The Vincentian Issue 08-02-13

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Graham Bollers, one of the lawyers representing Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, hinted about more action to come.

VOLUME 107, No.6

Bert Commissiong Q.C., representing BDS Ltd., had written to Bollers outlining the condition for payment of the $138,000.00.

www.thevincentian.com

Kay Bacchus is one of the custodians of the money raised in the Save Nice Radio appeal.

EC$1.50

Douglas De Freitas had no comment to make on the current state of the ongoing saga.

BOLLERS WARNS „NEXT STEP COMING SHORTLY‰ considered, and BDS Ltd will take such action as advised.”

UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, Up to press time, no money the legal team representing BDS was paid. When asked for a LTD., qwners of Nice Radio, was comment, Graham Bollers, one “considering” a High Court order of Dr. Gonsalves’ lawyers, told for BDS LTD to pay Prime THE VINCENTIAN, “This is Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves the first step, the next step is $138,000.00, and not an coming shortly.” amount of $180,000.00 as The written decision, reported elsewhere, no later stated, “The second defendant than 10 am on January 31, (BDS Ltd) is to pay to the 2013. claimant no later than 10 am Master V. Georgis on the 31st January 2013, the Taylor—Alexander made the sum of $138,000.00, monies it order on January 30th. It was alleges it possesses and it entered upon an application stands ready to pay to the for the appointment of a claimant. A copy of the receiver/manager to manage Manager’s cheque evidencing the affairs of BDS Ltd. such payment is to be lodged Bertram Commissiong QC, with the court on the 31st of one of the lawyers January 2013, failing which representing Nice Radio, told the Court will consider any THE VINCENTIAN on sanction on application of the Wednesday, “the order is being claimant as the CPR allows.”

by HAYDN HUGGINS

The order also stated that Peter Alexander be appointed receiver and manager as regards any sum remaining unpaid on the Judgment Debt, interest and costs, together with Trevor Edwards and are to discharge their obligations as joint receivers and managers of BDS Ltd Company.

Costs of day to the claimant is to be calculated in accordance with the prescribed cost.

The matter is to come on for review on February 25th, 2013.

Commissiong QC had told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that BDS Ltd never had control over any money.

According to him, the money collected so far is in a Save Nice Radio Account at RBTT Bank and the signatories to

the account are Matthew Thomas, Junior Bacchus and Attorney Kay Bacchus Browne.

Commissiong said that Bacchus-Browne had assured that the $138,201.29 collected to date in the Save Nice Radio Appeal would be handed over, once she is assured that the claimant will not continue with the application for the appointment of a receiver.

This condition, THE VINCENTIAN understands, was conveyed to Bollers by Commissiong in a letter dated January 22, 2013.

Bacchus-Browne and community activist Junior Bacchus have been spearheading an appeal since October 2012 to “Save Nice Radio from being taken over by a receiver or closed down. “ Dr. Gonsalves had applied

for a Court Order to have a receiver appointed so that he could get “the fruits” of a High Court Judgment handed down in his favour. The Court had ordered talk show host Elwardo ‘E.G’ Lynch and BDS Ltd to pay Dr. Gonsalves $250,000 each in damages for defamation.

Bacchus-Browne told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, “BDS Ltd is not in possession of any money, so I do not understand the draft order.”

According to BacchusBrowne, “We have collected enough money to pay off the Judgment debt, is only interest and cost outstanding, so there is no justifiable reason to appoint a receiver.”

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

by b y WILLIAM ‘K ‘KOJAH’ OJAH’ ANTH ANTHONY HONY STARLIFT STARLIFT A S STEEL TEEL ORCHESTRA ORCHESTR RA accomplished a masterpiece masterpiec ce las lastt Saturdayy afternoon.

Theyy d dedicated Saturda afternoon. The edicated cost their pan yyard ard built at a cos st of $127,200.00. $1 27,200.00.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) ($40,000), Sea Operationss ($35,000) ($40,000), Starlift ($35,00 00) and Coopera-the General Employees Coopera C (GECCU) tive Credit Union (GECCU U) ($11,000.00) comprise the e list of major sponsors to the pro project. oject.

Starlift’s Roddy Dowers, Starlift t’s captain, t i acknowledged k l d d co contribuntribu t ib tions from C. K. Greaves and Co, Ltd, Coreas-Hazells Inc, Vincy V Input Ware-Clean, the Agricultural In nput Ware house, Thornley Myers, Steve S Bowman.

Francis, and Rollie Bowm man. could However, “Nothing cou uld have been accomplished withou without ut the dedicated voluntary contr ribution by contribution Dowers members of Starlift,” Dow wers confessed.

Starlift was formed in 1967 and symbol h etched has t h d itself it lf as a sym mbol b l off Vincentian heritage. Its motto m is ‘Men may come and men may go, but Starlift remains’.

Dowers pointed to the new pan yard as strengthening the e resolve to “keep-fulfilling Starlift’s mission n of “keep ing pan alive.”

A programme filled with h pomp The official programme pr proceeded roceeded Dowerss presented with ith pomp. R Roddy dd Dower D t d an overview of Starlift’s history. h who Senator Elvis Charles, wh ho Kingstown contested the Central Kin ngstown constituency for the Unity y Labour gathering.

Party, addressed the gath hering. parliamentary St. Clair Leacock, parl liamentary area, representative for the are ea, and who general eneral beat Charles in the last g elections held December 13, 1 2010, out was not going to be left ou ut of that session. He traced his long lon ng associaassociachallenged ti with tion ith Starlift, St lift and d cha hallenged ll d them to be innovative in the t use of

Elder residents in the Montrose community fittingly cut the ribbon.

They have enjoyed the music of Starlift for the last 46 years.

facility. the facility y.

His Exc Excellency ellency Ambassador Weber Shih h of the Republic of China on Taiwan was happy with the people people to p eople relationship as manifested d with the Starlift Pan yard. pointed He poin nted to the 32 years since between contact bet tween Taiwan and St. and Vi Vincent t an nd d the th Grenadines G di started, t t d and to big projects p like the Rabbaca Bridge, the e Learning Resource and Centres an nd the construction of the Terminal Building B at the Argyle International Internation nal Airport, but insisted, attention “we pay att tention to this kind of small proje project.” ect.” highlighted Shik hig ghlighted the importance venture of such a ve enture to the pannists and to the way of life, remarking that helps “music help ps to bring a harmonious society.” i t ” words His wor rds must have been prophetic, for f as soon as the ribbon Starlift was cut, St tarlift erupted in full splendor. They T were at home in new surroundings surroundin ngs and belted out Gerald Shallow’s ‘Rasum’ Sh hallow’s ‘Perseverance’. the It was th he beginning of the mem-concert in waiting. w Using 30 mem including bers, includ ding 12 seniors, Starlift glimpse gave a glim mpse of their repertoire.

Everyone enjoyed e the session and swayed some sway yed d in i open ffashion hi as th the exploded. rhythms ex xploded.

This is what greeted patrons at the dedication after the ribbon was cut and the opened. medley various main entrance door open ned. Starlift burst into a me edley of renditions of vario ous genres.

An imposing and impressive sign greets visitors to the newly constructed Starlift Steel Orchestra’s pan yard.

Recognizing g g the past – ensur ensur-iing a future f

And within all all, l, there was time to recog recognize gnize whose the pioneers in w hose honour plaques have h been erected: Sim Simeon meon ‘Spitter’ Antrobuss considered id d the h mo most ost element influential elemen nt of the Starlift found dation; foundation; Walton ‘Tanny’ Peters - the first tuner, arranger an and nd Images of the five pioneers will keep watch regarded as the source of p from hereon in. dy Hu’ over the pan and players inspiration; Hugh ‘Pad ‘Paddy Williams - the first cap ptain; captain; Teddy ‘Mice’ Williams - the first drummer; and Gideon Socks’ Kirby, Errol E Josiah Isaacs, Vernon Coombs and Kingsley ‘Hero’ Robert Roberts. and DaSilva – a tireless an d committed ts. worker in all departme ents .

The Steel S Orchestra broke the departments Whil Starlift While St lift holds h ld dearly d l to t its it b bogey, wh they when th appeared d att the th St. St S the roots, it continues its re renewal enewal with Georges Cathedral in 1969 “with th he an annual Summer Tra Training aining support and encouragement of the Woodstarted Programme which star rted in 2000. revered Archbishop A Cuthbert Wood dIn addition to providing g them with roffe.” exposure to the rudime rudiments ents of pan And since s then, Starlift has playing, this has inculc cated values of become used u to breaking new inculcated discipline and self wort worth th into over 50 ground. In 1974, they were joint basis. overall National N Music Festival students on a yearly ba asis. champions. blended students champio ons. In 2009, Starlift blende ed Some of those stude ents were on steel and d voices on a production display last Saturday. They T showed ‘Celebrate called ‘C Celebrate with Starlfit and what they had learnt under u the Constance F i d ’ and Friends’ d repeated t d the th feat f t in i t t l tutelage off Monty M t Cons C stance t and d with Roberts.

2010 wit th a production entitled Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts s.

‘Endlesss Love’.

Starlift has established d itself as this successful All in n all, the occasion of the country’s most successf ful steel dedication dedicatio on of the Starlift Steel orchestra.

Orchestra’s sym-twenty–two Orchestr ra’s pan yard was as sym They have twenty–t two Senior bolic of the t struggle of pan men and d Arrangers Panorama titles. Arran ngers who women as a it was of a sense of accomaccom mthat have contributed to tha at record plishment. nt. plishmen include Herman Collis,, Ashley

Starlift ensures the future of pan is safe by turning out up to 50 new pannists a year s since 2000.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 3.

News 3

Final push Economic for airport growth: Not monies on easy but hopeful

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

by WILLIAM “KOJAH’ ANTHONY POLICY MAKERS here have a difficult choice: Should they inject money to stimulate the economy, or ensure savings so as to prepare for potential shocks?

This was one scenario thrown out by Kris Sookdeo, Analyst with First Citizens Investment Services (FCIS). He was part of a team engaged in a Market Outlook seminar, hosted by FCIS at Grenadine House, last Wednesday.

Sookdeo pointed to weak economic growth, low interest rate, and the vulnerability to external pressure as characteristic of the OECS region.

Prospects for improvements in 2013 are brighter than they were last year, but “risks remain,” Sookdeo stressed.

Debt lingers as part of the economic climate, but there will be “little more time to pay it,” Sookdeo said.

The region is prone to the vagaries of the global environment, and Sookdeo pointed to challenges in the United States, concerns in Europe, and the downturn in the international arena as factors that will impact on our existence.

Carol Eleuthere Jn Marie, FCSI/Regional Manager, looked at the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange, and for her, the projection for the Eastern Caribbean is “lukewarm.”

Market activity will be moderate to flat, according to her.

Vongie Bhagoo Ramrattan, FCSI/Manager of Research,

A MEETING INVOLVING Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Director of Finance and Planning Maurice Edwards, and Chief Executive Officer of the International Airport Development Company Dr. Rudy Matthias was expected to work on the “final push’ for financing of the construction of the Argyle International Airport.

Kris Sookedeo advanced the view that policy-decision with respect to SVG’s economic prospects for 2013 may be between a rock and a hard place.

Brian Glasgow warned of committing to excessive borrowing to finance the international airport at the expense of other undertakings.

highlighted the importance of policies to balance requirement of permissible fiscal buffers over time, and the need for economic stimulation to further the recovery.

Local Accountant Brian Glasgow reviewed this country’s 2013 Budget.

He highlighted a projected fall in government revenue, increase in debt to gross domestic product ratio, and warned of a fall off in employment opportunities.

Decrease in tourism revenue and agricultural earnings were also highlighted.

Glasgow harped on the uncertainty in some non-bank institutions, and of exposure to

British American Insurance Company and CLICO. Glasgow chided the tendency to create alarm bells, and indicated that it was easy to cause panic in an environment like those.

As to the FSA’s intervention in the Building and Loan situation, Glasgow is keen to “have some sense of collective responsibility.”

Glasgow emphasized the commitment of avoiding excessive external borrowing as regards the construction of the Argyle International Airport. He wants to ensure that other projects receive as much attention as the airport.

He, however, endorsed growth prospects for 2013.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves is confident that the requisite US$80 million dollars will be raised.

Dr. Gonsalves address According to Dr. Gonsalves when he addressed the media at Cabinet Room last Monday, the meeting was to determine “how we are gathering all this money together for the final push.”

The Prime Minister spoke of “significant monies” from lands sold which he projected will help to construct the airport.

The Prime Minister was reporting on his recent trip to Santiago, Chile where he met with members from the European Union and with leaders from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

SVG ranks 2nd for freedom of press ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has been ranked number 2 among 35 nations in the Americas, and 16th among 192 countries worldwide, when it comes to the freedom of the press.

This is according to the Paris-based Reporters San Frontiers (RSF) in its 2013 Global Press Freedom Ranking.

St. Lucia is ranked number one in the Americas, Jamaica at 3, United States at 4, Barbados at 5 and Canada at 6.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves, during a media briefing to welcome Taiwanese Foreign

Affairs Minister, last Friday, said that he welcomed this ranking, and described it as remarkable.

He further noted that press freedom here exploded since the ULP took office in 2001.

But, even as this is welcoming news, many concerned persons here are still awaiting the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2003, which was assented to by the Governor General on the 15th November, 2003.

The Act governs the right of the public to access information.

It also details the types of documentation which are

exempt from public access.

According to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) London, in a paper which reviews the proposed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2009 Constitution and offers a summary of human rights concerns in the country, “In the absence of full implementation (of the Act) and entrenchment of a freedom of information culture

Dr. Gonsalves used the trip to Chile to talk with Venezuela’s acting President. A US $10M Alba Loan was discussed, and the Vincentian leader spoke of Venezuela as “an equity partner in the Argyle International Airport.”

US$80M is expected to be raised to complete the mission.

Two loan applications with international institutions for support monies have also been made, and the Vincentian Prime Minister was “confident of receiving adequate funds.”

BOLLERS WARNS “Next Step coming shortly” Continued from Frontpage.

in the country, this right is still not safeguarded.” (KH)

Dr. Gonsalves had taken Lynch and BDS Ltd to Court for certain statements Lynch had made on the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) sponsored ‘New Times’ programme aired on Nice Radio.

Gonsalves has repeatedly said that the money collected in this Judgment would be donated to charity.

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Eustace calls for answers

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace says people have a right to be concerned about happenings at the Building and Loan Association.

discussion on Nice Radio, said he trusts the organization would survive, OPPOSITION LEADER Arnhim Eustace is otherwise thousands of lives will be calling on the relevant party or parties negatively affected. involved to divulge whether persons have “People are extremely concerned began withdrawing any large amount of following the NCB and British monies from the St. Vincent Building and American fiasco, which means that Loan, especially since the assumption of financial institutions here have to control by the Fiancial Services operate in a professional manner as Authority. the financial system is based on Eustace’s call is one of many calls people’s confidence,” Eustace said. from high-profiled persons in the “Vincentians need to become aware society, since an article published in of the financial sector operation in this newspaper, and written by Luke order to make correct financial Browne, raised concerns as to whether assessment,” Eustace added.

Building and Loan was about to collapse.

FSA to manage Building and Loan The Opposition Leader during a

by KENVILLE HORNE

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is urging Vincentians to place confidence in the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association and the decision of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the regulator of banking and non-banking banking financial institutions in SVG. His call came during a press conference on Monday.

In a move to demonstrate his confidence, Gonsalves made a personal deposit of $21,000.oo in the Association on Monday morning.

Dr. Gonsalves said the Building and Loan Association “is a significant institution that has been around since 1941, with its deposits contributing to

12 ½ percent of the country’s GDP.” He assured that the FSA’s decision to manage the institution is necessary to protect the interest of shareholders, members, depositors, the public and ensuring the institution remains financially sound.

Music teaching aid launched skilled and competitive contributors of society.

THE MINISTRY OF “Nations that are selfEDUCATION is ensuring efficient have all that the teaching of managed to nurture an music in school here artistic atmosphere, and keeps up to date with St.Vincent and the modern methods and use Grenadines will be no of technology. exception,” declared Towards this end, the Neptune.

Ministry launched a She said her ministry digital learning resource has recognized the kit. challenges that teachers The kit comprises a faced delivering the DVD and a handbook music programme, hence entitled ‘Music is Life’. a DVD and a handbook The teaching aid is have been developed to geared primarily for assist with the teaching Grade 5 and 6 primary and learning of music, school students, but it particularly at the can also be applied to primary level.

Forms 1 and 2 of Neptune pointed to secondary schools. the resource kit as being Speaking at the helpful to students launching, held at the preparing for the project Curriculum Division and portfolio section of Unit, Deputy Chief the Caribbean Primary Education Officer Exit Assessment (CPEA) Beverly Neptune said model, which replaces educational officials have the popular Common a mandate to cultivate Entrance Exam. She an environment that said research shows that propels children to be there are many benefits

by KENVILLE HORNE

which music provides for children, including, “improvement in memory, team work, confidence building; it teaches discipline and fosters creativity among other skills.”

Neptune added: “Although the initial target is our primary school students, we envision the resource being used for all age groups with adequate teaching preparation.”

She endorsed the initiative, and reminded that “our children learn differently today than they did years ago, and technology is largely responsible for that change.”

She concluded by recognizing and commending the joint efforts of the Music Department and the Media Unit from which the resource kit was produced.

Teachers and students in attendance at the launch of the music teaching aid.

Education Officer in the Music Department, Joffre Venner, is cognizant of the present generation’s interest in technology. “We must change with the time,” he cautioned. He said the project is an ongoing one that focuses on the grade 5 and 6 syllabus, after which emphasis will be placed on Kindergarten onwards.

Venner advised the teachers in attendance to maximize the use of the resource kit in the Classroom, as stakeholders in education work together to develop the future of SVG. The Music Department was provided the content while the Media unit handled the technical aspect of the production.

The author of the handbook is Jemelia Pope .

(L-R): Deputy Chief Education Officer Beverly Neptune and Education Officer in the Music Department, Joffre Venner, at the launch of the resource kit.

Man cleared of multiple sex charges A 51-YEAR-OLD MAN from the Leeward side of the country, who was slapped with 173 charges of a sexual nature over a year ago, was recently cleared of those charges at the preliminary inquiry.

The state had earlier discontinued most of the charges against the man, deciding to proceed with 15 charges of having sex with his 15-year-old daughter, and three charges of having sex with his daughter’s 12-year-old sister.

The middle-aged man walked free from Family Court last week Thursday, after then acting Family Court President, Rechanne BrowneNatthias, dismissed the charges following a no case submission from defence lawyer Jomo Thomas.

Thomas submitted that the evidence was so weak that the prosecution could not make out a prima facie case against his client.

The man had been accused of committing the offences over a period of time. Inspector Nigel Butcher prosecuted the matter.

Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN his client had spent 19 months in detention in connection with the matter.

V Sir Dwight: ‘We are

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 5.

Regional

being left behind’ THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN Currency Union (ECCU) is being left behind.

This was the candid view expressed by Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), as he delivered his review of the 2012 performance of the ECCU. According to the Governor, “We (ECCU) are being left behind in a very Sir Dwight Venner, competitive world in Governor of the ECCB, which countries, both advanced and developing, confirmed 2012 as the fourth consecutive are having to make significant adjustments to year of decline in the ECCU. remain competitive.”

The assessment was based on what Sir Dwight reported as a decline of 0.1 per cent in the growth in the ECCU, a performance that marked the fourth consecutive year of decline in the sub-region.

Sir Dwight attributed the 2012 decline to “the continued slide in economic productivity to lower output in key drivers such as construction, transport, storage and communications and sluggish growth’ in the tourism industry.”

As far as the ‘sluggish growth in the tourism industry was concerned, Governor Venner cited the weakened performances as being due to a reduced demand occasioned by the increase in airfares, and the challenge faced by the cruise ship sector from other destinations.

Overall performance, according to Sir Dwight, also had to be assessed, if not judged, by taking into account the susceptibility of the small open economies of the ECCU to external shocks, e.g. the ongoing global recession, increases in oil and food prices, interest rates and trade barriers.

And as he looked towards the future, the Governor of the ECCB said, “We will have to make the sacrifices, exercise the discipline and change the culture to that of collective responsibility instead of individual self-aggrandisement.”

Barbados policyholders take action WHILE AFFECTED CITIZENS of the OECS sit idly by and await action by their governments with respect to the CLICO and BAICO debacles, investors and policyholders of the failed insurance companies have taken action.

News from Barbados late last week indicate that the representative body for the investors and policyholders in the Barbados have launched a multi-million dollar lawsuit to reclaim outstanding monies owed to them.

In a release issued to the media last week, the Barbados Investors and Policyholders Alliance (BIPA) announced that they had instructed their attorneys-at-law, to serve Pre-Action Protocol Letters to the directors of BAICO and CLICO, as well as to the Supervisor of Insurance, the Attorney General of Barbados and auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers.

LIAT backs down on forecast LIAT officials have had a change of heart with respect to a projected profit in 2013.

A little more than a month ago, LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer Captain Ian Brunton, in unveiling a new business plan for the airline, said that the projection was for a two per cent profit in 2013.

That, according to sources, translated into an amount of $7 million.

Now, in a recent document prepared by Captain Brunton, the revised projection is for the airline to “break even.”

This is considered to

be an achievement in itself since LIAT has been plagued with a series of losses.

Information is that for 2012, the airline was expected to suffer a loss of US$46 million, US$26 million more than in 2010.

The business plan unveiled by Captain Brunton had predicated the profit (projected), inter alia, on the Captain Ian Brunton, complete re-fleeting of CEO/LIAT, announced LIAT and taking up a revised 2013 some of the slack left in projection for LIAT certain markets, by the financial fortunes. withdrawal of American Eagle.

However, the complete got off to a late start due, though not exclusively, re-fleeting of LIAT has to a lack of funds.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves reported, after a December 28, 2012 meeting of LIAT shareholders in Barbados, that the first planes in the new fleet, ATR 42s with a passenger capacity of 48 per aircraft, would be in operation by June 2013.

LIAT Dash 8 fleet is expected to remain in the air well into 2013.

In support of the Letters, the BIPA has provided statements of claims which detail a list of alleged acts of negligence on the part of the Directors and Auditors of CLICO and BAICO. The letters are also accompanied by statements of alleged negligence and breach of statutory duties on the part of the then Supervisor of Insurance which led ultimately to losses to policyholders.

The Attorney General is included in the parties being sued, since that office represents the State, which is responsible for the actions or lack thereof of the Supervisor of

Insurance.

The claims associated with BAICO amount to BDS$52 million, while those relating to CLICO amount to BDS$76 million.

There are an estimated 35,000 policyholders of both BAICO and, CLICO in Barbados and according to BIPA President, June Fowler, the impasse is no closer to a satisfactory resolution.

“Having pursued various other more conciliatory avenues over the past two years without success,” states June Fowler, “BIPA has been left with no alternative but to represent the best interests of its members

June Fowler, President of the BIPA, informed the media about the decision to file suit against a number of parties. by taking this action.”

The defendants are required to respond within 14 days of the Pre-Action Protocol Letters, failing which; legal proceedings will be commenced without further notice. (Source: Caribbean 360 News)

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Prison Fellowship: Set on making a difference responsible citizens and avoid recidivism (relapsing into crime); and to encourage key partners in society to facilitate the successful re-entry of the previously incarcerated.Speaking with 21 years of active prison service to his credit, Phillips describes the programme as one that addresses real areas of need and promotes real attitudinal change.“Offenders are products of society and we owe them a second chance. Their (offenders) acts have much to do with society’s own failings as they have to do with their (offenders’) own shortcomings. Prison Fellowship works with Prison Services, inmates, the families of the incarcerated and communities to prepare for life after prison,” Phillips told THE VINCENTIAN.“We especially emphasize work with the families because we recognize that the family is society’s strongest unit and that it is not only the incarcerated who suffer, but also their children and relatives,” Phillips added. It follows, therefore, that one of the major service activities of Prison Fellowship Ministries Giving them a second chance chapters across the region is one that is aimed at “making a difference in the The C.H.A.N.G.E. programme, as lives of the children of prison inmates,” proposed, has as its objectives: to equip Ryan said. inmates with the skills and tools In SVG, the local chapter has had necessary to re-enter society as for some time now, an activity of THE POWER OF C.H.A.N.G.E (COMMITMENT HABIT ATTITUDE NEGATIVITY GUILT AND Evaluate) has been tested and can work.

This is the confidence that Ryan Phillips puts behind his promotion of the C.H.A.N.G.E. programme for prison inmates and their families.

Phillips is the Prison Ministry Coordinator of Barbados Prison Service, working as a member of that country’s chapter of Prison Fellowship Ministries. The Coordinator was in St. Vincent during the last week, and together with Costian Cupid, Executive Director, Prison Fellowship St. Vincent and the Grenadines, met with relevant authorities here to promote the programme, and lent assistance to the development of the Prison Fellowship Ministries’ work here by way of sensitizing interest groups about its work.The duo met with the Minister with responsibility for Family Services Frederick Stephenson, prison officials and officials of the Ministry of National Security during the week.

providing gifts at Christmas for the children of those serving time in prison. “This has touched the lives of family members in ways that have Ryan Phillips (left) and Costian Cupid of Prison brought tears to my Fellowship Ministries are bent on making a difference eyes,” Cupid intimated.Cupid cited in the lives of prison inmates and their families. a “back to school of strong family support; and friends assistance programme” as another endeavour, “to ensure that the children and the building and establishing of meaningful and positive relationships. do not suffer unduly and miss out on opportunities because their fathers are Resources in prison.”

Reintegration and preventing recidivism

Phillips admitted though, that the success of the C.H.N.G.E. programme and any other aimed at addressing the And to prepare for the reintegration rehabilitative needs of the incarcerated “depends on the support of both public of the incarcerated into their and private sector interests.” communities, Prison Fellowship He referenced to the need to Ministries works with communitybased organizations, particularly faith- recognize the high cost of prison care, and reminded that there was no profit based groups, to encourage the wider in administering prison care. community to accept the offenders “A good community-based, familyback into their midst.“It is working oriented programme can only work to with the wider community, preparing free up national resources and reduce them to accept the offender, ensuring that the necessary support is in place, cost in the long run,” Phillips proffered.He made a special appeal for that recidivism would be prevented,” the provision of a half-way house as a Phillips said and cited the experience means of providing temporary “shelter’ in Barbados as an example of this for released offenders and advance the approach.That is why the C.H.A.N.G.E. programme deliberately view that may be , “it is time for the targets: the society at large, providing local Prison Fellowship Ministries chapter to work towards acquiring an information through community annual government subvention to forums, lectures and other public guarantee some basic resource for its events; faith communities, sensitizing work.” leaders of need to create space / Prison Fellowship Ministries is acceptance for former inmates; the registered as a not-for-profit business community encouraging leaders to trust former inmates enough organization throughout the world, and a charitable organization in St. Vincent to create employment opportunities; family and emphasizes the importance and the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 7.

Women

Fyah Empress in T&T Soca Finals

Fyah Empress performing during Mardi Gras, Vincy Mas 2012.

ST. VINCENT’S OWN reigning Calypso Monarch, Lornette ‘Fyah Empress’ Nedd will be representing our isle in Trinidad and Tobago’s 2013 Play Whe” International Power Soca Monarch Competition. ‘‘Fyah Empress’ was arguably the most popular and requested female calypso/soca artist for the 2012 SVG carnival season. Her offerings for Vincy Mas 2012 landed her in the finals of the three major calypso/soca competitions here: the Calypso, Ragga and Soca Monarch competitions. She copped the Ragga Soca and Calypso Monarch titles, and placed a commendable 2nd in the Soca Monarch.

The artiste, who is based in Tobago, was a hit at the semi finals of the T&T Power Soca Monarch Competition. She is now into the finals, perhaps that country’s biggest open air show, which is streamed online for the world to see.

Reports are that T7T is abuzz with excitement, anticipating another “blast of a show” which combines the Paly Whe Power Scoa and Digicel Groovy Soca monarch competitions, to be held tonight at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

The barometer raises a notch or two with well known American actrees, Vivica Fox, expected to do hosting and commentary and the soca artiste extraordinaire, Machel Montano, ready to defend his double monarch titles.

He will defend against the likes of veteran Super Blue, Destra Garcia, Devon Matthews, Shurwayne Winchester, Benjai, Swappi, Tallpree, Lil Bits and JW & Blaze, Grenadian Talpree and our own ‘Fyah Empress’.

Local enthusiasts have been offered live pay per view coverage by the local cable television provider, Karib Cable. (KC)

ÂPOWERÊ to be launched

THE COMMITTEE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT of Women (CDW) will launch its training programme “Political Women for Education and Re-direction” (POWER), at the Bertha Mutt Library and Resource Centre, Paul’s Avenue, on Friday 8th February, 2013 at 3.30 p.m.

The training programme will be delivered in three Modules — PreCandidate, Candidate and Representative. One of the study documents will be the Constitution Reform Bill 2009, as had it been passed, there would have been several benefits to women, including a mandatory number of no less than six women included on the Party List of candidates seeking to be elected as Representatives.

This is in keeping with the requirements of the Beijing Platform for Action for the Advancement of Women, and the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality,The event will also pay tribute to women who were political activists in their time, or who have served in Parliament, either as elected members or Senators.

Among the women to be singled out are Bertha Mutt, Elma Francois, Ivy Joshua, Valcina Ash, Yvonne Francis Gibson, Girlyn Miguel, Rene Baptiste and Michele Fife.

The Event falls one month before the 39th Anniversary of the celebration of International Women’s Day in St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Elma Francois, one of the women who will come in for tribute at the launch of the CDW training programme.

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 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

Expecting the truth SO THERE WAS MUCH CONSTERNATION, to say the least, when THE VINCENTIAN, as per usual in the lead, published an article, submitted by Luke Browne, about the state of affairs at the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association.

What a furore there was! THE VINCENTIAN had reneged on its responsibility to the state. People are going to withdraw their savings. There is going to be a remittance of savings to other territories. Luke Browne must be crazy. He must have ulterior motives. And so the chorus of denouncements went.

On the other hand, there were reactions like: This is a serious issue. Something must be wrong. This thing needs further investigation.

In short, there were mixed reactions to what now turns out to be the top billed story so far, for 2013, within the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It appears, for once in a long time, that we are prepared to face up to our own shortcomings; that some people, like Luke Browne, have determined it is no longer becoming of the open democracy we profess to be, if we continue to ‘sweep concerns of national proportions under the carpet’, and hope that when we trample on them, that the disease would simply go away.

Well, the disease is far from going away; it has no intention so to do.

After all the goings and comings, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has seen it fit to intervene, no, assume authority over the management and control of the Association, ‘for the purpose of protecting the interests of shareholders, members and depositors as well as the public, and for ensuring that the association remains financially sound’.

Clearly and unambiguously, regardless of what some might want to proffer otherwise, something is radically wrong at/with the operations of the St. Vincent Building and Loan Society.

Why else would the FSA take control?

That this institution has served Vincentians well over its seven decade history is without question. The Association could well boast of ‘owning’ the largest share of the home mortgage market in this country. It is the only such institution whose service has transcended generations of Vincentians and, in the process, contributed in no small measure to upholding and uplifting a culture of ‘home ownership’ of Vincentians, a culture of which we make much, and rightfully so, and which others envy.

What then has gone wrong? That is the million dollar question! And who would want to question this question? If so, why then the intervention of the FSA, the local authority which administers and oversees the licensing, regulation and supervision of International Banks, International Insurances, Trusts, International Business Companies and Mutual Funds, the latter category inclusive of Building and Loan Associations?

Those who hold shares, deposits and/or mortgages with the Association have a right to an answer to that question.

And those answers must not be clouded in vacuous discourses; in words and gestures that stop short of describing the shortcomings in a language discernible to the common man, whose savings and repayments have nurtured the Association through the years, and from which those who have much have benefited in seemingly disproportionate ‘handouts’.

The FSA has promised that ‘as work progresses (as per its current powers of oversight) it shall continue to inform the public accordingly.’

Now, that is nicely couched; couched in a language of qualification, i.e. its reference to informing the public ‘accordingly’. That is the operative word which all shareholders, depositors, mortgagees, and for that matter, all Vincentians must take on board.

To fall short with its findings, so as to adhere to its informing ‘accordingly’, speaks to a certain limitation that might produce a forest without trees.

Nothing short of the truth should be demanded. Nothing short of the real, detailed, truth is sufficient. Let the chips fall where they ought to; to defy gravity is an illusive dream and does nothing, in its mad pursuit, to make us any better off.

The truth is at once the least and the most of this measure.

“THE VINCENTIAN” Memory Lane pictures tell a thousand words TAKE THAT OF THE 1958-60 Kingstown Board membership, Charles Anderson is the sole survivor to tell the tale. He had won a bye election for the PPP for the seat of Alpheus “Son” Allen who had to resign owing to his victory of one of two seats to the Federal Parliament sitting in Trinidad 1958.

Anderson and Raphael Davidson came from a Kingstown youth group that enlisted in the PPP 1957. Stilson Campbell, who beat both the incumbent Rudolph Baynes and veteran George Mc Intosh for the Kingstown seat, was considered the leader of that group.

Others in the picture included H.A Davis who had been chairman in 1935 when the board passed a Resolution condemning the 1935 riots in which George Mc Intosh was thought to have had a hand.

Indeed H.A Davis had won a seat in national elections on a Mc Intosh Labour ticket in 1947, and was made an Elected Executive member in preference to his leader George Mc Intosh.

Further, Davis was first Vice President of the SVLP formed under Milton Cato in 1955, and had been appointed a Federal Senator by the Administrator to serve on the Senate in Trinidad in 1958.

Other members included R.N Eustace and Fred Dare, both independents of the merchant class. Eustace, who is the father of Arnhim Eustace, once served as chairman, as did Bertram De Shong, a tailor and neighbour of mine who hailed from the Labour Party.

Raphael Davidson, barber, also graduated from the youth group, as did Anderson who had been a tailor like De Shong. Gordon Allen, a lawyer’s clerk, a brother of “Son” whose father A.C Allen was around in Mac Intosh days of the 1930s and 40s.

George Mc Intosh George Mc Intosh early associated himself in the Town Board activities, partly because the high financial and other qualification for central Government effectively shut him out, even after they were lowered by the Wood Commission in 1922 that had reintroduced the elective principle.

Meantime, Mc did useful work with the Town Board of which he was a member for the better part of 40 years, and was almost always elected its chairman. Mc really burst on the political scene in 1936, the year after the uprising of 1935 that had made a scape-goat of him.

My own photograph covered some of the same persons and appeared to relate to an earlier period. There seemed to be a “new” face, that of Leroy Adams who was another member of the Kingstown Youth Group, who went on to win one of the two federal seats for the PPP in 1958,the other having been brought home, temporarily by “Son” Allen, Milton Cato having won it after a court ordered a recount of the votes.

In the pictures on show, Mc Intosh’s short frame soared head and shoulders above his political contemporaries.

Even the dignified way in which he sat, the

manner in which he carried himself always with a jacket, and flaming red tie which were his trademark, bespoke a man of considerable substance.

I don’t think he ever drove a car, but he was always chatting and giving advice to folk as he wended his way from Paul’s Avenue to his Druggist’s shop in Middle Street, where he displayed a huge portrait of Comrade Joseph Stalin.

In his early days, he was known to be an admirer of the Soviet Union, and was steeped in Left Literature. He was normally soft- spoken, but volcanic when speaking on behalf of the masses, set pages to flame when he put an account of his fiery speeches in black-and- white.

Above all, Mc Intosh was thought to be an Atheist!

Mc Intosh did not come into his own until he was awakened by the 1935 riots. He then committed himself to unrelenting struggle, warning his people not to be taken in by the trappings and tinsel of official recognition.

He declared at his first mass political meeting “what St Vincent needs are men with human hearts, and no members of the alphabet can make up for this.” So much for colonial medals as badges of respectability.

George Mc Intosh then walked the talk, and sometimes spread his message with fire and brimstone. Inconceivably, when he was about to win his laurels in the Adult Suffrage era, he was tamed and won over by accepting an offer to represent the colony at the Festival of Britain 1951. In short, like so many radicals before and after him, he succumbed to the aristocratic embrace.

By that gesture, Mc had turned his back on his people, and sought favours from their enslavers. The vacuum was filled by Comrade Joshua until, he, too, suffered his own Waterloo.

Both men are only human, and had put up a hard fight for a considerable time. On balance, they ought to be credited for their massive contribution to our ultimate freedom, still devoutly to be wished.

In that context, George Mc Intosh and Ebenezer Joshua deserve to be crowned National Heroes.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 9.

Letters

Increase Carnival prize money I WAS FASCINATED by your back page story of February 1st where you speculated about whether there was going to be a prize money increase, across the board, for Vincy Mas 2013. I think the issue is a relevant one, especially since the Prime Minister had literally

promised the soca boys more money for 2013, without even a whisper of consultation with the CDC boys. But then again, I don’t imagine those boys have the nerve to stand up to the Papa, so they bow their heads and realize that they now have to deal with increased prize

More kudos for Gloriah MR. EDITOR, I may be a week or two late in submitting this, but as the old people say, ‘Better late than never’.

I wish to congratulate you and your reporter, Gloriah, for a fantastic job interviewing the former Venezuelan ambassador to SVG (Issue of Jan. 25, 2013). I know that Gloriah is fluent in Spanish and that would have made it easier for her to converse with the ambassador; but that aside, she did a more than commendable job.

What struck me was how she was able to get an ambassador, a diplomat, to be so open about himself and what drives his work and that of his country.

Correct me if I am wrong, but this may be the first time that we have had a diplomat being so open and frank about himself and his country. I am so much more aware of what the relationship my country has with Venezuela, because of that interview.

Keep up the good work.

Paul

money for all the components, and that means Miss SVG too, no matter if in fact she getting, when you put everything together (scholarship included), the largest single prize.

Let me say that I think carnival people deserve any increase that should come their way. They’re doing more to bring people and recognition to the country than those fellow who getting paid from my taxes to bellow on radio stations on behalf of a political party.

Fair is fair: Tell me how many people in the Diaspora coming home because of what happens on those radio talk shows? Maybe they will come home election time.

But you can’t doubt that Vincy Mas still bring nationals who reside abroad, and visitors to this country.

And those nationals and visitors bring dollars with them, which they spend right here (even if

God Bless all Lovers on Valentine’s Day

by Josiah Bobb I wrote two love songs just for you Valentine’s doing the same thing too The melody’s written on your heartstring is true A nightingale will sing them daily to you.

Other song birds will join in from their domain To sing you songs some of the same At the end you’ll hear them say God bless all lovers on Valentine’s Day. Each day I write for you a brand new song Thank God the day you came along I’ll take you for walks around the moon And sing you these lovely tunes.

There will be happiness and total love And countless blessings from above As I take you on these long moonlight walks I’ll be happy as a lark.

they send a barrel or two ahead of them.)

Carnival means more than displaying our culture; it is a time when there is an increase of money in circulation.

So, time to give all the carnival makers what they deserve… MORE PRIZE MONEY, even if it means taking some from them fellows who getting big, big money for just talking.

Carnival Lover

I’ll never make you cry There are no reasons, so why should I Yet if one day I should see you cry I’ll ask you the simple reason why.

I’ll ask Cupid to wipe away your tears Bring you countless flowers to last through the years And as the tears are wiped away from your eyes You will see nothing but blue skies.

I’ll bring you flowers newly bloom Flowers that will erase any kind of gloom Flowers that will perfume every room Their fragrance will reach beyond the moon.

The arrow of Cupid is on its way Will enter your heart with total love today And as I end accept every word I say God bless all lovers on Valentine’s Day.

Don’t take things for granted I COULD NOT HELP but be alarmed by the announcement by the Financial Services Authority that it had taken over control of the Building and Loan Association. This was the last thing I expected to hear. After all, I am a beneficiary of the services of that Association, and have found little reason, if any, to question its operations.

Suffice it to say, I have not paid any real attention to its operations, in that I am not a regular attendee of its general meetings, and in fact have never voted anyone on to the Board of Directors.

It is just that the Association has been there among us for so long, and has been doing a tremendous service to Vincentians.

Now, I realize that you can’t take anything for granted.

I am not going to point fingers at any one person or group of persons and say that they are responsible for any wrongdoing at the Association.

Rather, I want to remind others, and moreso myself, that we need to pay more attention to the organizations of which we are part, and which serve us.

When it comes down to it, the Building and Loan Association is no different from the commercial banks; they all use our money to help us and others.

I have learned my lesson, and I hope others will also.

James

Lenten Midday reflections THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, the Kingstown Methodist Church offers interested persons the opportunity to spend a half hour at midday every Wednesday in a period of meditation, reflection and Christian fellowship.

Many have found this to be a source of inspiration and a means

of being re-energised and refreshed by God’s Holy Spirit amid the complex challenges and issues and stress of the times.

These Lenten Wednesday midday sessions are enhanced by appropriate musical contributions by choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists.

This year’s

programme begins on Ash Wednesday, February 13th, and ends on March 27th.

The general public is cordially invited to make these Wednesday midday sessions a part of their Lenten journey. Come and be blessed.

Kingstown Methodist Church

* Has the Manager of the Building and Loan Association been removed from his position? * Has the Board of the Building and Loan Association been dismissed? * When will we, shareholders, hear about the real reasons why the FSA had to assume day to day managing of the Building and Loan Association? * Is anybody else in this country feeling the strain I am feeling at the supermarkets? * Has Luke Browne lost his place as the ‘Blue-eyed boy’ of the PM?

THE STARLIFT STEEL ORCHESTRA takes this opportunity to thank the following for their kind contribution to the construction of the Orchestra’s pan yard, and for making their time, expertise and facilities available to the official dedication ceremony of the pan yard, held on Saturday 2ndFebruary, 2013: Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Sea Operations G.E.C.C.U. Agriculture Input Warehouse Coreas/Hazells Inc Hon. St. Clair Leacock Senator Elvis Charles Ms. René Baptiste Monsignor Michael Stewart Mr. John Horne Mr. Lennox ‘Becks’ Gonsalves Mr. Oswald Veira Mr. Ken Boyea Mr. Keith Boyea Mrs. Ann Joshua Mr. Thornely Myers, Mr. Magaldi Neehall Mr. Steve Francis Messrs. Lennox and Rollie Bowman Mrs. Jean Johnney-Findlay and the Decorations Committee Mrs. Glenda John and the Refreshments Committee All the Members of Starlift All the Volunteers Management Starlift Steel Orchestra

V

10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Excerpts from the 2013 Budget Excerpts from Honourable Terrance Ollivierre’s Budget Address presentation 2013 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Pt 1)

MR. SPEAKER, the construction of the Argyle International Airport continues apace. I have been advised by the International Airport Development Company (IADC) that the target date for completion is on schedule, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Accordingly, the international airport should be open for business in the first half of 2014. I now give an update as to where we are.

As at December 31, 2012, the “Chatoyer-Che Contingent”, the name of the workforce at Argyle, has completed 82 percent of the earthworks on the runway, aprons, and taxiways.

The main activities being undertaken are excavation of soil and rocks in hilly areas, transportation of material excavated, and creation of embankment in areas of the site that need to be filled.

During the last twelve (12) months, the Contingent also constructed the conduits for the electrical, telephone and cable television ducts, which were passed under the runway, and also began the process of placing topsoil on the unpaved shoulders of the runway, to allow for vegetation and reduction in the amount of dust generated from the site, and started construction of another culvert to receive run-off water from the pavement.

At present, the aprons and about two thirds of the runway are at the level to receive the base material, in preparation for the final asphalt or concrete pavement works. IADC expects to complete all remaining earth and site works by September 2013. These works will be done concurrently with pavement works on other areas of the runway. Pavement works are programmed to extend to December 2013.

Over the 52-month period of earthworks, that is 13th August 2008 to 31st October 2012, the Contingent continued its controlled blasting to excavate the rocks at Fort Hill.

2013 Work Programme The base laying and pavement works are expected to begin in earnest in this month. IADC is in the process of assembling the equipment needed to do the pavement works. Some of these equipment are being provided from a US$4.2 million grant and loan made available to the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines by the Caricom Development Fund (CDF).

Through a competitive bidding process, IADC has purchased (and received) equipment from three international companies, as follows:

approval from the Caricom Development Fund for another loan of US$3.262 million to purchase additional equipment for the paving works and for laboratory testing of the asphalt and hydraulic concrete for the pavement.

These equipment will be procured to arrive in the first quarter of 2013.

Together with the base laying equipment already purchased as well as the other supporting equipment being sourced with the additional funding (US$3.262 million) approved by the CDF, IADC will set up its own industrial complex, complete with stone crusher, asphalt and concrete batching plants to do the pavement works inhouse. IADC has already begun recruiting locally, and from Cuba, technicians, engineers, operators and assistants to staff the industrial complex to execute the works. Some of these engineers and technicians have already arrived from Cuba.

Sea defence etc.

Sea defence works will also commence early this year at the northeastern end of the runway (the 022 end). These works will be done in accordance with the designs prepared by the Maritime Engineering Services (ASTIMAR) of Cuba.

IADC is in the process of negotiating the financing and purchasing of the ARMCO system for preparing the culverts to convey the Yambou River under the runway. These works are shortly to commence.

A major box culvert crossing (which measures approximately 2.2 metres or 7ft 3in) was designed and constructed in the first kilometre of the runway. A drainage structure was also designed and constructed close to the Rawacou Recreation site. These structures are meant to control water collected from the Breadfruit Gutter area within the 1st km of the Project. At present, a culvert is being constructed in the area of the second kilometre of the runway to collect runoff water from the aprons.

Wind Studies

Mr. Speaker, IADC continues to collect the wind data. This aspect of the work began in March 2006 and will continue for the duration of the construction phase of the project. The objective of this exercise is to have at least five years of wind data during the construction phase so that IADC can make a determination of the need to build a cross-wind runway to accommodate those small planes that might be affected by an excessive cross wind component.

So far, wind data have been collected The quarry and base laying between 2006 and the present time from equipment purchased from RIMCO 3 wind stations installed within the Caterpillar Inc. include five Mack trucks, two articulated rock trucks, one airport zone. The results from the analysis of the data for the earliest 3½ paver, and two front-end loaders. The years show that the predominant winds stone crushing plant was received and installed, and IADC has commenced the at Argyle are from the East-North-East crushing and stock piling crushed stones and East, with an average intensity that does not exceed 15 knots. This to start, in earnest, the laying of the wind speed and direction represent an stone base for the runway, aprons and even smaller cross wind component, and taxiways. The lighting equipment in fact favours the take-off and landing purchased from GECI arrived earlier this month and the installation of these operations of aircraft, given the 04/22 lights will commence shortly thereafter. orientation of the Argyle airport In October 2012, IADC also received runway.

IN CRAFTING MY SPEECH, I am mindful of Charles Dickens’ book, ‘Hard Times’, and will ultimately let facts be the hallmark of this presentation. I am cognizant of the fact that the Honourable Prime Minister points to the importance of society inclusion or participation – this speaks to our spiritual & social redemption charter.

Undoubtedly, we must have the political will to use knowledge, creativity, care and renewed vision to implement innovative and bold measures for the betterment of our people. Our responsibility is to work together for the betterment of our communities, people and country. After all, “politics is not about fame, fortune, nor popularity but service to people.”

Each of us has significant contributions to make. The people of our constituencies elected us because they have trust and confidence in us; to not only bring to the fore issues affecting them, but also to find and implement adequate solutions to ease their burden - thus, making their lives better.

We, on this side of the House, have made valuable contributions to the betterment of our people and country.

We have critical areas of which we have shadow responsibility; we do so in good faith. If we disagree, let us disagree respectfully. “Blessed are the peacemakers –- for they shall be called the children of God.” Education is the cornerstone of any country’s development; after all, it is a person’s most valuable asset.

Respective governments have made progress in improving this sector, but still there is much to be done and room for improvement. Since our focus is evidently on poverty reduction and job creation, an effective education system is pivotal to such achievements.

Excerpts of CXC, CSEC 2012 — Analysis prepared by the Ministry of Education for English A:

When one examines the excerpts from the Ministry of Education, of the three (3) schools which recorded passes above 50%, the highest percentage recorded was 91.4%. The lowest percentage was 65%. The next highest percentage was 2% and that school ranked 4th. Given the wide gaps that separate the top three (3) schools that received above 50% pass rate, we can easily deduce that we have problems in this area.

Recommendations: * Programs must be put in place from Early Childhood Education which offer hands on development and the development of critical thinking from an early age. * We need to move with haste to implement a system of tracking students and charting progress in literacy and numeracy as they move from one level to another. * Continue to work on the introduction of ICT, so that teachers will develop the knowledge and skills to teach and assist students in weak schools. In the world of technological advancement, we can use the technology to aid academic improvement and greater students’ positive outcomes. * Develop programs that offer training to parents, so that they can assist their children in their development. This is critical. I hope that we will be able to make progress to bring about positive results. * Establish a system for detecting and addressing learning difficulties. We must remember that literacy and numeracy are the gateway to the future learning.

Access to quality education is a basic human right. I am particularly concerned about the poor and vulnerable, and the opportunities needed for them to escape the cycle of poverty. Implement sustained measures that touch the lives of the poor and vulnerable. If they don’t have the means to attend school regularly, their performance will be affected.

As a result, we expect the Social Welfare to assist the poor and vulnerable in this area, but it would Some schools recorded as low as 0% passes. I must congratulate the schools appear that it is not happening. Talk about chaos at the Social Welfare performing creditably. We must find Department, at the opening of the ways of working with schools that are school year to collect supplies for kids to struggling - through the use of the technology, this could be accomplished. I attend school; the police was called in.

It was reported that men and women wish to see efforts in this regard. were in tears. Is this what we want?

The Ministry of Education should have teachers trained to detect learning What measures are put in place to avoid such occurrences? difficulties and (skilled) in remedial The New Democratic Party Manifesto strategies to provide remedial work at seeks to chart the course forward the primary level. towards improvement of our people giving them opportunities to improve CXC, CSEC Mathematics 2012 their standings and escape the poverty trap. Access to quality education and training must not be only easily accessible, access to quality education must also be affordable. We must level the playing field. The poor and vulnerable must be provided with equal It must be noted that five (5) schools opportunities by providing means to assist them to overcome adverse recorded no passes in Mathematics. financial burden/costs and other factors which may hinder such access.

On this note, I wish to congratulate: * Mr. Kevin Charles for his high standards achieved in Science at University of West Indies. * Dr. Anthony Stewart, he was awarded a doctorate in Education, University of the West Indies. * The Union Island Secondary School for celebrated its 40th Anniversary.

V The strength of a nation

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 11.

Views

“The strength of the nation depends on the strength of its citizens.” —Dr. Eric Eustace Williams (19111981), August 31, 1962 A NATION’S STRENGTH depends on its citizens - its people! And while its natural resources, infrastructure, system of government, and economic activities will aid in generating and sustaining its competitive advantage, it is its people who will determine its overall growth and the level of sustainability that is achieved. Dr. Eric Williams was right when he pronounced, on Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence Day, that “The strength of the nation depends on the strength of its citizens.”

The skills that people achieve, the standards they hold dear, the attitudes and behaviours of a people, can make a significant difference in relation to the cumulative outcome of a nation. The culture, the norms, the values that citizens portray can play a major role in influencing foreign direct investment (FDI) that can propel and sustain economic growth. And so, we remind ourselves that a nation’s strength is not only measured by its economic growth.

That is only one of the many variables to be considered when doing such an assessment. The people, the citizens, must be considered a major variable in the whole exercise. Just as the overall strength of the chain is determined by the strength of each link, so too, each person has a significant role to play in the overall outcome of the nation. Thus, as we strive to build strong nations, we must drill down to make sure that we have strong communities, strong neighbourhoods, strong families, and strong individuals. Every one of us contributes to the overall strength of our nation. And that strength is not limited to physical prowess; we must demonstrate strength of character and a resolve to pursue noble and honest causes.

So where are we in terms of our level of contribution to a strong nation?

What am I doing to fortify the social, spiritual, and emotional fabric of our society? What are you doing to add value to this place that we proudly call home? We are reminded that, while we may seek to influence others along noble paths, the only person that we have the power to change is that individual who stares back at us when we look in the mirror. Yes, and that is as good a place as any to start with this nation-building task that is assigned to each of us. We must live the behaviours that we expect to see demonstrated in our communities.

I was recently shopping in a supermarket. It was early in the morning, and there were very few persons in the queue at the checkout counter. One of the supervisors had been “patrolling” the areas directly behind the young adults who were assigned to bag the groceries after the cashier had scanned them. I overheard her asking one of the “baggers” to get an item for her. She did so in the most pleasant and mannerly way. Her “please” was like music to my ears. The young man rushed off to perform the task. As destiny would have it, I was collecting my bags of groceries when he returned to the supervisor with the item she had requested. She said, “Thank you”. Those words seem to have a melody all on their own; a tune that warmed my spirit. However, the youngster, after handing over the item and receiving the thanks, appeared

dumb as he cart-wheeled to return to his work station at one of the other checkout counters. She intercepted him. She reminded him that when someone tells him thanks, he should acknowledge the recognition and always say “You are welcome.” She was so pleasant, so caring, so determined to coach this youngster to be decent. But, more importantly, she had previously demonstrated the kind of courtesy she expected, having been so very polite when she made her original request. I could not resist the temptation to commend her for her excellent “internal customer care,” and her coaching this young member of staff to be courteous and mannerly. These “little things” help to build people ... and help to build a nation. Like her, we need to intercept the next generation, one individual at a time. But we must also demonstrate the kinds of behaviours that we want them to portray.

Many of the individuals who will cross our paths on a daily basis will be coming from homes where “good manners and behaviours” are lacking.

We have a responsibility and a great privilege to lend a helping hand to coach and mentor them to improve such social skills and behaviours. Yes, I have heard supervisors and managers say that they are not employed to play such roles; that this is the responsibility of the home and school. And while we expect the training to take place at those social institutions, we must agree that many of our children (our young citizens) are falling through the cracks.

Those of us who know better cannot abdicate our responsibility to attempt to intercept them with intent. It is our duty as responsible citizens to do so.

The last ten words of the preceding sentence appeared to grate the thoughts of some readers. Some reacted by immediately, saying that that is not their responsibility; they have enough problems and challenges of their own, and therefore refuse to exert time and energy to guide some of these “wayward and rude” youngsters. Well, there are many of us who can attest to the fact that when we pause to provide guidance and encouragement, many of them respond in a positive way and seem to be so very appreciative that we cared enough to help. Yes, there are some who may react by telling us to mind our own business, but I do believe that those are in the minority. They want us to help them live better, more productive, more decent lives. They want us to pause and encourage them to live lives that reflect truthfulness, honesty and integrity. They want us to remind them of the value of being punctual and regular. They want us to coach them to be pleasant and decent.

They want us to remind them that they contribute to the strength of a nation.

Through our efforts and commitment, we can provide them with the social, spiritual and emotional tools to do so ... one child, one teenager, one young adult, one citizen at a time. And through our noble efforts, we will strengthen our nation!

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

Governance and regulations JUST WHEN VINCENTIANS were beginning to calm their nerves following the pain from the meltdown of British American and Clico, tension is running high again in the wake of the drastic action of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to take over the Building and Loan Association (SVGBLA).

In 2010, the SVGBLA was placed under the watchful eye of the Ministry of Finance with input from the World Bank. For two years, the institution worked under this arrangement. And then came Luke Browne’s letter of January 18, 2013. First there was a statement from the Financial Service Authority (FSA) that it had confidence in SVGBLA. Then last Friday, the Financial Services Authority wrote to the Building and Loan management informing it that the FSA was taking over the management of the SVGBLA with immediate effect.

What happened between 2010 and the present? Did the Ministry of Finance ‘drop the ball’ and allow the Management of Building and Loan to continue on a path that would have made the SVGBLA unsustainable?

Why did it take a letter from a political operative to kick start action that led to the takeover of Building and Loan?

Was the letter from this operative a trial balloon for further interventions into the financial sector by the FSA? If SVGBLA was improperly managed, the authorities owe nationals a responsibility to act in defense of their financial interests. These interests are much more than those of the shareholders of Building and Loan. A melt down of this or any other financial institution, will be totally and completely destabilizing to the larger Vincentian economy.

Evidently, there are a lot of problems at Building and Loan.

Audited statements were not filed for the last two years and the board had not met for a similar number of years.

Non- performing mortgages RUN to the millions.

But how is Building and Loan different from the other financial institutions including the credit unions? Can the FSA assure Vincentians that GECCU , Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union and Teachers Credit Union, among others, are in a much better state? Can the FSA declare, that as it relates to management delinquency, Building and Loan was the only bad apple, if indeed it was?

It is apparent that there are serious management and governance problems in our financial institutions. The fact that so many of them appear to have been over exposed regarding investments with British American and CLICO is cause for an investigation.

Did some of these managers, who invested so many millions of our money with these institutions, benefit personally from such investment?

If good governance best practices are in short supply in our financial sector, did the Financial Services Authority move too swiftly to take over this institution? As far as we are aware, the law which allows the FSA to have regulatory powers over institutions like Building and Loan and credit unions is about two years old. Has the FSA engaged in sufficient institutional strengthening to position itself to take over and properly supervise and manage this institution?

Is the Financial Services Authority staffed with the requisite personnel to

perform its supervisory and regulatory functions as well as oversee the management of Building and Loan?

In a release last Friday, the FSA said ‘the authority has committed all available resources and effort to safeguard the association’s financial stability and future sustainable growth.’ Prime Minister Gonsalves, responding to the actions of the FSA, said ‘the best situation always is for the democratic structure within the organization to operate and run it, but as a regulator, if you feel that in the interest of the public, the depositors, the share holders, that you need to protect them... it is the interest of the Prime Minister... to see that this institution and other financial institutions are strong and stable.’

Even with the PM’s special deposits and the opposition leader’s calls for calm, nothing done to date has engendered confidence. The FSA’s action has not amounted to a confidence builder. A simple call to ascertain the number of employees at FSA is stonewalled. More importantly, no state authority takes over a healthy functioning private organization and declares that such intervention is intended to ‘safeguard the association’s financial stability and future sustainability.’ Something is amiss, and confidence can only be built on transparency.

As is always the case in SVG, politics has reared its ugly head.

Opposition voices are telling anyone willing to listen that Gonsalves has bankrupt the country, sold off the NCB and is now looking to capture the resources of Building and Loan.

Similarly, government spinners are claiming that those who created the difficult situation at SVGBLA are top supporters of the Eustace’s NDP. Where is the national interest in this political chatter?

Some in the opposition maintain that they are responsible in their statements. They, however, allow their bedfellows to say the most reckless and irresponsible things without calling their supporters to task.

No one who has followed the collapse of BAICO and CLICO can creditably doubt that this country is in serious financial straits. Therefore, any attempt to strengthen the foundation of the financial sector should be welcomed. But we must not drop our guard. The state must demonstrate that its officers are sufficiently well trained and equipped to deal with the many problems which currently plague the financial sector.

No longer must we allow ourselves to be blinded by mindless assurances.

We swallowed this pill following the collapse of CL Financial in 2009. We must demand accurate and prompt answers from the political and financial directorate; responsibility from those seeking cheap political gains at the expense of our people’s livelihood, and punishment for those who use their positions for personal gains at the expense of the public.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG Green Party calls for a public inquiry into the killing of the NCB THE NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK (NCB) was the brainchild of the late SVG Prime Minister Robert Milton Cato. The NCB served the people of SVG excellently by helping to create employment and sustain businesses.

When Gonsalves took office in 2001, the government overdraft at the NCB was $5 million. Between 2001 and 2008, the ULP government overdraft went through the roof, soaring from $5m in 2001 to $185m in 2008.

The ULP regime’s financial recklessness and overdraft killed the NCB and forced the sale of the NCB in 2010.

The Director of Audit is the constitutionally appointed auditor of all Government departments. The main purpose of the audit is to obtain the necessary information for the issuing of an opinion on the accounts, and provide Parliament with the assurance that the funds appropriated

by Parliament have been applied to the purposes intended.

The table shows significant and alarming differences between the ULP government overdraft balance as recorded at the SVG treasury and the ULP government overdraft balance as recorded at

the NCB. The differences are large and unexplained. A public inquiry into the circumstances of killing of the NCB is urgently needed.

Audit? The Minister of Finance must comply with requests made by the Director of Audit.

Several requests were made to the SVG Minister of Finance by the Director of Audit, for proper reconciliation of the government overdraft at the NCB. These requests for reconciliation were ignored by the Minister of Finance.

In accounting, reconciliation refers to a process that compares two sets of records (usually the balances of two accounts) to make sure they are in agreement. Reconciliation is used to ensure that the money leaving an account matches the actual money spent. This is done by making sure the balances match at the end of a particular accounting period.

Persons often fail to reconcile accounts if they have something to hide. Has taxpayers’ money been used properly?

The Director of Audit stated that “In the absence of a bank reconciliation, it could not be determined to what extent ‘unpresented cheques’, bank charges, direct debits accounted for the difference”. The Director of Audit failed the ULP government on Public Accounts for 2008. It was the first time in SVG’s history that a government failed a public accounts audit.

A public inquiry will tell us where all the money went. SVG Green Party calls for a public inquiry into the circumstances of the killing of the National Commercial Bank.

Was the NCB making terrible mistakes in understating the ULP government’s overdraft on the books of the NCB? And why was the Accountant General’s current account never reconciled with the SVG Green Party NCB accounts, as was demanded by the Director of

Making and keeping friends I WRITE THIS PIECE with the hope that society in general will benefit from these humble suggestions.

First, let me set the stage.

Recently I went to settle my account at VINLEC but did not have a bill. The cashier was adamant that no accounts could be settled without a bill or account number because, in the past, several persons with the same name, living in the same community paid bills on different accounts but bearing the same name, causing inconvenience to the accounting staff and consumers alike. So, according to the cashier, to avoid these anomalies, it is always better to have your bill or account number ready.

(There was no disrespect shown by the cashier on duty).

I agree(d) with the policy, so I quickly pulled out my portable computer and searched for an open WiFi signal so that I could access an email notification (e-bill) sent

by Vinlec from which I could get my account number.

Unfortunately, there was no WiFi available to the public, so I had to be inconvenienced a

little longer, as another customer service attendant had to verify my account, before issuing me two cards bearing the account numbers required to pay my bill.

was superb! Attention was paid to detail and finish, and a pleasant air surrounds you when you enter the ‘new’ branch. It was a rainy Friday, so I had to dash for the bank and did not get a chance to pick up the newspapers. So again I pulled out ‘Mr. Tab’ to log on to ‘THE VINCENTIAN’ and ‘Searchlight’ websites to keep up to date with the local news, while waiting my turn.

The result: No WiFi signal in a modern looking branch! I think this was an oversight when refurbishing this branch, as the NOSVG Reigate Branch has a functioning WiFi service.

connect them to the world wide web.

I am not going to compare SVG with the wider world, but suffice it to say, these are BASIC services that corporate society must be providing to Waiting in line keep customers smiling and happy. Institutions and At RBTT this time, where I businesses like CWSA, was waiting in a long queue, I VINLEC, all local banks, as a decided to catch up with some matter of fact, anywhere you important email just having have to line up for a service, had a call to check my mail. I should provide an open WiFi turned on my little tablet, but service. You would be there was no complementary surprised to know how many signal from RBTT, only the Vincentians own WiFi ready BOSVG signal from Reigate. devices, like smart phones, This was understandable, laptops, tablet PC’s, and high because in-house WiFi signals end games, but open hot spots don’t travel too far. Not too A world of portable devices around Kingstown are too far long ago, RBTT had a apart and connections/signals newspaper ad with a lady We live in a modern world coming from schools are too holding a tablet computer. If where the average ‘yuppie’ slow or weak, that’s why that lady was to visit the SVG (young upwardly mobile persons prefer to leave them branch, that tablet would be of person) owns a portable WiFi at home. no use unless she stayed ready device, and there are Credit Unions, Money outside to get a signal from many of them in our society; Gram, Western Union, Cruise BOSVG. (Joke intended … returning nationals (including Ship Berth (which should also remember we are friends.) graduates) who were either serve the Grenadines ferry There are a few more living abroad or working on terminal) MUST offer WiFi incidents, but this one can’t be cruise ships bring these service to the public. Some swept under the carpet. In the devices but, alas, other than in businesses like Bickles, banks again … this time the privacy of their home, BOSVG, LIME and Tony Pizza BOSVG Bedford Street, in late these devices are useless (now closed) have all led the December last. The makeover without a WiFi signal to way, indicating their

understanding that technology drives industry, and industry is what keeps the economy buoyant. Government departments and statutory corporations also need to get on board, notably Customs, General Post Office and Inland Revenue.

In a previous article on the same matter, I mentioned that open WiFi service, including live webcams, should also be available at the Botanic Gardens, Fort Charlotte, Belmont lookout, Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Victoria Park, the Almond Tree (Bequia), Hugh Mulzac Square (Union Island), Owia Salt Pond, to name a few venues where WiFi would be of use to both visitors and locals alike.

So let’s make new friends and keep the economy going, growing and eventually soaring!

By Donald De Riggs.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 13.

News Feature

$71 Million in diesel for 2012 aware of the way they use it.

The Exhibition, which ran for THORNLY MYERS, Chief 2 months, from November Executive Officer of St. Vincent 18th 2012 to January 18th Electricity Services Limited 2013, was deemed a success. It (VINLEC), at a Brunch and Media was eld at the building which Briefing on Tuesday, disclosed formerly housed the Voyager that VINLEC, the chief supplier store, Vincentians were of electricity to this country, invited to check out the expended a total of EC$71 display of appliances and million in fuel in its obligation to other interesting aspects of provide the essential service to electricity use, with guidance Vincentians. from VINLEC technical and As far as Myers was engineering personnel. concerned, this expenditure was a clear indication of the Demonstrating effective need for Vincentians to fully energy use understanding how their appliances work, and to do all The display was intended to they can to conserve electricity promote energy management in these times. Fresh off the and conservation at the heels of a recently concluded national level, and both Myers Energy Use Awareness and Steve Wyllie, VINLEC Exhibition, Myers feels, Customer Relations Officer, however, that many members expressed the view that, of the public have a better although providing the service understanding of electricity of electricity is a business, “We consumption and are more don't want to just sell Stories by KARISSA CLARKE

electricity and rake in the money. We want people to use it wisely. Customers need to understand the function of their appliances.” To facilitate this, the exhibition featured various home appliances, e.g. refrigerators, freezers, televisions, fans, kettles, irons, transformers, light bulbs, computers, in use, and demonstrated energy saving techniques.

Visitors to the exhibition learnt about how various types of equipment consume electricity, and received guidelines on how to purchase appliances and equipment to ensure optimal functioning.

Looking to the future Outside of the exhibition and their recent project of giving 167bulbs to Vincentians in collaboration with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, VINLEC recently conducted a survey of over 600 persons to inquire about their interests and views on a system allowing prepayment for electricity

Thornley Myers, CEO/VINLEC, is convinced that his company’s Energy Awareness Exhibition was a learning experience for many Vincentians.

René Baptiste, Chairman/VINLEC, implored Vincentians to get their energy consumption under control.

services.

Along with this, VINLEC is in the works with GIZ to bring New Energy Conservation Initiatives to the public.

Chairman of VINLEC’s Board of Directors, Ms. Rene Baptiste, expressed that as a country, we must do real research, explore and get our

energy consumption under control as it affects all of our futures, including our opportunities for foreign investment.

She reiterated that “It’s not up to VINLEC alone or the Government; it’s up to all of us, because while it’s good to make profit, it’s also good to be alive.”

VINLEC partners with Business Houses

Representatives of the business houses which partnered with VINLEC’s Energy Awareness Exhibition, display their ‘plaques of appreciation’.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of VINLEC, Mr. Thornley Myers, expressed thanks on behalf of VINLEC to the business

houses which were “extremely co-operative” with VINLEC for the duration of their Energy Awareness Exhibition.

Representatives of CCourts (St. Vincent) Ltd’, Singer, Finishing and Furnishing, Y De Lima, Trotmans and Ace were present at VINLEC’s Brunch and Media Briefing, last Monday, to receive Plaques of Appreciation.

The Brunch saw VINLEC associates discussing the process and outcome of their Energy Awareness Exhibition which spanned 2 months from November 15th 2012 to

January 18th 2013.

The exhibition saw VINLEC engineers testing various household appliances, giving the public the opportunity to better understand the electricity consumption in their households.

Though Myers declined to publicly release assessments of the efficiency of the appliances provided by the various business houses, he thanked them for their co-operation, and explained that he looked forward to working with them in the future, to better satisfy customers.

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14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Search for top model on the way

second round at the SOV restaurant, January 26, THE SEARCH FOR SVG’S top both venues located in model is on!

Villa.

The ‘Search’, dubbed The ‘Search’ forms one ‘SVG Top Model Search’, of the new thrusts of had its first round at the Beautex International, Marine’s Hotel, and a headed by Pearl Williams, and she has Jolene Bentick, a 2012 Miss SBG Contestant, as her assistant in managing the activity.

The main objective of the activity, according to Mrs. Williams, is to “select Vincentian participants for the Caribbean Top Model Search, which will be held in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago later this year.”

Williams believes that, “SVG has some of the most beautiful girls in the Caribbean.” She said that their beauty is natural — not fake, and there should be some avenue for them to show this beauty.

“They need opportunities to get on the regional stage,” she reiterated. “When we look, we see girls from countries like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but our girls could compete just as well. They just need the opportunity!”

She cited Annella One of a minority of males struts his stuff for Bascombe and Natalie Harry as two local girls the adjudicators.

Stories by GLORIAH…

who have made their mark on the regional stage, as role models for the girls.

The “Search’ is open to Vincentian nationals both male and female, who are expected to be of sound character, unmarried and without children. The age range for competitors is 16 years to 24 years. There are no height restrictions.

Two participants are eliminated from each round, with the remaining moving on to the upcoming rounds towards the finals.

Show rounds The first round, held at the Mariner’s Hotel, witnessed a bevy of beauties assembled to be judged in modeling ability, walking style and verbal expression. Participants were required to appear without make up and elaborate hairstyles.

Ladies were dressed in baby Tee-shirt or vests, with black under wear or shorts, and six inch heels.

Male models wore trunks with no shoes. After doing a runway stint, each model was interviewed by a panel of judges.

At the more recent second round at the SOV

Garifuna Nursery Rhymes coming GARIFUNA SINGER and musician, James Lovell, joined with the New York based African Garifuna Youth Ensemble to present a nursery rhymes recital at the Biko Transformation Center on 1474 Bushwick Avenue in New York, last Friday, January 25th, 2013.

Lovell is a member of the group of persons who have made themselves available for the past two years, to conduct the Garifuna Heritage Workshops now called the ‘Yurumein Garifuna Cultural Retrieval (YuGaCuRe)’, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At these summer vacation workshops, children and adults are taught aspects of Garifuna language, dance and music. .

According to Lovell, “It is the responsibility of every Garifuna to help to get the language and culture off the endangered list by teaching all

elements of the culture to their children”. This, he insisted, is what has motivated him to make cultural retrieval a priority.

At the AfriGarifuna Youth Ensemble Recital, Lovell did what he does best — he displayed his versatility with the Garifuna youths in yet another attempt to preserve, protect and promote the James Lovell promises language and additions to the 2013 Garifuna culture through Heritage Workshop’s course his music. content.

As the consummate effort will assist in the performer, Lovell’s brand 2013 workshops. of ‘Edutainment’ Participants could look immersed his audience in forward to a nursery a perfect blend of rhyme segment being entertainment and added to the workshop education. curriculum.

Funds raised in this

A bevy of Vincentian beauty and a display of creativity on parade at the second round of the ‘SVG Top Model Search’.

Right: Adjudicators busy doing their tabulations. restaurant, models were given a challenge to design an outfit, use modeling techniques to display it, and give the judges an explanation about its concept and appropriateness.

The challenge for the third round is to come up

with a commercial in which each model will use his/her modeling skill and communication techniques to sell the chosen product.

This will take place on tomorrow, February 9th.

The venue was still unknown up to press time.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 15.

KGS prepares for a brighter tomorrow GROUND, celebrated its Literacy Enrichment Week from the Tuesday 5th – Thursday 7th February, 2013, under the theme: 'Lighting our Path towards a Brighter Tomorrow.'

Tuesday ‘s programme included visits by teachers and students to institutions within the vicinity of the school.

These included the Imani Pre School, the Sebastian ‘Bassy’ Paediatric Ward of the Alexander took time out to Milton Cato Memorial hold the attention of these Hospital, and the students with his Helping Hands characteristic style of Centre.Visits were story-telling. also made to the elderly in the Stoney THE KINGSTOWN Ground. Students read GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, for and entertained those LOCATED IN STONEY visited.On their return to

school, the students were treated to story- telling and other recitals from parents, guardians and well wishers of the school.

Wednesday was dubbed ‘Career Day’.

Students made tours of various business places and media houses .The Grade 1 and 2 classes enjoyed a special treat when they visited the ‘Hall of Fame’ located in the Russell's Building Stoney Ground, and were given the added opportunity to view a movie called ‘Ice Age’ at the Russell Cinema.

Students returned to school to report enthusiastically on their visits.Thursday was an in-house day devoted to a

display of teaching aids.

Teachers and students also exchanged visits to classes to observe and also to demonstrate how teaching strategies were used to enhance the teaching/learning Students respond enthusiastically to a lesson. process.Principal of the Kingstown Government School, Mrs. Maureen Brackin, explained that this year “the Literacy focus shifted to a more creative and realistic approach,” citing that whatever students learn in school should be consistent with the needs of the society.

“The school is trying desperately to develop the students Students of the Kingstown Government School holistically,” she reading for an elderly resident of Stoney Ground. declared.

Georgetown Young Leaders launched of the GSS Young Leaders also addressed the launch.

She urged the young leaders and the students generally to look up to those in their community who had done much to uplift the community, making special reference to Mr. Alban Henry (deceased), a former principal “who took the Georgetown Government School to higher places,” and Mrs. Jestina Charles, Vandy Cordice, President of “our Unsung Hero who the GSS Young Leaders, helped to get the Golden delivering her address in Age Centre going at Black which she called for Point.” recognition of community She appealed elders. especially to the Young Leaders to be

By BERNARD BROWNE creative and to pay attention to THE GEORGETOWN beautifying their SECONDARY SCHOOL LAUNCHED THEIR R.B.C/RBTT environment.Young Young Leaders programme on Leader Kenice Johnson then Monday 28th January 2013, introduced the under the theme: ‘Through feature speaker, Mr. Guiding Hands and Creative Minds, Influencing Hearts and Saboto Caesar, Minister of Transforming Lives’.

Agroiculture.Caesar Following the devotion, called upon the rendering of the national Young Leaders to anthem and welcome reflect on their ages remarks by Miss M. Bobb, in the next ten years Principal Ronald Clarke and to “make your addressed the gathering of part straight to be students, staff, and invited guests.Clarke acknowledged successful in life. If not, you are not that he was new to the promoters of change.” institution which has an His wish was they enrollment of over 500 be disciplined, students. focused, He congratulated the Young Leaders and gave the understanding and creative.He assurance that everything will be in place to help their encouraged them, most of all, to take project along.He cautioned their future them that it was only through hard work that they seriously.The vote of thanks was given by would reap success.

Vandy Cordice, President Kristal Springer.

Above: GSS Young Leaders rendering a song.

Left: Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar called on the Young Leaders to ne ‘promoters of change’.

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

DIGICEL, Singing With The Stars combine MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant DIGICEL and Singing With The Stars promotions have done it again.

Together, they kicked off, last Tuesday, February 5, to a packed house of patrons at Jasmine Bar in Georgetown, the first stop in an island wide ‘DIGICEL Singing With The Stars Karaoke contest.

Singing With the Stars co-ordinator, Georgietha Nanton, said that the first round will be followed by karaoke sessions at The Octogon at Diamond on February 8, The Chill (Randy D’s Bar) at Sion Hill on February 14, Miller’s Bar Sandy Bay on

February 23, the Boat Club at Villa on February 27, and Williams Bar in Colonaire on March 04.

Dates and venues for more rounds are to be decided.

Each round will be filmed for telecast on Saturdays on SVG TV, at 8:00 pm, with the first round scheduled for airing tomorrow, Saturday 9th at 8:30 pm.

DIGICEL subscribers are integrally involved in the whole affair. They will determine the winner of each round by texting their choices after viewing

New Year. New You. FORGET RESOLUTIONS, THINK EVOLUTION.

the telecast, and a lucky subscriber stands a chance of winning a $500.00 cash prize.

The winner of each round is guaranteed $500. 00 and the overall winner, to be decided from a clash of winners of each round, will take home $1,000 in cash. Other prizes include a DIGICEL Singing With The Stars trophy and dinner for two.

Nanton is pleased to have DIGICEL as the contest’s main sponsor, and also named Gonsalves Liquors, SVG TV, Sunsail, St. Vincent Brewery, COURTS (St. Vincent) Ltd., Prince and Queens Boutique, Flasher Bakery Ferdies Footstep, Boat Club as also being supportive of the venture.

The 2013 DIGICEL Singing With The Stars karaoke contest is the third edition of the contest.

Winners of the previous two were Rohan Morgan and Marvo Morgan respectively.

Nanton expects this third edition to “spark even greater interest among karaoke singers and enthusiasts throughout SVG,” since, “this country is karaoke crazy.”

Attend our

OPEN HOUSE Tuesday

February12th 5:30 pm

Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown Please contact us for more information.

Nikki Williams at 784-531-3424 Or contact Alison Brice: abrice@monroecollege.edu 758-456-3200

Rohan Morgan, winner of the first Edition of the Sing With The Stars karaoke contest, made a guest appearance at last Tuesday’s round.

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Contestants and patrons at the first round of the Digicel Singing With The Stars karaoke contest, held at Jasmine’s Bar in Georgetown, last Tuesday.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 17.

Disaspora

Vincentian Olympic fencing heroine honoured in political science, Prescod said she will be training for the World Cup, as well as the collegiate, season. “So, I'll be very Finding fencing; achieving busy in the success spring,” she said, stating Prescod, who recently that this year visited home with her mom she’ll mostly be and younger sibling, told THE focusing on VINCENTIAN she was “really National excited to be honored, Collegiate especially because I was Athletic recognized by my community, Association which makes it so much more (NCAA) special. “And I'm glad I was competitions. given the opportunity to share my experiences with this sport with the kids, because I really Editor’s note: think it can inspire them to The writer is pick up a sport and aim for also an the Olympics like I did,” she Adjunct added.

Professor in Prescod said she World discovered fencing as a young Civilization, girl after her mother read a American newspaper article about the History and prestigious Peter Westbrook Political Foundation, a New York City- Science at based fencing clinic for youth Medgar Evers New York City Councilman Jumaane D. from underserved College, City Williams (L)presenting proclamation communities. After learning University of to Nzingha Prescod. Principal of PS that several participants were New York.

109 Dwight Chase looks on. competing in the Olympic Games in 2001, the elder Prescod enrolled both of her daughters in the foundation's Saturday fencing lessons.That same year, just nine years old, Nzingha Prescod said she held her first foil, quickly igniting her passion for fencing.

Having excelled in numerous extracurricular endeavors, including swimming, gymnastics and tennis, Prescod said she seemed “destined for athletic greatness.”But she said her talents for fencing were even more apparent; she then received a scholarship for advanced instruction at the Peter Westbrook Foundation's Nzingha Prescod speaking to students at PS 109.

Fencers Club. Since she was 14, Prescod said she has been competing in international fencing competitions.

She won the U-17 World Championships in 2008 and 2009, as well as the 2011 U-20 World Championship. Prescod said she was also a member of many gold-medal winning teams in the Cadet World Championships (2007, 2008 and 2009), the Junior World Championships (2011), the Pan-American Games (2011) and the Senior World Championship Teams (2009, 2010 and 2011).

During the winter break from Columbia University, where she is planning to major Marva Prescod (mother) with Olympian Nzingha Prescod. showing these children a world that many of them did not even know existed,” Williams said.

“Fencing presents real opportunities for our youth, including [those] in the Caribbean-American community,” he added.

Nzingha Prescod demonstrating 'How to Attack your Opponent' in foil fencing. her inspirational life story and athletic accomplishments.

“Nzingha showed us in London that, when you come from Flatbush, anything is NEW YORK CITY Councilman possible,” said Williams, the Jumaane D. Williams has son of Grenadian immigrants, honored Vincentian Olympic who replaced Union Islandheroine Nzingha Prescod, who born Dr. Kendall Stewart as competed last summer in the representative for the women's foil in fencing at the predominantly Caribbean, London Olympic Games.

45th City Council District in Prescod, 20, currently a Brooklyn “Hard work and sophomore at the prestigious determination can bring you to Columbia University in New City Hall, the Olympics and York, lives in the East every great destination in Flatbush section of Brooklyn, between,” he added.“It all New York with her mother, comes with the foundation of a Marva Prescod, a lawyer, solid education, which these originally from Lower Back children are getting right here Street, Kingstown. at PS 109. If they keep their Fencing, which is also young minds open to every known as Olympic fencing to possibility, there are truly no distinguish it from historical limits to their potential,” fencing, is an activity using Williams continued. bladed weapons. It was one of Prior to the last year’s the original Olympic sports at Olympic Games, Prescod took the first modern Olympics in leave from her studies at 1896. The sport, which has Columbia University to become very popular in the dedicate to fencing full-time, United States, is traditionally training six days a week with considered a European sport. her coach, Bucke Leach, to Fencing is divided into three represent Team USA and weapons: foil, sabre and épée. fulfill her Olympic dreams.

Prescod, who competes in the She competed in both foil version, is seated second in individual and team bout at the United States. In 2011, the Olympic Games in London. she won the Junior World At PS 109, Williams and Championship. At the London the school’s principal, Dwight Games she was eliminated in Chase, helped introduce the second round by Olympic Prescod with informational veteran, Aida Mohammed, but flyers that she later was a key component in the autographed, as well as a women's foil team's 6th place slideshow that depicted finish. In foil fencing, a light pictures of her competing; thrusting weapon targets the meeting athletes, such as torso, neck and groin, tennis stars Serena and Venus including the back, but not the Williams; and visiting the arms.

White House to meet with President Barack Obama. To Prescod – Pride of Flatbush the delight of the audience, Prescod demonstrated fencing During a fencing on stage with Councilman demonstration for students of Williams and several “lucky” Public School (PS) 109 in East students. “I thank Nzingha Flatbush, young Prescod not only for representing captivated the audience with Flatbush so well but for

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

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 19.

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Taiwan’s Taiw wan’s Fo Foreign oreig g gn Aff Af ffffa fairs i Min Mi iniste Affairs Minister i ter Affa visit ts SV VG G visits SVG

of territorial disputes.

“It is important therefore, that we cooperate ……. for peace, for justice, and the maintenance of independent sovereignty,” said Dr. Gonsalves.

said his country is committed to SVG’s development. “We want to transfer more successful projects to SVG,” said Lin, adding, “We are deeply grateful to SVG for all the support we have been getting in the international community.”

Prime Minister Dr. D . Ralph Gonsalves welcomes Dr welcomes Minister David Y.L. Y.L. . Lin. Lin.

Minister Lin and his delegation strike a pose with Minister Dr. Slater and Permanent Secretary Nathaniel Williams. by Stories b y KENVILLE HORNE HOR RNE MINISTER TTAIWAN’S A AIW WAN’S A MINIS TER of Foreign Foreign o Affairs, Mr.. Da David Y.L Af fairs, Mr vid Y ..L Lin, p paid a two-day St. tw o-day official official visit to to S t. Vincent and the Grenadines as a sign of s solidarity between between both countries. co ountries. arrived St.Vincent He arriv ed in S t.Vincent on n ThursThursdayy 31st da 31st January, January, and departed dep parted on Saturdayy 2nd February.

Saturda February.

Vincent and the GrenaGrenaSt. Vincent dines is known n to have been in support of T aiw wan’s member wan Taiwan’s member-ship application applicatio on to the United Nations, along g with other important international inte ernational agencies.

Prime Minister Minister Gonsalves Lin that requested of Minister M h convey a he of m message and t thanks to a admiration Ma P President Ying-jeou.

Y iing ing-jeou jeou.

MinisThe Foreign Affairs A Miniswith his ter first met w Slater, counterpart, Douglas Slater, Ministry at the Minist ry of Foreign TTaiwan a aiwan is Affairs on Friday, Friiday y, and both prepared p p to men pledged their country’s country’s sh share commitment to each other’s other ’s Lin described development.. need is a friend his “A A friend in n h visit as a homecoming, indeed,” stated state ed Minister Lin h before having first be efore he h departed visited SVG in de eparted for v another 1997. an nother press 1 briefing He b br riefing i fi with ih H told ld the h Prime Vincentian Pr rime Minister Viincentian prime minister that he Drr Ralph m Minister Lin L visited the construction n site of the Argyle Gonsalves. spoke with Go onsalves. s International Internatio onal Airport, where he got an a update from TaiwanTaiwan a - president During the Ma p officials als on progress on the terminal term minal building. press prior to his pr ress briefing at ese officia p Cabinet departure to St. Ca abinet Room, d Dr. Vincent, and the Dr r. Gonsalves Vincent, i re-affirmed Scholarship President pledged re e-affirmed the Sc cholarship program, health h d to meet with friendship care, Gonsalves “eitherr in Taipei fri iendship between are, among other things.

Taipei or ca He said, while SVG faces both SVG.” bo oth nations, which he issues said The Foreign minister sa aid “has evolved into is g and arm trafficktrafffickg Affairs A sues of drugs ing, relationship.” a family f in ng, Taiwan Taiwan is surrounded He acknowledged su urrounded by neighbours Taiwan’s T a aiwan’ ne eighbours with s commitment nuclear Interna-to the Argyle Interna nu uclear ambitions, and tional tio onal Airport, the an nd in the middle

Wh hen asked about Taiwanese Taiwanese e When generossecrett to prosperity and generosity to its allies, the Minister stated d, “We “We have shared values. stated, We like lik ke democracy, democracy y, and we are We willing to share with our friends.” friends.” willing e said education is the best He investtment and “We “We want to investment contin nue to work with SVG; we continue id dentify the areas where we can identify sh hare.” can share.”

Closing Closin ng off the itinerar itineraryy Following Follow wing the meeting with the Prime e Minister, Minister, Minister Lin journeyed journe eyed to Government House for a meeting m with Governor General Gener ral Sir Frederick BallanBallantyne, and a thereafter, thereafter, was taken tour on a to our of the Botanic Gardens.

Gardenss.

He e was at the Prime Minister’s Minis ter ’s residence later that day for fo or a welcome reception.

On n Saturday 2nd, Mr. Mr. Lin visited d a number of TaiwanTaiwanon the ffunded funde d d projects j h windward i d d off St. Vincent, side o Vincent, i including the e Orange Orang ge Hill Farm, the Rabacca Bridge e and the International Airport Airpor rt site at Argyle, where a Taiwanese T aiwa anese firm is directing construction constr ruction of the terminal building, buildi ing, funded by the GovernGovernment and people of Taiwan.

Taiwan.

He e departed the state at 4pm m on Saturday.

Satturday y.

Minister Lin accepts a gift from Minister Slater, Slater r, a token of Vincentians’ V incentians’ gratitude for Taiwan’s Ta aiwan’s assisassistance. Ambassador Weber W eber Shih is also pictured (right).

Right: Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Minister Lin in discussion.

Ministerr Lin and his delegation taking tak king in the busts of the Prime Prime Ministers of SVG, are which ar re displayed in the corridor corrido or that leads to the office off the Prime Minister.

Ministerr.

Minister Lin (centre foreground) f delega ation were given a comprehensive compre ehensive report on the work worrk of the Taiwan Taiwan a Te echnical Mission. and his delegation Technical

Taiwanese TTa a aiw iw wa wanes e Min Minister nist nister ste ter visits visits tss H Ora Or ra an n Hi nge ill FFa a arrm Orange Hill Farm Oran THE TAIWANESE TAIW A WA ANESE TECHNICAL TE ECHNICAL MISSION in Orange Hill played d host to a very imporimportant visit on Saturday y 2nd February.

February y.

The Mission welcomed Young-lo welcom med David Y o oung-lo Lin, Taiwan Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs and of the art facility his delegation to the state s in Orange Hill.

The Minister was apprised firsthand of a the progress made to assist and develop agriculture in SVG. Agro The Orange Hill Ag gro Processing by Laboratory is jointly operated o Taiwan Mission T aiwan Technical Technical e Misssion and Agriculture, the Ministry of Agricu ulture, Forestry and Fisheries Fisherie es with the aim to drive the technote echnological approach to improve im mprove productivity, farm productivity y, thereby the ereby reducing importation of vegetables, fruits and d other products.

The project was first located in Pembroke some s 30 years ago, but because beca ause capacity, of limited capacity y, the the project was moved to Orange Hill, which allows allows for access to greater land la and space.

During the visit, a presenpresenLee tation was made by L ee ChinChinyu, Chief of the Taiwan Taiwa an Technical Technical e Mission. This was was wa as done in language.

Mandarin, Taiwan’s Taiwan’s official o Gustavo Huang, a member of the local Taiwan Mission T aiwan Technical Technical e Mis ssion acting as a translator,, told THE VINCENTIAN the translator V the project and a chief spoke in detail about Mission’ss cooperation the Mission’ coopera ation with farmers and the government. in particular He said the chief pointed p cultivation the success in the cult tivation of pine melons, apples and water mel ons to the extent ons, that these products are arre no longer imported by SVG. training aining local farmers The Mission is also tr reducing the to produce compost, hence h fertilizer.. demand for fertilizer Lee also promised that from 2014, the facility will be starting startin ng a new project in meat and food processing, processsing, to cut down on food imports.

Lee’ss pre presentation, Following Lee’ esentation, the delegation had the opportunity opportunity to

Vegetables V egetables e be being eing grown under controlled controlle ed conditions at Orange Hill.

Hill.

Mission, delivered Left: Lee Chin-yu, Chin n-yu, y Chief of the Taiwan Ta aiwan Technical Technical e delivere ed the presenpresentation in mandarin. mand darin. seek comment or se eek clarification on the subject. The Th he Foreign Affairs Minister enquired enquiired if the products a in demand, and at the facility are encouraged the technical personpersonnel to find out what the Vincenw Vincen i tian market desires. desirres.

The Minister’s Minister ’s Secretary prompromised more technicall personnel from Taiwan T aiwan to evaluate and a provide assisassistance on the farm.

Taiwan Taiwan ambassador to SVG, SVG G, H.E. Weber We eber Shih h declared, “Eventually, “Eventually y, all this would be handed handed over to the farmers,” and and boosted thatt the tissue culture lab, managed managed by the Mission, Mission, is the best in the Caribbean.

Cariibbean.

Following the presentation, the delegaF delegation n was given a tour of the farm, farrm, which includes inclu udes a vegetable seedling nursery, n nursery y, the composting com mposting house, and vegetable vegetab ble crops produced duced under the shade houses. houses. prod

Relocating to Orange Hill has afforded the Mission greater space for propagation, demonstration and cultivation.

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Focus

Action Bequia keeping active Stories by JP SCHWMON ACTION BEQUIA is working hard to “make Bequia better” as they continue efforts to develop the much cherished waterfront spanning Port Elizabeth through to Princess Margaret Beach.

Having recently completed all major rehabilitation work on some 400 feet of the Belmont Walkway, the nonprofit outfit is currently attempting to remove the long time blot on the beachfront and potential health hazard, posed by the stagnated open drain in Port Elizabeth.

An ever present sandbar at the mouth of the drain in question prevents it from being adequately flushed. This is largely due to the fact that the opening of the trench is below sea level. To counter this, Action Bequia would employ a simple plan.

According to this project’s champion Herman Belmar, who is also the Deputy Director for Grenadine Affairs, “we’d be putting in two pumps; one to pump fresh

Sandbar at the end of the drain keeps water trapped, creating a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.

Right: Herman Belmar, Deputy Director for Grenadine Affairs, is spearheading work to do away with the eye sore and health hazard that the drain has become.

Left: Map showing proposed walkway that will end at the Princess Margaret beach.

Richard Roxburgh tells THE VINCENTIAN. To accomplish this, the chosen route “will make on round to Princess water into the drain from further enhance the local the best use of the existing tourism product. Not only Margaret Beach above, and the second to right of way for about 60 and beyond was blocked would more seating be help it over the sandbar meters and after that lower down. When that is installed in Port Elizabeth about four years ago by descend a natural incline the construction of a large to just above sea level. For finished, the topside of the with “a little more space” house right across the being allocated for drain would be covered those who know it, this and we’d landscape over it parking, but hikers on the long established right final section will have the island would soon be able of way. That cannot — for beautification same feel as the very purposes yes, but also as a to access a new route that now be unraveled. popular walk on Mustique is expected to replace one What is done is done. But from Macaroni Beach safeguard to keep people the loss of amenity to both round the headland rocks that was lost due to from falling in and property rights acquisition locals and visitors was injuring themselves.” to the next bay,” Roxburgh significant, and Action some time ago.

Even as the island’s explains.

Bequia is working hard to “Coastal pathways are Music Fest followers soak Drawings for restore the link by taking submission to the an important part of any up all that Bequia has to it round part of the offer this weekend, Action nation’s heritage. The Planning Department headland and beyond,” Bequia is pushing hard to coastal pathway from the Lands and Surveys were current Belmont Walkway CEO of Action Bequia,

prepared by architect Mike Connell, and the structural integrity is being looked after by renowned structural engineer Glenford Stewart.

Although detailed costs have not yet been calculated, early indications are that this extension will cost no more than US$90,000 and hopefully quite a bit less.

Persons wishing to donate to this or any other Action Bequia initiative should visit their website at www.actionbequia.org.

Amanda Gooding: Oozing with maturity THE VINCENTIAN “most people don’t know, but I actually locked myself away in my bedroom for two years just writing songs, but then I realized I had to develop a voice to get my work out, so I did.”

It was the year 2005, and Mystic Roots, a Bequia based band, produced the talent show which ushered her on to the musical scene.

Today, Amanda Gooding has become a staple on the Bequia entertainment circuit.

On Friday nights, she is booked at the Industry’s Sugar Reef; Saturday nights is Coca’s turn, and soon a weekly performance date at Maria’s French Terrace would be announced. She has also been featured on mainland St. Vincent at Flow’s Wine Bar on occasion.

Amanda Gooding is different, Her quest though is unique and heading for the stars. international acclaim, as the sad truth remains: SINGER, SONGWRITER, Vincentians do not yet SAGE. None better describes appreciate the true value of her this “simple island girl” who style of music — which is at best confesses that she is “still on the described as eclectic. path to greatness.”

A release from Carriages Inc., Reflecting on her journey the artiste management thus far, Amanda Gooding tells company responsible for her

exposure, describes her three strongest points as being her flexibility as a songwriter who can also present her wares, her work ethic as well as her style “… little twists that makes her music standout, different, unique.”

Overcoming adversity Remembering the struggles she went through before getting her first album (Life’s Too Short) recorded, Amanda took advantage of this interview to encourage Vincentian studios to invest in locally bred talents.

“Recognize our talent and help them, because the stone that you refuse might just become someone else’s cornerstone!” she said as she recounted how despondent she became after getting turned down by a few local producers and one in Barbados.

“Because my sound was so different, no one really knew what to do with it, but then I met up with an English producer named Mikey Wilkie, who had sailed in from St. Lucia to hear me play. I wrote some lyrics to his lounge music, and in return he invited me to Manhattan to record — six weeks later the album was

completed.,” shares the singer/songwriter who sources close to her say would never be a “Rihanna type of artiste” as her style is more like that of Niel Diamond.

‘Life Too Short’ is available on digital download services and would soon be sold locally at the Music Centre and Basil’s Bar Kingstown and Mustique.

maturity of her lyrics.

To this end, her next major release is expected later this month as she is being featured What’s in store on a single with local acoustic Currently waiting for several reggae sensation Abuzanimah.

The track, entitled ‘In It for The songs she wrote to be “picked up,” the Bequia born songstress Money,’ is just one of the dreams of a future when she can projects in the pipeline as it is to be followed soon by a music “open doors for the younger video. Both artistes are in generations.” preparation for a 2014 Asked whether this might spring/summer tour of Canada turn out to be another empty as efforts to market their music promise like that presented by internationally intensify.

Digicel Rising Star Kyron Meanwhile Gooding is hoping Baptiste, the sobered artiste for some more government replied “… he fell back on his intervention to help boost the word, I don’t know for what local music industry. “I don’t reason and I hope someday he think the Government looks at might redeem himself. I think his intentions were good though, music as in investment in terms of bringing money into SVG. If but I will definitely come back they did, they could probably and scout for other talents!” look at things like providing At 32 years, her passion funds for persons wanting to remains music which lends a invest in music,” Amanda offers. youthful grace to her personality but oozes out in the

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 21.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 23.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

CHAA Holds High Level Seminar HIV Infection in SVG: An HIV and AIDS Situational Assessment’, several segments of our population are exposed to the risk of becoming HIV infected. These groupings include heterosexual youth (boys, girls Participants in the CHAA one-day seminar which examined and young men and women) as HIV Programming for Key Populations at Higher Risk of the findings Infection. “echoes evidence in the Caribbean

by JP SCHWMON which shows that both boys and girls are exposed to sexual intercourse at an early IN TWO YEARS, the Eastern Caribbean stage of their lives”, and men who have Community Action Project II comes to an sex with men (MSMs) as a combination end. When it does most, if not all of, the of social and legal issues (buggery laws) resources currently dedicated to meet the “contribute to MSM remaining a hidden needs of person living with HIV and those population and as such limit their access most at risk for HIV infection would be to prevention, care and treatment as a suspended. The question therefore stands: result of fear and discrimination.”

Is the government willing and able to Additionally the sexual partners of continue the legacy left behind by the persons living with HIV or AIDS, ECCAP II executors, the Caribbean minibus drivers, uniformed personnel, HIV/AIDS Alliance? This was one issue up the fishing community as well as locals for discussion last Monday 4th as the who interact sexually with tourists were Caribbean HIV/AIDS Alliance (CHAA) also identified as being most at risk.The hosted a one-day high level seminar report as discussed at Monday’s round involving various stakeholders in the table detailed some six factors as continued struggle against HIV/AIDS. The barriers to local implementation of HIV conference, themed ‘HIV Programming for prevention and treatment services. They Key Populations at Higher Risk of include faith based organisations’ Infection’, addressed as its primary limited involvement in HIV/AIDS objective, the structural barriers to HIV programming as they are sometimes prevention, treatment, care and support “constrained by religious doctrine with services especially for persons living with respect to HIV/AIDS prevention HIV (PLHIV), and key populations at higher including condom use” as well as risks for HIV infection, namely men who confidentiality issues where care have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers providers are concerned.

(SWs), as they exist here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Targeting Governments In her brief overview of the CHAA ECCAP II, CHAA’s Chief of Party, Dr. The Government is being encouraged Denise Chevannes-Vogel, outlined the to “review, reform and/or develop laws three major objectives of the project that protect vulnerable and which expires in 2015 as being “to marginalised segments of the reduce vulnerability to HIV through population” by passing legislation that access to comprehensive prevention prohibits discrimination on the basis of services while increasing access to sexual orientation and antistigma free prevention treatment and discrimination policies for PLHIV, care services for MARPs and PLHIVs conduct HIV testing campaigns with a and strengthening the capacity and special focus on hard to reach places capability of national partners to ensure such as rural areas and the Grenadines, quality service and improve delivery.” promote the adoption of non-

Report examined A situational assessment of HIV/AIDS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was also made available for the seminar’s participants. This collaborative effort between the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, the University of California, San Francisco and the US Agency for International Development sought “to characterise the community barriers to accessing HIV specific services; to present recommendations for addressing these barriers; to assess how service providers in governmental and non-governmental organisations perceive HIV vulnerabilities and to gather the insights of service providers regarding new and improved services for these population the report’s foreword reveals.

According to the report, dubbed “’Understanding Populations At Risk for

discriminatory workplace policies and practices to maintain PLHIV in employment as well as promote and develop programmes that will enhance economic opportunities for unemployed and low income youth.It was also recommended that the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Secretariat conduct further research to ascertain the most appropriate and feasible interventions to combat stigma and discrimination with the context of our small country, marijuana as an economic driver in the HIV epidemic as well the potential implications of this country’s “mainly high end tourism niche for the spread of the disease.”

Monday’s session was attended by government officials, community and faith based organisations as well as representatives from the local Planned Parenthood Association, Population Services, (PSI) and the National AIDS Secretariat.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 25.

Advice

Tell them to get lost Dear George, IT HAS BEEN WORRIES for me since my man went out to sea on a cruise ship. All of his so called friends came running after me like meat in shark waters. One of them told me that I do not know what my man is doing out there, and he could be with some woman right now, and how I must just “do a thing” with him and nobody has to know.

Every time I turn around, there is a car in my driveway! My neighbours are thinking that I am having affairs with these men, as they

come sometimes at quality hours in the night. I am not with any of them, and I do not wish to be with any of them, and I want them to stop bothering me. I already have a man, and I want it to stay that way.

I am wondering if to tell my boyfriend about them. I do not want him to think I am involved when I am not. I am thinking that telling him would make him suspect that I am with one or all of them, and I am just telling him to throw him off. I really do not know what to do, and it is hurting my brains.

Worrry W. Dear Worry W. Some friends your boyfriend has! You have to be the one to control the traffic in and out of your house. Be upfront and tell these ‘friends’ of your boyfriend that you are disappointed in their behaviour, and do not wish to entertain them in any form at your house.

While you are at it, be sure to let them know that you will have to inform your boyfriend of their actions and intentions. He needs to know who his friends

are. It is always a good thing to be open with your mate. He needs to know that he can trust you to be always open and truthful.

George

A clear case of date rape Dear George, RECENTLY I went out on a date with this guy, and I had the experience of my life! It is a guy I like, and I was even thinking that he is the kind of guy I would like to start something with seriously.

I had asked my girlfriend to accompany me on this outing with this guy. I was having a good time and cannot quite remember how the evening ended. All I knew was I awoke in his apartment on his bed, with no clothes on.

I asked him what had happened, and he said I was drunk and asked him to take me to his house; that I puked on myself and he had to take my clothes off.

I called my girlfriend right away and she said

he put something in my drink when I went to the bathroom, and when she asked him what it was, he said something to lessen the alcohol level in the drink and to give it a great flavor at the same time. She told me that after I drank it, I began to act strangely, and he offered to take me to my house. My girlfriend was shocked to find out that he had taken me to his house instead.

I went to the doctor the next morning and had an examination which confirmed that he had sex with me. I am so shocked and ashamed at the same time. What do I do now? I could be pregnant with this man’s child or worse! I am very angry with him because he raped me, and when I confronted him he told me that I

was hallucinating. What do I do now?

USED Dear USED, You are a victim of date rape, and it should be reported to the police immediately. It would have been prudent for your girlfriend to give you a heads up about him putting something in your drink. If he was so concerned about the alcohol level in your drink, then there are other drinks with lesser or no alcohol, I’m sure.

Get yourself tested for possible STDs along with a pregnancy test so you can know where you stand. I am going to guess that this guy is now history; is he?

George

More than my wife’s best friend Dear George, MY WIFE WALKED in on me having sex with her best friend. No need to tell you that it was the most embarrassing moment of my life. She yanked me from off her and started cursing with her friend, asking her how could she do this to her. They were at each other for longer than I can remember, and left me wondering

what the dickens was going on.

I discovered eventually from the argument that this woman I was in bed with, was actually my wife’s lover. All this time, I thought she was just her best friend. She let me believe that at least.

She was madder at her friend for double-crossing her and sleeping with me than at me for sleeping with her friend. I told her we have to talk, but to this day she has not made herself available for us to talk.

We have been married for just over one year with no children. I am feeling very mixed up at this moment and need some help to sort things out. I love my wife, but I need to clear my head.

Confused Dear Confused, It is good that you recognize the need for help, and you should get professional help as soon as possible.

The issue of infidelity must be put square on the table so as to get to the real reasons for such behaviour. I strongly recommend you seek out Marion House or another agency where this sort of counseling is available.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try not to upset others with your plans.

You’ll find it difficult to control your emotions. Look before you leap. Keep tabs on your spending.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Think about your priorities. First find out if they’re married. You will be up and down emotionally. You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don’t blame others for your own stubbornness. Be up front if you don’t want to be embarrassed. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind. You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your lover.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Someone may be trying to damage your reputation. Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray.

Your partner may blame you for everything. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying. You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Try to calm down emotionally about personal financial matters. Unrealistic promises will only get you in trouble.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Overindulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting.

Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You need an outlet that will not only stimulate you but also challenge your intelligence as well. Talk to others about your plans. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents.

People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be accident prone if you aren’t careful this week. Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable. Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. Don’t take offense at comments made by coworkers.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways.

You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. Focus, and concentrate on yourself and your future.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. You will tend to overeat this week. Get busy. If you’re feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate your motives as well as your needs.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Sudden changes concerning coworkers may surprise you. Don’t point your finger unjustly at others. Make changes regarding your status in society. Don’t be afraid to make a move if you aren’t happy with your emotional situation.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Look into attending seminars that can expand your perception. You may want to get involved in some kind of creative group. Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. You should be able to tie up loose ends this week.

ACROSS 1. Melville captain 5. Domeshaped home 10. Deg. from Wharton 13. Squirrel away 14. Amusing 15. Tug’s sound 16. Native minerals 17. Desert greenery 18. Woody Guthrie’s son 19. Lightning bug 21. Made as profit 23. Alleviates 25. Last but _ least 26. Mild oath 28. Raced 30. Balance 34. Catches perch 36. Afternoon snooze 38. Hep 39. Author Stevenson’s inits.

40. Mythical bird 42. Shrill bark 44. Urge payment 45. Lyric poems 47. Mrs., in Mexico 49. Central Americans 51. Breathes

heavily 53. Gridiron units (abbr.)

55. Pull behind 56. Boy 58. Plow pioneer 60. Pain reliever brand 63. Become sunny again (2 wds.)

67. “What time _?”

(2 wds.)

68. Lassoed 70. Bruised 71. Liars 7. Lead the way 73. Sad notice, for short 74. _ Paulo 75. Become a contestant 76. “Untouchables” hero

(2 wds.)

15. Sailor’s skin marking 20. Pretender 22. Acme 24. _ Marino 26. “Broom _” DOWN 27. Curvy letters 1. _ this date 29. Negative (now, vote 2 wds.)

31. Gandhi’s 2. Mata _ homeland 3. State confi- 32. Bitten by dently a bee 4. Beg 33. Very long 5. Teen’s time periods heroes 34. Lily pad 6. Ashier dweller 7. _ Alamos 35. “Help!”

8. Lena or Ken 37. Knocking9. Announcer around Johnny partner 10. Greater 41. Shout sum 43. Chaplain 11. Intrepid 46.

12. From _ Z Squashing

sounds 48. Find a sum 50. Treachery 52. Cul-de-_ 54. Withdraw 57. Mournful song 59. Church VIP 60. Sailing on the briny 61. Padre’s son

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

62. Proper _ 64. Judge’s garment 65. Writer Leon 66. Teachers’ favorites 67. Proofs of age (abbr.)

69. Orchestra _

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 27.

Business

That whaling issue the depth of its commitment to end whaling and to promote whale watching, shouldn’t the Trust have WE ARE WRITING in response to two done the appropriate and expedient articles “The Wind that Blows” thing and cancel the screening of the (Searchlight, Jan 15th, 2013) and “Film film at its headquarters? And if we about whaling in Bequia debuts in accept the Trust’s anti-whaling Kingstown” (Searchlight, Jan. 29th, position at face value, why didn’t it 2013). The statement attributed to Mr organize a follow up session to air Tom Weston, the film’s director, in the alternative views on the matter? So January 29th issue that “I don’t want this what exactly does all this mean film to be used politically by anybody... ,” within the context of the National comes across as rather preposterous, Trust’s role and its responsibility to given the fact it was made while in the protect and conserve the natural company of politicians. environment and marine species in a Whaling is a political issue of rapidly declining local and planetary International scale, and the Bequia ecology? Only time will tell. The hunt that he is seeking to romanticise Trust’s position on both issues involves the killing of an remains unclear. internationally recognized endangered species -the humpback whale.

Long term impact

SVG’s ‘right’ to hunt

One disturbing factor in this whole issue is the impending road trip of SVG’s permission to hunt under Tom Weston to celebrate the history the International Whaling of the whale hunt. But who will speak Commission Aboriginal Subsistence for the whales? Who will challenge Whaling (IWCASW) regulations comes the continuation of an industry that with a set of rules and guidelines that is not only unsound economically and this nation has not always observed ecologically, and very questionably as (see Humpback Whaling in Bequia, St. an important component of our Vincent and the Grenadines, 2012). In nutritionally needs? The notion too that it is important to our food fact, descriptions of the hunting security, as suggested by some local techniques employed can probably be officials and the OECS Maritime more closely associated with the Consultant, is a myth. But whale contemporary meanings of the word hunting challenges the integrity and ‘savage’. Such an association with one’s heritage and culture, considering viability of the tourism industry in the Grenadines. Today’s tourists are the present ecological condition of the more environmentally conscious than planet and our contribution to it, is our officials are willing to concede, very troubling. and Weston’s glorification of the SVG’s Commissioner must present quota requests to the IWC where other hunt-historically framed or not, may prove to be an unanticipated obstacle nations would evaluate that request to the further development of this .We can remove SVG from the IWC, industry. but at what cost? No, whaling is an Finally, while one can lament the international issue, especially when absence of any convenient history of our technical assistance from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines or Japanese depends heavily on our Bequia, it is absolutely misleading to support at the IWC for the so-called suggest that we have “so little Japanese Scientific whaling. Moreover, evidence of our past” .While the the IWC is deeply divided between archaeological past may be sketchy anti-whaling and pro-whaling because we have never seen the supporters, of which some of the latter necessity to train archaeologists or are land locked countries! seen the usefulness of the field to document our pre-literate past, there National Trust in the mix are vast records in the archives of Britain and France, in academic While the National Trust’s theses and dissertations, in our Chairman, Louise Mitchell-Joseph, government records (though usually attempted to distance herself (and the not available to the public), and in Trust) from the film by reiterating the specialized journal literature and Trust’s anti-whaling position, and monographs. And, these written indicated that the film was being sources can be augmented by the rich but untapped oral sources in SVG. entertained mainly as a historical Our book shelves may be sparse, but piece, the film was definitely a celebration of the whale hunt, and has the documentation is available. Yes, Mitchell-Joseph, we have ample helped to solidify the position of the evidence of our past. local pro-whaling lobby and the Bequia whalers.

Friends of the Tobago Cays If the Trust wanted to demonstrate

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28. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

LIME acknowledges ÂSafer Internet DayÊ TELECOMS COMPANY LIME observed Safer Internet Day (SID) on Tuesday to bring attention to the issues related to online use and safety for children and young people.

Safer Internet Day is organised each year to promote responsible use of online technologies and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.

The company pointed out that observing SID is another 'Glocal' initiative where a global initiative is leveraged in the local communities of St. Vincent.

“We are quickly becoming enveloped

in a technology revolution that pays no homage to age or sex. This is great for the development of our people, but can have an unwelcomed effect on our youths if left without proper guidance and supervision,” states Nikala Williams, Marketing Lead at LIME. LIME has partnered with F-Secure — a global leader in providing internet security — to provide its customers with a Security Suite package. This service includes, but is not limited to, features such as limitations on the number of hours children can browse and which sites they can visit, along with anti-virus protection (Parental

Control).

The company explained that this Security Suite also offers online protection and virtual secure back up, including complete protection against viruses and spyware to prevent hacker attacks. Also available is an easy-to-use, fully automated, secure and unlimited Internet based online Back-up, and restore solution to protect ones data from accidental deletion or hardware failure.

“LIME Security Suite offers its

High Speed Internet customers the ability to protect their children, business and themselves from unwanted attacks or mishaps while they enjoy the wonderful opportunities on the World Wide Web for one low price,” concluded Nikala.

$10,000 in prizes to be won in Karib Cable Campaign IT WAS AN ELECTRIFYING moment at Karib Cable front office as the fastest growing telecommunications company in the Caribbean unveiled its first promotion for 2013 called “Pay and Win.”

Sales and Marketing Manager, Elroy Edwards introduced the offers of the “Pay and Win” campaign to the public on Monday, 21st January 2013. He emphasized that there is no better time to be a Karib Cable

customer and to bring your account up to date than now. Customers will get the opportunity to win $10,000 in prizes by just paying their bill and bringing their account up to date. Over the three months duration of the

promotion, customers will get an opportunity to win weekly prizes including Richardson Motors gas vouchers, Subway meal vouchers, KFC meal vouchers, C.K Greaves and Bonadie Supermarkets vouchers, Oasis Pay and Win winners Roslyn Frederick (left), Melbourne Spa Wellness May (2nd from left) and Cannon Ollivierre (right) with Centre vouchers Vance Garraway, Marketing Executive of Karib Cable. plus a chance to win the grand offers during the course advance payment. prizes of $1000, $500 and “Customers will receive of the campaign where $250. customers will get a an entry to our prize In highlighting the double entry to the prize draws for each month of promotion, he said that draws. Customer will be arrears that is cleared. 'it's an ultimate payment For example if a customer informed of the days deal, and this promotion when such offer will be owes for three months is all about giving value available. and they bring their to our customers for the Along with Mr. account to current, they New Year. The aim of the will receive three entry Edwards was Marketing promotion is geared Executive, Mr. Vance forms. If a customer’s towards rewarding our account is up to date but Garraway who said “We valued customers for makes a prepayment, he are pleased to launch updating their account.” or she becomes eligible to such a fantastic In explaining the promotion that will give enter the draw as well. mechanics of the our customers For example, if a promotion, Mr. Edwards customer pays 6 months opportunities to win great said that customers will prizes. Karib Cable is in advance, he or she qualify or become eligible would receive 6 entry about value, and we are for the promotion by proud to kick off the New forms.” bringing their account up Mr. Edwards also said Year with such a to date or by making an that there will be periodic promotion.” (Contributed)

Fine Things Winner The Fine Things Christmas Promotion ran from the 1st December 2012 to the 31st of January 2013.

The Grand Prize, was a $500.00 Room Make Over, complements of Fine Things. If you shopped for that period and entered your name, you would have been eligible to win.

On the 31st Jan 2013, One Fine Customer, Erlene Richardson, won the grand prize.

V Winston Cozier: Touching Lives

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 29.

Tributes

told THE VINCENTIAN. Winston’s nephew, Roddy, THE LATE WINSTON ‘Papa’ described his uncle as an Crozier is considered by his innovator of exceptional family and close friends to have quality. been an exceptional human “He (Winston) had the being, who touched the lives of ability to look at a problem many Vincentians. and come up with a solution The automobile mechanic that would not be the extraordinaire and standard solution. It would be outstanding son of the soil, more creative. He fixed died from a heart attack everything. A part is broken, January 29, and was laid to and he would make that part,” rest last Tuesday following in Roddy explained. his native Georgetown, after a He added, “He had the service at the Georgetown ability to listen to children, Catholic Church. He was 72. and understand what they Although Winston had were trying to do, and impart specialized as an automobile knowledge on them. We were mechanic and welder, he had blessed to have ‘Papa’ in our the ability to repair just about family.” anything, and even made his Winston had owned and own parts. He was regarded as operated a mechanical garage “a Jack of all trades.” at the original family home in ‘Papa’, as he was Middle Street, Georgetown. affectionately known, would be He also worked as a mechanic called out of his (original) on the Orange Hill Estate for home at Georgetown at any several years. On leaving hour, even after he had retired Orange Hill, he was employed to bed, to assist people near with the Bimini boat company and far. His sister Beverly as a ‘servicer’. described him as a people’s Always on the hunt for new person. challenges, he opened a fruit “If anyone got stuck in the processing plant at Montague, Rabacca River, is ‘Papa’ they Georgetown, producing calling. If anyone got lost in various local juices and other the Soufriere mountains, is by-products.

‘Papa’ they calling,” Beverly Mae Mae, Winston’s wife,

By Haydn Huggins

was resting when THE VINCENTIAN visited the home of the immediate family at Brighton on Monday; but according to his daughter Kim, “The processing factory that we had, he (Winston) made every piece of machinery in it.

There was nothing that he could not make.”

Kim would always remember her father as a very loving and humble person, one who possessed outstanding spiritual and family values.

“I never saw him angry.

Some years ago, a crazy man came up to him and boxed him, and he (Winston) just shook it off and moved on.

“His family was the most important thing to him, and he always believed that the family who prays together, stays together. If I had a problem, I could sit and talk to him about it,” Kim said and sighed, “Everybody would miss him. Everybody loved him.”

Kim is the second of Winston’s two children. His son, Tony, died in Canada a few years ago.

And there was still more to this stalwart. Winston impacted positively on the local musical landscape in the late 1950s and early 60s, when

Winston ‘Papa’ Cozier belonged to a generation that made manifest the ingenuity of Vincentians. he played cello base guitar for the band ‘Dulci-Meloes’, which was comprised primarily of the Crozier brothers.

The band practised at the original family home in Georgetown, played for dances, and a CD was recently produced featuring one of the band’s original compositions.

Winston’s brother John,

who led the band, said it was one of the few musical bands to have existed at the time.

Among the others was the ‘Blue Rhythm Orchestra’.

Christopher Keating, a friend, characterized Winston this way: “ ‘Papa’ loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his children, he loved his country, and he loved God.”

Vincent ÂVinÊ Peters: Gone but not forgotten

Notre Dame football team circa 1964 (L:R) Sam De Bique, David Hodge, Norbert Hall, Tyrone Sam, Leslie Ollivierre, Fred Trimmingham, Douglas Doyle, Vincent Peters, Rudy Boucher, Douglas Cambridge, Jeff Bailey.

By Patmos Richards the national football team on several occasions. And VINCENT ‘VIN’ though Vin was one of the PETERS, a man of two (the other being football fame in the Tyrone ‘Tie_E’ Sam) not to 1960s, had a moving have worn the national funeral service at the colours, he was an Kingstown Methodist essential cog in the well Church on last oiled Notre Dame Wednesday 30th machine; his role as a left January. The sided defence player was occasioned was as significant to the Notre especially moving, Dames overall success as given the Eulogy that of any of the other delivered by Julian players.

Small.

Manning Jackson, a Peters played former national cricketer football for one of who also dabbled in St. Vincent’s iconic football, remembers a clubs, Nore Dame, certain feat by Peters. which some still According to Jackson, believe was Peters was the first player arguably the best he (Jackson) witnessed to football outfit to have swerved a ‘shot’ have campaigned (moving from one direction here in the 1960s. to the other) with his In fact, nine of the lethal left foot, and beat a players in the helpless goalkeeper. photograph Vin, as he was accompanying this affectionately called, was a article represented remarkable footballer, an

icon in his own right.

The Notre Dame Football team of 1964, of which Peters was an essential cog, humiliated many local ( including arch rivals Geest Stars, Honveds) and visiting football teams at Victoria Park, and many considered that team to be the epitome of football finesse in SVG. Vincent ‘Vin’ Peters’ legacy as a remarkable footballer and a competitive soft ball cricketer will be remembered by his contemporaries and those who came to know him long after his football playing days were over.

His sibling, Winston, kept the name Peters among the ranks of the Notre Dames team for a time after the elder Vin had retired.

And for those who knew Peters off-field, he is remembered as a humble and very sociable individual.

Vincent ‘Vin; Peters delighted football fans of the 1960s with his exceptional skill and if for only that he is remembered, he is deserving of that memory.

30. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 31.

Union Island wins at the buzzer THE GAME CLOCK was stopped with six seconds remaining in the last quarter; the Union Island Secondary School’s (UISS) Joul Mills was at the free throw line, aware that his team’s destiny rested in his hands as they were trailing the Bequia Community High (BCHS), 68-69.

Mills made the first free throw, held his breath, then successfully converted the second to push the score to 70-69 in his school’s favour.

Time was on the side of the students from the Southern Grenadines institution; the BCHS simply did not have enough time to unleash a final shot, leaving the UISS band of supporters to take over the Lindesha Lewis – the most improved court in celebration.

That was the last heart—throbbing female player. moments of the male division finals of the Secondary Schools’ Basketball competition, played last Sunday night, at the New Montrose basketball facility.

In a match that ebbed and flowed, UISS charged out in the first quarter to lead 22-19.

BCHS regrouped in the second quarter to level at the half way mark at 37 apiece.

The scores were once again even, 57 — 57, at the end of the third quarter. Thereafter, the drama of the last ten minutes, and moreso the last six seconds, unfolded before the eyes of the approximately 200 spectators.

Nimroy Laborde was the UISS’ tops scorer with 16 points, with BCHS’ Xavaughn Dennie also hitting 16.

UISS played unbeaten in the competition, and even set a record, when they annihilated the Buccament Bay Secondary School made Thomas Saunders Secondary 210light work of their opponents on the way 9. to claiming the female title.- BBSS

Union Island Secondary School clinched the male division title in the dying seconds of their encounter with Bequia.

Right: Xavaughn Dennie - top scorer in the male division.

In the semi finals, UISS beat the Petit Bordel Secondary 101-72, while the BCHS defeated the George Stephens Secondary 60-49.

BBSS wins Female Division

Awards

The Buccament Bay Secondary School (BBSS) claimed the female division with an easy 77-37 thumping of the Bishop’s College Kingstown.

It was the Kingstown school which came out blazing in the first 10 minutes of the match, but faded away.

Brean Gloster recorded 49 points to lead her team to the title.

The topscorer for the Bishop’s College Kingstown was Danielle Patterson with 20 points.

The Buccament Bay Secondary, which last November won the senior schools’ netball title, booked their spot in the finals with a 72 — 10 whipping of the George Stephens Secondary.

Bishop’s College slipped past the Petit Bordel Secondary School 67-63 in the other semi finals.

Taking the Player of the Final in the male division was the UISS’ Dario Glasgow. Glasgow was also his team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Naomi Williams of the BBSS was the choice in the female final. Williams also took her school’s MVP award.

Brean Gloster of the BBSS scored the most points in the female division, and Xavaughn Dennie of the BCHS was the lead scorer in the male division.

Tarique Ollivierre of the UISS scored the most three points and Lindesha Lewis of the BBSS was adjudged the most improved female.

The George Stephens Secondary won the third place in both the male and female divisions, as the Petit Bordel Secondary did not show up for the matches.

Joseph renews call for a national stadium

Keith Joseph, President of TASCG, delivering the feature address at last Sunday’s TASCG awards ceremony.

PRESIDENT OF TEAM ATHLETICS SVG (TASVG), Keith Joseph has reverberated the call for St Vincent and the Grenadines to have a national stadium.

He made the call at Frenches House at last Saturday’s 2012 awards ceremony of TASVG, at which he delivered the feature address in which he looked at “Facing up to the Challenges of Sport’.

“We need a national stadium in this country,” Joseph echoed.

His call drew applause of approval from those who were present. “ Squash has a home, cricket has a home, tennis has a home, swimming has a piece of a home, football has a goal project that allows them to have an administrative centre and an attendant field for practice, but the rest of us? We don’t have anything, but we have to survive, and we have been surviving. But that does not prevent us from continuing to raise the

demand for a home,” Joseph declared.

Joseph, while accepting the improvements done to the Arnos Vale One playing field surfaces, said that it was counterproductive to athletics. “ Those who use the Arnos Vale surface know that, since we prepared for the Cricket World Cup in 2007, it is more sand than dirt, and sprinters in particular have a tremendously difficult time doing fast times on

that surface . It is as if you are forever doing beach training,” Joseph stated.

Joseph said despite the challenges, local track coaches have been endeavouring to get their charges to perform faster times.

Joseph’s plea for a national stadium, which will ensure that track and field is held in all weather conditions, has also been echoed by many other sports administrators

here.

For years now, the current Unity Labour Party administration has promised St Vincent and the Grenadines a national stadium at the Diamond industrial estate.

However, this promise has not gone past the ground breaking, the setting up of a national stadium committee, publishing of designs, and talk of it being on the front burner, then on back burner and vice versa.

V

32. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

New Cricket SeasonÊs Great Expectations are expected to be closely followed, added attention will be paid to the action THE 2013 DOMESTIC at the Sion Hill Playing CRICKET SEASON GETS Field, as players and UNDERWAY this weekend administrators seek to with a revised bonus assess the state of the system, the Sion Hill pitch and the outfield.

Playing Field returning to Reports say that, prior the picture after a four to the 2007 Cricket year break for various bits World Cup, the Sion Hill of “restorative work” ,and pitch was rated one of players looking for an the best in the region, increase in prize monies. coming in for high The action will feature praises from defending Premier international teams, and champions, Rivals being the scene of the against the newly highest team total in promoted Victors TWO domestic cricket - 549 by at Arnos Vale TWO, and Police TWO in 2006.

2012 runners up Victors However, the decision by ONE meeting News the Local Organising Spartans at the Sion Hill Committee (LOC) to Playing Field. “wake up” the square, While both matches resulted in the surface

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

changing its character, going from one of true bounce to a “pro-bowler roller”.

According to the reports, testament of the changing nature of the wicket came in the senior Windwards tournament played soon after the work on the pitch, which saw two-day matches being completed in one and a half days and in some instances, two innings being completed by tea on the first day.

SVG Cricket Association officials and their counterparts at the National Sport Council (NSC) have both expressed cautious optimism that players will be presented with a

much better surface; one that will provide ‘something” for both batters and bowlers.

In addition to the revised bonus points system and the reactivation of the Sion Hill Playing Field as a venue, the Association will be introducing a playoff format involving the two top teams from the Premier Division and those from the First Division at the end of those competitions in a top four play -off.

A release from the Association said this segment of the competition will be launched following the conclusion of the regional matches to be held here

later this month.

Reports say that teams at the last AGM raised concerns that prize monies have remained rooted for the last two decades, with what is said to be an anomaly of winnings being less than their registration fees.

Eight teams will take part in both the Premier Umpires will lead the players on and First to the field to signify the start of Divisions with the local cricket season.

Police being relegated to the Umpires will lead First Division and players onto the field Victors TWO gaining from 1.30pm Saturday promotion to the Premier with matches continuing Division. from 10am Sunday.

Young athletes stand out at TASVG awards stealing the show, for the second year running.

Topping the list was the teenaged Brandon Parris who was named the overall Athlete of the Year.

Parris was also named Junior Male Athlete of the Year, with Nicky Ann Stephens- the Junior Female of the Year.

Stephens took the top pick of Athlete of the Year for 2011.

The Senior Male Athlete was Courtney Williams and the Senior Female- Kineke Alexander.

Both Williams and Alexander were this country’s representatives at Brandon Parris – Athlete of the the 2012 London Olympics.

Year Shaffiqua Maloney was adjudged the Most Promising THE 2012 AWARDS CEREMONY Athlete, with the Talent FOR TEAM ATHLETICS, held last Identification Athlete of the Saturday afternoon at Frenches Year accolade going to Kerina Hooper.

House, saw the youth athletes Like Stephens, Maloney and

Hooper are students of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School. The three were the divisional champions, Stephens senior, Hooper intermediate and Maloney junior, at the 2012 Inter Secondary Schools’ track and field meet, and helped their school take the girls’ division.

Taking the Volunteer of the Year was Genita Lewis, the Technical Official of the Year Kelvin Yorke and Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre, Coach of the Year.

The last proved to be the most contentious among the awards.

X- Cel Sports club secured the Club of the Year title for another year.

Awards were also presented to the top places in the competitions hosted by TASVG: X- Ceed Sports club won the Mustique Company national club championships for the fifth straight year; The

(L-R): Kerina Hooper, Nicky Ann Stephens, and Shaffiqua Maloney , all of TSSS, were also award winners.

Girls’ High School - the overall relay classics title, with X- Cel topping among the clubs; St Vincent Grammar School the boys’ division of the teams’ competition; the West St George/ Great head- the female category; and the Du Bois Government School the Kids In Athletics title.

Last Saturday’s ceremony heard remarks from TASVG’s games secretary, Rawlson

Morgan, who overviewed the events for 2012.

Also speaking were President of the National Olympic Committee, Trevor Bailey and Chair of the awards selection committee, Rohan Thomas.

The featured speaker was president of TASVG, Keith Joseph, who spoke on the topic: “Facing up to the challenges of sports’.

Mixed results for SVG boxers in T&T A FOUR (4) MEMBER BOXING TEAM OF THE SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Amateur Boxing Association (SVGABA) returned to the state on February 4, 2013, after competing in the Trinidad and Tobago Association’s National Championships.

The team had mixed fortunes, winning one (1) and losing two (2) of their three (3) fights.

In the 60 kg Lightweight division, Conrick Richardson narrowly lost on Judges Decision to Kevin Coker of Trinidad after both fighters had

four points at the end of the last round.

The team’s other loss came when 57 kg Junior Featherweight boxer, novice Emron Tittle, lost to Malcolm Benjamin also of Trinidad on a split decision.

The team’s lone victory came when 91+ kg Super Heavyweight Kemron Beache defeated Jemeil Guevera also of Trinidad and Tobago.

Coach Cavanaugh Gumbs accompanied the team to Trinidad.

Above: (L-R) Conrick Richardson, Cavanaugh Gumbs (coach) and Emron Tittle were pleased with their efforts in Trinidad and Tobago.

Left : Kemron Beache, Super Heavyweight, proudly displaying his winner’s trophy.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 33.

Sports

Ball mystics The Burkino Faso-Nigeria clash in Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final is an indication of the changing face of the football landscape.

Burkino Faso comes as the surprise package.

Even though Nigeria has shown its quality before, there was the suspicion that they were not up to scratch in the earlier part of the tournament.

They seemed to have peaked when it mattered and their elimination of pre-tournament favourites Ivory Coast has given them a boost.

Football games are not left up to speculation or determined off the field. Though, admittedly, that might be possible, given the extent to which some networks have extended their arm of influence.

Even beyond the criminal element, questions are natural as to the level of the officiating in some matches during this tournament.

Some persons think that Ghana benefitted from some generous refereeing decisions. Fate would have it that justice prevailed, and Burkino Faso having equalized, following a dubious Ghanaian penalty, secured the final berth when Ghana misfired when they needed not to.

Burkino Faso advanced from the semifinal with a hard fought win over Togo.

Ghana ended Cape Verde’s fairytale passage.

But the ‘Islanders’ as they are called, have nothing to be ashamed of.

Mali itself created a shock when they eliminated hosts South Africa. Mali and Ghana will meet in the 3rd place playoffs.

There might be some sort of anticlimax, with the home fans having to throw their support one way or the other in Sunday’s final.

Africa is never short of atmosphere, and South African demonstrated that during the last World Cup.

Ode for Sarwan It is a pity that West Indies cricket fans have to encounter another series of dismal performances from their team.

It was optimistic to have expected Ramnaresh Sarwan to come good in Australia. Everyone respects his credentials as a batsman. He has proven his worth over his career. But he was not ready for a tour to Australia.

Sarwan underwent some mental upheaval and even though he returned to the Guyanese fold, he had not gone through a sufficient rehabilitation process to tackle international cricket, at least in Australia.

Sarwan is vulnerable to fast bowling.

Perhaps the selectors might have opted to throw him to the wolves and get some vindication for the payment the West Indies Board had to extend to him.

It may well be that Sarwan has ruined his chances of a prolonged return to the squad. It is a pity that he did not show the resilience that Marlon Samuel produced. But he probably has time.

What is becoming obvious is that quality batsmen are needed. Perhaps the availability of protective gear is so widespread, batsmen have lost the survival technique that men like Roy Fredericks and Viv Richards demonstrated.

And T/20 and 50 overs matches do not necessarily mean that one has to slog at everything. Players can use authentic shots and rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Also, the thought process seems to have evaded today’s crop. No one is intent on building an innings. Can you imagine an international outfit being dismissed in fewer than 20 overs even in a T/20, far more a 50-over affair?

There is a dearth of quality batsmen. Regional coaches have a task on their hands to inject a new outlook on the next generation of West Indian cricketers.

German football coach to assist Community

YOUTH FOOTBALLERS in Rose Hall and those covered by the Kenville Horne Sports Academy, are looking forward enthusiastically to benefiting from a six-month attachment of a German Club player and coach, , Elias Johannes Strater.

Strater, who has played in the Bundesliga, Germany’s professional football league, is cureently campaigning with a 4th division team Hombracher SV. He has played youth football with Elias Johannes Strater leads his newly acquired cares in a warm-up run.

Dortmund City largest sports club ,SG Wattenscheid 09, hoped to focus, inter alia, on However, that did not prevent and Eintracht Dortmund, the city’s the ball from rolling last Sunday technical improvement and team second best club . building. when a training session was held His visit was made possible by Kenville Horne said he was with the youth footballers. At the Rural Development/Technical delighted to welcome Strater. He end of a 45-minute session, the Specialist Joylyn Lampkin and her young men were all enthusiastic explained that “in SVG, coaches husband, Lennox Lampkin, sacrifice their time to make a and refreshed.

President of Enterprise SVG Inc, on Strater told THE VINCENTIAN difference in the players’ life; so to whose farm Strater would be have a professional assisting us is that he was happy to have the studying Agriculture. overwhelming.” opportunity to coach the He hopes to pursue studies in He encouraged the youths to youngsters, stating that even this field, along with sports though he did not understand every show respect to Strater. “This is management, at a University in an important moment for us and word that they were saying, he Germany when he returns.

SVG,” said Horne. could tell that they enjoyed Strater has already begun The German footballer is also themselves. working with Kenville Horne to set expected to conduct coaching He thanked the Lampkins and in motion youth soccer training and Horne for the chance to assist the sessions with other youth physical education sessions community, and pointed out that he programes in SVG. practices in the community.

Rugby players clean up THE SVG NATIONAL Rugby Club continues to make a meaningful contribution to the state over and above its representation on the field of play.

The Club’s latest community outreach endeavour saw its members taking to cleaning the “White Sand’ beach, last Saturday, February 2.

The beach, located at Nanton/Johnson Point, and its immediate surroundings, had become a dumping ground for garbage over a period of months.

The abandoned, incomplete hotel and overgrown bushes and trees made for a ‘safe zone’ for discarding garbage, especially by the many persons who frequent the beach.

With no solid waste assigned personnel to this area, the cleaning was left to the goodwill of residents of the area and concerned citizens before the Rugby Club took it upon itself to approach the issue in an organized manner.

Last Saturday, the Club members collected 41 bags of garbage from the beach and its surroundings, and

also raked the entire beach.

Among the persons and business entities who provided support for the Rugby Club’s beach clean-up were: Victor & Tessa Hadley, Members of the SVG Rugby Club clean up team.

Adolph Veira, Margaret Ferrari, Sustaining Our Future) & well as to begin a Lindsay Ferrari, Leda programme to assist the White Sands Inc. Rezende, Bert Williams, A Club official assured less fortunate.

Off The Grid Media that there are plans to (Preserving Our Heritage, conduct more clean-ups as I.B.A.ALLEN

Orange Hill takes OSCO tape ball title team. But Orange Hill proved too much for Westside, as they were eventually ORANGE HILL All stars defeated Sandy skittled out for 184 all out from 19.4 Bay Westside by 22 runs to take the overs. Former Windward Islands leg Owia Sports and Cultural Organization spinner, Olanzo Jackson, took 2 wickets (OSCO) Tape Ball Championship for 38 runs, to top the bowling for Trophy, last Sunday.

Orange Hill.

Westside must have felt they made The OSCO was formed on the 25th, the wrong decision when they won the March 2012, with the objective of toss and elected to field, as they were organizing sporting and cultural hammered all over the Owia playing activities, to unify the Community of field. Denson Greaves led the scoring for Owia. Since then, the group has: staged Orange Hill with a respectable 41 runs, a massive community clean up; supported by Ozni Billinngy’s 34 runs. organized Carnival in Owia; fielded a Denson Hoyte and Shanley Lavia , 2 for team in the National Lotteries Authority 41 and 3 for 37 , respectively, were the 20/20 cricket tournament; fielded a leading bowlers for West side. At the end football team which made it to the finals of the allotted 20 overs, Orange Hill of the North Windward Football League. amassed a total of 206 for 6.

OSCO will also be hosting a cancer In their reply, West Side seemed forum on the 30th of March as part of intent on achieving the runs. Shem their first anniversary celebrations. It Laborde’s brilliant knock of 65 runs will also host carnival in Owia in 2013. produced a glimmer of hope for the

by KENVILLE HORNE

34. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013. 35.

Classifieds FOR SALE

FOR SALE

40,000 Sq. Ft of land at Villa overlooking Young Island

Small pigs Tel: 529-8110

Tel: 493-9022 SAGICOR LIFE INC.

“PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential Property located at Glen, lot number 5 occupied by two (2) buildings 985 and 274 Sq. Ft with land being in extent of Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty Eight (3,948) SQ FT. Contact: 532-9618/4524110”

Laurel Davis of Brooklyn, New York having made sworn deposition that Policy No C115467 issued or assumed

by Life of Barbados Limited prior to its amalgamation with Sagicor Life Inc. on the life of Vibert Dublin has been lost, and having made application to the Directors to grant a duplicate of the same, notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised within one month of the date hereof, the duplicate policy will be issued.

Dated February 6, 2013

By Order Sandra Osborne Corporate Secretary

PROPERTY FOR SALE One concrete house situated at Indian Bay, on the main road, the second house on the right after the Villa Lodge gap, travelling out of the city. Property overlooks the coastline. Two storey building - three bedrooms, two bathrooms, maid’s quarters. Situated on 6840 sq. ft. of land, 75 yards from the beach. Available for immediate occupancy.

Contact: 456-1767

REUBEN THOMAS 28 August 1940 22 January 2013 Calder Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday 3rd February, 2013 2:00 p.m.

BARBARA ELIZABETH VICTORY-PROVIDENCE 9th April, 1946 - 23rd January 2013 Monday 4th February, 2013 At 2:00 p.m.

Calliaqua Methodist Church

WINSTON “PAPA” CROZIER

FREDERICK ‘TABBY’ TANNIS

15th August 1940 - 29th January 2013

Sunrise: 9th Dec, 1947 27th Jan, 2013

St. Benedicts R.C. Church Georgetown Tuesday 5th February, 2013 2: p.m.

Kingstown Baptist Church Friday 1st February, 2013 3:00 p.m.

AMY ‘MAMA’ BIBBY 22nd July 1923 29th January 2013

ALEXANDER NAAMAN KNIGHTS

St. John’s Anglican Church Belair Monday 4th February, 2013 3:00 P.M.

5th July 1928 29th January 2013 Green Hill Evangelical Church Monday 4th February, 2013 3:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Luke Browne, an Economist in the Ministry of Finance, first broached the issue of shortcomings at the Build and Loan Association in a submission to THE VINCENTIAN.

VOLUME 107, No.6

and Loan Association has been placed under the control of the Financial A LETTER IN THE Services Authority (FSA).

VINCENTIAN NEWSPAPER Eleanor Astaphan, Deputy OF JANUARY 18, 2013 Director of the FSA, directed WRITTEN BY LUKE BROWNE THE VINCENTIAN to releases HAS TRIGGERED a rapid from the FSA when she was chain of responses.Browne contacted at the Building raised a number of areas and Loan Office in surrounding the operations Kingstown last Tuesday. She of the St. Vincent Building was reluctant to speak to and Loan Association, and THE VINCENTIAN, and she two weeks after that seemed dismissive of media publication, the Building incursion on the Building

Fort Charlotte 4 bedrm Property on 13,180 sq.ft.

- $600,000.00 - H893 Prospect 5 bedrm Property on 10,000 sq.ft.

- $640,000.00 - H901 Mount Pleasant 9 bedrm Property on 8,038 sq.ft.

- Open to offers - H979 Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com

www.thevincentian.com

BROWNEÊS LETTER TRIGGERS REACTION

report that “half of the Association’s loan portfolio Browne’s treatise remains overdue, and that Building and Loan has Browne pointed out in significant exposure to his original submission on CLICO and British the issue, that “the American Insurance International Monetary Company debacles.”

Fund (IMF) expressed Browne launched into a concern about governance bombardment of the and financial problems at Association, and chastised the St. Vincent and Loan the institution for failing Association in the 2012 to submit its 2011 Article IV consultation financial statements to the report.” regulators.

Browne quoted from the Browne, who contested the 2010 general elections when he tried to unseat Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace in the East Kingstown constituency, described the Building and Loan Association as being “governed by the outdated Building Societies Act of 1941,” and accused it of being “plagued by business and record keeping practices from the Flintstone age.”

Browne called on the Financial Services and Loan compound.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

A.I. REAL ESTATE

The headquarters of the Building and Loan Association strkes an impacting architectural presence in capital Kingstown.

Inset: There appeared to be some semblance of ‘normalcy’ at the Building and Loan Association.

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

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remains a viable and sustainable indigenous financial institution serving the needs of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the FSA said in a statement issued on February 1.

The FSA recognised The FSA responds with that the “Building and action Loan Association has been the pride of the Vincentian Reaction to Browne’s community as an iconic letter was swift, for by indigenous financial February 1, the FSA had institution for more than indeed swooped down on seven decades. The FSA the institution. assures the public that the According to the FSA authority has committed release, the “action has all available resources and become necessary for the efforts to safeguard the purpose of protecting the Association’s financial interest of shareholders, stability and future members and depositors, sustainable growth. The as well as the public and FSA anticipates the for ensuring that the understanding and association remains cooperation of all members financially sound.” of the community. As a Staff at the FSA work in progress, it shall provided an email address continue to inform the if THE VINCENTIAN public accordingly,” the wished any information on released added. the developments. “We The Building and Loan remain confident Association’s headquarters that with the joint located near to the House and coordinated of assembly Building in efforts of the FSA Kingstown, has become and the the focus of attention since Association, we Browne’s letter. There has can successfully been widespread debate accomplish a since Browne’s letter and programme of the subsequent FSA corrective action intervention. Unconfirmed and strengthening reports indicate that some to ensure that St. depositors with the Vincent and the Association have been Grenadines making efforts to Building and Loan withdraw their savings.

Association Authority to intervene “to protect investors.”

Browne referred to “two directors who set up a private company to which millions of dollars worth of Building and Loan assets are transferred.”

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