Vinpages 07 06 13

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JUNE 07, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.20

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Noel Jackson:

„PORT POLICE BULLDOZED‰ IT JUST MIGHT BE a “little too late in the game” to expect any sort of collaboration between the two trade union organisations that are representing the employees of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority.

This is according to Noel Jackson, President of the National Workers Movement (NWM), who on Tuesday told THE VINCENTIAN NEWSPAPER had his Union been made aware of the issues affecting the Port Police before this paper broke the story mid-April, the pending outcome could have quite possibly been different.

Describing his union as having the largest “power base” of Port Authority employees, he explained “our membership could have more effectively shut down the Port because look, the Port Police sick out and they sent in the police to provide security, the police can’t run the port.”

Jackson, who is also the President of the National Labour Congress, criticised the Public Service Union’s

supposed role in the April 12th sick out which saw a reported 80% of the officers employed to secure the local ports absent from work. He said “I know of a few officers who had to resign from the PSU because Port Police were bulldozed for disagreeing with the direction Vanloo wanted to take.”

THE VINCENTIAN previously reported that neither the SVG Port Authority nor the PSU, has acknowledged a sick out having taken place. Cools Vanloo, president of the PSU has since denied any involvement in what Port Police Chief Lenroy Brewster described as “… an unusually high number of persons calling in sick on the date in question.”

Brewster also clarified that said occurrence could not be classified as an industrial action, since no formal indications were presented to him or the Port Authority’s general office.

In that first interview, the Port Police Chief also refuted claims that the Special Services Unit (SSU) of the

Noel Jackson, General Secretary of the NWM, says Port Police were bulldozed for having disagreed with Cools Vanloo.

by JP SCHWMON

local constabulary was called in to manage security at the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Jackson further shared that he could not understand why one of the primary complaints listed was used in validation of the exercised industrial action. This, he claims, is because the payment of automatic increments was never a negotiating point. It was a system, he said, that the National Workers Movement met in place when they recruited their first membership pool at the port. He however explains “the Port Authority indicated to us that they’ve found paying out the automatic increments was becoming a financial burden in addition to its other costs of operation. They also said they were looking to institute a Performance Based Increment system in its place, and the NWM agreed.

While we were waiting for the nonpayment of the automatic increments issue to be fully resolved (because the payments were stopped abruptly), the NWM asked them [Port Management]

“You murdered Agassi,” lawyer tells witness

by HAYDN HUGGINS DEFENCE LAWYER Kay Bacchus-Browne told prosecution star witness, Brando Lockhart, during a trial on Tuesday, that he was the one who murdered an 18Left: Odinga Fraser, the accused, on his way to court last Tuesday.

year-old student, almost four years ago, and not her client.

Bacchus-Browne is representing Odinga Foster,27, a former loans officer at the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU, who is charged with the kidnapping and murder of his cousin Agassi Fraser, a student of the St. Vincent Community College at the

to pay out a 3% in lieu of the increments.” The first payment, Jackson said, was made “sometime in 2011… the second was in December 2012, and we’re set to demand another payment if they continue to drag their feet.”

These payments, the NWM president noted, was issued across the board to all port workers, including the currently embattled Port Police. This, he contends, is why it seems as if the PSU is beating a dead horse in their quest for resolution on the increments matter. “Every single man jack accepted it, so the Authority by rights would’ve assumed that this new arrangement worked,” he underscored.

Continued on Page 3.

Right: Kay BacchusBrowne, lawyer for the accused, pointed a finger of accusation at a star witness for the prosecution.

time of his death, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

He is alleged to have committed the offences between September and October 2009.

But while Lockhart, who referred to Foster as his “best friend”, admitted that he assisted Foster in dumping an

unknown body, he denied that he was involved in the kidnapping and murder of the Green Hill youth.

Continued on Page 4.

2. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 3.

News 3 Pay Attention!

another 14.69 million which is to come from the VINCENTIANS AT HOME and Canadian Bank of Nova abroad, as well as creditors Scotia, a move the former of this multi-island state, Finance Minister finds will be keeping a sterner disconcerting, if only eye on the local economic because of the stipulated situation. higher interest rates.

This sharpening of A further $3.5 million focus comes on the heels of will go to meet the debt Supplementary services associated with Appropriations No. 4 of new borrowings of $148 2013 introduced in this million for the Argyle nation’s Parliament by the airport.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Shocking – feeling the pinch Ralph E. Gonsalves, last Thursday.

Eustace reports his A Supplementary initial reaction to the Appropriations Bill is government’s latest presented to Members of financial request as “so Parliament, as required by shocked” since it was by law, whenever the far the largest he has seen government needs to in his 15 years as a borrow (and/or access parliamentarian. He, a more money) outside of former Finance Minister, what was budgeted for in remains doubtful that the the current estimates of latest request for funding national income and would be the last. expenditure (i.e. a “They are looking to country’s annual cash flow send home the Port Police projection). This Bill is the and the irrigation workers fourth one to be brought have not been paid for six before the House for the months, but you could find year 2013, though it is the $208 million and all of it only one to which any for the airport. Now they attention is being paid, as are borrowing to pay off was noted by the Leader of the debts when they the Opposition Arhnim should be paying from Eustace in an interview revenues. This shows a with THE VINCENTIAN lack of concern for the NEWSPAPER last general welfare of the Tuesday. country,” Eustace said.

Dr. Gonsalves sought Not only is it the single local legislators’ approval largest Supplementary for loans totalling EC$208 Appropriations Bill tabled million — the bulk of which to date, but by virtue of would be used to finance asking for the allotment, the construction of the the government has all Argyle International but admitted the Airport. $3.5 million is to precariously cash strapped be used for the Ministry of situation with which they Finance while the are now faced. remaining $204,799,000 Former Chair of the will go to the Ministry of SVG Chambers of National Security, Eustace Commerce and Industry, said.

Jerry George, warns that Of the $204.8 million to continuing along this path be allocated to the is bound to compound an Ministry of National already worsening Security, $56.1 million for situation. “Without this the continuing over $200 million in debt, construction of the Argyle currently the government international airport is to is not earning enough be raised from the sale of revenues to provide the Government assets, essential services. As a namely 40 acres of land on result certain sectors go Canouan. unpaid on time, roads are Some $2 million is not maintained, hospitals expected to come from sale don’t have drugs, and of Government shares in schools struggle for the Bank of St. Vincent resources. When and the Grenadines. governments reduce their Another $107,200,000 is spending or are unable to earmarked for the pay suppliers, these continuing construction of businesses have to lay off Argyle airport. workers, and a vicious The Government has cycle gets started,” he asked legislators to said. approve borrowing from George, who also Mega International produces and hosts the Commercial Bank Co. Ltd. only locally available in Taiwan, another $26.8 analytical business radio million to provide funds programme on NICE for the construction of the Radio, suggested “We need airport in addition to to reassess our projects

by JP SCHWMON

and spending. For example, with the current situation, shouldn’t we have held off the airport, reassess our position and when things are in a better position take it back up again? Instead, we are spitting in the wind and increasing our debt at a time when it seems imprudent so to do.”

According to him, “the time is coming soon when [Vincentians] will feel the pinch … within 6 months for sure. We have spent over $500 million in the country and none of it is being felt even in the areas close to the construction [of the AIA], that is frightening. Also note we have not even been able to pay the people on whose lands the airport is being built. Can that be right?”

Business Analyst Jerry George says we are increasing our debt when it is not prudent to do so.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has brought an unprecedented last Supplementary Appropriations Bill to parliament.

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace describes the Bill as the largest in his 15 years in parliament.

EC$1 billion and increase the national debt figures from the last estimated EC$1.3 billion. liabilities could put One opinion expressed downward pressure on the was driven primarily as its is that the Government of rating.” debt to gross domestic St. Vincent and the They also said that product ratio fell between Grenadines may soon find 90 — 95 percentage points. increased commercial itself unable to service the borrowing to finance the St. Vincent and the loans already on record.

Argyle airport in 2013 and Grenadines currently This could lead , the boasts an approximated 65 2014 “may be creditopinion detailed, to a negative, particularly if %.

Caution Last October, one of the completion of the project is similar economic crisis as delayed and cost-overruns is currently endured by Big Three credit rating The Supplementary Argentina as that raise financing needs”. agencies — Moody’s Appropriations No. 4 of sovereign state continues Investors Service — 2013 comes at a time to battle with vulture Heading where? announced the when “a growing number funds and other creditors of Caribbean countries are downgrading of this who denounced its default.

The Argyle Government’s ratings, likely to renege on their To date, at least one International Airport is while noting that the debts as the region runs Argentine Navy ship was now estimated to cost out of options to tackle its outlook, then, was stable. seized in Ghana as some $652 million, up by $63 Its report cautioned “A limp economic growth and 6% of that country’s million from the last dismal state finances,” the further deterioration of creditors continued to published estimates of the public sector balance Financial Times reports. lobby against their debt $589 million in 2009.

The sheet due to external Earlier this year, restructuring efforts. addition of the requested shocks in the form of Grenada, a fellow member In the meantime, expect EC$208 million is weather-driven events like of the Eastern Caribbean closer scrutiny of the local anticipated to bring the Currency Union, defaulted hurricanes, currency economy, proffers a local national budget up from depreciation or the on part of its external pundit. $799 million to just over assumption of contingent debt. A situation which

“Port Police Bulldozed” employees and their employers, he replied, Cools Vanloo, in a “What’s happening is in direct response, stressed the interest of the workers “we never accepted any at the Port. When we 3% in lieu of the negotiate for the Rank and increments … Any monies File, we sit with the paid out by the Port Management of the Port.

Authority was accepted by If Management refuses to the PSU as the Cost of grant five uniforms as Living Adjustments. We requested by the have the correspondence employees, how can they to prove that we turn around and watch me categorically refused to in my eye and tell me to accept that. I’ll say this, ask for the same thing the National Workers when we meet with the Movement does not speak Board on their behalf? It or negotiate on behalf of benefits the workers at the PSU.” the Port.”

The NWM represents As to whether or not his three classes of workers at SVGPA membership is the port which includes satisfied with their the Pilots, the Rank and conditions of work, File and the Executive Jackson replied, “There Officers of the SVG Port are members at the Port Authority.

Authority who are not Asked about the satisfied, but even so, they apparent conflict of still are amongst the top interest where his Union 10 best paid workers in is seen to be representing SVG.” Also making that the interests of both the list, according to him, are Continued from Page 1.

employees at VINCLEC, St. Vincent Brewery Ltd, CWSA and some levels of the Public Service.

The NWM is currently in the final stages of negotiation for the latest Collective Agreement on behalf of its membership at the port. This exercise has become something of a struggle over time, Jackson explained. But despite the inevitable give and take, the NWM chief announced his union was not prepared to accept the 3% salary increase as proposed by the Port Authority, but has instead requested an increase of 15% over a period of 3 years.

Jackson anticipates that the workers remaining after the government announced redundancy exercise (which is to see some 80 plusPort Officers sent home) would be

Cools Vanloo, President of the PSU, denied that his Union accepted 3% in lieu of the increments owed to Port Police. “psychologically affected, [as] some members may not like the disbanding of the Port Police.” He added, “Members would remember that, and it just might influence the positions they take in the future.”

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

“You murdered Agassi,” lawyer tells witness Continued from Frontpage.

In fact, he said he never met Agassi, and he did not know the identity of the body until he heard about it on the news.

Agassi’s battered body was discovered lying in bushes in the area of Highway Trading business place at Arnos Vale, on October 10, 2009.

Foster was arrested and charged in August 2010 after several months of investigations.

The connection Lockhart testified on Tuesday that for about six or seven years up to 2009, he lived at Arnos Vale in a rented house, but he also spent time at houses in Largo Height and Level Gardens.

He testified that sometime in June or July 2009, while employed at the Hairoun Brewery, he applied for a loan at KCCU where Odinga was at the time employed.

Odinga arranged the loan, and Lockhart said he received a cheque for $4,000, even though he had applied for $2,000.

He noted this to Odinga who “told me don’t worry about it,” Lockhart

said, adding that Odinga told him they should divide the money equally between them.

Subsequently, Odinga lost his job, and Lockhart was also dismissed from his.

According to Lockhart, his friend admitted to owing KCCU more money and suggested that they kidnap his (Odinga’s) cousin and have his (Agassi’s) mother pay some money.

When questioned by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John about whether he knew if Odinga paid any money, Lockhart replied, “Can’t answer that.”

And to a question about whether the name Agassi Fraser ever surfaced in any conversation between then, Lockhart said, “About a month after.”

Odinga, according to Lockhart, said he has a cousin and “if we kidnap him, his (cousin’s) mother would pay the money… .”

He said he asked Odinga if he was sure of what he was doing.

“He was saying that he had a place up Fenton and he could put the person up there until we get the money. The place was not looking good… .”

Lockhart said that the following day, he and Foster visited the house he (Lockhart) was renting at Arnos

Right: Agassi Fraser – his battered body was discovered lying in bushes in the area of Highway Trading business place at Arnos Vale.

Vale, which Lockhart admitted had no lock and that the door was always open.

The witness said he and Odinga met a few times after that at the house in Largo Height and he also showed Odinga where he sometimes stayed at Level Gardens.

Helping out a friend Lockhart recalled that sometime in September 2009, Odinga arrived at the Level Gardens house early in the morning, by taxi, and said that he needed help to move something.

They took the same taxi to Lockhart’s house at Arnos Vale.

It was when they got to the house that Lockhart realized what his friend needed help to move.

“In my bedroom there was a body wrap up in a white sheet”, Lockhart said, adding that the sheet was bloodied and the body lay still.

“I asked him if he crazy, if he bring a taxi to move a dead body. I think he say police on his back,” the witness recalled.

After expressing some concern, Lockhart said they lifted the body down the steps to put into the car, but the taxi had already left.

He recalled considering a nearby garbage heap into which to dump the body, but decided against it.

It was then, the witness said, that he suggested “a big river over the road.”

By the time they got to the river, which was high, the wrapping had fallen off the body, and it was then he realized it was a male. He said they left the body in a bunch of vines next to the river.

Lockhart recounted that it was still dark, but he noticed a man in the area looking on. “I thought it was a police and Odinga ran.”

Lockhart said he never reported the matter to the police because Odinga was his friend and he (Lockhart) was helping him.

He indicated that the first time the police spoke to him was when they took him into custody about a year after in connection with the incident.

He gave a statement and he and Odinga accompanied the police to various sites, including the house at Level Gardens, his house at Arnos Vale, the area next to the river where they had dumped the body and where he burnt the clothes he used to clean up the blood at his home at Arnos Vale.

Cross-examination Before beginning her crossexamination, Bacchus-Browne told Lockhart, “You have told this court a tissue of lies, small and great.”

But the witness insisted, “Everything I said was true”.

“You told Juliana Grant (his girlfriend) that Foster had nothing to do with Agassi’s murder?” BacchusBrowne said.

“I was protecting him,” Lockhart

replied.

“Why you didn’t say that this morning”? the lawyer asked.

“Because you didn’t ask me in a way that you want me to give a proper answer”.

“Your house in Arnos Vale is insecure, can’t close”? “The house at Arnos Vale could close from inside”, Lockhart said.

“So you suddenly change your story - Agassi was going to lock himself in?”

Bacchus-Browne queried.

“Did you and he (Odinga) agree together to kidnap Agassi”, BacchusBrowne asked.

“No, not together,” the witness replied.

“So it was his plan”? she further asked the witness who answered in the affirmative.

Under further cross-examination, Lockhart denied that about four persons had come in a taxi to call him that night at the house in Level Gardens.

There was also some discrepancy with respect to whether the deceased was clothed or naked.

According to the deposition, Lockhart told the Magistrate at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) that after the sheet fell off the body, he noticed that it was dressed in a pants and a t-shirt, but under cross-examination he said the body was naked.

Bacchus-Browne suggested that the witness decided to change his story after he saw the police photographs in court on Tuesday.

Lockhart insisted under crossexamination that he never knew Agassi. However, Bacchus-Browne pointed to page 6 of a statement he gave to the police and signed, in which he said he knew the Agassi of whom Foster spoke.

“I am putting it to you that you gave the police two different statements,” Bacchus-Browne told Lockhart.

Responding to questions from Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle, Lockhart admitted that he didn’t ask what the body was doing in his room or whose body it was.

Bacchus-Browne suggested that after Lockhart was taken into custody in connection with Agassi’s death, and the police were going to charge him, he decided “to sink” Odinga.

Up to press time Wednesday, five witnesses had testified for the prosecution at the trial which commenced on Monday. They included Agassi’s mother, Barbara Fraser, and his girlfriend, Shemeika Chance.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 5.

Regional

China offers US$3 billion in loans

the Chinese president has offered concessionary loans to nine Caribbean countries totaling some $3 billion.

Prime Minister PersadBassessar did intimate, however, that the loans were for infrastructure and development projects, and a Chinese source indicated that the assistance would be for projects in agriculture, education and health.

The Trinidad and Tobago leader, on behalf of the other CARICOM leaders, acknowledged China’s generosity and would have been further heartened by the promise Presdient Xi Jinping and Prime that the loans were Minister Kamal Persad-Bessassar something that will be during a visit to the Diplomatic increased in the future, as Centre, St. Ann’s, Trinidad. per an indication by (Photo: TT/GIS) China’s ambassador to Trinidad & Tobago, Hung Caio Ming.

As far as continued understanding between China and Trinidad and Tobago, the two leaders signed an understanding to advance cooperation in energy, mineral and infrastructure development, among other areas.

In addition, President XI announced that China was awarding Trinidad a Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, $250 million loan to build plays a steel drum after watching an artistic show a children’s hospital, and by local performers at the National Performing Arts publicly acknowledged Center in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago as THE CARIBBEAN stands to benefit from a US$3 billion loan facility from Peoples Republic of China (China).

While details of the loan were not disclosed, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Kamla PersadBissessar, did say, as China’s President XI Jinping wound up a weekend visit to that twin island republic during which he met with other CARICOM leaders, that

(Photo: Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

casting its vote in favor of restoring the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations in 1971.

While In Trinidad and Tobago, President XI also met with leaders from Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Suriname, all of which are Caribbean countries with diplomatic ties with China.

Trinidad and Tobago was the first stop of a four-country regional tour that will see the Chinese President visiting Mexico, Costa Rica and the U.S.

St. Lucia’s path to CCJ cleared IRWIN LAROCQUE, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has welcomed the judgement of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in respect of the process to be followed by Saint Lucia, to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as that country’s final court of appeal.

Chief Justice Janice Pereira delivered a judgment on 24 May 2013 in respect of an opinion

ECCB rejects devaluation of EC$ THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE response by the The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) to a suggestion by the US-based international ratings agency, Moody’s Investor Services, that the Eastern Caribbean dollar should be devalued within the next five years.

As expected, the suggestion was rejected outright.

The first response came from the ECCB’s Managing Director, Jennifer Nero, who stated categorically that devaluation “is not on the

cards,” and that there has been “substantial analysis” done on the matter of the value of the EC dollar.

Nero is reported to have told a radio station in St. Kitts, home of the ECCB, that, “It’s (EC dollar) under watch all the time, but as of this point in time there is no real reason for that (devaluation) at all,” and assured that, “the currency has been within the acceptable bands, coming and going. The volatility is within range.”

The idea of a devaluation has also been

Moody’s had recommended the devaluation of the currency as a measure of combating a “debt crisis” in the region.

dismissed by president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean, Frank Myers.

As far as Myers was concerned, a devaluation of the EC dollar won’t benefit the region, and cautioned, “This is a conversation we should really stay away from,; really there is no reason for us to be going in that direction.

“It’s not going to benefit us because of the makeup of our economy, we are not very exportoriented in terms of hard goods … given that tourism is our main product, I don’t see any benefits in it.”

Myers expressed confidence in the St. Kitts-based ECCB’s handling of the EC dollar.

In a recently published report, Moody’s Investor Services said currency devaluation and the dissolution of the Eastern Caribbean Currency

Chinese President XI Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived in Port of Spain last week Friday to start a state visit to Trinidad and Tobago aimed at expanding friendly cooperation between China and the Caribbean. (Photo: Xinhua /Ding Lin)

Jennifer Nero, Managing Director/ECCB said the EC$ is under constant watch.

Union (ECCU), while unlikely, could enhance the region’s competitiveness.

The EC dollar serves as a common currency for the seven member countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and trades at 37 cents to the United States dollar.(Source: CMC)

sought from the ECCA on the issue by the attorney general of Saint Lucia, Phillip La Corbiniere. The attorney general had asked the court to give an opinion on the proper and correct construction of provisions of the constitution relating to the right of appeal to the Privy Council and giving effect to the agreement establishing the CCJ. Chief Justice Pereira indicated in her ruling, that the constitution clearly “contemplates and provides the freedom to Saint Lucia to establish a court in common with other states or countries.”

She ruled further that Saint Lucia was empowered to enter into such an agreement on its own and the relevant Bill would not be subject to a referendum.

The secretary-general said, on learning of the ruling, that the ECCA had set the course for the continuation of Saint Lucia’s road to judicial independence as well as point the way for other countries with similar provisions in their constitutions.

He described the ruling as a seminal one in the progress towards more countries accepting the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ. The secretary-general was pleased to report at the same time that prime minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerritt, had given recent indication that that country was proceeding to accept the appellate jurisdiction of the Court after having

Chief Justice Janice Pereira of the ECCA, delivered the judgement that cleared St. Lucia’s path to full acceptance of the CCJ.

Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of CARICOM, saw the judgement as a wonderful sign in this the year of the 40th anniversary of CARICOM. held national consultations on the issue.

The news was that Dominica was preparing to send a letter to the British government next week seeking permission to recognise the CCJ as its final court.

“These are wonderful signs for our Community as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas,” LaRocque said. The stature of our court internationally is high and its considered judgements have gained it great respect, he added.

(Caribbean News Now)

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Cop: ÂI was shot from behindÊ so rash or so negligent as to be likely to cause POLICE CORPORAL harm to a person.

Milford Edwards, attached Morgan and Collins to the Narcotic Unit, told are charged along with the Court last Friday that Constable Adrian Forde, he was shot from behind, also attached to CID, during a police operation with conspiracy to defeat on a beach at Rose Place, the course of Justice.

Kingstown, December 5, Edwards testified that 2012. around 9:27 p.m. on the Sergeant Julius night in question, he was Morgan and Constable among a party of Orlando Collins, both Narcotics personnel members of the Criminal headed by Sergeant Investigation Katherine Robinson Department (CID, are dispatched to a beach at being tried at the Rose Place. He noted Serious Offences Court that Constable Shaun on joint charges of Chandler was the ‘point unlawfully and man’ and carried an M4 maliciously wounding rifle and a 9mm firearm.

Corporal Edwards by Edwards said when shooting him; unlawfully they arrived on the discharging a firearm; beach, it was dark but excessive use of force, there was light coming and acting in a manner from street lights and

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Corporal Milford Edwards was shot during a police operation in Rose Place.

business places in the area. As they approached the beach, Edwards said they spotted three men, and Chandler shouted, “Police don’t move!”

The Corporal said they searched the suspects but nothing illegal was found. He added that there was a boat in the area and they told the suspects to sit on the boat. Sergeant Robinson instructed Chandler to search the beach for illegal drugs.

Edwards, who is lefthanded, said Chandler handed him the M4 rifle and a bunch of keys.

“I had the M4 rifle slung over my right shoulder, the bunch of keys in my right hand and the flashlight in my left hand,” Edwards recalled.

He indicated that when one of the suspects said he wanted to urinate, he remained guarding the other two, while Sergeant Robinson took him to urinate.

“I fixed myself in position with my back to the river,” the Corporal explained, adding that when he had just about looked over his shoulder, he heard an explosion from behind, his right shoulder went numb, and he realized that he was shot.

When asked by Prosecutor Inspector Adolphus Delpleche about where his injuries were, Corporal Edwards said, “I was shot from behind.”

The police officer of 20 years recalled that after he was shot, he tried to run towards the shops in the area, but could not make it. He dropped his weapons and keys and started to pray.

Sergeant Robinson came to his assistance and he heard Sergeant Morgan’s voice.

Edwards, who has been attached to the

Narcotics Unit for 13 years, said he was taken to a vehicle and then to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was warded and later discharged.

He returned to Hospital on December 19, to undergo surgery to remove fragments from his right arm.

Cross examination and earlier evidence Sergeant Julius Morgan, one Under crossof the officers charged with examination, unlawfully and maliciously Sergeant Morgan’s wounding Corporal Edwards. lawyer, Ronald Constable 296 Davis Marks, suggested to of the Narcotic Unit, the Edwards, “You didn’t driver of the vehicle that just look over the transported the party of shoulder casually, but you turned around after Narcotics personnel to the beach, had told the hearing a stimulus.” court last week Edwards denied this.

When Collins’ lawyer Wednesday when the Duane Daniel questioned trial commenced, that as he waited next to the Edwards regarding the manner in which he was vehicle which was parked in the main road guarding the suspects, Edwards said he had the at Rose Place, he heard rifle slung over his right the sound of gunshots and he saw Sergeant shoulder because the suspects were very quiet Morgan and PC Collins bringing Edwards and were not causing towards the transport. any problems.

“I asked Sergeant One of the suspects, Morgan who shot Irvin Stay, had earlier Edwards and he replied, told the Court the male officer who was guarding “ ‘ Nobody told me police them had a gun looking were down here. I came like an M16 holding with on the beach and I shouted, Police, police, both hands, and it was and I saw a man coming pointing downwards.

Under cross-examination towards me with a gun and I shoot’.”

by Marks, Stay denied According to PC that a female officer took Davis, Sergeant Morgan him to urinate. said the only information When questioned by he had received is that a Daniel, Stay recalled boat was loading drugs that the shots rang out at Rose Place. at about 9 p.m. He said Director of Public that when the shots rang Prosecutions (DPP) Colin out he bent down and Williams leads the case the female officer told for the prosecution. He is him to keep down. “She bend down with us. The assisted by Inspector Delpleche, Prosecutor at officer who was shot the Serious Offences went down and the Court. Chief Magistrate officers were making Sonya Young presides. noise saying, “You shot The matter has been Edwards, you shot adjourned to June 25.

Edwards’.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 7.

Court

Bacchus-Browne wants her money am a sole practitioner and whenever I am engaged in the Assizes, all my time is dedicated to the trial. I Defence lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne is again calling simply cannot afford to keep waiting so long for on the authorities to pay long outstanding monies owed payment. Please request a special warrant to pay off to her for state assigned matters. all outstanding bills for all assigned cases.”

Bacchus-Browne told THE VINCENTIAN on The matters listed are R vs Kenute Lynch, R vs Wednesday that she had written to the High Court Daniel Dick Trimmingham, R vs Kawana Wilkins et Registrar, al, R vs Alaskie Samuel, R vs Colin David, R vs Tamara Gibson Shorn Samuel, R vs Elvis Antoine and R vs Atiba Marks, since March and the Registry responded saying they had no money.

The letter dated March 7, 2013 which was copied to Finance Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves stated, “It has become embarrassing that, despite several letters and calls to your good self, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has steadily failed to Defense attorney Kay Bacchuspay the following Browne wants her payment of long outstanding monies owing her by the state. bills owed to me. I

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Bajans facing stiff penalties FOUR BARBADIAN nationals are facing the possibility of some stiff penalties for drug related charges.

The four who, during the course of a recent trial in the High Court here, changed their pleas to guilty on four drug related charges, could each face: a maximum of 25 years in prison and a fine of EC$5 million for possession of marijuana with intent to supply; 25 years imprisonment and a fine of EC$1.5 million for attempting to export the drug; and a maximum of life imprisonment for drug trafficking as well as conspiracy to traffic in drugs.

Joel ‘Ole Man’ Payne, 51; Ryan Corbin, 36; Shawn ‘P’ Boucher, 37; and Devon Hurdle, 39, will know their fate, June 28, 2013.

The Crown has indicated that it intends to seek forfeiture of the vessel on which the drugs were found, and to pursue confiscation proceedings against the men.

The four were slapped with the charges after being intercepted by the local Coast Guard, July 13, 2012, about four and a half miles off Fancy Point on the north eastern coast of mainland St. Vincent, aboard a Barbadian registered pirogue, ‘Rolling Deeper’, bearing registration number X349.

A search of the 23-foot vessel revealed 1,706 pounds of marijuana contained in 24 sacks.

The convictions of the Barbadians came about three weeks after seven nationals of Trinidad and Tobago were convicted here for drug trafficking offences after they were found with 1,651 pounds of marijuana.

bess.

Bacchus-Browne told this publication, “I have been doing state assigned matters for about 20 years, and it is only in the last two years I have been having problems with getting my money.

People can’t work without being paid. It is not easy to be stuck in the High Court for a week without being paid. It is unacceptable. This is going on for too long.”

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Come fly with me to the bank SO THE CHICKENS have come home to roost.

After all the indications to the contrary, from as many quarters, you can imagine (even though mathematically speaking only four are possible), this country will, after all, have to resort, in a big way, to the local and international finance markets for loans to fund the completion of the international airport, to be commissioned as (re)promised in 2014.

This country’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and chief spokesman on matters related to the construction of the airport, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, took a Bill to Parliament on Thursday, in another exercise of the obvious, to have it passed so as to allow him to borrow some EC$150 million and counting, solely for use in the construction of the airport.

Gone, if you didn’t notice before, is any talk of the ‘Coalition of the Willing,’ as far as the construction of the airport is concerned; it seems that the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ were only prepared to be ‘willing to be unwilling’.

So after all the hype and colourization of the undertaking, we will be saddled with a debt; no matter if the promise to deliver on the airport was one that had, integral to its acceptance by Vincentians home and abroad, a commitment that this country would not see the darkness of any loan hanging over this generation or the next, or the next.

Now, given that the airport construction has got to a point of ‘no return’, it would be folly, even in the face of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ fading into obscurity if not oblivion, not to labour on with the airport and do what is humanly possible to see it to fruition and commissioning.

That was and should have always been the motivation.

But what throws up a rather discomforting odor is the failure, at the very outset of the project, to factor in and make clear the probability of having to seek loan funding for its completion. To have said or to have given any impression that this was not an option, is to have short-changed persons who genuinely support(ed) the airport project; and (is) not to speak commendably about the advisors who pack(ed) the chambers of government with expertise of such diverse persuasions.

To have excited the expectations of ordinary citizens, to have deliberately attracted their hard earned savings, to have scores of Vincentians here and the world over rally behind the airport with shouts of moral support and a dollar here and a dollar there, to have begun to offload prime state lands to persons whose only stake in this country is the climate and naturally soothing qualities it offers, all (and more) combine to speak to a tale of stopping short of the making wholesome the entirety of the undertaking.

Why, when the estimated cost of construction had to be adjusted for purposes of inflation or simple correction of some truly bad arithmetic, was the opportunity not taken to factor in the likelihood of having to look for rather high amounts of loan financing?

Even then, in midstream, so to speak, the pain of having to change course and heart, might have been easier to bear.

Now, at this late juncture, and worse, at a time when the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is showing no real sign(s) of development, not growth (for that is made much about in quantitative and not real qualitative terms), we learn that we must prepare ourselves, our already beleaguered selves, to bear the burden, like Atlas, of a world of hardship for which we neither asked for (no one asks for added burden) or for which we are prepared.

This is not in any way a call for disbanding the project.

Ridiculous!!! We have too much invested, and therefore, an enormous amount to lose. We must be crazy to entertain even a thought so to do.

What it is, is a call for those who have marshaled the last years that have seen this, the largest project ever undertaken in our history, the largest we might ever have the calling to undertake, drain every sinew of the economy, every cent and spare cent that we can muster, to admit they misled us into believing that the project could have been successfully undertaken with no or as little direct pain to our economy now and in the future.

That we now have to borrow should not have been an action for which we were not prepared. To impose it now may be necessary, but it is still not an honourable act.

“Public beaches” DURING THE LAST “Son” Mitchell regime which ended in 2000, all beaches in St Vincent and the Grenadines were declared public, but the Administration did not live long enough to see their declaration of intent become a social reality.

Later, the convention of the ruling NDP headed by Mitchell, moved a resolution that, in effect, called for the nationalisation of all beaches. One hopes that in this case, the party would not be treated as a poor relation of the Government, or that some self-opiniated “kitchen cabinet” would not hold that the tail should not wag the dog. In fact, there is every reason to believe that both Government and party would want to give teeth to an overriding popular wish: that the people have unimpeded access to all beaches on the mainland as well as on the picturesque, tourist-oriented, Grenadines islands. They are among our few precious, national assets.

There is absolutely no point in piously declaring beaches are public, if they can be reached only through private roads or boats, unless the Government intends to provide a free helicopter service! The sober truth is that the average Vincentian has often to “trespass” through privately owned land on most occasions that he wishes to have a dip.

That is certainly the case with every beach that is worth its salt on the Leeward coast — Keartons, Peter’s Hope, Mount Wynne and even Bambereaux that was virtually created by the sweat of its owner’s brow. And it does not matter if the owners of the surrounding lands are generous enough to permit public entry.

Nationals want right of passage; nothing less, nothing more. The government simply has to acquire through-roads to all beaches where they do not exist.

The twin beach at Mount Wynne presents an interesting case. The Estate owners had kept the better, southern section, secluded and nestled away from the general public. Queen Elizabeth picnicked there, and a police raiding party once surprised marijuana operatives behind those locked gates.

In a kind of South-African style, natives are generally permitted the limited use of the northern beach which can be closed off at whim as a reminder that admittance is not by right, but by grace. It goes without saying that in this day and age, Vincentians need no ugly reminders as to how “the other half lives”.

There is also a private entrance to Buccament beach, but that hardly poses a problem as the public road gives general access to the wide sweep of the beach which is not physically sectionalised, as is Mount Wynne.

Calypsonians Could Sing Perhaps because, historically, the Indian Bay-Villa-Ratho-Mill Complex was once the jealously guarded preserve of the local whites and ex-patriate folk, as late as the midseventies one radical group referred to the enclave as “the white Coast”.

Up until the 1950s, black people were a scarce commodity in and around the Aquatic Club in Villa, Coronation Club in Indian Bay,

and the Golf course on “Canash”. Vincentians on a whole have therefore, greeted the “freeingup” in particular on the Rose Cottage and Indian Bay beach, although one recent caller to “Searchlight” expressed her resentment at a hotel in Indian Bay that enclosed a treasured piece of beach front.

On the other hand, people have been expressing grave concern over the situation with Young Island. Does not the public have access to the beach as is generally thought?

Vincentians certainly welcome the localisation of the ownership of that resort, while bearing in the back of their minds the well- known saying that “our own lice does bite the hottest”.

Another sore point is “the Breakers” on which Cecil Williams regularly goes to town with blazing guns. Our good friend, Bassy Alexander, who is himself a surveyor, insists that old survey maps show that there is a public road to the beach that is now closed off by an imposing property that is fully fenced.

This source of public irritations should be investigated and lanced before a growing swell of social discontent erupts. The NDP had given its tools and equipment to its Government to do the job.

The problems are compounded in the Grenadines which are being created as a “Foreigners’ paradise” and playground for the idle rich whose money, let us face it, we badly need; Mustique, of course is an island unto itself. But in all the islands, to varying extents, the social tug-of-war between private and public beaches is being fought at insidious levels.

Indeed, one or two island Resorts feel that they have the right to prevent Cruise Ships from passing through and disturbing their peace. And in this context, the question as to whom anchorage and related fees are payable, Government or the lessor of the island, becomes questionable.

Over the years, the privatisation and alienation of our beaches have provided the calypsonians in the region with a colourful theme. In the good old days, one could sing of “Rum and Coco Cola” with “Dorothy on the bayside sifting sand”. Or Sparrow could later tell of his exploits with May May on Claxton Bay. Today it is a different kettle of fish.

Trinidadian Chalkdust informs us that the beach is a prized national asset, for “all we have is sea water and sand”. Barbadian Gabby makes no bones about it, “The Beach is Mine”.

King Obstinate of Antigua notes that “Black Politician sell out me Black birth-right”. And in his total frustration and resentment, our own “Scorcher” has advised that we must “Fork up all dem beaches, fork dem up!”

It will not come to that if the Government heed that still small voice of its Party Convention and do what has to be done.

A modernised and sectionalised update to this burning issue will be presented within a week or two, spiced up with the old-age question of race which probably undergirds it in the guise of tourism.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 9.

Letters

Allen for CPL I HEARD the news that former West Indian cricket legends have been appointed coaches for each of the six franchises set to participate in the first ever Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which is set to begin on July 30 and go until August 24. That is a good thing, but I want to say that if the West Indies Cricket Board was the only body to make such a decisión, I bet my last dollar that these greats would never have even been considered for the positions.

What I find most interesting is that of the six greats appointed, four of them will be assisted by nonCaribbean persons. Why is this? Is this the extent of the right of the financial backer who I understand is a wealthy Pakistani?

I think it is a shame when our own do not look out for our own. How could a man like Ian Allen, after such a successful run with the Windward Islands, not be included in this scheme of things? Allen has worked hard with the Windwards to bring them to where they are. He should be given the credit and should have had the opportunity to be among the coaching staff for one of these franchises.

Cricket Lover

Indians in our midst I NOTICE, Mr. Editor, that your newspaper was the only one which did not carry an article by Dr. Arnold Thomas in last week’s edition (May 31, 2013.) I would have thought that you would have, given your personal connection to the Indian community.

But that is another issue, my friend.

The thing about the Indians here is that I understand their effort as one of highlighting their place in society.

But their underlying purpose must be one that is an effort to retrieve what they lost, unlike the Indians of Trinidad and Guyana who held on to their culture and religion.

The question, like for people of African descent, is: What does this mean to retrieve what you have lost?

To me, it must mean how we learn from it so that we can become better citizens of the place in which we find ourselves.

If there is any other purpose, then the effort will defeat itself.

A lot of Indians have made contributions to this society, and it is good that we remember that.

Terry T. Editor’s Note: Dr. Arnold Thomas did not submit his article for consideration by THE VINCENTIAN. Nuff said.

Listen to O’Neal I WONDER, now that the respected Moody’s Investment Services recommended that the ECCU devalue the EC$, how many more Vincentians are going to say that Mr. Ivan O’Neal, Leader of the SVG Green Party, is a crazy man.

Clearly, long before Vincentians became aware of Moody’s position, and most would have known about it only after reading THE VINCENTIAN OF May 31, 2013, Mr. O’Neal in his column of May 24, called for SVG to get its own currency and devalue it against the US$.

This is not much different from what Moody’s is saying, is it?

As Moody’s admitted, any devaluation of the EC$ is “unlikely.” The way I look at it, this region is so dependent on imports — not only for consumption purposes, but because imports is the largest source of national revenue. To devalue the dollar would make overseas goods more expensive, and it could mean less imports and therefore, less money for the government. That would be a terrible thing.

But this is not about devaluations and all that, for I am not an expert on finance and the economy. What I want to say is that it is high time Vincentians admit, barring what Gonsalves and Eustace and their bunch of followers believe, that Ivan O’Neal is worth listening to. Week in week out, he raises matters which many of us are afraid to touch with a long bamboo stick. Give the man a listening. He has something to teach us.

Simple Man

Protecting your data PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told Parliament of the crime on Monday and decried such action.

“Mr. Speaker, I don’t understand some of our people you know.”

This was PM’s reaction in parliament on May 28, 2013.

I recall the Prime Minister of St Vincent addressing the Parliament regarding theft of a Laptop which had sensitive information about the New Airport.

First of all, the PM is aware of the epidemic, and he also knows there is very slim chance of recovering the Laptop. The question is: Should local people just give in to these crimes?

Data contained in the laptop was related to national security, since the Airport is part of national security concerns. Concrete analysis tells a lot about how strong the building structure is and if that information gets into wrong hands ..the rest we can imagine.

Theft of Laptop might not be avoidable, but we can protect data by following simple tips: 1) Windows login password: Depending on usage, a Windows login password should be used all the time. Make sure the ‘Hint’ answer is not a give away answer.

2) BIOS Password: Client can put a password on the BIOS. It blocks the boot-up process and helps secure

hard drive information.

3) Use a Online Backup software. This is a good practice. It saves your data on a virtual server. Online backup is a secure Process.

Customer can access the information 24/7 anywhere online. Island Voice & Data Network has backup solutions that can fit your Budget and give you peace of mind.

4) Whenever important data is moved from one computer to the next using Flash Drive or Encrypted Ext. Hard drive, the device needs to be protected with Encrypted password. IVDN sells Encrypted Flash Drives which are great for Government, Medical, Police and other departments.

These are not expensive solutions.

5) Tracking software: There is paid Tracking Software available that works. Client can manage the software remotely if stolen laptop is online.

6) Email Server: A good email solution. IVDN recommends Microsoft Outlook and exchange for Corporate email. If a laptop is lost, client can restore all their emails with contact list, calendar, things to do list, backed-up to new Laptop. IVDN provides Hosted Exchange email solution with Smart phone support.

Companies do not require 2 or 3 different email platform just to check mails.

How prepared are we as a Government? These are the Basic Common sense Tips used by IT departments. We spend more money buying

Dishonest judgment Part 4 When are we going to see honest judgment for this country?

1. What about the collection of white garbage set up by the solid waste team? Whose idea was it to leave out the other colours? What about the black batteries and black televisions that stay on the ground for years and may come back to haunt our food chain?

2. What about garbage thrown all around St. Vincent and the Grenadines that are liming spots for Mr. Rat and Mrs. Mosquito? Is it not cheaper for politicians to encourage the people to do better? What about the garbage at our gates that blocks our gutters, can’t we clean it? Which politician is going to come and say to the nation: Clean your D____ place, you nasty B–––. Instead we try to make some mileage by blaming government.

3. When are we going to see new vision set out by our politicians in parliament? They go to the House and act like kids whose moms forgets to give them some candy for their break?

4. What about those big wigs who become rich and famous by ill-gotten gains, and people salute them every day? Who is going to say: You too D– –- dishonest?

the computer but forget how to manage the Data. Sometimes SPY the Data can be priceless.

Like everyone I know Government has its own IT department. They should have used a common sense

approach and encrypted the “Airport Construction Data” in the laptop.

The Doctor

The youths The youths of today and tomorrow Bring shame, disgrace and sorrow Even when they are taught the correct way They are influenced to go astray.

Happy, intelligent, smart and young This is a character much more abound Yet to have a fool to turn you around To do something that you should not have done.

Marijuana, cocaine, crack Could you believe someone’s child is using that?

They know the dangers and the impact of Marijuana, cocaine and crack.

It will destroy your life and send you insane Stop using it before it’s too late Marijuana, cocaine, crack It will mash up your brain and that’s a fact Youths live your own lives one day at a time And we will love you more.

P.C. Felicia Thompson 183 Kingstown, St. Vincent/Grenadines, 2013

* Has a uniform been decided on for use by the InterSchools sports teams? If not, what’s holding it back? Anything to do with a certain colour? * Whatever happened to that ‘robust’ stance taken by the ULP against the ‘selling out’ of Canouan lands to foreigners? * After almost a year of training for the ladies in the Miss SVG Show, how come now CDC people trying to shed the blame for the poor show last Saturday? * Have any calypsos been banned from the National Radio Stations? * With all the soft drinks coming into the country, how come one of the distributors hasn’t taken up sponsorship of the Kiddies Carnival that used to be sponsored by Ju-C?

10. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 11.

Views

Hardwired for struggle

Making the case for reparations?

“The probability that we may fall in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just; it shall not deter me.”

- Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) 16th US president 1861-65, elected 2 terms Several years ago, while addressing a group of young adults, I commented that we were hardwired for struggle.

I was making the point that we should value struggle, and to consider that, in so many cases, we have the capacity to bear much more than we had previously thought possible — we are hardwired for struggle. One young lady appeared offended that I would describe God’s wonder of creation as “wiring”. It was certainly not my intention to appear to be detracting from God’s handiwork.

The converse was true: I was seeking to assure the audience that the same God who designed us so beautifully in relation to the physical characteristics, also provided the capacity for courage against great odds, perseverance, fortitude, and so on.

As we ponder the significance of the thoughts expressed in the preceding paragraph, it is probably useful (in the interest of the younger readers) to provide an analogy that is linked to modern technology. After all, that is the realm in which the younger generation (and many older citizens too) comfortably dwell on a regular basis. They readily grasp the concepts that are related to hardward (physical structures) and software (programmes). But even those of us who describe ourselves as novices in relation to the modern technology, can appreciate the example that I now choose to bring the points out in relation to our capacity to cope with a variety of life’s challenges and struggles. Do you have a cell phone? Most persons reading this article will have at least one cell phone. Some will actually have more than one. What are the functions that your cell phone is capable of doing? Even some of the least expensive cell phones, in addition to making and receiving telephone calls, can send text messages; store contact information; store notes, messages, and reminders; provide date and time; take still photographs and videos; operate as a calculator; have calendars; display maps; emit global positioning signals, etc. Yes, these small, innocentlooking gadgets have so many functions. They are loaded with capabilities. How many of these features do you use? And why aren’t you using the others? Yes, we are already getting the point — we do not always use many of the functions that we have been blessed with. You and I are “wired” to accomplish so many

‘Britain’s Black Debt’ is the intriguing title of a provocative book currently being launched by the University of the West Indies Press. The book’s author is Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, distinguished Barbadian historian and Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies.

In ‘Britain’s Black Debt’, Beckles tackles the contentious issue of reparations for both the genocide of the indigenous peoples and the enslavement of Africans in the socalled West Indies. Christopher Columbus lost his way to the ‘East Indies’, and our region is now stuck with a name that perpetuates the great discoverer’s error!

The cover of the book brilliantly illustrates its theme. The main image is a 1966 photograph of Queen Elizabeth II with her cousin, George Henry Hubert Lascelles, the 7th Earl of Harewood, on his sugar plantation in Barbados. The property was bought by one of the Earl’s relatives in 1780, along with 232 slaves. In the background, at a respectful distance, is a large group of well-dressed, carefully choreographed spectators, mostly white, whose body language suggests decorous delight at finding themselves in the presence of royalty.

great and noble things but, for a host of reasons (excuses), we often function below our capacity.

Many individuals falter and fail when faced with life’s challenges. We can appear to be so calm and composed when life is fine — when everything is going according to plan and there are no obstacles in the way.

But life’s seas will not always be calm. The placid ocean will periodically throw up some high waves. Our ship will sometimes be battered. Our sails may even get torn. But … we need not be defeated.

We are hardwired for struggle. We were designed to succeed. We have the capacity to win. We can still reach that distant shore … and drop anchor in the harbor of success. Yes, our battered ship may appear to take in water at times. We may see the water reach beyond the Plimsoll Line too — seemingly pulling us into the deepest abyss. We may want to give in and give up when things are not going right for us. But all is not lost … we still have the capacity to make it through. We were hardwired for struggle. Deep down within each of us, there is that potential, that capacity to overcome struggle. Yes, we were hardwired for struggle. It is just that we so very often give up and give in to defeat. We take the easy way out. We abandon the task (that pursuit of a most noble dream) and pretend to be like a dead fish floating downstream, when we have the capacity to swim against the tide.

Struggle! There is beauty in struggle! The battle with disease or a tragic accident can bring out the best in us (even though we shudder at the thought of coping with the physical and/or emotional pain). The loss of a job or a close relative or friend, as traumatic as those experiences are, can reveal our strength of character and determination. The darker the circumstances may appear, the brighter the light of our determination will show. And so, we rekindle our courage, and we polish that fortitude and determination that has brought us thus far. We press on with new gusto; new commitment, new hope; new confidence. We know that, even as we consider the probability that we may fall in the struggle - that will not deter us from the pursuit or support of a cause we believe to be just and noble. It shall not deter us, for we were hardwired for struggle!

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

trade”. And Harewood House is now a tourist attraction. It costs £14 for adults to tour the ‘house’, including staterooms, and £10 to visit just the grounds and below stairs. Class privilege comes at a price.

Lunatic proposition

The most startling point Beckles made in the ‘Britain’s Black Debt’ is that the British government wanted emancipated slaves to pay reparations to their former masters for the loss of their service. Where was the money supposed to come from? The Haitian people had been forced to borrow money to pay reparations to France for claiming their freedom. In the case of the British, it was they who were claiming freedom from us. True, rebellious slaves across the British colonies had fought for freedom. But, in effect, Emancipation was designed to free the British government of all legal and moral obligations to the formerly enslaved.

The abolitionist, Sir Thomas Tainted wealth Buxton, had urged his fellow parliamentarians to pay reparations Beneath the photograph, there’s a to emancipated Africans. But, as row of shackled Africans: three Beckles notes, “[T]he British children, three women, each with a Parliament, densely populated with baby wrapped on her back, and seven slaveholders and other beneficiaries of men. Two black overseers with guns slave investments, did not take are keeping them all in line. The Buxton’s suggestion seriously”. enslaved humans are the literal Eventually, the British subtext of the main story about government decided to pay colonial masters and their loyal reparations to slave owners on behalf subjects. of the enslaved. But no reparations Beckles compellingly argues that were to be paid to the primary victims forced labour in the Caribbean is the of this demonic crime against foundation of much of the wealth of humanity.

Britain, including that of the Royal It’s bad enough that some British Family. Beckles pays tribute to Eric MPs still don’t take reparations Williams’ revolutionary seriously. But why do most of us, the book,’Capitalism and Slavery’, first descendants of enslaved Africans, act published in 1944. There, Beckles as if the idea of reparations is a big argues, Williams “constructed the joke? Is it because we believe the lie framework for the reparations case”. that slavery was good for us, taking Beckles does concede that Williams us from ‘savagery’ to ‘civilisation’? “stopped short of making an explicit Have we not read Walter Rodney’s call for reparations”. But, he asserts, brilliant book, ‘How Europe the book “still represents the most Underdeveloped Africa’? persuasive articulation of evidence” that “Britain’s magnificent, enviable African renaissance industrial civilisation emerged from the foul waters of colonial slavery”.

The Organisation of African Unity The Earl of Harewood died on July (OAU) was established on May 25, 10, 2011 at the age of 88. His obituary 1963 in Addis Ababa. A primary in the London Telegraph mission of the organisation was to end substantiates Beckles’ case: “The colonial rule on the African continent.

Lascelles family had made their On May 26, 2001, the OAU was fortune in the West Indies. An 18threbranded as the African Union (AU). century ancestor, Edwin Lascelles, May has come to be known as African had built the magnificent Harewood Liberation Month. This period House in the family estates in the offers an occasion for us to reflect on West Riding of Yorkshire”.

Harewood House is not a house. It the protracted struggle of Africans on the continent and in the diaspora to is a palatial monument to capitalist reclaim the right to determine our greed. own destiny. An integral part of the And its owners have no shame effort to live up to our destiny is for us about the source of their tainted wealth. The Harewood House website to join in the struggle to win states quite matter-of-factly that, “[b]y reparations.

Much of this column comes from a 1787, the Lascelles family had interests in 47 plantations and owned review of Dr Beckles by Prof. Caroline thousands of slaves in Barbados and Cooper. across the West Indies. The Lascelles weren’t unique - most merchants of Send comments, criticisms & the period were involved in the slave suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

KUDOS to Ainsley Primus TO BE PRECISE, the success of last Friday night’s (May 31st, 2013) New York-based Dynamite Calypso tent preliminaries must be attributed to its president Ainsley Primus, in a big way.

Almost everyone who attended that show would vouch that it was an impressive night: performance and ambience - a vast improvement from what we have had over the last few years. It was, also, the follow-up to an equally impressive New Song competition night — Ainsley’s brainchild which was held about three weeks before (Saturday, May 4th, 2013).

Ainsley, who hails from Arnos Vale, cites in a rather melancholic way, “People believe I jus’ come, but they don’t know my experience,” and explains, “since home, I used to go to Aquatic Club and watch people on the stage.”

He soon became the sound engineer and

percussionist with the musical band Exodus, this after the band’s leader, Bernard ‘BT’ Marksman, discovered that he had a talent for sound production.

Ainsley served in that dual capacity from 1981 — ’84, during which time the band was under the management of popular radio personality Ferand ‘Randy D’ Dopwell. It was also during that time, as Ainsley recalled, that Exodus launched the ‘Undergraduates Calypso Tent’ to accommodate those calypsonias who could not make the grade for the more established tents. The tent was so successful that before long, the ‘Undergraduates’ had to change its name to ‘Graduates’, the tent by this time having been able to produce artistes who featured among the top in national competitions, even as it attracted artistes who already had established themselves locally and regionally.

In more ways than one, Ainsley’s commitment to the (Vincy) carnival art forms matches the words of Climax, another Vincentian music band, to wit a 1977 rendtition ‘Vincy Style’: …if we jump in a band and yoh stop de beat, man we ketchin’ one on another street’. Figuratively for Ainsley, ‘de beat’ stopped in one band after he served for 5 years (200207) as Dynamite’s president. He was ousted by order from on high in the Carnival Development Committee and as he confirmed, “I did receive a copy of a letter telling the group to get rid of me as leader.”

Ainsley simply ‘ketch’ another beat ‘in another street’ as he worked diligently to establish the New Song Competition for Calypsonians in the North Amercian Diaspora.

Unquestionably, the Dynamite Tent benefited from the spin-off. Of the New Song competition, Ainsley explains, this

competition “is before the borrow Climax’s words, tent to get the guys to go of Vincy carnival in New in the studio early and to York and by extension create the carnival SVG. mood.” Despite the So now that Ainsley, personal financial cost to with strong support from him, Ainsley’s main Maxwell Haywood as regret is “the lack of Public Relations Officer, cooperation from people is back at the helm of who should know better, one of the five SVG artistes and some from calypso tents, the general organisations and Vincy Diaspora and institutions.”

Vincy carnival are Even as outcast and to assured a bright future. borrow Climax’s Luzette King – Host: Global words, Ainsley continued to “support Highlights globalhighlights@gmail.com the happening”, to

Ainsley Primus just can’t stay away from Vincy Calypso for any length of time. (Photo courtesy: Marissa ‘Lady M’ Gregg.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 13.

Vincentian female pilot becomes a Captain

by KARISSA CLARKE

ROCHELLE ROACHE, DAUGHTER OF MARILYN AND EARL ROACHE OF YAMBOU, is the first ever female pilot from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Her mother, obviously proud of her daughter, recently informed THE VINCENTIAN, that Rochelle had created another ‘first’: She is the first Vincentian female pilot to be accredited a captain, flying in Nigeria, Africa.

The formative years Rochelle was, in fact, born in Bequia. She attended the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, where she

Caribbean and served as a pilot with LIAT and Caribbean Star.

In her Captian Rochelle Roache (2nd from right) and her flight crew of Arik Air, Nigeria. search for more she had misgivings about her daughter experience, Rochelle looked further afield and was successful in obtaining becoming a pilot. She, however, now concedes that her daughter’s “ability to a first officer appointment with Arik excel at her chosen profession attests Air, in Nigeria. to the fact that following your dreams Arik Air is West Africa’s largest is an important notion for parents to commercial airline. It now operates a instil in their children.” fleet of 23 state-of-the art regional, She added, “Rochelle has widened medium haul and long haul aircraft, my perspective of women and what including two Airbuses.

A dream fulfilled they can and cannot be in society, and On May 17, 2013, Rochelle was I would encourage young ladies to formally commissioned as a full That dream took its follow in her footsteps.” captain, in a ceremony in Nigeria. first step towards Rochelle’s recent captaincy is surely fulfilment when Rochelle just another rung on the ladder of Proud of her accomplishment went to Canada to success which she has been climbing, pursue training as a and this achievement is not only a “I’m overwhelmed and very proud of pilot. Once she had her. I think words are not enough for feather in the cap of her mother and successfully completed the Roache family, but also in that of me to express myself,” Mrs. Roache her training, she all the people of St. Vincent and the told THE VINCENTIAN. returned to the Mrs. Roache admitted that initially Grenadines.

impressed with her athletic ability, winning numerous medals as a long distance runner.

With 11 CXC subjects to her credit, she pursued further studies at the Community College and upon graduation, took up an appointment as an Air Traffic Controller, at the E. T. Joshua Airport, and also served in that capacity in Canouan and Union Island.

Rochelle’s mother disclosed that her daughter, during this time, expressed almost incessantly, an interest in becoming a pilot.

“It was clearly a lifelong dream,” mother Marilyn Roache said.

Taiwan continues funding for SVG Projects

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, and Taiwanese Ambassador Weber Shih at the handing over ceremony.

THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines continue to be the recipient of the generosity of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The latest demonstration of this came on May 30, 2013, when Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves received from Ambassador Weber Shih of the Republic of China (Taiwan), two cheques in the sum of US$ 2,671,730.92.

The monies are earmarked for funding the Flood Rehabilitation Project and Civic Development Programme in this country.

According to the Taiwan Embassy, of the disbursed fund, US$968,045.53 is the final portion of the US$ 2 million Flood Rehabilitation Grant, and US$1,703,685.39 will go towards Civic Development Projects, such as Upgrade of the Plant Protection/Quarantine Unit and the Animal Health Laboratory, Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme, Cumberland Sporting Facility, Renovation of the Old Montrose Police Station, Colonaire Bridge Project, Community Playing Field, Hermitage Water Supply Improvement, etc.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves thanked the people and government of Taiwan for their continued support of these major development projects in SVG, and pointed out particularly, that the Youth Employment Services (YES) Project had already set a good example in youth vocational training for other Latin American countries.

Ambassador Weber Shih of Taiwan noted that, under the joint effort with the SVG Government, projects funded by his government had been effectively implemented over the years, and the Embassy looked forward to working hand-in-hand with SVG government agencies in further enhancing the existing cordial cooperative relations between the two countries.

It was Ambassador Weber Shih’s hope that the effectiveness of cooperation between the two countries would continue to benefit the Vincentian general public in the years to come.

14. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 15.

Diaspora

NY calypsonians impress in sweltering heat

Patch’ Baptiste with ‘What’s Up with You’; Ramon ‘Jose Juan’ Diaz with ‘International The sweltering heat last Saturday night did not prevent Airport’; Dennis Bowman 17 calypsonians from impressing a boisterous crowd – with ‘Way e Dey’; Delano and, perhaps, the judges – during the first preliminary ‘Detector’ Joseph with ‘I round of the 2013 National Calypso Competition, at Will Be Happy’; Ronald Café Omar in Brooklyn, New York.

‘Puff-T’ McDonald with The air conditioners were, clearly, insufficient in ‘Wendy’; Anthony ‘Ras-X’ A section at last Saturday’s preliminary in New York. cooling down patrons and artistes, as they withstood Soleyn with ‘My Navel the unbearable heat for about five hours.

String Down in As the carnival mood rises in the Big Apple, Vincyland’; Marvin ‘Bob songs, like the Building patrons even tolerated the heat for a few more hours MC’ McDonald with ‘Mommy and Daddy’; Franklyn and Loan situation,” said after the judging, with guest performances by the ‘Supadex’ Richards with ‘Things I Will Like To See’; Rose, who stopped his legendary Winston Soso, and Cyril ‘Scorcher’ and Gregory ‘Brother Don’ Oliver with ‘When is Lie performance mid-stream Thomas. Carnival judging returned to New York is Lie, When is Truth is Truth’. and re-started because this year after years-long hiatus.

Perennial contenders Earl ‘Exposer’ Isles pulled “the band was not playing Three judges — Earl Paynter, Roderick Dowers out at the last minute because of hoarseness, and the song right.” and Daniel Hall — trekked from home to determine Vincent ‘Groovy D’ Kennedy is recovering from a Still hoping for a place who will compete from the Dynamite Calypso Tent, recent stroke. in the semifinals, Rose in the National Semifinals at Carnival City, Victoria Unsurprisingly, all calypsonians with whom THE reminded that, “It’s the Park, on ‘Fantastic Friday’, June 21.

VINCENTIAN spoke after their respective same thing ‘Rejector’ did National Calypso Association President Anne performance, expressed confidence in making the last year,” referring to the Paul ‘I-Madd’ Scrubb is Miller, the Canouan-born first woman ever to hold semifinal round, notwithstanding the judges’ final hoping that last twice Calypso Monarch that position, and Culture Minister Cecil “Ces” say.

Saturday was his day. walking off stage, “after McKie were also on hand to witness the event.

“I feel good about the performance,” said the band was not playing The calypsonians, backed by the GrenadianBowman, the 2005 3rd place finalist in the National good.” owned band, Lambert and the Matadores, were Calypso Competition, about his rendition that This year, however, judged on one song in the following order: Tyrone lamented the dearth of bill boards and signs about ‘Rejector’ did not interrupt ‘Fabulous T’ Perry with ‘Carnival is My Thing’; national hero, Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer. his performance, living up Carlos ‘Rejector’ Providence with ‘Push The Pan’, “I am confident that I will make the semifinals to “the expectations of my Errol ‘D Man Age’ Rose with ‘Calypsonian MIA and finals, especially from the feedback I got after fans.

(Missing In Action)’; Paul ‘I-Madd’ Scrubb with coming on stage,” he added.

“There were lots of very ‘Jumbie’; Kenroy ‘Jakie’ Jack with ‘It’s Carnival’; Rose, a three-time Calypso Monarch and exgood songs,” he said. “I am David ‘Chang-I’ Morgan with ‘100 Percent Vincy’; elementary school teacher, claimed that very satisfied about the Delahanty ‘Singing Della’ Isles with ‘Pay Attention’; calypsonians are failing to address major issues of high standards.” and John ‘D Truth’ Dougan with ‘Betrayal’. the day.

Barrouallie-born Scrubb The others in that order were: Phillip ‘Phill “Calypsonians wouldn’t deal with issues in their — who has been a calypsonian for the past 33 years, making the semifinals eight times but failing to compete in the finals — had the crowd Dennis Bowman was rolling with ‘Jumbie’, a confident that he had social commentary about done enough to move an unidentified lady who on to the next round. he claimed told him “certain things.”

He told THE VINCENTIAN: “I don’t have a party card. I’m a calypsonian. I don’t vote. I don’t support any (political) party.

“Every dog has his day,” he added. “I hope this is my day” (to make the semifinals and then finals).

New Montrose native Diaz was also well-received with ‘International Airport ‘, in which he declared, inter alia, “In 2015, we’ll be flying straight home..’.

‘Singing Della’ said she, too, was confident in making the semifinals for the second time. She first made the semis two years ago.

She also regretted not competing this year against her dad, ‘Exposer’, stating that she had competed against him during the past three years.

Miller said: “From what I’ve heard, I see a few (calypsonians) making the finals, but the last decision lies with the judges.”

The judges will adjudicate four more tents, Upstage, P’Tani, On Tour and Graduates, before meeting tomorrow on Saturday, to deliberate and arrive at their list of semi-finalists, for public announcement on Sunday.

The Dynamite Calypso Tent is the only active calypso tent outside of the homeland (SVG) of its membership.

Story & photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 17.

16. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Mrs Hermia Neehall, Executive Director NDF, recognized the Foundation’s clientele for their resilience and compliance.

by GLORIAH… THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NDFSVG), held its 30th Anniversary Launch and Exhibition at Heritage Square on South River Road, Thursday, 30th May. The activity was organized to “highlight the work of the NDF,” which is aimed at encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurship among Vincentians, promoting the small and micro business sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and increasing the awareness of and support for local products and services.”

The launch saw a cross section of members of the general public attentively engaged in partaking of the information being given out by speakers on the NDF platform, about its concept and origins, and of its involvement over the years. Its new thrusts and innovations were also outlined.

The NDF: Concept and origins The National Development Foundation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a Camille Crichton, Vice-President/NDF, lauded the efforts of the NDF to promote strong, small and medium sized businesses.

being with the NDF for non-profit development over twenty years. agency. In 1983, a group She lauded the work of of businessmen, namely the NDF in its mandate Hilary Da Silva, to promote “strong, C.M.G. De Freitas, small and medium Henry Williams, sized businesses” which Vans Buhler, Jethro are the “lifeline of most Greene, Jim Lockcommunities and the hart and Ken Boyea, strength of nations.” sought to detail She commented on principles and the organisation’s guidelines for the motto, ‘Striving to foundation and Achieve Entrepreneurimoved to solicit al Excellence’, outlining funding for its estabthe fact that the NDF lishment. On October has “brought entrepre26th, 1983, it was incorneurship to the porated as a limited forefront and has liability company, under Sonia Delicacies, Bequia-based, has a name encouraged others to the Companies Act – locally, regionally and internationally. believe in themselves Articles of Association and follow their and Memorandum of dreams.”

Association, this after Entertainment She went on to funding was successfully Among those in attendance were Taiwan Ambassador Weber Shih and OAS outline the scenario in sought from the United To complement the more formal which her proposal to States Agency for Inter- Regional Representative Mrs. Melene Glynn. segment of the launch, a package of initiate her business national Development entertainment was included in the was turned down by the commercial ence on building “solid relationships with (USAID). programme. banks, but won the conviction of the our clientele, both as individuals and as Today, it provides services which Those gathered, some invited, others NDF. members of wider communities.” include a combination of credit, counattracted by the occasion, heard of the She singled out the Board of Direcseling or business guidance, and techniups and downs which the organization tors, past and present,of the NDF, as cal assistance to entrepreneurs to enable goes through in an effort to satisfy playing a pivotal role in steering the them to initiate, develop, and/or expand the needs of its clients, through a organization in the right direction. business enterprises. Beside the emphamonologue done by Mrs. Catilda Although lending money for finansis on provision of employment and James, Financial Comptroller of cial endeavours could prove income generation to benefit the “poor”, the organisation. risky business, she told the the NDF assiduously strives to develop a This was followed by a riveting audience that the clients of the greater sense of self-worth. skit put on by the ‘Krazy Komedy NDF reflect activity in all It currently has a total of two Krew’, which gave patrons an sectors of the economy. Howevhundred and fifty clients who conduct understanding of how a person er risky it may be, she reiteratbusiness in agriculture, fishing, agro-promoves from a simple business idea ed, “this has not deterred our cessing, industrial trades, art and craft, to realizing a business entity with Foundation from recognizing commercial services, manufacturing and the NDF. the contribution that these tourism related fields.

A contingent from the Starlift sectors make to our GDP. We Steel Orchestra was also on hand have, for example, stayed and Addresses to put a musical twist on the continue to stay with farmers proceedings, delivering beautiful Among those addressing last Thursand fisher-folk through their strains to familiar tunes. day’s launch, was Mrs. Hermia Neehall, ups and downs.”

Executive Director of the NDFSVG, and In paying homage to the Exhibition Ms. Camille Crichton, Vice President Foundation’s clientele over the and first female entrepreneur to last thirty years, Neehall A number of businesses launch out in the commercommended them for “their currently funded by and those cial services field, under resilience and compliance that whose ‘start-up is owed to the the NDF. have combined to make it NDF, chose the opportunity to put Neehall looked possible for the Foundation to their products on exhibition. at the staying roll over funds to last through These included: K. P. Marine in power of the three decades.”

Fishing gear and accessories; NDF, despite Ms. Camille Crichton, Richard Roberts and Agatha what she called Managing Director of ProfesRichards in Catering; Joan-Ann “some sional Secretarial and ConsulJohn in Tourism services; Cordelia extremely tancy Services inc., was the Bowman-Burke, Alton ‘Rat’ James, tumultuous feature speaker at the event.

Marissa Edwards, and Barttimes.”

She spoke of her pride in holomew Quammie in Arts and The capacity to continue to move forward Wood carvings by Alton and remain ‘Rat’ James (partly competitive, hidden at right) .

Neehall said, is nurtured by the Foundation’s insist-

Craft; Sybil Jacobs and Earl Roberts in Clothing; Wright’s Unique Associates in Joinery; Valley \Treats & Things, Sonia’s Delicacies, UDs Chips, AURORA’S, Hollis Searles, MCK – Carlos Williams, and Vincy Klus in Agro Processing; Valley Threats Bakery in bread, pastries and fruit baskets; Kenrol Daniel in Upholstery; Adams Office Centre, Professional Secretarial and Consultancy Services Ltd., in Business Support Services; and Katheshia Chadband (Fantasy Nails) in Services.

The National Development Foundation is also the approved Centre for the City and Guilds Examination. They offer courses in Business Studies and Bookkeeping. In 2012, their students recorded a 95% pass rate in these subject areas.

The organization extends an invitation to prospective students to visit their offices to learn more about this interesting and innovative endeavour.

The next event on the NDF calendar of activities in this its 30th year of service is its Annual General Meeting.

Other endeavours

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18. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival

Dennis Ambrose, CDC Chairman, displays keys to vehicles made available for prizes in Vincy Mas 2013. Joel Providence, CEO Coreas Hazells Inc. is pictured third from left.

Coreas Hazells Inc. hands over cars SENATOR WITHIN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, Sports and Culture, Elvis Charles, did not escape the euphoria surrounding the donations of two vehicles to the Carnival Development Corporation

(CDC).

At a handing over ceremony last Friday, Senator Charles jokingly told the crowd that he was encouraged to sing, and that his sobriquet should be ‘The Latecomer’ under which he would render a song entitled ‘I want to jam with Nissan’.

Such was the atmosphere that prevailed at the Bay View Car Park where the handing over ceremony was held.

In handing over two Nissan Skyline vehicles to the CDC, Mr. Joel Providence, CEO of Coreas Hazells inc., agents for Nissan vehicles here, said his company felt it “should step up to the plate” after a call was made last year for an increase in prize monies for soca artistes.

The vehicles are to be made available to the winners of the National Calypso and National Soca Monarch competitions.

According to Providence, it took only one week to wind up discussion, resulting in the donations of the two cars to the CDC. Citing the furor surrounding contractual arrangements between the CDC and a local beverage producer and the involvement of his company in carnival, Providence made it clear that this did not deter his company from donating the cars, as Coreas Hazells Inc. “prefer to operate outside the glare of the

headlights.”

Coreas Hazells Inc. is also agents for imported beer, stout and soft drinks.

Mr. Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC, expressed gratitude for the vehicles, noting that it was not the first time that a car was given as a prize for carnival, but it was the first time that two had been given at the same time.

The Chairman confirmed that the cars will “go along with prize monies that have been increased by 10%,” and hoped that the gesture

by Coreas Hazells would encourage other corporate entities into “taking a stand to improve Vincy Mas”.

Calypsonian and ‘new’ soca artiste, Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis, himself a former Calypso Monarch, was on hand to express thanks on behalf of the calypso/soca fraternity.

He applauded the gesture made by Coreas Hazells Inc., and as though to justify the awarding of the vehicles to the calypso/soca fraternity, gave an idea of how arduous a task calypsonians and soca artistes go through, to get themselves ready with good productions.

The first time a vehicle was made available as a prize in any competition organized by the CDC was in 1995, when the St. Vincent Brewery Ltd. donated one for the Calypso Monarch.

Similar donations, by the Brewery, followed in 1996 and 1997.

One of the two car grabs, compliments Coreas Hazells Inc.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Ms SVG 2013: Talent in crisis MS. SVG 2013 began with a deficit: there was no standout among the contestants.

Many persons had opined before the show that they would only be attending to “wait and see” who would emerge as the evening’s proceedings unraveled, because they just “couldn’t tell.” Many therefore, had no favourite.

The Introductions and Swimwear segments were over and done and there was still rife uncertainty among patrons as to who would forge forward and claim the crown.

Many waited in eager anticipation for the Talent segment, where they felt would make it easier to pick a winner. It turned out to be not so easy.

Hitches

contestant to gain points.

The first problem with the talent performances was the microphone. Contestant Number One had to do one or two takes before it worked properly. Had this problem persisted throughout the show, it might have served as salvation for all seven singers. ,The young ladies sounded very unrehearsed and inadequate. What was wrong with that singing? One woman, ,standing at the front of the stage could have been heard shouting, “Who train them girls, dey?” Other spectators close to the stage expressed their outrage in other ways, some with very explosive language.

Quality

If one did a pre-show assessment of the eight This year’s talent contestants last Saturday’s performances consisted (June 1, 2013) show, it might primarily of singing — a total have indicated, more than of seven contestants out of likely, that the genre of talent eight. This was not a norm which they performed did not and, of the seven singers, two form part of their lives contestants wisely chose to growing up — I even strain to complement their singing with make room for a few discourse and with dancing. exceptions of course; and this In one of these cases, the opinion is not at all limited to addition must have helped the the singing!

Does it mean, then, that contestants in these beauty shows strive to “learn” a talent in the short period before the show? How many contestants do we know have grown up singing, dancing, acting, and the like, not least in the last five years or so, such that they could be accredited with “having talent” as opposed to “having a talent”? Maybe that was the reason why quality came into question. And the question is: Who on earth “okayed” such auditory manifestations for these young ladies? Chaperones have their work cut out for them already. Do they double up as talent co-ordinators?

One contestant did a monologue — a serious theme with a very funny perspective.

It was hilarious and well put together, and resonated well with both the audience and the judges. Although there was room for an even better performance, she must have provided the judges with an eager reprieve.

Talent co-ordinators The Beauty Shows Committee of the CDC

professes to employ talent coordinators. These coordinators are mandated to act as guides to the contestants and their personal handlers, if they have any.

They are supposed to be very instrumental in ensuring a good showing at the talent preview. Did any talent coordinators function as such this year? It didn’t appear so, and if they did, then they fell woefully short.

Many patrons felt that the talent was not the only thing that contributed to a very lowkeyed, boring show. It, however, contributed significantly, so that much so many patrons have made brutal statements like: “If that is what they [are] showing, then they need to cut out the show!”

Such a drastic measure should not have to be taken.

The CDC simply has to reorganize the way in which contestants are oriented and trained very early in the process. The Ms. SVG Pageant is a show with a wealth of potential, but the organisers need to revisit its Chenead Hackshaw, winner structure — in every aspect! the the Talent segment of the 2013 Miss SVG Pageant.

Long standing Patron

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 20 - Apr. 19) Your activities will be emphasized in the life sectors related to vehicles, short distance travels, politics, communications, education, your neighborhood, and siblings. Go easy on the itchy accelerator foot.

Libra (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22) Both Venus and Mercury enter your house of career and life direction. This influence will favor your occupation and probably improve your income. Your leadership gifts come to the foreground at this time. Don’t shrink away.

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 19) Your attention will be drawn to parties in neighboring areas and with those of your usual environment. Those with siblings may enjoy improved relationship through this period. You’ll be inclined to add luxury items to your vehicle, or maybe even purchase a new one.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) Positive news comes your way related to children, the arts, legal, educational, or publishing interests. Internet activity is favored. Your attention will begin to shift toward issues of intimacy and partnership, joint and corporate financial matters, taxes, and/or estate and business planning.

Gemini (May 20 - June 20) This energy is especially helpful in defining our boundaries. Periodically we need to examine who we are and also who we are not. Often something is eliminated. Courage and physical strength is increased. So is the tendency to control others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 20) Your partner may take on an uncharacteristic manner of self-assertion and you are prone to allow this. He or she is not so likely to back down from a fight.

Life will be generally more harmonious if you stay off the hot topics. If it is important to tackle them now, seek a counselor, a trusted friend, or a negotiator to keep things fair.

Cancer (June 21 - July 21) You are likely to be traveling or at least making plans for your next big trip.

This is an excellent time to pursue any activity that requires your mental concentration. Contracts and written communications, along with short distance travel, have go signals.

Leo (July 22 - Aug. 21) The problem is similar to one of your own in the past, so you feel a special kinship. Tending to the Other’s pain will be helping your own buried pain as well. There might also be a pull in the direction of ordering your financial affairs and planning your estate.

Virgo (Aug 22 - Sep. 22) You are finishing a work project and shifting gears into new territory this week. You will be focusing on communications with friends, acquaintances, and building your network. Aspects favor relationships of all types, including your partner and family. Travel or making plans for future travel may be part of the scenery.

Capricorn ( Dec 21 - Jan 19) Now is a perfect time to allow your partner or significant Other to say what is on his/her mind. Open your heart to really “hear” the content of what is shared with you. Your work life is temporarily on hold.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17) If you are looking for a tenant or a new employee, someone will turn up now that fills your requirements and satisfies your needs. Working conditions are generally favorable. Your ability to concentrate upon projects that require management of details is strong. Your health improves at this time.

Pisces (Feb. 18 - Mar. 19) Good news concerning your children may come at this time. The muse is with you in relationship with any of the fine arts. This is a fine time to enjoy books and/or TV, meditate and journal.

Give yourself time for self-exploration and even just "diddling around" and relaxing. Your dreams are meaningful and your intuition strong.

ACROSS 1.

“Take __ Train” (2 Wds.) 5. Frequently, in verse 8. Produce 12. Inflexible 14. Increase 16. “__ Old Cowhand” (2 wds.)

17. Sharp corner 18. Green color 19. Immodest skirt 20. Football units (abbr.)

21. Believe 23. Eaten away 25. Emeralds and rubies 26. Dedicative verses 27. Stress 30. Shines 33. Started suddenly 34. Tacked on 36. __ loss (2 wds.)

38. Tobacco containers 39. Assisted 40. Skirmish 41. Business abbr.

42. Entertainer Buddy 43. Chain of hills 44. Scoop 46. Imposes a tax 47. TV style guru Berkus 48. Paddy

product 49. MCI competitor 52. Load cargo 53. Dr. Frankenstein’s rm.

56. Butter dish pretender 57. Rewrite 59. Magic charm 61. Tilt 62. Crazy 63. Frat letter 64. TVA projects 65. Sow’s home 66. Eat between meals DOWN 1. Cafeteria item 2. Female red deer 3. Souffle ingredients 4. Be sick 5. Looks at amorously 6. Flunk out 7. Meadows of “SNL” 8. Champagne concoction 9. Surrounded by 10. “Citizen __” 11. Author Bagnold 13.Safeguard 15. Annoyed 22. Rescue worker (abbr.)

24. Actress Donna

25. Surprised sounds 26. David __ Stiers 27. Italian sparkling wine 28. Face parts 29. Sure thing 31. __ Gras (New Orleans events) 32.Performer’s platform 34. Church walkway 35. Between HST and JFK 37. Supportive votes 39. Helped a crook 40. Take __ (relax) 42. Writer Hunter

43.Playground period 45. Pungent vegetables 46. Top 48.Threadbare 49. Auctioned off 50.Impassioned request 51. Enlarge a

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 21.

hole 52. British elevator 53. __-mutton (hyph.)

54. Charity 55. Unexciting 58. Marx’s “__ Kapital” 60.Seamstress’s fastener

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A marijuana problem described, it seems you have done If he has nowhere else to go and all that you reasonably can to get wishes to continue living with MY HUSBAND and I have a 19-year- your son to comply with the house you, then he has no choice but rules, and to respect your wishes, to comply with your rules. Maybe old son living with us, and having but to no avail. It could very well you ought to do what you have him at home is beginning to get been reluctant to do, which is to unbearable. He has gotten himself be that your son is too drugged Dear George, ask him to find somewhere else to mixed up with the wrong crowd, and out to do what you are asking of go, if he wants to continue living him. You can offer to get him has developed bad habits like I AM A married man, but I have a young lady I am the way he is. The reality of professional help for his drinking and smoking marijuana. seeing on the side. She is twenty-five years having to leave might bring him dependency problem, and that is He wants to come in the house at younger than I. I do not expect her to devote herself as far as you can go. You cannot to his senses long enough to to me one hundred percent, but at least I expect her any time he chooses, and when we force him to accept that help. realize he needs to turn his life to level with me if she has another man in her life. speak to him, he would get around.

As far as living with you is Imagine my surprise and shock when, while I annoyed, raise his voice and wake concerned, it should not be a case was at her house and in bed with her, another man up the entire house, and a few used his keys and entered the house and started where you have to be pleading George times, the neighbourhood. giving me attitude about being with his woman! I with him to let you live in peace.

We have threatened, several still cannot believe she times, to put him out, but never would lie to me, leaving me followed through. He believes we to believe I was the only would never put him out. It is my man in her life. That night view that he is taking advantage in question, I ended up Dear George, around 6pm.

She went into kissing him like how she of our good nature. The truth is, leaving the house with my would kiss me. Her the front balcony to see him. we don’t want to put him out, tail between my legs. I still explanation to that was, “it I AM DATING a young lady She never came back into the because he has no place else to have not spoken to her, and from Aruba. We have been house until after 10pm. From was a goodbye kiss.” Do you go. do not know if I should talk think I should believe her? writing to each now for 2 the balcony, they went into How can we get him to stop to her ever again. She years, and during that time I the road and continued doing what he is doing and allow keeps calling my number, Unsure have met her only twice. I talking and walked down the us to live in peace? We have but so far I have refused to went to her homeland on both road a bit out of sight, before spoken and pleaded with him so return her calls. She has Dear Unsure, she returned to the house. I many times, but it is like he is not occasions. The last visit I really let me down. made there, I had some know this because I went to listening.

If it looks, quacks and concerns, and it is bothering ask her something and did not walks like a duck, chances are Hurt lover me because she has asked me see her. When she returned, M&D it is a duck. to marry her. she said she went to “follow Dear Hurt Lover, Long distance relationI am from SVG but live in him down the road a bit.”

Dear M&D, ships can be risky and are not The man visited on a few New York. While I was there Before you continue in without complications. If she at her house in Aruba, a man occasions during my visit. I Based on what you have your ‘grief’ and have needed to set the record came to the house to visit her later learned that this guy feelings of disappointment straight with her exwas her exboyfriend, then she should and betrayal, do not lose boyfriend. She have been more transparent. sight of the fact that you never told me of Unfortunately for you, you do are grieving about a him until I not live there and have no one relationship that you started asking to assist you in researching should not have started in her questions her background, etc. This the first place. You have based upon puts you at an unfair no legal, moral or ethical certain disadvantage, especially in movements I was the face of obvious suspicions. grounds to take issue with this woman for outseeing. She It is up to you to believe maneuvering you, and you admitted they her or not to believe her, but should take this never really you need to give the broke up opportunity to return to relationship more time to officially, and he mature and, in the process, your wife and try to wanted to know rekindle the original flames give yourself a better chance where the to find the answers you now that once burned in your relationship seek regarding her heart for her. stood. commitment and love for you.

A marriage needs full I got red hot One thing is sure, it is not a time commitment, and time and crazy during requirement to passionately away from it is time one of his visits, kiss someone to put them on cheated and often notice that the relationship is regretted. when I looked no more. Quack! Quack!! through the house window George and saw her George

Dear George,

Unfair expectation

Doubts about a relationship

St. Vincent Automotive Co-operative Society Ltd

NOTICE Annual General Meeting Shareholders of the St. Vincent Automotive Co-operative Society Ltd. are asked to take note that the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Society will take place on Thursday 13th June, 2013 at 5:00 p.m., at the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Red Cross Society Building on Halifax Street.

Signed: Randy Boucher Secretary

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 23.

Youth

SJCK gets new steel pans

by KARISSA CLARKE THE STUDENT BODY OF THE SJCK CELEBRATED THE ARRIVAL OF NEW PANS for the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown Pan Starz Orchestra, to the tunes of ‘We Jammin’, ‘Billy Jean’, ‘Differentology’ and more.

The celebration marked the Pan Against Crime Committee’s donation of pans to the school, Monday 3rd June.

Calma Balcombe, the School’s principal, Calma Balcombe, addressing the Principal of the SJCK, gathering at the emphasized her school’s School, expressed commitment to provide a “gratitude to the holistic education for its Committee of the Pan students.

Against Crime organization for considering us to receive new steel pans to complement our steel orchestra — the St Joseph’s Convent Pan Starz.”

Balcombe outlined that the school’s philosophy “is based on holistic education, where we focus on bringing the best out of every student in relation to their gifts and talents,” and boasted, “St Joseph’s Convent is renowned for its outstanding performance in the creative arts.”

The principal assured that, “The new pans will now allow more students to access this extracurricular activity as well as enable our steel orchestra to be better equipped to take part in the upcoming Junior Pan Fest on June 30th 2013.”

There was recognition for Jason James, pan tutor, who was heralded by Balcombe, for working “above and beyond the call of duty with little financial reward, just to have the girls ready.”

She gave the assurance that the pans will be cared for, and charged the students with that responsibility.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Jonathon Nichols, representing the Pan Against Crime Committee, described the project as a worthwhile one “that will impact positively on the lives of our young people, especially in providing an outlet for them when there is no other way of expressing their emotions.”

He issued a call for the students to care for the instruments.Ms. Dionne John, Director of the NCCP and Rep of PAC, explained that SJCK joins the ranks of communities such as Sandy Bay, South Rivers and Mesopotamia who have become home to brand new pan sides recently as well, and took the opportunity to wish the school and its pannists all the best in their music. She also encouraged those not yet involved in pan to join the movement. The enthusiam of the students to receive the new tenor, double tenor, double guitar, triple guitar and high bass pans could be easily felt as the students celebrated with steel pan, song and dance. The Pan Against Crime movement has accumulated over 2500 persons and has seen children excel academically as a result of their involvement.

Members of the SJCK Dance Troupe perform to the music of the SJCK Pan Starz Orchestra, at the handing over ceremony.

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

Premier Distributors supports community causes The 3rd Annual Crisps Fun/d Walk “Our aim is to continue with was staged on May 20, 2013, Whit this event, mainly because it is Monday. healthy, team-based, fun-filled An initiative of Premier and most of all family oriented,” Distributors (SVG) Ltd, the Walk said Mrs. Smith-Sampson. took participants on a route that Premier Distributors (SVG) Ltd began and ended at the are the local distributors of the Company’s headquarters in Glen, regionally renowned Bermudez with a trek along the main Windward Highway, to the Arnos Vale RoundAbout, and through the Villa/Fair Hall bypass.

The Bank of St. Vincent and the Funds raised from this Grenadines (BOSVG) recently hosted a year’s Walk were donated workshop in two phases, in collaboration to the Kingstown and with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Georgetown Schools for Hotel and Tourism Authority (SVGHTA), Children with Special under the theme “Ideas and Needs.

Opportunities”.

According to Mrs. The workshop focused mainly on the Allyson Smith-Sampson, efficiencies and competitive advantages General Manager of to be derived from the various products Premier Distributors and services available to businesses (SVG) Ltd, this gesture “is today. in keeping with our Omari France, BOSVG Senior company’s focus of Marketing Officer, told participants, that assisting community “according to the world payment report, service efforts.” global non-cash payments has continued In 2011, funds realized to grow, and payments have proved from that inaugural Walk resilient to the effects of the financial were made available to crisis. Although there was a decrease in the ‘Georgetown Relief the growth rate in non-cash payment Fund’ and other volumes in 2008-09, volumes resumed a community causes. higher growth rate by 2010 and has Funds from the 2012 continued to do so. This is the business Walk were donated to the environment in which we live today.”

St. Benedict Day Nursery He stressed the importance of and Children’s Home Inc. businesses being able to operate their and other individuals with business virtually anywhere, especially genuine needs. during a time of fierce competition for and

line of products and Holiday Food snacks, among a range of healthy foods.

The presentation party at the handing over of funds Participants in this year’s Junior Carnival can expect to be to the Georgetown School for Children with Special Needs, including Principal (Ag) Ms. Catherine Cuffy treated with a variety of products distributed by Premier (2nd from right) and Premier Distributors General Distributors (SVG) Ltd. Manager Mrs. Allyson Smith-Sampson (right).

BOSVG-SVGTA host workshop high expectations of tourists, whose main method of payment is via plastic (Cards).

“Cash is no longer king,” France declared.

Also addressing the group was Senior Supervisor of Card Services, From left: Mr. Cerlian Russell, Senior Manager Alana McMaster, who advised that, Business and Operations - BOSVG; Mr. Fitzroy “Although all methods of payments can be risky — a debit or credit card Glasgow, Director of SVGHTA; Mr. Omari France, is the only sure method of payment Senior Marketing Officer - BOSVG; and Ms. Alana McMaster, Senior Supervisor of Card Services – - once proper procedure has been followed, as opposed to the use of BOSVG. counterfeit notes and bounce risk management skills, experience and cheques which are not guaranteed methods of payments and can cause great wealth, businesses can be more beneficial and profitable.” loss to a business.”

The two phases of the workshop Focus was also centered on the attracted some 60 participants from across financing options available to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including entrepreneurs in the tourism industry as hoteliers, taxi drivers, tour operators, and well as the investment options available restaurant owners. through The Bank of St. Vincent and the The first phase was held in the Bank of Grenadines wealth management. Senior Manager Business and Operation Cerlian St. Vincent and the Grenadines training Russell pointed out that “There needs to be room and the second at the Union Island Tourism Bureau. more collaboration between the members Participants called for more workshops of the SVGTHA, engaging in strategic of this nature. partnerships — through the combination

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 25.

Regional Street Football promises much for SVG

The head table at last Wednesday launch of the 2013 Regional Guinness Street Football Challenge.

by KENVILLE HORNE THE REGIONAL FINAL OF THE GUINNESS STREET FOOTBALL Challenge is coming to SVG, and the country stands to benefit significantly from hosting the event.

From Friday, June 21st to Saturday, June 22nd, teams from seven regional members, their supporters, regional Guinness Brand Managers, crews from regional and international media, including ESPN and Sports Max, along with two time world soccer player of the year, European player of the year and former Netherlands captain, Rudd Gullit, and other visitors will converge on SVG for the major final, scheduled for the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

This was made known at a press conference at the Campden Park headquarters of local brewers of Guinness, the St. Vincent Brewery, last Wednesday. In attendance, among others, were the key persons organizing the event here, members of School Yard Strikers of Edinboro, the winners of the local leg of the 2013 Guinness Street Football Challenge and representatives of partner corporations.

Regional Commercial Manager at the Brewery, Shafia London, said it is the first time SVG was hosting the tournament, and urged the local winners to do their best.

“What makes the competition more challenging is that SVG is the defending champion,” she said.

In addition to the Street Ball Challenge, the event will feature a special skill segment.

Skilled footballers will receive US $ 1,000 and special prizes from

LIME. Day 1 will witness a presentation of 2013 carnival costumes by mas bands and entertainment by local acts, while day 2 will witness the ultimate performance from Jamaican dancehall super star, Aidonia.

London thanked those organizations that are partnering in the effort, and commended the Buccama Bay Resort for coming on board to offer choice accommodation for participating teams .

“SVG has to put its best foot forward, as we showcase our country, and as we showcase our skills” London concluded.

Latasha Anderson from the SVG Tourism Authority (SVGTA), underlined the immense benefits SVG stands to gain from hosting the competition. Anderson cited “increase in spending on tourism related services, including transportation, (at) bars and accommodation,” and emphasized that “this calibre (of event) gives us an opportunity to entice the visitors and participants , along with their travelling supporters, to come back to SVG, as their next vacation hot spot.”

Devron Poyer was also on hand to pledge the support of the SVG Football Federation, and captain of the victorious team, Seon Cadougan, was quite happy to thank the organizers and sponsors of the competition, and promised that, “You can expect the best from us, cause we always practise playing together as a team, and we stick together as a team”.

School Yard Strikers, besides winning a place in the regional finals, also received a cash sprize of EC $5000.

26. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 27.

IT-DAT declared winners, Coach wants sanctions Keith Joseph -Team Athletics SVG boss, dismisses collusion claims.

Mike ‘Mercy” Ollivierre, IT-DAT head coach, is convinced there was “track fixing.”

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT HEAD COACH Of IT-DAT, Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre, believes that athletes and officials who, it is assumed, colluded to

compromise the results in the recently held National Track and Field Club Championships, should be dealt with if enough evidence is presented to support these claims.

Team Athletics SVG had named X-CEL, a club coached by Rawlson Morgan, as the champions of the meet with 924 points, ahead of IT-DAT who garnered 905 points. X-ceed, a club run by Godfrey ‘Fuzzy’ Harry was adjudged third.

However, reports said that athletes and officials from the two clubs had inter-changed for some events to secure more points, thereby getting an advantage over IT-DAT. Ollivierre had sounded the alarm bells within hours of the results being made public, and had indicated his intention to be relentless in having the matter addressed.

He labelled the action by the assumed perpetrators as ‘track fixing.”

A few days ago, a new set of results were released by the Track and Field body, showing that IT-DAT were the overall winners with 873

points, X-CEL second with 840 and X-CEED third with 666.

The male division went to X-CEL with 521 points, IT-DAT second with 457 and X-CEED third with 323. The female division went to IT-DAT with 416 points, X-CEED 343 second and X-CEL third with 319.

Ollivierre expressed satisfaction with the change, but still feels that proper investigations should be done.

He also laments the fact that the national Club Championships are still unable to make hurdles and a few other events part of the competitive programme.

No complicity President of Team Athletics SVG, Keith Joseph, told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, that there was never any complicity, as discerned from their investigations, and that the problem was created by officials at the finish line.

“There was never any collusion; it just happened that some athletes registered late and there

was a mix up at the end when people were putting down athletes under the wrong club,” Joseph said.

This was hotly disputed by Ollivierre who points to information gleaned from athletes about discussions and instructions received from their superiors.

Joseph, when pushed, admitted that if there

—led executive was elected to serve a fouryear term back in 2004, but has remained in office doing a ‘Siamese term’.

When questioned about this, Joseph indicated that they are hoping to hold elections very soon, but this is dependent upon the receipt of the financial statements from their auditors.

Davis: ‘I am within my rights’ WEST INDIES UMPIRE Roger Davis, responding to an article in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper of Friday 31st May, 2013, in which he was reported to have called a local player for throwing in a Premier Division cricket competition match, said he was just following the law and “is within his rights.”

The article had reported, inter alia, ‘Ray Jordan, who took 1 for 28 in 5 overs, was once again no-balled by umpire Roger Davis for a

Robertson donates to Rose Hall Cricket team AT LEAST ONE TEAM preparing to participate in the 2013 Vinlec North Leeward Cricket Competition is in a better position to do.

On Monday, May 27th, Managing Director of Robertson Surveying Services Ltd, (RSS), Mc. Arthur Robertson, handed over a cheque in an amount of EC$1000, to Kenville Horne, Manager of the Rose Hall cricket team.

At a handing over ceremony at the RSS headquarters at Cane Hall, Robertson noted: “We are quite happy and privileged to donate to the community of Rose Hall. We would have liked to give a higher level of sponsorship, but in these times, you have to manage things as best as possible.”

Robertson intimated that his company strives to do its best to give back to society. For the last

are any indications of collusion between athletes and officials, strong action would be taken against the culprits.

However, Ollivierre is questioning the authority of the body to take such action, since that body is, according to him, overstaying its time in office by more than eight years. Reports say the current Keith Joseph

four years, RSS has been sponsoring the Belmont United cricket team which participates in the national cricket competition, supporting numerous charities, and more recently, assisting the Rose Hall Cultural Development Organization.

“We like to see when young people are doing things to uplift the community,” Robertson concluded.

Horne expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Rose Mr. McArthur Robertson (right), of RSS, Hall cricket team, saying that hands over cheque to Kenville Horne. the sponsorship will go a long way towards providing uniforms that contribution,” Horne posited. and registration fee for the team.

In appreciation of the RSS “When a company can take its donation, the Rose Hall cricket hard-earned cash and donate some team, comprised primarily of young of it to the development of youths, persons, will compete as Robertson one must appreciate the value of Surveying Rising Stars.

Roger Davis (right), seen here with his father Kenrick Whyttle, created history by being the part of the first father-son team to serve as umpires in a match here. suspect action. Last season, Davis had also called the Victors pacer for exploiting more than the allowable 15 degrees under ICC regulations’.

“We play under the laws of cricket in St Vincent, not the playing conditions,” Davis, an umpire for 20 years, said, and added, “It’s not the first time I would have called Ray Jordan in relation to the laws of the game under such circumstances, and I believe my reputation as an umpire is being painted wrongfully.”

Davis explained that when a bowler’s arm is straightened at the point of delivery, “it’s enough evidence to call a no ball.,” and confirmed, “I have called other bowlers in the local competition, including Ray Jordan.

He said Ray Jordan was called in the secondary school competition and also the West Indies Under-19 tournament in Trinidad a few years ago and suggested that “he needs

to be looked at by local coaches.

“Before I report any bowler, I firstly inform his captain, the standing umpire and the batsmen.

Should the bowler continue to bowl in the same manner, the umpire has the right to stop the bowler from bowling in that innings,” Davis pointed out.

Davis’s umpiring career has seen him officiating in several tournaments in the region. He was a standby umpire in the West Indies Women’s Tournament in 2010. He was also a standby umpire in a West Indies Women one day match as well in this year’s West Indies one day and the regional four-day competitions.

He began his umpiring career in 1993 and is a qualified West Indies umpire. He presently sits on the junior West Indies umpire panel.

I.A.ALLEN

V Top teams in title race 28. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

SOME OF the country’s top cricketers will be engaging each other this weekend when the battle for title honours sees twotime defending champions Rivals, opposing several times winners Victors ONE, at Arnos Vale TWO this weekend.

Rivals looked like they

were running away winners until a few weeks ago, and have been roped by the much improved Victors ONE who appear the informed team.

Victors ONE have been boosted by the consistent batting of talismanic batsman, Donwell Hector, who has racked up three centuries so far this

Culzac’s century not enough AN UNBEATEN century by right handed batsman Deptor Culzac was not enough for Triumph United to earn at least first innings points against Radcliffe Too. The two met last weekend in a National First Division cricket competition match played at North Union.

Culzac’s 117 not out came in his team’s second innings, after they had already conceded first innings points.

Triumph United Cricket Club (TUCC), batting first, were dismissed for 72. Rohan Ash top- scored with 43, with Antonio Barker, 5 for 8, and Romano Pierre, 3 for 9, doing the damage for Radcliffe Too. When Radcliffe batted, they got to 153, Arnold Gilkes being their best batsman with 36, and Isaac Trimmingham, 4 for 31, and Rohan Ash, 3 for Deptor Culzac hit 117 not out 33, putting in for Triumph United. good bowling spells for TUCC. Facing a deficit of 81, TUCC put in an improved performance but to no avail. They reached 201 for 7 on the back of Culzac’s century.

Set 120 for victory, Radcliffe got to 100 for 3 when play ended. Kenley Joseph contributed a daring 80, and Ash returned to grab another 3 wickets, this time for 19 runs.

In another weekend match played at Buccament, Police 1 took first innings points over Smashers.

Smashers made 116, to which the Policemen replied with 122.

Calvin Glasgow returned the impressive figures of 5 for 18, bowling for Police 1, with Keville Sam striking a top score of 44 for Smashers. Sylvan Spencer made 43 for the lawmen, and Anthony Charles was Smashers’ best bowler with 4 for 39.

The match played out in a tame draw, with Smashers on 89 for 6 when stumps were drawn.

I.B.A.ALLEN

season, and is in line to become the first batsman in more than three decades to total five hundred runs. He currently stands on 472, but is somewhere off the 576 scored by Lance John in 1979 for Radcliffe. John, said to be the most prolific local batsman, also had three centuries that year.

In addition to Hector, Victors have also seen some vital innings from Lauron Francois, Alston Bobb and Seon Sween in particular. They would no doubt be hoping that captain Miles Bascombe and Atticus Browne will find much needed form at this critical point.

The bowling has seen off spinner Kenneth Denbar leading the way with 29 wickets, with Bobb, the competition’s leading all rounder, leg spinner Keiron Cottoy and pacer Norlan Williams all picking up good wickets.

Rivals, who have found it somewhat difficult to ram home their advantage in a few matches, have had some good performances from

Big hitting Roneil Jeffrey is capable of taking the initiative with his bat. the veteran Deighton Butler who has coupled his left-arm seamers with left-arm orthodox spin. Another veteran, Orlando Jackson, continues to reap good reward with his leg spin.

The team was hampered by his absence in at least two matches.

Young pacer Kimali Williams has shown plenty of promise, and underlined his potential with a five-wicket haul in one of the earlier matches.

Some people feel that Team Rivals have failed to cement their place at the top of the standings, owing to the lack of consistent runs from the talented Hyron Shallow

Openers Miles Bascombe and Atticus Browne need to get runs to push Victors ONE to the title. and the phlegmatic Harley Skerritt .

The big hitting Roneil Jeffrey has been able to turn games around with his lower order demolition of the opposition, and Victors ONE will be mindful of his destructive potential.

With six points separating the teams, the initiative of the captains will be under close scrutiny, and with

batting and bowling bonus points now in the mix, cricket lovers can expect, weather permitting, a classic contest, one observer said.

In another match this weekend, LIME Radcliffe takes on Police TWO at Sion Hill Playing Field.

Matches start at 1:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am on Sunday.

Nero inspires Garifuna Stars WEST INDIES player Juliana Nero raised the level of her game and propelled Garifuna Stars to a 104-run win over Ajuba Stars, in a RBTT Bank Senior Women’s T20 Cricket Competition

encounter, played on Saturday at surrendered at 48 for 7 from 15 Arnos Vale Two. overs, against Tigress.

Nero, 68 not out, helped National players, off spinner Garifuna Stars to the respectable Latoya Providence, 3 for 9, and total of 169 for 2 in their 20 overs. medium pacer Shelly-Ann John, 2 She shared in an unbroken 3rd for 7, proved too much for the wicket partnership of 114, with Ajuba ladies.

National all-rounder Myscha Tigress raced to 50 for 2 in 10.2 George who contributed 39. overs, Jean Blucher leading the Huybreya Cadougan claimed run chase with 23. the two Garifuan Stars wickets Given their run of ill-form, it for 22 runs. was not surprising that Ajuba Ajuba Stars never settled, Stars defaulted on their third affected by the absence of any fixture match for the weekend, discernible plan, and were doing so in favour of United dispensed for 68 in 15.5. overs.

Survivors.

Cadougan was again their only I.B.A.ALLEN star, scoring 21, but Ajuba Stars had no answer for Tisha 3 bedroom house in Port Elizabeth, Lavia, 4 for 8, Bequia.. and Denise Walking distance to Everything! Beaches, Markets, Restaurants etc.

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Ajuba Stars Above ground basement great for had an even business ventures poorer showing $300,000 US/ $801,000 EC Call 784-495-5014 or 784-528-7273 when they

F O R

Juliana Nero showed her class with a stylish half century for Garifuna Stars. She top-scored with 68 not out.

S A L E

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 29.

Sports

Jamaica must win THE REGGAE BOYZ have found themselves in a must win situation from here on. Failing to accomplish this may mean the end of their dreams of making it to 2014 World Cup, in Brazil.

The Jamaicans began their campaign in encouraging fashion with a goalless draw in Mexico. However, they squandered a one goal lead at home which allowed Panama to gain a valuable point on the road.

Jamaicans lost away to Costa Rica and lost by a single goal to Mexico at home last Tuesday.

Today, the Jamaicans host the USA, while Panama will have the Mexicans to contend with.

The action continues next Tuesday with Jamaica in Honduras, USA hosting Panama, and Costa Rica in an away encounter in Mexico.

The six teams get a breather until September when the battles resume.

By that time, it will be clear what Jamaica will have to do. The Reggae Boyz move to Panama September 6, and hosts Costa Rica four days later.

The qualifiers end October 15 when Jamaica hosts Honduras. Their penultimate match will be away in the USA. Jamaica qualified for the World Cup in France, in 1998. Trinidad and Tobago achieved the feat in 2006, Germany, thereby becoming the second English-speaking Caribbean nation to make it to the World Cup final.

The Caribbean will be pleased to have a presence in Brazil when the championship begins in June 2014.

It will be a sense of pride for the region to be among the top football nations. But last Tuesday’s loss has hampered the chance of a regional team advancing.

Jamaica is wallowing on two points from four matches up to today.

Mexico turned out to be leaders with six points from their four matches. Panama on five points, stand in second position, while Costa Rica, USA and Honduras were in identical positions with four points from their three matches.

Jamaica will have to take matters into their own hands and amass some points by way of outright victories.

With each team scrambling for their survival, it will be a question of self-preservation.

Sport lovers will be following the International Cricket Council’s Champions trophy which began in England today.

Caribbean supporters will be hoping that their team wins the trophy in the same way they defied the odds in 2004.

In the meantime, preparations for the Caribbean Premier League head for a climax. The attention will shift to the region from late July.

This championship may not be as attractive as the Indian Premier League, but once given some latitude to expand, the regional brand can serve as a fillip for the sport.

Its inauguration heralds a new era in regional cricket. Cricket lovers and those keen on the improvement of the regional lot will be happy with the developments. They will like to see the competition become entrenched and redound to the region’s benefit.

Texan Allen Stanford put the region in the spotlight when he inaugurated his T/20 extravaganza. The fact that Stanford’s escapade malfunctioned was no indictment on anyone in the region.

One hopes that there are no similarities between the Stanford spectacle and the CPL. If there are any comparisons, then there must be moments of anxiety.

Women cricket suffering heavy abuse

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT The St. Vincent and the Cordel Jack hits out at Grenadines Cricket SVGCA. Association, under the leadership of take place, because of the accountant Julian Jack, absence of the two teams. has come under heavy Already at its nadir, the tournament was still able to criticism for its eke out a few more inches handling of the current downwards when Adjuba of Women’s T20 cricket North Leeward refused to tournament being turn up for the first of their sponsored by RBTT - a two fixtures on Sunday long time sponsor of against United Survivors. In local cricket. fact, one team member said “Put mi han pon mi head an bawl”: Cletus The tournament, they had no interest in Burnette in conversation with Genita Lewis, his which according to taking on United Survivors, counterpart on the Women’s Cricket Committee. reports got off to a but felt happy instead taking shambolic start three on second match opponents Tigress. weeks ago, appears to have been doing a “belly flop” Reports say that United Survivors, with the in quicksand. potent Cordel Jack, has played one match to date, One person close to the tournament told THE while another team, Rising Stars, are yet to take VINCENTIAN that things have been going “from the field, with the tournament in its final stage. bad to worse,” with teams not turning up for Coach of United Survivors, Wendell Glasgow, scheduled matches, and the weather wreaking expressed disgust on Sunday, suggesting that the havoc for those matches for which teams have made SVG Cricket Association was collecting sponsors’ appearances. monies under false pretenses.

“The effort that is being put into this tournament must surely leave the sponsors wondering if to Scheduled venues continue with the sponsorship……you giving money to sponsor a tournament, and this set of confusion Among the major problems cited by the teams is would leave anyone unhappy,” the scheduling of matches at the recently opened South Rivers Playing Field.

No to South Rivers “There are a number of problems with putting matches at South Rivers and these have impacted a Glasgow was also critical of the decision to take great deal on the tournament,” Cletus Burnette, a the matches to South Rivers, and suggested that the member of the Women’s Cricket Committee, said.

Association fund the transportation cost for the Burnette said he is still mystified as to how the teams if they want the teams to go that far to play. tournament got started in the first place.

Andrew Bramble, coach of Tigress, said that “I went to one meeting, and the tournament was taking matches to new venues is always welcomed discussed…..the next thing I hear is that a but “the South Rivers thing” not working out. tournament is going to start that weekend when it “In addition to the distance, the field is much too got going…..we had no other discussions to small…you cannot even get a thirty yard circle for determine what was to be done….in fact this the T20, and there is no proper drainage, so even tournament is being played here without any when rain comes and the pitch is bone dry because regulations,” Burnette declared. of the covers, the outfield is a swamp……that is a He said teams have to pay a lot of money to go to recipe for serious injuries,” Bramble said.

South Rivers, and it was just not wise to ask a team Cordel Jack, whose solitary visit to the middle coming from North Leeward and the Gomea area to this year has seen her hitting an unbeaten 88, was go all the way to South Rivers to play matches, almost in tears on Sunday after being at the ground while the Calliaqua and Grammar School Playing from nine for a 10am match, only for the team to refuse to turn up.

Fields or even Arnos Vale TWO could be made “I think I am going to retire from this available. game……..this is the height of (unprintable)…..they have no respect for women cricket……..I am fed up Bad omen from the get go of this (tissue needed),” Jack who was the top player The SVG Cricket Association, which was given a in 2012 said in a voice laden with frustration. beating over its preparation and outfitting of the UNDER15 team which placed last DEFENDING Champions, Calliaqua in the Windwards tournament a few months United, remained on course to retain their title when they defeated ago, was again the Smoking Aces, 88 — 65, last week, in a recipient of another 2013 National Lotteries Authority media trouncing, National Male Basketball following the opening of the RBTT Women’s Championship match, played at the tournament. This New Montrose Hard Court. followed the opening of The victory assured Calliaqua the tournament when, United a place in the final, where after addresses from they will meet the powerful Bequia President Julian Jack United, on Saturday 15th June.

Calliaqua United, defending National and sponsors In the Female division, defending Male Basketball champions. representative Freddy Champions Xpert Computer Center Harper, the scheduled Bustas will clash with Celebrity in I.B.A.ALLEN opening match could not the final, set for Saturday 8th June.

Calliaqua, Bequia in Basketball final

30. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013. 31.

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Shara George, Miss Mustique Company Ltd. , says she “treated each category as its own show” and is now Miss SVG 2013.

MISS SVG 2013: SHARA TAKES THE CROWN category as its own show so that i would be able to SHARA GEORGE HAS focus. The strategy paid JOINED THE RANKS OF off and i am pleased.”

CARNIVAL ROYALTY in SVG The daughter of Mr as the new Miss and Mrs. Jerry and SVG,2013.

Veronica George of Cane On Saturday, June 1st Garden, Shara made , Shara competed against quite the entrance at the seven other young ladies beginning of the show, and came out on top. gracing the stage in an After being crowned angelic white costume George expressed,” created by Metrocint It feels great... I knew i High Voltage. Her had to be consistent entrance in the elaborate throughout and i Snow Flake costume approached each made it clear that she

by KARISSA CLARKE

Anna Laborde, Miss Metrocint General Insurance Ltd., ‘struts her stuff’ and was adjudged Best Swimwear.

was here to compete, and looked befitting of a queen.

While this introduction was not judged, the beauties were adjudicated in Swimwear, Eveningwear, Talent and Interview segments.

The swimwear section was particularly good in comparison to past years, featuring the contestants in two colours of monokinis showing off their summer swimsuit bodies. In this category, Anna Laborde, Miss Metrocint General Insurance emerged winner.

Swimwear was followed by the Talent segment, in which the ladies were expected to showcase their talent, be it in song, dance, dramatization or any other medium.

The segment left many patrons disappointed. The majority of contestants chose with music, song and dance, belting out calypsos and various ‘conscious’ vibes, while another chose to Chenead Hackshaw, Miss present her candid Super 6 delivered a thoughts in the winning performance with form of Xtempo. her monologue ‘Portee’.

Of the bunch,

evening gown. The dress, of this category, while Miss Super 6, Chenead of an exquisite green the soon to be queen Hackshaw, of Spring fabric, shimmered in the Shara, answered Village, was adjudged questions about the the winner with ‘Portee’, light, and featured a figure hugging silhouette Importance of Job the tale of a deported and elaborate train.

Interviews with care.

Vincentian seeking Shara was the clear Well known refugee status. Her winner against Anna Vincentian Soca Artistes monologue was not only Laborde’s silver and teal Shaunelle McKenzie, timely but entertaining sequin number and Tamisha, Icon and and had the crowd Danielle Veira filled the rolling as she, in wig and Chenead Hackshaw’s navy blue dress, Brooke space as judges exaggerated make-up, Legair’s elaborate pink tabulated. delivered punch line gown and others.

The results followed after punch line.

The Interview, the and, despite some Shara’s ability to sing patrons expressing the songs of ‘A Caribbean highlight for many patrons, came swiftly disappointment and Woman’s Quest’, which grievances with the was a Calypso tribute to following the parade of performances, they knew the Caribbean, may have gowns. The girls answered biographic-type only one young lady put her close behind. questions, and then more could be crowned.

Patrons expressed Miss SVG 2013 was their dissatisfaction with general ones about job the ‘talent’ presented this interview, protecting the Shara George with first environment, disaster runner up Anna Laborde year, and in response, The CDC’s Beauty Show preparedness and more. and second runner up For most of the ladies, Hannah Hamilton. Shara Committee chairperson, answering biography in candid jubilation Mrs Cheryl Rodriguez, questions came with threw her hands to the has since publicly ease, while the second sky upon hearing she expressed her general question proved was now Queen.

Committee’s She will represent disappointment, assuring to be difficult for some.

SVG in the Miss Carival that we “did all that was Ann-Therese Chambers was adjudged the winner Pageant on June 28th. humanly possible” to prepare the girls.

The highlight of the show came in the form of ‘Candy Man’ displaying his comedic talents.

The ladies slipped into their evening wear as the show began to wind down.

Shara, in an enchanting piece by Kimon Baptiste, Ann-Therese Chambers, Miss Agricultural Input impressed in a green Warehouse, gave a winning response in the Interview and turquoise Segment.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.