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FRIDAY,

APRIL 25, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.15

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

GANG WAR SUSPECTED IN NINE STEPS SHOOTING

by KENVILLE HORNE UP TO PRESS TIME, Wednesday, a young man from Edinboro was nursing gunshot injuries he sustained after being shot in the Rose Place area, commonly referred to as Bottom Town.

Report reaching THE VINCENTIAN are that Mitchy Webb was making his way home to Edinboro sometime around 9:45 am, via the Nine-Steps route, when he was alledgedly “ambushed” by a gunman, who opened fire on him, shooting him in the area of his abdomen.

Members of the CID Mitchy Webb lay across a treadder of the Nine He was taken to the and SSU of the Steps where he was shot.

Milton Cato Memorial RSVGPF arrived Wednesday is as a he walks through Bottom Hospital by a police vehicle. quickly on the scene Town and know people One resident in the Rose and took control of the result of an ongoing war between young want to harm him,” was a Place community said he area where the men of Edinboro and comment made to THE heard about five gunshots. A shooting occurred.

Bottom town. He said VINCENTIAN. police source said Webb Meanwhile the Police received multiple shots, but he did not that gunshots were fired in Rose Place last Sunday night, but whether or not are appealing to persons give an exact figure. The Rose Place with information to come resident also told THE VINCENTIAN that incident and Wednesday’s were Mitchy Webb was lifted by residents and put into related is unclear. forward. Head of the that Webb was carrying two bags the police transport.

Other persons in the area of the Criminal Investigation containing items for a shop that he shooting said that Webb would usually Division (CID), ASP operates, when he was hit by the investigations. walk through the Rose Place Sydney James said that there were no bullets.

He did confirm that Webb was suspects up to Wednesday, but (that) Another resident in the community community, quite aware of the struck by five bullets. repercussion. “He real brave, because the police were carrying out is adamant the shooting incident on

Harry to answer for Pope’s death by: HAYDN HUGGINS ALTHOUGH ADMITTING that his grandson Kelborne Pope was a known troublemaker, Caephus Pope said that he was saddened by the news of his death.

“Me nah feel so good, but he done gone,” Pope sighed.

According to the Police, Pope, a 30 year-old labourer of Lauders, died after sustaining a chop wound to the back of his neck, during an incident at Lauders round 9:20 p.m. last Saturday, April 19.

The elderly man said that he had not seen his grandson in a while and that he was not sure what led up to the incident.

He however did not hold back saying that residents in the area would be pleased that he was not around to cause any problems.

THE VINCENTIAN was unable to contact further relatives of the deceased, as his mother and others currently reside in Canada.

Meanwhile, Police arrested and charged 34-year-old Laymond Harry, a labourer of

Lowmans Windward in connection with the murder.

Harry appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he was not required to plea when he stood before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMathias. He was remanded.

The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Laymond Harry has to answer to the Serious Offences court for causing the death of Court.

Kelborne Pope.

Kelborne Pope, according to his grandfather, was something of a troublemaker.

V

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Entertainment

ÂTroublousÊ ready for Vincy Mas 2K14

by KENVILLE HORNE

THE NAME EZHORNE ‘Troublous’ Alexander wants radio stations, DJ’s and all stakeholders in the music industry here to support the work of local recording and performing artistes.

The soca artiste from the North Leeward community of Rose Hall wants the music industry stakeholders to support their own, ”once an artist’s song is good,” and pointed them in the direction of Trinidad and Tobago which, he said, “is (already) shaping the next Machel (Montano) and the next (Mighty) Sparrow ,while we in ‘Vincy’ pushing one man or two men”.

‘Troublous’ presented his first recording in 2011, but, Ezhorne ‘Troublous’ in his own words, “did Alexander is ready and not reach far.” rearing to go for Vincy His 2012 offering, Mas 2014.

‘Don’t let go’ earned him a place in the Ragga Soca Monarch finals that year. In 2013, his ‘Trouble wine’ pushed him into the finals of the New Song Competition — Ragga Soca category.

Another 2013 release, ‘Take me away’ was presented to the Trinidad market.

For 2014, the young artiste will release four songs, including ‘This woman’ and two calypsos, ‘Generation’ and ‘Cat get me tongue — part 2’. “..this year, I’m looking to break barriers. My aim is to go beyond ‘Vincy’. The world is open for Ragga soca and I’m focused on outside SVG,” he told THE VINCENTIAN in an exclusive interview.

Excited as he is about the prospects for 2014, ‘Troublous’ is well aware that artistes are inspired by a host of different things and people, but he prefers to dig deep into his own resources, and declared, “I’m a self motivated person, I push myself to accomplish what I do”.

However, he admitted to

being a fan of Trinidadian artistes Chucky Gordon Kess , Kerwin Dubois , Machel Montano , and Vincentian artistes Skarpyion , Bomani, Jamesy P and Sahunelle McKenzie.

He also prides himself on being of sound musical pedigree, referring to: his grandfather, great uncle and their children “who had a band back in the day;”an uncle who is currently a member of the Rose Hall Drummers; and an older brother who is an able soca artiste.

And if that is not enough on which to build his career, he boasts of and is thankful to a support team that is inclusive of producer Kamal Archibald, advisors Stephens ‘Troublous’ performing in Huggins, Lennox Bowman the 2012 Ragga Soca and Anne Miller of Upstage Monarch Competition.

Calypso tent, and fellow artiste Skarpyon “who has Alexander pledges to continue been supporting me from day on his journey, and intends to one,” said Troublous. make 2014 a big one.

Ezhorne ‘Troublous’

Encouraging local talent: GOOD VIBES – CANOUAN Ben HarrisonInternational Correspondent IN PREPARATION FOR an anticipated flood of tourists, the Tamarind Beach Hotel on the island of Canouan, like many hotels and resorts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is continually upgrading its already excellent ‘Good Vibes’ at their debut (L-R) Compton Dodson, Freddy Lane, Mark facilities.

Eliay and Dwayne Wilson.

This year, General Manager Cinzia wave of opportunity that will that got in this writer’s opinion, Occioni and Food and together to unacceptably loud, noisy Soca. follow the opening of Argyle Beverage Manager Their repertoire will have to International Airport, as an make music The Tamarind Beach Hotel is preparing to cater to an Angelo Gulotti have and have be considerably expanded with influx of tourists experience influx of visitors expected with the commissioning of gone one step further Tamarind Beach and other fun doing it, a sensitivity to the musical the international airport here. by giving a local not realizing preferences of guests, not only current and new hotels being musical group the developed in St, Vincent and that one day during the dinner period, but Beach. The group, an unlikely opportunity to audition for the Grenadines. they might just join other to dancing following dinner. combination of musicians, is future appearances.

Their performance would have Tamarind Beach Hotel is to made up of: Keyboard Player, well- known musicians and They believe that if new, be commended for opening a entertainers that received been much improved with Compton Dodson, a local talent can provide good their start in St. Vincent and more long time Belafonte-type door of opportunity to new and Professional Painter; musical entertainment for the Grenadines. standards, such as Island in emerging local talent.

Guitarist/Vocalist, Freddy both overseas guests and local Lane, a Construction THE VINCENTIAN the Sun, which would not only Hopefully others will follow. residents, Tamarind Beach And, will ‘Good Vibes’ ever attended ‘Good Vibes’ enhance dining pleasure, but Supervisor; Bass Guitar will be first to introduce and achieve headline success and Tamarind Beach debut. They encourage dancing. player, Dwayne Wilson, a support them. be entertainers on demand?

If the ‘Good Vibes’ group Crane Operator; and Keyboard started off the evening with On Friday April 10th, a Time and effort will tell. They lowkeyed, slow, dragging are prepared to devote the player Mark Eliay, a newly formed Canouan necessary time to develop into do work well together.

Desalinization Plant Operator. dinner music, and gradually quartet, billed as ‘Good Vibes’, They are a group of buddies moved up-tempo into excellent professional entertainers, the made their debut at Tamarind Reggae. This was followed by, potential is there to ride the

V News 3 ÂCode RedÊ standing firm

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 3.

and disabled persons face getting to and from the Commercial Banks and other business houses, using the existing bus stops.

He added that on leaving Kingstown en route to the Leeward district, there are no bus stops before reaching the Nurses Hostel, which is much too far from the Leeward Bus Terminal in Kingstown, and they proposed that one be erected in the area of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

NOBA members, according to Bacchus, also expressed concern about the condition of the roads, the hazards to which vehicles, especially omnibuses, and passengers are exposed on a daily basis, and what he described as Omnibus drivers and operators meeting at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex “constant police harassment of Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, President last week Wednesday. of the NOBA, is not pleased that the minibus drivers. He noted police refused to entertain any of the that when the police are Kingstown. crystalized, “That Meeting with the Police proposal made by his organization. issuing traffic tickets, they He pointed out that the is just old talk. I sometimes want to take all traffic gets very congested am a person I Bacchus expressed Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS during those hours and many the passengers out of the don’t give up; I never give up. disappointment with a buses and take the vehicles to persons are left stranded in Is death before dishonour. meeting the Association held PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL Kingstown at nights. He noted the Central Police Station.

“We are trying to rewith the police last week Omnibus Association (NOBA), NOBA had scheduled that those include mothers organize so that we could get Wednesday, April 16.

Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, another meeting for who want to get home to their stronger.”

According to him, the police intends to continue as Wednesday, April 23, but Bacchus is therefore calling rejected all the proposals that children.

President, though he admits the on all omnibus owners and Bacchus said that after Bacchus also stressed the NOBA made.

Association is making efforts to operators to unite in the thatone, the Association would need for more bus stops in “Like they don’t want to re-organize in order to redouble interest of the business. hold meetings every other Kingstown to accommodate hear what we have to say,” he its strength.

Sunday. senior citizens and disabled He disclosed that the opined.

THE VINCENTIAN had He concluded by calling on persons in particular, and Association is currently Bacchus said they had contacted Bacchus after one NOBA members, according to the travelling public to utilize seeking legal advice from asked for an express route media house reported that he Attorney Grant Connell. him, requested that a bus stop the bus stops and not to try to through the Long Wall, Cane was considering resigning as be placed in the area of CIBC have buses drop them off Connell confirmed this when Garden area to Sion Hill, president of NOBA. between them. on Halifax Street.

THE VINCENTIAN contacted between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to Bacchus admitted saying He expressed concern about him on Wednesday. get passengers out of something to that effect, but the difficulty senior citizens

Traffic Chief: We got the message across CONTRARY TO THE VIEW ofAnthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, President of the National Omnibus Association (NOBA), Head of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Traffic Department, Superintendent Kenneth John, is pleased with the outcome of a meeting the Association (NOBA) held with the police last week Wednesday, April 16.

Superintendent John told THE VINCENTIAN that from the police’s standpoint, the meeting was a success, because he was able to explain the traffic laws and regulations to those present, and he thinks, “We got the message across.

“We told them to play the music in their vehicles soft. They wanted to know what is soft. I said soft could only be soft, Once they do that they don’t have a problem”, John said.

He confirmed that the Association members made a number of requests of the police at the meeting, but they were not granted.

For example, he cited a request that the Cane Garden, Long Wall route to Sion Hill out of Kingstown, be allowed

for their use from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., so they would not get caught in the traffic. John, however noted that there were other routes they could use to get out of Kingstown, and identified Level Gardens, Mc Kie’s Hill and Roseau. He added that the members also identified an area in Kingstown where they would like to have a bus stop placed.

According to John, at the end of the meeting, the members seemed not to be satisfied and were heard accusing their President of being too weak to lead.

“They (NOBA) seemed not to be fully organized, because some of them (members) were aggressive and arguing with their President. They (Association) did not even have an agenda.”

The Traffic Department began an operation March 19, 2014 to clamp down on the playing of music in motor vehicles, without the written permission of the Commissioner of Police.

John assured that the operation would continue until the public and the police are satisfied that the

situation is under control, and he reiterated the call for motorists to comply with the laws.

He noted that in one week, 22 traffic tickets were issued for playing loud music, with 15 of them given during the period of the Inter School Sports at Arnos Vale.

He noted that one driver got four tickets, as he turned up his music at various points. “When he got the first ticket he turned down the music and drove off, but turned it up again. He continued doing this, but was given a ticket, each time he did, from the entrance to the playing field to Sion Hill,” John explained.

And to underscore the effectiveness of the operation, John referred to two omnibus drivers who were known to be Supt. Kenneth John, head of Traffic, troublesome on the road, who are now is satisfied that the need to comply complying with the regulations. He with the Traffic Laws is being recalled that some omnibus drivers effectively impressed on the were invited to the Traffic omnibus drivers.

Department’s annual Christmas Party certificates for good driving habits. last December and two of them, “This is all part of ensuring that the Abdula Hadi Muhammed of Largo Height and Desmond Junior Keane of road is safer for the travelling public”, he explained.

Ratho Mill, were presented with

V

4. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Cause of man’s death unclear THE CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding the death of Kenrick Baptiste, 27, of Rabacca, remain unclear.

Baptiste’s body was discovered early Saturday morning along the Yurumein Taiwan Bridge, with initial reports stating that the body was discovered with gunshot wound(s) to the head.

There was also a report that he had died in a shootout.

However, according to one source, police later recanted the alleged shooting, saying that investigations are being conducted into his death being the result of a hit and run.

However when the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department was contacted on Wednesday, they stated that no further information was forthcoming.

But relatives of Baptiste remain adamant that he was a victim of foul play.

When THE VINCENTIAN visited relatives earlier this week, Baptiste’s father, Joel Williams, said that his son had gone to a nearby bar and the incident took place when he was making his way back home.

“Dey knew he had to come home, so dem ambush him – they chop em, they beat em, dem do all kind ah ting

to em. Dey ‘maco’ he and say look he comin’ dey,” the father proffered.

“Dey ambush him in the night — dey hide in de bush and wait for him an’ beat him up. When me go over dey, me see me son — me see chop all over he foot an’ he neck an’ blood ah run from he head,” Williams continued.

He said that he did not see anyone, but that he saw his son die on the road.

According to Williams, he was informed by the driver of a minibus that his son was lying in the road that said morning.

“Dem call me and say look yo son die over there, so me went over and me see me son dey,” the man said.

It was unclear if there was an altercation with some other individual(s) which would have resulted in the death of the young man, but Williams said that his son told him of a previous beating, during which the assailant(s) had tied him (son) up.

Kenrick’s sister, Duanna Baptiste, supported the notion that her brother was beaten and thrown on the road.

She said Joel Williams and Duanna Baptiste, that he told father and sister respectively of her that he Kenrick Baptiste, both believe that was going foul play was involved in his death. out, and left home around anonymous, explained 10 on Friday night.

Duanna Baptiste said that although Kenrick that after hearing of the may have done some things that may not have news of her brother’s been to the approval of death, she went to the others, he did not scene.

“When I went there, I deserve to die in such a horrific manner. saw him spread off and “Even though he gah still shaking, den he just he way, he is ah human close off and die,” she being, dey nah haffo said. treat em dat way,” the Her brother’s death young woman said. has saddened her and A post mortem was the rest of the family.

She described Kenrick as expected to be conducted Tuesday to ascertain the a good person, and said cause of death. Efforts that they were very to contact the family via close. telephone to confirm the One cousin, who results proved futile. wished to remain

Cyclist is SVGÊs 6th road fatality LEILA JOB, mother of 23-year-old Derron Shallow, said that she had strongly opposed her son’s decision to purchase a motorcycle.

Shallow, a resident of Glen Side, Mesopotamia, became this country’s sixth road fatality for the

year, after the motorcycle he was riding reportedly ran off the Fountain public road, otherwise known as the Vigie Highway, and landed in a drain.

According to a police report, the accident occurred about 2 p.m.

last Friday — Good Friday.

Job said that the post mortem results indicated that her son died from internal bleeding, with Police indicating that Shallow had sustained injuries to his head.

He reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), his mom said.

Job told THE VINCENTIAN that, while her son did mention to her that he was going to purchase the motorcycle, she said that he never disclosed to her any further details. She explained that he does not live with her.

“I told him, Derry, don’t buy no bike, because you gonna make me die because those things kill you fast.”

But her son assured her that he would be safe and that he would not be reckless.

When he visited with her last week, he informed her that he was going to collect the motorcycle sometime during the week.

“I told him don’t do it, but he said, ‘Mummy something have to carry me home,’ and that was it,” Job said.

She recalls sitting at

Six months for stealing a sheep

by HAYDN HUGGINS DAVE BOBB, a 27-year-old man of Richland Park, was sentenced to six months on Tuesday, under the Praedial Larceny Act. Bobb was accused of stealing a ram-sheep, valued $400, from Osbourne Thomas of Richland Park, last Friday, April 18. He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias on Thursday.

The charge was laid under Section 2 of Chapter 37 of the Agricultural Produce and Livestock (Prevention of Theft) Act revised edition of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009.

It carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 or two years in prison or both.

The facts revealed that around 1 a.m. on the date in question, Thomas tied his sheep on a nearby parcel of land. Around 5 a.m. that day he returned to the spot where he had tied the animal, only to discover it missing. Later that morning, he checked in some nearby bushes and saw Bobb coming through with the sheep. He questioned the accused, who replied that he was bringing it back.

Thomas took the animal away from him and called the police. Bobb was arrested, and admitted that he removed the sheep.

Browne-Matthias said that sometimes people rear their animals for enjoyment, not to eat, and it could be quite distressing for them to be stolen.

“Count yourself very fortunate,” she told the defendant after handing down the penalty.

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN after the sentencing, Prosecutor ASP Glenford Gregg said, “I am happy that the police brought to court charges under the Act, and we have to put a clamp on the spate of Praedial Larceny in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

In the past, these charges were laid under the Theft Act.

Derron Shallow took his final motorcycle trip last Friday.

Leila Job, Deron Shallow’s mother, wants am trying to hold up to get to the bottom of because I know if I take the transaction it on I will go with him, so I am trying to hold the involving her son’s faith to cope with the purchase of a death of my son,” she motorcycle. said, adding “But it is home last Friday when hard because it is never she got an uncomfortable easy for a mother to have feeling regarding Derron. to bury their child.”

Not having any credit She said that she was on her phone, she grateful to friends and stepped outside in order members of her church to get a ‘Wifi’ signal who have been there for message to her son. her in her time of need.

Before she could But she said that she complete the message, intends to follow up the Job said that she got a matter to determine if all telephone call and was the relevant paperwork regarding the told of what had transaction of the transpired. motorcycle had taken For the time being, place.

Job said that she was Shallow will be laid to trying her best to take it rest this Sunday. He easy and deal with her will be churched at the son’s death, especially Seventh Day Adventists since she said that she Church in Glen Side and has an enlarged heart. then taken to the “I am trying because I Dumbarton cemetery for burial. am kinda sick too, but I

V Cuban ÂexilesÊ returning to Cuba to help

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 5.

Regional

Alfonso Fanjul, who fled Cuba as a young man leaving behind his family’s mansions and vast sugar cane field, is Foreigners and Cubans enjoying food and service at the ‘Atelier’, a With the ease in travel restrictions, Cubaneager to identify restaurant owned by a Cuban-American.

Americans are also using the opportunity to visit Havana and take with them electronic and opportunities for investment.

MANY OF THE FIRST Cubans those implemented since Raul Among the clothing items (for example), as they go in who left Cuba after Fidel Castro Castro took over the Cubans in search of their childhood homes. took power in 1959, are presidency in Cuba, in 2008, exile in the beginning to return to Cuba with from his aging brother, Fidel. USA who and later declaring that he ideas and money, and looking One significant change is have made the return trip to would consider investing for ways to partner with Cubans the lifting of the ban on their place of birth is Alfonso under the “right in direct, new ways.

Fanjul, the Florida sugar entrepreneurship, a small circumstances.”

The return of people with opening in the otherwise baron.

Another of note who has their ideas and money comes closed economy, but enough to Mr. Fanjul recently gone back is Eduardo Mestre, as a result of policy changes encourage exciting new acknowledged, according to 65, a Wall Street banker, who over the recent past in both initiatives by Cubans on both the New York Times, that he returned to Cuba last year for Havana and Washington D.C., sides of the sea that separates had gone back to Cuba twice, the first time since 1960, to but none more important than Cuba and the USA. meeting with Cuban officials, see the start-up training he helps finance.

“It’s all about people not losing hope and seeing that starting a business is a way to improve their lives,” Eduardo Mestre, a Wall Street banker, supports the return of Mestre told the UP TO LATE LAST WEEK, there make representation on Cubans and their capital.

New York Times, was no word from LIAT regarding behalf of the suspended adding, But, even with all the the suspension of Captain George pilot, he, too, was also ““Emotionally, it’s excitement surrounding the Arthurton, Director of Flight suspended, resulting in very hard not to return, opposition to the Operations. general industrial action connect with people movement of persons and Efforts by the media to have by all LIAT pilots and who have all this the top management of the cabin crews. money back to Cuba has met ambition in a place with opposition and mistrust Antigua-based, cash-strapped The obvious fallout was Capt. Carl Blake, Desmond Browne, where maintaining both in the USA and in Cuba. regional airline confirm the flight cancellation and President of LIAT’s hope is very hard to suspension, proved futile. hundreds of passengers Mario Diaz-Balart, LIALPA., was himself Communications do.”

The only semblance of a stranded across LIAT’s Republican Representative suspended when he Manager, made it response came from Desmond flight area.

Observers in the from Miami, called Mr. tried to intervene on clear that the Browne, LIAT’s Communication The matter USA have noted behalf of another Fanjul’s trips a betrayal. matter of Capt.

Manager, who brushed off mushroomed into such that many CubanLIAT pilot.

“The question is how can we Arthurton’s questions with the comment that proportions that the Americans who better help the Cuban people the matter was “an internal one Eastern Caribbean Civil suspension was once considered free themselves from this and not for public discussion.”

Aviation Authority not the public’s themselves exiles, regime…… .

The best way to Of course, this was not the first (ECCAA) found cause to business. and backed antido that is to deny funds to the time a top manager in LIAT has investigate the matter.

Castro initiatives refused to answer questions, on LIALPA, last week, David Evans was through the years of regime in any way we can that has been there for over half a the grounds that the issues raised acknowledged that both expected to the Revolution, now were not the public’s business. the airline and the union officially assume refer to themselves century,” he said.

LIAT’s primary shareholders were in possession of the An artist domicile in Cuba duties as LIAT’s as part of a Cuban are the people of Antigua and ECCA report which it said warned that the Cuban new CEO last Diaspora.

Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and “vindicated the stance authorities will welcome the Tuesday.

Their sense of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, taken by the pilots union”. money but will guard against responsibility, one their interest vested in the hands According to LIALPA, LIAPLA said. its power. As far as he was observer said, “is to concerned, the Cuba of their respective governments. the ECCA had ruled that, Meanwhile, However, news circulating in as a direct result of the Cubans on the LIAT’s Board of authorities were still Antigua said that captain company’s actions, “LIAT island,… not to the “distrustful,” and “determined Directors Arthurton did go on suspension had in fact committed property they lost confirmed, March 31, 2014, the to keep Cuban-American last week, as action taken by the three regulatory breaches of appointment of British aviation or to fighting the influence from becoming an airline following an incident in safety regulations…resulting in a executive, David Evans, as Chief Castros.” immediate challenge to the November 2013, when a LIAT possible fine of up to EC$150,000 Executive Officer. His Mestre describes state.” pilot refused to operate an aircraft (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents). appointment was to take effect the new wave as However, Niuris Higueras and was subsequently suspended.

“LIAT offered no defence in from last Tuesday, April 22. one of Martínez, a Cuban-American The suspended pilot had regard to the three offences and, The post of CEO/LIAT became “engagement, who now owns the ‘Atelier’, refused to fly, saying that he was having accepted liability, has vacant when Captain Ian Brunton dialogue and not satisfied that the appropriate already paid the fines associated one a of Havana’s most resigned that position in interaction – test procedure was used before with the incident. Reportedly the September 2013, amidst popular eateries, sums up the lowering the bringing the aircraft back into ECCA is still investigating the hope when she said, ““If you widespread criticism of the barriers – ….. the open a little, you get a lot.” passenger operation. “possibility of tampering with airline’s service. (Partial Source: best way to develop When Captain Carl Blake, documents” surrounding the same Antigua Observer) civil society.”

President of the LIAT Pilots incident which may result in Association (LIALPA), tried to additional fines being levied,”

LIAT brushes off questions again

V

6. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

TSSS athletes visit universities

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

ATHLETES FROM THE Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) are not only using their fourth annual trek to the United States to compete in the illustrious Penn Relays Carnival, but they have been very busy visiting, for the first time, university and college campuses to explore academic possibilities.

James Cordice, the mastermind behind the School’s participation in the games, confirmed this with THE VINCENTIAN. “From the onset, we were interested in giving the students an opportunity to do more than compete at the Penn Relays; but the

time and schedule never allowed them do to so,” said the Clare Valley native in a VINCENTIAN interview ahead of the games’ runoff on Thursday, at the Franklin Field Stadium, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

“Though it’s a very expensive venture, I believe exposing the children to universities and colleges in the US will augur well for them in the long run,” added Cordice.

“It has opened up their (athletes) minds to enormous possibilities,” he continued. “Meeting with college professors, even of Caribbean descent, has wooed the children.”

The 11 athletes and three officials — head coach Godfrey ‘Lion

Heart” Harry, assistant coach Kemaro Williams and chaperone/manager Dawana Balcombe — arrived in Philadelphia on Wed., Apr. 16.

The TSSS girls’ team — comprising Kerina Hooper, Lenisha Oliver, Cheslyn Simper and Rownesha Spencer — were expected to compete in the 4x400m on Thursday.

The boys’ team — which comprises Sean Shephard, Rogike Thorpe, Neilo Thomas, Erasto De Silva, Omar Cummings, Azare Samuel and Keilon Kirby — vies for a place in the 4x100m on Friday and the 4x400m on Saturday.

Cordice said the national lottery provided EC$25, 000.00 towards the contingent’s airfare.

It was supplemented

by EC$13, 122.00, which

was solicited by the TSSS Penn Relays Committee, and included EC$ 2,700.00 furnished by the Brooklyn, New Yorkbased Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO) Penn Relays TSSS contingent with Veronica Charles (front left) of Golden Committee.

Grove, Calliaqua, at Hampton University.

Additional costs, on arrival by and his Trinidadian-born including hotel and administrative assistant wife, Ann-Marie, at transportation Veronica Charles, Mount Zion Baptist accommodation, have formerly of Golden Vale, Church in Holmesburg, been provided by SVG Calliaqua, and Doug Pennsylvania.

Penn Relays Committee, Slaughter, assistant in The team also toured led by St. Vincent and the Department of Rutgers University in the Grenadines Engineering, and Camden, South New Organization of listened to a lecture by Jersey on Monday.

Pennsylvania (SVGOP) assistant dean, Dr. Afterwards the and COSAGO. Raymond Samuel, a contingent lunched at Marriaqua Valley native. the Brown Sugar Visits to Universities, et .

Restaurant in al “His (Dr. Samuel) Philadelphia, which lecture to us was so donates 200 meals to On Thurs., Apr. 17, positively penetrative Team Jamaica Bickle, the TSSS athletes that it taught us to the organization that toured Cheyney realize our potential or provides meals to University of gift that God has given Caribbean athletes Pennsylvania, outside to us to fulfill our immediately prior to, Philadelphia, considered purpose in life,” during and immediately the oldest Black Balcombe said. after the Penn Relays. university in the US. On Saturday, the A reception and dance “It was a very contingent was hosted by will be held in honor of educational tour due to Yvonne Graham, 81, the TSSS athletes on the fact of the black formerly of Dixon, Saturday night and a history behind Georgetown, who takes brunch Sunday morning Cheyney,” Balcombe pride in being referred to at the popular Calabash said. as the oldest SVGOP Restaurant & Banquet Early Friday member.

Hall on Lancaster morning, Apr. 18, the On Sunday, the team Avenue in Philadelphia, team took the six-hour had lunch and owned by Vincentiantrip to Hampton worshipped with SVGOP born Edison Paynter and University in Virginia, member Dunniston his Trinidadian-born where they were greeted Woods, of Barrouallie, wife, Jennifer.

Tour guide at Hampton University gives instructions to the team on athletic track.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 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

LIAT, oh LIAT!

Someone commented that the recent side-stepping of the media by LIAT top management personnel, was symptomatic of what prevails at the LIAT check-in counters in the territories that the airline operates.

As far as the commentator was concerned, he had travelled enough within the LIAT jurisdiction to make the comparison. Top management, service agents, same old khaki pants. Avoid the public as much as possible. We owe them nothing.

And that, readers, is the service that, given his way, Chairman of the LIAT shareholder governments, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, would have declared — legislated — an essential service.

A simple view of why one would want to declare a service an essential service is to protect the interest(s) of the people that it serves - those on whom it depends for its daily financial sustenance. In this case, and if we follow the attitude of LIAT’s top management, it would appear that it would be ‘essential’ to protect the customers of LIAT from LIAT itself, thereby turning the whole simple concept of an essential service on its head.

LIAT is not going to go away, and its service and performance will get worse before it gets any better. The silver lining that former CEO, the ‘great’ Captain Ian Brunton, promised, seems to be getting further and further away from the end of the rainbow.

LIAT continues to be plagued with a bad industrial relations attitude that will do no good in dealing with already overworked pilots, especially.

Usually, when a business shows signs of or is actually in a decline, some of the people deemed responsible for that decline, those given the highly paid positions of ensuring just the opposite, can expect to be replaced. Not so with LIAT, which, it appears, continues to harbour persons who have proved incapable, Dr. Jean Holder, Board of Directors Chairman inclusive, of turning around the airline. Burton chose to go, after buttering his bread, but all the others who worked alongside him during one of the worst years, if not the worst year in the airline’s 57-year history, remain in their respective positions, safe and sound, and apparently protected.

And by the way: Why the haste during Mr. Brunton’s tenure to re-fleet the airline? Re-fleeting seemed all but done by the time Brunton washed his hands; but customer service and relations with delicate categories of staff remained at an all time low. Talk about priority!

All that and more point to the need for our shareholder representatives — those four Prime Ministers — to speak less to the intention to make LIAT an essential service and level blame at the pilots and other technical staff, and concentrate on encouraging best business practices.

The latter might mean examining the prevailing employment trend of the airline. LIAT, from information coming to hand, employs some 850 persons across the region. When it has done away with its so called aging Dash 8 complement of aircraft, the airline will be served by 12 ATR aircraft. How on earth could it make sense, financial and otherwise, to have 850 persons to serve 12 aircraft? That is approximately 71 persons per aircraft.

It would be instructive to see how this stands up against other airlines both here in the Caribbean and further afield.

The cost of doing business in the Caribbean we know is high, relative to other regions of the world. But this reality, given that the Maths is correct, is as inordinately high as you can ever get it.

It would be interesting to see the spread of the employment across the various stations, after technical (including pilots) staff is subtracted. Are we going to see that one shareholder country occupies place of preference in this regard?

Is it not time to seriously move towards rationalizing downwards the number of employees per aircraft?

And while we are at it, could somebody with authority and the requisite knowledge tell us whether in fact, we are saving on fuel consumption with these new ATR aircraft?

Persons supposedly in the know tell THE VINCENTIAN that we might have ‘cut off our nose to spite our face’ by increasing passenger capacity but failing to effect any real saving on fuel.

It is time to come clean on this ‘burning’ issue before we burn up more fuel than we can afford.

LIAT, oh LIAT….. so many more questions than answers.

Jomo on trial ALL THINGS being equal, all now so, we would have still been celebrating or cerebrating about, our new slate of National Heroes.

But all things are seldom equal. There was mischief in the process which has been set back to await more propitious times, perhaps for next Independence eve to give a reasonable run-up to next elections in midDecember, a month which historically is friendly to the ULP in electoral matters.

Had the original time-table been put into effect re national heroes, I would have had a publication on the theme which has exposed my latest thinking on the subject.

In the intervening period, I had been won over to accepting Dr. Parmenos Eustace on an indifference curve with George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua, as the three Heroes to join Chatoyer.

Discussions with Curtis King, Parnel Campbell’s powerful logic over his T.V programme The Law and You, and chatting with Curtis Greaves, headmaster of one the “green” schools, measured against the background of my own reflections, were enough to persuade me to change my mind.

In any event, I had always thought highly of Dr. Eustace, to the extent of recommend-ing that the St Vincent Community College be named after him.

In fact. I had the authority of the King and King publications to republish the article by Winston Samuel in support of Dr. Eustace, awaiting only the author’s final word.

Grace Eustace’s criticism of my early opinion as “disgusting” and “myopic” betrays an overweening arrogance that has no place in literature, not even from a misguided and doting daughter. It shows that the name “Grace” is very much a misnomer.

As to Theo Browne’s panegyric that grossly over-sells, the less said the better.

Jomo’s shaky role It is clear that Ralph supported Milton Cato as a national hero without the backing of faithful friends like Oscar Allen, Cecil Blazer Williams, Renwick Rose and even the deceased Caspar London. He needs Cato as national hero to reflect on heir —apparent son Camillo Gonsalves, who is contesting in Cato’s old stomping ground of East St George and could well do with that psychological lift off.

Room was made for Camillo when a favourite son of Calliaqua, Hobbes Huggins’ natural son Fitz, was kicked upstairs to hold a diplomatic post in Canada. And a similar posting will be arranged for the incumbent Clayton Burgin who is still a force to reckon with.

Jomo resigned his post from the National Heroes Committee when the Prime Minister, who had virtually the last “say” in the selection process, entered the fray in a needless move to “over-kill”.

Among other things, I had hailed Jomo’s

entrance to the House as a Government Senator as “come into my parlour said the spider to the fly”. But the fly is flexing his muscles and showing that he cannot be controlled nor bought off with the deputy-speakership. He wants an elected seat. So he smashes all carefully laid plans and bolts into the sacred preserve of the one or two who effectively decide on these matters within the ruling ULP. If the other prospective candidate, Grenville Williams, has the support of the ULP, meaning the executive, which boils down to the leader, then crapaud smoke Jomo’s pipe. Of course, the Deed will have all the legal dressing which will sorely test Jomo’s much touted savvy and treasure trove of gifted talents!

We await the development of this interesting saga.

Jomo in focus There is little doubt that this is a testing period for the future of Jomo. As to whether he will consolidate his recent gains and become a major player in our politics, we simply have to bide our time and observe how school is playing up to the closing period of this year.

Jomo had asserted his blackness, even teaming up with Maia Eustace to make his point.

He attempts to support the claims of a secondary school girl against the might of the R.C school, the educational establishment and the middle -classes in general, for whom the ULP is making a play.

He appears to have scored an initial victory with Otto Sam’s success in a case which runs counter to the view of Dr. Gonsalves.

So far, Jomo has been rewarded by the ULP with a senator’s seat and the deputyspeakership, obviously in an attempt to keep him quiet.

But Jomo continues to parade a personal independence, even to the point of defiance.

Surely his resignation from the National Heroes Committee owing to the “interference” of Ralph can be interpreted as letting down the gauntlet.

Has Jomo spotted a weakness in the ULP which has begun to show clear signs of disarray under pressure of a battle-weary Ralph, his insistence on building a dynasty, which is a backward move in these changing times?

The ULP candidacy for South Leeward contains all the foregoing ingredients. Your guess is as good as mine over the consequences. Not only Ralph but Jomo as well would be made or broken by the next national election. Note how Ralph missed the great day of his international Reparation speech, and how Jomo, his most attractive spokesman, could not fit in as a substitute, not even to read Ralph’s speech, which was already prepared.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 9.

Letters

Do away with the paper

The Organization of American States (OAS) recently concluded an initiative to help its six OECS member countries scan some 2.5 million birth certificates dating back to the late 1800s. With an investment of half a million dollars, it purchased equipment, developed software and trained data entry clerks in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

After years of languishing in a bureaucratic obscurity, the civil registries of the Eastern Caribbean are taking an important step into the Information Age. The potential for this tool is great, but only if the civil registries integrate this technology into its everyday tasks of recording life events and issuing certificates. Despite technological

advances, births, deaths and marriages are still recorded in large registry books. Those books take up a lot of room, require labor-intensive searches and gradually deteriorate over time. Many countries in the region still require the original signature of the registrar on a copy of a birth certificate. Legislative reforms need to catch up to technology, as do administrative practices. The oversized registries, original signatures and manual procedures need to be replaced.

Government is increasingly expected to accomplish more with scarcer resources. Electronic databases of birth, death, marriage and divorces offer increased efficiency and lower costs. Ideally, civil registry offices should be located in hospitals in

The value of being a guide THE GIRL GUIDES in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are celebrating 100 years of Girl Guiding in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Congratulations to them and all who are making sure that this milestone does not go unnoticed.

All Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers are indebted to this service organization for the superb training and character building activities which serve as a preparation for life.

In the Calliaqua area, many adults of today remember fondly their days as Girl Guides, under the leadership of Mrs. Edna Walker Dougan and Louise Jack; and Rangers, under the leadership of Mrs. Eileen Walker Radix and Verdine Cato. Here, leadership skills, good morals and survival skills were inculcated.

Consequently, no matter where in the world these former Girl Guides and Rangers have found themselves, they have been able to participate fully in the development of many nations. My own mother, Eloise Walker Phills, of blessed memory, recalled fondly her own days as a Girl Guide under the leadership of Noreen Beach, and my

Aunt Beryl Walker Stephens was a former Girl Guide leader and member of the National Girl Guide Council for many years.

The Calliaqua Troops would occasionally be visited by Girl Guide leaders from Kingstown, such as Mrs. Irma Norris or Mrs. Pauline Sandy. It was my greatest joy when I received a Girl Guide calendar (diary) as a present from the Island Commissioner, Miss Jennie Jacobs.

I kept it for many years as it had a great deal of useful information about Guiding, and I felt it was an honour to be given such a gift by Miss Jacobs.

We later fondly referred to her as Auntie Jennie.

Some of us were fortunate to meet World Chief Guide Lady Baden-Powell when she visited St. Vincent in 1964.

We also remember the visit of HRH Princess Royal to these shores in 1960.

We thank them all and the organization for upholding the past and projecting a positive future. Good job!!

Cheryl Phills King

That Vincy Mas launch WHAT’S THIS about the Carnival Bands Association (CBA) going out of their way to help the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) through some financial troubles? Who is Hugh Ragguette trying to fool?

The carnival bands parade at the Vincy Mas Launch left much to be desired, and was a shame on all band leaders for having chosen to parade only children, keeping them waiting for long hours into the night. It was just another ploy to earn some easy money. So maybe Ragguette should have said that the CBA has come to its senses and decided it could no longer take advantage of the goose.

The Launch is no place for a parade of mas costumes. In fact, I wonder if

it serves the Miss SVG contestants any good having them parade there.

It is just one overloaded affair on which the CDC should re-consider spending money. Who really benefits?

The launch is one big soca fete. Ask the average patron why he attends. Is it because of the calypsoes, the mas, the pan (Lord help us)? No man!!! It’s for the jump and wave and gyrating that comes from the soca.

So, CDC want to have a launching?

Go right ahead. Charge $5.00 a head and put some leading soca artistes on the show. I bet you going to come away with a tidy profit to help you write off some of that debt.

Socialist

order to record births and deaths as soon as they occur, and entered directly into the database.

Electronically printed birth certificates should be phased in and eventually required to obtain a driver’s license or passport or register for school. These simple changes will provide for a cleaner, more accurate civil registry database.

The benefits would be numerous Vital statistics information, produced by the civil registries, and virtually stored, can help provide social services to those who are entitled to it. It can increase the efficiency of land titling, and help provide for cleaner voter rolls. In the Eastern Caribbean, the Multi-Purpose

Identification Card would be made more secure with directly linked, upto-date birth and death information.

The aggregate information, duly updated to the last minute, can help Government decide where to build the next school or hospital, or how much to invest in school lunches or vaccinations.

Civil registries are not static.

People are born, die, marry and divorce every day of the year, and these events need to be continuously recorded and amended. To keep up, civil registries need to do away with the paper.

Steven Griner- Coordinator Universal Civil Identity Program in the Americas Organization of American States

A time of darkness SOMETHING is radically wrong with our country, i.e. our people. Not even the Holy Season of Easter seems to get the better of us, so that we could put aside our deviant ways.

There is no telling me otherwise that we are at an all-time low in our history.

Unfortunately, we have missed the season of Easter as a time when we should turn away from our misdeeds; to turn away from our ignorance, greed and hatred.

It seems we have failed to resurrect ourselves in the goodness of the Risen Christ, and for that we may have to remain in this period of darkness.

And if this is not a period of darkness, how do you account for the amount of alcohol that would have been consumed over the Easter weekend?

Alice - A Christian

Kudos for the Ministry of Education I AM NOT a regular contributor to your paper, but I cannot resist the sense of obligation or the personal satisfaction that gives rise to this public offer of commendation to the Ministry of Education (MOE), for the perfect planning and execution of the Inter Secondary Schools Athletics Championships held Thursday 17th April, 2014, at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

It is evident that every aspect of such occasions was taken into consideration. Every probable emergency or possible exigency was considered and prepared for. It is clear that all the negative and positive experiences of the past were considered and made to impact the process.

I was proud to be a Vincentian, and even more to have been affiliated with the MOE as a secondary school principal for over twenty years. My hearty congratulations to the administrators of the Ministry, the Sports Officers, the Planning Committee, the officials on the field, the Sports teachers, the participating schools, and all the others who contributed to the lofty standards of organization and performance, deportment and decorum displayed at the event.

The quality of the event was such as made the conscious ones among us, Vincentians, proud. May this be repeated annually, as all of us, spectators and participants alike, appreciate and contribute to the degree of excellence generally identified as perfection!

Westwick Williams, PhD - Past Principal: Bequia SDA Sec., Petit Bordel Sec., and North Union Sec.

* Will something ever be done about misleading advertisements in this country? * What’s the latest on that Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Sylma ‘Codo’ Samuel of Chateaubelair? * When is a serious national discussion going to begin on the issue of marijuana in this country? Was all the noise by the PM a smoke screen? * Will somebody with authority please clear up the talk about water seepage preventing work on the airstrip at Argyle?

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Robust debates in the Parliament

The Issue THE PARLIAMENT OF St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the highest decisionmaking body in the country, in terms of our laws that affect our lives, and the policies that relate to the economic and social development of this country. Every law that is drafted and discussed for implementation must be debated and approved by the Parliament, before it comes into force.

Similarly, many of the financial provisions which the government seeks to implement, must be debated in the Parliament, and approved, before these are adopted. The recent Supplementary Appropriation Bill is a case in point. Although the 2014 Appropriation Bill, or the Budget, was passed earlier, the government needed to provide for the restoration work, consequent upon the heavy rainfall of Christmas Eve 2013.

For this to happen, a supplementary bill had to be tabled in Parliament for debate and subsequent approval. This was done, and so the way is now clear for the government to spend the required funds, to take care of damage caused by the heavy rainfall In all this, in the current construct of the Parliament, greater attention is now being paid to the level of debate, particularly as this relates to the clarity of the discussion and its robust nature.

paucity of the debate offered by the opposition.

Enter Senators Browne, Thomas and Gonsalves

The presence of the new senators, Jomo Thomas, Camillo Gonsalves and Luke Browne, spells doom and gloom for the opposition. Whereas they were referring to the ULP as a “one man show”, they now have another dimension to consider.

The debate now will become more incisive, more robust, with greater clarity and sense of purpose. The NDP has already found that it does not pay to interfere with the likes of Jomo Thomas, Camillo Gonsalves and Luke Browne in the Parliament. Senator Linton Lewis has already suffered a torrid time at the hands of Senators Browne and Gonsalves.

The youngest, Luke Browne, has already sent a clear signal to the leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace. When he took the oath of office, Senator Browne said that his presence in the House will be uncomfortable for Eustace, adding that the member for East Kingstown will be kept on his toes, particularly in relation to the business of his constituency.

Senator Camillo Gonsalves has said, “I am not interested in debates about furniture or whose throat should be metaphorically cut, but let us instead battle over our competing What exists visions for the poor, the youth, education, our airport, our national There has always been interest growth and development”. This sends shown in the debates in Parliament, a clear signal to the opposition in when you consider speakers like relation to the kind of debate he Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, expects in the future.

Julian Francis and Saboto Caesar on Not to be outdone, Senator Jomo one side, and Arnhim Eustace, St. Thomas was full of praise for the ULP Clair Leacock, and Linton Lewis on administration when he said “But I the NDP side of the House. believe, when we do a panoramic view, There have been some classic we have to conclude, at least I have battles, but by and large the ULP concluded, that this Unity Labour speakers in the Parliament have Party government, of which Dr. Ralph always trumped those on the Gonsalves is the leader, has done Opposition. If we go back we can point more than any to advance St. Vincent. to outstanding contributions made by And I ground my senatorship here Sir Louis Straker, Mike Browne, Rene this morning in that knowledge, in Baptiste and Douglas Slater. Former that understanding”.

Senators Rochelle Forde, Richard Williams and Ronnie Marks have Conclusion made sterling contributions to debates. If we go back further, we The appointment of these senators must recognise Senators Edwin Snagg is no fluke or accident. Party leader and Juliet George, and the list is long. and Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Central to all this is the level of Gonsalves has done extensive research intelligence, clarity and foresight that and consultation, before making the is provided when speakers on the offer to the three Vincentians. We government side of the house become have not yet begun to discuss how the involved in any debate. There is a experience and the intellect of these common purpose and a central aim at three will impact in a positive way, on all times, that is to create an the plans of the ULP administration, awareness and understanding of the to move the country forward. matters that are before the It is interesting to note that in the Parliament. There is a sense of parliament these senators have purpose, all aimed at taking already made their mark, less than St.Vincent and the Grenadines to the one year after they were appointed. next level of development.

Vincentians from all walks of life will Of course, the decision by the ULP be looking forward to their administration to allow live broadcast contributions to the debate in the of the proceedings of Parliament has parliament in the future, strong in the not provided any comfort for the NDP. knowledge that these will be robust, So for the first time Vincentians can incisive, intelligent, relevant and follow the debate in the House, and creative. The signs are there. now they have a very good idea of the

International Relations

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) reaffirms its commitment to invest in our international role, commensurate with our condition as a small island developing state in a globalised environment. In this regard, we will place primary emphasis on diplomatic efforts to create and exploit new opportunities in trade and business relations, through bilateral and multilateral initiatives, while maintaining and strengthening, wherever possible, traditional, beneficial relationships. This new diplomacy aims at empowering our people, thereby enabling them to build the society they desire – a safe and prosperous country, with a people proud of their heritage and role in the world.

Countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with small, open economies, are subject to the vagaries of those conditions and therefore, creative engagement in International Affairs is required, not only as a consequence of political independence, but as an indispensable area of involvement for the enhancement of national development, and the provision of greater opportunities for country and nationals alike. Our foreign policy will be tailored to maximise these opportunities. The NDP is confident that it has devised a methodology which will enable our country to benefit from increased interaction in the international community.

The NDP is proud of our people and nation, and we are convinced that we can contribute significantly, within our means, on the international stage, while conversely increasing the benefits to be derived from that engagement. To this end, the next NDP administration will engage our people in dialogue about our international affairs, through a programme of public diplomacy.

The conduct of our Foreign Affairs has far-reaching implications in terms of its relevance to vital sectors of our economy. As such, maintaining an appropriate stance with regard to our involvement in International Relations can only serve our nation well in the long term. The major facets of our economy, which are directly related to our dealings with the global community, are as follows: energy, trade, training and education, culture and tourism, technology transfer, economic cooperation, national security and agriculture.

The central facet of our external relations will be to deepen the regional integration process, with particular reference to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), then reaching outwards through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) integration initiatives. This will provide the springboard from which we could insert ourselves into other hemispheric and global integration, especially with respect to economic and trade relations.

We will pursue a broad-based political co-operation and linkages policy, geared towards increasing the economic and social benefits to be derived thereof.

Our support will be flexible, yet purposeful, with the protection and advancement of the interests of the people of our country always being paramount. In the implementation of its policy of strengthening and transforming our International Relations, the NDP, when it is voted into office will: place economic and trade relations at the top of our diplomatic priorities and re-orient its missions accordingly; apply an integrated approach to Foreign Affairs with the participation of relevant Ministries and interest groups, in order to anticipate and respond to current and future international challenges facing our nation.

The NDP will also improve the

effectiveness and agility of our diplomatic presence abroad for building stronger international economic relationships, enhance our ability to cope with the geo-political landscape by developing deeper relations with new and emerging global peers, while building on strategic partnerships with long term standing friends and allies, and emphasize links between domestic and international dimensions of security, development, economic growth and protection of environment.

International Business Services International Business Services cover banking (offshore), insurances, business registration, ship registry and other such activities geared to enabling major legitimate international enterprises to locate aspects of their administrative and financial operations at sites other than their main business centres.

Financial markets —the NDP has long since recognised the need to aggressively pursue participation in the international financial market by attracting global capital. We will redouble our efforts in this regard. In order to put the International Financial Services Sector back on track, we will do the following: conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reason for the decline in the sector; arrange and encourage effective training for offshore services providers in the areas of Mutual Funds and Insurance; and review the Mutual Funds Insurance Legislation with a view to facilitating a more simplified regulatory framework which also recognizes our international obligations with regard t money laundering.

The NDP will also: review all the regulations that govern the registration and administration of offshore entities, with a view to improving the marketability of the international financial services sector; restructure the International Financial Services Authority (IFSA) to make it more amenable in dealing with complaints and enquiries from persons at home and abroad; and institute measures that will foster a closer working relationship between the IFSA and other offshore services providers, especially in the area of marketing.

Financial Services Sector The Financial Services Sector plays an extremely important role in the plans and programmes which address the state of rising unemployment and high levels of poverty in this country.

Confidence in the Financial Services Sector is foundational to increased levels of local investments, and serves as an attraction to Foreign Direct Investments as well.

However, there has been significant loss of confidence in this sector. The uncertainty in the Financial Services Sector occasioned by the failure of the British American and CLICO Insurance Companies to satisfy the needs of their policy holders, the poor management of the economy by the government, and the mismanagement of the National Commercial Bank which resulted in the government’s sale of 51% of the NCB shares to the St. Lucia based ECFH Ltd., highlight the need for greater regulation, due diligence and intense scrutiny of the operations of financial institutions in this country. It is also noteworthy that there is a loss of confidence in international financial services sector, and this is reflected in the reduction in the number of entities that are registered annually. The NDP will ensure that confidence is restored to that sector.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 11.

Views

The University of the West Indies SVG: Home of the Garifuna and the August Town Project Nation “Our programme encourages the trainees to use this medium as a vehicle to document and give passionate voices to their communities, even as they educate, inspire and entertain. We work with local film-makers and industry professionals to teach the trainees how media projects can effectively bring about social change.” — Professor Ian Boxill, Director of the University of the West Indies Centre

and encouraging to note that several of these tertiary institutions have embarked on a variety of programmes aimed at “intercepting the young minds” in August Town; giving them reason to hope and to create a better life for themselves. The remainder of this article highlights one such initiative, UWI’s August Town Project.

Throughout the Caribbean, many institutions of higher learning continue to champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the communities in which they operate. The faculty, staff, and students at UWI’s Mona Campus are at the forefront of such initiatives in Jamaica. The UWI Centre and the Mona Social Services/University Township Project have been engaged in unearthing and encouraging academic excellence in August Town. They have also focused on encouraging the artistic talents in that community. It is through this initiative that the idea emerged that gave birth to the Greater August Town Film Festival (GATFFEST) which is scheduled to showcase the writing, production, and acting talent of the August Town inhabitants. This event took place during the period June 20-23, 2013. It showcased many of the August Town residents who graduated from UWI’s video production and film-making courses.

Their submissions featured topics such as homelessness, peer pressure, drugs, slavery, culture, dance, fear, relationships, romance and passion.

They captured experiences from within their communities, and used them to champion positive change within and beyond August Town.

One of August Town’s more prominent reggae singers, Duane Stephenson, is confident that the GATFFEST provides an ideal opportunity to showcase the talents of the citizens who reside in the village where he grew up. It is anticipated that this project will go a long way towards reducing the gang feuds that have resulted in a number of homicides over the last decade. It is considered a proactive approach to reducing crime and the causes of crime.

We commend UWI for their proactive approach in seeking to improve the local communities through projects of this nature. In addition to excellent academic programmes and relevant research projects, UWI continues to provide practical solutions to real life situations. Many institutions of higher learning, non-government organisations, and private sector establishments could use this UWI project as a model as they seek to intercept similar depressed residential communities throughout the region — giving residents a reason to hope and a vehicle for socio-economic advancement.

EDUCATION, IN ITS TRUEST SENSE, prepares people for life and living. It goes beyond merely passing on knowledge. It prepares participants to maximize their potential, their God-given abilities. In doing so, it is anticipated that they will experience an overall improvement in their socio-economic conditions while enriching the society in which they live. Over the years, the University of the West Indies (UWI) has done just that. The visionary leaders at the four campuses (Cave Hill in Barbados, St. Augustine in Trinidad, Mona in Jamaica, and the Open Campus) have consistently sought to “make education relevant and practical”, encouraging individuals and communities to be the best that they can be ... even as they face challenging times. This article features one of the many innovative initiatives that have emerged from UWI’s halls of learning – The August Town Project.

Before proceeding to describe the above-captioned project, it is probably useful for us to spend some time sharing some insights about August Town. This is especially so that readers who are not familiar with this area in Jamaica could understand and appreciate the project’s significance.

August Town is a residential community located in the parish of Saint Andrew in Jamaica. History records that it was so named in recognition of Emancipation Day (August 1, 1838). It is an eastern suburb of Jamaica’s capital, Kingston.

It is described as “one of several innercity communities in Jamaica that has been plagued by poverty” www.olpcsf.org/projects/august_town).

And that poverty will be accompanied by crime (especially gun violence), gang-related activities, a relatively high incidence of school drop outs, teenage pregnancy, and so on.

August Town had a large Rastafarian community during the 1970s. Several prominent individuals have also emerged from this community. These have included Dr. Peter Phillips, Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, and the roots-reggae group Israel Vibration. It should also be noted that the singer Sizzla has established his Judgement Yard camp there. Its image is changing for the better. Many of the town’s residents realise that they can make a significant contribution to their country’s development by pursuing professions that are noble ... and by giving back to the communities that nurtured them.

August Town is relatively close to the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology, the United Theological Send comments, criticisms & College of the West Indies, the Edna Manley School of Visual Arts, and the suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com National Stadium. It is interesting

APRIL 13 WAS MY BIRTHDAY, and I spent the day, indeed the entire weekend at PS 333 in Bronx, New York, representing SVG at the first annual summit whose theme was ‘Building the Garifuna Nation’. The conference was so profoundly rich in content and expressions of love and desire for SVG, that I haboured not one second of regret for being away from friends, family and the campaign to become the South Leeward representative of the Unity Labour Party. The conference reaffirmed my resolve to continue fighting on behalf of our people.

Organized by the United Garifuna Association, the Summit brought together Garifuna delegates from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua and Garifuna currently residing in various cities across the United States.

I have been around for a few decades now, but I have never seen the level of patriotism displayed by our Garifuna brothers and sisters, the vast majority of whom has never visited this land, manifested in anyone from the local population.

Most of us want to go to some other land to live. Most Garifuna, exiled since 1797, simply want to come home.

Another striking feature among Garifuna in the diaspora was the passion they held for national hero Joseph Chatoyer and the nation we call St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The true and correct name of our nation is Yurumein. We ought to get used to the name as part of our reparations reclamation effort.

Our Garifuna brothers and sisters view SVG Most Garifuna, exiled since 1797, simply want to come home.

When I mentioned that one of the high demands of reparations committee agenda will be to ensure that Garifuna gain a right of return and full citizenship in SVG, the delegates in the hall erupted with joy and celebration.

In beckoning them home, I told the delegates if only a few of them could repatriate and take up citizenship, SVG will readily experience a nationalist if not a revolutionary awakening.

Many delegates expressed the strong view that Garifuna were not for reparations because they were never slaves. It was our task to inform delegates that some Garifuna remained in SVG after colonial conquest in 1797, and many of them enslaved until 1834. Africans were also imported to the island after 1797 and were also enslaved. Further delegates were told that reparations in SVG took on the special dimension.

We could document the atrocities and intend to pursue a case for genocide against the British colonialists for the crimes against humanity they committed against Garifuna during their fight to maintain sovereignty of the island and after the capture and assassination of chief Chatoyer.

My inability to pronounce some African names or to speak an African Language always reminded me of the rape and pillage committed by the European powers. It is one thing to be enslaved and shipped from your homeland to plantations in a faraway

land. But to be stripped of your name, language, religion and history is the ultimate genocide. I will never forget or forgive them for my sense of bewilderment and loss as I sat in the conference hall where scores of persons spoke the language from your country of birth, and not being able to understand a single word. This feeling of inadequacy was painful beyond measure.

This experience with my Garifuna brothers and sisters in New York was a serious boost to my commitment in the fight for reparations. Part of the reparations battle is the struggle to repair our minds. Can there be a better way to do this repairing than for us to unlearn so much of the foolishness we think we know about ourselves, and to relearn our true history? Relearn because we know the history. It is in our bones and our sweat. It is in our energy. Our story is more readily accessible in books and on the internet. We must search for it and present it to the world so as to make our case for reparations stronger and more easily winnable.

Saturday, April 12, marked 217 years since our exiled Garifuna family members arrived at Roatan. Some 4,338 of them were imprisoned on the island of Balliceaux. More than 50 percent of them perished during the 7 month imprisonment. In the journey from Balliceaux to Roatan, another 222 died. It is important to note that at the time Roatan was disputed, contested territory. The British hoped that their final extermination would occur if and when conflict broke with the Spanish. Yet Garifuna rose and journeyed on to Belize and countries in Central America. For these acts someone needs to pay.

Delegates were informed, and this conference proved to be a virtual class room for me, that nothing in their oral tradition or history spoke of black Caribs and yellow Caribs. These were all one people, and the divisions were said to be European inventions intended to create tension and disunity. Garifuna all trace their roots to the Orinoco river basin. The Garifuna language, specialists in language tell us, is about 60 percent Taino (the original inhabitants of the region), about 10 percent African and an admixture of English and French.

It may be true that some Africans in SVG got here because a ship wrecked, or that they overpowered the enslavers and came ashore. But that may not be the entire story. If we came up the Orinoco, does this not give credence to the central point in Dr Van Sertima’s thesis in the celebrated book ‘They came before Columbus’ that continental Africans had a presence in the Americas long before Columbus accidentally happened on these islands?

Garifuna in the diaspora are demanding a homeland. We can do no less than to welcome them with open arms.

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

V Argyle airport – ULP regime failure 12. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

THE ARGYLE AIRPORT cannot be completed. Our people need factories and jobs now, so we should stop all work at Argyle and build factories to create jobs.

The problem at Argyle is water under the runway and the northern end of the runway where construction is being continually washed away by the sea. The sea at Argyle is ferocious and uncontrollable, and the problem is soil that is waterlogged.

When building a runway located at sea level and on soil that is soft and waterlogged, the soil has to go through a long process of compression to form a solid base before building up. This involves piling

sand on the site, allowing it time to compact the area and squeeze out the water (via a complex drainage system), then pushing off excess sand and constructing.

Usually, millions of cubic metres of sand have to be piled on the site, and then the area is compressed so the ground below achieves the required firmness.

This can take up to four years, because some areas can drop by as much as two metres during this process.

The problem at Argyle is that the northern end of the runway construction is being washed away daily by the sea, and the soil has no time to settle and compact. A runway needs

a flat, solid and reliable base. If compaction is not complete, a runway and its taxiways would break up very quickly and create flight risks that could result in loss of life.

The thing to realise is that modern aircrafts are much heavier and longer.

The new Airbus is about 75 metres long and has a weight of 590 tonnes when full. This is much more than the LIAT aircrafts that have a maximum weight of only about 20 tonnes.

If there is a 590 tonne Airbus aircraft at Argyle airport and the runway is not properly compacted, then parts of the runway will sink, and the runway will break up. You cannot

just chuck some mud on the runway and cover it with tarmac, and say it is done, to try to fool the people.

It would be a shame if the ULP regime were reelected to government and the thousands of unemployed people in SVG had to wait at least 5 more years for factories and jobs, because the ULP regime prefers to chuck away hundreds of millions of dollars at Argyle rather than build factories.

SVG Green Party says we must stop work at Argyle immediately, and put Vincentians first, by building factories and creating jobs now. We cannot wait 5 years to do this. Our people need to feed their children and

earn money to pay their bills.

They told us the Argyle airport would be finished in 2011; they lied. They told us it would be finished in 2012; they lied. They told us it would be finished in 2013; they lied. They are treating us like fools.

Throwing money at Argyle is like throwing

money down a hole.

We cannot afford to pump a billion dollars into the Argyle airport.

The sea is washing away the runway and it cannot be completed. We must stop now and build factories and create jobs for our people.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 13.

14. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 15.

Bequia Easter Regatta 2014 „A Fabulous Weekend!‰ declares Minister of Tourism McLaurean; Class 6, Sandrock Trophy - Eclipse, (Kimani James).

The yacht side of the regatta was officiated for the fifteenth year running by Principal Race Officer James Benoit from Grenada, In his opening address at the Grand Prize-giving, Minister of working alongside the Bequia Sailing Club Race Committee. The Tourism, Sport and Culture, the Hon. Cecil McKie, welcomed the high, gusting winds led to several yachts incurring damage during large crowd of visiting yachtsmen, double-ender racers and their friends and followers, and congratulated the Bequia Sailing Club on the weekend, but in true Bequia Regatta spirit, assistance was their continued success in producing such a well-run series of events swiftly offered by several local Bequia boats, and both yachts and crew were safely rescued. on the water. “… . It was a fabulous weekend with tremendous crowds and a wonderful atmosphere”, said Minister McKie. “I encourage everyone to be “inVincyable” for Easter Regatta 2015 and to enjoy the Sponsors giving much activities both on and off the water!”

Much to the delight of the visiting crews, the Minister then When the races were over, the nightly prize-givings and parties presented all the Overall Prizes, Special Awards, and Consolation Prizes in the yacht division, including the prestigious J24 Southern hosted by the Bequia Sailing Club, Platinum Sponsors Hairoun, Gold Sponsors Mount Gay Rum and Bronze Sponsors Mountain Top Caribbean Trophy.

Water, kept spirits refreshed and camaraderie at its usual high Sir James Mitchell, founder of the Bequia Sailing Club, also addressed the audience, thanking all-volunteer Bequia Sailing Club level.

Good Friday’s full day of yacht races was sponsored by Gold for their dedication in organizing and managing the Regatta each Sponsors Mount Gay Rum, and prizes for the day’s races were and every year, and for providing the unique focus to the Easter presented by Sabrina Mitchell, Managing Director of Vintages Ltd, weekend. agents for Mount Gay Rum in the Grenadines, at the Frangipani MP for the Northern Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday, assisted in handing out the awards to the double ender competitors Hotel Race Headquarters.

Silver Regatta sponsors United Insurance lent their name to the from Bequia and throughout the Grenadines.

J24 three-race series on Saturday, with the United Insurance Challenge Trophy going to Mount Gay Scotia Bank Bunga Bunga.

Bequia racing future assured from Barbados, skippered by Charlie Gloumeau . Mount Gay Scotia Bank Bunga Bunga also was the Overall Winner of the J24 Class in The 28-boat local double-ender fleet that took Bequia, thereby also taking the J24 Southern Caribbean’s part in the three-race series over the Easter Champion Trophy for 2014. weekend (two Hairoun Challenges and a Mount Overall winners in the other four classes were Racing Class: Gay Challenge) came mostly from Bequia, but also Eliott e Compagnie (Frederick Dutheil, France); Cruising I: Rasmus included four boats from Canouan, one from Mayreau and one from Carriacou.

Amongst the Bequia boats there were no less Eliot e Compagnie than six competing with talented young Bequia receive their Overall sailors as crew. There’s clearly a whole new Winners award from generation of sailors ready to take on the challenge Minister McKie of Bequia Regatta for years to come!

The overall winner of the prestigious Bank of SVG Trophy in the hotly contested 28-foot Class 7 was Skyler from Carriacou, who also received a magnificent fishing rod and reel donated by Action Bequia. The other overall winners were: Class I, Wag Service Station Trophy - O Connie, ( Evan John); Class 2, RBTT Trophy - My Way,(Mike Marks); Class 4, Mountain Top Spring Water Trophy - Ark Royal (Javin Morgan); Class 5, Caribbean Woods Trophy - Nerissa J 1, Matthew

Admiralty Bay was thronged with visiting yachts over the Easter weekend.

Thrilling doubleender action in Class 7.

Remain ‘inVincyable’

THE BEQUIA SAILING Club’s 33rd Bequia Easter Regatta came to a successful close on Minister of Monday 21st April with the Tourism the Hon. Grand Prize-giving at Cecil McKie. Gingerbread Hotel.

This year saw a total of 43 yachts and 28 local double-enders registering to take part in Bequia’s world-famous sporting and tourism event.

Winds were high and conditions were blustery and challenging, but this could not dampen the spirits of the 70-plus boat fleet, as they raced with superb skill throughout the four days of competition.

Getting ready for Mount Gay Rum’s Monday doubleender races.

Racing Class Winner Eliott e Compagnie battles 2nd place category 5 from Grenada.

Fast and furious action in Cruising 1 Class.

Sandcastle Competition at Bequia Beach Hotel attracted children of all ages and produced wondrous works of art.

(Dieter Huppenkothen, Austria); Cruising II: Leonora, (David Spieler, Barbados) and Surprise: Clippers Ship (Nicolas Poix, Martinique).

Downwind sailing in Bequia Regatta.

More than just racing But it wasn’t only competing boats that thronged the harbour in Admiralty Bay. Over 120 additional power and sailing yachts came to Bequia to see the legendary local boat races, follow the yacht races or simply enjoy being in Bequia at Easter.

On Lay Day Sunday, regatta sponsors Bequia Beach Hotel hosted the Bequia Sailing Club’s Sandcastle competition on the beach at Friendship Bay, followed by a delightful afternoon of live music and children’s entertainment in the hotel’s gardens by the beach.

The Bequia Sailing Club would like to thank Platinum Sponsors Hairoun (St. Vincent Brewery, Gold Sponsors Mount Gay Rum (Vintages, Bequia), Silver Sponsors United Insurance, Bronze Sponsors Mountain Top Water and the SVG Tourism Authority, Action Bequia, the Bequia Beach Hotel, the Frangipani Hotel, De Reef, Lower Bay, C. K. Greaves, Sandrock Bequia, WIP/French House, and Sugar Reef for their exceptionally generous support of this prestigious sporting and tourism event. Thanks also go to Customs and Immigration, SVG Coastguard, the Bequia Tourism Association, Kenmore Henville, Courtney Adams, numerous generous businesses in Bequia and St. Vincent, loyal private donors, and all the volunteers within the Sailing Club who worked so hard to make Regatta 2014 another big success.

(Article submitted on behalf of the Bequia Sailing Club) Frangipani Hotel – race Headquarters.

Mount Gay Scotia Bank Bunga Bunga received the J24 Southern Caribbean Championship Trophy from the Hon Cecil McKie, Minister of Tourism Sport and Culture.

V

16. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Time to speed up loans process were to be “thrown away.” He insisted that “diligence” was required.

While acknowledging that some applications did FARMERS who have applied for loans under the Famers not have the required information, this, he said, was Support Programme will get their loan applications no excuse for those applications to be abandoned. He approved more quickly. Raymond Ryan, Permanent suggested that St. Vincent and the Grenades was a Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and small country, and that if application forms were Fisheries, gave this assurance last Wednesday. not complete, efforts ought to be made to have those He was at Cabinet Room where Prime Minister documents updated.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was addressing the media.

“I am pressing the public servants to get this Gonsalves was reporting to the nation on the first programme rolling swifter.” day of his return to duties, following a week’s sojourn as a result of an ankle injury.

Ryan promised that by May 14, all applications to the loan facility will have been assessed.

His assurance came in response to PM Gonsalves’

by KENVILLE HORNE Company loan expressed displeasure and disappointment with the programme, at the amount of money disbursed and the rate at which it Ministry’s headquarters, MINISTER OF has been disbursed. Of the $1.2M approved to AGRICULTURE, Saboto Murray Road, last borrowers, about $300,000 had Caesar, has appealed to Thursday. been made available to farmers According to Caesar, it farmers and all to date. is important that the stakeholders of the “Money is available,” he said, agricultural industry, to forward movement of the and stressed, “I don’t want it to lie down in the bank.” agricultural sector take leave politics out of the There was also concern that place in an environment, sector. fertilisers were also stored up in “where we focus on our “We should not allow ware-houses and were not being business.” partisan political distributed to farmers.

Caesar referenced that distraction to cause the Dr. Gonsalves pointed to the “the lawyer has his law agricultural sector to subsidy given on the fertilisers, firm, he is focusing on produce less. Leave and boasted that the commodity his law firm, he isn’t politics out of here was the “cheapest” in the agriculture,” warned the focus on politics. The Organisation of Eastern doctor who works in the Minister.

Caribbean Sates. hospital, he or she is Caesar was speaking Dr. Ralph In addition to this, other food focusing on their medical at the handing over Gonsalves wants crop enhancement measures ceremony for the second practice.” the public were on offer through relief And declared, “I don’t batch of farmers who supplies provided by the servants to apply were receiving assistance want issues of political Morocco government. some urgency in under the EC$1.2 million divisiveness to creep inDr. Gonsalves made it clear processing the to the Agricultural for farmers under the that he was not advocating that loan applications sector, where there are Farmers Support monies or indeed the fertilisers of the farmers.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

And with the proceedings of the press conference carried live on radio, the Vincentian leader spoke directly to farmers and made it clear: “I am on your side in this matter.”

Farmers have also been given duty free concessions on vehicles damaged during the 2013 Christmas Eve floods.

The Vincentian leader cautioned, though, that Cabinet will have to arrive at a cut off point for the submission of such duty free concessions.

“Leave politics out of agriculture,” warns Caesar persons who for one reason or the other, want to stymie the growth of the agricultural sector because of partisan politics,”, to resounding applause from the farmers.

The Agriculture Minister assured farmers that the sector is here for Vincentians, and while he is cognizant that there are persons who have their particular political persuasion, which is their right, “..at the end of the day, I want production to increase in SVG, and I want persons to feel comfortable to come in and to make their applications and to go out and to work harder and to work smarter.”

Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, recognizes the right to a political choice but wants no partisan politics to retard the efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector here.

Caesar was appointed Minister of Agriculture in 2012.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 17.

Education

VINSA Cave Hill resets its focus The Vincentian Students Association of UWI, the Cave Hill Barbados is to renew its focus on welfare and philanthropic activities.

This was indicated by newly elected (April 1, 2014) President of VINSA, Dalano Da Souza, as he addressed a farewell dinner, themed ‘New Horizons, held last week Thursday, April 17.

The president thanked the members of the outgoing executive for “their hard work”, and assured them, and the wider gathering that included a wide representation by Vincentian and other Caribbean students, and lecturers, that the new executive will take VINSA to “new heights of success.” And “soar to a whole new horizon.”

Da Souza emphasised that VINSA is dedicated

and driven to effect change in whatever way they can, and is already planning activities for the Summer Months of 2014.

The dinner also heard a feature address by Vincentian-born Dr. Justin Robinson, Dean of the Social Sciences Faculty at the Cave Hill campus.

The newly elected executive includes: President Dalano DaSouza; Vice President - Jamar Goodluck; Secretary - Courtnae Bailey; Assistant

GHS Toronto Alumnae donates to Alma Mater The Music Department of the Girls’ High School (GHS) continues to enjoy support from the GHS Toronto Alumnae.

The latest assistance from the Toronto Chapter came on Friday 11th April, 2014, when the school accepted a donation of musical instruments, inclusive of recorders, woodwind, string and percussion instruments.

This was not the first time the Toronto Chapter has donated to the school’s Music Department.

The Department received a keyboard, donated in honor of past alumna and chapter president, Mrs. Barbara CuffyPalmer, as part of the Chapter’s Centennial Project to mark the 100th Anniversary of their Alma Mater.

The St. Vincent GHS Toronto Chapter is a volunteer organization operated by past students of the school. Its main goal is to promote and participate in the academic and general wellbeing of current students of the Girls’ High School, and to assist in providing information and advice to alumnae who are new immigrants to Canada.

Since the inception of the Chapter, the members have supported the school in many ways, such as providing funding for the Beryl Boucher Lunch Fund, donating Ms. S. Barnwell, Toronto Chapter trophies and providing representative (left) hands over violin to Mrs. Donna Clarke, head of the GHS Music prize books for the GHS annual Department. Also pictured are GHS graduation ceremony. Headmistress Mrs. Andrea Bowman and Mr. Dexter Bacchus of the Ministry of Education.

Secretary/Treasurer - Chris- The recently elected Executive of the Ann Mofford; Treasurer Vincentian Students Ateikah Lockhart, Cultural Association (VINSA), Events and Activities UWI, Cave Hill.

Chairperson - Roxanne L-R First Row of Butler; Special Projects Manager -Kymberly Sardine; steps at the front Raylita Lewis Returning Officer - Jael Kymberly Sardine, Browne; Liason Officer Adrian Odle; Welfare Officer Chris-Ann Mofford, Ateikah Lockhart - Cyrilene Prescott; Constitutional Chairperson - Middle Row ;Jael Browne, Karissa Karissa Clarke; Sports and Clarke, Jamar Games Representative Goodluck, Dalano Jamandi Thomas; and Culinary Arts Chairperson - DaSouza, Britney Shortte, Jamandi Britney Shortte.

Persons who are willing to Thomas Back Row - Cyrilene assist with serious welfare Prescott, Roxanne issues affecting Vincentian Butler, Courtnae students studying in Barbados, or simply wish to Bailey. make contact with the organisation, can do so through email VINSACavehill@gmail.com or through VINSA’s FaceBook page “VINSA Cavehill”.

(Submitted by Karissa Clarke)

18. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 19.

News

LIME: First to Launch 4G in Bequia FRESH on the heels of its unveiling of the 4G Leslie Jack, after a short network to corporate partners on the mainland, countdown, throwing a telecommunications provider LIME unleashed the switch that heralded the highly anticipated system to the Grenadine island of presence of 4G; faster Bequia in fine style. mobile connectivity that Residents and visitors who were on the island for can only be experienced last weekend’s Easter Regatta, were treated to a 4G on the LIME network. launch party like never before, at the Clive Tannis The countdown was Playing Field, with some of the country’s most followed by a barrage of versatile entertainers in attendance. fireworks that awed all in The band Kinetic warmed up the packed court attendance. with an energetic performance from its front man Throughout the Akido Foster, who prepared the audience for what weekend, patrons were General Manager Leslie Jack flipping the 4G switch as Marketing & Corp. was to come. treated to huge deals on Comms. Manager Nikala Williams does the count down.

Then it was none other than the LIME 4G 4G ready handsets, double Ambassadors (DJ Fugitive, Pit Bull, Chemical X, bubble, and other deals LIME anticipates having the rest of the country Hypa 4000), as well as the LIME Soca Dans, which and incentives from LIME. completed over the next two (2) weeks. includes Fireman Hooper, Shaunelle McKenzie, LIME currently has eleven (11) 4G sites up and To celebrate their Island wide 4G launch, LIME Luta and DJ Q, who thrilled the crowd with their running which span from Buccament on the promises another thrilling experience at the big past and present hits, including Luta’s well-received Leeward side to Stubbs on the Windward side.

FREE 4G Fete in Victoria Park on May 16th.

2014 track “Til Morning.”

Barbados based band Soca Kartel, accompanied by compatriot Biggie Irie, also got in on the action, with performances that had the crowd begging for more.

The Bequia 4G experience also saw LIME Soca Dans, Shaunelle, Luta and Fireman, performing at the LIME 4G launch in Bequia.

General Manager

V

20. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Struggling to keep up life.

There are things I am sixty years old, and I am having you can do to begin your journey trouble keeping up with my young wife, who is just thirty-six. I left my toward sexual enhancement first wife for this woman because she was younger and did the things naturally. It would be useful to see a my last wife was unable to do or refused to do in bed. My ex-wife did dietician to discuss food choices that can give more warn me that this young woman energy. Combining this with would “kill me”, but I just laughed exercise will also help. her off and accused her of being While you are waiting for the jealous. appointment with the dietician, Now, I am in a situation in which my young wife wants me to you may want to look at possibly make love two and three times almost every night, and I just cannot keep up. I am struggling to keep up, only because I do not Dear George, want to give her reasons to go with another man.

I do not believe in using Viagra QUITE A FEW RASHES have appeared on my body, and I have or any such pills. I am a natural man, and that is how I intend to no idea what they are; but my remain. ‘goat skin doctor’ husband thinks I have some communicable Stuck disease, which I caught from being with other men.

Dear Stuck, I thought he trusted me, but this has made me see that he There is no need to take clearly does not. In a way, I am yourself to exhaustion point just glad I have this condition so I to prove that you are more of a could know he felt this way about machine than a regular man.

You and your wife need to talk me all along. All of this has me about this. Let her know that you thinking about whether or not to continue in the marriage, because are not thirty years old anymore, I cannot be with someone who but would be willing to make some changes to enhance your sex does not trust me.

Dear George,

Pregnancy raises doubts Dear George,

extending your foreplay sessions.

You might be surprised you may not need to anything further to do please her in bed.

George

A case of (mis)Trust

MY HUSBAND thinks I am not pregnant with his child and, as a result, has stopped sleeping with me and would have nothing to do with the pregnancy. He does not want to go with me to the doctor, and refuses to purchase anything that has to do with the pregnancy. I have not been sleeping around on him, but he is saying that he “heard” the child is not his. I did not think he could be so wicked to ignore and neglect me like this, especially at a time when I need him most.

This is our first child together, and to think, I was saving myself for him and for this special event. I feel like such a fool!

Regrets

SAD

Dear Regrets,

Dear SAD, It is indeed difficult to be with someone who does not trust you, and you need to clarify this point with your husband. Let him accompany you to the doctor (dermatologist) for a proper medical opinion on your condition.

That should eliminate his misconceptions, give him an opportunity to apologise and, hopefully, exercise more trust in you, if you are to remain with him.

Your husband needs to get his act together and stop listening to outside voices which can only contribute to the demise of the marriage/relationship. He has no grounds to act the way he is, especially when there is no proof (DNA ) that the child you are carrying is not his.

It has to be assumed that the child is his until proven otherwise.

Let him know that his actions have hurt you, and he needs to get himself together in the best interest of the marriage. Perhaps you can have this conversation in the presence of a marriage counselor. Whatever decision he makes, to listen to you or not to listen to you, he would have to live with it; but it would be better if he does himself a favour and base his actions on concrete proof or love for you.

George

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Now is the time for completing hobbies that you’ve been working on for a long time. Job changes are in order. Go for interviews or send out resumes. Don’t forget family obligations. Get thinking about prolonging longevity.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) You may need a good friend to lean on.

You will have no problem getting along with clients. Don’t agree to make any of those cosmetic alterations you’ve been considering. You can dazzle members of the opposite sex with your quick wit and aggressive charm.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Your charm will be captivating. Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction. Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don’t trust.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Unexpected bills will leave you a little short. Opportunities to travel will be favorable in terms of moneymaking connections. Minor fevers or infections will develop if you’re over-stressed.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Pamper yourself; the self esteem it brings you will be most gratifying.

Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend if you don’t want to find yourself alone.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order.

Family members may feel anxious if you make promises you don’t deliver.

Children may be on your mind.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can make new connections if you play your cards right. Check into art objects or precious stones. You can do well in group endeavors. Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people. Don’t bend to the pressure.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) This is a great day to start that new health regimen you’ve been talking about.

The advice you get this week may be based on false information. Any intimate relationships with colleagues will lead to gossip that could easily affect your position. Your lover will be annoyed with your participation.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Get down to business and do the work yourself. Don’t be shy; show your abilities! Talk to someone with experience about budgets or consolidating debts. Get out and have some fun.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Recognition can be yours if you present your ideas and stand behind your beliefs.

Overindulgence will mean poor health.

Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. Find ways to make extra cash.

Start making things or reusing rather than buying ready made.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies. You have the stamina and determination to succeed.

You may be tired of working for someone else. Get together with friends who like to participate in indoor sports.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Take a close look at contracts and agreements that have been offered to you. Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions when it comes to matters pertaining to work. Co-workers may not be on your side.

ACROSS 1. Cad 5. German car 9. Overweight 12. Slight 13. Genghis __ 14. School records numbers 15. Gumbo ingredient 16. Miss America, almost (hyph.)

18. Christopher Robin’s bear 20. Bright thoughts 21. Unsullied 23. Liverpool’s locale (abbr.)

24. __ Kent (Superman’s alias) 25. Los __ 29. Clock’s three 30. Businesses (abbr.)

31. Juan’s “one” 32. __ illusion 35. Joins metal 37. Wine, in Paree 38. Works hard 39. Disturbed

42. Oldest Brady boy 43. Intelligent 45. Possess 49. Actor Erwin 50. Buffalo’s waterfront 51. Unfreeze 52. Old cloth 53. Cries loudly 54. Robust DOWN 1. PPO alternative 2. Comic strip scream 3. Goof 4. Jumper 5. Ohio port of entry 6. Negative response (hyph.)

7. Ex-CBS anchor Rather 8. Seventh-__ stretch 9. Flame 10. Greenish blue 11. Cooking amounts (abbr.)

17. Inch forward

19. Strong wood 21. Video segment 22. Milk (Fr.) 23. Pulver, e.g (abbr.)

24. AFL-__ 25. Internet service (abbr.)

26. Quiet 27. Discontinues 28. Distress inits.

30. Tin container 33. Currier & __ 34. Big towns 35. Agony

36. __ note (quaver) 38. Sequoias, e.g.

39. “Back in the __” (Beatles) 40. Animal rights gp.

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 21.

41.

42.

44.

46.

Nestled Fluent Sis’s sib “Just as I thought!”

47. Actor Kilmer 48. She-sheep

22. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 23.

SVG U15 cricket below par L-r) Dave Duncan (reserve), Urnel Thomas, Alistair Shallow, Roushorne John (reserve).

The national U15 team on their return to SVG. Coach Uzzah Pope is at extreme left.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT COACH OF THE St. Vincent and

the Grenadines Under 15 cricket Cricket Association to put in team Uzzah Pope feels that the place programmes to facilitate time is overdue for the SVG the progress of that level of

Grassroot tennis team excels in St. Lucia THE EFFORTS OF THE Grassroot Tennis Club were justly rewarded at the completion of the Eastern Caribbean Tennis Championship, with victories in various categories.

In the boys 12 singles final, Aidan Bousquet of St. Lucia defeated Akeil Deroche of SVG. Imani King reached the semi-finals in both boys under 18 and men’s open categories.

He lost to Vernon Lewis, eight (8) time OECS Champion, in the open category.

Kamara Williams of SVG secured the girls under 14 division when she defeated fellow Vincentian Shania Williams in the final.

Team Vincy showed their class in securing three of the four boys’ divisions: Imani King and Joshua Mounsey of defeated St. Lucians Dylan Paul and Ajani Thomas to claim the boys 18s; Anthonio Cain and Akeil DeRoche defeated the St. Lucian team of Simon Desir and Clybert Alexander to clinch the boys 14 doubles; and the SVG pair of Cain and DeRoche returned to defeat the Martiniquan team of Hugo Cibille and Theo Felixine to win the boys 12 doubles..

Brothers Rio and Che Connell went under in the boys under 10 doubles final in their three (3) setter with Martiniquan Eddie Carror

Team Vincy with Trophies (L-R back) Shania Williams, Delicia Fernandez, Kenisha Lampkin, Josh Mounsey and Imani King; (L-R front): Director Grant Connell, Kamara Williams, Che Connell, Akeil DeRoche, Rio Connell and Anthonio Cain. and Naom Murcario.

In the girls division, Shania Williams and Delicia Fernandiez lost in the girls 18 doubles finals to the Grenadian team of Nikitta Bowen and Jody-anne James.

In the women open doubles, the Vincentian team of Kamara Williams and Kenisha Lampkin secured a place in the final but lost to the St. Lucian team of Catherine Edwards and Diana Stanislaus. They however, bounced back to secure the girls 14 doubles, defeating St. Lucians Rudel Octave and Netanya Faissal.

Team Captain and Manager Grant Connell said the outing was great exposure

for the youngsters who have all been playing tennis for just 4 years.

He singled out Imani King for special mention, reporting that Vernon Lewis had described the young man as an asset to Tennis in St. Vincent and a dangerous young player with a great serve.

Connell however, lamented the fact that King has not been on the ITF circuit for the last three (3) years but promised that the club would endeavour to assist this young talent to get on that circuit.

Imani King was adjudged the most discipline player of the Championship.

cricket here.

SVG cricketers occupied the cellar position for the fifth consecutive year and the second year under Pope, a former SVG and Windwards wicketkeeper/batsman.

“Something has got to be done…..we are not up to the standard of the other teams….they have primary and secondary schools competition from where they are able to select their players.

In addition, they have the grassroots programme like us, but they have regular training so the players are well prepared before they come into the tournament,” a very disappointed Pope said.

“We cannot rush to select a team and take players from the Grassroots Programme with the minimum amount of preparation, and expect them to be on the same level of the other teams……it will only serve up the results we come back with,” he added.

SVG lost all their matches and only garnered a point when their final match against Dominica was rained out, without a ball being bowled.

In the first round, SVG lost by 69 runs to St. Lucia, by five wickets to Grenada and by 32 runs to Dominica. And in the second round by 126 runs to St. Lucia, eight wickets to Grenada, with the final match against Dominica abandoned.

Pope said the results had little impact on the players since they appeared resigned to their fate of not being good enough to compete.

“When they lose, it is as if they accept the results……it is tough, but what can I do with players who have had little preparation time and no serious exposure to help them to develop their game? It really hurts to see what has happened to our Under 15 cricketers…when we once dominated this competition…..we have work to do and we must do it fast if we are to have good young cricketers coming through”, Pope said, frustration bathing

his voice.

Over the years, SVG have dominated the Windwards U15 tournament, at times winning without losing a match, a period presided over by former President Lennox John.

“We had good cricketers then and we had programmes directed by ‘Paddy’ Thomas and Roxel John……so there were young talented players who were coming through all the time. And of course there was a vibrant programme in North Leeward done by Jules Anthony and his guys, and that helped a great deal,” a sombre John said.

John pointed to the rise of Delorn Johnson, Lindon James, Donwell Hector, and before them Romel Currency and Kenroy Peters as some who have passed through the Under 15 set up, and helped SVG to dominate the competition.

He, like Pope, believes that a serious programme has to be put in place in order to arrest the slide, and the frightening possibility of the disappearance of U15 cricketers.

“There must be a feeder programme, and it cannot be done through the Grassroots Programme alone….there must be some sort of competition to get the players into match situation,” John urged.

Second Vice-president of the SVG Cricket Association, Denis Byam, who was at the E.T. Joshua Airport when the team returned, agreed that programmes would have to be put in place to improve on the quality of the players coming through, but preferred to leave comments on such plans to President Julian Jack.

SVG gained two selectees to the Windward Islands Under 15 team in allrounder Urnel Thomas and Alistair Shallow and two reserves in Dave Duncan and Roushorne John.

Hosts St. Lucia were crowned champions with 13 points, with Dominica second on nine points, Grenada third with three and SVG fourth with one point.

V

24. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Windwards looking to move out of shadows

expected to enter the match with a psychological head start, DUBBED “Bridesmaids’ having beaten the and ‘Regional Whipping Jamaicans in their own Boys’ since their advent back yard, in their into regional cricket earlier match. almost a half a century The Windwards ago, the Windward Islands bludgeoned their way are in with a great chance into the final, after of rewriting regional flattening Trinidad and cricket history, and Tobago by 234 runs on removing that negative day three of the four-day tag. match, with Vincentian, In fact, they have been left-arm seamer, Kenroy installed as favourites as Peters, picking up a they go into the final of career best 7-36, to earn the four-day competition the Man of the Match against Jamaica this award. weekend, for the SCORES: Windwards Weekes/Headley Trophy. 248 & 231, TnT 140/8 The Windwards, in dec. & 105. addition to getting home Former Windwards advantage in the final and Combined Islands which will be played at opener and now selector the Beausejour Cricket Lance John, was elated Ground in St. Lucia from with the victory, and was today (April 25) to confident that this time Monday (April 28), are the Windwards can go all

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

the way.

“The guys really put in a good team effort….and to think that some of our top players are not in this team…..hats off to ‘Petey’ (Kenroy Peters) and the guys for beating Trinidad in such a comprehensive manner,” John said from his Barrouallie home on Sunday .

The team was without first teamers in captain Darren Sammy (IPL), Andre Fletcher (family matters) and Shane Shillingford (flu).

Shillingford, the team’s and one of the region’s top offspinners, is expected to return to the team. Fletcher, an expectant father, may be excused once more.

John observed that the composition of the team with four seamers at the

Romel Currency held Kenroy Peters the Windwards’ first destroyed the Trinidadians with a haul innings together with a patient 68. of 7/36, and was deservedly named Man declared their first of the Match. innings 140/8, hoping for Queens Park Oval may two days of rain to go have been a first by the through on bonus points.

Windwards at a venue They were undone by known for producing Mervin Mathew (4/19), spin-friendly surfaces. the sun, and later by He, however, refused to Peters who moved the give any response on the ball both ways to bemuse possible composition of the Trinidadian batsmen. the team, with some Legspinner Imran suggesting that Nelon Khan with 4/59 and 5/46 Pascal be omitted for the joined the long list of return of Shillingford.

Trinidadian spinners In addition to Peters, who have taken a bagful the Windwards were of wickets on what is indebted to Romel seen as the ‘Spinners Currency (68), who held Paradise’. the first innings together The Windwards placed with Sunil Ambris (44) second in 1982 and 1983, and Liam Sebatien (40) and were humiliated by in trying conditions, and Barbados in their semiveteran opener, Devon final match in Dominica Smith (63) for a solid last year, losing by an second innings half innings and 101 runs century. after getting scores of 67 The Trinidadians and 44, when replying to

Devon Smith contributed an invaluable 63 to the Windwards’ second innings. their opponents’ score of 212.

John believes that the Windwards who won the Super40 title in 2013 but went out in the first round in 2014, can go all the way this time.

“I get the feeling that we can take it this time…..it’s our best chance….but the Jamaicans are always good scrappers, and they will be looking for revenge …..but we can do it……I feel so.” John said.

Jamaica made it into to the final when their last pair of David Bernard (14*) and Nikita Miller (3*) held their nerve to help the team overhaul the target of 167, after they had slipped from 111/2 to 155/9.

Joseph inspires Young Strikers STEIN JOSEPH hit a timely half century for Young Strikers as they beat Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem by 70 runs, in the Digicel/Hairoun Lauders Cultural and Sports Club 20/20 softball cricket competition on the weekend.

Owia Young Strikers won the toss and batted first on the Launders Playing Field wicket. They managed a challenging 194 for 7 in 20 overs, with Stein Joseph leading the batting with 61 and Osneth Cato hitting 32.

Jason Daniel was Nar Fren Dem’s best bowler with figures of 4 for 25, and Sachin James had 3 for 42. Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem failed in their challenge to overhaul the Strikers’ total, falling for 124 in 19.3 overs. Damron Prince top scored with 28. Desron Maloney took 3 for 13 and Daverson Lavia 2 for 17.

In other results, Fully Loaded Ballers won over Rate Yo Boys Challengers by default.

In a match reduced to 17 overs a side because of rain, Combine Sixers won the toss and batting first, made 104 in 13.2 overs against Links. . Asif Hooper and Richie Richards hit 21 each. Shanley Lavia took took 3 for 22 and Omar Lavia 2 for 23. Links replied with 70 from 15.2 overs, to give Sixers victory by 34 runs. Shawn Williams led with 26. Asif Hooper took 4 for 6.

In the match between Dr. Thomas Injectors and Panthers, reduced to 15

Stein Joseph hit a a match-winning 61 for Young Strikers. overs because of a late start, the former batted first and made 85 for 7 in 15 overs. Saeed Peters top scored with 29. Verrol Henry took 2 for 15.

Panthers replied with 89 for 3 in 14.5 overs. Jimmy France top scored with 32 and Gareth Henry 30.

Out-ah-Trouble beat Log Enterprises Supreme Strikers by 6 wickets. Log Enterprises batted first and were reduced to 80 for 7 in 20 overs. Chris Humphrey hit 24. Sunil James took 5 for 10. Out-ah-Trouble reached 81 for 4 in 15.4 overs. Imran Samuel made 19.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 25.

Sports

Combat ready ‘mercy’, no protegee

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

WI cricket THE WINDWARDS have a chance of winning the Headley/Weekes trophy, symbol of cricket supremacy at the extended version for the year 2014. The Windwards beat Barbados and Jamaica in the preliminaries, to suggest that they can be among the best.

Whereas the victory over Trinidad and Tobago appeared to have come easily, there is no belittling the Windwards’ performance. Trinidad might have been overconfident in believing that they could have given a 108-run lead and come back and win the match. The Windwards would have had to be dismissed for under 100 in their second innings. In which case, Trinidad and Tobago would have had enough time, even if they had fallen well short of the Windwards total in the first innings.

The Trinidadians approached the run chase as if it were a T/20 match or One Day International.

Kenroy Peters is a good bowler in any conditions. He has justified my belief in him.

Peters has existed in the shadows of Windwards Cricket for over a decade. People have forgotten that Peters was a stand-out player for the West Indies Under 21/23 teams on many occasions.

He was highly rated in England. Peters has been spoken of by West Indies batsmen time and time again, but because he is not the express bowler, he does not attract attention. His wicket haul and economy rate must put him in the reckoning.

Had there been a fit Shane Shillingford, Peters could have been the man on the bench. He turned out to be Man of the Match, with his career best figures.

Windwards will have to be up to the task and put the ecstasy of the semi-final encounter in perspective.

Neither should they think that having overcome Jamaica earlier, it will be a walk-in-the-park victory.

Jamaica has shown the qualities of worth. They thwarted a Barbados miracle to cling on to the victory to secure their place in the final.

They may have timed their build up to perfection, and might well believe they have passed the worst. They will remind themselves, however, that the final is yet to be won.

It will be unreal if I say I don’t have a bias. I expect a Windwards victory, but I am not going ahead of anything and predict a result. I will be thrilled with the outcome as long as West Indies Cricket is the winner.

The home battles are just part of getting the final product called West Indies cricket.

The West Indies have to show consistency to battle whom they come up against.

The domestic product has to be the platform.

One can’t say that we could be satisfied with the quality of batting that has surfaced this season.

We have to credit the bowlers. Some of the top batsmen failed to stamp their authority.

They could blame the pitches. Batsmen have to get used to whatever conditions are served.

Batsmen have to improve their technique and adjust to the circumstances facing them. That requires determination and commitment.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has shown the tenacity to handle any odds.

He has to nurture a new breed. Hopefully his son joins the brigade. However, cricket is more than a name. Batsmen have to come up with the runs to justify their selection.

Selectors have to reward those who deliver the goods and screen them for the bigger reservoir.

TRACK AND FIELD coach Michael “Mercy’ Ollivierre has identified several areas which he feels is hampering the progress of the sport here. Among these are lazy coaches, incompetent administrators and an overwhelming desire to be nasty and petty-minded on the part of some close to and others integrally involved in the sport.

Ollivierre, speaking to THE VINCENTIAN during a break in one of his Saturday morning coaching sessions, was at the time combative, but also humourous and sarcastic as he gave his unabridged views on the state of the sport here.

When quizzed about the reason why there are problems between him and the other coaches, Ollivierre replied: “Problems with coaches? Who me? I have no problem with anyone. They are just envious of what I am doing. I am a hard worker and I am a Level Five coach. That means I am highly qualified to do what I am doing, and many of them are not,” he blurted, his eyes narrowing and lips pressing against his teeth.

Ollivierre said that his work since his return here four years ago has encouraged the reintroduction of the InterPrimary Schools Track and Field Meet, in which he initially played a part. He admitted, though, that he is no longer part of the set-up dealing with that because “some people were not comfortable with me being there.”

He recalled that upon his return here in 2010, he developed good relations with all of the major track and field players, but things got sour after he began coaching some athletes.

“When I came here, I touched base with all the parties concerned, the Ministry of Sports, NOC, Team Athletics SVG, and I made it specifically plain to the president (of Team Athletics SVG) that I had no interest in running for any position on any executive.

All I wanted to do was (to) coach….but things started going downhill after a short time.”

He described his relationship with coach (Godfrey) Harry of

Thomas Saunders Secondary school as an excellent one, and that with Rawlson Morgan at the Grammar School, as good.

But, he was not happy with some of the things which were happening, and he “formed a little group.”

The ‘little group’, now called IT DAT, has 128 registered Rebeurth Boyde needs to move on, so says athletes, and Michael Ollivierre. according to Ollivierre, this is what is causing all the friction since “my athletes are doing better than their athletes.”

While he is prepared to work in the best interest of SVG by coaching and developing athletes, Ollivierre will not take any disrespect from anyone, regardless of who that individual is.

“Boss, no man disrespect this man ya……dem haffi know dem place,” his voice Michael Ollivierre, coach, chats a model of seriousness.

Questioned about reports of his with parent of a young athlete. approaching and poaching on Intermediate to Seniors, our young talented athletes, Ollivierre athletes won fourteen. I will like responded in a raised voice to win all twenty, one of these immersed in anger and disgust. days because I strive for “Poaching on which athlete? I excellence.” don’t have to do that. These Ollivierre said that there are coaches here don’t even know athletes, presently under the care what they are about. Look at the of other coaches, who will not Primary Schools, how much of reach further than where they are them you see here trying to source unless they make a switch. He talent for their club or secondary identified the Boyde twins, school? None, none of them Rebeurth and Roberto, as a case excepting Pamenos. If this was in in point.

Jamaica, you would have had “Garth (De Shong) has done hundreds of coaches scouting for good work with them, and for that talent; but not here…they are just he must be commended. But he a bunch of jokers.” cannot take them beyond that Ollivierre said that the envy level. He and the parents of these comes from the success his boys must accept this and make athletes are enjoying at all levels. the correct decision which would “Look at Inter-Schools. Nine help their careers…….only if they records were broken, six of them are hoping to win brass they came from my athletes……and in would want to stay,” he said, 20 events, Boys and Girls intoxicated with sarcasm to the end.

As far as the Inter-Schools Games are concerned, Ollivierre promised that, once he is around the St. Vincent Grammar School ,who won the Boys title for a third straight year, “No one is going to beat them.”

He also indicated that he is doing some work with some athletes at St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown which won the Girls division.

Michael ‘Mercy’ Ollivierre is not going anywhere, at least in the foreseeable future. He intends to keep on nurturing more seeds.

Hurdles training session for young IT DAT athletes.

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

Jevonté „Andrew‰ Lewis Open Bible Standard Church Tuesday 22nd April, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Esron Oswald Louie World Wide Mission Petit Bordel Sunday 20th April, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Idena Pierre New Testament Church of God Chateaubelair Saturday 19th April, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Erine Lee Frederick Full in the Spirit Ottley Hall Saturday 19th April, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Gregory Anthony Tash Enhams Church of the Nazarene Saturday 19th April, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Winifred Joseph St. James Anglican Church Layou Tuesday 22nd April, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 25, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.15

A.I. REAL ESTATE New Montrose 2 bedrm Property on 4,356 sq.ft. - Open to offers - H542 Twenty Hill 3 Family House on 7,426 sq.ft. - $750,000.00 - H533 South Union 3 bedrm Property on 8,404 sq.ft. - $580,000.00 - H538 Stubbs 6 bedrm Property on 6,658 sq.ft. - $440,000.00 - H870 Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com

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“EXCELLENT PIECE OF INVESTIGATION,” SAYS PROSECUTOR

Lisa Hooper was found guilty of possession of 1,235 grams of cocaine with intent to supply.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Jomo Thomas, lawyer for Lisa Hooper, had deemed the police investigations into the matter as being ‘half-baked’.

WHILE LAWYER Jomo Thomas described the investigations in the canned liquid cocaine matter involving his client Lisa Hooper as “half-baked”, the prosecutor, Adolphus Delpleche, has lauded the investigator, Constable Chris John, for what he described as, “an excellent piece of investigation.”

The Senior Prosecutor’s comments came while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, shortly after Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias ruled that Hooper was guilty on all three charges at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

The Magistrate concluded that, having considered all the evidence, she accepted the prosecution’s case.

The 23-year-old Campden Park woman was fined $27,000 for possession of 1,235 grams of cocaine with intent to supply.

She was ordered to pay half forthwith or two years in prison, and the other half by June 23 with a similar alternative.

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

Hooper was also handed two three-year suspended sentences, one for conspiring with British National Naton Smith and others to export the drug, and the other for conspiring with Smith and others for the purpose of drug trafficking.

The matter had concluded March 28 following a trial which lasted about ten days, but Browne-Matthias had reserved judgement.

The prosecution relied on the evidence of star witness Naton

Smith, a 22-year-old native of Kent, England, who is serving a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to charges in connection with the same matter.

The cocaine was discovered in three sealed cans, bearing the labels of local products Hairoun, Presidente and Vita Malt, found in Smith’s luggage after PC John intercepted him at the E.T. Joshua Airport July 24, 2013 where he was destined for his homeland.

Delpleche said he could not recall any drug-related matter in St. Vincent and the Grenadines of such a sophisticated nature, and expressed satisfaction that the convictions were secured.

“I want to commend highly the investigation of PC Chris John. He had Naton Smith under investigation from the very day he came to St. Vincent.

“Contrary to what defence Counsel Jomo Thomas said in his closing arguments that the investigations were ‘half-baked’, it was an excellent piece of investigation.

“I would say that the defence’s case was unpalatable, as reflected in the decision of the Magistrate.”

In mitigation, Thomas begged for leniency, in light of his client’s age, that she is the mother of a 2-year-old and that she had no previous convictions.

At the time of the court’s adjournment on Wednesday, Hooper had not paid the first half of the fine, and was taken into custody.

Up to press time, THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain whether it was paid.

Efforts to reach Thomas were unsuccessful.

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

Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche lauded investigator Constable Chris John for a fine piece of investigative work.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.