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FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.38

www.thevincentian.com

IS THE DPP WORKING ON ORDERS?

EC$1.50

The Office of Director of Public Prosecutions, currently held by Colin Williams (pictured) has found itself in a back and forth issue between the leaders of the two major political parties here.

give me trouble.

“He has gone further, and I COMMENTS MADE BY PRIME MINISTER understand yesterday or day before, Dr Ralph Gonsalves suggest that he that he is taking out a bet, my house instructs the Director of Public against his, that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on what to do.

Prosecutions will deal with me, and we The allegation was levelled against will not get anywhere with our the Prime Minister by Leader of the petitions,” Eustace told party Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, during supporters. last Saturday’s New Democratic “So here we have a Prime Minister, Party’s public meeting at Campden who is also Minster of Legal Affairs, Park. and he is encouraging illegality. …

Eustace was referring a comment Just imagine, he is the Minster of made by the Prime Minister following Legal Affairs and he is saying what his (Eustace) public announced decision the DPP will make. If I were intention to take legal action against the DPP, I would resign because he persons discovered to have registered telling me he can’t make any in constituencies in which they did not judgement without him …. everything reside. going back home to Papa to make a According to Eustace, he was decision,” Eustace continued. surprised at the attitude of the Prime “So what are you doing as DPP? Minister who, he claimed, said that his What you doing as DPP when the Director of Public Prosecutions will Prime Minster makes a statement that

by DAYLE DA SILVA

the DPP will deal with me?” the leader of the opposition questioned, adding, “What happens if the DPP makes a different decision and he feels some people on the list are wrong? He must follow Ralph? Or his conscience and the law?”

PM responds Prime Minister Gonsalves on Sunday night, during the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) public meeting at Redemption Sharpes, addressed the

issue, saying that he had spoken publicly on the matter, twice on Star FM, and during a television interview.

“I said I will bet my house at Gorse against Eustace’s house in which he lives at Ratho Mill, that neither he nor his lawyer in that week, or any other week, will be able to bring themselves any criminal charge in relation to anything regarding registration or transfer,” Gonsalves said.

Continued on Page 3.

Green Party vehicle vandalized A VEHICLE OWNED and operated by Leader of the SVG Green Party, Ivan O’Neal has been vandalized.

O’Neal told THE VINCENTIAN that the incident took place on September 9.

He related that an individual, or individuals, climbed over the fence of his property at Harmony Hall, and removed the battery, mirrors and tail lights – virtually disabling the vehicle.

“Not having a vehicle is a big knock for me,” he said.

And since the party does not qualify to receive duty free concession, the event has adversely affected the Green Party’s campaign, O’Neal said.

Police have since visited the scene, the Green Party Leader said, and investigations are on-going.

Ivan O’Neal points to the empty battery compartment of the vehicle that was vandalised, also showing signs of other damage.

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Distribution Manager Gershom Dick presenting token of appreciation to top re-seller.

Digicel recognizes top re-sellers A top Digicel re-seller displays her tokens of appreciation.

DIGICEL DISTRIBUTION Manager Gershom Dick, on August 21, 2015, took to the road on a special journey, with the sole mission of

recognizing and rewarding distributors across St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Gershom targeted the top 50 Top Up Re-sellers, and delivered tokens of appreciation to each of them “The goal is to build a closer relationship with our resellers, to provide them support and say a big thank you for their commitment and dedication to the Digicel brand,” Gershom said.

And that was not all to Digicel show of appreciation.

On September 9th Digicel invited the resellers who operate in Kingstown, to a cocktail and chat session, during which they mingled with senior managers and other staff members .

“Our brand depends on its partners to deliver high quality service, and we feel it necessary to recognize that they are integral to our operations,” said Country Manager, John Gidharry, adding, “It is a distinct pleasure and opportunity for us to ensure that our resellers know that they are vital to the success of our brand.”

The Toyota RunX that’s up for grabs in the Digicel Independence Promotion.

Toyota RunX up for grabs THIS YEAR MARKS the 36th year of this country’s Independence from Britain, and some Digicel customer has a chance to celebrate that anniversary by driving away a Toyota RunX motor car, compliments of Digicl.

On Friday, September 11th, Digicel launched their Independence promotion in which prepaid customers who Top Up $10 or more, and post-paid customers who pay their bills in full and on time, have a chance to win the RunX. Marketing Executive, Danielle Cupid stated, “Owning a vehicle and being mobile is an added level of independence, and Digicel is giving one lucky customer that opportunity this October. …

We continue to give back to our customers all year, and this is our second car giveaway. In addition, we gave away $1000 a day during carnival, not to mention our ongoing back to school programmes and giveaways.”

And as we moved swiftly from celebrating our independence into the Christmas season, Digicel customers are assured that they can expect great deals on products and services from their favourite telecommunications service provider, Digicel.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 3.

News 3

Speaker silent on removal of question Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, told an NDP rally in Clare Valley, that the removal of the question had a fishy smell about it.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, Hendrick Alexander, has refused to comment on the decision to remove a question from the Order Paper for a Sitting of parliament scheduled for Monday 21st September.

He explained that, as the Speaker, he was entrusted with certain responsibilities, and that he was not prepared to give a statement on the matter.

The Speaker did say, however, that he was prepared to address the issue of removing the question from the Order Paper, should the Leader of the Opposition bring it up then.

The issue at hand concerns a question submitted by the Leader of the Opposition,

Arnhim Eustace, as to the current status of loans of two former board members at the then National Commercial Bank (NCB), that has been removed from the list of questions for oral answers scheduled for next Monday’s Sitting of Parliament.

According to Eustace during a public meeting last Saturday at Campden Park, he received a message from the Speaker of the House, Hendrick Alexander, last Friday, informing him (Eustace) that the question was taken off the Order Paper.

The issue was raised most recently at the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) rally at

Right: Hendrick Alexander, Speaker of the House, informed the Leader of the Opposition, by way of letter, that the question regarding Desmond Morgan had been removed from the Order paper.

Redemption Sharpes on September 5, when Eustace said that he wanted to find out the current status of a loan in the name of Desmond Morgan, former chairman of the then NCB, and one other individual who Eustace said also served on the board.

Together, both individuals owed EC$6 million to the financial institution, this according to the Leader of the Opposition.

“I put a question to the Parliament about monies owed… since NCB is no longer ours, what has happened to those loans of those two gentlemen and those that

‘Nothing will stop me,’ says James brought on by the NDP. “They want to NOTHING IS GOING to understand the issues get in the way of Carlos and the policies, and if James and his quest to you have the plans, they become the next want to know.

Parliamentary “And if you have Representative for North nothing, then you can Leeward. beat up on Carlos James; James, the Unity but the people of North Labour Party (ULP) Leeward know that candidate to contest the Carlos James has their North Leeward seat best interest at heart against the incumbent and …. they are rallying Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, behind him,” he made the assertion at a continued. public meeting in James was responding Redemption Sharpes last to allegations made Sunday. against him by Matthews “No technicality” or during a NDP public “no default” was going to meeting at Redemption prevent him from being Sharpes, September 5. the candidate, James According to told the ULP gathering.

Matthews, he had He threw a challenge evidence that James was out to Matthews saying: fined in the nation’s “Put on your running courts for a criminal shoes and let the voters offence back in 2003. decide who they want to Inspector Hawkins represent them in North Nanton, a former work Leeward.” colleague of James, According to James, a issued a statement last first time candidate, the week pointing to a traffic younger voters – who incident in which he were part of the (Nanton) was also education revolution – involved. were not going to accept Nanton indicated in the type of politics the statement, that

by DAYLE DA SILVA

other members of the board owed?”

And he indicated that he was going to get the answer to this question in Parliament.

But he informed his supporters on Saturday that he will not be able to do so, and that the Speaker did not state any reason(s) why he had

removed the question from the order paper.

“So what is the problem? Only problem is if something fishy went on, and they don’t want to bring it up again in Parliament,” Eustace said.

We got it wrong FROM ALL ACCOUNTS, we got certain details of the story surrounding a young man’s consumption of a poisonous substance wrong.

Contrary to what a source had indicated, i.e. that the young man had been driven to do what he did because of a fracture in a relationship he had with a young woman, as was carried in our story on the back page of our September 11, issue, we now know that to be inaccurate.

While we are now privy to what could be the real reason, we have complied with the request of the young man’s family to desist from making same public.

In so doing, we want to extend a sincere apology to the young man’s family for any discomfort occasioned by the story afore-referred.

Is the DPP working on orders?

Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews ULP’s Carlos James is not going to be daunted had called out his opponent for what he by anyone or anything, in his quest to wrest the claimed was a criminal offense.

North Leeward seat from NDP’s Roland into law, if an individual Matthews. is fined or receives a noncustodial sentence (is not James came to his defence after the incident sentenced to serve time attracted the attention of in prison), that individual’s criminal law officers. record is wiped after 5 And according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph years.

Gonsalves explained Gonsalves, James was that the law was passed fined for the use of for young people who obscene language and, may have had run-ins based on ‘The with the law and were Rehabilitation of charged and convicted Offenders Act of 2009’, which was piloted by him for not very serious in the House and passed offences.

Continued from Page 1.

He also referred to the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code back in 2011, which prevents citizens from filing private criminal complaints.

Under the amendment, any private criminal complaint filed would first have to go to the Office of the DPP, who would then make the decision to continue or discontinue the matter.

“Because while they write for a private citizen to bring a private criminal charge, you have to go through the DPP because the DPP by the constitution, if they bring a private criminal charge, could take it over, to continue or discontinue if the circumstances warrants it,” Gonsalves said.

He explained that the law was changed as a result of the kinds of “spurious allegations” made.

“So you have the right, but you have to go through the gate keeper, the Office of the DPP; that’s a different thing from a private civil complaint for compensation,” Gonsalves explained.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Two charged with College Burglary

TWO YOUNG MEN surrender their were each offered travel documents $50,000 bail with one and identification surety when they cards, and not to appeared at the Serious leave the country Offences Court on without the Wednesday, after being expressed permission charged in connection of the court. with a burglary at the Browne-Matthias Division of Arts and also ordered that Sciences Campus of the stop notices be St Vincent and the placed at all ports of Grenadines Community Kamorni Antoine, entry and exit, and 24, appeared on a College, Villa. that the defendants Kamorni Antoine, 24, Police Wanted be placed on a dusk notice last week. and Shane Cabral, 18, to dawn curfew. both of Glen, are Attorney Grant charged jointly with entering the Connell represented Cabral, while SVG Community College between Israel Bruce appeared on August 28 and 30 this year as a Antoine’s behalf. trespasser and stealing a digital Senior Prosecutor Adolphus safe, Samsung tablet, a hard drive Delpleche did not object to bail, and $43,648.98 in cash. but recommended sufficient The items along with the cash, sureties and conditions. the property of the Community The matter was adjourned to College, amounted to a total value October 12. of $45,955.01.

Antoine, for whom police had The men pleaded not guilty issued a wanted notice, returned when they stood before Chief to St Vincent and the Grenadines Magistrate Rechanne Brownefrom Barbados accompanied by his Matthias on Wednesday. lawyer last Sunday, September 13.

As part of their bail conditions, They were met at the E.T they were ordered to report to the Joshua Airport by police officers.

Calliaqua Police Station on Antoine was detained and Mondays and Thursdays, subsequently charged.

ÂJudgeÊ shot dead Andre Bowens had his fair share of run-ins with the law.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS YEARS AFTER ANDRE ‘JUDGE’ BOWENS created national headlines when he was shot by police while on the run, the 48year-old man died in a blaze of gunfire on Tuesday.

Police reports are that the Ottley Hall man sustained bullet wounds to the head and body, and died on the spot.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Bowens was met lying motionless on the floor, close to the entrance of the downstairs of a house, shortly after 8 p.m on Tuesday.

The house, located at Lowmans Leeward, in an area called ‘Gunhill’, is said to be occupied by a female.

Information is that police journeyed to the scene after receiving

reports that several gun like explosions were heard in the area.

Bowens and Lara Carter, also of Ottley Hall, had been charged in connection with an exchange of gunfire at Rose Place, Kingstown, in an area called ‘The Gulf’, on July 4 this year.

Bowens was charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm at Carter, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger Carter’s life, and assaulting Carter causing bodily harm.

Carter received similar charges to those of Bowens, and both men were each granted $20,000 bail with one surety, when they appeared at the Serious Offences Court on July 8 and pleaded not guilty.

The matter was adjourned, and up to the time of Bowens’ death, those charges were pending.

Bowens, a former student of the St Vincent Grammar School, is said to have obtained a number of O’level passes.

He was also a keen sportsman, and is said to have had a preference for football.

The height of slackness

THOUGH HE PLEADED GUILTY on Tuesday to escaping lawful custody, Calroy Lavia was discharged at the Serious Offences Court, without a criminal conviction.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias made the order under Section 37, Chapter 171 of the Criminal Code of the Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines revised edition, 2009.

Browne-Matthias’ decision came after listening to the facts of the case in which Lavia, 18, of Barrouallie, pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody at the Barrouallie Police Station on September 10.

Court Clerk, Corporal Kenrick Williams told the Court that on the date in question, Lavia was taken to the Barrouallie Magistrate’s court where he pleaded not guilty to the theft of a gold chain. Bail of $1500.00 with one surety was open to him, but because he did not have a surety then, he was taken to the Barrouallie Police Station and placed in a cell.

The court further heard that the police officer who escorted Lavia did not walk with the lock for the cell, left

the defendant unattended and proceeded to the station office for the lock.

During that time, there was a heavy downpour of rain, and Lavia used the opportunity to escape.

When the Chief Magistrate inquired as to the connection between the downpour of rain and Lavia escaping, Corporal Williams explained that one has to walk through the yard of the police station in order to get from the station office to the entrance of the cell.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Lavia made the dash through the yard, but was subsequently apprehended and charged with escaping lawful custody.

In declaring that no conviction would be recorded in relation to the matter, the Chief Magistrate ruled: “I am treating this as if you never appeared before me, because this is the height of slackness.”

Section 37, Chapter 171 of the Criminal Code states: “Where in any trial, the court thinks that the charge is proved, but is of the opinion that having regard to the character, antecedents, health or mental condition of the accused, or the trivial

nature of the offence, or to the extenuating circumstances in which the offence was committed, it is not expedient to inflict any punishment, the court may without proceeding to conviction, make an order dismissing the charge.”

Lavia was charged under Section 107 which states: “Any person who being in lawful custody escapes from such custody is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for three years.”

However, the Chief Magistrate pointed to Sections 108 and 109 under which the police could also be charged.

Section 108 states that: “Any person who having another person in his custody, intentionally or negligently permits him to escape is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for three years.”

According to Section 109(a): “Any person who aids a prisoner in escaping or attempting to escape from lawful custody or (b) conveys anything, or causes anything to be conveyed into a prison with intent to facilitate the escape of a prisoner is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for three years.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 5.

Regional

LIAT: 160 gone, more to go IT IS NOW FACT: the Voluntary Severance Packages (VSP) scheme offered by LIAT is in full train.

The Antigua Observer reported that Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, David Evans, announced last Friday, following a meeting of the airline’s shareholder governments, that over 160 workers of the regional airline had accepted VSP. According to Evans, this was in keeping with the strategic plan of LIAT, a plan that aims to make the airline smaller and more efficient.

The intention in the first phase is to “send home” at least 200 workers, across LIAT’s 198 destinations, and Evans said that discussions with trade unions were ongoing.

Disclosing that the process was one third complete, Evans was at pains to explain that while Antigua accounted for the greater percentage of staff, the

process was “not an Antigua cost reduction programme, it’s a LIAT cost reduction programme.”

Evans told the media that the public can expect to see the airline “approaching things in a different and more efficient manner, which would require much less staff than we have at the moment,” Evans added.

LIAT officials were expected to be locked in continuing talks with trade unions across the region, to ensure that other staff that would have to be sent home who did not apply for the voluntary severance package will be dealt with in accordance with the region’s labour laws’, the Antigua Observer reported.

In related news, at least one other Prime Minister of a shareholder government has taken St Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris to task for having said that he would want to see LIAT demonstrate some level of financial

viability before investing in it.

Two regional prime ministers and a vocal Caribbean trade unionist are taking issue with the refusal of St Kitts & Nevis, the sub-region’s fastest economy, to invest in LIAT. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said other countries which benefit from LIAT but do not wish to invest in it “were taking a very selfish position.

“You cannot have a situation where they continue equitably in the benefits of LIAT, but at the same time do not wish to share in any of its burden,” Browne told a LIAT shareholder governments’ news conference held in Antigua here last week, Prime Minister Browne, reiterated his appeal for “the other countries within the region to reconsider their position.”

Chairman of the LIAT shareholder government St Vincent & the Grenadines Prime

David Evans, CEO-LIAT, announced that the airline was well into the first phase of its Voluntary Severance Packages (VSP) scheme.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has put his trust in a smaller Cabinet and a number of young, first time ministers.

T&T gets smaller Cabinet Dr. Timothy Harris Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, said he did not hear the remarks by his colleague, but promised to raise it with him when next they spoke.

Trini family gets 418 years in NY jail A CON GAME might bring short term returns to those masterminding it, but it will catch up on the perpetrators some time.

That is the story of a Trinidadian couple and their daughter, who were accused of conning 19 Caribbean immigrants in the United States, of more than US$1.8 million.

Before handing down the sentence, last week Wednesday, the judge told the Shantal Ramsundar (left), 24, and mom Shane Ramusundar was three convicts, “You and I Gomatee Ramsundar were found guilty know that if you did this fraud said to be the chief of grand larceny, money laundering, architect of the US$1.8and paraded and strutted criminal impersonation and other million immigration scam. around in front of your own charges. (Photo by Ellis Kaplan – Times (Photo: ny dailynews.com) people, in your own country, Ledger) you probably would have all been hacked to death,” Holder told the judge as “the most police, terrified of being deported despicable gang of criminals to the family, which hails from back to a place where they had no ever sit in front of me.”

Trinidad. “But not in this country.

The sentencing followed a trial one to go home to”.

Now it’s your time to hear your The CMC report said that one in November 2014, at the end of return on your investment for of the victims was an immigrant which the trio were found guilty your crime,” the judge said. — suffering with multiple sclerosis, of grand larceny, money For their misdeeds, the trio who gave the family of con artists laundering, criminal were sentenced to a total of 418 impersonation and other charges. US$43,000 after being told that at years in prison. he was about to be deported.

According to a CNC report Shane Ramsundar, 52, was Ramsundar also fooled sentenced to 78 years to 235 years based on information coming out immigrants into believing that he of New York, Shane Ramsundar in prison and ordered to make had told immigrants that he could could get them cheap housing. $1.8 million in restitution. His And on what did the three get their names on terror watch wife, Gomatee Ramsundar, 48, spend their ill-gotten gains? On lists, or prevent their deportation was sentenced to 51 years to 153 cars, expensive hand bags, and go by getting them green cards. years and fined $221,090. Their on shopping sprees, among a list Assistant District Attorney daughter, Shantal Ramsundar, of item and activities received for Catherine Kane is quoted as 23, got 10 years to 30 years and saying, “They stole from their own the rich and famous. (Source: was fined $182,180.

CMC) people afraid of reporting to the The three were described by

DR. KEITH ROWLEY, 65, recently installed Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has kept his word on at least one election promise.

The Prime Minister has named a Cabinet of 23, comprised of 21 full Ministers and two ministers of Sate, amounting to ten less than that of the defeated People’s Partnership Colm Imbert, new government of Kamla Minister of Finance, Persad-Bissessar. has the full backing of Eighteen of the 23 his Prime Minister. successful People’s national Movement candidates are in the cabinet.

Among those in Cabinet are six people who served in People’s National Movement (PNM) governments before, as well as 14 first time ministers. The Cabinet includes eight women and five senator ministers.

The first time ministers represent an age range from a high of 44 years old to a low of 33 years, and in an address after the new ministers were sworn-in at a ceremony at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, Port of Spain, last week Friday, Dr. Rowley said, “You will have seen a lot of our young people cross this stage today, and what that means is that we have put the affairs of State into the hands of a lot of young people in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Among those returning to the Cabinet is Colm Imbert, who will serve as Minister of Finance.

He served as Minister of Works in the previous PNM administrations under Patrick Manning.

Zeroing in Imbert’s appointment, Dr. Rowley said, “The Ministry of Finance is the most challenging area right now and will remain so for quite some time. What I’ve done is put the most experienced minister who has a very high capacity for detailed work, he’s very technically sound and Mr. Imbert is the best person...best suited for that position.”

And in a comment aimed at Imbert’s detractors who have claimed that he lacks training in economics, Rowley declared, “It is those who call themselves economists in the political areas that got us where we are now, so maybe somebody else might get us out of it.”

Dr Keith Rowley was sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s seventh Prime Minister, along with the new National Security Minister, Edmund Dillon, and the new Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, on Wednesday September 9, 2015.

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Non-payment issue not true

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC), Dr Rudy Matthias, has refuted claims that employees of that Company have not been paid in two weeks.

Clemroy Bert Francois, in his capacity as chairman of the opposition New Democratic Party’s (NDP) public meeting at Campden Park last weekend, said that workers at the Argyle site had not Dr. Rudy been paid for a period of two weeks. Matthias, CEOIADC, has But Matthias told THE VINCENTIAN, on Tuesday, that he refuted a claim that workers was not aware of that, and that employed by the employees are paid on time.

IADC have not He explained that there were been paid for the other individuals who provide last two weeks services on credit, and these individuals are paid only after the of work. service is rendered.

There was no truth to the allegation, the CEO declared emphatically, adding that employees of the IADC have always been paid on time.

One source, an employee of the IADC, corroborated Matthias’s statement, saying that field workers are paid fortnightly.

The source further told Clemroy Bert Francois, THE VINCENTIAN that they had received payment NDP activist, had made up to the last pay period, the allegation while which covered the past two addressing a meeting in weeks.

Clare Valley.

NDP committed to economic citizenship

Below: Economic Citizenship is one issue on which the ULP and NDP have conflicting positions.

Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA

He accused the current Unity Labour Party (ULP) led administration of selling passports, but said that the NDP would not be selling passports.

Individuals would first have to make a significant investment before any consideration is given and a passport issued, Eustace said.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has maintained the position that a ULP government will not re-introduce the Economic Citizenship Programme as long as

SHOULD THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) win the next General Elections, the Economic Citizenship Programme will be resumed.

President of the NDP and Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, said last Saturday at Campden Park, that his party was committed to such a programme.

“That is what we will be doing; we are satisfied that income and many jobs can be created from economic citizenship,” Eustace said.

“So I not hiding, I tell you up front that we will do that,” he continued.

He assured, however, that when the programme is reintroduced, due diligence will be IVAN O’NEAL, leader of conducted on the SVG Green Party, individuals before they confirmed that he has are granted the right. secured four candidates

the ULP was in office.

The Gonsalves administration abolished an existing programme in 2001 soon after forming government.

Selection process difficult, admits O’Neal

going to get their jobs back,” O’Neal told THE VINCENTIAN. And with the political to contest the upcoming campaign season in full General Elections, but swing, O’Neal said that admits that he is having he has been distributing difficulty attracting party t-shirts, candidates. bandannas and other According to O’Neal, party paraphernalia. he already has The manifesto is candidates for North complete, and Windward, South distribution is expected Central Windward, to begin when Prime South Windward and Minister Dr Ralph East St George.

Gonsalves announces the “We are still looking date of elections, and for other candidates. We after the dissolution of pressing on, we are Parliament. looking hard,” he said.

His campaign has O’Neal explained that been impaired by the act it was the party’s policy of vandalism carried out not to use teachers or on his vehicle (See public servants. separate article) O’Neal “Because in the said, but once he is unlikely event of them mobile again, he will not winning, they are not begin moving around.

Ivan O’Neal. Founder and Leader of the SVG Green Party. said that his party is still on the hunt for candidates for the next general elections.

“We are working very hard going house to house,” he said.

The SVG Green Party was formed in 2005, and has contested every election held since then.

In the 2010 general elections, the Green party fielded 15 candidates, two were however disqualified after it was discovered that they were under the age of 21. (DDD)

We don’t need the PM to tell us that PARLIAMENTARY about… he referred to the REPRESENTATIVE for South census that you and I Leeward, Nigel Stephenson, don’t have, that because has accused the Unity Labour there was a growth in the Party (ULP) led administration population, almost a of neglecting that constituency. population explosion Stephenson said on between Lowmans and Saturday, at a public meeting Rillan Hill, he is looking in Campden Park, that there to make it (Campden was evidence that South park) a town,” Stephenson Leeward was being neglected, Nigel Stevenson, said. and pointed to the clinic and However, Campden Parliamentary community centre.

Park has always been Representative “You have the Prime referred to as a town, the for South Minister talking and fooling area representative said.

Leeward, the people, particularly those “So do we need Ralph addressing his living between Lowmans and Gonsalves to tell us that party’s (NDP) rally Campden Park is a town?”

Rillan Hill.

“His party does not fare well at Campden Park he continued. last Saturday. between these areas, so he The state of St. Vincent came up with this bright idea and the Grenadines in Parliament one day. He said officially has six towns — Kingstown, according to the census, and I want to Calliaqua, Georgetown, Layou, know what census they are talking Barrouallie and Chateaubelair. (DDD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 7.

News

Biabou Seniors launch magazine

by KENVILLE HORNE

as a result of the response to the first THE BIABOU SENIOR National Wellness day, CITIZENS Fitness Group, the Ministry, according to boasting some fifty-seven Wyllie, identified Biabou members, has launched a as a target community, magazine to commemorate “because of the fact that its 6th anniversary. from experience, we knew The group, said to be that members of the the only one of its kind in community are always St. Vincent and the punctual and respond well Grenadines, held an to community events.” official launch last In February, 2009, the Tuesday, September 15, of Biabou Senior Citizens the Biabou Seniors Group was officially magazine, at the launched with a total of Frenches House in fifty —one members.

Kingstown.

The group meets every The magazine features Thursday from 1:00pm, at stories, poems, nutritional the Biabou Learning information and Resource Center and is photographs of the facilitated by the Health members over the past 5 Promotion Unit. years .

Members are involved in Speaking at the launch, activities related to Patsy Wyllie, Chief Health fitness, and more Promotion Officer, offered recently, training in the a background to the use of computers. group’s origin.

Speaking at the The group, she said, launch, Minister of was born out of a decision National Mobilization and to capitalize on the Social Development, and response to the first ever Parliamentary Wellness Day activities, representative for South held in 2008 and planned Windward, Frederick and co-ordinated by the Stephenson, Ministry of Health, congratulated the group Wellness and the for their 6 years in Environment. existence, and expressed The day was his delight that the group encouraged by a “is the only one of its CARICOM Heads call in kind.” He declared, “We 2007, for the promotion of need more of these groups actions that will increase throughout the length physical activities among and breadth of St. the populations in member Vincent and the countries.

Grenadines.”

Driven by a decision to A member of the group, make an intervention in a Mr. Kirby,81 years old, specific community said that on his return to

James continues to assist

by HAYDN HUGGINS Lawyer Carlos James, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate to contest the North Leeward constituency in the upcoming General Elections, continues his efforts to assist the underprivileged students of North Leeward in obtaining a tertiary education.

James extends a hand of assistance in this regard through his Access to College Education Programme (ACEP).

At a news conference held at the conference room of the Professional Secretarial Services Inc., Kingstown, Caywama Edwards, a Director of the Chateaubelair- based registered charitable organization Generation Next, received a cheque for $10,000 from James for the programme, and 20 students received letters of acceptance.

James has teamed up with Generation Next which will deal with the disbursement of the funds.

The $10,000 will cover tuition and other expenses for the period 2015 to 2017.

According to James, the sum to be disbursed came from his pocket and from persons who believe in him and have seen what he is doing for North Leeward.

And he is urging persons from the business community to play their role, and would like to see similar initiatives taken in the other constituencies.

He made it clear that, “I am not involved in the selection process and how the disbursement will take place.”

James urged the students to stay in school and take advantage of the opportunities.

“I am planting a seed, and all of these students are going to grow and make North Leeward grow.

This is news and this is relevant,” he told reporters.

Edwards described the occasion as a momentous one, especially for those who are less fortunate.

St. Vincent after living for 30 years in England, he wondered how he would occupy himself, since most of his friends had passed away. He was told about the Biabou Group.

The commemorative magazine is available from members of the group.

Right: Members of the Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group turned out in full numbers for the launch of their magazine.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 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 The next government should....

SOON, THE LORD will whisper in the Prime Minister’s ears the date for the next general elections. After all, he has said on repeated occasions that only he and the Good Lord know the date.

The Prime Minister’s role in this decision is one afforded him by the constitution. If only there had been constitutional change, and a fixed date was set for elections; then, even the Good Lord would have been removed from the equation, far less the Prime Minister.

That said, there will come that day, when the red ink takes precedence and, even before the cock crows to usher in a new day, victory will be declared for one party over the other. And, all things being even, there will be no need for ‘road blacks’.

And after the intoxicating sweetness of victory celebrations, there awaits the responsibility of government.

Regardless of the victor, the work of the state, the fulfilment of service to the common good, must not be halted for one moment.

The ‘inspiring’ words of whosoever is the incoming Prime Minister aside, the signal is clear; the country must continue to face up to the challenges of the 21st century, and be ready to face the future undaunted. And the next government must put behind the pettiness (we hope it is pettiness and not nastiness) and the rhetoric of the political campaign. Time for serious business!

Foremost will be the international airport. Given that a December 2015 date is now an illusion, the custodians of the sacred office of government will have to see it through to a formal commissioning — not any soft opening. Folly it will be to even think of turning back.

Not to be sidelined is the need to address the excesses of the recent past. If there is but an inkling of malfeasance committed by the past administration, new or old custodians must move swiftly to deal with it, so as to return a sense of confidence in the business of government.

If it means decreasing the size of government, so be it, since the wider spread the responsibilities are, the greater number of persons are employed to do the minimum of tasks, thus creating room for misbehaviour ‘in public office.’

This will also entail a close look at the number of state corporations, increased tenfold and more in recent times, which either duplicate the work of ministries or are not too far away from doing so.

The lines separating ministries and state corporations are too thin and porous. Those lines must be redrawn, and state corporations disestablished, where necessary, as a measure of redress.

It is tantamount that we avoid having the meager resources of the state being absorbed in efforts that produce very little lasting results.

Like a good corporate entity, the government too must conduct a SWOT analysis to, as the acronym says, evaluate its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the real world.

This will entail a genuine cost-benefit analysis, including those expenditures that are assessed as excessive to the country’s needs like large salaries and state funding for work other than that directly related to the development of the country — and should be done away with, in the interest of saving the country some money and/or redirecting state funds to more productive sectors of the economy.

Government, ideally, should conduct its work always in favour of the many and not the party. If it is in favour of the latter, then we might as well admit that we have denigrated our democracy to the depths of party paramountcy.

And then, there are the ills of society — crime, drug use and the trafficking in drugs foreign to our soil, robbery, abuse of children and women, bullying in schools, etc. Tackling these is admittedly no easy task; but this is no excuse for us putting up our hands in surrender.Not least among the concerns of a new government, must be an improvement in revenue collection — corporation tax, individual tax, property tax, VAT — the gradual reduction if not removal of extra charges where they exist, and the control of the importation of motor cars especially.

The police too must receive an eye and ear, to ensure that they remain accountable for their actions and excesses.

Then, there is the mammoth task of attending to the economy — of reinvigorating genuine economic activity in all sectors. This will require separate, decisive and detailed action.

Quite an undertaking for any government; but that, in part, is what those who put themselves up for office should be made to address.

Election Countdown An Aspect of Elections In History THE NEXT ELECTIONS are constitutionally due, at the latest by the first week in March 2016, three months after the expiry of its 5year mandate. Under the system, the PM may call the elections anytime within the allotted period.

The NDP, spear-headed by calypsonian “Patches” Knights, has been calling over the last three months to “Ring De Bell”, Personally, I believe elections would be called during early December. Firstly, the ULP has recorded two spectacular victories in December. It affords just enough time to prime candidates and “buy” votes through public works and the like, and avoids having to face a budget in the New Year.

Somehow, Arnos Vale Airport has to have some sort of symbolic opening to whet people’s appetite for the real thing which will be a really long time coming!

The NDP should be home-and-dry by election time. One year ago, I predicted that they would give the Unity Labour Government a six for a nine. But things have swung NDP’s way massively, so that I will not be surprised if the polls reflected a 12 to 3 victory in favour of the NDP, as was the case in the 1994 election, before Ralph entered the fray and temporarily mesmerised a gullible electorate during the first decade of the twenty-first century.

But the ULPites see things completely differently. They see Ralph and the ULP winning a fourth term to equal and perhaps surpass Mitchell’s NDP record of winning in 1984, 1989 (clean sweep) 1994 and 1998 which was won by one seat, and Eustace, accepting Mitchell’s questionable concession, allowed a second ballot in one-half the normal elections time, which Ralph exploited to the full.

The current reading shows clearly that Arnhim Eustace has been strengthening his hold with every election he has faced, and that his party, the NDP, exhibits corresponding growth which was reflected in 2010 election in a surprising one-seat loss for the NDP. If things were to proceed normally, one could anticipate the NDP would simply move in with a change of Government. But it is obvious that in the last two years of this term, the ULP has performed badly, enhancing the chances of NDP. In this report, I will deal only with one aspect of the elections concerning candidates, and recall the naming and firing of JPs which reflect the sort of tyrannical regime Comrade hopes to sponsor.

JPs do very useful work at the community level, taking care of many local problems that are best handled at the primary level, with party politics seldom reflected in this arena.

But ULP set out to politicise everything that moves, so that the “NDP” Justices of the Peace were dismissed within a few months of the ULP winning “power,” not “office,” in 2001.

The causality list is sickening. Examples were Yvonne Francis Gibson, an NDP minister; Mr. Wendell Wright, a top police officer; several other ex primary school head-teachers such as Garvin Seymour; a dress-designer Patrice

Reddockall were given marching orders days after the election, with no reason given.

There was even one postponed victim, Alexis Griffith, who had been a left-over member of the “NDP” PSC. He carried on as a member of the PSC until the time came for new appointment. Out he went, along with the instruments of the JP’s office which he bore.

It was generally known that ULP candidates were chosen by the leadership, despite Party rules to the contrary. For the coming elections candidates were boldly handpicked by the leader.

In South Leeward, North Leeward, Central Leeward, Marriaqua, North Windward and East Kingstown, the maximum leader exercised his divine right of choice. In some cases, the events were ridiculous, as in Central Leeward where an old ally Louis Straker, was picked as a compromise, they say, to prevent bickering over the incumbent and a young hopeful. And in East St George, space was created for the PM’s own son Camillo to be preferred by kicking a favourite son of old Labour, Fitz Huggins, upstairs to perform duty overseas in a diplomatic position.

In Vincentian national elections in 2015, the charismatic leader of his tribe continues to boss his ULP as of old, reminiscent of the 1950s and early 60s when Bustamante, Gairy and Joshua called the shots in naming their several teams in Jamaica, Grenada and St Vincent which still clings to the past in this respect.

More than ever, it means that a defeat for ULP is a disaster for Ralph Gonsalves who, in the event of a loss, will at last quit politics in disgrace, a broken man in spirit, though not in pocket.

Vincentians love forecasts. The results of the next election are 11 to 4 in favour of the NDP, give or take a seat.

Next week, the count-down discusses guides to the appointment of four more National Heroes, making it five like the fingers of one hand to inspire our nation.

Dada Culzac is No More We have lost Dada Culzac, the grand old figure of 102 years, of Rose Place.

Dada has gone cheerily to his father’s home, mission accomplished on earth.

Personally, I felt not a little hurt by my omission from the list of friends mentioned over the air as his cherished acquaintances. I was close to Matthew Culzac for all of seventy years, from about age 7 to now.

He had been close to his generation of my sisters, particularly Ermine who married his boon companion, Eric Hall. We carried on in fits and starts, settling down in the area of politics, with his son, Leslie in particular as my political secretary, as Carl was my rival at cricket.

Culzac’s great former fellow- Rose Place resident Clement “Baha” Lawrence, another centurion, has been left to hold the fort. R.I.P

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 9.

Letters

Jackson stopped short

SORRY, MR. EDITOR, for coming at you again so soon, but I must get this one off my chest.I want to agree with Mr. Noel Jackson of the National Workers Movement, who expressed the view that the job market here has become more competitive.

I also want to agree that one of the reasons is that employers are demanding higher qualifications. But I disagree, as he tried to impress upon people, that this is the primary reason for the competitiveness.

The job market has become competitive because it has not grown appreciably or commensurate to the labour force.

The truth is, Mr. Jackson, you should stop apologising for the government of the last 15 years, and admit that the absorptive capacity of the economy has not grown to accommodate the drastic increase in the labour force, qualified or otherwise.

Tell me, is the trend of laying off an indication that people are not qualified for the jobs they do, or is it really a reflection of how bad the economy is doing?

Let’s not hold up the so called Education Revolution as a panacea to our labour needs. Let’s be honest about our situation.

And by the way, Mr. Jackson, are you aware of the extent to which employers are demanding that their workers multi-tasks especially in the middle and lower brackets? That’s like one man doing the job of three for one salary.

Somebody must wake up, man.

Charles

Loud Music: A real nuisance

WE MUST CONGRATULATE THE VINCENTIAN newspaper for highlighting this terrible nuisance in our island.

From time to time, we will see in our newspapers, articles pertaining to loud music. Regardless of this publicity, the loud music continues in the buses, in restaurants and bars, rum shops, private vehicles, pleasure boats.

The Commissioner of Police and the government are blamed continuously for this disorder. But is it really their fault?

One cannot expect the government ministers and the Commissioner of Police to get out of their beds after 1 o’clock in the morning to stop this terrible loud music, which is a threat to the health of everyone who is forced to listen to it.

Loud music damages your hearing. It can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, annoyance, sleep disturbance.

It is damaging to physical and mental health.

A few cases in point: I heard that some months ago someone made a report to the Calliaqua Police Station because loud music was interfering with the person’s sleep. The officer is reported to have said, “Wey yo complaining about? Leh d’ people enjoy themselves nuh.”

Another person who made a report about 1:30 in the morning, was told that the Commssioner had given permission

Killing your own business LAST WEEK, I went to one of our local auto repair establishments to have my vehicle fixed. I researched the problem my vehicle was experiencing so that I will be prepared when I get there. I was having CV Joints issues. The owner of the business inspected my vehicle and agreed with my diagnosis. We discussed the work to be done, and he informed me of the cost and when I could pick up my vehicle. I agreed, and we sealed our agreement with a gentleman’s handshake (my error).

I returned promptly at the agreed time, but he was not ready. So I waited.

When the vehicle was ready, I was elated. I eagerly entered his office, wallet in hand, ready to pay and be on my way. To my great surprise, he handed me a bill that was $140 more than agreed. When I questioned him

about it, he said I must have misunderstood. I did not misunderstand.

His labour cost was now $40 more, and the item was now $100 more. No extra work was done, and after this, none will be done, at least not by him.

If you call yourself a businessman, and you are actively practising to deceive your customers by pulling the old “Bait and Switch” routine, you, Sir, are killing your business, and you don’t even realize it. SVG is a small country, and the word will get around about your unethical practices. So, mister auto repair businessman, you have lost any future business of mine, and any referral that might have followed.

I hope you enjoyed that extra $140. It is the last amount you will ever get from me and my associates.

Rohan

and disturb residents in their homes.

Maybe it is because our police officers at the out stations do not enforce the law, why we continue to have this nuisance.

On the issue of loud music in buses, recently my daughter came home crying for a headache, caused by loud music in a bus she travelled with, because she missed her regular bus.

In order to stop this loud music in buses, all musical instruments should be removed. As it stands, the police are incapable of preventing loud music in vehicles.

I wonder how many persons in authority know that loud music is one of REPENT, the King is coming. the main reasons why Tell the people. Shout it from one end of the many visitors do not come earth to the other. Yah’s son is coming. The King of to St. Vincent? Young Kings and Lord of Lords!

Island Resort once got a Tell YAHUVEH’ children, REPENT, the Kingdom lot of repeats. That’s a of Heaven is at hand. thing of the past. Their Fall on your faces on this Yom Kuppur day. Fall guests had some terrible on your faces in the spiritual realm: see yourselves times with loud music. flat on your faces, for the King is coming! Let the world mock. Let the Pharisees mock. It will not stop Concerned the King from coming!

He’s not coming for those who think they are not sinners, who think they are so righteous that they do not have to repent. He’s coming for his children, for the bride that desires to obey. He’s coming for the warriors who war in his holy name. He’s coming for those who humbly admit all have fallen short of YAHUVEH’s glory.

What bride doesn’t know when her bridegroom approaches? What bride doesn’t prepare herself in advance? YAH’s true bride is hearing YAH’s voice. * Elections They are preparing themselves. They are desiring and seeking holiness. They abhor the jest of before Christmas?

Pharisees.

More than 12 seats Remember when the floods came in the time of for the ULP? Noah? Remember how he was mocked and mocked * Would the until the time the rains came?

Leader of the NDP But YAHUVEH told YAH’s children, Noah and now heed the his family, to get in the ark and bolt the door. And Supervisor of when the rains came, the ungodly ones pounded on Elections’ call for a that door. Then they wanted in. Then they believed settlement of his YAHUVEH AM, but it was too late. Late for them, concerns outside of and the floods swallowed them up. court?

Genesis 6: Such it will be again, those that stand * When are in YAHUVEH YAH’s son, righteousness.

for the event.

There is also the case, I understand, when someone called the Calliaqua Police Station and reported that loud music was disturbing the cruise ship passengers at Villa Beach. The office apparently responded, “Oh, the people should experience some of our culture.”

Cruise ship passengers require peace and relaxation, whether it be to lie on the beach and sunbathe, read a book, speak to their friends, make jokes, have a drink, or have a dip in the sea now and again. Who told this officer that the people like to listen to this noisy culture?

Many of these police officers do not know anything about the Noise Control Act of 1998, which states that no one is allowed willy nilly to play loud music

Repent, Repent!

YAH Descendant

Hero worship versus reasoned dialogue AS A CITIZEN and a voter, I am alarmed and angered by the change in our value system that seems to have become accepted over the past 15 years of ULP rule.

The public at large, with little or no corrective from the press, now accepts Government fiat, declaration, and simply statements issued from either the Prime Minister’s mouth, or any organ (Ministry) of his Government, as the final say on a new course or

direction of the country.

Questionable or inept behaviour by law enforcement or appointees or high level officials are covered over or dismissed as inconsequential. Is this a legitimization of a new standard of ethical conduct for the nation? I can’t get away with that kind of behaviour, and maybe you can’t, (depending on who you are), but THEY can. So are we being conditioned to ask: how do “WE” become “THEY”?

A whole new moral construct has been put forth. How does one assess human worth in the face of an outworn but prevailing political tribalism? Totemic images of a national saviour have replaced the concept of political discourse. There is no longer a contest between political ideologies, or clearly articulated statements of position on social, economic, or foreign policy. It is now a contest between a Supreme

Leader and lesser beings who dare to challenge his Populism.

So now we are preparing ourselves in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to accept the negation of rational thought, and dismiss reasoned dialogue in favour of an overwhelming tidal wave of hero worship and support for a further continuance of 15 years of political chicanery.

Will our choice, ultimately, be simply a warning to the future, an

example of perfidy and mob rule? Or do we have the numbers, the strength and nobility to overcome corruption and despair and to choose more wisely than we have in the past?

Historically, we have taken what we can get.

It’s your country. Where are you going to take on Election Day? It’s my sense of humour that allows me to ask such rhetorical questions, when I already know the answer.

Joe

the students from Bequia, who disembark the ferry every Monday to Friday, going to understand that they cannot walk four and five abreast along Bay Street? * What is the latest on that matter involving those students at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad? Has the PM seen it fit to address their concern? Must he be reminded that we have an Education Revolution to fulfil?

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Into the fourth term with confidence The Issue IN THE NEXT TWO to three months, the Comrade Leader, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, will ring the election bell, and Vincentians will go to the polls to re-elect the ULP for a fourth term in office. There has been much debate as to why the ULP should be given a fourth term, and a number of questions have been asked in this regard.

The ULP has answered those questions directly, with clarity and success. By far, the ULP is the political party best qualified to administer the affairs of the ship of state called St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is based on four basic reasons. The first is leadership, where Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has clearly demonstrated that he is a better leader by far, as compared to Arnhim Eustace. Indeed, Prime Minister Gonsalves is regarded as one of the foremost leaders in the Caribbean.

The second is the record of the ULP, as demonstrated by the policies, projects and programmes of the administration, which have brought huge benefits to the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Thirdly, the slate of candidates presented by the ULP, is far and above those of the NDP, in terms of qualifications, leadership, intelligence and a genuine love for the poor and the working class.

And finally, the ULP has an overarching vision and philosophy, which places people at the centre of all social and economic development.

This is the much talked about and successful “people centered development” approach. The NDP can exhibit no such philosophy. It must be noted that after 14 years in opposition, the NDP has failed to present itself as an alternative government to the ULP; despite the fact that only one seat separates both parties. Amazing!

apartment units will be constructed to take care of the demand for housing units, particularly by those who have to work in the Kingstown/Arnos Vale area. With the new city, there will be development of the tunnel under Cane Garden, to take care of the demand for and easier traffic route to Kingstown. A geotechnical study has already been completed in this regard.

3. Geothermal Energy: The plans for this development are far advanced, and the benefits in terms of lower energy prices. Expect work on this to really take off in the 2016/2017 period.

4. The Mt. Wynne Peter’s Hope project: This project will bring a new style of tourism development to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and jobs for the people on the leeward side of the island.

5. Port Development: There are plans to develop the port facilities in the state, and a project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank is now on the cards, to identify a new site.

All of these, coupled with the work that the ULP has done in many areas, point to a level of economic and social development never seen in this country. Expect to see a further expansion in the Education Revolution as the ULP provides more facilities for training, including scholarships. Expect to see a further expansion of the medical services, with the completion of the polyclinics at Mesopotamia and Buccament, and the diagnostic hospital in Georgetown.

Expect to see a heightening of activity in terms of road construction and road repairs in the country, as the equipment from the airport project becomes available for usage. Expect to see a virtual expansion in business activity, as Vincentians, particularly Into the Fourth Term those in the rural areas who have turned their “dead capital into live It is based on these successes that capital”, into investment the ULP is ready to face the fourth opportunities. Expect to see a greater term with confidence. The future looks degree of confidence exhibited by bright for the country under a ULP Vincentians as they face the future, administration. Here are five projects knowing that they have an which will lift the country under the administration headed by the ULP, ULP. that is ready to provide for the people 1. The International Airport: This of this country. is the economic game changer, as the IMF has pointed out in its report this Conclusion year. The International Airport will open up the country for development With all this being said, we must in the areas of tourism, remember that the NDP cannot point manufacturing and agriculture. It will to anything that will inspire lead to the creation of more jobs in the confidence in the voters of this country, as the economy grows and country. All their major “suggestions” businesses expand their operations, are flawed, unrealistic, and do not thanks to the new and easier access to capture the imagination of the voters. international markets and Their so called Balliceaux destinations. development project, stolen from a 2. The New City at Arnos Vale: this document prepared by Anatol Scott, development holds many has not resonated with the voters in opportunities for Vincentians. First of the country, even those who support all, it will be the site of the new their party. Instead, expect to hear a hospital for acute referrals. Then it number of lies and half-truths, the will offer more space for business trade mark of that political party. opportunities, and already a Expect also to hear more dreadful lies, Trinidadian entity has expressed as desperation sets in, and they lose strong interest in a commercial project their way in the current political in that area. Expect to see campaign. And that is why the voters Vincentians rushing to purchase land will return the ULP for a fourth term in the Arnos Vale area. New in office. Four in a row…..

Team NDP - for 2015 (Pt 2) AS STATED in our previous article, the New Democratic Party has assembled the best team ever by any political party, to contest general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since adult suffrage.

We reiterate that team NDP is comprised of individuals who are qualified in various academic disciplines and professions. These talented men have made remarkable contributions to their communities and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Members of this exceptional team have left indelible marks in areas where they have served, internationally, regionally and locally. It is that professional approach that they will bring to the governance of this country, when the NDP wins the next general elections.

The Honourable Daniel Cummings was Manager of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority. He was Water Management Consultant to the government of Anguilla, President and Trustee of the Caribbean Water and Waste water Association, and a Past President of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Honourable Terrance Ollivierre has made contributing to his community as a lifelong undertaking. He was a teacher at both the Union Island Secondary and Clifton Government Schools. He was active in entertainment and culture, serving as lead vocalist in the band ‘Vizion’. Add to these his membership in the Union Island Football Association, the Canouan Regatta Committee and the Fisherman’s Sports Club in Union Island (Secretary), and we have a young man who has undoubtedly proven his commitment to his community.

Honourable Nigel Stephenson is also a former teacher, having taught at the secondary level for a number of years.

He believes in all-round development, as is shown by his involvement in sport at the community, national and regional level. ‘Nature’, as he is affectionately called, served as an executive member on a number of sporting organizations in South Leeward.

Mr. Kenroy Johnson has a Master’s Degree in Science Education and Curriculum. The former school principal has contributed to curricula for the OECS, and has functioned in his community, educating and impacting the lives of his students positively.

Mr. Addison “Bash” Thomas has been a teacher for a number of years. He is actively involved in his community, having served as president of the Chapmans Youth Group and as executive member on a number of community and sporting organizations.

Another member of the team is Dr. Julian “Jules” Ferdinand. He is a Business Consultant, Lecturer and Author. He has conducted management and leadership training for several companies and organizations throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Dr. Ferdinand is the Chancellor’s Nominee of the Campus Council of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, and a member of that Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of RBTT Bank Caribbean Limited, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Education Reform Commission, and the Foundation for the Development of Caribbean Children.

He is the former Chief Executive Officer of East Caribbean Group of Companies and the former Chairman of

the OECS Distribution and Transportation Company Limited. He is a past chairman of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Development Bank, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Rotary Club of St. Vincent. He also served as Honorary Consul for Spain to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for approximately fourteen (14) years, and received the Merito Civil Cruz (Civil Order Cross) from Spain’s King Juan Carlos for outstanding service to the government and people of Spain.

Mr. Curtis Bowman was born in Richland Park. At the community level, he was involved in sports, and was captain of the Blazers Cricket Team. He also played tennis and football. While a student at UTECH in 1998, Mr. Bowman was elected the faculty representative for the Faculty of Health and Applied Science. He then became the assistant treasurer of the Student Union and finally its President in 2000.

Mr. Bowman has credited his functioning as a pharmacist with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for giving him exposure to the serious issues confronting healthcare and rural healthcare in particular. He has provided pharmaceutical services to persons throughout the length and breadth of this country. His efforts to help people also saw him function as part of the medical staff to offer relief assistance to the people of Grenada, after the passage of Hurricane Ivan.

Mr. Benjamin Exeter was born in Layou. While a student at the Layou Government School, he migrated with his mother to Canada. After returning to St. Vincent to work from home, Ben was touched by the hardship his fellow constituents were facing on a daily basis. The high rate of unemployment, high cost of living and lack of meaningful development made life extremely difficult for the people of Central Leeward. After some careful consideration, Ben took the decision to step forward and offer himself as a servant to the people of Central Leeward. With his background in Information Technology and over twenty years of experience in business management, Mr. Benjamin Exeter is indeed well equipped and positioned to create jobs, foster meaningful development for the young people, and to represent the best interest of the people of Central Leeward.

Mr. Lauron “Shearer” Baptiste worked as an extension officer in the Ministry of Agriculture. He played cricket and football for his community, and represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines in cricket. He also served on a number of community groups and sporting organizations in his community.

And finally, we present Mr. Noel Dickson. Mr. Dickson has vast experience in the public service, having served in a number of ministries. His final job was that of Human Resource Manager at RBBT, in Kingstown. He also served as executive member on a number of community groups and sporting organizations.

We present Team NDP. WE READY!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 11.

Views

The crucible

“A pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted.”— MerriamWebster’s definition of “Crucible” (LearnersDictionary.com).

ARTHUR BILLINGHURST was a multitalented Vincentian. He was an exceptional artisan, watch repairman, and goldsmith. He married my maternal grandmother, Iris, and became stepfather to her two children, Sylvia and Venus. He purchased a property in Frenches, on the outskirts of Kingstown, in the 1940s. The lower floor of the twostorey structure was made of concrete.

The upper floor was constructed of wood. There was a wooden staircase linking the two floors. As a young boy, I often sat on the staircase and viewed my step grandfather as he tinkered with clocks and melted silver coins in his crucible. I was amazed at how the coins seemed to readily liquefy as he intensified the heat beneath his unattractive crucible. I was impressed by how he would then transform that molten material to make wedding rings for the country folks or pendants to adorn silver chains. Occasionally, he would receive orders for silver or gold bracelets. He was talented. This tall, lanky, quiet individual made some of the finest jewellery for the rich and famous of his day. He also created some masterpieces for the poorest of folks who wished to celebrate their special occasions with gifts of locally made jewellery. He had contributed to the construction of the gift (a parasol) that was presented to Princess Margaret when she visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines on February 8, 1955. My article entitled “A Gift Fit for a Princess”, published in The Vincentian Newspaper of Friday, August 31, 2001 provided details of the entire local team that was involved in designing and constructing this exquisite gift.

Even as a little boy, observing my grandparents taught me several useful lessons. My grandmother, a shopkeeper, often extended credit to many of the persons who walked down her street en route to Kingstown. She always cooked more than the family needed, and looked for opportunities to share her food with those who would pass by. “Miss Billy” always had a kind disposition.

The only memory I have of her being angry was on one occasion when I used my recently acquired “foul language” vocabulary and she opted to “beat every last bad word out of me” with her “Tunna Stick” (wooden spoon). “Grandpa Billy” was a gentleman of class. By nature, he was “Mr. Cool”. He never appeared to get flustered or angry. He was meticulous. He was patient.

“Patience” could quite easily have been his middle name. He would spend hours pumping air (oxygen) into the fire upon which the crucible nestled with its prized possession of silver coins or gold pieces (usually damaged gold rings or pieces of earrings). The intense fire was needed to change the constitution of

the metal in the crucible — to enable it to be shaped for a better, more beautiful purpose. Operating without temperature gauges, he seemed to know exactly when was the right time to remove the crucible from the heat and empty its content into a mould or other receptacle. We could derive valuable life lessons from grandpa’s workshop activities.

Life sometimes appears to place us in a variety of crucibles. The physical and emotional fires may often seem beyond our ability to cope. However, we sometimes need friends (or articles like this) to remind us that these trials and tests are often needed to bring out our inner beauty and strength. Beautiful things can emerge as we are going through these various setbacks and disappointments. These situations of severe trials can lead to something new and lovely. So very often, we become distracted by the heat of the moment, and we limit our vision to the sides of the crucible. Our vision may go beyond the rim of the receptacle to view the flames that are causing the discomfort. On occasions, we pause to view the individual or situation that has created and/or is sustaining the flame. However, casting our view beyond the immediate vicinity of the crucible can add value and purpose to the enriching experience. There are times, too, when we may not understand or appreciate why we are going through such intense physical, spiritual, or emotional trauma. Often it is not even necessary to understand those situations. We may not need to know how or why the situations exist.

Inspiration and hope may be ignited when we understand and appreciate that “this too will pass”, and that God has a purpose for allowing and taking us through the trauma.

Crucible experiences could be very painful and uncomfortable. Dealing with physical and/or emotional pain could usher in a crisis. Those are often the times when we need good, faithful, caring friends to provide emotional support. They often play a pivotal role in helping us to understand and appreciate that tough times never last but tough people do.

Their insights and objectivity may assist us in understanding and appreciating that we often need to avoid worrying about things that we are unable to control. Their vantage point, being outside the crucible, can aid us in being better able to cope with the trauma. They can assist us in understanding and appreciating that even when faced with danger there can be opportunities for growth.

They remind us that the crucible may be exposed to intense heat but it will survive … and the reformed content can result in creating a beautiful end product.

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

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Taiwan makes billions – Gives us peanuts in return

THE INTERNATIONAL Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) says that fishing vessels should offload their fish catch in the country of the flag the fishing vessel is flying.

Taiwan has been using SVG’s deep-sea, tuna fishing licence and SVG’s national flag for many years.

Taiwan fishing vessels in the Atlantic Ocean, recognised as local fishing vessels from SVG, should be offloading their catch in SVG. Taiwan has made a fortune using SVG’S tuna fishing licence, however, Taiwan does not offload its fish catch in SVG, and does not pay fish tax to the SVG Treasury. Taiwan should pay SVG hundreds of millions of dollars every

year in fish tax, but the ULP regime is turning a blind eye to this big source of revenue loss and tax evasion.

Taiwan is a major obstacle to the development of the SVG economy. Taiwan’s presence in SVG perpetuates poverty and high unemployment.

According to the Taipei Times, a Taiwan national newspaper, Taiwan uses a new jumbo class of fishing boats. Taiwan’s new boats can catch up to 20,000 tonnes of tuna a year.

In 2012, a bluefin tuna was sold for three quarters of a million US dollars in Tokyo. The bluefin tuna, prized for making the finest sushi, fetched US$736,000 (EC$1,987,200) at Tsukiji

fish market’s first auction of the year. The 269kg tuna was US$2,737 (EC$7,389.90) per kilogram.

If we assume a Taiwanese boat, using SVG’s fish licence and flying SVG’s national flag, catches only 5,000 tonnes of tuna a year, that translates to5,000,000kgs (1 tonne = 1000kgs).

Taiwan has about 40 boats using SVG’s fish licence and flying SVG’s national flag. In total, these 40 boats catch 40 x 5,000,000kg = 200,000,000kgs of tuna.

Let’s assume a price of only EC$400 a kg, less than one tenth of what the record tuna got in 2012, each year it is conservatively estimated that Taiwan earns on

SVG’s fish licence 200,000,000kgs x EC$400 = EC$80,000,000,000 - in other words, 80 billion EC dollars each year.

The people of SVG get none of this money.

Instead, we get the occasional donation of a few scholarships or a few motor cycles or an insulting cheque. This is outrageous and immoral, and while thousands people of SVG suffer in poverty, Gonsalves allows this to happen.

It is unfair and discriminatory that Taiwan gets away with

not paying hundreds of millions of dollars in tax, while our children go hungry, while our children live in households without mains water and electricity, and while our children fail to get an education, because their family cannot afford books, uniforms and fees.

An SVG Green Party government will end this abuse of the Vincentian people by Gonsalves and Taiwan. We will cut ties with parasitic Taiwan and make ties with China.

A Green Party government will set up a joint venture tuna fishing and canning industry with

China to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in fish tax to the SVG Treasury, and to create thousands of new jobs in a billion-dollar tuna fish industry.

Our country needs change. We need to generate new sources of revenue to drive economic growth and create new sources of employment. At the next general election in SVG, vote for an SVG Green Party government.

Put your X next to the telephone.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 13.

News

LIME keeps promise TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE provider LIME, in a profound demonstration of corporate responsibility, put spend to the adage, ‘Promises are made to be broken and lies are meant to be kept’, when they came good on a commitment made as part of their sponsorship of the 2014 Annual Lions South Inter-Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, LIME’s Marketing Assistant, Veronique Williams, presented Principal of the

Mountain View Adventist Academy, Anthony Ollivierre, with a cheque for $2500.

The cash award was in fulfilment of LIME’s promise to support a school project submitted by the 2014 Public Speaking winner.

“Although our project submission was very late, LIME still honoured their commitment, and for that I am grateful,” Olliveierre said on receipt of the donation.

The project identified is to place burglar bars at strategic points throughout the school,

NFL begins to Flow NFL FANS across the Caribbean have scored a big win with Flow.

C&W Communications, which operates both the LIME and Flow brands, has secured a five-year agreement to offer various NFL assets, including NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL Network and NFL RedZone, for its cable TV line-up across the region.

Fans of the NFL will also be able to watch LIVE regular season games on Flow TV (Channel 100).

Flow TV will also broadcast popular NFL programmes, including NFL Hard Knocks, America’s Game, Road to the Playoffs and Road to the Super Bowl.

Commenting on the partnership, John Reid, President of C&W’s Consumer Group said, “This is another example of how we are working with our international partners to secure exciting content for our customers across the Caribbean. Not only will NFL fans have access to games, they will be able to view NFL action across multiple platforms, including Flow TV and on their smart devices.”

NFL’s Vice President of International Media, Michael Markovich, stated “We are pleased to partner with a leading provider in the Caribbean to provide our fans with increased access to NFL content across multiple platforms and we look forward to continuing to develop a mutually beneficial and longstanding partnership.”

Flow is introducing an early bird special and flexible payment options for NFL Sunday Ticket, making access easier for customers.

NFL Sunday Ticket features up to 13 different high definition games live each Sunday. NFL Network and NFL RedZone will be available at no extra cost within the digital basic and extended basic packages respectively.

In addition, Flow will introduce a variety of exciting promotions, including a chance to attend a live NFL regular season game as it launches the partnership across the region.

The NFL will be broadcast on Flow in Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and the Turks & Caicos.

which is located in Richland Park. “We have had 3 break-ins so far for this year, so this contribution from LIME is definitely needed to help secure the premises” added Ollivierre.

Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager, Nikala Williams, said “It is a pleasure and also an honour each time we get an opportunity to

contribute to Education in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Lions Club LIME Public Speaking competition has become a noteworthy building block for secondary school students over the years.

LIME commits to its continued support not only monetarily, but also by offering incentives such as a prize to the winning school and a 2year scholarship to the top 3 students.”

Anthony Ollivierre, Principal of the Mountain View Adventist Academy, gladly accepts a cheque from LIME’s Marketing Assistant, Veronique Williams.

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14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac: Patriarch, Idol, God-fearing

instructions to the family on the art of ‘caning chairs’.

MATTHEW ‘DADA’ CULZAC “He taught how to cane will take his final resting chairs. You learnt by place on earth tomorrow, doing. That’s the lesson he Saturday, September 19, taught,” Theresa 2015. surmised.

He passed away Yet, Theresa September 4, 2015, at the remembers him as a “very age of 102. private man.”

Born May 19, 1913, he Seven of his ten celebrated his hundredth children, Yvonne Culzac, birthday two years ago Paulita Thomas, Carl, with a gathering of the Axel, Maxwell, Lawrence who’s who in Vincentian and Carmen Morris, life. survive his passing.

Phillip, Leslie, and Lorna Dyer pre-deceased him.

He was patriarch to a family that also included 70 grandchildren, 125 great grandchildren and 16 great, great children, according to the family.

If ever there Five generations (including ‘Dada) of the Culzac family at was a staunch the 100th birthday bash for “Dada’.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

He spent most of his years in the area of Rose Place, otherwise referred to as Bottom Town, Kingstown, and was a highly regarded carpenter, joiner, and fisherman.

It was as a fisherman that he drew most respect, and even after he gave up the nets and line, the respect he commanded made him an idol in Rose Place.

His granddaughter, Theresa Ingrid Culzac, remembers him giving

Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac (centre) joined by Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne (left) and close friend John Horne on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

For her, ‘Dada’ Culzac was also a “mentor,” and described him as having Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac cut a dapper figure as a an equally good rapport with both the elderly and young man. the young, with young Roman Catholic, it was persons, in particularly, ‘Dada. Many recall that being drawn naturally to he attended the R.C. him.

Cathedral of the He was a “no gamer,” Assumption, Kingstown, as far as Carmen was every morning for the concerned. Asked what better part of his life. she meant by that, she His devotion to his faith explained: “He was and God led him to bring serious.” spiritual support to many The typical Caribbean persons in districts close man that he was, ‘Dada’ and far. He prayed with was fond of cricket. He citizens, according to his followed that sport, social grand-daughter Theresa. events and politics keenly.

Carmen Moses Dada showed little sign described him as a of ailing, up to six weeks “leader.” before his passing, and his

death came as a shock to close relatives.

He died with all his faculties intact, family members and loved ones maintain.

THE VINCENTIAN extends condolences to the family of Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac, with the firm belief that he is wrapped in the bosom of his Saviour.

And if we may offer a quip, he may well have been welcomed by his Saviour with a bottle of wine and a basket of chocolates, which he relished all his life.

May ‘Dada’ Culzac forever rest in the peace of the Lord.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 15.

News

Trinity holds impressive White Coat Ceremony

SATURDAY, 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2015, a total of seventy-five medical students, including twelve pre-medical students, were ceremonially robed in their White Coasts, signifying their entry into the Trinity School of Medicine Class of 2019.

Dr. Dr. Douglas Skelton, Dean of the School, presiding over the ceremony that included,

among its distinguished guests: Governor gGeneral Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Minister of Health Clayton Burgin, Officers assigned to the Calliaqua Police Station and Trinity Faculty members.

Sir Frederick, in his address, encouraged the inductees with the words of prominent American

Physician Dr. Tinsley Harrison, ‘No greater opportunity or obligation can fall the lot of a human being than to be a physician’.

An experienced medical doctor himself, the Governor General highlighted the technical skill, scientific knowledge and human understanding that would be required of

Some of the seventy-five students being robed under the watchful eye of Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne (right). each of them; the unique service each would provide for his/her fellowmen; and the “enduring edifice of character” that will be built within each student once he/she uses courage, humility and wisdom.

President of Trinity, Mr. Steven Wilson rose, welcomed all, thanking especially the parents for making the trip to SVG to lend support to their children. He assured all that Trinity will do everything to make sure that the young men and women get safely through their period of held under the theme, ‘We love we: October 25 is given over to Church study here. services, and the activities continue All things Vincy’, last Tuesday, at He went on to introduce the St. Vincent Co-operative Bank, on Monday, October 26, with a a presentation by students Vincy Comedy and Karaoke Kingstown. of the graduating Class of A Heritage Village, first featured competition.

2015 who had summed up, The Heritage Village activities in 2011, will be mounted, in in a video, their keeping with the theme, ‘Moon run culminate on October 27 with experiences from their traditional breakfast and sale of til day ketch um’, at Heritage White Coat Ceremony, to local food all day.

Square in the Co-operative Bank’s graduation then residency.

Lavern Velox, Manager of the St. parking area.

The impressive Vincent Co-operative Bank, A number of activities are presentation had the endorsed the Heritage activities, planned amidst the week-long audience upright in their and her institution made their display of crafts, local food and seats, hanging onto every locally designed and manufactured commitment obvious with a cash word. donation presentation at last clothing.

Dr. Paula Wilson Tuesday’s launch.

Primary Schools will engage in followed with a history of Omari Francis, Senior lunch time dancing competitions on the White Coat ceremony.

Marketing Officer at the Bank of October 21.

She outlined how Dr. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Cultural performers have an Arnold Gold conceived of a was also on hand to confirm his opportunity at an Open Mike institution’s support. ceremony to capture carded for Friday 23, and a Pan The National Heritage activities medical students’ Village will also be featured.

An Xtreme Vincy Soca Blow Out are co-ordinated by a National obligation to patients and is planned for October 24, to select Heritage Committee which has the human side of a People’s Soca Champion. Cash of its origins from among the faculty medicine, upon the $1,000 is on offer. and students of the Girls’ High commencement of the This will be preceded by a Food School. study of medicine; and and Rum Festival.

Sunday,

National Heritage Week activities launched

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE 2015 NATIONAL Heritage Pageant, to be held under the theme, ‘Our colloquial legacy: Parlay palang in Vincy twang’, is scheduled for October 31, at Victoria Park.

Nine Secondary School students will vie for the title, where the emphasis will be cultural preservation. (See THE VINCENTIAN OF FRIDAY, 11TH, 2015.)

The pageant will be ushered in by a week of heritage related activities and the now annual Heritage Parade.

The parade, through the streets of capital city Kingstown, is scheduled for October 20. It kicks off 2 pm from the Geest Shed and ends with a concert at Heritage Square, after stops at the Central Market, Banfield’s Service Station and the General Post Office.

Former Carnival Queen Melissa Yorke gave an overview of the National Heritage Parade to be

The Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Omari France seals his Bank’s support with a cheque.

The St. Vincent Co-operative Bank continues to put its resources behind the noble effort of the Heritage Committee.

why students wore the shorter coat. She was solemn yet profound when she stated that the coat placed on each student’s shoulders was a testimony that the Faculty at Trinity knew that they had faith and confidence that each student “will be that kind of human physician from Day One”.

Dr. Frances Jack, Associate Dean of Students, was no less confident in the students.

“Your determination and dedication have brought you success and we are honored that you have chosen Trinity to guide you along this path,” she said.

All was set, therefore, for the seventy-five students to be robed by faculty and congratulated by the Governor General.

The atmosphere was rife with pride and expectation.

Dean Skelton brought the ceremony to a close with words of good wishes, and invited students and their relatives to a reception on the island resort of Young Island.

V TrotmanÊs: 65 and counting 16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

More than a business 8 Mrs. Carteel ‘Aunty K’ Trotman. and the Grenadines.

This attainment is attributed, according to Mrs. Carteel ‘Aunty K’ Trotman, matriarch of

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS the family-owned TROTMAN’S ELECTRONICS business, to a sound foundation of hard work Services Ltd., familiarly and dedication. referred to as Trotman’s But it may also have Electronics, is celebrating something to do with sixty-five years of business Mrs. Trotman herself, endeavour in St. Vincent Trotman’s before (left); Trotman’s today (right).

who remains active in the business, even at the twilight age of 91 years old, and who, with a mind as sharp as that of any nineteen-year-old, vividly remembers joining the business five years after its inception in 1950.

Continued on Page 18.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 17.

Feature

Trotman’s has expanded to the Depot in Arnos Vale.

TrotmanÊs: 65 and counting More than a business Continued from Page 17.

And in seeking out her thoughts on the origin and ongoing contribution of Trotman’s Electronics, Mrs. Trotman recognizes the vision and spirit of independence of its founder, her husband, McNeil Trotman.

Her memories of the budding years of the business flow pleasantly in an among her recollections of that handsomely dressed young man just back from Aruba, sporting a felt hat and frequenting her place of employment (Corea’s on Bay Street opposite the Financial Complex) That young man would also show up in the Wilson Hill vicinity which she frequented and an ‘interest’ soon blossomed, resulting in evening walks along the Fort (Charlotte) road.

The courtship ensued.

Marriage followed, and amidst birthing five children, she availed herself of her husband’s toil to build the business, offering advice and moreso the ever so important morale and familial support — a multi-faceted challenge which she faced with determination and dedication.

It was no bed of roses, and Mrs. Trotman looks back with a sense of satisfaction and a glee across her face, recalling the challenges of meeting the payroll and customs duties, and having to make do with humble living conditions so that funds could be directed to building the business.

Founder of Trotman’s Mc Neil Trotman, had a vision and spirit of independence which kept the business going forward.

And through her reminiscing, she held up her life’s partner, McNeil, as a well-read, disciplined individual, who recognized the need for sleep and punctuality.

How well she recalls the father-figure he would become to the extended family of employees — of the commitment to make them comfortable as he built loyalty.

Mrs. Trotman remembers, with a chuckle, how her husband employed a driver who could not see over the steering wheel, but who remained on the job after her husband got him a cushion.

And there is no doubting the pride with which she spoke of the many employees who have gone on to establish their own business, like Thompsons Air Conditioning and Bushay Electronics.

But a special place of pride is reserved for longserving employees Mrs. Merlene Forde, currently the longest in service and who joined the Company

fresh out of school, Ms. Hyacinth Delpeche, Ms. Janice Carr, Mr. Lyndon Connor and Mr. Jerimiah Charles..

Yes, Trotman’s Electronics has grown from its humble beginnings on Back Street, to a commanding presence on the corner of Middle and Egmont Streets in Kingstown, and to its pioneering expansion into Arnos Vale.

Family-owned businesses remain an integral part of the commercial landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trotman’s Electronic remains, unquestionably, a standout in this regard.

Thanks to the foresight of a young man, McNeil, who had returned to his homeland from Aruba with grandiose ideas and enthusiasm, and to the untiring, unflinching support of his wife, Carteel, Trotman’s Electronics turns 65, and is well-positioned to last well into the future.

18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 19.

News

Reverón Artwork travels to five continents

FROM THIS SEPTEMBER 18, 2015, in fifty Diplomatic Missions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, will be seen simultaneously a unique exhibition of the artwork of Armando Reverón, one of the most important 20th century Venezuelan artists.

A selection composed by fourteen reproductions of the most emblematic works of the Master Reverón, will be exhibited from this Friday at the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Kingstown, as a part of the program Art Suitcase.

The initiative is the international distribution of 50 suitcases specially built for the occasion, containing reproductions of his works, ranging from portraits to Caribbean dazzled landscapes, becoming the first program of its kind in the history of Venezuelan art.

Venezuelan artist, Armando Reverón On this occasion, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has Master Reverón who was recently been chosen as one of the 50 declared by President Nicolás Maduro destinations where you will admire a as Cultural Heritage of the Nation in significant sample of the work of Venezuela.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Threesome could breed trouble kept between us.

One week later, my I HAVE FOUND MYSELF in girlfriend’s friend approached me for a one a situation which is very uncomfortable, and I can’t and one session with her.

I obliged. My girlfriend seem to find a way out.

I asked the best friend is now becoming concerned that her friend of my grlfriend to sit in is getting too close to me, on one of our loveand she wants me to ask making sessions. My her to step back a bit. I girlfriend and I had am not too keen on doing discussed this over and so. I suggested to my over. The date was girlfriend to let us just planned, and my keep the love between us girlfriend’s best friend three. She did not readily agreed. During the making out (between agree. What do I do in this situation? my girlfriend and me), the friend decided she KKP wanted to get involved.

At first, my girlfriend was not comfortable with Dear KKP, the idea, but I did not It is a very bad idea to hesitate to involve her. involve a third party in After we were done, your relationship. To do we discussed what had so is to court trouble just happened, and my from which you might girlfriend’s best friend asked us not to mention not be able to get out, without causing hurt to a word of this to her boyfriend. We promised all parties.

Take your girlfriend`s her that this would be

Dear George,

suggestion and ask her friend to step back.

After all, you were the chief architect of this misguided action. It would be a good idea to turn a new leaf, and hope that you would not need a ‘get out of jail’ card in the future,

should there be repercussions from this decision to be three instead of two.

In your case, always remember that two heads are better than three.

George

Ready to out his lights Dear George, FOR THREE WEEKS now, my wife has been refusing to make love to me, and even went as far as to want to sleep in a different bed. I kept asking her to give me the reason(s) for such drastic and sudden change, but she refused.

One night, I demanded to know what was going on, and even threatened to leave if this continued. That was when she opened up and told me, between tears, that she was raped by her boss. The act, she said, was witnessed by another employee, and had taken place after working hours when she was asked to do overtime.

I could not believe what I was hearing! This is a man we both trusted. She even told me that she was not the first one.

George, as I write to you, my body is shaking.

I am an “ignorant” man, and my mind is telling me to go to that office and out his lights for good. I am this close to going to jail or worse!!!

Threatened but still holding on Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND has, on more than one occasion, threatened to poison me. I told him he should stop making

those threats, but he brushes me off by saying that has the right to say whatever he wants.

He only says things like that when he is mad; other than that he is a sweet and loving man. I cannot see him out of my life, and if he should leave me, I cannot stand the thought of seeing him with someone else.

How can I get him to stop saying those terrible things to me?

My biggest fear is that he would follow through with his threat.

the right to do so, and yet you cannot see yourself living without him?

You need to do a selfevaluation. Go over your check list of the qualities you need to see in the man who is going to be in your life.

It certainly looks like your boyfriend deserves to be somewhere else other than in your life.

It is against the law to make threats on another person’s life, and you need to report this to the police, if you intend to take action. The next step would be to move on and find yourself XXann someone who can love you the way you Dear XXann, deserved to beloved, and with whom You are with a man you can feel safe. who constantly makes threats on your life George and who thinks he has

Headache Dear Headache, It is good that you have restrained yourself from taking matters into your own hands.

You need to encourage your wife to report this incident to the police immediately, and then seek out professional help from a qualified counsellor. It would be good for you to go together, as she would need unwavering support from you at this difficult time in her life. Now is the time for you to show that unconditional love, and help her to get through what may easily be the darkest moment in her life.

Physical violence and revenge would not change what has happened. Give the legal system a chance to work, and I wish both of you well.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. You should make special plans for you and your lover. Travel should open doors that lead to exciting new adventures. Ask family members for help and you will be able to complete the projects more quickly.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Valuable information can be yours if you listen to those with experience. You will find the excitement gratifying. Kick your shoes off and relax. A residential move may be in order.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices. Things will be hectic and family members will be erratic.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Emotionally you won't see things accurately. Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do. Your health may have suffered due to neglect or abuse. Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Involvement in groups will be favorable.

Business partnerships will prove lucrative. Put your efforts into physical fitness programs or competitive sports. Try to ease any disappointment by making amends. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on. Take time to deal with authority figures or government agencies. Be careful how you handle friends and relatives, they may take things the wrong way. Be careful not to consume too many spicy foods, or minor health problems could put you out of commission for the day.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) One-sided relationships are likely.

Avoid letting family get involved in your personal life. You can make money through your own creative efforts.

Stabilize your own position by locking up your savings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Be careful of disclosing personal information. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate unintentionally.

Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize.

Your lover will be extremely sensitive and now will not be a good time to make changes that they won't like.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. Re-evaluate your situation. Take the day to relax and pamper yourself. You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted. Children may be difficult to deal with. Don't get involved in uncertain financial ventures. Personal problems may be hanging over your head but don't confront the situation. You can make a difference if you're willing to stand up and be counted.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't overspend on luxury items.

Travel and entertaining conversation will be informative and uplifting. You may have a problem with someone you live with if you don't include them in your gathering. You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Family outings that aren't expensive will be enjoyable and help strengthen ties. Use discretion, especially if involved with someone from work.

Problems with female members of your family may play on your emotions.

Relatives may play an important role in your personal life.

ACROSS

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58. Jamie _ 14. Cup’s edge Curtis 15. Overflow 59. Jaunty 17. Equivalent 60. Young suffix 18. Grieved 61. Guess at a 19. O’Toole’s price (abbr.) rank (abbr.)

21. Third letter DOWN 22. Opening 14. Savoir-faire 1. Faucet woe 26. Watered the 2.Singer/ lawn Songwriter 30. Porcelain Mitchell tableware 3. Awe 33. Beef fat 4. Noon 34. Paving liquid 5. “Eureka” 36. Crack pilots 6. Carry 37. Feeling the 7. Used cash fury 8. Six-pack 39.Shakespearmuscles, ean play informally 41. Indolently 9. Rehearse 43. Lass 10. _ bomb 44. Rds. 11. Hook’s right 46. Was seated hand 48. Cowell of 16. Undid “American 20. Cul-de-_ Idol” 23. Favorite

25. Dry white wine 26. Gov’t agcy.

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45. Fork feature 47. Definite thing 49. Burrowing varmint 50. Poetic verses

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 21.

51. Russian rejection 53. Fast jet (abbr.)

55. Chowed down

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22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Tribute to the late Sister Elma Dougan 28th April, 1942 - 2nd August, 2015

by ROSECLAIR M. E CHARLES THE STRIFE IS O’ER the battle done Now is the Victor’s triumph won O let the song of praise be sung Alleluia.

The 2nd August, 2015 is a date that I will never ever forget. A dear friend, sister and mentor was taken away from this earth. This tribute is long overdue, but better late than never.

Sister Elma Dougan was not only my friend; she was the big sister I never had. On the 20th September 1978, I was enrolled at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Nursing School as a Student Nursing Assistant. That’s where I first met this humble and gentle lady, Sister Elma Dougan. Coming from the rural village of Troumaca on the leeward side of the island to pursue a course in nursing, I knew I needed a mentor, and the

good Lord provided one in the person of Sister Elma Dougan.

Sr Dougan was always there for me from the beginning of my career, and, as fate would have it, we remained very close from 1978 up to the time of her death on August 2nd 2015.

During my time at the School of Nursing, I consulted her on almost every and anything.

There were many ups and downs during my tenure at the school; there were personal issues as well as other issues, and I always turned to her, and she always lent a listening ear. She was never too busy to listen and give advice and options.

I remember there was a problem with my Pharmacology exam paper and I was told I would not allowed to resit the paper.

I was devastated and broke down in tears,(I thought there goes my dream). Sr Dougan was the one who consoled me.

She said, “Roseclair, it’s

not the end of the world.

You have potentials and God does everything for a reason; don’t ever give up.”

Those words remain with me to this very day.

Sr Dougan helped me in getting private nursing jobs at the then General Hospital and private homes, and with her encouragement and motivation, I did some home studies and kept moving on. When I got employed at the St Vincent Planned Parenthood Association as Family Life Educator, Sr Dougan was there as a Board Member and continued to be my motivator. In 1985 she was the one who encouraged me to participate in the Principles and Practice of Social Work at the Mona Campus, Jamaica. This I did and with much pride, I graduated as the Most Outstanding student. The card she sent me is still displayed on my dresser. I moved on to the Liberty Boys Training Centre as

House Mother, and Sr Dougan was one of my references. In fact, on every single application that I wrote, her name was always present. I still have in my possession copies of recommendations written by her.

When I was chosen to go to The Gambia, West Africa to work with the United Nations as Social Worker and Counsellor, the first person to know after my family was Sr Dougan. She was, of course, one of the references on my application forms. I remember her words clearly, “Roseclair, go on, make yourself and SVG proud. You have what it takes; let your light shine.” And with those words from a genuine friend and mentor, I went forth and I did let my light shine.

Our friendship continued to grow during the 11 years I spent in Africa. My weekly newspapers came through the post regularly, and our e-mails were constant.

Whenever I needed to debrief after a difficult counselling session, I would write to Sr Dougan and there was always a prompt response.

When she lost her son in 2006, she emailed me, and I could have felt the pain and distress in her mail. I called her immediately and did my very best at consoling her.

It was such a good feeling to be able to bring some comfort to her, even from thousands of miles away, and as her dear husband (also a very good friend of mine) said to me a few years later, “Roseclair, it’s not easy to bury your child; its very, very painful.” I know I was able

to ease some of that Pain.

Coming back to SVG my homeland in 2009, one of the first homes I visited was Sr Dougan’s at Ribishi. We laughed, hugged, shed a little tear and shared so much, some of which have gone to the grave with her. When I got employed with the Ministry of Health, again she was one of my references. After a while on the Project, there were some obstacles, and no one would listen. Whom did I call on for consultation? Sr Dougan of course, who, in her usual soft gentle but firm manner, encouraged and made suggestions and again reminded me to let my light shine. This I did and have not regretted. I am and remain forever grateful.

Sr Dougan was a natural motivator and loved to help people. We worked as a team; although only two of us we did so much. There were times when she would refer someone seeking help to me and I would do my best.

Two weeks before she died, we had a conversation about a young girl who was going through so much, she needed social support.

This was the very last assignment we did together and, as fate would have it, that young lady is in the process of reconstructing her life and doing much better. On hearing of Sr Dougan’s death, that young lady called me, and we cried together. I promised her I will still continue to be there for her.

The last social meeting we had was on that sunny Tuesday morning at Villa beach, from around 11 am to 3.30 pm. We swam,

talked, soaked, laughed and enjoyed nature. Her husband Carlyle was also there and kept saying he had to go home to watch cricket. But we continued to chat and he soon joined in…. it was from social issues, to religion to personal to politics. Soon another friend joined us and the dialogue continued up to after 3 pm. Mr Dougan never got to watch his cricket match, but I know he enjoyed the hours we spent together.

On Sunday August 9th , two days before the funeral, I was sitting in my usual seat at St Paul’s Church Calliaqua,. The recessional hymn was ‘Through all the changing scenes of life’. My eyes were filled with tears as Father Nicholls and the other members of the clergy walked down the aisle. I swore I saw Sr Dougan among them. She had two huge wings and was singing as well. I blinked twice and she was gone. I know it wasn’t real but, “I can only imagine”.

Mr Dougan, Karla, Justin, Joy, Mike and all other family members, be of good courage. Weeping will endure in the night, but joy cometh in the morning… . “We can only imagine”.

Good bye, Sr Dougan.

May your soul continue to rest in Perfect Peace.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 23.

Sports

Outrage over OllivierreÊs remarks on Penn Relays

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT UNITED STATES-BASED supporters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia have expressed outrage over remarks attributed to local athletic coach Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre.

In a story carried in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 11th September, and attributed to Ian Allen, a former West Indies fast bowler and current coach of the Windward Islands Cricket Team, Ollivierre, an erstwhile sports coordinator in the subregional Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), is quoted as saying, among other things: “How can you go and finish in the hundreds (Penn Relays)?

“Nobody is going to notice you,” he added. “It’s an absurdity, and I think someone should look into it.”

But James Cordice, the architect behind the nation’s participation in the annual athletic carnival, told THE VINCENTIAN that he is “not seeing any love, respect, or accountability displayed or expressed” in Ollivierre’s statements.

“The audacity of this man to suggest that TSSS’ (Thomas Saunders Secondary School) venture and continued success at the Penn (Relays mean nothing is also a reminder that many persons are being paid to represent and uplift the standard of sports in SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) — are actually working against the development of the same,” the Clare Valley native said.

“For the record, interested persons can visit Pennrelays.com to check the stats (statistics) of TSSS, and see for yourself that, in a mere five years, TSSS ranks higher than over 250 attending schools,” added Cordice about the lone school, which has, to date, represented the nation at the oldest and largest collegiate athletic event in the US. “A comparative analysis suggests that most of those 250 schools

have been competing at Penn (Relays) for over 40 years.”

James Cordice has challenged Michael Ollivierre to show the benefits of his work in SVG.

Ollivierre challenged

deem this comparison unfair and unjust,” said Legair, adding, “To Ollivierre is publicly write this also quoted in foolishness about the Allen article recruiting the best that, while he athletes can potentially was “happy that subject our schools to SVG has had a scrutiny.” participating On the college team team at the issue, Legair said the St. Penn Relays in Vincent and the the Thomas TSSS female athletes, who won their 4x400 heat at this Grenadines Organization Saunders year’s Penn Relays, brave the frigid weather to display of Pennsylvania (SVGOP), School…, going medals and plaques they were awarded. to the event is was in talks with the late not a vocational and Culture Committee in most part, are misleading director of athletics at the thing; it supposed to be a SVG Community College, the Brooklyn, New Yorkand untrue. market place for our Otis Jack, who assured based Council of St. The Richmond Hill, athletes.” that he was working on Vincent and the Kingstown native noted Ollivierre, a former bringing a college team.

Grenadines’ that TSSS has been high school coach in Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. attending the Penn Relay Mr. Jack fell ill and Jamaica, said over 37 subsequently passed (COSAGO), which assists Games for five years, schools from that Cordice annually in the compared to Jamaica’s 50- away.

Caribbean Community “This article country’s preparation for plus years.

(CARICOM) member(Ollivierre’s statement) is the Penn Relays, said that “There are so many nation attend the Penn Ollivierre’s claims, for the other variables that would without merit,” Legair Relays.

He admitted, “It’s great for Thomas Saunders to have gone there. I went with them for the first trip,” adding, “and I told

by DAYLE DA SILVA Coombs told THE “He will be missed as them expressively that VINCENTIAN that he the team prepares itself you cannot go and UP TO WEDNESDAY, visited Charles, and for the next round of compete well unless you former national footballer indicated that the competition,” Coombs are well prepared, … . and present assistant Federation stands ready said.

You need to recruit coach of the Vincentian to assist in any way Charles is a former athletes and train all year senior national men’s possible, with his further captain of the senior round. football team, Wesley care and treatment. national football team, “We have been going ‘Butu’ Charles, remained The SVGFF president and is remembered for his there for five years now. warded at the Male said that the SVGFF was sterling role as a central In those five years, we Surgical section of the already playing a role in have had no one going on defender, before his Milton Cato Memorial offsetting expenses for a scholarship, no one has retirement from national Hospital (MCMH), where Charles’ care, by paying moved on to the senior duty in 2005. he was being treated for for the private ward at standard through that His international burns he sustained in an the MCMH. system,” he continued. career included a stint attack last Friday night.

Coombs added that, “It’s a waste of funds for with Bray Wanderers, in According to reports, should the former them to go to the event.”

Charles received burns national defender require November 2000 and two But Cordice queried seasons with Sligo Rovers about his arms and body any additional medical Ollivierre’s role as a in the Irish league. after being attacked at treatment overseas, the government-paid athletic He also campaigned in his home in Brighton.

SVGFF is ready to make coach.

Russia for FC Rostov, President of the St whatever contribution to “Show me one before returning to Vincent and the this effort.

Vincentian who has Ireland for another stint Grenadines Football Charles’ most recent benefitted from Federation (SVGFF), with Bray Wanderers duties with the national Ollivierre’s employment in speaking with THE team was when the team until his release in July SVG, and I will show you VINCENTIAN on visited Aruba for the 2008. one that benefitted from Wednesday, expressed his second round of a Charles then moved on the Penn Relays sympathy to Charles and CONCACAF 2018 World to the Vancouver Program,” he said. his family, and said that Cup Qualifier. SVG Whitecaps, Canada, in “Mr. Ollivierre, taking the entire football advanced on a 3-2 SVG high schools to Penn the United Soccer fraternity wished the 38- aggregate after going was never your dream — Leagues First Division, year-old a speedy down 2-1 in Aruba. neither is taking the SVG and helped the team recovery.

Coombs said that Community College,” capture its second First “We are deeply Charles contributed a lot Division Championship.

Cordice charged. “I am the saddened, and our to the team, bringing his dreamer. Who are you?”

In 2010, he signed with sympathy goes out,” he knowledge garnered from the Montreal Impact in said. his international Foolishness “We are all hoping for experience to bear on the the same league.

A final return to a speedy recovery,” team’s approach and Joanne Legair — European football came in Coombs continued. overall performance. chairperson of the Sports

Joanne Legair described Michael Ollivierre’s comments as misleading. asserted. “I see it as a personal attack on the coach at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and others who are involved.

“Now, Ollivierre is no doubt a good athletic coach,” she continued. “If you want to lend a helping hand, or make recommendations for improvements, call the key players to a meeting.

By writing this article, I see an attempt to sabotage the effort.”

Cordice confirmed that he has had discussions with TSSS and other stakeholders, including Community College personnel, on the possibility of having more Vincentian teams participate in the Penn Relays.

SVGFF stands by Charles

Wesley ‘Butu’ Charles, assistant coach of the national senior men’s football team, has been assured that the SVGFF will do all it can to assist in the demands of his recovery.

March 2011 when he returned to Ireland and signed with League of Ireland First Division side, Salthill Devon.

Meantime, Charles’ role with the national team has to be filled, given that a time for his return cannot now be determined.

According to Coombs, former national player, Ezra Hendrickson has expressed an interest in replacing Charles on the technical staff. A decision on this offer has not yet been made.

V

24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

W/C Qualifiers: SVGFF preparing for next phase

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT THE SENIOR NATIONAL men’s football team, ‘Vincy Heat’, will begin the next phase of the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers with a high profile match against the USA, on November 13th in St. Louis.

And the SVG Football Federation (SVGFF) is making every effort to have things in place to ensure that the team is in a state of readiness for that match and others to follow.

This was indicated by president of the SVGFF Venold Coombs, who said that, with the large budget that the campaign will attract, his

organisation will try to tap into every area so as to meet the obligation.

He said that the government has promised to meet some of the cost, and officials of the government have given a commitment to assist in getting some contributions from businesses here and abroad.

The President said that, in an effort to whip up support in the Vincentian community in North America, two members of the Local Organising Committee, chairman Nelson Hillocks, and committee member Dougal James, will travel to the USA to initiate that effort. .

Venold Coombs, President of the SVGFF, assured that his Federation was leaving no stone unturned in its effort to ensure that ‘Vincy Heat’ is prepared and well supported.

The ‘Vincy Heat’ eleven for its recent away game against Aruba.

“This is a big thing, and it’s about St. Vincent and the Grenadines, not just the Football Federation, so it is all hands on deck….,” Coombs said at a media

conference this week.

In the meantime, the technical staff will be gathering information on overseas-based players with Vincentian connections, and who qualify to play for SVG. According to Coombs, there are areas in the team that need some level of improvement.

He assured that the SVGFF will guard against finding itself embroiled in any uncertainty with respect to players’ eligibility.

A protest was lodged by the Guyana Football Association on the grounds that ‘Vincy Heat’ had fielded a player,

against the Guyana team, who was not accredited with a Vincentian passport.

That protest, surrounding UK-based Gavin James, was dismissed, but Guyana subsequently lodged an appeal.

As far as further preparation of the team is concerned, the president said his Federation is working towards securing a few friendly matches, with Grenada and Antigua being immediate possibilities.

In addition to USA, SVG will oppose Guatemala and Trinidad

and Tobago, home and away, with the first home match on November 17th against Guatemala.

‘Vincy Heat’ advanced to this phase after going past Aruba 3-2 on aggregate.

Coombs also addressed the issue of the attack on assistant coach, Wesley ‘Butu’ Charles, who is currently a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, nursing burns about his body.Reports say Charles was doused with a hot liquid through an open window, while he slept at his Brighton home in the wee hours of Saturday morning. He is said to have suffered burns to his chest, arms and legs.

Coombs said that the Federation will provide what is at its disposal in helping Charles seek medical attention overseas.

Police stay on course POLICE MAINTAINED their one hundred percent record in the VINLEC North Leeward Cricket tournament, with a 103-run win over Coulls Hill Rangers last Saturday.

Kenneth Dember hit 52 as his team piled up 212 for 6 from their 20 overs, with other good contributions coming from Danson Andrews, 40, Kenroy Williams, 37, and Marcus John, 22.

Devon Mars, 2 for 31, and Angus Cyrus, 2 for 34, had the best figures for Coulls Hill.

Coulls Hill were dismissed for 110 in 18 overs, with Parnel Browne, 3 for 15, and Kenneth Dember, 2 for 29, being among the wickets. Devon Mars, 22, and Angus Cyrus, 20, were the main contributors with the bat for Coulls Hill.

It was mixed fortunes for Somerset in the weekend’s two other matches.

They overcame Petit Bordel Secondary in a ten-over affair reduced owing to rain. The school team reached 91 for 6 from their allotment. Adrian Stapleton, 30, was the leading scorer.

Nelson Williams, 2 for 18, and

Ralmore Pierre, 2 for 23, returned for Somerset.

Kevin Small , 39 not out, and Bishon Williams, 29, waded into the School’s bowling, and Somerset raced to 92 for 2 in 8.1 overs.

The tables turned on Somerset the following day in another similarly reduced encounter. Rudy’s Electrical hammered 138 for 3, powered by Chrisroy John, 73, and Deon Bynoe, 31.

That opening pair put on 109 for the first wicket. Kevin Small 2 for 29 was the best of the Somerset bowling, and slammed 74, not enough, as Somerset ended at 120 for 4 when the overs ran out.

The competition continues with Coulls Hill Rangers and Petit Bordel Secondary School tomorrow Saturday 19, followed by a Carlos James Troumaca Starlight versus Rudy Electrical clash.

Police and Sharpes United meet on Sunday, and Peto Stars and North Stars come head to head in what is expected to be an intense battle.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 25.

Sports

Preparing to rise

THERE IS SOME TIME before the return leg in the World Cup qualifiers. That is September 2, 2016. By then many things will have changed.

The focus for us immediately is the away leg in Missouri, November 13. Some persons have written us off, and our showing in the return leg in Aruba September 8 fuelled their pessimism.

I am taking a different outlook. I am not a dreamer. I believe that St. Vincent and the Grenadines can beat the United Sates in football under any circumstance.

We may lack the organisational capacity the US possesses. But there is no reason for us to pretend to lie down and die or quake at the sight of the US team, with all their bravado and entourage.

It will be a step up by leaps and bounds. We have played against Trinidad and Tobago time and time, and Guatemala visited these before.

This is time for us to up our game. Tevin Slater has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess so much that he is the leading scorer in Concacaf. The platform is there for him to increase the number, and with help from his team mates, the outfit could benefit from positive results no matter where they occur.

The assessment has been made that the match in Aruba has been our

most serious exposure.

Indeed it might have been. That should help with our preparation, physical and mental, for the other encounters. The fact that the Vincentians came out triumphant, thanks to Slater’s heroics, is cause for us to celebrate.

I am not going to feel sad whatever the results against the US. In any event, our support must be for the team in our first home match November 17.

One hopes are that structures are in place to ensure the smooth execution of operations for the fixture. The match takes place in the midst of disagreements within the Federation.

Matters off the field should not interfere with the preparations of the team for these crucial matches.

Things have an unavoidable way of spilling over into unforbidden paths. The first two matches find us on the homestretch of a general election campaign. The Federation itself was on a similar footing, and the two events have direct and interconnecting bearings on the staging and continuation of the world cup exercise.

Needless to say the new regimes, entrenched or unheralded will have their impact on the proceedings.

There is breathing

Suggestions of his space for the clashes replacement smack of against T &T, here, ingratitude.

March 25 and away 29.

By then, the points tally will be taking shape and, while it may not be desperation for whichever unit, it will be a reminder for them to get in the groove.

Following the home game with the US, the Vincy Heat wind up their sojourn in Guatemala. We have to make the use of our home advantage November 17.

Given that it will be a tight schedule, not only on the field, but logistically, changing from conditions in that part of the world, to the tropical surroundings of the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

It is unfortunate that the squad lost the services of one of their coaching staff at that juncture. Get well greetings are extended to Wesley ‘Butu’ Charles. His inspiration must be vital. He was one of the formidable defence line up that helped the Vincentian team to retain some dignity.

One hopes for his early return. It is nearly a paradox that a contingent could manage to have advanced with merely offensive instincts.

Something from Coach Cornelius Huggins must have been instilled in the squad, and he will endeavour to prove his worth after his days on the field. Huggins has accomplished a task that is commendable.

V

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Classifieds

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V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 18, 2015. 27.

Feature/Classifieds

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Once you understand the

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We are encouraged to practise and present new and exciting arrangements for our Floral Exhibition on 24th October, 2015.

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F O R

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‘MORE HOUSES WILL TOPPLE,’ WARNS BISHOP Clive ‘Bish-I’ Bishop getting ready to address the NDP rally in Campden Park. He warned of more mishaps to come in Clare Valley.

by DAYLE DA SILVA IT MAY NOT BE TODAY, or next week, but more houses are going to collapse in Clare Valley.

That was a comment made by Clive ‘Bish-I’ Bishop last Saturday at a New Democratic Party (NDP) rally held at the Campden Park Hard Court.

Bishop maintained an earlier position he took, saying that there will be continued problems at the site of the housing project in Clare Valley, because of the type of soil.

Since the total collapse of one of the houses at Clare Valley in September 2014, Bishop, an agricultural scientist, pointed to the findings of a study which cautioned that the soil type at that location was not well suited for construction.

While speaking on the political platform, Bishop accused Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of selecting one of the worst areas in the country as the site for a housing project.

He had expressed a similar view in the days following the collapse of a three-bedroom house which was owned by physician, Katisha Douglas.

“Whenever I say so, they say they sending for an expert… they send for an expert to prove me wrong,” Bishop told supporters of the NDP. A report which was made available last year following a visit by Geologist Dr Richard Robertson to the site in

October 2014, stated that the collapse had more to do with construction issues than with the land, and that the land at the site which is sloping, like the rest of the country, will pose some challenges for construction, but nothing insurmountable.

However, Bishop maintained his position: that the residents in that housing project will “unfortunately have a lifetime of misery on those houses,” adding

that insurance companies and financial institutions will also have problems.

“Because if they don’t fall one year, it doesn’t mean it won’t fall – remember Gibson Corner took a long time before it fell. Well, is the same thing will happen there,” he said.

“So every night, I pray when I hear rain coming, that nobody in Clare Valley die in their The collapsed house in the Clare Valley Housing house,” Bishop Project that brought the safety and suitability of continued. the area into focus.

PM defends purchases from Tank-Weld which marked the presentation letters of offer to 162 residents in PRIME MINISTER Dr. Barrouallie for lands on Ralph Gonsalves has which they reside, Dr. defended his Gonsalves disclosed that government’s decision to Tank-Weld provided the purchase construction government with materials from the financing terms which Jamaica-based Tankcannot be matched Weld Group. locally.

On two occasions in He developed on this the recent past, the at a Unity Labour Party Prime Minister has gone rally at Redemption to lengths to refute a Sharpes on September specific allegation by 13, saying that TankLeader of the Weld gives the material Opposition, Arhnim required on credit for up Eustace, i.e. that the to a year, while local government has been companies usually call overlooking local for cash up front or businesses and three to six months purchasing millions of credit. dollars of material from In 2014, the KingstonTank-Weld. based Tank Weld sent In his address last US$1.6 million worth of week at a ceremony

by DAYLE DA SILVA and KENVILLE HORNE

building materials on concessionary terms to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to assist in the rebuilding effort following the 2013 Christmas Eve floods, the PM said.

In addition, the company contributed J$10 million to the rebuilding programme by paying half of the shipping costs.

In 2010, following the onslaught of Hurricane Tomas, the company assisted this country with building materials and relief supplies, the Prime Minister reminded the Barrouallie ceremony.

On the issue of not buying from local businesses, Prime

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

Minister Gonsalves, in his address at the Redemption Sharpes rally, described this allegation as “untrue.”

He noted that other than galvanize, which is manufactured locally by at least two entities, all other building materials are purchased by local companies via overseas companies or from Prime Minister Dr. overseas suppliers.

Ralph Gonsalves cited “(And) One of the the inability of local reasons why we buy companies to supply from Tank-Weld is that when we have disasters, on demand, as one of the factors influencing we need a lot of the decision to materials right away, and we wouldn’t have all purchase materials from Tank-Weld. the money,” Gonsalves told supporters, adding therefore not able to that none of the local supply in large companies is as big as quantities, as is often Tank-Weld, and required.

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