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FRIDAY,

AUGUST 21, 2015

SCOTT ACES CSEC EXAMS

by DAYLE DA SILVA ABIGAIL SCOTT is looking forward to doing as well as she did in the 2015 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations when she attempts CAPE in the next two years.

Scott said that she intends to study Pure Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology when she attends the Division of Arts and Sciences at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

She achieved a first for the Girls’ High School, in that for the first time in the school’s history, a student wrote and passed all 15 subjects that she sat.

Scott received grade one passes in Additional Math, Biology, Chemistry, Electronic Document Preparation Management, English A, English B, French, Geography, Information Technology, Mathematics, Office Administration, Physics, Principles of Business, Social Studies and Spanish.

“I feel extremely elated to have been able to accomplish something never done in the island before,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. Continued on Page 3.

VOLUME 109, No.34

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

EARLY PREPARATION VITAL: KAIREL Examinations.

With straight grade ones in: English A, Kairel Edwards begins English B, Math, the third part of her Biology, Chemistry, education at the Division Physics, Information of Arts Sciences and Technology, Geography, General Studies of the French, Electronic St. Vincent and the Document Preparation Grenadines Community and Management College next semester.

(EDPM), Principles of She will be doing Business, Social Studies Chemistry, Biology, and Human and Social Physics and Maths.

Biology, Kairel stands From the South out not only for students Windward district of of the Girls’ High School, Calder, Kairel is one of but the entire nation. this year’s top “I was happy and performers in the 2015 overjoyed,” Kairel Caribbean Examinations responded when asked Council Secondary about the results.

Education Certificate

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

High standards are not new to her family. “I wanted to be like my sister,” Kairel admitted.

That elder sibling, Kayrel, who is currently at the University of the West Indies, secured 12 passes when she did her exams.

Kairel has her mind fixed on a career in Medicine. Her parents, Elmore and Kalean Edwards, are proud of her. She put aside other activities in order to be ready for the tests. Her advice to other students is to start preparing for the final exam as early as possible. She cited the

tendency of some students to wait until towards the last two months to charge up on their studies.

Continued on Page 3.

FAITH PAYS OFF FOR SUMMER In total, Warrican now has 15 CSEC passes, SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD having already obtained Summer Warrican enjoys grade one passes in just about what any Economics and Principles other teenager would of Business while she enjoy -- but she said that was a Form Four she believes that it was student. her faith that has She told THE rewarded her with VINCENTIAN that she success in the 2015 was a bit concerned CSEC examinations. about her results, saying Warrican sat 13 that she did not think subjects in the May/June that she studied as much exams, obtaining grade as she should have. ones in Biology, IT, But now, the anxiety Mathematics, Physics, is over, and Warrican Social Studies, Spanish, said that she can now get Chemistry, EPMD, on with her life as she English A, Geography, looks forward to the next French, Human and level in her student Social Biology and career.

Theatre Arts.

“I always think that I

by DAYLE DA SILVA

could have put in more,” she said.

However, she said that she is looking to change her attitude: “I procrastinated too much; I need to be more disciplined.”

She credited her family, parents Laverne and Gotson Warrican teachers, and God. She also said that she is grateful to her school teachers, those whom she took extra classes from, and the KCCU for the assistance offered.

With regard to a career, young Warrican said that she remains undecided, but she said that she has an interest

in computer software.

Her other interest is writing short stories, but she says that she believes that she will be able to make a definite decision following her two years pursuing her Alevel education.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid along with WeFm Director Julius Williams and 5 Finalists.

WEFM Digicel Summer Reading Challenge concludes IN THE CLOSING OF THE 2015 WEFM Digicel Summer Reading Challenge, five finalists received prizes from Digicel. 1st place Lynallia Isaacs received a Huawei Tablet, 2nd place Annicia Billy walked away with a Blu Lifeplay Mini, while 3rd place Kwan Stewart received an Azumi

Smartphone. Digicel also donated back to school packs to the 5 finalists.

The aim of the challenge was to take five of our young people from ‘ordinary’ reading skills to broadcast quality skills.

Digicel and the management of WEFM, together, want to believe that they have ignited a spark in the participants. Marketing Executive Danielle Cupid stated, “Digicel is pleased to have been a part of such a great

initiative. Developing the youth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is something taken very seriously.”

The participants enjoyed a week-long training session on several skills and aspects of reading, such as diction, confidence and pronunciation. When the participants were asked about their experience, they stated that it was a really great opportunity, and some even realized a calling to a possible career in the media.

Bomani wins FIM theme song competition

by DAYLE DA SILVA LOCAL SOCA ARTISTE and musician, Orandi ‘Bomani’ Charles’ production ‘LEAD’ has been selected as the official theme song for this year’s Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Financial Information Month (FIM) activities.

According to Culture Officer Anthony Theobalds in the Soca artiste Ministry of Culture, Charles Orandi ‘Bomani’ was selected over many top Charles is names from across the region. delighted to have “And I am overjoyed,” he his song chosen said. for ECCB’s He explained that it was his Financial responsibility to find Information Month innovative mechanisms for of activities. distributing the message to the public for the activities which were included in this year’s FIM activities.

And there are a number of talented people here to which they were offered, he said.

“I was happy to see that amongst the odds of all the persons across the region whose names came up, a name from St Vincent and the Grenadines came up and made it to the front,” Theobalds said.

Charles has enjoyed success in the local music scene, and was appointed as one of this country’s cultural ambassadors in 2014.

He can now add his writing the winning theme song for the 2015 Central Bank’s FIM activities.

“I was happy to be considered to be the song writer, artiste chosen for the FIM theme song,” Charles said.

He explained that he was guided by members of the ECCB as to what they were looking for.

“And once they said that they were interested in something up tempo and energetic, my mind went to the power Soca genre which is used during the festival times for revelry and having fun”, he said.

He further explained that he was inspired to use Soca to illustrate that it can be used to spread positive messages as well.

Financial Information Month will be celebrated in October this year, and it is a regional, financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial campaign executed throughout the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), and incorporates a series of initiatives designed to support the attainment of the goal of a financially developed and vibrant ECCU region, fostering strong and sustainable economic growth and the improved well-being of the people.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 3.

News 3 Give peace a chance

her country’s version of the ongoing scenario.

She arrived at the E.T. VENEZUELAN FOREIGN Joshua airport and AFFAIRS Minister Delcy proceeded to the VIP Rodriquez is welcoming lounge before the press efforts to maintain Latin conference. She was met American countries and by an entourage, the Caribbean as a zone of including Foreign Affairs peace.

Minister Senator Camillo She made the pledge Gonsalves. last Wednesday at a She alluded to having press conference at felt a warmth of Cabinet Room. Rodriquez friendship once on was here on a swing Vincentian soil, and through the region in a confessed: “We feel as if complaints by part of the Caribbean mission aimed at giving we are at home ...…..

Guyana that family.”

Rodriquez indicated Venezuela was that there were strands laying claims to of solidarity and portions of that friendship between the territory. two nations, and referred Gonsalves assured that the to aspects of social development between the region was nations. “committed to a MInister of Foreign Affairs Senator Camillo Gonsalves is peaceful For the Foreign Affairs Minister, the resolution” of the seen here with Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuelan Foreign Minister on her arrival in St. Vincent on Tuesday. conflict dated over years, border clash and it was an issue between the two Above left: Charge de Affairs of the Embassy of the inherited. She welcomed countries.

by DAYLE DA SILVA efforts at ensuring that Guyana is part Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Dalian Guanipa is all there was a peaceful of the CARICOM, smiles as she welcomes Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez.

SOON AND VERY SOON of which St. resolution.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph other matters, of which the Grenadines and Vincentian leader Dr. Vincent and the Gonsalves says that he the Vincentian shied Venezuela.

Ralph Gonsalves Grenadines is a part. intends to announce the away details. For him, Rodriquez and There are close relations mentioned the focus of date of the next General they were “neither between St. Vincent and Gonsalves discussed Rodriquez’s trip was on Elections. necessary nor helpful.”

But until then, the He confirmed, Leader of the Opposition however, that “We are all Arnhim Eustace and the committed to the other members of the peaceful resolution of Opposition New Democratic Continued on Page 3.

Girls’ High School staff Deputy Michelle Beache this dispute.”

Prime Minister Dr. Party (NDP) will have to for their dedication to filled the void, and GHS Ralph Gonsalves wait.

“The months before the the profession. Kairel recorded 98.27 per cent mase the “I hear they talking about CXC, start preparing pointed to a trial test pass rate, to maintain announcement at election date… now in the yourself. (Around) April that the institution their place at the top of last SUndays ULP independence constitution, it it will be real rushy,” engages students in. the ladder for Vincentian gives the prime minister the rally held at Kairel professed.

This year, with Principal institutions.

Rabacca. authority to advise the She commended the Andrea Bowman absent, governor general when to dissolve parliament.

“The constitution didn’t say the Cabinet, it didn’t say Eustace, it didn’t say Ramos. It says the prime minister,” Gonsalves told hundreds of supporters at a Rally held at Rabacca last Continued on Page 3. number of group activities such as the Sunday.

Girl Guide Association, she was a He explained that, in the independence There was a bit of nerves, she former Patrol Leader of the Number constitution of 1979, it stated that the prime Continued on Page 3. admitted, but there was relief when 11 Girl Guide Company, and she is minister advises the governor general, and that she saw her results, and it showed presently a Ranger in the Number 14 did not mean that the governor general had any Meanwhile, mom that she had gotten all grade ones.

Ranger Unit. authority to reject the date submitted by the Laverne said that she She attributes her success to proper Church and her involvement there prime minister. has always had a dream time management: “I had to manage have also played an integral part in “It’s a polite word, but it means when I advise for her daughter in the my time well, as I had classes every her life.

She is a member of the the governor general, he has to, and when I afternoon after school, in the subjects Calvary Baptist Youth Group, and she same manner in which advise him of the date, that’s the date because I her father had a dream not taught in school. assists in the music department, name prime minister,” Gonsalves said. for his children.

“I had to sacrifice the amount of where she plays the piano.

He explained that he brought a constitutional “I figure that maybe leisure time I usually spent on the Among those she credits are her reform motion to the Parliament and to the his dream wasn’t Internet and my music classes. A lot of parents, Dawn Scott - lecturer in country, but the opposition rejected it. realised, so I can pass it studying and practising past papers Mathematics at the Community With regard to the date, he said that he on to her,” she said. were involved,” she said.

College, and dad Bernard, the Chief remains in prayerful consideration, and not too Laverne Warrican Her preparation included work on Air Traffic Controller. long from now, he will reveal that date to the expressed confidence in past papers, and some days, she would She was also grateful to her people. her daughter, saying get but a few hours’ sleep after being teachers, and friends of the church “Now I hear they saying is next month. Well, if that she knows that she up working on assignments. congregation, and other members of every month you say next month, some time you (Summer) will go on to Regarding a career, she said that the family for all their support. must get it right. achieve great things. she was still a bit undecided; however, Scott singled out her best friend, “But I am going to sweat them. I am going to For now, she said she had her mind set on becoming Kairel Edwards, “who believed that I bun (get them tired) them. either a cardiologist (heart surgeon) or was capable of doing 15 subjects, when that she remains “I will get them to talk more foolishness than content doing what she medical chemist.

I was contemplating on whether I what Cummings, Leacock and Friday talking at can in the background And her activities were not all should actually try to obtain such a the moment, because they don’t know how to take to ensure her daughter’s limited to the classroom and goal,” she said. pressure,” the prime minister said. success. academics Scott has been involved in a

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Date of General Elections coming soon

Early preparation vital: Kairel

Scott aces CSEC exams

Faith pays off for Summer

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Woman freed in Post Office matter Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS A 45-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, who was charged in connection with an alleged drug seizure at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation, Kingstown, November 11, 2014, was cleared of those charges last Friday, August 14.

Michelle Davis of Harmony Hall was acquitted at the Serious Offences Court, after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias upheld a no case submission from Davis’ lawyer Ronald Marks.

Davis and Michael Cozier, 30, also of Harmony Hall were jointly charged with possession of 1,465 grams of marijuana for the purpose of drug trafficking, possession of the drug with intent to supply, and attempting to export the drug.

Cozier was freed on the no case submission July 20 this year. Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche conceded that he had no case to answer. The matter was then adjourned for the Senior Prosecutor to respond to Marks’ submission in relation to Davis.

Marks argued that the prosecution did not make out all the ingredients of the offences with regard to possession; they failed to establish custody and control; and with regard to trafficking and attempting to export, they failed to make out the essential elements of knowledge.

Marks pointed out that Davis said in a caution statement to the police, which was tendered in evidence, that an unknown person gave her a package to deliver at the Post Office November 10, 2014, and she did so,

not knowing what was in the package.

He said that, according to the evidence, the substance, contained in a package, was discovered at the Post Office on November 11 during routine security checks, and the police were called in.

In his response last Friday, Delpleche said, “While knowledge is not something that you could touch or feel, you could draw an inference from a set of facts and circumstances”.

He noted that the evidence in this case was that a note pad was found at Davis’ home during police investigations, and the address which was on the package found at the Post Office was written in that note pad which Davis admitted belonged to her.

Delpleche argued that a jury, properly directed, can convict on those set of facts and circumstances, and asked the court to put Davis on her defence.

While Magistrate Browne-Matthias agreed that both parties were sound on the law, she indicated that the facts were what made the difference, and agreed with Marks’ submissions.

The prosecution’s case was that after the package containing the marijuana was found during security checks at the Postal Corporation on November 11, the police were called in, and investigations led them to Cozier. A search was conducted at a house where he and Davis were living, and a note pad was found with the same address that was written on the package. Davis admitted that the note pad belonged to her.

‘Weed’ pulled up in bucket A RESIDENT of Lower Questelles was this week ordered to pay the Court a total of $1,450, after pleading guilty to possession of a quantity of marijuana, some found in a water pump, and some pulled up in a bucket attached to a string.

Magistrate Carla James handed down the penalties at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Seymour Young was fined $1,200 in one month for four months in prison for possession of 1,014 grams of marijuana with intent to supply. He was also ordered to pay the court $250 in one week or four weeks behind bars for having 72 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

The sentences will run concurrently if the fines are not paid.

In presenting the facts, Police Constable Shamrack Pierre told the Court that on August 14, Corporal 723 Dallaway headed a party of personnel from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) to Young’s Questelles home to execute a search warrant.

Young was met at home, and Corporal Dallaway read and showed the warrant to him. Young consented

to the search, but ran to the kitchen, took up a red (water) pump and threw it out the kitchen window.

Dallaway informed Young of his observation, and took him outside to where the pump was thrown. It was retrieved, opened in Young’s presence, and a black plastic bag containing 32 white wrappings was found, which when opened, revealed marijuana.

When weighed, the substance amounted to 72 grams.

The police officer took Young back into the house, and went to his bedroom. Dallaway observed a string tied to a nail, and when he removed a piece of the board flooring, and pulled the string, a bucket emerged, which was attached to the string. It was opened, revealing a quantity of compressed marijuana.

The search also turned up EC$115.55, made up mainly of five dollar notes and one dollar coins.

PC Pierre told the Court that the way the money was made up showed that it was derived from drug sales, and asked that it be forfeited.

Magistrate James agreed and made the order.

V „I disturbed people,‰ author admits

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 5.

News

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

THERE IS A NEW BOOK on the market. It is entitled ‘Exodus! Heirs and pioneers, Rastafari return to Ethiopia.’

It costs EC$120.00, but some persons made use of an offer last Monday and secured copies for $108.00.

The book is the work of Giulia Bonacci, a French born woman of Italian heritage.

It was originally published in French until the University of the West Indies engineered an English version this year.

The launching and signing coincided with the 128th birthday of Jamaican born prophet Marcus Garvey, and was held at the Open Campus here.

Suitable music filled the air before the session started and from its commencement, it was an exposition of present day mystic.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made opening remarks. He was followed by Curtis King, Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School, but noted as one of this country’s eminent historians.

By the time King mounted the podium, there must have been doubts as to whether anything new could have been said about the publication.

But King put his perspective on the publication, having about one week to peruse the 520-page document.

King thanked the Prime Minister for making his task easier, for by then, listeners had an inkling of the production.

The evening grew in intensity, buoyed by the throbbing sounds of the Resistance Heart Beat drummers.

Bonacci herself held the audience riveted. Her mission was inspired, according to her, of a “quest for a home that I could relate to.”

She began documenting the history of the social history of

returning to Ethiopia.

She acknowledged that there was a place, and that people had made the journey, and had responded to the offer by Emperor Haile Selassie of providing lands to persons of African origin for their support during the war with Italy.

She scoffed at the notion that some persons had of the persons going to Ethiopia as “illusionists,” and the idea dismissed as an escapist type of myth.

She conceded that there was a place, and that there were people, but she wondered “why were they absent from the records?”

Bonacci was doing her Ph.D, then, and she decided that the story had to be told from the Ethiopian perspective.

Bonacci conducted over 60 interviews in places like London, Jamaica, Ethiopia and the United States of America. She scoured archives globally, and checked maps and other material in uncovering material for her publication.

Her extensive work took her to diverse places, and she met with all kinds of responses.

“Nuh easy t(h)ing for a little white gal to go stay in Shasamane,” Bonacci recounted in a hinted Jamaican dialect.

She confessed that she “gained respect” and “built trustful relationships.”

“I disturbed people,” Bonacci confessed, but took refuge that as a “white Rastafari and academic, I learnt to navigate the disturbances.”

Bonacci pointed to the right of abode which she asserted “should have legal status.”

The French born author admitted that there is a “big work of education to be conducted,” and she is hopeful that the publication can contribute to that mutual cause.

There was a point of national contact, as Bonacci referred to Ras

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made the opening remarked at the launch of the book on Monday.

Hailu. That might be obscure to many.

But elder citizens would recall that person as Bandy Payne, a Vincentian born who has entrenched himself in Shasamene.

Ras Hailu has established the banana art as part of the Ethiopian heritage, and his works have become part of the landscape, having passed on the skill to Ethiopians.

About 200 persons make up the population of the settlement in Shasamane, in a country with a population of 92 million and 435,000 square miles.

Author of ‘Exodus! Heirs and pioneers, Rastafari return to Ethiopia,’Giulia Bonacci in conversation with Curtis King, Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

A tremendous experience for Starlift

by HAYDN HUGGINS WHILE Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, musical director and trainer of the Montrose based Starlift Steel Orchestra, is disappointed that the band did not place higher in the first ever International Panorama, he thinks that it is an experience from which they have benefited tremendously.

Starlift, the only steelband to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the competition, held at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad and Tobago on August 9, placed 15th out of 24 steelbands.

“It was a blessing for Starlift to enter the first ever International Panorama competition. The experience was tremendous, especially for the younger players”, Roberts told THE VINCENTIAN during a telephone interview on Tuesday. He explained that Staflift’s players had the opportunity to visit the pan yards in the Twin Island Republic and see the way practice sessions are conducted there which, in his view, are a lot different to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially from a disciplinary standpoint.

He noted that, while practice sessions in Trinidad take the form of a show where there are bars and foodstalls, as well as booths from which T-shirts and souvenirs are sold, there are disciplinary rules that have to be followed at those sessions.

Roberts also highlighted that in Trinidad, supporters of steelbands buy T-shirts to show their support, while in St. Vincent T-shirts are given to supporters.

The musical director underscored that not only did they visit the pan yards, but other steelbands came to see Starlift practise at Angel Harps’ pan yard in Arima. Starlift used that venue to practise, as Angel Harps was one of the steel bands in Trinidad that were not selected for the competition.

“The idea was to learn from each other through interaction and togetherness. Some bands learned from us and we learned from them”, Roberts pointed out. But, he admitted that, “The bands in Trinidad and Tobago, especially those with the big names, do certain things that are different to the way we do things here”. He recalled that on the night of the performance, all the bands kept drilling their tunes before entering the stage. The purpose of this is to

keep the players warm, he explained.

The veteran pannist described Starlift’s performance as excellent.

“The actual performance was very good, from beginning to end. The players were anxious to get on stage to show the rest of the world the standard of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in regard to the steelband.

“After we finished Kingley ‘Hero’ performing, the applause Roberts, musical from the audience was director of Starlift tremendous, not just from Steel Orchestra.

Vincentians, but from a lot of Trinidadians”.

According to Roberts, some Trinidadian musicians with whom Starlift members spoke, expressed the view that the band should have placed in the top five positions, and that there was a possibility of them winning the competition.

Roberts described the overall standard of the competition as very high, though he is of the view that some of the top steelbands from Trinidad and Tobago fell short of what they are known to be capable of doing, in terms of arrangement and rendition.

Roberts is overwhelmed by, and has expressed gratitude on Starlift’s behalf for, the tremendous support the band received from Vincentians living in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as those who went there for the competition.

Twelve of the 24 competing bands were from Trinidad and Tobago. Four of the seven judges were from there too, two from the United States and one from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The reserved judge was also from the host country. The event was organized by Pan Trinbago, the umbrella body for steelbands in Trinidad and Tobago which dominated all the top positions.

The competition, which drew participants from the Caribbean and other parts of the world, including England, Japan, Canada and the USA, was won by Trinidad and Tobago’s 2015 Panorama champs ‘All Stars’.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

„Marvellous job‰ in containing challenging fire Coreas Mini Mart on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown, as one of the most difficult fires to control and extinguish in recent years.

And the senior officer has commended the fire fighters for doing a ‘marvellous job’ in containing and putting out the fire, despite the limited resources.

James, who was on the scene alongside his colleagues, told THE VINCENTIAN that it took them about eight hours to bring the fire under control.

He said that, because of the huge amount of smoke, even though they had flashlights, it was very difficult to see.

“We had to implement a defence attack method, so that fire fighters would not be injured, due to the Assistant Superintendent of Police extremity of the fire and smoke that (ASP) Joel James has commended the fire fighters for the great job they filled the building, and the fire had to be fought from four directions”, he are doing, based on the available said. resources.

Despite the risky situation, James said the fire was contained, and no Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS other structure in the vicinity was affected. He noted that a lot of the ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT of Police (ASP) Joel James, second in command of items were saved, but the entire upper floor and front section of the ground the Fire Department of the Royal St. floor were gutted.

Vincent and the Grenadines Police According to the Deputy Fire Chief, Force, has assessed last Sunday’s fire at

the police received the call around 4.47 p.m. on Sunday, that smoke was seen coming from the building. “We responded promptly, and the fire appliance got to the scene around 4:50 p.m”.

Fire fighters entered, and saw smoke coming from an area on the upper floor of the two-storey building.

He noted there was an air conditioning unit in that section.

“We then heard a large explosion coming from that area, and another explosion coming from another area upstairs”, James related.

He explained that the fire started on the upper floor which was used to store commodities for the supermarket, and the blaze flourished on that entire floor which consisted of wood and wall.

James added that the wooden structure of that floor burnt out and fell on the ground floor, igniting the drinks section and cashier area. He noted that there were various goods

stored on the upper floor, including aerosol which contributed to the risky situation.

“Fires occurred in different forms.

They could be slow, spontaneous or rapid. If you do not know what is burning in the building, it could be very risky for fire fighters. In the bigger and more developed countries, fire fighters die fighting fires on a regular basis, and sometimes buildings burn for months without being contained, despite the fact that in these countries, there are all types of fire-fighting equipment and a high level of training for fire fighters”, James explained.

There are 89 fires recorded so far for the year. These include 62 bush fires, eight house fires, eight garbage fires, four vehicle fires, five building fires, one boat fire and one electrical fire.

Up to press time Wednesday, the cause of the fire at Coreas Mini Mart was still being investigated.

Fire officer: Our tanks always filled

One of the fire trucks on the scene of the last Sunday’s fire, as they endeavoured to douse the flames which ravaged the Coreas Mini Mart.

DEPUTY CHIEF of the Fire Department of the RSVG Police Force, Assistant Superintendent Joel James has described claims in some circles that fire appliances turn up at fire scenes without water, as “a complete dislocation of the truth”.

James’ response came while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

“All our trucks are always filled with water, even before they return to base”, the Deputy Fire Chief crystalised.

He noted that some persons have the notion that when they see water running from the truck to the ground at a fire scene, it is an indication that the truck is leaking all the water.

But the senior officer explained, “The reason why you would see that happening is due to the fact that when these trucks are in operation at the fire scene, a hydrant could be activated and a water hose will be attached to that hydrant and hooked up to the fire appliance, so that we would have water at all times in the tanks”.

James added, “There is a system in place in the tanks, which is called an overflow, so when the tanks are filled, the water will flow over, and that is the water you would see from time to time flowing from the truck to the ground. The notion that fire appliances will turn up at the scene of a

fire without water is a complete dislocation of the truth”.

James said that the Fire Department is appealing to the public to avoid lighting fires to bush, garbage or coal pits in neighbourhoods.

“We are also appealing to business owners and operators to take the opportunity from the Fire Department to get training in respect to basic fire fighting and evacuation techniques”, he added.

Members of the public have commended the Fire Department for a job well done in containing and extinguishing a fire at Coreas Mini Mart on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown, last Sunday.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 7.

News

Fire consumes Coreas Food Mart The Coreas Mini Mart was gutted by a fire last Sunday.

by GLORIAH…

might find themselves out of a job. The CEO set the record straight as far as his company’s policy was concerned. He told THE VINCENTIAN, “To begin with, the workers have a job.

We are not going to allow them to walk away with any feelings that as a result of this disaster they are going to be out of work.” He explained the disaster as a temporary setback which he believed could be turned into something more positive. “We can create a much better building, and there’ll be a place for the staff in the new dispensation for them,” he added.

The following day was expected to see, according to CEO Providence, an immediate call to pick up the pieces. “We’ll have to pick up the pieces starting from tomorrow morning: bring the staff together, rally around them and convince them that we are doing our best to ensure that the situation is brought back on an even keel as soon as possible.”

Included in the work now cut out for his company, Providence felt were discussions with the insurance company; and

THE FIRM OF COREAS Hazells Inc took a tremendous hit on the afternoon of Sunday, 16th August, after what appeared to be very strange, according to Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joel Providence. The CEO told THE VINCENTIAN that, “This is a Sunday afternoon, and no one is in the building, as far as I am aware. At this time on a Sunday, this incident is certainly very unusual,” as he stood witnessing the Coreas Food Mart engulfed in flames which eventually gutted the building.

From all reports, the start time of the fire is still under investigation. When questioned, proprietors of an adjacent building intimated a time of around some minutes to four o’clock, taking into consideration the time they arrived on the scene. Mr. Providence reported that he was informed some minutes to five o’clock, and when he arrived, the fire seemed to have been raging before that.

Upon observation at about six o’clock that evening, it was clear that the flames had taken their toll. Providence himself had expressed this sentiment when he had said, “. In the meantime, as one can see, the inside of the building has more or less been gutted. The contents would have been destroyed.” The firefighters, on the other hand, continued to wage war with the fire, but were outdone almost at every turn.

The constant drenching simply resulted in other outbursts of flames. Small explosions could be heard going off in the midst of the flames. When questioned at the scene about some of the reasons for the persistence of the fire despite the incessant drenching by water from the fire tenders, several employees explained that the upper level of the building functioned as a store room. With a wooden floor and storage of items like insecticide, oil, sugar and other such commodities prone to be easily ignited, the fire was obviously afforded fuel.

The food mart also sold quantities of liquor which added to the conflagration.

In addition to the CEO of Coreas Hazells consternation the fire Inc. Joel Providence caused in terms of the building and its contents, (blue shirt) and others look on helplessly as there was also the the building continues tragedy of workers who to burn.

finding out their consequent losses. He intimated that these could take a few weeks, but the company would strive to bring things back to order in the shortest possible time.

Investigations are being carried out to ascertain the cause of the fire.

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 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

First people of SVG UNDOUBTEDLY, the place of Garifuna – Garinagu in Garifuna - in Vincentian history, has been the subject of heightened discussion over the last three decades or so, and we must recognise the earlier work by Dr. Earle Kirby and C.I. Martin that would have provided the impetus for such discovery and discussion.

Linkages with Garinagu in Belize — their exiled home — and thousands more in the Diaspora, especially in the USA, have been forged, and there is a new consciousness of what these people mean to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and what St. Vincent and the Grenadines mean to them.

It is a well-established fact that Garinagu claim this nation as their ancestral homeland — hold it sacred, and revere paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer with the same, if not more passion than we do.

The single act of naming Joseph Chatoyer this country’s first National Hero, was to announce to Garinagu that we recognised them as our own, and were prepared to ‘welcome them home’.

And while all of that is well and good, and the correct thing to do, we must not lose sight of another people — a people in our midst.

Sadly, with all the focus on the Garinagu, we in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are rapidly heading down a path (if we have not done so already) of denying the place in history and the place in our modern society, of a people we were made to call Caribs - the Kalinago.

There is no denying the place that Garinagu has in the history, and the place they could enjoy in this country’s ongoing development; but this must not be manifested by a disregard, or belittling of the place and role that rightfully belongs to the truly indigenous people of this country, the Kalinago.

Yes, we must embrace the Garinagu as our own, but not at the expense of alienating the Kalinago to a secondary place. They, like it or not, as noted local historian Dr. Adrian Fraser has gone to pains to explain, are our FIRST People — the first to have endured the ravages of colonial powers and the might of their Christian religion.

The Kalinago are not Garinagu, and Garinagu are not Kalinago.

One may have been born from the other, but they are two distinct people.

That the Kalinago have long been assimilated into mainstream modern Vincentian society is undisputed. That assimilation may have taken some time to evolve into a position of ‘equal political, social and economic status’, and differs sharply with Dominica, which has a distinct territorial area that Kalinago claim as their own, and self-govern within carefully defined boundaries in accordance with the constitution and laws of that country.

According to international protocol, truly indigenous people are those who inhabited a land before it was conquered by colonial societies. Yes, the Garinagu put up a historically acclaimed resistance to the English push to colonise this country, but only after the Kalinago had themselves put up their own resistance, only to have been made subjects before the advent of the more determined Garinagu.

This does not make them, the Kalinago, any less indigenous or any less FIRST people.

They, like all the indigenous people of the world, were victims of injustice — they were killed, tortured, de-culturised and made to accept the colonials’ religion, and quickly became adherents to the ways of western society, though poor in terms of employment/economic opportunities, physically ostracised by topography and misused by local politicians down the ages.

There should be no question that conquest by and the colonisation processes of Western Europe stole their dignity and literally ensured that their identity disappeared in places like St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We are yet to establish the extent to which the presence of the Garinagu contributed to what some say was a ‘walkover’ as far as converting the Kalinago to the ways of western society was concerned.

Whatever, and regardless of the extent to which we would welcome home the Garinagu, the Kalinago are the first people of this nation.

No process, open or subliminal, to disregard this fact must be resisted.

How the NDP treated “ULP” Public Servants A reprint from 28th August 1998 (Part 1) IT IS USUAL in these small communities, even if dangerously misleading, to identify top public servants with the ruling party of the day, especially where the current regime had had a reasonably long run.

Labour had conducted government for fifteen years, 1967 to 1984, minus two years 1972 to 1974 during the “interregnum” of the PPP- Mitchell Alliance.

It meant that the NDP Government of 1984 had met the top echelon of the public service with persons who had moved up from the middle ranks during 15 years of Labour.

The long association often led to the perception that these people were “Labourites”.

In fact, Prime Minister Mitchell was so impressed by the professional approach of his inherited Cabinet Secretary, James Pompey, that he immediately reposed absolute confidence in him.

Not only that, within a year or two, the Prime Minster honoured a promise which Milton Cato had made to Pompey, and sent him to New York in a diplomatic post.

Incidentally, Godfrey Pompey, current Cabinet Secretary is James’ son.

In choosing other members for overseas mission, Miss Cecile Richards, daughter of John Richards who twice ran for Labour in North Windward, was given the nod.

Dennie Wilson, Labour- appointed speaker of the pre- 1984 House, was also enlisted in the diplomatic staff in the USA. When Burns Bonadie, Labour’s Crown Prince, had been booted out of the party for agreeing to sit at a public interview with Prime Minister Mitchell over Windwards Unity, Mitchell accepted his application to join the NDP, and posted him off to Canada to do a labour-farm contract job, as well as perform consular services.

Bonadie took over from Ceford Providence, a Labour Party card-carrying member who, despite having passed the age of retirement, was granted a further extension, based on his expertise and experience.

It is, however, true that Joel Toney, who had totally identified with Labour and had always been Stalky’s alter ego, had to give up his post, notwithstanding his insistence that he was a career diplomat. Whatever the generosity, the line has to be drawn somewhere!

With Pompey gone to New York, Prime Minister Mitchell chose as his Cabinet Secretary, Mrs Anselma Soso, wife of Hudson Soso, a man who had been a perennial thorn in the flesh of the NDP regime!

Significantly, sons of labour stalwarts were welcome in their own right by the Mitchell Government.

Karl John is the son of Sir Rupert John,

foundation deputy-leader of the Labour Party and first native Governor appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister Milton Cato.

Karl became Director of Planning and, with engineer Rudy Matthews and financial wizard Maurice Edwards, performed at the highest level of professionalism in securing the necessary capital projects and infrastructure to bring this country near to the “take off” stage. Edwards is still at the helm of Finance under the ULP administration.

Today, Karl John brings his expertise to bear on the general handling of the Stabex Funds on which our banana industry, among others, heavily depends.

Randy Cato, who replaced Karl as Director of Planning, and is now seconded to the OECS secretariat, hailed from a labour family by name and nature.

Especially in the area of the public utilities, did Mitchell zero in on brilliant sons of Labourite fathers.

Hobbes Huggins, former secretary to Labour and past candidate as well, is father to Joel Huggins, the Manager of Vinlec which in so many ways had illuminated the nation during the Mitchell years. Until a recent hiccup, Mitchell and Joel Huggins have got on like a house on fire.

And Daniel Cummings, son of Samuel Cummings of Kingston Park, a Labour supporter to his marrow, was responsible for turning around the dreadful water situation in St Vincent, and made the local CWSA an example to follow in these parts. Daniel is now a leading MP in the opposition NDP. Nor did Mitchell allow narrow partisan consideration to limit his sights in recommending personnel for the sensitive area of the judiciary.

It stands to Mitchell’s credit that he felt comfortable with the filling of the post of Solicitor-General by Donald Browne, who contested in 1985 for the Labour Party which he once served as Deputy-Chairman.

Later, Donald Browne acted as AttorneyGeneral, the highest law office in the land.

Former Chairman of the Labour Party, the venerable Errol Clinton Mounsey sat as Senior Magistrate, whence his wise saws and counsel have helped to keep this country from moral derailment.

For a reasonably long time, Labour’s former chairperson, lawyer Rene` Baptiste held forth in the offshore banking business during the NDP administration. Her demonstrated capacity in one regime, which provided her with a platform and practical training, spurred her on to higher heights in Labour to be virtually First Lady of the land in various aspects of Vincentian life, social, cultural and political. She was eventually cut short of her higher ambitions, but that is another story.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 9.

Letters

Judgment starts at the House of Yahweh IT’S A FEARFUL AND TERRIBLE THING to fall into the hands of a living God. Yahweh’s wrath can be as great as Yahweh’s love; but no one speaks of this. Many of Yahweh’s own sheep take Yahweh for granted. They do things, and think it is covered by grace. They do things knowing that it is unholy and it’s an offence to Yahweh.

The church is not the pastor, it is not the building, it is the people, Yahweh’s sheep. Yahweh hates pride, and it is one of the 7 deadly sins. Yet, Yahweh owns pastors, who carry Yahweh’s anointing, think they build the church, they own the church, and they have to control the sheep.

Yahweh is the only good Shepherd, you are to be the finger that points the way to Yahushua’s pride.

Pride has crept into every temple that Yahweh has, poured Yahweh’s anointing out upon who have the bigger congregation, the most money. Who wins the most soul? This sickens Yahushua. Jealousy and covetousness are in Yahweh’s own temple. Stop bickering amongst yourselves. Expose the wolves that have been devouring Yahweh sheep. There is a false doctrine going around in these end times, and in some of Yahweh churches. Was Yahweh anointing being poured out?

A spirit of pride and religion has spread the lie that the pastors are saying only we have the authority to say who to pray and who cannot pray.

You are forbidden to pray and who cannot pray.

Not even Yahweh Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, would say such a thing. Yahweh’s word plainly states, “pray ye one for another”. Yahweh is no respecter of persons.

Beware who you discard as worthless, for it is the pastor who has the small flock, but insists that the Holy Spirit has full control.

Christian of Yahweh

No Government transparency I HAVE in the past criticized the performance of the news media for its failure to report in advance, scheduled availabilities of Government public fora, medical screenings and cultural happenings. I want now to tweak the Media– TV as well as print press and digital– on their failure to provide follow-up and background on the news stories they cover.

Pronouncements by the government, whether from the Prime Minister or from any Ministry, should be subject to scrutiny and investigation, which it is the duty of the news media to undertake and publish.

Who are they, not just what are their names, but what is the background of the said investors in: Ottley Hall, Mount Wynne, the Fisheries Complexes to be privatized, etc.; what is going on NOW in

Canouan, who is doing what and who are the “whos”. There is no Government transparency, so the people, the citizens of St. Vincent, the electorate, need somebody to tell them what the hell is going on. If you don’t (or can’t) do it, nobody can.

“You can’t deal with things you don’t know about. And you can only move forward from where you are. So don’t we want to know where we are? Don’t we want to know what’s real? The truth is hard to take sometimes. It isn’t always convenient.

It can be disappointing.

It can be ugly. But knowing – having information about ourselves and the world we live in – is part of our national identity.

Our democracy relies on an informed citizenry.” Letter to the editor of the L.A. Times.

HJA

Open letter to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves & Mr. Arnhim Eustace HONOURABLE men should not lie or encourage lies.

Our teachers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are strangers to speaking proper English, both in and out of the classroom. Yet, you are boasting of them ‘teaching diplomats’ to speak English. Are you referring to broken or proper English? Will they be getting a different method from our national students?

Mr. PM, what will you do/say after 4 weeks you visit their classroom, ask a local teacher a question, and they reply.

“Me na undastan you sah. Talk propa English fo me”; or a diplomat answer your question saying, “Ah we na hav dat in arwe country”. Sir, our students have failed to achieve 100% marks

in English; not even at the college and secondary schools, can we boast of 85%.

Garifuna talk now, Mr. Ramos and partners, be truthful and say if your people believe in a living God. We the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are Christians, or followers of Jesus Christ. Mr. Ramos, you seek to take back SVG soil to be cleansed by a ‘buyei’ because the souls of the Garifuna who died here their souls are not at rest, and the land needs cleansing for them to rest. I am of African descent, and (we too have witch doctors of fame) but we have given them all up for Jesus Christ, the son of God, who gave his lifeblood as

a ransom for us to enjoy everlasting life.

Mr. Ramos, do you believe in Calvary road?

In Genesis 3:17, God told Adam cursed is the earth, because of Him (Adam). Are you telling us that your ‘buyei’ is much stronger in powers than the Almighty God? Also, if the souls of the Garifuna whom the British destroyed, are not at rest because they died under stress, then the people who drown in the flood of Noah’s time their souls are not at rest either.

We the brothers and sisters of SVG welcome you, as we welcome all others, with warm open arms as children of God do.

Old English Teacher

The relationship between Venezuela and SVG “VENEZUELA is not a threat. We are a hope.” Those words are hanging on the building of the Venezuelan Embassy in Kingstown, St. Vincent.

We are calling on all nationals home and abroad to analyse the writing on the wall of the Venezuelan Embassy, not a threat, not declaring formally the end of SVG, but a feeling that what is wanted in SVG will happen. That’s our understanding as to what they are saying to us. We could be wrong, but why those words?

SVG and Venezuela have been on friendly terms, long before this administration.

Is Venezuela guilty of fooling our PM; to fool us that we won’t have to pay a (national) cent to build the Argyle Airport? They told us that the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ will build it. Is it true that the Venezuelans told our government to use our tax money to pay the Cuban workers at the Argyle International Airport construction site, and they will repay us? Was this a trick or a lie?

If not, did they repay us?

More questions than answers.

Maybe the Venezuelan government is feeling guilty for not allowing our leaders to count the cost.

Jesus said, “Don’t begin before

you count the cost. For who will begin construction of a building (airport) without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bill”. Luke 14:28-30.

If Venezuela feels guilty, and a threat to us for what their former head of government did unto our head of government, not enabling him to count the cost, enabling our nation the highest debt rate in our history, then feel guilty, Venezuela. We are friends.

Christian Democrat

* Is the NDP making the same mistakes it made in its campaign for the last general elections? * Why are people saying that in SVG, debt and death mean the same thing? * Isn’t it time for the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM) to get itself in gear?

What’s happening with the Christian Council in this regard? * And, by the way, who funds this National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM) anyway? * Anybody else notice the number of smoking vehicles on the roads here, especially those with diesel engines?

Could those vehicles ever be seen on the roads in Japan? * Seems is not only the cigarette smokers we should be concerned about, eh?

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

On your marks… Get set… Geothermal Energy The Issue THE LEVEL OF POLITICAL discussion in the country has increased, indeed tripled, following two activities hosted by the Unity Labour Party over the last two weeks or so. The first was the rebranding of the ULP headquarters at Murrays Road, followed by the launch of the ULP election campaign at a Rally at Rabacca on August 16th.

Both events are indications that the ULP has ramped up its campaigning for the next general elections, whenever the Comrade rings the bell. It is safe to say that from here on, the political temperature in the country will increase, and the discourse will get more robust, and even sharper.

This last event, the launch of the campaign at Rabacca, was an eye opener for many persons in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and showed the strength of the support in the country, for the ULP. Despite not paying for any buses for its supporters, the ULP was able to boast of a crowd of just over eight thousand persons at the Rabacca rally. That rally was also the practical launch of the slogan “Labour Loves You” or “labour love”. It’s a description of the outpouring of love and care and faith, that the ULP administration has provided for the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, over the last 14 years.

The supporters of the ULP are indeed energized. Their support for the speakers like Jomo Thomas, Camillo Gonsalves, Saboto Caesar, Debbie Charles, Montgomery Daniel and the Comrade leader, showed that there was still fire, enthusiasm, fervor, passion and zeal for their beloved party. In fact, after the battering from the referendum in 2009, the ULP has been on a steady climb, to the 8-7 victory in 2010, and now it’s on to victory at the next poll.

From this rally, it is clear that the campaign for the next election has been defined. It has been defined along the lines of which political party has the most love for Vincentians. It is defined along the lines of which party has the best slate of candidates, based on their age, their qualifications, and their passion to serve the people. It is defined along the lines of leadership, and who is better to take the country forward.

What the voters will look for There are five areas that the voters will consider before they cast their votes in the next general election.

They will first want to re-examine the philosophy, vision, policies and programmes of the political parties. In this case, the ULP has a clear vision and a philosophy, and the socio economic plan for the country, up to 2015, has been defined. The NDP has no such plan and no compelling vision.

Secondly, the voters will examine the achievements of the party in power. The ULP record in office is outstanding, with several major outstanding programmes like the education revolution, the development

(Excerpts from the Hon. Arnhim Eustace’s Address at the NDP’s Convention in 2013)

work in housing, health, infrastructure development and so forth. Against this, the NDP could only boast of a tissue of lies, as they bad talk and speak ill of this country and its citizens.

Thirdly, the voters will look at the slate of candidates of all parties. The ULP has refreshed its slate of candidates, offering a younger, brighter and more energetic slate, coupled with experience. By comparison, the NDP is presenting a bunch of tired grumpy old men who have nothing to offer the people of this country.

Fourthly, the voters will look at the issue of leadership, and will ask themselves: Who is best qualified to lead the country, particularly at this time in our history? Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has already demonstrated very strong leadership qualities, and is ahead of Arnhim Eustace by far.

Dr. Gonsalves has demonstrated a commitment to take the country forward, a passion for this country, and a love for Vincentians. Eustace has no energy, and has showed a marked lack of judgement. Even persons within the leadership of the NDP, and some of their strong supporters, do not want Arnhim Eustace as Prime Minister of this country.

The ULP…getting set Meanwhile, the candidates of the ULP will continue to do their ground work, and will intensify their strategy in the coming weeks. They will not get complacent, and will work hard to keep the current buzz alive. The ULP knows what it has to do on the ground to be ready for the election, and key persons in the constituency will be busy doing the coding process, and organizing the nuts and bolts of the “get out the vote” campaign.

The Comrade leader has already said that the time period between the announcement of the elections, and polling day, will be very short, and so the preparation process has to be robust and sharp. Our young people from the ULP Youth Arm will continue their mobilization, and there will be greater use of the social media in particular.

The ULP general secretary, Julian Francis, is a master of campaigning, having overseen successful campaigns in 2001, 2005 and 2010. He will bring his considerable experience to bear on the campaign activity. We must be ready for the political meetings and other campaign activities that will be organized and implemented.

Above all, we must keep the labour love flowing. We must remember that everything that is loved by the ULP, will attract the hate of the NDP. That party has already demonstrated that it has no love for Vincentians, and has no care for the country, seeking only to gain political power at any cost.

DRILLING A GEOTHERMAL WELL is like drilling for oil. A geothermal well is a deep hole drilled into the ground to explore for geothermal energy, or to produce geothermal energy. Exploratory wells are 4 to 6 inches in diameter and typically thousands of feet deep.

Production wells are 8 inches or more in diameter and go down to the required depth. In Dominica, three exploratory wells were drilled, one of these went down as far as 4,800 feet, and the exploratory drilling phase of the project took two years to complete.

Fact: no drilling is taking place at this time. What is happening now is that the Reykjavik Geothermal people are doing surface-based investigations that will attempt to produce a preliminary map of potential underground geothermal assets.

These preliminary investigations will not definitively answer the question of what is the true extent and quality of our geothermal resource. That question can only be answered by drilling, which is expensive, risky and time-consuming. This brings us to the point: Is this being financed by Emera? It is certainly not being financed by government or VINLEC. And as you ask that question, remember what Gonsalves himself said. He said: “Now, no one seriously believes that Emera will come to St. Vincent to put in the facilities to generate only 10 megawatts of power.

They have their eye on a larger prize.”

Let me repeat, he said, “No one seriously believes that Emera will come to St. Vincent to put in the facilities to generate only 10 megawatts of power. They have their eye on a larger prize”. Now, consider that Emera is the owner of the electricity company in Barbados, they acquired majority shares 2 ½ years ago. So the question now is: What is Emera going to get for spending all the money and taking all the risks up front? What is this “larger prize” that Gonsalves is talking about? Do not underestimate that question. What is the larger prize that Emera has their eyes on? And why should Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of a sovereign state, be interested in the larger prize to be acquired by a private company?

Let us look at some other facts.

Let’s look at how Dominica went about their geothermal energy project.

And bear in mind that Dominica and St Vincent are very similar in terms of our energy sectors. Our electricity price is about the same, we both have hydro; we both have geothermal potential, and we are both members of Petro Caribe.

In 2007, Dominica applied for grant funds from the European Union (EU) to finance the exploration phase of their geothermal project, and the exploration phase commenced in April 2008. So what Reykjavik Geothermal is doing now up at Soufriere — that happened in Dominica more than five years ago! And remember, when Dominica was moving ahead with vision, purpose and focus, all of these are things Gonsalves likes to talk

glibly about. Gonsalves was signing a Memorandum of Understanding with some fly-by-night fellow named Croghan who did nothing, delivered nothing, produced nothing, and had his contract extended, before he eventually disappeared into the night.

Since 2008, Dominica has completed the entire exploration phase of their project, and they have fully proven the location, extent and quality of their geothermal resource.

They are now ready to move on to the construction phase of their project, to design and build a geothermal power station. In doing so, they spent over 32 million EC dollars, and this is the important point; all of that money was public money. They got grant funds from the European Union (EU) and they added local counterpart funds; they have proven the geothermal resource and now, the rights to the geothermal resource belong to the state and people of Dominica.

What is happening in St Vincent is the opposite. Apart from the fact that St Vincent is five years behind Dominica in actually getting a project off the ground. What is happening here is that Ralph Gonsalves, as the minister responsible for energy, has passed the geothermal project over to private investors from the very start.

Emera and Reykjavik Geothermal are here now, and they are spending their own money to explore for geothermal energy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In Dominica, $30 million was spent. Suppose Emera and Reykjavik Geothermal have to spend $30 million here, even before any geothermal energy is proven to exist? What will happen if and when they prove that the geothermal resources exist? They will be the ones who have taken the risk up front, they are the ones who would have spent the money up front, so naturally, they will be looking for a return on their risk and investment, and they will be the ones calling the shots later on.

This is simply the nature of geothermal energy development. It requires high-risk investment of capital up front, and the people, who are investing that capital and taking the high risk, must get their return. It is our contention that this up-front risky investment should not be made by private investors, because they will have their eyes on a bigger prize. But this is what the Prime Minister has already told us is happening! What is the bigger prize? Is it VINLEC? After Emera has made all of these investments, will we be called upon to ‘repay’ them by selling VINLEC to them? Remember they recently bought out Barbados Light and Power. Or will they charge us exorbitant amounts for the geothermal energy under our soil, but which they invested in, instead of us?

It is our contention that, far from being a leader in this area, Ralph Gonsalves is simply a follower, five (5) years late, and he is following the wrong example.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 11.

Views

No noble savages

When mediocrity reigns

“...Whenever we learn about primitive societies, we learn about revenge, murder, human sacrifice, tyranny.

There were - and are - no noble savages.” — Charles Colson (19312012), Evangelical Christian leader and author who founded Prison up by igniting prejudices. It appears Fellowship and BreakPoint. to be equally easy to spark the need for revenge whenever someone is NOBILITY CONJURES up the image of convinced that they have been being decent. It provides a picture of wronged. In a sense, emotionalism someone who is polite, honest, and can drive persons to perform acts that civilised; someone we would look up to. may have eluded them if they were In the past, such an image was often encouraged to take a more sober look attributed to persons of wealth or at the particular situation. It is substance. However, family names, precisely because of these situations, place of birth, education level attained, that we must guard our emotions and positions in the society, will not when engaging in social and/or make one truly noble. True nobility is political commentary or debates. The obtained and retained based on the political arena is certainly one in individual’s character. which the unsuspecting can be Thoughts of uncivilized behaviours encouraged to demonstrate “emotional emerge whenever we think of savages savagery,” as politicians, political or savagery. We can readily generate parties, and their respective images of mutilations and supporters vie for political office and debauchery. Various unkind acts power. The temptation will always be surface in our consciousness. We there to demonise those who are consider many of these to be considered to be “in the other camp”. repulsive, evil, and most undesirable. However, the “mud-slinging” and Cable television and the Internet now political savagery must not be part of bring many scenes of savagery to our the arsenal of the noble. This form of homes. Sometimes they appear so modern-day savagery must not be frequently that they seem to no longer allowed to germinate and/or grow. frighten or irritate us. In so many We must nip them in the bud. We instances, we appear to have become must remind those who lean in that calloused; our emotions sometimes direction, that there are no noble seem to be cauterised as we view savages. scenes from the comfort of our living The recent political elections in St. rooms. There is a danger in getting to Lucia, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, such a stage where the physical and and St. Kitts & Nevis, unearthed emotional butchery no longer bother several instances of “gutter politics” us. and “political savagery”.

The savagery is not limited to the Unfortunately, many citizens in these Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) countries appeared to be more focused as they terrorize our modern world on the “pi-cong” and name-calling with their beheadings of their than they were on the social, opponents, and destruction of ancient economic, and political issues in the relics and landmarks. The savagery in respective countries. We have seen a not constrained to the radical similar trend in Trinidad & Tobago as Muslims in the Middle East or Boco the Peoples’ Partnership (championed Haram and his band of terrorists in by the United National Congress) has northern Nigeria. Western societies unleashed a barrage of negative abhor their savagery. These modern advertisements in relation to the day terrorists have taken acts of PNM’s leader, Dr. Keith Rowley. savagery to new heights (or new lows However, it is commendable that may be a more accurate description). many of the private sector We cringe as we reflect on the organisations immediately sanctioned atrocities that were committed in the the UNC’s strategists for taking such over-populated prisoner-of-war camps an approach as they lead up to the that emerged during World War II. September 7th general elections. The However, man’s inhumane treatment local print media, as well as the social of their fellow man is not limited to media, cautioned the UNC in relation physical acts of violence. Savagery is to the folly of taking such an also displayed via the use of unkind approach. It therefore appears that a words, lies, and distortions of the segment of the “enlightened public” truth, as efforts are made to discredit was prepared to condemn such those individuals who have views that political savagery. differ from our own.

The public in St. Vincent and the We seem to have our own modern Grenadines, anticipating general day savages in so many of our elections by March, 2016, can take a Caribbean territories; individuals who leaf from T&T’s book. Civic maim and mutilate others with words organisations and the Christian on the various radio call in Council must seek to disarm the programmes. Persons who perpetrate political assassins as soon as the acts of unkindness aimed at utterances appear to be laced with destroying the reputation or hurting savagery. We must demand that the feelings of those who, for debates be focused on issues and whatever reason, hold views that are programmes. And while it is also opposing to their own. These agents necessary to examine personalities of deviant behaviours may be and character traits of those who seek considered noble (based on their political office, the discourse must be position or authority) but they behave seasoned with decency and decorum. like savages. They must be reminded The emphasis must be on honesty and that there are no noble savages. They nobility - not on savagery. There are must be encouraged to walk the moral no noble savages! high road and to listen to a more positive drummer. Their steps should Send comments, criticisms & be in line with decency — not suggestions to debauchery. julesferdinand@gmail.com It is relatively easy to rile someone

Last Tuesday, a path-breaking piece of legislation on our country’s energy needs and capacity, was passed in the National Assembly. The bill entitled the SVG Geothermal Resources Development Bill, 2015 was passed without the support of the opposition.

Arnhim Eustace gruffly declared towards the end of his contribution to the debate, that he could not support the bill.

Something game changing was also evident during the debate on the Geothermal Bill. In fact, this path breaking development has been unfolding for the last two years, following the entry into the parliament of Camillo Gonsalves, Luke Browne and yours truly. Never in the history of our representative democracy have three rookies made such confident, consistent, dynamic and substantive contribution to the legislative agenda of country.

Opposition leader Arnhim Eustace must grudgingly sit in amazement and envy, as any of these three stand to contribute to pressing matters of state. PM Gonsalves must be understandably and profoundly proud of his 3 new dynamos. When the self assured and erudite Saboto Caesar is added to this fire power in parliament, there is no objective observer who disagrees with the assertion increasingly heard across this land, that the ULP future is in good hands.

But that is not the purpose of this piece. The intent here is to spotlight and showcase the ineptitude and mediocrity of the parliamentary opposition. This is a shallow bunch devoid of substance. This is an unthinking lot who believe they can voop their way through debates. This is a group that hardly prepares for parliamentary sessions, and it glaringly shows.

But this is an opposition that commands the attention and support of 49 percent of the population. This is a party that came within one seat of winning the 2010 elections, and thus occupation of the seats of power in this country. This is a mass movement that is convinced that it was robbed of electoral victories in 2005 and 2010, and that this time around, it will triumph. Woe be unto SVG if this were to happen.

SVG is a very tribal land. The majority of citizens love their parties, and closely identify with them. Some Vincentians, whether at home or abroad, keep their radios locked to the radio stations that carry the messages of the party of their choice. Oh, how I wish for the days of old when we only had one radio station, National Broadcasting Corporation!

As it stands, ULP supporters generally listen to Star Radio and WEFM, while NDP supporters listen, in the main, to Nice Radio.

Star Radio, the station owned and operated by the governing party, carries the entire parliamentary debate, the words and voices of every parliamentarian. However, NICE Radio, under contractual (business) arrangements with the opposition NDP, carries only the addresses of opposition parliamentarians.

Therefore, NICE listeners, primarily NDP supporters, never get to hear an entire debate. They listen to their representatives, and believe that they are great. These parliamentarians go on radio, repeat their rhetoric, and supporters ‘big them up’ for work well done.

Opposition supporters never get a chance to hear the contribution from the other side. They never hear government representatives’ convincing and persuasive challenge to opposition arguments. They don’t get to discern facts from fiction, truth

from grand standing and populist rhetoric.

NDP supporters heard Daniel Cummings declare that “the government missed the boat on geothermal energy.” They heard him bellow that the geothermal bill was a sinister plot to exploit the people of SVG; and that the bill’s true purpose was to create the legal frame work “to rob the country of its resources.” They heard when Leacock said that government through the bill was selling Soufriere,” and most tellingly when Eustace declared that neither he nor his party can or will support the geothermal bill.

But because of Nice Radio’s onesided policy of not airing presentations from members of the governing party, NDP supporters did not hear Luke Browne or Camillo Gonsalves point to the geopolitics as the reason why the French government might have had an early interest in geothermal development in Dominica. The fact that Dominica sits between Guadeloupe and Martinique, overseas departments of France. They never heard that Geothermal energy will provide 67 percent of our energy needs, is good for the environment, will save foreign exchange, will create jobs, and make SVG more attractive and competitive.

They heard Cummings belittle the relationship that government had with Emera and Reykjavík Geothermal, without learning that Emera, a Canadian energy company, was a giant in electricity generation and delivery in the region, with part ownership in electricity power plants in Antigua, Barbados, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia.

They never learned that the other partner Reykjavik Geothermal is from Iceland, a country that generates 26 percent of its energy needs by geothermal means, and has the most efficient geothermal plants in the world.

NDP supporters never heard that those whom they elected to work for them never attended any of the 5 sessions in the select committee which were held to streamline, clarify and strengthen the geothermal bill.

They never heard the call for us to forget about political and electoral calculations, when it comes to major national issues and projects such as constitutional reform, major infrastructural projects like the Argyle International Airport or the bridge at Rabacca, the Education Revolution and for the demand that former European enslavers have a case to answer as it relates to conquest, genocide against our Kallinago/Garifuna forebears/enslaved Africans, the slave trade, slavery and colonialism.

Further, supporters of the opposition missed the scholarship, eloquence, confidence and substance of those presenting for the government. All they heard was the empty ranting of a bunch of politicians who were demonstrably not up to the task.

So, when Eustace said he could not support the bill as presented to parliament, it was not the government that had missed the boat on geothermal energy development, it was the NDP that had dropped the ball by failing to do what the people elected them to do.

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

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

High quality education and trade, not aid!

RESEARCH by the Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, has revealed that the reliance on aid by the incompetent ULP regime, as the engine for development, is counterproductive. The greater the amount of aid SVG has received, the greater is the level of dependence, and the worse our economy has become. The way to make our people richer is economic development, driven by high quality education and trade, not aid.

Table – Aid dependency creates weak economy

Researched by Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA.

Source: SVG Budgets (2002 to 2015) education. This is only 1.52% of the $971m budget estimates 2015. This is The table shows that the increased outrageously low. A Green government reliance upon aid has made our will pump at least 20% of the budget economy very weak. In 2002, aid was into education; increase the overall $58m and the fiscal deficit was Nil. size of government budgets by Now, in 2015, aid has massively stopping harmful tax exemptions to increased to $168m, yet the economy is foreign companies. Actionaid estimates so much worse, with a fiscal deficit of that $138 billion annually is given $143m. away unnecessarily in tax incentives The problem with being an aid to foreign companies by developing junkie, is that the ULP regime has lost countries. A Green government will its capacity to make our country cut ties with Taiwan, and tax the strong. The addiction to aid has made super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, them lazy, and they do very little to and set up a tuna fishing and canning increase our country’s productivity and industry. This will increase the self-sufficiency. The consequence is a government budget by hundreds of weak economy and an increase in millions of dollars a year; spend more unemployment, poverty and crime — in primary education and help poor evident all around our country. families to meet education costs. A The ULP regime is economically Green government will make books and financially incompetent. Aid and and uniforms free for all children, and handouts from the parasites — Taiwan will build a university. Education will and the super-rich of Mustique and be free from preschool to university.

Canouan — are not making our An Education For All (EFA) report economy strong. These parasites must shows that education generates pay tax, because our economy is productivity gains that fuel economic moving backwards, as the increase in growth. The EFA report shows that for fiscal deficit since 2005 illustrates. every US$1 spent on education, between US$10 and US$15 would be SVG needs change generated in economic growth.

Trading value-added products is the way to expand the SVG economy. For The Global Partnership for example, 1lb of green coffee will earn a Education (GPE) says that for poor Ugandan coffee farmer approximately countries, it is vital to: increase US$1, whilst roasters in developed education spending. The GPE countries sell the same coffee for encourages governments to commit approximately $8. This means that between 15% and 20% of national budgets to education. In SVG for 2015, poor coffee-growing countries lose US$7 per lb of added value, simply only $14.78m is allocated for

because they are not roasting and packing the coffee.

Importing countries ‘add value’ to the coffee and make 7 times as much money as the Ugandan coffee grower!

A Green government will help SVG businesses to add value to their goods, and focus on exporting processed goods and services. Our country must increase its economic output and GDP to about $3 billion. This is feasible if we cut ties with Taiwan, tax the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, set up our own tuna fishing and canning industry, and focus on valueadded products.

A Green government will empower our people with education and skills training. We will create cheap electricity from renewable energy to reduce businesses’ overheads.

The only thing that makes people richer is economic development. Trade.

This is how Singapore did it; this is how China is doing it. We must adopt the successful Singapore model of sustainable development, and drive the economy with high quality education and trade, not aid.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 13.

News

Two win Samsung Smartphones from LIME “THANK YOU VERY, very much, Ms Williams. You think is now I want my daughter to have a LIME phone like me?”

These were the elated words from the mother of Caywama Edwards, Week 5 winner of the Samsung Galaxy S6. Caywama said that the phone she was using got damaged, so her Mom allowed her to use the tablet she won from LIME until she could get a L-R: Caywama Edwards and Rochel Byron. handset of her own.

“God is good,” said Caywama, as she Thanks to LIME.” touched her new Samsung Galaxy S6.

Just $1 can earn you a chance to Rochelle Byron was the second win a smart phone in the LIME Week 5 winner. Rochelle could not Summer promotion. “Text #SUMA to stop screaming, and the rest of her ‘6263’ to win. Text cost only $1, so household joined in with her, when text more to win more,” said Nikala she got the good news about her Williams - LIME Marketing and winnings. “I can’t believe I just won!

Communications Lead.

Jason Haynes awarded Ph.D in England THE CHAMBERS OF BAPTISTE & CO. LAW Firm is pleased to announce that Jason Haynes the 2008- SVG National Scholar (3 A Levels at Grade A and 3 Grade ls at Cape), has been awarded the Ph.D from the University of Durham, i.e. - Doctor Of Philosophy in Law on a Commonwealth International Scholarship on the International European and Commonwealth Caribbean Law and Practice on Human Trafficking, in July 2015. He was also awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from the Faculty of Education at the Durham University in July 2015.

Dr. Haynes obtained his LL.B (Hons) degree (First Class Honours) from the Faculty Of Law, Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in 2011. During his tenure at U.W.I, Jason received several Awardsthe Sir Gaston Johnson Award in Criminal Law U.W.I (2009); Sir Fred Phillips Award in Law and Legal Systems U.W.I (2009); First PlaceBest Advocate and Best written memorial, Law Society Moot Court Competition in 2011.

He proceeded to the University Of Nottingham to read for the LL.M which included International and Comparative Law; International Investment Law, Corporate and Insolvency Law; Banking Law, Financial and Monetary Law;

Copyright Law; Law of Development and CounterTerrorism. He completed the Master’s in 2012 with Distinctions in each Area (2011-2012), which was Dr. Jason Haynes funded by the British Chevening Scholarship.

Haynes was a Research Fellow and a Senior Tutor in Applied Research Methods in Law at Durham. He proceeds this week to the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica to pursue the Legal Education Certificate. While there, he will lecture at the Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies in Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law and Family Law. Dr. Haynes is attached to the Baptiste and Co. Law Firm as an International Research Consultant. He is a former student of the St. Martin’s Secondary School and a graduate of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Division of Arts, Science and General Studies.

Congratulations to another Son of the Soil who has distinguished himself.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Vincy Day USA: ÂA Âphenomenal successÊ Banner displaying ‘Vincy Day USA’

The Bowmans under a tent, Charles, Sophia, Sandra and Lenford “Brother B”.

Ex-students of the Petit Bordel Secondary School surround banner.

Bowman, of Rosebank, and Mr. Bowman’s elder brother, Lenford “Brother B” Bowman, and his wife, Sandra Roberts-Bowman.

Lenford Bowman, who had lived in Calliaqua before migrating to New Section of the massive party crowd.

York, was among the Story and photos by “The day was a phenomenal pioneers of the van system that began in St. NELSON A. KING Soca artiste Zola success — from the beautiful Vincent and the naking@verizon.net entertains. weather to the wonderful Food Time for South Rivers’ villagers.

Grenadines in the late US CORRESPONDENT spirit of our people coming 1960s to early 70s. former Barrouallie together to peacefully Pennsylvania (SVGOP).

“It looks like all the Secondary School teacher ORGANIZERS HAVE DESCRIBED fellowship,” the statement “I liked it so much the first Vincentians are up here,” declared, “It’s a nice time for the 4th annual Vincy Day U.S.A., said. time that I decided to come a us to come together and held last Saturday at Heckscher Vincentians from all walks added McKenzie-Bowman, second time,” said King. “It’s who resides in Passaic, North fellowship with our brethren State Park in East Islip, Long of life trekked, mainly by car a good time for Vincentians to New Jersey. and sisters. … Most of the Island, a New York City suburb, and bus, from as far as come together. I’m seeing Roberts-Bowman, a Rose time, you see people as a “phenomenal success.”

Toronto, Canada and Miami, people I’ve not seen in years. I (Vincentians) at funerals; and like the camaraderie — Vincy Day U.S.A. Florida, for the extraordinary Bank native who was attending the picnic for the to come together like this is Committee, the organizing picnic. everybody coming together.” first time, said, “Everybody is wonderful.” group, said, in a ‘Thank You’ “It’s a great experience to Local taxi driver Crispin together.

I’m enjoying it, and THE VINCENTIAN statement, that 10,000-odd meet people I’ve not seen in a “Trevor” Charles, of Belair, a I’ll come back again.” columnist and author Earl ‘Ole first-time picnic-goer, shared a nationals and friends very long time,” said Sophia Cecelia Beach, of Lowman’s George’ Daniel said he’d converged on the sprawling McKenzie-Bowman, formerly similar sentiment, saying, Leeward, a public school yearned to attend the park’s picturesque of Chateaubelair, picnicking “I’m seeing friends I’ve not teacher in Brooklyn, and a spectacle in New York. campground for the spectacle. with her husband, Charles seen in 20-30 years.”

Girls High School alumna and “Every year The picnic was a grand before, I couldn’t opportunity not only to feast come because of on Vincentian delicacies and work,” said Daniel, have fun, but also to meet between gulping long-seen relatives and down some sorrel friends, and to establish beer. alumni associations.

“Every year, it’s For instance, past students Canada, Canada, of the Petit Bordel Secondary Canada, for the School (PBSS) used the Vincy Unity Picnic occasion — at the urging of in 1,000 Is., Brooklyn-based ex-students Ontario, Canada,” Vanya Jones, a registered added Daniel, who nurse, and Charles Thompson, travelled from a technical college Montreal, Canada. mathematics lecturer — to “So I brought a launch the school’s past couple of friends. students’ association. …. . As many Ex-PBSS student Pamela events you have Maloney, a US Navy veteran, showcasing St. drove from Jacksonville, Vincent and the Florida, for the initiative.

Grenadines, it’s “I had an amazing time at better for St. the Vincy Day Picnic,” the Vincent and the Petit Bordel native told THE Grenadines.”

VINCENTIAN. ……… “It was Brenda King, of great seeing my old teachers Diamond, South and classmates. It’s been more Central Windward, than 30 years since I left St. travelled with Vincent and the Grenadines, nationals on one of but it was as if time stood still two buses when we were together.” organized by the The event also featured Philadelphia-based local gospel, soca and calypso St. Vincent and the artistes, as well as sporting Grenadines’ activities, such as netball.

Organization of

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 15.

News

More students participating in STEM programme

by KENVILLE HORNE A TOTAL OF 120 YOUNG people have participated in this year’s STEM programme which, according to organisers, is a vast improvement from last year’s figure.

STEM, acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – a term used when addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools, to improve competitiveness in science and technology development.

Since the inception of the STEM programme in St. Vincent by current Director Petrus Gumbs, it has gained momentum, owing to the fact that it diverted from the normal chalk and talk teaching approach that is practised by most schools, and is intended to encourage disruptive thinking.

Such is the success of the programme, that many sponsors and parents are getting involved.

This year’s exercise ended with a closing ceremony at the Methodist Church Hall last Friday.

Sheri Edwards, one of the teachers, in her welcoming remarks, outlined this year’s activities, saying this year, they introduced the primary element of the programme, which saw 30 students from primary schools attending.

Field trips included visits to the Rivulet Agricultural site, the Orange Hill Tissue Culture Laboratory, Sutherland Garifuna Establishment

Model bridge created by the participants.

Soap and Lip Balm made by the participants.

STEM Director Petrus Gumbs, gives a demonstration of the Robotic competition to Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne. in New Montrose, the VINLEC Power Plant at Lowman’s Bay, Clarke’s estate in Vermont, among other places.

Edwards said the students learned Art, Mathematics, Science, English and Technology. “The secondary students were taught how to make soaps and lip balms,” she said, adding “We had an extended stay in the Robotic Laboratory, [where] we built and programmed robots.”

Director Petrus Gumbs said that since the programme started three years ago, they have worked with over 250 participants.

He said that, because of the number of young students involved this year, they decided to select some former participants who are deemed responsible, disciplined and respectful, to become mentors and assist with moulding the primary school students.

He acknowledged that, while academics are important, this is not enough.

“If the answer is yes, that academic work is just enough for our children, then you would not be sitting here with us today. We need to start working with the kids to show them that what they are learning has other applications, and it is important for the jobs tomorrow,” said Gumbs.

“Technology, art and science, let’s show them how all these subject areas incorporate into their everyday lives, and how they can use these simple things to make themselves more marketable,” he added.

Students were taught to develop application software, personal websites, and video games, using industry standard software, Gumbs disclosed.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V Students gain skills in China

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 17.

News

‘Envision.’

This journey provides an out of class FOUR VINCENTIAN STUDENTS are poised learning experience and rigorous for leadership roles here. They are curriculum that equip students with Nafesha Richardson, Raeisa Byron-Cox, the confidence, independence, skills Elizabeth Simmons and Tito Patterson. and global competitiveness required They returned from an oriental trip last for the next generation of leaders. month. The ten-day exercise took them to Richardson is doing Law, Chinese cities of Beijing, Hangzhou, Literature, Business Management.

Shanghai, as well as Hong Kong.

The former Girls’ High School student, They are second year students of who lives at Villa, described the trip as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines a “phenomenal experience.”

Community College Division of Arts, She reflected on having to meet new Sciences and General Studies. people and make new friends. But the The event is a Global Young most enthralling aspect for her was Leaders Conference, organised by an taking in the Chinese culture.

American based outfit dubbed Byron Cox is studying Law, Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

See what your child is doing INSPECTOR HAWKINS Mosiah Barbour: NANTON is warning I am a student of the parents not to leave their Lodge Village Primary children up to School. I live at Sharpes. technological devices without supervision. He I learnt to play the tenor.

The training was good. was addressing a This is my first year. My gathering at the C. W. favourite instrument is Prescod Primary School the drum. last week Thursday.

Nanton, representing Krista Lyttle: the Pan Against Crime I am from Paul Over. I Committee, promised that the Committee will attend the C.W. Prescod School. I played the continue with tenor. The training was programmes to engage the youngsters in playing nice. I learnt a lot.

Inspector Hawkins pan.

Nanton Melissa Lyttle: He encouraged the I attend the Thomas society to keep children I am from Fancy. I on the right path, or else Saunders Secondary attend the Bishop’s they will become exposed School. This is my first College Kingstown. I year in this training to aspects of drugs, played the Double tenor. programme. My alcohol and crime.

The training was great. favourite instrument is Nanton outlined that Taffa (Kesslon Wilson) the tenor. The youths were the future was real cooperative. programme had great leaders, and mentioned impact on the children. that pan had a positive Alexia Alexander: I learnt a lot. We impact on them. For I am graduate of the sounded like him, the Pan against Girls’ High School. I professionals in today’s Crime initiative was an played the tenor. This is concert. investment. the third year in training The PAC for me. Wilson was representative pointed to Alliyah Mckie: patient with us.

I am from the Thomas the Internet as having Saunders Secondary value. He warned of J’lan McMaster: School. This my first potential negative I attend the St. Mary’s year in the training. I influences, and urged Roman Catholic School. I parents to pay attention played the tenor. The played the tenor. That is training was worthwhile. my favourite instrument. to what their children were doing on the The training was Abigail Alexander: internet. excellent.

Thirty children were trained in the art of pan playing over two weeks. They received certificates, and displayed their talent in music and song at the closing ceremony.

Some participants expressed their feelings about the Participants and facilitators in the most recent Pan exercise.

Against Crime Initiative.

Literature and Economics. It took her time to adjust to China, but once immersed into the culture and having tasted the food, “I got used to it,” she said.

She was L-R: Elizabeth Simmons, Tito Patterson, Raeisa Byron-Cox and struck by the Nafesha Richardson. attention she attracted.

“Everybody was They agreed that “it was worth it.” staring at me and taking pictures,” They admitted that it is a “once in a Byron-Cox reflected. life time experience, and it stays with Simmons is studying Literature, you.”

Sociology, and Environmental Science.

Students had to write an essay and She is a former St. Joseph’s Convent be engaged in the course activities.

Kingstown student.

They received ‘Credits” for their The trip was an “eye-opener,” as far involvement, which will serve them in as she was concerned. good stead when they enter “It was different to be in a culture universities. where being black is something Students from Trinidad and Tobago, strange,” Simmons acknowledged.

Barbados, Bermuda, and British The students expressed gratitude to Virgin Islands were the other their parents, who provided the money Caribbean Islands represented. for the journey.

However, there were participants from It cost each student close to $30,000 all over the world. for the trip.

18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 19.

News

Milo hosts free sport and nutrition camp for youth RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANT positive development of their role of proper nutrition, exercise, children. team-oriented learning and The Jumpstart program is academics, Nestle Caribbean centred on four pillars — Proper Incorporated (NCI) and Milo, the Nutrition, teaching healthy drink of champions, launched eating habits to aid in the its Milo Jumpstart Program on prevention of lifestyle August 7 at the Buccament Bay diseases; Exercise, promoting an Resort. The program will kick off all-round active on Saturday, August 29, with the lifestyle; Teamfirst in a series of free sport and oriented nutrition clinics at the Arnos Vale Learning, Playing Field. promoting team The brand has partnered work, social and with local coaches including communication Unica Velox (Netball), Walford skills necessary McKie (Tennis) and Westfield for higher Williams (Basketball), and education and organizations like the National the world of Sports Council and the North work; Leeward Sports Association, to andAcademics, host the camp, which is open to underscoring the all youth between ages 7 and 16 importance of and their parents and guardians. education as a The Youth Affairs Department catalyst for in the Ministry of National future success, Mobilisation, Social which will be Development, Family, Gender reinforced via Affairs, Persons with Disabilities intellectual and Youth is also in support of sports and the initiative. career guidance Speaking at the launch, talks for both Consumer Marketing and the children and Sponsorship Manager for Milo, parents. At the Marc Clarke said “As the leading sport and Nutrition Health and Wellness nutrition clinics, Company, Nestle recognises the these four pillars important role we play in will manifest in encouraging our consumers of all the various ages to lead a healthy lifestyle, activities, and which includes regular physical work together to activity. With this in mind, I am help prepare very happy to unveil our plans to youth for their take this one step further with future roles as the Milo brand.” Through the active members Jumpstart Program, Milo contributing therefore hopes to help young positively to persons become healthy, society. successful, and functioning Parents and teenagers and adults. Also in guardians are attendance from Milo was invited to bring Consumer Marketing Manager, their children Geysha Thomas-Davis and Milo out to the Arnos Nutritionist, Shaunelle Mieres Vale Playing Aparicio.

Field on August Milo has had a long tradition 29 from 11am to of promoting involvement and 5pm where they participation in sport and will have the physical activities. The opportunity to overarching aim of these clinics be engaged in a is not only to promote the many benefits associated with participation in organized sports and physical activities, but also to teach kids that keeping fit can be fun.

Additionally, Milo wants to engage parents and guardians, Unica Velox (le t), Netball Coach, to promote and received her package from the reinforce the Milo Representative ahead of important role the youth sport and nutrition they play in the clinic on August 28

( ) Consumer Marketing and Sponsorship Manager for Milo, range of sporting disciplines, Marc Clarke, Facey Trading with the opportunity to win Representative, Mr. Elliot Sprott prizes. The entrance fee is one and Milo Nutritionist, Shaunelle 200g pack of Milo per child.

Mieres Aparicio.

Registration can be done at Facey Trading, Calliaqua and For more information on the other participating Milo Jumpstart Program, please supermarkets. call (784) 493 -4396.

Milo Consumer Marketing Manager, Geysha ThomasDavis, addressing those in attendance.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Am I a bad person?

Let him go him to go and see what it was, and he dismissed me, telling me I was MY SITUATION is a crazy hearing things. We one, and what has me continued our sexual totally off balanced and escapade until the door what has me annoyed is of the bedroom flew open the way my boyfriend and there stood his exhandled it.

Time and time again, girlfriend with her hands on her hips, asking him he has told me that no what is going on. I one has a key to his immediately asked her house - not even his exwhat she meant by such girlfriend. I believed a question, since I was him and felt really comfortable being at his clearly his girlfriend, and asked her how she house. We have been managed to have a key dating now for over a to his house. She told year. To my shock, one day we were at the house me to ask him that making out when I heard question. I asked him about it, and he started what sounded like stuttering. It was at someone putting a key that point I got up and into the door. I asked

Dear George,

began putting my clothes on. His ex or present girlfriend began taking her clothes off, and said to me “Never start what you cannot finish.” The shock I was in was unbelievable. I left the house, and have not heard from him since. I cannot believe he never even bothered to call! I am waiting for him to call me so I can tell him that we are through, but he has not done so. How long should I wait?

Shattered G Dear Shattered G,

Dear George, You do not owe your boyfriend the luxury of an official ending. What he did was clearly unbecoming, and it was made clear to you that he never left the girl he was with. You definitely were not his cream of the crop, and you had a stage side seat to witness his real Queen taking access to the ‘throne.’ There should be no waiting for his call to let him know you are through. Get on with your life and be thankful that the intrusion ended as it did. By your boyfriend not calling, he has once again made it clear that you were not really on his list, and if in fact you were, it was not at the top. As far as you are concerned, there should be no list of names. It is either you or no names at all.

George

I CHEATED on my boyfriend for one simple reason. He has a very small penis, maybe about 3 inches or so, I’m not sure of the exact length. My girlfriends have been telling me that they would not waste time with a man who is that small. My boyfriend has been telling me that it is not the size but rather the way it is used. I don’t know if he has been using it effectively, because I am not that aroused and blown away when we have sex the way my friends say I ought to be. I wanted to experience a man who is bigger to see the difference. I have been with my boyfriend for 8 months, and I have never had an orgasm. He met me as a virgin, so I don’t know any other way but I have been hearing that sex is not complete without an orgasm. One of my girlfriends invited me to have sex with her boyfriend who she boasted is very big. She said she didn’t mind me getting the experience, once she is there to just watch, us as that would turn her on. I must say George, that I have never been so blown away in all my life!! I had about five orgasms in the space of 15 minutes, and I do not know if I want to continue with my present boyfriend. Yes, he is a good man, but I need more than what is being offered. I plan to leave him. My girlfriend told me that I can continue to have sex with her boyfriend, once she is allowed to get involved. All three of us have been going at it now for several weeks. I have not told my boyfriend as yet, but I plan to. Am I such a bad person to walk away from him because I want more and he cannot give it?

The only way out

Questions Dear Questions,

Dear George,

I would suggest that you immediately sit down with a counsellor who would do a full assessment of your situation and also assess your skills/talents, with a view to pointing you in a different direction. Prostitution may seem the likely and more attractive option, but there are other considerations that need to be taken into account. Speaking to someone who is trained to assist in situations such as yours, will help, and it is by doing so that you will get other ideas as to how you can become creative in finding your way financially. I would strongly suggest you call The Marion House as a first step. Please keep me posted of your progress and need for further advice.

You have a right to choose your own way, but not at the expense of hurting another person. The cheating action on your part is something that would cause hurt to your boyfriend, and he does not deserve that. You could have discussed your dissatisfaction with his sexual performance, and your curiosity to explore further. I am not saying you would have gained his approval to pursue other guys, but at least it would have nudged him a bit and prepared him for your next course of action. One does not need to have an orgasm to enjoy a sexual experience, but I guess that this information would be useless to you, in terms of giving your relationship a chance to thrive on things other than just sex. Your decision to get between your girlfriend and her boyfriend is not a responsible one, and is bound to have complications sooner than later. It is always nice to have friends who can encourage you to do the right thing, and not to lead you down a road of impending danger and disaster. In your case, you need to take another look at your friendship list and do some editing.

George

George

I HAVE BEEN told time and time again that I have a very sexy body, and I do agree with everyone who said so. I am a single parent, mother of two, and have been meeting some very hard times. George, I can easily make a couple of thousand in less than a month if I do what some of my friends are doing. I have a friend who is married and is making 3 to 4 thousand dollars a month. She has just 3 clients. She has been encouraging me to join her and put an end to my hard times, but I am very unsure about it. I cannot pay my rent and utility bills, and only have a part time job which pays me $180.00 a week when I do work. Things are tough with me, George, and I need the money. I really need some urgent help right now. I do not want to prostitute my body, but more and more it seems that this may be the only way out.

Deadbrokes Dear Deadbrokes,

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends. Be aware of deception when it comes to your position, and be sure not to jump to conclusions. Take a look at yourself and prepare to make those changes you've been contemplating. Be careful not to lead someone on if you truly have no interest.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. Don't be too eager to give a piece of your mind or even your opinion this week. Spend some time on yourself. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively.

You've been in a rut and you need to do something that will help you break the pattern you've fallen into. Any intimate relationships with colleagues will lead to gossip that could easily affect your position. They may cost you dearly.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try to channel your energy into professional endeavors. Let go of the past in order to progress. You can make positive changes in your home. You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don't be surprised if a job offer comes your way.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Put aside any decisions concerning your position at work. You may find yourself in the limelight for the wrong reasons. You can receive recognition for the work you've done. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't jump as quickly as you usually do.

You can enhance your reputation if you treat family and friends with respect and dignity. Get motivated and follow up on some self-improvement resolutions. You may find it impossible to get the rest you require.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don't hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs.

Your ability to put things together will be appreciated by your comrades. Take care of any paperwork concerning institutional or governmental agencies.

Don't make any rash decisions that may affect friendships.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relationship. You should want to feel good about yourself and your goals. Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress. Refuse to let others make unrealistic demands of you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) However, be careful with luggage; it may be rerouted. Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas and directions. Don't be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work.

You need to concentrate on solving existing problems.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. You are best not to confide in anyone right now. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you this week. Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Things at home may be somewhat rocky. Do not yield to children or relatives when they really don't deserve it. You need an outlet that will help take your mind off any troubles at work.

Equilibrium in your romantic life is likely if you treat your partner well.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can make alterations to your appearance that everyone will admire.

You must be careful not to reveal secrets or get involved in gossip. Get some sound advice and help setting up a workable budget. Investments are best left alone this week.

ACROSS 1.Shade tree 4. Coke, e.g.

8. Leatherworker’s punch 11. Preacher’s title (abbr.)

12. Employer 13. Tell secrets 14. People’s __ of China 16. Electrified particles 17. “ __ Rita” 18. Took on 20. Award 23. Actor Wallace __ 24. Rapture 25. Springing (from) 29. Politician Landon 30. Wood thickness 31. Entertainer Zadora 32. Baseball’s Paige 35. False 37. Declare untrue 38. Teases 39. Drilled 41. Dunk 42. Angel’s topper

43. Rabblerouser 48. Filler 49. “Party of Five” actress Campbell 50. Roberto’s “one” 51.Conjunction, informally 52. Black and pekoe 53. Chat DOWN 1.Slip up 2. Golfer Trevino 3. Best on a team (abbr.)

4. Ark measurements 5. Norwegian capital 6. Oahu garland 7. Bowman’s sport 8. Burnsoothing plant 9. Magician’s staff 10. Pounds (abbr.)

13. Nest makers 15. Author Leon (“Trinity”)

19. Clock’s three 20. Wharton grads 21. Jazz singer Fitzgerald 22. Split 23. Pep __ 26. Music lover’s gadget 27. On cloud __ 28. One-liners 30. Hanging ornament 33. Computer game format (hyph.)

34. Laughter syllable 35. Scrawls

36. Kelly of morning TV 39. Where Ivory floats 40. Butter dish pretender 41. Aria performer

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 21.

42. Broadway success 44. “__ whillikers!”

45. Harbor sight 46. Stop __ dime (2 wds.)

47. A Reiner

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Planned Parenthood trains peer educators

Youthful health peer educators pose with their graduating certificates.

ON FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 2015, the St. Vincent Planned Parenthood Association graduated 20 qualified adolescents from various secondary schools across the mainland, as Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights peer educators, whose primary function is to return to their schools and communities, educating their peers, and advocating for healthy sexual and productive practices and rights for all.

This programme was designed as a mechanism to reduce the constant increase in ‘adolescent pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV’ in SVG. The programme was dubbed ‘I am More, so Roc Bac,’

opening the eyes of these adolescents to the fact that they are more than sex objects, carriers of babies, drug pushers, and sex can just ‘Roc Bac’, for it was before they were, and will be far after they are gone.

With the assistance of the peer educators, the association hopes to achieve a Zero infection, Zero transmission and Zero deaths by 2030, while reducing teenage pregnancy by 75% by 2025. The Executive Director, Ms. Nellie Phillips, charged the Peer Educators not to let the new found knowledge and strategies stay with them, but to share with all.

ECGC supports St. Martin’s Secondary School THE PARENT Teachers Association of the St. Martin’s Secondary School has embarked on a project to give a facelift to the school during the summer vacation.

When Principal Mr. Edwards approached ECGC, the company readily agreed to donate $1,000 to assist with the repairs, which include refurbishments to both the interior and exterior of the school. This first phase of the project is

estimated to cost $20,000, and repairs include the replacement of the rusty mesh wire on the perimeter of the property with fancy blocks, and the repainting of the classrooms. Mr. Edwards, in thanking the East Caribbean Group of Companies, said that it is only with the generosity of businesses and individuals that they would be able to

Wendell Edwards, Principal of the St. Martin’s Secondary School and Ossie Davy, Chief Executive Officer, ECGC. accomplish their goals of creating a pleasant learning environment for the students.

Gardening Tips Preparing for the SVG Horticultural Society’s Exhibition - 24th October, 2015 THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR for the Exhibition, and by now, you would have chosen your plants which you would like to exhibit.

Here are a few tips: * Make sure that plants are healthy and

pleasing to look at, free from pests, and are in suitable containers; * Containers must be clean; the soil around the plant must be moist (no over-watering), and you should also label plants correctly.

If you have not done so, please collect an

entry form from any member of the Horticultural Society.

For further information, please call Tel # 4572697.

Next week, we will look at Categories of Exhibits.

Presented by the SVG Horticultural Society.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 23.

The Electoral Office needs you to know THE ELECTORAL OFFICE has completed the compilation of the Third Quarterly Voters’ List for 2015. The List has been made available to the public and to political parties from Wednesday 19th August, 2015.

The Voters’ List, the first to be prepared using the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2015, shows a reduction in the total number of eligible voters. The total

number of eligible registered voters (as at 31st July 2015) now stands at 86,041. Of this number, 1,987 were voters whose names were advertised in the print and electronic media among 23,702 individuals whose names stood to be removed from the list of eligible voters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Voters’ List may be viewed on the Electoral Office page of

The following is a breakdown of the Voter’s List by Gender, Age and Constituency: Gender Male: 43,598 Age 18-30 years 31-60 years 60 years and over

Female: 42,443 24,890 47,264 13,887

Constituency

Count

NORTH WINDWARD NORTH CENTRAL WINDWARD SOUTH CENTRAL WINDWARD SOUTH WINDWARD MARRIAQUA EAST ST.GEORGE WEST ST. GEORGE EAST KINGSTOWN CENTRAL KINGSTOWN WEST KINGSTOWN SOUTH LEEWARD CENTRAL LEEWARD NORTH LEEWARD NORTHERN GRENADINES SOUTHERN GRENADINES TOTAL

-

6,086 5,179 5,497 5,834 5,946 7,409 6,556 6,348 6,445 6,109 7,018 5,870 5,456 3,740 2,548 86,041

the government website — www.gov.vc and on the websites of the local political parties. As of 7th September 2015, the Registering Officers will have hard copies of the Lists available for scrutiny at the constituency registrations which will continue in all constituencies every Monday and Wednesday between 4.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.

The Electoral Office wishes to remind the public that constituency registration will continue to cater for i). New Registrants ii). Persons whose names were removed from the Voters’ List and who wish to reregister iii). Eligible voters who desire to have a change of residence or a change of name The Electoral Office urges all eligible voters to carefully peruse the Voters’ List to ensure that their names are included and that their voter registration information is accurate. In particular, the Electoral Office is appealing to persons who have registered as voters or who updated their voter registration after 1st June, 2015 ,

No entension of deadline THE ELECTORAL OFFICE of St. Vincent and the Grenadines wishes to advise Vincentians at home and in the diaspora that there has been no extension to the thirty-day (30) period provided under the Representation of the People ( Amendment ) Act 2015 for persons to lodge objections to their names being removed from the Voters’ List.

As was stated in a press release issued earlier today (19th July, 2015) by the Electoral Office, the Voters’ List was made available to the public today. The List is available at the Electoral Office in Kingstown and on the Electoral Office page of

the Government Website.

Persons who registered or updated their voter registration after 1st June, 2005, and observe that their names are not on this Voters’ List are asked to contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections promptly. Vincentians resident overseas and who are having difficulty making contact with the Office of the Supervisor of Elections are asked to do so through the Vincentians Consular Office nearest to them.

The Electoral Office anticipates the usual cooperation of the general public in the matter.

Go out and register, PM appeals A CALL HAS GONE OUT to all those persons eligible to be registered to do so.

According to the Political Leader for the Unity Labour Party, and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, among those in attendance at the Rally last Sunday at Rabacca, many were already of age to be registered

and had not done so yet.

He also appealed to those who may have had their names taken off the list following the recent exercise undertaken by the Electoral Office to clean up the voters list.

“You having a problem, go to our constituency offices, go to the party

headquarters and those of you whose names have come off, please go and put back on your name -- if you are here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, because turning out here tonight and shouting and clapping not going to help us to get the fourth term.

You have to register to vote,” Gonsalves said.

but who observe that their names are not included on this most recent Voters’ List ,to contact the Office of the

Supervisor of Elections promptly. Such individuals must provide the relevant evidence to support their claim.

The Electoral Office of St. Vincent and the Grenadines anticipates the usual co-operation of the general public.

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Bequia Hairoun Football opens

THE 2015 HAIROUN Beer Bequia Football League kicked off on the weekend to an exciting start, and will feature five teams this year.

Following the official address from speakers, Damian Bynoe netted the lone goal, to give Bequia an 1-nil victory in the exhibition match over Hope International of

Bequia Eleven -1

mainland St. Vincent, as the League got underway at the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Port Elizabeth.

Speaking at the opening yesterday, newly elected President, Clement McIntosh, in his maiden address, said there is a lot in store for Football on the Island. “We have invited one of the top

teams from the mainland for the first time, to grace the Bequia public with their skilled players in an exhibition game against the Bequia eleven. We are also looking to organize a youth tournament, as this will be a requirement of every football league soon.” The executive also took the positive step to recognize three persons who would have impacted on the history and development of the sport on the Island. The association recognized, Ralph Stowe for his effort towards youth programmes over the years.

Also recognized was Burten Forde of Bequia the first player from the Grenadines to captain the national team.

Recognition also

Hope International - nil went out to Marlon ‘Tusty’ James as the first player from Bequia to carry Bequia’s name on the international scene and playing overseas for different clubs for a number of years.

Nelson Hillocks, Director of Sports, representing the Ministry of Sports, urged the players to give of their best, and work towards wearing the national colors as players from the Grenadines, and play the game in the right spirit Area Representative for the Northern Grenadines Dr. Godwin Friday said he is looking forward to see the Playing Field being lighted.

He also commended the Bequia Football Association for taking on the challenge of organizing this year’s tournament. He urged the fans and the players to accept the referee’s decision, and to

avoid physical disputes during matches.

President of the Football Federation Venold Coombs said Bequia has always played a significant part in the development of football in SVG, and encouraged the football officials to keep encouraging and create opportunities for the players.

He also stressed that when the home for football is completed on the mainland, Bequia will always be a part of it, whenever teams and officials come to the mainland.

The teams taking part in the League are defending champions GABBA Boys, Bequia United, South Side United, Young Warriors and Basketball United.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Windwards Cricket Tournament commences in SVG aggravated ankle injury.

“Delorn (Johnson) has been working COACH OF THE SVG senior cricket with the Physio (Denis Byam), and team, Deighton Butler, is confident has not only been doing some running, that his team can regain the but has been bowling for reasonable Windwards title which they periods in the nets, so I can say that surrendered last year, owing to rain based on what I have seen, that he is and what then manager, Ortis Jack ready to bowl in a match. That is not said were “atrocious umpiring to say that he cannot get a decisions”. problem...because fast bowlers are Jack, who died last year, had never really one hundred percent fit, expressed disgust and disappointment but I can say he is good to go”, the with the officiating, citing incidents former SVG and Windwards captain which he labelled then as “hometown said. decisions”.

The team, which was announced on This year, SVG is hosting the Monday, shows no real surprises with tournament, which is being contested West Indies U19 squad member also by Dominica, Grenada and St. promising left-arm seamer Obed Lucia. Dominica are the defending McCoy unable to find a spot in the champions. final fourteen.

Speaking on the eve of the In addition to Johnson, Darnley tournament, Butler felt that he has a Grant and veteran Kenroy Peters are good team that is capable of winning the new ball exponents in the squad, back the title, with most of the players with allrounder Alston Bobb, at the peak of fitness and in form as offspinner Kenneth Dember, and well. He, however, was cagey on the legspinner Keron Cottoy predictably fitness of left-arm seamer, Delorn named by the Roland Wilkinson-led Johnson who he said has made selection panel. remarkable progress from an West Indies U19 batsman, Gidron

By E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Pope gets a chance to play with the likes of Miles Bascombe, Romel Currency and captain Lindon James, a lineup augmented by the expected contribution of Sunil Ambris and the languid Atticus Browne, with Desron Maloney, if given the chance, being able to bat at the top of Coach Deighton Butler (right) alongside opener the order and bowl brisk Miles Bascombe talking to the media. medium pace.

Butler expects all of Vincent and the Grenadines facing the teams to possess good talent, and Dominica at Arnos Vale, and St Lucia is hoping that the pitches will be good taking on Grenada at the Sion Hill cricket wickets, enabling the best Playing Field. performers to rise to the top.

The matches, which got going on SVG Team: Lindon James Thursday, see SVG taking Grenada at (Captain), Sunil Ambris, Romel the main Arnos Vale Playing Field, Currency, Miles Bascombe, Alston and St. Lucia and Dominica facing off Bobb — Vice Captain, Kenroy Peters, at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

Delorn Johnson, Keron Cottoy, August 22-23, St Vincent and the Dawnley Grant, Kenneth Dember, Grenadines play St Lucia at Park Hill, Gidron Pope, Desron Maloney, Atticus while Dominica and Grenada meet at Browne. Reserves: Obed McCoy, Arnos Vale ONE. Shaquille Browne, Deron Greaves, The final round of matches sees St Ray Jordan, Romario Pierre.

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

Sports

UEFA Rep meets regional football officials in SVG

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

No disgrace THE VINCENTIAN Under 23 failed in their bid for the 2016 Olympics in Rio when they were knocked out by Haiti.

With Jamaica having also been beaten by Cuba, the English speaking Caribbean territories were left to lick their wounds and seek solace in the third place play off.

The Vincentians turned another thriller, only to lose in a five goal shoot out. Things could have been different in every way, and the Vincentians had to be content with the fourth spot. Given the manner in which the situation unfolded, there could be hardly anything on which the Vincentians could be faulted.

Jamaica may be content with the third spot, but given their recent high profile, the way the Vincentians handled them may still put some wrinkles on their brows.

Our Under 15 players did not overcome the obstacle they were faced with. We will have to do some consolidation at the lower level.

Other countries seem to have a more rigid junior programme going. It will be an interesting study to find where this country finds its footing at the Senior level.

Our Under 20 team made significant progress towards Egypt for the 2009 World Cup. We were derailed by Honduras. Many players from that outfit have progressed to be the nucleus of the current party.

That highlights the importance of building a core of peers from as early as possible. Our Under 13 team must be constantly recharged, so that in any eight-year period, a strong Under 21 outfit will be available to carry on national duties. Inevitably, that body will be adjusted to be the senior national squad.

Coaches and administrators have to coordinate to ensure the smooth progress of football. There cannot be this divisive tendency. It will cause friction on the field of play.

If it is to remain as the game of the people, there must be testimony of unity at all levels of the operation.

This week saw the celebration of Marcus Garvey’s birthday. He declared during his life, that a nation united could never be defeated.

Similarly, a house divided against itself is bound to fall.

The football fraternity here must sort out its differences. Why do we have to degenerate to the tendency of disorientation are factors that are hard to comprehend.

Football remains a strange creature as far as St. Vincent and the Grenadines is concerned. The same thing can be said of many organisations. But that brings no solace to anyone.

We have to be careful how we handle ourselves in every circumstance. It will be of little value if we attempt to progress on the field of play, and remain fragile in our capacity to galvanise as a cohesive unit.

Those who are bent on an ego trip, have to remodel and follow the national agenda. The affiliates have their role in ensuring the natural growth of the sport. We can’t be satisfied with halfway measures. Enough lessons have been learnt from our ongoing escapades at world cup qualifiers. If we are serious, we must do things to improve. We have the ability.

We must make use of our talent, and nurture our athletes to play their role in advancing the sport.

The World Cup Qualifier is on. Overcoming that obstacle opens up a broad spectrum. We have to avoid this crocodile approach.

THE FOOTBALL ruling bodies in The Windward Islands and Barbados recently held what they said was a very successful meeting with a representative of the UEFA Mr. Veron Monsengo-Omba.

The meeting, which was originally scheduled for Grenada, was shifted to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with President of the SVG Football Federation and of the Windward Islands Football Association Venold Coombs being joined by Glen Ettienne of the Dominica Football Federation and the Barbados Football boss, Randy Harris.

The meeting, according to president Coombs, addressed a number of issues which have the potential to bring benefits to the region. He identified the Grassroots programme as one which has been earmarked for more development funding. The supply of gear, balls and other related material, including goalposts, were also part of the tentative agreement reached by the officials, Coombs said. In addition, he said that coaches could be afforded the opportunity to do their B licence test in the not too distant future from within the Caribbean.

Monsengo —Omba said he found the discussions to be constructive, and the demands of the football administrators to be reasonable and just.

Both Harris and Ettienne were also upbeat with the ideas and discussions which took place, and

left the meeting optimistic of the future of the development of the sport in partnership with EUEFA in their respective countries and the wider region.

Mosengo-Omba is also a legal counsel in the office of the president of UEFA, Michel Platini, who will be contesting the FIFA presidency to replace embattled L-R: Randy Harris and Veron-MosengoSepp Blatter who Omba. demits office next year.

Blatter, indications are that In 2014, both Platini and Platini, the former French captain Mosengo-Omba paid a two-day seems to be winning over the visit to Barbados, with the latter former foes. also making a call the SVGFF. The Caribbean will also be Reports say that the UEFA faced with the prospect of either President on that trip to supporting or ignoring one of their Barbados, indicated that prior to his arrival, he met with officials of own, in former Trinidad midfielder David Nakhid, who CONCACAF and signed a last week announced his intention memorandum of understanding to run for the FIFA top job. with a view to assisting member Blatter won a fifth term in May associations via development amid the arrest of several of his programmes and education. And FIFA colleagues on corruption it was based on that MOU that the recent discussions were based, allegations, hours before the FIFA Congress in Zurich took the according to general feedback decision to step down after he from the discussions.

The officials refused to divulge admitted to not having the support of the wider public to any information on what level of carry out the function as head of discussions if any addressed the the organisation for another four candidacy of Platini and where years. He beat Jordan’s Prince Ali their support will fall.

Hussein who declined to take part Reports say that, while they appeared in the past by the other in the second run off, after Blatter had failed to get the mandatory Confederations to be wary and even hostile of another European number of votes to win in the first round.

FIFA president in the wake of

Simple Boys, Lauders Softball Champions GAIRY’S CONSTRUCTION Simple Boys beat CGM Gallagher Novice by 7 wickets yesterday, to win the 2015 Digicel/Hairoun Lauders Twenty/20 Softball Cricket Championship at the Antoine Playing Field in Lauders.

CGM Gallagher Novice batted first and were reduced to 56 off 19.4-overs. Leg spinner Kentish Phillips was the pick of the bowlers for Simple Boys, picking up 3 for 7. Simple Boys in reply made light work of the runs chase and reached 57 for 3 off 9.3overs. Desron Maloney, now selected in the national squad to compete in the Windward Islands tournament here later this Gairy’s Construction Simple Boys were week, top scored with 24.

Novice.

In the third place play-off Championship. The most wickets on Saturday, Owia Young Strikers was taken by Kentish Phillips of defeated Smashers of Lauders by Simple Boys,16.

37 runs.

The best wicket keeper was In the Awards Ceremony, Dellano Woodley of Smashers, Jabari Cunningham of Simple while Vernardo Primus Boys scored the most runs 168. of CGM Novice took the most He was also voted the Man of the catches,15. Edgerton Morris of

victorious over CGM Gallagher Simple Boys was named with the Coach and Manager of the Championship.

19 teams took part in this year’s Championship. Combined Sixerz of South Rivers won last year’s title.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A.I. REAL ESTATE Gunn Hill 2 bedrm Property - $600.00 per month - CALL Bequia 3 bedrm Property on 7,500 sq.ft. - $440,000.00 - H200

S A L E

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 21, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.34

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LEEWARD MAN FALLS TO HIS DEATH Larry May is the latest road fatality after falling from the back of a truck on Tuesday.

by KENVILLE HORNE

A CAMPDEN PARK MAN, 52year-old Larry May, became this country’s most recent road fatality, after falling from the back of a truck Tuesday.

A Police issued statement said the incident occurred about 12:24 pm as the truck was travelling along the main road in the Ratho Mill area.

According to the report,

May was riding at the back of motor vehicle T 1475, when he allegedly fell off and sustained injuries about his head and right shoulder.

May, the father of four, subsequently died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

According to the deceased man’s niece, Arlene John, she was informed that her uncle fell after losing his balance.

“He was trying to fix the pauling for the truck, so when he went back to sit, I don’t know how much speed the truck was going with, (but) he lost his balance,” said John.

She said that she is saddened by his death, more so because they grew up in the same house, from her birth.

“He was a very cool guy, very funny person, I could tell the whole of St. Vincent know

him,” said the grieving niece.

A former girlfriend of May, who did not want her name to be published, described him as “a nice, loving and kind person.”

“I had children, and he accepted them,” and she added that, even after their relationship ended, May would ask her friends about her well being.

The post was a joke

“heard why the airport is not completed. I also THE POSTING made by learned that even if it is Opposition Senator completed, the Vynette Frederick on government is waiting on August 1 explaining the a special machine that cause for the delay in the the Chinese are working completion of the on called the WIND international airport was SHIFTER. This machine a joke. is supposed to help Frederick even went planes to land. One of further to state on the Chinese scientists is Monday’s ‘New Times’ saying that, while it radio programme, that MAY be possible, it could she was surprised when also take about twenty the issue was picked up years.”

by Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves, during his Ralph Gonsalves at the presentation at Sunday Rally held by the Unity night’s rally, said that he Labour Party on Sunday. has not seen it, but that According to the he heard of the posting posting on Social Media, which was done by Frederick wrote that she Frederick, and that if he

by DAYLE DA SILVA

wanted to bring in a wind changing machine, he did not have to go to China, but rather bring Professor Wellington Ramos.

“Because Ramos say he could stop rain and blow way cloud. They tek up dirt and carry it way, and say when they wash it, there will be spiritual cleaning for St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

“And the truth is this, Ramos blow a lot of wind; so why would I need a wind changing machine and there is Ramos who is more available and far cheaper?” the prime minister asked.

Deborah Charles, the Parliamentary hopeful for the ULP for West Kingstown, also commented on the posting, saying that she was not going to reveal who the author was and that, while the NDP was beating up on the completion date for the international airport, they ought to speak about the airport in Bequia which brought in very little revenue.

Frederick responded: “Amazingly, the prime minister addressed the issues of the wind shifter last night”.

“And so, that an incumbent government

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“If he meet any friends of mines in town, he would ask them about me.”

She said she learned about May’s death on Tuesday night, from her sister.

“I really feel sad about his death, because he wasn’t sick; it happened all of a sudden,” she lamented.

Senator Vynette Frederick has dismissed as a joke, statements she would have made via social media regarding the Argyle International Airport. would take up such nonsense and respond to it, such foolishness from me, it was taken up with such zeal,” she continued.

“Everybody knew it was a joke,” Frederick said.

Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace also said that he knew that the whole thing was a joke, and that such a device was non-existent.

“I don’t believe the prime minister took it up, thinking that it was

an issue,” Eustace said.

Frederick explained that it was an attack on her by the prime minister, and that she would soon be mentioning the ‘wall catcher’ and the ‘hurricane reducer’ in order to see what kind of response it will get from the government.

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