs created history this Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

Her appointment as CID Chief took effect from Monday, May 4.

She replaces Assistant Superintendent of Police Sydney James who has been transferred to head the CID in the South Central Division of which he is now second in charge.

Jacobs, who also heads the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Unit (ATIPU), a position she has been holding for the past three years, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, “I want to thank the Most High God for his guidance in bringing me this far,” and promised, “I will see Assistant that all reports on Superintendent of affected citizens be dealt Police Sydney James, with promptly, and the former CID Head, is perpetrators be brought recognised as one of to justice”. the better investigators The new CID chief’s in the region.

slate of priorities includes: the protection of lives and property; matters of domestic violence, including sexual violence and child abuse; theft of livestock and agricultural produce; as well as issues of Human Rights and the dignity of all citizens.

“Every country has laws, and when those laws are violated, it becomes a crime, hence we have to uphold the laws,” Jacobs said.

“I am not going to tell you that you will get perfection, because you will only find that in Jesus Christ; but with the help of God, the men and women of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, citizens and other stakeholders together, we can do it,” she continued.

Jacobs holds high praises for immediate past CID chief Sydney James.

“I will like to recognize ASP Sydney James and

the hard work done by him in this Department.

He has worked long and hard, and is recognized in the region as one of the best investigators, and I want to wish him the very best in his new position. He is an excellent professional, and it is my intention to continue to build on the foundation laid by him and the other officers in the CID.” To those she now commands, Jacobs encourages them to “work hard, be professional at all times, remember the oath and pledge you took to become a police officer, and continue to pledge your loyalty and devotion to God, to yourself and to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

A police officer of 32 years, Jacobs is an experienced detective, having worked at CID and Criminal Records Office (CRO) for several years, before being

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

transferred to the Calliaqua Police Station about 19 years ago.

She also did duty at the Mesopotamia Police Station, at Beat and Patrol, Telecommunications, Special Services Unit (SSU), the Traffic Department, as Divisional Office Clerk, Central Police Station Office Clerk, and served in the Prosecution Department for a number of years.

Jacobs did another stint at the CID before going to head the AntiTrafficking in Persons Unit about three years ago. She was ASP then.

To her new post, she brings a training background that includes overseas accreditation in a wide range of areas, including internal corruption, cyber investigations, rape investigation techniques, domestic violence, human rights issues,

conflict resolution and human trafficking. She also attended a number of training courses locally in police related subjects.

The new chief is currently a Committee Member on the Child Rights Committee, and a member of the International Women’s Police Association.

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Superintendent of Police Ruth Hazel Ann Jacobs on her new and historic appointment, and wishes her continuing success in the noble path of service she has chosen.

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