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FRIDAY,

APRIL 17, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.16

CHARGES AGAINST TEACHER DROPPED

by HAYDN HUGGINS

THE TWO CHARGES against graduate school teacher Josette BibbyBowens have been discontinued.

Bibby-Bowens’s lead lawyer, Kay BacchusBrowne, confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN yesterday, that she had received two documents from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), informing her of his decision to discontinue Colin Williams DPP was the charges against her commanded for his client. ‘wise’ decision.

While she was happy

that the DPP, Colin Williams, had seen it fit to discontinue the charges against her client, Bacchus-Browne said, “They have maligned and embarrassed our client by arresting her in front of her students, and we are considering, if any, we should take for false arrest and false imprisonment.”

She continued, “We are not surprised. They have been forced to discontinue this matter because they never had any evidence in the case.”

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‘Bro Ebony’ takes title in T&T

Kay Bacchus-Browne, lawyer for the accused, says the failure to disclose evidence to the defence, raised questions about the evidential basis for her client’s arrest.

Josette Bibby-Bowens was charged on two counts related to the distribution and publication of obscene material.

Continued on Page 3.

FITZROY ‘BROTHER EBONY’ JOSEPH, the ‘Nothing at all’ man and multiple New Song Winner and National Calypso finalist here in SVG, is the new National Humorous Calypso Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago.

Brother Ebony, who grew up and resided in that twin island Republic for some time, and who honed his calypso skills there performing with some of the more established calypso tents and among some of the leading bards, dethroned ‘The Incredible Myron B’ (Myron Bruce), and Fitzroy ‘Brother Ebony’ Joseph performing his took home the top winning ‘Sign Language’ prize of $50,000. in the T&T National ‘Bunny B’ (Neville Brown) took the third Humorous Calypso Monarch competition. position, and he was (Credit: Trinidad followed by ‘Snakey’ (Heaven Charles) and Guardian) ‘Ninja’ (Kenson Neptune), in that order.

The Trinidad Guardian reported that a large and appreciative audience was in attendance at the event, held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, last Saturday, April 11.

Nine contestants faced the judges in the competition comprised of two rounds.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel: Proud to align with women’s causes

Karen Hinds, the initiator of the Conference.

THE 3RD ANNUAL DIGICEL Phenomenal Women’s Conference climaxed last weekend at the Russell’s Auditorium.

Some 300 women and 200 teenagers benefited from power house speakers, including Carita Dee and host Karen Hinds, who

A cross-section of the hundreds of women who attended the 3rd Annual Phenomenal Women’s Conference.

delivered impacting messages on the Empowerment of Women, Sisterhood, God in the lives of Women, and Balanced and healthy lifestyles.

Digicel was the title sponsor of the Conference and that company’s

Commercial Manager, Dionne Emtage, had this to say: “We at Digicel congratulate the organizers of this Conference for giving us this day to relive and reflect on who we are as women; for reminding us

Chamber of Commerce CEO: Chamber Does Not Exist to Topple Governments

by CHESTER CONNELL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Anthony Regisford, says there is a misconception that the local chamber is, or should be, a ‘strongman organization,” to fight governments on policy, legislation and other such matters.

Regisford says the Chamber’s role is even more misunderstood by some when this idea goes overboard to the point where the Chamber is seen as existing to topple governments.

The private sector group-leader says it has been one of his priorities to state categorically that the chamber does not exist to fight but to work with governments, while advocating in the best interest of the Chamber and its membership, with the view that advocacy need not be adversarial.

Regisford, with an engineering and business background, says it is unfortunate that because St. Vincent and the Grenadines is so politically charged, the competitive nature of politics dominates the total national conversation and permeates organisations - including the Chamber of which he is chief executive.

The business leader expressed that the Chamber of Industry and Commerce seeks to foster an environment that enables the local private sector to thrive.

At the helm now for one year, CEO Regisford admits that membership is the lead issue. He notes that when he was hired, the Chamber was experiencing a flattening or reduction in membership, a main source of income for the organisation. Finding money at present to run the organisation and challenges in making the organisation relevant to the business community it wishes to serve, are surmountable summits the Chamber seeks to scale.

Also an imperative for the Chamber chief, he declares, is his desire to see some long-standing members of the private sector join the respected business group. He intimates that he has approached certain successful businesses to join the body of business people to strengthen the Chamber; his suggestion, he explained, is generally met with a short retort, “Why?” The Chamber leader replies that at a given moment the Chamber of Commerce may not be relevant to a particular business because that business may be doing well “going it alone,” but circumstances could change and the business may later find itself in “hot water,” and may need representation by the Chamber and its membership.

Focusing on the present moment and mission, the Chamber executive believes a big opportunity for his organisation lies in the

facilitating of new entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship, he added, is a global conversation and it is in this area, he believes, that the Chamber can be most relevant to persons who, because of a number of economic factors, are forced to create employment for themselves. The Chamber of Commerce, he feels, can serve these new business people by helping them to develop their emerging grass root businesses.

Mr. Regisford points out that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Commerce, having lost the car park, a solid income earner, is looking at new business activities to create revenue. On the issue of the chamber losing the car park, the new CEO voiced his opinion that that may not have happened if the Chamber was able to prove that the proceeds were also being used for obvious developmental community projects. He thinks the Chamber further needs to protect itself with watertight contracts with government or any other party. He opined that any government will have national imperatives and a private stakeholder cannot operate in isolation of what the national imperatives are, and should seek to work as partners with any government. As such the Chamber is at present increasing its activities and a publicprivate partnership

Anthony Regisford, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce. between the Chamber and the current government is in process, he stated.

Regisford intimates that he is “very happy to be doing this job” and would like to see the Chamber fulfill its mandate. He remarked that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber has a lot of history, much equity, is well-respected, and is the “go-to” organisation for the private sector, the government, as well as regional and international organisations.

He affirmed his vision for the Chamber that it will become the most relevant business support organisation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a model for fledgling regional chambers of commerce.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, established in 1926, is 89 years old.

that we are different, and that difference makes us beautiful in so many ways.

“We thought of the struggles, the celebrations, the learning opportunities, the growth, and of course the unique beauty residing in each of us that when encapsulated into one we could coin our

experiences as women as nothing else than being extraordinary.”

Ms. Emtage committed Digicel to continued partnerships with events of this nature, which uplift segments in the society, and highlight the true talent of citizens, Digicel customers include.

Digicel joins St. Lucia’s ISPs ST. LUCIANS ended last week with the news that they now have a wider choice of internet service providers (ISPs).

According to an official (government) release, Siobhan James-Alexander, Digicel on Country Manager, Digicel St Lucia April 2, 2015, and Christopher Roberts, Project signed a Coordinator, CARCIP St Lucia, at memorandum the formal signing of an MOU of understanding between Digicel and the St Lucia Internet Exchange. (Photo: St agreeing terms that will Lucia Ministry PSIB) make it the newest member of the St. Lucia Internet Exchange (SLiX), joining FLOW and LIME in that market.

The release said that the three ISPs met in March, and that meeting cleared the way for St. Lucia to become the first Caribbean territory where Digicel is participating in a local IXP. Further, St. Lucia’s internet subscribers have been assured that they can look forward to better connectivity and faster speeds between local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), since the three networks will interconnect directly, rather than through a third party in a foreign territory.

That translates to faster connectivity for customers, and lower operating costs to the Internet Service Providers, explained Christopher Roberts, Project Coordinator for the Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Programme (CARCIP) in Saint Lucia.

“Without a local IXP, for example, e-mail sent from a customer on one St Lucian ISP to a customer of another St Lucian ISP would have to travel all the way to an IXP in the USA, before returning to Saint Lucia. The involvement of that facility in the USA is expensive, could result in delays, and could result in someone or some foreign government inspecting your data,” Roberts said.

“With the implementation of the SLiX, that data now travels from a local sender to a local recipient, without ever having to leave Saint Lucia. The benefits are faster delivery times and reduced cost, because that unnecessarily longer trip has now been eliminated.”

The Saint Lucia exchange is one of nine IXPs in the Caribbean.

Other active IXPS are located in Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Maarten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

V News 3 National Trust: Browne in, Mitchell-Joseph out

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 3.

Louise Mitchell-Joseph speaks to the accomplishments of the National Trust under her chairmanship, but noted that there was still much to be done.

properly structured, then it should be able to carry on from strength to strength, with the other individuals over time,” Mitchell — Joseph told THE VINCENTIAN. She took over as chair from Kathy Martin, under whom she served as deputy chair, but now she said that she has opted to sit on the side- lines as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Her decision to remain on the Board was primarily to facilitate continuity, saying that she still had a wealth of knowledge and information.

Accomplishments

Looking back, she said that she has been able to Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA accomplish a lot, such as successfully being able to: have the petroglyph site at VIDAL BROWNE is the new Layou declared a heritage Chair of the Board of site; the salvaging of some Trustees of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National artefacts at the international airport site; trust. the reconstructive work He takes over from done at Fort Duvernette Louise Mitchell-Joseph, (Rock Fort); and more who served in that significantly, leaving the capacity for the past two terms, a total of six years. National Trust on a sound Browne was selected to financial footing.

But there was still serve as the National Trust’s Chair, with Deidre some unfinished work in the area of the Myers serving as his preservation of some of Deputy and Apollo Knights as the Treasurer. these heritage sites, the National Trust having not Mitchell-Joseph got very far in having all explained that her decision to step down was the sites protected.

“And this is one of the based on the belief that tasks that I have handed institutions ought not to over to Mr Browne; to be about one individual. ensure that the “It is about an government places organisation, and if an importance in ensuring institution is sound and

‘Bro Ebony’ takes title in T&T Continued from Front Page.

‘Brother Ebony’, singing ‘Sign Language’ in the first round, is said to have received “sustained applause,” for what was described as a song of undoubted creativity and accentuated by Ebony’s skilful use of sign language.

In fact, the report is that ‘Brother Ebony’ impressed so much, the MC had to remind the audience that no encores were allowed in competitions.

‘Brother Ebony’ took up where he left off in the first round, and impressed even further with his rendition of ‘My Wife’.

The song told a tale of his ‘not-so-bright’ wife who, among other things, was ‘smart’ enough to purchase two 4 1/2 sized shoes when she couldn’t get a size nine, and whom, for all her shortcomings, he still loved.

The impact was overwhelming. One patron reported that persons were in contortions, having been overcome by fits of uncontrollable laughter.

Congrats ‘Brother Ebony’. Perhaps the judges here will reward you similarly. (Source: Trinidad Guardian)

that all the sites with petroglyphs in St Vincent are declared national heritage sites,” she said.

and training is continuing.

The plan would be to assist in the start-up of a business in whale watching.

Going forward And the third area she expressed some level of The challenge going dissatisfaction with was forward for the National the killing of the Trust with petroglyphs Hawksbill and however, was that most of Leatherback turtles. the existing petroglyphs Both species are are on private land, so this critically endangered, and would mean having to despite writing numerous engage in discussion with letters to the government the land owners, she to do something about the explained. poaching of these animals, The proposed whale the calls have all gone watching project was unheeded. another that is ongoing Nevertheless, Mitchell-

Joseph said that she and the members of the National Trust are not deterred by the seeming lack of support from government.

The Trust has been able to partner with agencies throughout the world for funding for projects.

“Under my chairmanship, we have focused more on the environment, than we had in the past,” she said.

Now, it was interesting to see what types of projects the incoming chair would bring to the

Vidal Browne will guide the National Trust through another phase of fulfilling its mandate. table, she continued.

Call made to honour the Garifuna THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES National Trust is set to embark on a project to honour the Garifuna people.

Louise Mitchell-Joseph, former Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Trust, said in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, that she thought that not enough emphasis was placed on highlighting the spirit of resistance of the indigenous people.

“So what we want to do is to ensure that there is some kind of monument to the survival of the Garifuna, for having resisted the British for 300 years,” MitchellJoseph said.

The project would begin in the community of Greiggs to erect a monument there, and for it to be a

symbol of the resistance of the Garifuna people, who fled to that area when the British thought they had eliminated the entire race.

The other project would be to fund excavation work on Balliceaux, the site where over 3,000 Garifuna were horded by the British, before they were exiled to Roatan, of the coast of Belize.

“It is important to have a monument for the 3,000 lives that were lost there. Right now, if you go to Balliceaux, it looks like a deserted island, and you don’t know about the rich history, so that is something that we have to do,” Mitchell-Joseph said.

It was anticipated that some archaeological work would begin later in the year, in order to map

Balliceaux is considered sacred ground by the Garifuna nation. out what took place there, following which, she said, the Trust was hoping to collaborate with the owners of Balliceaux to erect a sacred space, “where we can go and remember the history of what happened.”

Charges against teacher dropped committed on February 17, 2015.

When she returned to the Bacchus-Browne also told THE Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on VINCENIANS that Bibby-Bowens’s March 17, Magistrate Carla James legal team, which included Nicole ordered full disclosure of all Sylvester and Dr. Linton Lewis, information and material relevant had already prepared a to the case by March 31. constitutional motion, because the Speaking with THE section under which their client was VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, charged and the offence for which Bacchus-Browne did not reveal she was charged, were not what steps the defence would have supported by law. taken had the matter been called And while she commended the and no disclosure was made.

DPP for his wisdom, BacchusShe said then, “To date, we have Browne further claimed that the not received disclosure of the arrest of her client amounted to an witness statements and other attack on women. relevant material to the case. This Bibby-Bowens was scheduled to is a blatant disobedience to the return to court today, April 17, but Court. I cannot think that the police up to press time Wednesday, two would arrest our client in such a weeks after the deadline for full demeaning and unnecessary disclosure, the defence was still manner without first having the awaiting the disclosure of all necessary evidence to support the witness statements and other charge.” material relevant to the case.

She recalled that she had written The 37-year-old Bishop’s College to Commissioner of Police Michael Principles of Accounts and Charles since March 4 requesting Information Technology teacher has full disclosure, and he responded on been charged on two counts of March 6, saying that the relevant obscene publication, allegedly information would be forwarded to Continued from Front Page.

her as soon as it became available.

She noted that to date the defence has received nothing, in relation to the case, even though the court issued an order.

Bibby-Bowens had been charged with, “For the purpose of distribution or public exhibition made obscene writing to wit ‘Ralph you should shame to congratulate the new government of St Kitts.

Dem must tell you haul yuh (expletive)’.” She is also charged with, “For the purpose of distribution or public exhibition made obscene writing to wit, ‘Wunna does (expletive) feel the (expletive) country is wunna own, dey must jail yuh (expletive) now, all yuh does let power get to all yuh head but even the longest rope have end’.”

The charges stemmed from comments Bibby-Bowens is alleged to have posted on the social media site, Facebook, on February 17, 2015.

Bibby-Bowens had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

BOOM!!!!! Goes the airways Transmission began with a MORNING RADIO has been transformed morning talk in St Vincent and the Grenadines with show, ‘OMG’, the launch of the country’s latest which Haynes addition to the urban radio scene – and Joseph say is BOOM SVG106.9FM, earlier this week. intended to be The station officially took to the like no other. airwaves on Monday 13th April and, Joseph, who according to the two master minds conceptualised who share the responsibilities of Chief the show, is the Executive and Chief Operations primary host. He officers (CEO/COO), Dwight ‘Bing’ brings a history Joseph and O’Brien Haynes, nothing of successfully like this currently exists, and it will opening the never exist again. morning hours of “What happened on Monday has radio here, in a gone so far ahead that I think every different and single radio station, not just on the interactive island but in the region, has to take a manner. step back and take notice, and figure And with a few days of broadcast out how they going to address it,” under his belt, the statement is clear.

Haynes told THE VINCENTIAN. “There is a reason why he (Joseph) is talked about, why he has this kind Target and Intent of appeal to the market place… what he brings to the table is The name of the station, BOOM, unquestionably better than what and the date of its launch, April 13, currently exists, and is unquestionably are significant. This is representative the game changing kind of approach,” in sound and date of the 1979 eruption Haynes said. of the La Soufriere volcano.

Listeners can expect the show to be, That event impacted Vincentians at times, a bit controversial, but and ushered in a period of change for entertaining, different and real. the people of this nation. So too, “In terms of what makes the Haynes explained, BOOM Radio will morning show what it is and do the same, since it is will be successful, is not just me, it’s a team revolutionary, a game changer, and that has been assembled, the comes at the right time. “The station packaging of the morning show,” itself, as the name implies, is going to Joseph said. break the normal level of radio on this The BOOM team consists of OMG island,” Haynes said. co-host Danielle Veira and By definition and by all levels, commentator Stephen Joachim, and a BOOM Radio is urban in its number of talented young producers, programming, but, according to deejays and presenters, including the Haynes, this does not mean that the likes of Candace Sealey, Vasita ‘First programming is geared primarily Lady’ Caine, Garrett ‘Icon’ John. towards the youth.

The local team collaborates with a “We are a responsible broadcaster production team in Canada to package … we want to see not just change, but news, inclusive of entertainment news, positive change. We want to impact and plans are afoot to establish a live positively and hopefully in the process link with TRUE CARIBBEAN Radio, of growth and development that this in New York. island is about to embark upon,” he “All that is what makes the morning said. show, in particular, different,” Joseph told THE VINCENTIAN.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

The BOOM team

Training and perserverance

Employees undergoing extensive training by O’Brien Haynes.

L-R: Joint CEO and COO of BOOM, Dwight ‘Bong’ Joseph and O’Brien Haynes are encouraged by their conviction that nothing like Boom Radio exists in SVG. Left: The latest Radio Station to hit SVG.

Bing’ Joseph and co-host Danielle Veira have already begun to wake up SVG with their teasing OMG morning programme.

With respect to readying the station, Joseph assured that “We are very concerned about the product that is on radio in the region, especially in St Vincent and the Grenadines, so we are putting a lot of emphasis on training. Before we went on air, we had an intense amount of training workshops with both deejays and presenters,” He continued, “In terms of our on air team, a lot of work went in to who were selected… because we wanted a particular sound in terms of sound, content.”

Monday’s launch is the realisation of ten years of hard work and

perseverance, Joseph said.

He said he never gave up on his idea, despite the setbacks in obtaining a licensce to broadcast.

And he says that he is not troubled about the number of urban radio stations on the local airwaves, positing that the market will dictate who will survive and who will not.

“And I think that is how business will function. What will survive is people’s creativity, the ability to connect with their audience, that is what is important. It is the listener who will determine who will stay,” Joseph said.

Part of the BOOM team that is trained and rearing to change radio in SVG and the region.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 5.

Regional

Castro, Obama turn a new page CUBA is to be removed from a USA list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The decision was announced by US President Barack Obama, who said that Cuba had “not provided any support for terrorism over the last six months.”

Cuba was listed along with Syria, Sudan, and Iran, and had requested it be removed as a prerequisite to continuing talks with the US towards normalising relations.

When the leaders of Cuba and the United States sat down together on Saturday 11th April, 2015, it was the first time in more than 50 years that leaders of the two countries had met in faceto-face talks.

The meeting took place in the margins of the Seventh Summit of the Americas, held in Panama City, Panama, on April 1011, 2015.

But while the world waited with bated breath for what was considered to be the most anticipated meeting of any two Heads of Government in recent times, President Castro seemed in no hurry, according to the media, to make up for lost time.

“We are willing to discuss everything, but we need to be patient, very patient,” the Cuban president is reported to have said to his counterpart, in their first

formal encounter.

Obama, on the other, was more up-beat, declaring the meeting as “historic,” and that, “We are now in a position to move … toward the future. … Over time, it is possible for us to turn the page….”

Cuba and the USA announced in December 2014, that the two former cold war rivals were moving towards normalizing relations.

The ‘historic’ meeting followed a speech delivered earlier in the day by President Castro, who demanded that he speak for 48 minutes, 8 minutes for each of the six years Cuba was excluded from the Summit.

He went on to deliver a typical Cuba-styled speech, attacking the US, among other things, for its embargo on Cuba.

However, he was apologetic in direct reference to President Obama, who he said was not responsible for the deeds of the previous 10 US presidents.

“I apologise to President Obama for expressing myself like this. I get very emotional when I talk about the revolution….. In my opinion, Obama is an honest man … I admire him. I think his behaviour has a lot to do with his humble background,” said Castro.

He called on the other leaders to help the US president in his effort to persuade Congress to lift the trade embargo on Cuba.

In his turn at addressing the session, the US president joked that, as a student of history, he always enjoyed the lessons he received at the regional summits.

He struck a more serious note when he acknowledged the “dark chapters” in the US’s past, “when its actions towards its neighbours had not matched the human rights ideals it espoused.”

That said, he urged leaders to look to the future and capitalise on the “new chapter” in US relations with the region.

“The cold war has been over for a long time and, frankly, I’m not interested

President Raul Castro delivering his ‘emotional’ address to the 7th Summit of the Americas.

(Photo: EFE Senal Instrucional)

Cuban President Raul Castro and President Barack Obama sat side-by-side in a small conference room in Panama City for the first meeting between the leaders of the two countries in 50 years. (Photo: www.cbc.ca) in having battles that started before I was born,” he said. “The US will not be imprisoned in the past.

We’re looking to the future.”

Reports are that President Obama had indicated to President

Castro that he would be making a decision in the coming days on Cuba’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism. It appears, from all reports, that he has kept his word.

(Sources: Telegraph - UK, Observer - UK, Reuters)

President Barack Obama in his turn at addressing the plenary of the 7th Summit of the Americas.

(Photo: globalnews,ca)

President Obama books an entire hotel ACCORDING TO ELITE NEWS, an entire hotel was booked to accommodate President Barack Obama and his entourage, during his April 8 — 9, 2015 visit to Jamaica.

Sources claim that the Jamaica Pegasus, a five-star 300-room hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica, was the President’s choice.

The Pegasus is usually the

choice of many visiting heads of Government, including Caribbean heads, and news out of Jamaica says that requests by some Caribbean heads for accommodation at the Pegasus was turned down, on the grounds that it was booked to its full capacity.

The Pegasus in New Kingston that was apparently booked out by the President of the USA.

US training for Caribbean youth THE GOVERNMENT of the USA will fund an education and training programme for young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean, including Cuba.

This was announced by President Barack Obama during a town hall meeting of regional youth leaders at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, held on Thursday 9th April, the final day of the President’s recent two-day visit to Jamaica.

According to the President, this year, two dozen young entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean will get the opportunity to participate in a pilot programme in the US, under the justlaunched Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI).

The initiative is part of a wider education, training and employment thrust which the US is financing, and will be expanded to include 250 young people in 2016 and every year after that.

“We’re going to seek out the most innovative young entrepreneurs in civil society in the Caribbean and Latin America, and give them a chance to earn a substantial continuum of the training resources, and connections, President of the United States, Barack networks and capital Obama (left), greets youth leaders on that (will make) a arrival at the Town Hall meeting for difference,” the youth leaders at the University of the president said.

West Indies, Mona, on April 9 (Photo: The programme, AFP) the president said, is intended to help young people expand their commercial means it’s an investment in our future.” and social connections through Responding to the business incubators and other announcement, Jamaica’s youth means. minister Lisa Hanna, who was Participants in the among the 350 leaders from programme would have access government and civil society to virtual resources, training, who participated in the town mentoring, and platforms to hall meeting, told the Jamaica extend their linkages.

Observer that the YLAI was on “This isn’t charity for us,” Obama said. “It’s an investment par with initiatives being undertaken in her ministry. in your future, because that

Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams asks President Obama about decriminalising marijuana, during the Town Hall meeting. (Photo: AP) Right: Lisa Hanna, Jamaica’s youth minister, recognised the President as a man with a deep passion for the youth.

(Photo: nationwideradiojm.com) “As you know, the NYS (National Youth Service) rolled out last year its entrepreneurship programme.

We’ve already rolled out the programme for this year; we’re training 1,500 young people in entrepreneurship, so this initiative is fantastic because we feel that if he wants 250 persons to go to the US next year, we already have those pools of

people prepared,” Hanna said, and commended the President for “... his passion for young people.”

Funding for YLAI comes from the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Labour, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Veteran journalist on criminal charge Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS ONE OF THIS COUNTRY’S most experienced print journalists, Duggie ‘Nose’ Joseph, will return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court next Tuesday, April 21, on a criminal

charge.

Joseph, Assistant Editor of The NEWS newspaper, has been charged with assaulting Rickcoldo Durrant with intent to commit an offence to wit, wounding.

Durrant is an Auxillary Police Officer stationed at the Central Police Station, and is currently assigned to the

Duggie ‘Nose’ Joseph, journalist, finds himself on the other side of a news story.

Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

Joseph’s clash with the law reportedly stemmed from an incident at the Office of The NEWS newspaper at Kingstown Hill, around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10. It is alleged that a cutlass was involved.

Joseph was arrested

following a report to the police, and was released on station bail. He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Carla James at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The matter was adjourned and station bail continued. Joseph was unrepresented.

Asked on Tuesday, how he feels about

Joseph being arrested and charged with a criminal offence, Editor of The NEWS newspaper, Shelly Clarke, told THE VINCENTIAN he preferred not to comment.

Joseph has been a practising journalist here for several years. He is also a former president of the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM).

Woodley listed for sentencing again CONVICTED murderer, Webster Woodley, is expected to know his fate soon.

Woodley is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2015 for the 200 murder of taxi-driver Peter Joseph of Lodge Village, after being convicted for a second time.

Joseph was gunned down between November 28, 2004 and December 1, 2004. His body was discovered in a sheep pen at Cane Hall on November 30, 2004, about 30 yards from his vehicle. An autopsy showed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Woodley is one of

three persons listed for sentencing at the current sitting of the Criminal Assizes, which commenced on Tuesday, April 14. The others are Stephen Samuel, who would be sentenced for attempted murder, and Enard Douglas, for aggravated burglary.

Woodley was initially scheduled to be sentenced on March 25 following the presentation of a social inquiry report to be submitted on or before March 23, but sentencing was adjourned, as the report was not yet available.

A 12-member jury, comprised of seven females and five males,

Webster Woodley is edging closer to knowing his fate after being found guilty of the murder of Peter Joseph.

88 matters listed for current Assizes EIGHTY-ONE of the 99 matters that were listed at the previous sitting of the Criminal Assizes, January to March, and

which were not heard, are slated for hearing at the current sitting of the Assizes, which commenced on Tuesday,

April 14.

In addition to the traversed matters, there are four new matters on the current list and three down for sentencing.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams leads the case for the prosecution. He is assisted by Assistant DPP Colin John as well as Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, Tammike McKenzie, Sejilla McDowall and Carl Williams.

Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo presides.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 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 US-CARICOM, .... Whatever AS CARICOM Heads made their way to Jamaica to meet with USA President Barack Obama last week (April 9), at least one (Head) might have recalled his own words of not so long ago.

It was July 2014. Newly installed CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, surveyed his audience of Heads and others, and thanked China, Taiwan and Venezuela for their support.

This was as much a sincere acknowledgment of the direct assistance that these countries had extended to the region in recent times, as it was a statement about the region’s attitude to the USA - their most important security and trading partner — that it had all but relegated the region to a realm of neglect.

Such must have worn down on Browne and his colleagues, when they sat with President Obama in Jamaica.

But there was no stopping the ‘sit-down’ with Obama. Why? Even if it is a sentiment more often expressed by today’s opposition parties than sitting governments, cordial relations between the USA and the Caribbean are important to economic growth, stability as well as security in the region.

So, like the humble servants they are, called to serve and represent the sentiments of their people, they journey to sit with the most powerful individual in the world; a man whose country is home to as many CARICOM nationals as there are in the actual geography of the regional grouping.

And there should have been no shortage of issues to raise with Obama, to wit, the need for development finance, rising crime, drug trafficking, energy security, and the cases of Cuba and Venezuela.

Eleven of CARICOM’s 15 members participate in Venezuela’s discounted PetroCaribe oil programme, launched in 2005, as much as intending to assist fledging island economies with their energy needs, as it was an effort to counter US influence in the region.

The discussion table therefore, could well have been overshadowed by the increasing tension between the US and Venezuela, tension, if it was not noticed, that was played out, once again on our shores at Lowmans Bay, last week Tuesday.

Like the shrewd debater he is, President Obama and his team would have had little difficulty in predicting the disposition, if any, of CARICOM Heads, and walked straight into their intention by placing a US$22 million Clean Energy Fund facility before them. Talk about stopping you in your tracks!!

And what about targeting the young with training programme? All the talk of equipping the human resource base for future development and stability was carefully attended to by the Obama Administration.

So, it was a case of dealing with some direct concerns of the governments, and, in the process, deflating the politics of the wider region.

What seems to have been an error by the Heads, (this is carried since there is nothing official to the contrary), is that they seemed not prepared to offer a question with respect to the improving US-Cuba situation, save and accept to express how pleased they are with the thawing relationship.

Is this a lack of unanimity on the issue? Is it that Caribbean leaders have warmly received the U.S and Cuba’s thawing relationship but from an economic stand point, their lives just got more complicated?

Were the Head of CARICOM really interested in knowing what the US plans are in reference to Cuba?

This is so basic, and the chance to hear from the horse’s mouth just how much the US was aware of how improved USCuba relations could affect CARCOM, seems to have simply passed by the ‘Heads’.

There is no doubt that the re-opening of economic (trade) relations between the US and Cuba will open up the potential for US investors, (and Europeans thereafter) to turn their money to Cuba, and overlook other parts of the Caribbean.

This meeting would have been as good an opportunity as any to get a commitment from the US on more fronts than energy and youth training. This was an opportunity to talk real bread and butter issues.

Could it be that CARICOM is fractured by positioning and allegiances to political blocs and hemispheric contraptions, that it cannot speak as a single voice on real issues like investment and tourism, for example?

By the way, has anyone else come to the conclusion that the more things change, the more they remain the same? Many of the issues the region faced during Reagan’s 1982 visit to Jamaica – channeling private investment, strengthening security, combating drug trafficking – remain unchanged.

OOOPS!!!

“Mitchell, a hard act to follow”Avil Cupid’s view confirmed (First Published on the 24-8-2001) SO DECLARES AVIL CUPID in “THE VINCENTIAN” of 17th August, 2001, the man from the cold; a Vincentian who has set up shop in England, whence he submits his spicy letters to the local press, or just hands them in when he is on the rock on vacation.

The thing I really enjoy about Avil’s letters is their brevity and conciseness, always to the point, getting to the heart of the matter, with an economy of words.

Over the years, I have been criticised and praised by Avil with equal fervour. I suspect that we have a soft spot for each other, as we work out difficult plots in the same vineyard.

Avil is good, old conservative stuff, in love with old England and, on the local scene, an ardent admirer of the writings of Vivian Child, with whom I carry on a patchy affair.

On the negative side, though, I have had to defend my journalistic icon, Joyce Peters, who apparently mashed Avil’s corns. Like good brothers, we have agreed to differ on the matter, though I wished that I could arrange a meeting of reconciliation between the two.

Above all, Avil gets across his all-too-brief messages, with a wit that is as sharp as it is disarming.

The main thrust of Avil’s piece was his detached observation that “Son” Mitchell is “a hard act to follow”, achievable, indeed, only by “a miracle man.”

To date, this has been by far the most positive views of the Mitchell years which ended anticlimatically with a crest-fallen hero, who remains largely unhonoured and unsung.

The result was, of course, partly the doing of the ULP propaganda machinery, aided and abetted by the Press and the NGO community, who canonised Dr. Gonsalves into being their Patron Saint.

Undeterred, Cupid let fly his golden arrow at Mitchell, noting that neither the current euphoria nor the “raging Gonsamania” could becloud or overshadow the tremendous contribution which “Son” Mitchell has made to the national development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

It bears recalling that Mitchell was swept into power in 1984, with 18 years parliamentary experience under his belt, and a team of Greenhorns who were all noviciates in Government.

Mitchell had been an instant success at the polls, with his first triumph in 1966 that was followed by a string of 8 victories on the trot.

Gonsalves, on the other hand, had had to endure three initial setbacks, in which he came in second runner-up before eventually breaking through in 1994, 1998 and 2001 in spectacular fashion.

True, after ULP’s near miss in 1998, Gonsalves hit the road running, in 2001, with top appointments of new Cabinet Secretary and Attorney General on the day after the elections, followed by that of a new Prime Minister’s Press Secretary within a week.

In 1984, Mitchell, by and large, kept intact the administrative cast inherited from Cato. History was created in early 1985 when the Governor General journeyed to Bequia to appoint as Justices of the Peace Mrs. Aletha Gregg, Mr. Cyril Mitchell and Mr. Cecil McIntosh who was known to be a die-hard supporter of Labour.

Gonsalves, on the other hand, more or less made a clean sweep of Justices of Peace appointed by the NDP, cancelling the commissions of such personages as Yvonne Francis-Gibson, former

NDP Minister, Principal of Primary School, president of the SVUT and Coordinator of the Women’s Desk, as well as ex Superintendent of Police, Wendel Wright M.B.E. The widespread victimization practised by the ULP, caused even strong ULP supporters such as Leroy Providence to cry shame on his party, and appealed in vain to Dr. Gonsalves for some redress.

In the area of freedom, Mitchell immediately lifted the ban on “prohibited literature” and radical intellectuals. The “Searchlight” radio callin programme was introduced, and towards the end of his political career, some seven privately run FM radio stations were allowed unrestricted freedom of the air.

It was in this context that Mitchell made and kept his famous promise never to ban a calypso.

Dr. Gonsalves will find it difficult to stomach airplay of calypsos directed at him, in the way “Mr. Nancy” and “Mumma” targeted Prime Minister Mitchell and his Attorney General Parnel Campbell.

On the other hand, the ULP Government has to be credited with the general clean-up, the attention paid to schools’ repairs, and the settlement of severance payments on some estates.

Mitchell had also started off with a clean-up programme after a fashion.

Following reports of commissions and investigations, Government stone-mills were closed down, manager and his Deupty sent packing from NCB, and the “Suck Me Well” sugar industry — to borrow Ralph’s language, scrapped to stem the national economic haemorrhage.

As new boys on the block, both Ralph and “Son” were off to flying starts.

After 17 years, people have simply forgotten the impact which “Son” Mitchell made on his entry to political leadership of this nation.

Mitchell not only became spokesman on Banana Affairs for Caricom, but spoke on behalf of the Commonwealth at Vancouver, which is an entirely different kettle of fish.

The Vincentian leader had been invited to join or lead teams to sort out electoral and other problems in trouble-spots and flash-points — Haiti, Belize, Guyana, St. Kitts, among others.

The Mitchell-led OECS thrust to political unity in the late 1980s has been the brightest hope for the integration movement since the failure of the Federation in 1961.

In fact, Mitchell had swept the Caribbean off its feet at the first Caricom meeting he attended at Sam Lord’s Castle in Barbados. Harold Hoyte waxed lyrical in the Nation’s editorial of 3rd July, 1985.

It proclaimed: “There is something engagingly direct and appealing to the West Indian spirit about a tall bearded man whose manner of speaking is without affectation, and which suggests that he is not removed from the people on whose behalf he speaks.”

No wonder Cupid, who admits to a weakness for superlatives, called Mitchell “the Greatest,” and expressed the hope that Ralph and company would carry on the good work for which they have already demonstrated a potential capacity and competence.

In fact, Dr. Gonsalves’ regime has failed, only flattering to deceive. And at the end of 2014, Mitchell had cleared his name of any nagging doubt by a Privy Council Rulings in his favour re the Ottley Hall Affairs. It is happy riddance politics.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 9.

Letters

More questions than answers I READ WITH interest the letter in the Friday 3rd April edition of The NEWS, regarding homosexuality, and citing Scripture as saying this is an abomination, and therefore, stating that there should be no debate on the topic. Presumably, the writer was defending the laws of this country wherein homosexual acts are criminalized.

In this context, could the letterwriter possibly clarify the following points, on which I remain confused: 1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Bajans, but not Grenadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Grenadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for

her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanness Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is, my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them.

Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree.

Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?

7. Lev.21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though Lev. 19:27 expressly forbids this. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a

Commendations that are long overdue I FREQUENT business places throughout our capital Kingstown, and praises are in order for the majority of people who serve in various capacities.

If I am to mention a few, the workers at Building and Loan Association and the Treasury Department are very polite and are ready to serve. They display this willingness and a measure of professionalism on a daily basis.

But, those at GECCU tend to top the list. One lady commented that they are “a lovely bunch”, and I have no problem whatsoever, endorsing such a sentiment.

To me, it would not be right to mention individuals, though I would have loved to; but commendation is due for them as a group. They are always so very pleasant and well-dressed, and they take so much pride in

doing their jobs. At times, one would think that they are miracle workers, for some circumstances that they are expected to work with seem impossible, from a human standpoint. When they work around these, they give you hope. The endearments that they direct towards you are enough to turn a bad day into an enjoyable one, even if one’s desires are not fulfilled all at the same time.

At times, there is the greeting “Sweetheart, we are ready for you,” or your full name being said so very pleasantly. The tone of voice tends to warm your heart.

I guess, this comes about as a result of training, which culminates into good customer and workers relationship.

There are some government workers who will fare well with

such ongoing training, for their behaviour leaves so much to be desired. On observation and listening to some of these workers, one wonders about the criteria that were used in their selection. People in authority need to look beyond some qualifications, and focus on individuals - the stuff that these ones are made of. Most of the times, the jobs are applied for to achieve quick earnings; but the way they are done, shows that the workers’ hearts and souls are not in them.

These ones would do well to take a leaf, just one, out of the books of workers at GECCU. If possible, the GECCU workers should be used to teach the culprits, i.e. if they are willing to learn the right way to behave.

Very observant

Improved engineering or not?

HAS OUR engineering skills improved or not?

The truth is our road networks are deteriorating because the method used by our young engineers is questionable.

The British taught us the Macadam style of road building, and such proved their worth in saving upkeep. Sir, the last style of Macadam road was built on Rabacca Farms at Orange Hill, by an old man,and it’s over 25 years now, and the roads are still going strong, while our modern style roads can’t make a good five years.

Next come river embankments. Again, the British introduced us to the Gabion baskets, and what a difference they made in

embankment both in river and inland. There is a special way to fill those baskets, and stones used (size) should not be less than 10” diameter, preferably the smooth sea-shore boulders, and the void filled with different size shingles from the beach, just as Mother Nature did. These stones and shingles were bought by government from the road side where persons will transport them from the beach.

I visited Georgetown where a new bridge is being constructed.

The Gabion baskets are being filled with too many small stones such as 4” diameter.

Imagine the river overflows.

The water will flow at over 70mph, get between those small stones, and what do you think

will happen?

Even Mother Nature who has place both large and small stones and filled the void with mud in a river, cannot stop the fury of a raging river.

As for the bridge by the supermarket (Jones) in Georgetown, as soon as it rains heavily, those Gabion baskets used as river embankment will disintegrate. Too many small stones are used in this case.

Watch and see.

Is there a clerk of works on that job, who doesn’t know about Gabion basket packing?

Is it true that the Chief Engineer is the Superintendent of all government works, and all departments must submit all plans for such works to be approved by him?

lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them, as per Lev.24:1016. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws?

(Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.

Looking for Clarity in a Confusing World

Fooling our visitors ONCE AGAIN, the Caribbean politicians have showed their real colours.

I understand from reading the Jamaican newspapers online, that the Jamaican government, all of a sudden, found the money to repair roads and ‘nice up’ the place, for the visit by President Obama. This is so typical of the situation right across the region.

Only recently here in St. Vincent, we noticed some painting of the still unrepaired rail along Casson Hill, some filling of pot holes around the town, and a general cleaning up, in preparation for the visit

by President Chavez’s daughter and the Vice President of Venezuela.

How shameful!! Not the visit by the persons, but the fact that we still behave like colonials, when we had no choice but to appear along the streets to wave flags when some member of the

John

Opposition leader, making belief IT IS CLEAR to see that the leader of the NDP and a handful of his supporters in his executive are making a pappy show of themselves, fooling themselves into believing they have something to do with the outcome of the election in St. Kitts.

The reality is, the new Prime Minister, Timothy Harris, was a member of the outgoing Prime Minister Denzil Douglas’s party. What motivated him to break away from the St. Kitts Labour Party is anyone’s guess. So whether the former Prime Minister was hungry for power or failed to resolve the leadership issue, he lost.

The situation is, he has to deal with the leaders of the three (3) parties of which he is Prime Minister. Only time will tell.

Here in SVG, it’s a different kettle of fish and cannot be confused with what happened over there. Why? Our Prime Minister is seeking a fourth term in office, and from all indications, his help for young people to gain access to secondary schools, the guarantee of loans for them to get a university education, the No/Low Income housing project, the replacement of houses for persons in North Leeward, the International Airport, to name a few, are all hard acts to follow.

You are now facing an uphill task, facing your 4th defeat.

What do you have to offer? One thousand acres of bananas, paying for students to write CXC exams, one person per household employed? All of this is a joke.

Therein lies your problem.

So, unless you are from a different planet and suffer from amnesia, you and your party are only ‘make believe’.

Randolph Farrell

Taxpayer

Royal family visited.

This makes ordinary Caribbean people feel like second class citizens. We can’t get certain things done throughout the year. We have to put up with all kinds of excuses and fancy explanations by the ‘spin doctors’. But like magic, the money appears to get things spruced up to welcome some person or persons whom we might never see on our shores again.

Time that we stop fooling those whom we welcome from overseas. Would it have hurt Jamaicans if President Obama’s vehicle fell into a pot hole or two?

Would it have caused the Vice President of Venezuela any harm if he saw the railing in a washed out state?

The things we do for others while we cut off our noses.

V

10. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

All ready for the fourth term The issue This weekend, the ruling Unity Labour Party will hold its annual convention at the Campden Park Secondary School. It has a certain signifance for the supporters and followers of the ULP, for at least two reasons. This may be the last convention before the next general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and so the rank and file of the ULP will expect some interesting revelations, when the party leader, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, takes to the podium.

The attendance at this convention will provide a guide as to the strength of the ULP on the ground, in the various constituencies. Although there is a maximum in terms of the representation at the convention, usually the support is expanded, and constituencies will have as much as sixty persons attending. Last year, the constituency of North Leeward boasted over 100 members in attendance, and there was strong representation from the constituencies of the northern and southern Grenadines.

Overall, the atmosphere will be electric, and conviviality will reign supreme. Supporters will trade discussions on the plans in their individual constituencies, and there will be a lot of ideas exchanged, as to how to tweak the respective political campaigns, in the individual constituencies. Overall, , the large crowd will certainly welcome back those former comrades who have strayed, or those who are NDP supporters, but who now see the light and are turning, or have turned, their support to the ULP. Who can forget the welcome from the party leader, Comrade Ralph, when Frank Da Silva attended the ULP convention last year!

The new candidates Interest will center on the presentation of the fifteen ULP candidates who will contest the next general elections. There will be six new candidates, in Debra Charles in West Kingstown, Jomo Thomas in South Leeward, Carlos James in North Leeward, Beresford Phillips in Central Kingstown, Camillo Gonsalves in East St. George, and St.Clair Jimmy Prince in Marriaqua.

Then there is the return of the man called “the Terminator”, Sir Louis Straker, who has come back to represent the ULP in the Central Leeward constituency.

The six new candidates have been creating positive waves in their constituencies. Candidates Camillo Gonsalves and Jomo Thomas, have already showed evidence of their tremendous potential, particularly through their contributions in the House of Assembly. The others are all community- based activists with strong recordings, and a genuine love for the poor and the working class.

They are a blend of experience, unity, drive, love for their country and for all Vincentians, and are well qualified to advance the “people centered development policies” of the ULP. This is a party that is always refreshing itself. Over the last ten years, the ULP has presented fourteen well qualified Vincentians to the voters of this country, for consideration, eight in 2010, and now six in 2015. This is a part where only one elected parliamentarian, Jerrol

Thompson, was beaten at the polls.

The others, Mike Browne, Rene Baptiste, Glen Beache, Selmon Walters, Conrad Sayers, Sir Louis Straker, and Sir Vincent Beache, have all retired with runs on the tins. Sir Louis has rejoined the fray. Soon to be in this illustrious group, are Girlyn Miguel and Clayton Burgin.

The Comrade Leader

The NDP and the Development of Women Following the success at the polls in 1984, the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration moved immediately to honour its manifesto commitment regarding the recognition of Women’s Human Rights. It established the Women’s Desk to address women’s concerns, and gave support to other non- governmental organizations. It also assessed a number of laws, with a view to make them gender neutral; built women’s capacity through increased access to education, job creation, and housing; implemented the land reform programme thereby placing land in the hands of women; increased the participation in the power-sharing and decision making of the country, and removed any form of discrimination from policies and programmes.

The Women’s Desk Much attention will focus on the convention address to be delivered by the leader of the ULP, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The Comrade Leader will address a number of matters, as the party prepares for the next general election. He will outline the philosophy behind the campaign, and will point out certain areas of focus.

Above all, he will outline the social and economic development agenda of the party, when it assumes office after the election victory of 2015. He will speak about the international airport, the geothermal drive, poverty reduction, and the education revolution, among others. He will outline to the party faithful, why the ULP is miles ahead of the NDP, and why the voters in St.Vincent and the Grenadines will return the ULP to office, for a fourth consecutive term.

There will be other speakers at the convention, as determined by the party leader and the general secretary, Julian Francis. They will have a wide array of persons to choose from, although supporters will have their choices. Ultimately, the whole convention will be a great bonding exercise; excitement is mounting, and it’s safe to say that all and sundry will have a great time.

Towards the fourth term The ULP has demonstrated that it is ready for the fourth term, and the party is fast putting itself on a sound footing for the campaign ahead.

Supporters are urged to get ready, for in the words of Senator Camillo Gonsalves, “We can’t grumble, for if we grumble, we will stumble”. As the campaign builds in 2015, supporters of the ULP will continue to defend the gains of their party.

This is an administration that has touched the lives of all Vincentians in a positive way, through the many programmes that have been implemented. And so the drive for the fourth term is based on the outstanding record of achievements of the ULP, the good governance delivered, and visionary leadership of Comrade Ralph.

When the Comrade rings the bell, ULP supporters will go out in their numbers to the polls, to ensure that their beloved party is returned to office for a fourth term. Our nation and our people cannot afford the monumental gamble of changing the government at this time. We owe this to our children and to ourselves, to continue the tremendous period of development, that we are now experiencing under the forward thinking and progressive ULP administration.

The Women’s Desk worked collaboratively with other agencies to address the gender issues pertinent to women’s development. Its main goals were to work towards the removal of all forms of discrimination against women, to promote the development of their full potential, and to ensure their integration in national development. In an effort to fulfill its mandate, the Women’s Desk immediately set about mobilizing women locally and nationally, with a view to pooling resources to identify and address women’s concerns, interests, needs, problems, and planned and implemented policies and programmes to address them. With the assistance from the Caricom secretariat, these needs, interests, concerns and problems were compounded into a draft policy statement on women, which was utilized for guiding future policies, plans and programmes.

By 1987, the desk was upgraded to a department, with additional members of staff with responsibilities for education and training, field work, mobilizing and counselling. The increased staff allowed the coordinator to concentrate on policy advice and implementation, and also provided support, shared workload and addressed the practical gender needs of women.

As a result, the department made considerable strides in the following areas: Legislative reform, addressing women’s human rights, working towards ensuring that more women were at decision making levels, creating avenues for more access to credit, housing, and educational opportunities, particularly in nontraditional areas.

However, mention must be made of the assessment which was done on legislations, to ensure that laws were gender sensitive, thus giving equal status to women and men before the law. Restructuring of the inheritance tax, and removal of death dues on family homes, are two significant pieces of legislation which placed power into women’s hands, since on the death of their spouses, they do not have to pay tax on what is considered the matrimonial home, which meant that women do not have to live in fear anymore of where they would live when their spouses have passed on.

Furthermore, all personal income tax below EC$11,000 annually at that time was abolished. Since 65% of our women’s salaries were within this tax bracket, women then had more money in their hands to spend, since they did not pay as they earned. Married women too, benefitted from the fact that they could file their own return, thus claiming EC11, 000 for self, rather than their spouses claim EC1200. For Vincentian women then, this meant a lower tax rate was being paid. Moreover, in recognition of free

enterprise development, the NDP supported the development of small business for women, through the provision of loans from the Development Corporation and the National Development Foundation.

Achievements In addition to institutionalizing the Department of Women, Youth Affairs, the Family Court, Skills training and Adult Education unit, to address women’s long term concerns and give recognition to women’s ongoing contribution to social, economic and political development, specific mention must be made of the following achievements of women, for which the NDP must be credited: * Amendment to the constitution, to give recognition to women and men as equal partners in the Vincentian society. As a result, both women and men could confer status/citizenship to their foreign spouses and children, which only the latter could have done. * The Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act which makes provision for matrimonial injunctions, provide police with power of arrest for breach of injunction in Domestic Violence, and make provision for rights of occupation, where both spouses have the same right to the matrimonial home * The draconian Coutts Agreement was removed, to allow maternity leave to female teachers who had to resign, once they became pregnant. * The introduction of the Equal Pay Act, which made provision for the removal and prevention of discrimination based on sex of the employee, in the rates of remuneration for female and male in paid employment. * The establishment of the Family Court Act, the first of its kind in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States(OECS) that made provisions for women to seek redress in relation to matrimonial matters, domestic violence, rape and other matters. * The Maintenance Act, which made new financial provision for dependents and custody of children in or out of wedlock. * Amendment of the Matrimonial Homes Act, providing equal right to each spouse to occupy the matrimonial home, thus protecting each against eviction, except where the Court orders.

Although a great deal has been accomplished in promoting gender equality, much remains to be done at the local and national levels. The NDP is cognizant of the fact that there can be no true development without the total involvement of women as partners in the process. The NDP envisions a society where inequality is overcome.

Therefore, the NDP is committed to the development of women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will demonstrate that commitment when it is voted into office at the next general elections. The party’s proud record in the social, economic and political development of women during its tenure in office, is evidence that the NDP is dedicated to women’s development.

Therefore, Vincentians must go out and vote solidly for the NDP at the next general elections, so that the women of St. Vincent and the Grenadines can once again continue to benefit from the social and economic programmes and policies of an NDP administration.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 11.

Views

Revival

“We often have a tinted view of revival as a time of glory and joy and swelling numbers queuing to enter the churches.

That is only part of the story. Before the glory and joy, there is conviction; and that begins with the people of God. There are tears of godly sorrow. There are wrongs to put right, secret things...to be thrown out, and bad relationships, hidden for years, to be repaired openly.

If we are not prepared for this, we had better not pray for revival.” - Brian Edwards MANY CHURCH ASSEMBLIES encourage their members to engage in selfexamination and reflection. Such activities are especially encouraged around the end of the calendar year.

This is probably quite appropriate, as individuals seek to improve various aspects of their lives (including their spiritual life) as the New Year approaches. The Catholic community may choose the season of Lent to engage in such spiritual introspection.

Other church assemblies, however, may not set aside any specific period in the year, as they readily grasp any opportunity and at any time to seek a closer walk with The Lord, and to turn away from practices that retard spiritual growth. Such positive quests have been known to ignite personal spiritual enlightenment that, in turn, changed communities for the better.

There have been many outstanding Christian revivals over the centuries instances where church congregations and entire societies were spiritually renewed. The more popular church revivals occurred during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The outstanding courage and faith of such individuals as John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield in England gave birth to the Methodist revival in England, and sparked a spiritual revival that had global reach. Their activities created a revival that resulted in the 18th century being described as the Age of Enlightenment. Today, many of us benefit from their outstanding works.

Individuals and societies are better as a result of the personal revival that occurred in their “small corner of the world”.

There was also a popular spiritual revival that emerged from the Anglican Church in England at the end of the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century. Many societies in the Americas are especially appreciative of that movement (described as the Clapham sect) that championed a spiritual awareness that eventually resulted in the abolition of slavery in the Western Hemisphere. We will be forever grateful to individuals like John Newton and William Wilberforce.

They championed the evangelical movements in their time and have left a legacy that reminds us that great things can emerge from small beginnings. They remind us that personal revivals can ignite societies and result in positive changes on a national, regional, and global stage.

Many of the citizens in our Caribbean nations have been commenting on the need for a spiritual revival. These utterances become especially loud and regular as we observe what appears to be the steady increase in the crime rate. It is possible that this is also fuelled by the fact that modern technology (especially the Internet and cable TV) now allows us to view the negative

Our country and leader loomed large impact of crime in “real time” — as it happens. As a society, we have become more conscious of the instances of rape, incest, child abuse, violence against women, mutilations, murder, and so on. And we cry out for a spiritual revival. We want to see positive changes in our various neighbourhoods and our nations.

The Christian leaders and Christian organisations periodically have fingers pointed in their direction. Various members of society question how much influence they have in turning these situations around. Some venture to accuse these leaders and groups of not doing enough within the community. They are seen as being too laid back; too passive. They would like to see a more concerted effort at influencing the lives of those individuals who engage in gang-type activities and other forms of criminal behaviours.

As Christians, we are summoned to be at the forefront of the battle against crime and the various other social ills in our society. We are beckoned to awake from our slumber and to model and mentor the Wesley brothers, Whitefield, Newton, Wilberforce, and the many others who stood up for righteousness and changed their world. We, you and I, can spark that revival that we know our nations need. With God’s help we can be the revival that we need to see.

We have been blessed and encouraged by the life and writings of the great evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892). His cry seems to be travelling through time and space to challenge us as he wrote, “Oh! Men and brethren, what would this heart feel if I could but believe that there were some among you who would go home and pray for a revival - men whose faith is large enough, and their love fiery enough to lead them from this moment to exercise unceasing intercessions that God would appear among us and do wondrous things here, as in the times of former generations.”

Who, then, will answer the call?

Who will be the one to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me. Use me.” With faith in God, and His ability to provide and sustain, we can ignite that revival flame within and beyond our various assemblies. One person with a passion and commitment to doing God’s work can attract many others who will champion to cause to intercept others with intent. It is not beyond us to be conduits of positive change within the various “trouble spots” in our societies. God is not limited. The God who brought about the revivals described earlier in this essay still has power to change others.

He still has power to change communities. He still has power to change nations. But He needs willing soldiers to be at the battlefront. He needs champions who will make the personal sacrifice, who will love Him enough, to go into the highways and byways with this good news — this gospel. Revival is possible on the personal and national level if/when we make ourselves available to be God’s instruments of righteousness and peace.

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

THE REPUTATION of our country for leadership was further cemented into the annals of history at the International Reparations Summit, which took place in Harlem, New York City, from April 9th to the 12th, 2015. The pride of place, which our country holds, was evident at the opening ceremony in Harlem, as Rhonda King, United Nations Ambassador; Douglas Slater, former Foreign and Health Minister, and now CARICOM diplomat; and yours truly joined civil rights giant, Rev. Jesse Jackson; liberation theologist Rev. Jeremiah Wright and other luminaries, to deliver greetings.

The name of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was mentioned and repeated, to loud approval throughout the conference, as delegate after delegate lauded his role and leadership in the revival of the reparations cause in the Caribbean, and around the world.

Specifically, members of the newly formed American Reparations Commission cited and praised the leadership of PM Gonsalves and the 2013 decision of CARICOM, to bring reparations claims against the former enslaving powers of England, France, Spain, Portugal and Holland, for crimes of genocide committed against the indigenous peoples, during the transAtlantic slave trade, slavery and colonialism, and therein giving new impetus and revival to the reparations cause in the United States.

These have long been recognized as crimes against humanity in international law. But, at the United Nations Reparations Conference in Durban, South Africa in 2001, the conference resolution affirmed that ‘slavery is and should always have been seen as crimes against humanity’.

Dr Hillary Beckles, Chairman of the Caribbean Reparations Commission, author of the seminal text ‘Britain’s Black Debt,’ and the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, yet again proved himself a brilliant academic and intellectual, when he delivered a spell-binding address to close the conference in Brooklyn.

The Summit, which was sponsored by the Institute of the Black World, brought together scores of delegates from 20 countries from Europe, North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. During the Summit, delegates recognized that the former slave holding powers, as well as the United States, were putting pressure on the CARICOM countries to stop the reparations claim.

It was agreed that the way to thwart these splitting tactics of these powerful states is to consolidate and increase the support and involvement of the popular masses and civil society in the reparations movement.

The summit resolved, among other things: 1. To consolidate the global reparations movement, and to call on all civil society organizations and governments in countries with Afrodescendant populations, to establish reparations commissions.

2. The CARICOM Reparations Commission committed to support the National African-American Commission (NAARC) by encouraging and facilitating Caribbean political leaders, artists, civil society leaders, scholars and activists, to participate in the work and initiatives of the NAARC. 3. That the NAARC recognizes the vision of CARICOM in establishing a reparations commission, and commits to support CARICOM Reparations Commission activities and initiatives in the future.

4. Both the Caribbean Reparations Commission and the NAARC welcomed the establishment of the European Reparations Commission, and committed to meet with it in the near future.

5. To organize a global reparations summit in 2017 in Europe, involving all national commissions and organizations from around the world.

6. Called on CARICOM Heads of Government to revalidate its commitment to the approved 10-point reparatory justice plan of the Caribbean Reparations Commission, and to proceed with the recommendation that the slave-owning and slave-trading European nations be invited to attend an inter-governmental reparatory justice summit.

7. Declared US congressman John Conyers as a global champion of the reparations movement, and strongly urged the US Congressional Black Caucus, the major civil rights and human rights organizations in the United States, and the labour movement, to support Congressman Conyers’ bill HR40 in the US Congress, which calls on that body to investigate the impact and effects of slavery on America, as well as to support the global reparations movement.

8. Applauded the General Assembly of the United Nations declaration of the years 2015 to 2024 as the Decade of People of African Descent, and pledged its support to the Decade’s programme of action, with the hope that it will recognize and implement the programme. The Summit also pledged its support to UNESCO’s continued support of its Slave Roots Project and the general History of Africa Project.

9. Applauded the government of Brazil for declaring mandatory the study of African history and culture at all levels of the educational system, and called on all countries with African descendant populations to do likewise.

10. Called on the global reparations movements to develop sustainable funding strategies, and called on the international community to work towards a 21st century new moral order for sustainable development, in which reparatory justice is a key and integral component.

In the Caribbean, the issue of reparations has had a long history.

Marcus Garvey; the Nobel laureate Sir Arthur Lewis, who as early as 1942, called for a reckoning for the 200 years of unpaid African labour during slavery; the Rastafarian movement; progressive and revolutionary movements, all played significant roles in keeping the issue of reparations alive.

It should be evident from this history, that the current leaders and participants in the reparations movement are not standing on their own two feet, but on the shoulders of giants.

All at the Summit agreed that the struggle for reparations is more like a marathon than a sprint, and called on all reparations committees to develop strategies for youth advocacy and involvement on reparations, so as to ensure continuity of the reparations movement.

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

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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Obama repeats SVG Green Party message FROM OUR FIRST articles in January 2005, SVG Green Party has stressed the importance of having a university in SVG and educating our people. We have always said that the best way to build a strong economy is to have a highly educated population, as this will attract foreign businesses, and the model to follow is Singapore.

At a recent meeting with CARICOM leaders, the President of the USA repeated SVG Green Party’s university message to the CARICOM leaders.

Using Singapore as an example, Obama told the CARICOM leaders that if they had a highly-educated workforce, they will attract a lot of foreign investment.

Obama said, “If you look at some of the most successful countries in the world, they are actually pretty small countries like Singapore — for example.

On paper, it looks like they have no assets, and yet, if you go to Singapore, it has one of the highest standards of living in the world. What it is that Singapore did that might be replicable? One of the most important things they did is that they made a massive investment in their people and, if you have got a highly skilled [and] highly educated workforce — if you set up rules of law and governance that are transparent and non-corrupt, then you can attract actually a lot of service industries. ..”

The problem in SVG is that we have a highly ‘dotish’ government that wants to use tourism as the foundation of the SVG economy, rather than

education.

Using education as the foundation of the SVG economy, i.e. following Singapore’s example, is the best way forward, and here are good reasons why we should: Singapore has the highest percentage of millionaire households as a share of a country’s total households at 15.5%; Singapore is ranked as the most attractive country for foreign investors in the Asia-Pacific region, and attracts 52% of foreign investment in its region; Singapore topped the charts for highest GDP per capita in 2010, at close to EC$152,636, and is expected to continue to be the global leader until 2050; Singapore has a GDP of EC$810 billion; Singapore has a very low unemployment rate of 1.9%; more than 70% of Singapore resident non-students aged 25-34 have a university education.

Using tourism as the foundation of the SVG economy, and following the example of other Caribbean countries, is not the way forward.

Jamaica, for example, has had an international airport and tourism for over 60 years; but in 2013, it had to beg the IMF for a EC$2.7 billion bailout loan, and the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank had to lend Jamaica EC$1.35 billion each. Jamaica is one of the most indebted countries in the world, and spends EC$3.24 billion a year — 33 per cent of government revenue — paying foreign debts.

It would be ‘dotish’ to follow the

example of Jamaica and focus on tourism , and ‘dotish’ to go all the way to Jamaica just to be photographed with President Obama, only to ignore his core message.

The core problem with tourism in the Caribbean is that the financial yield to the economy is extremely low.

Tourism does not generate enough revenue to pay recurrent expenditure, and it leaves Caribbean countries with large, annual fiscal deficits. Service industries return a much higher yield for the money invested, and countries such as Singapore, which have service industries as the foundation of their economy, are wealthy.

On the contrary, nearly all Caribbean countries are highly indebted, have high crime rates, high unemployment rates, high levels of poverty, have a low percentage of their population university educated (some

as low as 2%) and rely on foreign aid and begging.

About EC$700 million dollars has been wasted at Argyle. SVG Green Party Leader, Mr Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons.), MSc, MBA, worked in Singapore for a number of years, and learnt from his time there that a science and technology university, high-quality education and adopting the Singapore development model is the way forward for SVG. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Miracle Mission Editor’s Note: The following is a News release from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. We are happy, in the interest of the national good, to carry it in its entirety.

As part of the Government’s mission to promote and protect the well-being of its citizenry, in particular persons suffering from vision-related diseases, an Agreement has been signed between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to implement a vision care programme titled ‘Miracle Vision’ across the island. The Agreement reaffirms the interest to exchange and develop technical assistance and cooperation projects between both nations, which are aimed at building capacities as a fundamental instrument for the development of their communities and peoples. Moreover, it speaks to the commitment to contribute to the diagnosis of eye pathologies and assist in choosing the patients who will participate in the Miracle Vision programme.

As a consequence, persons affected by pathologies or eye conditions related to ophthalmology, such as cataract and pterygium fleshiness, which is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the white of the eye, a noncancerous lesion that usually grows slowly throughout life, and in advanced cases can continue growing until it covers the pupil of the eye and interferes with vision, will be helped.

As a component of the agreement signed between both countries, a team of experts from Venezuela will visit the State during the period April 1826, 2015, to conduct assessments and pre-select persons to benefit from medical eye care and surgery.

Consequently, under this initiative, persons requiring surgery will be given the opportunity to travel to Venezuela in June and July of this year to receive surgery, free of cost.

In a bid, then, to cover the entire population, the mission will see the expert team visiting several locations throughout the length and breadth of the country to lend their expertise, including Georgetown, Mesopotamia, Barrouallie, Kingstown and the Grenadines.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, Wellness and the Environment, continues to do all it can through collaboration with many entities within the public sector, private sector, civil society, NGOs, and with the partnership of regional and international actors, to ensure the strengthening of bonds of friendship, while promoting and fostering mutually beneficial support.

Venezuelan medical team and support personnel will conduct screening of up to 500 Vincentians daily to determine suitability to participate in the Miracle Mission programme. The conditions that will be treated in Venezuela are cataract and pterygium (fleshy growth on the eye).

Diagnostic Phase Schedule On site contacts will mobilize clients/patients and prepare venues

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 13.

Diaspora

Oscar James releases new Argyle Airport song

to an audience of over 20,000, in Cartegena.

James complimented Caribbean musical OSCAR JAMES, a Vincentian (Georgetown)-born singer, arranger extraordinaire, song writer and player of several musical instruments, New York-based, has released a new song on the Argyle International Vincentian-born Frankie Airport.

McIntosh, for “being “I wrote this song, ‘Argyle International Airport’, there” for him in his because it is presently being built in St. Vincent and About Oscar myriad recordings over the Grenadines,” the Brooklyn, New York resident the years. of Affetuosos fame told THE VINCENTIAN in an James’ musical career began in the early 1970s He also thanked Leslie exclusive interview. when he became one of the founding members of the Milliner, and radio “Air accessibility at Argyle International Airport Georgetown-based Affetuosos. personalities and will create employment for vendors, taxi men, During his stint with Affetuosos, James said he journalists for coverage of hoteliers, artisans, plumbers, cleaners, bag wrote and recorded several songs that helped the handlers, tarmac traffickers and many others,” he band’s catapult into mainstream Vincentian musical his music, as well as “my many fans for their Oscar James says this added. circles. support.” is the right time to write “By creating employment, it helps to grow He migrated to New York in 1980, and waited The ‘Argyle a song about the the economy,” James continued. “When the economy five years before recording his first soca hit, ‘Fun International Airport’ CD International Airport at grows, the government has an easy opportunity of Time Again’, on Granville Straker’s label.

Argyle. obtaining loans from the IMF (Washington-based Two years later, he started KOJ Productions, his can be purchased at International Monetary Fund)/World Bank to do own and current label. projects like housing, roads, hospitals, schools and He continued to record throughout 1980s, http://cdbaby.com/cd/oscarjamesandtheravers. improving the medical system. especially for Vincy Mas, and said that his crowning “The advancement of any country depends moment came in 1989 heavily on air accessibility to move products quickly when he performed to and from different destinations,” he said. alongside Calypso Rose, The lyrics of ‘Argyle International Airport’, say in the undisputed Calypso part: “Dedication and desperation, nationals made Queen of the World, in their contributions/Eliminating our frustration from Liberia, where he and our neighbouring islands/Their taxes so high we Rose “did two want to cry/ Cuba, Taiwan and Venezuela, Mexico, performances” — at the Trinidad and Tobago/Embracing our Ducor Palace and Africa commitment/Witnessing our achievement/They are House. life savers/When we need good neighbours.

James said his Chorus: “Argyle International Airport we Katrina album, released flying/Argyle International Airport we in 1992, in both Spanish landing/Argyle international airport we and English, became an progressing/St. Vincent and the Grenadines it’s a instant hit in Cartagena, blessing.”

Colombia.

“I am very optimistic about this song,” James He was thrilled when said. “This is the right time to pen lyrics to this Musica del Caribe asked title. The lyrics are marketable and have lasting him to perform his song historical effects.

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

“Listening to this song reveals the numerous contributors who helped this project [Argyle International Airport] to come to fruition — from the project manager, financiers, engineers, architects, builders and labourers.”

He described the song’s musical accompaniment as “scintillating, with powerful bass lines and strong horns.”

Becket for Mother’s Day concert INTERNATIONALLY renowned recording artiste, Vincentian born Alston Becket Cyrus will again headline the cast of the annual ‘Mother We Love You’ concert, scheduled for Mother’s Day, May 9, 2015, at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn, N.Y. Becket has been a regular feature at this tribute to mothers and, in addition to a choice from among a voluminous collection of hits, he is expected to do his extremely popular and moving number, ‘Mama’, his own tribute to all mothers in song.

Many will also expect that he would do his ‘President Obama’, a piece of work that is earmarked for inclusion in the President Barack Obama Library when that is constructed.

Among those expected to join Becket on the stage are: Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon, 2014 & 2015, National Calypso Monarch of T&T; Nikki Crosby - Go Granny - 3rd Place 2015 International Soca Monarch finalist; and Josh Boyce, a 12-year old

Alston Becket Cyrus will again headlined the cast for this year’s ‘Mother We Love You’ concert in New York.

BarbadianAmerican dancing sensation.

Kaci Fennell, Miss Universe Jamaica, is also slated to make an appearance.

The driving force behind the Concert is EVERYBODY’S, the Caribbean-American magazine, launched January 1977, which produces and Roderick ‘Chucky’ promotes Gordon, reigning Caribbean Calypso Monarch of plays and T7T, will also perform concerts. at the concert.

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14. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

Prince ready for the challenge

the areas he intended to do work in, once elected.

“JIMMY PRINCE will not be These included a mayor or manager of a agriculture, housing, constituency; I will be an culture and youth, areas, enabler for this he said, where there constituency. You will see were some challenges more of me, you will hear that remained in the more of me.” community from way So promised St Clair back when.

‘Jimmy’ Prince, who was The former civil nominated last Sunday servant started with the as the official candidate issue of agriculture, for the Unity Labour saying that he knew of a Party (ULP), to contest number of issues that the upcoming general now plagued the sector. election.

“A number of things “I volunteer my that are affecting us, and services because I am a a number of farmers are grass roots man — that is feeling it, I know that — a where I put my mettle, representative called my energy, my time, my Jimmy Prince would set training, whatever,” he about for mechanisms to said. be put in place for a “I am not a cheque relief in agriculture,” he book participant, because told those gathered at I don’t have that, but the Marriaqua such as I have, is what I Government School. put to the disposal of my “I shall continue to be community,” Prince a voice for the people continued. who farm, because this is He spoke of some of a farming area, and we

by DAYLE DA SILVA

need to get back (to) when we were the bread basket of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

On the issue of housing, Prince noted that the populations in certain communities within the constituency were increasing quickly, and identified Richland Park and Glenside as two of these areas where housing was a critical issue.

“We will, in the future, try to tailor any initiative with respect to housing that will fit Marriaqua; it is time Marriaqua get piece of the housing pie,” Prince said.

He said that he was not promising homes, but relief.

“I know many of us have incomes that are low, and incomes that are irregular and will not be able to meet the requirements of

St. Clair Jimmy Prince, a newcomer to electoral politics here, says he will not be a ‘cheque book participant’.

Girlyn Miguel secured the Marriaqua constituency for the ULP in the last four general elections.

Kirk Da Silva, once considered the ULP front runner in Marriaqua, pledged his support to the party.

borrowing as others would have done. But that is one of the things that this new representative will do in Marriaqua,” he said.

The conversion of Marriaqua into a tourism product, and providing technical/vocational education for the youth in the constituency were

some of the other areas he touched on briefly, saying that these were the issues to which he was committed.

Recognising that some of the work will be done in the short term and some accomplished in the medium to long term, Prince assured, “I intend to be a part of

Marriaqua, I believe in people’s participation, I believe in people taking part in their own governance, and their own democracy.”

Prince replaces Girlyn Miguel as the ULP Marriaqua candidate.

Miguel has been the area representative since 1998.

O’Neal for South Windward THE SVG GREEN PARTY has announced its first candidate for the next general elections, due here by March 2016.

The party, in a release dated Monday 13th April, 2015, said that its leader, Mr Ivan O’Neal BSc(Hons), MSc, MBA, will be its candidate for the South Windward Constituency.

O’Neal is described, in the release, as a ‘…well known, … determined and highly capable leader with a strong passion for high-quality education’.

As far as his party and intentions are concerned, O’Neal promises, ‘as Prime Minister, and the

Parliamentary representative for South Windward, …..to create thousands of new jobs, reduce poverty, lift the standard of living for people in South Windward and throughout the country, and create surplus revenue for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’.

O’Neal said that he ‘is seeking strong support from the electorate in South Windward and throughout SVG at the Ivan O’Neal, leader of next general election’.

SVG Green Party, has In 2005, O’Neal once again changed his contested the general focus as far as a elections as a SVG Green constituency is Party Candidate in East concerned.

St. George. In 2010 he switched to the Central On both occasions he Kingstown constituency. was unsuccessful.

Care and Treatment of potted plants ATTENTION MUST BE PAID to the following for healthy plants: Light, temperature, water, containers, humidity, soil, fertilizers, potting and re-potting.

Light is essential to all plants.

Without sufficient light, plant growth slows, and leaves become small and pale. Healthy plant growth depends upon the process of photosynthesis — the process by which plants

manufacture food.

Plants in their natural habitat, adapt to a wide range of different light levels. When plants are grown indoors, every effort must be made to provide the outdoor light levels the plant has become accustomed to in nature. (To be continued next week) Presented by the SVG Horticultural Society

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 15.

News

Hinds better off for the experience

THIS COUNTRY’S REPRESENTATIVE in the finals of the 10th Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC Americas) and the Eco-Challenge 2015 held in Panama City recently, Cenus Hinds of Konversi, says while he did not emerge a winner, the experience was one of the best he’s had thus far as a young entrepreneur.

Hinds, whose mobile marketing business app connects businesss with their customers and potential customers, was among 32 teams from 17 countries selected as finalists in the TIC Americas finals, April 6-9.

Some 2,734 teams from OAS Member States participated in the competition, which is organised by the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) in cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS).

An elated Hinds says the experience has opened new opportunities for his business to grow.

“I’ve met the President and Vice President of Panama. I’ve met the Vice President of the World Bank, all of whom I now have contact information for. I’ve been able to network with some great minds and get advice from them all. I didn’t emerge the winner of the cash prize in my category, but I did emerge the winner on

so many other notes,” he said with an air of assurance.

Hinds says he has been in contact with the Panamanian business development sector for a possible Panama launch of Konservi, which was founded in 2014, with investment made by LIME (SVG) for the development of the mobile application.

“I [now] need to put some more development into this and do a relaunch of it in SVG, hopefully with the help of CARCIP St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which would then lead to launches in neighbouring Caribbean countries,” he explained.

Hinds is grateful to his sponsors and supporters, saying “I can’t thank LIME SVG, Mr. Leslie Jack, GECCU — Mr. Lennox Bowman and the CED enough. They’ve been there from the start of this competition, and have given immeasurable support.”

The Caribbean winners in TIC Americas 2015 are Dale Trotman from Barbados and Jermaine Henry from Jamaica.

The other countries in the finals are Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Columbia,

Fuel Surcharge increases CUSTOMERS of St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited will see a Fuel Surcharge Rate of 34.47 cents applicable on electricity bills for the month of April.

This rate represents an increase from last month’s figure which was 28.63 cents per unit.

According to a release form VINLEC, this country’s lone power electricity provider, the increase comes as a result of fuel cost, fuel consumption and electricity sales.

During the month of March, the cost of diesel used for the generation of electricity amounted to 3.5 million dollars when compared to a cost of 3.1 million dollars in February, while there was a slight decrease in sales. In addition, output from the Company’s Hydro Plants remains low.

VINLEC said that it “continues to work to improve the efficiency of its operations to ensure customers receive valuable and reliable service,” even as it encourages customers to continue energy conservation, as this practice will help to reduce consumption.

Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Bucaramanga, Cali, Medellin, and Columbia.

Cenus Hinds of Konversi presenting to Jorge Familiar C. - Regional Vice President of the World Bank and Valarie Lorena, Executive Director of the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) at the TIC Americas Finals in Panama City.

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16. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Workshop Trainer St. Clair Stapleton (left) and Coordinator Roxanne Browne.

Catilda James, FC/NDF, reminded the trainees that businesses were better managed with trained personnel.

Some of the entrepreneurs and managers of small business get down to the first session of training.

Quickbooks training for small business owners dŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ƚǁŽ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĂƚ ĞůĞĐƚŽƌĂů ǀŝĐƚŽƌLJ ŝŶ ǁŚŝĐŚ EŝĐŽůĂƐ DĂĚƵƌŽ ǁĂƐ ĞůĞĐƚĞĚ ŽŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶĂů WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽůŝǀĂƌŝĂŶ ZĞƉƵďůŝĐ ŽĨ sĞŶĞnjƵĞůĂ͕ ĐŽŶƟŶƵŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĞŐĂĐLJ ŽĨ ŽŵŵĂŶĚĞƌ ,ƵŐŽ ŚĄǀĞnj͕ ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐĂů ůĞĂĚĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽůŝǀĂƌŝĂŶ ZĞǀŽůƵƟŽŶ͕ ǁĂƐ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞĚ ŽŶ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ Ɖƌŝů ϭϰƚŚ ϮϬϭϱ͘ dŚĂƚ ĚĂLJ ƚŚĞ sĞŶĞnjƵĞůĂŶ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁĞŶƚ ŵĂƐƐŝǀĞůLJ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞĞƚƐ ƚŽ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƚŽ ǀŽƚĞ͕ ŐŝǀŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǀŝĐƚŽƌLJ ƚŽ EŝĐŽůĄƐ DĂĚƵƌŽ ǁŝƚŚ ϳ͕ϱϳϱ͕ϱϬϲ ǀŽƚĞƐ͘

/ƚ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ƚǁŽ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ĐŽŶƐƚĂŶƚ ďĂƩůĞ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĚŝĂ ǁĂƌƐ͕ ƐĂďŽƚĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌĨĞƌŝŶŐ ƐĂŶĐƟŽŶƐ͕ ďƵƚ sĞŶĞnjƵĞůĂ ŝƐ ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶƚ ŝŶ ŚĂǀĞnjΖƐ ƐŽŶ͕ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ DĂĚƵƌŽ ƚŚĞ WĞŽƉůĞ ƌƵůĞ͘

LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS and managers of small businesses are now more capable of using Quickbooks, following the completion of a four-day training workshop, which concluded yesterday.

The training workshop was facilitated by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the National Development Foundation (NDF) .

The goal of the workshop was to ensure that micro, small and medium businesses were better equipped with the skills necessary to effectively manage their day to day business matters.

Catilda James, Financial Comptroller and Training Officer at NDF, said that it was not the sensible thing to operate a business without having someone trained, and that businesses were better managed with trained personnel.

A better managed business meant that the loans would be re-paid.

“So we have to make sure that you are well rounded,” James said.

She added that the organisation that she represented emphasized manager-owned businesses.

“You need to know about your business, so you can know when something is going wrong,” she said.

The training programme is offered to owners and managers of small businesses, not to those who were already trained and already making it, but rather those small businesses and individuals that need to be trained, James continued.

And participants are trained in the use of ‘Quickbooks’ which, according to the trainer of the four-day workshop, St Clair Stapleton, is the number one accounting software available to small businesses.

Roxanne Browne, NDF Administration Officer, co-ordinated the Workshop. (DDD)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 17.

Pharmacy Feature

Pharmacy and the functions of pharmacists ITH THE DEVELOPMENT of specific and potent synthetic drugs, the emphasis of the pharmacist’s responsibility has moved substantially towards the utilization of scientific knowledge in the proper use of modern medicines, and the protection of the public against dangers that are inherent in their use.

Pharmacists are employed in regulatory control and drug management, community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, academic activities, training of other health workers, and research.

In all these fields, their aim is to ensure optimum drug therapy, both by contributing to the preparation, supply and control of medicines and associated products, and by providing information and advice to those who prescribe or use pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacists, in short, are

W

medication experts, who use their detailed knowledge of medicines to help patients get well.

Their duties include dispensing medications, assuring the safety and appropriateness of the prescribed therapy, monitoring patient health and progress, partnering with consumers and patients to provide education and advice on the use of medications.

They also collaborate with physicians, nurses and other health care team members to provide expertise on drug decisions and improve patient outcomes, providing knowledge about the composition of drugs and safeguarding drug purity and strength.

Like all other professionals, pharmacists work to legal and ethical guidelines, to ensure the correct and safe supply of medical products to the general public.

The pharmacist takes great care to ensure that the patient understands how he/she should take the medication prescribed.

Pharmacists also conduct glucose level and blood pressure tests among others.

Pharmacists also sell over-thecounter medical products and instruct patients on the use of medicines and medical appliances.

Some pharmacists will also offer specialist health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring and diabetes screening, run stop smoking clinics and weight reduction programmes.

Given the dynamic nature of the medication/drugs industry, pharmacists pay great attention to

Pharmacies also sell over-thecounter, and their sale is accompanied by instructions on their use. keeping up to date with current pharmacy practices, new drugs and their uses.

Persons pursue intensive studies and training in pharmacy before they become certified to dispense medication.

MARPES PHARMACY is committed to providing health care and pharmaceutical products .

We offer:

Wide range of prescribed drugs by Medical Practitioner

Various types of “Over the counter Health Care Products”

We are here for you and your health.

Location: Next to Dr. Junior Ackie’s Clinic Variety Medical Center in Arnos Vale.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday- 8:00am-7:30pm Fridays: 8:00am-5:00pm Sundays: 9:00am-12:00 noon For more information: Telephone: 458-4127/457-7093 Cell: 454-7655 Email: marpespharmacy2012@gmail.com

Just Call or visit our Pharmacy.

18. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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ARETHA THOMAS (RPh) Manager/Pharmacist P.O. Box 2141, Halifax Street,Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: 784-451-2690 Mobile: 784-493-9695 Fax: 784-451-2776 Website: www.qcarepharmacy.com

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Double standards in Church man to use them, would wake up, wise up and keep a closer eye on their women. I cannot talk to anyone else about this, which is why I’m writing to you.

also be applied to a be demonstrated by and church. expected from those who That said, it is your are in leadership I AM TIRED of the duty to speak up when positions. It is also a hypocrisy that exists in certain double standards good idea to keep your my church. I am being and hypocrisy are wits about you wherever told not to have sex; that practised. To sit quietly you may worship, and having sex out of and say nothing, is to not be a blind follower. marriage is wrong; and condone such practices.

You should have no that I have to be married Let Down The decision you made to problem following after if I feel the need to have Dear Let Down, leave that church must your church leaders, so sex. not affect your long as they are following I am being told these Try as you may, you attendance elsewhere. after God. things, while the leader will never find There has to be a higher is having sex left, right George and centre, with many of perfection, and that could level of trust that must the women in the church. It is deplorable!

This man is so smooth that he has all the women under his spell, and they cannot see it.

Right now, one of them is for that, and will marry me just to get Dear George, pregnant for him. I his hands on that money. know it because she told George, I am in so much shock that I RECEIVED a letter from me, and she is married.

I have not even told him that I have my fiancé declaring his hatred for the I stopped going to relationship that we are presently in. You this information. What can he tell me church, because I could if I disclose what I have found out see, George, this letter was obviously not stand listening to about him and this girl? Should I just intended for one of his many women this man, who is so deep give him a chance to come clean and whom he has always denied having.

He in his hypocrite way of start afresh, or should I just get him actually wrote my name in this letter I’m living. There is a out of my life for good? telling you about.

He wrote about how rumour about that he his sex life with me is “totally boring,” has the AIDS, but that I Unsure and how he is just hanging on with me am not sure about. until he gets what he wants from me.

I have since left that Dear Unsure, The whole thing is, my father church, and I hope that promised me eighty thousand dollars the men who have This information that you are now as a wedding gift. He blatantly told relationships with privy to about your fiancé’s extrathis girl that he was waiting around women who allow this curricular activities, should not be taken lightly. You need to confront him and let him know that, because of what he has written, it would be extremely difficult for you to trust him the way you did before.

You are in the advantageous position of knowing that your husband to be is not what he professes to be, and the brightness of your future depends on how you use that information.

One word to the wise is enough, and in your case, you have an entire letter!

Dear George

Tell him off!!

George

Tell her the truth Dear George, MY COUSIN always boasted to me about having the best boyfriend in the world, and would go into details to me about their bedroom life, etc. I finally got her to show me a picture of the man she was bragging about and, to my surprise, it was the same man I had to leave out because of the number of STDs he gave to me.

My cousin never knew of our connection, and now I am afraid he would give her the same STDs he gave me. To date, I have not tested positive for HIV, but I do not think I am out of the woods yet, as I have one more test to do just to make sure I am home free.

Should I tell her what I know about this man? I do not want to burst her bubble, but she is my closest cousin, and we get along really well. I do not want anything bad to happen to her.

Cuz Dear Cuz, If your relationship between you and your cousin is as close as you say it is, then you should have no problem talking to her honestly about this individual, who she thinks is squeaky clean. To withhold this information from your cousin may not be the best thing.

Let her know a bit of the history of your ‘ex’, so she can decide what to do with the information. Of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things, and I am assuming that you will find the best way to gently update her, while letting her know that you are only doing so in her best interest.

The lesson here is that it is always a good thing to properly research the person you are with or with whom you want to make a life. This will allow you to make informed decisions.

Good luck!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be cautious when dealing with foreigners. Don't hesitate to voice your ideas and opinions. You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating. Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Look into projects that you feel would con tribute something to your appearance. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you. Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident this week.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Uncertainties regarding relatives will make situations uncomfortable if you attend a family function. Nothing can be resolved if you don't want to talk about it. Friends and relatives can give you good advice. You should regain some of your self-esteem if you get involved in organizational functions.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will be looking for creative ways to make a little extra cash. Try to avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. Avoid any hassles.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances. New hair, new outfit, new you. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Risks will not be profitable.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident.

You're in need of love. Use your creative flair.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Enjoy some socializing this week. Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. Let your lover know what your personal intentions are. Don't forget that you've only heard one side of the story.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Stop telling others about your problems.

Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents.

Direct your energy into physical exertion.

Residential moves will be favorable.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't bend to the pressure. You will find that money could slip through your fingers. You can ask for favors but don't take them for granted. Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You must take care of health problems that have been lingering. You can come up with future trends in creative fields.

There's a good chance that they won't come back. Your knowledge and good sense will help more than you think.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try to understand both sides of the issue before taking sides. Uncertainties are still prevailing. Join humanitarian groups and let your leadership ability take over.

Visit friends or relatives you rarely see.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Try to understand their point of view.

Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy. Daydreaming will be your downfall. People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you.

ACROSS

41. “__ Loser” (2 wds.)

1.He became 42. Untidy pres. on 1 conditions 1/22/63 46. Certain song 4. Mauna __ 49. Fishing 7. Agitate equipment 11. Onassis, 51. Antlered informally animal 12. Track star 52. Branch of Lewis the Armed 13. State Services emphatically (abbr.)

14. Dash 53. Watermelon 15. Page for viewskin points 54. Lincoln, for (hyph.) short 16. Ocean floors 55. Deep cut 17. Chums, in 56. To the bitter Chihuahua __ 12. Type of 19. Decline 57. Uncooked apartment 21. Orangutan, (hyph.) e.g.

DOWN 18. Boldness 22. Easily fooled 20. Hammering 25. List shortener 1.Volcanic fluid sound (2 wds.)

2. Fedora’s edge 23. Cutlet meat 28. Modern bank 3. Hendrix of 24. Therefore, teller (abbr.) music to 29. Do the wrong 4. __ in Caesar thing judgment 25. Curvy letter 31. Motown’s 5. Metallic rock 26. Beep genre 6. Pasta 27. Car 32. “So long!” specification 28. “Yes” vote 33. Pet bird’s (2 wds.)

30. No longer home 7. Synagogue working 34. Tippler leader (abbr.)

35. __ detector 8. “__ got it!”

32. Weird 36. Conspire 9. Held first 33.Accountants’ 37. Yellow gem place initials 39. “I __ Rock” 10. Hesitation 35. Run away (2 wds.) sounds quickly

38. Sales __ 39. Correct 40. Canasta term 43. Cook quickly 44. Napoleon’s isle 45. Distort from a true

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 21

value 46. Burrowed 47. Made in the __ 48. Dorothy’s aunt and others 50. Munich “one”

V Rainbow Radio League Inc. celebrates 20 22. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

“TWENTY YEARS of meaningful accomplishments in the area of emergency communications and mass casualty management is no mean achievement.”

So said Master of Ceremonies Floyd Dowden of Grenada, as he addressed an audience comprising sponsors, supporters, Rainbow Radio League (RRL) members and invited guests, during an awards dinner held on Mayreau, Saturday, April 04, 2015.

The awards ceremony was held to recognize those agencies and persons who contributed to the work of the RRL over the last two decades, and to say thanks, in a tangible way, to sponsors.

The Guests of Honour at this event included Ms. Elna Michael- J88NEK from Fancy, local businessman Omroy OT Mayers, Sylvester Tannis — J88DT and Floyd Dowden — J39JX and Grenadian team leader.

These persons, other contributors and sponsors were presented with specially minted gold and platinum medals for outstanding service to the RRL. Director and founder of the RRL, Donald De Riggs, during his brief report

said, inter alia, “…At 20 years we need to pause, to reflect on the journey thus far, thanking those who contributed to our success by giving our sponsors and members a token of appreciation. We prefer to give ‘roses’ when their beauty and fragrance can be enjoyed by the recipients.”

The awards dinner, held at the Combination Café, featured a menu of mainly sea food, including the dessert.

The programme also included a video which focused on the work accomplished by the RRL, and culminated with a cultural performance by RRL dancers.

The highlight of the evening was a Chinese auction for a gallon of sea moss flavoured ice cream. The highest bidder was OT Mayers.

On Easter Sunday, April 5, the Grenadian and Vincentian radio operators who had come for the awards ceremony, attended a service at a packed Mayreau RC church and, later that day, journeyed to the Tobago Cays for a day of relaxation.

Several families on Mayreau provided the visitors with fresh fish, and assisted

RRL Members, sponsors and other contributors at the 20th Anniversary ceremony in Mayreau.

Left: John Crichton, Managing Director of Right Stuff, was among those recognized for their contribution to the RRL over the last 20 years.

with the preparation of meals. Among those extending their generosity were Versil Ollivierre, Curtis St. Hillaire and wife, Patrick Forde and Combination Café (Zannie Adams).

Gratitude was also expressed to Evelyn Forde and John Forde for the use of facilities under their purview, and captains Owen Isaacs, Patrick Forde and Vennor Ollivierre for transporting the visitors safely to and from the Tobago Cays.

A number of business entities and individuals contributed to making the Anniversary celebration a success.

These included The Grenada Coop Bank, Mustique Airways, Right Stuff, Gibson Building Supplies, Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, OT Mayers, Dr. Chic Stephens, NEMO, CKG, SVG Port Authority, the MV Barracouda, MV Gem Star, Jaden Sun Fast Ferry, Sean Patterson-J88CU and Anselm, Michael and Marijke De Riggs.

Meanwhile, the RRL will host an activity to mark World Amateur Radio Day, Saturday 18th April.

ALONG THE JOURNEY of implementation of the St. Vincent Grammar School Young Leaders’ 2015 project, there were many accomplishments.

These included: A successful Bake Sale under the Singer Gallery; over 20 radio interviews to speak on various aspects of the project such as the song, music video and symposium; a television interview hosted by IK TV; the visitation of 13 Primary Schools in one day to speak to the grade 5 and 6 students to educate them on digital citizenship and the varying ways in which they may be good digital citizens; Community Visits to Upper Cane Hall, Georgetown, Barrouallie and Bequia; the “Ultimate Arcade Day”; a visit to Mount Coke Methodist Church’s youth group to discuss the topic of social media; a National Symposium; this weekly edition of “Tec Talk” in the newspapers as well as the Visual “Tec Talk” videos on our YouTube page

RRL Director Don de Riggs told THE VINCENTIAN, that the League will host a Radio Exhibition on that day, at Rawacou.

A range of radios will be on display, and operators will be on hand to demonstrate their use. All are invited.

Report submitted by Donald De Riggs

Captain Jeffery King (right), owner and captain of the MV Barracouda, receives his token of appreciation from RRL Junior member Julian Peterson.

(svgsyl2015); the production of our song and music video; a Poetry Competition within our school; the upgrading of our school’s Biology laboratory; the building and launching of our app.; and partnership with the Inter School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) group at our school.

In this, the final ‘Tec Talk’, the St.Vincent Grammar Schools Young Leaders of 2015 extend thanks to each and everyone and every business place and entity, who supported us throughout the project and kept abreast of our activities.

It has been our pleasure to have positively impacted this nation.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 23.

Arts/Culture

Mas bands in Vincy Mas Launch THE VINCENTIAN can now confirm, after being duly informed by Hugh Ragguette, Chairman of the Carnival Bands Association (CBA), that mas bands will make presentations at the May 2 launch of Vincy Mas 2015.

A CDC release which informed last week’s article, ‘New Song Competition for Vincy Mas Launch’, made no mention of mas bands’ participation in the launch, and it was concluded that the absence of mas band presentations from last year’s launch would have continued into 2015.

However, on Tuesday of this week, Ragguette told THE VINCENTIAN that twelve mas bands will make presentations at this year’s launch, scheduled for the Victoria Park, a change of

venue from the Solidarity Car Park.

According to Ragguette, ten mas band will present sections from their 2015 portrayals, and two will present individual masqueraders. The Dragons Cultural Organization will not be presenting.

The CBA has fourteen registered members. Thirteen have confirmed their participation in Vincy Mas 2015. Mirage Production will not be presenting a band this year.

The 2015 participants and their portrayals are as follows: Blondie Bird and Friends — Illusions: Never See, Come See; SVG Players

LYNX Mas band is back AFTER A HIATUS of two years — 2013 and 2014 — LYNX Mas Band will return to competition in Vincy Mas 2015.

According to band leader Cornelius Thomas, who also founded the band in 2005, he and the members of the band gave into the many calls from those who would have played with them, for the band’s return to Vincy Mas. “We are back, and we will be doing it like ah ‘Boss’,” Thomas said, ‘The Fog’ is expected taking a lead from to be LYNX’s entry in Montano’s monster hit of the Section of the Year 2015, ‘Like ah Boss’. competition.

Thomas said it was the right time for the band to make its reentry, and (that) it was apt to depict songs from Machel Montano, the world’s most acclaimed soca recording and performing artiste.

The 2015 presentation, ‘Songs of Machel Montano’ comprises six sections, namely, ‘The Fog’ (2013), ‘Remedy’ (2015), ‘Ministry of Road’ (2014), ‘Pump Yuh Flag’ (2013), ‘Erupt’ – another of the ‘Water Flowing’ sections.

(2000), and ‘Erupt’ (2015).

“With the band now returning, I am not sure about getting sponsorship, that is why we are only doing six sections,” Thomas explained.

All designs for the band are the work of ace mas designer, Oswald ‘Ossie’ Constance.

Thomas assures that, despite the years of absence, patrons and enthusiasts in general can expect the “usual high level of artistic output and neat finish,” for which LYNX is renowned.

“Come the night section, we are going to ‘Fog’ up the place,” Thomas projected.

LYNX’s mas tent is located at the back of the G & T Enterprise Supermarket in the old Roxy Bakery, at Sion Hill.

International — Masquerade; Nelson Bloc — Soccer : The Game of the People; High Voltage Mas Productions — Candy World; Dragons Cultural Organization — Jubilee; Owen Ralph and the Professionals — Carnival Fete; Melbourne Artisans — Masorama, 45; Ahdrenalin Mas — An Eastern Travelogue; Xtreme Fanatics — We Got The Blues; Tribes Mas Band — An Expression of Colours; Imagination Mas Camp — Love Story; Beautex International — We Heritage; and Lynx Mas Band Organization — Songs of Machel Montano.

Patrons to the launch of Vincy Mas 2015 can expect to see previews of this year’s mas band presentations. (Photo: Oris Robinson)

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24. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts/Culture

Look out for the ÂSugar PanÊ Sir D describes the song as a jumpy, AFTER AN ABSENCE of 21 commentary about the years from the calypso sexual abuse of women, a arena, veteran calypsonian topic which he views as Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers is being relevant to the back. And one of his three times. calypsos for Vincy Mas Composed by ‘Sir D’, 2015, ‘Sugar Pan’, has and recorded by JR already been recorded.

Music Studio, owned by

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Sir D performing his ‘Woman Gone, Woman Dey’ in the SVG 1992 National Calypso Monarch Competition.

producer/arranger Junior Sutherland, the song is yet to hit the airwaves.

But ‘Sir D’ anticipates that it would be widely appreciated, both lyrically and musically.

“As a composer, I had a lot of time to build the song, and I have a great

belief that it will take off,” he told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday.

His other numbers for the season are ‘Backfiring’, dealing with the malfunctioning of old vehicles, and ‘Marijuana’, highlighting the positive aspect of that narcotic.

Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers in back in the calypso arena, and promises to pick up where he left off, at the top.

not be part of that trend.

His ‘Sugar Pan’ Sir D, at 71 years old, portrays men in a different light, and those is expected to return to the stage as a member of bent on sexually abusing women are warned in the On Tour Calypso one line of the chorus Tent. that, “The sugar pan is In addition to what for she husband”. might happen as far as Sir D’s last the Calypso Monarch performance was in 1994 Competition is with the Old Brigades concerned, the veteran Calypso Tent, now has his eyes set on the defunct. He admitted Soca Monarch that he lost interest in Competition. singing calypso because “I don’t think I have of what he described as lost anything. If I lost “unfair practices,” in the anything, it is very calypso competition, but little,” he said.

And he is warning his declined to comment further on that. colleagues in the art And although he form to do their intends to compete at the homework, declaring, “I national level again this have very serious year, his main concern is material.” getting the message Sir D is of the view that his return would be across. a source of inspiration to Avoiding controversy the younger calypsonians.

Sir D created Asked what prompted headlines as recent as his decision to return to July 2014, when he the arena, ‘Sir D’ complained to THE explained that, apart VINCENTIAN that from the fact that his popular local artiste fans have always been encouraging him to come Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles back, he wanted to send had recorded his ‘Woman Gone, Woman Dey’, a message to men who without his permission. were sexually abusing The story headlined women, hence the song ‘Woman Gone, Woman ‘Sugar Pan’.

Dey Bacchanal’ was carried on the back page Making an impact of THE VINCENTIAN, July 18, 2014.

Sir D landed on the A prolonged public calypso scene in 1984, spat was avoided, and made it to the primarily because of the National Calypso finals intervention of in 1992, as a member of distinguished Vincentian the Graduates Calypso musician/arranger and Tent, with the song, Lcoal Copyright ‘Woman Gone, Woman proponent Joffre Venner.

Dey’.

Sir De has since There was no place for him among the top three, become a member of the Eastern Caribbean but the song was Collective Organization undoubtedly one of the most popular calypsos for Music Rights (ECCO), that year. and the song has been The lyrics reflected a registered. period when some men Aware now that he here were consuming can collect royalties from poisonous substances the air play of that song, after their intimate regardless of who sings relationships with it, Sir D intends to women had gone sour. register all his songs for ‘Sir D’ made it clear in Vincy Mas 2015. the song, that he would

Ready in 2015

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 25.

Community

A number of persons availed themselves of the free tests (Sylvia Harry is pictured extreme right).

St James Medical School giving back we are simply administering SYLVIA HARRY said that her blood sugar tests and for level tested normal, this after she had a them to go back first ever screening at last Saturday’s to their doctor,” Health Fair, hosted by the faculty and Dr Crasta said. students at the St James Medical School “I mean, at Arnos Vale. some people Harry told THE VINCENTIAN that won’t know if she was about to have some other they have screenings done, including one which hypertension, tests for signs of hypertension — a but this will common ailment among Vincentians. give them the So too, Everton Cojoe said that the chance to go to results returned that he was alright. a doctor; it’s an “I get a check-up every year, but eye-opener,” he Dr. Maxim Crasta, Dean of St. James this was an opportunity to have it said. done free,” Cojoe said.

It is the first Medical School says that his institution The screenings were administered in a series of has received free of cost to members of the public, activities, tremendous support and included blood glucose, lung Crasta said, from the Vincentian spirometry, body fat percentage, that the school community. vision, urine analysis, haemoglobin, has planned. blood pressure and hearing.

“We have a lot of plans, first to A number of local doctors were also train our students, but to also make on site, including Dr Rosmond Adams sure we reach out to the community,” and Dr Arthur Cyrus. he said.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

‘Brilliant Idea’ Harry and Cojoe were in agreement that the idea of staging the event was a good one.

“It’s good because we don’t have opportunities like this on a regular basis,” Harry said.

And Cojoe added that keeping track of one’s health was an expensive process, so to be able to have a medical check done for free, was “a brilliant idea.”

And this was exactly the reasoning behind the event.

According to Dr Maxim Crasta, Dean of the St James Medical School, St Vincent Campus, the school has been supported tremendously in the one year it has been operating here.

The Health Fair was one way to continue to strengthen relations between the school and the Vincentian community.

“We are not diagnosing anything,

Student President pleased Farah Joseph, Student Government Association President, said that she was pleased with the response.

“I have been speaking to a lot of people coming in and asking them if they are learning anything and if they will come back, and I am getting a good response,” Joseph said.

She explained that the students administering the screening were upper year students, and that they were well prepared to conduct these types of screening.

She emphasised that last Saturday’s activities did not include diagnosis, as the students were not yet practising physicians.

If anything looked irregular, they advised the individual to have the condition checked by a physician.

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 27.

Vincentians boss OECS Squash tournament Kai Bentick added two titles the Boys Under-15 and Under17. He got the better of fellow Vincentian, Rashid Constance, 11-8, 9-4, 14-12, in the finals of the Under -15, and in another all Vincentian affair, overpowered Mikal Quashie 116, 11-2, 11-0 in the championship match for the Boys Under 11.

Like Bentick, Thandi Myers copped two titles - the Girls Under-17 and Under-19.

Myers stopped Kerstin Gordon of the BVI 11-8, 9-4, 14-12 in the Under 17 category, and outlasted her elder sister, Deirai, 11-3, 118, 11-9, in the Under-19 showdown.

Also winning two titles was Giovanna MillerAlexander who captured the Girls Under-13 and Under-15.

Miller Alexander brushed aside L-R: Jlan Mc Master- Boys Under-11 her teammate winner and seven-year-old Malachi Loushanna Mc Master who was adjudged the Most Peters, 11-1, 11Outstanding Player of the tournament.

3, 11-2 in the

WITH ONLY THE BRITISH VIRGIN Islands to contend with, perennial winners, St Vincent and the Grenadines, won all but two titles in the National Lotteries Authority OECS Junior Squash Tournament, which concluded last Saturday at the National Squash Center in Paul’s Avenue.

Among the title holders was Jlan Mc Master, who defeated his young brother, Malcahi, 116, 12-10, 11-5, in the Boys Under 11 final.

Under-13, and ousted Jada Ross, 3-11, 11-6, 11-8, in the Under-15 final.

Jason Doyle won the Boys Under-19, beating another Vincentian, Omari Wilson, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4.

The other two titles were grasped by the BVI, as Luca Reich won the Boys Under -13 and Darci Reich- the girls’ Under-11.

Luca had to come from behind to beat Jlan Mc Master 7-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-3.

The same was the case for Darci , who beat Briana Findlay, also of the BVI, 11-4, 811, 11-9, 11-13, 11-8, as they took the final to the distance.

Miler- Alexander won the Most Improved Female Player Award, while Mikal Quashie, also of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Most Improved Male. He also collected the Male Sportsmanship Award.

BVI’s Darci Reich won the Female Sportsmanship Award and Malachi Mc Master the coveted award as the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

A 15-member training squad was selected from among the participants, in preparation for final selection of an OECS team for competition in the Caribbean Area Squash Championships in Barbados, July 16 to 27, 2015.

Double titles winners (from left) Giovanna Miller – Alexander, Kai Bentick, Thandi Myers.

Right: Jason Doyle, Under19 boys’ singles winner, gets his trophy from Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Hon. Ces Mc Kie.

SVG takes historical WIFA women’s title on to be the competition’s leading goalscorer and the MVP. THE JOURNEY FOR But the lack of serious WOMEN’S football in St. opportunities for women’s Vincent and the football players saw King, Grenadines began one a schoolteacher who hails Saturday afternoon in from the Murray Village 1996 at the Sion Hill area, eventually Playing Field, when the migrating.

Sion Hill Football After a period of stops Committee included a and starts, an injection of female component as part monies as well as the time of its League programme and the work of some that year. committed individuals, On that day, a slimly gave birth to a renewed built lady by the name of effort to build on the Ava King climbed onto the virgin territory visited by throne of women’s football, the Sion Hill League by scoring the first goal in almost twenty years ago. front of a large crowd on The SVG senior that rainy afternoon. She women’s team over the went on to hit a Hattrick recent past took toddlers’ in a blistering display of steps forward, competed in pace, complemented by a number of lethal finishing and a FIFA/CONCACAF/CFU ravenous appetite for competitions with limited goals. success. However, on King, as expected, went Saturday night, April 11,

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

2015, the ‘Lady Heat’, as the national female football team is known, became the first winners of the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA)- Women’s Football Tournament, when they beat Grenada 1-0, in front of a near full house of partisan soccer lovers, at Victoria Park.

The winning goal came from the boot of substitute Darrie-Ann Duncan in the 74th minute, and sent the noise level up several decibels, this perhaps having something to do with the screams of the many feamles in the crowd.

The Vincentians ended the tournament with seven points, after enjoying 1-0 victories over both Grenada and Dominica, and drawing 22 with St. Lucia.

Dominica placed second with four points. Grenada and St. Lucia ended on two points each, but the Spice Girls took the third place on goal difference.

Coach of the ‘Lady Heat’, Andrew Bramble, said he was always confident of the team doing well, since they had done good fitness work, onfield drills and strategy planning in the lead up to the tournament.

“We did a lot of work, and we also played against the U17 and they were beating us 1-2 or 2-3 most of the times, and since we were scoring on them and battling them for all of ninety minutes, I felt good coming into the tournament,” Bramble said.

Bramble, while accepting commendations for his role as coach, was

Below: SVG’s ‘Lady Heat winners of the inaugural WIFA Women’s Football Tournament.

quick to point out the role of every member of the management team and coaching staff, who made personal sacrifice in ensuring the team’s success.

SVG’s Akira Samuel was named the

tournament’s MVP and Best Defender, while her compatriot, Anesta Richards, who saved the ‘Lady Heat’ on a few occasions, was named the best goalkeeper.

SVG was adjudged the Most Disciplined Team.

V

28. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Saints continue championship march

by E GLENFORD PRESCOTT GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS continued their quest for their first Premier Division trophy when they humbled former champions, Victors ONE, by ten wickets at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field last weekend, to record their second successive win.

SCORES: Victors ONE 193 &107, Guardian General Saints 264 & 38/0.

Batting first on a slow pitch in overcast conditions, Victors ONE struggled all the way and were indebted to their lower order and opener Norlan Williams (58), for getting close to their eventual 187, after finding themselves 126/8.

Williams, batting at number one, smashed seven sixes and

one four off the 32 balls he faced, and landed as many of his balls on the other side of the airport perimeter fence.

Miles Bascombe hit 37 at the head of the innings and looked in dominant form, but suffered the ignominy of being out ‘hit wicket’.

Shaquille Browne got 35, as left-arm spinner Rolando Wright, 4/57, and Ray Charles, 3/18, shared the bulk of the wickets.

Guardian General Saints, who ended the first day on 12/0, were dismissed on Day Ray Charles, 3/18, helped to restrict Victors One in their first innings.

Two for 264 in 60 overs, with Sunil Ambris falling four youngest player to score a mark. He struck eight fours, Romel Currency, 3/9, proved short of a century, and Jeron premier division century at 15 one six and had a five as well. their undoing. Set 36 for John continuing his good form years, fell for 96 when he was Williams ended with 4/121 victory, Guardian General with 63. caught seeking to find the to be Victors ONE most Saints easily chased that Ambris, who remains the boundary to bring up his land- successful bowler. target in 3.1 overs for no Victors ONE, wicket. already under the Guardian General Saints pressure of a deficit defeated newly-promoted of 71, appearing Triumph United Cricket Club unfocussed, showed by 43 runs in their opening little fight and were match at the Sion Hill Playing dismissed for 107.

Lauron Francois’ 41 Field, two weeks ago, while Victors One lost on first was the topscorer innings to Police TWO, at the as Wright, 5/43, Stubbs Playing Field. and off spinner

Lauron Francois’ 41was the top scorer in Victor One’s second innings total of 107.

Radcliffe spinners choke ASCO batsmen Cricket World Cup, the wicket, which received the plaudits of West Indies champion openers, LIME Radcliffe, behind their clinical spin attack Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, and the batting of among others, for its true captain Lindon James, bounce, is now a cause crushed Carl Glasgow Law Chambers ASCO by for concern.

While some batsmen an innings and 57 runs have been able to score at the Sion Hill Playing runs on the strip, they Field, in a weekend have not done so with match of the Premier Division of the National the same degree of regularity of five-wicket cricket Competition.

SCORES: Carl Joseph hauls by spinners.

And last weekend was Law Chambers ASCO 58 no different, as LIME & 69, LIME Radcliffe Radcliffe spinners, 183. including Barbadian The Sion Hill pitch Jomel Warrican, were in continued to be the near unstoppable form. platform of mediocre They were able to grab totals and a wicket feast 17 of the 20 ASCO for the spinners. wickets for less than 100 Reworked by the Local runs.

Organising Committee Inserted after losing (LOC) during the toss, ASCO were shot preparations for the 2007 out in 27.5 overs for 58,

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

with Teran Barnum’s 22 being the best score. The wickets were shared by Dyke Cato, 7/22, and Warrican, 3/18.

LIME Radcliffe, led by 106 from James, reached 183. James struck five fours and two sixes, and got some support from the fast-improving Rodney Lawrence, 33, the pair adding 79 for the third wicket. Leftarm spinner Andre Hunte, 3/61, had the best returns for Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO. Facing a deficit of 127, ASCO showed little fight and were dismissed for 65, Deron Greaves getting 31 and Kenville Sam 23. Warrican, 5/27, Delorn Johnson, 2/14, and Dyke Cato, 2/21, shared the wickets.

And defending champions, Team Rivals,

Lindon James, Captain of LIME Radcliffe, led from the front with a knock of 106. remain large and in charge after another comprehensive victory, their third, this time over News Spartans, by eight wickets at Arnos Vale TWO.SCORES: Team Rivals 145 & 58/2 News Spartans 48 (Orlanzo Jackson 6/6) and 157.

Ishallz, Belmont, Police One record wins ISHALLZ BYAM’S Physical Therapy, Robertson Surveying Belmont and Police One recorded victories, as action resumed in the NLA National First Division Cricket Competition on the weekend, following the Easter weekend break.

At Buccament, Ishallz Byam’s Physical Therapy beat Smashers by 98 runs.

Ishallz Byam’s Physical Therapy won the toss, batted and compiled 194 in 32 overs. Javid Harry top scored with 70 and Mikel Map hit 46. Bowling for Smashers, Javon Samuel took 3 for 32 and Courtney Joyette, 3 for 34. Smashers replied with 86 off 23.1 overs, . Ronald Scott top scoring with 18. Bowling for Ishallz Byam’s Physical Therapy, Donald Delpesche took 5 for 29 and Nicklas Alexander 3 for 32.

At Park Hill, Robertson Surveying Belmont defeated Radcliffe Two by 7 wickets. Robertson Surveying Belmont made 77 for 3, batting first.

Radcliffe Two replied with made 76.

Police One defeated Belfongo by 51 runs at the Stubbs playing field. Police One made 160 off 28.5 overs. Antonio Sutherland led with 46 and Kenroy Williams assisted with 27. Ian Bushay had 4 for 25, bowling for Belfongo, and was supported by Vernardo Primus, 3 for 66, and Travis Cumberbatch, 2 for 16. Belfongo fell woefully short of their target, closing on 109 off 27.5 overs. Joel Patterson top scored with 22.

Gareth Henry took 4 for 18, Vertil Davis 3 for 21 and Gerald Gould 2 for 8.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. 29.

Sports

Maloney pleased with her progress JUNIOR MIDDLE distance runner Shafiqua Maloney did not earn a medal for SVG in the just concluded Carifta Games, but she is pleased with her progress, since her relocation to St. Kitts.

According to the young lady, with whom THE VINCENTIAN spoke since her return home for a month’s break, “I got the opportunity to further my academics and improve on my athletics.”

As far as her academics is concerned, she disclosed that she was the top student in grade 3 and 4, and is “looking forward to maintain my standard up to grade 5.”

In terms of athletic, she said that she has “more quality time for training. My coach, Orlanzo Wilkinson, is a hard working person .

He discovered some injuries that I had, so that is what we were working on over the past year… getting me stronger ,” Maloney stressed.

Maloney admitted that there are more talented athletes in St Kitts, and hence the competition is greater than in St Vincent.

“Sometimes it (the competition) messes with the mind, but my coach always tells me it’s all in the mind, and knowing what you are capable of doing is actually the first step to going out there and executing it. So with the higher level of competition, I have to rise to the occasion and compete. Sometimes I get defeated, but that only motivates me to go back and train harder,” she said.

That situation, she said, is quite different from what obtained in SVG, and explained that “Even though there are some good athletes in SVG, sometimes I got discouraged because I felt that I wasn’t having enough competition. But in St Kitts, when I get defeated, I know I have to go back in training and get better.”

Keeping up with the competition

Performances in St. Kitts

Three for Caribbean Cadet TT Championships SAEED BOWMAN, Rondre John and Andre Mitchell have been selected to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Caribbean Cadet and Junior Table Tennis (L-R): Saeed Bowman, Rondre Championships John and Andre Mitchel will in the represent SVG at the Caribbean Dominican cadet and Junior Table tennis Republic.

Championships in the Dominican The republic.

Championships runs from 21st to 28th April 2015.

Bowman and Mitchell are students of the St. Vincent Grammar School, while John attends the J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School.

They are expected to focus on the Under 15 category, though, according to a SVG Table Tennis Association official, they are eligible to compete in the Under 18 category as well.

The three-member team will be accompanied

by Sean Stanley, in the capacity of coach, Rowland Bowman, as assistant coach, and Tyrone Jack, manager.

Maloney confirmed that she worked through her first year in St. Kitts, while still not fully recovered from the injuries her coach identified.

Competing in the 2014 Inter Schools Sports, while it didn’t all go as she expected, she returned a second place in the 800 metres, and also competed in the 400 metres and the 4x400 meters relay.

At her school’s sports, she was the Class Three Champion and Victrix Ludorum, after victories in the 400 and 800 metres, and the 4x100 and 4x400 metres relays.

At the 2015 Inter School Sports, she recorded a second place

motivation sessions.

“My expectation for the rest of the year is to work hard and get my hamstring better, and myself generally fitter for the World Youth Championships in Columbia, for which I hope to qualify for the 200 and 400 meters,” she said.

And not forgetting those who have helped her along the way, she said, “I am grateful for the assistance I have had from my SVG Michael ‘Mercy’ Ollivierre, coach Godfrey ‘Fuzzy’ Harry, While home my coach in St Kitts, Lanzo Wilkinson, my During her time back guardian and mentor in home, Maloney will be St. Kitts, Denise Dailey, doing work to strengthen and my parents. her hamstring and attending some I.B.A.ALLEN in the 800 metres and won the 400 meters in a record-breaking time.

Addressing her performance at the Carifta Games, Maloney confirmed that she pulled up in her heat for the 800 metres, having pulled a hamstring.

“I was strengthening it leading up to Carifta and it felt good up to the competition, but for some reason in the race, it wasn’t working as well as it should have, although I didn’t feel any pain,” she explained.

Shafiqua Maloney, middle distance athlete, is bent on making the best of her opportunity in St. Kitts.

Humphrey retains regional tennis title ALEXI HUMPHREY retained the girls’ Under-14 singles title of the BMobile ITF Regional Tennis Tournament, which concluded in Trinidad last Friday.

The young Vincentian, though, had to do so against her doubles partner, Anastacia White.

The all-Vincentian final saw Humphrey triumphing in convincing fashion, 6-1, 6-0.

On her way to the title match, Humphrey got the better of Victoria Koylass of Trinidad and Tobago , 6-1, 6-2, and in the semifinals, overcame Alesha Alleyne of Barbados , 6-3, 5-7, 6-0 .

White, on the other hand, was extended in her quarter final match against St. Lucian Meggan William, eventually winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-2. She ousted Ana Jamarmillo of Curacao 7-6, 1-6, 63, which set up her duel with

Humphrey.

When both Humphrey and White teamed up in the doubles, they registered a 6-4, 6-3 win over the Antiguan pair of Aayana Evanson and Shereese Henry, 6-4, 6-3, in the quarter finals.

Their now tired legs could not take them any further, and they were beaten by the Trini- Lucian Alexi Humphrey (left) and Anastacia White. combination of Jade Tom Yew and for the Vincentians, which Meggan William, 6-4, 3-6, 10-5, in included the doubles title of the the semi-finals.

Barbados leg of the ITF regional The Trinidad sojourn crowned circuit, played over the Easter off a two-week overseas stint for weekend.

SVG rowers complete training in El Salvador A FOUR-MEMBER team from the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Rowing Association returned home last week better equipped, this after attending an International Rowing Federation Training Camp in El Salvador.

The team, consisting of rowers Shaquille Branker, Kevin Gibson, Darron Shallow and coach Jason Gibson, attended the camp, March 27 — April 6, which attracted participation from across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Rowers were involved in technique classes, gym sessions and practical sessions on Lake Ilapango.

Coach Jason Gibson was trained in coaching techniques and assisting athletes to maximizing their potential.

On the final day, members of the team were involved in a Regatta which saw Kevin Gibson

in the winning circle, with his team capturing gold medals in the 500 metres double (2X) and 500 metres quad (4X) events.

Technical Director of the SVG Rowing Federation, Raffique Browne, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Members of The SVG Rowing Association athletes. delegation to the camp in El Salvador: (L-R) “Our athletes have Kevin Gibson, Darron Shallow, Shaquille now been exposed to Branker and coach Jason Gibson. international training and competition, and are ready to with support from Olympic take SVG to the next level in the Solidarity, the International Rowing Federation (FISA) and sport of rowing,” he noted, and recognized the importance of such Invest SVG. The SVG Rowing Association is training camps to the now planning for its first development of the sport here. international outing at 2015 SVG participation in the El Salvador camp was made possible Regattas in Toronto, Canada.

V Police Force gets laptops 30. FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE ROYAL ST VINCENT and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) received two laptop computers, courtesy Cell World and SVG Tyre Sales and Services Ltd, last week Thursday.

The new systems are expected to assist with the service delivery of the organisation.

“I am elated to know that the we realize that, for any business to business community in St.Vincent and operate smoothly, it requires an the Grenadines is working hand in hand with the police. I am happy when organizations can give back, as they are not giving to the police, but to the citizens,” said Commissioner of Police Michael Charles.

“This will go a long way in fighting crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he continued.

Mark Sassine, proprietor of ‘Cell World’, said, in his response, that he and his team understand that only in a peaceful environment will businesses be able to rollout strategies to facilitate growth.

“At Cell World, Mark Sassine (left) hands over laptop toCommissioner of Police Michael Charles.

environment of peace and security,” said Sassine.

V

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

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 17, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.16

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VERMONT, FRANCOIS BRIDGED The Vermont-Francois bridge took some seven years for completion.

at a cost of EC$1.6 million by Sea Operations SVG Ltd., a A BRIDGE to connect Vermont to locally owned and operated the community of Francois is general construction company, finally a reality. with funding from the Last Wednesday, April 15, Government and People of the was a day of joy for the Republic of China (Taiwan). residents of the South Brent Bailey, Chief Leeward communities, and Engineer in the Ministry of they turned out in numbers to Works, addressing the opening witness the opening of the ceremony, admitted to his bridge, greeting the symbolic opposition, as far back as cutting of the ribbon with 2008, to construction of the much chanting. bridge. He said he was The bridge was constructed ‘converted’ when then area

by KENVILLE HORNE

representative, Sir Louis Straker, convinced him, the representative taking him through the ordeal if a young child was killed while trying to cross the river.

Bailey alluded to the challenges of the project, pointing to the steep approach on the Francois side of the bridge as an engineering undertaking of immense proportions. Significant wing walls also had to be constructed to protect the

Residents of the communities, Natalie Mile (2nd from right) and Alfred Browne (3rd from right), assisted in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to declare the bridge open.

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

bridge abutment from the erosive effects of the river, as well as having to “put in several tour walls at the foot of the abutment.”

The Chief Engineer further admitted to the considerable length of time it took to realize the project, and cited the interruptions occasioned by four natural disasters and the limited resources within the Ministry of Works as contributing to the delays. He recognized the support of the Taiwan government in propelling the project.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Julian Francis reiterated that it took some seven years to complete, but also reminded that the bridge had been a talking point for many years before, dating back to the period when the St. Vincent Labour Party’s Grafton Isaacs (1970s/90s) was the area representative, and continuing into the period of representation by the New Democratic Party’s Jerry Scott (1980s/90s). The ULP government “delivered” the bridge after three years of construction work, he said.

Taiwan Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Baushuan Ger, congratulated the Government and People of SVG on the completion of the bridge. He said the bridge stands as a symbol of cooperation between both countries. Taiwan, he said,

Brent Bailey, Chief Engineer Ministry of Works, admitted that the project threw up many challenges and was affected by natural and other encumbrances. will continue to work with the government and people of SVG. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves expressed thanks to the Government and People of Taiwan for making the bridge a reality. He also recognized all those who worked on the project, and singled out Sir Louis Straker and ULP candidate for South Leeward, Jomo Thomas, for pushing to get the bridge completed.

Bridges have been constructed, and there are many more under construction, the Prime Minister boasted.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.