The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines PRINTER SCANNER COPIER FAX C Color olor scan, scan, Fax Fax a forward forwar a d tto o email,, N Network etwork o scan, Copy/Print speed scan, PC/Walkup PC/W Wa alkup Fax, Fa ax,, C op py y/P Prrin rint sp eed of up tto o 35ppm, USB 2.0
FRIDAY,
APRIL 04, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.13
www.thevincentian.com
DEVORN NEEDS URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION
EC$1.50
Devorn Samuel is watched over daily by his mother Mishka Samuel.
by HAYDN HUGGINS A MALE SECOND FORM student of the Dr. JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School needs urgent medical attention, following a stabbing incident last week Wednesday, March 26.
Up to press time Wednesday, 15year-old Devorn Samuel of Green Hill, Kingstown, was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with his right side paralysed, as a result of the incident which occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the ‘Bloc 2000’ area at Old
Montrose, Kingstown. Devorn received two stab wounds, one to his head and the other to his neck, allegedly inflicted by students from other schools. Devorn’s mother, Mishka Samuel, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday,
April 1 that a doctor who dealt with her son informed her that the object used to stab the youngster touched his spinal chord, resulting in the paralysis. Continued on page 3
Students charged with attempted murder THREE MALE SECONDARY school students are in custody awaiting bail review after being charged jointly with the attempted murder of a student from another secondar school. Issiah Spencer, 16, of the Bishop’s College Kingstown, Urlando Rock, 17, of the Campden Park Secondary School, and a 15-year-old from another secondary school, all of Green Hill, have been charged jointly with the attempted murder of Devorn Samuel, 15, of the same address. Samuel received two stab wounds, one to his head and the other to the neck and his right side is said to be
paralysed. The incident reportedly occurred in the ‘Bloc 2000’ area, Old Montrose, Kingstown around 3:30 p.m. last week Wednesday, March 26. Spencer appeared before Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Mathias at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was not required to plea. Prosecutor John Ballah, attached to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, objected to bail, stating that the victim was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in critical condition. He was remanded until Monday, April 7, for bail review.
Issiah Spencer ( left) and Urlando Rock and another student (a minor) face a joint charge of attempted murder of Devorn Samuel. Rock and the 15-year-old appeared at the Family Court on Wednesday and were also not called upon to plea. Prosecutor Inspector Nigel Butcher
objected to bail on similar grounds and the students were also remanded pending bail review. (HH)
V
2. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Bequia Easter Regatta 2014 welcomes new sponsors THE BEQUIA SAILING Club has announced that long-time Bequia Easter Regatta sponsors, the St. Vincent Brewery, will be returning as Platinum Sponsors of Regatta 2014, with their premium brand Hairoun beer. Hairoun joins Gold Sponsors Mount Gay Rum, Silver Sponsors United Insurance, Bronze Sponsors Mountain Top Spring Water and the SVG Tourism Authority, and additional event Sponsors the Bequia Beach Hotel, the Frangipani Hotel and Action Bequia, in providing vital support to Bequia’s internationally renowned regatta. The generous financial contributions of C. K. Greaves (St. Vincent), Sandrock Bequia, Sugar Reef Bequia, WIP/French House, De Reef Bequia and Quik Print (St. Vincent) play an equally important role in ensuring the event’s success, as do the contributions of numerous smaller donors. Following on from their record-breaking 53-yacht entry
in 2013, the organisers are anticipating another strong turnout for their 33rd edition, which will run from 17th — 21st April. “Everyone in the cruising community knows what a tremendous feel-good factor there is during Bequia Easter Regatta,” says Bequia Sailing Club spokesperson Nicola Redway, “so even though Easter is late this year, Bequia is still the only place to be if you are looking for the best fun you ever had at a small island regatta!” Although much increased in size and status, for 33 years the Bequia Easter Regatta has never lost its unique small island appeal. The sight of at least 30 locally built spritrigged double-ender boats competing with legendary skill on the same waters as 50 or so yachts of all shapes and sizes, has no equal. This year, the double-ender fleet will be competing in three races - two Hairoun Challenges, on Easter Saturday and Sunday, and the final Mount Gay Challenge on Easter Monday.
“Lay Day”, Easter Sunday, is when most yachtsmen take the chance to relax and enjoy the spectacle of the start of Sunday’s Hairoun double-ender French yachts will be competing in Bequia’s Challenge in action. the Racing class. Friendship Bay, enjoy the lending their name Sandcastle Competition and to the full day of Yacht Races Family Fun Day at the Bequia on Easter Friday, culminating Beach Hotel, or just to chill in a special Mount Gay Prizeout with the landlubbers on giving at the Sponsors’ one of Bequia’s many beautiful Welcome Reception at the beaches. A fearless few Frangipani that afternoon. however will choose to Bequia’s specially designed compete in Easter Sunday’s series of six races for the J24 Hairoun “Round the Island” Class, including the United single-handed Yacht Race Insurance J24 3-Race the ultimate seamanship Challenge on Easter Saturday, challenge for the solo sailor and the award of the J24 and his yacht. Southern Caribbean In addition to sponsoring Champion Trophy to Bequia’s Easter Monday’s final double- overall J24 winner, ensures ender race, Gold Sponsors that this is the one event that Mount Gay Rum will also be is able to attract J24s from
28-foot double-enders class in every nation in the region. With thrilling local doubleender races, and superbly run yacht races for a variety of monohull Classes including two One-Design Classes, there is no doubt that the region’s cruising and racing community, and visitors and residents alike, are all eagerly looking forward to yet another exciting and highly competitive sailing event for 2014. Email: bsc@vincysurf.com Tel: 784 457 3649
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 3.
News 3 A target for thieves: Police unmoved
problems. According to Anthony, when his brother reported the ANTHONY ROBERTS is a incident to the Police, he was told farmer, mason, and small to go and take his medication. businessman in the South “They (are) just targeting this Leeward village of Clare Valley. house,” Anthony stated in relation He thinks that his house in that to the burglaries. community is being targeted by “You go to the Police and that thieves. come like a dead stock. This going The situation gets worse, on years in Clare Valley,” however, when he reports to the Anthony added. Police stationed at Questelles. “People just ah lose they Roberts lives with a brother engine, and Police just taking Aaron Roberts, in a family house statement and leaving it there,” on the coast. he continued. The Roberts’ house was hit by “Fishermen losing gas, burglaries twice last week. But engine…police just coming, taking the most dreadful aspect of the a look and that’s it,” he added. incident is the response he has He also reported having lost a received from the Police. sheep money, and a bicycle from Roberts reports losing a new recent burglaries. DVD and a gas bottle in last week Roberts recounted having Monday’s escapade. Three days traced a stolen bicycle to an area later, the family suffered another where it was sold, but the Police setback, this time the loss of an did nothing to solve the crime. Outboard Yamaha engine, valued “When I went there Tuesday over $5,000. morning, they tell me they have That engine belonged to Aaron no transportation,” Roberts who is known to have mental confessed. by: William ‘Kojah’ Anthony
Anthony Roberts is hurt by the spate of robberies he has suffered, but feels so much more hurt for his brother. Things are bad for Anthony, but the situation with his brother is perhaps more painful. He borrowed money from a Credit Union to buy the engine, and is building a boat on which the engine would have been placed. “What hurting me is my hurting brother,” Anthony intimated.
Devorn needs urgent medical attention resolved. We try to help them to resolve conflicts through programmes at MISHKA SAID THE the school and DOCTOR told her counselling, because we Devorn would have to have a resident obtain medical attention counsellor”, Joseph overseas to correct the explained. In pain disorder, as it cannot be The principal pointed done here. out that there has been Devorn seemed to be The mother of six, some improvement at the in a cheerful mood when Devorn being the second, THE VINCENTIAN school in this regard, and said it was her desire to visited him at the Male it was surprising to hear have her son flown to the Surgical Ward on of the recent incident. United States for Joseph said he visited Tuesday. medical attention, but up Devorn at the hospital Despite his critical to press time she was and prayed with him. He condition, the youngster awaiting word on the indicated that he smiled as he spoke to cost. understands that the family members at his Mishka said, once boy’s family would be bedside. Devorn gets to the organizing fund-raising However, Mishka United States, her activities to help with revealed that he was in relatives there would medical expenses, and severe pain on Monday take care of him; but the night and had to be assured that the school former Kentucky Fried would be ready to assist sedated. Schools ready to help Chicken (KFC) employee in whatever way it could. “He is a child who who is currently When contacted on THE VINCENTIAN would be in pain and unemployed, disclosed Wednesday, Principal of tried to reach the Chief would not let anybody that she intends to Education Officer as well know he is in pain. When the Dr. JP Eustace organize fund raising Memorial School, Alwyn as the Permanent people around him, he activities, including Secretary in that would not say anything, Joseph, described the barbeques, to assist with but when he is alone situation as “very sad. Ministry on Wednesday, the expenses. “As I usually tell them but we were told by an with me, he will start Devorn was born in (students), if they have official there that they crying”, Mishka the United States, but any conflict, speak to were not in office. explained. has been living here adults to have it “He keeps asking me Continued from front page
since he was about two years old. His mother indicated that his father resides overseas, but presently, “he is missing in action.”
when he coming out, and if he would be able to walk,” she added. She confirmed that her son was very weak on the right side, and she had to use a ‘baby bottle’ to feed him. Devorn, according to his mother, was involved in sports and had a special passion for cricket and football. This, she believes has contributed to his ability not to give up despite the circumstances. Mishka commended the investigator, Constable Gideon Nathan for the way he has been handling the matter.
Security guard shot: Man charged CECELIA SAMUEL, the common law wife of shooting victim Reynold Bascombe, says that she fears for her lover’s life. According to Samuel, she is afraid that someone may look to do further harm to her husband. Bascombe, 59-year-old security guard of Carrierre, was shot once on the left side of his abdomen last Saturday, March 29, around 4pm, in Collins, in the Marriaqua area. “Me nah feel so prom prom about that, me nah feel so hot about that,” Samuel said. The shooting allegedly took place following a previous altercation between Bascombe and another man. But Samuel, who has been in a relationship with Bascombe for the past 12 years, said that she believes that the shooting was uncalled for. “They didn’t have to shoot the man,” she said. Bascombe was resting following surgery, she said. “I didn’t know it would have reached so far,” the man said. He explained that the bullet penetrated his body, but he needed surgery to remove fragments. And while he says that he feels lucky to have survived the ordeal, he recalled what took place on that day. He said that when he went to retrieve his goat before getting ready for his shift, he discovered that the goat was not where he had left it. “I know it didn’t get away; I know someone loose it,” Bascombe said. He said he contacted his girlfriend and they both set out in search of the goat. They were into their search when, according to him, he heard gunshots. As he turned in the direction of the shots, Bascombe said that he saw someone clad in black. “He cranked the gun and I started to run,” the security guard said. “He pelt about three to four bullet, one ketch me here (pointed to his abdomen) — when Reynold Bascombe, the ah got de bullet, ah victim of a near fatal don’t stick up, ah shooting, sits up on his bed keep runnin,” he at the MCMH, as he spoke recalled. with THE VINCENTIAN. A breakthrough has been made in the case, with the police making an arrest. Thirty-year-old Mervin Richardson, labourer of Collins, was arrested and charged with: unlawfully and maliciously wounding Ronald Bascombe; attempted murder of Ronald Bascombe; and unlawfully discharging a Mervin Richardson has been firearm at Ronald charged with the attempted Bascombe, at Collins, on March murder of Ronald Bascombe, a security guard. 29.
V
4. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
One last time for Dr. Gonsalves
Politics
Gonsalves urges tolerance for NDP supporters Below: There was no want of enthusiastic support for the call to ‘continue with the ULP’.
by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY VINCENTIAN PRIME MINISTER and Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is urging supporters of his party to be tolerant with their counterparts from the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP). His advice came last Saturday, March 29, at Barrouallie, where ULP stalwarts had assembled to celebrate the 13th anniversary of their party’s first victory at the polls. Dr. Gonsalves noted that garbage Dr. Gonsalves exhorted the collection was nationwide, unlike a gathering, “….not to use and abuse narrow border around certain areas NDP supporters…. . A lot of them want to come. All they want is some when he assumed office 13 years. He highlighted that there was encouragement.” nearly 100 percent penetration for water and electricity. ‘Unvarnished facts’ “These are the unvarnished facts,” the Prime Minister asserted. In a wide-ranging presentation, Dr. Gonsalves put the the ULP leaders underlying message was that his party was the construction of the International most appropriate one to continue to Airport at Argyle as another plank of his performance. He linked the hold the reins of power. He reiterated the benefits of the expansion of the jet airport at Education Revolution, highlighting Canouan and the one at Argyle as gains ordinary folk had achieved as pillars for development in tourism a result of his government’s push to and agriculture. He spliced that in with the have students well trained. handing over of Laptops to He also echoed achievements in health, and mentioned that children secondary school students, which he contended was designed to make from other Caribbean countries the present day generation were coming to the Milton Cato “competitive for the international” Memorial Hospital to do surgery, under the World Paediatric Project. arena. The Vincentian leader confessed Tried and tested that it pained him not having enough money to build more houses The Vincentian leader dismissed for citizens; but he pointed out that criticism levelled against him, and his regime had constructed more contended that “my back (is) broad. homes than any other government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am an ancient warrior.” He described himself as a hard
man to die. The Vincentian Prime Minister boasted of his experience and suggested that his involvement in politics surpassed the opposition members by a wide margin. Dr. Gonsalves used the occasion to jab at the opposition NDP. He dwelt on the rift between party founder Sir James Mitchell and current party leader Arnhim Eustace. The ULP leader also remarked on the issue with the former secretary to the NDP leader, who won a case at before an Appellate Tribunal, after her employers offered her a month’s salary upon her dismissal. “If a man will treat his own secretary so, what do you expect to get from him?” Dr. Gonsalves pondered. The ULP leader boasted of being the seventh parliamentarian to have spent over 20 years in the House. He promised that the next general election will be his last. He urged supporters to “take this last one for the Comrade.”
ULP election slate to be announced soon THE FULL SLATE OF CANDIDATES for the Unity Labour Party (ULP) to contest the next General Elections should be announced soon. This is according to Prime Minister and Political Leader of the ULP, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. He gave the assurance while speaking at the activity held in Barrouallie last Saturday, to commemorate the 13 years since the party first formed government. Dr. Gonsalves admitted, though, that he was fully aware that there were some candidate issues to settle, particularly in the constituencies of North and South Leeward where, he said, there were a number of persons who have indicated interest in
contesting the elections on a ULP ticket. “But we do not have a history in this party of fighting one another — and very shortly, decisions will be made in relation to those and other constituencies. I give you my word on that,” Gonsalves said. He had announced at the party’s convention back in February this year, that the candidates needed to be sorted out sooner than later, adding that he wanted to avoid any conflict. Dr. Gonsalves once again prompted his supporters to get ready. “Comrades, when I told you go on your marks, I wasn’t joking you know,” he said. Observers say that the ULP could well be fielding new candidates in the
THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS, constitutionally due by December 2015, will be the last one in which Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will lead the Unity Labour Party (ULP). Dr. Gonsalves made the announcement last Saturday night at Barrouallie as his party celebrated its 13th year since being Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will make the next general first elected into election the last one in office. which he leads the ULP. But while he said it will be his last at the helm, he indicated that he still intends to avail himself to the people of North Central Windward. “I will stay on and represent the constituency of North Central Windward,” Gonsalves said. “I will stay in North Central, where I have a house, and I will represent my constituency there,” he continued, before thanking his constituents for their support spanning 20 years. He made one more request however: that the people of this country give him one more chance as political leader to complete some unfinished tasks. “I am asking you to tell your children and grandchildren, I want the young people to tell one another, that they have to do this last one for ‘D Comrade’,” he pleaded. Among the projects to complete is the international airport at Argyle, which Dr. Gonsalves said needed to not only be completed but (to) ensure it is functioning properly in order to operate efficiently. “Then geothermal is a game changer, I have to get that energy issue correct,” he also said. The new city at Arnos Vale, the new entrance into Kingstown, additional work in the areas of education, health and housing were also mentioned. Gonsalves explained further that he had gathered pieces of money, but it was sums of cash that he did not intend to spend this year. For example he said he had successfully negotiated EC$100 million for projects from the World Bank; thirty million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and 20 million to get from the European Union. With respect to funds that were raised following the floods in December 2013, the ULP leader said that he, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs Camillo Gonsalves, had received $13.5 million from Mexico and$2.7 million from Taiwan. “I can’t raise that money and leave it dey for NDP to spend it,” Gonsalves said.
‘Is now we bad,’ says Straker by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
Grenville Williams has put himself up as a possible ULP candidate for South Windward. constituencies of North Leeward, South Leeward, West, East and Central Kingstown, and East St. George. The next general election in SVG is constitutionally due by December 2015.
FORMER DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Sir Louis Straker, on reflecting on the state of the Unity Labour Party after thirteen years in government, says that, “is now we bad.” He made the judgement when he addressed a ULP rally in Barrouallie, Saturday 29th March, held to celebrate the ULP’s 13th year in government. Sir Louis described the party as having matured, and he expressed confidence that the Unity Labour Party will be returned to office, when the next general elections are called. He recalled having passed the baton to Maxwell Charles in 2010, and contended that if he had run in 2010, he would have been successful once again. In a note of nostalgia, the veteran politician declared that he longed for a return of the ULP dominance like the times when he was surrounded by doctors Douglas Slater and Jerrol Thompson, as winning candidates in South Leeward and North Leeward
Sir Louis Straker (left) in a brotherly hug with Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who he considers to be one of the “greatest generals in politics.” respectively. He expressed appreciation to the people of Barrouallie, and urged them to stay with the ULP. “Whether they are Exeter, we will can them… When we are ready, we are going to show them our motion,” he said. Sir Louis took the Central Leeward constituency in February 1994, and repeated his success in 1998, 2001, and 2005.
V T&T Islamic leaders held in Venezuela
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 5.
Regional
THREE IMAMS, Islamic leaders, were expected to be released by the Venezuelan authorities after having been among five Trinidad and Tobago nationals detained last week, amid charges of an alleged plot to overthrow the Nicolas Maduro led government. Venezuelan media reported last week that the Trinidadians had teamed up with Venezuelan police, described as rogues, and other men, to carry out the plot. Reports say that the men, along with others including a Guyanese and a, Haitian, were apprehended in a hotel. Authorities say they confiscated military uniforms, jihadist videos, laptops, satellite phones, US$102,000 in cash and 66 passports that were in the possession of one of the three Imams, who insist they were not connected to the group. Those arrested appeared before the Anti-Terrorism Tribunal Court, but the Express newspaper of Trinidad and Tobago reported that the three Imams - Salam Abdul, Hamza Mohammad and Sheikh Hamid Hassan — were expected to be released by Tuesday of this week.
Their release following withdrawal of all charges laid against them, came after a Trinidad and Tobago delegation, led by Rear Admiral Richard Kelshall, visited Venezuela last week Friday. The apprehension of the men and the purported plot come in the wake of accusations by President Maduro that Venezuelans, opposed to his government, were conniving with outside forces, including the government of the USA, and plotting to overthrow his government, and that the violent and fatal street protests that have marred Venezuela since last month, were the doings of these elements. The arrest of the three Imams has come as an embarrassment to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. Reaction from the Islam community in that country points to the incident being avoidable. Head of the Islamic Front in Trinidad, Umar Abullah, said his group has been urging the government to establish diplomatic relations with
Saudi Arabia. “It would prevent incidents like this, with Imams having to travel to Venezuela with huge amounts of money Presdient Nicolas Maduro of Rear Admiral Richard Kelshall Venezuela says there is a plot, secured the promised release of and people’s involving outside forces, bent on the three Imams. (Photo: passports if we can overthrowing his government. Newsday of T&T) establish a Saudi consulate here,” he Caribbean News 360). them passports and cash on said. After being detained for behalf of persons wishing to The Imams had arrived in over a week in Venezuela, 14 make the Hajj, annual Caracas to secure visas from local Muslims–six women and pilgrimage of Muslims to the the Saudi Arabian consulate eight children–returned to Holy City of Mecca, in that there, and were carrying with Middle East country. (Source: this country late Friday night.
Cuba courts more foreign investment
MANY FOREIGN INVESTORS will not have to pay personal income tax. This is just one of the new measures contained in a new Foreign Investment Law expected to be implemented soon in Cuba. Cuban lawmakers approved the law last Saturday 29th March, 2014. Cuban lawmakers, recognizing that the old law retarded inflows of capital, moved quickly to approve the law which is described as intended to attract and increase foreign investment in the Raul Castro, President Marino Murrillo is island, as the of Cuba, began the considered the Revolutionary economic reform of architect of Cuba’s THE DIRECTORS of LIAT have once Government there Cuba in 2008 after economic reform again gone outside of the OECS subseeks to inject much taking over the programme. region to find a suitable CEO. needed capital into presidency from his Late last week, the Caribbean Media a faltering economy. brother Fidel Castro. structural problems, Corporation reported, even with Council of particularly in the Chairman Jean Holder declining to Ministers Vice production of foodstuffs.” confirm, that the Directors had decided President Marino There remains, however, tight control on on David Evans, a British aviation Murrillo told local foreign investors’ interaction with the executive, to become the regional journalists that the law emerging Cuban private sector. The new law airline’s next chief executive. was a necessary will allow investment in non-state Up to late last week, there was no adjustment in keeping cooperatives, but the government reserves the indication that the shareholder Captain Ian Brunton with the changing right to be a player. governments had ratified the choice, vacated the post of domestic and The new law, meant to encourage foreign though inside sources say that a reversal CEO of LIAT in the international economic investors nevertheless keeps a tight control on of the Directors’ choice was not David Evans, set to middle of a multisituations. their interaction.The law will only allow anticipated. become LIAT’s next million dollar re“External financing foreign investment in non-state cooperatives, CEO. Evans takes up where Captain Ian fleeting exercise for is key to the country’s whether or not they are agricultural. But the Bruton left off. LIAT has been without a the airline. development,” said government will insist on being a player. Chief Executive effectively for the last six Murillo, head of the The education and health care sectors months or so, since Captain Bruton as the Chief Commercial Officer team overseeing Cuba’s remain totally off limits to foreign investors. resigned the post. at Egypt’s Nile Air Airlines ( March economic reforms, and The new investment law, though, offers His resignation came on the heels of 2010 — January 2011), Chief he pointed to large tax breaks, in an effort to attract what was described as a ‘Summer Commercial Officer at the Kuwaiti agriculture as a investors. Meltdown’ (2013) of LIAT Wataniya Airways (April 2009 — March priority sector for The new investment law, which offers large operations/service, and in the middle of a 2010), and Managing Director BA foreign investment. tax breaks in an effort to attract investors. re-fleeting exercise for the airline, CityFlyer/BA March Connect/BA According to Information leaked to the foreign media says replacing the Canadian-made DeHavilland CitiExpress at British Airways (July Murrillo, “the new law that the new law cuts taxes on profit by half Dash-8 and Bombardier Q-400 aircraft 2001 — June 2007). will help rid the from 30 to 15 percent, and exempts investors with French-made ATR aircraft. A search for his more recent economy of its current from paying it for up to eight years. Evans brings to the LIAT table service undertaking proved futile. (Source: CMC)
A Brit is next LIAT CEO
V Prominent lawyer issues ultimatum 6. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT
PROMINENT LAWYER Kay Bacchus-Browne has issued an ultimatum to the Government of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, warning that, if it does not respond to the preaction, civil lawsuit letter, on or before April 30, 2014, filed on behalf of the estate of a Chateaubelair woman who died a day after police raided her home in late February, “further legal action will be taken.” On Mar. 26, BacchusBrowne, acting on behalf of Cameshia Jordon, 30, and Fitzbert Thomas, 32, for the estate of their deceased mother, 49-year-old Sylma ‘Codo’ Howe, also known as Sylma Thomas, dispatched the pre-action, civil lawsuit letter to Attorney General Judith Jones-Morgan, claiming the sum of EC$500,000.00, “plus special damages and costs against the Government of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines.” The amount requested is “in settlement for the death of Sylma ‘Codo’ Howe, of Chateaubelair, due to the unlawful acts of the police.” The letter was copied to the Commissioner of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), Michael Charles, and Sgt. Dwayne Bailey, the reported head of the raid party.
The search In the 15-point pre-action, civil lawsuit correspondence, a copy of which was obtained by THE VINCENTIAN, Bacchus alleged that on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, “a party of about sixseven policemen, armed with rifles and handguns, entered the property of ‘Codo’ unannounced and purported to search, even before she came home.” She said that while there were no female police officers present, “the all-male party, armed with guns, and without
a good reason, proceeded to search the house. All but one was dressed in the ‘Black squad’ uniform.” The attorney alleged that “some time after the police entered the house, Sgt. Dwayne Bailey came out (of) the house and asked for ‘Codo’s’ sister (unidentified).” She said Thomas’s brother, Alfred Chris Howe, a veteran British soldier, who was on the scene, then asked Sgt. Bailey “what happened to his sister since Sgt. Bailey appeared nervous.” Bacchus-Browne alleged that Sgt. Bailey “responded in a sarcastic manner, enquiring if he was a doctor,” then allegedly added: “De woman na dead. You don’t need a doctor.” Soon afterwards, the lawyer wrote that two of Thomas’s sisters arrived on the scene and entered the house. “Upon entering the room of ‘Codo’, armed police officers were still searching in ‘Codo’s’ room, even as she was slouching at the side of her bed looking ‘droopy’,” she wrote. “The police did not suspend the search but continued, despite ‘Codo’s’ obvious alarming condition,” BacchusBrowne alleged. “Sgt. Bailey himself was searching her (Thomas’s) cupboard in her bedroom.” She wrote that “no one answered,” when Howe asked the police why they did not take his sister to the hospital in the police jeep that was parked outside. BacchusBrowne said Howe then “took charge”, asked to borrow a jeep, and “lifted his sister.” “Thereafter and only then a police officer
assist Mr. Howe and Joanne Howe (one of Ms. Attorney Kay Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas’s sisters) Bacchus-Browne Thomas (Howe)is to take ‘Codo’ to has served the said to have died the borrowed jeep, Attorney General as a result of and took her to the with a pre-action, ‘hypertension – (Chateaubelair) civil lawsuit letter cerebrovascular hospital, which on behalf of the accident was only five family of the late hemorrhagic.’ minutes away,” she Sylma Howe alleged. (Thomas). Chance’s wife. Bacchus-Browne “Police harass said when Mr. ‘Super Dan’ unlawfully,” Howe called the Chateaubelair Bacchus-Browne alleged. Hospital, resident doctor, While also alleging in the Francis Murray, “had been pre-action, civil lawsuit letter there all along on duty.” that the police abused their “The police still did not powers in searching Thomas’s suspend the search but home, Bacchus-Browne said, continued in the presence of even if the search was Mr. Howe,” she further reasonable, “the fact that no alleged. female officers were present, and immediate effort was not Nothing found made to take ‘Codo’ to the nearby hospital, amounts to The attorney described as gross negligence and a “absolutely untrue” the police’s dereliction of duty.” reported claim that they had offered to take Thomas to the What has happened since hospital in their vehicle and that the family had refused, In the interim, three weeks adding: “In fact, even before have passed since the family arrived, the police Commissioner Charles should have taken her to the recruited retired Head of the hospital.” RSVGPF’s Criminal Bacchus-Browne also Investigations Department asserted that “nothing illegal” (CID), Willisford Caesar, of was found in Thomas’s house, Georgetown, to “investigate” expressing revulsion that, one the case. week later, Commissioner But Bacchus-Browne said in Charles “announced that a her letter that, seemingly, “the greenish substance was result of the police showed to ‘Codo’ by the police investigation is a foregone before she collapsed. conclusion since, on national “This is an absolute radio stations, on various falsehood,” she declared. “In occasions, the Commissioner of fact, Sgt. Bailey had said to Police has commented openly Mr. Howe that he did not find on the events of the fateful anything he was searching for, day. which was stated to be guns, “He has stated as a fact ammunition and money. that a green (-like) substance, “No mention was made of like marijuana, was found by finding any greenish the police and shown to ‘Codo’ substance, and nothing was before she collapsed; that the shown to Mr. Howe,” she relatives refused an offer by added. “It will be remembered the police to transport ‘Codo’ that ‘Codo’ was not present.” to the hospital; and he excused Bacchus-Browne said that the police for not arresting and Thomas, who died at the guarding her at the hospital, if Milton Cato Memorial marijuana was, indeed, found,” Hospital in Kingstown, of she alleged. “hypertension — “This does not inspire cerebrovascular accident confidence in the outcome of hemorrhagic,” had allegedly the police investigation,” she told her brother, obviously added. before her demise: “The police It is such perceived lack of harass me, and asked me confidence in the police that about gun and ammunition prompted Sgt. Luke James, and money. I said I know the United States-based, nothing about them things.” Chateaubelair-born soldier, The lawyer said Thomas, and a former Form 4 who was a “law-abiding classmate of Thomas at the citizen, of good character,” was Petit Bordel Secondary School, the sister-in-law of ‘Super Dan’ to spearhead a candle light (Arnim Chance, a vigil in the wake of Thomas’s Chateaubelair businessman), death, to intensify his call for “whose house the police an independent probe, with (allegedly) has searched and the appointment of an re-searched over 18 times.” impartial panel, excluding Thomas’s younger sister, police influence, into her Almida Chance, 47, is death.
V Judgement reserved in liquid cocaine matter
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 7.
Court
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS A WOMAN CHARGED in connection with the seizure of 1,235 grams of liquid cocaine contained in three sealed aluminium cans bearing the labels of local drinks Hairoun, Vita Malt, and Presidente respectively, is expected to know her fate, April 14. Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Mathias reserved her decision until April 14, following closing submissions by the Prosecution and Defence last Friday, March 28. Hooper, 23, of Campden Park is charged with possession of the drug with intent to supply, conspiring with British national Naton Smith and others to export the drug, and conspiring with Smith and others for the purpose of drug trafficking. In his closing arguments, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche pointed out that the prosecution was relying on the evidence of one witness, Naton Smith. Smith, a 22-year-old native of Kent, United Kingdom, is serving a two-year sentence
after pleading guilty to possession of the drug with intent to supply, attempting to export the drug, and conspiring with Hooper and others to export the drug. Smith, the prosecution star witness in the matter, testified March 18 that Hooper brought the sealed cans to the hotel where he was staying at Prospect for him along with groceries, a bottle of strong rum and other items. But he said he was not aware that the cocaine was in the cans or where the drug had come from. The sealed cans, which turned out to contain liquid cocaine, were found in Smith’s luggage after police intercepted him at the ET Joshua Airport, July 24, 2013, where he was destined for his homeland. In a caution statement to the police, Hooper admitted that she brought groceries and other items for Smith, visited him at the hotel and took him to the beach; but she denied knowledge of the sealed cans. Delpleche pointed out that the law provides for accomplice evidence to be
accepted and it doesn’t have to be corroborated. He argued that, once the magistrate, who is both judge and jury, believes the star witness, there shall be no difficulty in convicting the defendant. “I submit to you that having disregarded the defence, go back and look at the prosecution’s case. I am asking you to believe Naton Smith and find the defendant guilty,” Delpleche told the court. Hooper’s attorney, Jomo Thomas, argued that, except for the word of a convicted man, there is absolutely no evidence to say that Hooper supplied, had control over at any time or had knowledge of the drug. He noted that head of the Narcotics Unit, Inspector Foster Scott, said in his evidence, that at the first instance, one could not say that the cans contained liquid cocaine. Thomas said that it was very easy for Smith to say he received the sealed cans from Hooper, because he knew what the repercussions would be if he had said from
Traffic Chief commends van drivers March 19, to clamp down on the playing of loud music in vehicles. John told THE VINCENTIAN this week, that the operation has been successful, with some 92 traffic tickets being issued to date, for the offence. “Motorirsts are cooperating, and I will like to commend the omnibus drivers in particular for Supt. Kenneth John, complying,” John said. head of the Traffic “We still have some Department, promises problems, mostly in the that his officer will not country on late ease up on their afternoons and at nights, operation to stamp out and the police are loud music in vehicles, diverting their attention until the situation is to those areas,” he under control. added. “We are not going to HEAD OF THE SVG stop until the public is POLICE FORCE Traffic satisfied that the Department, situation is under Superintendent Kenneth control,” he promised. John, has lauded The Traffic Chief omnibus drivers for their disclosed that on Monday level of co-operation with of this week, another his Department, with police officer was respect to the playing of ticketed for playing loud loud music in their music in his vehicle. vehicles. He warned that strict The Department orders have been given began an operation to the special team of
traffic officers assigned to the operation, that once a police officer gets a ticket for playing loud music, and he is caught repeating the offence, his vehicle will be brought to the Central Police Station, his music system removed, and he would be charged under the Noise Act and taken to court. John reiterated that, under the traffic regulations, a person could be ticketed for playing a musical instrument without the written of the Commissioner of Police. In an interview reported on the front page of THE VINCENTIAN of March 28, 2014, John declared: “I am tired hearing the public complain about loud music in vehicles, and I as head of the Traffic Department, cannot sit idly back and allow motorists to do as they like, They must comply with the law police or no police, you have to comply.”
Adolphus Delpleche, Senior Prosecutor, reminded the Court that the law provides for accomplice evidence to be accepted. whom he had got them. “It was a half-baked investigation, an investigation that did a monumental injustice to the state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Jomo Thomas, defence attorney, cited the matter against his client as a travesty. “Somebody in St. Vincent and the Grenadines had a capacity to put liquid cocaine into these cans and seal them, and for you to come and ground this lady is a travesty,” Thomas concluded.
V
8. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
-Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial Is Dr. Gonsalves one of the best? DR. RALPH GONSALVES will lead the Unity Labour Party (ULP) into the next general elections constitutionally due by December 2015. There are, at the same time, indications that the next term of office for the ULP, assuming that the ULP wins, will be his last as Prime Minister. Whether he plans to demit office in mid-stream or at the end of another five-year term, is still cloudy. With the end of an era at hand, the pundits are wont to judge Dr. Gonsalves’ tenure as Prime Minister. Is it premature to ask: Is Dr. Gonsalves one of the best Prime Ministers this country has had? Let’s look at some fundamental things that may help in deciding on this question. It is natural that the prime minister will be blamed for everything that goes wrong in the country. And, if the truth be told, all is not well in SVG. Dr. Gonsalves’ robust style of addressing one issue after another, of putting his spin on every issue he assesses to be of national importance, provides enough support to conclude that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has changed the rhetoric around development and politics in this country. In his attempt to deliver on his promises, he has incessantly explained his ability to deliver, and the challenges that prevent delivery on those promises, with a sense of putting the proverbial common man at the centre of the political economy of development. In the process, he has captured the imagination of the electorate, especially those at the lower end of the social ladder. One wonders, though, in the delivery of his ‘social programmes’, whether the underlying approach is simply one of benevolence/welfare or a rights-based one. If it is the latter, then Dr. Gonsalves must be credited with engineering a paradigm shift. When Dr. Gonsalves’ ULP government came to ‘power’ in 2001, with a 12 to 3 majority, it was a symbol of the electorate’s rejection of the New Democratic Party, for they had failed to deliver because, as some say, they imploded. But the unashamed celebration of abundance which followed the ULP victory, was the first indication of a fracture among the people — a fracture that would widen, worsen through the continuing tenure of the ULP. Granted, Dr. Gonsalves moved to craft a position that put the ULP government as the champion of inclusive growth. Together Now!!! This was accepted as the ULP’s commitment to providing a government that would ensure the fruits of growth (would) reach the widest possible number of people; thus, the Education Revolution, Poverty Alleviation Programmes, Increased Public Assistance, Low Income Housing, etc., purported to be aimed at empowering the common man. It appeared, therefore, that the ULP government had chosen a rights-based approach to development over the well-trodden welfare approach. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The latter approach is partially dependent on the charity of the moneyed class — a belief in the trickle-down theory. Did the ULP government camouflage this approach by binding the moneyed class into legally framed measures, i.e. less visible acts of hand outs, in the government’s delivery of the means of development? The question therefore is: Have all major development policies adopted by the ruling party been run or directed by a genuine rightsbased approach? Supporters will point to wage adjustments, the right of children to free and compulsory education, the Youth Empowerment Scheme, and more maybe, in answering yes. If the truth be told, Dr. Gonsalves is hardly the first prime minister to make strides toward empowering the poor. Further, the concept of rights-based development is fairly new, so it wouldn’t be fair to accuse leaders of deliberately shunning it. The demand for rights come from society, a society maturing as it relates to understanding its rights and the role of the state. So, if at all we accept that the ULP government has been driven by a rights-based approach, we must also consider the indicator of per capita income. That SVG lies at the bottom of the list of independent member countries of the OECS may be instructive in this regard. And on the ultimate goal of engendering real economic reform, which would be an aim of a rights-based approach, one cannot say with all certainty that economic policy under the ULP has helped. Its economic policy may have been beneficial to an already upwardly mobile middle class (accentuated under the NDP); but the poor didn’t reap much in real terms. Economic reform benefits to the poor may have been more forthcoming, had whatever economic ‘boom’ the ULP can take credit for, happened first in agriculture and manufacturing, not in services. So, on this basis, albeit narrow assessment, can we say that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been one of the best prime ministers this country has ever had?
One month away from the cauldron I HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN MISSING in action for about four weeks, having decided on my own volition to take a breather, then being forced by circumstances to do so anyway. I suffered a medical problem arising from a mishap with my motor vehicle, spent three days at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and, after a short break, spent another ten days checking out medical experts in Barbados - Messrs Ishmael, Corbin and Gill. I am not yet out of the woods, but life has to go on. So, I was hardly involved in the matter of the choice of National Heroes; the story of CARICOM’s blindness to the St Kitts Government’s travesty on the fundamental question of entertaining a vote of no confidence; the dismissal of a highly placed foreign office personnel; the ULP’s celebration of its thirteen years of holding office, and so on. In fact, on the issue of National Heroes, it seems that the best outcome for the moment is to add the name of George Mc Intosh, in whom there is consensus of sorts, and postpone the choice of any others for five to ten years when we should have put our house in order. At the same time, I have broadened the issue by drawing attention to other role models, a course also recommended by Dr. Adrian Fraser, and as recently as the last mid-week of Searchlight, received other support from the journalists. In the widened context, I would refer to some persons in their nineties, of whom we may usefully spare a thought or two. Like the oldest cricketer, Matthew John, who played for SVG in 1938, the year of my birth. Clement Lawrence, who sang calypso at Carnival in the 40s and played cricket for the champion KCC team in those years. Similarly, we could tap on the old surviving politicians for more than a word of wisdom. Afflick Haynes, in his mid-nineties, is still mentally alert, and would give a balanced blow-by-blow account of politics in the mid fifties to mid sixties. In fact, I believe that “Flick” ought to be written about in his own right, if we are ever to understand and come to grips with our own political development as it has emerged over time. So, look forward soon for a “This Week” column centred on the contribution of Afflick Haynes. Mrs. Ruby Young, widow of Herman Fraser Young, completes a beautiful century this month, despite the stress and strain of a politician’s wife. Personages such as Charles Anderson, who is perhaps one of the few remaining to have served under our local system of governance, and especially Clement Iton, a retired public servant who is given to expressing his thoughts on paper, could be proper sources of material to act as guiding posts as to how best to marry the new with the old to produce a symphony rather than the social cacophony, by which we are now threatened. And the older women, too, must continue to play their vital role. Women such as Viola John, Elsa Scott, Ena Carr, Evelyn Quammie, Eden Bennett, Germaine Stephens, Mavis Maule and Marian Woods; but the woman of the moment happens to be Mrs. Young of
Layou, widow of Herman Fraser Young, who completes a century this month. Harley Mosely I relate to you a joyous meeting, as it happened to me. About three weeks ago, I saw a signboard in Bridgetown, Barbados, of a professional medic Harley Mosely, with a string of Letters behind his name. As far as I knew, the original Harley Mosely had died some years ago, so I supposed the name referred to a son of the elder Harley Mosely, who had been a master at the Boys Grammar School in the late 1940s and early 50s. So I enquired, and it was indeed Harley Mosely but the third, grandson of my exteacher of whom I had related fond stories of our past relationship. The grandson suddenly caught on that I related events in the past tense, whereas the older Mosely was still alive and kicking, so he gave me his telephone number which I dialled and arranged a meeting. To my pleasant surprise, I met a Harley Mosely, hale and hearty and mentally very much alive, though a bit slow on account of his 94 years. Yes, he remembered me after a little prompting. Then he asked of Errol Layne, who used to be his neighbour of Murray Road, then about the School’s cricket team of which he had been sports master. He had not yet heard of the death of Tracy Connell, but enquired of Cecil Cyrus, Eddie Sealy, Hutson Martindale, Jus Edwards, Bertram “Molly” Arthur, Victor Cuffy, Ardon Daisley and Hudson Soso, among others. He recalled specifically the 1949 tournament, for he had been instrumental in opening up the new school playing field at Richmond Hill, which still exists today. I promised him that I would raise with the local authorities the possibility of naming the ground the Harley Mosely Playing Field. I recalled being taught English Literature by him, mentioning two classical poems, the Lady of Shallot, and Gray’s Elegy written in a country Church yard, to which his eyes lit up as he recited two or three verses before I could stop him! Mosely was a born Vincentian at Sion Hill of a Barbadian father and a Vincy mother. He later taught at schools in Barbados and the Leeward Islands, apart from the Boys Grammar School, from which he left to read law in England. He ended up back in Barbados as a practising lawyer, and was attracted to politics as a member of the Barbados Labour Party, for which he became their Ambassadorial Representative at the UN. Strange, but I associate the return of the Ju-C soft drink which appeared for the first time for Mosely’s Inter School Tournament in 1949. Everyone fell for the “Red Ju-C” which was the last wish of lawyer Danny Williams on his death-bed, as well as Ole George’s advertising pitch for the International Airport which will ensure that the Red Ju-C arrive in the USA, still cold and ready to drink.
V No knowledge about the Bible
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 9.
Letters
PLEASE ALLOW me some space in your newspaper to share a very shocking discovery. I was shocked by what I discovered after a session with some primary school age children. I was shocked by how ignorant they were about the contents of the Bible. What shocked me more than ever was that there was at least one among the ten students, who did not know that the story of Jesus came from the Bible. Further, many of the children when questioned, failed to identify the Good Samaritan and David
and Goliath as stories from the Bible. The majority of the children had never read any story from the Bible. Am I to conclude from this, that there is a generation of children with little or no knowledge of the most important stories that form the basis of Christianity? Am I to conclude that perhaps, we are not as Christian as we profess to be? Am I to conclude that the children lack this knowledge and upbringing because their parents know very little about the Bible and therefore, cannot and do
not pass on the story of Christianity to their children? Am I to conclude that those parents expect others to do what should begin at home? No wonder we are experiencing the worst social behavior ever in our country. Christ has either gone out of our lives or He has never been introduced. Christianity values are tried and tested values. They have withstood time, and many have been persecuted for them. No society can say it is developed without professing and living the
basic principles of Christianity. We are doomed otherwise. Time we turn to Christ as a means of combating the wrong in our society. Only in Him is there salvation. Mary
Correcting wrong with wrong THE PRIME MINISTER of Trinidad and Tobago recently removed one of her Ministers. She fired him. I haven’t heard that he has been placed in any high office or rewarded in any other manner. Maybe we should take a leaf from the Trinidad Prime Minister’s book. I recall Burton Williams, when he was a minister of government, falling into a spot of trouble and he was taken under the Prime Minister’s wing. He was removed from the slate of NDP candidates for the subsequent election,
and to fend for himself, until he found a re-birth of sorts under Arnhim Eustace’s leadership. I also recall one Selmon Walters running into trouble with the police and a bank teller — a double whammy, if ever there was one. He was transferred from one ministry to another, didn’t contest the next election, but was made our Consul General in New York, and there he is up to today, being taken care by our taxes, and on his way to a comfortable living when he retires, if he does. Now, Walters has
found himself at the head of a Consulate where, from reports, all is not well, to the point that his deputy was fired. Trouble seems to follow him around. Now, tell me if something not wrong about this whole Walters affair. Am I wrong in believing that this government corrects wrong with more wrong? Walters should be recalled. I support the Leader of the Opposition on this one.
I SUPPORT the construction of an international airport here in little St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regardless of who might say otherwise. I think it is a mammoth undertaking for which we must give praise and thanks to our Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. He had a vision, a vision for all of us, and it is coming to pass. What I didn’t like was how we went about things. We put too much of a colour (red) to the project, and take it or leave it, those who don’t see red felt left out of what should have been a truly national effort. I listened to the Prime Minister at the ULP celebrations last weekend in Barrouallie. He asked his supporters for one last chance to lead the ULP to victory and back into government, so that he could see certain projects to the end. One of those projects mentioned was the Argyle Airport. If the PM wants another chance at government and that chance (elections) will not come until 2015, as late as December, then what he is admitting is that the airport will not be ready for use by the promised date in 2014. As much as I support the airport and Dr. Gonsalaves, he needs to come clean, it appears, on what is really happening at Argyle, and say when, with all truthfulness, the airport will be finished. Time to stop the pussy-footing and come clean on this matter. It doesn’t do us any good to be giving wrong signals to investors and our own people in the Diaspora about this fantastic project. So, Dr. Gonsalves, tell us: What is a realistic date for the opening of the airport? And while we are on it, do I smell a chance of an early election? Glen T - West St. George
Our politicians
and one eye open. Above all, Scouting taught me how to respect other persons; how to help other persons; how to be polite; how to be joyful; how to respect God. I have had many successes in life, and they might never have been, had I not employed the human values that Scouting taught me. Those values last a lifetime. Thanks, Old Scout, for rekindling some truly fond memories.
WHEN is the last time a politician, particularly a minister, spoke candidly in public and told it like it is? As far as I am concerned, the kind of politician we have here is the kind that says the things the people want to hear. They don’t exactly level with the people because it might not be politically expedient. You see, the politician either has his ,eyes on staying in ‘power’ or getting in to ‘power’ as the case might be. The truth is something which they seem to take pride in bending as far as it could go without breaking. Just say what the people want to hear, and keep them in ignorance. In that sense, things have not changed one bit since the days of Joshua and Cato. Regardless of what time of the year it is, how near or far it is away from the last election, the next election always seems to be just round the corner for the politicians we have in this country. So they fashion what they have to say in accordance with that intention. With the next election in mind, I hope that we will hear from some fellows who have nothing to hide and who not in this thing for their own good. And by the way: Who is it who said that a politician who leaves government poorer than when he got in, got to be a real stupid fellow? Nuff said for the time being.
Older Scout
Frank Jones
Voter - South Central Windward
Scouting: Truly a joy Mr. Editor, I was moved by the article ‘The Joy of Scouting’ carried in last week’s issue of your newspaper, the most balanced of the lot here. The writer brought back fond memories of my time as a cub scout and a scout. I may be well past the best years of my life, but I look back with thanks to my scouting days. It doesn’t matter which Scout Troop you belonged to, I think any Troop would have taught us as young men the same values, and prepared us for the world. How I remember well that it was Scouting that gave me the opportunity to visit other parts of the island; taught me how to swim; how to light a fire in the open; how to pitch a tent and sleep in the outdoors; how to have clean fun even if it meant playing a prank on your fellow scouts. Try as much as we could, we could never pull a prank on our Scout Master (no name mentioned). We believed he slept with one eye closed
Come clean on the airport
* Is it true that a prison officer left a loaded gun in a cell and it was returned the next day by an inmate? * Is it true that the steel to be used to finish a resource centre at the Belle Isle Prison facility ended up in a private home in Brighton? * Has the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals investigated the matter involving two sheep that were allegedly dragged behind a vehicle? * Was Mr. Eustace too kind and gentle in dealing with his former Secretary? * Anybody else find it interesting that two countries from whom we get most of our aid are currently experiencing street protests? Like we blight or what? * Is Ricky Burnett being considered for the position of Chief Magistrate?
V
10. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Deepening the Education Revolution; The launch of The Support For Education And Training Strategy The Issue MUCH HAS BEEN SAID about the Education Revolution, and the success it has brought to this country, in terms of providing educational opportunities, training and advancement to our young people. It is on record that this is one of the hallmark strategies of the ULP administration, ranked among the top socio economic policies of the ULP, in its “people centered approach” to development. The story of what the ULP met when it won the election in 2001 bears repeating. Education was in a dismal state, and even the NDP had admitted that education was in a crisis, under its leadership. For example, only 39% of eligible students were admitted to secondary schools, and only four primary school teachers had university degrees. Early childhood education was inadequate, and very few students were receiving scholarships for tertiary education. In fact, the NDP owed millions of dollars to the University of the West Indies, and the few Vincentians there, were in jeopardy. The Education Revolution addresses this malaise in a structured way. Education is now regarded as a priority. There is a vision and a plan to build this sector. Today there is universal access to primary and secondary school education. New schools have been built, there are over 400 graduate teachers in primary schools in the state, and hundreds of students have been awarded scholarships and grants, or benefited from the disadvantaged student loan, to pursue tertiary education. In fact, let’s go back to 2005, to see how Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves presented the case for the Education Revolution. “It is well known throughout this country that the strategic objective of this Government is to attain high levels of sustainable growth and development, while at the same time reducing the levels of poverty, raising social consciousness and increasing the level of employment. One of the most important vehicles for achieving this objective is a sound education. That is why we have embarked on a crusade to ensure that all the people of this country, particularly our youths, have opportunities to pursue quality education. By so doing, we aim to equip our people with the values, attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for creating and maintaining a productive, innovative and harmonious society; in short, education for living and production”.
work place. The university graduates will earn EC$2,200 per month, while those from the Community College will be paid EC$1000 per month. The majority of the persons in the SET programme have been assigned to the Ministry of Education. It is a good sign of the faith being placed in these young Vincentians, that they are being entrusted with the responsibility of contributing directly, to the teaching and learning process, or indirectly, by providing administrative and technical support. A few will go to other ministries and statutory bodies such as Invest SVG, CWSA, the HLDC and NBC Radio 705. They will have to undertake certain assignments which may require specialized skills and training, and will be exposed to certain concepts like project management, marketing and advertising, human resource development and information technology. Above all, they will meet new friends and will be introduced to all the intricacies that one can only find in the world of work. This is a period of learning readiness for these young Vincentians, and they will more easily fit in to the job situation, when they find employment.
The Future
It is clear that this internship programme will become an annual one, and many Vincentian students will look forward to being a part of this concept. Petro Caribe, the agency which is funding this programme, will undoubtedly continue its support for something that will bring benefits to our young students. It is only the ULP administration under the leadership of Comrade Ralph, could design such a programme to further deepen the Education Revolution. It is Prime Minister Gonsalves who said that “Education….is not a social luxury or appendage as in a colonial economy, which demand abundant unskilled labour, but a vital production requisite for the modern competitive economy.” It must be noted that the State has an over-riding obligation to deliver a quality education with universal access, consistent with the resources at hand. Among other things, the State must resolve to train critical minds in such a way as to educate the individual. The State also has the responsibility to produce enough skilled and trained The SET Programme persons, to man and enhance the productive sectors in the country. By The Support for Education and deepening the Education Revolution Training Programme is the latest through strategies like the SET strategy to deepen the education programme, the ULP is continuing to revolution. This programme is based on the premise that, having expended give meaning to its mantra that “no monies training our young people, the child must be left behind; no teacher must be left behind; and no parent state is now willing to invest even must be left behind”. further, by providing them with an We cannot wait, and time is not on opportunity to gain work experience in our side. We must put aside all the public sector. negativity and learned helplessness, These young Vincentians, 40 continue to lift up the Education graduates of recognized universities, Revolution, and seek out further and 70 from the Community College, programs that will bring more benefits will earn money, even while they are picking up on the job skills from their to Vincentians.
Thirteen Years of ULP Governance THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) won the general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since then, life for most Vincentians has not been the same. It has changed for the worse. Vincentians have been enduring severe hardship since 2001. It has never been like this; it is the worst since conquest and settlement. To mark its thirteenth anniversary in government, the ULP held a celebratory rally in Barrouallie last weekend. It was a disappointing showing by its supporters. But even as they ‘celebrate’, questions abound: What has the ULP done for St. Vincent and the Grenadines for them to celebrate? Were they celebrating the hardship most Vincentians are experiencing? Were they celebrating the sale of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and the Marketing Corperation Supermarket? For the thirteen years the ULP has been in power, the middle class that was built by the NDP has vanished. You are either rich or poor, and we do not have many rich persons in the country. The poor and the working class are suffering. This ULP regime has brought them to their knees. Furthermore, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fast becoming a failed state. The ULP regime has destroyed the economy of this country; its poor fiscal management and lack of effective planning have dragged us into the quagmire which we are in today. For four (4) consecutive years, 2008 to 2011, there was negative growth in the economy of this country. Also, the ULP regime for the past ten (10) years, has been presenting deficit budgets to the parliament, making it extremely difficult to transfer sufficient funds to Statutory Corporations such as BRAGSA and the Tourism Authority, and to make payment to the University of the West Indies (UWI). In addition, exorbitant sums (of money) are owed to the Private Sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for goods and services which they have provided to the government in recent years. Moreover, for the first time in our country, public servants have not received any salary increase for three (3) consecutive years, 2012 to 2014, while inflation continues to rise at an alarming rate. When you traverse the length and breadth of this country, the cry of the public servants and the poor and working class is, “Pressure! Pressure!” Unemployment is at its highest, in some constituencies as high as 75%. As a result, most people are finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet. The cost of electricity is at its highest ever, thanks to the ULP regime. Most parents are unable to send their children to school. The question asked daily is: How are these people surviving? Additionally, under the ULP government, the national debt of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has grown significantly. When the NDP left office in 2001, the National Debt was $568 Million. Of this amount, $184 million had been disbursed under the Labour Party administration. It therefore, means that the NDP debt, between 1984 and 2001, a period of seventeen (17) years,
was $385 Million or approximately $22.5 Million per year. In contrast, the present National Debt is estimated at $1.3 billion, an increase of $730 Million under this ULP regime. This is nearly four (4) times the annual rate of growth of debt under the NDP administration. Even when inflation is taken into account, this is a sizeable increase. While the debt to GDP ratio is around 71%, much needs to be done to keep this ratio within normal international guidelines of 60%. The year 2010 was the first year that the Domestic Debt exceeds the External Debt. This is of significance for St. Vincent and the Grenadines debt strategy, since the Domestic Debt is contracted at higher rates of interest and shorter repayments periods. The vast majority of the Domestic Debt has interest rates ranging from 7 to 14%, while in the case of the External Debt, rates range from 1 to 8%, with the majority being 4% and below. This has been occasioned by the desire of the ULP administration to avoid what is seen by them as the more rigorous supervision by the International Development Institutions, particularly in relation to procurement. We have also seen the demise of agriculture, particularly the destruction of the banana industry. The ULP administration took control of the Banana Growers Association and removed the credit facility which was established to assist farmers, making it extremely difficult for farmers to purchase fertilizer, insecticide and other inputs. Farmers today do not have the spending power that they had when the NDP was in office. Farmers have been literally chased out of the banana industry and rather than encourage them into other areas of farming, they were placed on public assistance through the National Insurance Services (NIS). Their lives have changed for the worse. During its thirteen years in power, one of the hallmarks of the ULP regime is its victimisation policy. As long as you are perceived to be a supporter of the NDP or has a different opinion to that of the ULP, you are doomed. We must not forget those who felt the long arm of victimisation from the ULP regime. Some of these persons include Marcus DeFreitas, Douglas DeFreitas, Leon ‘Bigger Biggs’ Samuel, Otto Sam, Ordan Graham, Addison ‘Bash’ Thomas, Elvis Daniel, Kenroy Johnson, Curtis Bowman, Margaret London and Junior Bacchus. We must also mention the management team of the St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) and the hundreds of cleaners and watchmen from various government institutions, who were dismissed early in the life of the administration. For thirteen years, the country has been mismanaged by the ULP. Vincentians have been experiencing the worst days of their lives, and the government does not have the solutions to the problems. It’s time for the Prime Minister to call the general elections, so that the electorate can elect the NDP to govern the country.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 11.
Views
Caribbean Citizens Free to Dream ... and to Innovate “Since we live in an age of innovation, a practical education must prepare a man for work that does not yet exist and cannot yet be clearly defined.” - Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909–2005) US Professor of Management Studies. WE CAN SOMETIMES become so focused on what is happening in the distance, that we fail to observe and appreciate the positive things that are occurring right around us. There are many exciting things that are taking place in our regional institutions of higher learning. Several of these will be highlighted in this column over the next few weeks. The articles will especially focus on some of the new approaches to education that are being championed by the faculty and students at our regional institutions of higher learning and, in particular, at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies; an institution that is focused on meeting the needs of the citizens of Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Regular readers of this column may recall that the February 22, 2013 issue of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper featured an article entitled, “The Role of the University of the West Indies in Regional Competitive Development”. On that occasion, I commenced with a quotation from the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris, who stated, “We need to create a new young person who is prepared to learn to learn.” And the University of the West Indies (UWI) is doing that — creating new young persons who are prepared to learn to learn. It is truly amazing how many world class projects have emerged in the various disciplines and faculties at UWI. It is wonderful to discover the developments that are taking place in the field of information technology, mechanical engineering, green energy, marine sciences, animal husbandry, and so on. We need to “give voice” to the outstanding individuals and teams that are exploring new frontiers in knowledge at the various university campuses throughout the region. The UWI is not the only place where our brilliant Caribbean nationals have been reshaping approaches to teaching and learning. This column featured an article entitled “Using the Imagination to Solve Human Problems” in the February 14, 2014 publication of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper. Readers may recall that it focused on exciting teaching and learning approaches that were taking place at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). In particular, it described new and fun ways of teaching mathematical concepts and showing their real-life applications. Since then, I have had the distinct pleasure and honour of meeting with one of their professors responsible for encouraging innovation at that tertiary institution. And I have been exchanging e-mail messages with yet another member of that faculty, as I seek to unearth more information about how they make learning fun and practical at UTT. Exciting things are happening at our universities and colleges. We are developing new ways to make tertiary level education more useful and relevant to our Caribbean society. It
is also interesting to observe the number of universities and colleges from the developed and developing world that now wish to partner with our regional educational institutions. Many are now seeking to have exchanges/attachments of faculty and students, as they seek to benefit from the new home-grown frontiers of learning and innovation in the region. It is interesting to note, however, that these institutions of higher learning are not going it alone. In every case, they are partnering with the private and public sectors in an effort to better meet their needs. The Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hillary Beckles, has signalled that Cave Hill will continue to create and sustain initiatives that will keep it relevant to the times in which we live and operate. The visionary Sir Hillary (ably supported by the faculty, staff, and students) continues to forge new links with the private and public sector as they tailor the institution’s programmes and curricula to meet the region’s evolving needs. We are encouraged by the words of Dr. Colin Depradine, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, who asserts that, “Strategic partnerships with public and private sector entities as well as an extensive programme of public outreach and engagement will be critical to the success of the initiative.” Caribbean citizens can be justly proud of the developments that are taking place in the field of education at many of our regional institutions of higher learning. And while we appear to still have a long way to go (when we compare ourselves with much older tertiary level institutions in developed countries) we do have a lot to be proud of. Many of our systems may seem to be imperfect, but we still have so much good going for us. Sometimes we may think that we have so little ... but when we pause to make an objective assessment of our situation, we understand and appreciate that there is still so much that we have achieved. Many of the graduates from our regional institutions of higher learning are shakers and movers in the local, regional, and international public and private sectors. Many have gone on to be lecturers and facilitators at some of the more prestigious universities around the world. Many are scientists and inventors at globally recognised laboratories. We have been impacting the world in so many positive ways. And so much of this can be directly linked to the vision and dedication of the leaders and teams at our various institutions of higher learning. We thank them for their dedication and insight. They remind us that the Caribbean citizens are free to dream ... and to innovate. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Caribbean Reparations 10-point programme IN KEEPING WITH Renwick Rose’s advice on reparations, I here publish the 10point programme on which the Caribbean Reparations claim is made: 1. FULL FORMAL APOLOGY The healing process for victims and the descendants of the enslaved and enslavers requires as a precondition the offer of a sincere formal apology by the governments of Europe. Some governments in refusing to offer an apology have issued in place Statements of Regrets. Such statements do not acknowledge that crimes have been committed and represent a refusal to take responsibility for such crimes. Statements of regrets represent, furthermore, a reprehensible response to the call for apology in that they suggest that victims and their descendants are not worthy of an apology.
Descendants of these Crimes Against Humanity continue to suffer the disdain of having no relevant institutional systems through which their experience can be scientifically told. This crisis must be remedied.
5. PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS The African descended population in the Caribbean has the highest incidence in the world of chronic diseases in the forms of hypertension and type two diabetes. This pandemic is the direct result of the nutritional experience, physical and emotional brutality, and overall stress profiles associated with slavery, genocide, and apartheid. Over 10 million Africans were imported into the Caribbean during the 400 years of slavery. At the end of slavery in the late 2. REPATRIATION Over 10 million Africans were stolen 19th century less than 2 million remained. The chronic health from their homes and forcefully condition of Caribbean blacks now transported to the Caribbean as the constitutes the greatest financial risk enslaved chattel and property of to sustainability in the region. Europeans. The transatlantic slave trade is the largest forced migration in Arresting this pandemic requires the injection of science, technology, and human history and has no parallel in capital beyond the capacity of the terms of man’s inhumanity to man. This trade in enchained bodies was region. Europe has a responsibility to participate in the alleviation of this a highly successful commercial heath disaster. business for the nations of Europe. The lives of millions of men, women and children were destroyed in search 6. ILLITERACY ERADICATION At the end of the European colonial of profit. The descendants of these period in most parts of the Caribbean, stolen people have a legal right to the British in particular left the black return to their homeland. and indigenous communities in a A Repatriation program must be established and all available channels general state of illiteracy. Some 70 percent of blacks in British colonies of international law and diplomacy were functionally illiterate in the used to resettle those persons who 1960s when nation states began to wish to return. A resettlement program should address such matters appear. Jamaica, the largest such as citizenship and deploy available best practices in respect of community community, was home to the largest number of such citizens. Widespread re-integration. illiteracy has subverted the development efforts of these nation 3. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DEVELOPMENT states and represents a drag upon PROGRAM social and economic advancement. The governments of Europe Caribbean governments allocate committed genocide upon the native more than 70 percent of public Caribbean population. Military expenditure to health and education in commanders were given official an effort to uproot the legacies of instructions by their governments to slavery and colonization. European eliminate these communities and to governments have a responsibility to remove those who survive pogroms participate in this effort. from the region. Genocide and land appropriation 7. AFRICAN KNOWLEDGE PROGRAM went hand in hand. A community of The forced separation of Africans over 3,000,000 in 1700 has been from their homeland has resulted in reduced to less than 30,000 in 2000. cultural and social alienation from Survivors remain traumatized, identity and existential belonging. landless, and are the most Denied the right in law to life, and marginalized social group within the divorced by space from the source of region. A Development Plan is historic self, Africans have craved the required to rehabilitate this right to return and knowledge of the community. route to roots. A program of action is required to 4. CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS build ‘bridges of belonging’. Such European nations have invested in projects as school exchanges and the development of community culture tours, community artistic and institutions such as museums and performance programs, research centers in order to prepare entrepreneurial and religious their citizens for an understanding of engagements, as well as political these Crimes Against Humanity. interaction, are required in order to These facilities serve to reinforce neutralize the void created by slave within the consciousness of their citizens an understanding of their role voyages. in history as rulers and change agents. To be continued There are no such institutions in the Caribbean where the Crimes Against Humanity were committed. Caribbean Send comments, criticisms & schoolteachers and researchers do not suggestions to wefirst@aol.com have the same opportunity.
V
12. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
ULP regime wasted EC$700 million on Argyle airport
SVG are without mains water and electricity. Getting these houses connected is a priority. Wasting EC$700 million on the Argyle airport for The ULP government’s Argyle Airport Environmental would be jobs for our people, and our economy would tourists is irresponsible. Having an international Impact Assessment Report (EIA) estimated the cost to be strong. airport does not automatically create a strong build the Argyle airport to be EC$502 million. At A Green government would have invested that economy. Haiti has had an international airport present, about EC$700 million has already been spent money in building a university for our children; since 1965 and it is one of the poorest countries in and the airport is nowhere near finished. building factories to help create mass employment; the world. All of the Caribbean countries that have There has already been a 40% (EC$200 million) connecting thousands more households to the mains an international airport have massive public debt. overspent on the project. The opportunity cost of for electricity and water supplies; revitalising the High sea waves are breaking up the northern end wasting EC$700 million? Thousands of Vincentians agriculture industry with agro-processing and of the Argyle airport runway. The runway cannot be in poverty and a weak economy. It is even more exports; creating a tuna fishing and canning and completed. The excess water means the runway alarming, now that it has been reported, albeit processing industry; creating a fresh drinking water cannot be compacted properly, and this means the quietly, that the Argyle airport cannot be completed, export industry using large water tankers; and runway will continually break up, create due to problems with water when trying to compact creating a strong economy in which our businesses unacceptable safety risks and will not be usable. No the runway. could prosper and grow. further work should be carried out on the Argyle Two young men in East St. George told the It is important also, to upgrade education and airport project; not a dollar more should be wasted. Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, that medical facilities in SVG. We could have had a new The needs of our people can no longer be ignored the opportunity cost of Argyle airport is too heavy hospital in Kingstown and Union Island by now, by the government. Our country needs factories, and for SVG. One of the young men said that there is no and a secondary school in Canouan. our people need jobs. We must create mass employment for young people in SVG like himself, A Vincentian government must put the needs of employment, build a university and cut the price of and that young people were being starved of Vincentians first, not tourists. SVG has high employment, as money is being put in Argyle and unemployment; creating jobs should be a priority by electricity. not on young people. building factories. Few of the children who start SVG Green Party If the EC$700 million that has been wasted had school end up getting a university degree. Building www.svggreenparty.org been invested intelligently in our people, there a university is a priority. Thousands of homes in
The joy of scouting Part 2
Camping
Disappointment Scouting taught the youths many valuable lessons, and has produced men of sound background: Sir Eric Williams — Trinidad and Tobago; Sir Eric Gairy — Grenada; Sir Grantley Adams — Barbados; Sir John Compton and Sir Arthur Lewis of St. Lucia, and many more. I attended the 2nd St. Andrew’s Boy Scout troop, and had proficiency badges on both left and right shoulder. When I returned to SVG at age 58, after a sojourn overseas, I presented my membership card to Mr Vincent Sprott, Commissioner of Scouts, attached to the Methodist troop. He wanted to know how a poor, ‘red skin’ youth had badges that he (Sprott) did not have. Captain Markham, Leader of the Roman Catholic Scout troop, verified that I had earned all my badges, but that did not change my decision to stop attending meeting, and I soon after went back overseas. On my return since, and after we got the Scout headquarters, I wrote to Mr. Bailey, President, stating my rank of Queen Scout (QS) which I had obtained in Grenada, and my desire to assist with reviving the movement in SVG. I never got a reply. I visited in person, and they promised to get in touch with me,. That was 28 years ago, and I am still waiting on a connection. Had scouting been encouraged in schools in SVG, the youths would not have been like they are today. Just a
NO ONE COULD boast of being a scout unless they had the experience of a camp and/or hike. Camps, usually in the outdoors were usually pitched in areas not, well known to the members of a scout troop. Hikes were many and could be part of one of the weekly meetings. Camps threw up some interesting memories. We had 1 hour (6-7 pm) to meet friends (girls), but if you returned late, you were punished by getting seven lashes with your lineyard (what held your whistle) or three cups of cold water down your shirt sleeve. I never knew anyone who got sick from those wettings, and we took that regularly. Everyone (every scout) had a task. I loved cooking. My favourite dish was taking ripe breadfruit, mix it into a paste, enclose it in flour dumplins or even take very hot pepper and do the same. The pepper was for the greedy ones who looked for the biggest plates. Then there was the ‘muachings’ (mu-chings). We would wait until a selected scout was asleep and using shoe polish or flour, we would ‘powder’ his face. I also enjoyed camp fires, not just for the crackling sound of the fire but also for the stories and riddles we told around the fire. Some of the stories were hilarious, and I bet many of them were made up on the spot. But it was all in the fun. One of the skills we refined while on camp was the use of our whistle, especially how to use the morse code. And, above all, attending church on Sunday, during a camp, was a must. Hiking is an integral part of a scout’s life.
Scouts logo and motto. few schools here have scout troops.
Still proud to be a Scout I wish to salute my guide sister Mrs. Gwendolyn Russell, who has contributed a lifespan to Guiding in SVG. I Scouting brings out the best in our youth. do not recall any other reminds me of a time in Grenada female who has done more for the when I was asked to track a Guide young girls of SVG. Troop in Grenville, to ensure they My journey through this world by marched properly. I drilled them and being a member of the scout movement, has been a journey of pride they enjoyed it so much they took photographs of me but never shared and satisfaction. them with me. When I see so many guides, But my crowning glory as a scout brownies, rangers, cubs and scouts on was helping an old lady or man cross a parade ground and know that the street and be paid with a smile. world is watching and seeing their hands and feet all in confusion, it Old Scout
A Camp Fire is a time for long tales and riddles.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 13.
14. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 15.
16. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
V Patel responds to James
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 17.
Politics
PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVE for North Leeward, Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews has accused Carlos James, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) hopeful for the said constituency of belittling him. Matthews, in responding to the claim made by James that he (Matthews) had made the issue of him (James) not signing a petition for an independent enquiry into the death of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas a political one, said that he was appalled after reading the comments of the aspiring politician. (See page 16 of THE VINCENTIAN of March 28, 2014.) “I am a bit surprised that Mr James could stoop so low to say that I am making this issue so political, and the reason is simple. I am the elected Member of Parliament for the constituency. A young lady died. Soon after her house was raided, she took sick, and the majority of the people in the constituency are of the belief that the reason for her death had to be something initiated by the police search,” Matthews said. “I am not sure if that is the case, so I said that the best thing that could be done is to have an independent enquiry into the matter, and by doing that, you be doing two things; you would clear the police of any wrong doing, and it will also show that there is nothing to hide,” he continued.
Under such circumstances, the area representative for North Leeward said that he believes that the best thing was for an independent enquiry to be set up. “Yes, I know the commissioner of police has said that an inquiry is taking place; but the enquiry that is taking place is headed by former head of CID (Criminal Investigations Department) Mr Caesar. “Now anybody in their right mind would say that this person is a former cop — it’s a career officer - and to have him as the sole investigator, is not sitting well with the people of North Leeward, and I as the Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward, I represent the wishes of my people.” According to Matthews, James is a lawyer, and he should have immediately recognized that something was not right in the decision to have a former police officer head the enquiry against the very organization. “It was under those conditions that I believe that Mr James should have signed the petition,” Matthews said, adding that he was in Chateaubelair on the day that James was approached to sign the petition. James made reference to an online posting by Matthews, questioning if it was true that the ‘ULP hopeful for
North Leeward refused to sign the petition asking for an independent enquiry into Thomas death?’ But the area representative said that he signed the petition, and if James decided that he too was going to sign it, then it was not a political issue. “It shows that both sides Carlos James, a lawyer by Roland Patel Matthews has are agreeing profession, had accused reminded ULP hopeful with something; so candidate Carlos James, that Matthews of being political about how he (Matthews) to go and try to he (Matthews) is the was going about addressing belittle me was representative of the people the matter of the death of of North Leeward. uncalled for, Sylma Thomas-Howe. and it shows that Mr James is the one who does not have what it party that he is hoping to run for, so takes to represent people,” he said. maybe that was why he had a second “In North Leeward, we have been guess about if he should sign it, or going through a lot of things, police maybe he needed to ask somebody if harassment, unemployment, economic he should have signed it,” Matthews stagnation, and all because of the very concluded.
V
18. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Disabled persons need more support
THERE IS A LOT that needs to be done for persons with disabilities, but the resources are limited. This is the plight faced by Patricia Cumberbatch, President of the National Society for Persons with Disabilities (NSPD) and her team, and which was highlighted when she addressed her Society’s annual march and rally, which took place last Friday, March 28. “There are a number of things that we would like to do; however, the lack of funding prevents that,” Cumberbatch said. She explained that the NSPD was a non-profit organisation, and that they do receive a subvention from government for which “we are grateful, (but) “it is not enough — it’s far below our budget, but we are making do and we raise funds,” the NSPD president said at the rally at Victoria Park, explaining further that the government subvention goes towards rental of the building the Scoiety presently occupies at New Montrose. “As a matter of fact, most of the time is spent raising funds to keep the organisation going… to
Disabled persons in their annual awareness building march. Inset: Patricia Cumberbatch, President of the NSPD, made an impassioned plea for support for her organization. help persons who have disabilities,” she added. Pointing to her Society’s vocational training programme, Cumberbatch appealed for volunteers to assist with running programmes in sewing, home economics and computer training. “We have the resources — equipment - we need for persons to come forward to volunteer to assist to run these programs, to help people with disabilities,” Cumberbatch said. But her most fervent appeal was for a genuine rehabilitation centre to serve disabled persons. “We do have equipment and machinery, but do not have a building,” Cumberbatch said. Reminded the mixed gathering that there were many young people with disabilities who are unemployed, many who lack the necessary training and skill so that they can gain employment when they complete school, Cumberbatch declared, “So we look forward to our government, organisations,
business sector to really support people with disabilities.” Meanwhile, Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Persons with Disabilities and Youth Frederick Stephenson, reported that he had attended the Meeting of OECS Council of Ministers in St Kitts last month, and that a proposal was prepared for advancing to the Heads of Government. According to the Minister, the proposal requested increased funding for projects relating to social development, including programmes serving persons with disabilities. “Your call has not fallen on the ground. Hopefully in the next budget we can see more being put into the ministry to help in the development of persons with disabilities,” the minister said.
SVG eyes 2016 Paralympic Games THE COUNTDOWN has started to ensure this country’s debut participation in the Paralympic Games, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016. According to Rudi Daniel, Interim President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Paralympic Games Committee, Rudi Daniel is while speaking heading up an Interim Paralympic at the annual Games Committee. March and Rally for the National Society for Persons with Disabilities (NSPD), the search is currently on for special athletes to begin preparing for the games. It is anticipated that two people will make the initial Siraz Natha of voyage to the England is games, Daniel assisting with said, and he getting the local explained that Paralympic Games coaching had Committee already started, formalised.
but that they were looking for more potential Paralympians to begin training. “We have some possibilities and we are already training some swimmers; we are doing some coaching in squash, football, bocce, and we are interested in rowing,” Daniel said. “So there is a range of sports that we can do; but we are looking for the people to fit into those corners, and then we can support them and push them along,” he continued. The event is very prestigious, occurring immediately following the Olympic Games, with a large viewership worldwide, Daniel said. “So it’s an opportunity to excel, and I am looking forward to working with anyone who comes forward and wants to do the work.” But before any selection is made of a delegation, a functioning Paralympics Committee must first be established. Siraz Natha of the Red Rose Sports Club in England is in to offer some support towards this end. He said that he has been working with representatives from the local Special Olympics Committee and the Ministry of Sport to set up the committee. “Without having a committee, athletes cannot participate,” he said. “Rudi and other colleagues have come forward and established the interim Paralympics Committee, so basically we are soon to be launching,” Natha explained.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 19.
Business
SVDL hosts media tour Story and Photos by BERNARD ‘BERNIE’ BROWNE
SVG’S LONE DISTILLERY, the St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. (SVDL), opened its doors to a tour by media personnel last Friday 28th
March, 2014. The visit was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the SVG Tourism Authority. Minister of Tourism, Cecil Mc Kie, took the occasion to officially
recognise the Distillery for its capture of the title of ‘World’s Best Rum’, through its Captain Bligh XO line, in the prestigious 2014 World Rum Awards competition held recently in the United Kingdom, in conjunction with the World Drinks Awards. Minister Mc Kie congratulated the SVDL for its hard work and for copping the ‘Worlds Best Rum’ award, noting that the achievement would The equipment used in the Distilleries operations is modern and automotive, as seen by this filler.
The St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. situated at Mount Bentick, Georgetown.
translate into increased worldwide attention for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He proffered that persons will now be attracted to SVG, not only for a vacation but also for experiences, one of which can be assured by the Distillery. He presented SVDL Marketing Director Phillippa Greaves with a commemorative photograph of the Distillery, which had appeared on the cover of the Seven Seas magazine. Glen Beache, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority, advanced the view that schools and families should visit SVDL and learn more about what they do. He said confidently that, with the international airport soon to open, SVDL will become a tourist attraction. The SVDL began operations in 1925 and was known as the Mount
Phillippa Greaves, Marketing Director, introduces the SVDL. Bentick Distillery, named after the area of Georgetown in which it was and still is located. It was sold to the government in 1963 and its name was changed to St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. In 1996, the Distillery was sold to C. K. Greaves and Co. Ltd. which continues to operate it to this day. It runs a 24-hour shift and produces four rums —
Sunset Very Strong Rum, SLR, Sparrow Premium Aged Rum and Captain Bligh XO - along with a Rum Punch. It was the general consensus that the SVDL is a modern and remarkably clean operation, staffed by knowledgeable persons, and come together as an entity about which Vincentians can be proud.
V
20. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Not this father-giver he is no longer in the picture. He happens to be MY GIRLFRIEND and I plan 20 years older than her. She is 28 years old. to get married in July of I told her absolutely this year, and we cannot get past one hurdle in the NO to this man being the father giver or even planning stage which is, being at the wedding. my girlfriend wants to have one of her past lovers She is upset at the stance I have taken, and be the father-giver in the that has left me wedding. This is a man wondering why. over whom we have argued about in the past, Puzzled and she assured me that
Dear George,
Dear Puzzled, This is the time, as you plan for a life together, when both of you should be looking to rid yourselves of excess baggage. It is indeed cause for concern that your girlfriend even thought of involving this man in the wedding, let alone making him the father
giver. He no longer has an active involvement in her life, and she is not his to give. The fact that she is adamant that he be involved is reason to have you raise your eyebrows, but firmly and consistently maintain your position of getting off on the right foot and with a clean slate. Your girlfriend should let bygones be bygones!
George
Let her migrate Dear George, CAN YOU please settle this argument between my girlfriend and me? We have been going together for seven years, and we are seriously thinking of getting married very soon. But the plan to be together began to fall apart when she informed me that her mother, who resides
Confront her Dear George WHEN I GOT MARRIED, many of my friends kept warning me about getting hitched to a woman who is so much younger than me. I am forty-two years old and she is twenty and extremely beautiful. I had no worry about the age factor because we are both in the church. I have a senior position in the church and she is very actively involved in different departments in the same church. She has practically grown up in the church. Recently, I found out that she has been playing me all this time, and has been involved sexually with three different men in the same church! Two of these men are also married, and their wives are totally unaware that this is happening. I got wind of this because I found notes that they have given to her on various occasions. She kept this information in her diary, with pictures too! It was our 5-year-daughter who brought me the diary and said to me, “Daddy, look mommy picture,” which turned out to be a photo of her and one of the men in question. I am not apologizing for going through the rest of the pages! I have not been sexually involved with her since that time, and I am wondering how to address this very complicated situation.
in the United States, is about to ‘sponsor’ her. I told her that, once she goes away, that would put a lot of uncertainty on our relationship, and surely our plans of getting married. I want her to stay in SVG so that we can be married, with the assurance that I will take care of her. She is saying that if she goes away, she will be able to eventually ‘sponsor’ me, and then we can have a life together in the U.S. I do not know what to do. I have the feeling that, once she leaves here, it is going to be BYE, BYE to me and our relationship. She is upset that I am thinking like that.
Shattered Dear Shattered,
There is nothing complicated about this at all. Confront your wife with the information you discovered, and let her know how you came across it. Give her an opportunity to explain the photos and the notes. The question is, can the two of you sit down and discuss the future of your marriage in the context of this adulterous behavior on her part. If you decide to continue in the marriage, then you will need to confront the men who are involved with her, and deal with this widespread adulterous practice. In the end, it is you who have to make the decision on the way forward.
A relationship that is built on love and trust should be able to withstand distance and time. Preventing or dissuading her from going to the U.S. can have its backlash. Time and distance is indeed a good test for your relationship and if you are convinced that she is the one who you want to spend the rest of your life with, then it is worth letting her go, with the knowledge that it is only temporary. Now is not the time to think selfishly. Encourage her to go through with the migration plan, for in the end, once things come together for her, it might be abundantly rewarding for both of you. Let it be she who makes her mind up on whether to go or stay.
George
George
Hurt Dear Hurt,
Leisure
Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Involvement in groups will be favorable and lead to valuable information. You may find yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk. Make changes to your living quarters that will please the whole family. Include friends and family members in your redecorating plans.
Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Don’t prejudge. You may get drawn into a personal situation that will not be to your liking. You will learn easily if you put forth an effort. You will have to check your cash flow before you decide to indulge in hobbies or entertainment that may be beyond your budget. Don’t let your emotions interfere with your efficiency.
Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Be careful not to show your temper when dealing with the boss. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. You may want to take another look at the investment you are about to make. Residential moves will be in your best interest.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you’d like. You may want to take extra special care of your luggage if you are traveling this week. Attend trade shows that will allow you to look at new products. Don’t be too quick to respond to a plea for help.
Gemini (May 22-June 21) Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension. Get out and experience the spice of life. You can’t always have your own way. A passionate encounter with your mate should help alleviate that pent-up energy. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future for your family. Good day for romance. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection. You could find yourself caught in a one sided relationship. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Your positive attitude and intellectual outlook will draw others to you. Listen to the complaints of others. You may find it necessary to confront a situation that has gotten out of hand. Loss is evident if you don’t consider all the angles. Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don’t be shy to promote your own interests. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Investments will not be as they appear this week. Your dedication and fortitude when dealing with humanitarian groups will enhance your reputation.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. If you take on too much, you will find yourself in martyrdom. Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing. Don’t be too eager to dismiss someone who works under you. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Romance is quite possible if you are willing to approach someone who interests you. Organize all the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure everyone knows what to do. Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work. Be sure to look into travel opportunities that will provide you with mental stimulation. Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Do not over expand if you have your own business. Sit tight. Your mate could get on your nerves if he or she backs you into an emotional comer or puts restrictions on your time. Try to put your money away for a rainy day.
ACROSS
41. Hotsytotsy (2 1. Ewe’s mate wds.) 4. Love god 42. “Bali —“ 8. Sewn edge 43. Abridged 11. Orangutan, 48. Greek e.g. letter 12. Brother’s 50. French daughter article 14. Make a 51. Heechoice hawer on 15. Certain the farm auto race 52. “Untouch(2 wds.) able” T17. Author man Ana’s _ 53. Pod 18 Looks at veggie 19. Actor Guinness et al. DOWN 21. Liquid 23. Commercial 1. Cloth scrap transaction 2. Rainy mo. 25. Singer Ives 3. Inches and 26. Place into yards office 4. Stopped 29. Eisen5. Slashes hower’s 6. Over, in nickname verse 30. Applauds 7. Chem., e.g. 31. Umpire’s 8. Whet cry 9. “Sparta33. Swimmer cus,” e.g. Williams 10. Alps, e.g. and others (abbr.) 35. — Raton 13. Acclaims 36. Kennedy 16. Singer matriarch Diamond 37. Hebrew 20. Field lawgiver 21. Natl. 38. Juliet’s love security
org. 22. Skywalker of “Star Wars” 23. Entangling contrivance 24. Egyptian snakes 26. Islands (Fr.) 27. Relax (2 wds.) 28. Clare Boothe _ 30. Pick 32. Professors’ aides (abbr.)
34. Three, in Roma 35. Fido’s treat 37. Wool eaters 38. Caroline of “Sabrina” 39. Quaker grains 40. Farrow and
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 21.
others 41. Liberal _ 44. Leia’s “Star Wars” hero 45. Crude mineral 46. Compass dir. 47. Narc’s org.
V
22. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Youth
LIME donates to the Therapeutic Learning Centre IT MAY HAVE SEEMED like a small gesture to make, but the recipients interpreted a donation of knapsacks, reading materials and other school items and school supplies as, “a gift from God.” Last week, LIME’s Senior Marketing and Corporate Communications Executive Nikala Williams handed over the items to the Vincare Therapeutic Learning Centre, located at Mc Kie’s Hill. Head Teacher Veronica Daniel said that the institution was thankful for the donation, and that it would go a long way in assisting the students with their studies. “I want to thank LIME for the kind contribution. It is deeply appreciated, and we would be making good use of the books…. It would benefit them (the students) academically,” Daniel said. “When my students saw me with the books, they said to me, ‘Miss, God has provided for you.’” The Learning Centre has been in existence for 14 years. It provides short term therapeutic learning for children and adults with learning disabilities, i.e. those who find it challenging to speak or comprehend, and persons who have difficulty reading and writing. “What I do here is to take them out of the schools because they are not learning. So I take them and bring them here and help them academically, then they go back to see if they can sit the common entrance.
“Some of them sat and have passed to go to high schools or the multipurpose centre; some of them have gone overseas to study,” Daniel disclosed. “They came to the programme and couldn’t spell words such as cat and rat; now they are spelling words such as pneumonia, physiologist, and now challenging their parents and siblings and other children out there.”
(L-R): Veronica Daniel, Head Teacher at Vincare Therapeutic Learning Centre, gratefully accepts the donation from LIME’s Nikala Williams.
Daniel wished God’s blessing on LIME for its gesture towards the centre. LIME’s Nikala Williams said, “We applaud and encourage the lifechanging work that is being done at Vincare. It is refreshing to know that parents do not have to give up on their kids or feel helpless. They can get the assistance needed for them right here in St. Vincent. This is indeed noteworthy.”
Guinness Street Football Challenge gets going Left: St. Vincent and the Grenadines were winners of the inaugural Caribbean Guinness Street Challenge Tournament held in Guyana.
THE SEARCH IS ON for a team to represent this country in the 2014 Regional Guinness Street Football Challenge in Trinidad & Tobago. Preliminary games begin here this Saturday, April 5th, at the Chilli Village Hard Court, Georgetown, and will continue in: the Keartons Hard Court, Barrouallie, on April 12; Port Elizabeth Hard Court, Bequia, on April 17; Ashton Hard Court, Union Island, on April 18; Campden Park Hard Court, on May 2; Calliaqua Hard Court on May 3; and Petit Bordel Hard Court on May 10. The winner of each leg, in addition to receiving cash and free Guinness, will secure a spot in the local finals, scheduled for May 24, at the Netball Centre, Kingstown. The winning team will receive $5,000, and five (5) cases Guinness, and represent this country at the regional finals in Trinidad & Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago, by virtue of being winners of the 2013 Regional Guinness Street Football Challenge, qualified to host this year’s final, scheduled for June 6 and 7, at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port-ofSpain. The regional finals will also include the Skills Challenge which features some of the best football freestylers in the region. St; Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by School Yard Strikers in the 2013 finals, held here in SVG.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 23.
Hyron Shallow plays another of his exotic cover drives. by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
Casman Walters urned in a creditable performance with bat (49) and ball (4/30).
Ruthless Team Rivals bears down on title
The Team Rivals Juggernaut rolled mercilessly towards another Premier Division title, with a crushing eightwicket victory over an out- of- sorts News Spartans at the Sion Hill Playing Field, last weekend. The victory, along with a total of 23 batting and bowling points received, pushed the joint defending champions to 88 points, 13 clear of nearest challengers Guardian General Saints, with two rounds of matches remaining. SCORES: News Spartans 70 & 188, Team Rivals 200 &60/2. A Team Rivals victory for the second weekend looked less likely midway in the afternoon, when veteran Dawnley Joseph (49), showing good presence of mind and technique, and Seon Sweene (37) were at the crease and added 63 for the second wicket to take the score to 121. However, it all appeared to go wrong when Team Rivals allrounder Asif Hooper, in an act of gamesmanship, moved from slip to stand just inches from Sween, and shouted in the bowler’s direction about what he thought was the deficiency of the batsman (Sween). This brought immediate success as Sween apparently stung by the comment slogged, the next delivery just over the head of mid-on for four. The next ball brought another slog which went high into the air, to be easily caught at extra cover. The batsman, who for the third time this season had contrived to hand his wicket to the opposition, cut a forlorn figure as he “snailed” his way to the dressing room. Even so, Joseph and his son Darnley Grant took the score to 159 before the former fell brilliantly caught by a running and diving Orlando Jackson backward of square, attempting yet another sweep shot. He struck three fours and three sixes. Grant then followed shortly after, when he was stumped, attempting a big “hoik” to leg while Kissinger McLean calmly took his seat in the “Indiscretion Express” by promptly holding out on the midwicket boundary. He was to be accompanied by others, as the end followed quickly, with Jackson finishing with 4/44 and Hooper 4/39. And asked to get 58 for victory, Team Rivals gleefully took six overs to motor their way to victory at 3.49pm. The News Spartans, who won the toss and elected to bat, were dismissed for 70, as medium pace Roneil Jeffrey 4/11 and offspinner Casman Walters 4/30 kept them on a tight rein. Jeffrey, though, could have thanked the pitch for his first two wickets when he bowled Gidron Pope (1) and Omari Lavia (1) with balls that kept low. He also got the prized wicket of Joseph (0) through what many
believed was a controversial LBW decision. After struggling at 4/9, News Spartans looked to be on the road to recovery, but saw them come to a grinding halt when the total moved from 65/4 to 65/8. Team Rivals, despite losing the early wickets of Hooper (0) Marvin Small (3), went at a canter mainly through the efforts of the mercurial Hyron Shallow (66) and Walters (49) as they added 70 for the third wicket. Shallow, who was in electrifying form, had added 45 with Small for the second wicket
Roneil Jeffrey (4/11) picked up early wickets.
of which he scored 37. When he was caught off Grant, he had struck 12 fours —seven of them his first scoring shots and many of them rasping cover drives and square cuts. Team Rivals, though, lost their last seven wickets for 65 runs as Grant finished with 3/51. In the other scheduled match, Carl Joseph Law Firm ASCO lost to LIME Radcliffe by default after only turning up with five players for their match at the Park Hill Playing Field.
Windwards sink Leewards OFF SPINNERS Shane Shillingford and Liam Sebastein divided the spoils between innings, to help the Windwards to a comprehensive 197run victory over a hapless Leewards team. The match was a 5th round encounter of the regional four-day cricket competition, played at the Queen’s Park cricket ground in Grenada, on the weekend. Shillingford, coming off an 11-wicket match haul against Jamaica, made havoc of the Leewards’ first innings, removing five of their batsmen for 60 runs. Next, it was the turn of Sebastien. He literally humiliated the Leeward islanders, taking 7 wickets for 49 in 23 overs, as they chased a victory target of 360, with two sessions
Devon Smith, with knocks of 47 and 77, was named Man of the Match. after lunch on the third and all day Monday, the final day, at their disposal. The Windwards had taken first knock, after winning the toss, and put up a total of 292 from 79 overs. Brothers Romel Currency and Sunil Ambris continued their good form with knocks of 76 and 53 respec-tively. Experienced opener Devon Smith contributed 47. Batting a second time, the Windwards closed on 238 in 68.1 overs, Devon
Liam Sebastein, 7 for 49, bowled the Windwards to victory.
Smith topscoring with 77 and Keddy Lesporis hitting 42. The Leeward Islands trailed on first innings, managing 171 for 9, and fared even worse a second time around, closing their victory chase at 12, with captain Keion Powell hitting 54 and Tonito Willett 41, leading the batting. The win meant that the Windward Islands
Shane Shillingford, 5 for 60, did the damage in the Leewards’ first innings.
are second to Barbados in the standings after five rounds of matches. The Windward Islands’ next match will be against the Combine Campus and Colleges CCC) this weekend at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, starting on Friday. I.B.A.ALLEN
V
24. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Ambris appreciates value of Currency
by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
ST. VINCENT AND THE Grenadines’ newest batting talent, Sunil Ambris is looking to do well in front of his home fans, but has admitted to being nervous about facing that task. Ambris became the first Vincentian player to score a century on his first class debut, when he scored what was described as “a polished chanceless” 114 against Guyana at Providence, which earned him the Man of the Match award. “I want to do well here on my home ground, and hope the fans will come out to give me and the team the necessary support “, he said with a shy smile, as he went through the variety of nervous twitches which have become synonymous with his interviews. “Yes, I will be nervous because even when I go to play a softball match, I am nervous…it is normal… but I am not going to be under a big set of pressure because it’s a game and you have failures sometimes, even though you want to do good,” he said as he took a break from his training session. Looking back at the debut century, Ambris, who hails from the Marriaqua Valley, said as he walked to the wicket he was trying to be focussed. After getting off the mark, things got easier, and the longer he stayed his confidence grew. The 21-year-old former West Indies U19 batsman became the youngest player to score a Premier Division century, when he did so against Police ONE at Arnos Vale TWO before his sixteenth birthday. Ambris, who carries a first name like the great Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar, is looking to the future with the great expectation of representing the West Indies senior team. He praises his elder brother, Romel Currency, for the guidance and support he has given him over the years, during the current first class season, as well as when playing for local Club Guardian General Saints. “I go through him with everything I do. He advises me and pulls me up when I do wrong things in cricket or in life. He has helped me from
very early, and I look up to him…….he is my big brother you know…sic… .” Currency, 32, who made a return to the Windwards team after a three-year absence while undertaking studies and playing for the CCC, is happy for the exploits of his younger brother. “He is a special talent, and if I am to judge where I was at his age, he is way ahead of me. That century was a good innings. He played the spin well, and when the pace came on, it was real shots……and he picked the balls to leave. He should have scored a century against Jamaica too. Once he continues like this, he should be in the West Indies team in quick time,”, he said. Currency (121*) along with Devon Smith (180) holds the record for the highest opening partnership by the Windwards - 309 against Kenya at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in 2004 - when he scored his first century, five years after making his first class debut. It
Devon Smith, the Windwards’ most experienced batsman, knows the value of training and practice. Sunil Ambris (left) gets some advice from older brother Romel Currency during Windwards practice session.
talent in the current tournament. Team manager Lockhart remains his solitary century in Leewards and Jamaica. Sebastien and selector Lance his career total of 61 matches, In addition to his debut 2465 runs at 22.82. century, Ambris has recorded John, former Windwards This season, he also has half centuries against Jamaica openers, see a bright future for the young Vincentian, once he been showing good form, with (81) and Leewards (53) to continues to work on his game. crucial half centuries against underline his good form and
Metrocint Insurance sponsors young tennis players
sponsored. It (the sponsorship) is going to help me experience TWO OF ST.VINCENT and the something new in tennis, Grenadines’ talented young tennis because it is the first time (I am) players will be participating in the playing in an under 18 Junior International Tennis Federation tournament. The management Tournament in Barbados, April 14 - 19 can expect success, and they will 2014, after receiving sponsorships from be satisfied.” Metrocint General Insurance Company Metrocint has long been Limited. associated with sports, in Brothers Sebastian and Alexander particular tennis and football, Cyrus, students of the St.Vincent and cultural activities, and the The Cyrus brothers, Alexander (L) and Grammar School, were on Friday 28th company’s CEO was more than Sebastian, accept their sponsorship cheque March, presented with cheques by CEO happy to have supported the from Ms. Desiree Richards, CEO Metrocint of Metrocint General Insurance, Ms young tennis talent. Desiree Richards, at the company’s Richards said she had decided General Insurance. headquarters in Paul’s Avenue. The to sponsor both players because local U-12 division locally, and placed sponsorship would go mainly towards she was impressed with their attitude second in the U-14, U-16 and U-18 covering the players’ travelling expenses. towards the game. “They have been divisions, from 2010 to 2013, on The young tennis players, who are consistent at the sport, and they have numerous occasions. currently members of the Bonan Tennis been working hard over the last several The Cyrus brothers said their School under the supervision of coaches years. We are really pleased to be able to immediate goal is to do well, not just in Tony Boyea and Peter Nanton, expressed encourage them,” she said as she wished singles but in the doubles, where they joy in receiving the sponsorship and them all the best. operate as a team. promised that they would promote the Tennis flourishes in the Cyrus family. They are hoping to get tennis company’s brand at every opportunity The boys’ father, Mark Cyrus , was a scholarships and make it into the pro before and during the tournament. former national under 16 champion. circuit. Sebastian, the elder, a Form 4 science Their younger brother, Benjamin, is As for their favorite tennis players, student, has received sponsorship in the already a U-6 champion. Alexander is a great admirer of Spanish past, but Metrocint’s generosity was the Alexander’s record in the game is and world number one player, Raphael first for Alexander, a third form student. outstanding; he has an unblemished Nadal, while Sebastian’s choice is world According to Sebastian, “it feels good record in the St.Vincent and the number 4 and Switzerland’s Roger to receive a sponsorship to travel and Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) Federer. meet people.” under 12 and under 14 divisions, from The Junior International Tennis Alexander was excited, and remarked, 2011 to 2014, and has also dominated the Federation Tournament in Barbados is “Since I have never been sponsored under 10 category in the past. the Cyrus’s first outing on the junior before, it’s good that we are being Sebastian, in 2010, dominated the international circuit. by KENVILLE HORNE
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 25.
Sports
Windwards look to continue winning Windwards and Combined Islands opener said. “WE ARE LOOKING for a top two He lauded the allround ability finish so we can host our semifinal of the team and the quality match in the Windwards”, Manager bowling which has been the of the Windwards, Lockhart hallmark of the Windwards over Sebastien, told THE VINCENTIAN the years. just after his team’s first practice at “Our bowling has always been the Arnos Vale Playing Field. of a high quality, and once the The Windwards are currently batsmen put good totals on the second in the standings, on 62 board, it would be difficult for points, three behind leaders teams to beat us,” he said, his Barbados, and Sebastien said that countenance the epitome of his team will be going all out to seriousness. get maximum points, including Last year the Windwards, who bonus points for batting and reached semifinals of the bowling, against the Combined tournament, suffered a Campuses and Colleges (CCC), humiliating innings and 101 run who are coming off a resounding defeat against eventual loss to Trinidad and Tobago. champions, Barbados at Windsor The CCC are on 30 points, in Park in Dominica. fifth position on the seven- team Sebastien is not looking that table. far, but instead is looking to take The Windwards, who also care of business against the CCC, suffered a crushing defeat at the who he admits could be a hands of the Trinidadians, are dangerous team if allowed to get buoyed by victories over Jamaica away. in their own back yard, and the “ We are not going there and Leewards last weekend in look at the points table. They Grenada, and the Manager says have some talented players, and the team is confident and we must respect that, but we are supporting each other. going out there and play to our “Just look at the camaraderie best. It is time we win this between the players, and you will tournament”, he said. see a close knit bunch of The Windwards, who returned guys…You see the experienced to playing as a separate in 1982 Devon Smith, Currency etc. after being part of the Combined mixing with the younger players Islands (Windwards/Leewards), ….we have no problems in this have placed as high as second on team where players are a few occasions, but have never concerned…..and this is very lifted the four day title. important if you are going to be They however have been successful,” the former crowned Limited Overs by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
Windwards and Shacaya Thomas THE WINDWARDS continue their bid for a semifinal spot, as the Regional Four Day Competition swings into action at Arnos Vale Playing Field this weekend. Vincentians will see Sunil Ambris in his fourth match for the Windwards. Ambris will have the Marriaqua community behind him. He scored a century on debut, and has racked up 286 runs in three matches. He is eighth on the list, with an average of nearly 48. His brother Romel Currency, with 248 runs, will want to improve his average from just about 42. Devon Smith is the leading Windwards batsman on 299 runs for an average of 33. 22. Shacaya Thomas, the Combined Campuses and Colleges’ opening batsman, is the top batsman in his first season at the Regional Four Day level. He has 445 runs from eight innings. Jason Mohammed 366 is in second spot. Keiron Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite fill the third and fourth places. Chadwick Walton is in fifth position with 312 runs. Kenroy Peters has been in and out of the Windwards squad. He played for the West Indies Under 19 team. His left arm swing bowling has dismissed many a batsman. He is the Windwards’ top wicket taker this season, third in the overall bowling column, with 23 wickets at an average of 14. 39. Shane Shillingford has raced into the eighth position on the bowling list in two matches. His 16 wickets have come at an average of 15.18. Combined Campuses and Colleges with 30 points from four matches, will consider themselves in with a shot for the semi-final. Off spinner Ryan Austin with 18 wickets so far, will fancy his chance at Arnos Vale. The second semi-final in the World T/20 would be today’s preoccupation, as it was yesterday in the Sri Lanka/West Indies showdown. The final is set for Sunday. Whatever the rules were in Bangladesh, the fans displayed admirable conduct. It will be a different kind of music by the time the FIFA World Cup opens in Brazil, June 12. How Brazilians adjust to the international focus, will be a test of the Brazilian psyche. Football is too vital to the country for there to be any sustained resistance to the extravaganza. But there is an atmosphere of unpredictability that hangs all over. The extent of the discontent that was shown during the Confederation’s Cup may still be subsumed in the euphoria, and citizens will be content with a display of patriotism. Goals will be on people’s minds. They will be more intent on fulfilling their dreams rather than taking advantage of the global spotlight. Some compromises will have to be made, and everyone who will be part of the spectacle will be forced to make do with makeshift arrangements. The decision was made before the gravity of the exercise was appreciated. This is a trial run for the other episode - the Olympics in the same country, two years later. By then, everyone would have become used to the regime, and there should be a smooth flow from ancient to modern avenues.
Windwards team manager, Lockhart Sebastien (r) and selector Lance John look on at the Windwards’ training session. champions on three occasions. The Windwards team has one injury concern. Off spinner Shane Shillingford is suffering a slight chest problem, but he is expected to visit Physio Dr. Denis Byam to have the problem worked on, and he is certain to play. The CCC will be without the services of Vincentian pacer Keswick Williams who picked up a groin strain and was omitted from the squad. The match gets going on Friday from 10am at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.
Thomas to lead Under-15 Team ORNEL THOMAS, the son of former national opening batsman O’Neil ‘Gun’ Thomas, will lead a 13 member SVG national Under-15 cricket team, in the Windward Islands tournament scheduled for St Lucia from April 12 — 21. “I feel very good leading the national Under-15 team because it is the first opportunity for me,” Thomas said during a break in a practice session earlier this week. “I am conscious of the fact that the team performed poorly last year, but we will be looking for an improved performance”, the young man said. He is pleased that the team started its preparation much earlier than it did last year. As far as his own expectations are concerned, Thomas is
looking to give a good all-round performance. He considers Dominica, defending champions, to be “the toughest challenge, but we will not be underestimating the other countries. Over all, I am expecting a better performance from the team.” . Coach Uzzah Pope, a former Windward Islands wicket keeper batsman, said he expects the team to be more competitive than last year’s. “I am pleased with the time given for the preparation of the team, and I expect a better performance from the team,” Pope said. Pope admitted that the team may just be stronger in the bowling department, but still anticipates that the batsmen will spend long periods at the crease. The team reads, Ornel
Uzzah Pope, Coach of the SVG Under-15 team, expects his squad to be more competitive than last year.
Ornel Thomas captains the SVG Under-15 cricket team for the first time.
Thomas — Captain, Alex Samuel, Reshornon John , Tejorn Pope, Dave Duncan, Denroy Hazell, Jahiel Walters, Ethano Trimmingham, Alistair Shallow, Rayon Williams, Keron Williams, Robertson Young, Reynolson
Hillocks. Kemron Straugh, Don Wayne Baptiste, Romano Mars and Jon Dale Greaves have been named as reserves. The team leaves for St. Lucia on April 9th. I.B.A.ALLEN
V
26. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Classifieds
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2014. 27.
Classifieds
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
F O R S A L E
FRIDAY,
APRIL 04, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.13
A.I. REAL ESTATE Belair 6,331 sq.ft @ $12.00 p.s.f.
- $75,972.00 - BB493
Brighton Building Lots @ $15.00 p.s.f. - CALL Ribishi 8,327 sq.ft @ $10.00 p.s.f
- $83,270.00 - BB498
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
MPs TO GET ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAL EXPENSES MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, past and present, who do not have private medical insurance, will be reimbursed for all reasonable medical expenses that they incur. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, speaking on Wednesday in the House of Assembly, during the statements by ministers segment, said that, as the Minister of Finance, he would authorise the full reimbursement for all reasonable medical expenses to all Parliamentarians, past and present. According to the prime minister, hundreds of thousands of dollars were now being made available to assist people seeking medical attention. “If we do so for members of the public, then why can’t we do it for members of parliament? Well, I will do so, and those who wish to criticize me can criticize me, because I am not giving preferential treatment to parliamentarians, I am saying that we ought to be properly taken care of in
that regard,” he asserted. “I speak it publicly, so people can hear me; they can say I am giving special treatment to parliamentarians I am not, I am giving sensible treatment, deserving treatment,” he continued, adding ““Every firm have insurance for themselves; why can’t we?”
A wake-up call The issue of a Contributory Health System for parliamentarians has been raised before, but the urgency of the matter was given momentum by the Prime Minister on Wednesday. He recalled how shocked he was, shortly after taking office, to hear that no provisions were in place to assist the then Governor General, Sir Charles Antrobus, with his medical expenses. “Antrobus was going for medical treatment. I heard that he was sick and was going to Canada for treatment. And was travelling economy class and was unwell. I had to
St. Clair Leacock, Oppostion MP for Central Kingstown, was the latest MP to have had to seek medcial attention overseas.
tell my staff that we must pay for his travel to Canada for him and his wife, and to assist with reasonable expenses for his treatment,” he disclosed to members of parliaments, perhaps for the first time. “It was not a matter of such persons being able to afford medical expenses, but that Antrobus was the AROUND 11 a.m, Governor General,” Wednesday 2nd he explained. April, vehicles The issue of coming into contributing to Kingstown were offsetting medical diverted through expenses for the Walvarooparliamentarians, Roseau-Cane surfaced in the Garden route, entering at the House on intersection at Adams Bros. Building, Arnos Vale. Wednesday after The reason? A spill which occurred on the Casson Hill Road, which resulted in ‘an oily liquid’ flowing Parliamentary downhill, past the Richardson Gas Station. Unconfirmed reports say that the substance was diesel. Representative for Firefighters, personnel from SOL and NEMO were quickly on the scene, and they could be seen Central Kingstown, pouring a green-looking fluid onto the affected road surface, and then washing it with water. St Clair Leacock, SOL personnel assured that the spill did not involve any of its service vehicles (tankers included). THE VINCENTIAN could not, up to press time, establish the cause of the spill, and who was involved. updated members
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, thinks it is only right and proper that the state assist with reasonable medical expenses for parliamentarians.
Oil spill
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Daniel Cummings, MP for West Kingstown, would have incurred ongoing medcial expenses for treatment for a back ailment, overseas. of the House on his eye condition, attention for which had occasioned him being out of the state, and temporarily halted his service in the House and to his constituents. “I am very happy that the Honourable member for Central Kingstown has raised the issue and to update us on his own health. Frankly speaking, he should not be paying for reasonable medical expenses that should be paid for by the state,” Dr. Gonsalves responded after MP Leacock had explained his condition. The Prime Minister closed his contribution on the issue by saying that it was the same position he maintained with Daniel Cummings, Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown. “We have to address these matters. Since we don’t have it as a matter of law, we have to do it as a matter of policy,” the Prime Minister recommended.
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.