The Vincentian E-Newspaper 15-02-13

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 15, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.7

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

ÂNO PRIOR NOTICE TO FAMILY MEMBERS,Ê SAYS PM Above: The Building and Loan Association headquarters was abuzz with activity over the last three weeks or so.

Right: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves warned the Opposition to keep his family’s name out of their ‘nastiness’.

Gov’t to B&L’s rescue

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES is adamant that he did not tell his mother or any other members of his family

about the situation in which the Building and Loan Association had found itself.

That institution, established in 1941, has become the subject of national attention,

especially over the last three weeks.

The bubble burst following a letter by Luke Browne in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, January 18, 2013.

Two weeks later, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) took over management of the operations at the Association.

In between those times, the main office of the Building and

Loan Association, situated in the heart of capital city Kingstown, had become a hive of activity.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Young man missing at sea Romal McMaster was known to be a capable seaman.

ROMAL MCMASTER of Barrouallie has been missing at sea since Thursday 31st January, 2013.

When his mother, Karen McMaster, visited with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday of this week, accompanied by her close

friend Phyllis Aberdeen, she might have disguised any glimmer of hope she had that she would see her twenty-year-old son again, but more concertedly she appeared to have resigned herself to believing, in her own words, that, “No love

lasts.”

Romal, one of four siblings, along with an adopted brother, had left that Thursday on a trip by boat to Union Island at least that was where he told his younger brother he was heading, according to Mrs. McMaster.

He and another young man had left the Boat Yard sometime after noon, in a boat named ‘Milo’.

He had spent the morning assisting his father with repair work to one of the familyowned boats. His family is well schooled in the boating business and operates fishing and tour services.

On that fateful day, during the time he was assisting his father, the report is that he was visited by a friend. He left with that friend.

Soon, he and another were headed out to sea, in the ‘Milo’, owned by the friend who had visited him earlier that day.

The seafaring person that he was, there was no question about his ability to make the return trip safely.

Frightening development Events turned amiss when, at around 8:00 pm that said day, Romal’s friend and owner of the ‘Milo’ turned up at the McMaster’s home to report that, “Romal in trouble.”

Apparently this friend had been in contact with Romal during the course of his journey, and at one point Romal communicated that the “boat was bursting and taking in water,” Mrs. McMaster told THE VINCENTIAN. The friend, during his contact with Romal, had reportedly indicated to the men on the boat that there were life jackets on board that they could use if need be.

The friend eventually lost contact with the boat.

On learning of his son’s predicament, Romal’s father hastily took to sea, along with three friends and

another son, to begin a search for the distressed boat and its two occupants.

In the meantime, others concerned conveyed word on the situation to the Coast Guard.

‘The Coast Guard has been from the very beginning of our ordeal, very accommodating and supportive,“ said Mrs. McMaster.

It was daylight when Romal’s father and his search party returned to the Boat Yard, but there was no Romal nor his colleague on board.

“It was heart-rending, but even then I held out hope,” sighed Mrs. acMaster.

One safe, the other still missing The Coast Guard did not let up on the search and five days after Romal and his friend had taken to sea, they reported that the friend was picked up off the coast of Union Island, by a yacht.

On his return to the mainland, Mrs. McMaster said that the rescued youth reported that he and Romal had been in the water for an exceedingly long time but at a point, “Romal seem to have given up.”

The mother disclosed that the friend said that Romal had indicated he could not make it and, “you must tell my mother I gone.”

Romal McMaster, known to his friends as ‘Bon Be,’ is described by his mother as “a capable seaman,” one who espoused continually, “I was born a captain.”

Mrs. MacMaster was understandingly distraught when she called on THE VINCENTIAN, but felt there is a lesson to be learned here: “We love, others love, but love does not last.”

One official concerned with maritime affairs confirmed that the Coast Guard did mount a search for Romal, but given the passage of time, it would be something of a miracle if he is found alive.

V News 3 PM defends familyÊs EC$1 million withdrawal

by KENVILLE HORNE

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Arnhim Eustace, on Monday of this week, disclosed that he was reliably informed that funds in excess of EC$ 1 million were withdrawn from the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association prior to the February 1, 2013 takeover by the Financial Service Authority (FSA).

The disclosure came at a press briefing held by the New Democratic Party.

Eustace said the monies belonged to Ms. Theresa Francis, mother of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and were withdrawn in full in the final months of 2012.

The opposition leader questioned, “How can Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves expect for Vincentians to maintain their investments in Building and Loan when immediate family members of the Minister in supervision of Building and Loan have withdrawn theirs?”

Eustace pondered further about who else would have withdrawn monies in

advance of the FSA takeover.

Eustace stated that with respect to the immediate future, many members will no doubt continue to apply to withdraw their investments in Building and Loan. He called on the FSA to give members a more fulsome account of the status of Building and Loan, “with all deliberate speed.”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 3.

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace called on the FSA to account in a fulsome manner to the members of the Building and Loan Association.

Opposition Leader’s revelation, accused Eustace of being “nasty” and of beating up on his 93-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer’s.

The Prime Minister said Monday Dr. Gonsalves admits that he was informed that BLA “came under stress” after Luke Browne’s Eustace’s revelation came on the letter in THE VINCENTIAN heels of the Prime Minister’s act of confidence in the Financial Institution Newspaper.

He said he was recently told that on February, Monday 4, when he his brothers withdrew their mother’s deposited EC$ 20,000 in a special account at the Association in the name money from a joint account at Building and Loan. “They withdrew the money, of members of his immediate family.

I understand today, on the first of Gonsalves stated then, “We just have to be patient with this, and I am October last year,” admitted the saying to persons, keep your money in Prime Minister, adding that he was unaware of the development when he the Building and Loan. If you are opened the account for his daughter outside, do like me and put some last week. money in it and strengthen it.”

Gonsalves in defense said when he However on WeFm’s ‘Shake up’ was informed of Eustace’s comment by radio programme on Monday 11th , his press secretary, Hans King, he Gonsalves, in his response to the

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves admitted that his brothers had withdrawn monies from the Building and Loan Association in October 2012. telephoned one of his brothers, who said,”‘I drew it out because a past director of Building & Loan advised me to draw it out, and he did not advise me once, he advised me repeatedly’.” Gonsalves further noted, “I will urge them (his brothers) now that FSA has taken over, to put back the money, some or all.”

While the PM is pondering on how Eustace got the information, he proclaimed, “But this is an attempt by Eustace to politicize something and score a narrow political point in relation to a woman who is 93 years of age in a wheelchair, (and who) suffers from Alzheimer’s.

“Eustace is interested in nastiness.

I almost want to say bad-mindedness. but I wouldn’t go there. But certainly, nastiness to drag my 93-year-old mother into this,” he quipped.

Gov’t to BL&A’s rescue cannot inform them.”

He outlined that he takes $I million withdrawal: The the oath of office of Prime centre of focus Minister seriously, and declared: “I don’t deal with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph insider trading. I am not like Gonsalves went to the office that.” He described the Monday, February 4 and Opposition leader as deposited $20,000 on behalf of “interested in playing politics.” his daughter as well as a Dr. Gonsalves lamented further $1,000 in shares. that he had to talk about his That act was reproved by mother’s health. the Parliamentary Opposition, “Leave my mother and and Opposition Leader children out of your Arnhim Eustace disclosed on nastiness,” Dr. Gonsalves Monday of this week, that one admonished at a press Theresa Francis, the mother of conference last Tuesday, the Prime Minister, had during which he addressed in withdrawn $1 million towards detail the developments the end of 2012. surrounding the ‘take over’ of The insinuation to which the Association. the Prime Minister took The Prime Minister sighed: umbrage was that he had “Me blood run cold,” when informed his family of the reports on the local television potential danger at the station referred to his mother Building and Loan having removed one million Association. dollars from Building and Dr. Gonsalves is insisting, Loan. however, that “I did not. I “That’s journalism. Yo hang Continued from Page 1.

for withdrawals as early as 2009.

The system of management Serious shortcomings at was “outdated,” according to Building and Loan reports, and control measures were “poor.”

The Building and Loan There was no process of Association has been described as a symbol of national pride. documentation, and there was no follow-up to ensure that But operations there have corrective measures were come under the microscope taken. over the past five years The outlook was that the especially. situation was “grave,” and the Reports on the situation image painted was that there within Building and Loan was a “high probability of the pointed to serious Building and Loan Association shortcomings. failing.”

When the Ministry of The Prime Minister read Finance intervened in 2009, conditions at the Building and from reports compiled by Loan were “critical.” Board “external forces,” and none members were chastised for were complementary of the their loose operations, and manner in which business was according to Gonsalves, there done there. was “an astronomical level of Dr. Gonsalves alluded to a delinquency,” and Dr. loan to a major figure in Gonsalves referred to management of nearly one restrictions of cash flow as a million to which repayments result of that delinquency. were made “spasmodically.”

There was also high request

the Comrade high,” he mused.

Several other transactions were mentioned with loans ranging from $200,000 to $600,000.

Easing the situation Dr. Gonsalves anticipates that the Financial Services Authority will be at Building and Loan for six months, after which they will hand over the management.

In the meantime, Government has successfully negotiated a loan of EC$15 million from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank which shall be available to the Association to set it back on a path to financial stability.

In addition, an amount of EC$6 million owed by the Association as interest levy tax, will be turned into (government) equity to help ease the indebtedness of the Association.

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Crime

DPP to resist fresh evidence application

by HAYDN HUGGINS

by HAYDN HUGGINS

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS (DPP ) Colin Williams intends to resist vigorously an application by attorneys Carlyle Dougan Q.C and Jomo Thomas, for fresh evidence to be introduced in the murder appeal involving their clients Che ‘Ragga’ Bute and Azani ‘Nines’ Ash. The DPP made this clear during a sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

Bute and Ash were sentenced to life imprisonment, July 2012, for the Murder of Lloyd “Lazarus’ Samuel who died after being shot in the head while reversing his vehicle at his Redemption Sharpes home around 1:15 am December 21, 2007.

Dougan, representing Ash, and Thomas, representing Bute, are seeking to have the sworn affidavits of star witness Uroy ‘Laybay’ Robertson and Maurice ‘Garmoon’ Clifton used at the appeal hearing, scheduled for the next sitting of the Appeal Court during the week beginning May 27.

Robertson , 24, of Evesham, died from a single bullet to the head while reportedly sitting with others at the roadside in Walvaroo, Sion Hill, on September 2, 2012. On May 7 2012, Robertson had signed to a sworn affidavit recanting his testimony at the trial. He stated in the affidavit that he had lied under oath because the police promised him a passport and to send him

Colin Williams, DPP, has every intention of putting up a strong opposition to an application for new evidence in the Che Bute and Azani Niles appeal. abroad if he testified against Bute and Ash. The prosecution’s case was hinged primarily on Robertson’s testimony in which he related that he was present when Samuel’s killing was planned. He had testified that Bute masterminded the killing, with Ash being assigned to pull the trigger.

In the other affidavit, Clifton, who resides in Canada, completely denied being in a house at Redemption Sharpes with Ash and Bute when the plot was hatched, as Robertson had testified.

Thomas had told THE VINCENTIAN on September 18th 2012, that the Court of Appeal

Sworn affidavits of star witnesses Uroy ‘Laybay’ Robertson, deceased, is one of two persons whose sworn affidavits are being advanced for introduction at the appeal. had ruled in previous cases that a recantation by a witness is not sufficient to overturn a conviction.

But Thomas pointed out that , “as part of a supporting bundle of no evidence, we believe that the Court of Appeal may be persuaded that the convictions would be unsafe.”

The appeal judges indicated on Tuesday that the person who has sworn to the affidavit and who is alive would have to come to court to be cross-examined.

The application for fresh evidence is expected to be heard at the same time as the hearing of the substantive appeal.

New crime scene unit coming HEAD OF THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS Department of the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police, ASP Sydney James, has disclosed that plans are in the pipeline to create a new crime scene unit, which will function alongside the Criminal Investigations Department, the Major Crime Unit, and the Criminal Records Office.

He made the disclosure at the Department’s recent annual prize giving ceremony.

“The benefits will be tremendous in particular increasing our efficiency and use of forensics in the investigation of crime,” said James.

James expressed that for 2013, at the CID, crime will be approached strategically, through

Murder appeals filed prematurely

systematic patrolling, training and educational drives. To achieve this, he said the Department is imploring the public to continue to cooperate with its members.

He said the members of the CID intend to patrol hotspots and increase their presence with the hope to deter criminals. He added that the CID is also seeking to source training, locally and Regionally, to boost the capacity of its men and women, with the goal to increase their professionalism, investigative skills and crime fight techniques.

James disclosed that despite the challenges of 2012, the members of the Department still need to celebrate their achievement and motivate each other.

“Despite the

challenges in our department, the men and women continue to work assiduously to detect and investigate these crimes, especially violent crimes, and for this we must have events like these to reward our hardworking men and women.

Cognizant of the fact that there are deficiencies in some of our workers, this must ASP Sydney James, head of not overshadow the the CID, gave indication that a new crime scene unit will be good that was done,” said James. established in the RSVPF’s James used the efforts to fight and investigate crime. opportunity to thank Justices of the Peace, the support. (Source: Office of the Director of SVGRPF and Public Public Prosecution, and Relations and the Ministry of National Complaints Department) Security for their

JOMO THOMAS, one of two lawyers representing convicted murderers Che ‘Ragga’ Bute and Azari ‘Nines’ Ash, both of Redemption Sharpes, thinks overzealousness to have the appeals filed could have been a reason why they were filed prematurely.

He made the Jomo Thomas cites being over-zealous as being admission during a sitting of the Court of responsible for the premature filing of the Appeal on Tuesday.

Bute and Ash were appeals. sentenced to life imprisonment July 2012 for the murder of Lloyd ‘Lazarus’ Samuel, also called ‘Lazo’ or ‘Hawkie’, who was shot in the head while reportedly reversing his vehicle at his Redemption Sharpes home around 1:15 am December 21, 2007. He was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he died Carlyle Dougan, Q.C. Christmas Day that joined Thomas in making year. an oral application for the A 12-member jury Court to accept the had found Bute and appeals as having been Ash guilty July 27, made properly.

2011, approximately one year before they were sentenced.

Carlyle Dougan Q.C., representing Ash, and Thomas, representing Bute, had filed appeals against the convictions. Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Colin Williams told the Court of Appeal on Tuesday that the appeals were filed prematurely because they were filed before sentence was passed, and after sentence was passed they were not filed within 14 days of the sentence.

The DPP pointed out that section 48 (1) of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) Act Chapter 24 section 48, entitled ‘Time of Appealing,’ states, “where a person convicted desires to appeal under this act to the Court of Appeal he shall give notice of appeal within 14 days of Conviction.”

Section 48 (3) states that, “For the purpose of this section the date of conviction shall, where the court has adjourned the trial of an indictment after conviction, be the date on which the Court sentences or otherwise deals with the offender.”

The appeal judges agreed with the DPP that the appeals were filed prematurely.

Lawyers representing the appellants then made an oral application for the Court to deem the appeals as being properly filed. The Appeal Court ordered that the DPP’s office respond to the application to appeal the matter by March 13.

The appeal will be heard at the next sitting of the Court of Appeal scheduled for the Week beginning May 27.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 5.

Regional

Skerrit will have to answer

Media must pay for carnival coverage

NCC for the last three or four years about collecting the money.

“Every year they keep saying wait until after Carnival, wait until after Carnival, and they keep changing chairman,” he added.

GML confirmed that TTCO had requested payment of TT$240,000 in requisite licensing fees owing to the TTCO for the years 2007 to 2012, and pay a further TT$100,000 for a licence for works of mas for 2013.

According to the correspondence, if a satisfactory response was not received by Wednesday 6, TTCO would have to pursue legal action to recover payment and damages on behalf of its client.

UP to press time, THE VINCENTIAN had not yet received word on any further course of action.

GML, OCM and CNMG are reported to have said that they were seeking legal advice on the matter, with CEO of CNMG, Ken Ali, assuring that “if it is established that The NCDF groups mas this organisation bands and mas designers represents these artistes and the TTCO, late last money is owed, Perhaps it won’t be too long before week, wrote to three the media here has to pay for use of then we will pay media corporations, whatever works like this one (pictured).

THE BACCHANALIA associated with carnival has no prejudice. Even those who organize and manage the festivals throughout the Caribbean are not immune.

As the carnival festivities in Trinidad and Tobago moved into its climax this week, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) in that twin island republic, purported as the Home of the World’s Greatest Carnival, found itself embroiled in a messy legal tangle.

It appears, according to reports, that the NCC may just have breached the copyright laws in that country.

This, at least, is the claim of the Trinidad and Tobago Copyright Collection Organisation (TTCO).

It appears though, based on information coming from that country late last week, that the TTCO is aiming its right to collect copyright fees on behalf of its client, the National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF), directly at the end users.

soliciting licensing fees, after being officially notified by the NCC that those corporations had received accreditation for Carnival coverage.

The three media houses, Guardian Media Ltd (GML), One Caribbean Media Ltd (OCM) and the state-owned Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG), confirmed that they had received correspondence, dated February 1 from TTCO, requesting payment of fees owned for previous years and those for 2013. The fees were said to be payable for broadcasting or publishing images of the works of mas.

NCDF chairman Mahindra SatramMaharaj, confirmed on Thursday last week, as reported by the Trinidadian Guardian, that his organization has held discussions with the

OECS to ease inter-regional travel? at the initial port of entry.”

THE ORGANISATION Some of the other OF EASTERN essential measures CARIBBEAN States proposed by OECS border (OECS) could well be control officials to facilitate heading down the road ease of travel included: of introducing a model harmonisation of similar to the procedures to collect Schengen states of departure taxes; electronic Europe. collection and sharing of The Schengen area E/D card data; harmonized is an area of free There is a proposal for a movement of persons. single port of entry policy standard operating procedures and In accordance with the to be harmonized within improvements to service Schengen Convention the OECS. quality at OECS borders; of 14 June 1985, the 25 standardization and States, which are members thereof, have abolished checks compatibility of software to enhance information sharing; and harmonisation on persons at the time of crossing of and consistent application of risk their internal borders. (Source: management principles.

Media.Visa.net) The OECS regional consultative The move by the OECS is one of the workshop to improve ease of intramore significant suggestions resulting regional travel is the first tourismfrom a recently concluded working session in Antigua for Chief Immigration related activity out of a series of planned interventions geared towards Officers and Comptrollers of Customs implementing the recommendations from the OECS. The meeting focused on developing an related to the harmonisation of tourism policies contained in the OECS Common Action Plan “to facilitate ease of travel Tourism Policy. not only for OECS citizens but also for “At that meeting in Antigua and visitors to the OECS region.”

Barbuda we basically discussed the Caribbean 360 News reports Dr Loraine Nicholas, programme officer for various actions and interventions necessary for us to facilitate this ease of tourism at the OECS Secretariat, as travel, while of course ensuring that the saying that “the essential measures security of our borders is not in any way proposed by OECS border control compromised,” said Nicholas. (Source: officials to facilitate ease of travel include full clearance of travellers only Caribbean 360 News)

Mahindra SatramMaharaj, NCDF chairman, said that the NCC has been putting off his organization’s requests year after year. copyright fees necessary.”

The matter of licence fees (copyright fees) to mas bands and designers, while it appears for the time being to be localized to Trinidad and Tobago, has “meaning for St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” one mas person said.

“It is time that mas men and mas designers, in particular, are given the respect, protection and rewards that they deserve.

The use of their material for commercial purposes should be paid for,” the person continued.

FEBRUARY 25 is the date set for the hearing of opening statements by the Commission of Inquiry into allegations against Dominica’s prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.

The hearings were originally set for December 17 last year, but were postponed to make way for a challenge by Prime Minister in response to a complaint made by journalist Lennox Linton.

The Prime Minister’s legal Prime Minister team argued had submitted the Skerrit is argument that the inquiry was alleged to have “unlawful” and some of the used his members of the Commission were influence to “politically biased” and may not secure be able to adjudicate fairly. concessions But Skerrit’s legal team lost for a business out on their submission and a in which he has new date was set for the interest. presentation of opening statements.

Linton alleged that Prime Minister Skerrit had violated the Act governing the setting up of the Commission and had used his “official influence” as Chairman of the Cabinet, “to secure concessions for a business concern in which he is alleged to hold ownership interest.”

When asked for a response since the date for hearing was announced, Prime Minister Skerrit is reported to have said that he will not engage in any public confrontations with the Integrity Commission that meets to begin an inquiry into allegations against him.

“As you recognize I have never said anything on this matter; the Integrity Commission has taken its decisions, I will take my decision in so far as defending myself.

“We believe that the approach is wrong and my lawyers are dealing with this matter, but I am not going to say anything other than that about the Commission and its hearing,” Caribbean 360 News reported Skerrit as saying.

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Rural community shows support to Chavez The event was part of this country’s celebration to commemorate Chavez time in office, and wish the Venezuelan leader, who is in Cuba recovering from a 4th round of cancer surgery, a speedy recovery. It also served as an occasion to bid farewell to Venezuela’s outgoing Ambassador to SVG, H.E. Yoel Perez Wendy Rodney pumped up Marcano. the occasion with a driving Delivering overview of the resilience greetings on behalf of and resourcefulness of the Rose Hall, Rose Hall Rose Hall community. resident and former Principal of the Petit Bordel Secondary

by KENVILLE HORNE School, Wendy Rodney, FEBRUARY 3RD IS A VERY welcomed the IMPORTANT DATE FOR THE Ambassador to the small community.

PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA, Her presentation of a and will now serve as a very important one for the folk song had the elders singing along .The folk people and community of song outlined social Rose Hall. issues that characterize For Venezuelans, the the community. month marks a transition Rodney painted a from dictatorship to picture of a communitydemocracy, as a result of Hugo Chavez’s ascendency spirited village, where villagers pooled their to president on the 3rd, February 1999. It was also resources to get by.

“Persons went in the day a Venezuelan trucks to mine sand and ambassador was visiting gravel from Richmond to the small North Leeward Rose Hall, in order to village, for the first time.

and the Caribbean, with choose Rose Hall as part with Matthews in initiatives such as ALBA. of his farewell tour, thanking the ambassador The Ambassador noting that it is not often for tenure in SVG. reaffirmed his country’s that such an event takes The event also commitment to assist place in the community. witnessed cultural SVG in the areas of “I want to wish you all presentation by the Rose energy, education, health the best as you celebrate Hall Drummers, those two important Resistance Heartbeat Ambassador reaffirms and infrastructural development.“Long Live milestones,” he Drummers, with Erasto support the friendship. Long life concluded.Former North Robertson and an Outgoing Ambassador Chavez,” proclaimed the Leeward representative English citizen, Lizy, Morcano told the Ambassador to wide Jerrol Thompson joined doing poetry recitals. audience, comprised of applause.Patel students and teachers, Matthews, cultural artistes and Member of members of the Parliament community, that it was a representing the special day for the North leeward Venezuelan people, since constituency, they elected President expressed pleasure Chavez as their leader. to be present, so He explained that the that he could Venezuelan military “celebrate the under Chavez’s important leadership, along with milestone in important allies, started history.” a revolution against He said history President Carlos Andres had bound both Perez, and pressured countries, and him to call fresh wished the elections.

Venezuelan He said the events led president a to a process of liberation, speedy recovery. A group of young drummers from Rose Hall gave indication that the art form has a guaranteed future. greater social equality “I hope he and political fairness. “It returns to his rescued the dignity of the vibrant and charismatic Venezuelan people and ways,” declared its history,” Ambassador Matthews.The area Morcano said. He noted representative expressed that the Venezuelan happiness with the people are promoting Venezuelan unity in Latin America Ambassador’s decision to host cultural and entertainment activities,“ said the former principal, adding that, “we are indeed hard working people”.

A section of the audience that included students of the Richmond Vale Academy and residents of Rose Hall.

HE. Excellency Yoel Perez Marcano has a hug for Amesta Rodney, President of the National Council of Women and community activist.

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

Business

Customs Officer wins Digicel EC$100,000

treasure hunt through Kingstown, with the impression that she was competing against four other lucky winners.

The other four persons were actually decoys and Charles was told that they would all be given Pauline Charles gets some help with bearing the ‘weight’ of the clues, and the first one to ‘find the treasure’ will hefty $100,000 cheque from Digicel’s Sonia Polius (right) and Juno take home the cash De Roche. prize.Her clues took her that we were able to give away to popular fast foods outlets and The mother of one son, Aaden EC$100,000, and we will ended at Flow Wine Bar., where DaSilva, said she chose her grandmother because the continue to give back to the she realized she was tricked but Smiles from Digicel’s Jerry George and grand prize winner elderly woman brought her up . Vincentian community as much only after she was shown a Pauline Charles.

“I live with her, she's the one as we can,” said Polius. video recording of her journey who took care of me, and this is Marketing Manager at Digicel through Kingstown.

by KENVILLE HORNE George informed her that she my way of saying thanks,” the Juno De Roche, who was also at She declared that she felt had won the grand prize. The Questelles resident the event, declared that her scared and nervous when she PAULINE CHARLES should have ‘Share a Smile this Christmas’ explained.And as far as company is always giving back went on the treasure hunt 100,000 more reasons to smile, promotion allowed Digicel immediate plans for her share to its customers. “We continue because, she is a very shy yet she appeared unemotional prepaid and postpaid customers person and a lot of people were of the grand prize money is to do things that make our after being announced the lucky to be entered in a draw after concerned, Charles is going to customers very happy and looking at her. winner of Digicel’s 2012 adding EC$15 or more to their “let it sit in the bank for a improve their way of life, and I Christmas promotion dubbed, cell phone prepaid account or while.” hope that we have done just Sharing and saving ‘Share a Smile this Christmas’. paying their post paid bill in full that for you,” she said to The Senior Customs Officer and on time.

Charles.

Based on Digicel stipulation, Digicel gives back walked out of the Flow Wine Digicel will be celebrating its the lucky grand prize winner Bar, on James Street, on Charles made to sweat tenth year of operations in St. The grand prize winner has had to share the EC$100,000 Wednesday, EC$ 100,000 richer.

Vincent and the Grenadines on been a Digicel subscriber since with one or more family “I don’t know what to say, Charles’ name was picked March 24th 2013. the company’s inception, and in members or one or more friends. probably because this hasn’t during a draw which was done De Roche promised, “It would Charles chose to share with her congratulating her, Digicel’s really sunk in yet,” said on Monday February 11th. But grandmother, Merline Ashton.

Country Manager, Sonia Polius, be March Madness for the 10th Charles, after Digicel’s Public she was made ‘to sweat for her thanked her for staying with the anniversary.”

Whom she will give Relations Officer OECS Jerry prize’ as she was taken on a company.“We are very excited EC$50,000 of her winnings.

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 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

We just love football THIS IS TRADITIONALLY the cricket season in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Those of old would recall that they would have had to wait maybe up until July-August to enjoy some national football.

But times have changed, oh how they have!!! There’s no cricket season, no football season, no nothing season anymore; anything reigns anytime of the year.

So while the cricketers took to opening their ‘season’ last weekend, the footballers threw up a ‘charity weekend’ of sorts to raise funds to assist the game’s flag bearer, a lone soul we simply refer to as Marty.

And as though to corroborate the assessment that we ‘are making sport with this country’, those from whom better is expected felt unnoticed, out of the limelight, chided by others who it appeared were stealing the front pages.

So the year round game of political football was reenergized.

The football: The St. Vincent Building and Loan Association. The match: The ULP versus the NDP. The spectators: Vincentians home and abroad. The match officials: The media. The sponsors: Yet unknown. Under whose auspices: None, since the teams involved act as though they are ‘islands on to themselves’, impregnable bastions of the truth, keepers of the golden key to all the answers.

And so the saga that surrounds the Building and Loan Association took on proportions that, while they unearthed some interesting indications of what has gone wrong with this country’s oldest non-bank financial institutions, they fell woefully short of the real deal.

This is not only a question of who is responsible for the sordid state of affairs at the Association; it is as much a question of what went wrong; of why action was not taken earlier and expeditiously to correct the situation, thereby preventing a run on deposits, whether they be $1 million or $1,000 in amounts withdrawn.

Of grave concern is the revelation that the government and those agencies who would want to map the economic path for these islands, were well aware of the (mis)developments at the Association a very long time ago.

And those who sat on such revealing information, would also have been aware of what had transpired with indigenous banks and non bank financial institutions in other parts of the OECS (ABIB in Antigua, two Banks in Anguilla, to name a few).

Failure to act expeditiously, preferring to act covertly, caused more doubt and many who are obligated to provide the answers now, would find that their credibility is questioned.

What is regrettable about the whole scenario is that a matter involving an institution with the extent of reach across the nation, across the vitally important mortgage and money markets, has degenerated into the abyss of political tirades, name calling and a desperate push to register the first goal in the political football match-up.

What should have been a non-partisan approach to dealing with this matter of national concern, was played out, once again, on the political football field, with each team trying not to outclass the other with style and guile and real skill, but preferring to descend to infringements and dirty tackling.

What a game we play!

The Building and Loan Association had ‘gone bad’, in want of something else to say. Government has requested a loan of $15 million to help strengthen the Association and set it back on a path of viability and feasibility.

And the $6 million the Association owes to the national treasury by way of the mandatory interest levy will be turned into equity in the Association. The arithmetic is simply: a $21 million bailout.

No one will blame the government for having come to the rescue of this institution; it is the least it can do, given all that it was aware of but failed to attend to promptly. Was it a case of prolonged ‘preparation’ so as to protect certain individuals?

An explanation would have been obligatory whether news of government’s intervention came later or sooner.

So while depositors with the Building and Loan Association can breathe a little easier, notwithstanding the residue smog, and not be too concerned about a repeat of the CLICO-BAICO debacle, expect that the football game will continue at their expense.

At the end of the day, the spectators might just leave the park in apathy… for with their performance in this match, neither side is worth even the uniform it wears.

The Building and Loan fiasco THINGS HAVE CERTAINLY got out of hand where the problems surrounding the Building and Loan Association are concerned.

In fact, I am reeling under the weight of various opinions of spin-doctors, politicians, and the general unsuspecting public who, up to now, take up positions blindly following their respective leaders .

This brief article is intended only to lay out a few uncontroverted facts, the salient points to assist persons to come to an informed opinion and a rationally based decision in appropriate cases.

Building and Loan is an indigenous organisation, made up of some twenty thousand shareholders, and has grown to being a multimillion dollar enterprise in its seventy-one years existence, of which every Vincentian is justly proud.

Like with every human institution, it has its strengths and weaknesses, ups and down, its good days and its bad days. It seems recently to be going through a long period of problems which threaten to become chronic and destructive in the long-run.

Luke Browne, who works in the Ministry of Finance which has a general purview of local financial structures and is a share-holder besides, blew the whistle on the organisation which he claimed to be heading for collapse, unless it changes course.

The general reaction to Luke’s letter was that it was uncalled for, that such delicate and sensitive matters should be dealt with in-House, and that in any event, the Ministry of Finance could exercise some paternal overview.

Commentators, with the exception of Jomo Thomas, criticised Luke for being too precipitate in virtually inviting the very collapse which he warned about, by being “alarmist” and thereby triggering a run on the institution.

For its own part, the ministry, whether or not privy to Luke’s opening gambit, apparently got him to pull back on a follow-up letter which he had pledged, and the Government set about implementing the creation of a formally-legal body the F.S.A that took control and the management of Building and Loan for up to six months during which, hopefully, its home would be put in order.

Naturally, Dr. Gonsalves as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance encouraged the people to have faith and trust his handling of a rather sorry situation, by not attempting to close their account.

In this aspect of his approach, Gonsalves received the backing and blessings of Arnhim Eustace, the Leader of the Opposition. Eustace as an economist was aware of the dangers of a panicky run on the banks made more likely on account of the recent fiascos with Clico and British American insurance schemes.

Eustace did his best to reassure the shareholders that all being well, financial health would be restored to Building and Loan after this terrible, and temporary loss of faith.

In fact, Eustace held firm even after hearing that some persons received hefty withdrawals immediately in spite of the legal rules that placed a three-month delay for practical reasons, and for allowing the customer a change of heart if the institution’s circumstance had changed for the better.

All the while tongues were wagging on all sides, the spin-doctors enjoyed a field-day, the rumour mill in full flow with every story

imaginable.

Then it was brought to Arnhim Eustace’s attention by a credible source that towards the closing months of 2012 a withdrawal of over a million dollars was made in the account of Theresa Francis, the mother of the Prime Minister.

Eustace was furious at the implications, but “Mr. Clean” did not lose his cool as he publicised the information, dispassionately and truthfully mentioning but once the name and kinship of the Prime Minister’s mother.

All hell broke loose. The Prime Minister did not reply to the exposure, nor offered any explanation as to how his mother was able to withdraw a million dollars plus from an institution without having to wait on even the statutory regulation of three months, while her son advised other persons that their funds were in safe keeping at the Building and Loan, and that there was little or nothing to worry about.

Furthermore, The P.M seems to have tied up his foot. On the one hand, he invested $21 000.00 to demonstrate confidence in the organisation and drew much praise for the gesture. On the other hand, his own mother and or brothers have withdrawn $1 000, 000 plus. It just does not add up, save among U.L.P fanatics.

Eustace was called “nasty” and other like names by Dr. Gonsalves for merely disclosing publicly information that had been offered to him, and which, it is submitted, he had a duty to disclose.

We were told that the old queen was 93, suffered alzheimer intermittently, and got around on a wheel-chair, but not much on the veracity of the withdrawal, except that he knew nothing of it beforehand.

That story could be true but rather strange concerning a mother who had fathered him and remained close to PM’s immediate family making trips, as to the Holy Land, with them.

In any event, the story of the million dollars withdrawal remains the simple truth, and Eustace has declared that he will take no part with the PM’s “gutter-politics” which the latter has introduced.

So, the saga continues, to what end nobody knows. I can only lodge “an appeal to heaven,” and the P.M certainly knows the implications thereof.

Meantime, I fully applaud the omnipresent Junior Bacchus, Jeanie Olliverre and Cools Vanloo to pull together the various owners of the Building and Loan, companies, Co-operatives and individuals together in a mass meeting to consider what should be done with Building and Loan.

I regard this as the most democratic move, a sort of operation bootstrap of the people wishing to stand up and be counted in their own right.

In a most circuitous route, Building and Loan may well turn out to be the institution, above all else, that would help to involve the people in selfdemocratisation.

A blessing in disguise.

As we go to print the “Save Nice Radio” team has announced that it has all but collected its full judgement debt payable to the PM. A lesser matter of costs and the official imposition of the receiver remain hurtful like a pimple on the back-side, and are to be resolved by end of February when the All Clear signal would be given.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 9.

Letters

Protect the rights of disabled persons SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES BECAME THE 96TH NATION TO RATIFY THE CONVENTION on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), on October 29, 2010. The nation also took a further step in ratifying the CRPD Optional Protocol, which gives citizens additional avenues for pursuing justice if all other legal resources fail to act within the country.

The CRPD is the first international, legally binding human rights treaty targeted at protecting the human rights of people with disabilities. A few examples of the human rights that the CRPD protects include but are not limited to, the right: to be protected from abuse, violence and torture; to live in the community, with one’s family, without being institutionalized against one’s will; to have access to education, transportation and other public services; the right

to access information and communication, including via sign language or Braille’ to employment and a decent standard of living; and to access social justice.

Ratifying a treaty commits a country to implementing it. This may mean the country needs to modify existing laws, or abolish old laws, to be more consistent with the treaty.

From among the 127 signatories of the CRPD, 96 have taken the next step by ratifying the treaty. Of these, 59 also have ratified the Optional Protocol, which gives people with disabilities in ratifying countries an additional avenue for pursuing justice, if all other standard methods for pursuing justice within their country should fail.

To date no effort has been made to implement the Convention and no mention of it has been made in our parliament

My mother’s money is safe WELL, WELL, WELL!! DEY SAY WHEN BARRACUDA JUMP outta de sea and say shark air ha no teeth, believe him.

So Luke, supposedly one of the ULP boys for the future, jump start a whole set a discussion on one of the oldest, if not the oldest indigenous financial institutions in SVG. I recall my grandfather having ‘shares’ in Building and Loan and managing to build his humble home with a loan from that institution.

Now, mouth open and ‘tory jump out. Luke bus de bolle and every man jack who has money in Building and Loan concerned.

As much as I sit far away from SVG, I have no fear that Building and Loan will survive. I have a few cents there, or at least I think I have, even though it’s still in my mother’s name, and I have no intention of

encouraging any person or persons to withdraw their deposits.

What I want is, like Luke, that all those concerned with the issue will come clean. If there are any persons who have deliberately misled the shareholders, or have allowed the Association to sink into troubling times and they knew full well it would, they should be made to pay.

In the meantime, I still feel that it’s no way any right-thinking leader or leaders in SVG would sit idly by and allow Building and Loan to collapse.

My mother’s money is safe.

Garnet, NY EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was submitted for inclusion in last week’s issue but for some reason it was misplaced.

or media. Our mental health facilities continue to lock up over 100 Vincentian youths.

Hundreds more are forced to take toxic antipsychotic medications which cause nerve damage and liver disease, among other things, and this for ‘crimes’ as minor as smoking weed.

I am calling on the Government of St. Vincent to take immediate steps to implement the Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities as it has committed itself so to do, and to make the necessary changes to the laws of the land.

In addition, I would like to see them do the following: advise the Mental Health Authorities, the Courts and the Police of the Ratification of the CRPD and ensure that they are brought fully up to date with the rights of Disabled Persons; advise the patients of the Mental Health Centre of their rights in simple English and provide legal counsel for those whose rights have been abused; and stop the forced injections of antipsychotic drugs.

The Government cannot afford to be seen as blind to the needs of its citizens. Please print this letter for the sake of all disabled persons.

Robert A. Haydock

Who is watching the Inspectors?

ON FRIDAY 1ST FEBRUARY, 2013 I WENT TO THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT A CERTIFICATE. I was told to wait since the Inspector of Police responsible for such matters was not in; that was at about 10:30 am.

I decided not to wait and said I would return at 2:30 pm. When I returned at that time, the Inspector had not yet reached, so I waited.

After about one hour, the Inspector arrived. The office on duty told him

why I was there but he just watched me, as much as to say I was a low class citizen, and went into his office.

After some 10 minutes he came out of his office and spoke to two other persons but ignored me.

He returned to his office and came back out after a period of about fifteen minutes. After another lapse he eventually spoke to me but with such an attitude that you could say he was abusive.

We exchanged words (may be harsh words) after which I went to the

Police Complaints Department to lodge a report. When the officer at the Complaints department heard the name of the Inspector about whom I was making a report, he was not surprised.

No statement was taken from me.

I think that there should be some kind of committee set up here so that low class citizens like me and can get justice.In the meantime Mr. Commissioner, who is watching the Inspectors?

Come again, Mr. Leacock DID MP ST. CLAIR LEACOCK REALLY LISTEN TO WHAT he said about Vincentians always depending on others to represent them as far as burning national issues are concerned?

The problem with the NDP, Mr. Leacock, is that it really has not learned how to effectively represent the people’s causes. Because you and the NDP have failed in this regard, or find it difficult to do, you throw things into the faces of the people.

The NDP is a political party. It is what it is because it feels it can

* Why my bank gives me so much hell to withdraw a few thousand dollars, and other institutions could allow one person to move a million dollars? * How come government could make such a big fuss about certain people when they die but others, like Vibert Dublin, who labored in the wilderness for so long, go so unnoticed? Remember the State funeral for a short stint senator? * Are there persons who sit on certain statutory boards indulging in some inside trading? * Did government ever settle with the creditors of what was once the Tamarind Beach Hotel, when it took control of that entity?

represent the people of St. Vincent as their government. Why else are you a political party?

Your intention is to win the elections; if not then let the NDP disband itself and leave the political representation to somebody else. Mr. Leacock, you are a representative of the people. You have offered your service and we have accepted it, so get on with your job.

If I misunderstood your point I apologise but the way it came over to me, it sounded like you were apologizing for your party’s shortcomings.

And by the way, it’s time you and the Prime Minister get off of this race thing. We could do without that kind of talk in this ‘two by two’ country.

Godwin Roberts

Bajans and Vincies not the same, eh?

I WAS PARTICULARLY ATTRACTED BY AN ARTICLE CARRIED IN YOUR ISSUE OF February 8. The article to which I refer appeared on your regional page (page 5) and was captioned ‘Barbados policyholders take action’.

On reading the article, I was immediately moved to ask myself: Why are our people so different from Barbadians?

Correct me if I am wrong: Wouldn’t the policyholders of CLICO and BAICO in Barbados have been affected by the demise of these companies in the same way that policyholders in SVG were affected?

Why then the difference in how policyholders responded?

It appears to me that the big difference between us and the Barbadians is that while we are prepared to, to ‘trust’ in our government to do things on our

behalf and then accept whatever crumbs that government gets for us, the Barbadians are prepared and resourceful enough to take matters into their own hands.

Put another way: They are not afraid to demand their rights and organize to ensure that those rights are upheld.

On the other hand, we Vincentians are afraid of ‘getting together with our brothers’ to fight a common cause.

As much as Barbados is founded on a two party system, Barbadians are not prepared to allow any one party to ‘guarantee’ ‘their rights.

The question: Why can’t Vincentian policyholders do the same and sue those concerned for ‘misusing our hard-earned money?

Hats off to the Barbadians; they always seem to lead the way.

Jack

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Excerpt from the 2013 Budget Address LIAT MR. SPEAKER, over the past twelve years, our government has correctly played a leading role in saving LIAT and the placing of this vital regional airline on a sounder footing. This is an economic and social public policy issue of the utmost priority for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the region.

LIAT is proceeding with its continued restructuring, fleet renewal and expansion in accordance with a new Business Plan, the implementation of which is led by a new, very experienced and highly qualified Chief Executive Officer. LIAT also has another shareholder government aboard, that of the Commonwealth of Dominica, which has joined the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the responsibility of taking LIAT to a higher level. I hope that other regional governments would see the wisdom in following in Dominica’s footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, LIAT currently operates in excess of 100 flights daily to 21 destinations, namely, Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Croix, Tortola, Canouan, Curacao, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, St. Kitts, Nevis, Trinidad, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Thomas and Guyana. Please note that its coverage is from the Dominican Republic in the north west of the Caribbean to Guyana on the South American mainland. No other airline offers a similar service. And LIAT has been in the air for over 50 years.

aircraft by June 2013 and the other eight over the period ending December 2014.

New Markets

Mr. Speaker, the fundamental driver of an airline’s revenue stream and its cost base is the flying schedule or network. The refleeting of LIAT and improved servicing of the core network open up possibilities for new markets.

Potential new markets with promising demographics include Haiti, Panama, Jamaica, Aruba, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. These new markets will offset the projected decline in passenger traffic in the existing markets. Indeed, several routes within LIAT’s current network are underperforming and contributing to the sub-optimal load factors. LIAT has taken the strategic decision to reduce its schedule on poor performing sectors. In fact there are 39 unprofitable flights affecting 18 territories. In the future, LIAT will fly those unprofitable routes only if the governments of those destinations provide an appropriate level of market support.

In the financial year 2012, LIAT halved the losses of the preceding year.

The Business Plan provides a road map, including further reforms in its management structure and operational systems, to turn around the fortunes of LIAT in the shortest possible time.

The Plan envisages a modest net profit of just over 2 percent in 2013 and a 9 Central Challenge percent net profit by 2017.

Mr. Speaker, LIAT’s shareholder One of LIAT’s central challenges is governments have given the green-light its high cost base driven largely by to the Management to explore, alone or high aircraft maintenance-related in conjunction with a strategic partner, costs, significantly high employee costs, a regional jet service to destinations in thinly-dispersed markets, and high fuel Central America, Fort Lauderdale, and costs compared to another regional New York. A firm decision on this carrier, CAL, which receives a fuel initiative will be taken within 12 to 18 subsidy from the government of months time. LIAT’s journey from its Trinidad and Tobago. terrible and threatened condition in The LIAT fleet currently consists of 2001 to its current promising future 14 Bombadier Dash-8 aircraft. Of has been remarkable. Our government these, four are owned by LIAT has provided regional leadership of outright, four are owned under finance courage, commitment, and good sense leases, and the other six are under in this vital air transportation matter operating leases. The average age, by for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and date of manufacture, of the airplanes is our Caribbean.

19 years. Thus, the high maintenancerelated costs.

Special Caricom Meeting The decision has been taken to purchase five and lease seven new Mr. Speaker, our government is aircraft, ATR-42s and ATR-72s ___ 48 mindful of the rising cost of intraand 68 passenger aircraft respectively. regional air transportation. A large LIAT is funding the capital costs of the part of the problem is that taxes Fleet Renewal from two sources: A 20 account for between 30 — 50 percent of percent equity contribution from the the cost of regional fares on LIAT. shareholders and the balance by way of Indeed, LIAT administers for the a long-term loan. governments 66 different taxes.

Based on a revised proposal from As the Prime Minister in ATR, the total investment cost for the CARICOM’s quasi-Cabinet with purchase of the five aircraft is US responsibility for air and sea $97.2 million. Of this sum, US $23.1 transportation, I have proposed to my million is to be financed by the colleagues the convening of a special shareholders and US $74.1 million to Heads of Government Meeting on be financed by a loan by LIAT. In regional air and sea transportation. terms of the schedule of shareholder I assure the people of St. Vincent payments in 2013, the sum of US $17.2 and the Grenadines that our million is required. St. Vincent and the government will ensure that a refleeted Grenadines’ contribution to this is and expanded LIAT serve well our approximately US $2.0 million of which Argyle International Airport which is we have already paid US $1.4 million due to become operational in the first or EC $3.8 million. It is anticipated half of 2014. that LIAT will receive four of the

Press Statement by Hon. Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the Opposition, Regarding the Status of the St. Vincent Building & Loan Association I SPEAK TO YOU THIS MORNING concerning the St. Vincent Building & Loan Association (“Building & Loan”), which has been the subject of fevered discussion in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Vincentian Diaspora over the last few weeks.

This discussion was triggered by a letter to the press published Friday 18th January, 2013, by Luke Browne of the Ministry of Finance, in which he raised a number of issues related to the viability of Building & Loan. That letter was followed in quick succession by an action by the Financial Services Authority (“the FSA”) to take over management and control of Building & Loan and its subsidiaries with effect from Friday, 1st February, 2013.

These two events sent shockwaves through Vincentian society here and abroad, and raised serious doubts in the minds of Building & Loan’s membership, shareholders and depositors about its long-term viability.

In its 1st February 2013 release, the FSA indicated that the reason for its action is the necessity to “[protect] the interests of shareholders, members and depositors as well as the public, and for ensuring that the Association remains financially sound.” In so doing, the FSA invoked s.8(1)(b) of the Financial Services Act, No. 3 of 2011.

The FSA further stated that it took this action “based on concerns about the financial soundness and corporate governance of the Association.”

It is important to note that the FSA was 81 days old (i.e. less than 3 months of age) when it took this action.

Many members’ confidence in Building & Loan was shaken by these comments, provoking doubts about the soundness of their investments in the institution. In the circumstances, many immediately applied to withdraw their monies — some of whom were able to do so without notice, to the extent of millions of dollars.

The members’ reaction in this regard is understandable in the context of the current economic and financial state of affairs in this nation.

Vincentians will recall that we have lost ownership of the National Commercial Bank and are now saddled with a loan of EC$100 million to be repaid over the next twenty (20) years because of Government and statutory bodies’ unpaid debt to the NCB, resulting in the sale of 51% of the NCB for a paltry EC$42 million.

In addition, the Government’s financial health is poor as it is unable even to meet its obligations in respect of goods and services purchased from the local private sector.

Who can forget the collapse of CLICO and British American which have become cautionary tales to Vincentian and regional investors?

A new low was reached in our investment climate when a Government treasury bill was undersubscribed for the first time ever.

In 2012, investors’ confidence was further undermined when Moody’s, an international credit rating agency, downgraded St. Vincent for the second time ever — both downgrades occurring in about the last two (2) years.

All these events have taken place in an unprecedented period of 4 years of negative economic growth.

And now, here comes the government’s Financial Services Authority taking over Building & Loan.

In 2010, the Building & Loan had a membership of more than 20,000, a mortgage portfolio of EC$190 million, and deposits of EC$170 million.

Prior to these developments, not many Vincentians were aware that Building & Loan was experiencing difficulties. Many were unaware that efforts had been made since 2009, through the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank to effect changes in the Association to protect its members.

Many were also unaware until a recent release by the FSA that since February 2010, Building & Loan had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance, with assistance from the World Bank, to introduce measures to strengthen the overall condition of the Association. The resulting action plan, developed under the Memorandum of Understanding, carries forward in 2013,

with further assistance from the World Bank and close oversight by the newly formed FSA. In a statement released since assuming control of Building & Loan, the FSA stated: “The FSA is satisfied with this ongoing work.”

If the 3-month-old FSA was so satisfied with the work under the Memorandum of Understanding, why move in and take over the Building & Loan?

What then was the reason for the takeover?

But there are other matters surrounding investor confidence and the government takeover of Building & Loan that are frankly baffling.

One important aspect is the role — prior to the FSA takeover — of persons (and their immediate family members) in the service of institutions related to the supervision and takeover of Building & Loan.

I speak here of the Ministry of Finance, with particular attention to the Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and a Ministry of Finance official, Luke Browne.

The FSA comes under the Minister of Finance.

Mr. Browne is identified as an economist in the Ministry of Finance.

That being said, it is unclear whether Mr. Browne is a public servant or a civil servant.

Nonetheless, as an official of the Ministry of Finance, the only moral justification for going public with respect to the state of affairs at Building & Loan which precipitated a run on the institution, as his letter has done, is that he has tried all proper internal channels to draw the matter to the attention of his superiors in the Ministry of Finance.

In going public, was Mr. Browne inviting inferences that: 1. the Minister and all relevant authorities were unwilling to deal proactively with what he, an official under that very minister, deemed to be an institution on the brink of collapse; and 1. that he was therefore faced with no other option but to expose it publicly and risk a run on the institution?

What is Mr. Browne’s status with the Ministry of Finance?

What previous efforts did he make to have this matter addressed internally so as to avoid a loss of investor confidence in Building & Loan and St. Vincent in general?

The Minister of Finance As stated, Building & Loan had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance in February 2010, which continued under “close” FSA supervision since the FSA’s establishment. The FSA falls under the Minister of Finance.

I am reliably informed that funds in excess of EC$1 million, all monies held at Building & Loan in the name of Ms Theresa Francis, mother of the Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, were withdrawn in full in the final months of 2012.

The period of withdrawal overlaps with the period of the Minister of Finance’s supervision of Building & Loan.

How can investors be expected to maintain their investments in Building & Loan when immediate family members of the minister in supervision of the Building & Loan have withdrawn theirs?

Who else withdrew monies in advance of the FSA takeover?

With respect to the immediate future, many members will no doubt continue to apply to withdraw their respective investments in Building & Loan. I advise that the forgoing be taken into consideration to assist members in making an informed decision about their investments.

Further, I call on the FSA to give members a more fulsome account of the status of Building & Loan, with all deliberate speed.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 11.

Views

Character and conduct Greed, selfishness and “Appearances and words are deceiving; behavior is the best judge of character. This applies to all of us.” —Marvin Williams

“WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO.” Those are not my words. These jewels of wisdom emanated from the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC). And the mention of Aristotle’s name immediately brings to mind another great Greek – Alexander the Great (356-323 BC). Alexander’s father, King Philip II of Macedon, had commissioned Aristotle to teach his son.

Aristotle’s task, however, was not confined to sharing knowledge with the future world ruler. He was also mandated to teach him about character and to be a perfect example. The prince was to use Aristotle’s life as a model of best behaviour. And this was considered the ideal way to teach character and conduct.

We are to live what we teach ... and practise what we preach.

Several years ago, our family hosted a visiting pastor from Jamaica. We were tremendously blessed as we opened our doors to this servant of the Lord. And while our family members tend to go to bed relatively early at nights, we often forced ourselves to stay up late to chat with our guest. It was on one of those occasions that he paused to provide us with some very useful insights into how we, sinful human beings, can live righteous lives. He noted, for example, that the instructions in the New Testament book of James provide ample directions in relation to how we can live victorious Christian lives. Our character and conduct must consistently demonstrate soundness, nobility and integrity. We are commissioned to be more than mere hearers of the Word — but doers. We are required not to simply teach and learn about what is right and just, but to put those lessons into practice — to let these desirable traits be seen in our lives; to have these noble behaviours demonstrated in our character and conduct.

The life and writings of John Wesley (1703-1791) confirm that he also challenged his congregation to live out the biblical principles that form and sustain individuals with strong character; to not only talk about love but to show it; to not only read about and listen to the value of “living right” but doing it; to have our character and conduct reflect the virtuous life.

John Wesley, who championed the Methodist movement, lived what he preached. And he was at the forefront of the battle against the slave trade. He not only preached about the injustice of slavery (and irritated those who had become rich as a result of this activity), but he became a keen abolitionist along with his friends John Newton and William Wilberforce. His 1774 publication of the pamphlet entitled “Thoughts Upon Slavery” reflected his commitment to championing justice for all men when he wrote, “Liberty is the right of every human creature, as soon as he breathes the vital air; and no human law can deprive him of that right which he derives from the law of nature.” He was prepared to be “unpopular” for the causes of justice.

He was prepared to use his God-given talents to champion positive change throughout the society. He was ready to have his character and conduct reflect equity and justice. He was an influential model and mentor for a most worthy cause.

We are encouraged by the biblical writings that remind us to let our character and conduct reflect Christian principles. We are encouraged by the writings of individuals like John

irresponsibility may kill BLA Wesley, John Newton, William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others who penned words that encourage us to stand up for principles and justice, even when it may appear to be unpopular and “dangerous” to do so.

Their writings still have value today.

Children, teenagers, young adults, and older ones too, can still be guided by these noble thoughts that were shared hundreds of years ago ... but still contribute to building strong characters today. Yes, we can use these individuals (humans like ourselves) as models and mentors.

Many groups are engaged in mentorship programmes today. This is most encouraging. Schools, church groups, sport clubs, community groups, and non-government organisations, to mention a few, are now seeing the tremendous benefits that can be derived as concerned citizens set aside time to plan how best to influence positive changes in the next generation. With the advent of the Internet and the emergence of corporate entities that now see the benefits of contributing to these socially desirable activities, we are seeing the emergence of well thought out programmes aimed at challenging our young citizens to constantly seek to improve their academic, professional, and social performances. But the successful outcomes of such ventures are so very heavily dependent on the character and conduct of the organisers and those selected as models and mentors.

Popularity alone will not do it.

Academic achievement on its own is insufficient. Athletic prowess is not enough. Position and/or societal status cannot cut it. These models and mentors must demonstrate high moral and ethical standards if their messages are to be heard and if the “students” are to follow. We have to make sure that the image that we portray is just as powerful as the words we convey. As the old people will say, “We must encourage them to do what we do; not only do what we say.” We must practise the behaviours that we want our wards to demonstrate. Words alone will not suffice.

So whose life am I impacting by my character and conduct? Be assured that whether or not I want to ... I am impacting lives for good or for evil. And so are you! We are teaching others; others are modelling us. We are influencing their character and their conduct — by the way we live. What an awesome responsibility and privilege!

What we say about people (especially when they are absent) will influence others. How we demonstrate empathy and forgiveness will sway others. We can be assured that what we do and who we are will encourage others to do right or wrong. This is a fact of life.

And so, with heightened awareness and renewed vigour, we press on. We are fortified in sprit, and we continue to chart new courses of greater influence and responsibility. We know that, as we do so, we will influence similar positive behaviours in others. And as they judge us by our behaviour, we trust that we will have a positive influence on their character and conduct.

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

THE BUILDING AND LOAN Association is critically ill. Its terminal illness stems from the greed, selfishness and irresponsibility of sections of the middle class. The political class, in its desire to remain in office or to regain power, is determined to kill this home grown institution, even if its words and deeds result in a financial meltdown that brings enormous hardship to this country and its people.

Politics took precedence over economic stability and sustainability as both sides of the political divide jockey to curry favour with the population.

In 2009, there was a $10 million dollar run on the Building and Loan Association. Currently, there is a run that may outdo the one in 2009. So dire were the state of affairs that government and opposition committed to do all to ensure that the BLA survive.

Last Monday, the politicians took off their gloves. St Clair Leacock suggested that the NDP should consider sacrificing BLA for the NDP’s survival.

“We have done our part here and we will continue to do it. But we are a political party. In the same breath that we must save Building & Loan, we also have to save thyself, save the New Democratic Party.”

To make a bid for political office, Leacock suggested that his party should abandon the business class, thus creating a flight of capital which will undoubtedly wreak havoc and supposedly create political opportunities for the opposition.

“In the case of the National Commercial Bank, the problem was small people who were saving and who were at risk to lose their shirt. We took the moral highway, the principled approach, and some may argue we lost the election because we put St Vincent before the New Democratic Party. ..On this occasion, it is not those who were saving; this is those who are the investment class of this country who are now at risk. People need to take that on board. " To talk about moral highway and principled approach in the same breath that one discusses the economic ruin of the country is tantamount to moral bankruptcy and political degeneration.

Such voices have no place in the political landscape of our country.

Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace has consistently chastised Luke Browne for his destabilizing letter that brought into the public domain the serious problems with the BLA. He publicly pledged his support to Building and Loan.

Last Monday, Eustace disclosed that members of the Prime Minister's family had withdrawn over $1million prior to the FSA takeover of the BLA. Eustace then backed away from his pledge to ensure that BLA remain financially sound and sustainable. Acting like a politician rather than a statesman, he implored depositors to make their own decision about whether to withdraw their money based on the information they had.

Responding to Eustace's claim regarding the million dollar withdrawal by members of his family, Gonsalves urged the nation to believe that he had not tipped his brothers about the difficulties at BLA or encouraged them to withdraw. One can only wonder how he would have handled this information had he been in opposition.

In a highly questionable move, Gonsalves gambled on revealing the true state of the BLA financial situation. He proceeded to read from a confidential report that carried the warning 'Under no circumstances should the Association or its staff disclose or make public in any manner the report or any portion thereof.'

Gonsalves justified the disclosure on the ground that the opposition had resorted to playing politics by dragging his old and enfeebled mother into the mud.

Clearly he had decided to descend into the muddy waters of politics to meet and join the opposition in its antinational bid for political office. Economy and country be damned. Politics trumps all. Why else will Gonsalves disclose that a member of the former New Democratic Party (NDP) administration had a $200,000 loan on which there was no payment for 11 years; another former member of the NDP administration had a $548,863 loan for himself and other family members and that the $548,863 loan had a valuation that the borrower had provided. *A leading member of the board” had a loan in excess of $600,000, but the purpose of the loan was not stated. *A major figure in the management” had a loan of $971,043, but payments were made spasmodically. *A particular company [borrowed] $2,976,735 without the necessary corporate resolution authorizing the borrowing; no financial information on the borrower; no insurance for the loan. *A company had borrowed almost $3 million but had no corporate resolution to do so and no insurance on the loan. *Two daughters of a board member had each borrowed $200,000, but their deeds were not registered. *Non-performing loans were reportedly over 32 per cent; 20 per cent of the mortgage loan portfolio was reportedly over 12 months past due; over one-third was over 90 days past due and one-fifth was over 12 months past due.

Are we to believe that no members of the governing party have significant loans with the BLA that are not being serviced? This matter transcends political allegiance. It demonstrates that the local management class is incompetent, corrupt, greedy, selfish, irresponsible and anti-national. Until or unless management is found criminally liable and punished for not carrying out its fiduciary duties, these problems will continue.

Reading from the report has not stopped the politicization of the issue.

The disclosure might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Even as he pleaded with persons not to take out their money, Gonsalves invited those persons who have withdrawn theirs to reinvest in the institution.

But how would people respond?

Those who thought things were bad, now know it is not clear if the association can cope with a 'significant deposit withdrawal.' The 2009 report disclosed that from 2006 through 2008, 55 per cent of all loans were delinquent.

At June 30, 2009 it was 45 per cent. By August 2009, 'liquidity risk was accessed as high.'

The report revealed 'The Association’s cash flow has been restricted by the high, and increasing level of delinquency, as well as the unusually high request for withdrawals from special deposits... In addition to this, the high rate of dividend paid on deposits without an offset from a steady inflow of funds, place even more strain on the Association’s liquidity. ..The association is in a grave position and the probability of failing is considered high.' As recent as July 2012, external consultants found that the BLA 'appears to be in a critical condition regarding profitability and solvency.'

How can anyone have confidence in an institution like this? The politicians need to shut up and let the professionals do their jobs.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

NCB gone; Building and Loan stumbling; who is next to fall?

clearly show that the government should have taken over the financial operation of the Building and Loan Association as early as 2011. Gonsalves’ ineptitude has let investors down.

There were lands at Mount Pleasant/Argyle that were sold by the Building and Loan Association to the International Airport Development Company (IADC) to be used for the airport. It is believed that the Association has only received $2,428,000 in part payment. How many millions more does the IADC owe the Building and Loan Association, and has this massive debt contributed to the downfall of the Building and Loan Association?

Shareholders would like to know how much the IADC owes and when it will pay the balance on the SVG GREEN PARTY has been very consistent in calling 2010. The annual financial statements for 2008, purchase of the said land at Mount Pleasant/Argyle. for Gonsalves - who is not a university graduate in 2009 and 2011 should be given to shareholders and Mr Ivan O’Neal, Leader of SVG Green Party, is a finance - to resign as SVG’s Minister of Finance. In our not withheld and hidden. graduate in finance, and is deeply concerned about opinion, Gonsalves is hopeless when it comes to As Minister of Finance, Gonsalves gets a copy of the catastrophic effect that the weak SVG economy managing the finances of a nation. the financial statements of all institutions’ financial is having on the mortgage loans financial sector.

The NCB was killed by a massive government statement. The Building and Loan Association made The Building and Loan Association had declared overdraft of $185 million. Now, the Building and a loss of $515,102 in 2009 and $3,029,101 in 2010. that for 2010, the total debt for households that Loan Association is in serious trouble with heavy Liabilities dramatically jumped from being 76.9% of were 1 to 12 months behind with their mortgage liabilities. It’s a domino effect, and we wonder which the size of assets in 2008, to 97.1% in 2009. These payments was $61,359,707, and the total debt for financial institution will fall next. factors should have made the Minister of Finance households that were over 12 months behind with NCB gone; Building and Loan stumbling; who is realize there were problems. their mortgage payments was $39,599,479 million. next to fall?

The very serious financial problems at the It is seriously alarming that the Building and Under Gonsalves’ incompetence, the SVG Building and Loan Association from 2009 onwards, Loan Association had mortgage arrears from economy has deteriorated households of $101million. very much, and this has The weak economy is to blame, as it has created caused a negative ripple high unemployment and financial instability. effect. Times have gotten so SVG needs competent financial management to hard that many households stop the domino effect of financial institutions going cannot make mortgage bust. For this, the incompetent Gonsalves must payments. resign. He, himself, is a liability.

The table shows that the Building and Loan SVG Green Party Association’s liabilities ran www.svggreenparty.org out of control in 2009 and

Newcomers welcomed to the World of HAM Radio THIS COUNTRY now has 18 new licensed radio amateurs (Ham radio operators) whom the government and NEMO can rely on to communicate on their behalf, when all other forms of communications fail in times of national emergencies.

The 18 Hams representing the teaching, medical, law enforcement, musical and accounting professions and the Red Cross, among others, were engaged in a week-long training course organized by the Rainbow Radio League Inc.(RRL), a non-profit, community service organisation which celebrated 18 years of service to SVG and the wider region on January 22, 2013.

Donald De Riggs, Director/Secretary of the Rainbow Radio League Inc., served as the course facilitator.

The one-week course, held over the period February 4 — 8, covered the theory and practice of antenna construction, the RF spectrum allocations for radio amateurs, radio wave propagation and radio etiquette, among other areas. It ran from 5 — 7 PM daily, catering mainly for the “8 — 4” workers, and following the training

Participants in the one-week course for HAMS with training programme facilitator Don de each day, participants were provided Riggs (extreme with a healthy snack, sponsored by the left) and NTRC BOSVG, Police Welfare Dept. and the representative NTRC. Mishka Quashie The first two days of the course (right). concentrated on the theoretical aspect of Ham radio, while the ensuing two Left: Participants days were spent making and testing engrossed in the antennas, and being involved in a mini final test. simulation. The final day was Don de Riggs (3rd from right) keeps an eye on Dr. Perry De reserved for the test which was Freitas (to De Riggs’ right) and other course participants to gave moral administered by the NTRC, ensure that they make the correct connection. support to the represented by Mishka Quashie — newcomers and J88MQ, who is also a licensed radio Commission, Police Welfare assisted with the construction of amateur.

Department and numerous Hams who antennas.

On completion of the course, the visited on a daily basis to lend support The RRL wishes to publicly thank new Hams were given their first to the training course.

NEMO for the use of its conference ‘baptism’ by making contact via HF The RRL conducts free courses facilities; the sponsors, Bank of St. SSB (high frequency* radio with leading up to an amateur radio licence Vincent & the Grenadines, National J39AH - Allan in Grenada. for interested persons on an annual During the entire week, RRL Hams Telecommunications Regulatory basis. (Submitted by Donald De Riggs)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 13.

Education

Monroe College holds information session offers respect,” and that “Monroe offers quality education.”

Monroe College consists of three campuses, the Bronx and New Rochelle in the New York, US, and St. Lucia, with a student enrollment from sixty-five different countries, amounting to a population of over 30,000 students.

The College has an accredited university programme, approved

by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The St.Lucia campus was opened five years ago and has afforded Caribbean nationals a quality education without leaving Dr. Alex Ephrem, Senior Vice President at the Caribbean. It offers undergraduate and graduate Monroe College Campus in St. Lucia, encouraged persons in attendance to grab degree programmess.

Vincentian students currently every opportunity for higher education. account for 8% of 300 persons enrolled there.

The Senior VP noted that

by KENVILLE HORNE graduates from the St.Lucia Campus VINCENTIANS ARE BEING encouraged to are afforded the same opportunity to work in the United States for one year further their education and earn a degree from a fully accredited college in as are other international students who study at “our New York the United States, without leaving the Campuses,” Dr. Ephren assured.

Caribbean.

“A Monroe degree can be completed The call came from Dr. Alex in two years, which helps to save a lot Ephrem, Senior Vice President at of money,” explained Dr. Ephrem.

Monroe College Campus in St.Lucia, during an information session with potential students, held on Tuesday at Testimony the Methodist Church Hall in Nikiesha Williams was the first Kingstown. Dr. Ephrem stressed the importance of education, telling those Vincentian to have graduated from the Monroe College in St.Lucia. present that “education is power that

She pursued studies in Hospitality and Human Resource Management. She is currently a teacher at the Kingstown Anglican School.

Williams described her experience at Monroe as being fabulous.

“From the security officers at the gate to the Senior Vice President, everyone makes your experience all the better,” said Williams.

She is a founding member of Student Council Board, and recalled the fun time organizing trips for foreign students.

Vincentian Nikiesha Williams decribed her “Monroe faculty and staff were stay at Monroe, St. Lucia, as being fabulous. always willing to assist,” stated Williams.

She encouraged those desirous of pursuing higher education to consider Monroe College, especially if they wanted to experience a difference in education, while thanking the college for the education she now enjoys.

Alison Brice, Admissions Counsellor at the Monroe St.Lucia Campus, outlined the application procedure. She noted that the institution also provides opportunity for scholarship and online study.

For further information on how to registe, persons can visit Alison Brice, Admissions Counsellor at the Monroe St.Lucia Campus, was on hand to , WWW.Monroecollege.Edu. explain the application procedure.

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14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ÂSave Nice Radio AppealÊ continues to grow

by HAYDN HUGGINS A DEPOSIT OF US $510 by a New York based Vincentian Organization has increased the money raised by the ‘Save Nice Radio Appeal’ from $138,201.29 to $140,858.40.

Attorney Kay Bacchus—Browne made the declaration during a news conference on Monday. She is a member of the team spearheading the appeal, and one of the signatories to the account at the RBTT Bank.

Bacchus-Browne said the judgement debt to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has already been raised, but about another $60,000.00 in interest and cost is outstanding.

The deposit was a contribution from the executive of the Spoony St. Jerry Scott (right) hands over deposit Vincent and the Grenadines receipt to Junior Bacchus of the ‘Save Progressive Organization of New Nice Radio Appeal’ York.

Jerry Scott, the organisation’s Liaison Officer in SVG, handed over the and former national footballer, has been in the forefront of rendering assistance receipt to Junior Bacchus, another of the persons spearheading the appeal, at in health and community activities for the news conference , as indication that several years.

Scott is a former Minister of Health, the money was deposited in the account.

Sports, Housing, Youth Affairs, Scott told THE VINCENTIAN that the organization has also contributed a Communication and Works and Agriculture. He was also an acting quantity of medical supplies for use by the Ministry of Health, primarily at the Prime Minister under the former NDP Regime.

Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Scott He retired from active politics was expected to hand over the supplies to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry following the March 2001 general elections in which the NDP lost to the of Health Luis Deshong.

Unity Labour Party.

Scott said that the organization, led

by Vincent Bacchus, Ex- police officer

Botanical Gardens restoration on the move THE MANAGEMENT GROUP for the restoration of the Historic Botanical Gardens met to chart an agenda to move the programme for the works forward.

The Group has prepared a draft programme for implementation for 2013, including: human resources to guide the

physical transformational works, in the gardens; utilization of properties within the gardens to convert them into income generation projects; and ordered the preparation of an official programme for the celebrations of the 250th Anniversary of the Botanical Gardens, in 2015. .

The Group also

The Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, will mark its 250th anniversary in 2015.

deliberated on the issue of fund-raising to support the financing of the transformative works, and the finalisation of the business plan to inform the fund-raising activities, and the application of funds particularly raised for these specific purposes.

A Formal Launch relating to this programme will be held at a later date.

The members of the Management Group include the Cabinet Secretary Mrs. Susan Dougan; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Mrs Lavern Grant; Hotelier and Hortculturalist Mrs Flora Gun; Business Executive and Environmentalist/Activist Mrs Janike Glass; CEO/Director of National Parks Authority; with Chairman of the Jubilee Committee Rene Baptiste as the Presiding member of this group.

(Contributed)

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

News

Health hazard in Lower Bay Street

the situation in that the ‘hazard’ is unfolding in the front yard of JUNIOR ‘SPIRIT’ COTTLE is no the environmental Public stranger to extreme danger.

Health/Environmental Division.

However, a situation with The North River empties on respect to a gutter that runs the coast just outside Rose Place along a plot of land in Lower at the point at which the Bay Street, on which he reclaimed works end, separating operates a Plant Shop and Bar, the recalling area from the is causing him alarm. remaining beach front of Rose Place.

Cottle identifies that the beach front needs to be opened so as to allow for a freer flow from the land.

Interestingly, the Buildings Roads and General Services Authority (Bragsa) has its administrative headquarters within the immediate vicinity of the bothersome gutter and river mouth.

To compound the threatening health situation, Cottle reported that since the closure of the public toilet that served the community, persons have resorted to open areas along the The beach mouth which Junior Cottle says needs to be opened to seafront to get rid of allow for a freer flow of water from the North River. body waste, a practice

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

He is worried that a pile up of litter in the canal, and the resulting blockage to the river mouth which in turn has caused water stagnation, constitute a health hazard.

To say the least, “it is an environmental eyesore,” Cottle declared.

And he pointed to the irony of

Grammar School Young Leaders: Learning from the elderly THE ST. VINCENT GRAMMAR SCHOOl Young Leaders (SVBGSYL) spearhead an activity this evening, Friday 15th February, which is aimed at bringing all the schools involved in this year’s Young Leaders Programme together.

The activity is scheduled for the downtown Bickles outlet.

A Literacy Fair, to be scheduled, will climax a week of activities for the SVGS Young Leaders.

They launched their activities January 14, 2013, and they claim that their activities “have made a significant impact on various persons, institutions, schools and communities.”

Among the group’s activities were visits to

five homes for the elderly: The Thompson Home, Lewis Punnett Home, Garden of Eden and Golden Years Centres at Black Point and Pembroke. Fruit baskets were distributed as well as small tokens of appreciation.

The young men who visited with THE VINCENTIAN described the visits to the Homes as “our attempt to change the lack of visitation for persons who have been marginalized, not only by society, but by their own families.”

And as far as the purpose of the visits, they “were meant to give us an acceptance for persons in less favourable positions than ourselves and to volunteer service where it

BGS Young Leaders who visited with THE VINCENTIAN earlier this week.

Vice President Jeremy Boyde poses with a member of the Golden Years Home. is needed,” the Young Leaders explained.

They described the visits as a “great and fulfilling experience for all involved, young and old alike, and both parties had a great time.”

Jevon Ollivierre one of the students said: “I really enjoyed myself at the Thompson Home.

Being in your teens, it’s like the world is moving fast and our senior citizens are forgotten. This experience has boosted my morale towards visiting our patriots.”

The gutter that runs along a Plant Shop and Bar is overcome by litter.

Right: Junior Cottle sees the potential for an outbreak of disease. which he regards as contributing to the potential for an outbreak of diseases.

Plans have been announced for the construction of port facilities in that area.

16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 17.

Arts

Bequia has Talent variety of media along with prints, greeting BEQUIA HAS TALENT: THAT cards and island gifts.

IS WHAT D.R. LUCY, Throughout the year, the Curator of the Oasis Art gallery displays colourful, Gallery, proved on Friday, mystical paintings by February 8th at The Oasis Lucy and model boatsGallery in Port Elizabeth, that-sail crafted by her Bequia. husband, Bequia seaman Through the years, St. ‘Prop’ King. During the Vincent and the winter season, the gallery Grenadines has been is presenting monthly criticized by tourists for exhibitions by resident its dearth of locally and visiting artists. produced arts and crafts.

THE VINCENTIAN Motivated by all the visited the gallery last artistic talent she had Friday to attend the seen in St. Vincent and opening of an exhibition the Grenadines, Lucy of local art and crafts, opened The Oasis Gallery including paintings by in Bequia in 2011 with a L.D. Lucy and Lennox mandate to showcase ‘Dinks’ Johnson, plus a locally created works in a variety of wood carvings, CORRESPONDENT

Oasis Gallery Curator R.D. Lucy with one of her paintings.

by BEN HARRISON – INTERNATIONAL

banana art, Giclée prints, a featured display of new works in clay by the wellknown duo of Mike Goddard and Maggie Mitchell, (whose pottery has been purchased by Artist Robert Read Mick Jagger); new paintings by Robert Reid; creative, attractive jewellery by Shari Osborne and the introduction of an excellent Vincentian painter Peter Providence along with several of his works.

The gallery can be visited online at www.oasisbequia.com or telephone: 784-497-7670 Artists Peter Providence and Mike Goddard with for more information. author Dr. Sheila Pennington

Alpha holds Third Recital

Curtis Williams, Director of ASMA, says his Academy, among other things, prepares its students for doing recitals.

by GLORIAH… ON THURSDAY, 31ST

two categories: Lower Grades and Mid Grades.

The majority of the students of both grades performed on the piano, while others played the saxophone or sang.

The audience was completely enthralled by the skill displayed throughout the evening.

Each performer received his/her fair share of PERFORMANCES applause, with ovations Hosts Curtis Williams, coming for performers like Shayniah Thomas, director/tutor, and Sheena-Ann Bailey, tutor Anjoelique Kidd and Ordel Ballantyne from at ASMA, introduced a the Lower Grades, and rich line up of students of the musical arts. The Terik Lewis, Javen Jack and Delvorne Clarke musicians functioned in

JANUARY, 2013 ALPHASOUND STUDIO MUSIC ACADEMY (ASMA) held its third annual recital to showcase the musical and singing prowess of its thirty students. The event was held at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown to a large audience.

from the Mid Grades.

Many ohh’s and ahh’s were received from the vocal renditions by soloist Haliyah Telesford-King and the duet of Jade and Walt Carter.

ASMA growing ASMA burst onto the Vincentian musical training scene on Monday, 4th January 2010. It was originally located at Kingstown Hill and equipped with three pianos. Two music teachers taught the piano and guitar. An annual recital was

instituted in 2011.

Currently, ASMA has grown to having six stations where students,from as far as Georgetown and between the ages of five and fifty years old, can learn the piano/keyboard and practise at its new location in New Montrose. The institution’s first group of students to take the external examinations from England in theory and practical excelled in their performances, many receiving distinctions. Director of ASMA, Curtis Williams, told THE VINCENTIAN that “as a Christian Institution, ASMA offers two basic programmes where students can enroll for classes that tend toward reception of an internationally recognized certificate

from London, England; and another tending toward playing of songs and choruses geared toward playing in any spiritual arena.”

Williams said that these programmes combine to teach the student how to read music, play by sight, play different genres of music, and play for any gathering, whether church services, weddings, funerals, concerts, crusades, at restaurants, graduations, banquets, or any such gathering.

ASMA, with its holistic programme, opens its doors to everyone: young or older, beginner or intermediate, Christian or non-Christian, or “anyone who has had bad experiences while learning music before.”

Left: Shaynia Thomas of the Lower Grades doing a piano recital.

Terik Lewis represented the Mid Grades with this piano recital.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 19.

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Canouan Can noua an on n rapid rap ra pid development deve elopm pment path path h

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his delegation were greeted by Chairman Antonio Saladino and General Manager Elena Korac.

by KENVILLE HORNE The small Grenadines Island of Canouan is rapidly evolving into a world class tourist attraction.

With an extraordinary marina and a state of the art hotel and villas near completion, the island is destined for glory.

On Friday 8th a delegation of government officials and media personnel, led by the prime Minister Dr, Ralph Gonsalves, converged on that Grenadine isle for a tour of developments projects there.

For media personnel, the view from the aircraft arranged for their travel, provided the first emotions of national pride as their cameras jammed the small p windows in an effort to capture

The Glossy Bay Marina under construction.

Construction work continues apace on the Coast Guard Base.

the paradise that lay below.

The delegation was welcomed by the smiling faces of business magnate chief developer, principal investor and chairman of the Canouan Resorts Development d/CCA, Antonio (CRD) Limited Limited/CCA,

Saladino, General Manager Elena Korach, and other members of the Board.

High end marina under construction

Korach gave an update of the top of the include a boutique hotel and Glossy BayMarina now under line” in the commercial waterfront with construction. She cited an Southern shops and services associated increase in the Super Yachts and Eastern with high end marina services.

Caribbean. business; however, because of the “I hope that this project is “There will lack of a proper facility, the going to be the one that is going be no other yachts had to dock at Tamarind to encourage all the yachting marina Beach Hotel wharf. business, not only the small ferry better than To capitalize on the opportucharter, to come down to this this,” he nity, CCA initiated the developpart of the world. We have so boasted. ment of a marina at Glossy Bay, much to give,” said Korach. located on the western side of the She disclosed that the Government island. company that manages the The undertaking is estimated marina in Grenada will also support to cost some US$45 million, and manage the one in Canouan, and services involves the construction of a assured that environmental Dr. 24-acre main basin and flushing concerns were also addressed.

Gonsalves channel, formed by the excavaAccording to Korach, extensive noted that tion of over 500 cubic metres of research was done on the enviCCA plays a soil. It will provide 110 berths ronmental impact of the project very imporfor yachts ranging from 100m and guaranteed that the project tant role in [330ft] to 10m [33ft], with a was a safe one. the economy maximum depth of 6m [20ft] in of Canouan Government involvement in the the main basin to 3m [10ft] in and SVG, the flushing channel. marina with the Korach explained that, while company The government and people of the flushing A luxury hotel and private villas are included in the current phase of expansion of the Resort. being the St. Vincent and the Grenadines channel is not largest single are also shareholders in this a navigable employer on Turkey and Italy gives the floors, the existing ambitious project. Prime Minisentrance or the island, walls, door trims and counterCanouan Resort. ter Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was exit, “it is accounting tops intricate detail.

The hotel includes elated to reiterate that the necessary to for employThis new development is twenty single government and people of SVG provide the ment of a expected to cost US$170 million. bedroom suites, had a vested interest in the required flow substantial Saldino said the projects four two bedroom marina. to ensure number of when completed are going to suites and two According to him, the governthat the persons from create many additional jobs, “and penthouse suites. ment owns 1000 shares with a marina water mainland St. jobs that are particularly The developtotal value of US$ 4million in the remains clear Vincent. suitable to the people of the ment also caters project. and clean.”

The Prime Grenadines, Canouan specififor four restau“The value of our shares is The Minister cally, because there are jobs for rants, a lounge, likely to rise beyond their nomidevelopment pointed to sailors.” library and swimnal value. In fact, I have been will also the construcAccording to the investor, ming pool. Each offered a sum which I have include 18 tion of a new CCA has accomplished a lot, and villa will also have turned down,” said Dr. Gonvilla lots, police station persons are being paid quite its own private salves. some of which and the favorably. “No one is unempool.

Saldino, with a trademark are unique in current ployed unless he does not want The first charismatic smile, confessed that having both a Dr. Gonsalves and Antonio Saladino on site at the new resort. construction to work,” Saldino told THE completed room of he had offered the government beach frontof a Coast VINCENTIAN. the new hotel was US$ 7,000 per share, but the age and also Guard base as evidence of his posited. “The island will be a The delegation returned to presented to developers on Prime Minister had turned him private boat safer place,” he promised. government’s preparedness to the mainland in mid afternoon, Saturday, October 20th, 2012. down. dock in the back of the lot of the Dr. Gonsalves was forthright in vital support services. but not before one person A tour of that room revealed “Ah leaving it for the young Marina, for yachts of up to 25m “With the help of my brother, saying that he and Saldino have commented: “If there is a place absolute luxury: comfort, ease of people to sell yo Antonio,” the [82ft] in length. The lots range their differences, but that they Barack Obama , we building a called Paradise, Canouan is the access, and applied modern Prime Minister retorted before in size from approximately Coast Guard base, which would can find common grounds. closest you can get to it.” technology, including ‘vanishing’ bursting into laughter.

40,000 sq ft for the beach front The marina is scheduled for strengthen and fortify the High Definition TV’s mounted Dr. Gonsalves was confident lots and from 40,000 to 100,000 completion by December 2013. investment here,” Dr. Gonsalves behind mirrors. In addition, the that the marina “is going to be sq ft for the lots ranged along the pre ecious and unique marble from from precious lower slopes of the surroundin ng New w Resort Resort surrounding Hilll.

Taffia Hill.

F Following a shing The flu flushing tour of the se ection channel section mari ina, the marina, deve elopof the developdelegation deleg gation a ment will also visited visit ted an po ontoon contain pontoon almo ost almost moorings. comp pleted completed arina The Ma Marina will also in include Coast Coas st Guard nclude base e before require ed the required movi ing on to moving se ervices support services exquisite an ex xquisite offices secu ssecu-of offices, resort resor rt under showe ers, rity, showers, construction. cons truction. tc. as laundry, et etc.

T project The leissure well as leisure cons ists of a consists fo or the facilities for hotell and six hote ws in yacht crew crews private priva ate villas, the form off a and sits on gymn nasium pool, gymnasium approximately appr roximately and tenniss court. twelve twelv ve acres of addition n, the In addition, The Glossy y Bay marina is expected to t attract yachts like these these, e, moored in land la and within developme ent will development constructed refurbished church.

Existing villas c onstructed to include a re efurbished Anglican church h.

Canouan on o the day of the delegatio n’s visit, and even larger ones. o delegation’s

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

Dialysis Services come to SVG Health Solutions Inc., assured that “we intend to work diligently to provide treatment to our patients at the highest standard possible so that they can achieve an ameliorated state of heath.”She described the Three of the six dialysis machine stations housed at Health facility as “our Solutions Inc. haemodialysis facility at Beachmont. company’s

by KARISS CLARKE Vincent and the first foray into the Grenadines and located provision of private ST. VINCENT AND THE in Beachmont, was medical services in the GRENADINES NOW HAS A formally launched Friday Vincentian community,” FULLY FUNCTIONING 8th February. The and pointed to it as not haemodialysis facility. facility has as its initial being the last “as in the Vincentians suffering primary services the future, we will be from chronic kidney delivery of outpatient providing services in disease or renal failure haemodialysis treatment other areas of health and who require the to persons in St. Vincent care where the needs are service, no longer have to and the Grenadines, the identified by our travel overseas to receive CARICOM region and team.”Vincentians can the treatment, thereby beyond. also look forward to an incurring added cost.

Addressing the initiative to educate the Health Solutions Inc., launching ceremony, population about kidney a newly founded medical Pauline Garabedian, disease; how to reduce service provider in St. Managing Director of the risk of and how to

manage the disease.

While last Friday marked the formal opening of the dialysis clinic, Garabedian revealed that services have already been extended to resident Vincentians and nationals who have returned from abroad.She made a special appeal to persons in the Diaspora: “Those of you in the Diaspora who require haemodialysis treatment or know of persons who do, please feel confident in knowing that you can receive treatment when you are home on vacation, and feel free to spread the word that dialysis is available in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

the public health sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since, as Managing Director Garabedian said, “It is our genuine belief that we can save lives by working together.”

Equipment and staff

well as Keyon St. John, Kamora Bynoe and Alice Archibald-Wilson, all of whom were trained in the field of Renal Care in Cuba.

Persons at Friday’s launch, including medical practitioners, were taken on a full tour of the new and modern facility.

The facility houses six (6) dialysis machine stations that have the capacity to treat up to 18 patients per day. The equipment utilized is manufactured

by Fresenius, and was installed and serviced by Renal Dynamics, the premier provider of dialysis related products and services to the English-speaking Professional support Caribbean. The Taking centre stage at Managing Director assured the launch was Dr. Pauline Garabedian, Managing that “it is our Malcolm Samuel who Director of Health Solutions mandate to was described as “an Inc, spoke of the facility being ensure that not integral part of the the first but not the last foray only the best medical team at Health into providing health services equipment and Solutions Inc.”Dr. in SVG. supplies are Samuel, a Vincentian utilized in born surgeon with a treating our focus on renal complications and kidney patients, but that all protocols and transplants, practises procedures primarily out of employed in WestShore Medical delivering Private Hospital in treatment to Trinidad & Tobago, but patients are of a maintains a practice in high standard St. Vincent and the that is Grenadines, through comparable, if not which he offers tertiary better than, in level consultation and other care to Vincentians.Dr jurisdictions.”

Samuel, addressed the gathering, during which Regular staff at he highlighted the state the facility includes of kidney related Garabedian diseases in the region herself, a and the importance of Dr. Malcolm Samuel , renowned Canadian properly functioning Registered Nurse Vincentian medical practitioner kidneys. and surgeon, will provide with a range of He expressed his professional support and experience of happiness with the over 14 years, as service to the facility. implementation of the institution, and declared his readiness to assist Vincentians with the management of renal diseases. In addition to Dr. Samuel’s association, the new facility also seeks consultations with nephrologists (those trained in the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of diseases of the kidneys) from within the region.The facility will also work towards developing a close working relationship with the Ministry of Support staff at the new facility included (from Health, Wellness and the left) Kamora Bynoe, Alice Archibald-Wilson and Environment, as well as Keyon St. John.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 21.

22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 23.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

Music is the food of love, play on

THE VINCENTIAN that his parents face seemingly insurmountable problems in sending him to school.

He resides in Richland Park and must travel from there to his school in Arnos Vale every day.

“I am financially unstable”, he explained. “Too many times I find myself in the situation where I have to stay away from school because of lack of funds for me to go. Seeing that I have this talent, I decided to use it to get some funds to send myself to school.”

SCHOOLING Linton is an avid Agricultural Science student Linton Squires blows his at the SVGCC trumpet and hopes that that DTVE. He box at his feet will be the reported that he recipient of the public’s developed a appreciation. passion for that subject at his former school,

by GLORIAH… the St. Joseph’s Convent THE BEAUTIFULLY SERENE Marriaqua, and that he wishes to do something STRAINS OF THE TRANSin agriculture after GENERATIONAL FAVOURITE ‘SOMEWHERE leaving school. He also plans to do music OVER THE RAINBOW’ professionally. “I hope punctuated the heated to pick up something in atmosphere under the agriculture after school, gallery of the Kingstown Post Office last Friday, 8th then if all goes well, I want to go to study January, and stopped music,” he said passers-by and those rushing to complete lunch confidently. time tasks in their tracks.

PROCEEDS The spectacle was admirable. NineteenAt the end of his year-old Linton Squires, Friday lunch time stint, a first year student of Linton said that he had the SVG Community earned enough money to College Division of Technical and Vocational provide him with transportation, lunch, Education, stood and the other small upright, cardboard box incidentals which are at his feet and trumpet necessary for school for securely at his lips. He the next two weeks or so. was blowing his heart He said that he has a out. music examination in November of this year INSPIRATION and he hopes to continue to use his talent to When asked for the realize funds for school inspiration behind his performance, Linton told and for his music exam.

V I have reached my limit

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 25.

Advice

Dear George,

I AM SO FRUSTRATED WITH MY LIFE RIGHT NOW. I am not working, and have been trying to get a job for the past 4 years. I have my qualification in quite a few areas, and still cannot find work. Some of the places where I went looking for work, the people in charge want me to give sexual favours. I plan to

eventually make these names public so that they would learn not to exploit women like that.

My entire life is falling apart. I had to forget about my boyfriend after I found out that he was having an affair with my aunt and my younger sister.

She is 18 and he is 43.

I miss having someone in my life, and it is driving me nuts.

Sometimes I think

about killing myself, but don’t have the guts to do it. Maybe it is better not to be alive.

No one in this place have anything encouraging to say to me. It is just one put down after another. I am hurting and I need to stop hurting like this. Everybody seems so wrapped up in their own affairs that I am left feeling alone and abandoned.

No to anal sex Dear George,

- no pun intended.

PLEASE TELL MY HUSBAND that I am not interested in anal sex and he must quit trying to get me to engage in it. He started up with this homosexual nonsense after he came back from the US ( he went for an 8month training ) and it is driving me crazy. I do not need to have anal sex to enjoy sex, and he must get it out of his head.

Things got worse when he threatened that if I did not do, he will find someone else who will. He left me wondering if he is homosexual. I am very concerned, and I have altogether stopped having sex with him until I get to the bottom of it

Unhappy Wife Dear Unhappy Wife, Your husband's interest in anal sex does not mean that he is homosexual.

It is not wise for him, however, to insist on this, seeing that you strongly oppose it. There are other ways to spice up the bedroom besides anal sex. Tell your concerns to him and let him know you have doubts about his sexual orientation and the need for him to respect your views and wishes.

George

My wife reveals all any counseling because I have walked out of the SOMEONE marriage. I am now FORWARDED TO ME getting a divorce, and PICTURES OF MY mad at myself for WIFE THAT SHE allowing her to trick me TOOK. She sent these into marriage. I had my pictures to some friend suspicions, but still went she has in Bermuda, and through with the now they are out there marriage. I just did not on the internet. I got a dot all my ‘I’s” and file of over 200 nude crossed all my ‘T’ s’ . If pictures, and I am you know my wife, you ashamed to be associated will never believe a with her. I married her woman of her stature thinking she was a level- would do a thing like headed woman. These this. pictures were taken 4 months after our Freed marriage. Some of the pictures had her posing Dear Freed, with another woman, and I cannot describe Marriage is something here the kind of poses. that must never be taken I confronted her, and she was just concerned with where I got the pictures, and accused me of hacking into her email. I asked her about the woman in the pictures and she simply asked me what do I want to know. She then said the less I knew was the better for me.

George, I do not want Dear George,

lightly, and no one must enter into it ill-advised.

You made the decision to opt out of the marriage, and that is one you must live with. You will know better from your vantage point whether or not you should continue or not to continue.

Once you put anything on the internet, it stays there, and the posting of nude photos is an invitation to 'open house’. Sometimes we exercise poor judgement in the decisions we make, and unfortunately, some of these decisions do affect the rest of our lives.

George

When I was at school, I looked forward to working and developing myself. I never knew it would be so terrible to find work. I never knew a woman had to promise sex in order to get work. I am 23 years old and to be honest, I am not looking forward to living much longer.

George, I wish you were here so I can talk to you. You always talk straight and find ways to help. St. Vincent needs more people like you!

doing so.

Unfortunately, there are individuals who lack the professionalism, and use their position to exploit others. You need not compromise your integrity and dignity and give way to them. There is much to Deep end live for yet. You might be experiencing Dear Deep end, temporary darkness, but it does not mean Thanks for sharing. that the light will not It can be very difficult shine again for you. to express what is I recommend that inside, but you did and you seek professional must be commended for help immediately, and

that can be found at Marion House for starters. This is the perfect opportunity for you to focus on YOU, and to not think about the hurt your boyfriend caused you, and everything else that is falling apart around you. The time will come when you will be ready to resume the search for someone who can contribute to your overall development and happiness.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Small business ventures can earn you extra cash. Disharmony in your relationship may cause minor ailments. Be sure to find out all you can before you commit to anything. You can expect sorrow to evolve from the information you discover.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Arguments could prevail. Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn the situation around. Dealing with in-laws or relatives will not be in your best interest.

Be inquisitive about unfamiliar circumstances.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles. If you can't trust someone, question the connection.

Overindulgence may be a problem.

You will have original ideas for ways to make extra money.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed. If you're feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate your motives as well as your needs. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself. You can't help everyone.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Be prepared to make changes to your personal documents. You hard work and dedication will payoff, so stick to your guns and do your job well.

Residential moves look hectic and sudden changes in your life are likely.

Someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and if you're gullible, it may cost you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship. You may need to make a choice.

Refrain from arguing with your mate.

Opportunities to get ahead are evident.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Elders may get you going this week.

Get ready to do some fancy footwork when it comes to taking care of your financial situation. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Avoid lovers who already have a relationship, even if it is a bad one. Your energy will be high; however, if not channeled suitably, temper tantrums may erupt. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren't necessary. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You must try to lay your cards on the table. Talk to your mate and tell them how you feel. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself. You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. You may need a good friend to lean on.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Monitor your budget carefully to avoid unnecessary stress. You can get a promotion if you put in a little extra detail.

You may find that your quick wit and charm will help you in obtaining allies.

Your emotional reaction will be dependent upon your partner's responsiveness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't be afraid to talk to close friends or relatives about pressing personal problems. You're eager to learn. Toning, fitness, pampering should all be scheduled. Don't let other people meddle in your private affairs.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Taking on too much won't help the situation. Spend some time on yourself.

Talk to someone with experience about budgets or consolidating debts. Based on your excitement, serious-minded individuals will be more than interested in backing your ideas.

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 We apologise for the wrong insertion last week. Please see corrected version.

74. _ Paulo 75. Become a skin marking 48. Find a sum 62. Proper _ contestant 64. Judge’s 76. “Untouch- 20. Pretender 50. Treachery 52. Cul-de-_ garment ables” hero 22. Acme 24. _ Marino 54. Withdraw 65. Writer Leon 26.

“Broom _” 57.

Mournful 66.

Teachers’ DOWN 27. Curvy letsong favorites ters 59. Church VIP 67. Proofs of 1. _ this date 29. Negative 60. Sailing on age (now, vote the briny (abbr.)

2 wds.)

31. Gandhi’s 61. Padre’s son 69. Orchestra _ 2. Mata _ homeland 3. State confi32. Bitten by dently a bee 4. Beg 33. Very long 5. Teen’s time periods heroes 34. Lily pad 6. Ashier dweller 7. _ Alamos 8. Lena or Ken 35. “Help!”

9. Announcer 37. Knockingaround Johnny partner 10. Greater 41. Shout sum 43. Chaplain 11. Intrepid 46.

12. From _ Z Squashing (2 wds.) sounds 15. Sailor’s

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V Dear St. Vincent Â4Ê: Carol

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 27.

Opinion

Dear St. Vincent:

OUR PRAYERS GO OUT to our dear sister Carol, committed to hospital last week with wounds inflicted during an hourlong assault by a masked man. The pain and trauma from that one hour will affect not only her, but all who love and support her.

A great challenge lies ahead- to transmute the pain and horror to compassion for all those who suffer at the hands of abusers. Where intimidation thrives, there is always someone suffering in silence.

Compassion means allowing those who suffer to be heard.

Women, children and the elderly are targets for abusers who perceive them as vulnerable and unable to fight back.

How are the most

vulnerable protected in the society? Before sophisticated security measures were the norm for those who can afford them, they used to be protected by a community moral ethic.

But, as community has broken down into arguing factions and isolated posts of material comfort, few look out for others beyond their immediate circle. This has given rise to acceptance of abuse going on behind closed doors, incurring untold costs of suffering.

What about the victims using their voice?

This requires enormous courage, as those to whom we carry our complaints in confidence may be abusers themselves and provide a source of further intimidation or at the

FOR SALE 40,000 sq. ft of land at Villa, overlooking Young Island. Tel: 493-9022

least dismissal. Our suffering is trivialized, and we are made to feel weak. The abusive pattern unfolds all around as we are shamed if we speak out about what makes others uncomfortable. Where did this acceptance of shame come from? Where did we get the idea that we must suffer at the hands of another (male or female) without expressing our anger and pain at the injustice?

Where did we learn to sit down and keep quiet?

Where were we slapped into silence for asking a question? Where are we judged by how we look and not by the significance of what we express? By answering these easy questions, we will identify the source of the silence that feeds the abuser.

It’s the same silence borne of fear and shame that subordinated us to a minority of master

abusers during centuries of the greatest injustice to our humanity.

Thinking we had emerged from centuries of silence to proclaim our dignity, we have not yet learned that our collective fear is an abuser’s banquet, and the victim’s silence is the screen behind which they gorge themselves.

My dear sister Carol, and all those who pray for her, let not your pain become fear to feed the

perpetrators. Starve them with your courage and expressions of suffering; let your burden bring you closer to the many who suffer in silence, so that the light of community awareness that once protected us will illuminate our land and reveal it to be truly Blessed.

With love and light for your healing.

Vonnie

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28. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Further danger averted in a Friday fire scale electrical MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL SVG Police fire.

Force Fire Department came in for high “As praises for their handling of a fire in one much as of Kingstown’s most populated school the smoke zones, last Friday afternoon. bothered Phedra Samuel, Principal of the us, I only School for Children with Special called for Needs, which is located on Fernside the engine (Wilson Hill), applauded the outfit’s when we The Principal of the nearby The fire blazed not too far away from electrical wires and a transformer ready response to the scene of the fire. noticed School for Children with (right).

“I’m very happy with the response of how close Special needs sounded the the squad. We called and they came in the fire alarm to which the fire Inset: Corporal Paul Smart (right) keeps a chief’s eye on a female fire record time,” she said to THE was getting department responded. fighter.

VINCENTIAN on Tuesday after the to the pole smoke and the danger were cleared. housing the street could have exploded causing obstructing the passage of emergency Friday’s fire was causing electrical meter and transformer… the extensive damage to people and vehicles. “We see it time and again… disruptions long before the flames playground is located next door with property in the vicinity… but that did persons would sit in their vehicles started blazing, Samuel reported. building materials stored for its not happen and it seems the students hearing the sirens from a long way off “I didn’t see who started or how the renovations, that too could have around here are mature and and still would not heed,” he said. fire got started, but the smoke started caught ablaze,” the relieved Principal experienced enough to avoid getting Much is still to be desired by way of affecting us so much so we had to cut recounts. injured by disjointed live wires,” the the department’s scene management short our staff meeting. It’s a good fire boss reasoned as he described a protocol as very little was done to thing school was out because we have Could have been worse worst case scenario for THE divert traffic, vehicular and some children in attendance with VINCENTIAN at the scene. pedestrian, away from the area. respiratory problems and even some of Corporal Smart, Chief of the fire Peeved at being stuck in traffic Friday’s fire experience should serve us adults too.” crew on the scene, was grateful that along that portion of North River Road to encourage the designation of muster Not only was the smoke and far “… the bushfire was in an area which runs along the Roman Catholic points as onlookers, fire fighters, flung soot distressing to the members without much dry grass.” This allowed Cathedral, Smart took the time to drivers and pedestrians were all forced of staff, but imminent disaster was for easy control as the blaze quickly warn other road users that they run to share the same space in too close posed by the threat of the relatively burnt itself out. the risk of being hauled before the proximity to potential flare ups and low level fire spiralling into a larger “The transformers located along the court on charges in relation to unexpected explosions.

by JP SCHWMON

Fire destroys motor car at Super J LOCAL POLICE are said to be conducting investigations into the cause of a fire, which destroyed a motor car last Saturday afternoon at Arnos Vale.

Reports say commuters, motorists and passers-by were treated to a spectacle at the Super J Arnos Vale compound just after 5pm, as motor vehicle P6839 was destroyed by a fire, which reports say started

in the bonnet of the vehicle.

Reports say the fire which began as a small flame gradually built into an inferno as persons looked on helplessly, with one journalist, E. Glenford Prescott, making a vain effort to douse the flickering flames with a borrowed fire extinguisher from the nearby fast food outlet.

According to Amal

Daniel, driver of the Nissan B14, he had just replenished his gas supply at a petrol station with the intention of heading to his home at Glen.

However, he told THE VINCENTIAN that one of the two other occupants of the vehicle indicated he “was smelling gas” as they hit the stretch at the Public Works Building.

‘The scent get real strong and then smoke start coming from the bonnet and I drive in the yard here (Super J’s parking lot) and jumped out because Fire officers readying themselves to move burnt remains of I did not vehicle. want it (the

Car on fire just at the entrance to the car park of Super J Supermarket, Arnos Vale.

Inset: Amal Daniel, driver, looks on helplessly as the vehicle burns last Saturday. car) to blow up with me,” a shaken looking Daniel said.

He said the car, which was due to be serviced next week, had not been giving any problem, and he could not give a reason as to what may have caused the fire.

The inferno was later put out by the fire engine which arrived on the scene from Kingstown

about an hour after the car first shows signs of being on fire. .

Deputy Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, who arrived at the same time with the fire brigade, indicated that the unit had been badly delayed by an accident at Casson Hill, which resulted in traffic having to be diverted through Roseau.

One officer also indicated to THE VINCENTIAN that the situation was compounded by van drivers who spent time “arguing as to who must go back even with the siren of the fire engine going.”

Police are said to be conducting investigations into the cause of the fire.

(EGP)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 29.

Tribute

VIBERT: A Man For All Seasons

DARNLEY VIBERT DUBLIN, born 1939, died 2013, lived through World War 2 as a child, and slowly witnessed travel throughout the Grenadines evolve from windjammers to fast ferries in less than the 74 years that he spent on planet earth.

He began his career as a teacher, and continued as a civil

servant right up to retirement as the Revenue Officer for the Southern Grenadines, based in Union Island.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, February 06, at the Kingstown Evangelical Church, where a packed church of friends, relatives and former work mates gathered to pay

respect to a departed teacher, mentor, confidant and friend.

Making a notable contribution during the service was fellow retired Revenue Officer for the Northern Grenadines, Mr. Sylvester Tannis. His refreshing style of delivery was in the form of an imaginary and highly

Right: Darnley Vibert Dublin

imaginative dialogue between Vibert and himself that reflected on the selfless dedication by Vibert over the years, and brought tears to many eyes.

Attending the funeral service was a sizeable contingent of “Unionites,” including staff members of the Tobago Cays

Marine Park office in Union Island, which was the last place where Vibert was employed.

He was laid to rest at the Kingstown cemetery.

Remembering Vibert Dublin - A Eulogy by Sylvester Tannis THE RADIANT MORN has pass’d away, and spent too soon her golden store; the shadows of departing day creep on once more. Our life is but a fading dawn, its glorious noon how quickly past; Lead us, O Christ, when all is gone, safe home at last.

Tannis: Dubbie ….

You have left us for the great beyond ! …. On reflection … I remember your patriotic struggles for our country, particularly the Grenadines. We refer to you as a retired civil servant, but who were you really?

Dublin: …………… you know!

Tannis: True ! …… I know you were a true servant of the people. You remember when others refused to go to “the Keys”, as they call us then in the mid sixties?

Dublin: ….Uh hm!

Tannis: ….. You answered that call and went to Union Island.

Dublin: ……..Tannis ………... those were tough times, boy! .... No water most of the year, scarce food in the shops, little or no electricity, no proper transportation nor medical service, …. I toiled in places too remote for the majority of civil servants then.

Tannis: ….. That is true! …… what you say ?

Dublin: … Ah work in Bequia too!

Tannis: ……. Oh ho!

You spanned the Grenadines. You were again posted to the Southern Grenadines, this time as District Officer in 1978. Tell me, what were your responsibilities then?

Dublin: Wait a minute let me check …… Revenue Officer, Postmaster, Port Officer, Customs Officer, Registrar of Births and Deaths, Licensing Officer, Port Health Officer, a Surveyor for crown land Tannis: …What?

Dublin:....Yes man, when folks want a piece of land to put down a

shelter, I had to go measure out a lot with the forest ranger and put them on rent until a surveyor comes ….. and that is about ten years later….

Tannis: Go on!

Dublin:..... Veterinary Officer, CXC invigilator, Registering Officer, Returning Officer … I had to work at the airport and sea port daily also. That’s not all! …. Look, I will tell you this ……. if something happened over PSV, Palm Island , Mayreau, Tobago Cays, and Canouan, that was the entire area I had to cover…… The Southern Grenadines !

Tannis: I understand …… That was stressful man! You had to know all the laws to apply it, and understand the way the people live. …... You better be right when you act. ……… Doubbie! ….. man you were truly dedicated to service.

Dublin: Listen Tan! …… Going to Canouan to

pay salaries and daily paid workers was not easy in an open fishing boat; sometimes a wave splash in to the boat, I had to help bail out with government cash and pay sheets clutch to my bosom …. Oh Boy! Who sit in their high office never experience these things ……….No, they would not stick it. When the dry weather steps in, I had to find and ration water for the people. These islands were completely cut off from the normal way of life on the mainland. My heart was all for the people down there. No mails sometimes over a week, letters and other correspondence taking up to 12 days. Government correspondences reaching some time three weeks after the event or workshop passed ……

Tannis: Nobody understood it as we do Dobbie! ….. You have to live it to understand it. By the way …. what grade were you in ? ….. Grade 6! Oh my God ! What a shame. …. I tell you Ah …. unto this day, no The cross-section of Vincentian society who attended the funeral service bore civil servant on the testimony to the many and varied lives Vibert Dublin impacted. mainland knows

Members of the Tobago Cays Marine Park office in Union Island were among many ‘Unionites’ who made the journey to the mainland to bid their friend and colleague farewell.

Inset: Sylvester Tannis, friend and close work associate, paid tribute to Vibert Dublin in a special and unorthodox style. what it takes to work or administer in the Grenadines. There is no comparative post on the mainland with the Grenadines positions; you know they took us for granted. ….. Ah you who collect the revenue for them to get their high grade . Tanty Merle did say that we ah make up job description. Boy oh Boy! ….. Dubbie you took everything with a smile, I use to do the talking. You generated lots of revenue and remain happy and contented…. Look what is happening today. You go to some offices and no courtesy shown as if you annoy them in their homes.

Dublin: Tannis boy, some of the junior officers run the offices …… We dared not insult the public in our day!

Tannis: True.

Tannis: Dubbie! You know how long you and I struggle to have those posts upgraded and have a senior clerk post created …. They eventually tuck us reluctantly in grade 9 after years of pressure.

Dublin: That is why I gave my full service to the people of the Southern Grenadines and tell them keep the promotion!

When I calculated, it was

useless.

Tannis: As your health began to fail you, and you became unable to help, did the people show appreciation for your service beyond the call of duty? …..……… Dubbie can you hear me ? ………..if you do not want to say it, you can whisper Dublin: …………

“Ju…st a fe w !

Tannis: Never mind my buddy …. You are a national hero! And should be declared as such; … As for me …. Lord! teach me to number my days so that I may apply my heart unto Wisdom.

Tannis: What you say?

Dublin: “….. sing for me!”

Tannis: “…… Ok ‘ Abide with me, fast falls the eventide, the darkness deepens; Lord with me abide; when other helpers fail, and comforts flee, help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O lord abide with me.” (sing two verses) Farewell, my friend.

My friend, Farewell! May you Rest in Peace.

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30. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

People

John has a new attitude to life

government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he uttered.

His list includes Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Press Secretary Hans King.

He praised Cabinet Secretary Susan Dougan, and former Security Minister Sir Vincent Beache.

Gratitude went to Patricia May, Wendy and Jelwyn John has a new attitude to Elroy life since undergoing successful Edwards surgery to remove a tumor from connected to his mouth.

Courts and Karib Cable respectively, and to

by WILLAIM ‘KOJAH’ McGregor Sealey and ANTHONY Allison Thomas of the National Lotteries JELWYN JOHN IS A 41Authority.

YEAR-OLD John’s list also COURIER/OFFICE included Owen Jackson ATTENDANT, EMPLOYED and the staff of the WITH THE CARIBBEAN Reference Laboratory. The Caribbean Reference Laboratory. .

Edinboro native is in a SVG Ambassador to happy mood these days.

Cuba, H.E. Dexter Rose That is because he is all and his wife came in for but fully recovered and enjoying a new attitude to praise, as did Governor General Sir Frederick life following surgery in Ballantyne and his son Cuba.

Marcus Ballantyne. Dr John’s surgery Joanna Osborne came in involved the removal of a tumor from his mouth. for special recognition, He developed the tumor and so to the Member of some five years ago and Parliament for West Kingstown Daniel it had slowed his Cummings. operations.

Worse, the disfiguration to his face, Getting on occasioned by the For John, life was a growing tumor, made trial. He was the object him the object of scorn of scorn while he lived and ridicule, especially by school children. John with the tumor.

Ever conscious of his admitted that: “I feel the condition, he isolated way (that) I (am) himself so as to avoid suppose (d) to feel just the public taunts. like anybody. That is Since his operation, because of the Almighty.

John is adjusting to life He is the first person I and a new found status. have to thank.”

His transformation has been such that Thanks all round persons who knew him before don’t make him John is grateful to a out. number of persons who “When I just returned, contributed to his relief. people used to pass me “I want to thank the straight,” he recalled.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 31.

Rodney Jack slips over the Touchline the Torquay.

The reports say Jack left Gresty Road in 2003 for Rushden & Diamonds, and despite his 12 goals in 45 games in his only season at the club, Rushden were relegated from League One. His move to Oldham Athletic saw him playing only ten games all season after being the victim of a vicious Gregory Messam tackle while representing SVG against Jamaica in a World Cup Qualifier, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

The report said another brief spell followed, this time at Irish outfit Waterford United, then back to Crewe in 2006. However, according to the reports, the club’s reluctance to award Jack with any more than a one-year deal Move into the professional was evidence that he was no ranks Facing up to the challenges longer the same player — 1 Catching the eye goal in 30 games in 2006-07 Media reports say the Although he stayed at represented a shadow of the Barbados performance had the Rodney Jack has called it a day.

The mercurial great Pele suggesting that the Crewe for five years, the his previous goal scoring form. striker, who longest spell of his career with Recent years have seen the Vincentian should ply his RODNEY JACK, THE ONLY followed in the footsteps of his trade in Brazil - the football one club, Jack was unable to Vincentian take in a five-game FOOTBALLER TO HAVE LEFT renowned father Guy “Chow” match his scoring form at spell at Southport in 2008, Mecca of the world.

THESE SHORES TO TAKE UP A Lowe and uncle Raultie Torquay — he netted 33 goals before Jack finally resettling However, indications are contract with an English football “Smoking Joe” Lowe, came to in 163 league games for his at non-league side Nantwich that the player’s advisors club, has come to the end of a national prominence at the Town, where he ended his pointed him to England, which new club, compared to 27 dazzling but at times injury-hit club level playing for Stingers he did through Barbados semi- strikes in 93 appearances for playing days. career. According to reports on a UK website, the 40-year-old Jack ended his on field action in June of 2012, at nonleague side Nantwich Town, which he joined in 2010/11 season, and was named the club’s player of the year for that season.

It was a downward spiral to what was once a career that blossomed at the regional level, bore fruit in the UK, gave ratoon and gently withered, leaving the stem in a field covered by mist.

FC. Reports say that with the exploits of the two aforementioned Lowes setting the bar at dizzying heights, Jack, at an early age, began creating his own mark, and very soon had heads turning and eyes rolling with his lightning pace and clinical finishing, as defenders and goalkeepers all looked on in grudging admiration.

According to reports, in 1992, regional football fans and commentators were given a taste of what the Vincentian had seen when the diminutive Jack left the Barbados National Stadium looking on in awe with a hattrick that helped SVG flatten the home team.

professional club, Lambada, headed by Kevin Millard.

Reports say Millard took his club to play a friendly against Torquay in August 1995.

Jack’s blinding pace and top class finishing quickly impressed chairman Mike Bateson, who went all the way to sign the 23-year-old Vincentian striker.

In his second year at Torquay, he took the club to the play-off final, but they lost 0-1 to Colchester at Wembley.

He later joined then-first division side Crewe Alexandra for £650,000 — a record fee for both clubs. Jack’s outstanding service in his three years at Plainmoor has not been forgotten. In 2009, the player was named as Torquay’s 48thbest player of all time, in the club’s ‘50 Golden Greats’ list.

Sion Hill Playing Field gets mixed impressions veteran batsman Dawnley Joseph.

Joseph, a former West Indies A team opening batsman, saw his team News Spartans succumb to Victors ONE by an innings and 61 runs in a match which lasted for just over 90 overs, and which registered totals of 193, 39 and 93.

Joseph got scores of one and 15, and was bowled both times, with his second innings dismissal coming by way of a roller from pacer Ray Jordan.

There was heightened expectations and a great deal of interest going into the match since no action had taken place there (Sion Hill) for close to four years. The match ended well before tea on Sunday.

Victors ONE, who had won the toss and elected to bat,were indebted to Dawnley Joseph was dismissed their lower order for pulling them out with a ‘roller’ on his return to a of a chasm when they stood at 96-8, to refurbished Sion Hill pitch. get an eventual total of 193. It was left to Jordan, 5, Keiron Cottoy, 28, Stories by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT Chrisroy John, 27, and Norlan Williams, 27 not out, to take their “IT WAS NOT OF THE BEST, but it team to what turned out to be a played a lot better than I match-winning total. expected....since it was not being used The Victors ONE captain, Miles for a few years.”

Bascombe, must have regretted his This was the description of the pitch decision to take first use of the at the Sion Hill Paying Field by unknown track when his team had lost

half its side by the time the score had reached 44, with pacer Kentish Bascombe getting the ball to move late.

The rebuilding began with Cottoy and John who added 28 for the sixth wicket. Jordan and Kenneth Dembar, 14, then added 48 for the eighth wicket. Jordan, who also picked up five wickets in the match, struck the season’s first half century and with Williams made a mockery of the difficulty posed by the pitch by playing good cricket shots against spin and pace, in adding 49 for the tenth wicket. Jordan raced to 56 off 51 balls in 75 minutes with three fours, while Williams hit two sixes and one four in his unbeaten 27.Kentish Bascombe, 3-41, Teron Simon,3-57 and Nixon McLean, 2-35 shared the wickets.

The News Spartans were put on the back foot early after going to the close on 4-19. They were dismissed before lunch on the second morning for 39 in 18.5 overs, with legspinner Cottoy 410, Jordan 3-15, and Williams 2- 2 doing the damage. Asked to follow- on, the digits were changed as the News Spartans fell for 93 in 33.2 overs, with Nixon McLean, 20, being the top score.

Ray Jordan was among the wickets and runs for Victors ONE. Alston Bobb, 4-26, Cottoy, 4-33, and Jordan 2-10 bowled their team to victory. Victors’ captain Miles Bascombe said that the pitch needed more preparation, and the number of balls which stayed low, including the first one of the match which he was forced to bend his knees to keep out from Nixon McLean, was a sure sign of this. He, however, said that he had seen worse pitches.

Victors ONE got 12 points plus three bowling points, while News Spartans got three bowling points.

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32. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Small helps Rivals to big win

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Rivals, behind the first century of the season by opener Marvin Small, rushed to an innings and 34 runs win over newly promoted Victors TWO at Arnos Vale TWO, last weekend.

Small, a former Windwards U19 allrounder, hit 112 out of his team’s total of 266-6 in what were said to be good batting conditions for the most part, after Victors TWO, asked to take first knock, had been dismissed for 131.

The diminutive Small enjoyed a few slices of fortunes, but struck five fours and two sixes in his innings which spanned just over three hours. His effort took his team to a dominant position in the match. He shared in a partnership of 118 for the seventh wicket with Harley Skerritt who made an unbeaten 52. Skerritt struck three fours.

Fast bowler Shaquille Browne took 2-75 and left-arm spinner Javed Harry 2-63.

Batting a second time and faced with a deficit of 135, Victors TWO were dismissed for 101, with off spinner Casman Walters, 4-11, and Deighton Butler , 2-26, with left-arm orthodox as against his customary leftarm seamers, bowling their team to victory just after tea on Sunday.

Victors TWO had gained promotion once again after winning the First Division, but seemed to have found resuming life in the Premier Division to be a vanquishing experience.

Sent in to bat, they were always up against it on a pitch that offered some help on opening match day, and were bundled out for 131- a total made possible through some late order rallying.

Opener Nicholas Baptiste, who had the distinction of opening for Victors

ONE, Rivals and now Victors TWO, shared a top score of 32 with Shaquille Browne (four sixes one four), and Leshorn Lewis contributed 31 to give the score some respectability.

Veteran leg spinner Orlanzo Jackson led the bowling with 5-30, with Walters 3-35 and left-arm spinner Asif Hooper 2-39 supporting.

Rivals got 12 points plus three bowling bonus points and two batting points. Victors TWO got no points.

Captain of Victors TWO, Denis Byam, attributed the defeat to what he described as “early season blues,” and was confident that his team will improve as the season progresses.

His counterpart,Jackson, beaming broadly, was obviously happy with the champions’ display, and though admitting the opposition was not among the strongest, he felt that full Marvin Small recorded the first points against anybody so early in the century for the 2013 cricket season in season was important. his first match.

Another lesson from Down Under

by EARL ROBINSON LAST SUNDAY when Darren Sammy walked off the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after his dismissal, the only person he reminded me of was Tom Dooley. The region’s cricket captain hung his head down for a long time as he left the arena.

What he may have learnt was to accept captaincy of his team is like embracing a poisoned chalice. Brian Lara, Jimmy Adams and Carl Hooper, players with greater credentials than he, had their fair share of white washes.

Not for the first time during the series, the West Indies appeared to be in the driver’s seat.

With Johnson Charles riding his luck, and a confident Kieron Pollard at the crease, it appeared like victory was on the cards for Sammy and his men. But as usual, they found a way to lose another match and in so doing, Australia achieved the Whitewash. I never envisaged that score line when this series began, especially with so many top players appearing in Australia before this tour.

For the record, the last time West Indies defeated Australia in a one-day match in Australia was at Perth in January 1997.

Back then, four specialist bowlers formed the bowling attack, namely Captain Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose , Ian Bishop and Nixon

McLean, not the kind of attack we are seeing now with some mediocre socalled all rounders.

Since the year 2000 to the present time, West Indies have contested Darren Sammy must be wondering nineteen ‘one what to do next. dayers’ against few times when Australia Down Under, individual players held and the tourists went their own. After the under seventeen times debacle in the first and had two no results. match, Kieron Powell played well in the second What we can take away at the WACA. Both from Down Under Bravos batted beautifully at Manuka Oval, In spite of the outcome Canberra - a batting of the series, there were a paradise. Kieron Pollard stroked a fine century at Sydney, and in the final match a fortuitous Johnson Charles got an even hundred.

The major concern was the lack of consistency n the batting. Pollard made the most runs, including 109 not out, but made only fifty-five runs in his four other innings.

Powell got a highest of 83 but only 152 in aggregate. Charles went from zero to hero — a duck at Sydney followed with a century at Mebourne.

On no occasion did the team bat its full allotment of 50 overs.

Once again, the world was able to witness what is experience. Ramnarash

Johnsob Charles went from zero to hero.

Sarwan’s performance was true to form. From the year 2000 to now (2013), he bats the same way - nothing new at all.

For sure, if he plays later in the year against Zimbabwe, he will find form.

Last but not least, Chris Gayle: His numbers were good for a 3D; they were 4,4 and 2, inline or back-up.

Keiron Pollard had one century but totalled only 164 runs.

second match at Perth.

Reduced to 98 for 6 in the 24th over, they recovered to post a total of 266 for seven. Only one wicket was lost in the last 26 overs.

By the time the W.I. team management will have to rectify theirissues before the ICC Champions Trophy starts in England in June if one is to consider the team a favourite to win.

Eyes on the future Only the major world teams will be on shows.

On a serious note: No entities like West Indies need to do Afghanistan, Bangladesh, better in ODIs and Test Ireland, Netherlands, Matches.

Scotland, and Zimbabwe The bowling was would be at home. As reasonable in spurts, but they say, Windies will it lacked quality and have to hit the ground penetration; that’s why running. the Australians were able See you at the Arnos to recover when they Vale playing feild this were in precarious weekend where the situations. The prime Windwards take on T&T example was during the in the four-day fixture.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 33.

Sports

2013 WICB 4-day Cricket tournament [Round 1] Devon Smith’s tons lift Windwards over the CCC

Trumpet sound THIS WEEK I am blowing my own trumpet. Veteran cricket broadcaster Tony Cozier is suggesting that Keiron Pollard ought to be included in the West Indies Test squad for the series against Zimbabwe.

West Indies coach Otis Gibson has praised Pollard and highlighted his power of concentration following Pollard’s century in the fourth One Day International in Australia last week Friday.

Pollard’s innings was in a losing cause. But the manner in which he compiled his runs displayed signs of an emerging maturity.

Pollard was Man of the Match in the T/20 against the Aussies, and confirmed his ability especially in that format.

There is no doubt about his commitment to all forms of cricket for the West Indies.

In the Vineyard of March 30, 2012, I called for Pollard to be included in the Test matches that were scheduled against the Aussies. That was after the One Day matches in the Caribbean, three of which were played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

I got the impression that Pollard was keen on West Indies cricket. He made his position clear.

He was the Man of the Series against Australia.

“There is ample evidence that he is more responsible, not just as a batsman but as a cricketer,” the March 30 edition of the Vineyard stated.

“His talent will be worthwhile in a Test match.

Once he is settled, there is no stopping an explosive Pollard….. he is showing the willingness to lengthen his innings at the 50 over version,” the Vineyard continued.

Cozier’s article came earlier this week and he outlined: If he can more regularly bat as he did in the fourth ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground Friday, his promotion to a Test team, presently without the injured Marlon Samuels, its major batsman of 2012, and with a dearth of other capable candidates, cannot be far off.”

I am happy that Cozier has made his observation and, knowing the power of his pen, the selectors will be prodded to pull Pollard into the party.

The March 30 Vineyard carried that headline ‘Pull Pollard into Party.’

It is unfortunate that Pollard’s recognition comes with the unfortunate injury to Marlon Samuels.

The West Indies ended their Australian tour on a brighter note. For having been whitewashed, they beat the Aussies in the only T/20 match.

That must have a boost, for there is no comfort in a five nil drubbing.

The West Indies never got going, and from their dismal showing in the first game when they were caught flat-footed, Australia never provided any breathing space.

The Caribbean Premier League is unraveling.

Six players, Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy and Keiron Pollard, will head six franchises: Those are likely to be Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, according to cricket sources.

Six international franchise players will be contracted, and will be among a pool of 15 players in a Franchise.

Exposure will be given to four Under 23 players in each franchise, and matches will be home and away, an eliminator and the final.

The organizers have a twenty year licence from the West Indies Cricket Board, and dates for the 2014 and 15 series have already been fixed.

That tournament will be a platform for regional cricket and will create an environment for the game to flourish. But the players will have to grab the opportunity.

Taking first strike, the Leewards made 182 all out.

Tonito Willett hit 58 and Jahmar Hamilton 32.

Veerasammy Permaul picked up 4 for 42. to return to some semblance of form after a woeful showing in the recently concluded WIBC Jahmar T20 Hamilton, Tournament. century maker, Ronsford Beaton brought some chipped in with 3 much needed for 43. cheer to the Leeward Guyana, Islands’ camp. replying to the Leewards’ first innings, posted 279 all out. Steven Jacobs scored 75, Assad Fudadin 49, Rajendra Chandrika 35, and Derwin Christian 26.

Lionel Baker took 4 for 57, Tonito Willett 3 for 31 and Gavin Tonge 2 for 82.

The Leewards, batting a second time scored 322.

Jahmar Hamilton struck 106, Montcin Hodge 52, Sylvester Joseph 39 and Tonito Willett 33.

Guyana’s captain Veerasammy Permaul snared 5 for 67 to register a nine-wicket match haul, showing signs of a return to some semblance of form after a woeful showing in the recently concluded WIBC T20 Tournament.

Set 226 to win, Guyana closed at 173 for 6. Leon Johnson hit 60, Rajendra Chandrika 38, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 32 and Steven Jacobs 24.

Anthony Martin grabbed 3 for 37 and Gavin Tonge 2 for 32.

Other Second round fixtures: Jamaica hosts the CCC at Sabina Park, and Barbados hosts Guyana at the Kensington Oval.

DEPOSED WEST INDIES opening batsman Devon Smith slammed two centuries to prop up the Windwards’ in both innings, and led his team to full points Devon Smith showed his class with a century against the in each innings.

Combined Campuses and days, at the Kensington Oval in Colleges (CCC) at the Beausejour Barbados.

Cricket Ground, in St Lucia.

Miller collected 5 for 34 in the The left-handed Smith’s second, second innings, to end with match 106 not out, navigated the figures of 10 for 67, which earned Windwards’ successful run him the man-of-the-match chase, as they reached 187 award. for 3, to win by seven Chasing 192 for wickets. Set 184 to win, victory, the Barbadians Smith carried the were bowled out for 128 weight as he did in the in their second innings. first innings.

Tamar Lambert Tyrone Theophile assisted Miller with 2 and Andre Fletcher for 14 and Odean both hit 25.

Brown grabbed 2 for CCC, behind by 100 48. on the first innings, Shane Dowrich was made 284 all out in the top scorer for their second, with Barbados with 31 not out, Chadwick Walton, 88, but no other batsman Akeem Dewar,52, and reached 20.

Akeem Dewar Kyle Corbin, 31, being In a match in which showed his all their principal scorers. neither of the four round skills The Windwards’ innings surpassed 200 against the bowling was led by runs, Jamaica batted first Windwards.

Nellon Pascal, 5 for 81 and made 165 all out. and Shane Shillingford, Jermaine 2 for 78.

Blackwood The CCC batted first and topscored with posted 309 all out. Anthony 81and Andrew Alleyne struck 84, Kevin Mc Richardson 30 Clean 28, Jason Dawes 27 not out not out; and Chadwick Walton 27.

Miguel Shane Shillingford took 3 for Cummins 76, Nelon Pascal 3 for 92, Garey bagged 5 for Mathurin 2 for 44, and Dellorn 58, Ashley Johnson 2 for 50.

Nurse 2 for 38 Smith registered his 20th first and Chris class century as he racked up 139 Jordan 2 for in the Windwards’ reply of 409.

43.

Dalton Polius contributed 77, In Tyrone Theophile 54, Andre response, Fletcher 41, Shane Shillingford 37 Barbados and Lyndon James 26. weredismissed Bowling for CCC, Akeem for 162.

Dewar bagged 4 for 127, Raymon Jonathan Reifer had 3 for 38 and Ryan Carter 63 and Austin, 2 for 106.

Kirk Edwards The Windwards play Trinidad 32. Nikita Jonathon Carter scored and Tobago in their next round Miller snared a half century and had starting today, Friday here at the 5 for 33, the ‘unbelievable figures Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Sheldon of 4 wickets for no run.

Cotterrell 2 Milller grinds Barbados to 63for 33 run loss and Andrew Richardson 2 for 43.

Batting a second time, Jamaica Leftmade 188, with Simon arm Jackson contributing 59, spinner Carlton Baugh 32 and Nikita Tamar Lambert 28.

Miller Jonathan Carter took 4 for bowled no run and, Kevin Stoute 2 five-time for 26. defending champions Leewards and Guyana Jamaica to draw a 63-run victory The Leewards and Nikita Miller continued to over demonstrate that he is still Guyana played to a draw at Barbados the Sir Vivian Richards among the best spinners in three Cricket Stadium in Antigua. in the region.

Veerasammy Permaul overcame a dismal T20 showing to turn in a creditable bowling performance for his team.

34. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013. 35.

Classifieds /E D DKZ/ D In In loving lovi oving memory memory off tthew ws nee Valcina Vaalcina Matthews Matt atth ews nee Prescott Prescott ott of Belve lveedere of Belvedere fe on who who departed departe rted this this life liffe on 17th 17th 7th February Februa ruary 2012.

2 0 12 .

IN MEMORIAM

Ĩ Ă ƐƵĚĚĞŶ LJŽƵ ůĞŌ Ƶ Ō ƵƐ͖ ůů ŽĨ Ă ƐƵĚĚĞŶ LJŽƵ ůĞŌ ƵƐ͖ ůů ŽĨ Ă

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Contact: 456-1767

We We pondered pondered well, well, and and oh! oh !

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LJ &ƌ LJ LJ & &ƌĂŶŬ DĂƩŚĞ ƌĂŶ ƌĂ ƌĂŶ ŶŬ DĂ ŶŬ DĂ ĂƩŚ ĂƩŚ ƩŚĞĞǁƐ ;ŚƵƐďĂŶĚͿ ǁƐ ;Ś ǁƐ ǁƐ ;ŚƵƐ ;Ś ƵƐď ƵƐ ƐďĂ ďĂŶ ĂŶĚͿ ĂŶ ĚͿ

^ĂĚůLJ ŵŝƐƐĞĚ ĂŶĚ ůŽǀŝŶŐůLJ ^ĂĚ ^Ă ^ĂĚůLJ ŵŝƐƐĞĚ ĂŶĚ ůŽ ĂĚů ĚůLJ ůLJ ŵŝƐ ŝƐƐ ƐƐĞ ƐĞĚ Ě ĂŶ Ě ĂŶ ĂŶĚ Ě ůŽ ůŽǀŝ ůŽ ǀŝŶ ǀŝ ǀŝŶŐůLJ ŝŶŐ ŐůůLJ ŐůLJ Őů ƌĞŵ ƌĞ ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌĞĚ ĞŵĞŵ Ğŵ Ğŵď Ğŵ ďĞƌ ĞƌĞ ƌĞĞĚ ĞĚ ďLJ LJŽƵƌ LJ LJŽ LJ LJŽ LJ LJŽƵƌ Ƶƌ Ƶƌ ƌĞŵĞŵďĞƌĞĚ ďLJ LJŽƵƌ ŚƵƐ ŚƵƐďĂŶĚ͕ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĂŶĚ ƵƐď ƐďĂŶ Ɛď ĂŶĚ͕ ĂŶ Ě͕ ĐŚ ŚŝůŝůĚ Śŝů ůĚƌ ĚƌĞ ƌĞŶ ĞŶ ĂŶ ĞŶ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ Ě ŐƌĂ ŐƌĂŶĚ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͕ ďƌŽƚŚĞƌƐ͕ Őƌ ƌĂŶ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ Ě ĐŚ ĐŚŝůŝůŝůĚ ĐŚ ůĚƌ ĚƌĞ ƌĞŶ ĞŶ͕ Ŷ͕ ďƌŽ ďƌŽ ƌŽƚŚ ƚŚĞƌ ƚŚ ĞƌƐ Ğƌ ƌƐ͕ Ɛ͕ ŐƌĂŶĚ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͕ ďƌŽƚŚĞƌƐ͕ Ɛŝ ƐŝƐ ŝƐƚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ůĂǁ ĂŶĚ ďƌĞ ĞƌƐ ĞƌƐ ƌƐ ŝŶ ƌƐ ŝŶ ůĂ ŝŶ ŝŶ ůĂǁ ůĂ ǁ ĂŶ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ Ě ďƌ ďƌĞ ďƌ ƌĞƚŚ ƌĞ ƚŚƌĞ ƚŚ ƚŚƌĞŶ ƌĞŶ ƌĞ ĞŶ ƐŝƐƚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ůĂǁ ĂŶĚ ďƌĞƚŚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ŽĨ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐ ƚŚĞ ƚŚ Ğ Ɖ Ɖ ƉŽƐƚŽůŝĐ ƉŽƐ ŽůůŝĐ Žůŝ Žů ŝĐ &&Ă Ă Ăŝƚ Ăŝ ĂŝƚŚ ŝƚŚ ƚŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐƚŽůŝĐ &ĂŝƚŚ DŝƐ Dŝ DŝƐƐŝŽŶ ͘ ŝƐƐ ƐƐŝ ƐŝŽ ŝŽ ŽŶ ͘ ŽŶ ͘ ^ůĞ ^ů ^ůĞĞƉ ŽŶ ĞůŽ ůĞĞĞƉ ĞĞƉ ĞƉ Ž ĞƉ ŽŶ ĞĞů ŽŶ Ğ ĞůůŽ ĞůŽ ůŽǀĞ ǀĞĞĚ͘ ǀĞĚ͘ ĞĚ͘ ^ůĞĞƉ ŽŶ ĞůŽǀĞĚ͘

ROSELYN I. MATTHIAS MCINNISS

FRANCIS COLE

Sunrise: 13/3/1923 Sunset: 4/2/2013 Union Methodist Church New Grounds Tuesday 12th February, 2013 3:00 p.m.

Sunrise: 26/11/1958 Sunset: 6/2/2013 Glad Tidings Tabernacle Church Gomea Wednesday 13th February, 2013 3:00 p.m.

STEPHANIE EDWARDS Streams of Power Church Carriere Monday 11th February, 2013 3:00 p.m.

DAVID ARNOS ABRAHAM BUSHAY Sunrise: 24th Dec, 1951 Sunset: 26th Jan, 2013 Vermont Miracle Tabernacle Saturday 9th February, 2013 2:00 p.m.

In n loving lo lov oving vin ng memor mem memory mory ry of of FRANCIS SSHIRLEY HIR RLEY FRA RA ANC CIS Off Campden O Campde Ca p en Park Parrk Who W ho entered ente nt red eternal eternal lilife ife fe 12th 1 2tth FFebruary ebrua arry 2005 20 005 place LLife ife iff is but bu ut a stopping stop opp pin ng p pl lace Ap ausse se in what’s what at’s tto ob e pause be

ƌƌĞ ĞƐƐƟŶ ŶŐ ƉůĂ ĂĐĐĞ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ Ğ ƌĞƐƟŶŐ ƉůĂĐĞ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ rroad oad To T o sswe weet e e ternit ity ty. y sweet eternity. t Ğ Ăůů ŚĂǀǀĞ Ěŝī ŝīĞƌĞ ī ƌĞŶƚ Ŷ tĞ Ăůů ŚĂǀĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ jo ourrney eys journeys

ŝī ŝīĞƌĞ ī ƌĞŶ Ŷƚ Ɖ ƉĂƚ ĂƚŚƐ ĂůŽ ůŽ ŽŶŐ ƚƚŚĞ ŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƉĂƚŚƐ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ w ay way W e all w were r me eant tto o le earrn We meant learn ssome ome things things ngs B ut u never never m ne eant tto sst tayy.

But meant stay.

K Ƶƌ ĚĞ ĞƐƟŶĂ Ɛ ĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ƉůĂ ƉůĂ ĂĐĞ ĐĞ KƵƌ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ Ă ƉůĂĐĞ FFar greater gre gr reater than than we we know know o FFor or ssome, ome, tthe he jo ourrney ne ey ’’s journey’s q uic iccker k quicker FFor or some some e the the h journey’s jourrn jo ne ey ’s slow slo low o A nd dw he en the the e journey jourrney jo ne ey And when ĮŶĂůůLJ ůLJ ĞŶĚƐ Ě ĚƐ ĮŶĂůůLJ ĞŶĚƐ W e’ll cl e’ laim a gr gre reat a rrewa ew rd We’ll claim great reward

ŶĚ ĮŶ ŶĚ ĂŶ ĞǀǀĞƌƌůĂ ĂƐƟŶŐ ĂƐ ŶĚ ĮŶĚ ĂŶ ĞǀĞƌůĂƐƟŶŐ pe p eacce ce peace To T oget gether w itth the the Lord.

Lo orrd.

Together with De Dee eep epl ply ly missed mis mi iss sse sed ed by by family famil fa ily ly ly Deeply a nd ffri rrie ieend nds d ds and friends

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A.I. REAL ESTATE Arnos Vale Adams Commercial Complex on 9,666 sq.ft. $2,165,000.00 - CALL Brighton 10,000 sq.ft @ $12.50 p.s.f. - $125,000.00 - BB399

S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 15, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.7

Calder Ridge 4 bedrm Property on 10,438 sq.ft. - $529,605.00 H902 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

EC$1.50

BDS APPEALS COURT ORDER

(BDS Ltd) is to pay the claimant by 10 am on the 31st January 2013, the sum THE LEGAL TEAM of $138,000.00, monies it alleges it REPRESENTING BDS possesses and it stands ready to pay to LTD, OWNERS OF ‘NICE the claimant. A copy of the manager’s RADIO’, has appealed a cheque evidencing such payment is to High Court Order for be lodged with the court on the 31st of BDS Ltd to pay Prime January 2013, failure which the court Minister Dr. Ralph will consider any sanction on Gonsalves $138,000,00 application of the claimant as the CPR in one day, and the allows.” appointment of two Attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne, a receivers/managers. member of team spearheading the One of the lawyers, appeal to ‘Save Nice Radio’ from being Bertram Commissiong taken over by a receiver and one of the Q.C., told THE signatories to the account at RBTT VINCENTIAN on Bank, told a news conference on Wednesday that they Wednesday, “At no time did BDS say have appealed the that it has $138,000.00 in its entire judgement. The possession.”

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne and community order, handed down activist Junior Bacchus spearhead a donation on January 30th Delayed knowledge of order drive to save Nice Radio. Nice Radio proprietor 2013, stated: “The Douglas De Freitas is also pictured. second defendant Bacchus-Browne said she knew of no order until last week Wednesday when she saw a copy of the draft order, and on Monday she received a copy of the final order.

“The order was not brought to our

by KENVILLE HORNE Vincentians must realize that the onus is on attention until after them to take a stand and hold the government PARLIAMENTARY accountable for its actions, and not simply wait the date for payment was gone,” the lawyer REPRESENTATIVE for others to do it for them. The Opposition stated. She pointed FOR CENTRAL Parliamentary Representative compared the out that $138,000.00 KINGSTOWN, ST. Building and Loan Association saga, to a was there ready to be CLAIR LEACOCK, SAYS building that is ablaze, with the Prime VINCENTIANS should Minister running to the bank with $20,000- the paid, yet a not depend solely on the water - to out the fire affecting the receiver/manager was Opposition to question Association. appointed. She issues and solve problems A far as he was concerned, SVG is currently pointed out that the affecting St. Vincent and experiencing a virtual collapse of the domestic ‘Nice Radio Appeal’ the Grenadines. economy, as a result of financial needs to raise Leacock was speaking mismanagement and lack of investor another $60,000 to on Monday at a press confidence. Leacock noted this (situation) was $70, 000. Another conference hosted by the not just unsatisfactory to the New Democratic NDP. He said Party but more significantly to all Vincentians. radio programme to

by HAYDN HUGGINS

National issues: More than an NDP concern

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

Bertram Commissiong Q.C., lawyer for BDS Ltd. in the matter involving Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves, give clear indication of his client’s intention to appeal the entire judgement. told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that they have appealed the entire judgement. receive pledges was expected to be aired on ‘Nice Radio’ last night (Thursday).

Bacchus Browne is hoping that all the money would be paid by February 25. She believes that a stay of execution would have to be filed.

The matter of the receiver/manager THE VINCENTIAN understands that up to press time Wednesday, no receiver/manager had taken up duty at ‘Nice Radio’. The order stated that Peter Alexander be appointed receiver and manager as regards any sum remaining unpaid on the judgement debt, interest and costs and, together with Trevor Edwards, 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 costs.

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

Bacchus-Browne and community activist Junior Bacchus have been spearheading the ‘Save Nice Radio Appeal’ since October 2012, after Dr. Gonsalves had applied for a court order to have a receiver appointed so that he could receive “the fruits” of a High Court judgement handed down against talk show host Elwardo ‘EG’ Lynch and BDS Ltd for defamation.

(See related story on page 14.)

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.