Issue 1st November 2012

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

VOLUME 106, No. 44

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Elwardo ‘EG’ Lynch, the Host of the New Times programme on Nice Radio, was the one found guilty of making direct statements of defamation of Dr. Gonsalves.

by HAYDN HUGGINS A PROMINENT LAWYER here is quite confident that ‘Nice Radio’

would be able to pay Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves “the fruits” of his judgement, in a defamation case, much faster than if a receiver is appointed.

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne, who has been playing a leading role in the appeal to raise funds to “save the radio station from being taken over by a receiver”, told THE VINCENTIAN her confidence was boasted following the official launch of that appeal last Monday night by herself, Junior Bacchus and Matthew Thomas, on an interactive programme hosted by Jerry George, and aired on Nice Radio.

She said the lines were opened to receive pledges for about an hour and a half, and during that period, about 100 persons either called in or e-mailed their pledges, which amounted to EC$40,000.

Application to appoint a receiver Lawyer srepresenting Dr. Gonsalves had applied for a Court Order to have a receiver appointed so that he could receive “the fruits of his judgement” in a defamation case in which talk show host Elwardo ‘EG’ Lynch, and BDS Limited, owners of Nice Radio, were each ordered to pay Gonsalves $250,000 in damages.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves looks forward The Vincentian leader told journalists to his pay day so that he can at a news conference last Monday, “Is donate the windfall to charity.

Right: Douglas De Freitas finds himself at the centre of the matter, given that he is the proprietor of NICE Radio.

Lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne (left) and former talk show host Junior Bacchus are at the vanguard of the appeal to save Nice Radio.

to be appointed.

“All would happen is that if the court grants that order, that individual would be the person who runs the station and any money which the station, makes would go to satisfy the fruits of my judgement. So I 2002 have told my lawyers I I was would expect Dougie defamed DeFreitas would still have his you know. I programme ‘Breakfast with Ralph’, haven’t got the fruits of my judgement except to say he would have to pay for yet. This is 2012 we are in now.’ it because there would be the receiver He pointed out that he understood there. Now, I don’t think he pays for from his lawyers that they have it. I don’t know,” PM Gonsalves concluded that, rather than trying to explained. sell the equipment at Nice Radio, one option is to ask the court for a receiver Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

United Vincie Cultural Group donates

by GLORIAH…

Vincie Cultural Group handed over a quantity of THE NEW YORK medical equipment and BASED United supplies to the Ministry of Health, to be distributed to several medical clinics Left: Dr. Roxie across St. Vincent and the Irish (left) Grenadines. readies the The activity was held supplies and on Friday 26th October equipment for presentation. at the Cruise Ship Terminal. Members on

hand from New York to make the donation were: Dr. Roxie Irish, President; Lilius Hamblin, Treasurer; Dailene Bobb, Assistant Treasurer; and other members in Judith Murray, Marva Gumbs Roberts; LaFleur Gumbs; and Vennis Alleyne.

According to Dr. Roxie Irish, former resident of Campden Park, the idea of donating to clinics and individuals in SVG began after 2003, when she had made a periodic return visit to her homeland to visit her ailing grandmother. She told THE VINCENTIAN that her grandmother had constantly reported that going to the clinic made no sense, as the supplies which she needed were not available there.

Upon further investigation, Irish said that the same sentiments were echoed among other individuals, particularly the elderly.

Upon her return to the United States, she held discussions with a number of friends about assisting, and they collectively “jumped on the idea.” The United Vincie Cultural Group was born. “Our first Vincie Appreciation Cultural Show was held at my church, and that fundraising effort turned out to be smashing,” she announced with enthusiasm.

Since then, the UVCG holds an annual show in New York (See page 13 of THE VINCENTIAN dated September 28, 2012) in an effort to

realize funds to purchase and ship materials and supplies.

This year’s donations came in the form of hospital beds, walkers, commodes, wheelchairs, television sets, fax copiers, blood pressure and diabetes machines, nebulizers, autoscopes, thermometers, gauze, needles, sheets, and adult diapers, among others.

Dr. Irish informed THE VINCENTIAN that institutions were selected, based on face to face interviews conducted in July 2010 and follow up telephone interviews in July 2011.

The majority of the supplies were purchased with funds accumulated from efforts by the group, while a few items, like the hospital beds, were solicited from a nursing home.

The United Vincie Cultural Group, a nine year old entity, has as its focus the provision of ‘medical assistance to those who are in dire need, with special emphasis on supplies for the various clinics on the island’. Through their commitment towards making a difference in the lives of others, a total of twenty-five clinics have benefited thus far from their benevolence.

The group currently boasts a membership of thirty-five persons, including children of Vincentian nationals, who are being taught their heritage through activities of the organization.

The seven members of the United Vincie Cultural Group were part of the National Heritage Parade staged on Wednesday 24th October.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 3.

News 3

SVG looks towards renewable energy area of geothermal exploration.

ST. VINCENT AND THE He noted that SVG GRENADINES has been has a national energy placing more emphasis on policy that was fashioned exploring alternative and codified in 2009, sources of energy. along with a national This is according to energy plan which Prime Minister Dr. provides the strategy for Ralph Gonsalves, who achieving the goals and made the pronouncement objectives of the national during a press conference energy policy. at Cabinet Room, According to the Prime Monday, October 29, Minister geological following his return to studies have shown that the state from Dubai, SVG has in excess of 100 United Arab Emirates, Megawatts of geothermal where he attended the energy in the earth, World Energy Forum, at while the country’s peak which the World Energy demand is about 21 Day Proclamation was megawatts. issued.

“So if we have at least Dr. Gonsalves stated 100 megawatts in the that the possibilities earth, you can see that exist for St. Vincent and we would have at current the Grenadines to benefit peak demand five times significantly from the amount,” Dr. alternative sources of Gonsalves explained, energy, especially in the citing the option if

by KENVILLE HORNE

capitalized upon as putting SVG is a postion to run its business at lower costs.

Stressing that his government has already moved in the direction of leading the way in the use of alternative sources of energy, the Prime Minister cited the use of a 10 kilowatt solar system at the Financial Complex that has resulted in savings of $15,000 monthly on the energy bill.

The Prime Minister informed that representatives from two reputable companies in Canada and Iceland will be visiting St. Vincent and Grenadines next week, to follow up on discussion relating to the capitalization of geothermal energy here.

The Clinton Global

Continued from Page 1.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was upbeat about the possibilities that exist for harnessing alternative energy sources in this country.

Initiative is also expected to visit the country next week to provide technical assistance in relation to harnessing geothermal energy.

Friends of Jazz members and Ministry of Health officials at the handing over ceremony. the donations will be put to good use.

Minister of Health, Clayton Burgin, was in attendance at the Director of BMC Agencies and handing over, and on receiving spokesperson of ‘Friends of Jazz’, the items said he was “delighted explained during a handing over to be here to receive the ceremony at the MCMH, Tuesday donation,” and expressed “thanks 30th October, that the group and appreciation to the started out as ‘MR6’, when the organization for their benevolence hospital MRI machine was being at a time when the world is being purchased, and has since evolved visited by economic hardship.” to have two accounts, ‘MR6’ and He described the gesture as a ‘Friends of Jazz’. manifestation of the businesses’ Boyea said that they host two commitment and determination. major events annually: ‘Jazz on The MCMH has a 215 bed the Green’ at the Casino, and the capacity, and facilitates a range of ‘Carnival Escape Party’ held medical procedures and services, during the carnival season. including surgeries and The donation on the day emergency care. comprised 360 sheets and 3 Members of ‘The Friends of televisions, and Boyea, in handing Jazz’ include Keith Boyea, Norlan over the items, expressed that he Gabriel, Derry Williams, Ossie has “seen a lot of improvement Davy, Deon Harry and Andre and maturity in the management Iton. of the hospital,” and trusts that

‘Friends of Jazz’ gives back

by KARISSA CLARKE ANNUALLY, Vincentian music lovers journey to the Emerald Valley Casino to take in a night of ‘Jazz on the Green’; to be entertained by talented jazz musicians from different parts of the world.

What many patrons may not realize is that the proceeds raised by this ‘Jazz on the Green’ event, organized by ‘Friends of Jazz’, are used for the greater good.

This Year, the organization has made donations to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), Lewis Punnett Home and the Mental Health Centre, to the tune of approximately EC$30,000 in worth.

Keith Boyea, Managing

Vincentians pledge thousands to save Nice Radio In relation to the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) sponsored programme ‘New Times’, he added, “I am sure the receiver would insist that they pay the arrears, and that they keep current with their payments, so that I would get the fruits of my judgement.”

Gonsalves said he has absolutely no interest in ‘closing down’ Nice Radio, and that he has no hatred against Douglas DeFreitas of BDS Ltd; but he made it clear, “you defame me; give me the fruits of my judgement so that I can give it to charity.”

Dr. Gonsalves will be paid Bacchus-Browne told THE VINCENTIAN that Matthew Thomas and Junior Bacchus, both former talk show hosts, had initially launched the appeal to save Nice Radio, but she and Bacchus recently re-activated that appeal after it became clear that a receiver would be appointed.

“My aim is to make it meaningless to appoint a receiver because we are going to raise the funds.

The Prime Minister is going to get his money much faster our way than if he appoints a receiver,” Bacchus-Browne declared.

The lawyer disclosed that she had three matters in which the court ordered the judgement debtors to pay off the judgement creditors by monthly installments. She said that in two of those cases, the court ordered under one percent of the full debt per month, and in the other matter five percent.

“I am of the opinion that through the ‘Save Nice Radio Appeal’, lawyers would be able to present to the court a very reasonable payment schedule which would ensure that Dr. Gonsalves gets his full judgement debt in a much faster time than if a receiver is appointed, and Vincentians would continue to enjoy the lawful, but unfettered programming of Nice Radio. After all, I am an officer of the court, and I do believe that judgement creditors like Dr. Gonsalves must be paid their debts”, Bacchus-Browne said.

She was impressed by Monday night’s call-inprogramme. She said there was a constant stream of telephone calls, and was deeply moved by a civil servant who said she was going to pledge her one and a half percent backpay, while another woman pledged her life to save Nice Radio.

Bacchus-Browne said that, despite the harsh economic times, people pledged generously.

She added that a hurricane in New York could not stop persons calling from various parts of the United States and Canada to make their pledges.

“This is to show how loved Nice Radio is by Vincentians at home and abroad. That is a heart of gratitude for all the work Nice Radio has been doing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in terms of freedom of speech, democracy, health, religion, news, sports, disaster preparedness, among other things,” Bacchus-Browne said. She noted that the radio programmes to receive pledges are ongoing and a massive concert is being planned, among other activities, as part of the ‘Save Nice Radio Appeal’.

Gonsalves had taken legal action against Lynch and BDS Ltd after Lynch made certain remarks on the ‘New Times’ programme in 2002.

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Major drug matter being heard of marijuana with intent to supply.

The men are also accused ATTORNEY GRANT CONNELL is of attempting to export the expected to make a no case drug. submission, in writing, by The Preliminary Inquiry Monday, November 5, on (PI) commenced on October behalf of four Barbadian 26 before Chief Magistrate nationals held in connection Sonya Young at the Serious with a major drug haul in Vincentian waters, on July 13, Offences Court.

The prosecution closed its 2012. case on Wednesday Joel Payne, Ryan Corbin, following the testimonies of Shawn Boucher and Devon six witnesses, including Hurdle are charged with coast guard officers Edwin possession of 1,706 pounds

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Attorney Grant Connell will make his no case submission in writing on behalf of four Barbadians.

Charges dropped against Clare Valley man summarily and the matter was transferred to the Kingstown A CLARE VALLEY man who Magistrate’s Court. initially faced ten charges of Rivierre had originally having in his possession appeared at the Serious various vehicle licence Offences Court January 2012, stickers, reasonably suspected but the matter was adjourned of being stolen or unlawfully on several occasions. On the obtained, on different dates last occasion, the prosecutor between January 20, 2011 and requested an adjournment to January 18, 2012, would no review the files. The longer have to worry about five adjournment was granted and of those charges.

Inspector Delpleche was slated Prosecutor Inspector to report to the court on Adolphus Delpleche informed Wednesday, which he did. the Serious Offences Court on The prosecutor also agreed Wednesday that the to defence attorney Grant prosecution was not Connell’s request, at an earlier proceeding with five of the date, for disclosure of all charges against Benedict relevant documents in the Rivierre. The Preliminary matter. Delpleche assured Inquiry (PI) into the other they would be provided by charges will now proceed ‘sundown’.

give her ruling on November 15. The Barbadians were reportedly aboard the vessel ‘Rolling Deep’ off Fancy on the North Windward coast, when they were held by local coast guard officers around 12:30 a.m. July 13.

Burton’s trial resumes on Monday

by HAYDN HUGGINS

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Prosecutor Inspector Adolphus Delpleche assured that all documents in a matter against Benedict Rivierre will be made available to the defendant’s attorney.

An appropriate verdict, says lawyer LAWYER DR. LINTON LEWIS describes Justice Wesley James’ decision to direct the nine member jury to bring a verdict of not guilty on his client Sandra John as “most appropriate.”

Lewis, recently appointed Senator in this country’s House of Assembly, brought a no case submission last Monday. The Judge accepted Lewis’ arguments, and John was given marching orders.

She faced deception charges in a trial which began at the

Durrant and Selwyn Isaacs.

The matter was then adjourned for submissions.

Prosecutor Inspector Adolphus Delpleche is slated to respond, in writing, to the no case submission on November 9. The Chief Magistrate is expected to

High Court in Kingstown last week Monday.

For most of the hearing, the complainant, Adnan Mkhoul, occupied centre stage. He spent most of the time over the week’s trial giving evidence.

Carl Williams appeared for the Prosecution. Mkhoul, originally from Syria, and John have been in legal wrangling for an extended period.

Lewis looked at it as “unfortunate” that “an innocent woman” could have been before the Defence attorney Dr. Linton Lewis courts for four years. bemoaned the fact that his client had to Lewis pointed out labour through four years of indecision. that John, a former

FOLLOWING a three-week adjournment, the trial involving opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) central committee member Burton Williams will resume next Monday, November 5.

The trial resumes after Senior Magistrate Donald Browne, who is hearing the matter, granted defence counsel Andreas Coombs the adjournment, October 15.

Coombs had requested the adjournment to address certain issues in relation to the matter.

The former NDP candidate Burton Williams will is facing charges of behaving return to court next in a manner in which a breach Monday. of peace was likely to be occasioned, and attempting to damage property. Both charges stem from an NDP-led march and rally in Kingstown, January 28, 2011 to protest proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

The hearing had commenced at the Kingstown Magistrates Court on September 11. The prosecution closed its case following the testimonies of seven witnesses. Williams then made his defence and was cross-examined by crown counsel Colin John, who is prosecuting the matter.

Coombs had indicated to the court that the defence intended to call two witnesses, his father Venold Coombs, who is also president of the local Football Federation, and technician Lincoln Prescott.

Deputy Head at a Housing and Land Development Corporation, “lost her job” and that the procedure left her “embarrassed and humiliated.”

The defence lawyer referred to his client as “totally innocent.”

Mkhoul and John were also locked in civil litigation, but John has filed a counter claim against Mkhoul with the results of the criminal matter having been determined.

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V LIAT considering cutting flights

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 5.

Regional

JUST OVER A WEEK after Captain Ian Burton, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, disclosed that there were at least eight locations in the LIAT schedule which were deemed ‘uneconomic’, LIAT’s Board of Directors Chairman, Dr. Jean Holder, has issued a further warning that the airline is considering a proposal to reduce the number of flights.

Holder did so while in St. Lucia last week, to meet with that country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony, to solicit a commitment that St. Lucia will invest in the cash-strapped airline.

The Chairman confirmed that the airline was “not doing well financially,” and is now “implementing a business plan so as to reposition the airline to become a viable entity.”

Holder is quoted in the St. Lucian media as saying that the plan “is a business plan that has objectives that are very important, which includes moving this airline from losses to profitability and we want to improve particularly, the efficiency of the regional carrier.”

The LIAT chairman also said that the plan

includes “improving its customer service, since over the last four years, the airline has recorded a slump in the demand for regional travel.”

Needless to say, observers across the region have cited that any reduction in LIAT’s routes could affect the hospitality industry in the region.

When the LIAT delegation, which also included Captain Ian Brunton, left St. Lucia, there was no word with respect as to whether Dr. Anthony had made any concrete commitment.

Early this year, Dr.

Ralph Gonsalves, SVG Prime Minister and Chairman of the LIAT shareholders grouping, had said that efforts were to be intensified to encourage investment in the airline, by other CARICOM/OECS territories which enjoyed uninterrupted service by the airline.

Dr. Gonsalves had named then, Dominica and St. Lucia as two OECS territories which

LIAT operates the only scheduled air service into and out of St. Vincent.

Left: Dr. Jean Holder, LIAT Chairman, confirmed a proposal to cut flights, but gave no indication of St. Lucia’s decision to invest in the airline. had shown initial, encouraging response to the invitation to invest.

It was Dr. Gonsalves, also early in 2012, who had made the initial disclosure of the likelihood of LIAT cutting unprofitable routes and also reviewing its manpower cost.

The cash-strapped regional airline, in February 2012, declared a loss of US$46 million for 2011, US$26 million more that in 2010.

LIAT major shareholders are the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Sandy inflicts death and destruction on Cuba EVEN AS HURRICANE SANDY wreaked havoc on the East Coast of the USA up to the time of going to press, Cuba was still counting the loss of lives and damage to property and infra-structure that Sandy had left on that Caribbean territory, October 26, 2012.

Cuban state media have announced 11 deaths from Hurricane Sandy, including a 4-month-old boy who was crushed when his home collapsed.

Reports from the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s second largest city, where Sandy deposited most of her rain and blew across with winds nearing 110 mph, losses there are said to be the highest ever experienced by factors related to the weather. Nine of the 11 deaths are said to have occurred in that city.

Initial estimate of losses are put at over 2.1 billion pesos, but this figure is expected to increase, once the damages in the tourism, sugar and constructions industries are assessed.

Those preliminary reports indicate that some 43,000 roofs were totally destroyed, and 15,000 houses collapsed.

As a result, the debris is said to be so high and so voluminous that it has caused serious obstruction to vital production and service centres, offices and some communities.

However, in what has become characteristic of its revolutionary attitude, brigades of volunteers worked along- side professionals in quickly reestablishing electricity and telephone services in some areas.

And while the priority is the

Bajan Finance Minister in court THE CAMPAIGN for the general elections in Barbados has thrown up what observers are calling an unprecedented development.

Reports from that Caribbean territory say that the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has taken legal action against the Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), for alleging that it (BLP) will send home public sector workers if it regains power.

Sinckler is said to have broken the news of being put “in court” at a public political meeting

his party held last week.

He told that meeting that he was facing a case of defamation because, “they (BLP) say I defame them because I said that they will lay off 10 000 public workers.”

But a defiant Sinckler insisted that the BLP privatization plan will account for massive retrenchment, and to rousing shouts of support from his party followers declared, “I am a problem for them, so they must attack me; but let them do it, because they shall be hanged by their own words.”

General elections in Barbados are due by January 2013.

cleaning of the province, officials have guaranteed the supply of tiles, especially to those in the low income bracket, so that attending to roofs could begin soonest.

In August this year, Cuba was hit by tropical storm Isaac which also made passage through the eastern flank of the island.

People walk on a street littered with debris after Hurricane Sandy hit Santiago de Cuba, October 26, 2012.

Right: A man salvages planks from his damaged house after Hurricane Sandy hit Santiago de Cuba. (Photo source – Reuters)

Christopher Sinckler, Barbados’ DLP Minister of Finance, is prepared to do battle with the BLP in court.

At the last poll on 15th January, 2008, the DLP won twenty of the 30 places in the House of Assembly, ousting the BLP from power.

It ushered in the short tenure of Prime Minister David Thompson, who died in office on 23rd October 2010.

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

History recorded at military parade

Photo credit: KINGSLEY ROBERTS

Mrs. Monica Dacon, deputized for the Governor General.

Hon Girlyn Miguel made the most of the opportunity to act as Prime Minister.

HISTORY WAS CREATED at this year’s independence military parade.

As per usual, the Victoria Park was packed with a wide cross-section of citizens that bore witness to this country’s penchant for ‘things military’.

But the significance of the parade was who presided over it.

For the first time in this country’s 33 years of independence, the traditional military parade, held on Independence Day, October 27, was

presided over by two women.

Standing in for Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne was Mrs. Monica Dacon, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ place was filled by his ‘deputy’ Girlyn Miguel.

And as though acting on information that they would have obviously had before of the ‘unavailability’ of the Head of State and the Head of Government, and who would replace them, there seemed to have been a deliberate effort on the part of the SVG Royal Police Force to ensure that female members of the constabulary were prominent.

It was the usual parade, a time for security forces, quasi security forces and uniformed groups, to

A female lead this male scout troop with authority.

This female officer showed that the SSU is no longer solely a ‘man’s thing’. demonstrate their prowess on the parade field.

The young female member of the Cadet Drum Corps didn’t let up as they maintained a steady beat.

But over and above, it was an occasion that exemplified that a ‘Deputy is essential’, in certain circumstances.

Pity neither of the distinguished ladies had a feather in her hat. They were deserving of one.

Who better to have as an out rider than a female traffic officer.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 7.

News

Thieves take over Kingstown Anglican School

by KENVILLE HORNE EARLIER THIS YEAR, the main section of the Kingstown Anglican School was severely damaged by fire, causing a relocation to the nearby Annex, formerly the Glove Factory.

As if that was not enough to have to endure, thieves have decided to make the Annex their stomping ground.

The Annex has been broken into every night for the period Wednesday 24th to Tuesday 30th October.

When the first report was made of a break-in, by a vendor who stores her items in the school’s tuck shop, the report was not taken seriously.

But when another report and findings were made that the school had been broken into the following night, Thursday October 25, concern was registered.

A small amount of money and electrical appliances were missing, one source told THE VINCENTIAN. Friday, October 26 was a school holiday, and when staff and students returned on Monday 29, they discovered that there was another breakin. There were signs that the thief or thieves had run amok in the building.

The break-ins continued over the

following two nights. obviously of great A reliable source told concern to the Principal THE VINCENTIAN that and staff of the school. “it appears the One teacher went as thief/thieves have been pushing (open) some of the aluminum louvers located at the back of the building and forcing their way through.” Once they get into the building, the culprit(s) has (have) access to the other rooms, including one that houses the principal’s office, where school valuables are stored.

When questioned about whether reports have been made to the police, one teacher assured that this was done on every occasion a break-in was discovered.

“They (the police) have come to the school and taken statements. I believe they are investigating,” the teacher said.

Upon investigation, THE VINCENTIAN discerned that the traditional watchman service exists at the school, one person on duty from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and another from 6:00pm to 3:00 am, seven days a week.

Whether or not these persons turn up to work is uncertain.

Private security officers are assigned to the school from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, five days a week.

The situation is

The aluminum louvers which one person believes are being bent to create access into the building.

These beginners might appear oblivious to what’s happening, but their teachers are concerned. far as to make an appeal to the “thief/thieves to desist from such a wicked act,” and called

upon the corporate sector An attempt to contact to assist in providing Education officials for a “protecting for the comment on the matter school.” proved futile.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 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 Sensationalism in the news IT MAY NOT BE THE NORM for one media house to take the lead for its editorial column from a competitor, That said, THE VINCENTIAN has never considered itself ‘big-headed’ enough not to recognize the coverage by any of its competitors, especially when that coverage raises or causes legitimate concerns about the state of the press (media) in this country.

It was interesting to note the number of persons who sought out THE VINCENTIAN in search of a reaction to the NEWS newspaper’s coverage (October 26, 2012) of the robbery inflicted on the local 2012 CIBC/First Caribbean International Bank Unsung Hero, Mr. Edward Williams, known affectionately as ‘Brother Fred’.

‘Bro. Fred’ is a physically challenged senior citizen of this country. To ‘every Man-Jack who sought out THE VINCENTIAN with a reaction to the news of the robbery, robbing him was a most dastardly act, “for which the culprit should be castrated,” said one ardent supporter of THE VINCENTIAN. To cut to the chase, what seemed to have been the common denominator in all that was said to THE VINCENTIAN, was, in summary, that the news here is ‘too sensational’. In this case, according to one and more of those visiting THE VINCENTIAN, the press had ‘set up the poor disabled man’.

What they meant was that in reporting earlier that ‘Bro Fred’ had been rewarded with a certain amount of money, the press was setting him up for the kill.

While the question of sensationalism could easily be removed from any description of the coverage of ‘Bro Fred , the sentiments expressed by those responders rang a proverbial bell and got the juices going here at THE VINCENTIAN. This is not a judgement of the article that aroused the sentiments; it is perhaps more of an exposition of what it means to be sensational as far as the press is concerned.

Sensationalism is defined as a situation where stories stimulate unwholesome, emotional responses in the reader.

Sensationalism occurs when stories contain one or more of the following elements: ‘an overstatement of fact, undue emphasis on unique aspects of the situation; the introduction of bias on value judgments; the association of the subject of a story with an irrelevant issue or the treatment of the story in a frivolous manner’.

News stories or reporting therefore, can be rendered sensational in terms of how they are reported and written or presented, e.g. screaming headlines and pictures in newspapers; headlines, theme music and graphic video in television reporting. This excessive treatment of news has historical roots, beginning with the ‘Penny Press’ era (i.e. the tabloid-style, inexpensive papers produced in the mid 19th century and extending into the present time.

There is no denying therefore, that there is sensationalism in news coverage here and the world over, wherever there is a ‘free press’.

It is, however, an inevitable byproduct of a media system that is driven by a market economy, this country not excluded.

This is not to say that news reporting, coverage, should not be fair, objective, and balanced. In fact, these should be (and are) the watch words of any reputable news organization, anywhere in the free world It may be true to say that any desire to be sensational in one’s reporting should be avoided; that restraint should be exercised so that nothing is written that could divide society and country; that sensational reporting would be counter-productive and would do more harm than good; that the important role of the press (media) is to promote communal harmony and inter-community dialogue.

Put another way, sensationalism should be avoided because it is incumbent on an independent and responsible media to do all it could to sustain equilibrium in a society with numerous religious denominations, ethnicities, and viewpoints.

If that be the case, it purports that the media has to accept the power of its influence and the influence on it, and that it, not unlike the calypsonian, is a reliable barometer of public opinion and preferences at a given period in history.

All of that makes the media the keeper of the conscience of a nation.

So, should the media sweep events and realities under the carpet and therefore refrain from reporting incidents that reflect the depths to which a society has sunk? That the media should close its pens to those behaviours that might just denote us as having made backward steps as a people grappling to relate to itself?

If to avoid sensationalism means disregard reporting on some dastardly act, are we being true to ourselves?

Remember, (to repeat) sensationalism is an inevitable byproduct of a media system that is driven by a market economy. Judge for yourself.

Freedom March WE HAVE JUST CELEBRATED our thirtythird year as an Independent nation.

Unfortunately, the event bears some rather ugly birthmarks which still scar the growing child and threaten its development, unless addressed or at least acknowledged, and forgiven.

First, we became Independent as a result of the process of decolonisation. The Caribbean territories all became Independent within a set time frame. It is thus misleading to describe our first Prime Minister as the founding father of our Nation. It is more precise to say that Independence fell on his watch.

Robert Milton Cato was indeed a charming and straight-forward politician who, for the most part, earned our respect, but certainly not the veneration which makes him a candidate for the Nation Heroism to which he clearly lacked the qualities.

One clear failure on his part with regard to Independence was his placing the date on the birthday of a young person of a labour family.

It is normal for countries approaching independence to choose a date which historically resonates with the people. One such date which has been cited is the 21st October, the date of the start of our democratic revolution, miscalled a Riot by Colonial authorities and their local agents.

And the 21st of October which was regarded as “a blot” by the reactionaries was accordingly rejected by Cato, being so near yet so far from the chosen date, Rene’s birthday on 27th October, Just six days away!

In fact, Cato had had it in his mind to highlight the Discovery Date of St Vincent on the 22nd January, which enlightened opinion had urged the NDP to abolish in 1973 to the hurt and chagrin of Labourites. Shamefully, having regained the seat of Government in December 1974, Cato intended to reinstate the so-called Discovery Date and have it hallowed and enshrined as Independence date but for the logistics.

Praises have been deservedly lavished on Joel Miguel, Portuguese descendant, for the music of the National Anthem whose beautiful words had been penned by Phyllis ChildPunnett of a white planter class family. The Calypso ‘Our Nation is Born’ by the black Kenneth Alleyne completes the musical ensemble that imparted lift and feelings of our nation at the moment of our birth.

The first thing which invites a guarded comment is that Dr. Gonsalves allowed his deputy merely to mouth a few inanities about Independence at the present state, whereas he reserved unto himself as substantive leader to address the nation comprehensibly and fulsomely.

Some people say that it was a ruse to demonstrate further that Dr. Gonsalves is irreplaceable until such time that he thinks it fit that there should be a successor, preferably a member of his own family to provide the ground floor to a Dynasty, which we oppose in principle.

When an Independence constitution was first thought about, the U.P.M rooted for Republican Status, to which Milton Cato who alone called all the shots, was unalterably opposed.

On the other hand, every Man-Jack of the United Peoples Movement plumped for Republican Status, for which we were roundly condemned by Cato as “a bunch of nincompoops” — Parnel, Ralph, Renwick, Oscar Allen, Adrian Saunders, me et al.

So much so that I was the only member, out of a sense of patriotism, to have attended the gala Independence Festivities at the Botanical Gardens where I received the treatment of a gate-crasher.

The amazing thing is that Ralph has replaced Cato, but in countless ways he seems only to have completed and perfected the Cato persona.

I remain as patriotic as ever, though I cannot condone many of the Government’s policies committed in the name of progress and democracy.

Last Bit

Independence should connote a general freedom all round, the throwing off colonial shackles, with freedom of thought as the hallmark.

Unfortunately we have lately tasted of a dictator’s brew in two instances which should arouse us to stand up and take note.

Firstly, the ULP has repeated ad infinitum the glories of its “education revolution,” only to be served with evidence, that the Man C.P, one Independence Day 2012 of the Education Supreme, rejected a muted suggestion for a secondary school debate, We will have to delve very deeply in history substituting therefore one with which the and psychology to unearth the reason that our Government is more comfortable. In other coloured folk tend to jump to the beat of the words, their education revolution is a mask for drums and swoon to the impact of military indoctrination. parades generally, but so it is.

Secondly, there is a march planned for next And this year we had the added attraction of week Thursday, really to thwart creeping seeing two women, Monica Dacon and Girlyn dictatorship and victimisation in SVG. To it has Miguel presiding over the parade as Deputy added a rally - not a rape rally- to raise funds to Governor-General and Deputy Prime Minister, save the pro-opposition radio station, Nice respectively.

Radio, from bankruptcy resulting from a libel In fact and in truth, they were mere standsuit brought by the Prime Minister. ins for the real persons of Governor-General and There are three bothersome points: first the Prime Minister, Dr. Freddie Ballantyne and Dr. ULP had ear-marked Nice Radio for destruction Ralph Gonsalves respectively. There is no previous to all talk about libel; secondly, the constitutional position of Deputy Governor P.M’s lawyer had suggested that Nice Radio be General or Deputy Prime Minister. run and managed by Kirk Da Silva in the event Any citizen can be appointed at appropriate of any libel compromises. Da Silva is of course times to serve as Governor General’s Deputy or the ULP’s candidate for Marriaqua come next any elected ULPite Minister, as the case might election. be. Girlyn Miguel could be elected Deputy Come and, at least, support the raising of Leader of the ULP, but it is the prerogative of funds to keep Nice Radio from clutching hands, the P.M to choose whosoever he wants to act for and thereby ensure a democratic SVG! him as Prime Minister!

V Institutions aiding social ills

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 9.

Views

Part 1 ONE WONDERS when we hear the government crying out for help to meet the financial requirement to effectively run the affairs of the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, if it’s not time for us to take stock of our personal finances.

Instead, individuals and institutions are still operating and thinking as if nothing is financially wrong. The way some institutions spend, holding on to some old priorities, results in more burden, especially social burdens on the state.

The Prime Minister

knows full well that because of the ‘gamble’ he took with the construction of the airport, it is difficult for the government to meet its recurring obligation to the state. When a piece of road is repaired or built, the Prime Minister and his cabinet behave as if it’s a big favour they have for Vincentians.

A government is put in place to manage the financial affairs of a country, using the revenue they collect by way of taxes, licences and other forms of recurring revenue. The services these revenues

have to provide include health care, security, education, roads, electricity, food, and a stable environment. So, why are we made to feel as if is a favour the parliamentarians are doing? We need to let our politicians know that this is not the case when they make political statements of comparison over a piece of road, medical supplies or education.

Yes, many of our social ills are aided by institutions in St. Vincent which fail to understand the economic situation and make adjustments. For

example, why should secondary schools take students out of state on trips disguised as science or history projects, placing stress on the parents and students to raise revenue of up to four thousand dollars each, when they know full well that it’s a struggle already just preparing the child for school and ensuring that, that child complete his/her schooling? I call upon PTAs to reject any fundraising which puts extra burden upon you and any child in this time.

Here I only mentioned PTAs and schools, as

they are the ones with the out of state trips, even though we have the information at our fingertips on the computers. And they are the ones with the beauty shows, supposedly for fund-raising purposes.

I implore you to do some deeper thinking when planning.

Remember our economic and social situation, and do not do like the others and make the excuse that it’s a global problem. In this time of independence, let us make our own decision to do some adjustment.

‘Stressed out parent’

Our politicians Long live Obama can change IT IS ALWAYS a good feeling when the anniversary of independence comes around. I get the feeling that the people, i.e. the ordinary people, feel like they are one — one people - 100% Vincy.

That is good, for even though we boast about how carnival, Christmas and Easter bring us together, there is so much competition at these times that I believe independence time is the only time when we become Vincies.

However, sadly so, even though the ordinary people seem to unite at this time, our politicians seem to forget what it means to be one nation, and continue their old ways. Just look at the messages. The Prime Minister boasts about how much he has done and is doing, as though he alone has all the answers; and the opposition cry out about hard times, as though it is their only duty.

Same old story!!!

But, Mr. Editor, I still hold out hope for our politicians. I believe they can change if they only try to discuss the issues with more sincerity and respect for one another.

If they strive always for the truth, and demonstrate integrity at all times, then they can change.

J Layne

The naming of the Argyle Airport I WROTE AN ARTICLE in the papers sometime ago about how the airport should be named the ‘Ralph Gonsalves International Airport’.

I got a lot of feedback on that from both ULP and NDP members. Some said that I was away too long, and I didn’t know the history of my home, St. Vincent; how Ralph is not the only Prime Minister who promised us an airport; and there were other prime ministers who promised us before.

I answered by referring those persons to the first book of James in the Bible, which tells that there are many people who talk about something, and others who do something about it.

That ordinary country boy is going to build St. Vincent from the ground up, and make us proud.

That’s our Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. E. Ralph Gonsalves.

Rev. Dr. Paul Perry

I KNOW IT MIGHT not matter to a lot of people in good old SVG whether Obama wins or loses the presidential election due very soon. But I thought, anyway, that, given that there are so many of us Vincies living in the man’s backyard, not to mention front yard, I might add my two cents to how I see the presidential race.

The way I saw the last four years under Obama is that I saw a president fighting for small businesses… for small people. Small businesses here in the USA account for two out of every three jobs, or so they tell me.

Obama has invested in rebuilding the roads (no matter how much our Vincentian leaders talk about how America’s infra-structure is falling apart), used to transport the products of these small businesses. He has invested in education and training so that the USA can provide the skilled

workers that it needs to compete with the rest of the world.

He has also invested in research and technology, the foundation that made the USA the great economy it was, and in doing so is encouraging Americans to be innovative once again.

All in all, I see a President Obama that has stood behind small businesses - the small people - all the way and helped them to put Americans back to work.

Those of us who prefer to party hearty in Obama’s backyard and now feel that they can do less of that, should get off their… and join his crusade to make the USA great again.

As immigrants, we need to join the struggle or get out.

Long live Obama.

Garnet, N.Y

Open letter to LIAT Dear Ms Phillip of the Customer Relations Department: First of all, stop telling me thank you for flying LIAT. Unfortunately, there is no other carrier available for SVG. If there was, I would have gone with them.

Truth hurts. It is not only my opinion but many other passengers flying LIAT. I understand no one likes negative publicity.

As you have suggested, an airline has the right to adjust its schedule for purposes of ensuring profitability.

But how about passengers who pay to fly and then pay again to adjust their reservations? Hotels, taxi, etc., are not cheap.

Because my schedule was changed, I have to pay extra. Who is going to pay for that expense?

The simple things are simply missing from your airline. I do not have a choice to pick a seat in your Dash-8, even though a seat is allotted on the Boarding Pass. Any comment

on that, Miss Phillip?

I simply asked for a moderate compensation for the inconvenience your airline caused me. As a courtesy, you should have given one, just to keep the passenger happy. No, why would your company care about a passenger? After all, as you would say, “We are a monopoly.” The reality is the passenger has no other choice except to take a boat ride from SVG to Barbados, if it exists at all. If they don’t, fly LIAT. By the way, have you noticed that it is not easy to get connecting flight from St. Lucia, and the only direct flights to SVG are from Barbados and Trinidad?

Once again, profit first and Customer second. But who pays so that the airline might make a profit?

We, the passengers.

By the way, I know I will never get compensated by LIAT. Thank you.

A Singh

* Has Marcus De Freitas ever been paid for his property on Murray Road as the Court had instructed? * Are the cries of ‘Guy Chow’, that lone crusader on behalf of improving conditions at the Registry, falling on deaf ears? * Are the security cameras at the E. T. Joshua airport back in working condition? * Is St. Vincent among the ‘uneconomic routes’ about which the LIAT CEO spoke? * When is Mr. Pat Prescod, that musical genius, going to receive a national award worthy of his contribution?

V

10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The NDP and the Private Sector A wonderful Independence weekend Building the Nation together Vincentians, take warning!

The issue VINCENTIANS at home and abroad celebrated the thirtythird anniversary of the nation’s independence in grand style last weekend (October 26 – 29, 2012) with the Military Parade at the Victoria Park on Independence Day, Saturday, October 27, 2012, and several other activities here and in the Diaspora.

There was indeed much to celebrate, not least among the reasons, the announcement by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in a recorded message to the nation on the evening of Friday, October 26, 2012, the eve of Independence Day, of a one and a half (1.5) percent salary increase to public servants to be paid in their December 2012 pay packet, retroactive to January 2011. The news was greeted with much jubilation by most public servants who have eagerly awaited the announcement of a promised three (3) per cent salary increase, but were happy to hear the announcement of half that payment.

The military parade at the Victoria Park was also much cause for celebrations. For the first time since becoming Prime Minister in 2001 Dr. Gonsalves was not at the parade to deliver the Independence message, but it was a proud day for women, as for the first time in the country’s history, a woman, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Girlyn Miguel, delivered the message. The acting Prime Minister was both elegant and eloquent and made the nation proud.

It was really a day for women, as Deputy Governor General Dame Monica Deacon did the inspection of the Guard in the absence of Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne.

The female outriders for the Governor General and the Commissioner of Police also came in for notice as the Parade as well as the strong The increase representation of females in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police The payment of this 1.5 % salary Force, the Girl Guides, the Cadets increase will cost the government an and other uniformed organizations. additional six million dollars The routines at the parade were ($6,000,000) for the years 2011 and 2012, and adds a further three million both smart and entertaining, with a mixture of military marches and dollars ($3,000,000) to the salary bill dances, which pleased the crowd. The for 2013. Essentially every one national colours were also proudly on percent (1%) salary increase adds display at the Victoria Park, with another two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the government’s wage thousands dressed in their green, yellow and blue. bill, so the payment of the three per cent (3%) would have cost an PM celebrates on Vincentian soil additional twelve million dollars ($12,000,000) this year and an While Prime Minister Dr. Ralph additional six million dollars ($6,000,000) in 2013. But 1 ½ percent Gonsalves was not able to make it back home to deliver his address at or half the earlier promised sum, is the Military Parade, he did return to being paid. the State on the night of Saturday, Public servants for the most part understand the economics of this and October 27, 2012, Independence Day. But even before returning home, the the financial implication in these Prime Minister celebrated on challenging economic times which explains in part the distance between Vincentian soil as he was part of the them and a few in the leadership of at Independence celebrations at 10 Kensington Court, the Office of the St. least one union who take an Vincent and the Grenadines High unreasonable public stance on the Commission in London. The Prime issue. The Opposition too, as has Minister also celebrated with become expected, sends a mixed message. First they had called for the Vincentians in London at Westminster Abbey where he did the payment of the full three per cent reading of the Second Lesson taken (3%); now the Leader of the from the Book of Luke chapter 23.

Opposition, Hon. Arnhim Eustace, questions where the government will Conclusion get the money to pay the one point five percent (1.5%) announced by the All in all, this was an excellent Prime Minister. Public servants for year of celebration. Vincentians at the most part have also ignored Eustace and the NDP. Indeed, to use home and abroad marked the weekend with much pride. Many Barack Obama’s words from another would have gone to varying events context: “They are all over the map”. from sporting to cultural activities, The other announcement made by boat rides, cooks, etc. Recognition the Prime Minister in his recorded address was the waiver of duty on the must be given, too, to the many men and women in villages who came usual Christmas barrels from together and cleaned the drains and November 12, 2012 to December 31, 2012. This is the 12th year that this road sides in their communities. has been done by the ULP Patriotism is alive and well in our administration which started it in people, and it was certainly on 2001. The Leader of the Opposition display, whether it be in dress, on the and his NDP opposed this policy from internet, facebook, or BBM, the the start and continue to do so still. message was clear - we are proud Vincentians!

The Parade

HIS ANTICS AND OUTBURSTS on radio and television have become so pathetic that even his acolytes are beginning to show signs of disappointment and regret. Our civil liberties are under serious threat from the Gonsalves-led ULP Administration. This country’s Prime Minister and chief “attack dog” is not interested in attacking the escalating situation of crime and violence, corruption, the sad state of our economy, nor our society’s moral decadence, but rather he seeks only to attack Vincentians who are brave enough to exercise their constitutional right of free speech in opposing his partisan, socialist policies and some of his wasteful programmes and projects.

All the significant gains, which were made under the NDP Government, are being constantly eroded. Vincentians would recall that it was the NDP that opened up the airwaves to allow private radio stations to operate in this country.

The vision then was to encourage political development and maturity through open and unrestricted public debate. The ULP’s message is plain and simple- “If you are not with us, then you are against us and would therefore suffer the consequences if you choose to exercise free speech.” This often means: losing your job, being transferred to places with low perception, not being awarded government contracts, and being stifled from accessing upward mobility within the public service.

Private sector development The New Democratic Party is seeking to secure a strong and sustainable economy for every single citizen. One of the major strategies we will utilize towards this goal is Private Sector Development.

Private Sector Development will draw upon private investment, which is a proven engine for economic growth and poverty reduction. In order to foster Private Sector Development, the NDP seeks to focus on creating an attractive investment climate.

Private Sector Development has many benefits for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines economy. It will expand economic development and support a sustainable source of revenue — tax and otherwise — that will fund strategic social programmes.

Private Sector Development will become a nucleus of employment, and therein accelerate the process of socioeconomic development.

Private Sector Development will improve the lives of our people, whether directly or indirectly. It will expand the variety of goods and services available, and reduces their cost, to the benefit of consumers.

policies and behaviour will not only shape the investment climate and drive Private Sector Development, it will also drive overall economic growth and improve opportunities for everyone. We will, therefore, provide a range of incentives and support to encourage Private Sector Development, and above all, create the stable and appropriate macro-economic and social environment that will encourage investment.

We will eliminate red tape and restrictive bureaucratic practices and processes in the public sector, and develop a facilitative and responsive public sector.

We must ensure that we put in place measures that promote competitiveness and growth in the private sector.

Private Sector Development that encourages growth will create sustainable jobs and opportunities for macro and micro-entrepreneurs alike.

Micro-economic development is one of the key pathways by which people can escape the trap of poverty. We will give each person the power to shape their own destiny.

The resultant economic growth envisioned will also help to reduce the costs of goods to our citizens. This is especially important to those who suffer the economic burden the most.

Private sector development shall contribute to an expanded tax base that will allow for investment in the health, education and welfare of all of our people.

Entrepreneurship

The New Democratic Party recognizes that entrepreneurs occupy a central position in an open market economy within a globalised framework. It is the entrepreneurs who drive the economy’s engine and stimulate economic activity. The successful economic development of our nation will be as a result of encouraging, developing and rewarding the entrepreneurial culture of our people.

The New Democratic Party will put in place economic and legal structures to foster an entrepreneurial spirit.

The New Democratic Party recognizes that entrepreneurs are a national asset, to be encouraged and rewarded as much as possible.

Developing national entrepreneurship will create more wealth, more jobs, more opportunities and more prosperity in our nation.

In developing entrepreneurship, we wish to pay special attention to small Improving the Investment Climate businesses. These will include developing Skilled Workers such as The opportunities for firms to plumbers, electricians, masons, invest productively, create jobs, and carpenters and construction workers. expand — is the key to fostering We will also develop and expand the Private Sector Development. This is Cottage Industry which includes intrinsic to establishing sustainable sewing, food preparation, preserving progress towards attacking poverty fruits, horticulture and art and craft. and improving the standard of living The NDP View will continue to deal for all Vincentians. with this very important matter in The New Democratic Party recognizes that improving government future writings.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 11.

Views

SkyÊs the limit “Help vulnerable Caribbean children receive the care environment and development experiences they need.” — Challenge from the Foundation for the Development of Caribbean Children, www.fdcchildren.com

SOMETIMES WE ENGAGE in exercises aimed at encouraging our children to excel at all that is noble by telling them that “the sky’s the limit”. However, just over two years ago, I was challenging some teenagers in a goal-setting exercise, and used that expression, only to be told that it is one of those outdated clichés.

Like me, you may be tempted to wonder whether the group was being negative, presumptuous or rude. That was not the case. They explained that the sky is no longer the limit, since mankind has gone beyond the skies. However, this article is not aimed at expounding the benefits of setting high goals and pursuing them.

Instead, it focuses on a new and exciting initiative that is being championed by Foundation for the Development of Caribbean Children (FDCC). Over the next few years, the FDCC will embark on fundraising initiatives aimed at raising muchneeded funds to finance its noble projects.

The first of these initiatives is the “Sky’s the limit” joint effort with LIAT, which was launched at the beginning of October, 2012.

The “Sky’s the Limit” concept is a simple one. Passengers who are travelling on the LIAT flights will be invited to partner with LIAT and the FDCC by making a financial donation (in any currency) to the campaign. It is anticipated that the drive will raise US$25,000 by the end of the year.

I was on a flight from St. Vincent to Barbados on the morning of October 12, 2012 and noted the “Sky’s the Limit” advertisements at row 3. I then asked the LIAT attendant about the programme, and was quite impressed with the energy and excitement that she displayed when talking about the fundraising initiative. The route from St. Vincent to Barbados is considered a short sector (30 minute flight).

Donations are therefore not requested on this sector and “collection envelopes” therefore not distributed. However, the cabin attendant promptly provided me with an envelope and indicated that although donations would not be sought on this sector, I was free to donate anyway. I was impressed. She was committed to the fund-raising effort.

She was determined to do her part in assisting underprivileged and disadvantaged Caribbean children.

As destiny would have it, the same flight attendant was on duty when I boarded the LIAT flight from Barbados to Guyana two hours later. This afforded me the privilege of listening to the jingle advertising the LIAT/FDCC partnership in this “Sky’s the Limit” project. I was again impressed by her display of passion and commitment as she invited passengers to make a financial contribution to the effort.

I asked her for a business card after she had performed her duties. I had already planned to write a congratulatory letter to LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer but needed to know her name so that my correspondence could identify this outstanding LIAT goodwill ambassador. It was then that I realized that she was actually the Senior Training Cabin Crew Member, Louana Haywood. This project will do exceptionally well if the other cabin attendants have half of the passion that she demonstrated ... and our Caribbean children will be all the better for it.

Some readers may now be wondering, “What will these funds be used for?” or “How will my contribution help the Caribbean children?” These are normal and quite logical questions. The FDCC believes that all children should have an equal chance to reach their fullest potential. The foundation is devoted to advocating for improved early childhood

development services and increasing access to these services.

The FDCC evolved from the highly successful 10-year-old Caribbean Child Support Initiative (CCSI), which had an excellent track record in making a difference, having improved early childhood development throughout the region since 2002. The CCSI was funded by grant sources that were external to the region. When it was confirmed that these funds were no longer to be available (partly due to the worldwide economic recession) concerned Caribbean citizens were determined that the Caribbean people would contribute to retaining these valuable child-focused services.

The CCSI/FDCC track record is most impressive. To date, over 10,000 Caribbean children age 0-3 years have already benefited from supported early childhood development initiatives since 2002. FDCC expects to reach 30,000 disadvantaged children age 0-5 years by 2015; parents and other primary caregivers are also supported — the FDCC launched the region’s first Family Learning Programme (FLP) to meet their literacy and numeracy needs; young adults are introduced to early childhood development issues through the FDCC’s Youth and Community Advocacy Network (YouCAN), and over 250 young people have received early childhood development skills training.

Not to be left out, tertiary-level students have contributed significantly to CCSI/FDCC-supported initiatives, and over 175 Caribbean undergraduates have benefitted from the FDCC’s internships. Readers can visit the FDCC’s website at www.fdcchildren.org for additional information.

The FDCC’s research has confirmed that only one in three Caribbean parents tell stories, play games or sing songs to their children. In addition, it is known that in some Caribbean communities, physical punishment begins early in a child’s life; typically almost half of all rural families do not have information on how to stimulate children; nine out of ten 0-3 year olds have no chance to attend a day care centre or any other early childhood development programme; at the start of primary school, 25-30% of Caribbean children have not acquired the necessary basic cognitive skills to benefit from this education; most Caribbean governments begin formal investment in children’s education only at primary school level. Based on the foregoing, it is easily observable that there is a dire need for child-caring support mechanisms in many of our Caribbean communities during early childhood.

Through this initial LIAT/FDCC fund-raising project, and in anticipation of the other “Sky’s the limit” initiatives, the Caribbean people and their friends have an opportunity to impact lives for the better by insuring that the forementioned programmes are sustained.

Every donation is an investment in the future of the Caribbean. We, you and I, can help shape the future of our Caribbean society by impacting the lives of our children in a positive way. The Caribbean children need our help.

Readers can make an individual donation, or form a team and make it a group effort to help the FDCC meet these noble goals! Our children are worth the investment as we seek to encourage them to live up to their full potential.

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

The fight to save NICE Radio OUR DEMOCRACY IS TOO YOUNG for us to lose Nice Radio. Nice Radio plays an important, though sometimes unruly and irresponsible role in the dissemination of political news. And so I have decided to make a contribution to the owners of Nice Radio to assist them to meet their financial obligation to PM Gonsalves.

Talk about paying for your mouth.

Nice Radio is in this economic bind because its owners failed to control its political loose cannons. They maintain that it is fair game to savage and slander anyone who opposes the New Democratic Party or criticizes any of its leaders or policies.

More than eight years ago, PM Gonsalves sued the loud-mouthed E.G. Lynch and BDS Inc, which owns Nice Radio, for slander. The matter went to court, and the court found that Gonsalves’ reputation was tarnished. It awarded close to $245,000 for the defamation.

Gonsalves has also sued other opposition voices such as Matthew Thomas, Junior Bacchus, Daniel Cummings and Arnhim Eustace.

But to get to the point where Nice Radio loses its voice because it cannot pay is unthinkable to me. I want to live in a country where there is vigorous dissent. I hope that the opposition NDP will use its many contacts and links to help De Freitas raise the money.

Nice Radio is not improperly labeled NDP FM by the PM. There is ‘Breakfast with God’ hosted by Dougie De Freitas (Gonsalves labels it ‘Breakfast with Ralph’); the NDP New Times programme that runs from Monday to Thursday; Bert Francois ‘Current Affairs’ on Tuesdays; Junior Bacchus and Matthew Thomas kept us awake for many years on Wednesdays, and NDP Night Talk with ‘wind bag’ Fredericks on Thursdays. On Friday mornings, there is another programme that features other NDP politicians.

De Freitas says that the pain and suffering he and Nice Radio are going through is all about politics. It is and it is not. No matter what Gonsalves says, his decision to press the claims against Nice Radio is highly political.

Note, he may threaten others in the established media, but vigorously pursue opponents. And why should they not be. As the previous paragraph demonstrates, by virtue of its programming, opposition voices take up a lot of time on Nice Radio.

Nice Radio sells itself as the voice of a dissenting opposition. It goes after the Prime Minister at every turn. Nothing is wrong with De Freitas pinning his business and future success on Eustace and the NDP. However, what he must understand is the first law of politics: if you deal with someone politically, expect that person to respond even more politically. One will have to be like Nelson Mandela to be beaten up and remain a peace man.

Part of the difficulties Mr. De Freitas now faces is of his own making. He has been on radio for a long time and has never been sued.

Yet he has allowed a number of NDP personalities to come on his radio and parrot the most reckless and mindless

utterances, without regard for the jeopardy in which they place the station they claim to love. Things got so bad that one morning De Freitas tried to tame the beast by asking E.G Lynch to desist from making statements that could negatively impact on Nice Radio. Lynch was mad and asked De Freitas if he was getting ‘soft.’

Gonsalves decided that he will never take the slander lying down, and sued every time he thought he was wronged. But what about the rest of us? A few examples will demonstrate why De Freitas is in the predicament he finds himself.

One morning in 2005, E.G Lynch told his Nice Radio audience that the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had me on its wanted list. I had stolen millions of dollars from poor, unsuspecting Caribbean women. To prove that he was really in the know, listeners were told of my million dollar home in Grenada. I was challenged to disclose why I frequented Grenada so often.

The FBI has apparently changed its mind because I have gone to the USA at least 10 times since 2005.

Then there is the New Times programme hosted by Israel Bruce in which an NDP supporter was allowed to repeat at least 5 times that ‘Arnhim Eustace is from good stock, but Jomo Thomas is from the gutters.’ You would think that Mr Eustace or some other decent-minded person in the opposition would call in and publicly rebuke such nonsense.

Don’t hold your breath. Instead, Mr. Eustace joins in the negative chorus on Nice Radio and intoned that ‘Jomo Thomas has never made a contribution to St Vincent.’

Or we can mention the ‘darling of the opposition’, Vynette Frederick, who, following the publication of my column ‘Tugging on my mind’, rushed the Nice Radio microphones with the opposition leader in tow to declare that ‘Jomo Thomas should not be taken seriously because every afternoon he goes by Ken Boyea to pick up his bread.’ Boyea’s company bought a tug boat.

The first and the third examples are clearly slanderous. The other is beyond the pale. But no one from the opposition, not De Freitas nor Mr. Eustace, had the decency or political, economic or legal sense to know that if they allowed their supporters to so loosely and recklessly disparate people, sooner rather than later, chickens would come home to roost.

I hope Nice Radio raises the money to make the payments. More importantly, I hope De Freitas and other NDP supporters learn the hard lesson that our courts are there to ensure that those who slander and defame others can and will be made to pay for their mouth.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

ULP independence address 2012 - nothing to report THE INDEPENDENCE address given by the ULP regime at Victoria Park on Saturday 27th October 2012, to celebrate SVG’s 33 years of independence, was hollow and dull. The ULP regime’s flagship, the education revolution, is a big failure. Education cannot be successful under a weak economy.

A Green government will invest $200 million a year and build three science and technology universities. It is high quality education in conjunction with a science-based economy that builds a nation and moves it forward to become prosperous.

The ULP regime has no good news for the people and nothing to offer the country, to get the nation moving forward. Rather than independence, SVG has debt dependence after years of wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money on white elephants that offer no return on the capital spent and no long-term secure jobs.

We have fallen behind the rest of the world in mathematics, and after 33 years of independence, we do not have our own science and technology university or taken intelligent steps to replace electricity produced by dirty and expensive oil, with

electricity produced from clean and free renewable energies such as wind, solar and hydro.

The ULP regime is a massive failure, which is why there was nothing to report.

SVG is stifled by Gonsalves’ financial incompetence and the ULP regime’s ‘creative’ management of government monies. According to the Director of Audit’s report 2007, ‘it was also noted that an amount of $10,085,474.17 —SD 2205 Accountant General Loan Monies recorded on the Certificate of Balance 2007which was issued by the National Commercial Bank, appear not to be recorded in the Accounts of Government.’

The independence address could have been livened-up with an explanation to the people about where the missing $10,085,474.17 went to!

The time has come for Gonsalves to step aside as SVG Minister of Finance, in the best interest and for economic survival of our beloved country. How many more independence messages must the people hear, where the hollow and dullness illustrate the fact that Gonsalves is utterly and grossly incompetent in the management of SVG’s scarce finances?

Times are hard, and people look to independence celebrations for inspiration and hope, and an end to their pain and suffering.

A Green government will bring in a manufacturing sector, agro-processing and an education industry. We must convert the abundance of dead capital in SVG to live capital to stimulate economic growth, overcome fiscal deficit, create thousands of new jobs and produce new products for export.

Since 2001, the ULP regime has achieved nothing of consequence, and so had nothing to report to the country in the 2012 independence celebrations.

A positive SVG independence address should declare how many of our children have graduated from our own SVG university, how much the economy has grown, how much surplus revenue the Treasury has, how our health sector provides for our people without the need to go abroad for medical care, and how our people have enjoyed another year of prosperity.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Is Eustace’s leadership of NDP impeding SVG’s progress? measure which will have a negative impact on the welfare IN RECENT MONTHS, I have of the people. been hearing a lot of talk of No one can say that the leadership, seeming to suggest NDP, in opposition, has not that the reasonable chances of been discharging that success for our beautiful responsibility, with a high country to extricate itself from degree of level-headedness. the morass in which it has The records show that they found itself, over the last ten have on several occasions and more years, rest with the given their support to the New Democratic Party government, when they changing its leader. considered that what was I must here venture to proposed was in the best remind these new thinkers interest of the people. and scholars, that the New On numerous occasions, Mr. Democratic Party is not the Arnhim Eustace, the leader of party which is administering the opposition, who is also the the affairs of state at the president of the NDP, had moment. Indeed, they have warned the Prime Minister been Her Majesty’s opposition Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, that his for almost a dozen years. pursuit of certain of his ideas The agonies which are would have been unwise, and prevailing against our ultimately would have created unfortunate and blindly difficulty for the country. On trusting people, are really not most occasions when his wise the responsibility of the counsel was proffered, Mr. opposition party to address.

Eustace was spoken of in the The duty and responsibility of most derogotary manner the members who sit on the which often seemed aimed at opposition benches, is to discrediting his qualification, challenge the government, experience and integrity. This when they (the opposition) negative bombardment on Mr. perceive that the government Eustace has been going on for is pursuing any course, or years. attempting to institute any Eustace is not perfect, but it Part 1

is indeed to his credit and to the honour of his family that he has weathered this perpetual barrage, with his character and integrity profoundly intact; with, in the main, a personality who could quite comfortably be offered as a role model, for our young upcoming leaders in SVG and the Caribbean.

I cannot help but be skeptical of these new voices on the political landscape, because I was not hearing them when there were significant happenings taking place in our land, which were causing our people much hardship.

When the former administration embarked on the Vegetable Market Project and it was seen that the monstrous edifice was going to effectively choke the flow of the town, who spoke out about it?

A similar choking off of the traditional flow of the village of Troumaca was effected by the construction of the Primary School, so that it blocked the main thoroughfare and now creates tremendous conjestion and inconveniences.

How many of us ventured to speak out about that? At every funeral there, the lack of prudence in the planning of that project is exhibited.

In the months preceding the elections of 2001, the poor quality of our feeder roads was a political platform issue. Yet when the ULP won the elections, instead of addressing the repair of the roads in a serious manner, they seemed to embark on a popularity program, claiming that they were righting “historical wrongs”, and in the process, they wasted valuable funds which ought to have gone into the repair of roads so vital to the Agriculture sector. Who spoke out then?

We have had over the last ten years or more many cases of seeming inappropriate conduct, blatant wastage, unfair treatment of our citizens including public servants, the squandering of the credibility of our offices, and the neglecting of our food security interests. Against all this, there has hardly been a sound of reprimand. Who has raised his voice in this cause?

Who would raise their voices

Hon. Arnhim Eustace, leader of the NDP in these matters? The intelligentsia!

The most critical element facing us here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as far as the digging of ourselves out from this malaise, is not Eustace’s leadership of the NDP. If the truth be told, Mr. Eustace is doing a much better job at his task and responsibilities, than many of us are doing at ours. To correct our condition, those persons who are seeing what is wrong in the society must find the way to express it and influence others to act to make the correction.

Le Roy Providence

V Thoughts on the National Heritage Parade

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 13.

News

I like the idea of the float with THE NATIONAL HERITAGE PARADE, a past sport feature which was introduced last year personalities. I as part of the independence anniversary also enjoyed celebrations, was staged again this year. seeing the cultural wear As it snaked its way towards and most of Heritage Square from its starting all, other point at the Kingstown Netball Centre persons in October 2011, the Parade caught looking on at the attention of workers, shoppers and the parade were ‘limers’ in what would have been a dressed in normal, ‘not-so-active, mid-afternoon patriotic clothing.

Kingstown.

I am looking The increased support from the forward to seeing more corporate sector, especially the Bank of schools participating next year and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and more corporate bodies coming on board the St. Vincent Co-operative Bank to give financial assistance.

Ltd., did not go unnoticed.

Here’s what a sample of persons thought about this year’s parade: ALVIN DOPWELL

by GLORIAH…

The parade was of a very high standard. The organizers did a The idea was excellent. I didn’t see commendable the parade last year, but the job. I hope organizers must be commended they will because it flowed so smoothly. The continue to do only thing we usually have around it and where Independence time is the parade there is room around Victoria Park. That is okay, for but this parade had more involvement. improvement, The youths are the men and women of they would tomorrow, and it you teach them now, make it. As far they will have a nationalistic love for as the parade their country. We have to start to goes, I would like to train them now. The parade was very see a lot more young impressive. I loved the different people taking part. Something to floats. All the different disciplines improve on is the punctuality: the were clear to be seen. starting time. It was a very good display. I can’t fault it at all: the young people, the performances — very JANET WILKINS enthusiastic! I hope more sponsors will come on board so that next year it I didn’t could be bigger and better, and that know about business places would close a little the parade earlier so that workers could come out last year, but and see the parade. May God bless I had heard and keep them. about it afterwards.

This year, I ROXIE IRISH tried my best to see how I could First of all, I get a glimpse of think that this it. It was really, promotes true really good, especially Vincy pride seeing some of our culture that we and unity. It thought was not alive. There were the is so good to representatives or top performers in see how proud the different categories. I liked that. our people are What I would like to see is more of their culture schools getting involved, and for the and heritage. I authorities to give the school a half do not live here holiday so that the children could come anymore, and we out and see it and be a part of it. It support Vincy there was a very good effort. in New York, but walking it and living it was fascinating! The organizers GLORIA ENDEAVOUR were excellent. It was obvious that they worked as a team. Team From what I saw, it was impressive. excludes the “I” factor, so kudos to the SHIRLEY CHARLES (not pictured)

The National Heritage Parade featured a number of past and present sports persons.

Heritage Committee for a job well done.

RAULTIE LOWE PHILLIP BAILEY It was good. I was impressed. Next year, for sure, I have to be a part of it. It was well organized and the enthusiasm among the participants was very high.

I liked how there were many categories. I find it was all inclusive.

There could have been more older folks, just for the folklore aspect of it. I also would have liked to see more traditional clothes.

The parade was good. I enjoyed it.

There is work still to be done but it was a great parade still, especially with all the culture I see here today. I am pleased about the support and the turnout that came, especially from the senior sports people who turned up. It is just giving a lesson now for the younger people to follow. The baton is passing on now to the younger ones. Remember, this is our national festival, people must take it to heart — love it up.

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14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Heritage

Desiree Richards, Managing Director of Metrocint Insurance & THE VINCENTIAN delivering welcome remarks.

by KARISSA CLARKE The Grarifuna Heritage Foundation (TGHF) held an Independence Book Launch and Seminar from October 25th to 26th at the Peace Memorial Hall under the theme, ‘The Garifuna: Land,

TGHF stages seminar and book launch Reparation and Social Justice’.

The seminar was held with ‘the hopes of strengthening links, forging networks and claiming ancestral space’.

Ms Desiree Richards, Managing Director of Metrocint General Insurance/THE VINCENTIAN Publishing Co., signaled the formal opening of the Seminar.

In her remarks, Ms. Richards recalled her first introduction to the Garifuna during her studies abroad, and expressed that she was “intrigued

that a race said to be extinct still thrived as the Garifuna did.”

Not only did she express how happy she was to be chosen as chairperson of a seminar, but she also declared that she realized when Chief Joseph Chatoyer was declared our National Hero, that the stage was being set for better understanding our history.

Richards’ enlightening remarks were followed by remarks from the Garifuna Heritage Foundation President, Mr. David ‘Darkie’ Williams, who expressed his joy to be present and to be able to have the opening of the Garifuna Seminar coincide with the launch of such a relevant book, in the life of Vincentian History.

Mrs. Michelle King, Director of National Library Services, also gave remarks citing how relevant and timely the launch of Taylor’s book was, not only to Vincentian Culture but also on the eve of our 33rd Anniversary of Independence. King looked forward to Taylor’s book joining the ranks of books found at our public library, “as it will function as great reference and reading material, especially for young Vincentians.”

Taylor’s book shed new light Dr. Michael Dennie was given the task of introducing the author Christopher Taylor and his book ‘The Black Carib Wars: Freedom, Survival and the making of the Garifuna’, published by the University of Mississippi Press, USA. Dennie congratulated Taylor recalling that the author, a journalist with the Guardian newspaper in London, was part of a delegation of Garifunas from the United States who visited this country in 2009.

Descriptions of the book detail that it “promises to shed new light on this troubling time and hopefully add to what is currently known about Garifuna history.”

Following his introduction, Taylor addressed the gathering, expressing not only his happiness to see his work come to fruition but also to be present

Michelle King, Director of National Library Services, looks forward to having Taylor’s book on library shelves here.

Christopher Taylor presenting his book which shed new light on the Garifuna Wars. for its launch at a Garifuna Seminar.

He outlined the history of the Garifuna briefly and was up for answering a range of questions which persons in the audience threw out about our ancestry.

Taylor’s extensive research seems to have given him a true knowledge of the Garifuna History and the ability to shed some light on important pieces of our history, that may have been hitherto altered.

On its second day, the Seminar featured a lecture by Dr. Beth Rose Middleton, Assistant Professor of Native American Studies at the University of California, USA, and a video presentation and lecture by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles on ‘Reparation’, first presented in Belize in 2009.

A panel discussion and open session preceded the formal closing of the seminar.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 15.

Arts

Music Association awards Ms. Beryl Richards Delvon Clarke, Natasha Hypolite, THE NAME BERYL RICHARDS is Andres Scott, well known in the music and Cheyenne wider cultural fields of St. London, Ivan Vincent and the Grenadines.

Parris, Aaron However, to consolidate and Performances Ambrose, Alfurther recognize Ms. The rendition by this ensemble of young Zidani Clarke, Richards’ contribution to the violinists must have been pleasing to the The awards ceremony Javen Jack, development of music here, honoree guest, Ms. Beryl Richards. began with the playing of the Ruth Ann she was honoured at St. National Anthem by flautist Lewis, Jayone performers, but the real ‘star’ Analee Rodriguez and pianist Tucker, Analese Rodriguez of the ceremony was Ms. Ruth Ann Lewis. The and Curtis Williams.

Beryl Richards who was given rendition gave a breathtaking In addition, a violin an award from the SVG Music spin to the tune. The Opening ensemble of students Prayer was rendered by Pastor performed ‘German Dance and Association, to commemorate her over 50 years of dedicated Dexter Kirby, followed by Russian Gopak’, much to the service to the Association.

Opening Remarks from Mr. delight of the audience.

Patrick Prescod, long time Floyd Parris of the Those who performed friend of Ms. Richards and Association. extremely well in the The afternoon function was examinations were recognized himself one of this country’s filled with performances of for their achievements: Kelcey foremost musicians, was on classical pieces by young Allen and Shane Scott, Best in hand to present his “friend” with the award. Ms Richards musicians who had recently Theory Grades 1 — 4; Phil and Prescod would have sat their Royal School of Music Bowman, best in Grade 5-8; worked together in the examinations. Performers Andres Scott, Practical included She-lesse Stewart, examination, Best in Grade 1- Association, orchestrating Pat Prescod (sitting) paying events and training Tamar-Shalal Parris, Ancar 4; and David Browne for tribute to his life-long friend programmes, invigilating Gordon, Aidon Trotman, piano and Ivan Parris on Ms. Beryl Richards. violin, Grades examinations.

In the words of one of her 5-8. associates: Ms. Richards’ The Honouree contribution to the life and longevity of the Music

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY Joffre Venner, SVG’s representative Association thus far, is Not taking on the Board of Directors of ECCO, away anything unmatched. traced the organization’s struggle, and from the young LAST TUESDAY’S EASTERN Beyond this honour, Rene pointed out that Vincentians didn’t Caribbean Collective Organization Baptiste, Chairperson of the (ECCO) for Music Rights ceremony to seem to attach much value to creative arts. recognize its first licensee, First All is not lost as far as Venner is Citizen Investment, concerned. “Eventually people will easily brought home the message comply,” he said.

Commissioner of Police Keith Miller that music is big compared the crimes of praedial business. larceny and piracy as similar.

In the words of He endorsed the view of Registrar Kenneth ‘Vibrating of Commerce and Intellectual Property Scakes’ Alleyne, Office (CIPO), Andrea Young/Lewis, who climaxed the who had called for collaboration ceremony with a between ECCO, CIPO, the Police, and rendition of the popularly declared the Ministry of Culture, in ensuring that musicians were rewarded for Independence their labour. anthem, ‘Our “If we work together, things will be Nation is Born’, “If better,” Miller advised. He promised we do this thing CoP Keith Miller right, we could that “once we receive a report, we will promised that conduct the necessary investigations. make money from his officers will music.”

“We are here to support our investigate, artistes,” Miller declared and A number of once reports committed the police to compliance stakeholders are made to the delivered short with the Copyright laws.

Royal SVG Deborah Dalrymple, Head of the addresses at the Police Force.

UWI Open Campus here, gave her function. institution’s commitment to the creative arts. She was delighted that the function took place.

“The creative Arts are part of who we are. The University has to be concerned about that,” Dalrymple emphasized.

She referred to Rex Nettleford’s concept of the University ‘going beyond the walls’. For Dalrymple, “the Open Campus continues to stand toward valuing what we do as creative people.”

She endorsed the importance of music, and congratulated ECCO and First Citizens Investments.

Cultural Officer Anthony Theobalds encouraged more outlets to comply with the ECCO. “Let us do what needs to be done,” Theobalds urged.

Debalani Cruickshank receives ECCO’s Agent Bernard Joseph licence on behalf of First Citizens served as chairman of the proceedings Investment from ECCO local chapter and provided insights of its history member, Ezekiel Richards and plans.

by KARISSA CLARKE

Vincent and the Grenadines Music Association Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012, at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown.

Music is big business

Ms. Beryl Richards (right) receives the VAAWP award from Ms. Rene Baptiste.

Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers (VAAWP), bestowed upon Ms. Richards the ‘VAAWP National Recognition Award’ for “her dedication, support and long service to the Music Association.”

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Ms. Beryl Richards on the receipt of this deserving recognition, and hopes that others would see her dedication to the Association as able work that they should replicate.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 17.

16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Becket gets NY Independence honour

by BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent

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

always honored me.” In 2001, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines made him a ‘Goodwill Ambassador’.

THE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK-BASED The legendary soca umbrella Vincentian group in the United artiste/composer singled out Alston Becket Cyrus receiving award from COSAGO President Lavern States, Council of St. Vincent and the a number of people who, McDowald-Thompson.n, NY. Grenadines’ Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. over the years, have helped (COSAGO), last Sunday bestowed to advance his musical special honor on calypso/soca maestro José Francísco Avila, When asked, after receiving his earned an award from the career, making special Dr. Kendall Stewart, a Alston “Becket” Cyrus during its 33rd Honduran-born Gariaward on Sunday, which song he Trinidad and Tobago Associamention of his late mom. podiatrist, was among independence anniversary celebrafuna, was also on the considers to be his best, Becket tion of Houston, Texas, for “I’m keeping this trophy three honorees on the tions. evening’s honour roll. declined, adding, however, that he is Teaser. (award) for her,” he said. evening.

The pre-eminent Vincentian “very passionate about ‘Righteous’”.

In 1994, Becket said ‘Ella Later, in the dancing calypso/soca artiste, dubbed the ‘ABC Becket, Stewart and Avila also Me Vacila’ (the Spanish segment, Becket distributed of Calypso’, was among two other received proclamations from New version of Teaser) earned him a BMI a number of CDs, from his wide honorees at the gala luncheon, York City Councilman Jamaane Latin Award and a repertoire, to loyal fans, giving a organized in conjunction with the A distinguished career Williams, Stewart’s predecessor Billboard/Univision Award for the special one to Gwen Soso, originally New York Consulate General, at Democratic representative for the “Salsa/Tropical Song of the Year.” from Sion Hill, who was celebrating Tropical Paradise Ballroom on Utica Becket’s distinguished 35-year 45th City Council District in BrookCover versions of “Teaser” have her birthday and who he described as Avenue in Brooklyn. career comprises 26 albums, numerlyn. Williams is the son of Grenadian been produced in several other “the greatest soca fan.”

The other honorees were: former ous award-winning singles, one immigrants. languages.

Becket also used the honor New York City Councilman Dr. movie soundtrack, five compositions, In addition to party tunes, ceremony in expressing support for Kendall Stewart, a podiatrist, who featured in four American TV Becket said he “creatively construction of the international Becket into his perforhails from Union Island in the programs – the sitcom ‘Full House’ penned” several songs related to airport at Argyle, stating: “I’m not mance at the gala 33rd Grenadines, and is the younger and ‘The Tonight Show With Jay world events, Caribbean politics about politics, but the airport is a independence anniversary brother of ex-New Democratic Party Leno’, among them, and Eight Road and carnival, including ‘Love Is good thing. celebrations in Brooklyn, Minister Glenford Stewart; and José March titles.

The Answer’ (remade in 2001 “I think we should give the people NY. Francísco Avila, the Honduran-born Becket admitted that his first featuring post-911 lyrics), of Taiwan a standing ovation. They chairman of the board and co-founder love was the steel pan, but when he ‘Carnival History’ (earning him have been good to us,” he urged, with of the Bronx, New York-based was a teenager, he said he realized the Calypso King of St. Vincent patrons instantly obliging.

Garifuna Coalition, U.S.A. Inc. that he also had a gift for singing, and the Grenadines in 1975), The government of Taiwan has “I just want to says ‘thanks’ to the and quickly switched to calypso.

‘Legalize The Grass’, ‘Human been among countries in the “CoaliMaster (Jesus Christ),” Becket, a In 1972, as a member of the US Rights’, ‘I Am An African’, tion of the Willing,” according to Layou native who resides in the Army, Becket pursued a singing ‘Grenada Will Rise Again’ and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, in Washington, D.C. area, told the career, performing in the successful ‘Don't Look Down On Ah Man’ assisting in the construction of the ceremony of about 300 nationals and US Soldier's Tour in Hawaii from among many others.

Argyle International Airport. Cuba, well-wishers, who braved the 1972-1974, but it was in 1975 that His career has included Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago impending hurricane, Sandy, to his professional career took off, and live performances throughout are among others providing assiswitness the historic milestone. he quickly became popular as a the Caribbean, Canada, Spain, tance in the airport’s construction.

He said he had been honored by a young calypsonian.

England, Colombia and the Acceptance speech out of the way, number of groups and the GovernIn 1976, Becket said he began United States.”

Becket moved into a performance ment of St. Vincent and the Grenaworking with Frankie McIntosh, In 2000, he made history which mesmerized patrons. Backed dines, adding that “the people of St. “calypso and soca's greatest by becoming the first Caribby the Equation Band, with musical Vincent and the Grenadines have arranger” – a union that continues bean artiste to perform at the arranger extraordinaire Frankie today.

US Open tennis tournament in McIntosh on In 1977, he struck gold with the Flushing, Queens, New York, and keyboards – break-out, ‘Coming High’, followed was listed as one of the 17 “OutBecket rendered with equally successful singles, such standing Caribbean Personalities of a number of as ‘Wine Down Kingstown’ (1978), the 20th Century.” hits, including ‘Cocoa’ (1980), ‘Calypso Noel’ (1982), Becket’s latest CD, ‘The Singles ‘Piece Ah Me ‘Ooh La La’ (1983), ‘Teaser’ (1990), File’, he describes as “ a mixture of Brass’, ‘I Love and ‘Small Pin’ (1999). hit singles that were never on an You St. Vincent album, plus three brand new tracks, and the Grenaincluding ‘President Obama’, one of Honours dines’, ‘Socathe better of many songs written in Reggae Party’, commemoration of Barack Barack In 1991, he received the ‘Record ‘Coming High’, Obama becoming the first black of the Year’ and ‘Best Party Tune’ ‘Vincy Mas’, President of the United States. awards for Teaser at the first ever ‘Horn Fo’ Dem’, Becket said this album has been Caribbean Music Awards, held at the ‘Gal Ah Rush added to iTunes music store. He said world-famous Apollo Theatre in Me’, ‘Ooh, La he is the first calypso/soca artiste to Harlem, New York.

La’, ‘Small Pin’ be featured on Apple computer's Becket said he was honored three and the everworld-famous iPod and the iTunes times by the Government of St. popular Patrons took to the dance floor to the beat and rhythms of music jukebox software.

Vincent and the Grenadines, and ‘Teaser’.

Becket, a Vincentian cultural icon.

2nd year University of Toronto student, Jasmine Mercedes Homer accepting the 2012 SVGAT Bursary award.

Letisha Mason (right) receives the 2012 Western Union/Grace Kennedy Remittance Award to George Brown College student from President Farrell.

the United Kingdom, H.E. Cenio Lewis hosted a special evening reception and evensong at London’s Westminster Abbey where Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves delivered the second reading during the service. The Prime Minister then provided the Independence address, updating all Vincentians on SVG’s foreign policy, Argyle International Airport, education and the wellness revolution.

Activity in Canada

Gideon Exeter had ‘Honorary Life Member’status conferred on him for his sterling work with the SVG Association of Toronto.

OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS or so, Vincentians in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and throughout the Vincentian Diaspora have been enthusiastically celebrating their country’s 33rd anniversary of independence.

THE VINCENTIAN has received many reports on events which included church services, town meetings, special guest speakers and gala dinner dance events in Brooklyn, N.Y., Boston, Mass., Washington, D.C., Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto plus a dinner/dance planned for Philadelphia, Penn. on November 3rd.

In England, High Commissioner for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to

On Saturday, October 27, the SVG Association of Toronto, under President Marcia Farrell, held its annual Dinner/Dance with upwards of 300 attendees.

Guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Rudolph C. Matthias, Chairman, Argyle International Airport Development Agency of S.V.G. Dr. Matthias was also the featured speaker at a Town Hall meeting in Toronto the following day.

The evening’s printed programme included special letters of congratulations from the Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, who said in part, “I would like to commend all those involved with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Toronto Inc., for their commitment to fostering fellowship amongst members of the Vincentian Canadian community and for advancing the warm friendship enjoyed by our two nations.”

Letters of congratulations were also received from Dalton McGuinty,

Premier of Ontario; Toronto’s Mayor Rob Ford, and Steve O. Phillips, Canada’s Consulate General of SVG as well as Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

President Farrell presented the 2012 SVGAT Bursary award to 2nd year University of Toronto student Jasmine Mercedes Homer, and the 2012 Western Union/Grace Kennedy Remittance Award to George Brown College student Letisha Mason.

She also conferred the title of ‘Honorary Life Member’ to Gideon Exeter for his outstanding work for, and support of, the organization since 1984.

Following the awarding of numerous door prizes, and dancing to the live music of Julian McIntosh & the Caribbean Thunderbolts as well as DJ Fusion, the celebration ended well into the wee hours of the morning.

THE VINCENTIAN NEWSPAPER would like to extend special thanks to PARADISE BEACH HOTEL; BEACHCOMBERS HOTEL AND SPA; MARINERS HOTEL; CHAWA’S BEAUTY SALON; BAY-HILL APARTMENTS; HAIROON BAKERY TORONTO; KLC FREIGHT and THE BOCHNER EYE INSTITUTE for their generous donations of gift certificates for a special draw held at the SVGAT Dinner/Dance Gala to further the expansion of our new website, www.thevincentian.com and our online membership services, to facilitate communication between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and our global Vincentian Diaspora.

V

18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Archaeological find: A spiritual lift

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE ST. JAMES SPIRITUAL BAPTIST Church in the South Leeward constituency of Clare Valley has been thrown into the spotlight. The glare began beaming last Saturday, October 27 around 3 pm. That day is special to Vincentians, with the 33rd anniversary of this country’s Independence being observed.

While most persons were reflecting after the morning’s parade at Victoria Park in capital city Kingstown, there was cause for celebration in Clare Valley.

Some workers were digging a hole on the Church’s compound to accommodate a septic tank. During the operation, outlines of pottery were recovered.

The workers realised that what they were unearthing was something out of the ordinary. That day, they recovered six bottomless pots stacked on each other. Others had been destroyed, but having struck “gold,” the crew proceeded cautiously.

The find was placed in the St. James Spiritual Baptist Church, and the site secured by members of the Special Services Unit and Rapid Response Unit.

The vigil continued. On Tuesday, two other pots were

Some of the artifacts recovered from a hole in Clare Valley.

Right: Louise Mitchell-Joseph, Chairperson of the National Trust, described the discovery as perhaps this country’s most valuable find to date. chairperson described the finds as “decorative ceramic vessels.”

She stressed the number of pots found when she spoke on The hole in which the pottery was found.

Monday and associated the relics with the “Saladoid taken out.

The building which houses period” whom she described as Workers reported other the Spiritual Baptist Church the first settlers in St. Vincent vessels in the ground. But was used before by the and the Grenadines, arriving with the hole getting deeper, Seventh Day Adventists in from the lower Orinoco region the water level had risen.

Clare Valley. of Venezuela.

“They sold us the building, Mitchell praised the Clare Curiosity awakened and the land was given to us,” Valley residents for “so McDonald indicated. carefully removing the pots, Neil McDonald, a pastor at The discovery has and their level of awareness in awakened a sense of curiosity realizing that these were the St. James Spiritual Baptist Church, admitted that and excitement in the Clare important.” at first it felt like a normal Valley community.

She asserted that the people occurrence. However, since the Letsie Slater, a member of made the “most valuable find magnitude of the development the St. James Spiritual we ever had.” has dawned on him, “I (am) Baptist congregation said, “It Archaeologists are expected feeling something different.” was real nice seeing them here in January, and Work on digging the hole (artefacts).”

Mitchell/Joseph anticipates began four days previously.

Letsie cited the find as that their inquiries will shed historic. further light on the findings.

“We used to go by the river She estimates that the and meet little pieces,” she vessels might have been used recalled, but the Independence 1600 years ago.

Day find has provided a boost “Most likely there was a full for the community, she indigenous settlement in the contended. area,” Mitchell/Joseph said.

For her, the recovery is a The most valuable find “national treasure.”

Two pairs of hands ensure that this pot go in as one piece into a storage box.

Louise Mitchell/Joseph, Chairperson of the National Trust, promised on Monday that the search would go on.

Mitchell/Joseph alluded to renewed focus on Clare Valley because of the discovery.

The items have been placed in the care of the National Trust.

“When Clare Valley has its own museum, they (areifacts) could be brought back,” Mitchell/Joseph confided.

Mitchell/Joseph, a lawyer by profession, disclosed that the valuables will be further examined. “We are going to engage as many people as possible,” she outlined.

The National Trust

labourer who was in the expedition.

“I was helping them dig the hole. The spar hit on something tough. I saw something break off. Like is gold dey here,” he reflected.

“I feel nice,” he indicated and is happy that the community has been thrown into the spotlight.

Kieran Richards and Samuel Gaymes formed the rest of the work force.

Former Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste was in Clare Valley for Monday’s events.

She indicated that she had been a member of the National Trust for 40 years.

A contingent of Grade 5 and 6 students from the Sugar Mill Academy also descended on the normally quiet fishing community that Monday.

As the scenario continues, Vincentians will view the episodes with intensity.

Reaction from residents Fisherman Eli Slater, a former Coast Guard Officer, declared “This a great boost for the village.”

He was pleased with the development, and outlined that being “50 yards from my gate, the action is next to me.”

Davyeon Muckett is a 21- A close-up view reveals clearly defined year-old colouration on this pot.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 19.

Youth

Another great year for the LEO CLUB THE LEO CLUB ST. VINCENT, which is in its 27th year of existence, remains as one of the leading youth-based community service organisations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As part of Zone 3C which includes clubs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, the club was, for another year, recognised for its achievements at the Zone Meeting held in Grenada in March, 2012. Awards were received for Most Efficient Leo Club Secretary-Zone 3C, Most Outstanding Leo President for the Zone and Most Outstanding Leo Club of

the Zone.

Additionally, at the District Level which encompasses The Primary Schools’ Literacy Competition is just one of the annual undertakings countries from Jamaica in the of the Leo Club St. Vincent. north to Guyana in the south, the Club was recognised for its first half of the Lionistic year.

October-November. To culminate the outstanding contribution in the area of Already realized, on July 31st, 2012, activities for the first half, the annual Health and Wellness at the Multiple was a donation to Chequanna Gilkes School for Children with Special Needs District Convention held in Trinidad to assist with travel to Trinidad and Christmas party will be held. and Tobago in May, 2012.

Tobago, for surgery to replace her back Throughout the coming months, the With the new year beginning in brace. club will also take part in other July and working under the theme The club has also lent its assistance projects such as a beach cleanup and ‘Doing is Believing’, a full slate of to a student newly entering secondary the cleaning of the homes of two activities has been planned for the school through the donation of school geriatrics. supplies. This donation was made on The Leo Club St. Vincent, being a August 29th, 2012. The recipient, charitable service organisation, is whose family hails from Caruth, dependent on the assistance of the Mesopotamia, was very grateful for general public and the corporate such assistance. sector. The club wishes to thank the During this first half of the sponsors of the recently held ‘Luau’ Lionisitic year, the club will undertake pool party and other organisations several of its signature projects. which have pledged assistance to the

by PATMOS RICHARDS performers.

Members continue to be mentors to annual Primary Schools’ Literacy The event, students of the Liberty Lodge Boys’ Competition. Through the assistance LAST SUNDAY, October 28, was a some say the first Training Centre through their weekly of the general public and various special day in the Sion Hill of its kind to be visits. The club will also continue with business places, the club is able to community. staged for young its monthly Feeding of the Homeless make a greater impact on the lives of Young persons, ranging in ages 5 to persons in Sion activity and execute its major project, the disadvantaged in St. Vincent and Ras Idesha 14, converged on the Sion Hill Hill, was the annual Primary Schools’ Literacy the Grenadines.

Jackson, the Euphonium Steel Orchestra Pan Yard, organized by Competition during the months of force behind the in a showcase of talent, in an event to community effort in Sion Hill. mark this country’s 33rd anniversary activist Ras of independence.

Idesha Jackson.

The 5:00pm to 8:00 pm event held Renowned for the gathering of persons, primarily its vibrancy in times past, the Sion from the Sion Hill community, in Hill community has fallen into a rapture as the young persons recited period of subdued activity. Some poetry, told stories, danced to local observers were heard to comment that music, sang patriotic songs and perhaps Sunday’s event could well be delivered speeches in keeping with the a turning point in the direction of a spirit of independence. renewed social and cultural vibrancy.

And there was an abundance of The Sion Hill community comprises local food on sale to satisfy the Mala Village, Roseau, Chaunce appetites of both audience and Village, Top Village and Walvaroo.

Sion Hill youths stage cultural event

Spelling Bee into final round COREAS HAZELLS INC. has partnered with Rotaract Club of Kingstown to produce the 7th edition of the national Spelling Bee Competition.

Dubbed the 2012 Seven Seas-Rotaract Spelling Bee Competition, the finals will be held tomorrow, November 3, at Frenches House, Kingstown.

There were eight rounds of preliminary competiton from which seven students were selected for tomorrow’s final.

At the official launch of the Competition on October 24, at the Fisheries Conference Room, Kingstown, Brand Manager for Seven Seas , John- Paul Antoine, stated that the purpose of the competition and his

Brand Manager for Seven Seas , John- Paul Antoine, hands over sponsorship cheque to Sylicia Lynch of the Rotaract Club. company’s sponsorship, “is to provide an opportunity to primary school students to improve their literacy skills.”

Communication Service Director of Rotaract Club, Sylicia Lynch, described the Competition as her club’s

major undertaking for the year.

Prizes at stake in the Competition include a laptop computer with internet access and a Kindle Fire.

Last year’s winner was Dandre Toney of the Georgetown Primary School. (KH)

V

20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Alcohol and marriage:

What the Bible says “Depart from me, I never knew you.” These watch words , the words of our Saviour, apply in an exact way to some of the Pastors of today.

I have visited many churches over a span of many years, and cannot help but wonder what has influenced some of the teachings I have heard. This is reminiscent of the words of Jesus which say: “Search the scripture; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Therefore, it is always important to compare all teachings with the word of God, in order to

anything done in excess is considered a sin.

There is much Alcohol reference in the scriptures that support One example of the the argument that there aforementioned is nothing wrong with teachings is about the having a drink. However, drinking of alcohol. The I will only mention: sin arises when one Firstly, in Genesis drinks to the point of 9:20-27, we learn of the intoxication and engages incident where Noah in undesirable behaviour. became drunk after This is the reasoning drinking wine from his behind the line in the vineyard. His son, Ham, Bible which states that, discovered him lying “no drunkard shall naked in his tent, and inherit the kingdom of made a mockery of their God.” (1 Corinthians father to his other 6:10). Hence we see the brothers. Upon learning importance of doing of Ham’s conduct, Noah things in moderation and proceeded to curse him with self control, as and the curse was upheld decipher truth from deception.

Let the Church be the Church Who is the Church? “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” - 1 Peter 2:9. “But you are the light of the world, the salt of the earth……” Matt 5: 13-16.

The bride of Christ How does one become a part of the Church? “Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins”- Acts 2:38.

“Whosoever believes on him has everlasting life……” John 3:16-18. By grace are you save through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest anyone should boast - Eph 2:8-9.

What is the main mission of the Church? “Go, therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost….” Matt 28:19. “For the perfecting of saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ until……” Eph. 4: 1116.

How did the early Church operate?

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers……” Acts 2: 42-47. “And King Herod killed James with a sword” Acts 12: 1-2.

We are thankful for the many great things that are happening in SVG. Having said all of this, the fact is that this is St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Church is now faced with many serious societal situations, etc. Let’s do some national self examination.

Economic woes, poverty, poor parenting, widespread disrespect for authority, slothfulness, greed,

immorality, poor governance, political divisiveness, convenient patriotism, intimidation, unfair practices by the business community, lack of opportunity, a questionable foreign policy, wastage of public and personal resources, fear, uneasiness, hopelessness, irresponsible utterances, an educational programme that fails to prepare the vast majority of citizens to cope with life situations.

The foregoing situations, etc, might be the breeding-ground for crimes, and might be responsible for turning well-meaning persons into delinquents and deviants.

Response But there is hope: “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land” - 2 Chronicles 7: 14. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds…….” 2 Cor 10: 3-7.

Let the Church be the Church!

We must stand up for the right. We must stand against all wrongs in the Church and in the State and in Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose firm, And dare to make it known.

Many giants great and tall Stalking through our land Headlong to the earth would fall If met by Daniel’s Band (by P.P Bliss) May god protect and change us all.

‘B.E.M’

by God throughout all the generations of Ham. Ask yourselves: if having even one drink was a sin, then why did God honour the curse that Noah placed on Ham? After all, our God is not an author of confusion. God upheld the curse because Noah did not act undesirably in his drunken state.

Instead, he went to sleep in his tent so that he could overcome his drunkenness.

The second example comes from Deuteronomy 14: 21-27 wherein God tells the Israelites to purchase whatever their souls desired, even if they desired wine or strong drink. He goes further on to state that they should consume this before the Lord their God and should rejoice along with their entire households. In 1 Samuel 1:9-24, we see that Hannah, mother of Samuel, took a bottle of wine to the priest. In keeping with the custom of that time in which people shared what they had with the priest who earned no salaries. Also, in Jeremiah 35: 1-19, God told the prophet Jeremiah to give the Rechabites wine to drink.

They, however, refused on account that their forefather Jonadab, not God, had commanded them never to drink wine.

In Luke 7: 31-35, Jesus asks; “To what shall I liken the men of this generation?” He goes further on to state that his forerunner, John the

Baptist, came and neither ate nor drank from anyone, and it was said that he had a devil. God on the other hand, ate as well as drank and was accused of being a ‘glutton’ and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. A winebibber is another term used to describe a drunkard. Therefore, how can they accuse God of being such had he not consumed alcohol? The bible cannot lie.

longer be referred to as ‘twain’. Therefore, God cannot uphold or acknowledge such a marriage. These couples are also told that they must remain together until death, despite whatever trouble they may be facing from one another. As many unfortunate incidents have proven today, death has indeed been the end result of a number of failed marriages. Thus I repeat: God could not have acknowledged such Marriage a union in the first place.

In order for God to The second example of acknowledge a marriage, the aforementioned teachings dealt with the both parties have to be topic of marriage. God’s virgins. There must be idea of marriage occurs no other person involved when a pure man and a as this would lead to pure woman come comparisons being made. together and be as one.

This in turn would lead Hence we see why God to utter chaos. The says that the ‘twain’ following are examples of shall become one. scriptures that illustrate However, certain God’s idea of what ministers of today would marriage should really take it upon themselves be like: 2 Samuel 13: 1to join about anyone in 28, Deuteronomy 22: 13‘holy matrimony’. An 29 and Revelation 21. example can be seen where a woman who has Here we find that the term ‘bride’ is used to had several men in her life and children fathered describe the holy city which signifies no by said men, is joined with a man who has had defilement. This proves that the foundation of a several women and healthy marriage is for children as well. They are pronounced husband both parties to be pure. and wife, and the I leave you now with audience is told that the reminder that one “whom God has joined, must always search the let no man put asunder”. scripture in order to Dear readers, where is learn the truth for God in such a union? yourselves and not be led Where a couple has been astray by false doctrines. involved with other persons prior to being R.B. Harry - 498-1962 married, they can no

A day in my life as a coin I WAS ONCE made in a factory called Goldmaker. I was made in the year 2001. I was made by this white, old man who was ninety-four years old.

He put me in a machine and I turned circle and I was silver. There were some other men who made more of me, and placed us in what they called an oven. After returning from the oven, the feeling of being important struck me.

I was passed from country to country through foreign exchange.

They put me in a cash machine, where I thought I would rest after that long journey. Suddenly a lady came towards me and took me up. She was running and everybody was shouting, Stop! I thought to myself this is a bad

thing.

She tossed me into her pocket, but my head was peeping out of it.

PLING! PLING! I dropped in a puddle that was dirty, smelly and uncomfortable. The feeling of being important left me as people walked on me, over me and even kicked me.

It was that same day when I became rusty, old, brown and parts broken off of me. I felt a little solid and I was in pain. I never knew it was so much pain to be a coin. Finally a group of girls came across, took me up and took me with them and so I began my journey again.

T’Deonze Glasgow Troumaca Secondary School

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) A change of attitude has probably disrupted your home environment.

Don't share your dilemma with those you work with. You will be looking for creative ways to make a little extra cash. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't let any small misunderstandings get in the way. Be careful; your ideas are good but make sure that you're realistic and start off on solid ground. Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize. Don't be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You'll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it.

Entertainment should include your whole family. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. Over spending or unexpected bills could set you back.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Travel may be confusing. Help with your aspirations is likely, and profits could follow. This is probably causing upset and confusion on the home front. Take a look at the possibilities of starting a small part time business with friends or relatives.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Make changes in your domestic scene. Don't be too hard on your mate. You must not let fellow workers take advantage of your fine talents. Your high energy will enable you to take the role of leader in group functions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can make new connections through friends or relatives.

Sudden changes will occur through communications with friends or in-laws. You can meet interesting new friends if you join worthwhile groups. Don't let your emotions get out of hand.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will be attracted to unusual forms of entertainment and foreign cultures. Travel should be on your mind. Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. You can elaborate on your creative ideas and get involved in groups that relate to the arts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident.

Unforeseen changes in your location are apparent. Your lover may cost you financially. You will be in a high cycle regarding work.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may not have the same ideas when it comes to what you both enjoy. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Unstable relationships are likely. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You have the stamina and determination to succeed. Take work home but be sure to spend some time with your mate. Put your efforts into being creative. Rely on yourself and you will look good to superiors.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Take a long look at your present direction and consider your professional options. Travel and entertaining conversation will be informative and uplifting.

Relationships will be emotional this week. Children may be less than honest with you.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your determination and stamina will make your work look flaw less and effortless. Make a point of working on yourself. Try not to be too emotional with those around you. You're ready to take action and take over.

ACROSS 1. Maple’s fluid 4. Scotsman’s nickname 7. Soothsayers 12. Sheep mom 13. __ king (2 wds.)

14. Sudden fright 15. Large dish 17. Excel 18. Rested 19. Rescue worker (abbr.)

21. Id’s partner 22. Comedian Laurel 24. “Oh, give __ home…”

(2 wds.)

25. Leia’s “Star Wars” hero 27. Swore 29. Souped-up coupe (2

wds.)

31. Grouped, as cattle 35. Piece of office equipment 37. Wide shoe width 38. Volcanic material 41. Not Dem. Or Rep. 42. Annoys a little 43. Turkish title 44. Wager 45. One __ customer (2 wds.)

46. Violin’s big cousin 48. Quantities 52. Foreign representative 53. Mattel male 54. Boot camp residents (abbr.)

55. Dance

movements 56. Summer (Fr.) 57. Clean air agcy.

DOWN 1. Between Aug. and Oct. 2. Carpenter’s tool 3. European farmer of old 4. Lauer or Dillon 5. Pub brew 6. Occupation 7. Blemish 8. Water (Fr.) 9. Exit’s opposite 10. Raised strip 11. Dart 16. Process leather

20. Squashed 22. Moviegoer’s admonition 23. Truth, in China 24. Rainy day “treat” (2 wds.)

25. HST’s preceder 27. Bill and __ 28. Poetic “ever” 30. “His master’s voice” co.

32. Unsettle 33. Scared shout 34. __ Plaines 36. Consumption 38. Sneaker fasteners 39. FBI man 40. Water flow regulator

42. Debt memo 44. The Beach __ 45. Musical pitch 47. Cut awkwardly 49. Bumped into 50. Redcap’s reward 51. Retirement benefit agcy.

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 21.

THIS WEEK ON

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

November 2nd, 2012

November 3rd, 2012

November 4th, 2012

November 5th, 2012

November 6th, 2012

November 7th, 2012

Morning

Morning

Morning

Morning

Morning

Morning

CNN Cubix Yu-Gi-Oh Iron Man Armoured Adventures 10:00 WWE Sat Mornning 10:30 Dragon Ball Z 11:00 Yu-Gi-Oh 11:30 Yu-Gi-Oh

6:00 CNN News 7:00 Your Destiny 8:00 Trinity In Touch 8:30 V2V Church 9:00 Bible Speaks 9:30 Faith & Truth 10:00 Tellihah Ministries 10:00 Movie To Be Announced

6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 I Shouldn’t Be Alive 11:00 CSI: Miami

FRIDAY

6:00 CNN 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Every Body Hates Chris 11:30 My Wife & Kids Afternoon 12:00 Headline N¬ews 1:00 8 Simple Rules 1:30 3D 2:00 Law & Order 3:00 Walker 4:05 Good Luck Charlie 4:30 Fish Hooks 5:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place Evening 6:00 Yes There Is Hope 7:00 SVGTV News 7:50 Caribbean Passport 8:25 Meet The Browns 8:50 3D/Lotto Draws 9:00 Tele-Classifieds 9:05 SVGTV Obituaries 9:10 Bold & The Beautiful 9:30 Caribbean Newsline 9:55 Super 6 Draw 10:00 Movie Drama ‘Pg 13’ “Dolphin Tale” 11:55 Movie Com ‘Pg 13’ “Larry Crowne Affair” 1:30 Movie Comedy ‘Pg 13’ "Mr. Bean Holiday" 2:40 Movie Com ‘R’ “Love Actually” 5:00 CNN News

5:00 7:30 8:30 9:00

Afternoon 12 :30 Wizard’s Of Waverly Place 1:00 Goodluck Charlie 1:30 3D 1:35 Everybody Hates Chris 2:00 Independence Rewind 3:00 My Child & I 4:00 Video Train 5:00 Inside Story Evening 6:00 Suite Life 6:30 Living Water Ministries 7:00 SVGTV News 7:25 Sportweek 7:55 Voice Of Freedom 8:30 The Cosby Show 8:55 3D 9:00 On Stage 10:00 Movie Com ‘Pg’ “Turner & Hooch” 11:40 Movie Docu ‘R’ “Tupac: Ressurection” 1:30 Movie Dra ‘R’ “Grid Steal” 2:30 Movie Cri ‘R’ The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie” 4:25 CNN

THURSDAY

Afternoon 12:00 Paula 12:30 Turning Point 1:00 Direction 2:00 Movie Comedy ‘Pg 13’ “Big Daddy” 4:00 Movie Comedy ‘Pg 13’ “Fun With Dick & Jane” Evening 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30

Health Talk Flash Back My Child & I To Be Announced 8:00 Movie Drama ’Pg 13’ “Real Steel” 10:15 Movie Drama ‘Pg 13’ “The Tempest” 11:15 Movie Dra ‘R’ “The Ledge” 2:00 Movie Comedy ‘Ur’ “Kaboom” 3:30 Movie Action ‘R’ “I Went Down” 5:30 CNN News

11:00 House Of Payne 11:30 We Cooking

November 8th, 2012 Morning 6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Meet The Browns

Afternoon 12:00 Headline News 1:00 10 Dollar Meals` 1:30 3D 2:00 Burn Notice 3:00 What Not To Wear 4:00 Johnny Test

TUESDAY

6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Meet The Afternoon Browns 11:30 According To 12:00 Headline News Jim 1:00 Las Vegas 1:30 3D Afternoon 2:00 The Doctors 3:00 Walker 4:00 Good Luck 12:00 Headline News Charlie 1:00 Law & Order 4:30 Austin & Ally 1:30 3D 5:00 Caribbean 2:00 The Closer Power 3:00 Grey’s Anatomy Outreach 5:30 The Parkers 4:00 My Wife & Kids 4:30 My Wife & Kids Evening 5:00 Kicking It 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:55 8:25 8:55 8:57

Diners In Touch SVGTV News Encounter The Law & You 3D Tele – Classifieds 8:58 SVGTV Obituaries 9:00 Wwe Monday Night Raw 11:00 CSI 12:00 Law & Order 1:00 CSI 2:00 Movie Action ‘R’ “Pistol Whipped” 4:00 Law & Order CI 5:00 CNN News

5:00 Victorious Evening 6:00 New Life Baptist Church 7:00 SVGTV News 7:55 A.P.I Presents 8:55 3D 9:00 Tele- Classifieds 9:10 SVGTV Obituaries

Evening 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:55 8:55 8:57

Victorious We Cooking SVGTV News A.P.I Presents 3D/Lotto Draws Tele – Classifieds 8:58 SVGTV Obituaries 9:00 CNN Us Election Coverage 9:55 Super Six Draw 10:00 CNN Election Analysis

9:15 Bold & The Beautiful 9:25 Caribbean Newsline 10:00 Movie Action ‘R’ “Predator” 12:30 Movie Drama ‘R’ "Stargate" 3:15 Movie Horror ‘R’ “The Frightners” 5:30 CNN News

WEDNESDAY

6:00 CNN News 9:00 Shepherd’s Chapel 10:00 Caribbean Newsline 10:30 Meet The Brownes 11:00 House Of Payne 11:30 Caribbean Passport Afternoon 12:00 Headline News 1:00 House 1:30 3D 2:00 Criminal Minds 3:00 Every Day History 4:00 Deck 4:30 Jessie 5:00 On Stage Evening 6:00 Agri Business Now 7:00 SVGTV News 8:00 Women In Destiny 8:30 Cosby Show 8:55 3D 9:00 Tele-Classifieds 9:05 SVGTV Obituaries 9:15 Bold & The Beautiful 9:30 Caribbean Newsline 10:10 Movie Crime ‘R’ “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” 11:40 Movie Thriller ‘R’ “Straw Dogs” 2:35 Movie Act ‘R’ “3-Iron” 5:10 CNN News

* Programme guide subject to change.

V

22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Blows for food and sex Dear George,

I HAVE TO EXPOSE the man I am living with. He parades around town like he is somebody good, but nobody knows what he is doing to me at home. I plan to go to public with this if there is no change soon, and I mean SOON. After dating for 10 years, we made plans to get married but only after I threatened to walk away if he didn’t agree to (marry me.) His name is being called with women at his office and in

other areas of St.Vincent, but I do not listen to rumours, and that is why I stayed with him.

However, this man has one fault that I simply cannot take anymore. He beats me for sex and for food. If he comes home and there is nothing to eat, he starts an argument over it, and it always ends up the same way, with me getting some blows from him. When he wants to have sex with me and I am not in the mood or do not want to do a particular sexual act, he would hit me until I do it. He does not care if I am

not enjoying it, as long as he gets his satisfaction. He behaves like an animal.

I am very concerned about what is happening, and I told him that the only way I am going to get married to him is if he changes this ways. His response was: “I am not the one who wants to get married.” I am not getting any younger, and I want this relationship to work, but I need help.

I AM 15 YEARS OLD and madly in love with a man who is 37 years old. But to be honest, he looks like he is just 20, and I really love him.

I have been with him about one year now, and we have been having the best sexual relationship you can ever imagine. He helps me with my books and other school expenses.

One day I asked him if he loves me and only me, and he said yes, and how he would never love another woman as long as I am with him. But then I saw with a woman, and when I asked him about her, he said she was his cousin from New York. My friends told me that they saw them kissing on the beach, but he denies it. I believe him. I do not think he would like that.

The problem is that I have not seen him now for a few days, and I am wondering if he

is with this ‘cousin’ of his. I am not sure what to think and do.

Depressed Dear Depressed, What you need to do is to forget about this man and focus on your studies. This man is an adult, and you are yet a child, and should not be tampering with edged tools. There is nothing in this for you, and it will only end in despair with you saying, “If I had known!” He will always find a ‘cousin’ to introduce you to or to hang with.

You are way in above your head, and you need to immediately draw back. Do not encourage this man in a situation that certainly has legal consequences written all over it.

George.

The only change that you need to make to this relationship is to get out of it. It will be more of the same and/or worse should you continue in it.

You need to be with someone who respects you and who can treat you like the woman you are. Make no apologies for leaving a man who behaves like an animal and wants to treat you like one.

Helpless

Robbing the cradle Dear George,

Dear Helpless,

George

The temptation of increased wages An offer of increased pay or more money is always tempting, but the question is, would you be I HAVE BEEN working as a able to live with yourself after domestic at this place for some time, and I have had no problems that?

Money is not all to it, and you until recently.

The man in the house wants me need to be able to hold your head high at all times. Sleeping with to sleep with him and his wife. I someone who is already married, was so shocked one day when he put it to me. I asked him what his and in your case with two people wife thought about it, and he said who are already married, is digging yourself into a mess that she was willing and it was her can become very complicated and idea in the first place. unhealthy.

They told me if I did it, they This is not something you would double my pay. The offer is tempting, but I am not sure about would want to do, regardless of the money involved. Your answer the sleeping part. I really need should be, “Thanks, but no the money, George. thanks.” If they do not agree with your answer, let them at least Unsure respect your decision.

Dear George,

Dear Unsure,

George

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 23.

Business

Caribbean Innovation Challenge Competition is on

by JP SCHWMON SVG Young Vincentian entrepreneurs are now being invited to register for the recently launched Caribbean Innovation Challenge, an international entrepreneur competition and business start-up accelerator program for young entrepreneurs in the Caribbean.

The competition is organized and developed

by UNDP Barbados and the OECS in conjunction with the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) as part of the UNDP project Youth Innovation (Youth-IN): A Caribbean Network for Youth Development, with the chief aim being to promote innovation while developing entrepreneurial initiatives as well as tapping into the potential of young people to generate ideas that benefit their societies and communities, a release on the competition website (www.youthin-cic.net) states.

To this end, three categories of submissions would be awarded including: Best Social Entrepreneurs to be presented to the team that develops an innovative project or idea that results in a positive social impact on others; Best Economic Entrepreneurs to be offered to the team that creates a sustainable business opportunity for themselves or other people; Best Environmental Entrepreneurs for the team that develops an innovative project or idea that contributes to solving environmental challenges.

To enter, potential participants must be between 16-29 years of age, legal citizens of SVG and must be able to legally operate a business here. Teams of up to 10 persons may register online for free until 5.00pm on Friday 21st December 2012 — the registration deadline.

The competition would be executed in two phases, with the semifinals being staged online. To advance to the Finals, each participating team must complete a concept

paper, a business model, a prototype test, a Facebook page or a blog, and a collage of promotional photos, videos or graphical presentations.

Bridgetown, Barbados is listed as the host location for the Finals which is scheduled for April of next year. A total of 20 Finalists can expect to make their pitch to the judges who would then select one team per category as the competition winners.

Prizes for the CIC Awards include US$5000.00, a team trophy and certificates for every member of the winning team as well as networking and leadership opportunities.

But that is not all.

“The CIC differentiates itself from other existing business model competitions by incorporating “before and after” stages, focusing on training and mentoring

ECCB launches 2013 OECS Essay Competition

STUDENTS participating in the 2013 OECS Essay Competition, hosted and sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), will focus on opportunities for entrepreneurship for school leavers; agriculture and its contribution to the economies of the OECS Launch of the Caribbean Innovation Challenge countries; and the (CIC) took place in Barbados on October 2, 2012. benefits of the OECS as preparation for the Entrepreneur Mini Economic Union. competition, and Labs,” will continue to be The OECS Essay providing follow up developed and promoted Competition is designed services that include to benefit the to encourage critical access to finance, participants further. thinking among the A quick visit to the networking activities, region’s students and to competition website internships and motivate their promotion opportunities (www.youthin-cic.net) engagement in — which are key support would not only inform about the competition’s discussions on issues services for first-time rules, timetable, judging that impact the young entrepreneurs.” criteria and general development of the Hence a series of online terms and conditions; but OECS countries. The trainings (via the CIC Website — www.youthin- perspective participants topics for the 2013 may also benefit from the cic.net) and onsite competition are: 1. In business planning tools trainings, dubbed the today’s economic climate, available on the “Youth — IN many school leavers are resources page.

Stakeholders of VIPo 2013.

‘Nationwide effort required,’ says Invest SVG THIS IS THE CALL made by the nation’s investment promotions agency, Invest SVG, at a recently held VIPo stakeholders’ meeting.

Invest SVG’s VIPo, the Vincentian Innovators Expo, scheduled for March 15th -17th 2013, will seek to provide a platform for Vincentian businesses to exhibit and market their products, attract potential buyers/investors, and network.

According to Executive Director of Invest SVG, Mrs. Cleo Huggins, VIPo is one of the many initiatives by Invest SVG as the agency continues to fulfil its mandate of promoting export development, economic diversification and poverty reduction.

Huggins furthered commented “the expo will seek to engender Vincentian pride in local products and services, and as such, the effort must be a national one if

the expo is to be successful on a grand scale,” Huggins said.

Registration to be a VIPo exhibitor will also be free, as is the agency’s business registration.

The expo is anticipated to attract approximately fifty (50) exhibitors, and also a regional audience, as the event will be promoted throughout the Caribbean.

Prior to VIPo’s main event in March, there will also be an Export Readiness Seminar in November 2012. This seminar targets businesses that currently export, possess export potential or aspire to export, and is aimed at assisting participants to sharpen their skills and level of understanding of the ‘business of export’.

This two-day event will cover inter alia, topics such as leveraging trade agreements, the

importance of proper packaging and presentation of one’s products/services.

In attendance at the VIPo stakeholders meeting were representatives from the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Authority; Energy Unit; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Telecommunications, Bureau of Standards, National Broadcasting Corporation, Royal St. Vincent & the Grenadines Police Force, Industry Unit and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Unit.

VIPo is spearheaded by Invest SVG in collaboration with Caribbean Export Development Agency, the European Union, Bank of SVG and the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC).

faced with high unemployment rates within the OECS countries. What can the youth do to turn this situation into opportunities for entrepreneurship? 2.

Agriculture is a viable booster for OECS economies. Discuss. 3.

What strategies can OECS countries employ to ensure that young people become better acquainted with the benefits of the OECS Economic Union?

The competition is open to students aged 14 — 19 throughout the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

The entries are judged in two categories: ages 14 to 16 and ages 17 to 19.

The essays must be 750 to 1000 words and must be typewritten. They will be assessed for content, soundness of points, logical development, knowledge of the subject, command of language and presentation.

Cash prizes amounting to EC$10,000 will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each category, while grants amounting to EC$6,000 will be awarded to their respective schools. The school with the most entries in the top 10 will also receive a cash award of EC$500.

Since the inception of the competition in 1996, the ECCB has awarded grants amounting to EC$223,000.00 to students and their respective schools.

The essays for the 2013 OECS Essay Competition must be submitted to the ECCB Headquarters or the Bank’s Agency Office in the respective member countries, no later than 29 March 2013.

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Has body building died a natural death?

by STEVE VICTORY

SVG once boasted bodies and figures like these during the heyday of Body Building and Powerlifting programmes.

To our readers and body building fans: Has the spark of body building died a natural death?

5 years in the West Indies.

80 years shaping minds around the world.

For 80 years, students from nearly every nation have traveled to Monroe College, an accredited American College, to acquire relevant, real world training in the world’s most in-demand fields. Five years ago, we expanded our commitment to the Caribbean with the opening of a brand new campus in St. Lucia. Since that time, hundreds of students from the West Indies have chosen Monroe College in St. Lucia as the next step on their road to success.

You’ll find our graduates building wireless networks and networking in government posts.

They’re treating patients, greeting tourists and opening the businesses of tomorrow. On campus and online, Monroe students benefit from an interactive American-style education taught by professors who also work in the fields they teach. And they learn indemand skills in use out in the workforce right now.

Are you ready to change your life? Give us a call.

For more information call our local number: Nikki Williams at 784-531-3424 Or contact Alison Brice: abrice@monroecollege.edu 758-456-3200

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There was a time one walked the streets of Kingstown and easily recognized a number of men as either being body builders or of being associated with body building. From areas such as Sion Hill, Frenches, Cane Garden, Stubbs, Riley, Georgetown they came.

Men like Harold Lewis, Elroy Horne, Asborne John, Albert Jardin, Odley Spence, Juan Neverson, Ronald Simmons, Curtis and Adrian Dennie, Michael and O’Brian Gabriel, Michael Revierre, Garvin Phillips and Efford Rogers, Desmond Shallow, Glaston Pilgrim, Lennox Spence and Mark Spring (Georgetown).

For the last 7-8 years, nothing positive has been done for body building here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines: no body building event, no meeting, no promotion in the gyms.

No Rift

Persons associated with or following the sport will want to say there is a rift between Ms. Wliliams and me.

Let me make it clear: there is no rift between anyone and me, but fact is fact. If a person knows that he/she can’t manage something, don’t let it die; give it up to someone who is willing and capable to take it over.

I applied to the president, as far back as 14th December, 2011, under Article 11 Section 1 and Section 13.13-2 of the SVGBBFF constitution, for permission or sanction to stage private competitions, championships, exhibition, games. This the executive committee can grant.

To date, I have not received a response verbally or in writing from the Federation or Miss Williams.

The Federation Early this year, in a meeting with Miss What is happening to Williams, we discussed the St. Vincent and the the subject. She told me Grenadines Body that I can go ahead and Building, Powerlifting & have the event. I told Fitness Federation her that I can’t do so (SVGBBPFF)? At a meeting on February 26, without the sanction letter, for that letter is 2010, a new executive was elected. It included proof that sanction is given. I am still Korean Williams who awaiting a sanction was re-elected as letter.

President and who had A few weeks ago, I served for some seven years. Yet, we have not met President Williams. seen any progress or She told me that she was development in the going to organize a body sport; no body building building exhibition in event has been staged, December 2012. I asked no contest , no workshop, her where the body no exhibition, nothing builders will be coming pertaining to the from, since she had no development of the sport contact with the body of body building. builders or with the As a matter of fact, gyms. I suggested to her there have been that what was needed complaints that some was a meeting to let persons who paid their people know what is subscription to ensure their financial status as happening with the Federation, to include a members, have still not report on its finances received their receipts. and why there were no If this is no, then these body building events. people apparently have Persons are calling for no claim of being the back of Miss members of the Williams.

SVGABBPFF.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 25.

People

Former Head Teacher showered with gifts Valley.

The veteran community LEOPOLD ANTHONY, a former activist was presented with a Head Teacher at the Westwood certificate of appreciation as Methodist School, received a well a gift basket. visit from students, teachers It was an emotional and parents from that institution exercise at the residence of last week Thursday. one of Anthony’s sons, Anthony, from the village of especially when the visitors Troumaca, now resides in the rendered the Westwood South Leeward village of Clare Methodist School song,

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Leopold Anthony accompanied the visitors singing on his violin, one of many instruments he has mastered.

composed by Anthony himself.

He indicated that the singing of the number provided moments of nostalgia for him.

Aged 91, Anthony has a long connection with the Westwood district.

It was at this school that he served as a teacher in the early 1940s.

Anthony endured a stint in the Dutch-speaking region of Aruba and after his return in 1954, returned to the classroom.

A musician, sports enthusiast and lay preacher with the Methodist Church, Anthony has come in for recognition for his contribution to the North Leeward community and to the nation.

Pearlette Harry, who is in charge of the Westwood Methodist School, was happy to be in contact with Anthony.

She reflected on her interaction with Anthony, her neighbor for most of her life.

Retired Education Officer Hugh Wyllie gave a citation on

Students and teachers of the Westwood Methodist School present Mr. Leopold Anthony with a gift basket.

Anthony. Wyllie, also from Troumaca, was Head Teacher at Westwood when the idea of coming up with a School song dawned on him. Wyllie contacted Anthony who completed the composition in two weeks.

The occasion was filled with prayers, bible reading and song, and Anthony was more than willing and able to display his musical ability when he accompanied the visitors on his violin.

The Westwood Methodist has a population of 54 students and a staff of seven.

Twelve students made the trip and many used the opportunity to question Anthony on aspects of his life.

The experienced teacher was happy to comply, and with the 33rd anniversary of Independence two days away, it was a fitting time to shower gifts and recognition on one of this country’s unsung heroes.

Vincentian is ÂNurse of the YearÊ

Nurse Phyllis PayneDublin has had a long and distinguished record of unselfish service to mankind.

PHYLLIS Payne-Dublin RN, MSA, RAC-CT is the Caribbean Nurses Organization (CNO) ‘Nurse of the Year’.

The distinction was bestowed upon nurse Payne-Dublin at the 29th Biennial Conference in Suriname which was held on October 20 -27th, 2012.

She was nominated by the Caribbean American Nurses Association (CANA).

Payne-Dublin is the Associate Director of Reimbursement, for a 320 bed Long Term Care

Facility in Brooklyn, New York. She is a Registered Professional Nurse and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health from St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, New York; and a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Central Michigan University.

A Certified Gerontological Nurse, Payne-Dublin has dedicated her professional career to the practice of Geriatric Nursing and has served as Director of Education and Assistant Director of Nursing. She is also a Certified Nurse Assessment Care Coordinator and Educator.

She holds membership in several organizations.

A past president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of N.Y. Inc., she currently serves that association as historian.

She is the recording and correspondence secretary of the Caribbean American Nurses Association, Inc.; and Vice President of Omega Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority whose Motto is ‘Service

for Humanity’.

Somehow within all this commitment of time, she finds the time to mentor high school and college students in her Community to ensure that the nursing profession endures.

And her communityspiritedness does not end there. Payne-Dublin has partnered with Nursing Groups on humanitarian outreach projects to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other Caribbean islands, conducting health

education and screenings.

She has worked with The SVG Nurses Association of New York and the Caribbean Renal Failure Relief Foundation in fundraising efforts to ensure persons with kidney disease receive the necessary medications and treatment.

She is also an active member of her community and church and has co-chaired outreach committees

focusing on health education, screenings and assessments.

Payne-Dublin is renowned as a quiet, confident leader who believes in connecting with frontline staff and assisting with the development of individuals through coaching, mentoring and education.

She strives to be a positive role model, recognizing that nurses have great influence on the quality of care and

service they provide to those they serve.

As expected, congratulations have poured in from a myriad of individuals and organizations; not least among these were expressions of pride and wishes for continued success from the SVG Retired Nurses Association.

(Submitted by: Clari Gilbert RN, MA, LNHAInterim Chairperson, Retired Nurses Assn.)

Victor Job Jr. excels in Mathematics VICTOR JOB Jr. recently graduated from the St. Augustine campus of the UWI with a B.Sc., First Class honours, in Mathematics and Chemistry.

Job also copped three awards and prizes at the Annual Prize-Giving and Awards Ceremony of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture. He was awarded prizes for the best Year 2 and 3 performance in Mathematics, and for his

achievement of First Class honours in Mathematics and Chemistry.

Victor Jr., the son of Rev. Victor H. Job and Mrs. Methalyn Job, attributes his success firstly to his strong faith in Almighty God, the source of all knowledge and wisdom; secondly, to the overwhelming support that he received from his parents, sisters Trisha-Ann Job Moses and Vickilyn Job and

other family members and friends; and thirdly to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The young man is firm in the conviction that hard work and determination together comprise the driving force to success.

Victor Job Jr. has his Job is presently eyes set on a career in pursuing the M.Sc. Mathematics. degree in Mathematics at St. Augustine, U.W.I. Mathematics in the and has his eyes set on future. the Ph.D. degree in

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

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V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 27.

Vincy Heat advances in CFU Cup VINCEY HEAT, the national football team of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has booked a place in the second round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Cup. In their final match in the Group 2 qualifying round played at the Beausejour Grounds, Thursday 25th October, Vincy Heat stepped up their onslaught and registered a 4-0 victory over minions Curacao.

The goals came from Myron Samuel, 2, and one each from Cornelius Stewart and Dorren Hamlet.

The victory was Vincy Heat’s second in the qualifying round, having beaten Guyana earlier, 21.

The Vincy lads, however, went down, unexpectedly, to St. Lucia, 1-0.

Vincy Heat is joined

by Guyana in the second

The Beausejour Grounds, St. Lucia, where the host failed to qualify. the game.

Commenting briefly on Wesley ‘Buttu’ Charles’ Speaking on the Vincy Heat’s Myron Cornelius Huggins, unprecedented 100th cap Samuel showed his true team’s return home, Vincy Heat’s Head for the national team, Cornelius Huggins, potential with a brace Coach, hopes to have Huggins said, “it was a Head Coach of Vincy against Curacao. his team play two great achievement from a Heat, said the players practice matches true ambassador and a “performed well as a before the next round support, also last week team, especially against dedicated footballer.” in the CFU Cup. Thursday.

Vincy Heat will face a Interestingly, Guyana, the Group favorite stiffer competition in the Guyana.”

St. Lucia and Vincy round, following that second round, in a group He admitted, country’s 3-0 victory over Heat, all ended on six that includes Cuba, however, that the players points, but Guyana and host St. Lucia. Guyana Trinidad and Suriname. were over-confident Vincy Heat went through had to beat the host by Huggins recognizes against St Lucia, and on the basis of better three clear goals, and the “stiffer competition,” under-estimated the they did just that, much goal averages. but hopes for an ‘early determination of the to the disappointment of win’ so the tem can build opposition, costing them Coach admits to overa large turnout of local confidence.

confidence

He acknowledged having seen little of the opposition in recent times, but will rely on video recordings of the teams to help in strategizing for the next round.

Plans are afoot to have Vincy Heat play at least two practice matches against “good opposition’ prior to the next round.

Vincy Heat’s first game is scheduled for November 16.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Football titles shared in Stubbs THE TWO MAJOR TITLES of the 2012 Hairoun Beer South East Development Inc. community football competition were shared by the communities of Stubbs and Prospect.

The last title up for grabs was decided at the Stubbs Playing Field last Sunday, when the league title was contested between Serge Stubborn Youths of Stubbs and GTM Prospect United.

Stubborn Youths were in search of the double after they had beaten Prospect 2-0 in the knock out finals the previous Sunday, 21st October.

Last Sunday, Prospect turned the tables on the

Serge Stubborn Youths of Stubbs , Knock Out champions.

GTM Prospect United, League champions.

Stubbs entourage, pegging them back with a one nil defeat.

And, it was a painful one, as Lindon Simon clinched the winner, with two minutes of the match to go.

Prospect won the $ 1200 cash prize, the challenge trophy and the replica.

Stubborn Youth earned themselves $ 800 and a

adjudged the best goal keeper.

Brighton Star Block’s Damari Matthews was voted the most promising young player, and Victoria Village, the most disciplined team.

For taking the Knock Out title, Stubborn Youths gained a trophy and $ 300.

Additionally, the most valuable player of each of the eleven teams which participated in the competition

trophy, while the third place team, Bonhomme Ghetto Stars, earned $ 500 and a trophy.

Other awards presented at last Sunday’s closing ceremony saw Leslo Mc Kenzie of GTM Calliaqua claiming the top goal scorer award in the competition. Mc Kenzie bagged 14 goals. Former national player, Melvin Andrews of Stubborn Youths was

was awarded a trophy.

Giving brief addresses at the closing were president of SEDI inc. Albert Harry and Acting Manager of the National Sports Council, Cecil Charles.

The next item on the SEDI sporting calendar is its Inter Village Netball competition scheduled to commence shortly.

V

28. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Lance John looking to make a difference “We have to build a relationship with groupings in the rural areas..

LANCE JOHN, newly appointed Facilities ..the management committees per se Manager at the National Sports Council ..so they can feel a part of the way (NSC), is looking to focus on the forward and empower them…..because development of the main Arnos Vale frankly speaking, we cannot stay at Playing Field, as well as bringing other Arnos Vale and manage a hundred venues up to the standard to host and twenty facilities…it’s highly regional matches, he told THE impossible,” John said.

VINCENTIAN in an interview.

He said he is not out to “My job is to make sure that we revolutionise things but just to have a good many facilities, whether improve and build on what is there, be it for cricket, football or hardcourt and may suggest changes to a few sport, to be of a standard that could be things. He, however, is adamant that a used for top local and regional better effort must be made to market matches,” John said in a business-like the main Arnos Vale Playing Field as manner. an international venue.

He believes that, with the upgrade of these facilities, there would be a Arnos Vale Playing Field decentralising of sports here, and this would give other communities the With regard to the upkeep of that opportunity to be the best sports venue and others, it is his hope that people in action. the “little things” are taken care of John said that appointing of immediately so as to avoid having to competent and responsible people to be find monies to deal with them after in charge of facilities in communities, they had gone into a serious state of should take the burden off the NSC disrepair. from having to manage what goes on A former national cricketer and there. footballer, John does not foresee any

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

The Arnos Vale Playing Field will get Lance John’s immediate attention, in his new undertaking as NSC Facilities manager. problems with both sports having the use of the main Arnos Vale Playing Field for fixtures, once it is in playable condition.

He also believes that his relationship with the different sporting bodies will ease a lot of the tension which appears to exist Lance John (left) seen here presenting an award to W.I. cricket team captain, Darren between them and the NSC. Sammy.

Currently, preparations are going ahead for the upcoming achieve success, and we are making cricket season when SVG will host two the effort at the NSC,” John said in a regional first class matches, featuring very positive and serious voice. the Windwards against Guyana and The Arnos Vale Playing Field, Trinidad. John is confident that the officially opened in 1972, has gone facility would be in top shape for these through a number of upgrades in its matches. forty-year history, with the most “We sit and talk every day where significant being for the 2007 ICC we want to be and how we go about it, Cricket World Cup. Reports say that and we have been making progress. more than EC$50 million were spent We must be a team if we want to on this intiative.

Teams primed for ASCO netball NINETEEN TEAMS have registered for the 2012 Karibbean Tires Ashburton Sports and Cultural Organisation (ASCO) Netball Competition, which opened on Sunday last, at the Gomea Methodist School hard court.

At Sunday’s opening ceremony, fifteen of the teams participated in the

march past and opening ceremony.

Addressing the 20th edition of the competition was long standing president of ASCO, Dennisford Foster; First Vice President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, Natasha Stapleton; Director of Physical Education and Sports, Nelson Hillocks; and Manager of Karibbean Tires — Cephus Bowens.

All speakers stressed the need to have competitions of this nature in the communities, and requested of the players and spectators to be respectful to the officials.

Trail Blazers of Owia was adjudged best dressed team, with Owia Sports and Cultural Organisation Two (OSCO) placing second. In the best banner competition, Gairy’s Construction ASCO was first and Maple second.

In the opening matches, all in division one, CC’s Crystals defeated WE FM Star Girls 27 — 19; Trail Blazers Trail Blazers of Owia was adjudged best dressed whipped OSCO One team.

Gairy’s Construction ASCO displaying their winning banner.

27 — 19, and Pace Setters outlasted ASCO 22 — 15.

Maple won both the 2011 league and knock out competitions in division one. In division two, Koncept Alliance ASCO also won the league and knock out in the 2011 edition, which was completed earlier this year.

An under-16 division has returned

to this year’s competition.

The other competing teams are ASCO Youths, Clinchers One and Two, Franklyn Combine, Gomea Methodist School, OSCO Two, Rising Stars, SVG Port Authority, Eveready Future Stars, Nar Fren Dem, Ministry of Transport and Works, and Jems Theatre Youths.

Bequia defending football champs humbled Last Sunday’s action in the 2012 Bequia Hairoun Beer Football Tournament threw up another slip for a champion and a move up the ladder for a contender.

Full Force continued to build on

their strong showing in the tournament to date, when they humbled defending champions Masters FC, 3 goals to nil.

Continued on page 29

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. 29.

Sports

Next hurdle The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football team is preparing for the next round of the Caribbean Cup when they meet hosts Trinidad and Tobago November 14, Cuba two days later, and Suriname Sunday, November 18.

At the same time, Grenada will be hosting French Guyana, Guyana and Haiti.

Two teams from those Groups of four advance to the final in Antigua in December.

The Vincentian team completed a dicey round in St. Lucia. They beat Curacao 4: 0 to put themselves in contention. But in a dog eat dog situation, Guyana was ruthless in their destruction of St. Lucia, thereby clinching the top spot.

Vincentian captain Wesley ‘Butu’ Charles attributed the St. Lucia loss to complacency. St. Lucia needed only a draw in order to have sealed the top spot and progress. But they floundered on the home stretch. It must have been demoralizing for the St.Lucia fans seeing their team within a whisker of advancing.

The Dominican Republic and Jamaica await Runners up from the action in Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. The winners join Martinique and Antigua/Barbuda.

The Vincentian footballers will be aiming for the top spot. In that regard, they will be able to test their progress against the Antigua team who even though they only gained one point in the second Stage of the World Cup qualifiers, were not humiliated.

The second spot will take them into combat with Jamaica, who will be keen to stamp their authority, having progressed in the World Cup qualifiers.

The Vincentians provided this country with an Independence gift, unwrapped while the focus was on the unraveling of the natural phenomenon northwards in the hemisphere.

The best of Caribbean Football is on the agenda.

Four teams will move on to the Gold Cup. That is the second best platform to the World Cup. Since we faltered so miserably during the last World Cup, this series provides an opportunity to get things in place for the 2018 sojourn. That will be in Russia, a venue that has left some deep scars on the football landscape.

The repair to that fiasco is ongoing, but there is no telling when anything else may flare up.

There is question as to Fifa’s impact on the game. But there are doubts as to some of their actions.

The controversies have subsided for the moment because no one wants to derail preparations for the scheduled programmes.

No one or anything is going to interfere with the Brazil games. It has been a long time that the South American based soccer-mad country staged the most prestigious tournaments.

Such events provide a boost not just to the hosts but those on the fringes. And with the Caribbean within the zone, there are opportunities for teams to perhaps pass through the region on their way to Brazil.

With Antigua’s display in their group, teams will be happy to acclimatize. St. Vincent and the Grenadines could benefit from the spill over. If they reach into the finals, that will be encouragement for them to make it to the top four.

The country has shown that they can do it.

There are implications for progress. A lot of it is financial. This country’s footballers have become victims of success. Complaints about inadequate finance surface in certain circumstances. But that does not stop us from trying. Obstacles will be dealt with when they crop up.

Players must make sure that they maintain fitness.

The administration and the community must provide support.

That brings out a depth of sacrifice; something we ought not to be afraid of.

Female national volleyballers in training.

Volleyballers intensify preparation

Brenda Pinder, one of the players on whom much will depend.

The national female volleyball team has intensified its training regime, in preparation for particicpation in

the 2012 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Championship.

The Championship is set for Antigua, from November 22 to 25.

Desmond James, coach of the team, told THE VINCENTIAN earlier this week, that the current training regime includes concentration of fitness, ensuring fundamentals are attended to, and working on game strategies.

James believes the squad is “a well balanced one with experience as well as some talented and exciting young players.”

James pointed to Brenda Pinder, one of the long standing and outstanding all round players here, as bringing “a vast amount of value to the unit”, and he is anticipating meaningful contribution from her.

He also named Ladonna Woodley as another influencial player in the team, and “expects her to continue her good work.”

The coach credits the presence of Brazilian coach Joao Carlos

National Masters 20/20 resumes The National Masters 20/20 cricket competition will resume this weekend following last weekend’s break to accommodate 33rd anniversary of independence celebrations, as well as the visit of the New York Masters cricket team tour.

This weekend will see the final preliminary round of matches, at the end of which the quarter finalists will be decided.

On Saturday, Joyette’s Auto Slater Development Pastures face RSVG Police from 1.30 pm. On Sunday, Da Silva LaCroix oppose Bequia from 10, followed by North Leeward Combined against Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie from 1.30 pm.

All matches are slated for the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Desmond James, head coach, is confident his team will do well in Antigua.

Moraes Campo, who is currently here on a one-month assignment, as assisting in “getting the squad into shape and ready for competition.”

James would have liked to have had his squad play against some “foreign opponents” as part of the preparation, but he is not daunted by this not being possible.

The squad simply has to buckle down and work harder, he said.

The 13 persons currently in training from which a final 10 will be selected are: Susan Ollivierre (Captain), Brenda Pinder, Crystal Ralph, Shaqullie Branker, Ladonna Woodley, Tresisha Gregg, Junette Young, Preanka Williams, Andean Spring, Nakita Campbell, Anjelique Allen, Bownie Allicott, Trevorn Lawrent.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Bequia defending football champs humbled From page 28 The Master FC’s tumble began very early, as early as the 7th minute of regulation time, when Quincy Stowe opened Full Force’s scoring with what was described by spectators as a blinder.

There was all indication that more goals were forthcoming, but give Masters FC some credit for resisting the Full Force attack, until the 62nd minute when Mariah Grant put his team ahead by another goal.

The humiliation was sealed in the 88th minute with Carmal Grant turning in Full Force’s third goal.

Action in 2012 Bequia Hairoun Beer Football Tournament continued last Wednesday at the Clive Tannis Playing Field, with Basketball United up against Bequia United.

No score was available on the outcome of this match up to press time.

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30. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

The Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had made a generous donation of $10,000.00 to ensure the staging of another Theatre Arts Festival.

Theatre Arts Festival previewed

Peace Memorial Hall, with all its challenges, will be the venue for another Theatre Arts Festival which opens this weekend.

THE PLAYS at the annual Theatre Arts Festival often reflect with wit, clarity and mirror imaging, the problems, highlights, and trends in modern Vincentian culture, and comparatively also in throwbacks to an age gone by.

We often see ourselves at worst and best, onstage.

Take for example ‘Secrets’, the 2011 Community College’s offering which tackled that all too taboo subject of obeah and the black arts. It was a ‘whodunit’ featuring witchcraft practitioner Ma Dogo (Nicketha Toney), and also the work of Bella (Alicia Peters) ‘the perpetrator of things most evil’. (See also CCs 2008 piece ‘Jinx Wedding’).

Of late, repeat performers have been showing the potential for Vincentian dramatists, beyond the limits of a small stage. Keisha Johnson of Methodist Dramatists AGAPE, reflected such growth in last year’s AGAPE effort ’BOLD’ (British Obsession Leads to Destruction), which featured her as a player in the corporate world and social climber in the SVG landscape. This was foreshadowed in many memorable performances including one which THE VINCENTIAN took note of in years gone by, that of the abused teen daughter of a CID cop- I ‘Don’t tell Nobody’.

This mini and select retrospect would be incomplete without mention of front running dramatists the Urban Expressions group. Elizabeth Rickards, a performer of many hats, stole the show last year with her intrinsic role in that family drama, and multicast herself also as urban singer, centre of a group performance of TLCs ‘Waterfalls’ .

Newcomers Remnants of Gideon, tackled political and family life (the former hardly ever explored) with admirable gumption.

The Police were in their area of expertise last year with the ‘Gaza versus gully side’ piece, an ‘action packed’ performance appropriately tackling the incidence of gang-related and other crimes. THE VINCENTIAN wrote: ‘The script offers an authentic look at the tensions which exist within gangs as regards loyalty and allegiance.’ Crime and Institution often take centre stage in bringing out beastly otherworldly performances as for example JP Schwmon as the villain ‘Fassah’, and memorable ‘deranged mental patient ‘Kalym Woods.

WAVES Theater Guild, now supposedly defunct as given by a source at the Ministry of Culture, did highlight the work of its scriptwriter JP Schwmon, to spectacular results.

J.P. has since performed with the Methodist Dramatists.

This year’s Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Theater Arts Festival was launched on 25th September, and scheduled for the November run, is as follows: ‘Remnants of Gideon’, ‘Price of Happiness’, November 2,3,and 4; Agape Methodists Dramatists on the November 9, 10, and 11; the Royal Police Force Dramatists, ‘End Result’, on November 16, 17, and 18; the SVGCC Performing Arts Society, ‘For better or worse’, November 23, 24, and 25; and the Division of Nursing Education Performing Arts Group, ‘Black mail’, November 30 and December 1 and 2.

All performances will be staged at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown.

Stay tuned for more coverage in the pages of THE VINCENTIAN. (CK)

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FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

VOLUME 106, No. 44

protest the 1.5% retroactive payment on public sector workers’ salaries.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT by Prime Minister The Prime Minister hit back, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of a 1.5% salary stating that such request was issued increase for public servants during his during his absence, and described it as pre-recorded independence message on a game, declaring “I am too old and Friday, October 26, has not gone down serious to play games. The people of well with the Public Service Union (PSU), SVG and the public servants , the the entity charged with representing the teachers , the police , the nurses , interest of public sector workers here. everybody too serious to play games”.

President of the PSU, Cools Vanloo, The work to rule protest advised made it known on Tuesday, October workers to report to work on time and 30, that the mandate of the Union is leave within the time required , not still the same, and they are still taking on extra duties . pushing for the 3% salary increase “Well, there are some of them who I that is owed to them by the even promoted , I wish they would Government. come to work on time , I wish they Vanloo disclosed that Gonsalves did would stay until 4 o’clock,” the Prime not inform the Union of a salary Minister said in response to the increase on an official basis, adding protest call. that the PSU does not have record of a “I am not being dismissive about 1.5% proposed salary increase. anybody , I respect them, but please The PSU response came on the show some sense of reasonableness,” heels of the Prime Minister’s comment he urged. during a press conference on Monday, “I leave them to themselves , not October 29, following his return from the public servants, one or two in the the World Energy Forum in the leadership who may have some beef United Arab Emirates. with Ralph or the government , I don’t know,” he quipped.

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by KENVILLE HORNE

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, declared that this was not a time for public servants to be playing games.

Cools Vanloo, President of the PSU, is adamant that the PM is obligated to speak directly to the Union.

No time for games

held the country together.

Dr. Gonsalves, who is also the Dr. Gonsalves said then, “I Minister of Finance, disclosed that the understand the Public Service Union Dr. Gonsalves highlighted once 1.5% salary increase, dated back from (PSU leadership said that they haven’t again the global financial crisis and its January 2011 to December 2012, got anything formal. I guess when you effect on small island economies like which he is prepared to meet. hear the Prime Minister speak on it , St. Vincent.

However, a 3% increase would cost an they don’t take it (as) formal.

He referred to the United Kingdom additional $12 million, which was In a release issued last Friday, where there has been a wage freeze for untenable at this time.

October 27 by the PSU Executive public servants; to some regional Committee, a call was made for public countries who are finding it difficult PSU standing firm sector workers, in the various to pay public servants salaries. ministries, departments and statutory Through all the challenges, Dr. On Tuesday, October 30, the PSU corporations, to join in a progressive Gonsalves said, his government has President made it clear that the Union industrial action (work to rule) to

Cost to the Treasury

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

will not accept a public statement by the Prime Minster in regard to the issue, as the Prime Minister has a direct arrangement with the PSU, and hence he must speak directly to the Union in coming to such a decision.

He told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that he does not know whether the decision is a Cabinet decision or simply that of the Prime Minister and called on the Prime Minister to treat the PSU and its members with more respect.

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