Vin pages 22 05 15 e reader to use

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Special offer, Live Streams, Movies and Live Radio, all in one box.

PRICE:

$390.00.

Recommended internet speed 10megs.

Call Express Data Systems Limited at 784-456-1128 for more info.

FRIDAY,

MAY 22, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.21

www.thevincentian.com

BOWMAN CONDEMNS ATTACK – CALLS OUT PRINCE

NLA + VC3 = NO SVGTV

MANAGING DIRECTOR of St Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation (SVGBC), Paul McLeish, has expressed his disappointment with the manner in which the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) pulled the plug on its televised draws on SVGTV. McLeish told THE VINCENTIAN that he did not receive a telephone call, nor was he invited to meet with the officials at the NLA to discuss the matter, but was served with an email.

He explained that his company and the NLA have enjoyed a cordial relationship over the years.

“And then to get an e-mail, to say that it was done,” McLeish said.

A release, dated May 15, 2015, was circulated to the media, indicating that effective Monday 18 May,all television draws for the NLA would be aired solely on the Vincentian Cultural

Connection channel, VC3, channel 114.

This decision would mean a considerable reduction in revenue for SVGTV/SVGBC, McLeish admitted.

And he questioned the issue of transparency as it related to the NLA draws, explaining that some individuals who did not have cable would not be able to see what is taking place.

“This has to be transparent, you cannot have something such as a drawing, and people cannot see it,” McLeish said.

General Manager at SVGBC, Roger Dalrymple, also said that he thought the NLA should have moved to discuss the matter with the management at the station (SVGTV), before coming to a final decision.

But when contacted, Anthony Dennie, Product Development Officer with the NLA, said that, for the last three to four weeks, he

EC$1.50

was involved in discussions with someone in the marketing department at SVGBC. “So they were in a position to know that we were looking at making different arrangements with them,” he said.

Dennie moved to assure that there was no animosity between the NLA and SVGBC, and said further that they (NLA) would continue advertising with SVGBC. “We have had a very good relationship with SVGTV,” Dennie told THE VINCENTIAN. “We have no intention to discontinue advertising with them,” he continued.

On the issue of transparency, Dennie said that the NLA has on board a reputable company which audits all draws.

He further noted that the invitation was still open for individuals to come down and witness in person, the draw taking place.

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) candidate for Marriaqua says that he is calling on his opponent in the upcoming General Election, St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince to go to the Police with whatever information he has, as it pertains to the stoning incident last Saturday at Richland Park.

According to Bowman, he Curtis Bowman, NDP listened to Prince’s candidate for Marriaqua, comments on the has strongly condemned radio, and read his the stoning incident at an posting on the NDP function in Richland social media site, Park.

Facebook, following the incident.

Based on the statements issued from Prince, the stone throwers were youngsters, ages 11 or 12.

This, Bowman said, prompted him (Bowman) to call in on the New Times programme and make a request for Prince to go to the Police, since it appeared that he (Prince) had information on the St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ matter.

Prince, ULP Meanwhile, the NDP candidate has made it clear candidate for that, while he condemns the Marriaqua, spoke of the incident as act, he is still uncertain a simple case of a whether or not the matter few children was politically motivated. throwing a few stones.

Continued on Page 3.

V

2. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Planting time for Digicel and partners

DIGICEL STAFF MEMBERS donned appropriate gear and involved themselves in tasks far removed from their usual responsibilities, when they joined with members of the Fancy Vegetable Farmer’s Co-operative, students of the fancy Government School and residents of the Fancy community, in a planting exercise.

On Saturday, May 16th, the team involved themselves in planting seedlings in the School’s garden.

Mr. John Gidharry, Country Manager of Digicel, described his company’s involvement in the exercise as “fulfilling our promise to the community to provide

assistance on a regular basis.”

He was “happy to see the turnout of staff, farmers, students and residents of Fancy at this our first collaborative effort,” and pleased “to see this initiative to fruition.”

The Manager expressed delight in partnering “with the people of Fancy in this

respect.”

The team planted a wide selection of vegetables. The crops expected to be harvested, will be handed over to the Fancy Government School to be used in the School’s feeding programme.

The Fancy Vegetable Farmer’s Co-operative, which co-ordinated the

exercise, was officially launched on the 14th of May at the Fancy Government School. Its motto is ‘Eat Healthy….Live longer’, and among its objectives is to provide a wide variety of vegetable seedlings to farmers at an affordable price, throughout the year.

Country Manager of Digicel John Gidharry and other Digicel staff members bend their backs as they ensure the seedlings are carefully and properly planted.

Soroptimist International SVG recognised THE WORKS OF SOROPTIMIST International SVG (SISVG) has been recognized by Right Stuff, a leading provider of graphics and signage services here.

Earlier this month, Right Stuff presented a plaque outlining the origin of SISVG. The plaque summarizes how the Club was established, lists the names of the first women to lead the organization, and its date of charter.

SISVG is an organization of women whose goals are to improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities, as well as be a voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls. It was established by charter on July 14th, 1987.

According to Mr. John Crichton, the Managing Director of Right Stuff, “Soroptimist SVG has always had the support of

Right Stuff because we admire the efforts of the Club in supporting the vulnerable.”

Mrs. Shannon DurrantSamuel, Communication Officer of SISVG, on accepting the plaque, thanked Mr. Crichton on behalf of SISVG. “For prospective, new and old members, the plaque will be a medium through which they can understand the Club’s history. It will be mounted at our meeting room at New Montrose, as it is part of our efforts at documenting Soroptimist’s historic past.”

Meanwhile, SISVG continues to fulfil its mission. On May 12, the Club made its annual donation of XCD $1,200.00 to the Helping Hands Centre.

The cheque was presented by Soroptimist President Mrs. Miriam Roache, and accepted by the President of Helping Hands, Mr. Junior Bacchus.

Akelia Crichton (left) hands over plaque to Shannon Durrant-Samuel, Communication Officer of SISVG.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 3.

News 3

Election fever grips Dynamite Calypso Tent rendered fearless, satirical lyrics on the political status quo at home.

Mervin ‘Bob MC’ Bobb, who hails from New MANY FELT they were on Grounds, and Union the campaign trail last Island native Joel ‘Navel Saturday night, as the String’ Bartholomew, election fever in St. Vincent provided more than and the Grenadines gripped enough fuel for the the 2015 launch of political maelstrom.

Dynamite Calypso Tent in With an Brooklyn, New York. uncharacteristically There were friendly upbeat tempo, melody and rivalry and banter among rendition, ‘Bob MC’ ignited calypsonians and the the flame with ‘Comrade’, appreciative audience which some supporters of during the launch of the the incumbent Unity tent — the lone Vincentian Labor Party (ULP) gave calypso tent in North resounding thumbs-down, America — at Café Omar, but opposition New owned and operated by Democratic Party (NDP) Union Island native Dr. supporters expectedly and Kendall Stewart, a former enthusiastically embraced.

New York City “Comrade, why you Councilman. treat us so/Comrade boy, While some yo have to go,” sang ‘Bob calypsonians shied away MC’, clearly referring to from politics altogether, at Prime Minister Dr. Ralph least half of the dozen E. Gonsalves.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

With the rising temperature, some in the audience asked for an encore, as Garnes Byron, an unapologetic, staunch Calliaqua-born ULP supporter, emerged from the back of the hall, to join ‘Bob MC’ on stage.

As the crowd roared and rolled, Byron held up four fingers, signaling a potential fourth, five-year term in office for the incumbent Gonsalves-led administration.

But the firestorm reached a climax when ‘Navel String’, a threetime Union Island Calypso King, appealed to nationals to “Come out and Vote.”

With good melody, Navel String, unapologetically declared “Ralphie is the man/Come out and Vote. No killing/Come out and vote.”

The hall erupted in sheer cacophony, with ULP and NDP simultaneously shouting which party should be victorious in the next general elections.

Navel String’s stance prompted co-Master of Ceremony Hailes Castello, Mervin ‘Bob MC’ Bobb (left), who called for ‘De Comrade to go’, is joined on stage by ardent ULP who had initially supporter Garnes Byron, who signaled a potential remarked that he was not getting involved in fourth term for the ULP administration. politics, to declare: “I get down on yo knees/and thought the Grenadines beg de Almighty.” was not ULP.” The other Gregory ‘Brother Dan’ Master of Ceremony was Oliver, of Questelles, was Bennett Straker. also biting with “Poor People Tired’, singing But there was more inter alia, “He treating we ‘opposition’ to come like a fool/riding we like a mule.”

Four-time National Troumaca-born Jeffrey Calypso Monarch, Errol ‘Fabulous T’ Providence, ‘De Man Age’ Rose, with ‘The Beggar Man;, claimed an ardent NDP supporter, felt “Change is Coming.” that, “You can’t beg your But for veteran way to progress. ….. calypsonian Earl ‘Exposer’ Beggar man/you need a Joel ‘Navel String’ Isles, of Kingstown Park, better plan/I suggest you the spiraling “crime wave” Bartholomew, a in the nation “must stop,” Grenadines man, urged a plea he made in his ‘Gun a vote for the ULP. No Ha No Brain’.

Others were less controversial. Georgetownby DAYLE DA born singer, song writer SILVA and musician Oscar James felt the ‘Argyle THE PUBLIC International Airport’ will have the would be “a blessing”; opportunity to Dennis Bowman, in a view the reflective mood, was designs and concerned about ‘Calypso get a preview Best Friend’; John ‘The of the Truth’ Dougan was ‘Here presentations to Stay’; Philip ‘Phil Patch’ by all 13 Baptiste, of Sion Hill, was Four-time National participating ‘Jamming’ for Vincy Mas; Calypso Monarch Errol Mas Bands in Members of the MBA Executive (from left): Fernado Serieux, Alva Cadogan, Alicia while John Cato was ‘De Man Age’ Rose, Sardine and Hugh Ragguette, at last Monday’s press briefing that addressed the hosting preoccupied with ‘Tri-Tri this year’s warned that “You can’t of a special Canival bands activity.

Vincy Mas. Coming Down’. beg your way to This Jose Juan, Rejector, progress.” elapsed, individual Bands band, the set-up of various provided with the opportunity comes to Jakie, I-Madd and Changwent ahead to launch booths and representation presence of officers from Victoria Park, tomorrow, I, among others, did not preliminary judging for and display from the Royal St Vincent and Saturday 23rd May, when their presentations, and participate in the launch. Vincy Mas 2015, at the the activity was never individual bands to the Grenadines Police the Carnival Mas Bands They, however, hope to same venue, Friday, May again done as a collective facilitate viewing and Force (RSVGPF).

Association (MBA), in compete in the 29. registration. collaboration with X-treme effort – that is until this year, 31 years later.

The event will also FM, will host an event According to the MBA showcase some up dubbed ‘Carnival Blast’. chairman, it has been and coming talent, The show will following the Mas Continued from Frontpage.

“And no matter what it was, political or showcase one section from evident that there has been a decline in the Bands’ presentation, mischief, I want to condemn the incident,” each band, according to patronage at individual with performances Bowman told THE VINCENTIAN that he told THE VINCENTIAN. organisers of the event. from some of the the incident occurred around 7:30pm last The NDP candidate for Marriaqua, who This is the first event of launches, particularly within recent times. newer names in the Saturday at an area known as ‘Ground was also the candidate in the 2010 General its kind since a similar “So a few years ago, we Soca art form.

Zero’ in Richland Park, where an NDP Elections against eventual winner Girlyn event was held back in took a decision for having The event will creole evening and karaoke fund raising Miguel, said that he was calling on all 1984. activity was taking place. people, not just his supporters, to stay Chairman of the MBA, one single presentation of also be featuring all Mas Bands, and we some young DJ’s, The Marriaqua candidate said that he away from violence.

Hugh Ragguette, said on have been able to have it Cadogan said. arrived shortly before seven, and that “We need to be our brother’s keeper Monday at a media this year,” he said.

Add other everything was going smoothly before the always,” Bowman said. briefing at the Carnival And the process got attractions for the incident occurred.

He added that he gets along well with Development started with the putting young ones, and According to Bowman, a few minutes the candidate for the Unity Labour Party Corporation’s together of a committee to ‘Carnival Blast’, it is after he arrived, he heard about three (ULP), St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, and the headquarters, Victoria plan the event. expected to be an stones landing on the roof. One of the present area representative, Girlyn Miguel.

Park, that back then, the Alva Cadogan, event like no other, stones hit a patron in the face, while others In December last year, 78 year old Edgar thought was to stage one Secretary of the MBA and organisers say. were struck about their bodies.

Cruickshank died in hospital after being single launch for all committee member, There will be no “I am not in a position to say if what struck by a vehicle, driven by Antwone participating Mas Bands. outlined some of the took place was politically motivated,” entrance fee; Anthony, which plunged into a crowd of “It was a big success,” activities which she said Bowman said. people attending an NDP meeting in Clare however, patrons Ragguette said. will include the display of can be assured that He continued, saying that he reported Valley.

However, as time one section from each the matter to the police. security will be

Mas bands in ‘Carnival Blast’

Bowman condemns attack – calls out Prince

V

4. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Crime

ÂIron TuffÊ fights off gunman Friday night, May 15.

Foster told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, that he fought vigorously with the unmasked assailant. “I fought for my life and to save what I worked hard for,” he said.

He is convinced that, had it not been for the presence of the Almighty, he would have been a dead man.

And he warned, “I am telling all dem gunmen out there that anybody come and pull a gun on me, I will rebel because I work hard for all I have, Rudolf ‘Iron Tuff’ Foster and the Almighty is fought off an intruder always there to protect who he said attempted me.”

The drama, according to rob him at gunpoint. to Foster, unfolded around 9:50 p.m. when a Stories by HAYDN man, pretending to be a HUGGINS customer, entered his business place where he RUDOLF ‘IRON TUFF’ designs, makes and sells FOSTER, the owner and clothing for men and operator of Iron Tuff and women.

Foster Creations, is The business, located thanking the Most High for at the Leeward Bus giving him the strength Terminal, Kingstown, and skill to fight off a also includes a section gunman, who attacked where drinks are sold. him, and attempted to rob Foster recalled that he his business place last was at the sewing

machine doing finishing work on a pants, when the man came to the drinks section, pulled the drinks cooler and said he wanted something to drink.

Foster said he told him the cooler was hinged. “He open it and he came round to where I was, and he bring a box juice and $20, but instead of giving me the $20, he handed me the box juice. I told him the box juice is his, and the money is for me to make change,” Foster recounted.

“I turned to the ‘bashy’ (calabash) with the silvers (coins), but by the time I put my hand in the ‘bashy’, he gripped me by my chest, and as I looked up, a gun was coming down to my head.

As I spin, the man coming down to hit me with the gun,” Foster related.

“The Almighty send up my hand like lightning, and I gripped his hand with the gun, my two hands held onto the gun.

“When I raise up from my chair, me and the

man fighting all how, pulling and tugging; but I wouldn’t let go the gun hand.”

Foster said he fought with his attacker for minutes, but eventually fell, losing his grip on the man who again grabbed him by the chest.

“He was jamming against the machine and the machine ‘scank’ over and the thread stand broke, and that is what saved me from getting a blow to my head.”

But the assailant continued his onslaught, according to the businessman.

“He grip me by my

hair, dragging me. I grip onto my chair, and when I grabbed the iron to give him a blow, he let me go and I run outside.”

Foster said the man ran behind him, and he (Foster) screamed for help, and ran to a shop at the entrance of the bus terminal where some people was having a karaoke session. The police was then called, and a report was made.

Foster indicated that when he ran to the nearby shop, the gunman walked out of the terminal.

Foster said that it was after the incident, he saw

a watchman on the scene. This, despite the fact that two watchmen are supposed to secure the area from 6pm to 6am.

Foster claimed that his business place had been burgarlized on numerous occasions.

In relation to the recent incident, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Superintendent Ruth Jacobs confirmed that Foster had made a report to the police, and the matter was being investigated.

Business operators complain of constant break-ins PERSONS operating businesses at the Leeward Bus Terminal are concerned about the level of security there, and are urging the relevant authorities to have the situation addressed.

Some of the business owners have complained to THE VINCENTIAN that their businesses are constantly being burglarized.

As recent as last Friday, Rudolf ‘Iron Tuff’ Foster, the owner and operator of Iron Tuff and Foster Creations, located inside the Leeward Bus Terminal, was reported to be the victim of an attempted robbery by an unmasked gunman.

Foster also claims that his business place had been burglarized on numerous occasions, although there are supposed to be two watchmen there from 6pm to 6am daily.

According to Cornelius Roberts, who operates a bar inside the terminal, his business was burglarized ten times, eight times last year and twice this year.

Roberts said he understands that the watchmen who are being paid by the Kingstown Board to secure the area, are paid to watch the toilets and not the business.

“There is no police protection, no watchmen, people could come and carry away your place and nobody see,” Roberts said. “I lost a lot of

things here. This is my little breadfruit tree. They had to cut my water, it’s real hard for me.”

Roberts admitted that the police are doing their work, but they can’t be everywhere at the same time. He suggested that there is need for more foot patrol policing in the area since, according to him, the culprits could easily elude the mobile patrols.

Alphanzo ‘Fisher’ Boyce, who owns and operates a bar and restaurant at the entrance of the terminal, told THE VINCENTIAN that his business was burglarized four times in the space of about two months.

“I will like to see more police patrols because the watchmen are not doing their job,” Boyce said. He noted that business places at the terminal are constantly being burglarized.

Part of the building housing Boyce’s business is located inside the area, while part is outside. He explained that the business was there before the bus terminal, but when the decision was made to fence the area to accommodate the terminal, he requested that part of the building be left outside.

Efforts to reach Carl Williams, Warden of the Kingstown Board, were unsuccessful up to press time, Wednesday.

COP: Political violence will not be tolerated COMMISSIONER of Police Michael Charles has warned that political violence will not be tolerated.

“The police does not condone violence generally, and with regard to political violence, we will do all in our power to prevent any such incident,” the Commissioner told THE VINCENTIAN during an interview on Wednesday.

He made it clear that all reports of political violence will be dealt with promptly, and perpetrators will be prosecuted.

With general elections looming, the top cop is urging members and supporters of all political parties to exercise restraint and avoid

confrontation with opponents. He assured there would be police presence at all public meetings.

In relation to a recent stone-throwing incident at a New Democratic Party (NDP) fund-raising event at Richland Park in the Marriaqua constituency, Charles said that the matter is being thoroughly investigated.

Michael Charles, Commissioner of Police, has promised that all reports of political violence will be dealth with promptly.

V Granger sworn in as GuyanaÊs new president

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 5.

Regional

David Arthur Granger taking his Oath of Office before Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh.

(Credit; iNewsGuyana) “I SHALL BE A GOOD PRESIDENT for all the people of Guyana.”

That was the solemn pledge that David Arthur Granger made on May 16, 2015, after he was sworn in as the eighth Executive President of the Republic of Guyana, by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh.

The swearing in ceremony took place on the balcony of Parliament Building at 2.19 pm, before a large, jubilant crowd, reports indicate.

A number of diplomats, international observers and members of the private sector attended the swearing in ceremony.

The only member of the defeated PPP/C present was former Minister of

Guyana’s new first families, President Granger (2nd from right) and his wife (left), and Prime Minister (Designate) Moses Nagamootoo and his wife. (Credit: Starbroek News) Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul.

President Granger led the coalition APNU+AFC into the May 11, 2015 general elections, and managed to obtain 207, 200 votes, while the PPP/C acquired 202,694 votes — a slender margin of victory, but one which observers describe as a clear indication that the majority of Guyanese wanted change.

The APNU+AFC victory put an end to 23 years of a PPP/C government.

In making his pledge to

A large and jubilant crowd turned up to witness the swearing in of their new president. (Credit: GINO)

A handshake in November 2014, between then President Donald Ramotar (left) and then Leader of the Opposition David Granger, could well have been the handshake that sealed the exchange of offices. (Credit: GINO)

be a ‘President for all the people’, and in support of his appeal for “..all sides to work for unity and to put aside the electoral period,” the new president extended a hand of friendship to former President Donald

Ramotar, and other members of the PPP/C, for inclusionary democracy.

“Inclusionary democracy is the best way to overcome our divisions,” said the retired Brigadier.

The appeal , according to observers, was in keeping with what Granger had said when the election results were officially announced. He said then, from the comfort of his home, “We are a six-party coalition and we are the closest Guyana has ever gotten to a government of national unity, and that makes me very happy.”

His first act as President was to appoint Joseph Harmon to act in the capacity of Head of the Presidential Secretariat, a post commandeered by Roger Luncheon for the past 23 years.

Harmon will, among other tasks, guide a transition team that is tasked with implementing a 100-day plan advanced by the new government.

This plan proposes, among

other things, to: review taxes; increase salaries and old age pensions; begin an anti-corruption fight; and liberalize the Telecommunication and ICT sectors.

The plan also includes provision for the setting up of several task forces on crime and security, and programmes to benefit Guyana’s small miners.

(Guyana has deposits of gold and diamond.)

With his appeal for unity and stability, President Granger led the gathering in singing lines from the patriotic song, ‘Let us cooperate for Guyana’, and invited all Guyanese to the formal inauguration ceremony at the National Stadium on May 26, Independence Day. He also announced that Moses Nagamootoo will be sworn in as Prime Minister when he is formally made a Member of Parliament.

President Granger will attend his first CARICOM heads of Government meeting, same being the

David Granger, retired brigadier, became Guyana’s eighth Executive President.

36th regular Conference of Heads of Government to be held in Barbados from July 2 to 4 this year.

Meanwhile, the opposition PPP/C has issued a statement of concern regarding the May 11 vote, but at least one diplomat, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, has come out to declare, “We note the allegations ... but have found no evidence to support them.” (Sources: iNewGuyana, Stabroek News, UK. Herald, Guardian)

Who is David Arthur Granger?

DAVID ARTHUR GRANGER was born on July 15, 1945, in Guyana, known then as British Guiana, He attended Queen’s College, Guyana, the secondary school situated in capital Georgetown, and which boasts among its alumni, the venerable Dr. Walter Rodney.

Granger was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps and, upon graduation, joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an officer cadet in 1965. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966.

He received his professional military training at the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria; the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil; and the School of Infantry and the Mons Officer Cadet School, respectively, in the United Kingdom.

During his military service, he held a variety of appointments, including planning officer for the establishment of the Guyana National Service (1973-74) and the Guyana People’s Militia (1976-77).

He also led military delegations to Brazil, Cuba, Germany, Guinea, Korea, Somalia and Yugoslavia.

He graduated with the Master of Social Science Degree in Political Science, and the Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, from the University of Guyana; and the postgraduate diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies. He was also an Internal Fellow on the Defence Planning and Resource

Management Seminar at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies of the National Defense University and attended the Counterterrorism Educators’ Workshop at the Joint Special Operations University, Florida, USA. Granger became commander of the Guyana Defence Force in 1979; he was promoted to the rank of brigadier.

In 1990 he was appointed National Security Advisor to the President in 1990, and retired from the military service in 1992. In that same year, he founded the Guyana Review news magazine, and served as its Managing Editor.

He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of: ‘Guyana’s state media: The Quest for Control’; and ‘A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean’.

His advent into politics was a foregone conclusion, according to Guyanese across the social and racial spectra, and he stood as the opposition coalition’s presidential candidate in the November 2011 general election, but was defeated.

He became, instead, the Leader of the Oppostion in the National Assembly of Guyana, from 2012 to 2015.

By 2015 and the general elections of May 11, the sixty-nineyear-old Granger was the Presidential Candidate of the APNU+AFC — a coalition of six of Guyana’s major political players —

David Granger rose to be Commander of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in 1979. He was 34 years old at the time. the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), National Front Alliance, the Guyana Action Party, Justice For All Party and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

His coalition won and he became Guyana’s eighth Executive President since that country independence from Britain in 1966.

The other Presidents of Guyana have been Forbes Burnham and Demond Hoye of the People National Congress (PNC), and Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar of the Peoples Progressive Party-Civic. (PPP-C).

V

6. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Vincentian judge creates history in Coney Island, Brooklyn; Harlem, Manhattan; and Springfield Gardens, Queens.

Brantley was integral in MCU’s recent launch of the STEP Line of Credit programme, a short-term loan initiative recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative as an economic commitment to action to break the harmful cycle of payday lending.

A trailblazer

Justice Sylvia G. Ash (left) receiving Congressional Honor in March 2014 from former New York City Councilwoman Jamaican Una S.T. Clarke, on behalf of her daughter, Congress-woman Yvette D. Clarke.

Stories and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT VINCENTIAN Justice Sylvia G. Ash took another step into the history book by becoming the first female to chair the board of the US$2.1 billion, New Yorkbased Municipal Credit Union (MCU).

Justice Ash, the daughter of the late Rudolph ‘Fire’” Ash, of Kingstown Hill, and Grenadian Patricia, was recently elevated to the new position from first vice chair, becoming in the process, the first woman to hold the positon of chair in MCU’s 99-year history.

“I’m so pleased and honored to be elected Board Chair,” said Ash, a current Justice in Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, in an exclusive VINCENTIAN interview.

“Municipal Credit Union has done a wonderful job of serving its members for nearly a century, and I look forward to helping MCU do more great things for its members and the New York community, and fulfilling the credit union credo of ‘People Helping People’.

“I just wished that my parents were alive to share in all my blessings, because were it not for their sacrifice, support and unconditional love, I will not be where I am today,” she added.

Justice Ash, who was vice chair of the oldest credit union in New York and one of the oldest and largest in the United States, replaces attorney Mark S. Brantley, who will continue to serve on the board as a director.

Brantley was chair of the MCU board of directors for five years, and Ash was a member of the board since May 2008. She was also chair of MCU’s Coordinating Committee.

During Brantley’s tenure as board chair, MCU grew its assets by almost US$600 million from US$1.5 billion to US$2.1 billion; membership increased by17 percent to 375,000 members, and the credit union opened new branches

In March 15, 2014, Ash was among five Black female Justices to receive a United States Congressional Honor during the all-day 3rd Annual Shirley Chisholm Women’s Empowerment Conference, at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn.

Ash, who sits on the bench in the 2nd Judicial District in Kings County Supreme Court, was honoured by United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.

Clarke’s mother, Dr. Una S.T.

Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman to ever hold elective office in New York City, presented the award to Ash and the other honorees at a special ceremony at the culmination of the conference.

She was the first CaribbeanAmerican woman to be elected as a Civil Court Judge in New York City, and prior to taking the judicial bench, 2005, Justice Ash was a practicing attorney for over 20 years..

In this capacity (latter), she was the general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Social Service Chapter in New York City, where she provided pro bono legal services to the chapter’s members. The NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the U.S. Additionally, Justice Ash was very active in her community, and volunteered her legal talent and acumen to numerous civic, religious, labour and not-for-profit organizations, including youth mentorship programmes, and was a strong and

Tea fit for royalty THE UNITED VINCIE Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB) continues to bring much flair and class to its fundraising activities, with the hosting of its recent Tea Party.

“This is a superb welcome fit for royalty,” said UVCGB member Sonia Alexis in welcoming patrons at the group’s Seventh Annual Tea Party, on May 2, at St. Anthony Baptist Church, 425 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn.

The event featured, among others, solo Winners of Song Competition — Barbara John (left) renditions by and Evangelist Lovina Hall. educator Zita Adams of Barrouallie and Trinidad and and Emily Mentos-James on Tobago, respectively, won the Tie harmonica — both of Georgetown; as well as song, tie and hat competitions. Competition; and Susan Edwards, of Curacao, last year’s runner-up, won “This Royal Tea comes from God the Hat Competition, against patrons’ himself,” said UVCGB president Dr. Roxie Irish, a former national netball disapproval.

The Woods were among members star, after providing instructions on of the Philadelphia-based St. Vincent “basic table manners.” and the Grenadines Organization of Before singing “Forever Young”, Pennsylvania (SVGOP), who Adams complimented patrons for reciprocated by attending UVCGB’s their elegance and beauty.

“When I look at the audience, it’s a Tea Affair. UVCGB had travelled to Philadelphia last month to participate beautiful audience,” she said. “The in SVGOP’s annual Tea Party. ladies are beautiful, and the “We have a long relationship with gentlemen match the ladies. the United Vincie Cultural Group of “Everybody looks young,” Adams added. “Whether you’re 1 or 100 years Brooklyn, and we’re here to have fun old, you’re young. So you have to stay with you,” said Lorenzo DeCaul, SVGOP’s Biabou-born president. forever young.”

“We have friends in high places — Barbara John, of Rose Place, even in Philadelphia,” responded Kingstown, and Evangelist Lorina Hall, of Jamaica tied for first place in Irish, in jest, who chaired the the Song Competition that comprised proceedings.

She complimented UVCGB’s 26 contestants; Philadelphia-based couple Mr. and Mrs. Denniston Wood, members for working “tirelessly” in

vocal advocate of children’s rights issues.

Besides her current judicial responsibilities, Justice Ash serves as a board director on the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association; the Judicial Friends Association; Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert Association; and the Brooklyn-based Q’Kingdom Ministries, Inc., and St. Gabriel’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church Senior Citizen Center.

Justice Ash is also an active member of the Brooklyn Bar Association; New York State Bar Association; New York State Association of Supreme Court Justices; New York Criminal and Civil Bar Associations; National Association of Women Judges; Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn; and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. She was the proud recipient of the Brooklyn Bar Association’s 2012 Award in recognition of ‘Outstanding Achievement in the Science of Jurisprudence and Public Service’.

Susan Edwards, Miss UVCGB 2015, winner of Hat Competition. making the event a success.

“We are so grateful to God for the manner in which He chooses to bless this ministry…. . There are always challenges, but we are totally committed to doing the will of God, and that is to be a blessing to others, because this is all about Him,” Irish, a Born-Again Christian and Campden Park native told THE VINCENTIAN. “Each year, we watch the number of attendees grow, and that is a true indication that they enjoy these events,” she said, adding, “For everything we are accomplishing through these events, our supporters play a major role. Our reason for doing what we do is for our Vincentian people. The need is great, and we are trying to do our part in meeting the need.”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 7.

V

8. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 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

Granger’s challenge IT IS IRONIC that the person chosen to lead what some are already describing as a new dispensation of harmony and good intent in Guyana, is a retired military officer.

Yes, retired Brigadier David Granger was duly elected President of that CARICOM Republic on May 11, 2015, putting an end to twenty-three years of Presidential authority from among the ranks of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), characterised as the political voice of the majority Indo-sector of the population.

President Granger’s elevation to high civil office is instructive since, he would have once represented and headed an institution of state — the Guyana Defence Force — whose role in the demise of world renowned scholar and social activist of Guyana, Dr. Walter Rodney, cannot be ignored nor erased from that country’s history, and whose command, with its blind obedience to the State, ordered its membership to hijack ballot boxes and steal votes.

Granger, therefore, with his rise to the highest executive position in Guyana, must have done much, not to erase but to ease a memory of a time when Guyana seemed to have lost its soul to unethical and immoral conduct; a period when the Forbes Burhnam-led People’s National Congress (PNC) ruled Guyana under rigged elections and dabbling with concepts of something dubbed ‘co-operative socialism’ — supposedly Burhnam’s interpretation of democracy and development — on the back of much racial violence and manipulations by the likes of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) .

The People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) return to government was not unexpected, once Guyanese had the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections. Those who perceived themselves as having been made powerless under the PNC, sought, through the ballot, to re-establish themselves as not just participants in the re-building process, but, sadly, as first placed beneficiaries at all cost.

In that very (misguided) intention lay the makings of a time-line when they too would be cast aside in favour of something new, something fresh, much akin to the period of the 1970s Working People’s Alliance (WPA), led by Dr. Walter Rodney, Professor Clive Thomas and Dr Rupert Roopnarine.

And so it came to pass that Guyanese, in 2015, must have identified a reincarnation of sorts of what the WPA promised, in the coalition known by its acronym APNU+AFC, but which grouped at least six registered political and social action organisations, namely the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), National Front Alliance, the Guyana Action Party, Justice For All Party and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

In President Granger’s APNU+AFC, Guyana saw, not since the Dr. Walter Rodney years, a projected sense of unity and unity of purpose among themselves; an entity that had moulded itself into one that spoke convincingly of a Guyana for all Guyanese, not one ethnic group over the other.

The victory was hard-fought and not without uncertainty. But barring the slender margin of victory, the victory must be a sweet one, and one that promises much.

There is no doubt that Guyana, over the last twenty-three years, has experienced tremendous growth, particularly in its infra-structure, physical and otherwise; but the question remains: At what expense and to whose benefit?

Guyanese seem to have answered that question with their vote on May 11.

Now, the challenge lies bare before the new regime. The very presence of an ex-military man, one who served during a time of untold state dictatorship, will conjure up not just memories, but political overuse by his opponents.

His will be a challenge of simultaneously not denying the past and building, if not encouraging the furtherance of, a real democracy; one that promotes and is characterised by open economic management, not one fuelled, like its predecessor, by allegations of corruption and misuse of state mechanism for personal gain.

Cronyism has been known to kill stronger political figures, a la Dr. Eric Williams. President Granger, the student of history that he is, will be well served by a constant reflection on these past realities, even as he keeps focus on the future of a nation steeped in natural resources and the potential to lead a new Caribbean.

Guyana’s past is too recent to avoid. To talk about it is to shed light on how far the country has come. To be obsessed with it is to blind a nation to its responsibility to continue to forge new foundations and structures, that will redound in genuine social, economic and political change and development that it deserves, after a recent history of too much of the opposite.

President David Arthur Granger is disciplined enough to lead the charge.

Can he count on his foot soldiers to do ‘the right thing’?

Battle for the dead MANY BATTLES are being fought in our Election War, and to think that I have got to concede that the Comrade, if not winning, is seriously holding his own over the battle for (the) dead, spread over the last several years or so.

First came Saluche’s death. It was well known that Saluche was a marked man by the ULP regime; on the other hand, he had struck up a wonderful relationship with the NDP’s Leader, who was naturally expected to be the eulogist at Saluche’s funeral, following his sudden death.

But Ralph crashed the funeral, almost causing an uproar when he explained the good points of Saluche`, as it were, stealing the limelight from Arnhim.

Followed the Fancy affair, a real tragedy in which six students had been sacrificed in an uncommon accident, Ralph played it for all it was worth; promised and delivered money and food; repaired roads and provided an airconditioned van to the people of Fancy, a stronghold of NDP. So that Eustace was left to suck salt and proffer sympathy, while the ULP Government spent prodigiously in perking up the battered soul of the Garifuna people.

Then there was the tragic episode of E,G Lynch, who broke body and soul as he fought valiantly to cope with the might, worth, and wealth of the Government party.

At Lynch’s funeral service, Ralph once more tried his thing. This time, the people reacted venomously.

Then there was the motor-car accident at Clare Valley, when a follower of Ralph attempted to quit his ULP, and found himself on the wrong side of fortune, reminiscent of Glen Jackson.

Then came, more recently, the funeral last weekend of Kens Dougan of Calliaqua and the former Labour Party.

Kens’ father, John Dougan, so to speak, built up a strong Labour Party fortress around Milton Cato.

Like every human organisation, Labour had its strength and weaknesses, and grew sparklingly to maturity. Then they resisted change, even that offered from inside by a foursome of Ken Boyea, Stalky John, Joel Toney and Kens Dougan, who eventually launched from the bowels of Labour a new breakaway Party, the PPM, that did not outlast Miss Janey fire.

All along, a most skilful political

operative observed from the wings an unfolding pattern of a mosaic that, once he could be guaranteed the support of Vincent Beache, he could make minced meat of the whole lot and emerge King of the Jungle. That is how Ralph did it, with style, to emerge with the ULP. And last Saturday evening, he got a chance to rehabilitate the renegade Kens, and work his memory with those of other fallen Catoites, whom he once hated but now elevates the glory of his party the ULP, but moreso the succession leadership of his own blood Camillo who is destined to get the dynasty going.

But while all this cerebration was going on in regard to the political spinoff of the funeral, there was Kens’ brothers, family and friends celebrating the life of Kens that was full of the good and bad, things to emulate and avoid, all put over by school-friends-relationthe-revend Ulric Jones and moreso, by Doctor-brother Hughes Dougan who said it as it was, with no water in his mouth.

It was a hurting-brother Dr. Hughes Dougan who let out that Kens was killed by his demons - rum, women, gambling and “friends”, who urged him on to his perdition.

The goal of this dapper Dougan was his love for his community and fellowmen, which somehow followed him to his grave.

Kens was a beautiful cricketer who caressed with his bat, but could bowl fiery and ferocious bouncers. He played as a “professional” for the “Lawyers” and “Veterans” teams which I skippered. I can recall one incident of sheer joy.

The prowess of the entire Dougan family glowed around the game of cricket. I have long written that there were but two families of cricket in SVG - the Bonadies of Upper Murray Village in the 1940s and 50s, and the Dougans of Rathomill in the 1950s to 1970s, featuring Tracy, Carlyle, Wavell, Vince, Hughes, Kensley and the rest.

Altogether, Kens had been a dapper and exciting youngster who, in his middle years, joined Stalky John and others in giving Calliaqua “Culture Pot,” an entertainment and educational centre which showcased the genius of the people. He will be remembered.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 9.

Letters

Those with the light must show the way IT IS NOT uncommon these days, in this period of heightened political sensitivity, to hear of cases exposing the worthless neglect of duty, as was complained about by the magistrate, and to learn also, that, that “worthless” behaviour has been operative in the services for decades.

Some reports speak of the hiding of documents so as to stifle the mobility of juniors in the service, and of the arbitrary transfer of officers prompted by spitefulness. This inhumane behaviour, which puts pressure on the ordinary citizen, may in part be responsible for the circumstances giving rise to the community of vagrants and human derelicts, so prominent on the streets of our city today. That is not an

unreasonable speculation!

Even though it can be claimed that there has been a long history of this less than honourable conduct, by those who had been entrusted with the responsibility of governance, management, and leadership in our land, it is not a sufficiency of reason to be apathetic.

On the contrary, every discerning citizen has the responsibility to arrest the perpetuation of this culture of attitudes, which has been eroding the quality of societal life, and which, ultimately, will work against the best interest of those who will inherit from us.

Therefore, those of us who have discerned that there has been gross

Society my guardian A Poem in memory of Shadrick Aljay Douglas You fashioned and molded me.

You abused me, starved me, misused me, and confused me.

Ill-treated me, disrespected and abandoned me, but in my childish ways I loved.

Society my guardian. You fashioned me As a youngster, you told me who I was And I believed you.

You said I was a bastard, a thief, a liar, a good for nothing scamp.

And I believed you.

You told me I will never amount to much And I believed you.

You told me if they don’t jail me someone will kill me And I believed you.

Society My Guardian You fashioned me I am older and wiser now.

I realized I am who you said I was.

I am doing what you said I will do I am he whom you have created Society My Guardian You fashioned me.

Oh Society I have broken out of your mold I’m really not the person you cast me to be I am turning my life around and prove you wrong.

Society My Guardian You fashioned me.

Stealing, lying, fighting, cheating and drugs are now in my past Jail terms I have served my last.

Society My Guardian I have broken your cast I know who I am I am a youth, young, strong and talented with a bright future.

I have set myself free from the cast you placed on society Tomorrow I will live my life differently.

‘Cause I now believe in me.

Oh no! Don’t shoot. I can’t die I have only just begun to live.

Society My Guardian You fashioned me RIP, MY SON Arden Tannis

incompetence and blatant insensitively and arrogance on the part of those charged with certain responsibilities, must endeavour to initiate a process of weeding out and rejecting, hoping, to influence, in time, the behaviour of our administrators and managers, for the better.

Having the knowledge and the capacity, but lacking the will to act, makes one guilty of being technically an accommodator of the very malaise described.

We cannot afford that luxury in the discharge of our responsibility to leave a smoothly functioning state for the way! next wave of citizens.

LeRoy Providence Those who have the “light” must lead the

Hiding the truth OLD PEOPLE like to say that every story has three sides: your side, my side, and the truth.

In this season, a mixture of carnival and an election campaign, what some like to call the ‘stupid season’, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be two sides to every story, but that the real side, the truth, even though it will set you free, will be swept under the carpet.

Take the matter of the Comptroller of Customs. He did something that he would not have allowed a businessman to do. Did he do something wrong?

According to what I heard and read, the PM all but said that he did not.

So you see: The Comptroller and the government said he (Comptroller) did nothing wrong; businessmen still claim that he did; but the truth, we will never know.

So that fellow will sit out his time in one of the highest paying jobs in government, and when he retires, take home gratuity and a large pension.

See what I mean: three sides to a story, but the real side we will never know.

And while I don’t wish any bad on anyone who invests money in this country, the case of Mr. Ken Boyea also comes to mind. How many of us recall the problems he had with ECGC? He said he did nothing wrong; ECGC said he did, so they went to court. The court rules, but seals the ruling. We never know what the settlement was. Again, one side, another side, but never the truth.

And I could go on and on about the three sides to so many stories in our country. But at the end of the day, we will still get only two sides. We have a lot of work to do the third. The question is though: Are we brave enough to let loose the truth?

T. King

Getting what you deserve A PATRIOT is one who loves his country, but not necessarily his current government.

Ben Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, said that every country gets the government it deserves; St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the government it deserves, and will have the government it deserves after the next election, and forever into the future.

Do you find the current political parties to your liking, and did you seek to offer yourself

as a candidate? No? Because you and your family might be embarrassed by revelations that could expose your heretofore concealed sexual peccadilloes, or business dealings that had some questionable legal entanglements? Or was it just laziness or moral laxness?

So then, you don’t think much of those that are running, and even less of the choice that the existing parties offer.

You could start your own. Why not?

In the end, you

personally are responsible for the result of the impending election between the existing political parties. The government which you, by default or otherwise, have selected, is yours.

Whether you sit at home and, as my mother would say, “piss and moan”, or whether you vote for the lesser of the evils you perceive as being offered, or whether you just sit with your thumb up your x#x#, you have just chosen your government.

You have got what you

My NIS turns INS SOMETIME in 2005 - 2006 or thereabout, I registered with the NIS self-employment scheme. I took the best category — the one I felt suited me best.

Some months after, I decided to get my conductors to pay their own NIS contribution.

After some months passed, I decided that I would deduct the money from their salaries and pay in their contributions. I went back to the NIS to get it organized. I met two gentlemen whom I told I wanted to pay up my conductors’ NIS contribution. They asked me how long the conductors were working with you. I said about a year and a half. They said to me, I will have to pay for all those months. I asked them how much money I will have to pay. They said a thousand and some. I said to them, ‘I never take out money from their salary to pay NIS for them’.

To cut a long story short, I walked away in disagreement, and stopped paying my own contributions for a while. After some time passed I went back to start paying my NIS contributions. I met a lady there, she

looked at my records and noted that it was a long time since I hadn’t paid up your contributions. Anyway, she got it restored and told me how much money I would have to pay to get back on. I started paying how much I could afford.

One day, when I went to pay my NIS contribution, I asked the officer how much I had to pay to meet my requirement. He said to me, he will check it out. When he came back, he said to me, because I was 55 years old, he would have to put me in a lower category, so that I would pay less money as my contribution. His coworkers didn’t agreed on that. I realized that something just wasn’t right here.

Now, I will like NIS or that gentleman to turn it around and give me back all of my contribution and benefit with interest. I am 60 years old now, and have qualified for a pension. I can’t live on that kind of pension that the NIS offers. I am not a beggar, I am not living in poverty. I am a child of God. ‘Live up’

deserved. St. Vincent & the Grenadines has now, and will have forever, the government it deserves.

You’re welcome.

HJA

* Have the CDC and the Copyright Organization agreed on a fee for the right to have the carnival shows, especially the soca and calypso, televised live and streamed live? * Is it true that there are no blood sugar testing supplies at some clinics here? * How come the NDP could talk about all the businesses that closing down, and not notice that a whole set of Chinese restaurants opening up all over the place? Is it that the Chinese know something that local business people don’t? *Are Commercial banks here planning to decrease the interest rates they pay on savings/ deposit accounts?

V

10. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The agony facing the NDP

The NDP is ready

The Issue

Excerpts from Mr. Curtis Bowman’s presentation at the NDP’s Rally

THE OPPOSITION New Democratic Party (NDP) will never forget the date Saturday, May 9th, 2015. In fact, if it were possible, the party leader, Arnhim Eustace, would try to erase this date from history. It was a date when the NDP was due to launch their glorious political campaign that would take them to a victory at the next general elections. Instead the NDP produced a display at their rally at Sion Hill that would make their supporters hang their heads in shame.

By this performance at Sion Hill, the NDP showed why, as a political party, it is not fit for government in this country. By this performance, Arnhim Eustace showed why he is not fit for leadership in this country; and from the performance of their speakers on the platform, the NDP continued to show that they have no clue, as to what is needed to further develop the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

To be sure, the NDP is in an agonized state of mind. Having billed this meeting as the start of their campaign, they were dismayed when they could not put two thousand of their supporters in the small square at Sion Hill. In fact, some of their supporters took to Facebook with “doctored” pictures, in the vain effort to show that there was a crowd at Sion Hill. This backfired badly.

Nothing to offer but lies Following the Sion Hill disaster meeting, Vincentians are no clearer as to what the NDP will do, to further develop the country. Instead, we got the usual half- baked and impractical ideas, for example, like the plan to construct a resort on the island of Balliceaux, and a project to create an escalator type transportation system, stretching from Richmond to Rabacca, to allow persons easy access to the La Soufriere volcano.

Then we hear from Boy Ben Exeter about the plan to establish call centres here, to pay Vincentians US$35 to US$50 an hour. Vincentians will find this unbelievable, to say the least. Exeter went on to say that he will arrange for some fishing trawlers for the people of Barrouallie; but he failed to tell the country how the NDP will finance this proposal, and how it will be implemented.

Not to be outdone, the representative for Central Kingstown, St.Clair Leacock, stated that the NDP will employ one hundred persons per constituency for road work. Again, he did not say how his party will finance this development. All these statements are aimed at fooling Vincentians into voting for the NDP. Thank God for the education revolution and the increase in education and intelligence in the country, particularly among our young people. Our youths will see the stupidity of these suggestions, as being impractical and not workable, and only designed to fool our people.

Last but not least, is the astonishing statement made by Jeannie Ollivierre, that it was the NDP who changed the voting age from 21 years to 18, so as to give our young people a stake in the democratic process. This is an

astounding admission from someone like Jeannie Olliverre, all aimed at saying to our young people, that the NDP cares about their development.

This is all a dastardly lie, as the country knows that it was the Labour Party, under Premier Milton Cato of blessed memory, who made this change in the 1979 constitution.

Worse, is the revelation by St. Clair Leacock that he could not verify if Jeannie Ollivierre was wrong or right.

This is amazing, and speaks to the modus operandi of the NDP, and its campaign to “lie” its way into office.

To date, there has been no apology from anyone in the NDP’s hierarchy, and no withdrawal from Jeannie Ollivierre.

The ULP not perturbed These actions by the NDP have not created any undue alarm among the leadership of the ULP, save and except to say that the ruling party expects the NDP to increase the tempo and the nature of their lies.

The ULP will continue its work leading up to the next general elections. Last Sunday, the ULP held a record-breaking convention for the women’s arm of the party. The women of Labour turned out in their numbers to elect a new executive, and to hear from the leadership of their beloved party.

This was the largest ever convention of the women’s arm of the ULP, and it was a further manifestation of the energy currently being generated by the ULP, as it prepares for the next general election.

There were outstanding addresses from party leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves; the incoming president of the women’s arm, Rene Baptiste; the former president Nicola Evans, and the ULP candidate for West Kingstown, Debbie “Teacher Debbie” Charles.

The large crowd heard about the work done by the ULP in the development of women in all walks of life: in education, in housing, in health and in commerce. They were told that women have a critical function to perform within the ULP, as the party prepares for the “four in a row” campaign, when the Comrade rings the bell. With the energetic Rene Baptiste at the helm, the women’s arm will now develop a series of activities and strategies to ensure that the ULP is returned to power.

This Sunday, it will be the turn of the youth arm to hold its convention.

This promises to be a huge event, as the young people turn out in their numbers to show their support for the political party that has provided them with immense opportunities for education. All this is happening while the NDP huddles with its echo chamber, to manufacture more lies on the country, and on the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That is why the people will say “four in a row” when the Comrade rings the bell.

IT IS SAID that ‘your health is your wealth’; however, I can say that healthy people make a wealthy nation. A healthy person leads to a more productive and prosperous nation. The NDP firmly believes that the health of a nation is the wealth of the nation.

Health care of any nation should be: available, accessible, and affordable to every citizen. This is a fundamental right, and the NDP is committed to facilitating the delivery of this right. We wish to create and maintain a protective environment in order to meet the changing needs of our developing nation, in order to ensure that each citizen may always have access to proper health care and consequently achieve a higher quality of life.

Do you believe you are getting proper health care under this ULP government? Are you getting your basic medication and blood test done at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital? Do you think poverty is a just reason why you can’t get the body of your loved ones who die at the hospital?

The health service in this country is deplorable. Can you imagine that you have a government who has failed to provide some of the basic medication needed by sick people across the nation? They have failed in providing all of the right protective gear needed by health professionals to do their jobs. Some surgeries had to be cancelled this week, as it is alleged that the doctors and nurses did not have surgical gowns to do these surgeries. Imagine you or a loved one had to have emergency surgery, and it couldn’t be done for this reason. This is inexcusable!

Look around in the government medical institution. Many of our doctors are leaving; resigning to lecture at the medical colleges; resigning to go work in different countries. Why? They are frustrated with the unavailability of resources and working condition to deliver proper health care.

The NDP will improve the health care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Our aim is to provide health care for all. The NDP will introduce a back to basic approach in the delivery of health care. We will make health care available, accessible and affordable to every citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The NDP will: * Build a new state of the art hospital; * Reduce the financial burden on individual families through the implementation of a National Health Insurance Programme; * Ensure that an ambulance is stationed at all rural health districts, and increase the number of working ambulances at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital; * Train ambulance personnel, therefore reducing the response time for emergencies; * Improve the testing and diagnostic facilities; * Ensure that all hospitals and medical clinics are fully staffed, equipped and have basic medical supplies; * Improve the infective disease unit by implementing strict protocols when handling outbreaks of infectious diseases; ensure all staff members working in the unit are properly trained and provided with the adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended by WHO and the CDC. (Center for disease Control); * Strengthen the environmental health and vector control unit; * Ensure that doctors are available 24hours at the rural hospitals;

* Increase the number of doctors working in the accident and emergency department, therefore reducing the waiting time for patients; * Ensure that the hospital has a medical specialist in all areas; * Expand the programme of health care givers, to include the at risk population such as children and mentally and physically challenged persons; * Improve the Lewis Punnet Home and the Mental Health Hospital; * Train adequate numbers of persons in the different disciplines to meet the demands in the health sector; * Extend the opening hours for the pharmacy at the MCMH to serve outpatients and inpatients more effectively; * Establish a dialysis unit with trained personnel to take care of our kidney patients; * Improve the port health facilities, ensuring that there is a quarantine area that is fully equipped with PPE and trained health professionals at all ports of entry.

Excerpts from Mr. Nick Francis’ presentation at the NDP’s Rally As the future of this country, we have a responsibility to be the best that we can be. The NDP believes in the supremacy of God and His guiding hand in the development of our youth.

Our Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter will strengthen youth development agents to empower our youth to make the right choices, and become productive members of our society.

Young people, tonight our problems cannot be solved by a wink and a smile. We need practical leadership.

Later this month, on May 24th, the ULP will be hosting a rally of some sort at the Victoria Park. At that rally, they will boast about an Education Revolution, but they won’t tell you about the 1531 students who have dropped out of school, or the parents who struggle to pay examination fees. They won’t tell you about how much they have reduced the funding for the book loan scheme, or the issues of accreditation which still exist at the Community College.

At that rally, they won’t talk about the number of students in Forms 1 and 2 who can’t read or write.

But when the grandstanding and “pompaseting” are over, when the one liners and sound bites have been exhausted, and when the lights fade at Victoria Park, on Monday, May 25th, a single mother will wake up and look into the faces of her hungry children, and she will contemplate selling her body to buy groceries. On that Monday morning, young men will wake up in the hills dreaming of a better way of life. On that Monday morning, a community college student, on the heels of graduating, will wonder, “What next? Where do I go from here? Will I be able to find a meaningful job?” On that Monday, the same issues that we face as youths will still exist.

Young people, tonight Our Vote is ‘Key’ to unlocking a better standard of living for ourselves and our families.

The NDP can deliver. Labour isn’t working, and the time for change is now!

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 11.

Views

The end is still to be written

In defense of the CCJ

“WORRYING IS CARRYING tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” ? Corrie ten Boom (1901-1983)

This column was taken from the May 17 issue of the Trinidad Guardian. I could not agree more with the arguments of its author Kevin Baldeosingh.

SOMETIMES WE GO THROUGH life with great anticipation of how our particular situations will end up. So very often, we stress ourselves out seeking to predict how things will turn out in our finances, relationships, physical challenges, and so on. On such occasions, we may worry, fret, complain, and get angry.

However, none of these reactions gets us any closer to resolving the particular challenge. None of these has the capacity to change the outcome. We then realise that we just have to wait … because the end is still to be written.

Traumatic situations will erupt in our lives from time to time. They may seem to suck the winds from our sails and leave us listless. At times like these, we may ponder the tragedy ahead as we are left at the mercies of the elements that surround us. Fear beckons us to imagine the worst-case scenarios. We appear to be “wired” that way. But we can gain new insights and coping mechanisms when we meditate on Rick Warren’s statement that, “The more you pray, the less you’ll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You’ll feel more patient and less pressured.”

Many of us can testify of these truths.

Unfortunately, because we are human, we have a tendency to push the panic button first … until we are reminded of the benefits of prayer and worship. Here is where we really need to have good friends, life coaches, and mentors. So very often, we are blinded by life’s tragedies and circumstances, that we forget or neglect to take the positive approaches that can get us out of our traumatic circumstances. Someone “on the outside”, seeing our plight, can guide us aright. In many instances, they would have gone that way before, and can provide adequate direction and encouragement. Thank God for those around us who would intercept with intent when we seem blinded by life’s trials. Friends who will provide a word of encouragement, share a smile, lend a book, send an email or a card, write a note, make a telephone call … and become winds beneath our wings — helping us to soar again; taking us above and beyond our circumstances; helping us to cope. And they know that, when the tables are turned and they are down, we will be there to help them back to their feet. We will remind them that the end is still to be written, and that there is good reason to hope.

There are many biblical passages that provide us with hope when things appear to be going wrong; passages in the Old and New Testaments that encourage us to trust in the God of the universe to take us through the most devastating of circumstances. Sometimes we need to revisit these historic events. They rekindle our faith. They build our character. They reassure us that the God of yesterday is still the God of today and tomorrow. He knows what is best for us. He knows how He will take us through our wilderness experiences. He will part our “Red

Sea”. He will provide the food in the desert. He can protect us in the deepest of dungeons and as we walk through the most intense fires of life.

This same God who designed and provides for the lilies and the birds, will provide for us if we will only trust Him to. And therein lies the antidote for our worries about the future — trusting God to work things out. So we worship Him, and we speak to Him (pray) about our specific circumstances. We wait. We trust Him to respond and we trust His response. We trust Him to write an appropriate ending chapter to our particular circumstance.

Secular writers can also encourage us. For example, we can visit the writings of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and/or Romans. In this regard, the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121180) beckons to be referenced here.

He was Emperor of the Roman Empire during the period 161 to 180, and was often referred to as “the wise” Emperor. History describes him as the last of the “Five Good Emperors” of Rome. Emperor Marcus Augustus was well tutored. Known to be an outstanding Stoic philosopher, he was often challenged by stressful situations as his kingdom was regularly threatened by invasions from the many powerful and aggressive German tribes from the north and the Parthian Empire in the east. In addition, being aware of the regularity with which the Roman Emperors were challenged by internal revolt, he knew that he had to be constantly on the lookout for those who would seek to annihilate him.

Amidst all of this, he wrote, “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” These are powerful words of wisdom. We should imbibe them for all they are worth.

They should help us to focus (or refocus) as we face life’s varied and often-complicated tests.

We will all face situations that beckon us to worry — to panic about the future. What triggers my “panic button” will be different from what triggers yours. Many knee-jerk panic situations will visit. They will often appear to come at a time when we least expect them. However, we can rest assured that our reaction to these can often determine how well we cope.

Our attitudes, our mind-set, often determine how well we dismantle or adjust to these challenges. So we prepare our fertile minds by programming thoughts that are uplifting. We remind ourselves that the final chapters of our lives are still to be written. And we are on the lookout for the individuals who will cross our paths carrying tomorrow’s load of care. We lighten those loads of worry by reminding them that all is not lost, the battle is not yet ended, and tomorrow’s end is still to be written.

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

“THE CONCERN that the local judiciary is incapable of delivering the quality of justice to which we have grown accustomed from the Privy Council, is the main reason why full accession to the CCJ has been resisted by some well-meaning patriots. As proof of our perceived shortcomings, it is customary to point to particular cases where the Privy Council overturned local decisions.

Many human rights lawyers, for example, were perplexed by our local judiciary’s rulings in death penalty cases, and therefore welcomed the Privy Council’s interventions.

Ironically, it is those very Privy Council decisions which galvanized Caribbean-wide support among the political classes, for the abolition of appeals to the Privy Council, and led to the signing of the treaty establishing the CCJ. British justice was not then thought to be reflective of the goals and aspirations of Caribbean people. The exact opposite is now being put forward.

For the period 2014 to 2015, the Privy Council overturned as many decisions of Courts of Appeal in the Caribbean as they upheld. By comparison, over the same period, 47 decisions of the UK Court of Appeal were upheld by the UK Supreme Court, as opposed to 51 which were overturned. The UK Court of Appeal was held to be wrong on more occasions than they were held to be right. Does that entitle us to conclude that our local justices of appeal dispensed better justice in the last two years than their British counterparts? Clearly not.

The point is that very little can be derived from the fact that decisions of our local judges have been held to have been wrongly decided by the Privy Council. Equally competent and wellmeaning legal experts regularly disagree on what the outcome should be in any given case That is why we have a three tier appellate system, the hope being that, after a case is reviewed by no less than nine judges, the fairest possible result will have been achieved.

The crucial point is that the system anticipates and expects that there will be disagreements among judges, otherwise there would be no need for appeals. The only reason why the Privy Council is considered to be right is because there is no higher court to appeal to. We also need to be careful about the conclusions which we readily draw from particular decisions. Dr Ghany, for example, says that the public would perceive that British justice is better than local justice because the tribunal which exonerated Chief Justice Sharma was chaired by a British member of the Privy Council.

Even if such a conclusion could be logically drawn, surely the fact that there were two Caribbean judges sitting alongside the British Privy Councillor would negate any adverse impression of local justice.

Recent decisions of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal involving Sir James Mitchell and the St Kitts Government, which were overturned by the Privy Council, are also cited as evidence that the local judiciary cannot be trusted to decide political cases fairly. If such a conclusion is to be drawn, it is only fair that the court’s entire record should be considered. Over the same period, for example, the Eastern Caribbean judiciary ruled

against the Government of St Kitts in its first attempt to change constituency boundaries and in its attempt to strike out legal proceedings brought by the then opposition to have a no-confidence motion debated. It also struck down an amendment to the Constitution which increased the number of senators, a measure designed to counter defections from the government benches. On Dr Ghany’s argument, the Denzel Douglas administration would have been entitled to perceive that the local judiciary was more anti-government than the most recent decision might otherwise indicate The decision of our own Court of Appeal in relation to the Equal Opportunity Act is also cited in this vein. Without the intervention of the Privy Council, Dr Ghany says, we would not have anti-discrimination legislation.

Presumably, the public might perceive that our judiciary is against legislating for equality. If this were true, it would certainly fuel negative perceptions about local justice, and justifiably so. But the reason our Court of Appeal ruled against the act was because it felt that the tribunal which was to hear discrimination complaints was not sufficiently independent of the executive. In that regard, they had the support of the great, liberal jurist, Lord Bingham, who dissented in the Privy Council. Far from being against equal opportunity, the Court of Appeal wanted the system strengthened.

In the Maha Sabha radio licence case, the local judiciary had unanimously held that the Maha Sabha’s right to equality of treatment had been infringed, but did not think it necessary to order the state to issue the licence, the expectation being that public officials would act accordingly without more. The Privy Council took a different course based on evidence which emerged after the Court of Appeal had ruled. In fact, the Privy Council paid “tribute to the care and skill with which this case has been handled in the courts below,” and noted that “it is through no fault of the Court of Appeal... that (it) was allowed to proceed on false premises.” There are, of course, some decisions of our local courts which simply cannot be defended or explained away. Even so, it cannot be the case that we should refuse to take responsibility for our own legal affairs because of the possibility that we may get it wrong from time to time.

That is a necessary hazard of independence.

Taking responsibility for oneself entails taking responsibility for one’s mistakes as well. The Privy Council itself has on occasion overturned its own previous decisions. Followed to its logical conclusion, the perception that we are incapable of governing ourselves in the administration of justice, should lead to a move to invite the United Kingdom to re-establish colonial dominion over us. For it certainly cannot be said that our political classes have been doing a better job at governance than our judges.”

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

V

12. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Airport for sale: EC$1 £1 will buy you one and a half tins of beans or two packets of crisps in the UK – or an airport in Spain.

Ciudad Real airport, in Spain, was built in 2009, at a cost of more than EC$3 billion. It is now up for sale for £1, with no reserve price — although it will have an EC$900 million debt attached (Seehttp://dailym.ai/1b5UTHU). It is highly likely that the misfit Argyle airport is destined to have a similar sad ending - being sold for EC$1.

In Spain, the lying politicians said the EC$3 billion Ciudad Real airport would cater for 5 million passengers, boost the economy of its region, and create thousands of new jobs. The Socialist regional government spent millions propping up the venue, promoting the project with advertising campaigns, and approving a EC$420 million guarantee to keep it afloat.

Sadly, Ciudad Real airport has been eerily empty since April 2012; it has proved to be one of a number of many white elephants for Spain. The passenger projection numbers turned out to be lies, as were the promises of boosting the region’s economy and the creation of thousands of new jobs.

Similarly, in SVG, the ULP regime has wasted lots of money propping up the EC$800 million Argyle airport, promoting the project with advertising campaigns, and approving millions of dollars in loans to keep the dying project afloat.

We were told Argyle airport would be operational in May 2015. That was a lie.

We have been promised many things

with the building of Argyle airport, including jobs and a strong economy.

However, the public has never been given a cost / benefit analysis that shows that the Argyle airport will even make any money, let alone create long-term, secure jobs.

On page 143 of the Argyle airport Environmental Impact Assessment, we are told that there will be approximately 735,000 passengers in 2015. The passenger projection numbers are lies.

Argyle airport is a waste of EC$800 million, and is destined to fail. The runway orientation of 00/18 (North/South) defies logic and basic common sense, and is different from other Caribbean runways.

The runway orientation is perpendicular to the prevailing winds, and would expose aircrafts to very dangerous, strong, gusty crosswinds.

This is a major flight safety hazard, and can cause a passenger aircraft to flip over. Argyle airport is highly unlikely to obtain a licence to operate with a 00/18 runway orientation and major flight safety hazards.

The Argyle airport should be aborted immediately, as it does not make economic sense to continue. Many people have said that the Argyle site could be converted to a business estate to provide offices for new and current businesses, or a wind-farm to produce cheap electricity. Email us onsvggreenparty@yahoo.com or tweet us on @svggreenparty with your suggestion about what the Argyle site could usefully be used for.

The EC$800 million wasted on Argyle airport is a significant opportunity lost; it could have been put to good use to build factories to produce new agro-products for export, create new jobs, build a science and technology university, build a fish factory for fish processing and canning, set up a fresh water export industry for exporting drinking water in tanker loads, build a secondary school in Canouan, or build new hospitals in St. Vincent and Union Island.

Ciudad Real airport was meant to be a symbol of modern Spain’s affluence.

Argyle airport will be a symbol of the ULP regime’s gross economic and financial incompetence. SVG needs a Green government to build a strong economy, bring competent financial management, and create thousands of new jobs.

In SVG, EC$2 will buy you a coconut.

Pretty soon, EC$1 will buy you an airport - although it will probably have an EC$800 million debt attached!

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Catholic Church takes firm stance against domestic CARIBBEAN Bishops have pledged to work to end domestic violence in the region, and to “challenge the macho culture which dehumanizes women, and infects men with false views of women and relationships” In a communique following the 59th Annual Plenary Meeting of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) at Montego Bay, Jamaica, held April 21-24, the bishops declared they had heard the cries, and witnessed the pain of countless persons, particularly women and children, affected by domestic violence.

“We stand in solidarity with you, and want you to know that you are beloved children of God and must be free to live your God-given dignity,” stated the communique, titled ‘Domestic Violence: A Call to Act’.

The bishops called on all Commissions in the dioceses of AEC region, “to collaborate to end domestic violence, …. advocate for and support the implementation of laws which protect families against violence in the home … initiate programmes to change attitudes that condone domestic violence, … initiate a conversation with civil and legal authorities to review laws and practices that may not adequately protect the victims of domestic violence.”

The bishops insisted that discussions on domestic violence and violence against women must be included in all education programmes, beginning at the primary school, and especially in marriage preparation courses. They said: “We must teach all our people to live as Jesus did, in a commitment to non-violence.”

The communique contains five main mandates, with the first one being that priests and pastoral teams must become acquainted with the services available for victims and perpetrators; and to acquire a working knowledge of the laws pertaining to domestic violence, child protection and sexual violence in their respective countries.

The statement also calls for an end to the silence which usually surrounds domestic violence. It beckons parishes to create the environment for open discussion (including homilies) on the issue, reminding that “Silence, regardless of the reason, condones domestic violence. It is a grave sin of omission. It neither helps the victim nor the perpetrator. Instead it devalues the dignity of both. It normalizes domestic violence for the next generation. It reaffirms a belief that violence is an acceptable form of behavior in the Caribbean home.”

The AEC bishops also cautioned about “premature reconciliation”. They said: “When a woman’s safety is at risk, a marital separation is often one of the

solutions a woman may have to seriously consider to end the ongoing battering. This is a time when the woman can be very vulnerable.

Encouraging her to stay in the home or to have unsupported contact with her partner is worse. True reconciliation is only possible when the woman is safe; the man is held accountable for his actions, is taking responsibility for the abuse and is genuinely repentant.”

The communique noted that some people misused scripture to justify a lifestyle of domination and abuse.

“There is nothing in our Sacred Scriptures that support the abuse or domination of women by men, or any other kind of domination. Domestic violence is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Instead, let us provide spiritual direction and prayer for those who are suffering from violence, especially our women and children, so that they can maintain and develop their relationships with God and with the church community, especially during difficult times,” the bishops said.

This recent appeal follows two Pastoral Letters - one in 1975 and another in 2003. In the 1975 Pastoral Letter, ‘Justice and Peace in a New Caribbean’, the bishops denounced the exploitation of women, saying, “There is all too much evidence that, in many of our Caribbean societies, young girls and women are still being exploited in a shameful manner, not only in conditions of unemployment, but sometimes in terms demanded to obtain or retain it. As long as such practices persist among us, we have no right to speak of the achievement of women’s liberation.”

The 2003 Letter, themed ‘Crime and Violence’, highlighted violence in the home as one significant contributor to the growing violence in Caribbean societies.

In this latest communique, the Caribbean bishops have promised to “collaborate with other community organizations, non-governmental organizations and government agencies, to work towards the ending of the dehumanizing threat of domestic violence”.

The communique concluded, “We will work together as people of faith, to maintain the value of God’s presence in women and men whom He has created to experience His love and share it with each other. We ask that all our parish communities work with people of good will to end the destructive force of domestic violence in our Caribbean region. Let us commit to protect the vulnerable.”

Nelcia Robinson Public Relations Officer Caribbean Women’s Association

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 13.

Education

Major upgrade for UWI Open Campus site

that will mesh our virtual and physical presence to bring UWI to UWI reaches home you wherever you are.”

The Project is VINCENTIANS desirous of supported by national, pursuing degree courses regional and from the University of the international donor West Indies (UWI), will be organisations, including able to do without having the Government of St. to spend a number of Vincent and the years on campuses Grenadines, the overseas.

Caribbean Development This, when the UWI Bank (CDB), and the Open Campus of St. Government of Canada’s Vincent and the Department of Foreign Grenadines, located on Affairs and Trade Murray’s Road, Development (DFATD) Kingstown, is upgraded Strengthening Distance

by September 2016, Education in the providing students with Caribbean (SDEC) project.

According to Dr. Longsworth, more than “40 continuing and professional education programmes and courses in areas as diverse as real estate management, Those addressing the launch of the construction project security were: (L-R): Open Campus SVG Head Deborah Dalrymple; studies, Director of projects at the CDB Michelle Cross Fenty; Prime journalism Minister of SVG Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Canada’s High and financial Commissioner to the OECS H.E. Richard Hanley; and Dr. Luz management,” Longsworth, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal (Ag) of the will be UWI Open Campus.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

“comfortable learning commons to accommodate them with modern facilities.”

The news was disclosed by Dr Luz Longsworth, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal (Ag) of the University of the West Indies Open Campus, during the launch of the UWI Open Campus Development Project, at the Kingstown site, last Thursday. May 14.

Dr. Longsworth highlighted the role of the Open Campus, citing that it “has begun a transformative process

Major renovation work is expected to begin soon at the site of the UWI Open Campus site at Murray’s Road. accessible in the new building.

She noted the history of Canadian support of distance education and outreach to UWI. High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the OECS, His Excellency Richard Hanley, in addressing the launch, commented on the Caribbean’s “impressive education record,” and of its legacy.

He justified his country’s support for higher learning, and outlined existing cooperation with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

H.E. Hanley was of the view that “authentic programmes were needed to make the Caribbean workforce more marketable and competitive.”

This could be addressed through online education, in which, he said, “Canada sees value,” and he called for providing the “right courses for the right time.”

The High Commissioner also

New Student Guild Executive elected A NEW STUDENT GUILD EXECUTIVE for the University of the West Indies Open Campus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was recently elected, to run the day-to-day activities of the Student Body.

The members of the Executive are: Chairman - Mr. Nick Francis, BSc Youth Development Work; Guild Deputy Chairman - Mr. Martin Sheen, BSc Banking and Finance; Secretary - Ms. Samantha Williams, BSc Youth Development Work; Treasurer - Mr. Ricky Haynes, BSc Banking and Finance; PRO - Ms. Nellie Phillips, BSc Youth Development Work.

The Local Chapter of the Student Guild is run by students for students, the main function being to represent the interests, The new Student Guild Executive for the UWI Open rights and concerns of the student body at Campus, SVG (L-R): Ms. Samantha Williams - Secretary, the Open Campus, while promoting the Mr. Nick Francis - Guild Chapter Chairman, Mr. Martin University as a viable option for tertiary Sheen - Guild Chapter Deputy Chairman, Mr. Ricky Haynes studies for prospective students.

– Treasurer and Ms. Nellie Phillips - P.R.O. In addition, the Guild Chapter also provides assistance to new and returning strength in leadership of the Guild”, and looks students, offering support and advice on their forward to “more student engagement, certainly educational well-being and experience at the Open among students themselves and between students Campus. and staff.”

The Executive is in the process of planning UWI Open Campus students can find out more several activities to promote student interaction, about their Guild and upcoming activities on and to facilitate a well-rounded university Facebook at the following link: experience for Open Campus Students. https://www.facebook.com/SVGGuildofStudents.

Head of the UWI Open Campus, Mrs. Deborah (Contributed by Ronnie Daniel, Marketing Dalrymple, noted that she is “happy to see the Assistant)

suggested that employers should offer career guidance, as well as making opportunities available for workers to advance.

The shortage of males in the training schedule is a worry to Commissioner Henley, and he challenged the university to “find ways to attract men.”

Mrs. Michelle Cross Fenty, Director of Projects at the CDB, expressed profound satisfaction with the bank’s involvement with the expansion of the Open Campus facility.

She looked at investment in education as “imperative” in the fight to stop or reduce the incidence of crime, and expressed concern about the “risks” with which the society was faced from “drop-out and disconnected youths.”

Mrs. Fenty projected on the “World Class Open Campus Site: online, on site and on

demand.”

Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves gave the main address. Dr Gonsalves traced the history of the Open Campus, from a Cotton Ginnery destroyed by fire in 1959 to its current state.

He noted that it had changed to an “education factory”, and that “what we are going to replace it with, will have greater value.”

Deborah Dalrymple, Head of the local Open Campus, expects that the Administrative Office would be relocated to nearby premises by September this year, to make way for the reconstruction.

Stewart Engineering Ltd. are the Project Consultants, and architectural services are provided by T. V. A. Consultants Ltd. A Building Contractor for the project will be decided by tender.

V

14. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

Eustace leads town hall meeting in Brooklyn

Parliament (MP) for North Leeward Roland “Patel” Matthews, and Glenford Stewart, a former Minister of Communications and Works in a previous NDP administration.

“This is an historic trip for our leader, the Hon. Glenford Stewart and the Hon. Patel Matthews,” SPOONY President Stephen “Scombo” Opposition Leader Arnhim John, a former NDP candidate for South Eustace will lead an NDP Windward, told THE delegation on a speaking VINCENTIAN. “We and fund-raising visit to regard this trip as Brooklyn, New York. the unofficial kickoff of the campaign.

by NELSON A. KING “SPOONY believes naking@verizon.net this trip to be one of the US CORRESPONDENT most significant events for NDP this election As Vincentians gear cycle,” he added. “A huge up for general elections, crowd is expected.” constitutionally due Last May, SPOONY early next year, St. hosted a town hall Vincent and the meeting, featuring Grenadines’ Opposition Eustace and Sen. St. Leader Arnhim Eustace Clair Leacock, will address a town hall Opposition MP for meeting in Brooklyn, Central Kingstown, at New York next week. the Friends of Crown According to the Heights Educational Brooklyn-based St. Center.

Vincent and the The group also, in Grenadines Progressive August last year, hosted Organization of New Sen. Dr. Linton Lewis, York (SPOONY), an MP and NDP candidate affiliate of the main for East St. George, and opposition New Lauren Baptiste, NDP Democratic Party (NDP), candidate for North the town hall meeting Windward, at another takes place on Sunday, town hall meeting at the May 31, at the Friends of same venue.

Crown Heights Eustace and Educational Center, 671 Matthews’ visit is part of Prospect Place. a series of activities that Eustace, who is also SPOONY will conduct in NDP president and party Brooklyn this month, leader, will be joined by commencing over the Opposition Member of Memorial Day week-end

Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews will be the only other NDP MP on the visit.

Glenford Stewart, a former NDP Minister of Government will be heard on a political mission for the first time in sometime. and extending to May 31, SPOONY said.

On Friday, May 22, Eustace and Matthews will participate in a “Sip and Chat” at Café Omar in Brooklyn. The nightspot is owned and operated by Stewart’s younger brother, Dr. Kendall Stewart, a former New York City Councilmember.

The opposition MPs will also attend a fundraising BBQ on Sunday, May 24 at Standard Shippers, Inc., 3116 Clarendon Road.

‘Stick to your task,’ Baptiste urges police THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) candidate for the North Windward constituency, Lauron Baptiste, has asked that the police officers who frequent the hills “to conduct raids,” that they stick to their task.

Speaking on Monday 11th May, on the ‘New Times’ radio programme, Baptiste said that he was making the request on behalf of the individuals who have resorted to earning a living cultivating marijuana in the hills, and who complained that the officers who conduct raids often move the animals that are in their care.

“They have asked me to make that announcement,” he said.

“Every time they (police) go to conduct raids and so, they walk with the guys’ animals…so please, officers,

leave the animals when you all go,” Baptiste said.

“When you all go, just do your work what you Lauron Baptiste, supposed [to do] NDP candidate for and leave the North Windward, guys’ animals,” wants the police to Baptiste stick to the focus of pleaded. their raids on There have marijuana famers. been reports that marijuana farmers also engage in legitimate farming. However, there have been complaints that when officers conduct periodical raids, the ‘legitimate’ crops are destroyed. (DDD)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 15.

News

Fish Fest gets LIME ongoing upgrade THE THIRD STAGING of the LIME Upgrade Fish Fest takes place in the Rose Place/ Bottom Town area later today.

Fisher folk and persons simply looking for an evening out are expected to gather in that community for a night of activities, including domino competitions and

musical entertainment, and can savour freshly prepared dishes of a variety of seafood.

They will converge there also, in anticipation of the ‘Man Vs Seafood Challenge’, a raw seafood eating competition.

The last challenge, which took place in Calliaqua, was won by

ECGC’s Occupational Health Nurse, Ms. Vern Kirby making presentation to Sister Nyra Anne Pajotte.

ECGC supports St. Benedicts THE EAST CARIBBEAN Group of Companies (ECGC) continues to fulfil its role as an outstanding corporate citizen.

The Company, in demonstrating its commitment to assist local communities, has, on many occasions, made valuable donations to individuals, schools, charities, and many other community-based organizations throughout St .Vincent and the Grenadines, and its wider target market.

Keeping in this vein, ECGC, on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, presented a variety of its products to the St. Benedict’s Children’s Home and Day Nursery in Georgetown. The items are expected to go a long way in improving the nutrition and comfort of the residents of this institution.

The St. Benedict’s Children’s Home and Day Nursery is dedicated to providing care for underprivileged and special needs children.

Soil and Treatment of potted plants

Soil and Fertilizers need other nutrients which are already in the House plants generally soil.

There are two groups of require either a commerfertilizers - inorganic and cially prepared potting organic. It must be noted mixture or do-it-yourself that fertilizer is not mix, based on the “medicine” for an ailing contents of one of the standard prepared mixes. plant. Over-fertilizing a plant can cause as much However, a few basic potting mixes can provide problem as underfeeding it. for different needs of In applying fertilizer, almost all houseplants. always follow the manufacturer’s instruction on FERTILIZERS the label regarding dosage and frequency.

Fertilizers must Happy planting. contain one or more of the following: nitrogen (N), Presented by the SVG phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Plants also Horticultural Society.

SOIL

Jonathan Edwards. He walked away with the well sought after high powered waterproof, Fugoo speaker.

Tonight’s activity, though, is the last before next Monday’s Fisherman’s Day celebration, scheduled to take place at the Calliaqua Playing Field.

In related news, LIME

also sponsored last week’s local lionfish derby.

Competition was held in the most lionfish caught, the diver with the largest catch, and the heaviest single catch.

LIME donated prizes in the form of a Smart phone to the winner in the Scuba Diving category, and a 4G tablet to the winner in the free dive category.

Jonathan Edwards (centre), winner of the ‘Man Vs Seafood Challenge’ held at Calliaqua, collects his prize from LIME staffers.

Following Monday’s Fisherman’s Day festivities, which are also sponsored by LIME, the LIME Fish Fest action

continues in other communities around the island, with more exciting activities, and more tasty sea food recipes to be had.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 17.

18. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 19.

Carnival

On Tour returns to Russell’s

THE ON TOUR CALYPSO TENT will begin its 2015 Calypso season with a show at the Russell’s Auditorium, June 4.

The Tent features former calypso monarch Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne (1983, 1994 and 2007), Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance (2006) and Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey (2002).

Robert ‘Patches’ Knights, a perennial finalist in the local calypso monarch competition, returns both as cast member and keyboardist with the accompanying band, Nex Level.

Ralph ‘Struggler’ Richards, with a stranglehold of five titles in the South Windward district, brings some advice with ‘Keep diabetes in check’.

Alvin ‘Zion’ Dennie, the ‘Bad John’ calypsonian, will be keen to provoke as well as upgrade his resume.

Glenford ‘Azara’ Charles, a panman by heart, will touch hearts and souls with his treatment of real life issues.

Bernard ‘Reality’ White is perhaps the oldest warrior in the trenches.

He surfaced in 1974 with

a new outlook on the art.

He continues this year with ‘Tourist.’

Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers produced a big hit, ‘Woman gone, woman dey,’ in 1992. He has returned with a song called ‘Sugar pan.’

Wendell ‘Rasta man I’ Lewis is increasing his Volumes of Rastafari.

Winston ‘Barks’ St. Hiliare has been into the music business since 1974.

His song this year is entitled: ‘Paradise.’

Junior Malcolm Marshall, known as ‘Short man’, is into his fourth year in the calypso

Cherissa Nero Miss Ambitious

Cozelle Boucher Miss Driven

Iesha Nanton Miss Courageous

OWIA Carnival to kick start this weekend programmes get going on Friday, May 29th with the RURAL CARNIVAL staging of the Miss ACTIVITIES in the North OSCO/LIME Phenomenal Windward area is set for Pageant, and the first launching tomorrow, ever OSCO International Saturday 23rd May, with Soca Monarch a series of activities which competition. are expected to continue The Pageant will see 5 into Sunday. contestants vying for the According to Rochelle crown. The contestants Baptiste, Executive are: Renelle Lavia - Miss member of the Owia Zealous; Shellicia SmallSports and Cultural Miss Confident; Iesha Organization (OSCO) a Nanton-Miss Courageous; motorcade from Cherissa Nero-Miss Georgetown to Owia and Ambitious; and Cozelle an After Party at the Boucher-Miss Driven.

Liquor Parlour On They will compete in Saturday May 23rd, then the categories of a Wet Fete at the Sheep Swimwear, Talent, Pen Disco on Sunday May Evening Gown and 24th, 2015.

Interview. Friday’s event She said this year’s which will be staged at events put on by the the Owia Government organisation “will be School grounds from 8pm, something to remember will also feature several and enjoy with the special guest performers. package in place.”

Following the Pageant , Baptiste said OSCO is Carnival Revelers will extending an invitation to take to the streets for everyone to make a J’Ouvert and later in the special effort to journey to day, there will be a Street Owia next weekend for Jump Up, dubbed the the “big carnival “Water and Paint” fete. activities,” when the The revellers will then actual carnival-related head to the Owia Big

by KENVILLE HORNE

Renelle Lavia Miss Zealous

Shellicia Small Miss Confident River for the popular River Splash.

Music for all the events will be provided by Foundation Sounds.

business. His number this year is ‘Professional bowlers’.

This is Giles ‘Bongo Ilee’ Francois’ third year in calypso. He has displayed his versatility on the Reggae scene. His rendition is entitled, ‘Think twice.’

Kirk ‘Ninja’ Knights made it to the semis in 2013 with a composition dubbed ‘Yes we can’. That time he was a member of the P’tani Calypso Tent.

His song for 2015 is ‘Black man’.

Joseph ‘Isahjah’ McKie is a farmer from the North Central Windward area.

His number is ‘We voting the black man’.

Nigel ‘Broom’ Little made it to the reserves two years ago. He will be hoping for a spot in the semis.

William ‘Kojah’ Anthony has been an off and on calypsonian from 1986. He is linking up with the On Tour Calypso Tent with a composition called, ‘Put ‘n it off.’

Robert ‘Patches’ Knights was undoubtedly the ‘star’ of the tent in 2014.

Patrons are anticipating another biting piece from him.

V

20. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

I was set up!!

Dear George,

I CAN’T BELIEVE women can be so wicked!

I have a next-door neighbour who happens to be madly in love with me. She knows I have my wife and I am happily married. We have had this conversation time and time again. She kept asking me to invite her over to my house for a drink or two, but I never did until very recently. This was when my wife went to the countryside to visit her mother for the day.

We shared a drink together, and that was that. Before she left, she thanked me for inviting her over, and said she admired me for sticking to my wife.

That night, my wife and I had one bacchanal over something I knew nothing about. She asked me to explain what a woman’s underwear was doing in the bathroom. She was adamant that the

underwear was way too small to fit her. George, I did not have any explanation for that, other than to admit that our next-door neighbour dropped by, and we had a drink and then she left.

My wife, to this moment, does not believe that nothing happened between this woman and me. She accuses me of doing things behind her back.

I cannot believe that someone would try to set you up like that. I am a much wiser man today, and nothing like this woman could do this to me again.

Surprised.

Dear surprised, You should have stuck to your guns and not let this woman into your house, especially in the absence of your wife. It is said that perception is greater than the truth.

Even though your wife trusts you, it is a hard

call to ask her to believe that nothing happened, with the knowledge that both of you were drinking, and that it was the woman who wanted you and who left her underwear in your bathroom.

Be careful never to put yourself in this position to jeopardize

Willing to share Dear George,

your marriage, especially with someone with dishonourable intentions.

Work on restoring the trust between you and your wife. Let her know that the next time around, you will not be that naïve.

George

MY HUSBAND put me in a position where I had no choice but to go along with him. He has been seeing this woman who is much younger than me.

I am 38 years old and she is 26. I have pleaded with him to leave this woman and let’s live our life together as we did before, but he refused. He eventually said he wanted a divorce, and that he is going to marry this other woman.

George, I was so shocked that I could not speak.

He started bringing this woman into my house when I am not around. I met them one day after coming home from market, and she had the gall to tell me that it is either I allow her to share my husband, or end up without him. What is crazy, George, is I am actually considering sharing my husband with this woman. I love him to death, and I do not want him to leave me. We have no children, thank God for that, but I do not think I can live without my husband. I really do not know what to do at this point.

Sexual preferences creating problem

Mel. Dear Mel,

Dear George, AM I A SICK man as my girlfriend wants to make me me out to be? She claims I am “sick” because I want to have anal sex with her. I resent this. I have been in many relationships before her, and this is something I am

accustomed doing.

Now, this is not the only thing she is opposed to. She thinks that oral sex is “nasty”, and that a woman should never go on her knees to be dogged out by a man.

George, I am not kidding you, but I am ready to get what I want from outside the relationship. I am not happy with what my girl has to offer.

Outside of this, we are good. We love each other and I have no other, fault with her, but this sex thing is getting to me.

I am who I am, and I cannot give up this part of my sex life at my age. I am thirty years old and

too young for that.

You have to understand that you ALWAYS have a choice. As such, therefore, the decision is yours to make, with Dear X, respect to what suits you best.

If your husband refuses to This is a case where honour his marriage vows, and two people hold opposing views on oral decides to invite someone else and anal sex. If either into your marriage, then it is up to you to accept or reject of you cannot find middle ground on this, this move. If you believe that you deserve better and should then you will need to not be put in a position where make a decision. you are asked to share the You have already man you love and married, stated how important this is to you, and that then you need to stand up and there is no way you are speak up, and let your husband and this woman know willing to give up on you do not and will not share either, especially at the love of your life. your age. If anal and Should your husband insist oral sex is that important to you, then on going in that direction then the decision is yours to you need to find continue or discontinue with someone who is with your relationship/marriage. you on that.

X.

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will find that uncertain individuals will want to draw you into joint ventures.

This is a great day for a trip. Don't let friends or relatives rule your life. You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs.

Valuable information can be yours if you listen to those with experience. You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time. Love and romance are evident.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't gamble unless you can afford to lose. Peers may not be on your side.

Your tendency to vacillate will drive everyone crazy. You may want to make changes that will not be to their liking.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Some relatives will be extremely perplexing. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends.

Joining organizations will provide you with stimulating romantic contacts. Don't get involved in other people's problems.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust. Favors will be offered readily.

Children could cost you more than you can afford.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Stand up and propose your ideas, and you'll be surprised how many people will follow you. Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence. Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived. Not everyone will be pleased with your plans.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can make money through your creative efforts. You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you. Romantic opportunities will develop through friends or relatives. Don't hesitate to sign up for lectures or seminars that will enlighten you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your mate needs extra attention and is feeling rather insecure when you're not in sight. Your support and concern will help. Put your thoughts on paper. Be aware that you might be at fault as well.

Overindulgence may be a problem.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Be careful not to get involved in other people's personal affairs. Be careful not to consume too many spicy foods, or minor health problems could put you out of commission for the day. Elders may need your help. Try not to get upset or angry without having all the facts.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't be too hard on yourself. You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with. Changes at home will be necessary. Overindulgence could cause problems for you with your loved ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Get busy putting your place in order. Be honest if you wish to solve the problem.

Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. You need more space for the whole family.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Minor health problems may lower your vitality. Hobbies will be good for your emotional well-being. Empty promises are evident. You will have the getup and go to con tribute a great deal to groups of interest.

ACROSS 1.Surprise attack 5. Dorothy’s aunt et al.

8. Electrical unit 12. Ferber or Best 13. Kanga’s baby 14. Sailing on the briny 15. Gymnastics move 17. Article 18. Bullfight bellow 19. Reconstruct 21. Magna __ 24. Tortoise’s rival 25. Skirt’s fold 26. Put initials on silverware 30. __ carte (2 wds.)

31. AFL-__ 32. Legal rule 33. Alike 36. The things here 38. Beatty and others 39. Desert caravan stops 40. TV’s “__ Camera”

43. Onassis’s nickname 44. Woodwind 45. Uneducated 50. Popular houseplant 51. Rescue worker (abbr.)

52. Conked out 53. Allow usage 54. Physics, e.g. (abbr.)

55. Dedicative verses DOWN 1.Yank’s opponent 2. Dental gp.

3. Co. abbr.

4. South __ (The Coyote State) 5. Mystery writer Gardner 6. Me (Fr.) 7. Opera voice 8. Act of giving up a claim 9. Four-legged star of the ‘30s 10. Swarm 11. Force down 16. Not quite

on key 20. Unit of energy 21.Accountants (abbr.)

22. “__ Wanna Do” (2 wds.)

23. Paper unit 24. Inheritors 27. Malt drinks 28. Flower holder 29. Woolly moms 31. Golfers’ assistants 34. In reality 35. Neckwear in Hawaii 36. Bull, in

Mexico 37. Coiffure 40. Hod contents 41. Skilled 42. Morning’s end 43. One against

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 21.

46. One of Detroit’s Big Three 47. First-__ kit 48. Born as 49. Football coups (abbr.)

V

22. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

ÂDadaÊ Culzac turns 102

MATTHEW ‘DADA’ CULZAC celebrated his 102nd birthday last Monday, May 18.

He marked the occasion beginning with a service at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, located not far away from his home in Rose Place, West Kingstown, and where he has worshipped all his life.

There was a celebration with family and friends that evening.

‘Dada’ is the corner-stone of his Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac was community. He has ‘good’ and ‘calm’ when THE overseen five VINCENTIAN visited him to generations of his extend greetings and best own family and the wishes on the occasion of community. He has his 102nd birthday. seen it all, and has survived every ordeal, and is not overawed by any situation.

He continues to serve as a source of inspiration to his neighbourhood.

His longevity might have something to do with the fact that he sticks to a close diet of natural produce, whether it’s the yard fowl, their eggs, rock fish or ground provisions.

‘Dada’ was “good,” and taking it calm when he received a visit, albeit late, from THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper. He was terse in his responses. His caretaker Jolene John outlined that he was “tired” from a previous evening appreciation of his landmark.

At 102 years old, ‘Dada’ is the oldest in his community, remains alert and attentive, and commands the respect of the neighbourhood without fuss or fanfare.

He is not one to make comparisons, for he is experienced to know that certain things are superficial. But on the occasion of his 100th birthday, he pointed out to journalist JP Schwmon, his disgust with the way youngsters were dressing.

He has made it through in his own style, and Dada will not be influenced by any trend.

THE VINCENTIAN wishes Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac a happy 102nd birthday, continued good health and God’s richest blessings. (WKA)

Did you know that….

THE MEMBERSHIP of the Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra, categorised as a Community band, is actually comprised of students from a wide crosssection of secondary and primary schools here?

Now you KNOW!!!

The Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra are the reigning Junior Pan Champs among Communitybased steel orchestras.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 23.

24. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 25.

News

Melicia Antoine – Confident of victory

by KENVILLE HORNE MELICIA ANTOINE, sponsored by Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., is confident that she will take the title of Miss SVG 2015, when the pageant takes place on Saturday May 30th.

She believes that the experience gained from her earlier participation and victories in various pageants, e.g. South Leeward and Bequia, and her ability to be consistent and self-motivated, will propel her to victory.

Antoine told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, when she visited with her sponsor, that she had learned to approach Pageants as per the categories of judging.

“I make it my business to study each of the categories. If you work hard on one category, that alone is not going to win you the crown. You have to make sure that all the categories have the same attention,” Melicia explained.

The 22-year-old resident of Clare Valley is so confident of victory that

she predicts that after Miss SVG, “I would definitely move on to Miss Carival, where I would be winning another crown”.

She also expressed the desire to become a role model, and emphasized the importance of education.

Benefits of training Melicia is the daughter of Ian Antoine from Green Hill and Melita Bynoe of Clare Valley. She was born on April 8th, 1993, and said that she had an “obsession with pageants from a tender age.”

She, however, would not have entered the Miss SVG Pageant unless she had the “blessing of her mother,” whom she described as a rock of support, having played the role of both parents during her (Melicia’s) upbringing.

“My mother was hesitant at first about supporting my competing in the Miss SVG show, because of Christian principles, but after I explained the benefits of entering, including the prize of a university scholarship, she consented and gave her support,” Melicia told THE VINCENTIAN. Now well into her training, the young beauty said that preparation for the show “is more intense than I anticipated. It includes making public appearance, press conferences and different types of training. The training is very intense. I didn’t expect that. Most of us thought it was about the glamour, but we soon learned that for us to make it, we have to be determined and apply ourselves,” she said.

As a result of her training, Melcia thinks she has “become more humble, sociable, and reads more often.”

Sponsorship

A confident Melicia Antoine, Miss Metrocint 2015, is all smiles as she prepares to enter the office on her visit.

And about her sponsor, the young lady needed no prompting to express, “I feels delighted to be sponsored by Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., since they are the oldest locally operating General Insurance in the country.”

She affirmed that the company “is providing me with adequate assistance,” to ensure that she is prepared for the pageant, and expressed thanks and appreciation to Metrocint’s Joe Elliot for her

mentorship, referring to Elliot as someone, “I look up to and admire.”

With her attention fixed for some time now on the big night, May 30, Melicia has found less time for her Miss Metrocint 2015, Melicia Antoine (centre) with staff of Metrocint General pastimes, which include Insurance, including: Managing Director, Desiree Richards (at her right) and modelling with her agency Miss Metrocint 2013, Anna Laborde (at her left), on her visit to the office on ‘Focus Entertainment Monday.

Inc,’, singing, and interacting on social has to remain focused, and myself I can do it, and I to motivate me,” she said, media. when any criticism comes must do this. I would take with a smile that radiated She recognises that she her way, “I would tell in the criticism and use it with confidence.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

ST. CLAIR INVESTMENTS LIMITED (IN RECEIVERSHIP) Opportunity to purchase a 3 (three) floor commercial building in the heart of Kingstown, St. Vincent The Receiver Managers of St. Clair Investments Limited, Marcus Wide and David Holukoff, are currently marketing for sale this highly attractive investment opportunity located in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The property is situated on the corner of Melville and Grenville streets in the capital Kingstown, on approximately 2,760 sq.ft of land.

The building is currently set up to operate a restaurant kitchen with dining room on the ground floor, with further dining facilities on part of the first floor. The remainder of the first floor is office space. The third level of the building is attic space which previously housed a night club.

Offers regarding St. Clair Investments Limited – In Receivership by sealed bid to be received on or before the 16th June, 2015 at 4:00pm and must be addressed to: Joint Receivers of St. Clair Investments Limited Attention: David Holukoff Grant Thornton (British Virgin Islands) Limited P.O. Box 4259, 171 Main Street The Barracks, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands For further information please contact the Receiver Manager's office at: +1 (284) 494 6162 or chris.macdonald@uk.gt.com

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 27.

Adams rides new bike to victory Right: Cammie Adams with his new bike.

BENT ON REPAYING those who had helped him acquire a new road bike, Cammie Adams obliged by winning the open category of last Sunday’s 52-mile road race, staged by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union.

Making full use of his new machine, Adams covered the course in three hours one minute, and at the end, thanked all those who contributed to him realising the $6000.00, the cost of the bike. “ I am grateful to the National Lotteries Authority, General Hardware, the Mustique Company, Hot FM, Martin Bollers of Premium Products, and Lewis Auto World.

Peter Durrant- the Masters champion.

Thanks for helping me get this new bike,” Adams said at the end of the race.

The cyclists travelled thirteen laps of the usual route from Villa Flat to Ratho Mill, then to the Arnos Vale Round About, which is a four mile circuit.

Second to Adams in the open category was Lucky Antrobus in three hours five minute 28.24 seconds, and third Zefal Bailey in three hours five minutes 28.71 seconds.

There was also a change at the top of the junior category, when Bradley Charles finished first in one hour 52 minutes 15 seconds. He was followed

by Casnell Duncan in one hour 52 minutes 19 seconds, and Samuel

Okyra Sylvester is craving for some competition in the mountain bike category.

Lyttle was third in one hour 52 minutes 26 seconds.

The juniors, though, completed 28 miles or seven laps of the course.

The trio ruled, in the absence of Quasim Thomas, who complained of not feeling well.

Maintaining his hold on the over 35s category, was Peter Durrant, who clocked in first in a time of three hours five minutes 27.87 seconds. Taking the second place was Randy Wilkinson in three hours seven minutes, and Orel George third in three hours twentyminutes.

Also keeping his winning record in place was Okyra Sylvester, as he again was the lone competitor in the mountain bike category. His time was two hours eleven minutes, as he, like the juniors, rode 28 miles.

Bradley Charles- new junior category winner.

Event number thirteen on the Cycling Union’s 2015 calendar is set for Sunday 31st May.

Warriors, Combined Youths into semis GROUP B LEADERS, Police One, are out of the reckoning, as far as the NLA First Division Sunday League national cricket competition is concerned.

The lawmen, in their quest for a semi-final berth, went under and out at the hands of Combined Youth, 4th place finishers in Group, in a super over, at Arnos Vale 2, in a quarter final playoff.

Deciding to set Combined Youths a target rather than chase, Police One batted first, and put a total of 232 off 34.5 overs, on the

scoreboard. Vertil Davis topscored with 58, Gerald Gould hit 30, to be the Police leading rungetters.

Kelvin Lorraine was spot on for Combined Youths bothering the lawmen to claim 4 for 1.

Nikkie Antoine had three wickets but proved expensive, being hit for 76 runs.

Combined Youths set about their chase with purpose, but other than Marlon Farrell, 60, and Frankie Farrell, 61, they wilted and were fortunate to close on 232 of 37.3, tying the scores and occasioning a super

over.

Vertil Davis put in a good day’s work for the Police by returning to take 2 wickets.

In the super over, Combined Youths were the calmer of the two and posted 14 without loss.

The lawmen, into something of a fluster, could manage only 3 runs and lost one wicket in the process.

In the other quarter final played last Sunday at Park Hill, 2nd place Group B finishers, Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors advanced, in resounding

fashion, into the semifinal, with victory over Robertson’s Surveying Belmont United, joint 2nd place finsher in Group A. Ruddy’ Electrical Unique Warriors set their opponents a target of 263 to overhaul. That toal was accumulated for the loss of 9 wickets, off 40 overs. The Warriors’ batting was generally consistent throughout, with Jelano Neil getting 65, Kelorn Davis 38, William “Bill” Edwards 33, Christopher Campbell 32, and Peter Campbell 28. The

wickets were shared by Adolphus Campbell, 3 for 42, Augustus Mofford, 2 for 38, and Jerome Samuel 2 for 47.

Belmont United never looked to be in the game, and imploded for a paltry 77 of 20.2 overs, Jerome top scoring with 24.

The Belmont batsmen had little fight, bowing to Leon Samuel who grabbed 4 for 23, Kelorn Davis, 3 for 19, and Joseph Medford, 2 for 20.

The quarter finals continue this weekend.

On Sunday, Victors Two will face Ishallz Byam Physical Therapy at

Leon Samuel grabbed 4 for 23 to help set up Warriors’ win.

Buccament, and Prime Consulting Marriqua oppose Smashers at Sion Hill.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

28. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SaintsÊ title hopes dashed

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS saw their challenge for the 2015 Premier Division cricket title evaporate, after

Lime Radcliffe’s captain Dyke Cato enjoyed another good weekend with the ball.

J.G. Tigress, Survivors triumph NATIONAL PLAYER Stacy-Ann Adams turned in a top allround Stacy-Ann performance at the Park Hill Adams of J.G. Playing Field, to guarantee victory Tigress, did for J. G. Tigress over Garifuna the Garifuna Stars, in a weekend match in the Stars in, with RBTT Bank Senior National a knock of 63 Women limited overs cricket and 2 wickets. competition.

Adams, 2 for 30, combined with Sherry-Ann John, 3 for 34, and La Toya Providence, 2 for 8, to dismiss Garifuna Stars for 140, in 30 overs. This after West Indies batter, Juliana Nero, put in a fighting knock of 53, to follow on her century of the previous weekend.

It would be Adams’ day alright. She returned to topscore with 63, to lead her team to 141 for 5 in 29.3 overs. Leris Nero, with 2 for 42, turned in Garifuna Stars’ best bowling figures.

In the other weekend encounter played at Arnos Vale 2, the now retired-from-national-duty Symantha Lynch, with a topscore of 35, led United Survivors to victory over Rising Stars.

Clea Hoyte, 33, and Cordel Jack, 21, were also among the runs for Survivors, who, chasing Rising Stars’ total of 130 for 7 off 30 overs, closed on 131 for 2 off 22 overs.

Samantha Caine topscored with 31 not out and Zavian Stephens hit 22 for Rising Stars, who found the going tough against United Survivors’ Camille Garrick, 3 for 35, and Kimone Homer, 2 for 25.

This weekend, Rising Stars clash with Garifuna Stars at Juliana Nero, Arnos Vale 2, and Northern Girls 53, could not face J.G Tigress at Sion Hill. prevent defeat for her I.B.A.ALLEN Garifuna Stars.

being able to gain only first innings points from their match against LIME Radcliffe, at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field last weekend.

SCORES: Guardian General Saints 258/7 and 84/5, Lime Jeron “Chubby” John had scores on 69* & 30*.

Radcliffe 202.

Heading into the match, Saints Cato finished with 3/67 and Richie Richards 2/55. needed an outright victory to keep themselves in LIME Radcliffe, who ended the day on 13 without contention, if ever slightly, to take the title from loss, batted obdurately for most of the second day, frontrunners and three times defending champions, and looked in the hunt at 100/2. But this quickly Team Rivals. changed to 101/5. It required a 72-run sixth wicket They took to the crease in good batting stand between Marcus Castillo (55) and Urnel conditions, and looked to be approaching a position Thomas (28) to push LIME Radcliffe into the safety of dominance, when Vincent Cupid Jr. and Timothy of avoiding the follow on, and in with the possibility Warner put on 58 for the opening partnership, of challenging for first innings points. It ended before the former went. when Thomas was LBW to Vis Tommy, and the Warner went at 79/2, and Guardian General Lime Radcliffe effort quickly fizzled as they went Saints went to tea in a ‘position of authority’ at from 197 at the fall of the seventh wicket, to be all 135/3. But, on the resumption, a spate of wickets out for 202. saw the scoreboard reading 168/7, with Dyke Cato Off-spinner Andrew Emtage finished with 3/17 picking up crucial wickets in the middle. It was left and left-arm spinner Rolando Wright, 3/80. to Jeron “Chubby” Edwards and Damaul Phillips to Batting a second time and harbouring ideas of join in an unbroken eighth wicket partnership of 90, some quick runs for a possible declaration, to give Saints the luxury of declaring half an hour Guardian General Saints were pegged back at 16/3, before the close. and were pulled out of trouble, once more, by John, John was unbeaten on 69 which included four who was unbeaten on 30 when play was called with fours and five meaty sixes, one of which went over his team 84/5. Zane Edwards made 26. the Mike Findlay Pavilion. Phillips was on 31.

Cato finished with 2/26.

Browne/Dember upend ASCO

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

SALVAN BROWNE stroked a brilliant century, and spinner Kenneth Dember grabbed seven wickets, as Police TWO took first innings points from Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO, in their drawn match at the Sion Hill Playing Field at the weekend.

SCORES: Police TWO 324/6 &85/2, ASCO 122.

Police TWO got off to a staccato start to be 85/3 in the 13th over, openers Marcus John (10), McLeon Williams (31) and Danson Andrews (17) all off duty.

Browne, batting at number 3 and not in his customary position at the top of the innings, arrived with his brothers, Dean and Roxie Browne, in the attack for ASCO. He quickly put aside brotherly love to crash Dean over cover and proceeded, despite being bothered by a leg injury, to inflict a beating on kin and foe alike, in an innings of ruthless brilliance.

In partnership with Kevin Abraham (29), Browne had 87 for the fourth wicket, before Abraham was caught by Dean off Deron Greaves with the total 172/4. He then partnered with Dember to put together 125 for the fifth wicket before he was caught off Daron Greaves for 144, to make the score 307/5. He faced 159 balls and struck 17 fours and one six.

Dember followed one run later and in the same over, bowled by Kenvil Sam for 60.

Stumps were drawn four overs later with the lawmen happily placed at 324/6.

Sam took 2/11 and Dean Browne took 2/94.

Police Two declared on their overnight score, and quickly routed Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO for 122 in 29 overs, with offspinner Dember returning his best figures of the season, 7/43 from 10.4 overs.

He began his Salvan Browne (centre) of Police Two, showed demolition job by hitting the stumps no mercy for his brothers Dean (left) and Roxie, as he crashed 144 against a hapless ASCO. of ASCO’s top batsman, Deron Maloney, who Maloney (8), after the batsman is in attempted a slog sweep with the total on 21. A second wicket, that contention, the of Greaves (6), went at 33 before opportunity there was a partial recovery between Kelsun DaSilva (28) and to add to his tally.

Dean Browne (39), the pair The end adding 58 for the third wicket. result was From a fighting position of that Williams 91/2, ASCO ‘jack-knifed’, losing (0) lofted a their last eight wickets for 31 catch to deep runs. The spectacle was even midwicket, more jaw-dropping when four wickets fell for an addition of one and Browne run - 116/4 to 117/8 - and the final (35) was run out, halfway Kenneth Dember two at 122. down the Legspinner Elmore Alexander turned in a top allpitch, going supported Dember with 2/29. round performance for Despite holding a commanding for a second run.

Police, with an lead of 202 runs, the lawmen With none innings haul of refused to enforce the follow on, 7/43 and a knock choosing instead to give Williams of the objectives of 60. and Browne the chance to markedly increase their aggregate in the achieved, play was called off with race for most runs, and denying Browne’s dismissal.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 29.

Sports

VINCY HEAT take WIFA men’s title

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Vincy Heat up Windwards football THERE IS NO QUESTION as to who controls Windward Islands Football. The senior male Football squad played unbeaten in the recent Windward Islands tournament, and returned home with the Windward Islands Cup, symbol of supremacy in the four-nation tournament.

Following a bruising 3:2 win over Grenada in last week’s Tuesday’s encounter, the Vincentians came from a gaol down to overcome home team St. Lucia.

With St. Lucia having drawn their opening match against Dominica, it was a must win situation for Dominica in the final showdown. But the Vincentians were in no mood to take their foot off the gas.

They secured the victory with a one nil victory, for a maximum nine points.

The accomplishment has been hailed by the football fraternity. The team admitted that they had been inspired by their female athletes who romped to be winners of the first Female Windward Islands championship staged here in April.

The Vincentian women left no stones unturned on their march to triumph, and their performance became a benchmark as far as Vincentian sporting record was concerned. When the Male version was rekindled two years ago, the Vincentians ended at the bottom of what was dubbed a three-team playoff. Dominica had to abort their flight to St. Vincent following a vehicular accident in which two of their contingent enroute to the Melville Hall airport died.

Even a makeshift Vincentian team performed more credibly than their distinguished colleagues.

Last year, St. Lucia held the Vincentians to a goalless draw to win the championship.

This year, the Vincentians were up to the task.

Not only was the mission accomplished, eight Vincentians were named on an All Star Windwards squad. They included Emerald George, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Myron Samuel top goal scorer with four goals, and Best Goal keeper Winslow McDowall. Kyle Edwards, Kevin Francis, Dorren Hamlet, Roy Richards and Reginald Richardson are in the Windwards line up.

Five Dominicans, three Grenadians, and two St. Lucians complete the party.

But that is perhaps merely academics for there is hardly an occasion where that squad will be in action on the field of play.

Whereas the idea of a Windwards team is encouraging, there will be nothing from it, as each country reverts to its patriotism in a quest for a place in the 2018 World Cup final in Russia.

The Vincentians have notched up a purple patch. But memories linger of the disaster in Guadeloupe last year, when the team let slip a 3:1 lead almost on the 70th minute, to be outflanked

by Martinique. That defeat cost us a place in the Gold Cup, which would have been the next best thing to exposure on the World Cup stage.

The Vincentians have the chance of putting that chapter into history, as they begin their World Cup qualifiers against Guyana June 10 at Arnos Vale, and the Providence Stadium in Guyana June 14.

Winning the Windward Islands championship is prestigious. The coaching staff must be complimented. Cornelius Huggins has been joined by his fellow former national defender Wesley Charles. They know the ropes, having taken the Vincentian team to within sight of the third Round of World Cup qualifiers.

They have a chance to spur this squad onwards, and they deserve maximum cooperation.

HEAD COACH Corneilus Huggins told the media on Tuesday, that he was always confident of his team winning the senior Windward Islands Men’s Football Championship.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first in Windward Islands Football history, to claim both the men’s and women’s titles, when the senior men, known as ‘Vincy Heat’, outplayed all comers, to win the 2015 edition of the Championship, at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia.

They finished the tournament on a maximum nine points, beating Dominica 1-0 on closing night Saturday, to add earlier victories over Grenada (3-2) and hosts and defending champions St. Lucia (2-1).

The men’s success complemented that of the ladies (Lady Heat) who took the inaugural WIFA Senior Women’s title at the Victoria Park, last month.

On Sunday, at a hastily arranged VIP welcome at the E.T. Joshua Airport, attended by Sports Minister Ces McKie, President Venold Coombs promised the team members monetary rewards for their success, stating that cheques were already written.

Minister McKie commended the team on their success, and recounted the many successes of local teams and individuals over the last few months.

Fit and ready Huggins said when he considered the other teams, against what he had been doing, he saw no reason, other than their own fault, why Vincy Heat could not bring back the title.

“I know that it is sports, and any team can win on the day; but

I was just confident because I know my guys…..and we did a lot of work going into the tournament,” Huggins said.

He also pointed to the improved fitness level of the team which, he Top goalkeeper, said, was no Winslow longer a McDowald. ‘seventy minute team’, but was now playing the entire ninety minutes and longer.

He attributed this improvement to fitness trainer Andre “OE’ Browne.

Going into Saturday’s game on six points against Dominica’s, four points, Vincy Heat knew they needed to avoid defeat if they were to take the title.

They were boosted by the return of hardworking captain Dorren Hamlet, after his one match suspension for his red card against St. Lucia.

Reports say that Dominica mystifyingly showed little inclination to go forward, and were prepared to sit in their half and wait.

But on 22nd minutes, the skill and determination of the Vincentians came to the fore, with what began with the tall defender Roy Richardson and included input from several players in putting together over a dozen passes.

It culminated with ‘SVG’s Jewel” and tournament MVP Emerald George collecting a pass from Samuel, all but embalmed the defender before squaring for Samuel to bury the ball into the left hand corner of the goal, for

Sports Minister Ces Mc Kie (centre) poses with WIFA trophy flanked by big defender Roy Richardson (left) and captain Dorren Hamlet. his fourth of the tournament.

The crowd, which had suffered with the disappointment of the home team, had apparently thrown their support behind the ‘Vincies”, and erupted in appreciation of a well waxed goal, reports indicated.

With coach Huggins reportedly marshalling his forces from the touchline, the Vincentians were never allowed to relax, and maintained more of the possession going into the secondhalf.

The SVG dominance continued for the most part unabated, and in the end, they waltzed their way to the title.

SVG almost made a clean sweep at the presentation ceremony, with goalkeeper; Winslow McDowall getting the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper, Samuel got the Golden Boot for most goals, and “SVG’s jewel “ George got the MVP. The three are also among eight Vincentians on the AllTournament Team.

Dominica were awarded the Fair Play Award after collecting the fewest bookings.

Parris pleased with his progress BRANDON PARRIS, a national middle distance runner currently on scholarship at Claflin University, South Carolina, USA, is satisfied with the progress he has made thus far.

Parris, a past student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and a member of the IT-Dat Athletics Club, is into his first year, and admitted to it being challenging.

“I had to adapt to a new environment, campus life, education system and coach,” he said.

“My first semester was most difficult. I had to settle in quickly and catch up on work due to my late arrival. And the fact of having professors who were Asian and Indian, didn’t make it any easier,” Parris quipped.

In the face of those challenges, the young man was “happy that I made it through the first (semester),” and since then, “I received good grades in both my mid and end of semester exams,” Parris stated.

As for the athletics side of the

scholarship, Parris told THE VINCENTIAN, “My new coach, Lincoln London from Trinidad, has been working and pushing me to my limit, in pursuit of excellence, and thus far, I’ve competed five times.”

Parris explained that he did not compete for his school, his coach preferring that he be ‘red-shirted’ and compete unattached.

“The times I’ve been running since I got here would rank me number 2 in my Conference and number 4 in the State. I’m currently the 400meters meet record holder of the Lowcountry Collegiate Invite as well, which I think is a great achievement for me,” expressed, Parris, with a sound of accomplishment in his voice.

With the US collegiate season just about over, Parris is now focused on doing national duty.

He has been told by local Track and Field officials that he would be considered, once he makes the qualifying times for: the OECS Track and Field Champs, June 20 - 21 in St. Kitts and Nevis; PanAm

Games from July 5th - 29th in Toronto, Canada; NACAC Seniors August 5th - 10th in Costa Rica; and the IAAF World Championship, August 22nd 30th., Beijing, China.

“I’m really Brandon Parris, looking to national middle attend all of distance runner, these meets; has his eyes set but before on representing attending these meets, I SVG at four must run overseas Meets qualifying this year. times,” Parris acknowledged, adding, “that is why I shall remain confident and continue putting in the work at practice, to make sure I get where I need to be.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. 31.

Classifieds

No phasing out of old KC box Continued from Backpage. ‘That is why Flow has moved to offer a new service‌ a new box ‌ a superior service ‌ one that offers an array of improved services to our customers,â€? said Garrett.

He emphasized, though, that, “The migration of subscribers to the new system is a voluntary one,� and Flow has no intention of deliberately phasing out the old so as to entice subscribers to the new.

In time, subscribers will see the need to upgrade, seems to be the anticipation.

So, even as Flow prepares for the time when, according to Garrett, “the old platform will no longer be available, the company remains committed to solving the problems and serving the needs of its subscribers, through maintenance of what exists and through the ongoing introduction of new technologies.�

PROPERTY FOR SALE Kingstown Park 3 APTS, SPLIT LEVEL. ON APPROX. 9,000 SQ FT LAND INCOME GENERATOR, PROFITABLE INVESTMENT ASKING US$325,000.00 SERIOUS PRINCIPALS ONLY EMAIL: CANOUANMUSIC@YAHOO.COM TEL: 784 531 2316 OR 784 528 9529

WINSTON A. SARGEANT 6W 3DXOÂśV Anglican Church Calliaqua :HGQHVGD\ WK 0D\ 3:00 p.m.

ERMISS HAYWOOD

KENSLEY DOUGAN

%LEOH 0LVVLRQDU\ &ODUH 9DOOH\ 6XQGD\ WK 0D\ 2:00 p.m.

6W 3DXOÂśV &KXUFK Calliaqua 6DWXUGD\ WK 0D\ At 3:00 p.m.

SYDNEY COLLIN GRIFFITH

WENDEL GLEDSON ASHTON

4XHVWHOOHV 6HYHQWK 'D\ $GYHQWLVW Church 6XQGD\ WK 0D\ 2:00 p.m.

St. David Anglican Church Chateaubelair 6XQGD\ WK 0D\ 2:30 p.m.

EDWIN BASCOMBE $SRVWROLF )DLWK 3HQQLVWRQ 6DWXUGD\ WK 0D\ 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

A.I. REAL ESTATE Sion Hill 10,689 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $160,335.00 - BB138 Largo Height 3 bedrm Property on 8,040 sq.ft. - $150,000.00 - H103 Langley Park 3 bedrm Property on 4,646 sq.ft. - $140,000.00 - H455

S A L E

FRIDAY,

MAY 22, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.21

Stubbs 6 bedrm Property on 6,658 sq.ft. - $385,000.00 - H870

www.thevincentian.com

Other listings are available Office: 784) 457-2087/533-0431 Cell: (784)-493-9431 Office:718-807-4376 Email: donp@vincysurf.co Website: www.aisvg.com

DO NOT BLAME VINLEC VINLEC does not have the capability to turn on or off remotely, any street light in SVG. So says Elrias Williams, VINLEC’s Senior Transmission and Distribution Engineer.

by DAYLE DA SILVA ONE OFFICIAL from the state-owned electric company, VINLEC, has spoken out against allegations that the electricity supply to one street light was intentionally disrupted in Sandy Bay, during an event staged by the New Democratic Party (NDP) last Friday.

When contacted, Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace told THE VINCENTIAN that the street light that is located in the area of the constituency office was off, and the area was dark.

According to Eustace, who said that he was present at the function, added that all the other lights were on, and that the people in the audience had to resort to using their cellular phones to provide light.

But Elrias Williams, VINLEC’s senior Transmission and Distribution Engineer, called in to the ‘New Times’ radio programme on Monday, refuting the claim that the electricity to the said street light was deliberately

EC$1.50

disconnected.

“I call to report on some reports that are being circulated in the media, in the public domain. The report that is surfacing states that there was a power outage influence or impact any activity. We The area where the on the evening of Friday, May 15th. will, however, continue our mandate to meeting was being This information is incorrect,” provide a reliable and good service to staged.

Williams said. all,” he assured.

“We have reviewed our records, and we have no record of a power outage in that area.”

And on that evening of question, VINLEC did not receive any calls about an THE ‘OLD’ KARIB CABLE (cable television) boxes) are outage or a defective going nowhere. streetlight.

This is the assurance given by Columbus According to the VINLEC Communications Inc./Flow Marketing Manager, Corey employee, the issue was Garrett, who spoke with THE VINCENTIAN this week, to allay any fears MAN-ABOUT-TOWN might have investigated, and it was discovered that a street light in evoked with one of his questions of last week’s issue.

MAN-ABOUT-TOWN had asked, inter alia, that, the area of the junction at given the problems being experienced by subscribers Sandy Bay had malfunctioned. who still use the ‘old’ box, whether this was an Williams further explained indication that Flow was phasing out those boxes. that no one from VINLEC But Corey politely refuted any such intention and worked in the area. sought, through his connect with THE VINCENTIAN, to He said that it was important to note that VINLEC guarantee those subscribers who still use the old Karib Cable box, that they are safe, and can look forward to did not have the capability to continued service. remotely disconnect any street “In fact, Flow will attend to any problems experienced light from any of its bases – by those subscribers,” Garrett said.

Cane Hall or South Rivers.

He noted, however, that the “technology used by the “It is unfortunate because old Karib Cable box is fast become a thing of the past; these comments are having a that there will come a time when spare parts will no negative impact on the longer be available to service the boxes, as the Corey Garrett, Columbus company. We are being technology itself is phased out.”

Communications Inc./Flow reflected badly in the public,” Flow has no control over this eventuality, but Marketing Manager, has assured Williams said. the company is prepared to keep the old boxes in subscribers that there is no plan “[I] just wish to reiterate service as long as the technology permits. to deliberately phase out the old that VINLEC will never Karib Cable boxes. disconnect power in any area to Continued on Page 31.

No phasing out of old KC box

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.