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FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.39

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Operating at a loss THE GOVERNMENT has always anticipated that operations at the International Airport at Argyle, in the initial years, will not amount to a surplus.

And the evidence is that the cost to run the facility and the revenue generated will just break even, during the airport’s third year of operation.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the disclosures as he referred to the International Airport Development Company (IADC) commissioning of a study, to be conducted by a US based Boyd Group International, as per an operating and revenue budget for the operational phase of the international airport, for the first three

years of the facility’s operation.

The report was submitted in January this year and contained a broad financial scenario for the first three years, Gonsalves explained.

The information provided suggests that in the first year of operation, the total revenue will amount to EC$6.12 million, with operating cost placed at EC$10.3 million leaving a loss of EC$4.1 million.

In year two, revenue is estimated to be EC$8.9 million and expenses EC$10.35 million.

However, in year three of

operation, the report suggested that, while revenue will amount to EC$10.35 million, operating cost is placed at EC$10.3 million - a difference of about $60,000, the Prime Minister said.

Gonsalves took the opportunity to point out, however, that for all the existing airports, that is E.T Joshua and those in the Grenadines, the annual expenditure was EC$7.33 million, with the revenue generated amounting to EC$1.4 million, which suggested a deficit of about $6 million.

Vincentians have been urged not to expect that the Argyle International Airport will generate an operating surplus during its early years of service. (Photo credit: caribbeancharisma.com) According to the Prime Minister, the government will have to subsidize the cost of operations of the airport during the early years.

He said that every effort will be made to ensure that the management company that will operate the facility, will do so in the most efficient manner.

Management companies Over the past 12 months,

the government has been implementing a number of decisions relating to the overall management of the airport, Gonsalves told members of Parliament.

He said one of the decisions taken was to set up a company, known as the Argyle International Airport Incorporated, to manage the passenger terminal and the other facilities at the airport.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel lends a hand

Volunteers bending their backs to ensure that the Calliaqua beach is cleaned.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th, 2015 was International Coastal Clean-up Day, and telecommunications service provider Digicel was out demonstrating its commitment to keeping the environment clean.

The company teamed up with the Calliaqua-

based Inivershall Rastafari Movement Inc. to engage in a clean-up of the area from the mouth of the Calliaqua river, to the Barefoot Yacht Charters, Ratho Mill.

The effort was also supported by the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) and Howard’s Marine Ltd.

Digicel’s Marketing Executive, Danielle Cupid, in explaining her company’s involvement in the effort, said, “Our aim was to assist in restoring the natural beauty of our local beaches, and to also raise awareness of the efforts required to keep the beaches rubbish free.”

Group of volunteers who were involved in the September 19th Coastal Clean-Up.

Scotiabank: Best Digital Bank SCOTIABANK is celebrating a regional sweep of Global Finance Magazine’s Best Digital Bank Awards for 2015, winning the prestigious recognition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and 21 other countries.

This is the 6th year in a row in which Scotiabank St. Vincent and the Grenadines has won the award (formerly the Best Internet Bank Award).

“We are very proud to have been recognized by Global Finance for the quality of our digital banking and customer service in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Eastern Caribbean,” said David Noel, Managing Director of Scotiabank Caribbean East. “At Scotiabank, one of our priorities is to make it easier for our customers to do business with us. We’ve put a lot of work into developing our multichannel, digital platform so that our customers can bank when and where they want.”

Scotiabank received Best Digital Bank recognitions in all nine countries in the Bank’s Caribbean East district - Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Further across the region, Scotiabank also won the award in the Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos and the US Virgin Islands.

Winning banks were selected based on the following criteria: strength of strategy for attracting and servicing digital customers, success in getting clients to use digital offerings, growth of digital customers, breadth of product offerings, evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives, and web/mobile site design and functionality.

(Contributed)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 3.

News 3

Associate Degrees not accredited

by DAYLE DA SILVA ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES offered at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) currently are not accredited.

However, the process of accreditation is an ongoing process and is continuing presently – this according to Girlyn Miguel, Minister of Education.

Miguel was responding to a question posed by Leader of the Opposition Arhnim Eustace in Parliament on Monday.

Eustace had asked for the minister to indicate how many Associate Degree Programmes offered at the SVGCC were accredited.

She explained that

there were 22 Associate Degree Programmes being offered by the SVGCC, and that in 2012 the process of seeking institutional accreditation got underway from the National Accreditation Board.

Pre-accreditation was granted in November 2013, Miguel continued, and in September this year, the National Accreditation Board started carrying out a series of visits to the college. These are expected to end next month.

“Following these visits, the Community College will continue on its selfstudy aimed at strengthening its policies

The SVGCC currently offers 22 Associate Degree courses.

and procedures, to ensure that quality is maintained in all of its operations,” the Education Minister said.

But until this process was complete and the Board awards accreditation status to the SVGCC, neither the Associate Degrees being offered or the institution itself can be regarded as accredited, Miguel told members of Parliament.

The issue was raised by Eustace last year, and according to Nigel Scott, Deputy Director of the SVGCC, the accreditation process had started, and that the institution had been approached by the University of the West Indies (UWI) towards making it a University College of UWI. On Monday, the Education Minister explained that the SVGCC was seeking to gain what was termed institutional accreditation, which is achieved when the institution meets the quality and standards that fulfil those requirements designated by the accreditation organisation.

“In order to meet the requirements for this type of accreditation, all

Education Minister Girlyn Miguel disclosed to the Parliament that the Associate Degree courses at the SVGCC were not yet accredited. aspects of the college and university, including academic quality, administrative effectiveness and all other related services of the institution, are reviewed by the accreditation institution,” Miguel explained.

She went on to say that institutional accreditation was comprehensive, and indicated that the institution had achieved standards in areas such as faculty, administration, curriculum, student services and the overall financial well-being.

“This type of accreditation is held in high regard in the world of education,” she said.

Opposition Leaders to meet more regularly THE OECS LEADERS of Parliamentary Oppositions have commended the convening of their just ended second meeting, which took place on Wednesday September ,16th, 2015 in Saint Lucia.

Hon. Reuben Meade - Opposition leader of Montserrat - who was elected Chairman of the meeting, stated that the discussions were very informative and engaging, and had inspired the group to continue to meet more regularly via virtual means.

The Leaders of Parliamentary Opposition in the OECS discussed an overview of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and an update on the Economic Union, including the seamless movement of Persons and free Circulation of Goods and Services.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Opposition leader Hon. Baldwin Spencer expressed that the updates received from the OECS Commission in its numerous areas of work, such as Health and Youth Development, have empowered and motivated the OECS Parliamentary Opposition Leaders even further, to tell their constituents more about the significance of the OECS Economic Union to the region’s human resource development.

The strengthening of

Analysis bogus, says PM PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves seems not to be too worried about the outcome of general elections in neighbouring islands, the latest being that in Trinidad and Tobago, where the People’s National Movement, (PNM) headed by Dr Keith Rowley, beat Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress (UNC) at the September 7 polls.

There have been a Prime Minister Dr Ralph series of the changes in government around Gonsalves deemed as incorrect any ‘analysis’ the region, including that said there was going St Kitts and Guyana to be a change of this year alone, government in CARICOM leaving many to state that perhaps the Unity Countries expected to Labour Party (ULP) hold general elections led administration soon. could be next.

But, according to Gonsalves, that analysis was quite incorrect.

He made the comment during last Monday’s session of Parliament, as he was extending congratulations to the new Dr Rowley led administration.

“Every time there is a change of government in the region, they say, ‘Ah, governments are falling’,” Gonsalves said.

Whether or not the newly elected government was opposed to that in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Gonsalves said that was the superficial manner in which people presented the issue.

“Of course, this is not an occasion to give an analysis, except to say that that analysis is quite incorrect,” the Prime Minister said.

He also thanked Persad-Bissessar for her cooperation during her tenure as prime minister.

No overnight profit for Argyle Airport Continued from front Page.

OECS Leaders of Parliamentary Opposition at their meeting held earlier this month in St. Lucia. relationships with Martinique following its agreement for accession to Associate Membership of the OECS, the OECS Development Strategy, the Work Programme of the Councils of Ministers in areas such as Human & Social Development, Environment, Education, Trade, Agriculture, Tourism as well as climate change were also discussed.

The OECS Parliamentary Opposition Leaders, who were joined by colleague Hon. Lennox Linton via video Conference Facility, got a moving update on the trauma, resilience in Dominica and global support received as that country continues to resolutely

confront the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erica. The meeting pledged further assistance for the people of the storm ravaged island.

Both the Government and the Parliamentary Opposition in Dominica were complimented by the Chairman of the OECS Authority PM Mitchell and Director General of the OECS Dr. Jules in their opening remarks for their united resolve, exemplified in the establishment of the National Reconstruction Advisory Council that comprises all elected members of Parliament.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not represented at the meeting.

Another company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Argyle International Airport Inc., will provide ground handling services to all airlines that require this service.

“These two companies will operate in an autonomous and efficient manner, with a view to covering their cost of operations and to earn a surplus,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

He explained further that the government was looking to enter into a rental agreement with a private firm, for the efficient management of the cargo terminal. In the event that a partner cannot be found, the Airport Management Company will assume responsibility for the management of the facility.

Dr. Gonsalves overview of the projected financial operations of the Argyle airport, came in response to a question posed by Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, St Clair Leacock.

Dr. Gonsalves’ also called for the public to bear in mind that the principal objective for building the airport was not just to generate a surplus.

“The main reason is the wide range of spin-offs that would be created in our economy.

“We are confident that when the Argyle International Airport becomes operational, that it will lead a very positive transformation in our economy and in our country, and will redound to the benefit of all our people,” he said.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Murder accused being schooled

A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRl, remanded since June 22 this year on a murder charge, has been given the opportunity to continue her education while in custody.

Delivering remarks at a special High Court sitting on Thursday, September 17, to mark the opening of the Law Year 2015-2016, Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan disclosed that the child is presently Attorney General housed at “a separate Judith Jones-Morgan facility, with private schooling arranged by the confirmed that the Ministry of Education.” educational needs of The 12-year-old had 1 12-year-old girl appeared at the Family currently on remand, Court on June 22, charged are been attended to with the murder of a 15by the Ministry of year-old girl, who died Education. after being stabbed around 5 pm on June 18. The accused was not required to plea and was remanded, pending a Preliminary Inquiry (P.I.).

The P.I. was slated for September 11 this year, but has been adjourned to a later date.

When contacted on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN that the child, who was temporarily housed at the Central Police Station, following her Court appearance, is currently housed at another facility, and is being tutored by personnel from the Ministry of Education.

For security reasons, the top cop declined to disclose where the child is being kept.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that just prior to the incident, the then Primary School pupil had passed the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) and was supposed to have attended a secondary school.

According to the Juvenile Act of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Revised Edition 2009, a Juvenile means a person under the age of 16 years, and a child a person under the age of 14. The Act also states that the age of criminal responsibility is eight years and above.

According to Section 19 of the Act, “Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, a Juvenile shall not be sentenced by any court to imprisonment for any offense or be committed to prison in default of payment of a fine, damages or cost.”

Section 24 states that “A Magistrate’s Court, on remanding a Juvenile who is not released on bail, shall commit him/her to custody in a place of safety named in the commitment, to be there detained for the period of which he/she is remanded or until he/she is thence delivered in the due course of law.”

„DonÊt be demoralized,‰ Camillo urges Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

increasing anti-trafficking efforts compared to the previous reporting period; MINISTER of Foreign therefore, St Vincent and Affairs, Senator Camillo the Grenadines is placed Gonsalves, has urged those on Tier 2 watch list. involved in the fight against Another part of the Human Trafficking, to Report stated that the continue the good work, government did not and not to be demoralized prosecute or convict any by the US State Department traffickers in 2014, and 2015 Trafficking in Persons that the special police unit Report, which has placed St focusing on trafficking Vincent and the Grenadines sexual offences and on the Tier 2 watch list. domestic violence initiated In delivering the keythree potential trafficking note address at the investigations in 2014 opening session of a twocompared with three day anti-human investigations in 2013. trafficking training seminar at the Ministry of Data not verified Telecommunications Conference Room on Gonsalves expressed Wednesday, Gonsalves the view that, “The report declared: “We need an begins from the explanation of their presumption that human methodology, or how can trafficking is ranked we trust the results?” everywhere in the world Gonsalves declared. equally. It does not start Continuing in that vein, from the premise that he quipped, “We are some countries have a expected to simply take more serious problem than them at their word that others.” there is a problem? It is a He declared that the method whereby the US is Ministry of Foreign Affairs the global judge and jury, and the government but hides the way it believe that the 2015 makes its decision.” report is unfounded and The Report stated that lacked evidential support. “the government of St “We are confronted Vincent and the with a report that tells us Grenadines does not fully that we are not even comply with the minimum trying,” he said. standards for the “We get a report every elimination of trafficking; year that there is human however, it is making trafficking in St Vincent significant efforts to do so.”

It added that, despite these measures, the government did not demonstrate overall

and the Grenadines and when we ask who, why, how, when, they say they can’t tell you that, but they say we must fix it,” Gonsalves said.

“There are other countries in the Caribbean where you can get off the plane and tell the taxi driver to take you where the strip club is, take you to the brothel, in what streets the prostitutes walk, and they will take you there. We don’t have that in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and that speaks to prevention,” Gonsalves stressed.

He said there are times when people come to St Vincent and the Grenadines to conduct acts like the above, but that the immigration authorities and Police have been vigilant enough.

“Where are the people who are being exploited and forced into labour?,” he asked rhetorically.

“What methodology was used in the trafficking report for them to have arrived at their ranking?” he questioned.

“There is no information as to how data is collected or verified.”

Commendation But the Foreign Affairs Minister lauded head of

Senator Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs, questioned openly the veracity of the US State Department 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report’s reference to SVG. the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force SP Ruth Jacobs, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles and others involved, for a job well done, and urged, “It is important for you not to be demoralized by a government which does not take into account the hard work you are doing.

We will continue to put up the no entry signs to people who want to use SVG for this dastardly act.

We will continue to be hostile toward human trafficking in SVG.” The two-day training seminar dubbed, ‘Introduction to Human Trafficking’ was convened by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit, in collaboration with the National Task Force and the National Working Group against Human Trafficking.

Investigations lead to college employee

AS INVESTIGATIONS continued into a burglary at the Division of Arts and Sciences Campus of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Villa, an employee there is the third person to be charged.

Nicole Bailey, a junior clerk at the campus, was taken before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, charged with entering the college between August 28 and 30 this year, and stealing a digital safe, Samsung Tablet, hard drive and EC$44,278.96 in cash, the property of the Community College.

The 23-year-old resident of Glen pleaded not guilty when she

appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias, and was offered bail in the sum of EC$50,000 with one surety.

As part of her bail conditions, she was ordered to report to the Calliaqua Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays, surrender travel documents and identification cards, ordered not to leave the country without the expressed permission of the court, and placed on a dusk to dawn curfew.

Browne-Matthias also ordered that stop notices be placed at all ports of entry and exit.

Bailey has been charged jointly with Kamorni Antoine, 24, and

Nicole Bailey is the third person charged for the burglary.

Shane Cabral, 18, also of Glen.

Antoine and Cabral who had appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday, September 16, also pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on similar conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to October 12.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 5.

Regional

Jamaica strikes $$million ganja deal JAMAICA stands to benefit from a US$100million deal to develop medical marijuana products for the international market, over the next 10 years.

This was disclosed last week in Kingston by Mr Courtney Betty, the Jamaican-Canadian who heads Timeless Herbal Care Limited (THC), a pharmaceutical company that produces medical Mr Courtney Betty, marijuana products. the JamaicanAccording to Mr. Betty, Canadian who heads as reported by the Jamaica Timeless Herbal Observer, a deal between Care Limited (THC), his THC and O.penVAPE , described the deal which operates from as historic.

Colorado and is said to be the largest consumer cannabis brand, marked the “first time in history that an international collaboration has been created to produce cannabis-infused products outside of the United States”.

Mr Betty, in announcing the project in a speech at the Association of Consultants and Physicians of Jamaica (ACPJ) Reception and Banquet, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, urged physicians and local private sector businesses to get on board with medical marijuana treatment, saying Jamaica was destined to become a hub for investment in medical marijuana.

“This is an important call. For, too often we sit back, speculate, scratch our heads, and second guess, until some non-Jamaican entity runs off with the prize,” he warned, and assured that, “This is not about smoking marijuana, but it is about developing medical products that will be able to help patients.”

The Jamaican government’s decision to decriminalise ganja for medicinal purposes, is viewed by many as one “from which our people and country will benefit substantially, beginning with job creation,” said Betty.

Jamaican ganja is regarded as an international brand, thanks to people like reggae megastars Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Jamaica’s Parliament on Tuesday 25th February, 2015, gave final approval to an Act decriminalizing small amounts of ganja and establishing a licensing agency to regulate a lawful medical marijuana industry.

Under the Act, tourists who are prescribed medical marijuana abroad will be able to apply for permits authorizing them to legally buy small amounts of Jamaican ganja.

It is estimated that some 28, 000 tourists, from among the 2.9 million who visit Jamaica annually, will look to grasp this opportunity.

In February 2015, the Jamaica Parliament passed an Act that legalised the use of small amounts of ganja.

MyrieÊs lawyers want US$1 million LEGAL FEES of over US$1 million is simply too much to pay.

This is the indication from Barbados Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite, as he sought to clear the air on why lawyers for Jamaican Sanique Myrie have not been paid, almost two years after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled in her (Myrie’s) favour.

The Jamaican had alleged that when she travelled to the island (Barbados), she was subjected to a body cavity search, detained overnight in a cell and deported to Jamaica the following day.

Myrie also claimed that she was subjected to derogatory remarks by a Barbadian Immigration Officer.

Myrie has received about US$38,000 as ordered — though not

until eight months after the Trinidad-based court made the historic judgment.

In response to recent newspaper reports that Myrie’s lawyer had not been paid, AG Braithwaite issued a statement early last week in which he said, “My understanding is that the attorney-at-law for Ms Myrie submitted a claim to us for over US$1 million. We have not even begun to ask her about the quantum, which we have a problem with, because the quantum is significantly more than what we paid our own attorneys, which included a Queen’s Counsel and his junior.

“We have only queried the disbursements and we asked the attorney to provide us with supporting documentation for the disbursements. These were faxed through to us,

Adriel Brathwaite, Barbados Attorney General and Ministry of Home Affairs, confirmed that his government had questioned the quantum of the legal fees claim that Myrie’s lawyers had submitted. (Photo: barbados.gov)

Michelle Browne, Shanique Myrie’s lead lawyer in her case against the Barbados Government. (Internet photo) [but] they were unclear, and we made it known to the attorney that we had not received all of the documents and could she kindly resend them to us.

“This was since August last year. There

has been no correspondence between Ms Myrie’s attorney and the Solicitor General’s Office, or myself as Attorney General since August last year.”

Braithwaite made it clear that it was not a case of Barbados being unwillingly to make the payment as ordered, and called on Myrie’s lawyer to enter into discussions with his government as they had requested.

(Source: Jamaica Observer, CMC)

Call for Caribbean togetherness IT IS TIME to build a brand has lived in Brooklyn for 27 years, Caribbean, starting in Brooklyn — also had something to say about Caribbean Central - in the United the violence taking place during States. and beyond the Carnival season.

This assertion was made by “The inter-generational Kwayera Archer Cunningham, experience I enjoyed while following what she described as a growing up in a Caribbean family successful 48th West Indian and community was priceless. It’s American Labour Day Carnival where young people learn how to Parade, held September 7, 2015. socialize. …. We also learned how Ms. Cunningham, a Jamaicato dance close with others without born award-winning non-profit our mates wanting to jealously executive and founder of Global attack the other person, and we Ase, an international firm learned about pride and established to assist leaders, community.” organizations, corporations and She was saddened, however , communities who are working for that “Today many young people social good, lamented the absence do not get exposed to the rich of a brand Caribbean, even after opportunity to engage in cultural “We have contributed so much expressions with family and creative and intellectual power to community regularly, and the success of the United States.” therefore, get a bit extreme when Declaring that, “We have an instance occurs.” infinite potential to do great She expressed the belief that things — both locally and globally,” today’s generation of Caribbean she appealed to Caribbean people people living in the Diaspora, “are to, “work together to send our not as message of unity to Corporate organized America.” as the past Ms. Cunningham urged generations stateside Caribbean people to use the same focus “that our parents had when coming here Brooklyn’s West Indian for a better life …now it’s our American Day turn to leave a strong legacy,” Parade is New and suggested that Caribbean York City’s institutions and businesses largest and the collectively contribute to the country’s community and to the largest Caribbean, by pooling their significant resources.

Caribbean Archer Cunningham, who cultural event.

Kwayera Archer Cunningham, Jamaica-born, made a passionate appeal for a coming together of the vast and diverse resources of the Caribbean Diaspora in New York. who gave us the opportunities we have today. We have become too comfortable.” (Source: St. Lucia news)

V Diaspora takes Patmos to task 6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

impact on the economy in their adoptive homeland.”

Richards wrote, inter alia: “Those who have A NUMBER OF United returned home to retire, States-based Vincentians build homes from their are taking former school hard-earned dollars, but teacher and occasional many opt to confine columnist in THE themselves to their homes VINCENTIAN, Patmos instead of becoming Richards, to task for writing actively involved in civic what they characterize as life…. . overall negative comments “Unlike, for example, about the role of the well-organized Vincentians in the Diaspora, Jamaican community in and their contributions to the Diaspora, the nation-building.

Vincentian community has New York Counsel failed miserably to impact General Selmon Walters on cultural and economic and President of the main activities in the Diaspora. opposition New “Perhaps, the Vincy Democratic Party (NDP) Picnic — a social event that New York affiliate takes place annually in (SPOONY), Stephen Brooklyn, NY, should be ‘Scombo’ John, were used to encourage those among those voicing their with cultural and disgust, with John saying, educational abilities to that Richards, in his letter collaborate to create to THE VINCENTIAN on institutions that would Sept. 4 , was out of his leave positive Vincentian wits to even state that legacies in the Diaspora. “those who are currently “Vincentians living in living in the Diaspora… the Diaspora need to come have no inclination to

by NELSON A. KING US Correspondent naking@verizon.net

darkness.”

He said that returning Vincentians, primarily retirees who have spent their working lives overseas, contribute Unfair comparison significantly to the local economy in one way or the In expressing outrage, other.

Walters said Richards’ “Therefore, though they article was “unfair to the may stay away from the Vincentians in the day-to-day fray of life, Diaspora, and shows gross their contribution to the ignorance and a lack of local economy cannot be appreciation of [for] their ignored or discredited,” hard work and sacrifice. said Walters in taking “We cannot be umbrage to the issue compared to those who are raised by Richards. bigger than us,” said He said that, while Walters, a former nothing should be taken government minister, who away from the “hard work, represented the incumbent patriotism and Unity Labor Party (ULP) cohesiveness of the in Parliament for South Jamaican Diaspora, it Central Windward. must be noted that the “In our own way, we do Jamaican Diaspora in what we must to rally our those three locations [ US, cause,” added Walters in Canada and the United an email circulated to Kingdom] run into members of the Diaspora millions of people in in New York. “It’s always comparison to ours — better to light a candle maybe about 300,000 in instead of cursing the those locations.

“Therefore, by sheer numbers, the overseas Jamaican contribution to the Jamaican economy will be greater,” said Walters.

Furthermore, Walters said Vincentians in the Diaspora are “very organized” and “very effective,” stating that there are over 30 Vincentian organizations in the New York area alone, for example, as well as prominent businesses and individuals who fervently support the homeland.

John, a high school principal in Brooklyn, said Richards should have instead asked a “more stimulating” question: “How can Vincentians

to the realization that they have an obligation to lift St. Vincent and the Grenadines to higher heights.”

Counsel General Selmon Walters described Patmos Richards’ piece as unfair.

Franklyn ‘Superdex’ Richards cites the Vincentian Diaspora as never being as active as it has over the last decade. living in the Diaspora combine their vast contributions and resources to derive maximum impact on our homeland?”

“I found it quite interesting when I hear Vincentians — on radio, read them [their views] in print and also engage in conversations — compare relationships and output/performance with that of people living the United States, sometimes Jamaica and even Barbados,” he added.

“I wonder if those are fair comparisons,” John continued. “Vincentians have made great strides, and continue to make significant contributions to our homeland and to their communities abroad. But what would Mr. Richards regard as significant or sufficient?”

Maxwell Haywood, who chairs the St. Vincent and

Stephen ‘Scombo’ John thinks that Patmos Richards must be out of his wits to pen what he did.

Maxwell Haywood would have liked that Patmos Richards was more balanced. the Grenadines’ Diaspora Committee of New York, said he knew Richards “very well,” adding that he “always has high expectations of our Diaspora.

“But I think he could have been more balanced in this [Richards] article,” he said.

Franklyn ‘Supadex’ Richards, a leading Brooklyn-based graphic artist and restauranteur, who heads VincyCares, said he “honestly believes that the Diaspora has made more strides in this decade than in previous ones.

“At no time in the past was there such an active and organized effort from Vincentians to help their homeland,” he said.

“At this point, all hands [are] on deck, and we refuse to degenerate to the ‘pull-down and divisive philosophy of the past”, he added.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 7.

Politics

Prince is no Âfly by nightÊ candidate

Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) candidate to contest the Marriaqua constituency in the upcoming General Election, St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, says that his candidacy is no political accident.

Nor is he a ‘fly by night’ candidate.

“I fought almost voluntarily all my life, and I will continue to do so with your help,” Prince told supporters at the Richland Park Government School last weekend.

He said that he was being asked what he termed a “funny question,” i.e. why was he running as a candidate for the ULP. The answer, he offered, was because no other political entity had accomplished as much in such a short space of time.

“These are facts that even the other side has to accept, because there is

Newcomer St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince (L) has been assured of full support from Girlyn Miguel whom he replaced as the ULP candidate in Marriaqua.

St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince (inset) made quite an impression on the large gathering of ULP supporters who had turned out to hear his first address in Richland Park, since his decision to contest the next general election.

ample evidence to support it.”

He followed up saying that he had confidence in the “progressive and revolutionary” policies of the ULP. According to Prince, the opposition was calling for a change; however, all that the ULP has accomplished has changed the country for the better.

He was not just offering himself up as the candidate, he said, but also had a vision for the constituency.

Addressing issues that may have affected the constituency of Marriaqua, Prince

admitted that the once dubbed ‘bread basket of the nation’, has had to endure a decline in the the banana industry, which has been affected by a number of adverse factors, including storms and the loss of preferential treatment.

“I must admit that the loss of the banana market has been the loss of income for some farmers,” he said.

Nevertheless, he noted, there were still a number of residents who made their living from

SVG not being marketed ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is not being marketed as a tourism destination.

And according to Opposition Parliamentarian for the Northern Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday, evidence of this is in Dr. Goodwin Friday (second from left sitting) was among a high level NDP team that spoke at a town hall meeting the government in Mayreau last weekend. estimates.

Dr. Friday said $13 million and they only gave it $3 last Saturday at a New Democratic million,” Friday said.

Party (NDP) town hall meeting in He assured that he was not “making Mayreau, in the Southern Grenadines, the information up,” but was merely that government had allocated EC$13 reporting what was contained in the million to the Tourism Authority.

He, however, did not disclose which estimates for the given year.

“So in the estimates, the financial year to which he was government’s own figures will tell you referring, but went on to explain that that they budgeted $13 million and under the previous NDP only spent $3 million,” Friday administration, the Tourism Ministry continued. was responsible for all aspects of This then, made it clear that the managing the sector, but the present day government had created a separate government was sending an indication that tourism meant nothing to the body to overlook matters such as people of St Vincent and the marketing.

Grenadines, Dr. Friday opined..

“And they said for tourism, we will “And if they are not important to the give them $13 million… that was only government, then why do we have a words on a piece of paper. You know minister of tourism, why do we have a how much they gave to the tourism tourism authority, why do we pretend authority that year? Three million … that it matters?” he questioned.

They said that the Authority required

agriculture.

“People still toil in the lands, and we have to help them,” Prince said.

As their parliamentary representative, he committed to lobbying for better feeder roads and to look into the fluctuating prices of produce on the regional market.

It was puzzling to him that the price for a sack of ground provisions could drop from $300 to $30 in one week.

Praedial Larceny, housing, youth and sport were some of the other areas that Prince said he anticipates to look into, should he be elected as the next parliamentary representative.

“I will try my best to meet your needs,” he said.

Prince gets Miguel’s full support OUTGOING PARLIAMENTARY Representative for Marriaqua, Girlyn Miguel, has reiterated her support for newcomer St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince.

She made the public declaration last Sunday at the Richland Park Government School, during a rally staged by the Unity Labour Party (ULP).

Miguel, who has been the area representative since 1998, thanked the people for their support, saying, inter alia, “Ungratefulness is worse than the sin of witchcraft, and I am grateful to you.

“And you know I am getting old. Many of you whom I would have taught I have seen you take your place,” Miguel continued.

She said that she was not afraid to “give way” to someone who wanted to continue the task of “buildingup” the Marriaqua community.

“People of Marriaqua, I depend on you, and we are going forward with a man called Jimmy Prince,” she said.

Armed, as she admitted, with greater influence and relationships with more people than she did 17 years ago, she told Prince that she would work together with him for the betterment of the constituency.

“Tonight, I am pledging my help and support.

Marriaqua, we are going to work together for the common good,” Miguel said.

Alexander and Eustace silent PERSONS ANXIOUSLY awaiting an explanation as to why Speaker of the House, Hendrick Alexander, removed a question from the Order Paper, were left dissatisfied after the matter was not raised by either the Speaker or Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, at last Monday’s meeting of Parliament.

Eustace made it public during a New Democratic Party (NDP) political rally at Campden Park on September 12, that the Speaker of the House had removed the question he submitted for oral answers, as to the current status of the loan transacted at the then National Commercial Bank Chairman (NCB), by Desmond Morgan, a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of that bank.

Neither Leader of the Opposition Arhnim Eustace (left) nor Speaker of the House Hendrick Alexander raised the issue of the bank loan involving Desmond Morgan.

Esuatce had also assured party supporters that he intended to get the answer to the question, regardless to if it was thrown out and would not be answered in Parliament.

When contacted by THE VINCENTIAN last week, Alexander indicated that he would not comment on the matter;

however, if the Leader of the Opposition brought up the issue, he was prepared to comment on it when Parliament convened on September 21.

During the segment ‘Announcements by the Speaker’ at last Monday’s Sitting of the House, no comment on the issue was forthcoming.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 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 Good news, bad news again AN ARDENT READER of THE VINCENTIAN called on the weekend to provoke the Editor into doing one of those ‘GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS’ pieces. Seems, according to the reader/caller, the Editor had decided to take too much of a long break away from offering his wily take on national issues.

We are here to serve, so here goes with what some people interpret as good masking.

Good News that we are moving swiftly once again to demonstrate to the world that we enjoy the right to decide on a government of our choice, even though we do so as a caricature of five seconds in a polling booth.

Bad News when, in the main, it’s the same ‘ole’ politics of the person and personages, and hardly anything that offers intelligent stimulation to inform a meaningful decision with respect to casting that vote.

Good News for some that we are hastening to have the Argyle International Airport completed eventually, some say optimistically by year’s end.

Really Bad News when we have to effect that completion by going back on our word that the airport construction was not going to put this country in any debt; that a ‘coalition of the willing’ was in the waiting to help us see this project through.

Good News that there might have been a ‘coalition’ somewhere in the wings.

Bad News when some in that coalition turned out to be unwilling.

Seemingly Good News that these Airport loans are acquired under ‘soft’ or ‘concessionary’ rates of interest.

Bad, Bad News when we ‘parade’ these ‘soft’, ‘concessionary’ rates as ‘master strokes’, as though a loan, regardless of its rate of interest, doesn’t remain a loan.

Good News that we continue to spend the Lotto money, and half a dose of Good News that we even have the Lotto borrowing money to improve and provide sporting facilities across the state, like the ‘world class’ one in the North Central Windward constituency.

Bad News when the people of North Leeward, in particular, have been waiting since 2001 for some serious work to be done on the Cumberland Field and more. Really, really Bad News when it seems a whole constituency has to ‘bear dey grind’ because they voted differently.

It was Good News to hear that emphatic pronouncement that we were going to be ‘tough on crime and the causes of crime’.

Bad News, if the truth be told, that we might have flexed a few muscles in theface of criminal acts, but the real causes of crime remain unattended as they have been for quite some time.

Yes, it was Good News when the administration went at the jugulars of some of those persons purported to be involved in deeds that reaped them ill-gotten gains.

Bad News when school children say that there are many of similar ilk who have either slipped under the radar or been allowed so to do.

Good News that we have moved to put a loan and other assistance facilities at the disposal of farmers.

Bad News that even with all that, agriculture appears as a sad little player in the socio-economic development plan for this country.

Good News that a number of young players have entered the political limelight here.

Bad News that they reflect the tendencies of their older colleagues, and seem to be failing to excite the young people in any effective manner.

Good News that we have moved to modernise the fishing industry here, or so those responsible for the industry and our development in general say.

Bad News when fishers, especially in the Grenadines, have to comply with so called organised markets that are phantoms in reality, and when they try to market their catches elsewhere, they are met with the strong arm of the marine authorities here.

Good News that the Churches, in general, have seen the need to speak out on issues across the political spectrum and the social strata.

Bad News when they are put done for meddling in ‘earthly/worldly’ things that are supposedly not of their concern, as far as certain persons in secular leadership positions believe.

Good News that the CCJ handled the matter involving that Jamaica woman (Shanique Myrie) with sound reason and ruling.

Bad News when her lawyers, so typical it seems, have to milk the cow by demanding astronomically high fees, leaving the Caribbean public to believe it is high time for some ‘price control’ for legal work.

It’s Good News that this column is limited by space.

Bad News that so much ‘news’ has to be left unattended.

The Election Countdown No:2 Choice of National Heroes SINCE 2001, the ULP Government, having formalised the choice of Chatoyer as our First National Hero, has been on the elusive search of a full complement of such icons to serve as an inspirational force to our young nation.

The debate has ranged far and wide,.

There have been panel discussions, radio talk, public lectures and general commentary on the topic and indeed, the debate is near exhaustion by now.

So far, there seems to be an emergent consensus of three additional heroes: George Mc Intosh, Ebenezer Joshua and Parmenos Eustace.

The ULP Government appointed a Committee to look into the matter and make recommendations, leaving Cabinet with the final “say” published by the Governor-General.

This strategy has been pursued, varying vigorously over the past fourteen years. It certainly has run into trouble.

In fact, it looks as if the process has backed into a blind-alley over the selection of one controversial figure, Robert Milton Cato.

The ULP had planned since 2001 to so name Cato, and all sorts of gatherings met in support. But it fell short mainly because, though promoted by Ralph Gonsalves, it was opposed by several persons, led by the likes of Renwick Rose, Blazer Williams and Jomo Thomas, who generally supported the ULP, and Oscar Allen, who enjoys an enviable reputation as a local thinker above and beyond the pale of our fratricidal politics.

Enter the UWI, in an honest brokerage role, which sponsored serious lectures on the issue. Dr. Adrian Fraser was simply brilliant in his advocacy of George Mc Intosh.

I followed with a factual account that pointed the way to promote Ebenezer Joshua of course. I also gave reasons why Cato cannot be supported, using an anti-Cato passage of a speech by Ralph himself as my anchor.

Following Adrian’s and my own talks, Ralph decided that he would make his own views public in the said series of talks.

In spite of his having the final say in the process by law, Ralph Gonsalves volunteered to enter the lecture series by pronouncing on his unpopular view of the suitability of Cato for that highest award. Even Jomo Thomas showed his disgust in resigning his chairmanship of the Committee.

But Gonsalves figured that Jomo’s reluctance was really without effect and, during that period ,ushered him into a group of Caribbean-wide academics committed on Reparation for Black Slavery, accepted his application for membership of the ULP, named him as senator of the ruling party, Deputy Speaker of the House, and preferred candidate to contest the South Leeward seat.

Adorned with the foregoing laurels, it is very difficult if not impossible, for the erudite and articulate Jomo not to support the elevation of Milton Cato in a showdown in which Blazer and Rose.

Mc and Josh have already seeped into the people’s conscience as National Heroes. In other words, I expect that Milton Cato will legally be enthroned as a National Hero along with Dr. Parmenos Eustace, who as a contributor to social development was brilliantly presented by a student of Doc’s, Dr. Vin Samuel, in an article in a journal of the Kings.

Incidentally, I have recently enjoyed a holiday in Western Europe where my niece, Hazel Smith, presented me an unpublished memoir of the John family in which two stories are confirmed. We are direct descendants of the Garifuna people whose Chief Chatoyer is our First National Hero. And she is full of praise for her education and development which were provided by Dr. Eustace, hopefully our newest hero.

In regard to Cato’s status, I do not trust the behaviour of our intellectual types who sway with the prevailing winds. But it would be a sad day if Cato is so uplifted, as that ascent would be used by his East St George successorcandidate, Dr. Gonsalves’ first son, Camillo, as a boost at the next general elections, a stepping-stone to the leadership of the ULP, in fulfilment of dynastic ambitions.

You can read and educate yourself by sifting through a publication I intend to put together before and if the P.M announces additional heroes, on the eve of our next Independence Day. Incidentally, I had originally suggested a fifth National Hero, Captain Hugh Mulzac of Union Island. But he was eliminated by a too narrow definition of national heroism.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 9.

Letters

Is this our culture?

HAIROUN IS ‘The Land of the Blessed’; our Constitution declares us to be ‘A Nation under God’.

How do we therefore, reconcile such noble statements with the following scenario?

The sound of the music mounted on the moving truck, shattered and maintained a relentless assault on the Saturday afternoon silence of the entire neighbourhood; this went on for over two hours, and could be heard from a quarter of a mile away.

The revellers came from all directions, in all sizes, and of various age ranges. Too many of them were secondary school aged children; too many of them were Sunday School students.

Many were scantily clad, glossy eyed, and sweating heavily.

Beneath the pounding of the beat, the lyrics being blasted were highly offensive, to say the least; yet the music seemed to be a source of high energy to the revellers, who constituted a sea of moving bodies.

By the time the procession reached my vantage point, the scene had degraded into one of unbridled raunchiness, and gross ‘debasedness’ …. the display was absolutely degenerate.

Such level of loose, filthy,

depraved behaviour is unimaginable in secular cultures, let alone in “A Nation under God’.

The hood and closed trunk of every parked car became a makeshift bed, “a wine down” spot where humans, created in the image and likeness of God, behaved worse than animals. One female reveller mounted a six-foot tall concrete and steel fence to display her goods and skills. She was immediately pounced upon by a male reveller who mounted her on the fence to “tek a wine”. Their actions were quickly copied by several others.

Dozens of middle aged men/predators were part of the crowd; some were attached to the rears of females young enough to be their daughters or granddaughters. So indiscriminate was the licentious indulgence, it seemed like any/every female participant was fair game. Such sensually primed environment can only serve as an incubator for sexually related crimes such as, aggravated sexual assault, sexual molestation, rape including gang rape, and incest, for starters.

This pre-carnival community debauchery takes place in multiple locations all across SVG. Persons exposed to such

debasing experiences can, and do suffer severe emotional, psychological trauma. How then can they be expected to return to normal the following day, or any time soon?

Such display of shameless profanity severely erodes selfrespect, respect for elders, respect for participating parents and siblings, respect for morality, and respect for law and order.

As was stated in a previous article, “Any society which casts off the restraints of

Deaf ears!!

The fable of the Grenadines Yachtsman, a cautionary tale:

righteousness is like a city which destroys its own sea defenses”. The results can only be horrific.

Community debauchery, fluid sensuality, shameless profanity...Is this our Culture?

The Watchman

“My yacht was just boarded, and the crew is being attacked; I’m on my cell phone, is this the local police?” “….We’re busy right now with more urgent matters. Call the Coast Guard at their new US $2 million base, right where you are in Canouan. We don’t have the number but you can Google it.

“Hello, is this the Canouan Coast Guard?” “….This number is not in service. We are expecting funding soon that will allow you to make a connection, and anyway we can’t be everywhere, you know.”

“Hello, is this the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Police?” “….I’m sorry, all lines are busy just now, but we expect funding soon to alleviate this problem. As soon as the new airport is completed with the additional US 16 million dollars that have been requested to finalize its construction, we may soon be able to request monies to remedy this situation…please hold.”

“Hello! My wife is being raped and my crew has been murdered! Can anyone help?” “….This is the St. Vincent & The Grenadines Board of Tourism. Our offices are closed right now, but if you call back Monday through Friday between the hours of…

Open letter to the Secretary General of the UN RE: GROSS INJUSTICE in SVG of not being able to obtain information about corruption in our country I write to you as the Leader of the SVG Green Party and as a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by birth.

The Freedom of Information Act 2003 was passed in our Parliament in 2003. The Freedom of Information ACT 2003 was signed by the Head of State, His Excellency the Governor General, in 2003. Twelve years have elapsed and the SVG Prime Minister has not gazetted the Freedom of Information Act to become law. No reason has been given by the SVG Attorney General in Parliament for the long delay in gazetting the Freedom of Information Act 2003 to

become law.

There is much corruption in our country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but the SVG Green Party is not able to obtain information on corruption in our country. This is a gross injustice to our human rights.

I write to draw this to your attention and request that you take action to pressure the government here in to gazetting the Freedom of Information Act 2003 to become law immediately.

I look forward to an early positive reply.

Yours faithfully, Mr Ivan O’Neal, BSc. Hons, MSc, MBA Leader and co-founder of SVG Green Party.

Not motivated to assist or invest The choice I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND to the person who wrote in the column concerning the nationals who he said do not participate in the civil and business life of the county. I can give him a few reasons.

We came home with the intention of helping, but what we have found are questionable deeds in government like never before in the annals of this country. It seems every department that handles monies has had an incident of embezzlement, with no consequence; instead people are promoted.

We all want to volunteer, but what you get is resentment and

people who do not want changes, although they are needed.

Why invest in a country where there is no accountability? It is like water thrown in sand. Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica sought help for their people in the CLICO affair. There was no representation or intervention for the people of SVG. We are concerned that LIAT, as the only airline that offers scheduled flights in and out of SVG, has a monopoly on the people of SVG. In case of an emergency, we are in double trouble.

Murder, rape and theft continue unabated. Who will

protect us? When they come to investigate, they bring a yellow pad and pencil.

I came home with a Master’s degree from an American IVY league university, full of hope; but the conditions here are depressing. We love our country, but it is far behind the other islands in governance.

As for the education revolution, I observe that foreign educators are not sent to Kingstown schools where help is desperately needed, as is the case of Stoney Ground and other poor areas as Kingstown.

A despondent Vincy National

ANOTHER GENERAL ELECTION lurks. Some say it’s right around the corner, i.e. before the end of 2015; others say it’s still a way off and will be held in 2016.

Whatever the date, the election lurks, as can be seen in the increased activity of political parties here. It is that time when politicians put on their best faces and, dare I say, their worst.

The choice is simple: Either we return the ULP to power, or we take a chance with the NDP. It’s as simple as that. Put another way, it’s either we make Ralph Gonsalves the longest serving PM in SVG, or we allow Arhnim Eustace his first full five year-term as PM. But when we make our choice, it must be that we are satisfied that that choice is for a team of men/women who are genuine about their love and commitment to this country. For too long we have seen how politicians feather their own nests when they get into power.

Politicians need to set better examples, especially for the youth, if they are to be considered for public office. Nuff said.

Charles

Joe

* Any truth that attempts are being made to get clearance for LIAT to touch down at the Argyle Airport before the end of the year? * Any truth that there will be layoffs at the IADC before year end? * Have calypsonians who make up the Calypsonians Association just woken up to the fact that they have been operating unconstitutionally for the longest while? * Is the Lottery in the business of offering assistance for educational materials for the needy in specially selected areas of SVG? * How many times have public sector unions threatened the ULP government, only for De Comrade to settle things without any fuss?

Are the public sector union leaders more smoke than fire?

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The ULP... Building momentum Transparency and The Issue Over the last three weeks, the ULP has been building momentum towards the next general election in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whenever the Comrade Leader rings the bell. Constituency events by ULP candidates have attracted large crowds, from the re-branding of offices to the launch of candidates. The ULP pre-campaign rallies have been equally attractive, with large crowds attending, from Carlos James in North Leeward, to St. Clair Jimmy Prince in Marriaqua.

It is important to note that at this point in time, the ULP is not providing transportation for these events. Many of the ULP supporters, who flocked to these events, do so on their own. And so the large crowds who flock to these events, are an indication of the support that the ULP is gathering as the campaign activity increases.

The ULP message has been very clear, constant, concise and strong, and has resonated with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. By contrast, the NDP has no message to offer the voters in this country, except to continue their policy of lies and half-truths, and to hold on to the “Ramos Garifuna” issue.

this slate, and they have been unable to attract any young candidates.

Significantly, the NDP could not attract a single woman as a candidate.

Sixthly, is the issue of leadership.

It is a well proven fact that the leader of the ULP, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is light years ahead of the hapless leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace. Arnhim Eustace has stumbled from one blunder to the next, devoid of any leadership skills.

The people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines have already recognized this. In fact, there are persons within the leadership of the NDP who want to see the back of Eustace.

And seventh, is the matter of love.

The ULP as a political party, has always shown love and care for the people of this country. The NDP has consistently “bad talked and maligned” Vincentians. As a matter of fact, the leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace has said publicly that he will continue this practice in an effort to gain political office.

The ULP has shown love in a Factors for Electoral Success number of ways, through the programmes which benefit the poor In the overall campaign so far, and the working class. In particular, seven factors have emerged as the the response of the ULP in rushing to keys to political success for the ULP. the assistance of Vincentians in their The first is the presence of a clear time of need is a clear exhibition of vision, philosophy, and economic and that love, especially in relation to the social development policies, as is Rock Gutter incident, and the heavy evidenced by the programmes rainfall of December 2013. The facts executed by the ULP administration. are there for all to see, as the ULP Second is the list of impressive administration demonstrated achievements that the ULP can boast “LABOUR LOVE” through the of, such as the education revolution, provision of stoves, refrigerators, the Rabacca Bridge, the developments mattresses, etc., and rebuilt houses in the housing sector, the bold and for those persons who suffered from aggressive foreign policy, and the list the December 2013 disaster. And the goes on.

ULP administration led the Third is the current development outpouring of support for the families work that is being done by the ULP who lost their loved ones in the Rock administration. This includes: the Gutter tragedy. current work on the international airport project at Argyle; the Conclusion construction of the two polyclinics to improve the delivery of health care in It is clear that the ULP is riding a the nation; the preparatory work for tremendous wave of support the geothermal project; and the throughout the country. This is current expansion of the hospitality creating a certain degree of sector, with the Mt. Wynne/Peter’s desperation in the ranks of the Hope project about to take off. opposition NDP. How else can we Fourth is the presence of a explain the unfortunate statement by document, the National Economic and Noel Dickson about “hens”, and his Social Development Plan 2013 to subsequent denial about the use of the 2025, that the ULP administration word, in reference to St. Clair has caused to be prepared, and Leacock? How else can we view the published, and which outlines the unfortunate situation of Ben Exeter, future plans of the party. Already, leaping on the back of Lauron certain important projects, such as Baptiste in a foolish and boyish act of the international airport project, and tomfoolery? the geothermal exercise, will play And further, how else can one critical roles in the areas of explain the unfortunate verbal and agriculture, tourism and industry. violent attack on the former NDP Indeed, the IMF at its last Attorney General, Carlyle Dougan by consultation here, stated that the NDP supporters including Douglas De international airport project will Freitas? And to think that they have result in economic growth in the already maligned their founding immediate future. father, Sir James Mitchell, as being The fifth factor relates to the an “acolyte” of the ULP! quality of the slate of candidates The NDP will continue to flounder being offered by the ULP. The party from mistake to mistake, and the ULP boasts a cadre of tried, tested and will continue to build on its experienced candidates, backed up by momentum, in the quest for “four in a several young, intelligent and vibrant row”.

Vincentians. The NDP cannot match

Accountability needed Excerpts from the Hon. Arnhim Eustace's presentation on the Economic Diversification Loan Authorization Bill, 2015.

MR. SPEAKER, I remember years ago when the Honourable Prime Minister Cato was doing the Hydro Project at Cumberland, he went to the World Bank and he got funds at a quarter of one percent. At that time, you were borrowing $84 million, not as big a project as this. And I wondered in those days why other donors were not getting involved, and when I got to the bank, I found out that the bank did not want to get involved in the project because they were concerned about what was going to happen, in terms of its impact - what rates of return you were going to get on that investment. So you know what they did? They financed a separate project called the Line Lost Project, where they measured the loss of electricity from the lines and reduced that loss, which made a contribution to the overall project strategy and development of Cumberland Hydro Project.

They looked at it as an exercise that could not be achieved on the basis of the study that had been done, and decided what they would finance.

I want to know why those institutions who have been good lenders to St. Vincent and the Grenadines are not involved in this project? It’s an important question. Institutions who are lending to you constantly, want to see your economy do well, so that their loans can be repaid, and when you go to such a massive project, the biggest in the history of our country, and they have no involvement, for me that is a warning that there is a concern, and that concern must be addressed. That's why we talk about what we do to the development of the economy.

You hear things about the airport every day. I know and the government knows the airport will not finish this year. All of us know that, any idiot knows that. There is much work to be done, and much work to be financed still, and I am sure that much will be asked for again. It bothers me that, regardless of which administration is running this country, we have this problem to deal with. We have a serious difficulty in terms of our economic fortunes to deal with. We playing games! Playing games!

We are talking about reimbursement of monies to the airport authority - some $4 million. I was not sure that I heard right this morning, when the Prime Minister then said, we have only $12 million to pay back. I hope that was not what he said this morning, because if you are reimbursing the airport authority for the $4 million and they get their money, all it does is improve the airport authority cash flow. It doesn't reduce the size of the loan from $16

million. The loan remains at $16 million, not $12 million. I hope you all understand that in this House. I heard the word twelve, and I wasn’t sure, I was hearing right.

The Export Credit Agency wants back all their money. They have no problem with the airport authority going ahead and purchasing certain items, because they would have done them in accordance with specification already agreed with the government here. But when it comes to the money that they put out, they want back all their money. Their reimbursement has nothing to do with their loan. The benefit goes to the airport authority because it gets back cash that it has spent before; but the government has to pay the $16 million; the airport authority or whoever still has to pay back $16 million, not $12 million.

They didn't lend you $12 million. They lent you $16 million, and they gave the rates.

The Prime Minister announced the rates this morning. They are not bad rates, two and a half percent and one percent as interest rates and some administration fees which also count to three percent to the value of the loan. All has to be repaid. Let us be in no doubt about that. I support that kind of arrangement because it makes sense; but am not going to be fooled to think it means anything other than a loan for all of us to repay, full US$16 million. That's what we have to pay back; so don't give the impression anywhere in this Honourable House that, for some strange reason, unknown to Finance, that we are getting a grant motion or any grant element from the Export Credit Authority or its agency or whoever does it.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague made reference to statements made by the manager of the airport authority 'professionals'. I don't want to comment on the statements because he has lost the ability to distinguish between his politics and his management and for that, that disqualifies him from really carrying this project forward.

I would say this now, and this is the position of our party: We would not be approving any further loans without an accounting of the situation at the Argyle International Airport, including a Balance Sheet. Something that tells us clearly, exactly where we stand with the resources that have been used for that project, and what is left to be done. No more support unless we get a picture, a detailed picture of the financial situation of the Airport Authority.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 11.

Views

The horror of the Trenches

The NDP is in state of Free Fall

“On Memorial Day, I don’t want to only remember the combatants. There were also those who came out of the trenches as writers and poets, who started preaching peace; men and women who have made this world a Frankl’s book “Man’s Search for kinder place to live.” - Eric Burdon Meaning”. In that book, Frankl shows how a tremendous amount of MANY OF US ARE FASCINATED by war positive growth emanated from the stories. We recall viewing war movies experiences of prisoners in the Natzi that portrayed gallantry. “To Hell and Back”, starring Audi Murphy, was one of termination camps during World War II. Exposed to the most cruel and my favourites as a young teenager. It was therefore not surprising that when I inhumane treatment, many captives exhibited selfless service to their was introduced to several World War II fellow prisoners. This best-selling veterans while a student in England in book is now available free online the 1970s, I sought to entice them to (http://www.anderson5.net/cms/lib02/S share some of their “war stories” with C01001931/Centricity/Domain/222/ma me. However, despite my prompting, they never did. Several had photographs n-s-search-for-meaning.pdf). The book provides useful insights into human hanging in the hall way or on the walls behaviours, as individuals experience in their living room. Their comments some of the darkest moments of their were always general. They never lives; some responded by becoming ventured to share about their very evil, while others evolved to experiences “in the trenches”. become saints. Man can still find Discussions with their family members often revealed that these veterans were meaning during the most dreadful often so traumatised by the evils of war situations that they encounter.

The “trench experiences” can be that they never appeared comfortable quite haunting. Reflecting on those sharing their memories. This was horrible situations of the past could equally true of those who had received special recognition for their bravery. In be quite debilitating. The Internet and social media now bombard us so many instances, the medals were with records of many soldiers who locked away – and the memories too. return from fighting and suffer from Sometimes, we appear to go severe bouts of post-war syndrome. through our own “horrors in the These war veterans often talk of their trenches”. Life occasionally appears inability to erase the traumatic to batter and bruise us. Some experiences seem to leave us maimed memories. As a result, many and bleeding. Unemployment, under- hallucinate and regularly have their sleeping moments invaded by employment, accidents, diseases, nightmares. Others turn to drugs, broken relationships, and various socially unacceptable behaviours forms of failure can create havoc and/or a life of crime. These within and among us. Sometimes, emotionally broken, battered, and like the soldiers referred to in the bleeding souls readily discover that opening paragraph, we appear to be such responses to their trench more comfortable putting those experiences create and sustain the experiences behind us — not wanting downward spiral that would to remember or be reminded of those eventually lead to more pain and experiences. On other occasions, the heartache if their thoughts and “horror of the trenches” may have behaviours are not intercepted. resulted from wrong choices that we However, there are other former made. On such occasions, the guilt soldiers who would have gone through may appear unbearable. It then similar or worse experiences and seem becomes relatively easy for us to rekindle the hurt. The solution often to be so very well adjusted. It so often lies in our ability to forgive others and depends on the individual’s focus.

The trenches of our past could house to forgive ourselves for those follies many negative memories, but we and errors of judgement. This is so often do not need to revisit them as very important even when we have sought and received God’s forgiveness. regularly as we do. We do not have to allow them to take root in our Forgiving self is important in the consciousness. Many of the horrors of healing and growing process. the trenches can be erased - forgotten.

The trench experiences often have Those that persist can be made value. Having “been there and done that” gives us the ability to empathise “manageable” if we retain the right focus and see them for what they are with others who are going through events of the past that we cannot their trench experiences. We can coach and mentor them through their erase but can learn to live with.

Whatever the trauma of the past, experiences. We can share we have the ability to develop coping experiences to let them know that mechanisms. Whatever the mistakes they are not alone. They can renew their strength when we indicate that and follies of yesterday, we can learn it is possible to develop the necessary to forgive ourselves and accept God’s coping mechanisms. Success is often forgiveness when we are truly repentant. Regardless of the horrors waiting at the long end of the tunnel of the trenches, we have the ability, named “Failures and the capacity, to build and rebuild Disappointments”. meaningful, happy lives. We can use A tremendous amount of personal growth can also emerge following our those setbacks (in whatever form they trench experiences (depending on how appeared) to propel us to new heights we view the trials and testing). The of happiness and feelings of accomplishments.

Eric Burton quotation that was used to introduce this week’s article, Send comments, criticisms & reminds us of this possibility. We can suggestions to see positives emerging from similar julesferdinand@gmail.com experiences when we read Viktor E.

RATHER THAN CONSOLIDATE its 2010 electoral position, the opposition NDP appears to be in a state of free fall.

Increasingly, it looks leaderless, devoid of strategy and tactics necessary for victory. Its many weaknesses make Gonsalves’ leadership appear steadier and his party more impregnable. As the elections draw near, the opposition’s failure to attract huge crowds, its murky narrative which is devoid of substance, and the silly utterances of its leaders and candidates present the governing ruling ULP not only with a real chance of being elected for a 4th term, but with an increased parliamentary majority.

We know that a day is a long time in politics, and that there is still time for an opposition recovery. Things in SVG are difficult. The economy is only slowly recovering. Youth unemployment is high, some may have given up hope, and property crime and violence remain major concerns. These are a tall order to overcome in a 4th term drive.

Recklessness based on over confidence by the ULP leadership may yet realign the balance of forces in favour of the NDP, but this opposition is not helping itself.

The nuts and bolts of the NDP’s problem are that its leader, indeed the entire leadership, is devoid of a single strategic thinker. If you don’t believe, ponder this fact. In parliament, three of the most senior members of that outfit are most easily thrown off their game, prone to anger and melt down. We speak of Eustace, Leacock and Cummings. They have become so accustomed to reactive anger, that they all now think it’s their strong suit. This explains why they lead walkouts, get into mostly unnecessary tiffs with the Speaker, as well as shout and carry on, with the understanding that their supporters celebrate them for standing for the cause.

How else do we explain the performance of a leader, who surrenders his entire party apparatus to Wellington Ramos, a complete stranger, whose performance was so unhinged that the party is now in full retreat from the Garifuna issue and Ramos? So devoid of the understanding of public relations is Eustace and the NDP leadership, that they allowed Dougie De Freitas, a key rabble rousing activist, to insultingly tell the party’s founding father, James Mitchell, to ‘shut up and keep your old ass in Bequia.’ The NDP is so puffed up with arrogance and vain glory that there is not a single opposition activist who thinks a collision course with Mitchell is harmful for the party.

Or explain this! In a vain attempt to be cute and folky, Noel Dickson, the NDP candidate for South Windward, insensitively declared the women of Central Kingstown to be ‘hens’ and proclaimed the Central Kingstown Parliamentarian, St Clair Leacock, the ‘cock.’ Did he stop to think how this label will play with the women across the country, or how husbands and boyfriends may react to their women being called hens?

Or consider how intellectual laziness and a failure to pay attention to its parliamentary work have created legal and political headaches for Patel Matthews, who labeled Carlos James a criminal. Were these men not in parliament when the legislature passed the Juvenile Offenders Act (2009) which removes stigma and a criminal record from youth offenders? Are opposition parliamentarians devoid of a historical and legislative memory for the law that offers a ‘second chance’ to young

offenders who commit minor offenses?

Watch the opposition as it retreats from this issue.

Is it by chance that Cummings, Leacock and Lewis described either SVG or nationals as ‘insignificant?’ Is this arrogant tendency a preview of what we can expect if these men were to ever walk the corridors of power in SVG? Or what can we say about the Ben Exeter excited expressions at an opposition dance off at Langley Park?

After a seductive display of ‘wining’, he jumped on to the back of his colleague, ‘Shearer’ Baptiste, and continued his horse backing. In a country like SVG, where homophobic views are barely beneath the surface, his performance will be a comic relief red button for the remainder of this electoral season.

The NDP is not properly led, and it shows. Its speakers are evidently not well scripted. It appears that they simply go on stage and wing it. The party wildly lurches from issue to issue without gaining political traction. This must be a source of frustration. There is no compelling narrative for taking the country forward. This is the performance of a stale, tired bunch of old men. This is a rag tag bunch that is hoping to luck its way into power.

Now, compare this with the performance of the governing Unity Labour Party. Since February, the party has been on a mobilizing/organizing rampage. It has held a successful party, women and youth conferences, with record breaking crowds. Then it completed its candidates’ selection process, again with enthusiastic participation. It is now opening party offices in the various constituencies, with energy packed performances from candidates and supporters. There have been huge rallies at Rabacca and Chateaubelair.

Even the rained drenched rally at Sharpes two Sundays ago, was a good manifestation of the enthusiasm and strength of the party’s base.

A clear contrast is the substance and depth of the ULP slate of candidates. To compare the presentations on either side is to compare roses to thorns. On the leadership level, the gap is wide and is widening. Gonsalves, a year younger than Eustace, is packed with energy with a delivery style that few can match. He presents far more substance with his narrative of hope and performance, vision and possibilities and a future of optimism, progress and development.

You can critique Gonsalves for going on for too long. Eustace, in contrast, is neither captivating nor inspiring. His speeches are too short and imprecise. It is as if he has nothing to offer except for a doom and gloom portrait of the current state of affairs.

No one wins by painting dark pictures. People are attracted to light as opposition to rhetorical heat. The campaign is heating up. The opposition urgently needs to take its election machine to the repair shop. Time is running out, and it ain’t looking good for the NDP. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Another $55 million wasted on Argyle Airport

throwing away a further dollars more on it. $55 million on Argyle SVG needs a Green airport when so many government. A Green IN AUGUST 2015, the ULP blow perpendicular to the $14,782,000 was been unemployed for households are in need. government will abort regime approved another runway. allocated for education. It years. It is immoral that For many years now, the Argyle airport that is $13 million to be spent on The strong and is immoral that the ULP the ULP regime is many government being built for tourists, Argyle. On top of this, in dangerous gusty regime is throwing away throwing away a further workers have been because the North/South September 2015, the ULP crosswinds make it a further $55 million on $55 million on Argyle subjected to a pay freeze. runway orientation regime approved a further highly unlikely that Argyle airport, when so airport. More should be One would think the means the Argyle Airport $42 million to be spent on Argyle airport will get a many families are done now, to create jobs reason for this is the lack will not work. A Green Argyle. In total now, about licence to operate struggling with for our people. Already, of money; but how then government will put the $850 million has been passenger flights. Why educational costs for 8 years have been wasted can the ULP regime be needs of Vincentians’ wasted on Argyle airport. then does the ULP their children. focusing on Argyle throwing away a further first, not tourists.

The original cost of regime continue to waste In the Budget airport. Our people’s $55 million on Argyle Vote Green Party to the Argyle airport project millions of dollars more Estimates 2015, only needs are being airport? stop millions of dollars was given as $502 on Argyle airport? $25,169,000 was neglected.

The Argyle airport is more of Vincentian million on page 17 of the It is time that we stop allocated for health. It is Many thousands of sucking the lifeblood out taxpayers’ money being Environmental Impact wasting millions of immoral that the ULP households have no of our economy and wasted on Argyle.

Assessment. The Argyle dollars on this airport for regime is throwing away mains water and country. We must abort airport is already about tourists, and focus on a further $55 million on electricity. It is immoral Argyle airport now, and SVG Green Party $350 million over budget, Vincentians’ needs Argyle airport, when our that the ULP regime is not waste millions of www.svggreenparty.org and there is no end in instead. health system is in such sight for how many Thousands of poorer a poor state. The millions of dollars more families are unable to Kingstown hospital is in the ULP regime intends pay for school uniforms, urgent need of to waste on Argyle. school fees and school refurbishment. Many The 2007 Argyle books. An SVG thousands of Vincentians A NEW ELEMENT has poverty? Do you think airport wind data shows government should be are unable to afford surfaced in the that it is acceptable that there are very focused on helping these medicines. An SVG campaigning for the US that 40% of Africanstrong and dangerous poorer families by government should Presidency when those American children gusty winds at Argyle, making school uniforms prioritise Vincentians’ elections are held in are living in poverty? blowing East / West. The and school books free, needs.

November 2016. This is a “There is no justice Argyle runway is North / and abolishing school In SVG, there is a message being preached when the 15 South and this means fees. high level of by a long-standing wealthiest people in the strong and dangerous In the Budget unemployment. Many Senator from Vermont, this country, in the gusty winds at Argyle Estimates 2015, only thousands of people have who is not afraid to call last two years- two himself socialist. His is a years-saw their cry for justice, a right wealth increase by that he says is absent in US$ 170 billion…….. the USA today. more wealth ….than Here are some is owned by the excerpts from a speech bottom 130 million Democratic presidential which he delivered Americans….. candidate Sen. Bernie earlier last week at “And while the Sanders (I-VT) delivers an Liberty University, a very, very rich address to Liberty conservative campus become much richer, University students in founded by the rightmillions of families Lynchburg, Va. on wing preacher Jerry have no savings at Monday.

Falwell. all. Nothing in the “There is no bank………..45 “I want you to think, justice………when the million Americans live in whether you believe it is top one-tenth of the top poverty. That in my view a family value, that the one percent…..today in is not justice. That is a USA is the only — onlyAmerica owns almost as rigged economy, designed major country on earth much wealth as the by the wealthiest people that does not provide bottom 90%........ in this country to benefit paid family and medical “There is no justice the wealthiest people at leave…… US when here……..millions the expense of everybody government must of people are working else…… provide at least 12 weeks long hours for abysmally “There is no justice of paid family and low wages…….working when thousands of medical leave…. hard but unable to bring Americans die every “We have in this in money to adequately single year because they country sufficient feed their kids. And yet, do not have any health amounts of money to put at the same time, 58 insurance and do not go more people in jail than percent of all new income to a doctor when they any other country on generated is going to the should... earth (including top 1 percent…….

“I think that when we China…. “……….There is no talk about morality, “I would hope that justice when in recent what we are talking some of you will conclude years, we have seen a about is God’s children. that if we are honest in proliferation of The poor, the wretched, striving to be a moral millionaires and they have a right to go to and just society, it is billionaires, while at the a doctor when they are imperative that we have same time the USA has sick………….there is no the courage to stand the highest rate of justice when low-income with the poor, to stand childhood poverty of any and working-class with working people, and major country on mothers are faced to when necessary, to take earth……..Do you think separate from their on very powerful and it is moral when 20% of babies one or two weeks wealthy people whose the children in this after birth and go back greed is doing this country, the wealthiest to work because they country. enormous harm. country in the history of need the money…..

“THANK YOU” the world, are living in

“THERE IS NO JUSTICE”- Bernie Sanders

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 13.

News

Venezuela’s cultural icon showcased

encyclopaedia, the most influential exponent of Venezuelan impressionism.

His life story tells of him detaching himself from the life of the cities, settling in rural areas, from where he developed a deeper understanding of nature. He adopted native elements, and this led him to employ a method of painting, and to adopt procedures and materials, that ‘suited his desire to represent the atmosphere of the landscape, under dazzling effects produced by direct sunlight’.

Armandro Reverón’s expressionist tendencies Armando Reverón, (1889 – developed uninterrupted, and 1954) is one of Venezuela’s as he worked more and more with chalk and crayons, most revered artists. biographers described him as ARMANDRO REVERÓN, born on becoming more and more ‘uncontrollable;’ but his work May 10, 1889, is a revered was no less correct and Venezuelan painter and emotionally balanced. sculptor of the late 19th and Vincentian art and early 20th centuries. cultural enthusiasts and He is considered, according to a range of art reviews and visitors got an opportunity to view the genius of this

revered Venezuelan artist last Friday, when the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela mounted an exhibition, dubbed ‘Art in a Suitcase’, of fourteen reproductions of his wide range of work, including portraits and Caribbean landscapes.

Last Friday was significant. Friday 18th September, the day on which he died in 1954, has been designated Armando Reverón Day by the Venezuelan authorities, and to mark the day, the Embassy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was one of 50 Diplomatic Missions to stage Armandro Reverón Exhibitions on that day, this year.

The exhibition was opened

by Daliana Guanipa, Venezuela’s Chargé d’affaires, and Maxine Browne, representing the Ministry of Culture, at the Venezuelan Embassy, Murray Road, Kingstown.

The event also featured

Ana Isabella Ferrer, a young Venezuelan musician, who had journeyed from her homeland to be here for the celebration. She rendered three pieces on the recorder: Moliendo café, Venezuela, and Alma Llanera. (WKA)

Ana Isabella Ferrer brought a taste of Venezuelan musical talent to the exhibition.

One of the many Armando Reverón portraits that were on display.

A typically personal expression of nature by Armando Reverón.

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14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG heads for Miss Heritage World again

FOLLOWING ON THE SUCCESS of Miss Anna LaBorde, who placed First Runner-up from a field of 30 in the 2014 Miss Heritage World pageant, the first Caribbean participant to have done so well in that pageant, St, Vincent and the Grenadines will again be represented at this prestigious event.

Ms Gabrielle Gunsam,

a Vincentian residing in New York where she is currently pursuing a Degree Programme of studies in Nursing, will be this country’s representative to the 2015 edition of the pageant, scheduled for November 15, in South Africa.

Each participant in the pageant is expected to: make a national craft from

her country; prepare a national dish from her country; engage in sporting activity; parade in national costume and evening wear; compete in an Heritage dress competition; and be interviewed.

Ms Gunsam described the pageant as an excellent opportunity to showcase the Caribbean’s

culture and to network with professionals worldwide.

SVG’s participant in the 2015 Miss Heritage World pageant was confirmed by Mrs. Pearl Williams, who was recently appointed the Director of the Miss Heritage Caribbean.

Famed for her leading role in the Miss Plus Size

Gabrielle Gunsam, this country’s representative to the 2015 edition of the Miss Heritage World pageant.

Big and local, regional and international shows, among other involvement, Ms. Williams’ appointment tasks her with identifying and managing contestants from the entire Caribbean region.

She will, in the early stages of her appointment, work in that regard in Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and St Vincent & the Grenadines.

Ms. Williams considers her appointment as “an honour,” and commits to fulfilling her

responsibilities to the South African-based Miss Heritage World franchise, “with the highest level of integrity and a commitment to project the very best from the Caribbean.”

AUS holds 8th White Coat Ceremony

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TWENTY-TWO NEW ENTRANTS into the medical programme at the American University of St. Vincent (AUS), have been reminded about the need to serve humanity and the importance of treating the patient with the disease rather than just treating the disease.

The reminder came from Dr. Samuel Hazell, Consultant General Surgeon at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), as he addressed the students at the 8th AUS White Coat Ceremony, held at the Murray Heights, Friday, 11th September, 2015.

Bequia born Dr. Hazell also emphasized to the students the need to continue on the path of selflessly caring for and serving their patients, and urged them to embrace and live the virtues of humility, compassion and integrity.

The inductees, representing Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, India, United States of America and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, were also addressed

by Dean of AUS, Dr. Dommalur Jayarangaiah, who encouraged the prospective physicians to be disciplined and studious, so that their goals may be realized.

Dr. Shakel Henson, senior lecturer at AUS, had earlier welcomed the students to the institution and to SVG. She underscored the need to remain committed to the field of medicine, and pointed to the accumulation of knowledge as a means of preparing physicians to efficiently and effectively manage and care for their patients.

President of the AUS’ Student Government Association, Barisa Kamenebali, also addressed the ceremony, which included among its special guests, Dr. Charles Woods, Medical Director and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at MCMH. Established in 2012, the American University of St. Vincent is a medical school located in New Montrose.

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AUS Medical Students in their newly acquired White Coats at the ceremony.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 15.

News

Elderly farmer still missing

by KENVILLE HORNE UP TO PRESS TIME, Wednesday, the whereabouts of Patrick ‘Pappy’ Ambris remained a mystery.

This after the elderly man - a resident of Carapan, who is said to be in his eighties and the father of nine - went missing, Thursday 10th September.

An official search for the elderly man - a life-long food crop and livestock farmer began a week after the day of his disappearance. The search party was comprised of police officers from the Stubbs Police Station and at least fourteen residents of the community.

According to Yoland London, a relative of Ambris and the one who organised the search, “One group went from Diamond and end through King’s Hill, and another from above his house in Carapan, to King’s Hill.

We then went to ‘Dam Spring’

area where he often tied his cow.”

The search found no clues to indicate that the missing man was anywhere in that area.

Yoland Hamilton, Ambris’s eldest daughter, is adamant that something is fishy” about the whole matter.

“My father walks with a ‘bend back,’ so he cannot climb steep terrain, and if he is spotted walking late, villagers would turn him back,” she explained.

She alleges that someone may be hiding information concerning the disappearance of her father.

Hamilton related a story that told of her father owning one cow which was sold without his consent, but that he never received any money from the business transaction.

The relationship

Petit Bordel School gets furniture STUDENTS of the Petit Bordel Secondary School (PBSS)can now sit comfortably after receiving the chairs that were expected since the opening of the new school Yyear, September 2015.

Reports and photographs surfaced on social media this week, highlighting that Form 4 and 5 students at the institution were sitting on desks during class sessions.

Reports also pointed to the teachers complaining about the difficulty they found in having to conduct classes where students were standing.

The situation took on further development when the students staged a demonstration on Monday, demanding that they receive chairs for their classrooms.

One student made the point clear by displaying a placard that stated, “We need chairs!!!

But all’s well that ends well. New chairs were delivered to the school on Wednesday.

Chief Education Officer, Lou-Ann Gilchrist, told THE VINCENTIAN that the delay in the delivery of furniture to the school was as a result of the demand with which the furniture makers have to contend.

“We delivered furniture throughout the school system before school re-opened, but Petit Bordel Secondary School did not receive at the time,” said the Chief Education Officer. “The furniture makers are always busy working,” she added.

Principal of the school, Carlton Edwards, said he did not want to speak too much on the issue, since he was feeling uncomfortable talking to the media. He, however, confirmed that the school did receive the furniture on Wednesday.

Students of the PBSS had to borrow chairs (pictured) from the Golden Grove Resource Centre up to Tuesday, for use in their classrooms.

between that cow and her father was a special one, said Hamilton, adding that, “Oftentimes when the cattle can’t be found, my father would use his voice and the cattle would recognize his voice and appear.”

Even after the cow was sold, “He would venture out looking for his animal,” Hamilton disclosed.

In and among her worried disposition, Hamilton described her father as a softspoken and peaceful person.

“If my father hear we cussing a word, he would tell us only

he suppose to be cussing,” said Hamilton.

And what is of significance to her is that, “While my father can’t be found, another man is living in the house.”

The search for Ambris continues, and persons with information concerning his disappearance are asked to contact the nearest police station.

Patrick Ambris has been missing from his home since September 10.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

BPL live comes to SVG A COLLABORATION between Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) and TalkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station which also holds FA Cup and Capital One Cup rights, has brought coverage of the world-acclaimed Barclays Premier League(Football) top SVG. An arrangement for live broadcast has been entered into with the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) here.

Raphael King — Deputy Manager/Sales & Marketing/NBC — commended LIME for recognizing NBC’s long, tested and effective service to the nation and thanks the telecommunications company for extending exclusive broadcasting rights to his radio station.

Live coverage of the BPL on NBC will begin

(L-R): Raphael King, Deputy Manager/Sales & Marketing/NBC and Wayne Hull, Country Manager/LIME, shake hands to seal a new collaboration between the entities they represent. this October 3rd 2015.

Fixtures and other updates will be available on the LIME facebook page.

In order news from LIME, the company announced that it will again be a premium partner of Fashion

Caribbean, a fashion showcase conceived, managed and staged by Image Modeling Agency.

Fashion Caribbean makes a return after a break of four years.

Fashion Caribbean will be held on the 28th of November this year.

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

Tribute

An abridged version of the Eulogy on the life of Matthew “Dada” Culzac

returned, he would call out to them and they would hide behind each other. The children recall that ‘Dada’ would get closer and just give them that ‘eye’, and in an instant, they would all be out of the water. They say even other people’s children would getout of the sea as well!

It is clear that Matthew Culzac took a philosophical approach to how he conducted his life, including bringing up his children, and how he hoped they would mould their lives.

Interestingly, many of the stories of his life he seemed to have kept to himself until he reached that glorious age of 100 years, at which time he began to release them one by one to his children and their children.

There was a time in his life when he sought greener pastures. He got an opportunity to go to Aruba, where many other men had migrated to work mainly with the famous Largo Oil and Transport Company. ….

He certainly did not find the work interesting or challenging, and took it upon himself to accept a more worthwhile job, whereupon his sponsors sent him back home. The saying “out of evil cometh good” seemed to have worked for ‘Dada’, as this experience led him to become independent in the fields of carpentry, fishing and painting!

No commentary on the revered Matthew Culzac’s life could ever be complete without some reference, however brief, to his politics. He was for years an ardent supporter of Ebenezer Theodore Joshua’s Peoples Political Party. The New Democratic Party, having become the natural successor to the PPP, and inheritor of its supporters, earned ‘Dada’s’ support which remained unshaken to the end!

This Church in which we are gathered today to celebrate the life, work and witness of Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac has been home to this stalwart Pall bearers walked ‘Dada’ Culzac through his member long before it beloved Rose Place community before his interment became the Cathedral at the Kingstown Cemetery.

married an even younger bride, Mary.

‘Dada’ loved fishing, but was also a painter and a very good furniture

by JOHN HORNE maker. He was particularly skilled at TODAY IS A WONDERFUL caning chairs. day! A day of great Yvonne, his daughter, celebration, honouring a recalls that Dada had a long life, a good life, a fishing companion named Christian life, well lived!

‘Bo’. One day, ‘Bo’ came Matthew ‘Dada’ as usual to take ‘Dada’ Culzac was the Patriarch fishing but Dada was not of an area dear to his able to go. Bo went out heart, where he lived for alone and never almost all of his life; an returned. area at the western end Matthew Culzac of Kingstown, familiarly enjoyed doing simple known as Rose Place. It things that gave him used to be called Bottom pleasure. He loved Town, a name which the playing the Littlewoods residents disliked very Pools, and won much because it had a sometimes. He played negative connotation.

Jaycees Radio Bingo. He No one in Rose Place graduated to playing dared disrespect Dada, Lotto, but stopped not only because he or because it was not she would have paid the paying much, he said. In price of an army of recent times he settled respectful residents into a regular 3D. bearing down heavily on One of ‘Dada’s’ earliest him or her but, more places of residence in importantly, the majestic Rose Place was in that bearing and character of house below Miss this great but humble Lynch’s residence coming man sent a powerful from the river end. He is message. believed to have moved Dada was a friend to from there to his beloved the smallest child, and home where he spent the gave sound, practical rest of his life. Bearing in advice to any teenager or mind that he was a adult who sought his skilled carpenter, he opinion. You may not must have borne the have liked the advice, brunt of the construction but ‘Dada’ was a man of of this, his family deep conviction, with a residence. quiet confidence in Dada was a strict himself, and the passage disciplinarian. He was of years only made him firm but not unkind in stronger. He was a giving his orders or thinker who, over time, administering adopted a philosophical punishment which had approach to solving his been clearly thought out. own problems and in On Sunday afternoon, helping others. the children were Matthew Culzac was allowed to go into the born on the 19th May sea, but when he thought 1913 to Evelyn Browne they had had enough, or and Peter Culzac. While it was time for Sunday still a young man, he School, and they had not Cathedral of the Assumption Saturday 19th September 2015

we know it to be today.

‘Dada’ had been a member of the St. Patrick’s Society from his youth, quite likely a server and later a member of the Legion of Mary. …. A change came about and Dada became deeply involved in the Liturgy, the Word and in the Eucharist, the highest form of worship!

We can never forget those inspiring celebrations of the Holy Eucharist on the occasions of his 100th, 101st and 102nd birthdays in this the Cathedral of the Assumption.

At the reception held in his honour at the Pastoral Centre, Edinboro, on his becoming a Centenarian, His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Governor General, formally extended greetings from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Matthew was thrilled and rightly so!

Matthew ‘Dada’ Culzac (1913 – 2015) was a source of sound advice and guidance to both young and old.

Almighty God has been good to Dada and to his large family. Today we give God thanks for his life and the abundant wisdom he has imparted to family, friends and neighbours.

‘Dada’ has more than done his part. You, the members of this large family, have a rich heritage. This exceptional gentleman has been able to keep you together as a close knit family. … But if

‘Dada’ has been that all important glue that kept you together, even for his sake, do you not owe it to his memory to ensure his wonderful legacy endures? ‘A charge to keep you have’.

On behalf of this congregation, indeed on behalf of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I extend our deepest sympathy while we salute the passing of an era, the life of a centenarian well lived.

V Canadian Dollar Freefall: A Bonus to SVG Shoppers 18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

by BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent

SINCE 2011, the value of the Canadian dollar compared to an EC Dollar has fallen from over EC$2.80 to almost EC$2.00, and many

economists predict an even further decline.

This is not good news for Canadian travelers planning vacation time overseas, but excellent for those visiting Canada. It is also an Mike Sarnese and Vinny Relan – Sona Distributors - Toronto. excellent time year. KLC Freight works that if something goes for anyone overseas wrong, that the warranty closely with Wayne making a purchase in Crichton of Arabesque Canada with US dollars on brand name TVs, or with a currency, (like Computers, Cameras and Inc., 69 Grenville St. in St. Vincent who will look appliances will apply the Eastern Caribbean after all the details of internationally. dollar), whose value is clearing your shipment Also be aware of tied to the US dollar. through customs. voltage issues. Most While it is important appliances and for us to support local televisions bought in vendors, it is hard to overlook the savings that North America are can be had, through the 110 volt and sixty cycles, which careful buying in requires a 220 volt Canada of appliances, transformer to televisions, computers operate in the and all manner of Caribbean. While household goods, this is not a concern especially during this to most people, take currency fluctuation a look at Toronto’s window of opportunity.

Sona Distributors Offshore shopping website: does have its concerns: While there are bargains www.sona220v.com. galore to be had that can Sona, is a major appliance, television be seen online by doing and electronic an item by item Google distribution super search, when buying Ken Chitole – KLC Freight online, with thousands of market on Steeles Toronto.

Ave., W. in Toronto items to choose from at Christmas barrels owned by Mike Sarnese unheard of prices, it is from overseas make a and Vinny Relan. They best to select from well known brand names and have been specializing in huge difference to the enjoyment of the holiday 220v-50.60Hz products reputable Canadian season to thousands of for the export market vendors, like Amazon, families and children since 1978.

Canadian Tire, Best Ken Chitole, owner of living here in St. Vincent Buy, etc. Better still, if and the Grenadines.

Toronto’s KLC Eastern you have family and/or friends living in Canada, Caribbean Freight Lines However every year the anticipation of gift Ltd., provides weekly have them do the barrels is reduced, service to the Eastern shopping for you and Caribbean from Toronto, when due to late your item will shipped shipping or locally, at no cost, either Ottawa and Montreal. uncontrollable weather For over 30 years, KLC to their home or a conditions, the barrels shipping agent who will has been guaranteeing the safe delivery of your arrive after Christmas. arrange delivery to you Both Ken Chitole at items to St. Vincent at a in SVG. KLC and Wayne very competitive cost.

While there can be Crichton at Arabesque They have a long time many cost saving proven record of shipping urge everyone sending advantages to shopping Christmas barrels, to everything, from overseas, be sure to automobiles and building shop and ship early. avoid surprises by Delivery cannot be checking the SVG import materials, to appliances guaranteed for any taxes and duty. It is also and televisions, and of barrel shipped after the important to understand course, thousands of Christmas barrels every last week in November. the fine print to verify

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 19.

News

UVCGB holds successful cultural show

church in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.

UVCGB members performed a number of selections, dramatizations, skits and dances, including new ones THE UNITED VINCIE written by Georgetown CULTURAL Group of native Ada Johnson, a Brooklyn (UVCGB) recently lawyer and retired held a very successful Registrar of the High cultural show in Brooklyn, Court in St. Vincent and New York, in its continuing the Grenadines, and efforts in raising funds to arranged by her fellow assist with medical town native Don supplies, hospitals and Sutherland, a renowned health centers in St. Vincent cultural figure in the and the Grenadines. country’s second largest The 2 ½-hour event, town. which took place at Meyer Johnson wrote — and Levin Intermediate School received rave reviews for — 285, attracted a large ‘Chatoyer’ in honor of the number of Caribbean nation’s first and only nationals, including a National Hero and significant number of Paramount Carib Chief; Jamaicans who worship and “The Amazing with some UVCGB Breadfruit”, recognizing members at an evangelical the national fruit from Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.co m US CORRESPONDENT

Ralphie Cunningham acts as “Papa Lulu.”

which myriad dishes are made.

Johnson, who recently became a UVCGB member, also took an active role in the 11th Annual Cultural Show, along with Sutherland, who is the group’s musical arranger.

UVCGB’s band, coordinated by Geoffrey Holder, of Byera Hill, provided backstop music for performers.

Emily Mentos-James, formerly Johnson, who hails from Georgetown, performed spiritual and folkloric songs on the harmonica (mouth organ); Jamal, of Kingstown Park, conducted comedic acts reminiscent of the late Saluche (Lucien Small); and UVCGB children, Jessica and Jedidah, danced to “I Will Dance.”

There were brief greetings from New York Counsel General Selmon Walters; President of the umbrella, Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), Laverne McDowald-Thompson; and President of the Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP),

UVCGB performs “The Amazing Breadfruit”.

Left: Section of the audience.

Lorenzo DeCaul, of Biabou.

UVCGB observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States and Judy Cunningham, an active UVCGB Chateaubelair-born member, who succumbed to breast cancer 10 years ago.

Cunningham’s widower Ralphie Cunningham, of the same town, is also a leading member of UVCGB. He acted as “Papa Lulu” in the skit by the same name that involved an Obeah Man. UVCGB president Dr. Roxie Irish, a former national netball star, said, while this year has been a “very busy and challenging” one for the

group, “the joy is watching the hand of God as He continues to work within this ministry.

“There were quite a few events happening on the same day as our event, but we are pleased that our supporters came out in large numbers,” said the Born-Again Christian, who was born in Vermont and raised in Campden Park, in a VINCENTIAN interview, about the Sept.

12 concert.

“In everything, we give thanks to God for his blessings,” she added. “On behalf of UVCGB, let me say a big ‘Thank You’ to all who volunteered, gave, attended, participated and prayed for us, because, without you, this would not have been the success it was.”

In July, despite some constraints, Irish said the prominent cultural group completed a very successful medical mission to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Overall, the mission was very successful,” she said, disclosing that UVCGB was able to hand over about US$15,000 worth of medical supplies to six clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — Owia, Georgetown, Park Hill, Stubbs, Calliaqua and Paget Farm (Bequia).

Irish said the distribution brings to 35 the number of clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that her group has served since its medical missions began in 2003.

“We have just a few more left, then the process starts all over again,” she said, identifying those clinics as Lowmans Windward, Diamonds, Buccament and Calder.

“Whatever we can do for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we’ll do.”

Special Olympics celebrate EKS Day without intellectual disabilities are encouraged to come together TOMORROW, Saturday 26th with the intention of having September, the St. Vincent and those persons without the Grenadines Special intellectual disabilities Olympics will celebrate Eunice understand persons with Kennedy Shriver Day (EKS disabilities, and recognize the Day) with a Fun Day to be held talents that they have. at the Calliaqua Playing Field.

The Day will include fun Eunice Kennedy Shriver is activities like a bouncing castle the founder of Special Olympics. and face painting for the This Day is celebrated around children; sporting activities like the world in honour of her life’s bocce, football, mini-cricket, and impact and in the hope of sack and lime-and-spoon races. inspiring new supporters.

The organization’s annual According to Director of barbecue fundraiser will also be Special Olympics SVG, Mrs. staged on this day.

Janice McMaster-O’Loughlin, Additionally, there will be a “The theme is ‘Acceptance, demonstration of how the bocce Inclusion and Unity’ with the is played by some of the athletes tagline this year of ‘Let’s who attended the 2015 Special Change the Game’, with the aim Olympics World Summer of fuelling the hope of Games, which opened on July making a difference in all.” 25 in Los Angeles, California.

Special Olympian Natasha Doyle THE VINCENTIAN This marked SVG’s return to playing bocce. She is expected to understands that the Day the Games after a break of some be on hand at the Fun Day, to is all about inclusion and ten years. demonstrate how the game is unity. Persons with and Director McMasterby GLORIAH…

played.

The SVG contingent to the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games, including Director of Special Olympics SVG, Mrs. Janice McMaster-O’Loughlin (extreme left standing).

O’Loughlin explained that, “Special Olympics, as many persons think, is not a one-off thing. It is a year-round programme, which goes beyond the provision of sporting activities by also providing leadership training.”

The value of this training, she said, is exemplified by “our very Terrence Davis who is now a coach. He was just appointed

our Sports Director in SVG; and he is a member of the Special Olympics North America Athlete Committee.”

He was given an avenue to show the world that his disability does not really mean that he is unable to do everything.

McMaster-O’Loughlin appealed for volunteers to assist with the programme.

V No need to stick around 20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

I decided not to bring up the subject with him, preferring to wait to see if he MY BOYFRIEND and I have would say something. been talking about marriage for the past 2 years. Up to two Instead, he continued to months ago, we discussed it in operate as if it was business even more specific details, e.g. as usual. Now he has me the date, the size of the bridal wondering if we actually party, venue for the reception, have a future together. and the cake maker. We even talked about our honeymoon - Lost where and the cost.

To my dismay, he recently Dear Lost, told me that he is not sure There is no need to about the wedding, but gave continue to wonder about no reasons. Don’t I deserve your future with this man. to know?

Whatever future he is One day he left for work planning and forgot his cell phone. I does not just happened to be close to seem to it when he received a text include you. from another woman. I checked it, and there she was That is why he cannot telling my boyfriend how continue to much she enjoyed him the discuss previous night, and how marriage. much she liked the ring he He has not gave her. I was so shocked that the phone fell out of my yet learned how to be a hand.

Dear George,

man, and do the honourable thing and let you know straight up that he has found someone else.

You do not need any more answers from him. That cell phone message and his deafening silence said it all.

Let him know that you are disappointed in him for wasting your valuable time and investing in a relationship that was headed nowhere. It is time for you to cut your losses and move on. There is a future for you, but it is not with this man.

George

Give it a chance Dear George, MY WIFE of two years, who never before drank alcohol, went to a birthday party organized for one of her very good friends. I did not go because of my work. I am to hear later how she drank herself stupid and was flirting with the men at the party.

She got a ride home after the party, but when I asked her who brought her home, she said she could not remember. I did not push the issue.

I am writing to you because days later, I discovered that I had a STD. George, I have never cheated on my wife, so I know it is not me! I asked her about it, and she denied having had sexual intercourse with anyone. Her friends told me that she left with one of the men she was flirting with, and that she was all over him. This is the same man who she told me, when the talk came up, that she had nothing to do with. My wife is holding on to her point that it was me who did the cheating and not her.

George, I went straight to a lawyer and filed for a divorce. I do not want any counseling or making up because if she cannot admit her cheating ways. How can I move on

with her? I just want people to know that the reason why I am not with my wife is because she is a charming whore.

Hurt bad Dear Hurt bad, You are indeed hurting.

However, it not advisable to make important decisions when you are angry and hurting.

I will still advise you to go see a counselor and get help to sort out your feelings. That should help you to make better decisions. Give your wife the option to accompany you.

She may very well prefer to take that option if she knows it may lead to her possibly saving her marriage.

Stepping out of the bounds of the marriage like she did would not qualify her to be a whore, and your conclusion of her is somewhat unfair. I understand that you are angry, disappointed and hurt, and that is why I am advocating you see someone as part of the cooling down period. You may be surprised to know that there is still life after cheating, and your marriage can get a second chance if you so desire.

George

A HAIRY problem jealous and suspicious nature get the better of you and eat away at the MY WIFE SHAVES the happiness of your hair from her legs. But marriage. All you had to one day, I discovered that Angry bird do was to lovingly and she shaved the hair from every possible area of her Dear Angry bird, calmly tell your wife that body that had hair, and I you much prefer her with You have got to be obviously wondered why. more hair than none, and She never asked me if I kidding me! What does by doing so lovingly would like for her to shave shaving the hair on one’s enough, she will be only body got to do with away the hair from her too happy to please you in cheating? How can you private area, but she did. the future, once she is I told her that she must suspect her of cheating clear about what pleases have some man who and go further by asking you most. requested of her to do her to admit to doing so, Communication is a that. We argued over that when all you have to go on vital ingredient for any for two weeks. She has is a haunch? relationship to flourish. never admitted to another HAIR me and HAIR me man being in the picture. well: Do not let your George I do not see us living

Dear George,

together for very much longer if she continues to deny my suspicion.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Educational pursuits can bring interesting, helpful people. Deal with inlaws this week. Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favorable.

Attend to things that you should have done yesterday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Control your emotions and everything will fall into place. You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated. Try to communicate if you wish to help. Don't hold back.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Be prepared to lose friends or alienate loved ones due to your stubborn nature lately. Not everything you hear will be legitimate. Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people. If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can expect to have problems with your mate if you've been spending too much time away from home. You can make a huge difference to children if you are able to put yourself in their shoes.

Opportunities to expand your circle of friends will result in possible new romantic encounters. Try to be reasonable.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) It may not be the best day to confront employers or to present your ideas. Look out for those wanting to push you into a disagreement. Don't let your emotional partner upset you this week. You can make money if you concentrate on producing services or goods that will make domestic chores easier.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will find their philosophies worth exploring. You may jump from the frying pan into the fire if you make a move this week. Don't take advantage of your

expense account. Older family members may take advantage of you by making you feel guilty.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Romance will develop through work related activities. Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment.

Unrealistic promises will only get you in trouble. Changes regarding family members will set you off.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be in the mood to socialize.

Refrain from arguing with your mate. You can be sure that any dealing with large institutions should go well. Your hard work will payoff; advancement looks positive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Find a quiet spot where you can work diligently and stay out of the way. Work on legitimate financial deals that may enable you to bring in some extra cash.

You're in the mood for love. You may be offered opportunities that will result in a higher earning potential.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't be too quick to spend money. You will be in the mood to socialize. You can get into self-awareness groups or look into physical enhancement programs. Be diplomatic when dealing with in-law.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Put all your energy into moneymaking ventures. Emotional upset at work will set you back. Be careful while traveling.

You'll find it easy to talk about your feeling this week. Don't hesitate to find out what your mate's intentions are.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Discuss your objectives with partners or peers. Socially, you need a fast paced form of entertainment. You will feel better about yourself and you may also meet potential lovers. You could be disillusioned if you let relative in on your emotional thoughts.

ACROSS

43. Fused metal 1. Evitas’s 47. Spanish, country (abbr.) for one 4. Cleric’s title 50. Denim (abbr.) designer 7. Tues.

Strauss preceder 51. Native of 10. Equestrian’s (suffix) game 52. Wilbur 12. Bull, in Post’s horse Madrid (2 wds.)

13. _du Diable 53. Eastern (Devil’s continent Island) 54. Juan’s 14. Dutch cheese “two” 15. Over55. May’s shadowed season 17. Songwriter (abbr.)

Neil 56. Sickly 19. Whitney and Wallach DOWN 20. Zeus’s wife 22. _ this date 1. Orangutans (now, 2. Took the 2 wds.) subway 24. Endive’s 3. Pollyanna’s cousin word 28. German car 4. Fabled bird 30. _ G. Carroll 5. A Gardner 31. Esther of 6. “Observe!”

“Good Times” 7. “The _ 33. _ Tin Tin Waltz” 34. Tormé and 8. Juan’s Brooks “hurrah” 36. Melville 9. Homer’s masterpiece wholesome (hyph.) neighbour 38. Spots 11. Nebraska 40. Eroded metropolis 41. Gust of wind 12. New York’s

Russian _ 16. Leaning Tower locale 18. Deborah or Jean 21. Let 23. Banking insurance letters 24. Common street name 25. Garden need 26. Scent sources 27. Jostled 29. Pen filler 32. Jane of an 1847 novel 35. Doe’s mate

37. Actress Reese 39. Deteriorated areas 42. Frontiersman Wyatt 44. Lucy’s ‘50s co-star

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 21.

45.

46.

47.

48.

Devil’s play _ tone Pan cover From _ Z (2 wds.)

49. Berlin’s country (abbr.

V

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Air Traffic Controllers get ready for training.

Air Traffic Controllers get training

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY TWENTY-EIGHT Air Traffic Controllers are currently involved in an Air Traffic Management Refresher Training programme, in preparation for duties at the Argyle International Airport and other airports throughout the state.

That training began last Monday, at the Terminal Building of the Argyle International Airport, and will run until October 9.

The training is hosted by the International Airport Development Company Limited, in conjunction with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Centre is facilitating the training sessions.

Participants are divided into three batches, each of which will undo one week of training. The first batch of trainees completes their programme today.

Thereafter, a group of nine will travel to Trinidad for further exposure.

Cary Price, Chief Instructor of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Centre, said that the training was tailored to meet the needs of the workers

here.

Price is expected to return to St. Vincent to oversee the practical component of the training.

He took the time out to comment on the Argyle Airport project, describing it as “an amazing project.”

He surmised that for the “size and scope, it is something that everybody in St. Vincent and the Grenadines should be proud of.”

With some twenty-five years of experience in Civil Aviation under his belt, Price expressed faith in the operation of the Argyle International Airport, and even as he noted that there are factors of cross-winds at any airport, he expressed confidence that, “It would work.”

Bernard Scott, this country’s Chief Air Traffic Controller, observed that “there will be new things that we need to be familiar with.”

He was satisfied that the training, practical and theoretical, will strengthen of safety measures as they relate to air traffic.

Director of Airports, Corsel Robertson, is relieved that the Argyle International Airport is coming to a successful conclusion. Air Traffic Controllers, she said, will not have to deal with

Cary Price, Chief Instructor of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Centre, is the training facilitator. aircrafts trimming the grass on landing at the E.T Joshua airport.

She praised Dr. Rudy Matthias and the IADC for the work they have accomplished, and urged the Controllers to “make the best of this opportunity.”

Andrea Best, trained as an Air Traffic Controller in 1999, noted that “things change all the time.” She sees the refresher as beneficial in that “new ideas will be grasped.”

Glenroy Williams is of the view that this training is “timely and important,” and that “the fact that you are moving to a new facility is a good time to be refreshed.”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 23.

Hendrickson to join Vincy Heat coaching staff

Ezra Hendrickson would be expected to bring his knowledge of the ‘international’ game to bear on Vincy Heat.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT THE COACHING STAFF of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation-SVGFF- is to be boosted for the next phase of the CONCACAF Zone Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, with the coming on board of Ezra Hendrickson.

Reports say that Hendrickson, who was last year appointed head coach of the Seattle Sounders FC2, is to join the local set up from next month.

Hendrickson’s joining the coaching staff comes upon the invitation of SVGFF President Venold Coombs, following the loss of the services of assistant coach Wesley Charles, who is hospitalised and recovering after being burnt in an attack at his

home two weeks ago.

Coombs admiited that the team needs some help, and he thought the former national defender is ideally equipped to assist.

“The current coaching staff has done a good job, but as you move to play against better teams, you would need persons who have the necessary experience to handle the task ahead , and Ezra (Hendrickson) is the best person who came to mind….he is qualified, he is in the US system, and he knows everything about our football, so he is the ideal candidate,” Coombs said.

He once again reiterated his statement that he will not expend any monies on bringing in an overseas foreign coach who, according to him, will collect a fat salary and leave with no tangible improvement to show coming out of his stay.

Hendrickson was appointed head coach of the Seattle Sounders FC2 in November 2014 after initially joining the Sounders FC as an Assistant Coach on January 20, 2009.

Prior to entering the coaching field, Hendrickson campaigned with success in the MLS with a number of teams, including the LA Galaxy, New York MetroStars, D.C. United, Columbus Crew and Chivas USA. Reports say Hendrickson appeared in 266 regular season

matches with 225 starts.

Playing defence, he scored 23 goals and added 30 assists.

The MLS website said Hendrickson began his career in 1997 with the New York MetroStars, before joining the Galaxy later that season. He totalled six seasons in Los Angeles, where he won the 2000 CONCACAF Champions Cup, scoring two goals in a 3-2 victory, and the 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, scoring one goal in a 2-1 victory.

He was named Galaxy’s

Most Valuable Player for the 2001 season.

The tall lanky defender made his debut for SVG in 1995 and represented the country for 12 years, most of them as captain.

Another former national defender Cornelius Huggins is the current SVG head coach, and while some expect a sense of unease with the arrival of Hendrickson, Coombs is very dismissive of any such suggestion.

“Cornie’ is the head coach and Ezra is just coming to assist … let us

in the persons of Gabrielle Benn and Anastasia White, defeating them 7-4, 7-2 and 7-6, 7-3 respectively. He advanced to the finals where he played Amalia Benn in a close encounter, winning 7-2, 6-7, 7-5.

Representative of Flow, Mr Corey Garrett, was on hand to present trophies and gifts from Flow. He expressed satisfaction with the tournament, and pledged his company’s continued support.

Director of GTC, Grant

Venold Coombs reiterated that he, as President of the SVGFF, has no intention of employing the services of a ‘foreign’ coach.

Left: Cornelius Huggins remains as Coach and head of the technical staff.

Low scoring weekend for Masters SION HILL MASTERS recorded the highest total, 156, in what can be described as a low-scoring series of matches played last weekend, in 2015 Masters 20/20 cricket competition.

Sion Hill 156 for 5 off 20 overs proved too much RYB Challengers Masters who closed a rather purposeless innings at 98 all out in 17 overs. Bill Edwards hit 28, Augustine Victory 27 and Sylvester Vanloo, 23, to lead the Sion Hill batting, with Uzzah Pope, 26 and Kemron Fraser, 22, doing likewise for Challengers. Cleton Burnette, 3 for 2 and Joseph Medford, 3 for 1 accounted for Challengers’ demise.

Leopold Simmons bagged 3 for 27 for the losers.

North East Masters defeated Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters by 7 wickets.

Glamorgan’s 58 in 14.3 overs was far from being a challenge for North East, who cruised to victory, closing on 60 for 3 in 9.3 overs. Harvey Pope’s 4 for 8 proved too much for

Glamorgan.

No batsman got more than 17, Glamorgan’s Agustus Mofford with 17 was the match’s top score.

In other results, St.Vincent Cooperative Bank P’tani Masters defeated Marriaqua Masters by 30 runs. P’tani posted 124 for 3 off 20 overs. Isaac Haywood led with 49 not out and Jerome Samuel had 24.

Wendell Parris took 2 for 9.

Marriaqua Masters were dismissed for 94 off 14 overs. Raymond Maingot top scored with 25.

Adolphous Campbell, 2 for 9, and Cassius Welcome, 2 for 3, were P’tani’s best bowlers.

RSVG Police Masters went on a rampage against Belfongo Masters, inflicting, in the process, punishment by 10 wickets. Belfongo Masters were bundled for 57 and the lawmen raced to 60 without loss in 8.1 overs, with Gosnel Cupid leading with 35 not out and Trevor Bailey 18 not out. Earlier, Sigmond Allen took 3 for 17 and Parnel Browne 3 for 17 to undo Belfongo.

This Sunday matches will

Flow Tie Breaker blows out at GTC THE FLOW TIE Breaker Blowout, played last weekend at the Grassroot Tennis Club, Kingstown, saw the return to the court of former Junior champion, Fabrice George.

George went on to dominate the main draw, defeating Arnol Horne, 7-4 7-1, then Akezo Quammie in the semi finals, 4-7, 7-3, 7-3, to advance to the finals where he defeated Akeen Guy, 5-7, 7-4, 7-3.

In the juniors draw, Akeil Deroche served his way past top Junior Girls

not fool ourselves, the coaching area is in need of someone with his experience, and we have to look beyond any petty agenda”.

SVG will take on the USA, Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago in the next round of the Qualifiers beginning on November 13 away to the USA, and four days later at Arnos Vale against Guatemala.

Connell, said the club will try to make a tournament of this nature possible at least once per month, since it keeps the spirit of the youths up and gives them a chance to get more match practice, which is crucial in the development of any player.

He thanked the sponsor Flow for their kind gifts and support which came within 24 hours of the request being made.

“Clearly they are aware that the investment in youth is priceless, and

they continue to be good corporate citizens with their contribution to the development of the game of Tennis in SVG and sports in general,” he said.

A total of 24 players participated in the Blowout.

The men of the moment (l-r) : Fabrice George, Flow rep.

Corey Garrett, Akeil DeRoche, Director of GTC Grant Connell.

feature Belfongo against Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie at Sion Hill, Bequia versus P’tani at Arnos Vale Two and Park Hill United against Kirk DaSilva’s LaCroix at Park Hill. All matches beginning at 10:00am.

Two matches are slated to begin at 2:00 pm also on Sunday: Pastures take on Sion Hill at Arnos Vale Two, and Marriaqua play North East at Park Hill.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Gosnel Cupid, with 35 for Police Masters, was last weekend’s highest individual rungetter in the 2015 Masters 20/20 cricket competition.

V

24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

ÂSophieÊ YoungMalcolm to retire

VINCENTIAN-BORN professional women’s basketballer Sophia ‘Sophie’ Young-Malcolm is retiring.

She has given clear indication that she will retire at the end of this season (2015), finishing a 10-year WNBA career, all with the San Antonio Stars.

‘Sophie’ leaves a legacy at the Stars. She is that WNBA franchise’s leader in points, rebounds, steals and a slew of other categories.

From an All-American and National NCAA Champion (2004-05) at Baylor University, to a three-time All-Star in San Antonio, ‘Sophie’ has helped shape the Stars franchise with her

determination and a tireless work ethic.

“She’s given her everything to this organization for 10 years,” said Stars teammate Jia Perkins.

“Even in her last season, that’s Sophia. Always working.”

Another Stars teammate, Jayne Appel, said, “Sophia’s made this team a family. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, first man or 12th man, she’s helped build that mindset that we’re all in this together.”

Baylor University coach Kim Mulkey blurted even before a complete question was put to her that, “Sophia helped put Baylor

Gomea strikes twice in TBPO 20/20 GOMEA BOMBERS had two bites of the victory cherry in last weekend’s round of matches in the National Lottery Authorities TBPO 20/20 Softball cricket competition, thanks to two five-wicket hauls

by Alwayne Quashie.

Bombers displaced Clinchers by 26 runs to record their first victory. Bombers 81 in 17.3 overs did not seem to offer an unsurmountable challenge, but Clinchers failed to show any fighting spirit and were bundled for 55 in 16 overs, failing to negotiate Alwayne Quashie, 5 for 19, and Raymond Sayers, 3 for 16 . Clinchers had been encouraged earlier by the returns of Deson Spring, 4 for 26, and Okeiph Andrews, 2 for 27.

Gomea Bombers recorded their second win when they defeated Sunset Strikers by 2 wickets. Sunset Strikers made 98 in 16.1 overs - Rodney Gibson 16 and Anthonel Palmer 13. Bowling for Bombers, Alwayne Quashie grabbed his second 5 wicket haul of the day with a record-breaking 5 for 7, while Raymond Sayers had 3 for 27. Bombers reached 102 for 8 in 14.2 overs. Ronel Simon top scored with 31.

Sunset Strikers’ Ian Bushay bagged 3 for 13, and Anthonel Palmer 2 for 22.

In another match, Older Boys batted first and made 99 in 17 overs against New Track. Junior Bacchus top scored with 43. Bowling for New Track, Andre Woods bagged 3 for 21. In reply, New Track reached 105 for 7 in 14.4 overs with a top score, 39, coming from Bernard Davis., Urias King, Michael John and Joel Horne each took 3 wickets for Older Boys.

Jobari Cunningham, coming off a century from his last game, hit 63 to seal victory for Simple Boys over All Stars. All Stars put up 115 for 9 in their 20 overs, to which Simple Boys replied with some haste, closing at 117 for 2 in 11.5 overs.

All matches were played at the Daphne Playing Field where matches will continue this weekend.

I.B.A.ALLEN

University on the map, period. We will always be indebted to her, and she’ll go down in history as a great player and a positive ambassador.”

Quizzed about what she will remember most, ‘Sophie’ told nba.com, “There are so many great memories. …. The Finals (2008) is obviously up there, but there are so many that I never would have dreamed of. Who would have thought a girl growing up in a tworoom house with her mom and five brothers and sisters could end up here?”

‘Sophie’s’ journey began in the coastal town of Layou. She competed in track and netball, with basketball being a far third on her pecking order.

At the age of 15, she left SVG and her family to become an exchange student at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, La. She played basketball for a season and began falling in love with the sport, but she wanted to get

better.

Reports are that the young lady, still a junior, called Shreveport’s fire chief Bo Roberts, a former club basketball coach, for help with her game. He declined.

She called again, and a third time, until Roberts finally took a look.

“That sums her up more than anything,” said Stars coach Dan Hughes. “The thing you notice about Sophia from day one is her desire to improve. You look at her humble beginnings, and the fact that we’re talking about her WNBA career now, and it’s because she earned it every step of the way.”

One of ‘Sophie’s’ next priorities is children of her own. She plans on starting a family with her husband, Jermaine Malcolm, and said she wants to have five kids her own starting line-up.

A devout Christian, ‘Sophie’ Young-Malcolm said she and her husband also hope to give back to the

Sophia ‘Sophie’ Young-Malcolm closes the book on a 10-year WNBA career and leaves a legacy that will inspire for generations to come.

Caribbean Islands through mission work and ministry.

“She looks at what she wants to do, and she has the faith and the motor to go from that belief to

that destination,” Hughes said. “That’s how she’s always lived. She’s already accomplished so much, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

(Source: nba.com)

Bailey cycles to back to back wins ZEFAL BAILEY is making a late surge at the back end of the 2015 cycling season.

He recorded his second consecutive victory when he claimed the 30 mile road race last Sunday.

Bailey, who for most of the season had to watch Cammie Adams’ back to the finish line, once again reversed things in Sunday’s race.

Bailey’s time was one hour 17 minutes 0. 08 seconds, while Adams clocked one hour 17 minutes 10 seconds.

Taking the third place was veteran Peter Durrant in one hour 17.minutes 11 seconds. Durrant was also the top finisher in the Masters’ category as he lengthened the number of wins over his foes.

Second to Durrant in the Masters was Randy Wilkinson with a time of one hour 17 minutes 16 second, and third was Orel George in one hour 21 minutes 09 seconds.

Samuel Lyttle copped the junior segment ahead of Stephen

Ferdinand. Lyttle’s winning time was one hour 19 minutes 42 seconds and Ferdinand- one hour 33 minutes 10 seconds.

Last Sunday’s race saw the cyclists circuiting the Mt Grenan to Georgetown route three times, with the finish line along the Colonaire stretch.

Following Sunday’s race, a six-man man team to represent St Vincent and The Grenadines at the five-stage International Tobago Cycling Classic from September 29 to October 4, was selected. The team is Orano Andrews, Cammie Adams, Zefal Bailey, Enroy Lewis, Dominic Ollivierre and Dwight Sargeant.

The management team

Zefal Bailey is making a late show of his winning ways.

Left: Peter Durrant, top Masters rider, continues to hold his own among the younger riders. comprises Albert Quammie - team Manager, Trevor Sailor Bailey and Emerson Holder.

V

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

Sports

Staying positive WE ARE IN THE BIG TIME, not for the first time, but the US has added a flavour to the bubble. It will be a shock should we secure a draw, far more a win, in our showdown at Busch Stadium in St. Louis Missouri November 13.

It will be new grounds for World Cup clashes.

Both teams have never met, so there are no comparisons. The USA faced Barbados and Grenada in qualifiers, but people from Trinidad and Tobago will not forget the November 19, 1989 trauma, when the Red Force, with a draw needed to seal a spot to Italy, were stunned by an American goal which reversed all expectations.

Images of persons numb in the pavilion after the match, still remain on the minds of many.

The Trinidadians are in this group as well.

Some Americans are claiming that the other three teams are fighting for the second berth.

Pundits might have pencilled in Trinidad and Tobago as favourites.

Guatemala will feel that it is time for them to advance and stake a claim for upward movement in Central America.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines are underdogs.

We are expected to be the whipping boys for the other nations as they notch points to facilitate them.

That status will suit us. Whatever the technical, technological and territorial advantages may be, soccer is played on the field.

How the players and coaches adapt to the time and conditions, will affect the course of the game.

The addition of former defender Ezra Hendrickson should assure the squad.

Hendrickson is one of those 100 percent Vincentians.

He demonstrated that on the field, and he will relish the opportunity to fulfil his mission of taking football to the highest. His knowledge of US conditions and his familiarity with their style of play will be helpful to his onetime teammate Cornelius Huggins.

Huggins will be matching wits with Jurgen Klinsman.

In a recent interview following his team’s 4:1 loss to Brazil, Klinsman confessed that teams like Brazil “have another gear in their games.”

He alluded to the absence of some of his key players, and urged others in the party to “get yourself on the highest level possible. Get yourself even sharper, and do some extra work in your club teams.”

Huggins would not have needed any prompting to have instilled a similar doctrine to his charges. It is a matter of pride and personal responsibility.

This is a huge task for our footballers. The benefits are boundless for even the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. We have solidarity of CARICOM countries, some also in the qualifiers like Jamaica, and Haiti.

We must have a full squad beyond the 18 member outfit, and prepare a contingent with as broad a reservoir as possible.

This will be a long campaign. The nation has to contribute in every way.

There is no shying away. We have to face the light and avoid being dazzled. This image is not just for visual impact. There is a cultural and historical significance. We must display the St. Vincent and the Grenadines we have evolved to be: like Chatoyer, brave, strong, and resilient.

Our football story is synonymous of that spirit.

We have to nurture it.

James guides North Stars to victory

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY AN INNINGS of 63 not out by Lyndon James, the Vincentian senior cricket team captain, proved crucial for North Stars in their match against Carlos James Petro Stars last Sunday, in the Vinlec North Leeward Cricket competition.

Gidron Pope and Kennard Forbes, 22 each, supported James as North Stars compiled 163 for 4 off 18.3 overs. Pegged back by a North Stars outfit that started with the minimum seven players, Carlos James Peto Stars were restricted to 139 for 9 off 20 overs.

It took a 72-run fifth wicket partnership between Ronique Laborde 56 and Maxwell Edwards (17) to give some respectability to the Peto Stars team, this after they were reeling at 16 for 3 at one stage.

James, one of three late arrivals for North Stars, returned figures of 2 for 6. Kennard Forbes 2 for 41 made the early inroads.

Kenrick Westfield, 2 for 21, was the most successful bowler for Peto Stars.

This was North Stars’ sixth win in the competition.

Police maintained their unbeaten record with a 68-run victory over Sharpes United. The Lawmen reached 171 for 8 off 18 overs, thanks to a 93-run second

Lyndon James made a late entry into the game but proved to be pivotal in North Stars’ victory.

wicket stand between Danson Andrews, 44, and Marcus John 39. Rellan McKie, 3 for 25, and Desroy Samuel, 2 for 36, were the main wicket takers for Sharpes, who were shot out for 103 off 12.2 overs, with only Osborne Nash, 23, putting up any resistance.

Elmore Alexander 4 for 48, Sylvan Spencer and McLean Williams 2 for 6 each, and Kenneth Dember, 2 for 22, contributed to Sharpes’ demise.

Rudy’s Electrical beat Carlos James Troumaca Starlight last Saturday by one run.

Norlan Williams, 60, and Christopher Campbell, 31, shared a 108-run fourth wicket stand, but when that partnership was broken at 155, Rudy’s Electrical collapsed to 161 from 19.2 overs.

That collapse was engineered by Kisnell John, 5 for 14.

Starlight finished at 160 for 9, undermined by Joelano Neil, 3 for 15, and two wickets each for Colin Shoy and Samuel Holder. Donald Delpesche, 33, and Ronique Samuel, 31, were the main contributors with the bat for Starlight.

Coulls Hill Rangers romped to a 78-run win over Petit Bordel Secondary School. Undefeated

knock by Keswick Williams, 55, and Kishore Shallow, 44, and knocks of 54 and 23 from Marcus McCoy and Akeem Shallow respectively, powered Rangers to 225 for 3 from 20 overs.

The Secondary School team scored 147 for 7 from 20 overs, with Cklon McKie, 41, Kadeek Patterson, 26, and Tevorn Robertson, 23, being among the runs.

Kishore Shallow 2 for 21 and Angus Cyrus 2 for 31 were the chief wicket takers for Coulls Hill.

The competition continues this weekend: Saturday - Somerset versus Sharpes United and Starlight versus Petit Bordel Secondary; Sunday - North Stars versus Robertson Surveying Future Legends and Somerset versus Police.

Davis is Umpires Association new president ONE OF THE LEADING umpires in the region has now been handed added responsibilities, this time off the field of play, when he was elected president of the local Umpires Association.

Roger Davis, whose most recent stint umpiring in the region was during the West Indies limited overs tournament held in Trinidad, was elected President of the SVG Cricket Umpires Association, at its Annual General Meeting

Roger Davis, newly elected President of the SVGCUA, expects that the next two years would be a heightened period of activity for his Association.

held on September 19, 2015.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Davis addressed plans for the Asscoiation.

“In terms of the way forward, the new executive will be looking to strengthen the Association in terms of numbers and quality of umpires by having a recruitment drive along with training.”

In addition, the new president pointed to an effort, “to work towards an exchange programme

for umpires and our up and coming umpires to be able to gain experience of officiating in different countries.”

Davis expects the exchange programme to be implemented “within our first six months.”

The idea of an exchange programme for umpires was first advanced by Davis during a paper he delivered at the last Windwards Convention (Umpires).

The new executive elected to serve for two years is as follows: Roger Davis — President, Dillon Child Vice President, Colbert McDonald Secretary/Treasurer, Maria Abbott - Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer (the lone female), Selwyn Allen- Public Relations Officer, and Eddie Williams and Deighton Butler — Committee Members.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 25, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

Fiscal out turn shows improvement THE FISCAL OUT TURN of the country shows a slightly better performance for the year so far up to July 31, compared to the same period last year.

Responding to a question by Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace, in last Monday’s Sitting of Parliament, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Ralph Gonsalves gave the following details: Revenue and Grants for the period amounted to EC$315.02 million compared to EC$309.8 million for the corresponding period in 2014; Capital Revenue in

2015 was EC$14.9 million, compared to EC$8.76 million, and total expenditure EC$336.6 million compared to EC$343.7 million in 2014; Capital Expenditure for the period ending July 31, 2015 was EC$38 million compared to EC$46 million in 2014; The Current Balance stood at EC$1.4 million compared to EC$2.8 million, and the Primary Balance was EC$3.4 million in 2015 compared to EC$-8.9 million, with the overall deficit amounting to EC$21.6 million when compared to EC$33.7 million in 2014. (DDD)

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, was pleased to report that the fiscal position of the State was better than it was at the same time last year.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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CHIEF JUSTICE SCOLDS LAWYERS

condemned the lack of respect some displayed.

THE ACTIONS OF SOME lawyers are Mannerisms and expressions of causing members of the public to look at those delinquent professionals were them as untrustworthy. “detracting from the nobility of the Chief Justice of the Eastern profession,” the Chief Justice observed, Caribbean Supreme Court, Janice and she urged them “to treat litigants Pereira, spoke on the issue last week and other colleagues with fairness and Thursday during an address from the dignity.”

Grenada High Court, to mark the The situation of lawyers being opening of the 2015 - 2016 Law Term. “unprepared” comes as disrespectful, Her remarks came by a video link, in the Chief Justice’s judgement. aired at several jurisdictions including Pereira is taken aback by the habit the High Court in Kingstown. of some persons appearing in courts Chief Justice Pereira lamented the without proper certificates. conduct of some lawyers, noting that “There is an increasing number of “disbarments, suspension and other Attorneys who commit a great sanctions against members of the legal disservice to the profession, the client profession are becoming all too and the court, by sneaking their way common place.” before the court, knowing fully well She found it “disheartening, that that they are in contravention of this lawyers have become more of an object requirement,” Pereira indicated. of distrust rather than reverence,” and

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

She cited that practice as “discourteous and dishonest,” and considered it as unfair to other colleagues.

And as she warned the lawyers about bringing the profession into disrepute, she also rebuked them for their tardiness, and reminded them that the burden was on them to lead by example.

The “falling standards” concerned Pereira, and she noted the “disconnect between senior and younger lawyers.”

The “misuse of clients’ funds” is “disconcerting” to the Chief Justice.

She warned that courts will not be tolerant of such conduct, and that Attorneys ought to look at their duties as “sacrosanct.”

The role of the Bar Association is critical to the dispensation of justice, and Pereira offered that it was

Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Janice Pereira, made no bones about the fact that some lawyers in the OECS region were ‘pulling down’ the profession. necessary to have a “fully functional Bar Associations.”

She urged lawyers to get involved “to effect the change you want to see.”

President of the local Bar Association, René Baptise, acknowledged that there were lawyers practising without the authority so to do.

“We know who they are,” she quipped..

PRISON UPGRADING CONTINUES Majesty’s Prison, Kingstown, and are accommodated in a THE PRISON POPULATION specially adapted, separate in St. Vincent and the wing.

Grenadines as of September The plan is to have the 17, 2015, stood at 454, female prisoners housed at including 103 on remand, 7 the Correctional Facility at females and 1 juvenile.

Belle Isle and, according to This was disclosed by the AG, a new female wing Attorney General (AG) Judith there is about 65 percent Jones-Morgan as she complete. The estimated cost delivered remarks at the is EC$1.5 million, with most special High Court sitting on of the labour provided inThursday, September 17, to house. mark the opening of the 2015Addressing the overall 2016 Law Year. state of the Belle Isle facility, The AG also disclosed that the AG informed that the the females previously housed Trade Shop, to enhance the at Fort Charlotte, Upper rehabilitation programme for Edinboro, have been the inmates, was about 90 temporarily relocated to Her percent complete. She noted

by HAYDN HUGGINS

that funding has been secured from a friendly government to equip the shop.

The facility’s farm continues to supplement the diet of the inmates, while raising funds through the sale of produce to the public, to ensure the sustainability of the farm, Jones-Morgan said.

Thhe Kingstown prison was established in 1872, to accommodate about 60 inmates.

Though work had been done there over the years to repair and expand the facility, overcrowding continued to be a major problem. It was also the scene of a series of disturbances in the late

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

The Belle Isle Correctional facility has not only improved physical conditions for inmates, but has also made the rehabilitation programmes more meaningful.

1990s.

The newly constructed Belle Isle Correctional Facility has not only been able to alleviate the overcrowding at Her Majesty’s

Prison, but, given its design, both in physical structure and purpose, it shows indication that it has enhanced the rehabilitation programmes for the inmates.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.