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THURSDAY,

APRIL 30, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.18

www.thevincentian.com

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The Anglican Church Car Park was noticeably not used last Sunday night.

Fidel Taylor, Chairman of the Gospel Fest Committee, was himself a victim of the break-in.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Remedial action after an act of vandalism of vehicles parked at a public function in Kingstown.

AT LEAST ONE ORGANIZER of Gospel Fest is calling for a review of the security arrangements for activities held at the Victoria Park.

This follows reports that a number of patrons who attended the closing of Gospel Fest, at the said venue last Sunday, had their vehicles broken into.

Fidel Taylor, Chairman of the Gospel Fest Committee, confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN that five vehicles were broken into, including his, during the final night of the event.

According to the chairman, the perpetrators got into his vehicle by smashing the glass and unlocking the door.

For Taylor, he was a victim twice over, his vehicle having been broken into on the opening night of the 2015 edition of the Gospel Fest, when it was parked in the vicinity of Gibson’s Building Supplies Ltd., just outside the VIP gate to the Victoria Park, he said.

Continued on Page 3.

Michael Peters, Coordinator of Gospel Fest, pointed to the ‘criminals’ studying the movements of the police before pouncing.

V FLOW adds CINEMAX to Basic Package 2. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE POPULAR MOVIE CHANNEL CINEMAX has been added to FLOW’s Digital Extended Basic package (i.e. subscribers to the ‘mew’ box), and at no additional cost to customers.

Word of this has come from FLOW - Columbus Communications (St.

Vincent & the Grenadines) Limited, this country’s only cable television service provider, which officially launched the CINEMAX channel on March 13, 2015.

According to a release from Flow, this channel addition is in line with

the company’s continuing efforts to provide the best value and entertainment options for customers - a consistent and streamlined video product, which includes a channel line-up that appeals to its large and diverse customer base.

Mr Christopher

Gordon, country manager commented: “I am delighted to announce the addition of this leading movie channel to the Extended Basic package at no additional cost.

Customers can see some of the best movies and series on Cinemax and the Extended Basic

CINEMAX is an American premium package now provides cable and satellite even more value to television network that customers. We are always broadcasts theatrically exploring new released feature films, opportunities to enhance along with original our video service, and action series, customers can expect to documentaries and see additional special behind-theenhancements in the scenes features. future.”

Customers who provider’s video platform subscribe to the Digital Extended Basic package, are encouraged to now have the opportunity upgrade to the new Flow Digital Video service, and to enjoy the biggest take advantage of offers blockbusters all in one single channel. They can such as this, along with many other enhanced revisit the movies that benefits. made history and Persons desirous of discover critically obtaining more acclaimed independent information on how to films as well as international films on the sign up or upgrade to the new Flow Digital Video Cinemax channel. The platform, can contact a channel also features award winning actors and customer care representative at 570actresses from FLOW (3569) or via svgHollywood’s greatest movies, and also keeps up getflow@columbus.co, or to date on celebrity news visit FLOW website at and spectacular festivals www.discoverflow.co.

(Contributed) from around the world.

Customers who still have the former service

LIME pumping up Vincy Mas Launch

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VINCENTIANS can look forward to yet another action packed Vincy Mas this year,.

This is the guarantee from LIME, platinum sponsor of the festival, as that telecommunications joins with the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) to launch the 2015 Carnival season tomorrow evening.

This Saturday, Victoria Park will be awash with Vincentian talent as Vincy Mas is launched.

Saturday’s activities will commence with the customary journey of music trucks from the leeward and windward ends of the island, converging in Kingstown. This will be followed by a parade of the trucks, musicians and costumes around the city, before assembling at Victoria Park, where patrons will be introduced for the first time, to the 2015 Miss SVG contestants, and entertained by various carnival themed entertainments, including the highly anticipated New Song competition.

Those out of the way, it would be time for LIME’s Launch Fete, featuring the LIME Vincy Soca Dans Fireman Hooper, Luta, Shaunelle McKenzie and DJ Q. A host of LIME DJ’s, including Hyper 4000, Pitbull and Chemical X, and DJ Fugitive, together with Keith Currency and other local performing artistes, will also be on show.

Bigred and Melo out of Carriacou, are slated to be the evening’s guest artistes.

LIME is proud to be an official sponsor of Vincy Mas, and invites carnival lovers to indulge in the various shows and rural carnivals in a clean and peaceful manner.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 3.

News 3

Music Teacher questions CPEA format

by KENVILLE HORNE

A PRIMARY SCHOOL music teacher here, has expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) exam, which replaced the Common Entrance exam last year.

C.W Prescod Primary School Music teacher and Musical Director, Keslon “Taffa” Wilson, who was responding to a comment concerning the teaching of music in schools, during a Symposium at the Beachcombers Hotel last Wednesday, said that at the primary school where he teaches, there is a unique music programme, where the Elite Steel Orchestra allows the school the use of their instruments. In return, the Orchestra gets to use the venue for training.

He said steel pan is on the school’s curriculum from Grade 4 to 6, and beside steel pans, students are also taught to play a recorder.

Wilson, founder of the Elite Steel Orchestra, said that in the last couple of years, the Music Department in the Ministry of Education would gather teachers who want to start music programmes in the primary schools, and provide them with the necessary training.

“Now it started to take root, because we started seeing music questions surfacing in the Common Entrance exams, …. and

there was a gradual steady increase of music related questions at the Common Entrance exam.

So what happened?”

Wilson queried.

Responding to his own question, Wilson said, “Then along came CPEA, and what happened? All the questions (music) for Common Entrance disappeared. Music is no longer considered for CPEA. That’s the travesty right here,” Wilson told the Symposium.

He said when he enquired he was told, …

‘You see, for some countries, the amount of music would be different than for other countries.’

“Fair enough, some countries have music teachers with degrees, while others don’t. But no matter where you go in the world, a crotchet is a crotchet. So the idea should have been not to remove, the music question but to train more teachers, create a curriculum so that the children can get the information. Music is a universal language, and to deny our children ability to speak that language ……… that’s a travesty,” said Wilson.

The C.W Prescod Primary School Steel Orchestra, under the guidance of Wilson from its inception, has been one of the leading schoolbased steel orchestras here, and is a former National Schools Panorama Champ (2013).

Kelson ‘Taffa’ Wilson, C.W.P.P.S Music teacher and Musical Director, has questioned the removal of musicrelated questions from the CPEA exam.

Hon. Cecil Mc Kie (left) hands over the keyboards to Mr. Innis Primus of the WSGSS.

Music Programme receives boost THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Music Department of the West St. George Secondary School is further equipped with the receipt of two (2) keyboards.

The donation was made possible through the instrumentality of the Hon. Cecil Mc Kie, Member of Parliament for West St. George, the constituency in which the school is located, in collaboration with Mr. Robert McBarnett and the St. Matthias Charities Inc. (SMCI) of New York.

This donation, according to a news release, is in keeping with a commitment made by the SMCI in 2014, to provide further support for the School in whatever way possible.

Previously, the SMCI donated a piano, several items of stationery,

other equipment and medical supplies to the School.

The West St. George Secondary School recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. During this relatively short period of service towards molding the lives of young people, especially from the West St. George area, the school has impacted on the education landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and now ranks among the ten top schools in the country, having attained in excess of 65% pass returns in the 2014 external exams.

The school is noted for its use of sports and culture, music and the arts as building blocks to complement its academic programme.

Break-ins mar Gospel Fest finale Continued from Front Page.

In all, Taylor said that he lost close to EC$6,000 in equipment and cash; among what was removed then were a laptop, US$1300 and a Samsung S4 cellular phone.

Luckily, he said, he was able to recover the hard drive for his laptop.

The perpetrator had removed the hard drive, Taylor explained, and threw the computer in an area in Rose Place.

He was fortunate to recover the item because the father of the perpetrator recognised some photos on the hard drive, and encouraged his son to return the piece of hardware.

But others Taylor said, were not so fortunate.

And while there was ample security inside Victoria Park, Taylor told THE VINCENTIAN that there should have been some security available to safeguard the vehicles and property of patrons, who came to enjoy the show.

“We need the police to focus outside going forward — that’s my opinion,” he said.

“It’s (the show) a Christian thing.

Our show is not a bacchanal thing,” Taylor said, adding that there were eight officers posted inside the Victoria Park.

Michael Peters, Coordinator of the Gospel Fest, and the man charged with organizing the

security, explained that the event is now a national one, and is organised through the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Gospel Fest Committee.

He went on to explain that the police were formally requested to provide security for the event, including its closing.

According to Peters, Cultural Officer with the Department of Culture here, the breaking into vehicles has been a problem for organisers of events staged at the Victoria Park for some time now.

And while recognising that members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) would patrol the area on these occasions, Peters said that criminals often monitor the movement of the police, and make their move at the opportune time.

Peters added that individuals ought to begin to use areas designated as secure parking, for example paid parking lots where security and lighting are provided.

He, however, admitted that, while no arrangements were made with those responsible for the St George’s Anglican Cathedral Car Park, the area is there for use.

“I wish persons would look for secured parking,” he continued.

Peters further explained that individuals should also avoid leaving items of value in their vehicles to tempt criminals.

When contacted, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles said that

he passed through the area, and was disappointed when he saw that patrons had opted to park along North River Road (area of the Roman Catholic Cathedral), all the way up to the bridge linking the North River Road to Stoney Ground.

The Commissioner said that there was no one parked in the St George’s Anglican Cathedral parking facility.

“I was totally disappointed,” he said.

Charles added that, had these vehicles been parked in a secured area, it would have minimised the damage.

He, too, encouraged individuals to utilize designated, paid parking areas — particularly with the Carnival activities about to begin.

Charles defended the organisation he heads, saying that police were on patrol, but that he continues to work with limited resources.

But, there will be police patrols during the Carnival season, which begins this Saturday with the launch.

“During the Carnival, we have to make it safe for our people, and coming out of the (recent) incident, we will do what it takes to minimize this sort of occurrence,” Charles said.

“But we have to work together,” he continued.

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4. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Nanton gets award for pan

Marla Nanton is committed to ensuring the future in pan in the South East communities and beyond of St. Vincent.

by KENVILLE HORNE

Orchestra (SESO), has art form in St. Vincent and received a special award for the Grenadines.

MARLA NANTON, Director of her outstanding work and The award was Scotiabank South East Steel contribution to the steel pan presented to Nanton by

Former Minister of Culture, René Baptiste, on behalf of the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers, during the opening night of the 2015 HEARTS OF STEEL concert.

In presenting the award, Baptiste noted that there are heroes in our mist, “and we don’t recognize them early enough so that they can enjoy the accolades of their fellow citizens.”

She highlighted Nanton as the first female conductor, arranger and

director of a Steel Orchestra in SVG. In accepting the award, Nanton expressed thanks to the former Minister of Culture, her past teachers and colleagues of the South East Development Inc., for their support.

She, however, dedicated the award to her Mother, Anita Nanton.

Nanton boasts an impressive resumé which includes: a pan journey with Potential Steel Orchestra beginning in 1988; active membership in the Girls’ High School

Steel Orchestra which she captained from 1996 — 1997; the 1997 Lois Williams Award for Music from St. Vincent Girls’ High School; Co-founder (2001) and first president of Rhythmix Steel Orchestra; the 2006 Dean’s Award for outstanding performance in Music from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Nanton is currently a Programme Officer in the Ministry of Education here.

VINSA’s on the go VINCENTIAN STUDENTS at public and the University of the West business houses Indies, Cave Hill Campus, “to cooperate with Barbados, have elected a new us and help us in L-R: John Coombs and CJ executive to serve their our efforts to Bonadie.

Vincentian Students achieve Vincentian Association (VINSA) at that excellence both In fact, the campus. home and abroad.” new executive (L-R) : Kayrel Edwards, Sheresa Stowe, Latika John, Maffica Lewis, Felica The new executive reads: Among these plans is has overseen Thomas, Roxanne Butler, Kemba Roberts, Kimesha Davis and Jamandi President- Roxanne Butler; Vice continuing the programme one activity President- Kemba Roberts; under which Vincentian Thomas. since taking Secretary- Felica Thomas; students here at Cave Hill office. The address. He spoke on the topic And as VINSA looks towards Cultural Entertainment and receive exam packages to aid Annual Farewell Dinner under working with Vincentians in Activities Chairperson- Sheresa them in their upcoming exams. the theme ‘Passing on the torch, ‘Workplace readiness for university graduates’.

Barbados as well as at home, Stowe; PRO- Kimesha Davis; This was expected to be moving to new horizons’, was VINSA is considered to be they are encouraging those who Treasurer- Jamandi Thomas; activated last Tuesday, April 28, held, during which Vincentian one of the most, if not the most, are willing to assist, to contact Special Projects Chairpersonand is being co-ordinated by Dr. Justin Robinson, Dean of prominent Island Association at the Association at John Coombs; Constitutional Welfare Officer, Kayrel the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Cave Hill Campus.

VINSAcavehill@gmail.com.

Chairperson- Latika John; Edwards.

Cave Hill, delivered the feature Welfare Officer- Kayrel Edwards; Returning Officer- Maffica Lewis; and Sports and Games Representative- Cj TELECOMMUNICATIONS “The farmers of Fancy are now Bonadie. service provider Digicel has embarking on a new path in In her maiden address stepped outside of the generally Agriculture, paving the way for a as President, Roxanne accepted areas of corporate more focused and businesslike Butler assured the demonstrations of support for approach in making our farm Vincentian Students at family’s livelihood more Cave Hill that the mantra civic organisations, by aligning themselves with a famers group meaningful and sustainable,” is still to move VINSA here. says Ms. Marsha Williams, forward to new horizons, Digicel has put its resources, President of FAVFCO. “The main and posited that “once we what it described as its “power”, objective of the co-operative is for echo this in unity, we behind the formal launch and produce vegetable seedlings to would be powerful beyond programme of the Fancy farmers in the Fancy community measure.”

Vegetable Farmers’ Co-operative and surrounding villages at an This, she said, was in (FAVFCO). affordable cost throughout the keeping with this year’s The Co-operative is expected year.” theme, ‘Let’s shine Members of FAVFCO receiving handsets and other gifts from to, among other services, In committing his company to together, for together, we Digicel staff. cultivate and sell vegetable support FAVFCA, Digicel are powerful beyond seedlings of a wide variety, to Country Manager, John measure’.

Mr. Gidharry committed In a release confirming its Gidharry, said, “We think that Plans are already being neighbouring communities. support in terms of staff alliance with FAVFCO, Digicel The group will also be this is a great initiative by the put in place for activities participation on a regular basis, reiterated its support for servicing the Fancy Government farmers of Fancy. … Digicel is in the summer months, communication ease and comfort communities and entrepreneurs School’s Garden Project, through proud to align with FAVFCO to Butler told the through the provision of handsets in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, the donation of produce to that promote healthy eating habits in and monthly credit free of cost to in a meaningful and valuable membership, even as she school’s tuck shop. our communities.” appealed to the general the farmers. way.

New alliance for Digicel

V LIAT to sit with Unions

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 5.

Regional

NEWS COMING out of Antigua last week said that LIAT is to meet with its regional union partners, within the next few weeks.

No date has yet been set, but information received, suggested that the meeting will be held in early May. The news of the meeting came from David Massiah, General Secretary of the Antigua Worker’s Union, one of a number of unions representing LIAT workers across the region.

The meeting is set to discuss LIAT’s plan to downsize its work force, with anything from 180 to 200 places to be made redundant.

LIAT announced in February that its shareholder governments had taken decisions: to relocate more of its fleet to Barbados, thereby decreasing those traditionally based in Antigua; and to lay off upwards of 180 workers.

Since the announcement, and barring stiff opposition to the relocation by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, there has been little more, if any, heard from LIAT’s management, its Board of Directors and/or its Shareholder Governments.

This silence, Massiah told the Antigua Observer, moved him to write to LIAT CEO, David Evans, requesting a meeting between LIAT and its partner unions from across the region, at which the discussion on a

severance package could be formally discussed.

Massiah confirmed, according to the Observer, that the unions had been informed of the possibility that the airline would sever a portion of its staff

in November 2014. In response, the union then suggested an employee severance package for the executive’s consideration.

“That has been on the table since November. We have not been able to meet since. We have not had another regional consultation committee between LIAT and its union partners, so I felt

that it was time,” the Antigua Observer reported Massiah as saying.

Massiah further told the Observer that several of his members, not only in Antigua, but throughout the region, have expressed interest in the severance package.

(Source: Antigua Observer)

David Massiah, General Secretary of the Antigua Worker’s Union, suggested to LIAT management that they meet with the unions representing LIAT workers across the region.

David Evans, CEO of LIAT, has been silent on the restructuring measures proposed by LIAT, but did find himself embroiled in a related matter of LIAT being devolved.

Chinese tourists overwhelm Jamaica JAMAICA has chalked up another first among CARICOM countries.

Last week Wednesday, April 22, 2015, Jamaica, the largest Englishspeaking territory in CARICOM, welcomed an estimated 1,000 Chinese tourists to its shores.

The Chinese disembarked in the northern town of Ocho Rios for what was described as a “groundbreaking” visit.

They arrived by a 12deck cruise ship, Costa Atlantica, operated by Coasta Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s number one cruise company, and which launched its inaugural Asia Around-the-World cruise, customised for travellers in Greater China region, on March 1, 2015.

Ocho Rios was one of 28 destinations in 18 countries on this inaugural cruise for the first Chinese around-theworld cruise.

The 86-day cruise started in Shanghai on March 1 and will return to China on May 26.

According to the Jamaica Observer, Regional Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Janice Allen, said the trip is “very significant, especially the fact that China is such a big potential market for us, and we are expecting that many of the passengers who disembark and enjoy Ocho Rios will see and experience so much, that they will plan trips coming back and be regular stop-over visitors.”

She added that, with Jamaica getting ‘preferred destination status’, the Chinese stop in the island is a step towards encouraging more travel from China.

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill, said, as reported by the Observer, that, “For many years, we have recognised China’s potential for growth as a tourism source market for Jamaica, and we have been taking key steps to attract even more visitors from China, such as the recent approval by cabinet of the conditional waiving of visa requirements for Chinese nationals

Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Regional Director, Janice Allen (second right) and JTB, Cruise Liaison Officer, Sharon Williams (left) share a light moment with Guest Relations Manager of the Costa Atlantica, Shao Enya (right) and several cruise passengers who were among the nearly 1,000 Chinese visitors who arrived in Ocho Rios , Wednesday, April 22. travelling to Jamaica for tourism purposes for 30 days or less.

“I hope that, after experiencing what our destination has to offer, many of these visitors will actually return and also encourage others to do the same.”

The Costa Atlantica sailing into Jamaican waters Minister McNeill during its inaugural Around-the World cruise. viewed the visit as a vote of confidence for Brand Jamaica is proof of the Jamaica. According to him to visit countless other destinations.

The fact that tremendous global appeal , “They could have chosen they decided to include of our unique destination.”

Bunny Wailer on Ganja, Reggae Crusade NEVILLE O’RILEY LIVINGSTON, known the world over as Bunny Wailer, an original member of the Wailers Reggae band that featured Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, is on a new crusade.

The Jamaican Rastafarian, who turned 68 on April 10, 2015, is out to reclaim reggae for Jamaica and to ensure that that country benefits from the billion dollar potential of the ganja industry.

The Jamaica Observer newspaper reports Bunny as saying that “Ganja is tied to the Rastafari culture in a major way. It cannot be separated. So too is reggae music. Apart from the actual Jamaican reggae artistes, we as Rastafarians are not getting anything from outsiders who perform reggae music.”

According to Bunny, “Huge

corporations are reaping the benefits. We have to tax those corporations. And in going after it, we have to protect ourselves. …. “Ganja is Rasta.”

Towards raising funds to aid in reclaiming “what is rightfully Jamaica’s,” Bunny has turned to crowd funding site Indiegogo, to secure contributions to offset costs for retaining international lawyers to protect Rastafari interests in marijuana (ganja) and reggae music.

And to kick off the crusade, the veteran reggae artiste launched the ‘One Love Legalize It! RastaGanja Campaign’ two Wednesdays ago (April 15), with the aim of raising US$1 million.

In addition to retaining the services of lawyers, Wailer explained that part of the funding will be used to register a trademark.

“I’m the only surviving

Rastafarians, including Bunny Wailer, took to the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, April 20, 2014, in a march calling for the legalization of ganja.

Wailer and the world is watching. A lot of people are making money off Rastafari, we haffi get some,” the reggae icon told the Observer, and proceeded to announce that a ‘Ganja Motorcade March’ is planned for Saturday, May 2.

Bunny Wailer’s latest crusade comes on the heels of

Bunny Wailer is on a crusade to reclaim Raggae and Ganja for Jamaica and Rastafari.

Jamaica’s amendment to the laws governing ‘dangerous drugs’, which makes possession of two ounces or less of marijuana a non-arrestable, ticketable offence, that attracts no criminal record.

The amendment also clears the way for ganja cultivation to support research, and this has

already resulted in two tertiary institutions - University of the West Indies and University of Technology - being given the green light to grow marijuana for that purpose.

Up to last Sunday, the Indiegogo contributions had amounted to a paltry US$100, but Wailer said he was optimistic that there will be increased subscription in due course.

V

6. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Woodley sentenced to 25 years

New police clerk at Serious Offences Court

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Jomo Thomas, Woodley’s lawyer, did not confirm that an appeal would be lodged.

WEBSTER WOODLEY, the man who was convicted of the 2004 murder of taxi operator Peter Joseph, after his two coaccused had been cleared of the charge, was sentenced to 25 years in prison this week.

Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo handed down the penalty at the Criminal Assizes on Monday. A 12-member mixed jury had found Woodley guilty on March 2, 2015, following a retrial.

Woodley’s sentence took effect from the date of conviction, but the ten years from the date of his arrest on May 5, 2005, is to be deducted. This means that Woodley would serve 15 years behind bars for the offence.

Woodley’s sentencing was adjourned, pending the submission of a social inquiry report on him, but the report was not read at the sentencing hearing.

Attorney Jomo Thomas represented

Webster Woodley was finally sentenced to 25 years for the murder of Peter Joseph. him at the trial and sentencing hearing.

Woodley of Villa, had been charged jointly with Michael ‘Syndicate’ Samuel of Calliaqua and Grenadian national Sheldon ‘Dutch’ Bain.

Samuel was freed on a no case submission on November 24, 2008 at the first trial.

Woodley and Bain had each been sentenced to 25 years in prison, February 29, 2010, after being convicted of Joseph’s murder.

However, on November 23, 2011, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal quashed the convictions, set aside the sentences and ordered a retrial.

The prosecution discontinued the case against Bain in January this year, leaving Woodley alone to face the retrial.

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

Woodley is awaiting trial on another murder charge. He is jointly charged with Bain for the murder of Sion Hill resident Livingston Primus, who was gunned down at the Sion Hill intersection on August 22, 2004.

Asked on Tuesday if he had any intention of appealing Woodley’s conviction and sentence, Thomas said “It is something that could be explored.”

A MEMBER of the police staff at the Serious Offences Court, who functioned as court clerk and sometimes prosecuted, has been transferred to the Grenadines, and is currently attached to the Canouan Police Station.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Corporal Gideon Black, who was attached to the Serious Offences Court for about four years, became aware that he was included on the list of persons for transfer, Friday, April 24. He spent his last day in Court on Monday, as his transfer was supposed to have taken effect from Tuesday.

Black is replaced by Corporal Kenrick Williams who worked as second Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) in charge of the Canouan Police Station, prior to his transfer.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche described Corporal Black as a very conscientious worker.

“Based on what I know of him, he will always give his best. To my mind, he is very knowledgeable about his job, and he will function anywhere you put him to work,” Delpleche said.

The Senior Prosecutor intimated that sometimes he would give Black the opportunity to prosecute so that he (Black) could expand his knowledge. He was also read the facts in cases in which guilty pleas were entered.

In response to the transfer, Delpleche contended that transfers are inevitable in the police force.

When contacted on Monday, in relation to the matter, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles told THE VINCENTIAN there was no specific reason for the move.

“A member of the Police Force can be transferred anywhere and at any time. There is nothing sinister about his transfer,” the Commissioner explained.

Meanwhile, the new Police Court Clerk told THE VINCENTIAN that, while the Serious Offences Court is new to him, the procedures are not new, since he had practised station management at Canouan for a year and three months, which would enable him to deal with the challenges.

During his stint in Canouan, Corporal Williams worked as Court Clerk at the Canouan Magistrate’s Court and prosecuted. Williams also served at a number of outstations, and as a member of the Special Services Unit (SSU).

Police assaulted RESISTING and interfering with the authority of members of the Royal SVG Police Force in the dispensation of their duty, continue to be a bother here.

In fact, the incidents of resistance have more often than not involved actual assault of police officers. .

As recent as last week, there were two incidents of assault of police officers reported by the local constabulary.

Myron Velox, a 28-year-old labourer of Kingstown was, on April 24, charged with assaulting police officer Carlson Hackshaw during the officer’s attempt to arrest him.

A day later, April 25, Andrew Harry, 33 years, a farmer of Chateaubelair, was arrested and charged with assaulting police officer Derrick Humphrey, while the officer was executing his duty, to wit, arresting the accused Harry.

Harry was also slapped with a resisting arrest charge.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 7.

News

Island scholar graduates from Trinity A 2011 ST. VINCENT And the Grenadines Island Scholar, Kenvorn Cuffy of Chili Village, Georgetown, graduated from Trinity School of Medicine last Tuesday, 21st April, in its 2015 Student Clinician Ceremony.

The activity was held at the institution at Ratho Mill.

Based on his 2011 returns of Grade I’s in Mathematics and Communication Studies at CAPE, and Grade A in Chemistry and Biology with Grade C in Physics at Cambridge A’Level examinations as a student of the SVG Community College Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, Kenvorn placed within the top six positions and was awarded a ‘National Scholar’.

He chose to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor, and was accepted

by Trinity School of Medicine here Kenvorn Cuffy receives his official pin in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. from Dr. Conrad Nedd.

When questioned about his journey at the institution, he explained that, “I started the pre-med courses. As I progressed further and further in the medical programme, then proceeded to the medical things got harder, as should be programme. You could say, the preexpected in medical school. But it was med, was relatively easy compared to manageable; the work content was not the med. I only spent three terms. difficult, it is just that the work load is Because I did Sciences at school, I great. If you put in the work, it will be already had the background that was needed, and was able to by-pass some manageable.”

Kenvorn Cuffy (centre) with his proud parents.

Trinity is the first four-year medical school to be established in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Its students complete a total of ten terms before they move on to residency at hospitals in the United States. During the first five terms, they study basic Sciences, inter alia Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology.

Students are also introduced to Clinical Medicine which is facilitated at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

On completion, they write the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Comprehensive Basic Science examination, an extensive exit exam which gives approval for students to write the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1.

For the next five terms, all students do clinical rotations in Family

Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and some electives; after which they sit the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills and Clinical Knowledge, for permission to practice as a resident in the United States.

As for his expectation, Kenvorn hopes to successfully complete his USMLE Step 1, then proceed to rotations. He is not yet sure of his area of specialty, but, upon completion of his studies, he hopes to return to SVG to give service. “I want to contribute. It is my country that gave me the opportunity, so giving back is my long term goal,” he stated.

Kenvorn is the son of Mr. Kenrick Cuffy, Deputy Principal of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, and Verna Cuffy, a civil servant employed at the Treasury Department.

Another medical team visits SVG Dr Alley said.

And most of the patients were IT IS ESTIMATED that there are 42 indigent poor, he explained. million blind persons in the world.

After all, that is what the It is also accepted that a large organisation is most noted for — percentage of the blindness that traveling to different areas around the prevails worldwide could have either world to perform various surgical been prevented or surgically treated. procedures, he said.

And that was what the team The value of each procedure representing ‘World Blindness performed here, according to Dr Alley, Outreach Inc.’ set out to do during is valued at US$3,000 which includes their weeklong stay in the state, which the surgeon’s fee and hospital cost. ended here last week.

Fidel Caesar, Founder and The team out of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the local organisation, headed by Dr Albert Alley, joined with Medical Relief Association, is the one the local team at the Milton Cato credited with establishing contact with Memorial Hospital (MCMH) to Dr Alley and invited him to come to St perform 65 surgical procedures.

Vincent.

“Those patients had cataract “And we have been in touch since surgery and received lens implants,” then, and this year, we finally had an opening in our schedule and were able to come here,” Dr Alley said.

Administrator at the MCMH, Grace Walters, explained that the persons who received treatment were previously seen by a local ophthalmology team, from whom they received their first diagnosis.

Unfortunately, not for reasons pertaining to the lack of medical resources or expertise, the procedures could not be performed.

“The team saw each individual patient, they did assessments, in terms of need for surgery and urgency of the situation, and they were the

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Dr. Albert Alley and his team performed in excess of 60 cataract procedures during a weeklong visit to SVG.

Fidel Caesar and the Medical Relief Association have facilitated a number of working visits to SVG by medical experts from the USA.

ones who determined who should be on the list,” she said.

The local team was grateful for the generosity shown by the team of foreign doctors, according to Walters.

“It’s a sacrifice for persons especially today where people are trying to make ends meet. We know it’s more than a week, so we are

Grace Walters, MCMH Administrator, expressed appreciation for the generosity of the visiting medical team.

eternally grateful to you, and assure you that your efforts were not at all slighted,” Walters said.

The team also left behind some medical items, including lens implants, blades, viscoelastic, dilating eye drops, eye shields and eye patches.

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8. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 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

A ‘politics-less’ LIAT IN 2010, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister in the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, one of the principal shareholders of LIAT, said something to the effect that, a lot of work was being done throughout the region to develop LIAT. Jump to 2015 and, five years of a lot of work, or is that water, has flowed under (or over?) the bridge, and much of the talk about LIAT has been ‘lost in translation’.

That is why we must heed Dr. Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank, financer of LIAT’s earlier fleet and its new ATR fleet, who, in 2015, described the regional airline’s service as “unacceptable” and “inefficient by any measure”, and warned that the latest announcement of plans to restructure LIAT (relocation of fleet, laying off of workers, etc.) had to work “this time around.”

When we reflect on the sentiments (above), it seems that work to develop LIAT, either is still ongoing, (à la Dr. Gonsalves), or it just simply never got going in earnest, in the first place (à la Dr. Smith).

As this publication proffers, LIAT, will always be in the news. It is one of those institutions with which we have developed an organic relationship.

So, with all that plagues us about and with LIAT, we are caught between forgiving those who have resigned themselves, after recognizing the ridiculously large amounts of real cash investments into LIAT over the years, into accepting that we should simply sever that relationship, and accepting the ‘HOPE’ of recovering investments, of turning LIAT into something that makes money, as reason for continuing to feed its existence.

One thing is for certain: Given all that we have endured — the bad service, the poor management, inside trading by some of LIAT head honchos, musical chairs with the top positions, political biases overriding business sense, etc — it is now safe to conclude that the solution to LIAT woes will never be a political one, i.e. one made by politicians who have no direct vested interest save and except some politically expedient ‘purpose’ of ‘having the people’s interest at heart;.

If it was that our Prime Ministers had the people’s interest at heart, they would have made decisions based on an ongoing sensitivity of the amounts of our money they have invested to ‘keep LIAT in the sky”, and not simply play to the gallery of the electorate.

Our money must not only translate into improved service for us, it must mean returns. We cannot afford, every Monday morning, to be doling out what we can ill-afford to keep something going, whose nonreturns do nothing but cause us pain. .

LIAT’s problems cannot be effectively tackled by two conflicting attitudes — two unlike poles or points of departure. Unlike poles repel, they do not, in natural science and otherwise, attract each other. We’re either in the ‘business of business’ or we’re in the ‘business of politics’.

The two in the same room, across the same table, can never inform a meaningful solution to LIAT’s, or any airline’s predicament.

How can we conclude anything else about the underlying nature of decisions, when we see a Board of Directors, who we expect would be armed with the know-how to informed shareholders, are but top public servants who must obey the dictates of their bosses, the Prime Ministers.

Why, therefore, a Shareholders caucus and a Board of Directors, the latter a mere rubber stamp, it appears?

Time that the Prime Ministers, whose governments are shareholders, stand back, stand off and let those who know about the business of air service run LIAT. We have capable persons right here in the Caribbean; we simply need to take off our political blinkers and invite them to serve.

The decisions of relocation and retrenchment may be be practical measures for setting a new path for LIAT, but when they come from the likes of Prime Ministers, among whom there is already dissent, who is going to take them (decisions) as ‘serious business’?

With the politicians out of the way, we can expect that those who fail to perform are shown the door of no return, not after unnecessary period of ‘see if you can improve, à la Brunton and others, but soonest upon the substantiation of failure.

LIAT cannot be turned around when political concerns drive what ought to be business-informed decisions. There must be political detachment from the business of LIAT if the real decisions to set LIAT on a new and feasible path are to be implemented.

Ah feel fuh Dr. Ken

by Otto Sam (“The Vincentian” December 13th 2002) “I FEEL EXTREMELY SORRY For Dr. ‘Ken’, NDP’s Chief propagandist and “Tommy Tucker Specialist”. Everyone remembers Dr. John as one of the longest serving chairmen of the Public Service and Police Service Commissions, positions which may have earned him plenty money monthly. Easy money, milk and honey.

Nuff gravy.

Obviously missing the sweetness and apparently being huffed by De Comrade, the Dr is acting like a peeved old man who has missed the milk and honey. His apparent bitterness at being excluded from De Comrade’s infamous “Together now” which he depended on for retaining the two chairmanships, has seen him acting like a senile old fellow. How else do you characterise an alleged “intelligent” guy calling for the Prime Minister to contest in East Kingstown?

Although Ken Begged De Comrade to keep him as one of the nation’s orphans like his friend Burns, his pleas fell on deaf ears, he was smartly huffed.

Today this chap, whose profession hardly ever earned him a living, has neither a clientele nor a political free cheque (handout). So sad! Feel for the gentle man because his life depends on it.

Comrade, please, have some compassion on Ken. He is a brilliant writer whose twenty years with the Vincentian is a good contribution. His law Chambers is usually empty and he has no political appointment (as Chairman) and he gets no easy government jobs. How do you expect him to survive? That’s why he is so angry! Don’t you know that he is a Tommy Tucker by profession? After all, he had begged to stay on as Chairman of the PSC in the spirit of together now. Poor chap! His life depends on it.

I really feel for him, because he is so bitter. I’m afraid that he is blowing his fuse or simply getting senile. Comrade, please give him a bread and butter.”

My Response I should have rebutted this letter 15 years ago, before its poison had had time to seep into the body politic; but better late than never.

Firstly, I was referred to as “KenDP,” according to the baptismal rites of my nephew, Mike Browne, as editor of “Justice”. In fact, I have never been a card-carrying member of the NDP nor engaged in any of its councils.

So unlike the case of Blazer who edited “Unity” published by the break-away

MNU, of which he, Blazer, was Deputy Leader.

Blazer, before his appointment as ULP Chairman of the “independent PSC”, went on to serve Ralph as a Junior in his legal chambers, and twice contested national elections on behalf of the MNU, led by Dr. Gonsalves.

In regard to my length of service, of which much has been made, I was the chairman for fifteen years (15) 1986-2001.

Blazer is now approaching 15 years 20012015, and continuing. So what is the big point?

Otto mentioned my coming off to a big “monthly stipend”. Actually, I worked for the princely sum of $400.00 a month, raised to $900.00, then $1350.00 after my 6th two -year appointment. It had climbed to $1850.00 monthly by 1998 when the “powerful” Opposition ULP nearly brought Parliament to a halt, over its boisterous behaviour in clamouring that the Chairman’s pay should be scaled back to $1350.00.

At no time during fifteen years did I reach the monthly figure of $2000.00 which paled in comparison with other OECS states. I wonder what Blazer’s pay packet is like today. The $400.00 start-up salary was operational during Cato’s time when the Chairman, lawyer Christe Norris, reaped a goodly sum from other Government business, including the solicitorship of the NCB! In regard to my leaving the post, Otto has it all deliberately wrong. During the campaigning for the 1998 elections, Dr. Gonsalves had dragged my name through the mud. When a snap election was called, I said publicly that I would resign if the ULP won, which they did, and immediately I submitted my resignation based on principle.

I received pay up to the day in the month that my resignation took effect, not a single cent as a gratuity for 15 years work!

What seemed to hurt Otto especially was my suggestion that Ralph should tackle East Kingstown to prove how weak he said Arnhim was. I was serious. Other leaders had done similar feats to prove a point. Joshua left North Windward in the care of his wife Ivy and removed Charles from Central Windward. Even Vincent Beache had left his strong-hold of North Central Windward to help Ralph win the seat and, in turn, took away South Windward from Burton Williams. Talk about leadership! Ralph had better wheel and come again with aplomb.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 9.

Letters

Gospel Fest: Does it glorify Jesus?

THIS IS ONE of my questions to the Gospel Fest Committee: When you have Gospel Fest in Victoria Park, does it glory Yahshua (Jesus)?

I have been unable to find in the scriptures anywhere where it says that Gospel Fest is the gospel of Yahshua (Jesus). Can you all help me to find it in the scriptures?

Galatians 1:8 — ‘But though we, or angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed’. Let’s look at Gospel Fest, is it pleasing to Yahshua (Jesus) or to men?

Galatians 1:9 — ‘As we said before, so say now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than ye have received, let him be accursed’.

Galatians 1:10 — ‘For do I now persuade men, I should not be the Servant of Christ’.

Matthew 15:3 — ‘But He answered and said unto them, why do you also transgress the Commandment of God by tradition?’

L. Bernard

A Labour Government I RECALL the Unity Labour Party leadership, on numerous occasions, describing their government as a Labour Government. This I have always interpreted as meaning that it looks out for the interest of workers in this country, regardless of the class of workers and who owns the establishments for which they work.

There are now two instances of gross injustice to workers, which have me questioning this intent of the ULP Government, for whom I have cast my vote in the last three elections.

The first is the workers at Bottlers Ltd., and the second the workers at KFC. It is quite some time now that the workers at Bottlers have been on the breadline and, as far as I know, they are still to receive their severance pay, which is their

legal right. The sad thing is that this situation regarding the workers at Bottlers, was allowed to roll out of control, without any real intervention by Government.

Now, that Company has gone into receivership, and the workers are left with their bowls still empty.

Am I to assume that the workers’ severance would be paid as priority when settlement is eventually made?

I am well aware that Bottlers will be indebted to others, but some sense of fair play must prevail in favour of the workers.

After all, are these workers not the same workers who ensured that Bottlers was, at one time, one of the most successful manufacturing businesses in SVG? And on the question of KFC. Are we going to sit idly by and

allow a similar situation to prevail, as far as the 180 or so workers at that establishment are concerned?

Come, Mr. ULP government.

You can build all the schools, centres, bridges, and what have you, but it is how you respond to the needs of the people, the workers of this country, that you will be judged.

And while these 200 and more workers (Bottlers and KFC combined wait, with no one saying anything to them, civil servants and teachers, already so well taken care of, seem like they are in for another package of ‘goodies’.

Workers are workers, regardless of how they dress and speak, and how much news they carry.

Patricia

Who knows, knows not!

LET’S START with how much he doesn’t know, or won’t admit to knowing, and then move on to what he doesn’t want to know.

As the National Security Minister, the Prime Minister has an obligation to know, among other things, on what authority police action is taken. He admits to not knowing, specifically, on whose authority the arrest of Bibbey-Bowens was undertaken. Although he had nothing to do with the actual arrest, he admits to having inquired into it, after the fact. But he has revealed only his puzzlement at the origin of the charges for arrest, as well as puzzlement at the withdrawal of charges by the DPP,

since the DPP seems not to have incited the charges to begin with...Huh? So, is the St. Vincent & The Grenadines Police Force a rogue, renegade entity out there arresting folks without due process, seeking to intimidate “Enemies of the People”, i.e. critics of the current Government? And if a big enough uproar or backlash ensues, they back off? And there is no “invisible hand” behind any of this? Whoa!

And now we have, on the topic of a national conversation regarding our laws on same sex relations: “I don’t have nothing to do with that conversation (sic)... I am not in people’s individual choices...I never said I want to marry a man, and those that wish to do

that can do that if they want.” They can do that if they want, you say? If that is your position, then why not decriminalize same sex behaviour? That doesn’t endorse or encourage same sex behaviour, it simple eliminates prosecuting those that

engage in same. You simply IGNORE it. No law, not for, not against, not supporting, not legally doing anything except IGNORING. Just take your foot off their throat. How difficult is that?

HJA

ULP all the way

WHAT A CONVENTION it was two Sunday’s ago!

I have attended a number of the ULP convention, but the last one was something special. I don’t know if it had something to do with everyone agreeing it was the last before the next elections, but all party members and supporters were truly in high gear, no matter if some of them didn’t wear their red.

When I look at the candidates who will return, I can’t help but believe that they will all win, including Sir Louis. They have proved that they are the best to run this country, under the leadership of none other than Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Tell me, how can that fellow beat ‘Gomery’ after all that ‘Gomery’ did for the people Georgetown and married across the river? How can Merlese, a beautiful young lady anyone believe that ‘Bash’ could from the area, whom he loved ever beat Saboto? How can dearly.

Dickson ever beat Stephenson?

He was a kind-hearted And remember, Sir Louis going gentleman, and gave to take back what he give generously to needy causes and Charles to keep warm for him. I to elderly persons both in could go on and on.

Kingstown and Georgetown. He And don’t talk about the new fellows on the block. Jomo, was supportive of the Georgetown Anglican Church in Camillo, Carlos, Jimmy, Debra, Phillips, and Luke together its fund-raising drives, and make up the brightest set of contributed to the upkeep and people around. These are the beautification of the churchkind of people that we need for yard. the future. So you see, Winston will be greatly something have to be wrong missed by his loving wife, his with you if you don’t vote red children, grandchildren, brothers, relatives and friends. next election.

We nah tun back!!!!

May his soul rest in peace.

Farewell, Bro Winston

WINSTON GEORGE ENGLISH, popularly known as ‘Push’, 12th July 1942 — 21st March 2015, was born in Georgetown to Elina English and Peter Texeira.

He grew up under the loving care of his grandmother, Evina Edwards, after his mother migrated to Trinidad.

Our families were very close, and visited each other’s homes on a regular basis.

Winston attended the Georgetown Government School, and later the Emmanuel High School Kingstown, where he was a conscientious student, and made lasting friendships with several of his classmates from Kingstown and Bequia.

He spent most of his holidays

in Bequia, and was closely associated with families there, so much so that he was referred to as ‘the Bequia man’.

After leaving school, Winston spent some time at sea; but business was his favourite, so he joined the commercial sector, and established an Agency of his own in Kingstown. He was an astute, hardworking and generous businessman, popular and considerate.

He was very devoted to his son and daughter from his first marriage, and when the girl took ill in Canada, he visited her, and was taken around by my sister Barbara who he boastfully said treated him ‘like a king’.

Winston later took up Claudette permanent residence in

A Red Rat to the Bone

* I know Wednesday is Traffic Court day, but why on that day you can’t find a traffic cop on duty anywhere in Kingstown? Will the Commissioner of Police look into this, please? * Is Gospel Fest not listed among the National Festivals that we boast so much about? How come it doesn’t seem to attract the state support that it should rightfully get? * Is the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) gearing up to pay performing rights fees this year? And who is going to pay the fees when calypsonians, etc. have their work streamed live (on the internet) by LIME and others? * Why are people asking Man-AboutTown, who really gave the order to the police to arrest that teacher while she was on her job? * As the 2015 Carnival shows and other functions at Victoria Park draw near, will the Anglican Church Car Park be properly organised? * Is it true that the person(s) appointed to investigate the matter of the importation of a vehicle by the Comptroller of Customs and Excise, without declaration of an invoice, ruled that the Comptroller did nothing wrong? If this is true, are businessmen going to take this lying down?

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10. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Tertiary Education (Taken from the 2015 Budget address) TERTIARY EDUCATION, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

Mr. Speaker, one of the undoubted successes of strategic importance of our government is the Education Revolution, instituted, elaborated and implemented across all areas of education and training: Early childhood; primary and secondary; technical and vocational; teacher and nursing education; postsecondary and tertiary education; special education; and adult education.

The public policy of our government is to create, and sustain, the optimal practicable opportunities for all students who possess the appropriate matriculation qualifications to pursue tertiary education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean region, and internationally by face-to-face attendance at universities or colleges or by way of distance learning utilising modern information technology.

The immediate goal is to have at least one university or college graduate, on an average, per household by the year 2025 or in the shortest possible time thereafter. We are focussing, too, on a range of priority areas of study which are vital to national development.

Currently, our government spends annually over $30 million on postsecondary and tertiary education mainly through the following: the Public Service Commission/Chief Personnel Officer, $6 million; the Ministry of Finance for UWI, $7 million; the SVGCC, $13 million; and the stateowned Student Loan Company, $6 million. Indeed, since 2002, the economically-disadvantaged student loan programme has assisted over 1,200 students with a loan portfolio thus far, of $80 million. In the Caribbean-member states, our university students are in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, and here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines at one of our four medical schools, at the UWI Open Campus or at the SVG Community College.

Grants and Scholarships Additionally, substantial sums have been, and are being, received through grants (scholarships) supplied by numerous friendly countries, and organisations including: Cuba, Venezuela, Taiwan, Mexico, Brazil, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, USA, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Argentina, Turkey, France, Austria, India, European Union, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States, and the United Nations. Currently, there are 510 students at universities around the world through the direct instrumentality of our government. Dozens of others are overseas pursuing studies exclusively through their own private funding.

Never in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has any government mobilised so much resources for education and training, including postsecondary and tertiary education as our ULP administration. Indeed, no other government has ever came close to our own in its dazzling delivery of efficacious educational outcomes. Still, there are enormous challenges, and much more to be done.

This is too vital and existential an issue for us as a nation ever to risk stalling, subverting, or going backwards on, the Education Revolution. Whatever lamentations or grumbling there may be on this or that matter, when the political or historical dust is settled, as it always does, a grateful and disciplined people hold steadfast to their Educational Revolution, its accomplishments, opportunities and hopefulness for the future.

To be sure, a large number of our college and university graduates stay overseas or migrate, in search of additional opportunities. Our government accepts this fact with equanimity given our nation’s small size, its islandness, its insufficiency of job opportunities for all the graduates, and our people’s historic tendency to migrate, yet remain profoundly committed to

their homeland. A central requisite is for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be able to keep a sufficient number of our graduates to enable our country to develop at the fastest rate possible. We are satisfied that, by and large, we are able to retain this level of sufficiency in most technical and professional disciplines.

The Community College Mr. Speaker, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College is evolving as one of the jewels in our educational crown. What is now a multicampus, integrated college at three locations had a humble beginning in the 1990s as an “A-Level College”, under the James Mitchell administration, to better streamline post-fifth form education in the Arts, Science and General Studies, which was offered up to that time only at the St. Vincent Grammar School and the Girls’ High School. The relatively small Nursing School, Teachers’ College, and Technical College existed separately and were run directly by the Ministry of Education.

In 2005, our government established the SVG Community College as an integrated college with four Divisions: the Division of the Arts, Sciences and General Studies (former “A-Level” college), and the Divisions for Nursing, Teacher, and Technical and Vocational Education. Its central objective is to provide a high quality of post-secondary and tertiary level education at an affordable cost. Its Vision and Mission Statements bear this out.

Mr. Speaker, a brief review of the SVG Community College’s current enrolment, facility expansion including the physical plant, programme development, articulation and accreditation arrangements, and its strategic thrust; will provide attestation of the College’s remarkable progress.

SVG Community College has a current student population of 2,442, some four times the number of students at its four component divisions in 2001.

The student enrolment numbers for academic year 2014 — 2015 are as follows: Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, 1007; Teacher Education, 93; Technical and Vocational Education, 785; Nursing Education (Registered Nurse, Nursing Assistant and Midwifery Programmes), 229.

Additionally, there is an enrolment of part-time students of 328.

The expansion of the physical facilities of the SVG Community College, especially at the Villa campus, has been impressive. The original structure for the “A-Level” College was designed for a relatively small enrolment. After 2001, our government expanded the facility with temporary buildings to accommodate an increased influx of students. We finalised all arrangements with the European Union and caused to be built, substantially with grant funds, a modern library fit for an expanding College in the 21st century. Further, last year, again largely with grant funds from the European Union, our government completed an extensive expansion of the Villa campus with an additional 80,000 square feet of floor space.

This physical expansion, inclusive of equipment and furniture, was done at a cost of $34 million, and includes: three new lecture theatres with a combined seating-capacity of 500; an elegantlydesigned open but covered performance space; three new science laboratories; one new computer laboratory; a modern language laboratory; a Visual Arts Studio; eleven new classrooms; a Student Union building with modern cafeteria facilities; an indoor gym and student lounge facilities; a new staff building with staff room, conference room, and staff lounge facilities.

To be continued……

The Constituency Development Fund THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is committed to provide effective representation to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, when it is elected to office, and one of the ways that it proposes to do that is through the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The New Democratic Party is satisfied, more than ever, that we have to revisit our administrative development approach on behalf of our people. When we examine the number of constituency representatives that have (perceived or otherwise) failed the voters of this blessed land, it is difficult not to conclude that we have witnessed a systems failure in our political administrative process. The NDP holds the view that, if we approach national development from a constituency point of view, we are more likely to have a better result, specifically the following: * more people will share the national pie; * national wealth will be more equitably distributed; * more people will get the opportunity to participate in contributing to production at all levels; and * we will broaden the number of people who own the wealth in the country.

It is our view that, if all of our constituencies develop, then automatically, the whole country will develop. A natural expansion of this approach is that we can have more and better capital project implementation, if better provisions are in place for constituency representatives to assist in their respective constituencies, within the framework of the financial and audit requirements of the government.

Furthermore, it is clear that the successful operation of any CDF is contingent upon strong involvement and leadership of the elected representatives. The Members of Parliament play an essential role in facilitating constituents’ participation to make claim upon government services.

In this role, Members of Parliament can ensure that CDF resources are used efficiently and honestly, with the intent to meet the public interests of their constituencies. Thus, the potential offered by the CDF hinges on the initiative of Members of Parliament and their dedication to empowering citizens to participate in their own development.

The following are general principles of good governance that should apply to all Constituency Development Funds, as outlined by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which the NDP will adopt. These are responsiveness, transparency, administration and management, accountability, and monitoring and evaluation.

citizen engagement. Transparency refers to the administration of government services in an open and publicly observable manner that creates opportunities for public participation. * The process of CDF project selection and implementation shall be transparent. Members of parliament and CDF committees shall consult constituents about local development problems and all possible solutions. * All financial information regarding the use of CDF funds on projects shall be publicly available and documented according to standard and auditable accounting principles. Documentation of CDF funding shall be made publicly available in a timely manner.

Administration and Management * The CDF shall be administered and managed in an efficient, effective and transparent manner. In this regard, the elected representative and committees shall facilitate the process by mobilizing citizen participation, streamlining implementing mechanism and proactively complying with them. Such actions ensure that the CDF administration and management will be performed in a timely fashion and remain faithful to the CDF. * The Constituency Development Fund shall be allocated to individuals in a fair and equitable manner, regardless of the elected Member of Parliament partisanship, gender or religion. * The CDF funds shall be channeled to a separate account of a public agency.

Access to the funds shall be limited to officially authorized administrators.

Funds shall be managed according to the best practices of public financial management.

Accountability * Accountability and oversight play essential roles in promoting project quality, improving decision-making, and preventing corruption and abuse of CDF funds. Proper oversight of CDF financing ensures fiscal probity and promotes accountability to the public.

Monitoring and Evaluation

* Monitoring and evaluation of CDF projects are essential tasks to help ensure learning about what actions are most effective in fostering constituency development. Monitoring ensures that CDF projects are progressing toward their goal, while evaluation assesses the Responsiveness efficiency, effectiveness, impact and results of a CDF project. * The Constituency Development * Monitoring shall be performed Fund shall improve the well-being and throughout a CDF project to ensure that livelihood of constituents. The primary it is progressing towards its publicly benefit of a CDF is to direct additional stated goal. Constituents and legitimate resources to constituencies to solve stakeholders shall be afforded socioeconomic and humanitarian opportunities to participate in the problems identified by constituents and monitoring process. elected representatives. * Evaluation shall be conducted upon * Project selection and completion of projects, by appropriate implementation shall be based on the government agencies. Evaluation shall needs of the people who will be provided be made publicly available to ensure with opportunities to communicate their that CDF committees are aware of the diverse development needs to their effectiveness of previous CDF projects. elected representatives and CDF We, therefore, shall undertake the committees. establishment of a Constituency * Responsiveness can also be achieved Development Fund to advance the basic through a variety of means, including needs of our people. public forums and discussions about a Another major benefit that can be community’s development needs. A derived from the implementation of the responsive CDF process shall also solicit CDF is job creation. The NDP is hopeful input from all legitimate stakeholders that at least one hundred (100) persons by regularly including them in project will be meaningfully employed in each selection and implementation. constituency, a total of 1500, with the establishment of the CDF. Transparency The electorate must give the NDP the opportunity to govern the affairs of * Transparency, as in the case of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, so that CDF, is the fundamental cornerstone of their wellbeing and livelihood can be an open government that promotes improved.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 11.

Views

The Shadow “A false friend and a shadow stay around only while the sun shines.” Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, printer, newspaper editor & writer THE QUOTATION from Benjamin Franklyn that was used to introduce this week’s article may leave some readers contemplating whether this essay will revolve around being cynical and mistrusting of those persons who masquerade as “friends” around us. Be assured that this is not the focus of this article. However, it may become as a very timely reminder that all of those who seem to seek our company when things appear to be going well, will not be there should we experience some decline in our fortune. The reality is that persons seem to disappear when we may think that we need their friendship most. Unemployment, sickness, loss of a loved one through death or abandonment, business failure, etc., all seem to create exit doors to those who previously uttered such wonderful words about our achievements, our good qualities, and our wonderful friendship. These are facts of life. We should, therefore, not think it strange when “false friends” no longer visit, telephone, send e-mail messages and so on. We treasure those very few who prove themselves to be true - those individuals who remain faithful. They stay around. They lend a listening ear. They give a helping hand.

They know that, even if the sun never shines on our lives again, they will still be there in the shadows cheering us along. They will still care and love us for who we are and not for what we have or have achieved.

However, there is another aspect to this topic that must be shared. I recently received tremendous blessings as I listened to Senator, the Right Honourable Mrs. Raziah Ahmed, President of the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago, as she delivered the feature address at the 29th Annual Sales Congress Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors. This event took place at the Hyatt Hotel in Port of Spain on Sunday, 26th April 2015. She shared several useful insights about leadership and power. One of the statements that resonated with me was when she commented, “We all leave shadows along life’s path. We must consider what our shadow, our legacy, will be. Will we cast shadows of honesty and integrity? Will we cast shadows that reflect our care and love for our fellowman?” She noted that so many aspects of life are transitory; wealth and health can vanish overnight. We should, therefore, focus on those aspects of life that add value to and build others. She noted that, “If you want to win in life, you have to be prepared to give. True success comes from giving to others.

Real power is visible when we are prepared to serve others.”

Influenced by these thoughts, what kind of shadow are we casting? What kind of legacy are we creating? Are we focused on adding value to others?

We don’t even know our danger

Are we preoccupied with pulling others down? Are we seeking to lend a helping hand to those around us, or are we preoccupied with making sure that we get to the top at the barrel at all costs; regardless of who gets hurt or trampled in the mêlée? Are we seeking power and position for selfadvancement, or are we seeking to ascertain how such privileged positions could provide a conduit through which others can be blessed?

Each of us, regardless of our position in life, will cast shadows. We all leave a legacy. We tend to think of “leaving a legacy”, in relation to those in political office,or those who are considered leaders in business or society. While their legacies may be more visible because of the prominent positions that they have attained, we all leave legacies. We all cast shadows. As we reflect on this reality, we need to ponder what kind of legacy we are leaving. We should ask ourselves very pointed questions aimed at ensuring that the shadows that we cast will make others better (and not bitter). What shadows are we casting in our homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, churches, service clubs, and so on?

But the exercise should not end there.

We need to consider how we can improve. As good as we are, we can be better. Constant improvement should be our goal. As God shines His light on our lives and blesses us in so many ways, can we use those blessings to help others along their path? Can we cast a shadow in their direction?

Life is relatively short — and it is so very fragile. Accidents happen.

Diseases visit uninvited. There are so many strange turns that can happen along life’s path. Yesterday is gone, and we really have no guarantee about tomorrow. Our tomorrows are in God’s hand. Today is all that we have for sure. This moment is ours.

What shadow will you cast now … right now? No procrastinating. No putting off for some more convenient time. Whose life will you bless today?

Let us cast positive shadows on those who are fortunate to cross our path today. We can cast that warm smile of love and acceptance. We can give that small gift that reminds the recipient that someone cares. We can send that e-mail or make that telephone call to remind that special someone that they are not forgotten.

We can cast a shadow of love. We can cast a shadow of forgiveness. We can cast that shadow of repentance. Our shadow can give hope to the hopeless, and encourage the despondent. We go forward, therefore, being disciples of goodness and peace. We build and rebuild lives … by casting positive shadows.

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

WHENEVER I SEE A MAN WALKING around with his phone in his heart pocket, or a young woman's phone tucked into her bra or in the groin area of her hipsters, I cringe. As a crusader for good health and healthy living, I try to point to the dangers of these bad, but convenient habits. Most often, I am shrugged off with the disdain of ignorance. You will die anyway. Something will kill you.' We will all die, but the quality of life we live is vital.

Some still disbelieve cell phones can be dangerous to our health. There is no doubt in my mind. Researchers like Dr Devra Davis, the author 'DisconnectThe truth about cell phone radiation', has concluded that cell phone radiation is not only dangerous, but can be downright lethal.

Dr. Davis explains that the biological impact of our cell phone is not related to its power, which is quite weak, but rather to the erratic nature of its signal, and its ability to disrupt and interfere with DNA repair. One interesting case that can serve as an illustrative warning of the cancercausing potential of cell phones, is that of a young woman with no other predisposing risk factors for cancer, who came down with multi-focal breast cancer. As it turns out, the young lady had the curious habit of tucking her cell phone into her bra. Her doctors concluded there was only one other possibility that might have directly contributed to her breast cancer.

They connected the dots, and distribution of the cancerous cells, lined up perfectly with the shape of her cell phone.

While her doctor can’t prove the cell phone caused her cancer, it should serve as a potent warning, not only to other women who might tuck their phones in their bras, but also to those of you who keep your phones in your pants pocket or shirt pocket as well. As a general rule, you will want to avoid carrying your phone anywhere on your body. The most dangerous place to be, in terms of radiation exposure, is within about six inches of the emitting antenna.

Regardless of the area exposed to the continuous radiation emitted by your cell phone, there’s the potential for harm, although certain areas are clearly more vulnerable than others. There is Evidence that wearing a cell phone on your hip may weaken an area of your pelvis. Using an X-ray technique employed in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with osteoporosis, researchers measured pelvic bone density in men who regularly carried their cell phones attached to their belts. The researchers found that bone mineral density was lowered on the side of the pelvis where the mobile phones were carried; raising the possibility that bone density could be adversely affected by the electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones.

Previous studies have found that cell phone radiation can affect men’s sperm count, and the quality of their sperm, and this may be a far greater issue than its effect on bone density. These findings have clear implications for the safety of extensive mobile phone use by males of reproductive age, potentially affecting both their fertility and the health and wellbeing of their offspring.

Men in particular may want to reconsider carrying their cell phones on their belts or in their pocket, in close proximity of their reproductive organs.

In addition, we have a number of other sensitive organs in that general area, including liver, kidneys, colon and bladder — all of which are susceptible to radiation.

Researchers reported a sharp and alarming increase in the incidence of parotid gland tumors since the turn of the century. Your parotid gland is a type of salivary gland, located closest to

your cheek — the same area where most people typically hold their cell phones.

They testified in the US senate that cell phones were identified as a contributor to salivary gland tumors.

Cell phone subscriptions are now estimated at 5.9 billion globally, or 87 percent of the world population. In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued a report admitting cell phones might indeed cause cancer, classifying radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The classification came in part, in response to research showing wireless telephones increase the risk for brain cancer. The UN report indicated that “the evidence is strong enough to support a conclusion that there could be some risk; and therefore, we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk.”

Sadly, children and teens are at greatest risk, as their thinner skull bones allow for greater penetration of cell phone radiation. The radiation can enter all the way into their midbrain, where tumors are more deadly. In addition, children’s cells reproduce more quickly, so they’re more susceptible to aggressive cell growth. Pregnant women would also be wise to avoid cell phones as much as possible. In 2008, researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 children, and found that exposure to cell phones while in the womb, and also during childhood, were linked to behavioral difficulties. Using handsets just two or three times a day during pregnancy, was enough to raise the risk of their babies developing hyperactivity and difficulties with conduct, emotions, and relationships by the time they reached school age. The risk became even greater if the children also used the phones themselves before the age of seven.

Experts in the area of the biological effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and wireless technologies, believe there’s virtually no doubt that cell phones and related gadgets are capable of causing not only cancer, but contributing to a wide variety of other conditions, from depression and diabetes to heart irregularities and impaired fertility. Dr Martin Blank, PhD, one of the most experienced researchers of the cellular and molecular effects of electromagnetic fields, explained that our DNA, with its ‘coil of coils’ structure, is especially vulnerable to electromagnetic fields of all kinds. These properties contribute to greater reactivity of DNA to electromagnetic fields than other tissues, making the long-term consequences of repeated microwave exposures to our genetic material of great concern.

It’s worth remembering that the telecommunication industry is much larger than the medical industrial complex, and they have far more influence than the drug companies.

They’re also mirroring many of the same tactics as the tobacco industry to peddle their wares. This includes attempting to discredit researchers who publish unfavorable cell phone studies.

Cell phones present a significant health risks to all of us, especially to children and pregnant women.

Therefore, it makes sense to take action now to protect yourself and your children.

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

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12. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

ULP regime - weak economy, high poverty and high unemployment until 2030 university graduate in finance, made an incredible statement: The Monetary Council has decided to extend the timetable to reduce our Debt/GDP Ratio to 60.0 per cent from 2020 to 2030.

There are 3 important things to note from this incredible statement.

Firstly, what Gonsalves is telling the people of SVG is that, if Gonsalves and the ULP regime were allowed to continue in government for 15 more years, they would plan for our country to continue to be poor and heavily indebted, so much so, that by 2030 the

debt may only be reduced to a debt to GDP ratio of 60%.

What kind of idiot would plan to be highly in debt for 15 years?

The consequence of being a heavily indebted country is high levels of unemployment, crime and poverty; virtually no money circulating in the country; very low levels of sales for businesses, and a wage freeze for government workers. In other words, things would be the same in SVG until 2030, if the ULP regime were allowed to continue in government.

Secondly, this incredible statement tells the people of SVG that Gonsalves and the ULP regime do not have the ability or knowledge to turn the SVG economy into a thriving and strong economy before 2030. We are told that the ULP regime is so useless and BEFORE I LEFT HOME so many only if they stay together. That is incompetent when it comes to finance years ago, we often heard people commendable. and running the economy, that in saying that ‘nothing lasts in St. I understand the role of the RRL is 2030, our country would still be poor Vincent and the Grenadines’. That to be first respondent in cases of was often used to refer to emergencies, natural disasters and the and heavily indebted, so much so, that organizations, especially among people like. This is a noble undertaking, and the debt may only be reduced to a debt to GDP ratio of 60%. of the lower class, like small farmers special recognition ought to be given One of the reasons for extending the and fishermen. to this organization, from both private timetable to reduce our Debt/GDP The belief was that an organization and public sector bodies, none moreso Ratio to 60% from 2020 to 2030, was would start today, and by ‘tomorrow’, than NEMO. The fact that these RRL because it would require ‘prudent debt somebody ‘mash it up’. When it members can operate when all other management’. The statement tells us wasn’t personality clashes that ‘mash means of communications are down, up’ the organizations, it was that makes them important in situations of that the ULP regime is unable to achieve prudent debt management, somebody ran off with the funds. natural disaster especially. and this is illustrated by the amount Whatever the case, there were a lot of We need to give all the support we of begging Gonsalves does in foreign stories about organizations that came can to the RRL. And to think, the countries, and the current high public and went like thieves in the night. members of the RRL are all I am certain times have changed, volunteers, at least that is what I have debt level of SVG. Thirdly, this incredible statement and that Vincentians have learned the been told. value of staying together.

My heartiest congratulations to the tells our people that, even with the Argyle airport, our country would still That is why I want to offer my RRL and to RRL Director Don de be poor and heavily indebted, so much congratulations to the Rainbow Radio Riggs. I recall that he was a teacher so, that the debt may only be reduced League (RRL) on their 20th at Bishop’s College when I was a to a debt to GDP ratio of 60% by 2030. anniversary. I am certain that this student at another Kingstown This incredible statement tells us that, very important organization started secondary school. even with Argyle airport, SVG will out with very few members, but has My wish is that the RRL grow from continue to have high levels of now grown. It must be that the strength to strength. unemployment, crime and poverty, members of the RRL feel they are virtually no money circulating in the making a contribution, and that they Garnet, N. Y. country; very low levels of sales for have accepted that they can do that, THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN Monetary Council (ECMC) is the highest decision making body of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). It consists of the Ministers of Finance of each member territory of the Currency Union.

Chairmanship of the council is rotated alphabetically – by country name - each year among the eight ECCB member countries. It is not gained by any measure of merit or ability in finance.

The outgoing chairman is Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony of St Lucia.

In his recent address, current chair, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is not a

Congrats, RRL

businesses, and a wage freeze for government workers until 2030.

It is incompetent and idiotic to spend over $700 million on the Argyle airport, knowing that that airport will not make our economy strong, and will have virtually no effect in bringing prosperity to our people before 2030 or thereafter.

SVG needs change. Our people need jobs now, and businesses need sales now. They cannot wait until 2030 and continue in an environment of high levels of unemployment, crime and poverty, virtually no money circulating in the country, very low levels of sales for businesses and a wage freeze for government workers.

When it comes to running our country’s finances and economy, SVG needs a mentality change. The ULP regime is happy to keep our country poor and weak until 2030. A Green government, however, will look to create a strong economy quickly. We will create immediate and new sources of revenue by taxing the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, setting up a joint-venture tuna fishing industry with China, and building a fish canning and processing factory.

This will significantly reduce the high levels of unemployment, crime and poverty, get money circulating in the country, increase sales for businesses, and end the wage freeze for government workers.

Vote Green Party for a strong economy.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Decent Work - Decent Workplace ANOTHER WORKERS DAY (May 01) is upon us. What have we done to make us more aware as workers? Who really is a worker? Of what importance is a worker?

The definition of a worker as per the Oxford Dictionary is: ‘…. one who labours or exchanges his service for a return or reward (payment)’ or in the insect world of ants, bees, termites, etc. being the engine of the colony. As such, therefore, the survival of the economy depends on the productivity of workers.

In the human world, it is no different. The biggest assets of any business,

organization or country’s economy are the workers; yet, workers continue to be treated with scant regard. Despite the numerous advancements that have been made, workers’ rights are still being ignored, i.e. the basic tenets as they relate to workers are still being ignored.

The right to decent work is ignored - no wash rooms, no lunch breaks, no sick benefit, no time off, and workers are severed without benefit in some workplaces.

The condition and treatment of workers from those in Authority leaves a lot to be desired, especially

among women and unskilled workers; yet, without these workers, the businesses cannot survive. Those who are taken for granted and looked upon as insignificant, are the most important assets.

In my study for my diploma in Labour Relationship and Negotiation at George Meany Labour College, Maryland, USA, my professor told me an unhappy worker is an unproductive worker, and whatever is affecting that worker — whether it be of a domestic, physical, personal nature — unless it is addressed in an amicable way,

productivity can never be at its best.

Workers in this country need to know their rights.

Workers need to organize themselves. Whether you are a domestic, store clerk, gardener, groundsman, watchman, security guard, highly skilled engineer, accountant or manager, remember you all have one thing in common: you are all workers, and you are all subject to some aspect of labour laws.

Treating workers with respect, decency and appreciation, and being just

truthful, honest, inclusive and transparent, go a long way towards advancing the workplace and workers’ participation. The end result will be a highly motivated worker and greater productivity.

So, on this Workers Day, let us remember that we are all workers, and we must treat each other with respect; that we must be honest and truthful to each other and, as the good book says, ‘Do unto others as you will like to be done unto you.”

Man on De go

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 13.

Remembering

Edgerton Mc Neil Richards Fondly known as ‘Junior’ (1965-2008) When we remember your smile It brightens our day And thoughts of your Warmth and love Seem to smooth the way.

Your gentle spirit is still with us Though you are gone Sunny days, cool breezes, Always for you, ‘Junior.’

Treasured by family, friends and staff of the Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd. and THE VINCENTIAN

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14. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

More laptops coming PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves has announced that he is currently sourcing some new laptop computers to sustain the ‘One laptop per Child’ initiative.

Gonsalves made the announcement Sunday 19th April, during his address to the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) Convention at the Campden Park Secondary School.

He said that he was “searching for some more (laptops) for the newer primary school Secondary School students here familiarize themselves children.” with one of the lap top computers donated by Felix The political Dennis. leader for the UL P Government for underway here back in further boasted that he distribution to primary 2010 when the first was going to get help to batch of 2,000 laptops school students. fund the project as well.

Laptops were also arrived in the state and He, however, did not which were subsequently distributed to secondary disclose any further school students, distributed to primary detail, including where beginning in 2014. Some school students he was sourcing the 12,500 units were beginning in 2011. computers from, or who provided by British The Portuguese and would be assisting in Venezuelan governments businessman Felix funding the project. collaborated in donating Dennis (now deceased) The ‘One laptop per the net books to the for this purpose.

Child’ initiative got

Ottley Hall Marina for sale?

by KENVILLE HORNE OPPOSITION LEADER Arnhim Eustace wants to know if reports that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is about to sign, or has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to sell the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard, are true.

Calling on the New Democratic Party radio programme New Times, last Tuesday, Eustace said he was informed by someone whom he considered quite knowledgeable, that a MOU has been signed, clearing the way for the sale of the Marina and Shipyard.

“I am asking the Government to confirm whether there is any arrangement or any negotiations going on for the sale of the Ottley Hall Marina. I have been told the nationality of the buyer, but I am not sure if that is true, so I am not going to say that now,” said the Opposition Leader.

Eustace also questioned if the report of the sale is true, why would the government sell now, when all the debt has been forgiven. “So I just want an answer to that question, because it is something the people of St. Vincent

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, wants the government to clear the air on reports that the Ottley Hall Marina/Shipyard is up for sale. and the Grenadines should know,” said Eustace.

“You know all the things that developed because of the Ottley Hall issue, including Sir James (Mitchell, former Prime Minister of SVG) having to go to the Privy Council. I just want to know whether it is being contemplated, whether any Memorandum of Understanding has been signed. I just want to know. If such negotiations are ongoing, I think the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines should know that.”

Eustace asserted.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 15.

Feature

TSSS athletes record best performance Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net naking11236@gmail.com US CORRESPONDENT

IN ITS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR of participation in the century-old prestigious Penn Relays Carnival in the United States, athletes from the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) recorded their best performance to date.

TSSS athletes pose for THE VINCENTIAN before “I am much more hitting the tracks in the 4x100m on Saturday. satisfied because I’m glad L-R: Keilon Kirby, Erasto DaSilva, Rodrique the guys (athletes) were Thorpe and Neilo Thomas. able to post a faster performance than in Dowers, a TSSS Penn Relays athlete in previous years,” Head Coach Godfrey 2011 and 2012, said the girls’ team “Fuzzy” Harry told THE VINCENTIAN performed beyond expectations. Earlier in an exclusive interview, before the this year, TSSS won the Girls Division team departed Monday afternoon for in the Inter-Secondary Schools home.

Championship.

“So people can see upward mobility in “When you check it out, their ranking terms of team performance,” added was 53rd out of 364 competing schools,” Harry, who has accompanied the team of said Harry, noting that athletes came male and female athletes ever since the from the length and breadth of the US school began participating in the threeand internationally — including Jamaica, day event, in 2011, at the Franklin Field Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas Stadium, University of Pennsylvania in in the Caribbean.

Philadelphia.

The TSSS boys’ team also made the Competing in a field of 14 teams nation proud by clocking their best ever (schools) last Thursday, in the 4x100m in the 4x100m heat on Friday. relay, the girls’ team of Kerina Hooper, In beating eight other schools, the Rownesha Spencer, Jasmine Robertson team of Erasto DaSilva, Rodrique and Zamesha Myle , clocked 4 min., 8.15 Thorpe, Keilon Kirby and Neilo Thomas sec. in winning their heat. recorded 44.48 sec. in triumphing in Hooper, in her third successive and their race. last year in the Penn Relays, also “This is the best year for me because helped her team significantly in winning my performance was the best,” DaSilva the 4x400m-heat, with a personal best of told THE VINCENTIAN over a Sunday 51.20 sec. Other competitors in that race Brunch at the Calabash Restaurant on were Oleisha Ryan, Mekeila Slater and Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia.

Cheslyn Simper.

DaSilva, a Union Island native, like Harry, who was assisted by Ronique Hooper in the third consecutive and final year, clocked a personal best of 50.72 sec., running the third leg of the 4x400m on Saturday, the final day of the Carnival.

“Wonderful! Wonderful!” exclaimed James Cordice, the mastermind behind the lone Vincentian school’s participation in the illustrious event.

“Over the years, I’ve seen progression and a team (school) that is going to go far,” added the Clare Valley native, who initiated efforts for the nation’s representation.

The indefatigable Cordice, who has coordinated and prepared meals, for a number of years, for Jamaican and other Caribbean athletes at the meet, was also high in praise for nationals who trekked from across the US, particularly New York, to support TSSS athletes.

“I’m really appreciative of the Vincentian community [nationals in New York] that boarded the bus,” he said.

“That has been a warranted addition to the success of the contingent and the supporting committee here [in Philadelphia] that fed and transported them — not forgetting Team Jamaica Bickle that provided over 1600 meals a day [to Jamaican and other Caribbean athletes at the games].”

Kailon Kirby anchors in the 4x400m Over the years, the Brooklyn, New

for TSSS.

TSSS athletes with Penn Relays plaque. COSAGO treasurer O'Brien Simmons, who coordinated the New York bus trip, is at back (with grey beard).

York-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella Vincentian group in the US, has been organizing the 2 ½- long bus trek for nationals in New York to render vociferous support to TSSS athletes at the games.

COSAGO and SVGOP, along with other groups like the Brooklyn-based Club St. Vincent, Inc., and individuals in the US, have also furnished some financial support to TSSS athletes.

But even with these efforts, Cordice and Harry said competing in the Penn Relays remains a financial challenge.

“We need more business people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to come on board,” said Harry, stating that LIME recently provided some financial assistance. “But we need more support like LIME. “The National Lottery has been supporting us, but they have been cutting back on the [financial] support every year,” he added. “But we’re still thankful for the support.”

Additionally, Harry said the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Olympic Committee “has assisted us,” as well as “a group in New York, headed by Peter Burke, which assisted us.”

Burke is the vice president of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, which is headed by community advocate Maxwell Haywood.

Prior to TSSS’ arrival in the US, Burke presented at home a US$1,500 check to TSSS, on behalf of the Diaspora Committee, according to media reports.

Harry is confident that TSSS athletes will be competing in the Penn Relays in the years ahead “as long as the opportunity becomes available financially.

“We have the talent of the school,” Harry asserted.

Zenron Chance and Mickial Legair were the other athletes in the 17member contingent that also included chaperons Dawana Balcombe and Farrah Bailey, teachers at TSSS.

TSSS Penn Relays Coordinator James Cordice presents the Ortis C. Jack Award to Zamesha Myle at a reception Saturday night at the Calabash Restaurant in Philadelphia.

The late Jack, a former educator and coach, who succumbed to cancer in January, played a key role in having a Vincentian team participate in the prestigious Penn Relays.

Athlete Kerina Hooper presents James Cordice with award in appreciation for his support and role in helping to bring TSSS athletes to the Penn Relays.

Vincentian supporters, primarily from New York, flank TSSS athletes in front of the Calabash Restaurant after Brunch on Sunday.

16. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

BOOM Radio: A Unique experience perie

by KENVILLE HORNE by

SOCA hit ‘No THE POPULAR SOCA Behaviour’ by

by Bigred and Behaviour’ Melo from Carriacou, carries h line, “When “When we we the catc catch touch do wn, the whole place touch down, down”. This line, in a shell down”. way, symbolizes S t. Vincent way, St. newest and the Grenadines newest radio sstation, tation, BOOM 1 06.9 106.9 FM. While there is no physical shelling or violence, since Boom 106.9 radio station officially hit the airwaves on Monday 13th April, there has been a buzz.

The atmosphere at the French Veranda, Villa, last Friday, 24th April, was a festive one, as Keisha Browne and the French RestauVerandah Bar and Restaurant hosted an evening for ‘getting to know the BOOM personalities’. Invited guests, co-owners, staff members, popular DJs, and Vincenother prominent Vincentians, intermingled, partied and dined from early evening into the late hours of the day.

Those who accepted BOOM’s invitation seemed to have enjoyed every bit of the occasion to meet the youthful but star-studded BOOM team.

The BOOM line-up includes popular Hip Hop artiste ‘Prez’. He hosts a special segment every Thursday, from 5:30pm -7pm, called ‘Hip Hop Chronicles’.

Members of staff of BOOM 106.9 in the company of attorney Louise Mitchell-Joseph and business executive Desiree Richards at last Friday’ s gala event.

Friday’s

speaks for itself. prise Management (Major) We are unique, from the University of the fresh, motivat West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, motivat-ed and struc hosts the programme struc-‘BOOM Heights’ on Monday tured. Who to Wednesday from 7pm to else can say that?”

10pm, on Saturday from 10pm to 1 am, and on Candice Sunday from 4pm to 7pm.

Sealey, who carries the He describes his programme as one which seeks to on air encourage positivity, saying, sobriquet “We create a father, son kind ‘Island Spice’, of vibes, where we encourage BOOM DJs provided entertainment for the our sons to be positive. declared, “I Friday evening event, in true BOOM style. think I am in Hence we call it ‘Boom Heights’.” a unique Right: BOOM on air personality Candace Sealey position to Radio Announcer Cassius Rhymer. with BOOM colleague, DJ Rhymer. influCruickshank, coming out of positively influhis shell as that easy, laid ence the public through the an upbeat back guy from Easy Radio, is Soca Artiste lively and informative the host of ‘Vibes Nation’ from Monday- Thursday, Danielle ‘Daneel’ programme called ‘Café 1pm to 4pm. “Boom is all Veira, ‘Father BOOM’.” affectionRaff’, affection‘Café BOOM’, which is about fun, excitement, a ately called ‘Riff co-hosted by DJ Rhymer, little controversy and happy vibes,” affirmed Cassius. He Raff’ and business airs Monday to Friday works along with DJ Emron, executive Stephen from 10am to 1pm.

Joachim are also Speaking on behalf of whom he describes as the “Mixologist.”

Boom on air her DJ colleague, she said Other personalities who personalities. working on the station “is can be heard on Boom 106.9 A few of the a dream come true … a employstation‘s employphenomenal career include Sound bird GEM, incompaG-Money and the incompaees took the time opportunity… we welcome rable pioneer of morning out to speak to being part of a team that VINCENTHE VINCENradio, Dwight ‘Bing’ Joseph, Vidal Browne (right) was on hand to acknowledges and Hotelier Vidal TIAN newspaper share the evening with leading ladies Desiree celebrates fresh young originator of the BOOM concept. to explain their talent.”

Richards (left) and Louise Mitchell-Joseph. impresWith reports that speak roles and impresAs far as Friday’s sion of Boom event was concerned, to increasing inquiries from Below: Steven Joachim and Sealey enjoyed every bit of corporate St. Vincent and 106.9. it. “It was great! I enjoyed the Grenadines, BOOM According to Prez, “The eira of the ‘OMG in Veira Danielle V eir e Soca and Dancehall Diva, question of why persons seems to be truly set on a the Morning” show on BOOM mingling and meeting the Vasita ‘First Lady’ Caine, should listen to BOOM public, as well as hanging path, described by Co-opera Co-opera-106.9 FM. with fellow BOOM team tions Manager O’Brien team-mates. I was really pleased Haynes, as one intent on to see the large number encouraging “not just change of people that came out but positive change.” to support and greet us. It's testimony to the impact that the station is having within a short space of time,” she said.

‘Father Raff’, who holds a univer univer-sity degree in Enter Enter-- T Two w wo typically t gorgeous tainment, Vincentian V incentian ladies who graced Just a few of the many who turned out to celebrate with Cultural Enter Enter-the BOOM evening gala.

BOOM 106.9 FM.

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 17.

18. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 19.

V Melbourne Artisans celebrates 45 years 20. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

People

by HAYDN HUGGINS

MELBOURNE ARTISANS, led by Junior ‘Melbourne’ Constance, is celebrating 45 years of mas production in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

And in fitting recognition of this

milestone, the band’s presentation for Vincy Mas 2015 is entitled Masorama 45.

Masorama 45 features eight sections, arrived at by using the letters in Masorama.

Sections include Melbourne, Artisans,

Showtime, Originality, Ready for the Road, Artistic (Tribute to the Mighty Sparrow), Magnificent (Tribute to Nelson Mandella), and An Ace in de Hole (Tribute to Dr. Edgar Adams).

The section

Melbourne, which portrays cricket, in tribute to retired English opening batsman Colin Milburn, from whom the band’s leader Junior Constance got the alias ‘Melbourne’, will be paraded at the Carnival launch this Saturday, at

the Victoria Park.

Looking back at the band’s 45 years of mas, Melbourne told THE VINCENTIAN, “It has been a great experience.

Although I never won the Band of the Year title, I have portrayed some very creative costumes over the years,” Melbourne, on the wave of victory in the King of the Bands and Individual of the Year competitions in 2014, boasted, “We taking

Junior ‘Melbourne’ Constance, leader of the Melbourne Artisans, has the enviable record of leading and producing a carnival costume band for 45 years.

King, Queen and Individual of the Year, this year”.

‘Stop the rumours,’ pleads I Reality BERNARD ‘I Reality’ White, calypso and pan extraordinaire, is making headlines again — this time he says that he just wants to be left alone, and for those responsible for slandering his name, to stop doing so.

White stated his plight to THE VINCENTIAN, saying that members of the public are saying things about him that are untrue, and the time has come for it to end.

According to White, he believes that the talk on the street has emanated from a disagreement he has had with his brothers.

He admitted to having two altercations with one of his brothers, the latest of which was reported in the local media in 2014.

This run in with his brother, he concludes has helped to fuel continuing comments about him.

“So, I figure I could come to the newspaper, I will capture a broader side of the people,” he said.

White said that he even wrote a song about his plight last year, but the public continued to shun him.

He now believes that his life may be in danger, saying that he has been stalked on at least one occasion.

A report was made to

Bernard ‘I Reality’ White wants those who he claims continue to spread falsehood about him, to desist from doing so. the police, but the talk is still on-going.

“Sometimes I don’t even know how to start this conversation because it is so stupid and silly,” White told THE VINCENTIAN. “Anywhere I go, people saying, ‘Ah nah he fo dead?’ ” “My friends have become fiends, and my fans have become fangs,” he said.

Even as he depends on his prowess in the composition of calypso to keep him focused, he is asking for the rumours to end.

“I am innocent because I don’t know what they are talking about, so I cannot respond,” he said.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will learn a great deal from people with different cultural backgrounds. You need a break from your daily routine.

You will have excellent ideas for changing or renovating your home.

They won't get away with it.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Unpredictable events will disrupt your routine. Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family. You can make favorable real estate offers this week.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can make a difference if you're willing to stand up and be counted. You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. Take time to reevaluate your motives regarding friendships. You can come up with ways of earning extra cash.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Children may be less than honest with you. Think before you act. Unforeseen circumstances will disrupt your daily routine. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you this week. You will get along well in social situations.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Travel will be on your mind; however, be careful and proceed with caution as minor accidents will cause delays. Try to stay calm, and whatever you do, don't nag. Resist any idle chatter. Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your health may suffer if you don't control your present situation. You need more space for the whole family. You may find yourself changing plans for some form of entertainment. Uncertainty regarding your mate may emerge; reevaluate what you see in each other.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children. You can win points if you present your ideas this week. Take whatever time you can to get to know each other all over again.

You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be in the mood for entertainment. You need to sit back and enjoy. Education may be the answer.

Problems with peers is apparent.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Stress may cause minor health ailments. Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. Do not get into uncertain financial deals. It's time to get yourself back on track.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try to be fair in your dealings with acquaintances. Travel should be on your agenda. Focus on what's important rather than spreading yourself too thin and accomplishing little. You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Look out for those wanting to push you into a disagreement. Stay calm and focus on things that will help you understand the situation better.

Emotional situations could bring out your stubborn nature. Try to slow down, and take another look.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't overload your plate. You need to be inspired and have your spirits lifted.

Be sure to get involved in selfimprovement programs that will bring you in contact with interesting people.

However, be careful with luggage; it may be re-routed.

ACROSS 1.Mexican treat 5. Last-yr. students 8. Woods’s org.

11. Love (Ital.)

13. Ingest 14. Young’s opposite 15. Thumper’s deer friend 16. Twittered 18. __ makes right 20. Relaxes 21. Dress 23. Fuel economy stat 24. Chewbacca pal Solo 25. Source of poi 27. Ordinances 31. “Big Daddy” Burl 33. Went quickly 34. Send forth 35. “__ Mia” 36. Did laps 38. Clean air gp.

39. Stool pigeon 41. “Public Enemy” star 43. Young pigeon

46. Was able 47. John __ Galbraith 49. Milk’s category 52. Clock numeral 53. __ certain degree (2 wds.)

54. “Sesame Street” regular 55. Perch 56. JFK, to Joe 57. Quiche ingredients

12. VIII 17. National bird DOWN 19. William Randolph _ 1.Diet Coke’s 21. “Vogue” kin adjective 2. Medical gp.

22.

Vesuvius’s 3. Opposite of a output “royal” 23. Where 4. Space path Prince 5. Religious Rainier group governed 6. Fan’s cry 26. Like fresh 7. Saturate peas 8. Boston __ 28. Correcting 9. Elation 10. Uses a plus 29. Rub lightly 30. Linger sign

32. Clinging wrap 37. Bea Arthur show 40. Instigates 42. Harsh light 43. Enjoys Aspen 44. Famed ocean

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 21.

liner, for short 45. __ pricing 46. “Supercop” star Jackie 48. Exceedingly 50. Set up 51. Affirmative

V

22. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Suicidal thoughts? Get some help!!! country to keep my business private. I know my wife does not think much of me, and that saddens me most, I AM AT MY WITS END as to what to do especially after I spent all to put her about my situation. through school. She cannot work right I am unemployed and behind with now because of a back injury. The my rent (3 months), and I am (now) hiding from my landlord. I have been thing is, she is not making any effort to look after her injury, and it seems renting this house for six years and have paid my rent on time, most of the like she is using this as an excuse not to work. time.

That is just my thinking. I just To make matters worse, my wife is hope she reads this, and hope this pressuring me, saying I do not have letter to you will haunt her for the rest any money, and we are behind in the of her life. rent because I am probably giving it away to women. She knows I have been going out hustling on the streets Lost to make ends meet since I lost my job, but continues with her accusations. I Dear Lost, have never been unfaithful to her in Thank you for reaching out. It is our 11 years of marriage, and it hurts me to know she thinks this about me. the first step towards getting the help you so desperately need.

In an argument a short while ago, You need to sit with your landlord she told me that I was not doing my and let her/him know what is duty to provide for the household and happening. You might be able to get for her. She said she didn’t want to some much needed consideration, hurt me, but she might just have to find someone who can provide for her, seeing that you have had a good history as a tenant. and I must let her know if I intend to Your wife’s physical disability, keep her in poverty. coupled with your unemployment George, I am very depressed right now, and to be truthful, I am thinking problem, could be enough cause for her to take out her frustration on you. It of ending it right here and now. No is probably her way of saying that she one would understand the way I feel. too is at a loss as to how to get back Everybody expects me to be that guy who never complains. I have no one to above the waters. Let her know that you understand that frustration and, talk to in confidence. Please do not at the same time, remind her that you tell me to see a counsellor, because I too are frustrated about being unable do not trust these people in this

Dear George,

to provide for her the way you used to.

Talk to her about how deep down this is affecting you, and that you are at breaking point.

Maybe if she knew how close you are to breaking, she just might decide to give you that additional emotional support. Let her know how important that support is to you.

Ending your life is not the way to go. The reason you feel that way is because you are convinced that you are out of options. Talk seriously with your wife and get her support, then together, go and talk to a professional counsellor. You need to have the

advantage of someone who can help you to discuss your options, and make suggestions on how to get out of this financial and emotional rut you are in.

Let me in on your progress, and remember, you owe it to yourself and your wife to keep trying until a solution is found.

George

No room for violence Dear George,

Dear MXX,

MY GIRLFRIEND and I had an argument about another man, and I ended up hitting her. I had to hit her because of what she said to me. She had no regard for my feelings, and put this man on a pedestal, far above me.

She said she had nothing sexual to do with the man in question, but yet she accepts lunch and snacks from him on average, twice a week. The man cooks and carries food for her, and it happened so that on a few occasions when I took lunch for her, she refused because she had already eaten this man’s food. When she told me that she finds this man’s food more “delicious” than mine, I slapped her a few times.

I am not sorry about hitting her, because she deserves it. Since the hitting incident, I have decided to hold off on marrying her. I am beginning to think she is not marriage material.

When it gets to the place where physical violence is involved, it is time to put a halt to proceedings and step back. It does not matter what the argument is about, there is no place for physical violence in a relationship.

You should have the maturity and ability to talk through the issues until a solution is reached.

The solution may very well be to go your separate ways and, in that case, you will give yourself a chance to find someone who can appreciate your cooking, and who gets excited about being with you in and outside the home setting.

You may be right about her not being marriage material, but at the same time, you need to know that a man who is ready to hit a woman when he disagrees with her actions or behaviour, is also, definitely NOT marriage material.

MXX

George

‘Too rough, too big’ Dear George, I HAVE BEEN married for one year now, and since that time, my wife and I have had sex exactly six times.

I know that is not normal, and when I complain, she reminds me that she is not a sex machine.

She complains that I am “too rough” and “too big.” When she said that to me, I told her that I would go easy and do exactly what she wants, but she didn’t agree with my suggestion.

I got the shock of my life when I found a dildo in her section of the clothes closet. The dildo was a lot bigger than what God gave me! I confronted her, and she lied and told me that it belonged to her girlfriend.

I asked the girlfriend before she could get to her, and I was told that it was a guy at her office who got it for her (my wife). Now I am thinking that my wife is mixed up with another man. Now I know why she does it with me just six times a year.

I have decided to get out of the marriage. I have already put in for a divorce, although she is begging me not to follow through with it. Her girlfriend told me that she told her I

am too small, and she would never settle for such. Do you think I should go and get myself tested for whatever?

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, Six times a year is definitely outside of the norm, and I must hand it to you for waiting for one year to figure out what was going on. You got the information that you need to have that abnormal behaviour explained, and made your decision not to continue in the marriage. You can now conclude that her sexual needs go beyond what you can offer her, and that she has chosen to find that satisfaction elsewhere.

The problem with that is that it places you at risk health wise, and YES, it would be a good idea to check yourself out just to be sure. It would have been good if she was more open with you about her unfulfilled sexual appetite, so as to give you a chance at an acceptable compromise.

George

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 23.

Defending champs unrivaled pitch which reports said “played better than expected,” Team Rivals THREE TIME DEFENDING were indebted to their champions Team Rivals newfound “Man Friday” underlined their depth and Casmond Walters (70) superiority by thrashing and the petulant Marvin LIME Radcliffe by ten Small (43) for most of wickets, despite not their total. having the services of The pair came “Super Veterans” Orlanzo together after the classy Jackson and Deighton but inconsistent Hyron Butler, last weekend at the Shallow (2) was bowled Park Hill Playing Field. by off spinner Dyke Cato SCORES: Team Rivals with the total on 15.

214 &16/0, LIME Small and Walters who Radcliffe 73 & 152. were the beneficiaries of Batting first on a the Lime Radcliffe sloppy

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

fielding, then added 108 for the second wicket in 23 overs. Small, who was prepared to play second fiddle to the pugnacious Walters, was the first to go, when he was caught off the bowling of medium pacer Jerome Jack at 123/2. He struck six fours.

Walters went in the following over without addition to the score, when he hit a return catch to Cato whom he had dispatched over the boundary a few times.

The big hitting allrounder struck six sixes and three fours in another display of dominant stroke play.

Team Rivals was able to scrape a few runs from the lower order, with Davian Barnum 34 being the best among them.

Jack, who was returning after a few years away, ended with 4/19 from 8.1 overs , while Cato 3/80 came from 14 overs and Urnel Thomas 2/2 in two overs.

LIME Radcliffe, with

Saints beat Police Two with some quick wickets as the lawmen went into 2014 RUNNERS-UP, Guardian a now familiar General Saints kept their hopes meltdown, with Romel alive for a first ever Premier Currency taking 4/20 Division title, with a third with his “slowly pops” successive victory, this time and Kentish Jacobs, who beating Police TWO by four moved from his wickets at the Stubbs Playing customary 12th man Field last weekend. role, 3/53.

SCORES: Police 185 & 107, Browne was first to go Guardian General Saints 200 & when he was caught off 94/6. the bowling of offGuardian General Saints, who spinner Andrew Emtage were just pipped in the final in the seventeenth over round last year by Team Rivals, with the total on 97. He looked to be in some trouble after struck six fours and Police openers McLeon Williams three sixes. Williams (51) and Salvan Browne (52) had went with the total on put on a near century stand for 112 also caught off the first wicket. But they fought Emtage after hitting themselves back into the game, four sixes and three Police TWO opener McLeon Williams hits fours. Shacky Greene 30 half century. and Elmore Alexander 25 contributed crucial runs, After conceding a deficit of 15, but their team still fell well below Police TWO turned in another of what looked possible at the start. their “blueprint below par” Guardian General Saints then performance, to be all out for 107, lost the early wicket of Rickford with Kenneth Denbar (35) and Walker (5), bowled by Mohammid Macolvin Jack (28) getting more Lavia with the total on five. than half the total.

Vincent Cupid (32) and Currency Left —arm spinner Wright was (24) then added 75 for the second the chief destroyer with 6/24, and wicket, but it all started going Currency taking 2/13. wrong for they lost 3/14 in the Set 93 for victory, Guardian middle as Lavia turned up the General Saints eagerly accepted degrees for yet another time. the invitationending 94/6 after They recovered to 153/5, but recovering from 17/3.

It took an suffered another hiccup, going even half century stand for the from 178/6 to 185/8. It took the fourth wicket between Zane long handle of former lawmen, Edwards (25) and Jeron John (31) Rolando Wright (17) with two sixes to see them to first innings to settle the issue. Former Saints man Romano Bibby took 2/23.

Rolando “Maffie” Wright points. Lavia finished with 6/43.

6/24 and crucial runs.

by GLENFORD PRESCOTT

thoughts of pressing home their advantage, then took to the crease in the late afternoon and quickly were pushed on the backfoot by the pacey Roneil Jeffrey to be 3/11ending the day 26/3.

Having gone to bed and possibly remerging with a new mind —set, LIME Radcliffe capitulated in quick time, losing their last five wickets for four runs —going from 69/6 to 73 all out.

Off-spinner Roland Wilkinson 4/10 and Jeffrey 3/17 were responsible for the destruction.

LIME Radcliffe asked to follow on fared somewhat better, falling for 152, with Romano Pierre getting the top score of 41, as Wilkinson grabbed 7/70, for a match haul of 11/80, and young pacer, Kimali Williams 3/13, to keep things under control.

Set 12 runs for victory,

Roland Wilkinson 11/80.

Casmond Walters important 70.

Team Rivals duly knocked that off, ending 16/0, to register their fifth outright win of the season, and extend their lead at the top of the standings.

Ishalz decimate Belfongo ISHALZ BYAM’S Physical Therapy recorded a comprehensive 198-run win over Belfongo, when action continued in the NLA First Division National Cricket Competition, last weekend.

Ishalz Byam’s Physical Therapy took first turn at the crease and compiled 239 off 34.2 overs. Imran Samuel was the top scorer with 66. Nickron Alexander hit 33 and Donald Delpesche 32. Bowling for Belfongo,. L. Bullock had figures of 4 for 51 and Ian Bushay 3 for 55. Belfongo, in response, were demolished, scraping a meagre 41 runs off 18.4 overs. Donald Delpesche was the main destroyer, returning the enviable figures of 8 wickets for 8 runs.

In another weekend match-up, Victors TWO defeated Robertson Surveying Belmont by 20 runs.

Victors Two made 270 off 43.1 overs. Denson Hoyte led the batting with 64, Keron Williams hit 57 and Kishore Shallow 44. Bowling for Robertson Surveying Belmont, Rayon Williams bagged 4 for 53 and Augustus Mofford 3 for 43. Robertson Surveying Belmont replied with 250 off 44.1 overs.

Damian John led with 45 and Javid Wilson contributed 30. Orbiton Ollivierre, 4 for 53, was Victors TWO best bowler.

I.B.A. Allen

V

24. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Central Kingstown will hope they can claim the tile on behalf of the city teams.

South Leeward last featured in a final in 2013.

Inter League Football final tonight NATIONAL LOTTERIES Central Kingstown and Hairoun Beer South Leeward have a score to settle when the two meet this Thursday night, at Victoria Park.

The occasion is the senior men’s final of the National Community Inter League Football competition.

The teams met each other in their opening fixture of the preliminary round, with Central Kingstown coming away winners 4-1.

The two were at it again in the second round, when South Leeward upturned the result, 2 — 1, in their favour. This proved to be Central Kingstown’s lone defeat in the 2015 competition.

Central Kingstown earned the right to meet South Leeward, beating GECCU Calliaqua 6-1, on aggregate, in a two leg semi-final. A 1-1 draw in the first leg, was followed by 5-0 drubbing in the second, with braces from Deomaji Samuel and Azhino Solomon and a single from Donald Ferdinand accounting for the dominance.

Central Kingstown had exited Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines Barrouallie 2-1 in the quarter finals.

The victory sparked some controversy which required intervention of an emergency committee with respect to Barrouallie’s protest over the eligibility of Central

JG Tigress bounce back AFTER SUFFERING a humiliating defeat at the hands of arch rivals United Survivors last weekend, JG Tigress redeemed themselves with a convincing win over Rising Stars.

In a match played last weekend in the RBTT Bank Senior Women limited overs cricket competition, at Sion Hill, they recorded victory by 99 runs.

J.G Tigress made 143 for 7 La Toya off 34 overs. Led by Gianny Providence Marshall, 25 not out, and Stacy helped to Ann Adams, 22, JG Tigress downsize made 143 for 7 off 34 overs.

Rising Stars Bowling for Rising Stars, when she took Shonica Campbell took 3 for 16 and Shanezeia Daniel and Baba four of the nine Matthews had 2 wickets each at wickets to fall.

18 and 22 runs respectively.

Rising Stars were reduced to 54 for 9 off 25.2 overs. National all- rounder, La Toya Providence was the pick of the Tigress bowling, with figures of 4 for 9. She was supported by Ronique Fergus 2 for 12 and Rochelle John 2 for 12 I.B.A.ALLEN

Kingstown’s Richard Hayde in the match.

Hayde’s eligibility was questioned after it was contended, he had violated the yellow card rule in which he received two consecutive cautions.

Barrouallie’s contention, though, was dashed in a letter from General Secretary of the SVGFFTrevor Huggins.

Huggins conveyed that the Emergency

Committee had ruled that the match would stand, but that Hayde would miss the first round match in the semifinal stage against Calliaqua. That match was played on Wednesday 22nd April, 2015.

South Leeward was less than impressive in the preliminary phase, losing to Sion Hill and Georgetown, but

redeemed themselves in the second round, playing undefeated.

Meeting East Kingstown in the semi finals, the first leg ended 1-1, but South Leeward advanced one- nil in the second leg, thanks to a Nazir Mc Burnette strike.

In the new format of the competition, it will be Central Kingstown’s second consecutive year

in the final, while for South Leeward, it will be a first visit since 2013.

Both teams were beaten on those occasions

by Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines Barrouallie, who had won successive titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Tonight’s senior men’s final will be preceded by the under-17 final between East Kingstown and South Leeward.

DiamondÊs night at Calliaqua Football Awards DIAMOND UNITED, in their debut outing in the Hairoun Beer Calliaqua Football League, carted off with a big chunk of the awards up for grabs.

In total, nine awards — seven individual and two team - went the way of Diamond United, when the league organisers staged their awards ceremony last Saturday night, at the Calliaqua Anglican Church Parish Hall.

Deomaji Samuel was responsible for three of the individual awards. He took the best forward, the most goals and the tournament‘s most valuable player awards.

Samuel’s 15 goals proved pivotal in Diamond United taking the best attacking team award for their 43 goals.

Diamond also were adjudged the best defending team, conceding a mere eight goals.

The four other individual titles scooped by the Diamond United team went to Curlan Joseph (best midfielder), Kevon Henry (best goal keeper), Rohan Grant (best defender- and Yolande London (best manager).

Taking the most improved player award was GTM Prospect’s Osei Thompson, while the most promising player award went to Omar Cupid of 1998 Osei Thompson Hillside Rollers.

– most improved Maxx Strikers won the most player.

Diamond awardees (L-R): Curlan Joseph, Deomaji Samuel, Yolande London and Rohan Grant.

Left: Honouree Franklyn Evans with his plaque. improved team award, and Playin It Safe — the most disciplined team.

In addition to the trophies, all winners were rewarded with gift vouchers, compliments the General Employees Co-operative Credit Union.

Diamond collected $1300 and 20 gold medals; second place- GTM Prospect gained $1200 and 20 silver medals, and third place team- Choppins United - $ 700 and 20 bronze Omar Cupid – medals. most promising The night also belonged to player.

Franklyn Evans who was the honoree.

Evans served as the first president of the Calliaqua Football League from 1978 to 1988. He was, in his own words, “ … honoured to be honoured.”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 25.

Sports

Ballantyne proud of WilliamsÊs progress “THE PROGRESS that Shantal Williams has made since the beginning of our friendship a couple years ago, has been remarkable.”

This is the sentiment expressed by Pamenos Ballantyne, Williams’s personal trainer and coach.

Williams, 15 years old, has caught the eye of the track and field fraternity here, with her recent exploits in the sprints.

“When I first saw her, I looked at her as a long distance runner because of her build. She was slim, so I felt that the 800 and 400 meters races were the ideal distances for her; but as time went by, I saw some improvement in her speed,” Ballantyne explained.

Evidence of Williams’ preferences was reinforced when, according to Ballantyne, “she beat some of the slower guys at St Martin’s (Secondary School), and this prompted me to switch her to more of a sprint programme.”

Her progress in the sprints has been noteworthy since then.

Shantal Williams, one of the top junior athletes currently campaigning in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In last year’s InterSchools Track and Field Meet, she clocked 13.59 sec, and this year she ran 12.67, breaking the previous record of 12:97 sec, held by Deslon Lawarence.

She also removed Shafique Maloney’s record of 27:53 sec for the 200 m when she ran that distance in 25:80 sec.

Pamenos Ballantyne, coach of Shantal Williams, says that there is no reason, barring injury, that she cannot medal at the Carifta games.

Williams did not contest the 400m this year, but has recorded a 1 minute flat for that distance otherwise.

“I believe for her to improve, she needs to compete with athletes outside of SVG, so I am looking at some overseas competition, Trinidad and Tobago first and then Barbados,”

Ballantyne stressed With the feedback he has been receiving from persons in Team Athletics SVG, Ballantyne is hopeful that more opportunities will come her way.

Williams will compete next in the National Club Championships in May, and her coach is stepping up the intensity for her training because, “I want her to run good at the national level because that’s where you display your skills, and is the gateway for selection to national teams,” Ballantyne said.

Looking further ahead, Williams will be looking to qualify for the next Carifta Games to be held in Grenada.

“She is just 15 years, she is young and Carifta is under 20, so she has four more years to get a medal for SVG,” her coach quips.

With consistent training, dedication, sacrifice and some meaningful sponsorship, Shantal Williams, according to her coach, can win medals at the Carifta Games level.

I.B.A.ALLEN

GTC youths to defend title in Antigua AS ONE READS the list of international donors, it appears that the Grassroot Tennis Club (GTC) now has its own ‘Foreign Affairs Department’, with its first resident ambassador in the United Arab Emirates, Vincentian Deron Grant, Director of the PDORC Tennis Club there.

Grant Connell, Director of the GTC, says the non-governmental diplomatic channels that Deron Grant, the GTC’s de facto ambassador in the UAE, has opened up for the GTC, introduce an entirely new life stream to the Haddon Courts-based GTC, enabling it to take part in regional tennis tournaments, in particular the tennis tournament in Antigua this weekend.

The gracious donors hail from five continents and eighteen countries: Austria, Canada, China, Columbia, Egypt, Germany, Holland, India, Italy, Iran, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Turkey, the USA and St. Vincent

and the Grenadines. They are, Mr. Klaus Mueller, Mr. Munib Ahmad, Mr. Lixin Wang, Deron Grant, the GTC’s de facto ambassador in Mr. and Mrs. Carlos and Marta the UAE, accepts a cheque from one of the benefactors.

Moreno, Mr. Sherif Ali Khalil, expressed his deep gratitude to Mr. Khamis Eissa and Mr. GTC’s newest friends and now Hisham El Basset, Mr. Rudolf associate members, remarking Fleisher, Mr. Bernadus Michels, that because of GTC Vice President of the PDO ambassador’s proactive work, Recreational Center and Mr. these generous donors have Johan Van Waveren, Mr. Bavani facilitated GTC, the only local Mishra and Mr. Shashikant tennis Club representing St. Mahamane, Mr. Leonardo Vincent and the Grenadines at Marconi, Mr. Kuimars the tournament.

Jayrandour, Mr. Phillip Wayne, The team comprises Akeil De from Oman Mr. Majid Mandhari Roche and Rio Connell. The boys - President Tennis Section have been in training with head PDORC, Mr. & Mrs. Romeo and coach Trevor Sam, and leave Nennette Tulop, Mr. Paulo these shores tomorrow, Soares, Mr. Elvin Gaefer, Mrs. Friday, for Antigua, to defend Deidre Harvey, Mr. Mustafa the title presently held by Erturan and Mr. Kemal Hidir, St.Vincent. Top Junior at GTC, Mr. John Meyers and Mr. Ehab Anthonio Cain, who hails from Ibrahim and Mr. Deron Grant.

Byera, won the tournament last GTC’s Director Grant Connell year.

(L-R): Jermaine Blackwood and Kraigg Brathwaite, two century makers in the current W.I. versus England Test Series, are products of the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket.

Scotiabank celebrates amidst milestones THE 150TH TEST between the West Indies and England.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s closing in on Brian Lara’s West Indian record for most test runs.

James Anderson’s 100th test and his surpassing of Sir Ian Botham as the highest English wicket-taker of all time.

Amidst a series full of cricket milestones, Scotiabank has been celebrating one of its own the 15th anniversary of its sponsorship of the Kiddy Cricket programme which the Bank began exclusively sponsoring in 2000. In a clear sign that the programme is coming of age, five former Kiddy Cricketers have played in the series which is coming to a close with the third and final Test in Barbados.

Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Darren Bravo and Kemar Roach have been in the final XI for the West Indies, while Barbadianborn bowler Chris Jordan who plays for England, all got their start in Kiddy Cricket. Blackwood and Brathwaite have shown the benefits of their sound Kiddy Cricket foundations, making centuries in the first and second tests respectively.

“This is a proud moment for us at Scotiabank, and a definite milestone for our Bright Future programme” noted Scotiabank’s Regional Marketing Director Heather Goldson. “It’s truly fitting that, as we celebrate 15 years of commitment to West Indies cricket, we’re seeing so many of the Kiddy Cricket programme’s graduates on our senior squad. It definitely makes us feel proud of our connection and we hope that seeing these players inspires the current generation of Kiddy Cricketers,” said Goldson.

(L-R): Akeil De Roche and Rio Connell will represent SVG and the GTC in a Junior tennis Tournament in Antigua this weekend.

26. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

ÊDa Girls DemÊ for SVG

FOLLOWING the success of his previous Combining music, comedy and spoken play “Da Mans Dem” in Trinidad, Barbados, word, ‘Love Sax and all that Jazz (Da Canada and the UK in 2014, UK born and Girls Dem)’ is a roller coaster experience Vincentian raised poet and playwright, Alan of laughter and intrigue that will uplift, Charles, has teamed inspire and ‘edu-tain’ the whole family. up with local Vincy The team is pleased to be working in actors, Leddie & Co, association with sponsors Coreas and Curtis Williams of Hazells Inc., Alphasound Studio in bringing MusicALL, to bring his the hit comedy stage play production to ‘Love Sax and all that SVG. Jazz ( Da Girls Dem)’, to SVG. The play will be staged at the Russell UK born and Vincentian Auditorium, Stoney Ground, for two raised poet and playwright, nights only, June 6 Alan Charles, is noted for his and 7. high quality, inspiring and ‘Love Sax and all that Jazz ( Da Girls uplifting Christian theatre.

Dem) is the prequel to ‘Da Man’s Dem’, and chronicles the experiences of five varied friends, as they navigate their lives pertaining to Love, Sex, and all that Drama.

Shanice has had enough, Lisa is quite contented, Louise can’t find any, Kelly has way too much, and Chantelle doesn’t want any.

This cleverly crafted and wonderfully written script will feature a cast of both Trinidadian and Vincentian actors and actresses.

Based on family values, the play addresses the issues of singleness, man shortage, abuse, unequally yoked relationships, love, infidelity, and so much more.

AVIS KYDD Kingstown Methodist Church Friday 24th April, 2015 3:00 p.m.

DAVID NDOLO KYALO Revival Centre Saturday 25th April, 2015 3:00 p.m.

DENZILLE LENNOX BROWNE

WILLIAM M. MCDONALD

Evangelical Church Georgetown Sunday 26th April, 2015 2:00 p.m.

S.D. Adventist Church Richland Park Sunday 26th April, 2015 2:00 p.m.

MILLICENT SARGENT CONLIFFE St. Matthew Anglican Church Biabou Saturday 25th April, 2015 3:00 p.m.

CHRISPIN WILLIAMS New Testament Church Georgetown Saturday 25th April, 2015 2:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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THURSDAY,

APRIL 30, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.18

LAWYER WANTS CHANGE IN MINDSET Indies, Mona Campus, for research purposes.

A PROMINENT lawyer here Delves referred to a has stressed the need for wind of change blowing persons, especially the across the region and the police, to change their world regarding mindset regarding the marijuana legislations. possession and use of He expressed concern marijuana. about the mindset of During a sitting of the persons here to the herb Serious Offences Court since, in his view, it is on Tuesday, Attorney only a matter of time Joseph Delves before those changes will highlighted the planting be implemented here. of the first legal cannabis Delves’ remarks came (marijuana/ganja) tree in after successfully Jamaica. representing a client in a The tree was planted forfeiture hearing. on April 20, 2015 on the Chief Magistrate grounds of the Rechanne BrowneUniversity of the West Matthias had ordered that the sum of $7,500, Senior Prosecutor which was seized from Adolphus Delpleche the defendant and held has called for a national pending investigations, consultation on the be returned to him after marijuana issue, and is the court held that it was known to have not derived from discontinued cases criminal conduct. involving small Evidence revealed that amounts of the herb. the money had been

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Attorney Joseph Delves (right) successfully defended a group of Ratafarians in a marijuana-related matter. Inset: Grant Connell, a leading defence lawyer here, has called for a ticketing system to be used in cases involving small quantities of marijuana. seized after the defendant was seen smoking a marijuana cigarette.

Delves told THE VINCENTIAN that other countries are revisiting their marijuana laws.

“When the legislation changes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it is only a matter of time before this happens, what would happen to the mindset of people, especially policemen?”

Delves questioned.

“If it (marijuana) becomes legal, the police will have to view the smoking of a spliff (marijuana cigarette) differently.”

Delves added that the police should start changing their mindset now, so by the time the herb becomes legal, it would not be a problem

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

for them.

For example, he suggested that, at this stage, the police should consider a policy of no arrest for persons found in possession of small quantities of marijuana.

The planting ceremony at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus followed on the right granted to the University by the Jamaica government, to cultivate marijuana for medical research, towards positioning Jamaica to maximise benefits from the global medical marijuana industry.

The University is set to establish an institute to coordinate research efforts on medicinal and commercial products of marijuana.

Local attorney Grant

Connell has repeatedly called for the planting of a legal marijuana tree at the Botanical Gardens as a tourist attraction, and for educational purposes.

He had also called for the introduction of a ticketing system here, for persons found in possession of small quantities of marijuana, and was instrumental in getting the police to implement the policy of granting station bail to persons charged with possession of 15 grams and under of marijuana.

During an interview with THE VINCENTIAN about two years ago, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, recognising the wind of change to which Delves referred, called for a national consultation on the marijuana issue.

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