Vinpages 10-05-13

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

MAY 10, 2013

VOLUME 107, No. 19

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Police cordoned off and guarded the scene of Diaz’s shooting.

by KENVILLE HORNE

A sister weeps

Naphtali Diaz was reportedly shot four times.

Radica Dopwell, Diaz’s sister, could not hold back tears.

POLICE FEVERISHLY cordoning off an area; police officers standing guard with guns; investigators searching for clues; grieving relatives kneeling in agony; a young man lying on the bare concrete with blood streaming from the back of his head, his cap sitting passersby desperate to get a view.

Such was the activity that characterized the scene in Paul’s Avenue where 28-year-old Naphtali ‘Al Capone’ Diaz met his death, Sunday 5th May, 2013.

Police, up to press time, were continuing their investigation into the shooting death which, according to a police release, is said to have occurred around 10:25 pm last Sunday.

Reports indicate that Diaz may have received up to four bullets, and speculation is rife that the gunmen may have arrived and left in an unmarked vehicle.

A police report stated that Diaz, of Paul’s Avenue, sustained gunshot wounds to his head and chest.

The news of Diaz’s death was an obvious bitter pill to swallow for his sister Radica Dopwell.

She told THE VINCENTIAN that she had just spoken to her brother at a shop in the area, and he was in a good mood.

“He leave to return, and I went home; but he never return,” she sighed.

Soon after arriving at her home, she got the news that her brother was killed. She was immediately thrown in a state of shock.

She admitted her brother was not a saint, but insisted that he did not deserve to die the way he did.

“He have his bad ways, but he was nice too. He did love the youths dem in the area, and sometimes take them and buy ice cream give all a dem, ” she added.

“They could have shoot him in his foot, cripple him, but they make sure they kill him,” she contended, pausing to weep.

She is clueless as to who killed her brother since, according to her, “Capone was involved in a lot of things”.

She recalled that he was recently involved in a fight, but she was unaware as to what transpired.

“I use to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen; if only he did listen to me,” said Dopwell, tears still running down her face.

Continued on Page 3.

Devon Steele’s death was the second fatal shooting in Rose Place in a week.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 3.

News 3 DPP office launches mediarelated protocols

the Grenadines Media Protocol, and The Social Media Identification Policy.

According to Sutter, the former document provides for “an open and accountable investigation and prosecution process by ensuring the media have access to relevant material Colin Williams, Director of Public at the earliest appropriate Prosecutions, warned media opportunity.” practitioners not to hamper Suter echoed the liberty enshrined investigations. in this country’s constitution and the rights that journalists have.

He urged the media to “play the

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY gate—keeper role,” in ensuring that delays in the justice system are noted.

MEDIA OUTLETS in St. Vincent and the The British jurist expressed Grenadines must ensure that the reservations about the time some information they put out is correct, and preliminary investigation matters are ensure that they keep within the legal taking. He concedes that evidence boundaries. having to be repeated at the Assizes British born, Barbados-based Dan Sutter, Criminal Justice Advisor to the adds to an overplay.

Sutter also referred to protection of Eastern Caribbean, made the call last witnesses and that some witnesses Friday May 3, World Press Freedom become “bored.”

Day, during the launch of two He cited the situation whereby documents by the Office of the Director equipment for filming evidence of of Public Prosecutions. witnesses was not being used enough.

The documents are: The Sutter skirted on “inconsistent Prosecution Service of St Vincent and

sentences imposed, and that some decisions seemed to have been unfair.”

He reminded media personnel that they had a “key role in exposing corruption.”

Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams pointed to the need for maintaining public confidence in the media. He reminded media houses not to hamper investigations or report in such a way that may put them in contempt of court.

The Social Media Identification Policy was introduced by Crown Counsel Ayanna Baptiste-Dabreo as one outlining “the proper procedure for the Police and Prosecution when a witness identifies a suspect through social media.”

Baptiste-Dabreo pointed to the increasing use of the social media, and that “a positive identification can reduce the risk of a conviction being solely on erroneous eyewitness identification.”

She stressed, though, that there is “no substitute for a competent and thorough criminal investigation.”

Dan Sutter, Criminal Justice Advisor to the Eastern Caribbean, called on the media to note when there are delays in the justice system.

Shooting deaths in the city Continued from Page 1.

Remembering the good and the bad According to Dopwell, Naphtali and she have the same mother but different fathers.

Naphtali at a tender age lived with his father in the United States, but was soon “getting into trouble.”

He was sent back home when he was about 10 years old. On returning, he attended the CW Prescod Primary school.

“Since he return, he got into a lot of trouble,” acknowledged Dopwell, adding, “He as always hanging out on the street. He was arrested on numerous occasions, and release without being charge, on other occasion he was sentence.”

A very close female friend of Diaz, who wished to remain unnamed, said she last saw the deceased on Saturday night.

He was not in a good mood, because of an altercation some friends had had with the police at Layou. She made it

clear that he was not at Layou when the “event happened, but he was saying, if the police suppose to protect us and they want to beat us up, then that’s a very bad thing”.

She learned of her close friend’s death while waiting for a friend at the hospital; the friend was a cousin of Diaz.

“While at the hospital, someone said the person I was waiting on had fainted because her cousin had just been killed. When I inquired further I learnt that it was Naphtali.

“I drive round to the scene of the incident and he was there lying down in blood, with bullet in his head.”

The person insisted on declaring herself a friend of the deceased. “When he got lock up, they call me; when he get in anything, they call me.

That was my best friend; we hang out together. Persons would say bad things but I know both sides,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. She intimated that Diaz was looking forward to his birthday, “and we had plans, but he gone now.”

Diaz’s body being taken to the undertaker’s vehicle. was standing at a corner in Lower Middle Street, and opened fire on him.

Police also said they are He sustained gunshot investigating the circumstances surrounding the wounds to the back of his head and chest, and was shooting death of Devon pronounced dead on arrival at ‘Jahjus’ Steele, a 33-year-old the Milton Cato Memorial labourer of Rose Place, which Hospital. occurred at Rose Place.

Steele’s death is the second Reports are that around 3 gun related death in the Rose am last Sunday, two masked men walked up to Steele, who Place community in the space of a week. It follows the

Another weekend murder

shooting death of Rose Hall resident Andrew Ashton on Sunday 28th April.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, ASP Sydney James, said while Diaz’s death marked the eighth gun related death for the year, this number was less than the (gun related) deaths for the corresponding period last year.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

ÂSpeed it up,Ê Judge advises DPP office case when a decision has to be made,” James uttered.

JUSTICE Wesley James is He was responding to encouraging the Director of concerns by lawyer Jomo Public Prosecutions to speed up Thomas, representing Webster some matters on the Assizes.

Woodley.

The Justice gave the DPP office Woodley and Bain were until June 10 to start the retrial sentenced to 25 years in jail in involving Webster Woodley and March 2010 for their role in Sheldon Bain. the death of taxi driver Peter The man to whom the Joseph, whose body was found advice was offered is Deputy at Arnos Vale Round About Director of Public Prosecutions with gunshot wounds.

Collin John.

Thomas indicated that the James pointed out: “You Prosecution had been can’t have people waiting in promising to do a retrial. custody for years. It’s just not Thomas was adamant. “It is right,” he added. either they prosecute or say “People are languishing. they can’t make the case,” the There comes a time in any defense lawyer blurted.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Bain, a Grenadian national, was absent from court.

Reports are that he was ill.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Collin John stated that there were witnesses outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the logistics of securing those witnesses proved an obstacle. But as far as Thomas was concerned, the prosecution had “ample time.”

He stated that the conviction was overturned and he is of the view that it was “iniquitous” for his client to be sitting in jail waiting for a retrial.

Thomas would like the

Bench to be “more forceful” on matters of this nature.

Bain was represented by lawyer Mira Commissiong.

Bain and Woodley face a joint Justice Wesley James lamented the fact that accused persons have been charge of murder stemming from the waiting in custody for years. death of Sharpes, December 10, 2010.

Livingstone Primus, shot at Bain is said to have arrived Sion Hill August 22, 2004. here early in 2004, having Bain has two counts of escaped custody in his murder over his head as a homeland before he could be result of death of Woodley’s sentenced for his role in the mother, Claire Williams, and death of a Vincentian his stepfather, Lancelot trafficker.

Williams. They were shot at

Policeman wants his retrial heard

by HAYDN HUGGINS FIVE YEARS after a 12member jury failed to reach a verdict in the matter, police constable Ericson Harris is still behind bars awaiting

retrial for double murder.

“This retrial has been pending for the past five years, and I keep coming here and they keep telling me the same thing, that the matter is adjourned for later in the

Assizes, but nothing is happening,” Harris told the Court during the High Court arraignment on Tuesday. His lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne was not present as she was engaged otherwise.

Protracted hearing in drug case anticipated

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY Merritt is representing the accused.

IF THE FIRST day’s hearing of a trial for seven First witness grilled Trinidadians is anything to go by, the nine member jury, Alexis Bynoe, attached to including two men, may be in the Vincentian Coast Guard, for a long time in deliberation. was the first witness to Signs of this surfaced testify. during Wednesday’s opening Merritt and the DPP day of the Assizes when engaged in some legal jostling, Keston Mieres, David Sammy, with Justice James Ronald Burnley, James intervening at times.

Gordon, Adrian Clement, Bynoe was the subject of Nigel Octave and Mark Corbie some intense grilling by faced Justice Wesley James.

Merritt, and was taken into The men were charged with areas outside his realm of possession of controlled drugs, expertise. attempted export of a “Vincy weed is good weed,” controlled drug, drug Merritt asked during his cross trafficking, and possession of examination. prohibited ammunition, But Bynoe “could not attest stemming from an operation to that.” involving the local Coast Merritt’s version is that the Guard off the shores of approximated 40 nylon sacks Chateaubelair, November 11, containing material 2010. resembling cannabis were on James, Jamaican born, the pirogue heading westward heard not guilty pleas from from the North Leeward coast the seven accused. when it was stopped.

Vincentian Director of Bynoe testified that some Public Prosecutions Colin bags were retrieved from the Williams is conducting the waters and looked similar to case on behalf of the crown. others found on the pirogue.

He is assisted by Kareem Bynoe stated that six of the Nelson. seven accused were taken to Trinidadian lawyer Mario the prison when they were

charged, but that Mark Corbie went to the hospital complaining about back pains.

Merritt pointed out that there was little food found on the boat, and that it was likely that the boat was coming in.

“These men had nothing to do with the stuff in the water,” Merritt said, The defense lawyer suggested that Corbie was not accepted in prison because of his injuries which Merritt contended were inflicted by Bynoe.

“I did not fabricate any story on Mark Corbie, and I did not hit Mark Corbie,” Bynoe attested.

Merritt’s version is that the Trinidadian’s boat was not moving on its own engine, and that a “mission of mercy became a nightmare.”

He concluded that the boat had had no ability to outrun the coast guard. The defense attorney contended that the Coast Guard was chasing another vessel and that the Trinidadians found themselves in the way.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John told the court that the matter was short-listed for the previous Assizes , but Harris’s lawyer was out of the state.

Harris is to be retried for the murder of Volney ‘Crimo’ Llewelyn 31, of New Montrose and Jenine ‘Lucy’ Gill, 21, of Villa/Fountain road. Their extensively burnt bodies were discovered December 15, 2005 in a partly burnt house where Gill lived at Villa/Fountain road. Autopsies showed they died from injuries to the head. Gill also received several stab wounds to her neck and chest.

A jury comprised of nine men and three women had on June 17 2008 failed to reach a verdict after close to four hours deliberations. The panel was divided nine to three on both counts. In cases of murder, the jury is required by law to be unanimous in its decision.

Presiding judge Gertel Thom had recalled the jury and inquired of the foreman whether they required further directions on the law. The foreman responded, “… we were not all in agreement on some of the evidence.”

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions assured that Harris will be retried at the current sitting of the Criminal Assizes.

Colin John, Assistant DPP, has assured that Harris’s trial will be heard at the current Assizes.

Ericson Harris is fed up with having his case adjourned.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 5.

Regional

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE has identified the bank as the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce FirstCaribbean International Bank (FCIB) is under scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) of the United States of America.

According to reliable news reports, on Wednesday May1, 2013,

eyes on

a federal court in California, USA, authorized the IRS to serve a ‘John Doe’ summons seeking information about US taxpayers who may hold offshore accounts in a Barbados-headquartered Caribbean bank, identified as FCIB. The authorization gives the IRS permission

The IRS had identified FCIB as a possible source of deposits by Amercians intent of evading taxes. to seek records of FCIB’s United States correspondent account at the San Francisco-based bank, Wells Fargo N.A. It also allows the IRS to identify US taxpayers

who hold or held interests in financial accounts at FCIB and other financial institutions that used FCIB’s Wells Fargo correspondent account.

The California court, in authorizing the summons, noted that although FCIB does not have US branches, it maintains a correspondent account in the United States at Wells Fargo Bank N.A. IRS agent Cheryl R. Kiger is quoted as saying, “IRS learned that US taxpayers were using

OECS Tourism Ministers meet THE 11TH MEETING of the OECS Council of Tourism Ministers was convened in Anguilla, April 25, 2013, under the theme: ‘OECS Economic Union: Implementing the Common Tourism Policy’.

The meeting was convened against the background of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre Establishing the OECS Economic Union, which mandates OECS member states to work towards the progressive harmonisation of tourism policies, and ultimately to develop a common policy for tourism.

Towards this end, the meeting recommended that immigration and border control issues affecting seamless travel be addressed expeditiously.

It offered for consideration by the OECS Authority, a proposal for facilitation of seamless Intra-Regional Travel for yachts visiting the OECS single marine space, within the context of the OECS Economic Union.

Concurrently, Ministers agreed that they would convene meetings with customs and immigration officials to agree

OECS Council of Tourism Ministers at their meeting held in Anguilla addressed the issue of ‘seamless travel’ in the OECS. on the adoption of businessfriendly border control arrangements, consistent with the goal of achieving hassle-free travel.

In addition, the tourism officials recommended that the sub-region move in the direction of developing a market and branding strategy for the OECS region.

Movement in this direction will commence when OECS member states St. Lucia, Dominica, Anguilla and St. Kitts mount joint representation at this year’s

World Travel Market trade show.

Of major concern for the tourism policy makers was the recent downturn in intraCaribbean travel, which has been in the range of 40% to 50%, and which has negatively impacted the viability of the indigenous small hotel subsector in the OECS. As an immediate step in addressing this reality, the meeting mandated “the convening of an urgent joint meeting of OECS Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministers to

address matters geared towards promoting safe, secure, sustainable and competitive air services into the OECS region…” according to a communiqué following the conclusion of the Anguilla meeting.

The Ministers also called for consideration to be giving to the implementation of a dual departure tax regime for intraOECS travel.Dominica has agreed to host the next meeting of the OECS Council of Tourism Ministers in April, 2014.

FCIB to help them keep their offshore accounts undetected by the IRS and not to pay US federal income tax on money placed in those offshore accounts.”

She added, “Many of the FCIB customers in the ‘John Doe’ class may have been underreporting income, evading income taxes, or otherwise violating the internal revenue laws of the United States.”

Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Kathryn Keneally, said the Department of Justice and the IRS “are committed to global enforcement to stop the use of foreign bank accounts to evade US taxes.”

FCIB is the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English-speaking Caribbean, with assets of over US$10.9 billion and market capitalisation of US$2.5 billion, and operates in 18 regional markets.

It was formed in 2002 with the merger of CIBC West Indies Holdings and Barclays Bank PLC Caribbean operations under the name FirstCaribbean.

As at December 22, 2006, CIBC became the majority shareholder and now holds 91.5% of the Bank’s shares.

In 2011, the bank was re-branded CIBC FirstCaribbean.

Brawl in Venezuela’s national Assembly VENEZUELA CONTINUED last week embroiled in a state of divisiveness and open confrontation following the declaration of Nicolas Maduro as a narrow winner of the April 14, 2013 presidential elections, occasioned by the death of President Hugo Chavez.

Last week Tuesday, the political chaos reached a head when legislators in the National Assembly exchanged blows in an open brawl that was televised around the world, and the country was set on a further collision course when both the government and opposition announced plans to hold marches on Wednesday, Workers’ Day. Fortunately, the marches were rerouted and confrontation was averted.

The country has been in a state of tension since the April 14 election.

The opposition, led by presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, claimed that Maduro “stole the election,” and refused to recognize his victory.

In response to the opposition’s outright disregard for Maduro, the president of the National Assembly vowed not to allow opposition

legislators to speak during sessions of the legislature.

This was enforced last week Tuesday, and when opposition legislators unfolded a banner in the National Assembly, it provoked the already charged situation to blows.

Not unexpectedly, both sides accused the other of throwing the first punches and said they suffered casualties.

A cellphone video posted on news media Web sites clearly showed swarms of lawmakers shoving and swinging powerful punches and even wrestling with one another.

When the melee had subsided, Julio Borges, an opposition legislator, appeared on television with his face bloodied.

Another opposition legislator,

Venezuela’s National Assembly legislators exchange ‘real’ blows .

Inset: Opposition legislator Julio Borges after being attacked in the National Assembly. (EFE / Boris Vergara) claiming a broken nose, declared, “The hardest blows have been to the country.”

Mr. Maduro, for his part, in addressing his supporters on his party’s Wednesday rally, called Mr. Capriles a “crybaby,” and said the National Assembly dust-up “was an ambush planned by the opposition.”

Mr. Capriles has insisted on an audit of the electronic voting tallies and handwritten precinct logs showing who voted, alleging that would provide evidence to back up his claim. But the National Electoral Council has agreed to conduct only a limited review of records, which Mr. Capriles has called a sham. (Source: anynewsworld.)

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Crime

Gunshot victims contemplating legal action

by KENVILLE HORNE WHILE POLICE have filed charges of assault against Odinga ‘Oogie’ Williams and John ‘Creeps’ Chandler, both 23year-old labourers of Paul’s Avenue, the men are contemplating taking legal action against the police force.

This follows an incident which occurred at Layou last Saturday, May 4, during the Leeward leg of the Carnival Caravan, resulting in Williams and Chandler sustaining gunshot wounds, reportedly at the hands of a police officer.

THE VINCENTIAN spoke with both men last Monday, while they were warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

According to Chandler, he was among a group of friends

from Paul’s Avenue, who were enjoying themselves in Layou, when the song ‘Swarm the town’ by Skinny Fabulous began to play. It was about this time, he said, that the police “arrested” his friend Jawanza ‘Sanga’ Fraser, also from Paul’s Avenue.

He tried to inquire of the police the reason for Fraser’s arrest but, in his words, “the police got aggressive”, started kicking him and then shot him.

“I could have dead, because the shot hit me around me mouth,” said Chandler, and he opened his mouth to show a few missing teeth.

Williams said that on seeing his friend on the ground, he rushed to assist him, and that’s when he too received a bullet in his right

thigh He recalled that it was after this that some persons who witnessed what transpired, began insulting and throwing objects at the officers. This prompted the police to move into the angry mob.

However, a police report stated that Williams and Chandler, and one Ytango Miller of Layou, were among a number of persons who threw stones and bottles at the Police Station in Layou, and attacked officers of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), with Williams reportedly attempting to grab one of the officers’ firearm.

Williams refuted the claim, saying, “I so stupid to pull police gun?”

The police report also claimed that there was an

Gunshot victims Odinga ‘Oogie’ Williams (left) and John ‘Creeps’ Chandler at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. attack on the police station and police officers, following the arrest of the men who, according to the report, were conducting themselves in a disorderly manner in the crowd.

Frazer who was detained in the incident and released a day later without being charged, disputed the police report. “I know they would come with a one-sided story but the only thing we are guilty of is wining because we are the wining criminals. If we were behaving disorderly

why would the people riot, they would have been glad we get lock up.”

Some persons who witnessed the incident said the police might have used excessive force, and they fear the country is becoming a police state.

Meanwhile, both Williams and Chandler turned up at the Serious Offences Court last Tuesday to answer charges of assaulting a police Officer.

They pleaded not guilty and are expected to return to court on May 15.

Gunmen shoot up bar at Walvaroo GUNSHOTS shattered the midnight silence in the Walvaroo and Arnos Vale community Monday, as a bar close to the Sion Hill Government School was riddled with bullets in a drive-by shooting.

Persons in the area said Tuesday that the shooting sounded like automatic gunfire.

“Man, I swear about twenty persons dead when I hear dem shots.

That was an automatic, definitely automatic,” said a worker in the area.

The door of this shop showed signs of eight Reports say that indentations caused by bullets. sometime around midnight a motor vehicle Police confirmed Wednesday night approached the bridge close to the bar at Sion Hill school, traveling from the that a man was detained in the area Monday night but not in connection direction of the St Vincent Technical College. On reaching in front the blue, with that incident.

It was alleged that a young man wooden bar, a person or persons in the who sleeps in the shop received an car opened rapid gunfire on the building which was closed at the time. injury to his head during the shooting, but it was not known whether it was a The motor vehicle then sped away, gunshot wound. However, when traveling through Roseau and up to contacted Wednesday evening, police Sion Hill. denied that anyone was injured.

Reports also said that not long What appeared to be eight bullet after, police arrived on the scene to holes were seen in the door to the bar. investigate. It is alleged that close to There were also other holes, which twenty spent shells (cartridges) were appeared to be bullet holes, on the recovered from the vicinity of the front side of the bar. shop. It was also alleged that The bar is said to be owned by local following the arrival of the police, a female calypsonian Pat Ralph. motorcar traveling in the area was Residents in the area say that the stopped and the driver taken into assailants may have shot at the wrong custody. target.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 7.

News

Monarchs to drive off in prizes

THE WINNERS of this year’s Calypso Monarch and Soca Monarch competitions will drive away in Nissan Skyline vehicles, courtesy of Coreas Hazells Inc. A spokesperson for Coreas Hazells Inc, local agents for Nissan vehicles, confirmed that the vehicles have already been imported, and will be presented to the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) at a special handing over ceremony to take place later this month.

In 2012, calls were made by several of the

leading soca artistes to increase the prize money for the soca monarch competition. This matter received the attention of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the chairman of the CDC Dennis Ambrose, and both men promised to look at ways of addressing the issue.

Discussions followed with the Managing Director of Coreas Hazells , Joel Providence, who offered two vehicles to the CDC. Mr Providence, who incidentally is a past chairman of the Carnival

(L-R): Kiesha Kirby, Shanta Cordice and Deanndra Browne, successfully completed a Leadershiop Course in Sports for All.

A GANAR Participants complete Leadership Course THREE PARTICIPANTS of the Green Hill Sports and Cultural Club A GANAR Programme, an ongoing activity being conducted at the Redemption Sharpes Community Centre and the Green Hill Playing Field, participated in and successfully completed a four-day certified Leadership Course in Sports for All here in St, Vincent.

The leadership course was organised by the Sports for All Commission under the local National Olympic Committee(NOC), and supported by The Association For International Sports For All (TAFISFA).

Facilitators included persons from Australia, USA and SVG. The course covered topics such as Public Relations and Communications in Sports for All, Strategy Development in Sports for All, Management in Sports for All, the Role of Government in facilitating Sports for All, Volunteerism, Human Sexuality and Sports for All, Sports and the Fight against Non-communicable Diseases (NCD’s), and Women and Sports for All. Three who successfully represented the Green Hill A Ganar Programme were Kiesha Kirby, Deanndra Browne and Shanta Cordice. Their participation in the course was part of the strategy of the A GANAR programme to expose the participants to as much experience, as possible, as they equipp themselves for future employment.

Development Committee, as it was known during his tenure, stated that Coreas Hazells Inc. has always had a strong and genuine interest in supporting Vincy Mas, and will continue to work with the CDC and the components of carnival in lifting the quality of the national festival.

The first time a vehicle was offered as a prize in Vincy Mas was in 1995 when the St. Vincent Brewery offered one as a prize for the Calypso Monarch. This was won by Gary ‘Freedom Fighter’ Cain.

The Brewery followed up in 1996 and 1997 with similar prizes. Carlos

Two of this model Nissan sedan are expected to be donated by Coreas Hazells Inc. ‘Rejector’ Providence and Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar were the recipients in

1996 and 1997 respectively. (KC)

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Youth violence SOMEONE REMARKED, FOLLOWING the shooting death of Andrew Ashton (Sunday, April 28) and the stabbing death of Helen Fox (Monday, April 20), that the ‘crazy season’ had begun. Those who heard the remark assumed that the person was referring to the ‘Carnival season’, which was scheduled to ‘kick off’ the following Saturday, May 4.

No one asked for clarification from the person, so the assumption prevailed.

But by Monday, May 6, some of those who had remembered the remark, had a completely different interpretation. That interpretation was occasioned by the weekend deaths of two young men in Kingstown, and the wounding of another two in Layou.

The meaning hit home with deadly force; the spate of killing — compressed in an eight-day period - could well be characterized as something of a ‘crazy season’.

Already, especially with direct relation between the shootings in Layou and a carnival activity, some callers to this editor’s desk have expressed their desire to ‘keep far from the carnival’.

For sure, even though the following sentiment might be embossed in trite, it must be said: Oh, how sad it is that one should be related to the other, i.e. shootings, stabbings, death on the one hand and carnival on the other.

If the truth be told, violence, especially youth violence, has been a high-visibility concern of this country over the last two decades or so.

Not only has violence increased here, but youth are manifestly represented in the frequency and ruthlessness of the crimes, both as victims and perpetrators.

The evidence will show that, moreover, violent crimes are being committed at younger ages in this country.

Much has been advanced as measures to curb, if not prevent, this scourge: the Commissioner of Police made a much heralded and published effort to ‘bring warring factions (gangs) to ‘parlez’ at the peace table; Pan Against Crime was sold as ‘a panacea’ to the disease; Government was going to ‘meet the youths on the blocks’; mobile police units were stationed in designated ‘crime hot spots’; raids by specially commissioned officers of the police force were made in certain ‘marked’ areas; marches and rallies, too numerous to list by names of organizers, washed the streets of Kingstown, and speakers from all walks of life bellowed seemingly vacuous’ admonishments.

In the absence of rigorous impact evaluations of what has worked and not worked, and given the continuing trend of violent behavior by the youth, how can we be convinced that all the noble intentions, singularly and combined, have not failed?

Yet, and even in the face of stock-piled odds against success in the ‘fight’ to prevent youth violence, there is hope; but only if we recognize the deep-seated nature of the phenomenon and act accordingly.

The problem is neither unbending, nor are youth, per se, the problem.

Our efforts to deal with the phenomenon that translates into this scourge of violent acts, must be predicated on our understanding and acceptance of the fact that youth are a product of a set of complex factors in their environments, which differ from culture to culture, political culture not being the least among this gamut of expressions, and which are influenced both from within and without family, community and society.

There is enough documentation around to suggest that the earlier the investment in an individual (and maybe there is still hope for the Pan Against Crime), the greater the likelihood that violent behavior can be prevented later in a person’s life.

But we must come to the realization and act in accordance with the truism that youth violence manifests itself in a variety of forms: verbal, psychological, and sexual forms of assault, gang violence, bullying, gender harassment, and the use of young men and women (some school age) in the sale of illegal drugs. There is no one plaster that fits all the sores.

We must recognize, not simply in words clothed in pious ‘encouragement’ but in real action, that peer pressure introduces young individuals to alcohol and drug abuse and bacchanalia, worlds not far removed from a world of violence, whether it be in home or community.

And bullying, so rampant in our schools, though there are many administrators who turn the proverbial blind eye to the life-shaping reality, must be recognized for what it is: a means of cultivating individuals who are predisposed to violence.

And the experience of violence within the family also encourages the use of violence against others. Indelible impressions and understanding of relations, especially the man-woman relationship, are formed within the family. Bad impressions are as likely to inform adult behavior as good impressions (are).

But there is so much more: socio-economic conditions, exposure to the media. But that is a whole other story.

Suffice it to say, hope is dashed against the jagged rocks of death if there is no will. Do we have it?

Getting to know the real George Charles IN THE VINCENTIAN of April 19, 2013 appears an article ‘Getting to know George Charles’ by Cheryl Phills King.

I am sorely disappointed in that article which purports to show that our George Charles had made a significant contribution to the modern political development of our nation, yet not many knew or heard of the man, let alone shower him with deserved praise.

The facts simply and straightforwardly told, are that George Charles, a man of humble origin, was leader of the twin organisation in 1951: the United Workers and Rate Payers Union and its political arm, The Eighth Army of Liberation, which took SVG by storm, unionising nearly 10, 000 workers and capturing all eight seats under the new Adult Suffrage election, achieving both phenomenal feats in a matter of months.

Shockingly, but truthfully, it all ended there. For Charles turned out to be a mere accident of history. He struck at the perfect time, but had not the capacity, the will, or the savvy to advance further, and deliver the goods.

During its election campaign, the 8th Army presented a radical image, anti-imperialism, anti-Planter Class and generally iconoclastic.

So when at the opening of the House there was a “celebratory invitation” to attend a welcoming party at Government House, it was not expected that any of the elected members would attend. But four went, symbolising, not causing, a split in the group.

Next thing is that Charles himself, the leader of this nationalist and anti-royalist movement, was taken home to his Central Windward constituency in the car of Willie Hadley, arguably the most backward of the planters, and the first nominated member in the House. That it later had been found that Charles, as a young chap, had been a farmhand on the Hadley Estates, raises eyebrows.

Trouble brewed in the Union of which Charles was president and Joshua treasurer.

Joshua had moved a motion in the House calling on the Administration to enquire into financial affairs of the Union.

The motion was defeated and, following an exposé to the Market Square crowd, Joshua resigned from the United Workers and Rate Payers Union, and within a month or two, established the Federated Industrial Agricultural Workers Union, and founded the PPP in April 1952, a mere six months adrift of the glorious electoral victory of the Eighth Army.

Mrs. King was moved to write that Charles was not a member of the plantocracy and led the group and “the way forward boldly, courageously...” Where on earth does Cheryl get her facts from? Charles had become a puppet of the planters, voting for the most part with their nominated members and the administration, against measures for which the 8th Army had campaigned.

Charles even teamed up with the administration successfully to vote Joshua out of the Executive Council on the grounds of his communism, importing of a foreign way of life and uttering remarks showing disloyalty to her majesty!

In fact, George Charles sealed his own doom when he attacked Joshua over a Union dispute on the lands of a nominated member, Alban Dos Santos. Having grown arrogant on the strength of his newly-found friends, Charles told Joshua that he would make sure that Joshua was not returned in the next (1957) elections to harrass good governance.

Joshua replied that he not only accepted the challenge, but would leave North Windward in the care of his wife, Ivy, and would personally defeat Charles in his Central Windward constituency. So said, so done!

Having led the 8th Army to total victory in 1951, Charles in 1954 re-won his seat as a member of the defunct 8th Army.

In 1957 he lost as the deputy-leader of Herman Young People’s Liberation Movement.

For 1961 he was defeated running on the ticket of the St Vincent Labour Party, formed in 1955.

Charles ducked the twin elections of 196667 and 1972 , though he appeared in those years to range on the side of the PPP. Then in 1974, Charles came out once more leading the West Indies National Independence Party where he suffered a stinging defeat, mustering a mere 34 votes.

Just before those elections, Charles explained to me that politics flowed in his blood. “Just like Christmas, you may say you not drinking, but the Xmas spirit get at you- same with election and me”.

As his life drew to an inauspicious close, Charles knocked about from pillar to post, drifting and dreaming and telling all (including George Howard) of the great politician that he was. He was moved by delusions of grandeur.

When Cheryl published her last piece, I referred her to my three columns following the death of Charles in December 2004, citing chapter and verse. But Cheryl would not be bothered; she was busy doing other researches during her hit-and —run programme to SVG. I hope that she was not considering George Charles as a National Hero or, for that matter, another Alban Radix whom she rated a Vincentian Trail —Blazer in one of her publications.

Incidentally, I was sub-editor of a magazine ‘Horizon’ which was published in 1960 by a group of young teachers of the Government Secondary Schools, including Baldwin King, Cheryl’s husband and copublisher.

In my first ever political article, I featured the 8th Army and George Charles, using my pen-name Ken Ranvin. That was in 1960, 53 years ago! But worse, I again mentioned Charles and the 8th Army in a ‘brilliant’ essay ‘St Vincent a political Kaleidoscope’, published in 1967 in Flambeau and re-printed in 2006 by the Kings’ publication under the title ‘Search for Identity’!

‘Political Kaleidoscope’ had had the distinction of inclusion in a book subscribed by intellectual heavy-weights and edited by David Lowenthal entitled ‘the After-Math of Sovereignty’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 9.

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Carnival Launch – Time to re-think I AM ONE of those Carnival lovers – not the crazy jump and get on bad type of carnival lover – but one who enjoys the real culture.

I love the mas, pan and calypso, but I tolerate this beauty show business, only because I accept that it is part of what makes up the entire society. We just love a queen show; even if is to see which one of the girls is going to make a fool of herself.

I have attended every Launch of Vincy Mas since the CDC introduced it. I‘m talking about the activities at the car park, not that craziness about jumping from

the Windward and Leeward.

That reminds me of the days when men like Larwood used to run the cattle into Kingstown. That jumping and getting drunk could never pass in my book as anything I would want to sell to my friends overseas.

But back to the Launch.

This year’s launch was just too long and drawn out. It seems that the CDC was putting the programme together as they went along.

Once the big boys’ speeches were over and the Miss SVG girls paraded, it seems that anything else could follow.

The programme kept

changing and changing to suit whom I don’t know. And imagine, knowing full well from past experience that most of the masqueraders would have been children, the CDC had those children at the car park since after 6:00 pm and didn’t bring them on until minutes to ten!

And the pan segment? Why after a round of ex-tempo that the people didn’t expect? The pan segment was an apology… it acted like an intermission.

And when I thought, how nice that the masqueraders were going to jump to pan music, there was the MC saying that the masqueraders would have

to come back on since they didn’t have the right music… music from the DJ. Talk about teaching people to respect the culture!

And the ex-tempo: Either we get some serious exponents or we just leave it out. Extempo supposed to be biting, but no one seems to be telling the same old competitors that.

Blakie didn’t even touch the topic — and where did these ‘serious’ topics come from — but he was through to the finals, and on to victory. I must be getting old, but none of those ex-tempo fellas touched my funny bone.

Congrats to IPA, Tamisha

and the ever-trying Icon.

There was some indication that there could be some worthwhile contributions in calypso, raga soca and soca for 2013.

But I must repeat: the Launch was just too long for my liking. Time to do some re-thinking, CDC!!

Anyone else notice that it seems to have more bars than persons with money to spend?

I wonder if any of them made a profit.

‘Carnival Lover’

Duprey CDW on Child Abuse must answer Awareness Month YOU KNOW, Mr. Editor, I am not one of those learned gentlemen whom the Prime Minister likes to have around him. I have no university degree, so I might just be considered one of those uneducated ‘you know what’.

But I still think I have a little common sense, so that when I read about the big man from CLICO, Mr. Lawrence Duprey, not being made to answer to an Inquiry into the crash of CLICO, in which persons from across the region had money, I wonder about the fairness of the law.

Standford was made to pay for his sins; other persons also; but right here in our own Caribbean, our biggest crooks seem to go scotch free. Is it because they are protected by our governments, our politicians?

Time we pass a law, making it a must that political parties declare where they get their campaign money from. * What about that Then we will know to $50,000.00 that was whom a party owes bandied about as the favours, even as they first prize for Band mouth off about how of the Year in this much they want to year’s carnival? Is protect the interest of that now a ‘no no’? the poor and working * Didn’t Jomo know before he class. accepted to be a You see, Mr. Editor, member of the as much as I commend National Heroes the government of Committee, that the Trinidad and Tobago and PM was pushing for our own government for Cato to be named a making sure some National Hero? * Is there a war investors in CLICO get brewing between back something, I still beer suppliers over think there should be no rights in the effort spared to make Carnival? Is there a Mr. Duprey answer for move to have a new his misuse of people’s official Beer of the money.

Carnival?

If people like Duprey * What percentage of can escape the law, what VINLEC customers are we supposed to were able to pay think? their full bills for last month?

A CLICO customer

As Child Abuse Awareness Month, April 2013, was about to conclude, Child Month May 2013 was ushered in with one of the most grievous forms of abuse to Children- the murder of their mother.

The Committee for the Development of Women (CDW) expresses deep sorrow and protest against these continuing violent crimes against women and children, perpetrated by those who should be protecting them.

It is a cause for great concern that in these cases, it is the home that continues to be the “hot bed” of crime.

Here, the woman is regarded as property, with no power of her own; and girls, even those with disabilities, are victims of sexual assault, including incest. They are powerless to speak out because of dependency on the perpetrator for food, clothing and shelter. When they gain a level of independence to break the silence, their inability to hire lawyers renders them weak to present their case, and the perpetrators walk free.

One radio commentator lamented the failure of the society to deal with such heinous crimes, and wondered when will it stop, and why the Death Penalty is not enforced.

One answer to these questions is that at all levels, the victims must be considered. Too often, their stories are dismissed as lies. It appears, to many victims of Domestic Violence, that the law is on the side of the perpetrator, who then becomes an incentive to others to do likewise. The result is that many victims moulder in the grave or walk wounded.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator CDW

“I would unite with Anybody to do Right and with Nobody to do wrong”Frederick Douglas.

Rastafarian movement I AGREE with you, Mr. Editor, when you wrote last week that ‘the heyday of the Rastafarian religion here in SVG may have come and gone.’

I recall my secondary school days of the 1970s when the influence of the Rasta was very strong. Some students, even though they were not allowed to locks their hair, became followers of the teachings.

Many became vegetarians, read the bible, some smoke ganja, and even began to dress differently, more like Africans.

Eventually, many of these chaps would grow their locks, and some of them are still Rasta today.

However, it seemed to me that, once we got into the late 1990s, the Rasta influence

began to decline. Less and less people were becoming Rasta, even though there were many who adopted certain practices.

Bob Marley and reggae music did have a great influence in spreading the faith, but once the conscious reggae was replaced by this dance hall business, there has been a slowdown in the number of youths joining the Rastafarian faith.

One thing is certain. The Rasta teachings have influenced many changes in the lifestyle of Vincies… what we eat, how we cook, how we dress, how we understand the bible, how we speak and how we relate to one another.

So big up to Rasta. It has had its positive vibes.

Frederick’s merry-goround

THE MERRY-GO-ROUND nature of the matter which Senator Vynette Frederick has to answer before the court is cause for concern. This has nothing to do with whether the Senator is guilty or innocent. That is for the court to decide.

But this changing from one magisterial jurisdiction to another is something of a farce. First, it was Kingstown, then it was to be heard in Mesopotamia, only for the persons concerned to hear that it was relocated to Biabou. Then, lo and behold, last week, it was sent for hearing in Georgetown. Why all this moving around?

It reminds me of a case many years ago where it seemed because certain police officers wanted to teach certain persons a lesson, their case was transferred on the very morning before it was to be heard in Calliaqua, for a hearing in Barrouallie.

In the case of Senator Frederick, I wonder who is trying to teach whom a lesson?

Cut the stalling and get down to business.

Chalkie

Jones

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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Lest we forget... (reprinted from 2005) Crime and National Security

Eye to eye: Vision now!

Historical trip ON THURSDAY JULY 21, 2005, forty-eight Vincentians with illnesses to the eye, of one sort or another, left on a “miracle mission” to Cuba to have their impaired vision corrected through surgery, free of charge, courtesy the Government of Cuba. Those who traveled to Cuba last Thursday are persons with serious visual difficulties, or even blindness in a few cases. Dr. Douglas Slater, the best Minister of Health ever in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has aptly dubbed this “eye to eye” programme, “VISION NOW!”.

The Cuban team of Dr. Maritza Miguele, Dr. Illeana Agramonte, and an official, Florentino Batista arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the afternoon of Sunday, July 17th and set about working immediately.

After three full days of work, the Cuban team had screened 366 persons, of whom 77 were assessed to need corrective surgery or other treatment in Cuba. On Thursday, July 21st, 48 of them left; eight were accompanied by relatives.

circumstances of the first batch of patients from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is very good. On Sunday morning July 24th, Dexter Rose, who accompanied our nationals to Cuba, reported that all was well. On the plane ride up to Cuba, Leopold Anthony and another Vincentian brother entertained their fellow patients with violin/flute and mouth organ respectively. The Vincentians were welcomed by high-ranking officials and with music. Leo Anthony joined the Cuban musicians with fiddle and flute. A Cuban youth volunteer was assigned to each patient; the Vincentians were checked into a hotel and given phonecards plus 100 Cuban pesos each as spending money. The next day, they were transferred to the modern 24-storey hospital in Havana city. By Sunday morning July 24th, some 20 of the 48 persons had had their operations; others were being given appropriate treatment before The work continues their surgery; and a few were deemed to be non-surgical cases who required As the plane to Cuba took off, the special on-going treatment and Cuban doctors went back to work.

They proceeded to examine some 200 glasses. The story is told that one police officers, of whom roughly 10 per elderly gentleman who had real problems with his sight, and who had cent were assessed to require laser surgery was, by Sunday treatment in Cuba. On Friday, July morning, on the 19th floor of the 22nd, the examining team was in Campden Park, and on Saturday July hospital pointing out some distance 23rd they were at Kingstown. At the away that the buildings in a particular area needed a coat of paint! end of their Saturday’s work, there Renewed vision is wonderful! were another 117 Vincentians ready to travel to Cuba for corrective The politics of it treatment to their eyes. This group constituted another two plane loads.

The Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, his

By Thursday July 28th, at least another 50 to 60 persons would swell government and people must be the ranks of those ready to go. At this thanked for their amazing generosity and solidarity. Our Prime Minister, rate, it may well mean that Comrade Ralph, has already written arrangements may have to be made to Fidel expressing the gratitude of for two planes, rather than one, per our nation. The Comrade must be week to leave St. Vincent and the Grenadines for Cuba. congratulated for his initiative in requesting this programme on his last Filling a real need visit to Cuba with Fidel in June 2005.

Fidel and Chavez of Venezuela had The “VISION NOW” programme is worked together on such a programme filling a real need in St. Vincent and in Venezuela, and Ralph asked for its the Grenadines. Some 20 per cent of extension to St. Vincent and the the persons examined in Rose Hall, Grenadines and other Caribbean Troumaca, Coulls Hill, Chauncey and countries. Dominica, Grenada, St. Clare Valley were assessed to require Kitts-Nevis, and St. Lucia are shortly treatment in Cuba. At Campden to be involved in a similar Park, roughly 33 per cent were so programme. It is to be noted that similarly assessed. Assuming that Comrade Ralph was interested not these percentages hold nation-wide, it means that Vincentians have had for only in St. Vincent and the a very long time the genuine need for Grenadines but also in the other countries of our region. a programme of this kind.

Meanwhile, the opposition NDP Indeed, the revelation that of 200 and its sycophants are bad-mouthing policemen/women, some 10 per cent the programme on NICE Radio and on require the treatment in Cuba the ground. Even Bassy Alexander, strengthens the above conclusion. who hardly ever criticises the NDP, After all, police officers are generally younger and fitter than the rest of the had to condemn them in his population; so a figure of 10 per cent newspaper column last week for is significant. It would be interesting making “snide remarks” against the programme. The NDP is so backward to see how many of our 30,000 and stupid that they are beyond the students in primary and secondary schools and at the integrated pale. They deserve to be rejected.

Community College require the “VISION NOW” continues, and the surgery/treatment in Cuba. people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are very pleased with Meanwhile news out of Cuba their leader, Fidel and the Cubans.

This is a programme which benefits Meanwhile, the news coming out of the people of St. Vincent and the Cuba regarding the condition or Grenadines.

MOST VINCENTIANS consider crime and the fear of crime as major concerns in the country. They are disturbed about the: fraud and scams, property crime, murders, sexual violence, domestic and family violence and drug related crime.

The NDP shares the nation’s concern, and we are determined to do all we can to protect citizens from crime and the fear of crime, when we return to office.

The NDP believes that wellplanned crime prevention strategies will not only prevent crime but will also contribute to the social and economic well being of our country.

The safety and security of our citizens and their families is one of our main priorities. Fighting crime must start at the community level. It is only when one of us contributes to the process that we can then have effective and lasting solutions.

Stakeholders’ participation is one of the central pillars of the NDP’s policy of zero tolerance on crime.

The NDP’s policy of zero tolerance on crime will identify and promote innovative ways of reducing and preventing crime. This plan will be supported by strategic research, practical policies and community participation. This will greatly enhance the national capacity for crime prevention.

The NDP believes that government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizens by building a strong and safe community.

Therefore, our elected leaders must send the strongest message to people who commit crimes; that they will be caught, prosecuted and appropriately punished. And the law abiding majority needs to believe that they can live their lives free from fear, knowing that the Criminal Justice System works for them.

The next NDP government will reform our Criminal Justice System, the AG’s Chambers, the Judicial System and the Prisons. Our priorities are clear: better prevention and detection of crime; more effective prosecution of criminals; and enhanced rehabilitation to reduce the revolving door offenders. We will deliver tough action on drug dealing and crimes of violence, and will strike a balance between punishment and rehabilitation, and give our police and prosecutors the manpower, tools and financial resources they need to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a safe and liveable country.

Better Prevention and Detection of crimes Crime is devastating to our nation because of its adverse and allencompassing effects. It handcuffs our society. Crime deters foreign and local investments, restricts economic growth and lowers the quality of life.

The NDP is concerned about the crime situation, and believes that the following steps should be taken to enhance detection and develop a more responsive and accountable Police Service: implementation of the Spiritual, Social and Redemption Charter as the prime mechanism to deal with issues pertaining to our emphasis on the prevention of crime; increased Police manpower to focus on beat and other patrols; establishment of visible police presence in communities, especially those with high crime rates; reduction of response time; improvement in the collection and value of evidence in crime investigations to deal with

crime and the causes of crime; establishment of a Crime Prevention Department; introduction of the Crime Stoppers Programme; introduction of tougher sentences for sexual offences.

Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter The Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter is another key policy that the NDP will introduce.

This Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter will give tangible effect to a national commitment to a just, equitable, confident, fearless, respectful, proud and God-fearing people, by providing resources, giving leadership, employing social and economic strategies to reduce the intolerable violence, providing hope for the Vincentian aspiration, tolerance for divergence, love and respect for the dignity of human life and our commitment to the supremacy of God in all we say and do in building a kinder and gentler society for the 21st century.

The Spiritual and Social Redemption Charter proposes to: initiate Household Sustainability: each Vincentian household must have at least one (1) occupant employed over the next five (5) to ten (10) years; strengthen youth development programme, to include the SVG Cadet Force, SVG Girl Guides, SVG Boy Scouts, SVG Boys Brigade, SVG Pathfinders, SVG Red Cross, Interschools Christian Fellowship, SVG 4H Club, National Sporting bodies, service Clubs and Youth Arms; Further stimulate the intellectual capacity of students through compulsory debating societies in all secondary schools; invigorate Sunday school and a school prayer and pledge to be recited daily; effect qualitative improvement in the Royal SVG Police Force by the implementation of national security professionalization and leadership programme for officers; grant amnesty for illegal fire arms; provide a Girls’ Home similar to the Liberty Lodge for disadvantaged, homeless and orphaned girls; develop value laden family life telecast for television; establish a Sports endowment of $20,000.00 to each of the leading sporting bodies for community based programmes.

Closure Under the ULP administration, crime has increased drastically, and the ULP must take the blame and responsibility. However, it would appear that the ULP administration either is not concerned or does not have what it takes to stem the flow of criminal activities. We have not been hearing from the Minister of National Security, who happens to be the Prime Minister, as to how to deal with this serious problem. We must not forget that in 2001, the ULP’s campaign addressed, with a great deal of focus, the issue of crime. They said that they would have been tough on crime and the causes of crime.

Twelve (12) years have gone, and the situation remains the same, another failure for the ULP administration.

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Building a strong Foundation: Ensuring a Brighter Future “The seeds that we plant will grow. We decide whether we will grow weeds or flowers.” - Miss Lou-Anne Gilchrist, Chief Education Officer, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH of Child Month 2013 took place at the Curriculum Development Unit at The Ministry of Education in Kingstown on Friday, May 3rd, 2013. The event was coordinated by the local Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Association of Early Childhood Educators (NAECE). Representatives of several of the stakeholders in the local early childhood development programmes delivered brief remarks.

These included comments from the representatives of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies; the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; the Child Care Centre; the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Children Federation Inc.; the Principals Association (Primary); the Principals Association (Secondary); the Foundation for the Development of Caribbean Children (FDCC); the Ministry of Social Development; the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment; VINSAVE; Ministry of National Reconciliation; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Child Fund Caribbean; the Ministry of Legal Affairs; the Media Association; the Christian Council; Adult and Continuing Education; and the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The brief remarks were punctuated by stirring presentations by students representing the Windsor Primary School, the West St. George Secondary School, the Campden Park Secondary School, the Lodge Village Government School, the Imani Preschool, and the Sugar Mill Academy.

They shared their thoughts on “How could the education system make my life better.” We commend all those who were responsible for the successful launch of Child Month 2013. And while the programme may have seemed to be “packed to capacity,” the presenters generally adhered to the 3-minute maximum time allotted, and the audience therefore did not feel “strained” as they witnessed this most useful event.

Over the years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has set aside the month of May to pay special attention to the nation’s children. Many of the stakeholders in child development use this period to highlight the significance of insuring that our children are provided with adequate physical, mental, and emotional care.

And yet, there are still so many of our children who appear to “fall through the cracks”. One presenter, for example, drew attention to the fact that there were 14 young girls (between ages 10 and 14) who gave birth at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in 2011. He proceeded to indicate that the hospital’s records showed that the number fell to 10 in 2012. But even if it had dropped to 1, it would have still been considered 1 too many. Many questions subsequently arise: Who are the criminals fathering these children?

How are they avoiding the criminal charges? What can we do to protect these innocent children who are being molested like this? How many more must suffer (and bring children into the world to suffer) before we take action to curb this societal cancer?

Oh, there are so many more questions than answers. But, in the interest of our children and our society, we cannot sit silently and allow such situations to scathe our society. Our children deserve better. Such behaviours destroy their innocence, eradicate their self-esteem, weaken their foundation, and dim their future. As responsible citizens, we must embrace this year’s theme for Child Month (“Building a Strong Foundation: Ensuring a Brighter Future”) and become activists for the eradication of child molestation. They have a right to be here. And they have a right to a safe environment.

We owe them that.

We also have a responsibility to encourage our children to become the best that they can be. As parents, teachers, and responsible adults, we can inspire them to achieve greatness in all that is noble. Rita Pierson, the American educator, reminds us of the value of building trusting and lasting relationships with the young ones who are fortunate to be among us. She especially challenges teachers to “build a legacy of positive relationships with students”. She sees this as critical as we strive to build stronger societies via creating and sustaining positive links of human connections. Referring specifically to the importance of the relationships between students and teachers, and how this, in turn, impacts the learning experiences, Pierson notes that “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.” She cautions us to be ever vigilant to intercept those children in the school system that are at risk for dropping out of school as a result of poverty, low attendance, and negative peer pressure. And while her comments are directed at the American education system, we can readily understand and appreciate that these influences are also present in our Caribbean societies, and we, as concerned citizens, must be on guard to intercept these vulnerable children.

There is so much more that we can do to aid their progress. We can champion causes to contribute books and other learning materials to those schools that lack adequate library facilities. We can contribute to the Salvation Army School Feeding Programme. We can dedicate time to help a failing student. There is so much that we can do to help build strong foundations and to ensure a brighter future for these lovely representatives of the next generation.

The beginning of Child Month is as good a time as any for the various child care stakeholders to examine how we can better our best childrearing efforts. As good as we may be performing, there is room for improvement. We can build better, stronger foundations. We can create a brighter future for our wards, as we focus on enhancing their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. We will ... with God’s help.

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

Wounds are too raw THE DEBATE on who should join Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer into the national pantheon of heroes is developing nicely. We can only hope that more persons will lend their voices to the conversation.

More objective discourse can only enrich our society. A culture of argument is sorely lacking, and debates like these will help our nation to mature.

The point made by persons that we should stay with just one hero deserves serious consideration.

While we have swung back and forth on this issue, we are now convinced that the main reason why a vocal body of opinion supports the one hero view is because the persons in serious contention for hero status are mostly politician. With the exception of J.P. Eustace, the names most frequently mentioned are those of Mac Intosh, Joshua and Cato.

One of our most prominent historians has argued forcefully that our history should be divided into three distinct phases: the period of Callinaga/Garifuna resistance and conquest in 1795 up to adult suffrage in 1951, adult suffrage to national independence and the post 1979 independence period. He has also said that no person from the post independence period should be given consideration in this national round of hero selection.

We remain convinced that SVG has more than one hero. The national project is to find and celebrate them. However, the view that there should be no selection of person of post independence vintage has merit. The point was graphically made on the VOICES programme two weeks ago.

A caller said that he was in total support of Cato for national hero, but was totally opposed to the elevation of E.T. Joshua. The reason was simply this: As a boy he remembers Joshua telling his mother, whom he Joshua assumed/found out had not voted for him, that while he remained in power, she will eat grass.

Now, there are many things that recommend Joshua as national hero.

His battles against the planter class; the empowerment of estate workers; the fight for better wages for workers in the agricultural belt and the broader economy; Joshua’s early trade unionism and the early years in government when he tried to make the poorer sections of the society realize that they were somebody deserving of equal rights.

But for this caller, Joshua’s statement to his mother has lived with him and fuels his opposition to him being named a national hero.

If this caller and others like him will disqualify ET Joshua because of similar incidents, we can definitely understand why other citizens may feel strongly that Milton Cato cannot make the short list of persons recommended for hero status.

Dr Adrian Fraser, in a recent paper, has listed a host of reasons, particularly related to Cato’s undemocratic tendencies and practices, as a basis for showing that Cato is undeserving of the high honour.

The grouses against both Cato and Joshua and similar negatives highlighted about George Mc Intosh demonstrate in no uncertain terms that the wounds are

still quite raw. Many persons still alive have vivid memories about these men and their actions and attitudes. Similarly, a former female student of then Emmanuel High School spoke very disparagingly of JP Eustace and her experiences there.

After all, we are speaking of personalities who performed their ‘magic’ in the last 75 years, and two of who died less than 25 years ago.

Chief Chatoyer died more than 218 years ago. Jamaica’s first national heroes, Paul Bogle and William Gordon, were hanged about 150 years ago after the Morant Bay rebellion in 1865.

The point is that the longer we stay before naming heroes, the better judgment we will make. We may be more objective and place these personalities in the context of the times they lived. None of us will be able to point to an immediate personal hurt for which the person being considered would have been directly responsible. With distance, there would be less passionate, more objective deliberations with regard to those selected.

If we take this view, then we may have to exclude Joshua and Cato from this round of selection, since it is hardly likely that a decision on either of these two will meet with universal acclaim. But it must be said that except for a passionate and strident, labour contingent, there is really no broad call for Milton Cato to be named a national hero.

This may explain why PM Gonsalves tried to sell Cato by saying that if Joshua and Cato join Chatoyer on the pedestal of heroes, it may aid with national unity, because much of Joshua’s historical constituency has gone with the New Democratic Party, and Cato’s with the Unity Labour Party. This is an obvious stretch, with the overreach intended to give Cato a foot in the door.

But here’s a good reason why the detachment of time may help. Some have said that Norma Keizer should be made into a hero for her work in education. If this suggestion gets any traction at all, then Eustace gets in on this ballot with flying colors because, from an Institutional educational standpoint, he would have done much more with far less.

Similarly, Samuel ‘Sheriff Salasie’ Lewis, whose case for national hero we will make next week, will get a sober appraisal. Sheriff, who died in 1978, made his contribution to nation building more than 78 years ago during the 1935 rebellion. Mc Intosh’s selection should also be less controversial.

But where wounds are raw, it is unlikely that passions will allow for untainted debated. And national heroes should be rallying points of/for national pride and unity, not division and confusion.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Illiteracy and poverty: A deadly cocktail for crime RESEARCH by the Leader of the SVG Green Party, Mr. Ivan O’Neal, has revealed that illiteracy and poverty are substantial contributing factors of criminal activity in SVG. The research shows that males who cannot read and live in poverty, have a very strong possibility of falling into crime. Failure to eradicate illiteracy will be very costly in terms of dealing with subsequent crime and criminality in the long term.

From 2008 to 2012, SVG suffered 119 murders. In that same time period, there were 21 brutal killings of women by cutlass wounds, gunshots, strangulation, knife stabbing and blunt instrument trauma.

The statistics show that SVG must invest heavily in education to eliminate the spiralling problem of crime, to make SVG a peaceful country. The level of illiteracy among male youths in SVG is shameful and despicable. The table shows that the ULP regime has been massively decreasing the amount of money spent on education. Spending in 2012 and 2010 is about half that of 2008.

(Source: SVG Budgets; researched by Ivan O’Neal BSc (hons) MSc, MBA)

It is immoral that the ULP regime has spent only $177m on education for this five-year period.

When the incompetent ULP regime came to office in 2001, education was meant to be their flagship for moving SVG forward. After 12 years in office, the ULP regime’s education plan has been a massive failure.

If the ULP regime believes education is expensive, then the ULP regime should measure the cost of crime caused by illiteracy.

In 2011, SVG had its worst CEE results in history, with 1116 children of the poor and 56 per cent of boys failing. For the 2012 CEE, roughly 55 per cent of the 1,076 males writing the exams failed and roughly 40 per cent of the 1,043 females failed.

Almost 1000 children did not pass, and some children scored as low as 5 per cent.

Even after school, what future is there for our children? The Belle Isle jail is the best Gonsalves can offer children of the poor.

The World Literacy Foundation says illiteracy is ruining lives, and is strongly linked with poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, crime and long term illness.

Spending only $177 million on education in 5 years is short-changing our children. The small

amount of money the ULP regime puts into education is not stopping illiteracy and poverty in SVG. Illiteracy and poverty are increasing in SVG, and this increases crime.

Two of the Millennium Development Goals are: Target 2A - Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling; Target 3A - Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015.

Under a Green Government, education will be free for every child from preschool to university. A Green government will strive to eradicate illiteracy, poverty and crime in SVG by driving our economy on education, science and technology. We must educate our people to encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses and stop crime.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

SVG-FIU and Taiwan strengthen relations in combating money laundering MEMBERS of staff of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) benefitted from the long standing relationship between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and the Republic of China (Taiwan), having travelled to Taiwan for an exchange programme with the Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice (MJIB) on anti-money laundering. The

sessions were organized by Anti-Money Laundering Division (AMLD).

The MJIB is a criminalinvestigation and counterintelligence agency with the responsibility for protecting national security and ensuring the welfare of the people. The MJIB carries out countermeasures against serious criminal acts including corruption, election fraud, economic crimes, money laundering, terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber crime, amongst others. To address effectively the threats of cross border crimes, the MJIB through their International Cooperation Office, seeks to build stronger relationships with counterparts in other countries. The MJIB also relies on well developed technological and scientific capabilities to assist in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes, which is evident by the use of systematic tools such as DNA and Mass spectrometry.

A number of knowledgeable, skilled and competent facilitators were drawn from the MJIB and AMLD which include analysts, auditors, compliance personnel, District Prosecutor, Senior Auditor from the Financial Services

Commission (FSC) and Legal Compliance Officer from the banking sector. The objectives of the course were to provide participants with knowledge of the Legal and Practical Framework utilized within the Republic of China (Taiwan) to combat the crimes of money laundering, terrorist financing and other serious crimes. The forum allowed for improved relations and sharing of best practices which can be adopted by both FIUs. A wide range of topics were discussed, namely Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML & CFT) laws and mechanism, reporting, analysis and dissemination of Suspicious and Examination for Financial Institutions (FIs), Reporting Procedures for Cross Border Transportation of Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments, Mechanisms of seizure and Confiscation.

The Taiwanese Government continues to demonstrate its long history of cooperation which is evident in the efforts promulgated by the Embassy to enhance strengthened relations with FIU, MJIB and AMLD. The FIU welcomed the learning experience afforded to its members only on April 13th — 19th, 2013. The

training was insightful, practical and relevant to the work of the FIU. The level of discipline, professionalism and pride shown by the MJIB and AMLD staff is certainly worthy of commendation and emulation at the FIU and wider society in general. Staff of the FIU also had the opportunity to experience Taiwan’s rich culture and learn of its history during their stint. The experience was dubbed by all as “extraordinary”.

The FIU wishes to express its gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and in particular the MJIB and AMLD for the capacity building opportunity. It was indeed a valuable experience for all parties, which fosters the strengthening of relationships and enhanced cooperation in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and transnational organized crime.

The FIU recommends that this exchange programme be adopted by FIU/White Collar Crime Unit of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and other FIUs among the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Members. We also advocate for: further missions to Taiwan; invite our

colleagues from Taiwan to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to assist with capacity development and enhanced cooperation especially in the area of information technology.

The FIU pledges to work arduously in ensuring that its competencies are developed and it is kept abreast of current trends utilized by nefarious criminals, and the methods that can be adopted in combating same. We were also inspired to continue striving to be a center of excellence and a world class institution.

(Contributed by SVG FIU)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 13.

Government

US critical of human rights practices in SVG (Pt 1)

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT THE UNITED STATES continues to be critical of human rights practices in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, saying that the most serious human rights The 2012 Human problems were Rights Report was domestic released last week. violence, sexual violence against women and girls, and “occasional police use of excessive force.”

In its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2012, released in Washington last week, the US Department of State says other human rights problems included “official corruption, lack of government transparency, discrimination, trafficking in persons, and child abuse.”

The report, however, says the government took steps to punish officials who committed abuses, and there was “not a widespread perception of impunity for security force members.

“There were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings,” it says.

“On occasion, police officers shot and killed persons encountered in the line of duty,” it adds, stating that the Criminal Investigations Department “investigated all police killings and referred them to coroner’s inquests.”

charged them with the unlawful and malicious wounding of Keith McDowell.

It says that two months later, a judge convicted and fined police constable Desron Franklin for common assault and trespass with intent to intimidate, after he went to a woman’s house at night and threatened to kill her.

The report says that citizens alleging police abuse can lodge complaints with the Complaints Department within the police force or an independent government oversight committee.

It says that if a particular complaint has merit, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will file charges.

But it says that the government did not normally provide any public information about the disposition of such complaints, any disciplinary charges, or other actions taken.

total male prison population, were held with adult convicted prisoners.

“Conditions were inadequate for juvenile offenders,” it says, stating that boys younger than 16 were held at the Liberty Lodge Boys’ Training Center, which takes in at-risk boys who can no longer stay at home due to domestic problems or involvement with criminal activity.

The report says most of the boys were at the center because of domestic problems, adding that “only a small number were charged with committing a crime.”

It also says that the police “kept some young male offenders at the police station, where they lived and performed basic chores instead of being incarcerated.”

instead of sentencing them to prison terms.

It says the law provides for fair, public trials, and that an independent judiciary generally enforced this right.

It says the high court used juries for criminal matters, “but the civil court or magistrate’s courts did not use them,” adding that the court usually appoints attorneys only for indigent defendants charged with a capital offense.

The report says that lengthy delays occurred in preliminary inquiries for serious crimes, and that witnesses sometimes refused to testify “because they feared retaliation,” adding that such decisions “negatively affected prosecution of crimes.”

High rates of recidivism

Prison conditions

The State Department says prison conditions improved with the opening of the Belle Isle Correctional Facility in April, “but remained poor” for prisoners held in the old prison in Kingstown.

It says the new prison “significantly reduced overcrowding within the prison system.”

It says the exact number of HIVinfected prisoners was unavailable, “although the superintendent of prisons confirmed that three prisoners were receiving anti-retroviral treatment.”

The report says the SVGHRA reported that “prison problems, such as endemic violence, understaffing, underpaid guards, uncontrolled weapons and drugs, increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS, and unhygienic conditions persisted, although living conditions in the new Belle Isle facility represented a significant improvement over the Kingstown prison.

“The SVGHRA also alleged that guards routinely beat prisoners to extract information regarding escapes, violence, and crime committed in the prison,” it says, stating that, in November 2011, a prisoner died in police custody “due to what prison officials describe as a blockage of the main lung artery.

“The superintendent of prisons said that the man had been sick for some Members of the SSU have been time and died of natural causes,” the known to make sporadic searches in report says. “A coroner’s inquest was certain ‘crime hot spot’ areas. underway at year’s end.”

The report says the Fort Charlotte Prison held 13 female inmates in a Police use of force separate section designed to hold 50 inmates, “where conditions were The report says, while the antiquated and unhygienic.” constitution and law prohibit torture and With the opening of the new prison, it other cruel, inhuman, or degrading notes that authorities held most pretrial treatment or punishment, the detainees separately from convicted nongovernmental organization (NGO), prisoners, and that young offenders (16 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Human to 21 years of age), 10 percent of the Rights Association (SVGHRA), “asserted that the police used excessive force.”

Washington notes that, in February, authorities suspended two police officers, Deshurn Denbar The new Correctional Facility at Belle Isle where the and Andy majority of those sentenced is now housed.

Richards, and

The report says poor economic prospects for former prisoners drove recidivism rates of 75 percent or higher, stating that key problem areas included the “inability to segregate prisoners, gangs, and contraband, including cell phones and drugs.”

The State Department says recordkeeping on prisoners was “adequate,” and that courts often released nonviolent offenders on bond

The High Court (also the seat of Parliament) in Kingstown.

GUIDELINES ON WHO CAN APPLY FOR A BIRTH CERTIFICATE Effective the 1st June 2013 the following classes of persons will be permitted to apply for Birth Certificates: 1. The owner of the birth certificate. He/she must present their Identification Card.

2. The parents whose names are shown on the birth certificate. He/she must present their Identification Card.

3. Children of owner of the Birth Certificate. He/she must present their Identification Card.

4. Legal Guardian. A Court Order must be shown.

5. An attorney acting on behalf of his client whom he/she knows for a minimum period of five (5) years. The Attorney must provide: 1. A letter of authorisation signed by the owner of the birth certificate, 2. A letter stating that he/she is acting for the owner of the Birth Certificate and authorizing their Clerk to apply for and collect the Birth Certificate.

6. Social Welfare Officers, Police Officers etc. A letter must be sent by these departments.

7. A duly authorized person by the applicant. The applicant must submit: 1. A letter of authorization signed by the owner of the Birth Certificate, 2. A Copy of the owner of the Birth Certificate Identification Card.

3. If the owner of the Birth Certificate is living abroad, a letter of authorisation is required which must be notarized.

The above is pursuant to a Cabinet decision dated the 19th March 2013

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14. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Training and competence highlighted

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY PERSONS working with the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) must be trained and competent to perform the tasks to which they are assigned.

Frederick Adamson, the Health Safety Environment and Quality Administrator at the Barbados Light and Power Company, offered the advice last week Thursday, while addressing the opening ceremony of VINLEC’s Health and Safety Month.

Adamson pointed to the dangers of electricity if not controlled, and urged the VINLEC staff to identify hazards in their area, give solutions and to be involved.

He also encouraged workers to be followers, in the sense that they ought to follow rules, guidelines, documents and procedures.

That measure, he indicated, was part of the safety routine.

Any material set out in writing which have any relevance to the Electricity services, must be clearly spelt out and in lasting fashion, according to Adamson.

The Barbadian Safety Officer called for a “well practised emergency plan.”

He noted that Trade Unions will endeavour to have health and safety measures addressed, and he pleaded for them to show the same “militancy

across the board.”

Adamson made it clear that he was referring to the situation in his native country. He pointed out, however, that the “public has a duty to ensure safety on a twenty-four hour a day basis.

He wants to see regular inspection done at work places, and he stressed the importance of such measures to all employees.

This is the fourth year that VINLEC has been organising Environmental Safety Month.

The slogan this year is, ‘Play your part- Keep safety at heart’.

VINLEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Thornley Myers, used the occasion to reiterate his company’s commitment to having a safe working environment.

National Workers’ Movement General Secretary Noel Jackson also addressed the ceremony. He pointed to the benefits of a safe environment.

A cultural package augmented the formalities of the ceremony with: the Fair Hall Government School rendering a choral speech highlighting the benefits of a safe and healthy workplace; a cast from the School of Nursing Education driving home the importance of safety in a dramatic display; and a rendition on pan by two members of VINLEC, which provided a lighter highlighting of the Month’s theme.

Students of the School of Nursing Education into their skit about the importance of safety.

The month Frederick Adamson, Health Safety of activities Environment and Quality winds up May Administrator at the Barbados Light 31 with a and Power Company, the feature Safety Star speaker at the launch of VINLEC’s Search Health and Safety Month.

Concert.

Taiwan joins effort to boost SVG Healthcare A DONATION of medical equipment again, made by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Government of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was handed over by Ambassador Weber Shih to Hon. Clayton Burgin, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment on May 6, 2013, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

The donation, which contains 95 Minister of Health Clayton Burgin pieces of medical equipment such as accepted the donation from H.E. Ambassador Weber Shih. microscopes, surgery table, anesthesia system, mammography the agenda of the bilateral unit, X-ray machine, ventilators, etc. cooperation with St. Vincent and the as well as 4,000 gauze masks, was Grenadines. The cooperation will made possible by the “Global Medical continue to be strengthened through Instruments Support and Service” equipment donations, medical (GMISS) Program, a platform for training and exchanges between medical institutions to join the effort Taiwanese and Vincentian hospitals. of the Government of the Republic of Minister Burgin expressed sincere China (Taiwan) in conducting medical appreciation for the donation of care and public heath cooperation medical equipment and the assistance with its diplomatic allies. in the capacity building in terms of In his remark, Ambassador Shih public healthcare provided by Taiwan stated that over the 30-plus years, the by other means such as medical relations between the two peacetraining and exchange between loving countries has become ever Taiwanese and Vincentian hospitals. stronger, and the cooperation has He assured that the donated medical been bearing juicy fruits through a equipment would be well used by all wide range of projects. He emphasized the hospitals and clinics, and would that a healthy country is a wealthy benefit all the people throughout the one; therefore health is extremely country. vital to sustainable development, and In addition to the above donation, Taiwan has prioritized healthcare on the third one of its kind since 2009, this year Taiwan will donate another EC$600,000 to SVG Government for the procurement of medical equipment. Furthermore, a medical team comprised of four doctors and two nurses with disciplines in Pulmonology, Anesthesiology, Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology, Emergency Medicine, from the Changhua Christian Hospital, a twinning hospital of the MCMH, will make a 3-week visit to SVG as usual to provide medical assistance.

And later this year, the Embassy Some of the equipment and supplies will again arrange for Vincentian donated by the government and people medical doctors to attend clinical of Taiwan. programs in Taiwan.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 15.

Carnival Heat

Carice represents at Miss Caribbean World Leslassa Armour Shillingford taking the frist runner-up postioon.

Dominica’s Nadira Lando, a Carice Glasgow, Miss SVG 2012, placed contestant in SVG’s Miss Carival second runner-up in the Miss Caribbean Show 2012, was the reigning Miss World pageant held on Saturday, May 4th Caribbean World. in Tortola, at the Multipurpose Sports In an interview with THE Complex.

VINCENTIAN prior to the pageant She came up against nine other night, Carice had promised to “do her contestants, one each from Antigua best to represent SVG,” and from all and Barbuda, Bahamas, Cuba, reports, she gave a commendable Dominica, St. Lucia, US Virgin account of herself.

Islands, USA, Trinidad and Tobago Contestants participated in and host country BVI. Swimwear, National Wear, Evening Sharie Watchman de’Castro of the Wear and Interview.

BVI was adjudged the 2013 Miss The interview segment was Caribbean World, with Dominica’s conducted as a public interview, and each girl was asked 2 questions. The results were carried over and used to judge Miss Intellectual, which was announced on the Pageant Night.

Carice’s National Wear was a vibrant costume adorned with feathers, glitter and a bird shaped headpiece, which combined to depict SVG’s national bird, the Amazona Guildingi. It was designed and Carice Glasgow in her national wear, a depiction of the built by ace mas Vincy parrot.

by KARISSA CLARKE

designer and craftsman, Julian P’Ling’ Pollard.

Her evening wear was a blue gown adorned with blue, green and silver shimmer, and was an elegant representation of the serene waters that surround our island chain.

Carice described her experience at the Miss Caribbean World Pageant as: “Excellent… it was probably the most fun I ever had in a pageant. The other ladies were interesting and friendly, and the Committee was very helpful and welcoming. I met Vincentians living there, and they threw their support behind me. I appreciated that.”

Her reign and the future Carice’s reign as Miss SVG is fast coming to an end. She will pass her sceptre to the New Miss SVG on June 1.

Of her reign, she said, “My year’s reign has been up and down, good and bad, but I was proud to have the opportunity to represent my country.”

And to this year’s contestants she advised, “Stay true to yourselves amd value the experience and ensure that you learn from it”.

So what does the future hold for Miss SVG 2012? “Not sure what the future holds, but K-Netik (the band) is definitely a big part of my present and I enjoy being on stage and performing with them,” she offered.

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Carice, Miss SVG 2012, on her Carice Glasgow parades her Evening accomplishments thus far and wishes her nothing but success as she pursues Wear at the 2013 Miss Caribbean World Pageant. her dreams.

‘D Truth’ prevails in New York JOHN ‘D TRUTH’ DOUGAN gained the nod of judges Curtis ‘Willy D’ Williams, Gideon ‘Jam 1’ Lewis and Roxanne Chambers, as the new song winner in last Saturday night’s launch of Vincy Mas 2013, at Bamboo Garden in East 95th Brooklyn, New York.

Dougan, active in the calypso arena for about 14 years, rendered a song entitled ‘I never’.

The lyrics of the song quickly infected patrons. They sang along as Dougan explained that he has never met a woman with one man.

Having tasted the semi finals at the national calypso competition, Dougan sees his capture of the new song title, as another feather in his hat, and a positive start to the 2013 Carnival season.

“It’s really good… the competition has been going for a while, and to win it now is good. I think a lot of people like the song, they can relate

to it, so that helps,” Dougan said of his rendition.

This win has boosted Dougan’s moral as he gets ready for his next competition, vying for a place in the semifinal of the 2013 Calypso Monarch Competition slated for Friday 21st June, dubbed ‘Fantastic Friday’.

But first, he has to get past the preliminary round of competition when the Dynamite Calypso tent New York faces the judges at Café Omar, on Friday 31st May. Placing second to Dougan was newcomer David ‘Changi’ ‘Yellow’ Morgan, the former Resurrection band member, who hails from Barrouallie.

Morgan journeyed from Toronto, Canada, to be in the competition. His song “100% Vincy”, urged Vincentians to stand up and be counted, and told of how beautiful and good the land of his birth is.

New-comer Darren ‘Brewskie’ Murray, a front man with the band SVG Solid,

placed third, with his ‘Take it back’.

Ten other competitors took to the stage: Last year’s winner Paul ‘I- Madd’ Scrubb with ‘A Jumbie’; two time title holder Francis ‘Stryker’ Browne and his ‘Romantic Soca’; Marvin ‘Bobb MC’ Bobb with what ‘Mammy and Daddy do’; Owen ‘Vibes SVG’ Joyette Jr waiting with ‘Till your mother come’; Francisce ‘Seco’ Edwards with ‘Eat it’; Kenroy ‘Hjakie’ Jack reminding that ‘Its Carnival’; Dennis ‘Honey Boy Bells’ declaring ‘It is what it is’; Tyrone ‘Fabulous T’ Pierre admitting ‘Carnival is my thing’; Philmore ‘Philly Dilly’ John urging persons to ‘Wine, Wine, Wine” and Novie ‘Kappa’ Da Costa who wanted to ‘Come’.

Five persons won season tickets to Victoria Park Carnival City for the 2013 CDC shows.

The new song competition is held simultaneously with the launch for Vincy Mas here in

St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is organised by Level Vibes, which comprises Ainsley Primus, Patrick “PJ” James and Keifus “Super Eyes” Cuffy.

John ‘D Truth’ Dougan on his way to winning the New Song Contest in NY. Left: David ‘Changi’ ‘Yellow’ Morgan, 2nd place, journeyed from Canada to be part of the Contest.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 17.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Ipopvsjoh!pvs!Pxo Stories by GLORIAH...

Paying Tribute to ‘Granny Rose’ EIGHTY-FOUR-YEA AR OLD Mrs. Germaine Monica Rose is a resident of EIGHTY-FOUR-YEAR Stoney Grounds. A loving, kind and gentle soul, ‘Grannie Rose’ or ‘Granny’ as she has has affectionately come to be know wn, n, has been a known, pioneer and virtu al pillar of day care virtual and preschool services services here in St. Vincent and the G Grenadines.

In an exclusiv exclusive interview, exclusive ‘Granny Rose’ opted op pted to entertain entertai

HER CONTRIBUTIONS

Hedy Baptiste

YWCA while still operating operati g her facility. By then, the , the number umber of parents requiring daycare services for their children had really become too much. And so it was wa

Director of the St.

Rose’s’ facility and the very first YWCA Day Care Centre came into being in St Vincent and the Grenadines. It was at

about her life an and d work here in St. and Vi ce t and Vincent a d the Grenadines.

Gre adi e . She spoke poke in the presence presence ence of her grandgrand-

Babies section. I trained for four months at trai the ‘Y’ – from January to May. After train

YWCA Daycare and Preschool, situated ituated at Mc

That facility was located in the area currently occupied by the

full salary, and that salary kept moving up ma y, many ma y ways, to where it is today! In many,

to become a legend. ‘Granny Rose’ transformed the idea from one i

HER CHILDREN A YWCA Pre-School graduation: Sending another set of young minds into the world.

‘Granny Rose Rose’ e’ bore six children childre of her own: Renwick, Re Renw wick, ick, Antonia, La Fern, Conley, Dexter, De exter, and Clintel,

Here is Baptiste paying tribute to

her grand and great great grandchildren gr grandchildre children from the th he e neighbourhood, could and some that co ould even eve

Granny’s school at Long Wall.

‘Granny Rose’ the mother – her special affection for children began with her own.

ba ba ack for it.” back

‘Granny’ and they the ey became her children.

Smith-Doyle S mith-Doyle maintained its location until 2002, when it relocated to Mc Kies Kie

HER BEGINNINGS S

Smith-Doyle S mith-Doyle e is i Just one of the many outings ‘Granny Rose’ hosted for her young cares.

Reminiscing on o her humble beginnings, beginnings, beginnin gs, ‘Granny Rose’ had been elected President of the YWCA. She could not remember the exact date, but what was most profound to her, rofo was as the amount of travel she did as President. As far as she was wa

leaving eaving the centre the children excel in school and many go on to college and become successful ful professionals. They all recognize recogni the recalled re ecalled the journey with the organization organizatio

Rose, Rose now deceased, deceased used to cajole caj le her about her travels, travels “My “M husband hu h used to be so vex,” she told THE VIN CENTIAN. “He used to say, ‘You just come and now you going again!’”

As expected ‘Granny Rose’ was wa eager to put the knowledge she gained from her travels to enhance the welfare of the project. She took on the traini g of the daycare workers and training teachers under her supervision. She even recruited teachers trained

dwelling Wall, in a dwelli ing situated upstairs up tairs the

current Directorr of the YWCA Preschool, Rose’ on Wednesday, Wednes Wednesday, day, 24th April, called it

over extended, her her meager facility began bega bursting at the seams. seams.

Seen here with her eldest son, Renwick (right) and her youngest, Clintel.

Right: Germaine ‘Granny Rose’ Rose always has a hug for those she nurtured.

Here she is pictured with Maxine Nanton, a blind person she trained and employed as a caretaker.

Director of the facility. She recalled Michelle Smith, teacher, who started in i 1985, when the facility was first relocated, and Maxine Nanton, a blind

benefited fited from her YWCA experience. She started working worki at the YWCA

Thomas-Nanton Tho Thom mas-Nanto mas-Nanton YWCA level, as well as more WCA CA members, see more exposure at a regional regi Germaine ‘Granny Rose’ Rose is unquesunques unque women omen in the world who have given joy to others and have contributed to improving improvi g

Centre is a wonderful stepping-stone After steppi g-stone for many of these children. chi

course, cour rse, Maxine

especially especial y into world citizens, progressive students granddaugh-tudents was proposed by her granddaugh ter, Aquelia, as the number of lives whom ‘Granny Rose’ touched personally. That’s is i

As Norissa Cruickshank, General Secretary of the YWCA of

Maxine Max xine Thomas

is paid to her is irrefutably deserving.

Just one of the many outings ‘Granny Rose’ hosted for her young cares.

“The e thing is, I started at the “Y” some ome ttwenty-eight enty-eight years ago. I went recounted recou reco u ted the unted facts as follows: facts “I “I always wanted to work in a

iss me –

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Lawyer stands firm

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

DEMANDS MADE BY Attorney Bertie Pompey for lawyer Grant Connell to apologise and make a reasonable offer of compensation to Pompey’s client, Jeffry LaBorde, for statements Pompey described as defamatory, will not be forthcoming.

Connell made this clear in a letter dated May 8, 2013 sent to THE VINCENTIAN by Kay Bacchus-Browne’s chambers. The letter was signed by BacchusBrowne who is acting on Connell’s behalf.

In a letter to Connell dated May 6, 2013,Pompey stated that his instructions were that on Tuesday 16 April 2013, in a press interview given to the News newspaper, THE VINCENTIAN, and the weekend Searchlight newspaper, Connell took the opportunity to falsely and maliciously utter and publish a statement which is defamatory of his client. Pompey went on to quote a statement which, according to his instructions, Connell uttered and published.

The letter, which was copied to the three local publications, stated that Connell must apologise to Pompey’s client in the print and electronic media within 14 days of the day he received the letter.

Pompey’s letter added that if Connell fails to apologise and/or make an offer of compensation, “my client will consider that he

Lawyer Grant Connell says Pompey’s letter has no merit.

Sergeant Jeffrey LaBorde wants an apology from lawyer Grant Connell or else….

has no alternative but to proceed against you in a court of law.”

Connell had given separate interviews to the three newspapers after his client Junior Providence, who was facing a murder charge, was discharged from the Serious Offences Court on April 16 after Chief Magistrate Sonya Young upheld a no case submission from Connell., who had argued that there was absolutely no evidence before the court.

Cleroy Pinder, one of two prosecution key witnesses, had told the court that Sergeant Jeffry LaBorde, the investigator, made a deal with him to drop two robbery charges, “if I come court and say Junior Providence tell me that he kill the man.”

Providence also testified that LaBorde told him that if he did not give the statement he would get the Magistrate to deny him bail and he would suffer in prison.

The other key witness, Earl Jack, told the court he saw the accused and Pinder speaking in Kingstown, March last year, but he did not hear what they were saying.

In response to Pompey’s letter, Connell stated, “There is no merit in the letter. None of Pompey’s demands would be forthcoming. If there is to be an apology, Mr. Pompey’s client must apologise to the family of the deceased and my client who was falsely accused.

This was a waste of tax payers’ money in bringing the case to court and for having to maintain my client in jail for months. The case was closed without Prosecutor Delpleshe even calling LaBorde to give evidence. This is unprecedented as he was the investigating officer in the case.

This speaks for itself. I am sure a transcript can be available from the Serious Offences Court for all to pursue.”

‘Privilege must be earned’ A FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL here has promised never again to sit at the Inner Bar with junior lawyers.

Carlyle Dougan Q.C. , a practising lawyer for 43 years, during which time he served as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),Attorney General, Crown Counsel and Magistrate, made his position clear at the High Court Arraignment on Tuesday.

He was making an appearance on behalf of Sheon Veira, who is charged with murder, wounding with intent, two counts of unlawful use of firearm and two counts of possession of firearm with intent to commit an offence. Veira is charged jointly with Ostricia Smart. The matter was adjourned for later in the Assizes.

The Queen’s Counsel, who sat on the outskirts of the Inner Bar, declared, “Never again will I sit at the Inner Bar with junior counsel.”

He pointed out that the Inner Bar should be occupied by the DPP, the Attorney General and Queen’s Counsel, while junior lawyers must occupy the utter bar.

Dougan noted that lawyers such as Nicole Sylvester and Kay Bacchus-Browne, who have been practising the profession for several years, always sit at the utter bar during High Court sittings.

“As far as I am concerned the privilege to sit at the inner bar is a privilege that must be earned,”, Dougan declared firmly, adding, “I do my refresher always at the ‘Old Bailey’ in London.”

Presiding Judge Wesley James said the points Dougan raised were valid. James stated that, “When Queen Counsel is present, he must be allowed to occupy the front seat in any court.”

The inner bar was at the time occupied by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John as well as Crown Counsel Kareem Nelson, Carl Williams, Sejilla McDowall and Ayanna Dabreo.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later, Dougan said the Assistant DPP could sit at the inner bar if he is representing the DPP, but he noted there were other junior lawyers there.

Dougan explained that the ‘Old Bailey’ is the Principal Criminal Court in Britain, but declined

Carlyle Dougan Q.C. made out a case with respect to seating arrangements in the High Court. to comment further.

When contacted, the Assistant DPP chose not to comment.

During the closing of the previous sitting of the Assizes, March 26, 2013, the Assistant DPP suggested that Dougan embark on a refresher course and pursue some continued professional development. John was responding to remarks Dougan had made earlier.

Date set for Que Pasa’s hearing MAY 16 is the date set for the confiscation hearing of convicted money launderer Antonio ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the date was decided at a case management hearing held Antonio ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau is in Chambers assessed to have a value of on Tuesday, during which EC$10 million on which the DPP has made claim. the defence indicated that they needed additional time to study the prosecution’s statements related to the application to confiscate Gellizeau’s assets.

The prosecution did not object to the defence’s request.

The confiscation hearing will form part of Gellizeau’s sentencing.

Mira Commissiong is acting as instructing solicitor for Gellizeau’s attorney Shiraz Aziz, who is in the United Kingdom.

Winston Robinson is said Chief to have only a yacht of little Magistrate Sonya value.

Young, sitting at the Serious Offences Court, had referred sentencing to the High Court after convicting Gellizeau and Bermudian seaman Winston Franklyn Robinson of two money laundering charges, March 9, 2012.

The charges stemmed from the April 5, 2008 seizure of US$1.7 million aboard the yacht ‘Jo Tolin, in Vincentian waters.

Robinson is also on remand awaiting sentencing.

The men are charged with bringing the money into the country and concealing the cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct.

An investigator’s statement required by the Court was filed on December 11, 2012, by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

An application for the confiscation of Gellizeau’s assets was filed March 8, 2012, the same day the men were convicted. The confiscation application, which was prepared by the DPP’s office in conjunction with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), was made in relation to approximately EC$10 million believed to be Gellizeau’s benefits from criminal conduct. These include vehicles, yachts, houses and cash.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that, based on investigations, a yacht in Bermuda, called ‘The Vagabond’, of little value, is the only thing identified for Robinson.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 19.

Youth Feature

Zonelle Simon:

Determined to succeed

by KENVILLE HORNE

ON 26TH APRIL, Zonelle Omesha Simon, received the award for Top performer at CSEC after Remediation, during the 2013 National Awards ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Education.

It was an occasion of celebration and pride for the young lady, but her journey to success was not an altogether easy flight.

The early years

Zonelle was born on August 14, 1993, to Rosalie Simon and Irwin Abraham. She began her primary school education at the Stubbs Government School (SGS), but after a few years she was transferred to the Belmont Government School (BGS). Her enrollment at the BGS was shortlived, and soon she was back at the SGS. It was from the SGS that she wrote the

Common Entrance Exam. She failed to attain a passing grade, but was assigned at the Bishop’s College Kingstown.

She successfully completed Forms 1 and 2, but repeated Forms 3 and 4.

“When I repeated form 3, I didn’t want to go back to class with those students coming up from Form 2, but when I repeated Form 4, I wanted to quit school,” Zonelle told THE

VINCENTIAN. It was 2010 by then, and she sought a place elsewhere.

Luckily for her, she was given the opportunity to continue her schooling, this time at the Emmanuel Mesopotamia High School.

A second opportunity

Zonelle Simon shares an unforgettable moment in her life with her source of inspiration, Rosalie Simon, her mother.

Zonelle embraced this second chance with optimism and determination. She worked hard to improve her grades, and by the first term at the school, she was among the top students in her form.

“I started to study more, and focus on less friends.”

The young lady credits her Principal, Curtis Greaves, History teacher Iesha Williams, and Brian Burke for her success, though she admitted with a smile, Brian Burke was her favorite.

But it was not all “school work” for Zonelle.

She became a very active Red Cross volunteer, participated in her school’s Heritage Club, and was a useful athlete for her house. Little wonder, therefore, that she was appointed a school prefect.

Zonelle was determined to do well, and so she did, successfully completing Form 4 and settling down in Form 5.

She constantly sought her teachers’ help to make sure she was adequately prepared for

her CSEC exams.

“I worked hard in Form 5,” said Simon.

And the hard work paid off when she topped her school’s results in the 2012 CSEC examination, passing nine subjects and receiving awards in 5 of them: History, Social Studies, Food and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles, and Home Management.

“From primary school up, it was quite a challenge for me. I never liked studying, but my Mom kept on pushing me,” Zonelle intimated.

Reveling in her success In addition to her mother whom she thanks overwhelmingly, she also has high regard for cousin Jeremy Roberts, who was instrumental in getting her into the Emmanuel High School.

Her mother admitted, “I never expected her to do that well. I am a single parent; her father never help me up to now, (but now) I am feeling overjoyed. I told her it was a great performance and to continue doing her best.”

School Principal, Curtis Greaves, recalled

when Simon first entered the school, “She was very quiet and shy, until she got to Form 5.”

Asked what might have contributed to the change in attitude, he noted, “I think she found her way. She got to meet new people, developed relationships and understood what is the vision and mission of the school.”

He continued, “I am happy for Zonelle. When a young person who seems to have no hope, no future, can find their way in the manner in which Zonelle did, and obtain 9 subjects, it’s a great achievement.”

Zonelle, an active member of the New Testament Church of God, is currently a student at the SVG Community College Division of Arts, Science and General Studies, where she is pursuing studies in Law and History, in addition to the compulsory Communication Studies.

She is working towards obtaining a scholarship to pursue further tertiary level studies.

In the meantime, she advises those young people who find themselves in situations similar to hers, “No matter what life throws at you, you got to believe in yourself and surround yourself with positivity, and do a lot of self motivation.”

There is hope yet, as personified by Zonelle, for the youth of this country.

20. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Minor accidents are likely if you take risks. Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience. Property deals will pay big dividends. Luck is with you.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. Don't get involved in other people's problems. Go after your goals and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. You must steer clear of overindulgent individuals.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends.

Your need to use emotional blackmail will only cause more conflict. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You'll find it easy to upgrade your environment by redecorating or changing your residence. Don't fall for damaging rumors, and refuse to get involved in gossip. Partnerships with creative people could lead to financial gains. Enjoy some socializing this week.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) This will not be the best day to sign deals or to take care of other people's financial matters. You can expect the fur to fly on the home front. Your mind will be wandering to exotic destinations. You can work in conjunction with those in the know in order to get to the bottom of any pending issue.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't let your personal partner hold you back or slow you down. You may want to tell someone how you really feel. Your reputation may be at stake if you partake in gossip. You may want to make changes in your home environment.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Look into some personal changes.

Accomplishment is yours if you direct yourself accordingly. You have worked hard and the payback is now. Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind. Entertainment should include the whole family or a lot of your friends. Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. Your main concern will be to spend as little as possible of your own cash in the process.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your outgoing nature might work against you this week. Spending too much time talking to friends or relatives could easily turn into a debate that could lead to estrangement. This is not the best time to take a risk, to gamble or spend money you really can't afford to part with. Use discrimination and play hard to get.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work on the side. Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries.

Social events will be favorable. Turn things around, make sure that they do their share.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do this week. Problems with financial investments could make you nervous. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Try to be a bit more understanding or you may end up spending the evening alone.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Be discreet with private information.

Pleasure trips will promote romance. If you put your mind to it, you could entertain or host a multitude of social events. Relatives may be less than easy to deal with. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship.

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES SUIT NO: 14 of 2010 IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY RIDLEY HOLDER FOR A DECLARATION OF POSSESSORY TITLE OF LAND APPLICATION FOR DECLARATION OF POSSESSORY TITLE SECOND PUBLICATION

AMENDED NOTICE Whereas RIDLEY HOLDER of Coulls HIll in the Parish of St. David in the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by his application filed in the High Court on the 2nd day of March, 2010 claims to have acquired title by Twelve years adverse possession of the land described in the Schedule to this Notice and has applied to the Court for a declaration of Possessory Title.

Now all persons claiming an interest in the said land are required to enter an appearance in the Registry in person or by his legal practitioner, within two months from the date of the publication of this Notice which is being published twice in the newspapers.

THIS IS THE SCHEDULE HEREINBEFORE REFERRED TO: ALL THAT LOT PIECE OR PARCEL of land situate at Coulls Hill in the Parish of St. David in the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines being by admeasurement 2,260 sq. ft. abutted and bounded as follows: on the First Side by lands of Elsa Allen on the Second Side by a 5ft concrete Road on the Third Side by Heirs of Bradley Mc Kenzie and on the Fourth Side by Jeanetta Layne as shown on a plan drawn

by Benson Quamina Licensed Land Surveyor, filed with this application and approved and lodged on the 15th January, 2009 at the Surveys Department and bearing Registration Number D3/152 or howsoever otherwise the same may be butted bounded known distinguished or described Together with all ways waters watercourses rights lights liberties privileges easements and appurtenances thereto belonging or usually held used occupied and enjoyed therewith or reputed to belong or be appurtenant thereto.

ACROSS 1. “How Dry __” (2 wds.)

4. Sewn junc tures 9. Presidential turndown 13. Wallop 15. Cravat kin 16. Had bills 17. More or __ 18. Davis of “Stuart Little” 19. __ an ear 20. “Waiting to __” 22. Idiotic 24. Shows staying power 27. “Cheers” bartender 28. Mining set tlement 30. __ and downs 32. Jumped 36. Professors, e.g. (abbr.)

37. Threshes thrashes 39. Change the facts 40. Suffer 41. Notable period 42. Teacher’s group (abbr.)

43. Explosive (abbr.)

44. Sony rival 45. Eating 47. Basketball Hall of Famer Archibald 48. Cleans the pool 50. Poet’s prior 51. Towel inscription

52. Conger 54. John Quincy __ 56. Slanted type style 59. Be unsteady 63. Svelte 64. Swell 67. Jeansmaker Strauss 68. Had on 69. Unruly 70. Big busi nessman (abbr.)

71. Mimicker 72. De Mille of dance 73. Three, to Luigi DOWN 1. Little island 2. TV’s Trebek 3. Alan Alda seris 4. Philosophers 5. Compass pt.

6. Expert aviator 7. “__ Lisa” 8. Guesses 9. TV dial 10. Water pitcher 11. Wait on 12. Singular 14. Sacred songs 21. Track circuit 23. Ortega product 25. Louisiana university 26. Mudpack locale 28. Young fowl 29. Dwight’s

opposition 31. Transgressed 33. Wedding vows locale 34. Milk cartons 35. Pierre’s head 36. Golf benchmarks 37. Calendar abbr.

38. Chair support 41. Ford lemon 46. A Gershwin 47. Quik company 49. More unkind 51. PPO alter native 53.September

sign 55. Lawyers (abbr.)

56. Popular breakfast spot (abbr.)

57. One of four on a car 58. Pipe problem 60. Book for

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 21.

school 61. At all times 62. Texas university 63. Former airline 65. Have 66. Summertime drink

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22. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A sister gone wild it while having “a little fun” at the same time.

I have learned that a MY SISTER is 16 years old, woman, the wife of one of and none of us at home can talk to her concerning the men she is going out with, is planning to do her present behaviour. her (my sister) in. This My mother is trying her best, but just has to leave woman says she will get rid of her if she does not her to her own destruction. My father is leave her husband alone.

I am very scared for my drunk more than half of the time, and he is no use sister and want her to stop this way of living. in all of this.

My sister skips school Concerned on average 3 times a week, and would be out Dear Concerned, with men of all ages. I know of a few men who are married and are spending money on her, in exchange for sex. She was pregnant twice Dear George, already and has gotten rid of the baby both MY HUSBAND does not times. She flatly told us eat what I cook for him, she does not care, and we and neither does he sleep cannot stop her from in the same bed with me. having her fun. She said This has been going on school is a waste of time for several months now. and she has to do her I asked him what is own thing to make her going on, and all that he own money. She says would say to me is, that our parents cannot “Everything is alright.” I give her what she needs know things are not and this is the way to get alright, but he is not talking.

Dear George,

Your sister is indeed on a destructive path, and it is regrettable that she is slighting her education and risking her future, in exchange for temporary pleasure.

Encourage your mother to get to the relevant school authority to see whether a much needed meeting can take place in an effort to get your sister to come to her senses, and get back to being a regular teenager

and sister. Your parents need to take their job as parents more seriously, and make every effort to deal with this. It is a very good idea to seek out counseling for your sister, and this can and may extend to more members of the family circle as directed by the counselor. Meanwhile, you can continue to encourage your sister to desist from her present lifestyle. Continue to be her sister regardless.

Husband acting strange I used to wash and iron his clothes, but he is doing that for himself now. When I offer to wash his clothes, he would just say he can manage. He does not allow me to be a wife to him, and I am feeling very funny and have got to the point where I am wondering if he is having an affair. He is not the kind of person to do that, and I have no reason to

suspect him of this; but what else can I think?

For the 18 years we are married, I never once found him at fault when it came to other women.

What can be the reason for this strange and unacceptable behaviour?

Worried.

Dear Worried, You need to seriously engage your husband and get to the bottom of this behaviour.

Something obviously is wrong and he needs to get it off his chest. He needs to tell you whether he wants to remain in the marriage or not, so that you can either move on with your life or work toward fixing whatever is wrong.

There is no point in him continuing this boyish behavior and expect you to be comfortable with it. He needs to ‘man up’ or ship out!

George

This behaviour can be symptomatic of a greater problem, and showing her that you care, can lead her to eventually open up to you or

someone else about the real issue that is causing this imbalance in her life.

George

My unreasonable wife Dear George, TO DATE, I have not been able to fulfill the promise of taking my wife on a honeymoon. Every year, we keep planning to go somewhere but something always seems to come up to prevent us from leaving. My wife is getting restless and impatient, and is saying that I was only talking big when I said I would take her to Hawaii. I had the money to do it, but a few weeks before the scheduled time for us to leave, our son got sick and I had to use the money on him. Luckily the money was there.

The next time around, we had a house fire and had to use the money to replace most of our stuff.

My wife does not want to understand, and it is frustrating me the way she is being unreasonable.

I told her that the money will be there for us to go to Miami in December, but she does not believe me, and the way she is acting, I am thinking of calling the whole thing off, including the marriage.

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, I can understand if you were only talking about going somewhere without showing serious signs of following through with the plans. However, it seems that the reasons for you not going away, as planned, were all legitimate, according to you.

Maybe you can plan to go somewhere nearby, allowing things to fall well within your budget.

Later you can go back to your original plans of Hawaii and/or Miami. There are lots of secluded and romantic places next door to you that can provide the magic that you are looking for.

You just have to pay attention.

George

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 23.

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT

STAFF VACANCIES Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and Associate Members of the Caribbean Community to fill the following positions with assigned duty station in Guyana: (i)

Economic Statistician, Regional Statistics

(ii)

Senior Project Officer, Donor Resources, Finance

Full details of these positions may be obtained by accessing the following web sites - www.caricom.org; www.caribank.org; www.oecs.org; www.crnm.org and www.caribbeanjobsonline.com Applications in English Language with full curriculum vitae details, including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications and/or expertise, language proficiency, coordinates (including email addresses) of three referees (at least two of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work), and other relevant information, should be addressed to: The Executive Director Human Resource Management Caribbean Community Secretariat Turkeyen Greater Georgetown Guyana and sent by email to applnhrm@caricom.org.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 27 March 2013.

V

24. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

ULP election gimmicks, 2003 – present had risen to EC$589m. After the famous, ceremonious landing of a helicopter at the ULP redshirt, ground-breaking rally on July 13th 2008, the airport is still in the ‘coming’ stage in May 2013.

To date and according to the government website ‘Info Coming soon’, the CCR that is no longer on the national agenda and as for the Argyle International Airport, we can paraphrase Dr. Rudy Matthias: It is problematic to try to build an international airport without money. We must not forget, too, that with the 2012 completion of this airport, work was to start on converting the existing Arnos Vale Airport site into a new city. We were to see “a lovely sight” of “a good mix of upscale hotels, residential villas and condominiums, first class restaurants, shopping malls, entertainment and business centres, and The International Airport takes centre stage ample green recreational space along the water front.” Not to mention the tunnel under Cane Not only did the CCR debate die in 2010, but by Garden.

The Cross Country Road this time, we were expecting to see the completion of It is reasonable to surmise, therefore, that none an international airport in 2011 as part of the of these new election-captivating projects seems to The CCR first made its way to parliament in the government’s creative “coalition of the willing”, be making any progress, and already, people are December 2003 budget speech when Prime Minister consisting of Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and Trinidad seeing through them. It appears, too, that attention Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves stated: “A and Tobago. Set in motion then was the stateis being diverted to other emotional grabbing issues provision has been made in the Capital Estimates owned International Argyle Development Company that appeal mainly to the intellectuals and among for the necessary studies and commencement of (IADC) that was formed to facilitate all whom are the ‘progressive pan-Africanists’. Woe construction work on the Cross Country Road.” arrangements for the financing, construction and betide those who call for more attention to the Without fail it was included, thereafter, in budget operation of this airport, in collaboration with two economic issues that face the nation and for speeches of 2004, 2006, in 2007 twice, 2008 and other state-owned companies National Properties reparations to start at home.

2009. Work seemed to have started in earnest Limited and the National Investment Promotions So if we followed MacKay’s “some new folly more sometime around 2003 when he announced, “that Incorporated. According to the PM, who is also captivating than the first” pattern, we would see construction work on Phase 1 of this Cross Country Minister of Finance and under whose direction these SVG had the CCR for the 2005 election, the Argyle Road project had begun … .” The public was also companies operate, the projected cost of this airport international airport for that of 2010 and now we given an idea as to cost when the PM announced was estimated at US$178 million or EC$480 million. seem to have a basket full of follies from which to that the Government of St. Vincent had entered into In fact, he stressed the point that this estimate choose for 2015 elections. a contract with the Overseas and Construction represented 55 per cent of our country’s total public Company Limited (OECC), to the tune of two sector debt and if we were to borrow this amount, it Luzette King Host: Global Highlights million five hundred and thirty seven thousand would take 40 per cent of our current revenues to globalhighlights@gmail.com United States dollars (US$2,537,000.00). He service such a debt. By 2009, that initial estimate assured the public then, “that the government, in keeping with its electoral mandate, will build the CCR and protect the environment in the process.”

In the midst of what seemed to be progress with the CCR project, there was the parliamentary announcement for the Argyle International Airport project. In fact, the timing of this announcement is worth some reference as it happened in August IN TALKING to and interacting an outpatient in that country, no prospects, he seems doomed to 2005. This was literally months before the with the Mental Health Center who got help for his own issues be a ‘Belto’, denied life’s chances December 2005 elections when the Unity Labour (MHC) population, one thing is and found employment and and challenges.

Party was returned to office. clear: the ‘education revolution’ stability in farming, making as E.D was at odds with me at The PM announced in his January 2007 budget has failed our young men in the much as $4,000 a month.

J.D first.

A few cigarettes and speech that,“the first phase of the Cross Country specific areas of mental illness grew up in poverty, and this and conversations later, I find that his Road, from Troumaca to Rose Hall has been other circumstances found him academic career was put on pause completed at a cost of EC$2.5 million.” However, by and drug abuse.

As recently as three years ago, leaving school in form 4 in St. also for the stigma factor, and the December 2007 budget, $4.1 million was Marion House, under the capable Vincent. J.D does read books we’ve made plans for him to get mantle and agenda of Deborah here at the MHC’s occupational back to reading. E.D has poor Dalrymple, now resident tutor at therapy building, which caters to reading skills, although he has UWI and former director of patients’ recreational needs, and choice material — the bible - in Marion House, hummed with boasts a useful library facility. terms of subject matter. programmes of much promise.

L.M. is an unusual case. He The MHC continues in full Whatever the status of Marion has the full support of a well-totreatment mode, and in terms of Symantha V. Walker of Penniston & House today, there are many do family. At the St. Vincent Boys an effective outpatient services, Kenton X. Chance of Rillan Hill young men who would benefit Grammar School he was a very have success stories which are from its programmes of promising student, until drug use hidden from view. It brings the were married at Arnos rehabilitation, but who have (cannabis) coincidental with a Vale Church of the medicines home in the form of onnever heard of it. This reporter mental disturbance, derailed his the-road trips all over the island.

Nazarene on Wednesday, would love to sit with its current academic career. His outlet and The stories here are all too May 1st, 2013 director to discuss the talents include painting and familiar and consistent for them phenomenon that sees very many music, and he is versed in the to be ignored much longer. Our Ted Comas - Give Away of our young men being left blues music as a singer. L.M has current youth population will be behind, outside and inside the a youthful optimism and spirit, of Baltimore, Maryland; mental health system. One only which is good, except that it is at moved into the brain drain Nyron Chance - the Best Man syndrome of migration, and we needs to take a look at the odds with the wall and stigma. of Brooklyn, N.Y.; articles of Haydn Huggins in our He does not work and is prone to will be left with happy-go-lucky Keymesha Williams - the crime and courts focus for a lifestyle which may see him ten government elements which have verification of this. years from now in the same place. facilitated so far the demise of Maid of Honour agriculture and tourism to The ‘education revolution’ has K.O is also an ex-Boys of Campden Park, SVG whatever extents. definitely taken a hit if we Grammar School student — a Could the ‘education revolution perceive J.D. as being one of its more tragic contrast to the well be next’? products. supported L.M. The tragedy is Rev. C.B. Charles of Enhams J.D speaks nostalgically about that, with the stigma and blocks Church of the Nazarene officiated.

Colin having better experiences in the he faces, walking the streets, Trinidad environment; of being getting old before his time, with www.mywedding.com/kentonandsymantha “IN READING the history of nations, we find that, like individuals, they have their whims and their peculiarities; their seasons of excitement and recklessness, when they care not what they do. We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object, and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion and run after it, till their attention is caught by some new folly more captivating than the first.”

With this statement, the Scottish journalist Charles MacKay could well have been describing our situation in SVG today. In fact, this is a piece from the preface to his classic study, ‘Extraordinary popular delusions and the madness of crowds’, first published in 1841. By way of examples, there are none better than the Cross Country Road (CCR) and the Argyle International Airport.

attributed to the CCR project and there was more to be excited about. In the December 2008 budget address, the PM announced that during 2009, the Government would undertake to begin construction of the third and final phase of the CCR, linking the Leeward and Windward sides from Rose Hall to Fergusson Gap. Lo and behold, by December 2009/January 2010, we were to hear the last of that CCR project, and there was a smooth transition into oblivion when the PM announced in his budget that, “some of the grant and loan funds approved for the CCR may be reassigned to other uses…” In other words, the unfinished CCR, having served its purpose, was dead and was being buried by the PM with a few well-chosen words.

‘Education revolution’ and mental illness

Wedding bells

V Curacao politician shot to death

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 25.

People

THE USUALLY TRANQUIL, idyllic Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao was abruptly disturbed last Sunday, when news broke that one of that island’s leading politician had been fatally shot.

Helmin Wiels, a prominent politicians in Curacao’s coalition government, was hit with five bullets at Marie Pompoen beach, a popular spot for eating and swimming.

Prime Minister Daniel Hodge was on the scene soon after the shooting to get a first hand view of Wiels’ bloody body on the beach.

He described the act as “horrendous, terrible,” and noted that “we are not accustomed to these things on the island. We are living in a democracy, and we should respect each other. We condemn this in the strongest words possible.”

News from Curacao said that witnesses reported seeing attackers shoot Wiels on the small beach and then speed off in a car. Nobody else was hurt and there had been no arrests.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTANCY SERVICES) Revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Preparation of the Fifth National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1.

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has received a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) towards the Revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Preparation of the Fifth National Report of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is implementing this project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting service.

2.

The board objectives of the NBSAP Revision and 5th National Report to the CBD project are to: assess the drivers of biodiversity loss; set national targets, principles and main priorities of the strategy; develop the strategy and actions to implement the agreed targets; develop a capacity development plan for NBSAP implementation; carry out a technology needs assessment; develop a communication and outreach strategy for the NBSAP; develop a resource mobilization plan for NBSAP implementation; establish/strengthen national coordination structures; develop resource mobilization plan for NBSAP mplementation; develop and operationalise a Clearing House Mechanism (CHM): develop indicators and monitoring approach/monitoring plan; and prepare the Fifth National Report to the CBD.

3.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment now invites eligible consulting firms to submit their expressions of interest in providing the services. Interested consulting firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (company profile, brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar consultancies, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. with supporting documents to substantiate the information provided in the EOI).

4.

The consulting firms will be evaluated and short-listed based on the evaluation criteria that are broadly based on the following criteria:

The body of Helmin Wiels is covered by a sheet on a beach in Curacao on Sunday. (Source: Victor/EPA) Inset: Helmin Wiels, Proindependence politician in Curacao’s coalition government , was shot to death in an attack at Marie Pompoen beach.

elected officials, this according to the Justice Minister.

The Prime Minister, meanwhile, informed that the Netherlands offered to help with the police investigation.

He said there was “not a lot of details at the moment” about the assailant or assailants, “but we will use all the resources we can to solve this case.”

There was an outpouring of grief, once the news of Weils’ death circulated.

Many of his supporters, who had gathered at the headquarters of Weils’ Wiels the politician party, openly shed tears.

One member of the Wiels was the leader party described the slain of the Pueblo Soberano man as a “great leader,” Political Party which and warned that “those advocates for Curacao’s who are behind this independence, a country murder will not achieve that is described as an their goal.” autonomous “constituent Reaction One ‘blogger’ declared country” of the that “Curacao’s first Netherlands.

As a result of the fatal political murder could The Pueblo Soberano shooting, security is have serious Political Party returned expected to be increased consequences.” (Source: the largest number of BBC & AP) votes in the October 2012 for all of Curacao’s general elections but holds only five of 21 seats in Parliament.

Mr Wiels had his own radio show in which he often discussed controversial issues affecting the island of about 150,000 people.

On Friday, Mr Wiels had denounced alleged abuses committed by Curacao telecommunication company UTS in an interview with news site Versgeperst.com.

He accused UTS of involvement in the illegal sale of lottery numbers.

Justice Minister Nelson Navarro confirmed that Wiels had received threats, and typically had security throughout the week.

No details about the threats were disclosed.

Qualification Criteria i. Interested consultants should provide information showing that they are qualified in the field fo the assignment. ii. Interested consultants should provide information on the technical and managerial capabilities of the firm. iii. Interested consultants should provide information on their core business and years in business. iv. Interested consultants should provide information on the qualifications of key staff.

5.

Consultants/firms may associate with other service providers (in consortium) to complement their respective areas of qualification/expertise such that the outcomes of the project can be achieved*. The firm/consortium can also collaborate with specialist Non-governemntal organisations/ technical institutions to complete the assignment.

6.

Expressions of Interest must be clearly marked “Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Consulting Services for NBSAP Revision and 5th National Report to CBD”. Interested Consultants may obtain further information and TORs at the address below during office hours; alternative, TORs can be downloaded from the MOHWE website: <www.health.gov.vc>. Expressions of interest should be addressed to: The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment 1st Floor Ministerial Building Halifax Street Kingstown St. Vincent and the Grenadines email: mohesvg@gmail.com The deadline for submission of the Expression of Interest is May 15th, 2013.

7

Notes: a) Following this invitation for Expression of Interest, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit technical and financial proposals.

The association/consortium shall be in the form of joint venture (JV) or intended JV where all the JV members shall be jointly and severely liable for the entire assignment.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

Barrouallie retain football titles

particular, presented IT MAY HAVE TAKEN extra problems for time before the honour the was bestowed, but Barrouallie Barrouallie once again defenders by proved they are the kings his pace and of national football, when skillful they reclaimed hold of the passing. title in the 2013 Hairoun And as the Beer National Interfirst half community Senior Men’s progressed, Football Championship. with each The extra time victory team of 2-1 was enough for comfortabley Barrouallie to seal knocking the victory against South ball around, it Leeward, in the finals was played at Victoria Park, Barrouallie last Sunday, May 5. who There were clear signs dominated from the opening whistle possession, that Barrouallie was out but South to prove a point. The Leeward early pressure exerted on looked the the South Leeward goal more almost paid dividends in dangerous in the 4th minute when the front of goal. ever present Kyle A goalless South Leeward - Women’s Champions.

Edwards skillfully first half evaded three South raised minute, Dorrian Hamlet obviously leg weary, the Leeward defenders to cut expectations as the unleashed a powerful large crowd sensed that inside the penalty box second half began, and strike that ricocheted off experience was going to and attempted to pass off the anxiety and the goal post, into the be the determining factor to an incoming teamanticipation were path of his team mate in extra time. And it mate, only to see registered moreso by an Egon Dickson, who failed was. goalkeeper Marlo awakened, vociferous to convert, much to the The more experienced Marshall break up the support from the South relief of the South Barrouallie opened the pass with a safe pair of Leeward supporters.

Leeward team and scoring through Mikey hands.

Undaunted, supporters.

Francis, but the South Leeward got Barrouallie made their South Leeward celebration was tempered into their stride and intention known early defense continued to when soon after, Nasir Tevin Slater, in when, in the 48th demonstrate that McBarnette pulled one resilience they were back for South Leeward. recognized for Pandemonium, then a throughout the tensed silence, overcame tournament, and they Victoria Park. looked threatening on But as fate would have the counter, producing it, the day belonged to some goal scoring Barrouallie when Chavel opportunities in the Cunningham turned a process. second goal in for his However, with both team, putting spend to teams looking evenly any hope South Leeward balanced, it was a fitting and their supporters score line, 0-0, when might have had. regulation time ended.

It was a time for the South Leeward – beaten Male Senior Division With the players Barrouallie supporters to finalist, but not disgraced.

by KENVILLE HORNE

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 27.

Barrouallie, Senior Men’s Champions.

Left: Barrouallie – Under-17 Champions. celebrate, and that they Leeward some consolation. did.

The Barrouallie Under 17 youths were more than pleased to make a victory Earlier on the day’s run in front of their card, dubbed a ‘Day of supporters when the Finals’, Barrouallie had final whistle was blown. already tasted the Score: Barrouallie 3, nectar of victory when South Leeward 2. they retained the Under17 title, Other titles registering 3 goals against their South Leeward did not opponents, South go home empty-handed.

Leeward.

They took the Women’s Kyle Edwards Division Title by converted a free kick defeating East from outside the box in Kingstown, 1-nil. the 4th minute to open Candice Franklyn netted the score sheet for the goal in the 39th Barrouallie. He minute. followed this up with a Joel Quashie’s 32nd 20th minute far post minute goal was enough cross that found the for Layou to retain their head of Dexroy Wilson, Under-13 title. They who made no mistake downed a game East directing it past the Kingstown, 1-nil, to take South Leeward goalthe trophy in the keeper. inaugural Metrocint One minute into the General Insurance second half, Delano John Under-13 Division. gave Barrouallie a third Sunday’s ‘A Day of goal, and the victory was Finals’ was a fitting end sealed bar the shouting. to what was, for all Derron Rouse’s intents and purposes, a penalty in the 59th well run Championship. minute offered South

Layou - Under-13 Champions.

V

28. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Rivals move closer to retaining title polished 74 as he worked with the lower order to see his team from the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, Rivals, moved precarious position of 115-5 to a closer to retaining their title after satisfying 255 in 65.4 overs. He struck putting in another strong batting and eight fours and batted in a manner sound bowling effort to secure first that would require an answer to the innings points over The News Spartans, Creator as to why this talent did not in their Premier Division match at the bring more fortune.

Sion Hill Playing Field last weekend.

Shallow, whose class is obvious but SCORES: Rivals 255, The News continues to attract questions about Spartans 161. his thought process, made a Rivals, playing for the second compelling 46 — his best score for some weekend without inspirational captain time- striking six fours on the now Orlanzo Jackson, were inserted after settled Sion Hill pitch. The big hitting losing the toss. They were helped to Roneil Jeffrey fired three sixes in a their relatively good first innings total quick fire 28, while Marvin Small 29 by the moody Harley Skerritt and the looked set for big things, only to fall equally “sometimeish” Hyron Shallow, the mediocre and fair. after they had found themselves in Offspinner Terron Simon returned some mid-innings bother. figures of 5-56 in 19.4 overs to be Skerritt, who appears to be fighting News Spartans ‘ best bowler. a raging battle with himself, hit a The News Spartans, facing the

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

largest total at the venue this season, could only reach 161, despite batting 66.5 overs. Opener Joey Welcome (56), whose visits to the crease this season have been more of a sojourn than a stay, led the batting. He found the ropes eight times. And Hyron Shallow shows Terron Simon turned in Darnley Grant, whose signs of the potential a good performance compact play is yet to be many still think he has. with his offspin to be translated into big scores, News Spartans best bowler. got 37. Offspinner Casman Walters took 4-57 off his 27 with the overs (he insisted that his overs be state of the pitch which appears to mentioned), and Deighton Butler 3-41. have settled down following the use of Play was called at the completion of the heavy roller from BRAGSA. the Spartans innings just after 4pm as A total of 132.3 overs were bowled both teams agreed that there was in two completed innings during last nothing left in the match. weekend’s match.

The teams expressed satisfaction

Saints take points, Hector the stage Kenroy Peters, the ball after being put down in the same area.

GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS With conditions being hazy and inflicted some damage on the title overcast, Peters who was home hopes of former champions, early after Windwards’ Victors ONE after taking first humiliating day and a quarter innings in their drawn premier beating at the hands of Barbados, division match at the main Arnos took full advantage as he moved Vale Playing Field on the the ball both ways and on a good weekend. length. His dismissal of Miles SCORES: Victors ONE 151 & Bascombe with one that hit his 181-5, Guardian General Saints legstump behind his back, just 169. about underlined his use of the Victors ONE, who won the toss conditions. He finished with 3-18 and elected to take first knock from nine overs. found the going tough from early Victors ONE who failed to get as they lost the wicket of opener on top at any time were indebted Atticus Browne without a run on to their lower order for squeezing the board, caught in the slips off one bonus batting point in

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Donwell Hector

Omar Lorraine

Repeat winners in National Squash Championships WHEN the Senior National Squash Championship climaxed lat Saturday, May 5, at the Squash Complex, Paul’s Avenue, both Juile Snagg and Amber Glasgow had successfully defended their respective male and female national squash titles.

Snagg successfully defended his Men’s A title to register his fourth consecutive hold on the title, when he dispensed of Othneil Bailey in the finals, 3 — 0, with match scores of 11-7, 11-9, 14-12.

Jason Doyle, who was beaten by Othneil Bailey in a semi-final game, took third position, having won over Ramario Constance, beaten in the other semi-final by

Snagg.

Amber Glasgow, after an initial scare in the first game against Deiriai Myers, proved too much for her opponent and went on to win, 3-0 (13-11, 11-5, 11-4), in the final of the Women’s Champions in the recently concluded Senior National Squash A. Championship, with Senior Male Champ Jules Snagg (left) and Lucky-Ann Ross Senior Female Champ Amber Glasgow (5th from left). defeated Giovanna Miller-Alexander 3-0 position.

Boyea 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-5) (11-5,11-2,11-8) to take 3rd Lauryn Doyle took the top to take 3rd position. position. spot in Women’s B by Boyea, however, returned In the Men’s B category, defeating Rocheal Robertson to take the Men’s Over 50 Omari Wilson pushed Kai 3-1 (12-10, 4-11,11-6,11-7).

Category.

Bentick into second place by James Bentick successfully The Senior Players will winning 3-1 (11-5,11-13,11defended his Men’s Over 40 travel to St. Lucia to compete 5,11-9). Eshwan Adams title by defeating Paul Cyrus in the 2013 Senior OECS defeated Geronimo Ross 3-0 3-0 (11-0, 11-7, 11-7). Steve Championships from May (11-3,11-6,11-0) to claim 3rd Ollivierre defeated Keith 16th -19th.

reaching their eventual 151, with Kenneth Denbar getting 28, Alston Bobb 25 and Keiron Cottoy 23.

Medium pacer Ray Charles finished with 3-26 and Romel Currency 2-30.

Guardian General Saints who ended day one on 54-2, batted themselves confidently into trouble to move from 147 before the fifth wicket fell to be staggering on 147-7 with offspinner Denbar creating problems. But Saints, who had held on against defending champions Rivals for a draw in a rain-affected match two weeks ago, showed calm heads to eke out the first innings points.

Opener Omar Lorraine hit a crucial 52 at the top of the innings while Currency and Peters both got 25.

Denbar took 4-55, Cottoy 3-38 and Bobb who took the opening two wickets ended with 2-32.

Batting a second time with a draw the most likely outcome, Donwell Hector took centre stage in hitting his third century of the season to join Monty Warner who did it for Sheffield in 1978 and Gosnel Cupid in 2003 for Packers.

Hector, who made 22 in the first innings, was unbeaten on 101 after hitting massive consecutive sixes off Ray Charles to bring up his ton with stumps drawn with Victors ONE 181-5.

He struck 4 fours and seven sixes in another gunfire innings to bring his season’s aggregate to 443 at an average in excess of one hundred. He will leave for the Brooklyn League this week, bringing his local season to a close. Seamer Romario Bibby was the best of the bowlers with 3-39.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 29.

Sports

A rare breed LISA DANIEL was one of a rare stock. She carried the mantle of female distance running on her shoulders. She bore the burden with dignity. In that way, she served as an example to the nation’s youths, both male and female.

When most youngsters might shy away from competitive sports, and take the easy option of other kinds of activity, Lisa persisted with her long distance running. In order to be on the cutting edge, she maintained a rigid fitness regime. Perhaps that extra commitment might have contributed to her early death.

She was also one of the nation’s top footballers.

There is no doubt that her affinity to athletics contributed to her success on the football field.

She was not a close confidante of mine. I came into contact with her through sports.

Invariably, she surfaced at the top, for there is not a huge list of female distance runners. But what she taught, however, was that hard work brings success.

Lisa was not one to sit on her laurels. She always tried to reach the next level. And there were signs that she was accomplishing some rewards. Her death is a loss to the sporting fraternity.

It ought to be used as a motivation for the current athletics foundation. Steps ought to be made to remember her. Those in authority must set up some legacy in her honour. That is one way we can pay tribute to the fallen soldier as a legacy of her determination — a trait for which Vincentians are known. But there needs to be a marriage between the indomitable will of the Vincentian citizen, and the discipline needed to ensure that athletes make the best use of their talent, the resources around them and their ambition.

The Local Athletic body brings off a major event tomorrow. There will be at least some measures of appreciation extended to Lisa.

It will be fitting if more persons attempt to continue in the path that Lisa trailed.

She was a trail blazer, and there was nothing that could have gotten in her way. She proved her mettle time and time again.

She along with Pamenos Ballantyne served as this country’s sporting giants, especially in the area of road running.

She may never have captured the imagination in the way that Pamenos has done. On reflection, one would have to accept that Lisa’s achievement was outstanding.

There is no doubt that talent abounds here in athletics. Promoting and projecting those hidden stars remain a challenge for the sporting authorities.

Perhaps the time is rife for there to be dedication to the aspect of running. Coaches have to work out their agenda and ensure that the athletes develop without having to become embroiled in the rancor that has become part of the Vincentian athletic landscape.

Adults have a responsibility to ensure that the new generation is encouraged to make maximum use of their abilities. Having to straddle between coaches keen on assuaging their ego will not do any good for any form of national development.

David Monk (foreground) leads a session with local coaches.

Chelsea coaches impart knowledge to players/coaches Ollivierre was selected as a wildcard, and will be part of a DAVID MONK, senior international raffle with nine others to football development officer of determine one of two who will join English Premier League powerhouse the others in Barbados. club Chelsea, is confident that there Monk, senior international is enough coaching talent to football development officer at the improve the sport here in St. club, explained that, while Vincent and the Grenadines. improving the level of the players Speaking to THE was important, improving the VINCENTIAN following the ability of the football tutors was conclusion of the coaches’ likely to have a lasting effect. programme in the SVG leg of the “It is important that you Digicel Kick Start Clinics, at the educate the coaches if you want Arnos Vale Playing Field, Monk the game to move forward, and said he was impressed with some what we have done here is to try of what he saw, and it is clear and enlighten them in some that there is a product that needs aspects of conducting a session by some developing. doing a number of drills and set The 2 1/2 hour coaches’ pieces,” Monk told THE programme came one day after a VINCENTIAN. grassroots programme attended Fifteen coaches were put by thirty Under-16 players, of through their paces by Monk, which three originals, Deno John, Kane Cowburn, the club’s Jowan Sawyers and Kyle international football director, Edwards, were selected for a and Andrew Ottley, international week-long stint at the Digicel development officer. The sessions Academy in Barbados. Jadeja included various drills and

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

instructions giving the coaches a first -hand experience of the Chelsea approach to football.

The camps for both players and coaches will be conducted in ten countries, with Digicel doing the major part of the funding.

Monk, speaking on the programme for the players, said that there would be a slight change in the focus as against what happened in the past.

“Previously, we have gotten all attacking players, players that can score goals. We want to ensure that our coaching, specifically designed for this programme, is inclusive of all positions, since a team includes all positions playing as one“, he said.

The SVG leg of the programme was launched at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex with addresses from representatives of the sponsors, visiting coaches, government and the SVGFF.

Cricket action in Mustique T20 Cricket COMPETITION continued last weekend with two matches.

In Saturday’s match, Pink House Tags defended a modest 138, made in 16 overs, when they bowled out Hybrid Alliance for a mere 86 runs in 12.5 overs.

Julian Sutherland and Wilbourne Hoyte led the batting for Pink House Tags; they both got 25 runs.

Karel Ryan took three wickets for 21 runs, to be Hybrid Alliance’s best bowler.

Hoyte returned to do damage with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs, when Hybrid Alliance batted. Kensley Westfield, with 24 runs to his name, was Hybrid’s Alliance’s top scorer.

Wilbourne Hoyte was named Man of the Match.

Sunday’s encounter between Salanga Tomahawks and Terraces Tags was a low scoring affair.

Terrance Tags opted to bat first, but laboured to 81 all out, their last man being dismissed with the last ball of their allotted 20 overs.

Felix Greaves accounted for 22 of those 81 runs, and was the only real spark against the bowling of Sherbert Jacobs, who bagged 4 wickets for 13 runs in 3 overs.

Salanga Tomahawks made light work of their victory chase, closing at 83 for 2 in 8 overs.

Shem Browne topscored with 34 not out, and Trevor McFee and Felix Greaves accounted for the two Tomahawks wickets.

Sherbert Jacobs was the Man of the Match.

Matches in the competition continue this weekend.

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30. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V N O T I C E

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013. 31.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MAY 10, 2013

VOLUME 107, No. 19

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PORT POLICE/ PORT AUTHORITY SAGA CONTINUES

by JP SCHWON jpschwmon@hotmail.com

SEVERAL WEEKS have passed since the SVG Port Police executed what is now being euphemistically considered as “a stress day.”

This resulted in a major disruption of the SVG Port Authority’s operations which was particularly felt at the Cruise Ship Terminal, located uptown Kingstown, and which precipitated the latest in a series of talks between the Port and its security personnel’s union representatives, the Public Service Union.

To date, the Port Authority has “not done anything” substantial with regard to the issues that provoked its Police Officers to stage their April 12th sick out. This is according to Cools Vanloo, President of the 71year- old trade union. He dismissed, as inadequate, reports that the Port has issued vouchers for some officers to procure shoes in addition to ordering new uniforms, as well as addressing the unwholesome working conditions that plagued the Port’s constabulary for some time now.

Though several officers have confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN that some efforts were made, they all agree — the meat of the matter is still left untended.

“They gave some officers vouchers to get shoes and they fixing we hats too, but them not giving any deadline when they paying we we increments, and that is unfair! They firing people just so, and we have mortgage and other bills to pay like everybody else… me believe they getting another shake

up, cause Port not giving we any deadline…” one irate officer confided.

Up to press time, the Union was awaiting a response from the Port Authority regarding a demanding dispatch re: Payment of Outstanding Increments to Port Police — St. Vincent Port Authority.

In a letter, dated April 29th 2013, the Union pressed the Authority to “make the President of the PSU Cools Vanloo (right) is hopeful that a necessary arrangements to new Collective Agreement between the Union and the Port pay the outstanding Authority would soon be signed. increments due to the Port Police for 2010, 2011 and just hearing officer.

2012.”

The hearing officer is obligated to returned to Vanloo, in an exclusive interview work after a hold a conference of all concerned with THE VINCENTIAN added, parties and give a decision in writing three-week “They’ve not done anything to date. within fourteen days of the final round stint It’s going past seven days and still no of conferencing. elsewhere. response yet. Notice, its two rulings of The officers were dismissed “What I do know is that we are the Labour Commissioner they’ve (unfairly so the Union contends) on putting things in place to address defied on this same issue… what November 19th 2012 — a mere two some of those issues, but it’ll take happen to the Protection of weeks following an altercation some time…” Tappin-John said.

Employment Act?” involving “a customer of the Port”, and Despite his belief that Tappinfor which they were found guilty of John’s response “is nothing but typical Hearing for dismissed officers using “excessive force in the execution civil service parlance for not doing of [their] duties” as per an anything,” the Union Chief is Amidst the current conflict-filled investigation conducted by the Port. optimistic that the recently and quite climate, the union remains “committed The case has since been tried in the successfully negotiated Collective to ensuring the protection of workers’ local law courts, and the officers Agreement between the Union and the rights.” According to Vanloo, “the cleared of any wrong doing. Hence the Port Authority would soon be signed hearing for the 2 officers would be PSU is demanding reinstatement of on behalf of the officers. convened on the 22nd and 23rd of this the two Port policemen or full This new Agreement would only month.” compensation up to retirement. come into effect pending the The matter was brought before the Meanwhile the Port’s HR Manager, disbursement of the four years’ worth Labour Commissioner and has of increments owed to the 80 plus men Charmane Tappin-John cordially exhausted all procedures at his level of explained to THE VINCENTIAN that and women charged with the the reconciliation chain. Now it has she has not yet been brought up to responsibility of securing this moved from his stage to that of the speed with the issues, as she had only country’s ports.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.