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FRIDAY,

JULY 04, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.27

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Best Section ‘Heat fo So’ from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘Heat’.

Right: Girls’ High School, winners of the School-based section of the Junior Panorama.

Junior King of the Bands, ‘Thunder Storm’ from SVG Players International’s ‘Beyond the rainbow’, portrayed by Meshach Pierre.

Junior Queen of the Bands, ‘Fiery’ from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘Heat’, portrayed by Jayniah Prescott.

Below: Starlift, winners of the Communitybased category.

Left: L-R: Junior Soca Monarch, Niesha ‘Singing Spice’ Richards; Secondary Schools’ Calypso Monarch Roshard ‘Mighty Gel’ Tittle; and Primary School’s Calpso Monarch, Tia ‘Singing Tia’ Wyllie.

2. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 3.

News 3

Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey

Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance

Lorna ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd

Ten to battle ÂSkarpyonÊ for his crown

But the break between the nine days’ preparation leading up to the grand finale, wwill be a test of the character of which champions are made.

The line-up includes four former monarchs, who will feel that they can repeat the feat.

Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyene is the most experienced, with titles in 1983, 1994, and 2007. With such an, impressive resume’, he will see no reason why his royalty should not be extended.

Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey took the 2002 title, and has been a top contender time after time. He will think that the time is rife for him to notch up another title.

Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance was monarch in 2006, and being a perennial finalist, he knows the formula for Defending Calypso Monarch Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ success.

Williams Lorna ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd was the 2012 titleby WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ Aurella ‘Queen B’ holder, advancing a ANTHONY Beache. trend of female elevation Since 2010, the title since 2001.

HE TEN CHOSEN to has changed hands every With Shaunelle challenge defending year, and fans will be McKenzie and Aurella calypso monarch Shernelle anxious to see if the ‘Queen B’ Beache in the ‘Skarpyon’ Williams were trend can be broken this final, there is a 25 decided Friday, June 27. year.

They are Kenneth Calypsonians will do ‘Vibrating Scakes’ two songs, accompanied Alleyne, Elvis ‘Abijah’ by the Police Band, Abbey, Grantley ‘Ipa’ unlike the one number Constance, Lorna ‘Fya the semi-finals required.

Empress’ Nedd, Dennis Those who can Bowman, Vivian ‘I Come’ produce a surprise Miller, Zamfir ‘Man element on Dimanche Zangie’ Adams, Robert Gras night — Sunday 6th ‘Patches’ Knights, July - will do their Shaunelle McKenzie, and chances a great deal.

percent chance that a female monarch could emerge again.

Other male contenders will want to place their name in the Crown column. Vivian ‘I-Come’ Miller took the 2014 New Song Calypso version when carnival celebrations were launched, May 3. He will see no reason why he should not expand his kingdom.

Dennis Bowman is a former Soca monarch. He seems to be concentrating on calypso of late, and will feel that it is time to land that crown.

Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams has had a feel of royalty at the Secondary School level, and is anxious to show that he has progressed. Taking the title is the best way to prove it.

When it comes to musical involvement, Robert ‘Patches’ Knights is a bedrock. He was on stage for half of the semifinal competition, playing keyboard for the band Nex Level, which accompanied 11 of the calypsonians. He has come close to the title in the past, and might feel

Dennis Bowman

Vivian ‘I Come’ Miller

Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams

Robert ‘Patches’ Knights

Shaunelle McKenzie

Aurella ‘Queen B’ Beache

he is even closer this year.

It was sad news for 12 semi-finalists. Those were Andrene ‘Ranking Bash’ Baptiste, Glenford ‘Azara’ Charles, Glenroy ‘Bump - I’ Richards, Cleopatra Hendrickson, Earl ‘Exposer’ Isles, Javel ‘Diya’ Frank, Michael ‘Mercy’ Ollivierre, St. Clair ‘Mitch’ Lewis, Alphaeus ‘Observer’ Duncan, Elliot ‘Mystery’ Shallow, John ‘The Truth’ Dougan, and Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis.

The event also saw the return of Roses Crew, with a three-member cast comprising Delroy

‘Fireman’ Hooper, Gregory ‘DJ Twenty’ Small and Chain Saw. They performed a string of Roses Crew hits, in tribute to their late inspirational manager, Stuart ‘Rudy’ Louie.

The start of the evening’s proceedings was delayed owing to showers propelled by strong winds, which made the stage unsuitable for performances.

A number of persons turned out for the event, which was promoted as a drinks inclusive affair with a $30 entrance fee.

V

4. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Police call for continued public support Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS AS CARNIVAL moves into its climax, Tuesday, July 8, Frankie Joseph, Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of crime, is calling for continued public support for the police in their efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful festival.

The Assistant Commissioner has expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation and support the police have been receiving from the public.

Joseph told THE VINCENTIAN this week that, with the exception of an unfortunate incident at South Leeward early into the Carnival season, in which someone was killed, all the other activities, including those in that community, have so far been peaceful.

“That shows that our people have been adhering to the calls by the police to come out and enjoy themselves peacefully,” Joseph said.

“As Carnival climaxes this weekend, we are stressing that we want the public to come out and support all the shows. Leave all weapons at home, and leave the security to the police,” he urged.

Joseph pointed out that the role of the police is to protect and serve, and they are in no way trying to prevent the public from enjoying themselves.

“We are here to ensure that they enjoy themselves peacefully. We would like to see a violence-free Carnival, hence we are asking for their continued support and cooperation, so at the end of

it, we could look back and say Vincy Mas 2014 was the best Carnival in all aspects,” he stressed.

Joseph is also urging Vincentians and visitors to come out and support the annual Crime Prevention Exhibition which is being held today (Friday), in front of the Central Police Station for the second time in one week.

The police have adopted a zero tolerance approach to crime and violence during the Carnival season.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN last week, head of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) Station Sergeant Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey assured that the entire police force, “from the Commissioner down” will be on the streets and at Carnival activities to ensure that the zero tolerance mandate is enforced.

He warned that the ‘No Glass Bottle/Glass Container Regulations’, as well as the ‘Carnival

Parade of Costume Bands Regulations’, would be fully enforced. He added that there would be regular stop and search exercises, and that persons found in possession of offensive weapons would be arrested and charged.

“We want Vincentians and visitors coming into Kingstown for the Carnival, to enjoy the Carnival in a very safe and secure environment, hence the zero tolerance”, Bailey stressed.

Frankie Joseph, Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of crime, reiterated a call for public support for the police’s efforts to ensure a safe and violence-free carnival.

Crime Prevention Exhibition again today THOSE WHO missed the annual Crime Prevention Exhibition held by the police in conjunction with the local business community last Friday, June 27, have another opportunity to view and participate in the event today.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of crime, Frankie Joseph, told THE VINCENTIAN that because of the tremendous success of the exhibition last Friday, and the increase in visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week, a decision has been taken to hold the event again today, in front of the Central Police Station.

“The last Friday before Carnival is always a busy day for persons doing last minute shopping for Carnival, and with the influx of visitors to our shores, we want to capitalize on the heavy presence of those persons by giving them the necessary tips, so that they would be able to enjoy a violence-free and stress-free Carnival,” Joseph explained.

The Assistant Commissioner cited the participation of the public as a major contributor to the success of last Friday’s event.

“We saw the public come out in their

Safety equipment/devices were among the displays at the exhibition.

members. At no time the booths were without the presence of the public. They were fully into it, asking questions and eager for answers,” Joseph said.

An added attraction to the event this year was a Crime Prevention crossword puzzle, open only to children. The first, second and third prize winners received ‘Jamsport’ school bags. There were 33 prizes donated by various business houses.

Joseph noted that the Crime Prevention showcase received tremendous support from the business sector. T-Shirts were printed with Crime Prevention slogans, and the business houses bought them for their staff to wear on that day.

The businesses also operated booths at the exhibition, displaying doors, windows, burglar bars, alarm systems and other safety measure products.

The main object of the exhibition is to disseminate information on safety tips, including how to secure property and how to identify counterfeit currency.

The Assistant Commissioner had high praises for Station Sergeant Sherrol James of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the main organizers of the event.

“She has done a tremendous job. She is a hard worker. This exhibition would not have been as successful as it was without The overwhelming patronage of the exhibition her,” Joseph concluded. prompted the decision to repeat it.

V ÂA meeting not a sitting,Ê says PM Browne

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 5.

Regional

Sir Gerald Watts, Q.C. is the new Speaker of the House in Antigua.

PERSONS FOLLOWING developments in Antigua post the one-sidedresult in the June 12, 2014 general elections there, say that the boycott of what was deemed the first session of the new Parliament has thrown up an interesting interpretation of parliamentary procedure.

The three-man opposition, led by former Prime Minister

Baldwin Spencer, gave notice of its intention to boycott the session, Wednesday 25th June, which they considered a formal sitting, alleging that not enough notice, seven days, had been given to them for the Parliament sitting.

However, newly installed Prime Minister Gaston Browne, rejected the Opposition’s claim that seven days notice was required to make the session of Parliament legal.

“Since the sitting does not apply to the current situation, and the Governor General is not required to give notice to convene the first session of the Parliament after general election, the two words, sitting and meeting, are used to express different situations and not inter changeably to express the same situation,” Prime Minister Browne said.

‘In my opinion, the House is not properly constituted without a Speaker to sit and conduct the business as envisaged in Standing Orders…Consequently…the

notice to new members of Barbuda.

Parliament is not required for Sir Gerald is a former the beginning of the first chairman of the Antigua session of the Parliament after and Barbuda Electoral a general election,” Browne Commission, (ABEC). His added. tenure was characterised by “If the Constitution wanted a series of court battles with to call it a sitting, it would call the former UPP government it a sitting. If it doesn’t call it which removed him from a sitting and it says it is a his position. meeting, then there is a Meanwhile, PM Browne difference in both words, and has warned that the you must look at both parts of government side will use its the Constitution and not just parliamentary majority, one part”,” the Prime Minister “that if members on the Gaston Browne, Prime Minister contended. other side seek to of Antigua & Barbuda, has Sir Gerald, a prominent undermine the work of this warned the opposition that he Queen Counsel, said that the House and absent will not rule by elections should sitting of the Parliament on themselves for three they absent themselves from Wednesday is lawful, adding consecutive sittings, then, the House. that “this meeting is a one-off trust me, you will have one (Source: Antigua Observer) meeting and the Constitution or several by elections.” calls it a meeting.”

Last week Wednesday’s session of Parliament saw the swearing in of Sir Gerald GUYANA IS ON indication that the Watts as Speaker TRACK to become the office is to be set of the new eighth Caribbean up as soon as parliament of territory to host a US possible, since the Antigua and Drug Enforcement equipment is on its

Myrie gets her money being subsequently deported, despite not being in possession of any contraband or breaching any law.

The incident occurred on March 14, 2011.

Meanwhile, another Jamaican woman is awaiting her day in court. She has accused two male policemen of raping her, after she was found in possession Avia James awaits her of marijuana at the day in court, having Grantley Adams accused two Barbadian Airport in Barbados.

Shanique Myrie has Police Officers of rape.

Avia James, 29 years finally received payment old, said she was from the Barbados week Monday) and told detained at the Grantley government. me the money was in the Adams Airport when she account. It was a long arrived there on a flight SHANIQUE MYRIE has wait, but finally it is from Jamaica, on the finally received payment over,” Myrie told the evening of Monday, Jamaica Observer. by the Barbados September 24, 2013.

Myrie caught the government for damages, One of the cops, she attention of the region pecuniary and nonsaid, forced her to when she filed the suit, pecuniary, awarded to perform oral sex on him. after complaining that her by the Caribbean A female cop was also Court of Justice (CCJ) in she was subjected to an accused of aiding and inhumane cavity search October, 2013. abetting the two rogue by a female immigration cops in the act.

The payment officer at Grantley Adams amounted to the The female cop and one Airport, Barbados, who equivalent of of the policemen have accused her of US$38,000.00. since been charged, while Myrie is quoted by the transporting drugs. the other policeman is She claimed to have Jamaica Observer as believed to have fled the saying, “My lawyer called been locked overnight in island. a filthy, damp room and me this morning (last

Guyana to get US DEA office

Agency (DEA) office.

The Guyana office follows already established offices in Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The announcement of this new agreement between the USA and Guyana was made during a press conference, held in Guyana Thursday 26th June and hosted by President Donald Ramotar and US ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt.

The office will be stationed at the US embassy in Georgetown.

Ambassador Hardt noted that the US DEA has been working very closely with Guyana’s Police Force and Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) from its office in Trinidad.

He is anticipating that the DEA office on the ground in Guyana, will take the counternarcotic co-operation in the region to a higher level, and he gave

way to Guyana and the personnel have already been identified.

President Ramotar welcomed the office, saying that it is in keeping with his President Donald Ramotar government’s intention to “make has welcomed the opening our country totally of a US DEA office in Guyana. inhospitable towards those who try to use it to traffic drug and those types of illegal activities.”

The President also took the opportunity to underscore the importance of (his country) passing the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT), “...to Brent Hardt, US fight against ambassador to laundering of illegal Guyana, expects that the office will be set up money, fundamentally sooner than later. from drug trafficking.”

The passage into law hands of two opposition of the AML/CFT Bill is parties which have muddled by internal resisted passage of the politics, not least being Bill. the result of a situation The Bill proposed for in which Donald Guyana is considered Ramotar was elected to be standard President but the throughout the majority of votes in the Caribbean. (Source: legislature is in the Caribbean News Now)

V Two more homicides 6. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS COMMISSIONER of Police Michael Charles has urged Vincentians and visitors not to be deterred from enjoying the Carnival, despite two recent homicides.

Charles told THE VINCENTIAN that the killings took place outside the environs of Carnival activities.

Up to press time Wednesday, police were carrying out investigations into the deaths of Matthan Slater, 39, of Union Island/Canouan and Teshorn Richards, 23, of Fair Hall/South Wood, both labourers.

Police reports are that Slater sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach last Sunday.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that he was

Vermont man charged with robbery

shot during an incident on Higginson Street shortly after 2 a.m. He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to the injury.

Police say Richards received bullet wounds about the body at Fair Hall around 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday, and died on the spot.

Up to press time, autopsies were yet to be performed.

At press time, 20 homicides were recorded for the year.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles wants persons to enjoy Carnival, despite two recent homicides.

Up to press time Wednesday, a Vermont man was behind bars on a robbery charge after being unable to find a surety for bail.

Bail in the sum of $10,000 with one surety was offered to Farax Prescott when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Prescott, of Dubois, Vermont, has been charged with the robbery of a blackberry phone, $7 in cash and a short pants, at a total value of $522.

The items reportedly belong to Alwyn Gordon of Lodge Village.

Reports are that Gordon was “buckled from behind” and relieved of the items while walking in the North River Road area in Kingstown, around 1:15 a.m. last Saturday.

Prescott was not required to plea when he stood before Magistrate Zoila Ellis-Browne. He was not represented by a lawyer.

Bail was offered on condition that Prescott report to the Vermont Police Station on Mondays and Fridays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and that he does not make contact with the virtual complainant.

The matter was adjourned to September 18 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 7.

News

McClean misrepresented himself credit(s) for the movie, and assure him that there was no deliberate attempt to defame him, his company and/or associates.

We are pleased to provide a profile of the accomplishments of Mr. Chase and Bongo Lights Movie production.

BONGO LIGHTS: Pioneer of Bajan Film Industry.

Bongo Lights Movie Production and its director Calvin Chase, a devout Rastafarian, made their entry into the Barbados Film Industry amidst humble beginnings. The story is that Chase began with a still projector and tripod made of wood, and skilfully used clear shipping plastic as film.

Bongo Lights Calvin ‘Bongo Lights’ Chase is considered a pioneer introduced its work to base line of the Film Industry of Barbados. communities Editor’s Note: In the November 15th, showing still movies made with the 2013 issue, page 17, of THE crude ‘instruments’.

VINCENTIAN, we carried a story Those were the late 1970s in captioned, ‘Artist bent on telling the Barbados and Chase had to endure Caribbean Story’. until 1988, when ‘a brethren’ THE STORY FEATURED one David ‘Guru’ afforded him full use and control of a Mc Clean, a born Barbadian of a video camera. The real action took Vincentian mother. off from that point.

In the story, we stated, inter alia, “In Early features of Bongo Lights’ 2006, McClean copped the Caribbean work included documentaries and Film Festival Awards with his short films on Rastafarians, drug production ‘Tek Dem Out’.” addicts and Barbadian culture in We have been recently informed, with general. appropriate accompanying In 2005, Bongo Lights made its documentation, that Mr. McClean did first entry into the local Film not produce the film, and in fact, was Festival with a 17mm film entitled involved in the movie only as a member ‘Real Bad Man’, to what observers of the cast in which he portrayed a say were warm accolades. policeman.

The next year, 2006, Bongo Lights Furthermore, the film was never an released ‘Tek Dem Out’, a full entry in the Caribbean Film Festival feature film directed and produced by Awards, as McClean claimed.

Calvin Chase. It received an We now know that Barbadian Mr. overwhelmingly positive response Calvin Chase, more familiarly known as from Barbadians and equal acclaim BONGO LIGHTS, and CEO of BONGO when it traversed the Caribbean. It LIGHTS Movie Production, is the was declared the People’s Choice in director and producer of the movie ‘Tek the Barbados Film Festival that Dem Out’. year.

That said, we here apologise to Mr. Encouraged by the success of ‘Tek Chase for the misrepresentation of the Dem Out’, its first feature film,

Bongo Lights produced ‘VEX’ in 2007. It was described as an actionpacked, intriguing story.

Bongo Lights Movie Production and its director Calvin Chase are together considered the pioneers of the Film Industry in Barbados.

But the intention of the production company and its director remain fixed: They will endure until the Barbados Film Industry finds its rightful place in the World Forum.

David McClean misrepresented himself to THE VINCENTIAN.

V

8. FRIDAY, JULY 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 Carnival and the Police EIGHTEEN YEARS OR SO AGO, the then Office of the Chief of Police was asked, albeit unofficially, to put a cost to policing services for Vincy Mas (i.e. last Friday in June to the second Tuesday in July). The response was it would cost the Police Force some $75,000.00, inclusive of additional services that were required island wide.

Those with whom that information was shared, took it in good faith.

While the monetary value was revealing, what was even more revealing was the demand for additional service, man hours, man power, that Vincy Mas makes of the Royal SVG Police Force.

Even as we have not yet closed another Vincy Mas, and with the aforementioned information in mind, it is not too early to recognise our police officers for the job that they are called upon to do, over the Carnival period.

We expect, this year, that our police officers would execute their duties as exemplarily as they have in the recent past.

Importantly, any recognition given our police officers for their service during the carnival season, must be done cognizant of the service they extend nationwide, and not simply to the pockets of rural carnivals and the national festival in capital Kingstown.

For when the revelry is centred in capital Kingstown, we must not forget that streets across the entire state must be patrolled, and the extra measures sustained to ensure that crime and criminal activity do not run amok while the country ‘parties’.

And we should not forget: Revellers enjoy their celebrations in safety only because of the presence, alertness of the police officers - male and female alike — land and sea stationed alike.

Notwithstanding that the ‘military/police’ disciplines have different codes of conduct from what might obtain among the ordinary civil society, it is well that we recognise what these officers sacrifice to ensure our safety.

Families and loved ones take back seats to extra and extraordinary duties to ensure the safety of the nation’s people — people unknown to the vast majority of police officers. They put behind them their grouses over conditions, and even concerns about unfair treatment, and rally to the call for national duty beyond the normal confines of their regular routines.

Indeed, Carnival time may well be the time that brings out the professionalism that we expect and demand of our police officers all year round.

Need we remind ourselves about the ‘stop and search’ exercises instituted by our Police Force? Such exercises have resulted in the seizure of many a dangerous weapon. For certain, not every ‘weapon’ is stopped before it gets to capital Kingstown, but an honest appraisal of the exercise must be that it has decreased the use of weapons to settle disagreement during Carnival and Carnival-related activities, and helped generally to instil a sense of safety among the revellers, and those who would want to simply view the festivities.

Sure there have been violent acts during Carnival; but, given what some say is a prevailing attitude that is prone to violence especially among the young, Vincy mas has been generally violence-free and safe in recent times, relative to what we hear and read about in neighbouring territories.

And the police’s vigilance as far as the ‘no bottle policy’ is concerned, is admirable and worthy of our every praise.

So effective has been the police action in this regard, that other CARICOM countries have either introduced or are considering introducing similar legislation.

If the truth be told, plastic bottles and cups bring their own problems, for they are a major source of litter, and they are not biodegradable. They clog drains and watercourses for years. But this is not in the domain of the Police to monitor nor take remedial action, save and except to suggest that maybe the police could organise a brigade of ‘needy’ persons, who can earn some income collecting and returning empty plastic bottles. A thought, just a thought.

And on the mention of thought, it is only decent that we spare a thought for our police officers and the sacrifices they make, over and beyond, to ensure a safe carnival.

Perhaps a drinks manufacturer or drinks distributor here can see it fit to provide cooling drinks (non-alcoholic of course) to our police officers, who toil during Carnival Monday and Tuesday to ensure safety on and a free flow of traffic along the streets of Kingstown, like Bottlers (St. Vincent) Ltd. did, under Mr. Ken Gonsalves.

Amidst the revelry, let’s remember and acknowledge the essential role that our police officers play during our carnival.

“Ring de bell” I HAVE BEEN ABSENT from my one-man legal Chambers for about 15 weeks now under doctors’ order, but hope to rejoin same after the Carnival, God’s willing.

I have been out-of-touch with the current exciting social goings-on, and managed to cling on to my weekly writings by recourse to repeating some old Carnival lines, that somehow bore some relevance to the season.

Last week, I began in earnest to crawl back into the current journalistic limelight with thoughts of calypso and politics.

To my pleasant surprise, I hit an immediate Jack-pot by picking Abijah and Patches who featured on Fantastic Friday in that order. I am encouraged to go further again by citing both men to lead in the Big Yard this Sunday, in reverse order — Patches and Abijah —split by Skarpyon, the reigning calypso monarch,coming runner-up. In fact, Patches ‘Ring de Bell’ might just be the Road March as well.

Patches’ stage-craft and voice range are enough to see him through. Also he had obviously been advised to give up his natural laid-back style and inject speed and urgency in his rendition, appropriate to his demand of “Ring de Bell” and, call elections so as to stem the “rottenness” and wickedness!

It would seem that Julian’s ringing of the bell to mock one of Patches’ performances will have back-fired with a vengeance that may upset the firm of Gonsalves and Francis, which had up to now done much of the running. Maybe, the tables have truly turned.

Pan has certainly earned its keep in SVG carnival extravanza. The schools and the young in general are taking pan music to higher heights. One recalls the labours of early Grammar School boys Ardon Daisley and Lance Collymore, who persisted with pan, against countless odds led by headmaster Don Lopey.

Spare a thought for the Syncopaters Steel orchestra and Maurice King, who is still alive but not exactly kicking, and the early rival, the Melody Makers, featuring the Cato twins, Val and Vin. They all started the real revolution in pan.

As to Kaiso, there can be little complaint save the perennial interference of the Governments of the day into the calypso business, which is essentially a people’s thing, and will always remain so, despite the constant

threats which have always to be guarded against.

All Hail to Clement “Baha” Lawrence, our centurion calypso king of the early 1950s.

The third component of the blessed trilogy, Pankaimas, excelled itself and has lodged somewhere in the stratosphere.

I will not waste time by attempting to give a list of mas men who appear on the galaxy, from Raphael Davidson of Halls of Montezuma in the late 1940s to Blondie Bird, who today is undoubtedly the first among equals in this most talented class.

Resort will be had to a simple narrative about my relationship with this genius of a mas man. My three sons, Adrian, Anthony and Andrew, all hovering about the age of 50 years, as school-boys, looked to Blondie Bird to outfit them with neatly trimmed and clean cut uniforms for school.

Blondie has simply transferred and upgraded his skills of sartorial elegance to stun observers with a beautiful display of carnival costumes. But I want him to recall that he honed his multi-talents on my sons’ uniforms!

As to the “Miss Carival Show”, it is a relatively new attraction introduced under an NDP watch to regionalise the festival and add glamour to it.

Somehow, it has grown too big for its boots. Instead of being the icing on the cake, it has threatened to be the cake itself. It has evolved from being a mere beauty show into an institution which takes care of education, personality development and whatnot.

Impresario Cheryl Rodriguez had appropriately grown with the show, except in age!

Long will we remember the premier Carival Show, with our own Donna Young sweeping all before her.

And also the Queen Show of 1957, when the statuesque Daphne Henry (later Hadaway-Frederick) came from Basin Hole to stamp her personality and later to supply us with a daughter Nicole Hadaway, every inch a Queen!

We can do with another Carival Queen to lift our spirits from the current dungeon of despair that envelops us.

As Julian said: RING DE BELL: it may prove a cleansing force.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 9.

Letters

The ULP choices in Marriaqua HAVING observed the ongoing political situation in Marriaqua, particularly after having observed the three persons who we are told have come forward as potential candidates for the Unity Labour Party in Marriaqua, I have decided to write.

The three prospectives are: Kirk Da Silva Forensic Accountant, Jimmy Prince - Retired Director of the API, and Godson Cain - Teacher. As it stands, no one is taking Cain seriously, so I will set him aside and focus on Kirk, who has made his intentions clear to the people regarding his candidacy; and Jimmy, who is still uncertain as to

what he really wants to do.

I was tempted to take a comparative look at the two persons, but I quickly realized that to compare Jimmy to Kirk would be like comparing chalk to cheese; there is simply no comparison. I have instead, decided to level the playing field and look at their records of performance in the community.

Since 2010, Kirk has been on the ground, working among and connecting with the people. He has formed a youth group in support of the ULP and, for the past few years, has been sponsoring cricket, football and netball in the valley. Kirk has assisted

Don’t condemn our carnival EVERY YEAR, it seems, the newspapers are bombarded with opinions about how our Carnival encourages lewdness — gyrating in public, excessive drinking, sexual stimulation, and all that is bad and unbecoming about us human beings.

And in keeping with, as The Vincentian Editorial of last week said, I have the right to my opinion, and my opinion is that Carnival is a wonderful thing.

What could be more spectacular than to see hundreds of people in exquisitely designed and skilfully built jumping and enjoying themselves on the streets. It is a joy that persons locked away in far off lands would give and arm and a leg to enjoy. Carnival is simply a wonderful

expression of happiness and gaiety.

Tell me, what other event can bring together, thousands of people?

People come together even before the grand finale, in fetes and shows and demonstrate a camaraderie that (it’s a pity) we don’t see all year round. But that is no reason to condemn it.

We just cannot and should make no attempt to give a dollars and cents value to our carnival. It just isn’t fair to do so for something that creates such happiness.

And don’t talk about

how much it releases stress! I am certain, even though I speak without concrete evidence, that this period of ‘freeing up’, of letting off steam, saves this country thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Yes, Carnival is about individual expression, street theatre and, given what I have observed, a demonstration of integration that we seem to lack otherwise.

And if we want to add even more economic returns runs than what our carnival already accounts for, we must now move to put an authentic, unique Vincy

stamp on it and market it even more intensively than our competitors.

A. King

Disillusioned supporter

Deny me this!!!

Deny me this…

I’m a young black woman predestined not to make it: I’ll have three kids by 21 if not I’ll be HIV positive or I’ll be living in the projects on welfare cause my baby daddy is absent …Deny me that

Tempted to say I AM TEMPTED, like so many others, to say that our country is presently plagued by corruption,

The musical river I travelled a long distance to the melodious river, The instrument carried the notes loud and clear in the water When I got at the river bed My heart jumped for joy with sweet melody in my head, As the river generates its own musical flow Hitting at the notes and repeating the chorus down, down it goes.

The bamboo trees with their fine tune, as the wind whistled through Playing a song, the river runs as the water bubbles And the birds hopping from the top The butterflies flopping their coloured wings looking for nectar to suck.

The river meanders coming from the mountain And meets at the mouth of the sea.

And captures the green scenery of the hilltops, rocks of petroglyphs Dug out by our ancestors, Arawaks and Caribs.

The rhythm controlled my emotion, I tapped my feet with the beating of the water, wind and bamboo trees, But the birds are sleeping, the orchestra rendering Then the night began to fall But I could not remain till dawn It was so sad I could not have it all.

I followed the bushy track and walked on the stones And heard the faint noise of the river below When I got home the tears began to flow Oh, I am here all alone Only to have the musical river to comfort my groans.

Joanna F. Thompson – PC 823

crime and violence.

I am tempted to say that there is a lack of genuine accountability and transparency of a lot of things in our country.

I am tempted to say that a few people seemed to be in control of many of the institutions of our country.

I am tempted to say that there is a stench in the atmosphere of decaying morals.

Yes, I am tempted to say a lot of things, but should I? What I know and will say that every day I meet scores of persons, businessmen, skilled persons, store clerks, civil servants, policemen

and women, street vendors, who all say the same thing: Times hard boy, time hard.

Those persons have to know why they say what they say. I don’t live their lives.

It may be that at this time when there will appear to be an increase in commerce around Kingstown, now that the carnival is in full swing.

But don’t be fooled: Times will be hard after the revelry is over. That much I am prepared to say.

George

Thank you, PM I AM NOT ONE of those affected by the rains of last year December. However, like so many persons across the world, I felt it for those who lost their homes and belongings.

That is why I must say a big THANK YOU to our Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, for moving so quickly to replace the homes of those people who lost theirs in the floods. I don’t recall a government before ever responding so quickly to the needs of our people.

And to think, those persons who got their homes replaced don’t have to pay a red cent. Now tell me, Mr. Editor, isn’t this a government that ‘puts people first’?

Thank you, Dr. Gonsalves, for showing that you just don’t care with words, you show that you really care by acting.

May God continue to bless you.

Praying for you

persons in the valley with healthcare, and over the past two years, has being offering free Accounts classes, with major success, among other things.

On the other hand, Jimmy is basically in Mespo and Richland Park socializing with his regular ‘crews’. He is not on the ground going from house to house and meeting the people; he has not been holding meetings with the people; and he has done nothing that I am aware of to assist the people of Marriaqua. He is seen regularly on TV, but not many people know who he really is.

It seems to me, therefore, that selecting a candidate for Marriaqua should not be difficult; but the propagandists in Mespo want people to believe that Jimmy is the chosen one. They seem to think that anyone that the ULP sends will win the seat. I beg to differ, as I believe that this time around, the people will vote for who they believe can best represent them in parliament.

Finally, a question: Why is it that the de facto Chairman of the Marriaqua Constituency Council is allowed to push a particular person as the candidate, when the nomination process has not yet taken place? He has now put the role of Constituency Chair on the back burner, and has assumed the role of Campaign Manager, all for his own selfish gain. One man cannot be allowed to do this, and the party needs to put an end to it, especially as it is creating a serious divide among party supporters in the valley.

Deny me this…

I’m a young black man predestined not to make it: I’ll have five kids by 21or I’ll bow out to a bullet If I make it, there’s a good chance I’ll get infected with HIV or some gang related occurrence will make a jail bird out of me …Deny me that Deny me this thinking and that thinking I can amount to something That may be my situation but my life I control it Deny me the stereotypes* Why are certain I can live without them people who know, Deny me the statistics, complaining that the average, the-whatever Vincy Mas is fast percentage; I don’t fit that becoming Bajan category!

Mas? Deny me the facts- deny * Vincy Mas 2014 is me the influence in full swing.

Deny me the pressure of Where is the Juliving up or living down, C??? Didn’t the to another person’s new manufacturers impressions, another promise that Ju-C person’s thoughts of this would be available young black man, this for carnival? young black woman. * Can we expect Deny me the science the that the Ministry of genetic predispositions Tourism will Deny me the hereditary publish the number inevitability of returning Deny me all a’ that Deny me the ignorance nationals and attached to my colour visitors we had for Deny the judgments Vincy Mas 2014, attached to my race regardless of how Deny me everything, take low the figures all I have might be?

But you can’t deny that I * If consumers am what I am -So black finding it so hard to you can’t miss it pay their electricity Here for a purpose that bills in full even will be fulfilled when VINLEC Deny me every prejudice subsidise fuel every negative that’s consumption, what almost my second skin is going to happen But you could never deny when that subsidy that I am true greatness. is removed?

Kenisha Joslyn

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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Confronting The Us State Department Traficking In Persons Report 2014 The Issue TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS has been described as inhumane and despicable by many experts in this field. The main victims are children and women who are forced to perform many commercial sex acts, and get involved in a type of modern day slavery.

It is the duty of every international country, including St.Vincent and the Grenadines, to engage in activities to stamp out this despicable practice. The ULP administration is committed to fighting against this scourge, and the government has done immense work to sensitize the public as to this issue, and to set up an apparatus to combat trafficking in persons.

Every year, the United States State Department produces a report which looks at the activities of international countries in relation their strategies to fight trafficking in persons. These countries are then ranked, and placed on a watch list, if the State Department feels that enough is not being done in this regard. To arrive at this decision, the State Department is required to meet with a number of agencies, including in country government departments who are involved in this sector, and NGOs. In the 2014 report, St.Vincent and the Grenadines is among six other countries who is placed on the Tier Two watch list. This means that these countries do not fully comply with the provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a United States law.

The work of NGOs

It is clear that there are persons who are linked to non-government organizations in the country, and have been providing the US Statement Department with information that reflects badly on our country. Naturally, officials from the State Department have failed to identify these NGOs and their officials, but in a small State like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is easy to identify these persons and their organizations.

Their agenda is simple. They do not in any shape or form support the work of the ULP administration, and they will do anything, including telling a tissue of lies, to give the ULP a bad name, and in the process, sully the good name of this country.

They are not interested in the truth.

If they were, they would know that since April 2013, the ATIPU sensitized 8,584 students and 571 teachers in matters related to trafficking in persons. They would also know that several persons from critical state agencies, including the Ministries of Education, Agriculture, and National Mobilisation, along with persons from Customs, Law Enforcement, Community Groups, church organizations, and NGOs, were also sensitized.

These are all proactive efforts to The Concerns ensure that a wide cross section of the society is in a position to identify The 2014 report claims that there are victims of trafficking in persons. And instances of third party prostitution in yet the country is penalized by the US the State, among children under the age State Department, because the DPP has of 18 years. This of course cannot be found no case to take to court, to charge substantiated, and it is not clear which someone with trafficking in persons. agency of government, or which NGO, And that is so, simply because no provided the US State Department with evidence has come before the DPP, to this information. allow him to prosecute.

Additionally, the agencies involved in work to combat trafficking in persons; Conclusion the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs, and the Police It is clear that there are issues to be Department, were never consulted. And resolved between the ULP for good measure, the Vincentian group administration and the US State set up specifically to address this Department, in relation to the report, subject, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and the way investigations are being Unit, was never contacted or consulted. conducted. The government has already Ironically, when the US State issued a call on the United States Department officials visited the country government, to conduct open and to conduct their “investigations”, transparent investigations, aimed at members from the ATPU were in providing annual trafficking in persons Barbados attending a seminar organized reports which are substantiated, fair by the International Organisation for and accurate. The government is Migration. committed to strategies aimed at Let us take one outrageous charge fighting any activities that can be mentioned in the report. There is a regarded as Trafficking in Persons. The claim that St.Vincent and the ULP administration places great Grenadines is a source, transit and emphasis on its policies and destination country for men, women and programmes on matters of security, law, children who are subjected to force order and justice. labour and sex trafficking. Now ask This requires all hands on deck, but yourselves the key question, where is most importantly, it requires all persons the evidence of this in our beloved to operate in a consistent and country? The ULP administration has transparent manner, in all respects. vehemently disagreed with this Even more essential, we require all characterization of our country, and the NGOs to deal in the truth and the facts, state officials responsible, have so as to avoid sullying the good name of prepared statements to clearly indicate St. Vincent and the Grenadines. what the correct situation is.

Job Creation a priority for the NDP WE ARE AT THE END of another academic year, and hundreds of students have graduated from secondary schools, colleges and universities. It can be anticipated that most of these graduates will be seeking employment in the coming months.

But the sad news for these youngsters is that there will be no employment opportunities for them, because the Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration has failed miserably in job creation. They will be joining the thousands of Vincentians who are already on the unemployment list. Although Vincentians were promised by the ULP, in their campaign of 2001, that they would have provided at least 1500 jobs in the first year of government, thirteen years later we are still waiting for those jobs.

Furthermore, the government has not created the environment for the private sector to develop so that it can create employment. The private sector is negatively affected by the policies of the government, and is owed close to $60 million by the ULP administration. Additionally, with the poor performance of this country’s economy, it is extremely difficult for the private sector to survive. Many businesses have been forced tolayoff a significant number of their employees, while others have reduced their work week.

However, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be assured that the New Democratic Party (NDP) has job creation as a priority, and will implement a number of programmes and policies when it is elected to government, so that Vincentians will be gainfully employed. Among these programmes will be the implementation of our Development Projects which include the construction of a 1000-unit integrated residential and hotel complex on mainland St. Vincent, and the establishment of a regional head office here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a major international construction group.

In addition, we will put into operation our Basic Needs programme and Constituency Development Fund which will create employment for hundreds of Vincentians. Our youths can also anticipate major job employment opportunities from the implementation of our impressive Information Technology programme which will attract Information Technology business to the state, and see thousands of young people being employed.

Apart from those programmes to be executed by the NDP administration when it is elected to govern the affairs of this country, the NDP will also revitalize the agricultural sector with emphasis on the rehabilitation of bananas, and seek markets for other agricultural products. We will also pay special attention to the vital tourism sector and put more resources to the marketing of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With a thriving agricultural sector and a booming tourism industry, thousands of Vincentians will be employed as a result of the increased economic activity.

The private sector will have a critical role to play in job creation and the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Therefore, the NDP will ensure that the private sector becomes the engine of growth once

again. As a first step, we will establish a Ministry of the Private Sector. Also, the NDP will encourage Foreign Direct Investment in both the public and private sectors, and target the agro-sector to promote agribusiness which will ultimately create jobs for Vincentians.

All these initiatives by the NDP will create employment for Vincentians, cause a tremendous turnaround in the country’s economy, and put our country back on the path of economic growth. It is crystal clear that, after thirteen years, the ULP does not have the policies or programmes to develop the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Their tenure in power has been characterised by deficit budgets, negative growth, high unemployment, victimization and corruption, resulting in severe hardship for Vincentians.

The ULP regime has failed Vincentians.

The NDP has demonstrated when it was in office that it had the capability to manage the affairs of the country, and presently it has the policies and programmes which will result in job creation and economic growth for Vincentians. We have a competent team, headed by our esteemed leader, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace, who has the knowledge and experience to execute such policies and programmes. It’s time for the NDP.

Corruption The silence by the government as to what led to the resignation and departure of the former Registrar is cause for concern. As a result, the NDP is continuing its call on the Prime Minister to inform the nation as it relates to the circumstances of the former Registrar’s disappearance.

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace wrote to the Prime Minister on the matter requesting of him answers to a number of questions. He did not have the courtesy to acknowledge receipt of the letter, nor did he answer the questions publicly. Because of the silence on the matter, Vincentians continue to speculate, with some concluding that the government wants to cover up what most people believe is another act of corruption.

We will continue to remind you of allegations of corruption that have been made against the ULP administration. A former chairman of the then National Commercial Bank was involved in a questionable banking transaction at the said bank.

The Director of Audit found that officials managing the Cuban Integrated Health Project in the Ministry of Health had bought computer supplies and fast food and paid monies to the International Airport Development Company, contrary to government policy. Also, in the Ministry of Agriculture, under the Agriculture Diversification project, a microphone cable was imported at a cost of $EC32.73 and was sold to the ministry for EC$1499.76. One million US dollars was deposited at the former National Commercial Bank.

In addition, at the Ministry of Tourism, a senior government official was involved in a company that was formed to market and promote tourism in this country. Then, there is the dismissal of Deputy Consul General from the Consulate in New York. The ULP administration is corrupt to the core, and it’s time for them to go.

V Blind men with foresight

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 11.

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“Business more than any other occupation is a continual dealing with the future; it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight.” Henry R. Luce (1898-1967) editorpublisher, founder of TIME THE SELECTION OF the quotation to commence this week’s article was quite a challenge. I had considered using an excerpt from the writings of the late American naturalist John Muir (18381914), who reminded us of how intricately things of nature are connected. My intention was to then show how some of the articles that appear in the In Touch column relate to each other. For certainly, this week’s publication has a direct link to last week’s essay entitled “Seeking Handouts or Being Handy?”. And regular readers would recall that there was a ‘common thread’ connecting the two recently published articles entitled “The Juggler” and “First Among Many – Breaking Down Barriers”. But I resisted the temptation to use the John Muir quotation and, instead, selected the Henry R. Luce quotation that invites us to consider the value of foresight and the significant role that it plays in business development in particular, and life in general.

It will be remiss of me if I neglected to recognize and thank the many regular readers who would periodically share useful insights with me. Some do so on a weekly basis.

Their comments often provide useful guidelines for future articles. Mr. Aldwyn LeQuay of Trinidad and Tobago vies for the position of being one of the more regular e-mail commentators in relation to these articles. And it is his comment in response to last week’s article that becomes the focus of this week’s presentation. I am confident that the content will be a source of blessing and encouragement to many.

Readers may recall that last week’s article provided three examples of individuals who were “physically challenged”, but insisted on helping themselves and others rather than seeking handouts. The first featured was a farmer who had lost a leg due to his battle with diabetes. The second was an elderly couple who suffered from diabetes and hypertension, and had been motivated to grow their own vegetables in their back yard. The third was a double amputee who now grows his own lettuce in a discarded refrigerator beside his house. After reading that article, my good friend LeQuay shared the following insights with me: Your article brought to mind the case of a blind man in Blanchisseuse (in Trinidad) who by himself owned and ran a “Sweetie shop”. Sandy’s Shop, as it was called, was perched above the sea’s rocky coast. Blind Sandy was able to climb down the precipice to the rock where he would cast his fishing line - all by himself!

He did his own washing, laundry, and cooking and attended to his shop. As children, we often popped in on our way to and from school. We would say, “Good day, Mr. Sandy. One cent dinner mint please.” Sometimes we would give him a 2-cent piece and he gave the change!

When I returned to Trinidad after living abroad for 10 years, I visited Mr. Sandy at his shop. I was lucky to

see him. I walked up the wooden step and entered his shop. He was behind the counter. Without identifying who I was, I said, “Sandy, how are you?”

He listened. And then, turning his head a few times as if thinking, he replied, “Sonny, son of Fredi!” My nickname was “Sonny”. My father’s name was Frederick; called Fredi.

How fantastic! He had recognized my voice after 10 years!

I confess I was moved to tears as I held his hand! And even now as I write, I am affected.

Alas, Sandy passed away, as we all will sometime.

As I was writing the above, my mind went to Donald’s office (a good friend and colleague) where, on the table in the centre of the room, sits a model sailing ship of old. The 14-inch long model is made of copper. It is fitted with all the rigs, a real model, and this was made by a blind person.

How is it possible for someone without sight to make such an intricate model? Yes, he was blind!

Amazing! How did he “see” to fashion this ship?

Both of these individuals could be considered to be severely handicapped. But they used their talents. They “lived” and produced!

They leave a legacy and they inspire many. So we can learn from your article “Seeking Handout or Being Handy?” Yet, there are beggars with both eyes and all limbs seeking handouts! What is the secret of the difference? We must be relentless in our efforts to encourage persons to do the best with what they have regardless of how little that may think they have. There is dignity in work. There is dignity in helping self and others.

Both examples referred to in Aldqyn LeQuay’s commentary confirm that persons with disabilities often have the capacity to help themselves.

Many desire to do so. Some may be blind but they do have the foresight to engage in activities that will enable them to retain their dignity. They can continue to be useful members of society. In so many cases, their desire is not merely for physical independence (not having to totally rely on others) but to be able to contribute to their own upkeep. As a society, we should, therefore, champion causes to assist them in being handy, as long as the activities do not endanger their well being and the well being of those around them.

On reflection, we may discover that many of the physically disadvantaged have the capacity to get involved in business activities that their “sighted neighbours” may not see. But there are challenges and messages there for the entire society — we should challenge ourselves to constantly seek to develop the foresight and courage to do more with the talents and abilities that God has blessed us with.

May we have the foresight and the courage to engage in activities that will bless us and others too.

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

Carnival is more than a fete WHEN IT COMES TO carniva,l are we complaining about a cultural product that has reached its zenith? Could a different set of administrators create a more attractive festival? When we held our carnival the same time with Trinidad, many said we were being stifled. And so we moved to June/July.

And we improved. We got breathding space until Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Antigua moved their carnivals too.

Musically, the eighties to the early nineties is regarded as the high mark in our festivities. We still refer to the music of that period as classic. Then Roy Ralph and the other giants ruled the streets with High Mas; Touch controlled the roads, and Starliff was consolidating itself as monarchs of pan.

Are we now witnessing a steady decline? Some point to the nakedness and seduction in our carnival as proof.

But to me, there is nothing unduly vulgar, unhealthy or unnatural about the mesmerizing expressions we see and hear during carnival. The thing that separates us from animals is sexual privacy, but there is really nothing private about dancing in an expressive fashion. In fact, what we see in the 10 days of mas and music is as spiritual and graceful as the moves we applaud from La Gracia Dancers.

Carnival is about jump and wave, but our hands ought to be tired.

Except for the very young caught in the Soca frenzy, we have to be totally and completely fed up with ‘wave yo flag, show me yo rag.’ The refrain demonstrates the lyrical weakness and lack of creative discipline of most of our artistes. Some of the most wildly popular ones don’t even bother to sing or write an entire song. Soca is reduced purely to a dramatic performance. It is a triumph of athleticism over brain, energy over wit, and matter over mind.

Regrettably, the carnival ‘development’ Corporation appears most impressed with this degeneration and promotes it more than the really high mas and culture.

There is always talk about what will the children ‘wine’ to on stage as parents insist on the young ones getting into the culture early. But the larger issue seems to be the confusion which borders on hypocrisy in adults’ minds as to what should be heard on radio around carnival time. A song which cannot be played all year round serves no useful cultural purpose, and should never be permitted on the public airways. Compounding this problem is what we are prepared to allow in our society. It is a known fact that many of the songs which are played in SVG are not allowed in Jamaica or the US where they are made.

We have a political problem in that any attempt to clean up the airways will be labeled censorship by whichever party is in opposition or some in the commentariat. Owners of radio stations are convinced that by obtaining a license to run a radio station, they own the airwaves on which the sound is transmitted. If we start telling them that the airways belong to the people, they may all

become more responsible. Some owners may also be shocked to know that because of the public ownership of the airwaves, they are engaging in illegal acts when they blacklist the songs of persons with whom they have a quarrel. Having said all of that, though, many of the songs should be kept off the public airways, if only to get the writers to become more disciplined in their writing. We are forced to wonder where all the good writers gone.

The problem with ‘smutty lyrics’ is nothing new. It has been around forever and may continue well into the future. Women have all borne the brunt of the bard’s tongue. Women are the ‘real seducers.’ In earlier times, calypsonians were required to sing a fast song and a slower, social commentary if they wanted to make it into the big yard or to gain play time for road march. King Brooklyn’s ‘Largo Height is wey dem busy dey’ in 1977 might have been his response to his woman leaving him, but by 1981 Lord Hawke’s ‘Pull them’ did not translate pull dem on the road.

Neither did Becket’s ‘Tone’, just to cite a few songs.

Some commentators complain that carnival is going to the dogs. I wonder what they will do to take carnival back onto the high road. I wonder what the Trinis or Brazilians have done. I am of the settled view that, while we can tinker here and there with carnival, there is not much else that can be done.

Traditionally, carnival was mas, calypso and pan. Pan and calypso are not being promoted and are forced to beg Soca to have mercy. Raga Soca is coming on and what does the CDC do?

It brings in a big name artiste to ensure that the show is a hit. Note as well that Raga Soca, an admixture of gospel, soul, reggae and Soca now opens the official ten day carnival festivities as calypso, one of the foundation of mas is pushed off into the country. I have no opposition to the decentralization of carnival activities; I point only to the fact that Raga Soca is assisted with a top regional artiste. Calypso is pushed to a slow death because it is not profitable. CDC officials say calypso has no potential to bring foreign exchange to the country, but Soca does, as can be seen with the exploits of Kevin Little and Skinny Fabulous.

But carnival is more than a fete, and unless we fight to keep the culture, especially pan, (the creative use of our hands and mind) and social commentary of calypso in carnival, our biggest festival will continue its noisy decline. I can hear my daughter now. Decline, dad? You are simply getting old and no longer have the energy to keep up.

This piece first appeared on June 30, 2011.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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PM Gonsalves must resign as Minister of Finance

If we multiply the actual revenue for the first quarter 2014 without flood money by 4, then we get a projected actual revenue for 2014 to be $38.2 In December 2013, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ralph Minister of Finance. million x 4 = $152.8 million. This is $758.7 million Gonsalves, put forward the SVG Budget Estimates 2014 (Source: Summary of Fiscal Operation of SVG less than what the Minister of Finance estimated with revenue (income) for 2014 of $911,571,046. At economy 1 Jan 2014 to 31 March 2014 and only 16.8% of his budget estimate for 2014. the time, SVG Green Party said that these estimates researched by Ivan O’Neal BSc(Hons), MSc, Our economy is in serious trouble: our people are were ridiculous and highly inaccurate.

MBA) being starved of employment, and no money is If Gonsalves’ estimate of $911.6 million was circulating around the country. The Minister of accurate, then at the end of the first quarter of the What is even more worrying, is that of the Finance, Gonsalves, has been hopeless. This is year, we would expect revenue to be around $227.9 $122.2 million revenue received in the first quarter confirmed by the fact that he has failed the million (see table). However, according to of 2014, it is believed $84 million of it was revenue government audit of Public Accounts for 2008, 2009 government figures, the actual revenue for the first received because of the floods in December 2013. If and 2010, and mismanaged our economy with fiscal quarter was an abysmal $122.2 million. the floods had not happened, the actual revenue for deficits for ten consecutive years, 2005 to 2014.

This is $105.7 million less than what the Minister the first quarter would only have been $38.2 million.

In St. Lucia, the Civil Service Association of Finance estimated. The difference is enormous, The difference is enormous, and shows that President, Mary Issac, has indicated that workers and shows that Gonsalves should resign as the SVG Gonsalves should resign as the SVG Minister of have lost confidence in PM Dr. Kenny Anthony. The Finance. opposition party went further and called for PM Dr. The analysis shows that, it is the money given for Kenny Anthony to resign as the Minister of Finance, the floods in December 2013 that is keeping the as ‘he has done the country more harm than good’.

SVG economy alive. If SVG had not suffered from SVG Green Party calls on workers’ unions in heavy floods, the highly incompetent ULP regime SVG to join the call for Gonsalves to resign as would have been forced to call in the IMF to avert Minister of Finance in order to safeguard the economy from almost certain collapse. government jobs. Our country urgently needs Revenue under the ULP regime is dangerously change to stimulate economic growth. low and government jobs in SVG are under serious A Green government will bring competent threat. financial management. We will boost the economy Going back to the table, if we multiply the actual by creating new revenue sources from fish, revenue for the first quarter 2014 by 4, then we get education, technology and Green industries. This a projected actual revenue for 2014 to be $488.8 will make government jobs safe, create thousands million. This is $422.7 million less than what the more new jobs and get money circulating around our Minister of Finance estimated and only about half of country. what Minister of Finance estimated. The difference is enormous, and shows that Gonsalves should SVG Green Party resign as the SVG Minister of Finance. www.svggreenparty.org

ÂSymbolic dayÊ in lives of farmers million credit facility (Support Accompanying Programme), made FRIDAY 20TH JUNE, 2014 was a ‘symbolic day’ available by government.

“It is very symbolic in the lives of farmers today with these first here.

This was how Minister farmers who have started the payment. …. of Agriculture, Saboto I want it to be an Caesar described the encouragement to who day, when he hosted a are listening, who would press conference at his have received their Ministry, Kingstown, loans,” Minister Caesar during which a number told the press conference. of farmers made public The credit facility, repayment of their loans acquired under the EC$6 which commenced

by KENVILLE HORNE

Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, held out that Friday 20th June, 2014 was a red letter day in the lives of farmers here.

during the press conference operation in February 2014, has received a total referred, were the first on Raymond Theobalds, a farmer from Sans Souci who received of 1,392 applications to loans a loan, gladly accepts the receipt for his first repayment from date, 900 of which have disbursed so Ministry of Agriculture rep, Jeshanah Davis. been accessed and 550 far. approved.

Calder Ridge resident, farmers who have Repayments made benefited from the credit Godwin Glasgow, a facility, to repay their beneficiary of the credit loans. facility, spoke on behalf “I don’t want farmers of the farmers. to say, ‘Well I’m waiting He urged farmers to till I get $1000’ or ‘I’m get involved since, “it is waiting until I get the only place you can get money for agriculture $5,000’. If you sell a sack of dasheen, if you sell a at 2 percent,” and box of yam or a few boxes commended the of bananas, and you can government for the initiative and for “giving make that payment,” he urged, adding that in the farmers the meeting the repayment opportunity to expand requirements, farmers and improve the would “build up your standard of their business, because that is credibility.”

To date, some Livestock farmer the way to go.”

Godwin Glasgow Glasgow borrowed just EC$15,000 have been encouraged farmers to repaid against loans over EC$20,000 for his make use of the credit disbursed under the livestock operation. facility which offers EC$6 million credit Meanwhile, Minister loans at reduced facility.

Caesar appealed to interest rate.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 13.

Education

Principal Govia praises teachers

by KENVILLE HORNE

SHELDON GOVIA, Principal of the New Grounds Government School, listed as the Union Methodist School, from which two students tied 3rd in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), has praised his staff for their hard work.

Govia told THE VINCENTIAN that his staff should be commended for the school’s accomplishment.

The staff was excited by the students’ performance, which showed an improvement over last year. Of the 30 students that sat the CPEA,, 23 achieved the pass mark, resulting in a 76.6% pass rate, compared to the 62% last year.

Govia, who has been teaching at the school for 32 years, became Principal four years ago. He said he expected both Aaron Horne and D’Angelo Dick, the two top performers at the school, to perform well. “I wasn’t surprised and I think it ( the results) is going to contribute to the hard working staff of the school” said Govia.

The top students at New Grounds Primary both had their highest grade in Science, and Govia commended the science teachers, Adrian Neverson and Andrew John.

Commenting on the CPEA, inaugurated this year, Govia described it as “An interesting one … you tend to see the students performing in the class and they reflect that in the exam,” and supported this by pointing out that, “the grades these students actually got internally are around the same grades they got from the external.”

According to Principal Govia, the results achieved by his school indicate that the rural teachers are performing

Principal Sheldon Govia (centre) with top students in the CPEA Aaron Horne (left) and D’Angelo Dick. also and that, “the students in the rural areas can do just as good as those in the Kingstown area.”

The experienced teacher is therefore encouraging students to do their best and be disciplined, “because wherever you find students lacking discipline, they tend to decline in their performance at school…. and parents also need to give their support to the students, and the school. Research has shown that where parents and teachers collaborate, the students are the ones who benefit.”

SVG teachers union to hold summer workshop THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Teachers’ Union, in collaboration with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and the Ministry of Education, will conduct a 2-week Summer Institute workshop for educators from July 14th — 25th, 2014.

According to a release from the Union, the workshops will provide educators with the skills and confidence to reach every student with real, relevant differentiation, in order to equip students for 21st century success, to engage students with instructional technology, and to prepare students for Curriculum Standards success.

They will also acquire the confidence and competence to successfully train fellow educators.

The theme for the Summer Institute 2014 is “Inclusion: An Opportunity for All”.

The School Stewards from across the country will also engage in 2 weeks of training in Labour Relations. These workshops will focus on the functions and structures of SVGTU, the role and duties of a school steward at the workplace, and the mechanisms of a grievance procedure.

All workshops will take place at the St Vincent Girls’ High School, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. daily.

V Gonsalves will answer Eustace 14. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

CONTRARY TO WHAT PREVAILS, especially in opposition quarters here, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has every intention of responding to Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, on questions Eustace raised with respect to the abrupt resignation of Registrar of the High Court, Tamara Gibson-Marks.

Dr. Gonsalves told a media briefing on Monday that he will respond to Eustace “after Vincy Mas.” He assured that “it is a full reply,” and in writing, but explained that it would not be ready until he returns from attending the 35th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Antigua.

Dr. Gonsalves was forthright in his comments, though, urging that the Opposition desist from using the Registrar as “a battering ram” in its (Opposition’s) persistent attempts to “beat the

government.”

He also had a reply to the Opposition with respect to accusation of corruption in his government.

“I reject completely any charge of official corruption against my government,” Dr. Gonslalves said.

Mr Eustace had written to the Prime Minister, letter dated June 23, 2014, in which he raised questions regarding the action of the former Registrar.

Among those questions were: Were there any false court orders submitted by the registrar to any bank in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to justify the withdrawal of funds from accounts held at that bank? If so, how many false court orders were submitted to the bank(s)?

Eustace also wanted the Prime Minister to state the amount of money

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves promises a ‘wholesome’ response to Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace on the issue of the resignation of the Registrar. that was withdrawn from those accounts.

In the said letter, Eustace had stated categorically that, “Over the years of your (PM’s) administration, there have been several instances of official corruption in many areas of government.”

Dr. Gonsalves has, on several occasions, refuted these claims by the Opposition.

Meeting of CARICOM heads closes today THE 35TH REGULAR MEETING of the Conference of Caribbean Heads of Government held in Antigua and Barbuda was scheduled to come to an end today, Friday 4th July.

The meeting, which began on Tuesday, July1, was chaired by the new prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne.

According to a pre-meeting release, the Meeting was expected to consider a range of issues including a report of the CARICOM Commission on the Economy, and the status of negotiations for a CARICOM-Canada Trade and Development Agreement.

Also on the agenda was a review and approval of the Community’s first strategic plan. The five-year plan has been in the works since 2012, after CARICOM Leaders decided to reconsider the organisation’s future direction at their inter-sessional meeting in Suriname. It spans the period 2015-2019 and “seeks to reposition the Community to better secure its future in a rapidly changing environment.”

The plan has been developed following widespread public consultation across the region, and the leaders were expected to reach agreement on top priority areas for focused attention over the five year period of the plan.

Other agenda items for discussions and decision include the operations of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS); the

terms of reference of the Regional Commission on Marijuana; continued access of students of the University of Guyana to the Council of Legal Education Law Schools; the region’s position on climate change, and Gaston Browne preparations for the High assumed the chair of Level Meeting CARICOM only a on Small matter of three weeks Island or so after being Developing elected Prime States (SIDS) Minister of Antigua to be held in and Barbuda.

Samoa in September 2014; and a report from the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP) on actions to address and control HIV/AIDS in the region.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation to the meeting was headed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves outing Chairman CARICOM.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 15.

Carnival

Ragga, Power Soca rumble this Saturday

‘Fya Empress’ may have ambitions of doing the double (Photo Credit: Oris Robinson)

‘Skinny Fabulous’ is expected to use his ‘worse behaviour’ to defend his crown.

‘Fireman’ must be yearning to return to the realms of royalty. He has two tries.

SATURDAY JULY 5 marks the finals of both the Ragga Soca and Power Soca Monarch competitions, perhaps the most anticipated night in the programme of official competitions for Vincy Mas. Both Monarchs will be defending their titles: Lorna ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd in the Ragga Soca and Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle in what is now officially the Power Soca.

In fact, both defending monarchs will be trying for hat tricks.

Fya Empress will defend against nine contenders, including former monarchs Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper and Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams.

The others are Johnny Hall, Mikey Mc Dowall, Montgomery La Borde, Travis Lynch, Shaunelle Mc Kenzie, Hance John and Keith Currency. ‘’Skinny Fabulous’ will have to contend with competition from former monarch ‘Fireman’ Hooper, and the likes of

‘Syxx Krazii,: Is he the one to cause an upset?

‘Skarpyon’ may be thinking the Ragga title just slipped through his little fingers. He must have his eyes set on taking glory again.

New Song winner Orlando ‘Syxx Krazii’ Foster, Shaunelle Mc Kenzie, Tamisha Nicholls, ‘Fya Empress’, Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James, James ‘Jamesy P’ Morgan, Keith Currency, Kurthe ‘Fresh Kydd’ Patterson and Hance John.

One person close to the Carnival Development Corporation says that they are expecting anything close to 10,000 people in attendance on Saturday night.

Ragga/Power Soca night is known to be the CDC highest grossing show of Vincy Mas. This year is expected to be no different, according to a CDC source.

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel to give away cash and prizes MOBILE Telecom-munications service provider Digicel will be giving away up to EC$ 25,000 in cash and prizes to customers, during Vincy Mas 2014.

This as the company launched its Carnival promotion last Friday, June 27th at Heritage Square. The promotion is called, ‘Catch the cash and prizes’, and each week, customers can win over EC$4000.

Digicel customers had a chance to win prizes Speaking on Wednesday during a recent promotion at Heritage Square. from Digicel’s head office in the Lewis Building on James and the Grenadines this Carnival.

Street, Marketing Manager at Digicel, “We are giving customers a chance Juno DeRoche, said that this Carnival to win a share in $25,000 worth of Season, Digicel is on a quest to change cash and prizes, Digicel will realize lives, “and make memories that will many winners over a five week period impart joy, fun and delight.” and make a difference in many lives.

Explaining the promotion, DeRoche We will reward three lucky customers said, “Qualifying for this promotion each week with over $4,000 cash and couldn’t be simpler in this current prizes. In addition, customers will challenging economic climate. Prepaid have an opportunity to top up and customers who top up $10 or more, receive double on their top up from postpaid customers paying their bill in $10 up to $50. This promotion is full and prepaid customers who designed with our valued customers activate a 4G data plan (7-days and and the greater community in mind,” more) are entered in a random draw stressed DeRoche. that makes them eligible to become a She added also that a few days ago, weekly winner.

Digicel took its ‘Wheel of fortune’ to “Weekly winners will be randomly Georgetown where, apart from adults selected and will be contacted via HOT winning great prizes, they also treated 97.1 FM every Friday at 1:30 pm. the kids to free cotton candy, popsicles, Winners will then be given a time and pop corn, face painting and bouncing location where they will have the castle action, among other great kiddy opportunity to enter Digicel’s cash games. vault to walk away with cash and “We know it is Carnival, so we prizes. We look forward to our wanted to make sure that the kids customers sharing in this with us and were not forgotten,” said Deroche who in turn brightening their Carnival added that the first set of weekly season,” said DeRoche who added, “On winners will go into the cash vault this the heels of our 4G launch, Digicel is afternoon Friday, July 4th at Fitzy’s ready to celebrate with the Bar trailer, Heritage Square. extraordinary people of St. Vincent

Stubbs Pre-School and Day-Care celebrate

by PATMOS RICHARDS Last Sunday, June 29, was an important day in the lives of preschoolers, parents and teachers of the Stubbs Pre-School and DayCare Centre, as they staged their 28th graduation ceremony, at the School/Centre.

A packed auditorium was on hand to welcome and extend best wishes to the little ones, 50 in all, The Stubbs Pre-School and Day-care as they prepare to enter primary Centre has been providing services to school. the children of Stubbs and surrounding It was a moment of joy and areas. happiness for graduates as they entertained with poetry recitals, to lead the expansion of its services. folk songs and other recitations. An Mrs. John, a qualified early exhibition of art work by the graduates childhood educator, is ably assisted by was also on display. three trained pre-school teachers, The Stubbs Pre-School and Daynamely Donna Lewis, Shanna Lewis Care Centre was pioneered by the and Lizelle Bynoe.

Stubbs Methodist Church some fifty The institution was the recipient of (50) years ago. As the years rolled on, commendation for its participation in the Church played less and less of a the recent Fisherman’s Day’s activities direct role in the management and operations of the institution, and those for schools and, with this and more accolades of the past, Mrs. John sees responsibilities eventually fell on the no reason why the institution cannot shoulders of a Mrs. Marsha John, a become this country’s premier early resident of Stubbs and teacher at the childhood education institution.

School/Centre.

Last Sunday’s graduation also Utilising her own resources, and heard addresses from Area harnessing the efforts and support of Representative the Hon. Frederick many community-spirited persons in Stevenson and featured speaker Janet Stubbs, Mrs. John has been able not Barbour, a past student. only to keep the institution open, but

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 17.

Service’s

July 1st historic for Vinlec Company, took over the operations of the electricity business in 1953.

During the early 1970s, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines acquired 49% of the Company’s shares, while 51% remained with the CDC. It was on July 1 1985 that VINLEC became a state owned entity, when the government acquired the remaining 51% shares of the Company.

St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited is a top quality service provider, with a VINLEC employees on duty at one of its mission to provide service of power stations. the best quality and value to its customers, satisfy the interest of shareholder and TUESDAY JULY 1ST 2014 marked a employees, and contribute to a high historic day for this country’s sole electricity provider, St. Vincent Electricity quality of life for the nation.

Over the many years, the Company Services Limited (VINLEC). That was the has been transformed to a modern occasion of the 29th anniversary since utility company providing quality, safe the government of St. Vincent and the and reliable electricity service to Grenadines became sole owners of approximately 98% of the population, VINLEC, making the Company a stateequivalent to 41,734 customers across owned entity. the multi-island state.

The history of electricity in St. This vital service is provided Vincent and the Grenadines dates back to 1931, when the Crown Colony through VINLEC’s ownership and operation of nine Power Plants, Government began providing electricity to thirty two (32) customers. including the diesel Power Stations located at Cane Hall, Lowmans Bay, VINLEC’s forerunner, the Bequia, Union Island, Canouan and Commonwealth Development Mayreau, and the Hydro Plants Corporation (CDC), a British based located at Cumberland, Richmond and

South Rivers.

VINLEC employs 317 persons who are spread across the various locations.

The Company also supports national development, and seeks continuously to build partnership in

the areas of education, sports, health, culture and the arts.

In keeping with its mandate, the Company pledges to continue working to ensure that it provides reliable and quality service to its customers, as it moves ahead into the future.

LIME-branded minibuses benefit Âbig timeÊ to the LIME sponsored H2O Soca, which was held at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex last Saturday, a show that had an estimated 3000-strong crowd and featured the LIME Soca Dans, Skinny Fabulous, and featured artistes Marchel Montano and Patrice Roberts.

Vans plying the Windward side of the island were also on the receiving end of free tickets.

This time, passengers, driver Passengers on LIME branded minibus and conductor of the CalliaquaH403 are surprised with tickets to the H2O bound minivan H9074 were FETE. presented with tickets to Soca on the Beach, another LIME TRUE TO ITS WORD, LIME sponsored event that took place on continues to award LIME branded minibus drivers and their passengers. Warracou Beach on Sunday.

Along with the LIME Soca Dans Last week Friday, LIME staffers and Ambassadors, Fya Empress and were out again, this time in the others, patrons were also entertained vicinity of ‘Hospital Corner’, (on the

by Trinidadian artistes Denise Belfon, road to Leeward) to bring smiles and Fayann Lyons and Bunji Garlin. cheer to commuters.

Senior Marketing and Corporate Passenger van H403, which plies its Communications Executive Nikala trade along the Green Hill route, was Williams assures that the giveaways the pick of that day. will continue over the next few weeks, The driver, conductor and passengers were surprised with tickets and passengers are urged to continue supporting LIME branded vans.

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival News

Sea Operations Starlift Steel Orchestra, champions in the Community-based Panorama, again.

Girls’ High School dethroned C. W. Prescod Primary as panorama champions among School-based steel orchestras.

GHS and Starlift take Pan Titles

Touch’s ‘Tamika’, arranged

by Kesslon ‘Taffa’ Wilson.

They had a complement of 23 pannists.

THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL Third place went to St. (GHS), with a rendition of Joseph’s Convent Touch’s 1993 Road March Kingstown playing winner ‘Kangaroo’, captured Asterisks’ ‘Disco Ivy’, the School-based 2014 arranged by Jason James.

Junior Pan title at Victoria Michele DeFreitas led this Park, Sunday June 29. This outfit which included 23 is their fourth panorama players. title since 1990.

Three other schools With 37 players, led by were in this category, Captain Laquinta Penniston, including debutants South GHS belted out the Johnny Rivers Methodist Primary, ‘JP’ Pompey arrangement, Troumaca Primary School urged on by numbers of and Bethel High School. supporters.

South Rivers played C.W. Prescod Primary Winston Soso’s ‘Put your School had their attempt hands in the air,’ at a hat trick thwarted, arranged by Ken Isles. and had to settle for Their captain is Nashanta second. They played Fisher.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Bethel High School played ‘Up in dat’ sung by Shaunelle McKenzie.

They had 17 players, with their number arranged by Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts.

Troumaca Primary School performed Becket’s ‘Going to Come,’ arranged

by Junior ‘Super’ Delpesche.

It was jubilation for Sea Operations Starlift Steel Orchestra in the Community-based bands segment. With a 51-player complement led by Breanna King, Starlift belted out Cornelius ‘Poorsah’ Williams’ ‘Mouth in me Moma’, Road March of Vincy Mas 1988, to retain their tile.

Sion Hill Euphonium

Steel Orchestra, with the largest contingent of 72 players, revved up the engine with a presentation of ‘Watch the ride,’ sung by the group X-A-Dus. It was a mixture of theatrics and dynamics, with the band responding to the Rodney Small arrangement; but Sion Hill was left parked in the second lane.

Third spot went to Symphonix Steel Orchestra. Their 35 players belted out a rendition of Blaksand’s ‘Carnival Fever’, arranged

by Jomoro Francis.

Continued on Page 19.

Sion Hill Euphonium had, once again, to settle for second place among the Community-based steel orchestras.

C. W. Prescod had to settle for second in the schools panorama.(Photo Credit: Oris Robinson)

Symphonix Steel Orchestra took third among the Community-based orchestras (Photo Credit: Oris Robinson)

The girls from the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown filled the third position among the school orchestras.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 19.

Carnival News

GHS turns setbacks into advance

by HAYDN HUGGINS JOHNNY ‘JP’ POMPEY, arranger for the Girls’ High School (GHS) Steel Orchestra, 2014 winners in the schools category of the Junior Panorama held at the Victoria Park last Sunday, is overwhelmed by the band’s performance despite some temporary setbacks.

“The performance was fantastic because even at our final practice, it was not as good,” Pompey told THE VINCENTIAN during an interview on Monday. He took the opportunity to applaud and thank the players for turning the setbacks into an advance, with a splendid performance.

Playing in fourth position, GHS beat defending champions C.W. Prescod Primary School into second place and St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown into third spot, with the tune ‘Kangaroo’ by the band Touch.

“It was a real good feeling after all the hard work, to come out as the winner,” Pompey said.

Facing up to the setbacks He admitted, though, that the band, which started practising the song from the first week of the third school term in April, encountered a few temporary setbacks. He explained that initially some of the students were unable to practise because of CXC and final term exams. While some parents thought sending their children to practise was a way of easing the stress after a hard day in the exam room, others preferred to wait until the exams were completed.

“After the exams, everybody came to practise, and with hard work, we were able to finish the song with one week to spare, before the competition,” Pompey said.

He added that last Saturday, the day before the competition, the person from whom the band usually borrows extra instruments, refused to lend this year.

“We just decided to go to the Park with what we had; but when we got there, other bands wanted instruments to borrow from us. We lent them, and we explained that we wanted some to borrow too, so we helped each other,” Pompey explained. He is grateful to the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and Troumaca Primary School for sharing their instruments.

GHS ‘steeled’ in pan The band, captained by Laquinta Penniston, performed with 37 players, and was comprised of eleven tenors, four double tenors, four double seconds, five double guitars, four cellos and three low bases, in addition to the rhythm section.

Pompey said distributing the music with the band was not challenging.

“The students are versatile and they learn fast,” he said.

GHS has been in the top three positions on several occasions in the Junior Panorama Schools category and, in addition to their recent victory, they won the competition in 1994, 2010 and 2011. They placed second in

2012 and 2013.

“They usually perform well, with the exception of one or two slip -ups sometimes.”

Pompey, who has been arranging for the GHS Steel Orchestra since 1991, says he has no regrets working with the band over the years.

And he is extremely grateful to the school’s principal, Mrs. Andrea Bowman, staff, parents and students for affording him that opportunity.

The future Pompey, a pannist and arranger for the Calliaqua-based Potential Steel Orchestra, thinks steel band music is on the rise in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) again.

He was particularly impressed with the Bethel High School and the South Rivers Methodist School, who participated in the competition for the first time this year. He described their performances as, “outstanding.”

Pompey is confident there is a bright future for the art form in SVG, emphasizing that there are several aspiring and talented young pannists here. He singled out Kasique Oliver, an 18-year-old student of the SVG Community College, who won the Junior Solo competition at the Panorama launch at Heritage Square on May 25.

“If he (Oliver) continues like this, I expect great things from him,” Pompey said.

Oliver, who plays with the Potential Steel Orchestra, which did not compete in the 2014 Junior Panorama, was allowed to conduct the GHS performance on Sunday. He also made a guest appearance.

Pompey advises all young pannists to stay focused, set goals and work hard towards achieving them.

“I am interested in the advancement of pan generally and, once I see a youngster who is willing to learn and I am able to help, I will help,” assured Pompey, an office attendant in the Ministry of National Mobilization.

He wants to see more cooperation among steel bands here, something he

GHS and Starlift take Pan Titles

Continued from Page 18.

SVG Port Authority Genesis Steel Orchestra did the Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas’s number ‘Party Fever’, arranged by Delano Bristol. Their captain was Andre Theobalds.

The other band was Canadian Bank Note North Stars. Their number was ‘Mind yo pickney’ by Touch. Their arranger was Junior ‘Super’ Delpesche. The band was set up under the Social Investment Programme. It is their fifth year in the competition.

describes as “vital to the development of the steelband movement.”

Pompey plays all the pans, but specializes in the bass. He has been involved in the art form for several years, starting with Bishop’s College Kingstown at age 13.

Mrs. Andrea Bowman, Headmistress of the GHS, seen here cheering on her school’s Steel Orchestra last Sunday, has been recognised by ‘JP’ as being very supportive of him and the steelband at her school.

Left: Johnny ‘JP’ Pompey, pictured with his son J’dani, says cooperation among steelbands here is vital to the development of the stelband movement.

V Rotary Club gets new president 20. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

by KENVILLE HORNE VETERINARIAN Dr. Colin Boyle is the new president of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent.

He was so installed at a function held at the Grenadines House, Kingstown, Saturday June 28. Dr. Boyle succeeds Earl Tash, and will serve as president for one year.

In his acceptance address, Dr. Boyle expressed his delight with the confidence shown in him, and appealed to all Rotarians to be a light in the world. “Let us light up our communities, where we expose the work of Rotary.

Let us be a light to each other, and let us do it with humility,” he beseeched.

His maiden address highlighted the spirit of volunteerism that the Rotary Club exemplifies, and he commended the membership for serving with dedication and commitment to

communities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Boyle affirmed that the movement here strives to make the communities “better places to live in.”

Acknowledging that the Club was a small one, he pointed to the need for partnerships with community leaders, various corporations and individuals, “without whose assistance and expertise, we wouldn’t be able to achieve our goals Dr. Colin Boyle delivering his maiden address as President of and objectives.” the Rotary Club of St. Vincent.

The new president detailed a programme of School in conjunction with activities to be undertaken by Scotia Bank; the Breadfruit the Club. Among these are: a Flour Project in small joint initiative between the communities, where persons Rotary Club here, and the would be trained in the Rotary Club of Basse-Terre making of flour from the Fort, St. Charles, in staging a breadfruit, aimed at golf tournament, of which part engendering economic activity of the proceeds will be given to in rural communities; and the Rotary Club St.Vincent in aid replacement of the Milton of the Sickle Cell Association Cato Memorial Hospital’s of SVG; a literacy project at oxygen plant that was the Georgetown Secondary damaged by the December

Church donates important health device

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

A MACHINE, vital to services delivered at the Milton Cato memorial Hospital is back in place.

The Gospel Halls Assemblies of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (L-R): Grace Walters, Pastor Haydn Marshall, Clari Gilbert, handed over a Tyrone Dickson, Dr Luz Pabilona, Partha Mandal, Rosita King, CTG Machine to Monique Bailey and Johanna Best at last Monday’s handing the Milton Cato over.

Memorial consequences.” the presentation of the new Hospital, last Monday.

She outlined that foetal device.

The CTG machine is Marshall pointed to the used to conduct tests in the heart rate monitoring can show up “an abnormal foetal monitor as part of a third trimester of larger project. The Gospel pregnancy. It is done to see foetal heart rate pattern Hall Assemblies have other if the baby’s heart beats at may indicate that the foetus is not getting enough ventures on stream, but a normal rate and oxygen or that there are they are pleased to have variability. other problems.” made this small The previous CTG Grace Walters from the contribution which, machine at the MCMH was Administrative section of Marshall outlined, will damaged during the floods the MCMH welcomed the benefit mothers and babies. which struck December 24, donation and noted the Among the staff 2013. ‘long’ period during which witnessing the donation Members of the Church were Senior Registrar Dr and Health Care personnel the Hospital was without Luz Pabilona, Medical witnessed the presentation. one.

Tyrone Dickson and Intern Partha Mandal, Registered Nurse Clari Hadyn Marshall joined Senior Nursing Officer Gilbert pointed to the Gilbert from the Gospel Rosita King and Medical monitor as “an important Hall Assemblies in Technician Johanna Best. device which can prevent expressing satisfaction with life changing

Some members of the new Rotary Club executive (L-R) Lance Oliver, Rueben John, Dr. Kenneth Onu, Kay Wilson, Earl Tash, Dr. Colin Boyle, Laela Myers, Dr. Francois Truchot, Joel Toney and Don Providence.

2013 floods.

The installation ceremony also heard a report from outgoing president Earl Tash, in which he highlighted not only the accomplishments of the Club over the last year, but pointed to the setbacks and challenges that the Club faced.

Dr. Boyle will head an executive Committee that includes: Vice-President -Don Providence; Secretary - Earl Tash; Treasurer - Laela Myers; Sergeant-At- Arms Bob Haydock; President Elect/PRO - Shafia LondonWilliams.

Joel Toney has been assigned the task of leading the Club’s activities in Vocational Services; Lance Oliver will man Club Service; Dr. Francois Truchot will spearhead Community

Services; Kay Wilson will head the Club’s International Services outreach; and Joe Sheridan will head the Club’s Youth Outreach programme.

Additionally, Reuben John has been assigned the responsibility for overseeing training and membership; and Dr. Kenneth Onu will take charge of the Club’s website and archiving.

The Rotary Club of St.Vincent is a chartered member of Rotary International, an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

RBTT/RBC celebrate Blue Water Day JUNE 12TH 2014 marked the 4th Annual RBC Blue Water Day, with its employees involved in several “Makeover” activities.

The RBC “Makeover” campaign, which was optional, provides an opportunity for employees to engage The RBTT clean-up team at Canash. in a substantive, public activity that slowly by creating smart green helps protect water. spaces with more permeable This follows on RBC’s stated concern about the fact that most of surfaces in urban areas, and help the world’s population now lives in reduce water pollution by keeping streets, sidewalks and shorelines towns and cities, and this has clean. significantly increased the strain This year, RBC’s employees on water resources in these areas. celebrated RBC Blue Water Day Paved surfaces in urban areas create significant water problems, by completing 750 Makeovers especially in extreme rain or snow worldwide.

In St. Vincent and the conditions, as these surfaces allow Grenadines, employees at RBTT polluted run-off to flow into lakes used the opportunity to serve their and rivers, overload sewer systems, and cause water damage clients clean bottled water, and partnered with members of to homes.

Jaycees on a clean-up venture at RBC believes that it can help the White Sand Beach at Canash. the earth absorb water more

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 21.

V NY political group honours Haywood 22. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Maxwell Haywood addressing the opening of a recent meeting of Vincentian business persons in New York.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT A LEADING POLITICAL GROUP in Brooklyn, New York has honoured

community activist Maxwell Haywood among 17 fathers, as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations in the United States.

Haywood, a United Nations Social Development Officer and chair of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, received the award on Jun. 22 from the Progressive Democrats Political Association (PDPA).

The group, headed by former New York City Councilwoman Jamaican Una S.T. Clarke, bestowed the honour at a gala celebration, dubbed “Fathers of the Community”, at Tropical Paradise Ballroom on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn.

“This year, our theme embraces our ‘Fathers of the Community’, who have demonstrated exemplary works for their family,” said Clarke, whose daughter, US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, is also a PDPA executive member.

“In so doing, they contributed to our development as a community,” the elder Clarke added.

US President Barack Obama has proclaimed June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the US.

Ex-Councilmember Clarke told THE VINCENTIAN that Stella Boyea-Ashby, a former national netball captain, had nominated Haywood for the award.

“It’s very deserving because he’s a role model in the community,” Boyea- Maxwell Haywoodworks in the field of Ashby told THE VINCENTIAN, cooperative at the United Nations noting that Haywood, a Secretariat in New York, it says.

New Grounds native and St. Martin’s Secondary School alumnus, chairs various committees. “He has demonstrated exemplary works.”

She said Haywood works with Youlou Arts, “an organization that has been offering the only visual arts program for children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the past 13 years, that includes imagination, engagement and creativity — valuable tools for implementing Maxwell Haywood (right) chairs a session change in society for the involving (from left) Jose Avila of the Garifuna children of SVG (St. Coalition USA Inc. and Minister of Culture Ces Vincent and the Mc Kie. Grenadines).”

Haywood is married to Sherrill-Ann relations officer of the Brooklyn-based Dynamite Calypso Tent, the only Mason-Haywood, the daughter of the Vincentian calypso tent in North late Vincentian fast bowling great in America. cricket, Frank O. Mason. They have The biography says he is “a regular two daughters, Njeri and Makeda. writer” in the Searchlight newspaper, Haywood said he was uncomfortable speaking publicly about and is a “published poet and musician,” stating that he “performed receiving the award. as a poet at various Caribbean events But his biography, a copy of which and at other events in the United THE VINCENTIAN obtained, States.” indicates that he has done work in Additionally, the biography says many areas at the United Nations, that Haywood “performed back-up including elections monitoring, vocals” for two Vincentian reggae poverty eradication, racism, youth bands, the Originals and the Rock of development, higher education, conflict prevention, social integration, Ages.

Currently, he is a member of the civil society and cooperatives.

“The crowning moment of his work Rock of Ages, and has done several recordings with that group, according at the United Nations was when he to the biography. served as an electoral observer in Haywood received his primary South Africa in 1994 during South education at the New Grounds Africa’s first democratic elections in which Nelson Mandela was elected as Government School, and completed degrees in business management and president,” the biography says. mass communications; public Currently, Haywood is the “focal administration and education; and point on cooperatives” at the United human resources development and Nations Secretariat in New York, it public policy, the biography says. says.

It says he is also trained in The biography states that Haywood international political economy, social has been “quite active” in the development policy, international Vincentian Community in New York leadership and elections monitoring. since the 1980s.

The biography says that Haywood It says that he is former chairperson of the St. Vincent and the was “very active” as a student leader in student government associations Grenadines Progressive League, and and other student movements, such as “played an active role” in the the anti-apartheid student movement. formation of the Brooklyn-based While a student in college, he also umbrella Vincentian group in the wrote and performed plays, poems and United States, Council of St. Vincent songs, and participated in organizing and the Grenadines Organizations, many cultural events for students and U.S.A., Inc. In addition, the biography says that the wider community.

Before joining the staff of the UN, Haywood served as general secretary the biography says Haywood worked at to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines the City University of New York Homecoming preparations in New York, and was general secretary of the (CUNY), serving as Head Social Sciences Tutor at Brooklyn’ s Medgar St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cultural Arts Symposium Committee Evers College and as a coordinator of the Science and Technology Entry in New York.

Programme at Hunter College, CUNY. Haywood also serves as public

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 23.

Feature

New Library for St. MartinÊs Secondary School Secondary School Board, representatives of donor organisations and companies, and the principal, staff and students of the school.

Speaking at A glimpse of the newly refurbished library. the opening ceremony, ON WEDNESDAY 25th June member of the St. Martin’s 2014, the St. Martin’s Secondary School Board, Dr. Secondary School opened its Veronica Marks, gave the newly refurbished library. background to the initiative, In attendance at the and said that the objectives of opening ceremony were Rev. the library project were: to Bishop Jason Gordon, have a fully functional facility; members of the St. Martin’s provide an environment that

was conducive to teaching and learning; engender a culture of reading among students; and provide a comfortable space for the delivery of an English proficiency intervention programme for students with literacy challenges.

The upgrading of the library was made possible through the overwhelming support of the following donors: The Mustique Charitable Trust, the National Lotteries Authority, Gibson’s Building Supplies Ltd., Edwin D. Layne and Co. Ltd., General Hardware Supplies Ltd., Browne’s Hardware Supplies Ltd., and, Canouan Resorts Development Ltd. (CRD). Two

St. Martins Secondary gets a boost

by KENVILLE HORNE THE INFORMATION Technology/Computer Department of the St. Martin’s Secondary School received a recent donation that has boosted the Department’s programme a step ahead of the rest.

Last Thursday, June 26, Acting Principal, Godson Cain, accepted a donation of one Server from Lauan Hadaway, Manager of Quick Cash, a leading Lending Agency here.

On presenting the Server, Hadaway said she was happy to hand over the Server, because not only does it develop the STEM programme, but the overall IT programme and the youths of St. Martin’s Secondary.

She expressed positive feelings about the STEM programme, noting that Quick Cash is proud to be part of such an initiative.

STEM is the acronym for Science Technology, English and Mathematics, a programme based at St. Martin’s Secondary School, that uses the subject areas referred to teach young persons how to manipulate computers to create websites, applications and other computer software (programming), and how to apply computer programmes to the world of work.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the donation was as a result of the ongoing partnership that exist between Quick Cash and the STEM

Lauan Hadaway, Manager Quick Cash, hands over the Server to Godson Cain Principal (Ag)/SMSS deleting a file.

“Now, St. Martin’s has taken the very bold step of removing the use of Flash (Thumb) Drive units from all of our computers. Instead, we programme. have implemented a system Cain, during his brief where students now have their remarks, admitted to not being own personal space of two a technological advanced man, Giga Bytes (2GB) at the but noted, given what he is moment,” Gumbs explained. made to understand, that the Teachers will also have Server would be a huge asset access to the Server, Gumbs to both students and teachers. assured, and students can According to the acting expect that their limit of space principal, when the students on the server could reach 6GB. use their Flash (Thumb) “St. Martin’s Secondary has Drives in the IT laboratory, taken a step forward in a there are many instances direction in which I think when the (individual) other schools might not be computers become infected by heading. ..... We have the viruses, “So this server, I skilled technicians, we have understand, has been an the partnership, and I think answer to that problem.” together we can make St. Petrus Gumbs, Head of the Martin’s a centre of IT Department and Cotechnological innovation,” ordinator of STEM, pointed declared Gumbs. out that without the Server, A representative from the situation at the school telecommunication company, would continue to be LIME, the Internet Service problematic, “since most of the Provider (IPS) was also work stored on the (individual) present during the handing computers would have been over ceremony. wiped off instantly by viruses, or someone accidentally Petrus Gumbs, Head of the IT Department/Co-ordinator of STEM, recognizing the step taken by SMSS as an advanced one.

business (L-R): Moulton Mayers, Leo Anderson (partly houses, hidden), Lavinia Gunn and His Lordship Bishop Decor Jason Gordon cut the ribbon to open the library.

Products St. Martin’s Secondary School and Trotman’s Electronics was instrumental in preparing Ltd., also gave generous him for carving out a niche as discounts, while technical a successful businessman. support was provided by Mr. Mrs. Lavinia Gunn, Moulton Mayers and Mr. Administrator of the Mustique Telesford Edwards.

Charitable Trust, said that her Addressing the gathering, architect Mr. Moulton Mayers, organisation was pleased to support the library project. shared that he valued the She promised that her education he received at his alma mater, and noted that, “I organisation will monitor students’ progress because the have to, at all times, express Mustique Charitable Trust loyalty, so when I was called had a keen interest in literacy on to solicit my service, I development projects. answered the call.”

The principal, staff and Another past student, Mr. students of the St. Martin’s Leo Anderson, Manager of Secondary School all look General Hardware Supplies Ltd., recounted the challenges forward to using the new facility. (Contributed) of getting a secondary education, and stated that the

24. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. It's time to consider putting money into long-term investments. Consider making residential changes; either moves or renovations could payoff. You don't want to give anyone fuel for the fire.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You need to be inspired and have your spirits lifted. You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. Travel will be in your best interest. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) One sided attractions are likely. You may be sensitive concerning friends and their situations. You should sit down with someone you trust and work out a budget that will enable you to save a little extra. Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try not to get into disputes that will lead to estrangement's. Older relatives may make unreasonable demands.

Difficulties with children will surface if you try to break a promise you made.

Do things you enjoy instead of being a chameleon.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Educational pursuits can bring interesting, helpful people. Don't let anyone take credit for a job you did. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. You will have the discipline to make changes you feel are necessary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will be appreciated for the competence you exhibit and for taking on responsibilities. Daydreaming will be your downfall. You may be looking through rose colored glasses. You may not have the same ideas when it comes

to what you both enjoy.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are best to concentrate on work.

Listen to a good friend who is truly looking out for your best interests. Don't believe everything you hear. You can sort out any differences you have in an amiable manner.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Organize social events or family gatherings. Be cautious and use your head wisely in situations that deal with the use of machinery or vehicles.

Deception may cause disputes you can do without. Follow through on some of the good ideas that come up, and you could have a real winner of a deal.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You need to spend some time getting to know this person all over again. You could overreact to emotional situation regarding your relationship.

Opportunities to get involved in self improvement projects will be rewarding.

You will feel better about yourself and you may also meet potential lovers.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You've been hurt before and could be again if you don't play hard to get. You will be able to make favorable changes in your living quarters. Read some books on self awareness. You may have the energy to clear up that mound of paperwork facing you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. Direct your energy into physical entertainment. It will be all around you. You can pick up valuable information if you listen to those with more experience.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your lack of attention may have been a factor. Be considerate and avoid being overly opinionated, or arguments will ensue. Make sure any presentation you have is ready. Secret activity is evident.

ACROSS

38. Drummer Ringo 1.Dick Cavett’s 40. Swashhome St. buckler’s 4. Actress Mendes fight, often 7. Lifesaving skill 41. Prell’s (abbr.) competition 10. Street (abbr.) 42. Cassini of 11. Tra-__ (hyph.) fashion 13. Wedge 44. Verb ending 14. Affirmative 47. Burn plant reply 48. __ E. Coyote 15. Actor Neesaon 49. __ Miguel 16. Places first 50. Shrewd 17. Stairway hand 51. Galahad’s support title 12. Earhart of 19. Proclamation 52. Cable option flight 21. Lathers (abbr.)

13. Actress 23. Landed Loretta 24. Dr. or U.S., for DOWN 18. Tax times example (abbr.)

25. “__ Rita” 1.Negative vote 20. “Runaround 26. Touch of paint 2. Christmas __ Sue” singer 29. 1993 Peace 3. Endurable 21. Of sound Prize Recipient 4. Designer Perry mind 22. Be compliant (2 wds.)

5. Colorado ski 23. Jouster’s 33. Check out resort getup 34. __ Tse-tung 6. Ga’s neighbour 26. Destroy 35. Mischief7. Fashionably 27. Swiss range makers dressed 28. Diamond 36. Klinger’s 8. Pub serving corner portrayer 9. Hotel offerings 30.

Epps or 37. Rioted (abbr.)

Sharif 31. Thin 32. Most Urgent 36. Kismet 37. Boring tool 38. Broker’s advice

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 25.

39. Helen of __ 40. Pastrami parlor 41. Faux __ 43. Fleur-de-__ 45. Nail a crook 46. Baby’s sound

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26. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Two pregnancies, same house probability, and it is causing an irreparable rift between us.

MY MOTHER got mad at me for I love my boyfriend, telling her that I am pregnant for my but I am prepared to boyfriend. At first, I did not leave him if it is true understand the reason for this that my mother is reaction, since she knew that we were seeing each other, and that we pregnant for him. I am were sexually involved. He has even still in shock that my own mother could do this to me. She has not slept over at our house on a few admitted to any wrong doing, or occasions, all authorized by my shown any sign of remorse. I was mother. the only one who did not know When she started cursing me that she was jealous of our out and I returned the favour by giving her a few choice words, the relationship and wanted my boyfriend for herself. real story came out when my boyfriend refused to get involved, Disgusted and I demanded that he should.

The bottom line is, George, my Dear Disgusted, boyfriend has been having an affair with my mother, and he Whether or not your mother is admitted to me that he is afraid that she too could be pregnant for carrying your boyfriend’s child is not the issue here, but rather, the him. My mother refused to fact that he has stooped low entertain any talk over this

Dear George,

You did the right thing Dear George,

Concerned M.

My 11-year-old son is used to spending time at the next door neighbour’s house, and I had no problem with it until recently, when I got word that the neighbour’s son has been using crack. I confronted the neighbour’s son about it, and he admitted that the information was true, but he never used it in front of my son and would never do that.

His mother, though, denies that he is using, and said that I am a liar to say that her son admitted to me that he was. I told her that whether or not she wanted to believe her son was on crack was not my problem. I warned her that he is not to come near my son, and that my son would not be going back to her house as a result.

She has since kept me malice, and is not speaking to me, even though the facts are staring her in the face. Was I wrong to take the action that I took?

Dear Concerned M,

enough to be sexually involved with her. That action is totally unacceptable and has only served to reveal his true nature. This is not the kind of man you would want to build a life with, and moving forward with him is like signing a warranty for disaster.

Your mother needs to hear it from you, that you strongly disapprove of her actions, and how much it has affected you and the trust you had in her. At the end of the day, she is still your mother, and it won’t hurt for you to give her the opportunity to mend this broken relationship between both of you. I would also advise that you engage the services of a relationship counsellor to help you with this.

It is only natural and responsible that you would take the actions you did.

This is an appropriate time for you to explain to your son why he is forbidden to be at that house, and to be aware of people who may want to lure him into using or pushing the drug you have mentioned. That environment is not one that he should be in, and kudos to you for stepping in promptly in the interest of his wellbeing.

Your neighbour’s reaction to you after being told about her son may have more to do with her own disappointment in him rather than your motherly intervention in the situation.

George

Feeling insecure Dear George, MY HUSBAND and I had a conversation about whether or not either of us would get romantically involved, in the event of one of us departed from this life. I was not amused when he pointed out to me that he would almost immediately get involved with one of my very good friends, and explained why he chose her. He was careful to describe her “sexy body”, in detail, and said he would get his chance to legally get what he has been secretly wishing for all along.

I understood what he was saying to mean that he has been lusting after this woman all along. As a result, I am a bit insecure, in that I am wondering if they could be secretly involved, or if it could happen right under my nose any time soon. I cannot help but think this way after hearing how he went on and on about her body, etc. I also felt insulted that he could be getting on like that without any regard for my feelings.

Am I over reacting like he said I was?

Dead Right Dear Dead Right, Some things are better left unsaid, and it was a bit insensitive for your husband to sound as though he was wishing that your replacement (the friend in question) could assume her new position almost immediately.

That certainly is not flattering, and I hope you pointed that out to him.

Having said that, you need to remind yourself that the conversation in question was purely hypothetical and ought not to be taken literally. I question the wisdom in worrying over something that you would not be around to witness. That being said, both of you need to discuss what can be done to enhance the quality of your life together. It is recommended that you make every conscious effort to live in the moment and enjoy each other for the time you have left together.

George

George

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 27.

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28. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival News

Above: Junior Queen of the Bands, ‘Fiery’ from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘Heat’, portrayed by Jayniah Prescott.

‘Fiery’ winner in the 5 – 10 years category, from ‘Heat’ by Blondie Bird and Friends.

Blondie Bird gives early warning

Friends took all but one of the competition categories held at Victoria Park.

The band, with a 2014 IF THE RESULTS OF THE year’s costumes bands presentation entitled 2014 Junior Carnival are competitions.

‘Heat’, took both age anything to go by, In a competition that categories, 5-9 and 10 — Guinness Y de Lima Hitz was, not for the first 15, competitions, FM Blondie Bird and time, re-scheduled from The band’s section Friends have given an early its original, traditional ‘Heat fo so’ was adjudged Saturday afternoon slot, the Best Junior Section on indication of their intention to repeat their (June 28 this year) to parade, with another feat of 2012, when they Monday, June 30, section, ‘Fireworks’, put a stranglehold on the because of torrential claiming third, ushering majority of titles in that rains, Blondie Bird and Continued on Page 29.

Best Section ‘Heat fo So’ from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘Heat’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 29.

Carnival News

Junior King of the Bands, ‘Thunder Storm’ from SVG Players International’s ‘Beyond the rainbow’, portrayed by Meshach Pierre.

Blondie Bird gives early warning Continued from Page 28. their capture of the coveted Junior Band of the Year title, a title they had relinquished in 2012.

Their arch rivals, SVG Players International, with a band presentation ‘Beyond the Rainbow’, followed them home in each of those competitions.

Digicel Nelson Bloc, with ‘We Drinking,’ took third place honours in the Junior Band of the Year.

Blondie Bird and Friends’ presentation entitled ‘Fiery’, portrayed by Jayniah Prescott, ran away with the Junior Queen of the Bands title.

Prescott beat Nelson Bloc’s ‘Ju-C’, with masquerade Lauren McGuire into second, and Nia La Borde’s ‘Lonely Blues’ from Ahdrenalin Mas band’s The Love Experience’, into third.

Blondie Birds and Friends’ only defeat was in the Junior King of the Bands, in which SVG Players International turned the table to take the ‘Lonely Blues’, portrayed by Nia La Borde title with ‘Thunder Storm’, from Ahdrenalin’s ‘The Love Experience’, displayed by Meshach Pierre. was third in the Junior Queen of the bands.

Janlanie Niles did not disgrace Blondie Bird and Friends. He took second position with Bird and Friends second, and Hairoun Dragons Cultural Organization’s ‘Say a portrayal entitled ‘Heat Wave’. it with Flowers in the Dragon’s Lorenzo John with ‘Virus,’ from Garden’, in third spot.

High Voltage Mas Production’s ‘Tech Competitions for mas bands Fantasy’, settled in third position. continued last evening, Thursday, In the uptown competition, the with the (Senior) Best Section of the judges awarded the top prize to SVG Bands.

Players International, with Blondie Heat Wave, second in the Junior King of the bands, portrayed by Jelanie Niles from Blondie Bird and Friends.

30. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 31.

Carnival News

No repeat winners in Junior Calypso/Soca

Calypso/Soca competition, but she is no stranger THERE WERE NO REPEAT to the stage, WINNERS in the 2014 having placed Junior Calypso and Soca second runner up competitions, held at in the Miss West Victoria Park, Tuesday 1st St. George Beauty July.

Pageant held Niesha Richards, aka three weeks ago.

Singing Spice, told her Last’ year’s mother Yolande Richards Soca Monarch that she was going to win Kristiana ‘Singing the Junior Soca title, and Kristy’ she duly delivered.

Christopher, The West St. George representing the Secondary student was Thomas Saunders crowned Junior Soca Secondary, placed Monarch at Victoria Park second with her last Tuesday, July 1. number ‘SVG go Singing Spice, 14 rise again’. years old, swept aside all Third position contenders with her went to Giovonne rendition ‘Skinny Gal.’ ‘Super D’ Collins It may have been from St. Joseph’s Tia ‘Singing Tia’ Wyllie moved up one spot to claim her first hold on the Primary Schools Calypso Monarch title.

Singing Spice’s first time Convent in the Junior Marriaqua with giant step in the cultural from St. Joseph’s his rendition Convent Kingstown did circles when they ‘Ah drink ah the number ‘School captured that title last wine.’ uniform’; Johnroy Tuesday. They did so in Other Haywood from Troumaca the person of Roshard contenders were: Roshard ‘Mighty’ Tittle, rendering Ontario Secondary with a song entitled ‘Let’s join ‘Cry of the innocent’; ‘Mighty Kel’ Shane ‘Shaney’ Wynne hands’, the young man Tittle from from Bishop’s College adding to his second North Union with ‘Foundation’; place in the Soca with ‘Sex Brandon ‘C-Four’ category. education’; Frederick from St. ‘Mighty Gel’, from Jasper ‘Loco’ Vincent Grammar School Chapmans, is awaiting Alexander, results at the CXC level. who sang ‘Today’s Thomas calypsonians’ completed He plans to pursue Saunders the line-up.

Hospitality Studies at Secondary Tia ‘Singing Tia’ the Division of Technical doing Wyllie, from New and Vocational ‘Granny’; Prospect Primary moved Education September.

Sandy Bay up one spot from her last A drama enthusiast, Secondary’s he was “overjoyed,” at his year’s showing of second Delanzo to ‘Singing Christie, to success in his first ‘Lanzo’ Lavia take the Primary Schools attempt, and credited with ‘Slow category of the calypso music coordinator Hank down,’ and Williams with preparing Monarch competition.

Iran ‘Soca She did a number Rasta’ Pompey: the composition. entitled ‘Save the ‘Mighty Gel’ beat ‘Breadfruit; environment’ and was Norrisa ‘Miss G’ Gerald and the lone followed by another from the Sandy Bay primary school Christopher, Kristian ‘Lil Secondary into second entrant, Ariel Kris’ with the number place.

Her number was ‘Singing Arie’ ‘You are my hero’.

Delpesche from ‘Party band wagon’.

She is Singing Third position was Greggs Kristie’s sister, and the Primary doing taken by Kristiana six-year-old represented ‘Singing Kristy’ ‘Slow down’. the Layou Government Christopher.

She did In the School.

‘Change.’ She was the Secondary Third position went to Primary School monarch schools calypso New Prospect’s Chacategory, the last year.

There were four others chanie ‘Lady Cha-chanie’ Roshard ‘Mighty Gel’ Tittle may have North Union Morgan who kept her in this segment. employed all his dramatic guile to Secondary third place from last Defending title holder help win him the Secondary Schools School year. Her rendition was Gillian ‘Feisha’ Smart Calypso Monarch title. carved out a

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Niesha ‘Singing Spice’ Richards victory in the Soca Monarch competition might just have her mother believing so much more in her.

‘Let’s work together to build this country.’

The other finalists were: Mahlique ‘Baby Mahl’ Castello from Sandy Bay Primary who did ‘Stand up’; Terina ‘Kobeanna’ Phillips ‘Read to succeed’ and Teyanna ‘Singing Diamond’ Williams - ‘The

role of a teacher’, both from Brighton Methodist; Gabriella ‘Singing Gabby’ Gurley - Fancy Government with ‘Chatoyer we love you’; and Shelsi ‘Shel-C’ Clarke, Sandy Bay Primary with ‘Grab some’.

Kristiana ‘Singing Kristy’ Christopher, relinquished her Primary School title, moved up to the Secondary Schools level, but will have to wait another year to taste victory in that higher level.

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32. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGFF president sets the record straight

Venold Coombs, President of the SVG Football Federation moved to correct certain references made about his relationship with CONCACAF and its president.

EDITOR’S Note: In keeping with an expressed intention made to Mr. Venold Coombs, President of the SVG Football Federation, and having been made privy to certain procedural understandings between CONCACAF and the local Federation, we here state that the article captioned, ‘Has CONCACAF Webb Blanked SVGFF President?’ and carried on Page 27 of the June 27, 2014 edition of THE VINCENTIAN, may have misrepresented the relationship that prevails between CONCACAF President Mr. Jeffery Webb and the SVGFF and its President, Mr. Venold Coombs, in particular.

FOR THOSE/any misrepresentations we apologise, and assure Mr. Coombs and the

SVGFF that there was no deliberate intent on the part of THE VINCENTIAN to bring him, his Federation, Mr. Webb and CONCACAF into disrepute.

We are pleased to print Mr. Coombs’ response to the article referred, and hope that it gives clarity to the issue(s) highlighted in the articl concerned.

Mr. Coombs, his Executive and membership of the SVGFF are assured of this publication’s support and similar sentiments are expressed in relation to CONCACAF and Mr. Jeffery Webb.

Response to an article in 27th June edition of THE VINCENTIAN entitled ‘Has CONCACAF Webb Blanked SVGFF President’, by Venold Coombs, President of the SVG Football Federation: Mr. Glenford Prescott’s article is false and inaccurate. I have an excellent relationship with Mr. Jeffrey Webb, President of CONCACAF, and can confidently say that during his recent visit to St. Vincent,

we were never informed that Government was contributing finances to the Football Federation.

The facts have been misrepresented, as it was Government who requested finance from the Confederation for the Diamond Stadium project President Webb only visited Goal Project 2, as it was up to the local Federation, the FIFA Development Officer and FIFA to make a final determination.

I confirm that under my presidency, funds were approved for Goal Project 2.

The information of the audit requirements has also been misleading. This was the first Congress I missed, but that has no bearing on the facts of the audit or any other business related to the SVGFF. In regard to me trying to contact the CONCACAF President via email with no response and directed never to contact them again, the statement in the article is false. I can confirm that every

time I have contacted CONCACAF, I am greeted with warmth and respect, and am never turned away.

As President of the SVGFF, I do not act alone. Our constitution clearly outlines the roles and functions of the Executive Committee, which I am a part of. I currently sit on all committees, which is headed by Vice-presidents who can be reassigned, if necessary.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that the SVGFF is thankful to President Webb for his strong support to our country and Federation. Also to Mr. Canover Watson and Messrs. Howard McIntosh, Bruce Blake and the support staff at CONCACAF. Let it be known that I have said this on multiple occasions.

President Webb has my country’s and Federation’s full support. Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight.

Venold Coombs SVGFF President

SVG U23 Netballers topped by St. Lucia

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

“We played good but St. Lucia were the hungrier team…….they were outstanding.”

THESE WERE THE WORD of team manager, Natasha Stapleton, while giving THE VINCENTIAN a recount of the OECS Under 23 Netball tournament in St. Lucia, which the host won ahead of defending champions, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The St. Lucians won the final and tournament deciding-match against SVG, 52-46, at the Beausejour indoor facility on Tuesday night (July 1st). The victory gave St. Lucia their first lien on the trophy in 19 years.

“The St. Lucians were well prepared, even to the point where they were using the services of a Jamaican coach, who was preparing the senior team for the Commonwealth Games,” Stapleton said.

She felt that things may have been a bit different if the instructions which given were followed closely.

Stapleton felt that the midcourt play was their ‘Achilles Heel’ as the team was guilty of too many turnovers at crucial periods, especially in their loss to St. Lucia and in their 47/47 draw with

Grenada.

She was full of praise for the shooters, who proved to be the top in the competition and helped SVG to win the award as the best attacking team. She also commended the defence which, she said, played its part.

President of the SVG Netball Association, Dellarice Duncan, Team: SVG Under 23 Netball team, second best in the OECS. who was on hand to UNDER 23 PLACED SECOND welcome the team home, said that she among the top netball expected the team to playing countries of the retain the title. world.

“I am really In 1995, SVG finished 9th Mary-Ann Frederick, goal shoot, surprised that we in the World Netball SVG’s MVP in the Tournament lost, because when I tournament in England, look of the quality of their highest position competition were Antigua & the team we have, it never achieved at the prestigious Barbuda, St. Kitts, Dominica crossed my mind that the girls event. They, however, and Montserrat. were not bringing back the faltered badly in 2003 in Lanky goalshoot, Mary-Ann trophy,” Duncan said.

Jamaica in 2003 to finish Fredrick, who was at the The president is confident centre of a spat between SVG 13th. that, with the entire team At the OECS Under 23 being eligible for another year, Basketball Federation and the level, SVG has been the most Netball Association over who and with other players successful, winning the pushing for selection, SVG will had the right to her talent, tournament which started in was once again SVG’s MVP. be in pole position to add a 1992 a record fourteen times.

Duncan, in looking to the fifteenth title to their tally.

Their dominance in sports The final standings saw St. future, believes that her in the OECS is surpassed Association is on the right Lucia taking the top spot, only by the men’s volley Team manager Natasha track with the development of followed by SVG and another ballers of St. Lucia who won Stapleton cited the preparation the sport, and is hopeful that former champion, Grenada. of the St. Lucian team as SVG will return to its position that title fifteen times in The other teams in the seventeen years. contributing to their victory.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 33.

Sports

Half way up Next Tuesday, some people might not participate in the carnival celebrations. They will follow the first of two semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup. Others will rise from lingering feelings harboured over the previous days to be up with the second semi-final.

Four matches featuring Brazil and Colombia, France and Germany on one hand, Belgium and Argentina, Costa Rica and Netherlands on the other, will yield an intriguing semi-final proposition.

Speculations are meaningless. Personal sentiments or wishful thinking will shape the minds. Some will be moved by the quality of football, no matter how the results are.

Some USA fans will wish Belgium well in tribute to their goal keeper Tim Howard, who has emerged as a symbol of pride for the American people. And that is in light of the fact that the USA was been knocked out of the Round of 16.

France or Germany will be left out. Both could have progressed in different circumstances.

Colombia could have been in with a better shot if their opponent was not the host country. They could still overcome the odds and eliminate the hometown contenders. But that will be an anticlimax and a recipe for upheaval.

Belgium and Greece could enhance Europe’s chances for the title. Argentina and Costa Rica could rip apart those dreams and set up an exciting alternative. Or there could be an East/West battle.

There is time for the mystery to unfold. The World Cup attracted global attention, and the reality of the landscape has been mapped.

Teams and individuals will focus more on areas, such as penalty kicks, as Costa Rica showed.

It remains a wonder that players could lose concentration at the time when it is most needed, like spot kicks with the goalkeeper.

The percentage of missed penalties continue to bewilder analysts.

There seems no answer to the problem. It is a situation of players taking control of the matter and coming up with a suitable response to the problem being faced.

That is easier said than done.

I can stay in the comfort of my position and make pronouncements on what ought to be done.

One does not appreciate that action is fast and furious. Unless you nurture the conviction to complete the objective, you could be wriggling in a quagmire, and create more danger with every gesture to escape the impending doom.

The T/20 series against New Zealand will boost the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean sites. The region will benefit from the injection of money into the economy from the influx of visitors.

The cost of taking the television broadcast called for a mobilisation with a huge spill over.

Dominica will gain rewards from the promotion it receives as the matches are broadcast.

The players have to fulfil their end of the bargain and approach the games as though they are of personal value.

The players must justify the faith shown by selectors, and provide satisfaction to the fans who are supporting them.

They cannot abandon basic technique and allow any rush of blood to hamper their intelligence.

Our being branded calypso cricketers must not be construed that we must revel in full time recklessness.

We must strive to apply the stranglehold when it comes and refrain from allowing the opponents to corner us. Our show of timidity has failed us when the mode to attack is our genuine instinct and what is required.

There is a willingness to come to grips with the conditions and efforts to rebuild an attitude of pride within our people must be engraved. It is necessary for our future development.

SVG, Grenada U19s take first round honours Host SVG and Grenada shared honours in the opening round of matches in the Windward Islands under 19 cricket tournament, in matches played the Park Hill and Arnos Vale playing fields respectively.

SVG took first innings points in the drawn game against Dominica at Park Hill. Dominica made 117 from 47.4 overs in their first innings. Brian Joseph top scored with 33 and Kyle Cabey made 31.

Romano Pierre took 3 for

Kharmal Hamilton bagged 6 for 55 for Dominica against SVG.

30 and Kimson Dalzel.2 for 11.

SVG replied with 156.

Shannan Hooper top scored with 51, Gidron Pope hit 23. Kharmal Himilton bagged 6 for 55 to be Dominica’s best bowler. Alick Athanaze took 3 for 35.

In Dominica’s second innings, they made 125.

Kyle Cabey hit 29 and Alick Athanaze 27.

Gidron Pope took 4 for 45, Othneil Lweis 3 for 13 and Obed McCoy 2 for 11.

Set 86 to win, SVG

Shannan Hooper hit 51 for SVG against Dominica.

Right: Dornan Edwards took 6 for 45 for St Lucia against Grenada. were 55 for 1 when rain stopped play.

In the other first round match at Arnos Vale, Grenada took first innings points over St Lucia.

St Lucia made 127 in their first innings.

Selwyn Boyce and Sadrack Descartes hit 28 each. Grail Phillip took 3 for 19, Deron Hypolite 3 for 37 and Daryl Cyrus 4 for 28.

Grenada in reply made 171. Melvin Gordon top scored with 44, Daniel McDonald 29, Ryan John 26. Dornan Edwards snatched 6 for 45 and Kester Charlemagne took 2 for 19 and St Lucia, batting a second time, reached 104 for 8 when play ended.

Tannis Simon hit 44.

Daryl Cyrus and Daniel McDonold took 2 for 23 and 2 for 3 respectively.

The tournament is expected to finish today.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Roberts, Cupid in Windwards U17 team TWO VINCENTIANS, Vincent Cupid and Shane Roberts, have been included in the Windward Islands under 17 cricket team to compete in the West Indies Under 17 cricket tournament, scheduled for Tobago from July 6th to the 16th, 2014.

Roberts, a left arm seamer, said he has not surprised by his selection, admitting that “I expected it following my performance at the Under 15 level.”

He is “just going to make use of the opportunity and try to do my best once given a chance,” he promised.

Cupid, a left hand top order batsman, said he is looking forward to playing at this level. “I realize it’s a higher level, but based on my preparation, I believe I would be able to compete well,” Cupid said.

The Tournament will see a full complement of eligible countries: defending champion Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, the Leeward Islands, Jamaica and the Windward islands.

The full Windward squad reads:

Vincent Cupid left Shane Roberts hand batter left arm seamer Dyral Cyrus (captain), Christian Charlery (Vicecaptain), Anil Matthews, Ryan John, Emmanuel Stewart, Narun Singh, , Vernelius Gabriel, Nick Elibox, Joshua Mann, Brian Joseph, Alick Athanaze, Deon Burton, Shane Roberts and Vincent Cupid.

Manager is Samuel Holder and coach Mervin Thomas.

I.B.A.ALLEN

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE 2014 WORLD CUP Did you know: * That this will be the first ever World Cup to use Goal-Line Technology”? * That Drones and Robots will be protecting the soccer fans in Rio? * That this will be the most expensive FIFA World Cup ever (14 — 16 billion dollars)? * That there were and will not be any World Cup speeches by FIFA officials? * That the referees will be able to use a vanishing spray to mark free kicks for the first time in a World Cup? * That the first kick of the tournament was taken by a paraplegic teenager? * That teams make special hotel demands, like the Uruguay team who demanded rooms with silent air conditions, and the Ecuador team who demanded Ecuadorian bananas in every room? * That the winning team of the FIFA 2014 World Cup will win a total of US$35 million and the runner-up US25 million?

34. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 04, 2014. 35.

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JULY 04, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.27

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