THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 23-08-24

CXC EXAMS PLAGUED BY CHEATING, AGAIN

NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE CARIBBEAN Examination Council (CXC) is reporting cases of “misconduct”, i.e. cheating, in their examinations.

What is worrying though, to CXC and to all Ministries of Education across the jurisdiction, is a surge in the number of incidents of cheating during the 2024 examinations.

According to a LOOP news report which is gleamed from information disclosed by CXC officials, the irregularities include candidates bringing unauthorized cell phones and

smart watches into the testing centres, engaging in outright cheating, and even impersonating other students.

“It’s a very serious matter,” said Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, while speaking at the official release ceremony for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results in Roseau, Dominica, earlier this week.

She did not hide the fact that examiners had encountered a disturbing spike in cheating incidents.

Continue on page 3

Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, stressed that what she reported was not any fabrication. Those guilty of the acts had to acknowledge them.

11-year-old found

Gifton Myle of Francois, Vermont, was expected to begin his secondary education in September, having written the primary school exit examination in May.

That is not now going to happen since the 11year-old was found dead, hanging by the neck.

A source told THE VINCENTIAN, Gifton’s was found hanging by his neck in the incomplete ground floor of a house, whose upper story was occupied by his great aunt, Nicolelyn Myle, and her son, Kleran Myle. a 9-year-old Grade 4 student.

The great aunt’s house is situated a little distance away form Gifton’ home.

Gifton’s body was discovered, the source said, by his Kleran who, according to the source, told his mother that he had seen Gifton earlier “with a piece of rope” under the house, and it looked like “he was trying to tie it on to something.”

Kleran said that he left Gifton and went upstairs to watch TV and when he returned downstairs, he found Gifton dead with the rope

hanging

Police have mounted an investigation even as speculation is rife as it relates to Gifton’s death. Some residents of the community cite suicide but wonder what could drive an 11-year-old to commit such an act, and especially that he considered a “bright and promising young boy” who could not stop saying to his friends and family how much he was looking forward to starting secondary school.

Another view expressed to THE VINCENTIAN is that he might have been ‘playing a game that went wrong.”

Community members have also expressed concern about Kleran who made the discovery, with many worried about how the ordeal would affect him.

Meanwhile, the police confirmed that they have mounted an investigation into the cause of death of Gifton Myle. Up to press time on Thursday, they (the police) had not issue any statement on the incident or their investigation.

tied around his neck.

Gifton Myle, 11 years old, may have died by hanging, given what appears from cursory observation.

CXC Table showing cheating incident, 2022 – 2024.

Chile to provide relief aid to three countries

THE GOVERNMENT OF CHILE HASpromptly donated US$60,000 to three Caribbean countries that were severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl in July. The countries set to receive this aid are Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

The donation, provided by the Chile Fund Against Hunger and Poverty, will be channeled through the Red Cross in these countries.

The Chile Fund, an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed through the Chilean Agency for Cooperation and Development (AGCID), in conjunction with United Nations Development Program/Chile, has provided humanitarian assistance to countries affected by various disasters since 2011.

The Governments of Chile and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines established diplomatic ties on August 16th, 1990, and have enjoyed a cordial relationship over the years. (Source: Embassy of Chile — Trinidad and Tobago)

Taiwan donates rice to SVG

RESPONDING TO THE impact of Hurricane Beryl to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan has promptly raised resources and donated 100 metric tonnes of rice to assist SVG out of humanitarian concern.

On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Fiona Huei-Chun Fan handed over 5 containers of rice to Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, at Campden Park Container Port on the 19th of August 2024, as a sign of support and togetherness.

At the handover ceremony, Ambassador Fan expressed that a strong relationship between Taiwan and SVG has been built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to support each other in times of need; adding that the contribution is part of our ongoing effort for Hurricane Beryl relief. She hopes that the rice will not only help meet immediate needs but also reinforce the resilience of local communities during this difficult time.

Hon. Minister Caesar thanked

CXC exams plagued by cheating, again

Continued from front page

MANNING RECOUNTED ONE particularly egregious case where a candidate was caught trying to pass themselves off as someone else. “So of course, the situation was identified, and the candidate is not only disqualified, but debarred for two years,” she emphasized.

There was also, she added, a worrying incident involving a candidate who admitted to doing an online search during the exam.

This year saw 54 incidents of “misconduct”, a marked increase from the 36 cases documented in 2023. (See accompanying table).

As far as a breakdown of cheating across the CXC examinations is concerned, the figures released showed that the increase was mainly in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, where there was a striking increase from 19 in 2023 to 49 in 2024.

The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) accounted for 6 incidents in 2024, a decrease from 17 in 2023.

There was also a reference to 50 instances of candidates caught using cell phones during the 2024 exams.

Manning stressed that these are not allegations. “Candidates have to sign to agree, yes, this is what happened. So, we’re not just making it up. The supervisors and invigilators are not making it up. They are telling you; I did this,” she asserted.

One brazen candidate, Manning revealed, was even caught “literally on their phone” and admitted to googling exam questions during the assessment.

CXC has vowed to “crack down hard on any future attempts to undermine the integrity of its assessments.”

There was no reference to how the cheating incidents were spread across the examinations centres (territories).

On the issue of absenteeism, Dr. Manning disclosed that the figures show an increase of 5% for CAPE exams and 7% in the CSEC.

Reasons cited for being absent included personal emergency, inadequate preparation, illness, death in the family and simply preferring not to attend. (Source: Loop News, Barbados Today)

Taiwan for its generous humanitarian assistance, saying that the rice will be distributed jointly through the Ministry of National Mobilisation and the Ministry of Agriculture to the people in need. Taiwan will steadfastly fulfill its responsibility as a force for good in the international community, to continuously deliver staunch support to SVG, and safeguard the value of human rights. (Submitted by the Embassy of Taiwan)

Aid from Chile will go towards rebuilding the loss pictured here.

Ambassador Fiona Huei-Chun Fan and Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar at the Campden Park Port where the handing over was done.

Vybz Kartel sets SVG a buzz

to pursue medical care, and one of the three was St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It followed then, that even amidst the buzz that his visit aroused otherwise, the consensus was that he was here to explore the medical care options, and in support of this a photograph appeared on social media with Kartel and a number of medical persons during a (his) visit to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, this country’s primary health care facility.

photograph of Kartel and Problem Child with the caption: ‘Who else is looking forward to this collaboration?”

DANCEHALL SUPERSTAR VYBZKartel, real name Adidja Palmer, arrived in St Vincent and the Grenadines over the weekend.

He was accompanied by an attorney, his Turkish fiancée and Marlon Samuel, former West Indies cricketer, on whose jet the party travelled from Jamaica.

Kartel was released from prison on July 31, 2024 after serving 13 years for murder, a conviction that was eventually quashed by the Privy Council, and which was followed by the local Court of Appeal ordering that he not be retried in the matter.

Reason for his visit

The Dancehall ‘icon’ has reportedly been struggling with a number of health issues, including Graves’ disease and heart challenges.

A report that surfaced in the media here, reported that Kartel was looking at three countries

Welcome for a “king”

That, and all that happened before and after, could well have been (mis)interpreted that SVG was entertaining a visit by a Head of State or Government, some highly profiled statesman, or even some member of royalty.

For he was jettisoned through Immigration and Customs, feted by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his wife, welcomed by overly ecstatic store workers, found time to exercise at a popular gym and generally caroused with Vincentians of various walks of life on the streets of capital Kingstown, including an engagement with local Soca recording and performing artiste Problem Child.

The meeting with Problem Child caught the fancy of Prime Minister Gonsalves who. on his Instagram page, shared a

As for his meeting with Prime Minister Gonslaves, including having breakfast together, Kartel wasted no time sharing the encounter with his 2.7 million Instagram followers. He potsed a photograph captioned: “The Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves and his Beautiful Wife, Marlon Samuels and Myself”. The post received over 88,000 likes.

No government $$

Almost everything he did and everyone of consequence he encountered was shot and posted on some social media platform.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Kartel was to have consulted with an endocrinologist earlier in the week. We have had no report on this and can say nothing more than if he did, he would have fulfilled the purported primary reason for his visit.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gonsalves took to the air waves on Wednesday to address some of the speculation about Kartel’s visit.

He confirmed that the Jamaican had been in touch inquiring about medical care options and that he advised accordingly, among other things pointing him in the direction of a Cuban endocrinologist currently serving in SVG.

However, perhaps the most compelling disclosure the Prime Minister made, was that no government funds were involved in facilitating Kartel’s visit. Kartel left the state in late in the week, leaving a trail of mixed feeling about his visit. His reputation as a proponent

of ‘bad boyism’, among other things, could not escape him.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Vybz Kartel bith enjoy the AKA ‘World Boss’.

Workers at variety store JAX Enterprises had a hearty welcome for the Dancehall artiste.

Vibz Kartel with personnel f the Milton Cato <emorial Hospital

he meeting involving Kartel and Problem Child wad cause for speculation about a collaboration.

Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer on he appeared at the time of his release from prison.

Colonaire man pulls gun at lover

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

Zion Ashton, a Colonaire man who pulled a gun at his girlfriend, Joselle Horne, after accusing her of removing his money, will spend the next two years and ten months behind bars.

Appearing at the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday, Ashton pleaded guilty to possession of a .25 pistol without a license and assaulting Horne with intent to commit the offense of wounding.

Ashton was sentenced to two years

in prison for possession of the firearm, but that sentence will fun consecutively to a ten-month sentence he will have to serve for breaching a suspended sentence. He had been sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for one year, at the Colonaire Magistrate’s Court in August this year for another offense. Ashton was also sentenced to three months in prison for the criminal assault on his girlfriend, but that sentence will run concurrently with the others.

Son denies ill-treating his mother

ATIBA PHILLIPS, a 30year-old labourer of Redemption Sharpes whom the Prosecution alleges to have recently ill-treated his 58-year-old mother, Merleine Phillips, will have another shot at determining his fate.

When Phillips, who was unrepresented appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, he pleaded guilty to assaulting his mother, causing her bodily harm, and unlawfully damaging a smartphone, valued $475 belonging to his mother, with whom he lived at Redemption Sharpes.

The facts were read, but though Phillips pleaded guilty to the assault charge, he told the Court that there were several untruths in the facts.

In fact, he said he never beat his mother

with a piece of board, threw her into the public road, or proceeded to drag her about 10 ft. from where she landed, as alleged in the facts.

After listening to Phillips’ explanation, Senior Magistrate Colin John entered a not guilty plea for him on the assault charge and adjourned the matter to September 9 for trial.

Phillips was however, fined $300 to be paid in one month, or three months in prison, and ordered to pay $475 compensation to his mother, in two months or three months in prison for damaging the phone.

On the assault charge, he was granted $1,000 bail in his own recognizance, with reporting conditions, and ordered not to have contact with the complainant.

Phillips also told the

Atiba Phillips was ordered not to have any contact with his mother.

Court he would like to move out of his mother’s house.

“When you leave here, go to the police and the police will accompany you to take your things out”, the Magistrate responded.

POLICE ROUND-UP

Mechanic charged

On August 13, 2024, police arrested and charged Kamal Ballantyne, a 22year-old mechanic of Glen with the offence of burglary and assault.

According to the investigations, the accused allegedly entered the dwelling house of a 65-year-old self-employed resident of Glen as a trespasser, by forcibly opening a wooden door.

Not done with his misdeeds, Ballantyne then assaulted, a 21-yearold unemployed resident of the same address, by raising his hand at her.

The offences occurred on August 10, 2024 at Glen.

Ballantyne appeared before the Calliaqua Magistrates Court on August 15, 2024 and initially entered a plea of guilty to the charges. However, the Magistrate subsequently changed the plea to not guilty.

The matter was dismissed after the complainant offered no evidence on oath.

Ashton had committed the firearm possession, and criminal assault offenses while on the suspended sentence, resulting in the suspended sentence being activated.

The facts showed that Ashton and Horne, along with their 9-year-old daughter lived in a small wooden house at South Rivers. Horne’s children from a previous relationship also frequented the house.

At about 9 a.m. on August 19, Ashton went to his work-bag to make change for someone and discovered that $40 was missing. He suspected that his girlfriend had removed the money from his bag, and he became upset.

Ashton went into the public road and confronted Horne. An argument ensued. He then pulled the firearm from his left pants pocket, charged towards Horne with it, and demanded the return of his money.

A report was made to the police and when they went in search of Ashton they found him in the yard a few feet from his girlfriend. She gave the police certain information, and Ashton was taken into custody.

The gun was retrieved in the house between some board flooring.

When cautioned, Ashton told the police, “Ah gawd sorry, please give me a chance. I find it (gun)down by the river, and I think it was a toy gin”.

When Senior Magistrate Colin John asked him whether he had knowledge of the recent National Firearms Amnesty, and that the penalties for firearm or ammunition possession were increased, following the conclusion of that amnesty, Ashton replied in the affirmative.

The Magistrate reminded him that the maximum penalty for unlicensed firearm or ammunition had increased from 7 years to 10 years in the Magistrate’s Courts.

But John added that he also had to consider the sentencing guidelines and weigh the aggravating and mitigating factors. He noted that there was no evidence of Ashton being a gang member, no bullets were found, and the gun was not found in a public place.

He categorized the offenses at 3, in terms of consequence which is the lesser category, and level B in relation to seriousness. He started his sentence at 30 percent of the maximum penalty and weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors to arrive at his sentence.

He considered Ashton’s early guilty plea, and that he cooperated with the police. He added that the gun was not a high-caliber firearm, and that while Ashton had previous convictions they were not of a similar nature.

Court Story on Page 23

Farmer charged with assault and theft

Watson Keil, a 33-year-old farmer of Barrouallie, on August 14, 2024, was arrested and charged with the offences of theft and assault.

According to reports, Keil was charged with the theft of one (1) Black Samsung Tablet valued at $433.60ECC, the property of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The offense was committed on August 2, 2024 in Barrouallie.

Additionally, the accused allegedly assaulted a 42-year-old domestic also from Barrouallie, by hitting her on the right side of her head with a bottle, causing actual bodily harm. This offence was committed on August 5, 2024, in Barrouallie. Cont’d on pg 23

Sandals Island Challenge launched

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESwill for the first time host the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge, from October 11 to 14, 2024.

The Island Challenge is a series of sporting activities geared at raising funds which are then channelled into projects and programmes that directly benefit the island communities in which Sandals operates.

In the case of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the aim is to raise USD

$100,000 to support paediatric healthcare at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and to provide healthcare assistance to communities in the Southern Grenadine Islands affected by Hurricane Beryl.

All this of this information was disclosed Friday, August 16, 2024, when the Island Challenge was launched at the Conference Room of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Buccament Bay.

An overview

In giving an overview of the Island Challenge, Tamon Allen, General Manager of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines revealed: “Since the first Sandals Resort opened its doors in 1981, it has been part of the company’s ethos to immerse itself and support the local communities”.

The Island Challenge, he said, is carried out in each of the territories that Sandals has operations and is a demonstration of the Resort’s social obligation.

“Island Challenge 2024 is more than an event, it is the testament to the dedication of Sandals Resorts and our philanthropic arm, Sandals Foundation. to invest in the sustainable development for our Caribbean communities and improving lives”, Allen emphasised.

Among the activities that will constitute the Island Challenge are a half marathon around Bequia, a series of long

distance runs, sea kayaking, and a challenging hike up La Soufrière, the island’s active

Meanwhile, newly installed Chief Executive Officer of the SVG Tourism Authority, Annette Marks, in giving an outline of the part her organisation will play in the event, said, “We will be welcoming runners from the UK (United Kingdom), fifteen local buddies assigned to each international runner, and ten additional local runners, from various athletics groups here”.

The new CEO said that based on statistics from the other territories that host Island Challenges, “Pledges and contributions are generally from the private sector”, but underscored that all are welcome to add to the target, no matter how small the denominations.

Also addressing last Friday’s Media Launch were Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture; Hon. St Clair Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment; Dr. Mischika DuncanAdams — Consultant, Pediatric Department/MCMH.

The launch also heard a prerecorded speech contribution from Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of Sandals, who was physically absent.

Apart from the Sandals Foundation and the SVG Tourism Authority, others on board with the Island Challenge are the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, the SVG Coast Guard, Team Athletics SVG, among others.

The 301-room luxurious AllInclusive Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines began operations officially on March 27, 2024.

The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge to be hosted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is expected to attract participation from international markets

Tamon Allen, General Manager of Sandals St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Annette Marks, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority.

Some schools to reopen as scheduled

MOST OF THE SCHOOLSacross the country are expected to reopen on September 2 as planned, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced on radio earlier this week.

According to Gonsalves, 14 of the 29 facilities currently being used as shelters were schools, and the reopening of those schools will be delayed he said.

The overall number of shelters had been reduced with shelters at the Belmont Government School, Calliaqua Government, Lowmans Leeward Anglican School, Brighton Primary, Bethel High School and the Buccament Bay Secondary School all being closed.

Persons from these shelters have been relocated to other emergency shelters, Gonsalves noted, such as community and learning resource centres.

He further explained that they were looking to consolidate the shelters at the J.P Eustace Secondary School, which presently housed 79 persons, and the Kingstown Government which has 77 persons.

Work has commenced on the Mary Hutchinson Primary School, Union island.

Government was also in the process of finding alternative accommodations for these persons in either private homes, or in guest houses.

Work was being done on schools across the nation Gonsalves added.

Work commenced at the Stephanie Brown Primary School on Union Island this week, and work was ongoing at the Union Island Secondary School which was expected to be completed by September 2.

Gonsalves said that about 60 percent of parents and students from Union Island were opting to take up the offer to come to the mainland and attend school at the facility built at Arnos Vale, and that this facility would be ready for September 2. (DD)

Work is ongoing at the old Teachers’ College site at Arnos Vale.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Crime: Connecting the dots

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST.We now count, as of Wednesday, 30 homicides for the year. Are we in for another record year?

Yes, there are those who will ‘chant’ us for once again using this column to ‘talk’ about crime in this country. Boring, they say. To those we say: once there is but one violent crime, whether or not it results in a death, that is one too many and therefore threatening to the safety and security in our land.

So here we go again. And yes, we are mindful that we recently welcomed and feted one Vibz Kartel who was freed of charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, in his native Jamaica.

Back to our crime citation. It is not only the mounting homicide numbers that is cause for alarm. Each week the police gives a good account of the number of people they arrest and charge for wounding, assault, theft and robbery. The society is riddled with crime… serious and otherwiseand we are thankful to those police officers who go out of their way to not only apprehend and charge the perpetrators, but who work to prevent acts of crime.

But if the truth be told, when it comes to crime, we’re not connecting the dots. And that could be because there’s far too little co-operation from the public in police investigations, which shows a lack of trust in the police or because for our public, our ‘criminals’ are fast becoming cult heroes and are to be protected.

If we are to get to the bottom of the crime situation, we need more visible community policing, not police walkabouts now and again. We need visible community policing that involves daily interaction (in the community) between the police and the public and not only interaction in police stations. Police have to get out into the ‘world’, not hide behind dome desk.

And if we are to win the public support and make community policing an effective measure, police officers must be made to account for the rude, abhorrent manner in which they deal with the public. If it means

dismissing them on the grounds of reprehensible behaviour, then so be it.

To simple transfer a ‘bad cop’ to some other station/district is nothing but an insult to the public and does nothing to build trust in the police force. In fact, it does the opposite… it undermines whatever trust there might be at that point in time.

The police force must be driven by an understanding that respect is a virtue that is earned. A uniform and a disorderly show of authority do not earn respect. Doing good things does.

And we could well be lessening the emphasis on increasing numbers (of police officers) and put resources into educating the police about how to deal with the public.

Let us remind ourselves: hate, anger, revenge and no amount of shoot-outs will help us curb crime. Those are mere reactions to a problem out of control — these are not solutions. They do not, separately or in tandem, serve as a long-term solution to the crime problem.

And we cannot lose sight of the fact that marginalisation (of people) breeds crime. Our challenge is one of how do we deal with the marginalised people in this society, those most vulnerable to miscreant behavior.

Do we need more relevant education? Do we need to teach (better) communications skills? Do we need to create more equity of opportunity in society?

And then there is our legal system that adds fuel to the fire. To be on remand for years waiting for a case to be heard does not encourage confidence in the legal system. Young men, especially, who are made to linger in remand, become bitter and they are prone to continue their confrontation with police.

Instead of contributing to a lessening of the crime, the legal system appears at times to feed a vicious cycle of spiraling crime.

Yes, we have to connect the dots; we have to appreciate everyone with a role to play in solving crimeeducators, journalists, lawyers, the police and ordinary people in our community.

Sports have a way of bringing us together.

effort and accomplishments during this year’s Summer Olympics. Her performance was a new watermark for Vincentian athletes; despite her many obstacles, her achievements were extraordinary. For at least one week, she achieved the impossible; at least in recent memory, you brought the nation together as one. It was a moment to behold. I was glad to see the Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves, and Opposition Leader, Dr. Friday, cheering for the same team, team SVG, and genuinely wanting her to succeed. It would probably be the last time this year. So again, congratulations to you, Ms. Maloney.

Hopefully, your story will inspire a new generation of athletes to follow their dreams and not be afraid to take the chances necessary to live the dream. Now, I also hope our leaders take a page from some of the other Caribbean nations and invest in the facilities essential to cultivate and support the always-present raw talent.

To all those calling for us to name the Diamond Track and Field facilities after her, I urge you to take a moment and breathe. She still has a whole career ahead of her, and I am sure she will one day reach the top and bring home the gold. Until then, let’s not rush into naming things after her. Please forgive me for not getting overly excited over a fourthplace finish. I am willing to wait for the gold. I am confident that as long as Ms. Maloney stays healthy, she will bring back a gold one day.

You see, my dream is to have a full complement of athletes representing us in the years to come after the appropriate investment by our government and the people, before deciding who is worthy of such an honour.

The true measure of success is not a single representative in a single event. Let us measure our success by developing a programme with more than one or two athletes representing us in an event. I find it hypocritical

for us to be all over an individual who succeeds in their field after they have arrived. Where were you when the “struggle” was at its peak? You know when she was couch-surfing, going to bed hungry, or unable to pay her trainer to make it into the lights? I know of a few athletes who struggled with no assistance from the government or our business community. So yes, I am not impressed with all of you. Some of you seem to be proud of yourself for stepping up and helping Ms. Maloney in her time of “need”. It was like she existed in a vacuum for the last two years. It wasn’t until we were publicly embarrassed as a nation that we got behind her.

Before I sound too ungrateful to all those who helped, especially those who responded to her go-fund-me page, please accept a heartfelt thank you to all those who helped. Before any of you get any ideas, I do not know this young lady; I have never met her. I am frustrated and angry at those responsible for promoting our athletes’ development. We can do better.

So, if you care about our sport and cultural development, ECGC, Corea’s, etc., show us that you care by investing in our youth through our facilities and programmes. Where are you.. … Messrs St. Vincent Brewery Ltd (Hairoun), Flow, Digicel International, Rayneau Inc. and Rainforest, to name a few other successful companies operating in SVG. You make millions of dollars in profits each year from sales to our people or our natural resources. We need you to step forward and give back to our youth and community. After all, our government provided you with the opportunity to succeed therefore, it is not unreasonable for us to expect you to step up and support some of our social and infrastructural deficiencies.

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO congratulate Ms. Shafiqua Maloney on her remarkable

Yes, we have gangs in SVG

I COULDN’T help but stop to think a bit on something which was raised by both our acting Superintendent of Prison, Dwayne Bailey, and our Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of fighting crime, Trevor “Buju” Bailey. Both men recently highlighted the existence of gangs, in our prison system and outside in the wider society.

Now the thing that hit me most was to hear these two men, who are close to the crime situation in this country, saying something that goes directly opposite to what our Prime Minister would want us to believe and accept, because he says so.

He, we must not forget, is also the Minister of National Security to whom, I take it, these two Bailey

fellows have to report somehow. And it was he, our Prime Minister, who told us that there were no gangs only something he called “associational groupings”, whatever that means.

Now tell me, Mr. Editor, who must we believe on this issue? If barracuda jump out the sea and say shark no longer has teeth, would you not want to believe what barracuda said? After all, is he who living with shark and to relate this to our situation, it is the Bailey fellows who are close to the crime situation and seeing it daily, not the Prime Minister who might be getting his information from a few informants otherwise.

I want to believe what we have heard from the Superintendent of

Caricom dumb on Venezuela

IAM SUBJECTto correction when I say that I did not hear chairman and host Dickon Mitchell, PM of Grenada, at the Caricom’s end-of-summit news conference in Grenada, speak to any meaningful degree about the presidential elections in Venezuela; elections that were held mere days before Caricom Heads met in Grenada, and which many said were fraught.

PM Mitchell spoke about a lot of other things — like having the big world polluters pay for the damage done to the climate; the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl; what the region was doing to help Haiti return to stability; and what the region was doing to decrease its food import bill by 25% by next year.

But, to get back to the point: we knew that the Heads were going to have some discussion on Venezuela, the outcome of which we might never get to know. We knew they were going to have these discussions because our Prime Minister, the first Caricom leader to congratulate Nicolas Maduro, had made it known that he was going to urge other leaders, if not Caricom itself, to congratulate Maduro.

It would not be fair to say Mitchell did not address the Venezuela issue. While he did not address it from a Caricom standpoint, he did say in response to a question from the media something to the effect that Caricom had no position; that elections in Venezuela was a domestic matter; Venezuela is not a member of Caricom, and members will indicate their position.

I don’t know about the rest of your readers, Mr. Editor, for that matter the rest of the population. I am led to conclude that as far as the issue of Venezuela is concerned, Caricom is either divided on their support and simply afraid to come out and condemn their larger South American neighbour. Heads must always remember they represent the people, not their own positions.

Thomas

Prison and the Assistant Commissioner of Police. I mean, look at it. Bailey in charge of the prisons said he and his staff have had to deal with gangs, organized gangs, in prison. Do you think they put together those gangs while in prison? NO!!!. They bring that style to the prison from outside.

So yes, Mr. PM, we have gangs inside and outside the prisons. One feeds the other. Any programme to fight crime here has to take that into account. And please, Mr. PM, tell the Commissioner he can call it like it is. Tell him he can stop beating around the bush. It is embarrassing when his juniors have to bring certain THINGS TO THE FORE.

And, by the way, I am glad to hear that the prison staff has stepped up measures to clamp down on illegal items being smuggled into prison. I want to say how it is important that we keep the cell phones out of prison. A cell phone in the hands of a prisoner is like a weapon. Some prisoners might use the phones to call their girlfriends, but others will use it to contact their friends outside and direct them to continue to do the things they are accustomed doing. We cannot keep denying that there are no criminal gangs in SVG.

Charles, Edinboro

I wearing my camouflage pants

YOU SEE as of tomorrow, Saturday 24th August, 2024, I pulling out my army camouflage short pants and my army camouflage vest. I taking them out tomorrow so I could air them out to wear on Sunday, when I going to lime with the boys at our favourite liming spot.

I don’t care that they say we have a ban on wearing these type of clothes for as far as I concern, since they could waive the law to allow that man Vybz Kartel to wear an army camouflage pants during his visit here, and to see him wearing the pants in the company of the Most Hon. Prime Minister, the first and foremost lawmaker in the country, then I want to see who bad enough to lock me up when they see me in my camouflage outfit. I waiting on the police.

Fair is fair. Why should a law, if it’s one at all, be bent to suit this Jamaican and it must be enforced on us Vincentians in our own land? And the police real rough when they find people wearing the camouflage clothes even with visitors who don’t know that we have a ban.

That is hypocrisy and the PM is the biggest hypocrite in this affair since he welcomed a man like Kartel in his camouflage pants, a gangster Dancehall artiste, a man who encouraged bleaching your skin, and who now

trying to say he not preaching violence when he was head of the biggest criminal gang in Jamaica.

I wearing my camouflage pants from

Sunday and if the PM invite me to visit him, I wearing that same pants.

ELLIOT

Huge progress on relief, recovery, reconstruction Overview

THE LASER FOCUSof the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government at this time is to deliver, optimally in all the practical circumstances, on its three conjoined processes of relief, recovery, and reconstruction [the Three Rs] in tandem with its ongoing, and prospective, programmes of sustainable development, while at the same time providing high quality governance in its day-to-day endeavours, in the people’s interest.

In all these respects, optimal outcomes are in evidence, through the amazing efforts of the government, in communion with the people as a whole and our friends overseas. Only the eyes of the politically-jaundiced, the unreasonable, or the disinterested are not seeing the remarkable progress being made on all the relevant fronts since the damage, destruction, and devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024, a mere seven weeks ago.

Huge progress is continuing despite the enormous challenges arising from the extent of Beryl’s damage, destruction, and devastation [the Three Ds], the limitations of material resources, and the stretching of the constrained capacities in the public and private sectors.

Shelter, food, and care

Let us sketch some basic facts, on the ground, relating to the people’s condition arising from Beryl’s Three Ds:

(1) In private homes on St. Vincent there are 4,472 households or 17,615 persons who have been displaced from the following locations:

(a) From St. Vincent itself :3,608 households or 14,739 persons;

(b) From Union Island :533 households or 1,803 persons;

(c) From Canouan :164 households or 538 persons;

(d) From Mayreau :38 households or 145 persons; and

(e) From Bequia :125 households or 495 persons.

Additionally, 250 households or 668 persons on Union Island who have been displaced have found refuge in households on Union Island. Thus, in total, 4,722 households or 18,387 persons who have been displaced because of Beryl have found accommodation, overwhelmingly on St. Vincenty, in private home placement. The summary data here are from the Ministry of National Mobilisation, dated August 16, 2024. The overall tally varies marginally from day-to-day as displaced persons go and come, hither and thither. We have detailed data, too, on the elderly; persons with disabilities; children; pregnant, or lactating mothers, in private home placement and shelters.

2.In 29 shelters throughout SVG there are additionally 1,027 shelterees, 14 of which are schools –12 on St. Vincent, one on Bequia, one on Canouan. In last week there were 20 schools as shelters. Since then, the following six were closed as shelters: Calliaqua Government School, Belmont Government School, Lowmans Leeward Primary School, Bethel High School, and Buccament Bay Secondary School.

Persons have been relocated to other emergency shelters –Community Centres, Learning

Resource Centres, and the Barrouallie Emergency Shelter. Between August 14th, 2024 and August 21st, 2024 (when this article was written), 182 persons have been placed from emergency shelters into private/tourism accommodation, and 31 from private homes into tourism accommodation. Consolidation from the shelters at JP Eustace memorial secondary School (79) shelters) and Kingstown Government school (77 shelters) will be effected during this ensuing week.

All shelterees are being cared for in respect of food, health, psychosocial support, etc.

3. Since July 10, 2024, food boxes (Government food boxes and also from the World Food Programme) are being distributed to persons in private homes placement; so, too, hygiene care packages, and shelter kits. The distribution of food boxes is being ramped up: It currently covers 60.3 percent of the displaced households (some 2,697) in private placement on St. Vincent: on Union Island, 316 households are receiving. Additionally, food supplies have been distributed to Mayreau and Canouan to support existing hot meals services on both islands executed by Community Kitchens. Further, on Union Island, the 535 workers employed in the clean-up programme are each provided with two hot meals daily by the two respective contractors. Moreover, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) has been providing food daily to the affected in the Grenadines islands, especially Union Island. The WCK programme closes at the end of this month.

4. On Union Island, at Clifton, a suitable building (formerly a restaurant and bar) is being extensively repaired and equipped as a Community Kitchen to provide 1,000 free meals daily. This facility will be ready before the expiration of the WCK programme. This Community Kitchen is vital for the recovery process in Union Island. This venture is being carried out through BRAGSA, NEMO (including the local committee), REACT (a group of former British army personnel), and Gumbolimbo (a group directed by Ian Wace, a wealthy home-owner on Canouan).

Housing

Across SVG some 600 houses (levels 1 and 2 damage) are currently being repaired by the Ministry of Housing. The Housing and Land Development (HLDC) poised is to commence its rebuilding programme on the more seriously damaged houses (Level 3) and reconstruction of Level 4-damaged houses. Individual house-owners are also rebuilding, oft-times with government’s assistance. This is a massive task, and will take considerable time to satisfy all the needs. The government has delivered, and will continue to deliver, building materials to all affected Grenadines islands and across St. Vincent at established depots. More building materials are being ordered locally and from overseas.

The SVG government is in active communication with the Canadian government and a Canadian Company with innovative building solutions to craft an appropriate programme for housing reconstruction. (Cont’d P. 27)

Government must address the cost-of-living crisis

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has seen a dramatic rise in the cost of living under the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government. The surge has caused significant hardship for Vincentians.

The cost of living is skyrocketing while our economy is shrinking. Most families are struggling to make ends meet and to put food on their tables, and the government has not made any progress on a plan to ease the cost-ofliving crisis in the country. In light of this, the NDP has issued a press statement calling on the government to implement measures to ease this crisis that is affecting Vincentians.

The following is the release:

“The New Democratic Party has called on the government to take action on the crippling cost-of-living crisis that Vincentians are experiencing. Chairman of the NDP, Honourable Daniel Cummings said, “It is clear that most Vincentians are suffering as a result of the cost-ofliving crisis and yet the government continues to fail to take action.

Parliament this week presents the perfect opportunity for the government to address this critical issue.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ economy has been struggling for years and was exacerbated by COVID-19, the eruption of La Soufriere, and most recently by Hurricane Beryl. Hundreds of people are in the most vulnerable state that they have been in recent history.

The NDP is of the firm view that Hurricane Beryl justifies the intervention of the government to help ease the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis on Vincentians.

As opposed to waiting or hoping for the crisis to resolve itself, the NDP will take action. An NDP Government would act immediately to reduce VAT from 16% to 13% and reduce the Custom Service Charge to make goods cheaper for the consumer.

Furthermore, an NDP government would increase support for lower income families by expanding existing support payments for a six-month period. The NDP is committed to easing the cost-of-living crisis in the country.”

Reduced food production

When agricultural land is lost or poorly managed, food production is reduced. The reduced local food supply results in increased prices for a number of products, and translates into higher costs for consumers, i.e. increased food bills that worsen the cost-of-living crisis.

The failure of the ULP government to implement policies regarding land use has contributed to the problem of food insecurity which the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries alluded to last month, and to the cost-of-living crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Further, there has not been an agriculture census for almost thirty (30) years, so the ULP government does not know where our farmers are, what they are growing, how they can help them improve their yields, or even what land is available for food production.

The NDP will introduce a land use policy that will give better direction for land usage as we try to reap maximum benefit from the limited lands available to us for food production. We will make more lands available to farmers through the Land Reform Programme. We will designate

areas for raising small livestock (goats, pigs and sheep) and for root crops to bolster our nation’s food security and assist in reducing the cost of food. A land bank will be created in collaboration with landowners locally and abroad, of unutilized and under-utilized lands, to make them productive.

We recognize the importance of strategic management of land use. It is critical in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. By adopting innovative practices that prioritize soil health, optimize resource use, and integrate modern technologies, we can significantly increase output while preserving vital ecosystems. By producing more food, it will aid in reducing our food import bill which is spiraling out of control. We are committed to develop the agricultural sector as an economic pillar of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Recently, the Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown, the Honourable Dwight ‘Fitz’ Bramble, attended a conference which focused on broad issues related to sustainable land management.

The following is a press release about the conference:

“Honourable Dwight Fitz Bramble, the Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown, has called for increased investment in sustainable land use, emphasizing its critical role in the economic growth and development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His appeal comes after attending the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (GCAP) Conference in Bonn, Germany, which focused on influencing G20 countries to enhance resource flows into restoration efforts. Bramble said, “The main issue I wanted to draw attention to, is the insufficient attention paid to sustainable land use and the importance of preserving and restoring our land resources, particularly in developing countries such as SVG’. Expressing concern about the extremely high cost of living and the large amount of money Vincentians pay for imported food, Bramble said, “Our food import bill is now around $500 million per year. It is crippling our economic growth and development in SVG. If we don’t pay proper attention to how we use our land, we will be facing the highest food prices in history very soon.”

At the conference, MP Bramble highlighted a Community Vegetable Garden’ project he started in his constituency and called for similar initiatives to be encouraged and supported. Bramble was one of 24 parliamentarians from around the world who was selected via a competitive application process to attend the conference, for which over 300 parliamentarians from 70 countries applied. The NDP is committed to raising awareness for the need for proper use of our land and marine resources to address issues with our food security and reducing the high cost of living faced by Vincentians.”

The Law of Attraction

If you want success, you have to believe that you will be successful. In order for law of attraction and manifesting to work, you have to believe that things will happen. You can’t just say it once and it will automatically happen. You have to focus on your goals all of the time in order to make it work. Unfortunately, negative manifesting works too. If you constantly think about bad things, that’s what you will attract to yourself.” — Alice

Judy

AN INTERNETsearch on this subject can be quite revealing and exciting. Such an exercise will also disclose that a topic of this nature can take us along so many different paths. Some readers, having examined the headline, may have conjured up images of physical attractions as is the case when a person is fascinated by another individual. Others may have contemplated the affirmations needed to obtain wealth. The focus can vary. However, the introductory quote provides some useful insights in relation to the direction that the next few paragraphs will take.

As we proceed with the discourse on the Law of Attraction there is wisdom in providing some insights in relation to what the law encompasses. In general, the law focuses on the belief that our positive or negative thoughts can attract matching outcomes. In other words, if our focus is all doom and gloom the chances are that these are likely to be our results. Conversely, when our thoughts are focused on positive outcomes, we are more likely to have favourable results. In both instances there may be forces that can redirect events and circumstances, however, our thoughts greatly influence the final outcome.

The Law of Attraction was popularized by Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 best-selling self-help publication titled “The Secret”. She postulates that positive thoughts bring positive experiences into an individual’s life and that negative thoughts tend to generate negative outcomes. She advocates that our thoughts and feelings act as a magnet, attracting experiences that ally with our mental state. The premise is that like attracts like. Based on this principle we are cautioned to be the guardians of our thoughts if we are to achieve the positive outcomes that we desire since our thoughts can influence our reality in profound ways.

Supporters of the Law of Attraction argue that by visualizing success, setting goals, and maintaining a positive attitude, individuals can align their focus with successful outcomes and, in so doing, pursue these with energy and gusto. They note, for example, that if someone visualizes themselves succeeding in their profession or career, they are more likely to discern the opportunities that emerge and align these with their desired outcome. However, it is imperative that such individuals understand that wishful or positive thinking alone will not guarantee success. While these may provide a good launching platform for the exercise at hand, it is imperative to marry such expectations with dedicated effort and hard work. Such an approach will improve mental health and enhance the likelihood of

improving life conditions.

Not everyone will subscribe to the Law of Attraction. Those who oppose the law advocate that it lacks empirical support. They argue that while having such a focus can assist in motivating the participant, it is considered to be more related to a psychological interpretation as opposed to being a universal law. However, they recognize that the Law of Attraction is a useful motivational tool and is valuable in assisting individuals to set clear goals and objectives. Such a life-enhancement approach can aid individuals to remain motivated as they pursue their noble objectives. However, there are some who advocate that the Law of Attraction seems too simplistic. In this regard, it may lead to unrealistic anticipations.

As controversial as this topic is, and as inconclusive as the arguments are in support of and against the Law of Attraction, it provides for healthy debates in relation to the likely positive impact of positive thinking and mental focus. The belief is based on the idea that like attracts like; positive thoughts and attitudes can attract positive outcomes. Conversely, negative thoughts and feelings can attract negative experiences. This coincides with Brian Tracy’s comment that, “You are a magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts.” This therefore behooves us to create and maintain positive thoughts in an effort to influence positive outcomes.

The concept of the Law of Attraction is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Bible contains many teachings about thoughts and attitudes. For example, there are verses that suggest that our thoughts and our words can have a significant impact on our lives and also on the lives of others (Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 21:22; and James 4:13-15). However, it should be noted that while the Bible encourages positive thinking and faith, it also emphasizes reliance on God’s will and guidance rather than a self-directed attraction of outcomes. The law of attraction, as a standalone principle, is not a Biblical doctrine but can be viewed through the lens of Biblical teachings on faith, intention, and divine purpose.

Jack Canfield (born 1944), the American motivational speaker and author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series, notes that, “The Law of Attraction states that whatever you focus on, think about, read about, and talk about intensely, you’re going to attract more of into your life.”

Whether or not we believe in the Law of Attraction, it is certain that the thoughts we entertain and the attitudes that we portray play a major role in determining our level of motivation and our focus on the tasks that we must perform.

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

ULP marketing Bad Vybz

‘If we wish to express what we want the men of the future generation to be, we must say: Let them be like Che! If we wish to say how we want our children to be educated, we must say without hesitation: We want them to be educated in Che’s spirit.’ Fidel Castro

PM Gonsalves’ decision to lay out the red carpet for the Jamaican dance hall legend Vybz Kartel is a reckless disregard for morals and ethics and a signal to our people, especially the youths, that once you are sufficiently infamous, you will be welcomed with open arms. Our country, rocked by criminal violence and a record 55 homicides last year, deserves better. But as I have repeated time and again, our government, led by world boss Gonsalves, is and will remain a gangster outfit.

Government propagandists have attempted to justify the embrace of Vybz Kartel by claiming that there is a publicity bonanza awaiting SVG. They maintain that our tourism will benefit leaps and bounds because Kartel’s fan club will see him feted by PM Gonsalves and other high government officials in our tropical paradise. They argue further that Kartel, diagnosed with Graves disease, an autoimmune illness, will do wonders in marketing SVG as a wellness and health tourism destination.

They tell us that Vybz Kartel is so popular (3 million X and Instagram fans) that even though Kartel was recently released from a Jamaican jail after his conviction for the murder, he is now a free man without a record for murder. Yes, our highest court, the Privy Council, freed him on a technicality, but the evidence arrayed against him was pretty solid. Kartel, along with others, were accused of disappearing a man who was last seen entering his home. The conviction was overturned because the trial judge improperly allowed a tainted juror to remain on the jury panel. The juror, in an attempt to pervert the course of justice, offered a bribe to each juror to return a not guilty verdict.

Vybz Kartel is wildly popular with the youth across the world. He is a skilled dance hall artist. He writes well, and his catchy lyrics delivered over a rhythmic vibe have captivated many. But is he the model we want to hold up to our youth? Vybz Kartel is a notorious user of skin-beaching solutions. The level of self-hatred depicted in such a despicable practice is revoltingly nauseating. If you think marketing works as the government says, let’s pay the Nigerian sensation Burner Boy to come to our shores. He has 18 million X and Instagram followers and none of the notorious baggage that weighs down Vybz Kartel.

So there you have it–our government’s high-profile embrace of an individual who, in the public domain, is seen as a practitioner of bad boyism, violent tribalism, and bleaching. Let’s contrast our government’s embrace of Vybz Kartel with that of the government and official opposition in Jamaica. Jamaica’s population in 2023 was 2.83 million, about 28 times ours. However, neither PM Holness nor Golden, the opposition leader, celebrated or cosy up to Vybz Kartel on his release. While each leader accepted the Privy Council’s decision and expressed confidence in the rule of law, both party leaders kept a respectable distance. It is doubtful that Mia Mottley, Keith Rowley, Dickon Mitchell or any other regional leader would have cuddled Vybz Kartel as Gonsalves did.

A Jamaican college colleague texted, ‘I heard you guys are entertaining Mr. Kartel in your country. I would not do that if I were you. All the man brings is mass chaos. By the way, if allyo want, keep him.’

A citizen of our country also weighed in on Vybz Kartel’s visit: ‘You don’t know how much his presence here disturbs me. Even what he has done to his skin I find offensive to all black people.’

Queen Ifrica, the conscious Jamaican reggae lyricist, took to social media to admonish Vybz Kartel. She asked him to refrain from his old ways, warned him against reigniting tribal warfare in the Gaza section of Jamaica, and implored him to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and other harmful habits. Queen Ifrica asked Kartel to use his talent and skill for positive causes.

What explains our government’s decision? An arrogant Teflon view grounded in the fact that the ULP government has been in power for 23 consecutive years and an almost sadistic desire to capitalise on Vybz Kartel’s popularity. Of significance as well is ULP’s desire to project and uphold a gangster image. Only a public relations nightmare compelled Gonsalves to get Vybz Kartel to say that prison is hell.

If Vybz Kartel believes that the best medical care for his ailment can be had in SVG, more power to him. But the government’s high-profile embrace of Vybz Kartel and all that he represents is further proof, if we ever needed more, that the ULP administration has outlived its usefulness.

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

V The Psychopath… The Murderer:

Jim

Jones, the psychopath murderer

IT WAS A TRAGICmoment in history when Jim Jones orchestrated the deaths of nearly a thousand of his followers in the dense jungles of Guyana. That day, the charismatic preacher transformed into a mass murderer. The man who once preached sincerely as a man of God revealed himself as the devil’s advocate. He preached to those yearning for hope, happiness, and prosperity, those seeking an escape from the iron grip of a racist system in the United States.

This psychopath led his followers like lambs to the slaughter, deep into the jungle where they would take their last breaths. This was a meticulously planned operation, leaving no way to escape the bullets or the poisonous Kool-Aid. The followers had no choice but to obey his command. The cult leader had them trapped–nowhere to run, nowhere to hide–facing death head-on.

I now realize that not all smiling faces are genuine. To ensnare people, one must often mask intentions with a fake smile, using deception to achieve their ends. As the saying goes, “you must throw sprat to catch a whale”. A pessimist, skeptic, or seer would sense danger lurking beneath the surface.

In life, we often take things at face value, especially if that thing (face) shines like the sun, moon, and stars. But a prudent man takes time to examine the face of a counterfeit, a bogus thief.

Jim Jones ventured into the black ghettos of America, preaching to desperate blacks under attack by white supremacists. These white serpents knew how to play with the minds of black people. And Jim

Jones played the game skillfully, winning the hearts and minds of countless gullible “Negroes”. The charismatic devil tricked thousands of black people, telling them about their plight, much like some opportunistic whites do today. But if a snake smiles at you, that doesn’t mean it loves you. The nature of a snake is to be subtle and wise. Jimmy was one of those snakes.

Jim Jones offered black Americans false hope, preaching sentiments of black consciousness and escapism to the African Americans. But little did they know, the man was a devil in disguise with a sincere face. He spoke of the racist United States government, the systemic unfair treatment, and the hellish conditions they were living in, but they didn’t realize that the disguised “saint”; was no different from those racist scoffers in Washington, the administrators of the U.S. government.

He charmed them with words, as if he had the answers to their nightmarish struggles and multitude of problems. He hypnotized them, holding them under his control as if he were their Messiah and deliverer. Here in St. Vincent, there are many black people with the same mindset as those African Americans, easily influenced by sweet words and fake smiles. They think Mr. White has the solution to their suffering. They believe Mr. White has the answers and that no one else is capable of running this country. Realistically, they don’t know Mr. White could be another Jim Jones in disguise.

Carden A. Michael

EDWIN D. LAYNE

Soca artiste CG headlines

Vincy Day Picnic

Story and photos by Nelson A. King US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

RARELY ONE WOULD SEE A CONSUL general headlining a major cultural event. But that was the case last Saturday, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, a renowned soca artiste, clearly, outperformed other artistes, as he brought the house down, stage-side, at the massive annual Vincy Day USA Picnic at the picturesque Heckscher State Park in East Islip, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.

McIntosh took over the show. He put party lovers in a “Tight Spot” and followed up with his signature hit, “We Out Here”, as well as “Throw Bad Mind”, “Lehgo Thing” and “Charlie Charlie”.

McIntosh told THE VINCENTIAN immediately afterwards that it was “a Vincy festival filled with love and togetherness.

“It’s, indeed, a much larger crowd than last year — very responsive, filled with energy and vibe,” he said. “Vincy Day is one day we should never let die.”

Among other artiste to please the party-loving crowd were: Marvo O’Brien, Jose Juan, Persona, Denis Bowman, Man Kemmy, Hypa 4000 and Hailes Castello, who served as Master of Ceremonies, along with Atiba Williams and Kamla Millwood.

The Brooklyn, New York-based Mas Productions Unlimited offered a preview of its production for the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade; and poet and playwright Francesca Sam presented a skit, dubbed “A Conversation with Beryl”, referring to the recent destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, as well as the southern part of Jamaica.

Attributes of Christ Ministries, an evangelical church in Brooklyn, which was founded and pastored by the late Brother William Muckett, opened the event with prayers.

In picture-perfect weather, with a

high of 79 degrees, thousands of Vincentians across the United States converged on the Camp Grounds for the day-long spectacle.

Other Caribbean nationals and others also joined the festivities, trekking from as far as Canada, among other places, to participate in the celebration, and to meet and greet relatives and friends at the 1,657-acre (6.71 km2) state park on the shore of the Great South Bay in Suffolk County, and to savour a potpourri of Vincy dishes.

Evesham native Monica Laborde brought along Caribbean and American nationals on the four-hour drive by bus from Boston.

“Every year, we come to Vincy Day,” she told THE VINCENTIAN, as a Barbadian friend dished out stewed turkey wings and pig feet souse to passersby. “We only stopped for Vincy Day.”

A few yards away, McDowaldThompson, the former president, now vice president, of the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, USA, Inc. (COSAGO), gathered under a tent with some COSAGO members, including new president Crispin Friday and his wife, Ancilla, and their children and grandchild.

Further along, Charles Thompson, a Brooklyn resident and Chateaubelair native, accompanied by three Senegalese “brothers”, took “refuge from the heat” under a tent.

Thompson said he was up early Saturday preparing, with the help of a relative, ground provisions, plantain, bananas, coconut dumplings, and stewed pork and saltfish, and barbecue chicken.

“It’s great,” he said about the extravaganza. “It’s always extra energy. It’s nice seeing Vincies coming together and celebrating…”

“I look forward to it,” Allison Straker, a native of the Central Leeward town of Barrouallie, told

THE VINCENTIAN. “With Vincentians being around, you feel at home away from home.”

Raymond Otis Lewis, chair of Vincy Day USA, Inc., told THE VINCENTIAN that the 12th Annual Vincy Day, which is usually held on the third Saturday in August, is “a beautiful celebration of our culture and community…. We had a good turn-out. Our numbers are coming back up after COVID.”

The Vincy Day Organizing Committee described Vincy Day as a much-anticipated annual gathering which “...is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt gathering where Vincentians from all walks of life unite to honour their heritage, share experiences and embrace the spirit of community.”

Vincy Day USA Chairman Raymond Otis Lewis with Secretary Rhonda Nero at the Vincy Day USA tent.

Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh puts the party crowed in “A Tight Spot”

Sections of the party crowd at Vincy Day USA Picnic

Monica Laborde, left, brought along friends from Boston for the picnic.

Charles Thompson, center, with two Senegalese “brothers”

Education

Basil Charles commits to education

Scholarship and bursary recipients, 2024, with Basil Charles and other Basil Charles Foundation personnel.

THE MUSTIQUE BLUESFestival marks its 30th anniversary in 2026, and its originator, Basil Charles, is looking forward to the event.

After all, it provides the sustenance for the Basil Charles Educational Foundation.

Basil, as he is referred, hails from the South Windward district of Biabou. He has made it his mission to ensure that as many young people as possible, get the support they need for their education.

Twenty young persons were added to list of persons who have benefited in this way, when the Basil Charles Education held its annual scholarship/bursary awards ceremony, last week Thursday

Among these are eleven scholarship holders: Kevonte Barker, Kiara France, Ismael Jr Toney, Ariel Ralph, Ammara Doyle, Esron Gibson, Katalina Jackson, Kenroy John, Azelia Harry, Bianca DaSilva and Roshorn Loreine.

They start with $650 for the first

term then $450 each for the second and third terms.

The scholarships cater for two years at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

Nine bursaries were handed out by the Basil Charles Foundation, each worth $600. The recipients were: Hailey Ryan, Godwin Jr Lewis, Leslie Jr Francis, Arrianna Williams, Aliyah Sampson, Jason Edwards, Kaytari George, Isaiah Sandy, and Hope Charles.

Charles noted the impact of Hurricane Beryl, especially on Union Islands, and is assisting children from that Grenadine Island to attend secondary school on

mainland St. Vincent.

Basil urged the recipients to make good use of the opportunity. He assured that any challenges they might face can be overcome by working along with the Basil Charles Educational Foundation.

Testimony

Earllando Henry from the interior district of Carriere paid testimony to the Foundation. He grew up with a single parent, after the death of his father to liver cancer when his mother was seven months pregnant.

Henry credits the Foundation with being involved “in every aspect of my life.” Henry serves as a Receptionist at Basils Villa, where he gets “on the job training that will propel me towards realising my dreams.”

Henry advises new recipients that “scholarships are the seeds of potential planted by those who believe in our dreams.”

Building and

The student, who completed a period of study in Digital Media, Environmental Science, and Physical Education, urged the new crop to “water your seeds with constant hard work, true dedication and discipline and look forward to the great fruits that will be harvested.”

Loan investing in education

THE ST. VINCENT BUILDINGand Loan Association is continuing to help young Vincentians fulfill their dream. Two new scholarship holders have been added to the list of recipients.

This year’s awardees are Tariq Jvonte John and Asa Jeriah Bowens.

John placed ninth for Boys and 13th overall and Bowens is 13 for Boys and 20th overall. They enter Boys Grammar

School on September 2.

Fourteen bursaries were handed over. Those are: Chace Forde, Zoran Shallow, Natalya Johnson, Joshua Dennie, Eliana Burgin, Joshua Baker, Zahra Hypolite, Yohan Burke, Caleb Garvey, Sage Charles, Timothy Lewis, Amarii Peters, Kylie Neverson, and Amiyah Bascombe.

KCCU provides scholarships and bursaries

SOME STUDENTS

HERE, especially those with some attachment to the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU), can count on support from that organisation for the pursuit of their secondary education.

The number of persons on the KCCU award list increased this year with the addition of ten more recipients. They received the nod last week Thursday at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall.

Those who received an adjusted scholarship of $1500 a year for the next seven years were: K’Jay Peters, Sugar Mill Academy; Gabe Hillocks, Kingstown Preparatory; J’Vonnique Hamlet, St Mary’s Roman Catholic; Chase Frankly, Belair Government; Jorvan Hamilton, Questelles Government School, and Jaea Bramble, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School.

Four bursaries went to Syresha Tyrell, a former CW Prescod student, Adijhe Scotland, t. Mary’s

Roman Catholic, Tre’sean Williams, Lowman’s Leeward Anglican School, and Keshorne Williams; Marriaqua Government School. They each will receive $1,000 up from $600 previously.

Sean Jay Lewis’ consistency in KCCU affairs paid dividends. He earned a $1500 payment along with a certificate.

The ceremony also saw versatility from 2019 scholarship recipient Andre Bowman. He played the piano in classical style and showed his skills as a public speaker with an address that reflected deep thought and intellectual outlook.

KCCU’s Director Nyasha Stapleton pointed to non-traditional fields

which students can find rewarding careers, just by putting “dreams into action.

“Your dream is your goal; do not limit yourself,” Stapleton pointed out.

The function heard from Mayferne Mayers-Oliver, a Director who welcomed the gathering. She zoomed in on the theme; Believe in your potential and you will achieve the extraordinary.

Timothy Scott, a Board member of KCCU of which he is Board member, and filled in for the Ministry of Education’s representative.

President Gary Matthias told the students that their potential is alike a seed, and that “with the right nutrition, it can grow into something extraordinary.

Adiah Holder, the 2014 scholarship winner encouraged the new winners not to limit themselves.

Dr. Tamira Browne wants the awardees to “protect this investment by studying.” She was one of two

motivational speakers. The other Kenneth Onu outlined: “Nothing changes until I (you) do.”

Onu laid out aspects of life that he thinks students can use. “Don’t think there is no space for me, it is what you do with what you have,” Onu advised.

Other students on scholarships turned up in solidarity.

Basil Charles, philanthropist extraordinaire.

Scholarship awardee Tariq Jvonte John received his Building and Loan Association package from Elroy John, General Manager of the Association.

Asa Jeriah Bowens is pleased to received his scholarship documentation from Mr. Elroy John.

KCCU 2024 Scholarship recipients.

Andre Bowman, 2019 scholarship recipient, entertained with a recital of a classical piece on the piano.

Bequia students create documentaries

by GLORIAH...

TODAY, A NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON THE GRENADINE Island of Bequia can boast of having created documentaries highlighting issues that could encourage their community to pay closer attention to the environment.

The insight for the programme conducted in April 2024, came from the non-profit organisation Action Bequia which sought to engage students from each primary school on the island, in a process of documenting environmental issues in its ten-day Environmental and Youth Development Programme dubbed “Lights, Camera, Action”, by workshop facilitator, filmmaker Akley Olton.

Also facilitating the activity which attracted funding from SVG Environmental Fund, was wellknown content creator American Bequia resident John Burstein.

Akley told THE VINCENTIAN, “I was asked to facilitate a workshop to teach some kids how to make environmentally conscious content. I designed the workshop and with John Burstein, we decided that instead of making the content ourselves, we would teach the children and empower their voice so they could create the kind of content they would like to communicate to their community.”

He detailed how the participants worked

with their own, original ideas, conducted interviews, and filmed the various locations under consideration.

“The ideas were all theirs: the voices, expressions, themes, decisions were all theirs,” he related, and described his function as a technical advisor, providing suggestions on using audio-visual technology. He also assisted in bringing the endings together.

The creativity of the participants was showcased at what was dubbed, ‘Bequia Oscar Night’, April 2024. Held at De Reef, the Bequia community was able to look on with awe as each young filmmakers’ work was presented. Throughout the exciting affair complemented by

children on the steelpan, proud parents made their sentiments known.

To put the icing on the cake, each participant received a certificate of participation, and a prize of a small camera to encourage continued content creation, that would encourage their community to pay attention to their environment.

This Action Bequia activity deserves the loudest applause.

Photo Credit: Cloud Island Media

Some of the student filmmakers.

Akley Olton, filmmaker, the Workshop facilitator.

John Burstein, filmmaker and content creator,

Saluting the Rose Bank Anglican Church

THE ROSE BANK ANGLICAN CHURCHis celebrating one hundred years of existence this year. Undoubtedly, that organization has over the years played a positive role in the maintenance of peace and harmony, not only in the village of Rose Bank, but indeed its influence to a fair degree was discernible in the village of Troumaca where I lived. Understandingly so, since a number of the families with strong profiles in Troumaca were members of the Rose Bank Anglican Church. Until I had read the

St. Clair Delpleche was one of the longest serving lay leaders in the Rose Bank Anglican community.

Bishop Harold Piggot played an important part in ensuring the Rose Bank Anglican community was served.

Centenary booklet circulated recently, I had not realized that my Troumaca people had played such central roles in the Rose Bank Church.

It was heartwarming to know that Lou Mulraine, our own ‘Cousin Lou’, and Rosa Layne our neighbor who was always singing, and our Willie Anthony the patriarch of the precious Anthony family of Madame O’Get, had all served as organists of the Church.

It is evident that the

The Rose Bank Anglican Church marks a significant milestone this year.

Vincentian society today has suffered a serious decline, to the degree that the standards of societal interaction which reflected a strong regard for law, order, and respect are no longer prominent posts. We are a nation that according to our constitution, has been founded on the belief in the supremacy of our God Jehovah, and the freedom and dignity of man. Jehovah the creator, on whose authority the sun is sure to rise every morning,

has given us guidelines. The Church organization is generally regarded as His representatives here on earth…committed to the guidance of humanity towards the honouring of the Almighty.

It is my hope that the energy which had driven the members of the Rose Bank Anglican Church, to endeavour to overcome obstacles in the past, could be rekindled to the degree, that it impacts positively the well-being of the people of Rose Bank and the nearby

villages, so that in 2025 we can all celebrate a bountiful harvest. I am not even of the least of our apostles, but I am impelled to urge the Rose Bank Anglican Community in harmony with Psalms 118:8-9. It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in princes. We can look forward with hope to the bountiful Harvest.

LeRoy Providence

A tribute to George Levi Bailey

by Mr. Liley Cato

Part One

GEORGE LEVI BAILEY, of blessed memory, was so affectioned by his church community, that we rechristened him with the name “Uncle George,” and it will be the name to which I will refer, in this too brief tribute, that speaks to his long and significant life and service in a community he loved so well. It is with a profound feeling of loss that I will remember Uncle George, and I am using this opportunity to express sincere condolences to his family upon their loss, upon our loss.

Uncle George was my teacher, mentor, catechist and brother in the Faith and although removed from my years, by not too great a span of time, I considered him my father figure.

The whole story about Uncle George’s service and commitment in the building of this faith community would fill volumes, and a volume written by some renowned writer, but what I will say today then, can only be regarded as foot notes to a bigger story.

Uncle George did not have to tell me his story. It is a story that I came to know through my very close acquaintance with him, and the services and judgements he rendered.

Truly, when I was writing this and reality struck me, I was in awe of the numerous contributions that Uncle George made to this church, in a single lifetime. He had a significant presence not only at the parish level here at St. John’s, but, on the diocesan pastoral council and planning committees.

At the parish level, because of his many abilities, he was, for an extensive period, chairperson of the parish council; leader of the St. John’s Boy Scouts; a significant member of the Holy Name Sodality, an excellent director of the music ministry, a renowned liturgist and catechist, and seasoned member of the Cursillo movement. In brief, Uncle George was this community’s “man for all seasons.”

Boy scout and scouts leader

St. John Roman Catholic Boys’ Scouts

The St. John’s Boys Scout movement was the medium in which many children from working-class families, made their first efforts in learning and in acquiring training necessary for their development and becoming better citizens.

Uncle George enrolled in the, then very vibrant, St. John’s Boy Scouts, when still in his comparative youth, in the decade of the nineteen fifties. It is to be believed that scouting was the organization through which he tiptoed into the life and work of his church, and it became an environment in which his feet were solidly planted and steeled him, inevitably, for the steward he became. In a most literal sense, his work of service in the church came through this involvement in The Boys’ Scout Movement, which

created in him a passion to serve; a desire that he never relinquished.

Holy name sodality

Upon his further maturing, Uncle George was inducted into Holy Name Sodality, the project arm of this church, which rendered him available for greater involvement in church and community. His entry into this sodality made his desire for service inextinguishable. As an energetic, youthful member of that society, he plunged himself vigorously in the campaign of fund raising and was a part of the successful fundraiser which assured the realization and the construction of the St. Joseph Convent Marriaqua Secondary School; a landmark project aided by the church.

Years later, as part of the St. John’s parish council and building committee, he was instrumental in the logistics and practical undertaking of the St. John’s building renovation. He was intimately involved with the redesigning of the physical structure of this building, design of the pews and additionally, orchestrated the rededication ceremony for this church in April 2006. If you wish to see the full contribution of George Levi Bailey to this church, just look around you, even the inscription above the tabernacle is by his design. This shrine shall forever stand to his memory.

For my children’s sake

Dear George,

IDID SOMETHINGI never thought I would have done in my life, and I am so ashamed of myself that I do not think I can live with myself for much longer.

In order to make sure I could care for children, primary school age, I have been sleeping with my boss (married) and four of friends his. I have to do that before I receive my pay cheque.

Somewhere along the way I contracted HIV but do not know who gave it to me. In a way it’s sweet revenge for me on all of them. If I’m not around I know my children would still manage to survive.

I just cannot live like this George. Nobody cares anymore. St. Vincent never used to be like this.

Hurting

Dear Hurting,

Your situation is a sad and unfortunate one but not hopeless. You did what you did in the interest of your children. Do not beat up on yourself for doing what you did in the name of survival.

The reality is you are HIV positive but that is not the end. You need to get the necessary medical care.

It is important that you inform your sexual partners so that they too can get tested.

I urge you contact someone from The Marion House to get much needed support. You are still alive and once there’s life there’s always hope. Let the love you have for your children be the motivating factor to get you through this.

George

Teenage desires

Dear George, MY PARENTSare strongly against me (17 going on 18) getting involved with boys. They think I’ll get pregnant. What they don’t know is that I have been active with older men at my church. My parents trust me with these men. But, as a matter of fact, I’ve gone as far as kissing 3 of them and came very close to having sex with 2 of them.

I just want to experience the things my mates are talking about. What is so wrong about that? I think my parents are overly protective and that is the cause of all the verbal back and forth between us.

Feeling Caged and Controlled

Dear Feeling Caged,

At your age you may think that your wisdom supersedes that of your parents. You are wrong!

Your parents are doing their best to shield you from what you do not know but will still hurt you. It’s better if you focus on finishing your education and making yourself and your parents proud. Those men you referenced in the church are interested in satisfying their own desires, not in your wellbeing. Do not get caught up in that trap.

George

The decision is yours

Dear George,

I CAME TONew York to get out of poverty but I have suffered much since I’m here. I came close many times to packing it in and returning home. However, I have nothing to return to.

It so happened that I met up with a former school mate. We used to be lovers in high school. I asked him to marry me so I can get my papers but he refused, saying it was against his religion. How could he choose to follow some stupid religion rather than helping me out. Do you think I should ever talk to this guy again?

Left in the Cold.

Dear Left in the Cold,

The decisions to migrate to the US and leave everything behind was yours.

The decision made by your former school mate should not be held and used against him. You ought not to take it personally but instead try to understand his position.

Maybe in time you will find someone to marry, not just for the papers but for love.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Renovations or purchases made for your home will payoff. Hide your cards and learn to say no. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better. You need to pamper yourself for a change.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

You may find acquaintances being deceptive. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. Real estate investments could be to your ad vantage. Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. You may find that your anger stems from lending or borrowing money. Don't let your personal dilemmas interfere with your goals. Older family members may try to make demands that are impossible for you to handle.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You can look into new jobs but don't count on getting help from someone who may have promised you assistance. Hobbies will be good for your emotional well being. Risks will not be profitable. Be willing to listen, but don't be fooled.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. Enjoy the company of relatives this week. Catch up on correspondence.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Good friends will give you honest answers. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Losses could occur if you haven't been careful when dealing with joint financial ventures. Don't believe everything you hear.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

You will communicate easily and should be able to accomplish all that you set out to do. Remember that no one can walk through your door if there's someone standing in the doorway. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Secret affairs may be tempting. Recognition will be yours if you meet your deadline. Y Shopping could cost more than you bargained for. You are likely to reveal information unintentionally.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Get together with friends for some competitive physical activities. Romance could be exciting if you are spontaneous. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. Deceit with coworkers is apparent.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. Do not lend money or belongings to friends. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

Don't get intimately involved with a coworker. Acceptance will be necessary. You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Don't let your mate bully you into thinking that you owe them your time and your life. Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Try not to push your philosophies on others.

ACROSS

1. Cul-de-__

4. Spill the beans

8. Gaze

12. Psychic inits.

13. Decorative trimming

14. Milky-white gem

15. Reduced 17. “War is __”

18. Parade units

19. Miners’ finds

20. Fesses up

23. “How Dry __” (2 wds.)

25. Rivals

26. Most bizarre

29. Sweet roll

30. Requested

32. Advanced degree (abbr.)

34. Most hotel occupants

36. Shred

37. Conjunction, for short

38. Votes in

40. Great party

43. Female horses

45. Author Wiesel

46. Scratch

50. Lounge about

52. Mrs. (sp.)

53. Some summer babies

54. Lamarr of films

55. Devil-__care

DOWN

1. Washington VIP (abbr.)

2. Gentle __ lamb (2 wds.)

3. Lifesaving skill (abbr.)

4. Swell

5. Suburban sights

6. Scored 100%

7. Alarm clock’s area

8. Return to one’s abode (2 wds.)

9. Imitator

51. Musical symbol

10. Lose color

11. Building additions

16. Hitters’ stats

20. Andrews, for one (abbr.)

21. Henning or

22. Restaurant handout

24. Append

26. Gives the nod

27.Specification, for short

28. Definite thing

30. Soot

31. Belly

33. Hosp. employees

35. Mertz and Merman

36. Mrs. Dick Tracy

38. Made

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

McClure

Competent

Suffix for a doctrine

“..man __ mouse?” (2 wds.)

Aye’s opposite

BullÊsÊ P.I nears completion

THE PROSECUTION is expected to call its final witness when the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) involving murder accused Rion ‘Pit Bull’ Cole resumes at the Serious Offences Court before Senior Magistrate Colin John, on Monday. Cole is charged with the murder of 43-yearold Arnos Vale resident Zarrel Veronica ‘Keisha’ Small, whose body was discovered around 6am, August 25, 2022, on the tarmac of the

decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport, in an area where tyres and trailers were stored.

What appeared to be a piece of PVC pipe was met, reportedly, inserted in her vagina.

An autopsy showed she died of asphyxia, due to manual strangulation.

Nine witnesses have already testified for the Prosecution, including the investigator — PC1016 Ramon Smith of the Major Crime Unit (MCU), and handyman

Edwin Edwards who was an inmate at his majesty’s prison along with Cole in 2022.

Following Edwards’ testimony on Tuesday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato was granted an application for the matter to be adjourned to Monday, when the Prosecution is expected to call its final witness who will give evidence under the Witness (Special Measures) Act. Cole, who is

Rion ‘Pit Bull’ Cole is conducting his own defence.

conducting his own defence, told the Court on Tuesday, “I ain’t relying on hope and faith. I want justice and truth.”

He told THE VINCENTIAN during a recess of the Court, “I am innocent of this crime,” and expressed confidence that he would be vindicated.

Farmer charged with assault and theft

From Page 5

Keil appeared before the Barrouallie Magistrate Court on August 14, 2024 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted bail in the sum of $2000.00ECC, with one surety for the offence of assault self-bail in the sum of $2000.00ECC for the offence of theft.

Keil is expected to appear before the Barrouallie Magistrate Court on October 9, 2024 to answer the charges.

SVGFF Executive receives governance training

THE EXECUTIVE OF THE St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), along with key employees, were exposed to training on governance, at the La Vue Hotel, Villa, August 17 and 18, 2024.

Convened by Concacaf, under its Executive Mentorship Programme, the facilitators were Jamaican, Howard Mc Intosh- Head of One Concacaf, and David Sabir, long-standing General Secretary of the Bermuda Football Association.

Some of the areas of focus were understanding the roles and functions of the Executive members; understanding the game and administration; time management; and learning about Concacaf’s good governance and best practices.

President of the SVGFF- Otashie Spring gave a brief background behind the convening of the working session, saying, inter alia, “We would have done an assessment of what we believe to be issues surrounding the state of affairs of our Football in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and among many

of the stuff that we would have pinpointed contributing to what we call functioning regression, as we did not hide the faults of the governance teams over the years”, Spring contended.

Believing that his Executive is now better positioned to deliver to its stakeholders, Spring added, “This activity was to assure that our governance team is adequately equipped for the task that is ahead ... It is important for us to know who we are, what are our responsibilities, our roles and expectations, and ensure that we are strong in that capacity area… to better position to navigate the potholes.”

Spring implored his Executive to embrace the information and knowledge gathered.

“….. we have to be in the best position to serve those we have to serve. we have to start first being better to do what is best ...Over the past two days, not only have we been

of the stuff presented, were eye openers.” Spring said.

Similarly, Sabir called on participants to face their new challenges with vigour.

“This is a new beginning by all means ... This is an opportunity for you to position St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Football in a space where

it should be, where it needs to be, where it must be...I encourage you to bring your best self, because Football deserves the best people ... Continue to improve yourselves... Learn as much as you can, reach out and touch people.” Sabir said.

The Otashie Spring led Executive of the SVGFF, was elected to office on March 21, 2024.

Hendrickson promises possession-style Football

VINCENTIAN- BORN, US based Ezra Hendrickson was formally unveiled as the new Head Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s Football team, at a Media Launch last Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Conference Room of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), in Kingstown.

And the 52-year-old Hendrickson wasted no time sharing the philosophy that will guide his coaching.

Promising a winning style of Football, Henrickson projected: “St. Vincent (and the Grenadines) will be associated with a style of play that wins… Style of play that is beautiful Football… When you go to watch Vincy Heat, you know what to expect.”

“It is a possession-based style, but it is a possessive progression, Hendrickson added, “because the core of it, is playing inside the opponents’ half …. We want to get the ball as quickly as possible and play the game in the opponents’ half.”

He cautioned, “It will take some time,” but promised, ‘We will get there!”

And he is optimistic that this approach will be revealed when SVG faces Bonaire (Sept. 05) and Montserrat (Sept. 08) in the Concacaf Nations League.

Both matches are carded for the Stadion Antonio Trenidat in Bonaire. Hendrickson, who has been on the ground working with the team for the past two weeks, at the Brighton

Technical Centre, disclosed that the players have already bought into his philosophy.

“The players have been coming and working really hard… It has been a smooth transition, and I am liking what I am seeing… I am liking the enthusiasm from the players,” he reported.

A former national captain and an Assistant Coach to the said Vincy Heat team, back in 2015, during their 2018 Russia World Cup sojourn, Hendrickson takes over the Head Coach role from Theon Gordon, who fitted in the role for the last eighteen months.

Hendrickson praised Gordon for having added value to the players whilst he was at the helm of coaching them.

Born and raised in the Central Leeward town of Layou, Hendrickson left St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the age of 13, for the USA.

There, he developed his Football skills, and was drafted as an MLS player in 1997, with the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars.

A subsequent six-year stint with the LA Galaxy, saw Hendrickson, a defender marking the most fruitful period in his career, as he scored 17 goals in 139 appearances.

He then went on to represent Dallas Burn, Charlestown Battery, DC United, Chivas USA and Columbus Crew, before he ended in

2008. From 1995 to 2008, Hendrickson was a fixture in the SVG Senior team in regional and international competitions.

Immediately following his retirement as a player, Hendrickson remained in the MLD network and turned to coaching, commencing with the Seattle Sounders as an Assistant Coach, from 2009 to 2014. From 2015 to 2018, he served as coach of the Seattle Sounders Reserve Team and briefly was the Assistant Coach of the LA Galaxy. He moved on to become Assistant Coach of the Columbus Crew in 2019 to 2021 and the Head Coach of the Chicago Fire, 2022 to 2023.

educated in many ways, as a lot

David Sabir

Otashie Spring

Ezra Hendrickson

A section of the participants at the two-day workshop

SpencerÊs TT Academy hosts Camp

SOMEof the more elite table tennis players here are looking to sharpen their skills and improve their game generally, while newcomers to the sport are anxious to learn, as both groups entered the camp organized by Spencer’s Table Tennis Academy.

Headed by Spencer, Director and Head Coach of the Academy, the Camp, which got going August 05 at the St. Vincent Grammar School, “.. is being funded by the National Olympic Committee (NOC)”.

He explained that while the emphasis is on ensuring a basic understanding of the concepts and technical “parts” of the sport, and therefore why it was opened to new and grass root players, he also invited some of the more established (elite) players to use the opportunity to advance their game.

“So,” Spencer said, “it can be considered an advanced training camp.”

And when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Spencer after the camp had been in train for over a week, he commented, “I have seen tremendous improvement in the advanced (elite) group, technical

wise. I got some good surprises from the ‘immediates’ (those who already had some exposure) and I was impressed with the beginners who showed much enthusiasm to learn the sport.”

Two of the elite players attending the camp are Tykel Pierre, a leading national male player, and Leah Cumberbatch, a former National Female Champion.

Pierre said he enrolled in the camp with the intention of focusing on refining his mindset to the game and building his body. His aim is to one day compete in the Olympics.

Cumberbatch, for her part, has her mind set on improving “my endurance and stamina, while on the board.”

She feels she has made some progress and will keep on training as she has her eye on copping an OECD singles title and ultimately playing in the Olympics.

Both Pierre and Cumberbatch recognize that their dreams cannot be fulfilled without hard and consistent work, which is what Spencer hopes to instill in the Camp’s participants.

The camp closes on Saturday 24th August.

Netball camp closes

APPROXIMATELY50

children have benefited from a netball summer camp hosted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association.

The camp, which began on August 05 at the New Montrose Netball Centre, closed last Friday, August 16.

Sharlene Wyllie, Second Vice-President of the SVG Netball Association with the responsibility for grassroots and the youth development, said, “As the first camp under the current executive, I am very happy with the results as some of these kids, because of their age, would not have gotten an opportunity to play or even participate in the sport…. We have seen the (kids’) excitement and joy playing. This means a lot and we are encouraged by that.”

Sharlene Wyllie Second Vice President of the SVG Netball Association. Participants were more than pleased to show off their certificates of participation.

The camp catered to young people, male and female, between the ages of 8 and 18 years and exposed participants to, among other areas, the basics of netball, (skills), value of netball to personal development, importance of exercise, and.

Sessions were conducted in a spirit of fun which helped to relax the participants to relax, Wyllie shared.

As a follow up to the summer camp, Wyllie said that the Association will be looking at conducting some weekend sessions in the communities, during which the emphasis will be on introducing the fundamentals of the sport.

Wyllie added, “In order for the sports to grow we need to have new and young persons playing and learning the basics,” hence the emphasis on growing the sport in the communities

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

Leah Cumberbatch and Tykel Pierre, two elite players who are looking to improve their games even further.

Participants, officials and coaches at the opening of the 2024 Youth Summer Basketball Programme.

Basketball activity heightens

As the SVG Basketball Federation continues to work towards reigniting interest and competition in the sport here, Suzette Jackson, President of the SVG Basketball Federation, is confident that the programme currently in train and those to be rolled out, are in keeping with this thrust.

Suzette Jackson, President of the SVG Basketball Federation, pictured with some of the Summer Programme participants, is encouraged by the list of activities her Federations has earmarked for the year.

She expressed the assessment while speaking at the official opening of the Federation’s (Youth) Summer Programme at the New Montrose Hard Court, last week. Jackson referenced, in support of the Federation’s effort, the attention given by her administration to logistics and administration, the current youth programme scheduled for Kingstown and Georgetown, and Development for National Sporting system (DNS) programme to be implemented in two phases including 3x3 matches.

The programme will culmulate with a mini grass root festival and a 3x3 for the young players.

As far as other activites for the year are concerned, Jackson pointed to SVG Federation’s 3x3 national tournament; a Nine Mornings 3x3 extravganza; and an after school and Saturday morning programme.

The group of participants with some exposure to the sport.

Romano Spencer, continues to assist with the development of table tennis players here.

Doctor Frankie in Town

Dr. Franklyn McIntosh was home for the holiday. He spent time reflecting, reminiscing, and taking in his landscape. I pounced on him at McKies Hill where he spent some of his youthful days.

He reminded me of the house where he was born in Paul’s Avenue, just below McKies Hill.

Frankie lived in Barrouallie while his father, Arthur ‘Tom’ McIntosh, worked for a period. I didn’t intend to interview Frankie. I was prepared to allow privacy.

I was just ‘ole talking’ with him. When I barged in on him, he was on the porch talking with an old acquaintance. That individual told me that Frankie lifted him up as a child, because his other, (the visitor) worked at the McIntosh’s residence.

Frankie spoke casually. When he mentioned the name Art DeCoteau, it triggered off fires in my mind. Thereafter, things began to happen Frankie assured me that it was alright to ask him anything I wanted.

It started with the Art DeCoteau springboard. Art DeCoteau was one of the region’s foremost arrangers.

Frankie recalled an occasion with DeCoteau where he tried to get some American musicians to sound Caribbean.

DeCoteau did his recordings in parts.

When it was Frankie’s turn, Frankie asked DeCoutea how he wanted the music.

“Do what you want, you are Frankie McIntosh,” Art DeCoteau told Frankie.

DeCoutea’s stamp of authority served as an endorsement.

Frankie has produced over 2,500 songs for Caribbean artistes across the English-speaking nations.

Everyone knows the combination between Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus and Frankie McIntosh. Becket tells of his going to Frankie to tighten up some songs for a boat ride in New York. That was 1976, and opened up a floodgate that put Becket and Frankie on the world map.

I was curious about DeCouteu because of his work with Becket.

That DeCoteau recommended Frankie to other Trinbago residents is a mark of respect for the Vincentians.

Frankie’s arrangement gave Slinger ‘Sparrow’ Francisco, the Road March in 1984 with the song ‘Doh back back.’ The same thing happened to ‘Kelvin ‘Duke’ Pope, in 1987 with ‘Thunder.’

Frankie helped Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool to the Calypso monarch title in 1981 with songs ‘Things that worry me,’ and ‘I can’t make.’

Chalkdust swept to royalty again in 1989 with Frankie arranged: ‘Chauffeur wanted,’ and ‘Carnival is the answer.’

‘Fire in the backseat’ by Antigua’s Swallow won the 1989 Best Calypso put on by Caribbean Sunshine Awards, Vincentians are still proud of the production ‘Teaser’ done by Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus in 1990. That continues to stir up audiences, and in whatever language.

Trinidadian calypsonian Explainer confessed that it was Frankie McIntosh who encouraged him to go for ‘Lorraine’ after the singer had second thoughts about it. Lorraine reached number 35 on the British Pop charts.

Frankie produced Road Marches and Monarch titles for Shortshirt with ‘Push’ in 1982, ‘World in distress 1987, and King Obstinate’s ‘Fat man Dance’ which took the 1981 Calypso King title.

The Doctor of Letters, conferred on Frankie in 2021 is just reward. Aged 78, Frankie used his home as a backdrop to the celebrations.

Besides the music, Frankie can talk about sports which distinguished his family before the emergence of Bonny Baptiste.

Frankie is a legend, one born into a spirit of regional integration. He became aware of noted Caribbean personalities at the home of his grandfather, George Augustus McIntosh. That might be the foundation of his regional outlook.

He was not aware of the national consciousness his grandfather induced. Visitors to that McIntosh residence included Marcus Garvey, T. Albert Marryshow. Frankie recalls some of the persons who were “fighting for Federation.”

They met in Trinidad with Cipriani. The Frankie episode was cut short, with time used up in other interactions.

SVG Chess breaking new ground

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESChess Federation (SVGCF) will break new ground when it sends an all-Female team to the 2024 Chess Olympiad, scheduled from September 10 to 23, in Budapest, Hungary. Making that historic trip will be Russel Porter, who is the team’s Captain/Coach, Ronnia Durham-Balcombe, Arianna Balcombe, Molissa Ashton, Orisia Robinson and Rebecca Izuchukwu.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Women’s team is among nine debutants at the 45th edition of the FIDE (International Chess Federation) event.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Israel Bruce’s Law Chambers, Ronnia Durham-Balcombe, Vice President of the SVGCF and Chair of the Women and Girls Development Sub-Committee, spoke of the excitement the occasion brings to the local Chess organisation.

“We have been exposed to weeks of training by an internationally recognised coach, capacity building workshops …Our participation was made possible by the FIDE Women’s Commission, who realise that among the 180 countries that compete in Chess Olympiad, there is little to no female participation,” DurhamBalcombe informed.

Meanwhile, James Schneider, Brian Cottle, Chinedu Enemchukwu, Uchechukwu Ojiogu and Maurice Edwards, make up the Open Team.

President of the SVGCF - Israel Bruce, hailed the participation of an all -female team, as historic and must be celebrated, hence, he is calling for support for the venture.

“I want to use the opportunity to say to corporate St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we still need some help to get us to Budapest …We have some support from the parent body- FIDE to assist us, that assistance is good, but not enough to take us over the mark to ensure that both teams are representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the SVGCF head pleaded.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines made its debut at the Chess Olympiad in 2022, when an Open Team participated in the event, hosted in Chennai, India,

which resulted in several achievements.

Bruce noted that at St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ entry to the Olympiad two years ago, the SVGCF and by extension; St. Vincent and the Grenadines gained a ranking with two members upgrading their statuses.As such, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has two Masters, a Candidate master in Brian Cottle, and a FIDE MasterChinedu Enemchukwu.

The SVGCF was launched in March 2019, and inducted into FIDE in December 2021.

W’wards, T&T in inaugural U13 Series

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS CRICKET BOARD(WICB) and the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) are excited to announce the inaugural youth cricket series between the Trinidad and Tobago Under-13 Team and the Windward Islands Under-13 Team.

This historic series will be held in Grenada from this Friday, August 23, to August 28, 2024, and will feature four limited-overs matches, with matches scheduled for 10:00am starts on August 23 (warm-up), August 24, 26, and 28, to be played at the La Sagesse playing field. Matches will be streamed across various media platforms

The series marks another opportunity for the region’s young cricketers to gain valuable experience and exposure at a competitive level.

Dwain Gill, President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming series, stating, “This series represents a crucial step in nurturing the next generation of West Indian cricketers. We are thrilled to host the Trinidad and Tobago Under-13 Team and look forward to witnessing some exciting talent on display. The experience gained by these young players will be invaluable as they continue to grow and develop in the sport.”

The La Sagesse playing field, venue for the inaugural series.

Azim Bassarath, President of the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of youth development in cricket. “We are delighted to participate in this inaugural series and thank the Windward Islands for their warm hospitality. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering young talent and providing them with competitive opportunities early in their careers. We are confident that this series will set the foundation for future collaborations between our boards,” said Bassarath. Looking ahead, Trinidad and Tobago is expected

to host the Windward Islands Under-13 Team in a reciprocal series in 2025, further strengthening the ties between the two cricket boards and continuing the focus on youth development.

Meanwhile, four players from SVG have been included in the Windward Islands Under-13 team for the series. They are Christiano Adams, Kevan Francis, Nic-Quan Johnson, and Ahmaud Williams. The rest of the team reads: Dylan John, Nian Davis, Derwin Vincent Lewis, Jershaun Joseph, Tyrone Morain, Aaron St. Hilliare, Jayden Benjamin, Javon Francis, Kerlan Daniel, Nicken Justin, Jean-Claude Emmanuel and Samuel Emran Jean.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Ronnia DurhamBalcombe

Israel Bruce

Huge progress on relief, recovery, reconstruction

From Page 10

Back-to-school

Repair and reconstruction work is being done on all schools across SVG, except the 14 which are still being used as shelters, currently. Most schools will be ready for re-opening on September 2, 2024, but some will be delayed. The Ministry of Education is addressing urgently, all matters relating to staffing, furniture, and equipment.

In the special case of Union Island, primary and secondary education will be offered to students either on Union Island or on St. Vincent, in accord with parents’ choice. The Union Island Secondary School is substantially repaired and is expected to be ready to receive students by September 2, 2024. The rebuilding of the roofs and associated facilities at the Stephanie Browne Primary School has started. It is unlikely to be ready for September 2, 2024. The Mary Hutchinson Primary School is being rebuilt currently, from scratch; it is expected to be ready by the end of December 2024. The building on St. Vincent to house primary and secondary students from Union Island is likely to be ready for September 2, 2024.

Meanwhile, considerable additional resources have been put by the government to assist affected students across SVG in their return to school. The Ministry of National Mobilisation is carrying out this task assiduously.

Electricity in Southern Grenadines

The progress on electricity in the Southern Grenadines is as follows: 1. Canouan: 100 percent of high

voltage lines installed: 88 percent low voltage lines installed, by end of the day on August 23rd, 100 percent of the low voltage lines will be installed; 200 electrical inspections done, 150 certificates received by VINLEC, 100 homes connected.

A number of transformers was damaged but existing transformer capacity is sufficient to energise all lines by August 23rd. New transformers will be added as they are received from overseas, as the load grows.

2. Mayreau: 100 percent of high voltage lines installed; 60 percent of low voltage lines installed — all will be installed by August 25th. Currently, the clinic is powered. All the line work will be completed and energised by August 25th for delivering of electricity to all buildings fit to receive electricity.

3. Union Island: high voltage line completed along main Clifton Road to the sea port and up to the Hospital and Flow cell site. On August 20th, the low voltage lines and 20 streetlights from Power Station to the Sea Port were installed. On August 21st, the low voltage lines to the Hospital were completed. The high voltage and low voltage lines to the airport are scheduled to be completed by August 25th.

The new containerised generator was commissioned on August 20th. One large step-up transformer and 11,000 volts switchgear were powered on August 20th. The high voltage lines were powered on August 21st. Some buildings that are ready to receive power in the places mentioned in the Clifton areas could now receive power.

The overall plan is to make power available to the entire island by year

end. Work is ongoing on the transmission and distribution lines. Among the challenges-at-hand include any adverse weather conditions, and the arrival of transformer capacity. VINLEC is working assiduously with a number of overseas vendors to address transformers capacity and the long lead times required to acquire the transformers.

Cuban engineers and linesmen will be helping Union Island.

Recovery

in Southern Grenadines

Canouan is being used as a beachhead to assist with recovery in Union Island and Mayreau. Daily 140 workers go to and from Union out of Canouan to work on recovery. On Union Island, work is being sone on the two primary schools and the secondary school: the Rapid Response Unit (to house 40 persons rather than the original 12); the Hospital; the Community Kitchen (vital for the recovery process); and Jones’ apartment building.

Other structures about to start on Union Island are two (or three) guest houses and 22 houses (levels 1 and 2).

The REACT Group (a group of ex-British soldiers) and Gombolimbo are helping on Union Island and Canouan. Nine construction personnel from Romania are helping on Union Island and Canouan; also 10 Canadian construction workers are helping in Canouan; houses are

being repaired/rebuilt on Canouan; five or so houses are being repaired currently on Mayreau; the primary school at Mayreau is being repaired; so too, the two schools in Canouan. More repairs to houses and businesses are imminent.

Lots of resources required

As evident from the above details, the required resources are huge. The government does not as yet have all the resources but we are working hard and smart accordingly. We will rebuild together in solidarity in faith, fresh hope and love!

AI REAL ESTATE

GREIGGS MAN CHARGED WITH

VILLAGER’S MURDER

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

LESS THANone week after the shooting death of 27-year-old labourer Rakim Matthews of Greiggs, police have charged his fellow villager Douglas Baptiste in connection with the crime.

Baptiste, a 24-year-old unemployed man, was taken before the Serious Offenses Court yesterday (Thursday) after being charged with Matthews’s murder.

Baptiste is also charged with possession of a 9 mm Taurus pistol, and four rounds of 9 mm ammunition, without licenses. He was without legal representation.

Matthews was reportedly shot at

Greiggs around 9:30 p.m. on Monday following an argument with another man. Matthews reportedly ran after being shot but collapsed shortly after at the back of his house.

A police release dated August 20, stated that Matthews was discovered by his brother, at the back of his (Matthews) home with what appeared to be gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer (DMO).

Baptiste was reportedly found in possession of the firearm and ammunition at Georgie Gutter Belair on August 24.

Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Baptiste, following the shooting.

The accused was not required to plea to charges when he stood before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court yesterday.

Sergeant 191 Glendon David, attached to the Calliaqua Police Station, is leading the investigations into the murder while Inspector Nolan ‘Grandpa’ Dallaway of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) is in charge of the firearm and ammunition investigations.

All three matters have been adjourned to October 15 for the commencement of a Preliminary Inquiry (P.I.)

Meanwhile, Baptiste will remain in custody, as persons are not usually

granted bail on charges of murder. Matthews’ death is counted as the 30th homicide for the year, so far. A record number of 55 homicides was recorded in 2023.

Mechanic nabbed in cocaine haul

Julian Moore (left) and his lawyer Grant Connell at the precincts of the Serious Offences Court, last Monday.

been charged with possession of 11 kilos (11,054 grams) of cocaine for the purpose of drug trafficking, and possession of the drug with intent to supply.

He is also charged with inflicting grievous

bodily harm on Police Corporal Cornel Williams of Redemption Sharpes.

Moore, who was represented by attorney Grant Connell, pleaded not guilty to all three charges when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato did not object to bail but requested

suitable surety and conditions.

As a result, Moore was granted $60,000 bail with one surety on the condition that he surrender his travel documents, and report to the Central Police Station every Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and the matter was adjourned to

October 8.

The drug, with an estimated street value of $330,000, was reportedly seized during a police action in Kingstown around 5:30 p.m. on August 17.

It is alleged that during the operation, Moore struck Corporal Williams with the vehicle he (Moore) was driving when the officer tried to stop him.

JULIAN MOORE, a 46year-old auto mechanic of Park Hill, will return to the Serious Offenses Court on October 8, on charges reportedly

stemming from a major cocaine haul in Kingstown, Saturday, August 17.

Moore, who currently resides in Edinboro, has

Douglas Baptiste, being a murder accused, was not eligible for bail.