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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 11, 2013

by HAYDN HUGGINS SENIOR HIGH COURT JUDGE Frederick Bruce-Lyle is concerned about the future of the Criminal Justice System here.

The learned judge is of the view that if lawyers for the prosecution and the defence continue failing to cooperate in order to get the cases moving, the system may start heading for a collapse.

He made the point at the High Court arraignment on Tuesday.

Sixty-nine cases are listed for hearing at the Criminal Assizes which commenced on Wednesday.

The Senior Judge implored lawyers for the prosecution and the defence to, “throw in the towel,” if they don’t have a case.

This is not the first time that Bruce-Lyle had made this call.

He contended that the lawyers who are supposed to assist in the disposal of the cases contribute to the backlog.

VOLUME 107, No.41

were traversed on several occasions.

Lawyers representing some of the persons involved expressed concern about the situation when their clients were arraigned, while some accused persons openly vented their feelings regarding their matters not being heard.

“You feel you could keep me in prison forever. The judge gave a ruling the last time. I fed up now,” declared Webster Woodley of Villa who, along with Grenadian national Sheldon ‘Dutch’ Bain, are awaiting retrial for the 2004 murder of taxi operator Peter Joseph. It was not clear to whom Woodley was referring.

“Take him away,” Justice BruceLyle ordered.

“Take me away. You feel you could take me away forever,” Woodley continued as police officers took him away from the court building.

Previous directives Outbursts by accused Many of the matters down for hearing at the current Assizes

At the previous arraignment, May 7, Justice Wesley James encouraged the office of the

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Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to speed up some matters at the Assizes. He had given the DPP’s office until June 10 to start the retrial involving Woodley and Bain.

James had pointed out then, “You can’t have people waiting in custody for years. It’s just not right. People are languishing.

There comes a time in any case when a decision has to be made”.

He was responding to concerns raised by Woodley’s attorney Jomo Thomas.

Woodley and Bain were each sentenced to 25 years in prison March 2010 for Joseph’s murder.

His body was found at Arnos Vale with gunshot wounds.

The Appeal Court had ordered a retrial for both men after overturning their convictions and sentences.

Continued on Page 3.

Right: Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle reiterated his desire to see prosecution and defence lawyers cooperate so that the wheels of justice can turn faster.

EC$1.50

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2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Rose calls for renewed Fairtrade support

affair organised by the Fairtrade Foundation, and this year was held under the theme, ‘Unlocking the Power of the Many’.

In addressing the theme, Mr Rose spoke of its relevance to the interests of Fairtrade producers, consumers Renwick Rose told the and campaigners. He 2013 Fairtrade called for them to work Supporters Conference “to unlock the that there was need “to together potential power they bring justice and possess…..to bring fairness to the justice and fairness to international trading the international trading system.” system.” This is because, according to Mr Rose, international and WINFA Director Renwick national trading systems Rose has called for “new are “inherently unfair”, re-engagement, renewed commitment, support and and there is little justice partnership on the part of for farmers and workers, particularly in the Fairtrade Foundation developing countries.

(UK), supermarkets and The WINFA Director marketers,” to assist in backed up these charges transforming the agricultural industry in the by reference to the devastation of the Windward Islands.

Windward Islands’ He was at the time banana industry, addressing hundreds of Fairtrade supporters and brought about by trade campaigners gathered at wars, specifically mentioning the infamous the Kensington Town US/EU dispute in the Hall, London, last World Trade Saturday, October 5, on Organisation (WTO) the occasion of the 2013 which ended favourable Fairtrade Supporters’ market access terms and Conference. The Conference is an annual the damaging

supermarket price wars which are negating Fairtrade gains.

He told the gathering that even within the fairtrade movement, there is “a great deal of unease” among small farmers’ and workers’ organisations about the entry of ever-larger entities into the Fairtrade market which is “creating more

competition for already embattled small producers.” Rose called for frank discussion on these issues, whilst ensuring that the rights of all small producers and workers must be respected, and for safeguarding the integrity of the Fairtrade label.

In supporting a call by Fairtrade Foundation

Executive Director Mike Gidney for more courage on the part of Fairtrade supporters for reinvigorated efforts to tackle “unfair” trading practices and widen the scope to broader trade issues, Mr Rose called for greater collaboration between the Fairtrade movement and other civil society organisations.

Among the matters to be

First Peoples Conference in T&T TWO VINCENTIANS are representing this country at the International Conference of First Peoples of the Caribbean and the Americas, which began today, Friday 11th October, and will run until Sunday 13th October, 2013, in Trinidad.

Mr. Edwin Johnson of the Greiggs Black Carib (Garifuna) Community, and Ms. Molena ‘Mel’ Nanton of the Sandy Bay Kalinago community are attending the Conference hosted by the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community of Trinidad, and held under the theme, ‘Exploring Heritage, Consolidating Traditions, Creating a Legacy’.

The Conference is being held in collaboration with The University of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration, Trinidad and Tobago, and carries as its objectives, to: map the cultural continuity of First Peoples communities of the region, including governance systems, gender and the participation of youth; raise awareness of the indigenous spiritual traditions and world views; highlight and propagate the importance of sustainable living practices of First Peoples communities; regenerate the knowledge systems of First Peoples communities in preserving natural resources; revitalize the traditional skills associated with First Peoples culture for the larger

The Santa Rosa First Peoples Community of Trinidad, (some members pictured) hosts the 2013 International Conference of First Peoples of the Caribbean and the Americas. usage by different communities; explore governance systems, politics and international affairs.

The Conference will be held at The University of Trinidad and Tobago, O’Meara Campus, and features seven working Panels, covering the areas of: Youth, gender and elders; Indigenous World Views; Approaches to Spirituality, Rituals and Festivals; Governance and Relationship with the Natural Environment.

In addition, there will be two Performance Panels, showcasing the music, song, dance, handicraft, cuisine and literature of the First Peoples.

St. Vincent’s Nelcia Robinson serves as the Conference Administrator.

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tackled were the continued “retreat from development” on the part of many developed nations, engaging in the post-2015 development dialogue and debate, and the negative effects of trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) being promoted by the European Union, he said.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 3.

News 3 Vincy parrots getting attention in Germany

by KENVILLE HORNE FOUR VINCENTIAN JOURNALISTS will return to the state tomorrow following an assignment in Berlin, Germany.

The Journalists, Duggie ‘Nose’ Joseph — The News newspaper, Audwin Andrews — Searchlight, Nadia Slater - Agency for Public Information(API) and Kenville Horne THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, visited and observed firsthand operations at the state of the art parrot breeding facility in Berlin, where our own national bird, Amazona Guildingii, is housed.

The breeding facility is owned and operated by the Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP)and is home to a wide variety of endangered parrots.

In 2006, the ACTP initiated a long term conservation programme for the national birds with the wildlife authorities in SVG. The programme includes measures to protect the remaining natural habitat of the species, which is crucial for the survival of parrots, and, the extension of the breeding centre and improving the management of the captive breeding population of the parrots at the aviary at the Botanical Gardens.

In 2011, 15 Vincy parrots were transferred to Germany as part of the

St.Lucian Timotheus Jean Baptiste, Project Coordinator, prepares food for the young parrots.

conservation project. Additionally, 14 of the national birds were brought from the United States in 2012.

There are currently 15 pairs of the Amazona Guildingi at the ACTP breeding facility in Berlin.

Care for the young

Katrin Scholtyssek, bird keeper at the ACTO facility, led the delegation through the process of caring for the baby parrots.

At birth and through their infancy, the birds are kept in incubators.

During their early stages of life, they are fed a special food called F 19, their intake of this increasing as they get older. An artificial food referred to as mash, sunflower seeds and F-19 constitute their diet as the birds mature.

Regular checks on weight are made before and after every feeding.

Scholtyssek underscored the importance of having such a project continue in Germany, citing that if there was a large scale natural disaster in SVG, the population in the wild would Katrin Scholtyssek takes extra care in be affected, and the facility feeding a young parrot.

therefore offers a chance to revive the stock.

Care for the adults The adult parrots are housed in a total of 68 well kept aviaries and undergo weekly check-ups by Veterinarian, Dr. Mandy Carnarius.

Dr. Carnarius introduced the delegation to the different types of parrots at the facility, including the Spix’s Macaw, the world’s most endangered parrot, which is said to have last been sighted in the wild in October 2000. It originates in Brazil .

Dr. Carnarius stated that the Vincy parrots are very active and can be aggressive. She also noted that because of the cold climate in Germany, the parrots tend to grow more feathers than when they are in the tropics .

The delegation also visited the University of Berlin, where all of the birds arriving for eventual placement at the ACTP breeding facility have to be first quarantined.

Egyptian born Professor Hafez Mohamed Hafez, Vice President of the World Veterinary Poultry Association and head of the institute of Poultry Diseases at the Free University, gave

A Vincy Parrot secured and well cared for at the ACTP facility in Germany. an in depth explanation of what is undertaken by his Institute.

From all indications, the relationship between the Institute at the University and the ACTP is a close and unencumbered one.

The Vincentian delegation also met with President of ACTP, Martin Guth.

He gave an overview of the project, and this was followed by a demonstration of the administering of Artificial Insemination for parrots.

The visit to Berlin, Germany was funded by the ACTP , while the SVG Ministry of Agricultural facilitated the process.

Judge fears for justice system’s future Harris is to be retried for the murder of Volney ‘Crimo’ Llewelyn, 31, Following Woodley’s outburst on of New Montrose, and Jenine ‘Lucy’ Tuesday, his attorney, Jomo Thomas, Gill, 21, of Villa/Fountain road. Their told the court that it was a case of extensively burnt bodies were mere frustration on the part of his discovered December 15, 2005 in a client. He noted that Woodley had partly burnt house where Gill lived at been in custody since 2005 and his Villa/Fountain road. Autopsies showed matters have been traversed on they died from injuries to the head. several occasions at the assizes.

Other matters traversed Gill also received stab wounds to the Thomas contended that if there was neck and chest. no evidence against his client, the Five years after a twelve member On his arraignment, Junior matter should be dismissed. jury failed to reach a verdict, ex- police Quashie, indicted for the 2009 murder Bain and Woodley are also listed to constable Ericson Harris is still behind of retired librarian Lorna Small stand trial on another murder charge bars awaiting retrial for double shouted, “You guys call my case, call stemming from the death of Livingston murder.

Continued from Frontpage.

Primus, shot at Sion Hill, August 22, 2004. Bain faces two separate charges of murder resulting from the death of Woodley’s stepmother, Rose Clair Williams, and his stepfather, Lancelott Williams, who died in a blaze of gunfire sometime between December 8 and 11, 2004.

my case, please.”

Murder accused Paul Spence complained that his matter had been pending since 2007.

“We are only human when your matter comes up we will hear it,” Justice Bruce-Lyle responded.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin John informed the court that Spence’s matter was short listed and was likely to be heard in the next week or two.

Justices Bruce-Lyle and Wesley James are presiding over the current sitting of the Assizes.

V Another family left to mourn 4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Pointing to the area of the crime, the resident said he told the lady, “ In dey, in dey.”

He decided to take a look himself and saw Curtis lying face down on the ground.

The police were summoned and on arrival cordoned off the area.

and them here, have to be me described him as a nice boy, mother bread.’ From dat me but confirmed that he was na see him again and me na often in trouble, with residents talk to him again, me hear accusing him of ‘handling their them say he dead,” said things.”

Charles.

She spoke of confronting The pain is so much for the him with the complaints grieving mother that she is yet people made against him, but to view her son’s body. She noted that he would always was “holding strong,” but deny any wrongdoing. admitted she was avoiding A mother’s love She insisted that she herself persons who wanted to talk never had any major problem about her son.

Mother, Sharlene Charles, with Curtis, careful to add, “I Sharlene disclosed that she can’t swear for him, because was on her way to her gave birth to Curtis when she you know behind back children daughter’s home when she was 16 years old. He grew up would do what they like.” received a telephone call with his grandmother. informing her of her eldest Curtis was a past student of She is not convinced that child’s death. Curtis was one the Barroullie Primary School Sharlene Charles and another of her children, in a pensive the presence of a father might and the Central Leeward of four children. mood as they contemplate a future without Curtis Charles, a “All me could do was to put have made a difference, but Secondary School. son and a brother respectively. conceded that Curtis was me hands pon me head and The man who was Curtis’ known to be in trouble at say ‘ok’,” Charles said. companion on the way to the

by KENVILLE HORNE manner that left his brain times, something that was She recounted to THE hills was said to be in exposed, sources said. His VINCENTIAN, that ‘Catticks’, highlighted by residents in his protective (police) custody.

SHARLENE CHARLES last saw companion escaped unscathed. as her son was also called, said community and other close Investigations are ongoing. her son on the night of A male resident who lives relatives. constantly that all he wanted Wednesday 2nd October. The near to the area of the crime, Sharlene, to do was to work so that he following morning he was dead. and who spoke to THE though, pledged her could afford to build a house Curtis ‘Bolo’ Charles, 21, of VINCENTIAN under condition love for her son, for her. She knows now that Barrouallie, was on his way to of anonymity, said he was blurting, “Ah me that is not forthcoming. the hills in Peters Hope with feeding his pigs when he heard She vividly remembered the first child, me love another male companion, a loud explosion, but cited, last conversation she had with um no matter what when they were approached by “that like a normal thing me and he use to go her son the night before his a man brandishing a gun. The around here. Then I hear through.” death. man unleashed a single shot, somebody crying like a man, “Wednesday night, a bag a hitting Curtis in the head, in a then I see a lady coming.” bread was on de table. He ask me, ‘Ma dem He was no saint bread is yours?’ Me Sharon Charles, (L-R): Veronica Laborde and Charon say, ‘Na, me Curtis’ Charles, Curtis Charles’ grandmother, just come here grandmother, with helped to care for Curtis when he was a meet e bread whom he grew up, child.

Lawyers to file constitutional action the disclosure to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

ATTORNEY’S KAY Thomas has been Bacchus-Browne and representing Woodley at Jomo Thomas intend to the Assizes, while file a joint constitutional Bacchus-Browne is action in the High Court, defending Bain. based on due delay in The lawyers told THE relation to Webster VINCENTIAN that, Woodley of Villa and according to the law, Grenadian national every defendant is Sheldon ‘Dutch’ Bain, entitled to a fair trial who are facing a number within a reasonable time. of murder charges at the They noted that Woodley Criminal Assizes. and Bain have been in Both lawyers made custody since 2005, and their matters have been traversed on several occasions at the Criminal Assizes. they were each sentenced to 25 years in prison March 2010 for the murder of taxi operator Peter Joseph whose body was found at Arnos Vale in 2004. The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal overturned the convictions and sentences, and ordered a Kay Bacchus-Browne is retrial, still pending. defending Sheldon The two are also listed ‘Dutch’ Bain

by HAYDN HUGGINS

to stand trial for murder, causing actual bodily harm and wounding with intent. These charges stem from an incident at Sion Hill, August 22, 2004 in which Livingston Primus was shot and killed. Bain is charged separately with the murder of Woodley’s mother Rose Clair Williams and his stepfather Lancelott Williams who were gunned down at Redemption Sharpes, December 10, 2004.

Jomo Thomas represents Webster Woodley.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 5.

Regional

The CCJ has given learned interpretation to a decision made by the Region’s Heads.

Landmark ruling by CCJ In what is considered a landmark judgement, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has awarded Jamaican national, Shanique Myrie, damages to be paid by the government of Barbados.

In its ruling delivered at its headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Friday 4th October, 2013, the CCJ awarded damages to the tune of Bds$75,000 (US$37,500), for what it said was wrongful denial of entry into Barbados, subjection to a humiliating cavity search, unlawful detention overnight in a cell, and expulsion from Barbados.

Myrie, in May 2012, had brought action against Barbados, alleging that right to free movement with CARICOM had been violated, and that she was subjected to discrimination on the ground of her nationality when Barbados officials refused her entry into Barbados, March 14, 2011.

The Jamaican’s claims were supported by her government.

While the CCJ ruled in favour of Myrie’s claim of right to free movement, it rejected her claim that she was discriminated against on account of her nationality.

On the matter of freedom of movement, the CCJ held that on the basis of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and a 2007 CARICOM decision made at the twenty-eighth meeting of the conference of heads of government of CARICOM, CARICOM nationals are entitled to enter CARICOM member states, without harassment or the imposition of impediment, and to stay for up to six months.

The Court further stated that the right requires member states to give the refused person written reasons for the refusal, and also to advise them of their entitlement to access meaningful judicial review.

Shanique Myrie’s victory has set precedent for the region.

The right may be denied, according to the CCJ, only where “the receiving state establishes that the visitor is an undesirable person or one likely to become a charge on public funds”, and defined ‘undesirable’ as “a person who poses or can reasonably be expected to pose a genuine present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society”.

The Court also ordered Barbados to refund Myrie her medical expenses, her airline ticket and her reasonable legal expenses.

In an immediate response to the CCJ’s ruling, Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, Sharon Saunders, hailed the ruling as fair and labelled as a victory for all CARICOM nationals who felt they were unjustly treated.

For sale: One slice of bread JAMAICA IS KNOWN for Jam$103.48.)

The newspaper quotes having impacted the world one shopkeeper, Sandra scene with its reggae Campbell, as saying , music and its hosts of “When you operating track and field icons.

But amidst all the pride business in the inner-city you have to come up with and sense of accomplishment as per the creative ways to meet above, the largest English- customers.”

The retailing of a slice speaking Caribbean island has, in recent times, come of bread is but one way of upon some harsh economic meeting the needs of customers, it appears. times, but this has not As it stands, the daunted the creativity and average ordinary citizen in resilience of its people.

And as a result of those Jamaica is today buying less as they earn less, and harsh economic times, the situation is Jamaica may just have compounded with high given the world another unemployment especially first. among inner-city folk.

The Jamaica Observer newspaper of October 7 reports that as inner city shopkeepers strive to ‘keep their heads above the turbulent waters’, some of them have taken to selling a single slice of bread for as much as Jmd$20.00.

Tivoli Gardens, one of the inner-city (As of October communities in Kingston, Jamaica 7, US$1.00 where shopkeepers have had to was equivalent come up with creative ways of to

staying afloat.

Another shopkeeper is reported, by the Jamaica Observer, as saying that while she has been buying items Some shopkeepers in the in bulk and retailing inner-city communities in them in smaller Jamaica have taken to quantities for some time, she has had, in selling one slice of bread. recent times, to and, despite major reduce those quantities challenges, the country is even further. said to have ‘comfortably’ That shopkeeper may met the conditions of the not yet be offering a slice loan during its first of bread for sale but she admitted that many of her performance review. customers cannot afford more than a quarter of a loaf of bread at any one purchase.

Cook shop and small restaurant operators have also adjusted to suit the times. One cook shop operator explained that he now offers a meal of rice and peal and chicken back for as low as Jam$10.00.

According to the Jamaica Observer, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reports that the unemployment rate in Jamaica stood at 16.30 per cent in the second quarter of 2013.

Jamaica is currently locked in a $944 million four-year loan programme with the IMF

(L-R): Dr. Jean Holder, Captain Ian Brunton and PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the welcome ceremony marking the arrival of the first LIAT ATR aircraft in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Brunton gave no reason for resigning CAPTAIN IAN BRUNTON resigned his position as CEO of LIAT without giving any reason(s) for his decision.

This is according to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Chairman of the Shareholders Group of LIAT who, on Thursday last week, said that he “does not know why Ian Brunton resigned as the airline’s chief executive officer after just one year on the job.”

LIAT’s board of directors announced late in September that it had accepted Brunton’s resignation, effective October 1.

“I really don’t know what are the reasons for Captain Brunton’s resignation because none was offered; certainly, I have not seen any communications offered to the Chairman and sent to me, or the person who is acting Chairman, Isaac Solomon, who is a Vincentian,” Gonsalves said.

Dr. Gonsalves did admit receiving a copy of an email sent to the chairman Jean Holder and to Isaac Solomon.

In Dr. Gonsalves’ assessment, Brunton may have been having thoughts about his resignation.

The matter, however, was addressed with some degree of expediency by the Board which has the authority so to do.

None of the major shareholder representatives, PM Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda, PM Freundel Stuart of Barbados nor PM Dr. Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was involved in the decision to accept Brunton’s resignation, and neither was anyone of them involved in any attempt to convince him to withdraw his resignation, this according to Dr. Gonsalves.

Ian Brunton was recruited by LIAT after he parted ways with Caribbean Airlines (CAL) for what reports say were problems with the authorities. (Source: Caribbean 360 News)

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6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

The 2013 recipients of the Sr. Pat Award for Excellence with, Acting Principal Ms. Jennifer Browne (4th from right front).

SJCM hands out Awards STUDENTS, parents, sponsors, wellwishers and staff gathered in the Javouhey Hall of St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua on Friday 27th September, to witness the presentation of the 2013 Sr. Pat Award for excellence.

Thirty-one students, a Peace Corps Volunteer and a long-serving teacher were so awarded.

After the procession of awardees, the singing of the National Anthem, an opening prayer by Sr. Gertrude Tang Kai and the reading of a profile of Sr. Patricia Ann (Pat) Douglas in whose name and memory the awards are made, there was a moving tribute to Sr. Mary Paul Sellier, who died on August 21st this year.

Sr. Mary Paul was the first principal of the then Marriaqua Secondary School, from 1968 to 1970.

She set a firm foundation through her dedication and indomitable spirit, for the school.

Ms. Browne, acting Principal while substantive principal Sr. Jacinta Wallace is on study leave, then gave an overview of the Award scheme, after which awardees were presented

with their certificates, cheques and award buttons by the representatives of the sponsors.

This year, the school recognized the outstanding contribution made by former Peace Corps Volunteer Mrs. Danielle McCarthy nee Pack, who founded and operates the Denniston Thomas Foundation which assists economically challenged students, and Ms. Lynn Cevene, who has been teaching Visual Arts and English Literature at SJCM for the past 22 years.

Zeon Ballantyne thanked everyone for their contribution to the awards ceremony, and reminded awardees that he wished to see them on stage again next year, along with many more other students.

The Sr. Pat Award for Excellence is an initiative of the school’s principal, Sr. Jacinta Wallace, who saw it fit to honour the memory of Sr. Patricia Ann Douglas, a former principal, who sought to create a value system that enriches the spirit, emboldens the heart and nourishes the minds of those within and without the walls of the School. (Contributed)

In-De-Pan-Dance is on THE POTENTIAL STEEL ORCHESTRA of Calliaqua has confirmed that its annual In-De-PanDance variety concert will be staged this year.

According to a release by the Orchestra, the activity is slated for Sunday 20th October at the pan yard in Calliaqua.

This is welcome news, given that there was some concern that the activity, which has been staged as an independence celebration activity for the last twenty years or so, might have been shelved in favour of the ‘open air concerts’ organized by the Youlou Pan Movement.

This year’s In-De-Pan-Dance, to mark the 34th anniversary of independence of this country, will feature, in addition to the usual wide repertoire of the Potential Steel Orchestra, the sensational Shaunelle McKenzie, a native of Calliaqua, who is making her 20th year as an active calypso/soca performing artiste.

The concert will also include a segment by the New Dimension Steel Orchestra as well as vocal performances by members of the

Potential Steel Orchestra.

Potential Steel Orchestra remains one of the ‘unsponsored’ steel orchestras here in SVG, but this has not prevented them from remaining active participants in pan-related activities.

The Orchestra is noted for being one of the pioneers in blending voices and steel in live performances here.

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

News

UWI encouraging reading Head is hoping that reading will improve people’s ability to think.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE West She noted that, “English Indies Open Campus and the continues to be a challenge at Vincentian Association of the CXC level.”

Artists, Writers and Producers The Fair will include a Book Incorporated hold the second and Visual Art Exhibition annual Literary Fair next week, organised by Bookshops here. beginning Thursday, October 17.

Vincentian Jasmine Davis The event will run for four will launch her publication days and will be staged under ‘Modern Day Slave Drivers,’ the theme, ‘Read! Think! while Antigua and Barbuda’s Grow!’

Dorbrene Omarde will Deborah Dalrymple, Head introduce his publications of the Open Campus, stressed ‘King Short Shirt: Nobody go the importance of this year’s run me- The Life theme, at a media launch last and times of Sir Tuesday, at the Campus, the Maclean proceedings of which were Emmanuel’ and chaired by Ronnie Daniel, ‘Send out your Marketing Assistant of the hand.’

UWI Open Campus.

There will also “One of the things we want be an evening of to encourage is reading,” poetry featuring Dalrymple stated. some of the best of According to Dalrymple, the St. Vincent and the theme is a call “to strengthen Grenadines. reading in all our places of The Literary learning, and also to Fair forms part of emphasise the benefits that the national can be derived nationally from Independence the joy of reading, writing, celebrations, and is creating and performing.” designed to The UWI Open Campus “showcase by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Deborah Dalrymple, Head of UWI Open Campus, SVG, noted the fair’s focus on encouraging a culture of reading.

Rene Baptiste, President VAAWP, invited young persons to exhibit their work.

Vincentian talent in literary, visual and performing arts sectors of our society.”

According to Dalrymple, “the Fair is one of the ways in which the Open Campus seeks to fulfil its mandate in centring the Arts and to emphasise the importance of literary competencies to our nation’s development.”

Rene Baptiste, President of the Vincentian Association of Artists Writers and Producers Incorporated, also addressed the launch.

She highlighted the links between literature and culture.

Baptiste called on young people who have produced films and documentaries to bring their works.

“This is an opportunity. The door of opportunity is open.

Please walk through it,” Baptiste implored.

The Association is expected to present a number of awards during the period of the Fair.

In a related activity, Verene Shepherd, Professor of Social

History, Department of History and Director of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, will deliver the UWI Open Campus hosted 2013 Annual Independence Lecture, scheduled for Tuesday October 22 at 7: 00 pm, at the Methodist Church Hall.

She will speak on the topic, ‘CARICOM and the Decade for People of African descent: A post-colonial imperative’.

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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

The CCJ and precedence THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE (CCJ) ruling in the Shanique Myrie matter will not go down well with some, if not the majority of CARICOM member countries, regardless of how much the current bunch of leaders will sing their own praises of how they have ensured an independent judiciary for the region; that the state and the judiciary are indeed separate, and neither can influence the other.

If the truth be told, that is indeed something of which we can be proud.

Barbados, however, will not take kindly after having been found in error (breach of the Treaty of Chaguaramas), even as Jamaica demonstrates nothing short of jubilation with the ruling.

The CCJ is entrusted with interpreting disputes brought under the articles of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (revised on July 5, 2001 and entered into force February 04, 2001). An individual may apply to the CCJ for redress if his or her government will not take up the case.

So, when the CCJ pronounces judgement accordingly, especially during this time of its infancy, it sets precedent, until such time as another group of learned men and women is called to comprise the court, and might consider a different interpretation.

As it stands, CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron is forthcoming when he warns that the (Myrie) ruling sets the standard that is to be observed by all CARICOM member states. Precedent is set. Follow it!

Shanique Myrie’s victory, therefore, is, as has been echoed throughout the region, a victory for freedom of movement as set out by the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

But this ruling is not without qualification, lest we be carried away in celebration of the Barbados error.

The CCJ in its detailed statement on the Myrie case, set out as pellucid as they could, that there are grounds on which a CARICOM member can refuse entry to a national of another CARICOM member country.

According to the Court, the right of entry can be denied if the “receiving state establishes that the visitor is an undesirable person or one likely to become a charge on public funds”. The Court goes on to define ‘undesirable’ as a person who “poses or can reasonably be expected to pose a genuine present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society”.

The bottom line is: you can be turned back, denied entry, asked to leave. Detained? That’s seems open for ‘interpretation’.

The Myrie matter, therefore, while setting precedent founded on the basis of a particular incident, gives protection to the receiving country’s jurisdiction. The movement of persons is not a freedom that is carte blanche, and that we must understand.

The ruling will, however, cause or should cause the Barbados authorities to act with an improved sense of respect for CARICOM nationals, in particular the nationals of OECS countries who have long endured insults and at times total disdain for their nationality, at the hands of Barbados Immigration and Customs officials.

There have been more than enough recorded cases of unjust treatment, and our Prime Minister, readers will recall, did raise this concern with his Barbados colleague some time ago.

But readers’ attention is here drawn to a similar but pending matter before the CCJ. The CCJ will begin hearing in November 2013, an application brought by an individual, Jamaica-born Maurice Tomlinson, against the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. Tomlinson took the decision to apply as an individual after the Jamaican government refused to act on his behalf.

Tomlinson, a well known Jamaican gay activist and attorney, has been prevented from entering those two countries, on the basis of the application of their respective Immigration Acts, which include ‘homosexuals’ as a class or group of prohibited immigrants.

Interestingly, the Treaty of Chaguaramas commits each member state to the goal of free movement within the Community, with a specific right accorded to university graduates.

It would be another precedent setting ruling when the CCJ considers which, the Immigration Acts or the Treaty of Chaguaramas, supersedes the other as it applies to the Tomlinson matter.

What this may hold, as far as speculation is concerned, is a bringing into focus of not only a question of freedom of movement, but the laws relating to homosexuality in CARCOM members states — laws that may well be found to be discriminatory.

The million dollar question: Would the ruling in the Tomlinson matter cause a repealing of the laws against homosexuals that currently prevail across the CARICOM region?

We should follow this case with the same degree of fervent attention as we did Shanique Myrie’s.

Precedent could well be on the verge of being set, once again, by an independent judiciary and not a conclave of Heads of Government.

Jomo: Man of the moment JOMO THOMAS has been appointed a government Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House by Comrade Ralph Gonsalves.

As all political commentators know, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the unexpected is expected to appear at any time. So much so, that I was at a loss in choosing the title of my piece this week.

I thought of a few catchy phrases such as: “Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly”; “Does every man have his price”’; “If you can’t beat them, join them”: “Two-man rat can’t live in the same hole”. I rejected them all in favour of the more moderate, morally neutral statement in which Jomo Thomas is without doubt, “The men of the moment”.

The issue is still controversial in that it is well known and popularly accepted that Dr. Gonsalves likes to hog the lime-eight always, and will not for long tolerate anyone — least of all his own hand-picked member — to grab the headlines at this expense. But that is running ahead. We need to tread gingerly and circumspectly when we deal with national questions of such complexity and moment.

Ralph and Jomo were members of Yulimo in 1979, which joined the PDM to emerge with the UPM. Soon after the 1979 elections, the PDM cut out when Ralph laid down that the group must be declared “communist”. Ralph continued as leader of the group, with Jomo as a young and admiring acolyte.

In 1982, Ralph left his own Party and, for whatever reason, formed the MNU, taking along ‘Blazer’ Williams and Casper London with him. The UPM continued under the leadership of Oscar Allen, then Adrian Saunders, with Renrick Rose, Mike Browne, Jomo and others in.

I recalled seeing my former UPM colleagues in Grenada in the self-same 1982, whither we had been invited separately by the PRG to enjoy celebration of the Peoples Revolution.

By the following year, a split in the PRG between factions of Maurice Bishop and Bernard Coard ended in tragedy. It would appear that the UPM was sympathetic to the Coard group, following the Jamaicans under Trevor Munro, while the MNU sided with the Bishop faction, to the extent that one MNU headline blurted out during the historic trials to “Hang ‘Em all”, meaning Coard and company, the convicted murderer.

The UPM and MNU continued on their separate ways, fighting the 1989 elections in which the NDP won all fifteen elected seats.

After that, UPM folded up, while the MNU soldiered on strengthened by the likes of Mike Browne and Robby Fitz Patrick. Alliances and agreements were struck up with a weakened Labour Party and ‘Independents’ who found intolerable the country’s ‘misdevelopment’ into a one-party state, which in fact was a oneparty government where other parties were left free to contest.

The 1994 elections returned 12 NDP and an opposition of Labour — MNU in Beache and Straker, and Gonsalves for the first time.

Jomo was nowhere around at the time, having gone to study in New York from where he however, kept up his political stacks back home by liaising with various groups, including NGO. Jomo returned post 2001 and flirted with

the new government of the ULP, earning gainful employment with the then Social Investment Fund, from which he was dismissed after a quarrel with Ralph.

Jomo then made himself busy in building a promising law practice, published a weekly column in ‘THE VINCENTIAN’, anchored a weekly talk show at WE FM, apart from putting in a weekly blurb, ‘Straight Talk’ at IKTV. Apart from all this, Jomo still found time to deliver occasional lectures and participate in radio panel discussions.

He rapidly gained popularity, which goaded him into forming a new group known as the People’s Movement for Change (PNC) which generally spoke a language not dissimilar from the ULP, but appeared jealously to maintain an independent existence.

Not for the first time, Jomo caught the Prime Minister’s eye and was made in quick succession chairman of the Slavery Reparation Committee, which is a long-term promise, and chairman of the committee to decide the matter of selecting national heroes of SVG. From this latter committee, Jomo has resigned on the ground of the Prime Minister’s uninvited interference in their deliberations by advocating, in a public lecture, that Milton Cato be considered whereas, principles apart, Jomo is on record, along with other friends of the ULP — Oscar Allen, Renwick Rose, Caspar London (deceased), to be unalterably opposed to Cato’s preferment.

The boley will burst around February next year when Gonsalves attempts to sanctify Cato in order to enhance Camillo’s chances in East Saint George. If Gonsalves does not back down, then all hell will let loose, and anything can happen.

Incidentally, I have a hunch that Luke will not relish a second defeat at Arnhim’s hand, and may well be switched to Marriaqua, Kirk DaSilva having not been named the third Senator being a straw in the wind. That creates a vacancy in East Kingstown that could well be filled by Jomo.

There could be an early carnival in Marriaqua if it is true that Girlyn wishes her daughter to be her replacement, and former Senator Juliet George wishes the same for her son! Family affair is nobody’s thoroughfare.

To go back to the main story: Jomo just looked wrong in the newspaper’s picture of the three new senators. He just looks as if he does not belong. But that may be only appearances.

Already Jomo has flexed his muscles, threatening to sue Junior Bacchus, a la Gonsalves.

Seriously, Jomo can make little impact. He will live on the eyebrow of Ralph. Being an unelected, he is expendable; one false move and he is out. I admire his courage, but I do not think he can bring change. Where goes the PMC in all this? Jomo may have miscalculated in imagining that Ralph’s age has slowed up his physical movement as well as his uncanny brain.

I forgot the one advantage. If ever Jomotook the speaker’s chair, it would be cheese to chalk. But I don’t think he would get a real chance. It’s beginning to look increasingly as a case of “come into my palour said the spider to the fly”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 9.

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Misled by a preacher I am a 50-year-old woman with three children, all of adult age. Their father and I have been together before they were born. He was the only man in my life.

I have attended two (2) crusades meetings at different times, and I was touched by the speaker’s message. The message asked that I be baptized to receive forgiveness and a blessing. No one said at that time that I had to be single or married.

Now that I have approached the pastor to be baptized, he tells me that I must ask the man with whom I have been living in a common-law relationship for over thirty (30) years to marry or I should leave him.

Sir, I was so foolish. I took the preacher’s advice, but I am yet to be baptized. And worse, I

am not working. The church and the preacher are not giving me any alms to feed myself or my children. I have to live with my sister, who is living in a commonlaw relationship, but is also a mini-prostitute. I am afraid that she may lead me into it also. My ex had prepared a home for myself and his children. This I vacated with the help of my sister.

But let me get back to the question of baptism.

When Phillip spoke to the Enoch about baptism, did Phillip put any hindrance in the Enoch’s way? Did John the Baptizer place any restriction on the people of his time?

Sir, when we were ruled by the governor, there was a saying that anyone can go to a preacher at anytime and ask to be baptized and

the preacher had to baptize him/her, or else he was banned from preaching. Also, no church door was to be locked so as to allow a sinner to go and pray to his God at anytime. Was this because Britain gave 1 pound for each slave or black man baptized into Christianity?

Legally, can I not take this preacher to court for breaking up my home and driving me into poverty, which I had not known for the last 30 years?

Christ asks of us to break bread and wine in remembrance of his death on the cross (for this no one can be refused). He also asks that one should repent of his wrong doing and be baptized. This also is taking part of his death on the cross, but the preachers are preventing or refusing one of this

His privilege.

They are also lying to us that we will be going to heaven. If so, then when will the New City of Jerusalem be coming down to earth?

Hurting in poverty

Other priorities FORGIVE ME, but I think there are other priorities other than reparations, at this point in time.

I want to see those who have become the vanguard of this reparation movement join the fight to combat AIDS/HIV that is taking toll among the productive sectors of our population.

I want to see that vanguard join in a national effort to encourage a harmonious relationship among all of us, so that we could refrain from settling our disputes by violent means.

I want to see the reparations vanguard reach across political barriers to address the growing unemployment among young people here.

I want to see the reparations leaders making a serious effort to encourage decent politics in this country.

I want to see the leading lights of reparation come down from their mighty thrones and admit that our men are still sexually exploiting our young women. Let them point fingers at the culprits.

I want to see the reparations vanguard look into the question of fair prices for our produce.

You see, I may sound as though I don’t support the reparations effort, but it’s just that I see too many other problems, right here in our own backyard, and right now, that need our attention.

Patriot

A.C.E. on employment mission Legalise ganja I MUST LET the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) know that the Adult and Continuing Education Department (A.C.E.), located at Lower Middle Street, is determined to prepare its trainees, graduates and as many adults as possible, for employment, whether as selfemployed, public or private employees.

The considerations are the global economic climate and A.C.E.’s mission to “train for employment, productivity, economic growth and diversification.”

Business knowledge is powerful in the hand of any prospective entrepreneur. Peter F. Drucker states: “Most of what you hear about entrepreneurship is all wrong. It’s not magic; it’s not mysterious; and it has nothing to do with genes. It’s a discipline and, like any discipline, it can be learnt.”

These sentiments are underlined by The Honorable Winston C. Dookeran, of Trinidad and Tobago, writing in the Forward to the book ‘Business Mystery De-mystified by Ramganie Bob Gopee: “Entrepreneurship is a primary pillar of development, and such entrepreneurship must unlock local talents that will encourage a cadre of ‘builders’ for the development of our country. A culture of young entrepreneurs must be fostered in an everchanging global financial situation as stock market volatility and commodity trading pose new risks to economic stability.”

Finally, The Eastern Caribbean

Central Bank in a workshop held in 2012, stated that the reason why it is promoting entrepreneurship development is to create more opportunities for employment, wealth creation and poverty reduction. It has set targets of reducing unemployment to 6%, and increasing annual economic growth to 6% - 7%.

“With better informed and educated entrepreneurs and work force at all levels,” says Sybil Welsh of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, “production and

efficiency would increase; financial institutions and investors would be more willing to increase lending to businesses.”

Take advantage of the A.C.E. Business Education program; it will compliment your knowledge base. You never know when you might need it!

Desrie J.K. Richards (Mrs.) PROGRAM OFFICER for Entrepreneurial and Professional Development

A new leadership is coming OUR LEADERS do not understand themselves. They depend on their physical senses and their academic consideration, failing to develop the spiritual capacity to understand how our God created this earth. King Solomon asked in Proverbs 20:24: ‘How can a man understand his own ways?’

We live in a marvellous age the Technological/Informatics Revolutionary Age. Perhaps, as we traverse this age, we may learn that there is a greater power than the physical and the academic.

We who are spiritually enlightened understand the power that is wrapped up in the soil of the earth — the force that provides us with every ounce of food we eat, all our clothing, all our shelters, and every dollar we have in our pockets.

We know that our Creator is going to replace today’s leadership with his own leaders — those born again with the spirit of the oneness of our Creator and

humanity.

Oppressive and exploitive systems will be no more. James 5 says that the cry of the working people who were enslaved, oppressed and exploited has reach to heaven, and God is going to answer.

Do you see the power of the young Christian Democrats at the St. Joseph’s Convent, Kingstown?

God is going to raise up a young Christian Democrat to lead this country soon.

The ULP kingdom is fighting against itself. Just imagine Jomo Thomas is going to court with the education revolution. That is a matter for the Ministry of Education, not the law court.

The PM met airport money to start construction. What did he do with it? Waste it on a so-called cross country road?

God is going to replace them with Christian Democrat Youth.

A Christian Democrat

IF WE LEGALIZE marijuana, we could provide a better and safer way of living for many people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Just look at North Leeward — you think half of what you see there would have been possible without marijuana?

Nothing has happened in North Leeward for years to bring some new employment * When are we opportunities, especially going to have a for young people. People properly functioning can no longer look to the outgoing (head out) politicians for any light on Rock Fort? solutions.

It’s a year since this But the politicians light has not be functioning could save themselves by properly. Are we to supporting the move to wait for another legalise marijuana. year before it is From what I replaced? understand, marijuana is * When is not addictive, and can VINLEC going to treat people who are ill. attend to that nonfunctioning street That being the case, it light (street dark if could and would bring you ask me) great revenue to our between the state. It would create Teachers’ Credit many jobs for people who Union and The are unemployed, and who Lotto offices in knows, bring down the Paul’s Avenue? Are we to have another cost of treating sick fatal shooting or persons here.. something like that Let’s get going on in that area before changing the laws now!

VINLEC responds? * Why is our new ProGanja Senator bothering himself with that case on behalf of that student at Convent school?

Doesn’t he know that even if he wins and beats up his chest, the girl will never feel comfortable again at the Convent School, which would be worse for her in the long run?

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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

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The Prime MinisterÊs Address to the 68th session of the UN The Issue AS AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION the United Nations is regarded as the chief deliberative body in matters related to multilateral and international policy matters. It also plays an important role in the settling of conflicts and disputes, and international law.

Established in 1945, the UN Charter sets out clearly, the mandate of the organization. The General Assembly of the UN is the body set up for multi-lateral discussions on a wide range of international matters.

It is also the body that approves a number of matters related to the functioning of the United Nations, including its budget, and the election of members to the various committees.

The General Assembly meets once per year, mainly between the months of September and December. During the opening session of the General Assembly, each member country sends a representative to deliver an address.

Usually it is the head of the member country or the minister of foreign affairs who delivers the address at the General Assembly.

This is an opportunity for country leaders to sketch out their views about world events. Small countries like St.Vincent and the Grenadines view the UN General Assembly as a platform to enunciate on a wide range of matters, and build links and relationships that are critical for future development. This year is no different. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves delivered the UN General Assembly address on behalf of his country, and it is widely accepted that this was perhaps his best effort to date.

Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ULP then had to create a new foreign relations policy, seeking new friends, which can provide a new level of assistance, and become partners in the development process. The ULP administration has become bold and pragmatic, principled yet realistic, creative while at the same time wellgrounded.

It is this policy, and the search for new friends, that has resulted in the development of the country, from the housing revolution to the international airport project at Argyle and the bridge over the Rabacca Dry River. It is this policy that has resulted in our young people going abroad in large numbers, to further their education.

And it is in the furtherance of this policy that saw Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves meeting so many heads of governments and their foreign ministers at the United Nations.

Addressing critical international matters As is normal when Prime Minister Gonsalves addresses the General Assembly, he speaks about the Cuban blockade by the United States; the Taiwan issue, where that country is being prevented from participating in the work of UN agencies; climate change; reparation and the traffic in small arms.

This year; he took up an issue that most leaders have been quiet about, and that is the cholera epidemic in Haiti. He referred to the situation where UN peacekeepers contaminated The Millennium Development Goals a drinking water supply in that In his address, Prime Minister Dr. country, resulting in an outbreak of Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the cholera that killed 8,000 innocent strides made by this country in the Haitians, and infected 600,000 others. people-centred approach to This is a matter that has not gone development and poverty alleviation.

He highlighted the fact that St.Vincent anyway at the United Nations; but Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the Grenadines was one of 18 was strong and robust in his call for countries recognized by the FAO for the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki achieving the MDG goal #1, that of Moon to “acknowledge unambiguously, halving the proportion of hungry and apologise for, this organisation’s people in the state, to below five role in the tragedy, and to take percent of the population by 2015.

He also highlighted the achievement immediate steps to compensate the victims and their families”. of the more strident goal of the World It is for this and other reasons why Food Summit, of halving the absolute number of hungry people by 2015. As a people regard Dr. Gonsalves as the foremost leader in the Caricom region. people, we have celebrated these achievements in a number of ways.

Conclusion Sadly. the opposition NDP, led by Finally, let us produce this Face Arnhim Eustace, simply cannot book comment from the Hon. Frederick understand the importance of this Stephenson at his first UN General achievement. Here we have a small, Assembly: vulnerable country without any “My greatest moment attending the natural resources, and in the middle of 68th General Meeting of the United a debilitating global economic and Nations was last Friday afternoon. The financial crisis, achieving this goal UN protocol officers came to the seat ahead of schedule. This points to an where St.Vincent and the Grenadines administration that cares about the was seated and invited PM Gonsalves poor, that is willing to put in place programmes, to fight poverty, and that out of the meeting hall in preparation for his address. As he was leaving, the has the leadership to execute these Prime Minister of Samoa who was programmes and more, to fight seated to our right got up from his poverty, and still maintain good governance, democracy and individual seat, shook PM Gonsalves’ hand and said, ‘make us proud minister Prime liberties.

Minister.’ I could not help the tears flowing down my cheeks. I too, felt Foreign Policy Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves very proud as a Vincentian hearing those remarks. God Bless you, PM. in his address, pointed to the The world looks to you for leadership. contraction of overseas development St.Vincent and the Grenadines assistance, ODA, from the developed countries. In fact, as he terms it, there continues to rely on your leadership and dedication to nation building and was a “significant backsliding” in this national development. The region regard. The fact is that 16 of the 25 respects your abilities to lead and your developed countries that signed on to devotion to regional integration. Thank “develop a global partnership for God for a leader like you”. development”, reduced the level of assistance to small countries like St.

Thank you ÂEGÊ ELWARDO ‘EG’ LYNCH burst on the scene in 2001 as host of the New Times radio programme, the political programme of the New Democratic Party (NDP). He immediately took the airwaves by storm with his humour and guile, and before long, he was deemed the most popular talk show host in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Not surprisingly, therefore, calypsonian ‘Rastaman I’ won the NDP calypso competition with a calypso entitled ‘Mr. Lynch, Mr. Lynch’.

Between 10:30 A.M and 1:45 P.M on weekdays, radios in the country and computers here and in the Diaspora were locked on to NICE Radio.

Vincentians all over wanted to hear Mr. Lynch on the New Times programme. They enjoy the style he employed to address the issues that were affecting the country. His was a unique style and, once it captured you, no one moved the radio dial for the duration of the programme.

Through the New Times Programme, Mr. Lynch was instrumental in keeping the Party’s base together, especially during the critical period just after the 2001 general elections when the NDP was rebuilding with its new leader, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace. He also got the party’s message across, not only to the NDP’s supporters but to those who supported the ULP and to independent voters.

As host of the NEW Times programme, he encouraged callers to ask his guests tough questions., Mr. Lynch was of the opinion that asking tough questions helped to get more information from the NDP members across to the general public.

During elections campaign, EG Lynch chaired most of the NDP’s public meetings, and thousands of Vincentians attended those meetings not only to hear the party’s programmes and policies, but to see and hear the diminutive but powerful EG Lynch. He captivated the audience for the duration of those meetings.

Moreover, he became friends with hundreds of NDP supporters who made significant contributions to him and are still making those contributions today. Mr. Lynch will tell you even though the ULP was hostile to him, he made friends with some ULP supporters.

There were times when Mr. Lynch broke away from the politics on the programme and dealt with other issues. For instance, he dealt with diabetes, hypertension, reparations and child abuse. From those programmes, important information was given to the general public, and they also generated fruitful discussions. In addition, they attracted callers that would not have normally called the political programme. Besides those issues, he had a special way in which he began his programme. He always started with his regional and international news roundup, and made comments and created lively discussions from the news.

EG Lynch was a thorn in the side of the ULP regime and its supporters, and soon became an enemy to the ULP. He viciously attacked the ULP government and exposed the problems confronting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whether it was corruption, victimisation, the mismanagement of the economy, bad roads , rat infested schools, the hospital, rape, walking on the beach or going to Rome. There were also instances when he unleashed stinging attacks on individuals when they crossed his path. Because of all those attacks on the ULP and its supporters, he was made to suffer. He was taken to court on a number of occasions and endured tremendous pain at the hands of the ULP. He was charged huge sums of money. Mr. Lynch also lost his property, but “EG” was not silent. All the punishment made him stronger and got “EG’ to talk more.

Unfortunately, Mr. Lynch’s health began to fail him in 2011. After visiting doctors in St. Vincent, he was referred to specialist physicians overseas and spent some time in Barbados and the USA. When he returned to the state, it took him a while before he went back on the radio. He returned to the radio waves in 2012 and immediately started firing again on the New Times programme. But that was only for a brief period. One day, while hosting the Programme, Mr. Lynch took ill and was hospitalised; since that incident, he has not been heard on radio.

Presently, Mr. Lynch is resting comfortably in a nursing home. He listens religiously to the New Times programme, the programme which he once hosted. The NDP continues to take excellent care of him. He is visited regularly by the party’s leader, the Hon. Arnhim Eustace, and other members of the NDP. He still receives his monthly financial contribution from the party. Mr. Lynch is very special to the NDP and will always be remembered by the party.

Mr. Lynch’s contribution to the NDP was exceptional, and for that the NDP expresses its heartfelt thanks to him. Words cannot express our gratitude for the service he rendered to the party. Mr. Lynch was a tower of strength even when the odds were against him. Once again, ‘EG’, thank you. We know that members of the NDP and the nation are praying for you.

Mr. Lynch constantly reminded us that it was Major St. Clair Leacock who introduced him to radio, and that he was eternally grateful to the major.

Mr. Leacock, we also thank you.

And we close with ‘EG’s’ closing words to every New Times programme that he hosted: “If it is the will of the Lord, I’ll be back tomorrow. That’s how it is, ladies and gentlemen, in this country.”

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Touched by a book

“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but how many can get through to you.” Mortimer Jerome Adler (1902–2001) American philosopher, educator, professor, author, delivered down from generation to generation, as presents to the editor, innovator. posterity of those who are yet I ALWAYS TREASURE BOOKS, especially unborn.” This truism is especially important to imbibe when the writer those that I receive as gifts. My first gets through to his audience; treasured literary collection was Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. I had received it in inspiring positive change (even if subconscious). recognition for being a helpful student Most recently, a dear friend while attending the Kingstown presented me with a gift of Mitch Preparatory School “many moons ago”.

Albom’s 2003 novel entitled “The five It is possible that my fond memories of people you meet in heaven”. Once I this gift revolved around the fact that, commenced reading the book, I was while other students were recognized for outstanding academic performance, immediately challenged to read its entire 196 pages. In doing so, it was my award was based on civic easy for me to understand why the responsibility. Academic excellence is publication quickly became a #1 New admirable, desirable, and should be York Times Best Seller; over seven recognized. But this should not be at million copies have been sold to date. the expense of the “softer skills” like The writer, among other things, courage, helpfulness, respect, honesty highlighted the significant impact and so on. that we each have on other persons.

My mother presented me with another of my treasured books. I was The story revolves around a quiet in my early teens then. It did not cost elderly gentleman (Eddie) who dies while saving the life of a little child at much (in monetary terms) but it the amusement park where he changed my life for the better. My worked. On entering heaven he goes visionary mother was “thinking through a sequence of being outside the box” long before the introduced to five persons whose lives expression became popular among were intertwined with his during his business professors and students.

She had bought me a “Teach yourself sojourn on earth; some recaptured pleasant experiences while others to type” (at Robertson’s Bookstore) revealed unpleasant aspects of Eddie’s after I had expressed an interest in life that he would rather forget. using her small, portable, Ollevitti Although the novel has no biblical Typewriter. I developed typing skills basis, it highlights the fact that we all during an era when it was a no-no for have significant roles to play while on boys to do so. That skill has helped me throughout my academic journeys. earth. Our actions (and lack of action) influence the lives of so many It is interesting to note that I still others … positively and negatively. It have my Tom Sawyer, the typing therefore behooves us to constantly book, and the portable typewriter.

And I periodically display them when seek opportunities for adding value to encouraging youngsters to read and/or the lives of those whose paths we cross in our homes, in schools, on the develop typing skills. job, in our churches, and so on. We A few years ago, I received a Christmas gift of Joel Wheeler’s book have so many opportunities to do good and to shun evil. There are so many entitled “Heart to Heart Stories for persons whose lives we could enhance Dads”. I read the entire book over with a word of encouragement, a note that Christmas Holiday and was of appreciation, a simple smile, a challenged by the skillful manner in listening ear, and so on. These which the author used stories about seeming “little things” could make big fatherhood to reveal where I was deposits in others and be like winds defective in that field. The book beneath their wings. encouraged me to introspect and, This novel got through to me. The more importantly, to seek to improve my parenting skills … focusing on the book touched me. It has spurred me on to write this article sharing my “little things” that can be the “big things” in a child’s life; things that we experience with you. I trust that, similarly, this article, gets through to sometimes overlook as we become the readers of this column. We can distracted by the many fires that we make that judgment based on are seeking to eradicate.

America’s 16th President, Abraham whether it spurs us on to commit even now to doing something positive for Lincoln, never travelled outside the someone else. Although we may be United States but, thanks to the involved in a number of community books that he read, he was quite activities and support worthwhile familiar with what was taking place causes, there is still that little more around the world. He regularly that we can provide. You and I can commented on how reading books brighten the corner where we are by helped to broaden his perspective in brightening the life of someone else … so many areas. even by giving gifts of books.

Joseph Addison (1672-1719), the English author, politician, publisher, essayist, and poet, once stated that “Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jules@ecgcsvg.com

Trouble when the system gets bigger than itselff AN INTERESTING CASE is working its way through the law courts. On one side is the education establishment’s push to punish a student for ill discipline. On the other is a parent, not opposed to strict discipline, who asserts that the child had already been disciplined, and is therefore, prepared to do all that is legally possible to protect the right of her child to a quality education, thus protecting her child’s life chances.

This much is in the public domain.

The child is accused of writing an inappropriate comment below a comment written by one of her teachers. Weeks after, the teacher, who received the child’s copy book to mark another test, sees the comment.

She takes the book to the principal, and this is the genesis of what has become known as the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown matter.

The mother and child were called in to the school. They had conversations with officials from the St Joseph’s Convent. An education ministry official was present at the meeting at the behest of the school.

And here is where things get murky. School and education officials claim that on March 18, 2013 the student and her mother were told that the child will be removed from the St Joseph’s Convent. The mother claims that there was no such understanding at the meeting, although the session was centered on the breach of discipline committed by her daughter.

The mother’s view is that she thought the matter was settled following the 13th to 15th March suspension her daughter endured, the decision by the school not to give her a grade for the test when the inappropriate comment was discovered, and the discussions on March 18, 2013. The mother’s view seems plausible since her child returned for the entire 3rd term and her report card indicated that she was promoted to form 4.

The only written communication from the school or ministry that the child had in effect been transferred from SJCK is a letter sent to the principal of the Emanuel School, Mespo. The letter came to the attention of the parent 3 months after the March 12 incident.

Two different parties, two different views — a classic situation for a court’s resolution where both parties see no compromise! Unfortunately, the mother’s move to assert her daughter’s right in court has not met with popular approval. Many concentrate on the ‘child’s rudeness’ rather than the process by which the child was removed from the school.

It must be remembered that the student was transferred for illdiscipline and disobedience. Yet when the Court made an interim order that required the Convent and the ministry of education to allow the child to return to class until a final resolution of the case, the school refused to honour the court order.

Rather than allow the student into the class, the school officials summoned a meeting of the school hierarchy. At the end of the meeting, the teachers walked off the school

compound in defiance of the court order.

To further this defiance and disrespect of our court, students, for a second day, were denied schooling because the hierarchy summoned a meeting of all secondary school principals at the school on September 24.

The principals, in their statement after the meeting, chided the Court for what they called ‘judicial overreach.’ On October 4, the parties met before Justice Wesley James, and the court ordered that a claim form be filed and served by October 11, 2013, that a defence be filed and served by November 8, 2013, and the substantial hearing be held on November 15. Forum shopping was about to expose its dirty tail.

Before the Court House closed on October 4, 2013, the applicant was summoned back to court on Monday October 7, at 8:30 am. News came that the hearing was moved to 2:00pm. Then on Monday morning, the school and ministry officials, in what can be called the most cynical and immoral misuse and exploitation of young girls in living memory, orchestrated a protest at the school where little girls with placards were allowed to spew hate and venom on a defenseless 14-yea-old school mate. It was a shameful display as teachers and education officials, with smiling faces, paraded the school grounds.

By the 2 pm court hearing, the loaded dice had been cast. The atmosphere was so poisoned against a little girl and her dignified mother that it was virtually impossible to allow the child back into the school.

Think of the atmosphere this school fostered for a parent whose only intention was to test her daughter’s right in court. But remember, these high officials are for obedience and discipline. They countenanced punishing children who are judged illdisciplined. Yet they blatantly manipulated young girls in order to get their way.

What kind of society do we intend to build? Is discipline and order only for some persons and not others? Is this the message these high officials in our society intend to send to the rest of us?

Irrespective of how this matter plays out, the entire society benefits.

For too long people in government and other prominent institutions take liberties with other persons. This disregard is particularly true when the person being targeted is not well connected. Hopefully, this case will help to empower others, to let them know that they can resort to the court to assert and vindicate their rights.

Or the Court might rule that petitioner does not have a legal leg to stand on.

But for God’s sake, let us not vilify persons for standing up for their rights. Let us not act so as to vindictively hamper the life chances of our children because they transgressed. Let us not punish individuals, especially children, more than once for the same offence.

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

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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Our people are being poisoned

SVG GREEN PARTY is deeply concerned that our people are being poisoned by the pollution from burning tyres.

Most weeks, truck-loads of tyres are taken to the Rabacca area and burned. It is very worrying, seeing the black and dirty smoke being blown into our drinking water catchment areas and all over the homes in the area and beyond.

Burning tyres releases a toxic soup of hundreds of pollutants. There is over 7 litres of petroleum and oil in one tyre, and numerous chemicals including chlorine, styrene, butadiene and more than 20 different heavy metals.

Styrene and butadiene are both suspected of causing cancer, the extender oils contain carcinogenic benzene derivatives and the metals like lead, chromium, cadmium and

mercury, are released into the atmosphere as fragment ash.

Dioxin released into the air can travel long distances before settling onto the soil, water, plants and animals, miles away from the fire’s source. Dioxin accumulates in our fatty tissues when we consume contaminated water, vegetation, meats and dairy products.

Lead poisoning destroys human nervous systems, can cause retardation, learning difficulties, bone marrow deficiencies and stunted growth in children.

Zinc can cause birth defects; chromium and arsenic cause cancer. Inhaling zinc oxide particles can cause inflammation in the lungs and lung disease. Asthmatics would be at particular risk from zinc exposure.

There is also evidence of foetal damage from zinc exposure. Children are especially at risk.

The benzene, once inhaled, ingested or touched, can lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, respiratory irritation,

pulmonary oedema, pneumonia and skin, eyes and mucous membrane irritation.

The incompetent ULP regime is allowing our people to be poisoned and our drinking water to be seriously polluted from burning tyres. The ULP regime has been hopeless and neglected this serious health issue.

The burning of tyres is madness in two ways: firstly, our people and water are being poisoned; and secondly, recycling the waste tyres could be a multi-million dollar industry for our country and create hundreds of jobs.

The lack of vision and intelligence within the ULP regime means our people are being poisoned and impoverished simultaneously by these burning tyres.

We can use this rubber to build roads. One of the busiest roads in Scotland was resurfaced last year with asphalt containing shredded rubber from old tyres. Experts claim that rubber roads require less maintenance and last longer.

Rubber roads were first built in the 1960s in the USA, where today there

are over 20,000 miles of road made of recycled tyres. Rubber roads are also popular in China, Brazil, Spain and Germany.

The ULP philosophy of begging abroad for loans to run our economy is senseless, as we have many resources at home. The ULP regime does not have the vision to use these resources to bring jobs and prosperity to our people.

Recycled tyres can also be used to make items such as chairs, tables, roof tiles, belts, hats, handbags, children’s swings, footwear, baskets, artwork to sell, jewellery and flooring. There is an opportunity here for lots of small businesses to be set up to export these types of products. This can create millions for our people and bring lots of jobs.

Burning old tyres is like burning money, but it’s worse: the burning tyres are poisoning our people and polluting our drinking water.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Tribute to Bertrand Horatio Doyle, 1931–2013 Chartered insurance practitioner

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bertrand Horatio Doyle may not have been a household name in the insurance industry in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines, but the Trinidad and Tobago born Doyle impacted quietly on the careers in insurance of many across the Caribbean.

His affiliation to the Association of Insurance Institutes of the Caribbean (AIIC) meant that those who attended its seminars and courses would not have escaped his reservoir of knowledge on the discipline.

Here at home, Mr.

Doyle was, in particular, a tower of strength to METROCINT GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD., with which he had a consulting relationship that lasted over 3 decades, right up until his passing.

According to Mr. Ian Da Silva, Insurance Manager at METROCINT, Mr. Doyle “was a shoulder on whom we could rely for prompt and professional advice.

He was a phone call away whenever we needed sound advice and guidance. To me, he was a personal source of encouragement and support. I will miss him.”

THE VINCENTIAN, on behalf of its sister company METROCINT GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD., is pleased to re-print the following abridged tribute to Bertrand H. Doyle from the AIIC.

Tribute - AIIC While many in the OECS did not have insurance qualifications,

many of them were very knowledgeable about insurance. Mr. Doyle had been the one to educate them both formally and informally.

Many of these persons had attended seminars and courses at the now defunct Academy of Insurance, and others had attended seminars in their territories that had been facilitated by him.

Even in instances where he had performed as an arbitrator, there was still some training and educating done in association with the parties involved.

After a seminar held for the legal fraternity and senior claims personnel in St. Lucia, retired High Court Judge, Justice Suzie d’Auvergne, indicated that she was impressed with his expertise in the application of the Motor Vehicle’s Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act of St. Lucia.

Armstrong Philogene, past President of the Insurance Institute of St. Lucia, and the current Dean of Studies of the

Institute at the time, indicated than many of the other attorneys were intrigued with the way he dealt with certain sections of the Act, and at his application of some of the most troublesome sections. Very importantly, he was able to provide numerous cases to show how many of the sections have been handled in the past and in various Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Armstrong went on to say, while he did not always agree with his interpretations of policy conditions, Doyle proved to be knowledgeable and skilled in his understanding and explaining of insurance law and practice. He likened his dealing with Mr. Doyle as “Tasting fine wine by the undeveloped palate.”

Delia Daniel of Delia Daniel Chambers in St. Lucia declared: “Even if I disagreed with his opinion on certain issues, his written opinions were so thought-provoking, I

had to further my research and thus my knowledge of insurance matters grew.”

Denis Bernard, former principal of the Insurance College of Jamaica and now a director of Priority Group International, writes, “Mr. Doyle has been an inspiration to many in so many ways, notably the regional insurance sector, the legal fraternity, the Church, various community groups, public education, and the list goes on. ….

He has been a good friend and mentor to me and many others and will surely be missed.

He has made a massive positive difference to the lives of many, and will continue through his legacy….I know he is going to a good place.

Rest in peace, my friend.”

by Ruth Lake, Dip Ins, Member of the Board of Examiners of the Association of Insurance Institutes of the Caribbean (AICC).

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 13.

Politics/Diaspora

Baptiste outlines partyÊs plans

Right: Anesia Baptiste addressing town hall meeting.

Story and photos By NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

IN HER DEBUT town hall address to nationals in the United States, former opposition NDP senator, Anesia Baptiste, 33, told a scantily-attended meeting, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York, last Saturday night, that her year-old Democratic Republican Party (DRP) would “build back” St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Baptiste’s meeting came on the heels of one at the same venue a week before,

by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, which has been described as arguably the largest town hall meeting ever in New York, by a Vincentian political leader.

Baptiste told her audience that the DRP, launched on Aug. 23 last year, was a Vincentians’ call on her to “propose an effective alternative to the current major political parties in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — the reigning Unity Labor Party and the (main) opposition New Democratic Party.”

She said the DRP has already

identified two candidates, including her, and is in conversation with six other persons. She declined to name the other candidate and the six.

She will be contesting the West St. George Constituency.

Party planks The DRP leader said the party’s top priorities are “protection of the economy” and the “rights of Vincentians everywhere,” and the “promotion of Republicanism through Democracy.”

As far as the economy was concerned, Baptiste said the DRP would establish a Ministry of Development in which “freedom of entrepreneurship, investment and education” would be guaranteed.

That ministry would develop an “investment partnership strategy,” allowing local entrepreneurs to be “fully trained, and Vincentians in the Diaspora to fully participate, with the latter being able to own shares or participate in major investment thrusts.”

Her party’s agricultural plan focuses on maximizing local fruits by encouraging investment in juices, dried fruits and other produce for export,

such as exotic fruits and fruit-flavored water, and the pursuit of “nonchemical/non-GMO growing vegetables for EU (European Union) and other markets.”

Baptiste’s Right-to-Life strategy, among other things, calls for the “protection of the person and property” and addresses domestic violence, white collar crimes/corruption, the family; rehabilitation of criminals.

Plans for the health services include an “adequate supply of medication at hospitals and community clinics,” and an education programme that promotes the use of local fruits and vegetables “as drugs and medicine.”

On foreign relations, she said the party advocates “right to selfdetermination,” with “freedom from persecution and discrimination” as a major hallmark.

On relations with Cuba and Venezuela, Baptiste said, “I will not have relations with Venezuela and know…human rights abuses of the people.”

Baptiste, a member of Thusian Institute for Religious Liberty, an offshoot of the Seventh Day Adventists Church, assured that “all religions will exist freely,” under the DRP.

Other meeting activities Baptiste used the occasion to sign copies of her book, ‘Socialist Revolution: From Grenada to St. Vincent [and the Grenadines]’, and present certificates and “tokens of appreciation” to those who she said have been providing service to the party and country.

The recipients were: Enhams native Carol Simmons, president of the Brooklyn-based group, Jems Hope for Home; Videographer/ photographer Brendon Emmanuel, of New Grounds; and Calliaqua-born entertainment promoter Ulric Jones, Jr., popularly known as Junior ‘Soca’ Jones and his town mate Vaughan Toney, president and chief executive officer of the Friends of Crown Heights.

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

14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Taiwan T aiwan c celebrates elebrates nd nd Anniversary A n n i v e r s a ry r y 2 0 1 Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Arnhim Eustace, called the achievement of 102nd National Day remarkable, and described the Taiwan-SVG relationship as having “gone beyond the diplomatic to the personal.”

Both political parties in SVG have long supported Taiwan, and he expressed the wish that this would continue.

He shared his delight at hearing the number of Vincentians who can now speak Mandarin Chinese, and called it a benefit of mutual relations.

The Opposition Leader admitted that many questions have been posed about Taiwan’s approach to mainland China, but expressed the opinion that whatever the outcome of negotiations between the two, “our deep relationship will not be ignored by Taiwan.”

“DO YOU KNOW KNOW THAT THAT THA AT your univ verssity ty produces pro roducess Presiuniversity dent nts?” According Ac t Ms. dents?” to Tashek ka Haynes Hay ay ynes of Arnos Ar Tasheka Va ale, that that was a question questi tion Vale, posed to her by PresiPre Pr ressident nt of the th Republic Repub ublicc of Ch hina (Taiwan), His His China Excellency cy y Ma YingYi g-j -jeou, on his his recent re ecent nt Ying-jeou, v isit to St. Vincent Vi nt and visit the Grenadines. th Grrenad dines.

Hay ay ynes gained a Haynes Master’ r’s Degree Degr gre ree in Master’s Ag gricultu tural al Economics, Econom mics, Agricultural speci cializing in Agricultural Ag gricu cultu tura al specializing Policy cy Development Dev velopmentt and and Manag age gement, in Taiwan, Ta aiwan, Management, betw tween 2008 and 2010.

2 between She stu tudied at the th most prestigious pre resti tigi gious univeruniv iverstudied sity ity in i Taiwan T i th he National Nationa Na i al Taiwan T i – the Un niv ive versity ty – the same sa am me university un niv iversity ty at University which wh ch President Pre Pr resident nt Ma a studied, as well welll as h is predecessor, pre redecessor, President Pre esident Chen his Shui ui-bian. To date, dat ate,, no other oth ther VincenVi Shui-bian. tian is said ti sa aid to have hav ave attended att ttended this this insti titu tuti tion, with with th a second s Cari rib ibbean institution, Caribbean nat ationa al entering ent nterring in n 2011. national

Hon. Girlyn Miguel

Smooth sailing to Ta TTaiwan aiwa wan

Hon. Arnhim Eustace

Left: Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Weber Shih, affirmed that the Taiwan-SVG relationship has produced satisfactory results.

Stories by GLORIAH… THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Taiwan) held a reception last Tuesday, 8th October, at the Beachcombers Hotel, to commemorate its 102nd National Day. The National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is celebrated in Taiwan on 10th October each year, and is also referred to as Double Ten Day. It is celebrated to commemorate the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911. The Republic of China was established on January 1st, 1912, after the uprising led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

History records that the Chinese Civil War resulted in the Government of the Republic of China relocating to Taiwan in 1949, after it lost control of mainland China.

Ambassador Weber Shih At the reception, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Weber Shih, informed the gathering that after 102 years, Taiwan “has developed an economy of competitiveness, and become a beacon of modern democracy for the Chinese civilization.”

Since 2008, he said, President Ma has been promoting “viable diplomacy” by “adopting the principle(s) of dignity, autonomy, pragmatism, and flexibility.”

These, he said, have “managed to expand Taiwan’s international space, consolidate relations with diplomatic allies, and enhance substantive ties with other nations.”

Ambassador Shih also spoke about Taiwan’s Cross-strait relations with mainland China, its role as a responsible stakeholder for the maintenance of regional peace, and regional integration.

About international participation, he

reiterated Taiwan’s pursuit of meaningful participation in the UN Specialized Agencies.

He also spoke of Taiwan’s involvement in SVG, stating that “the Taiwan-SVG cooperation has produced satisfactory results in many aspects, and the friendship has grown to the extent beyond government to government relations.”

Senator Camillo Gonsalves Senator Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Afffairs, f referred to Taiwan’s Taiwan’ a ’s investment in SVG. Senator Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Ambassador and the people of Taiwan for the achievement of their 102nd National Day. He told the gathering that “we have watched with awe and wonder its development, and are seeing what such a nation can teach us.”

He commended Taiwan’s generosity to SVG, and stated that, of its 102 years, SVG has been nurturing relations for more than 1/3 of these years. The Republic of China (Taiwan), he said, has invested heavily in our infrastructure, the education of our students, our Learning Resource Centres, the Youth Empowerment Service programme and the Argyle International Airport.

He affirmed that Taiwan has been there to hold our hand in our struggles, and so we will remain a staunch friend.

L e a d

Lead Leader der of the Opposition, Hon. Arnhim Eustace declared that the deep relations between aiwan and SVG could not be T a aiw Taiwan igno ored. ignored.

Vincentian student in praise of taiwan

Raising a toast to Acting Prime Minister, Hon. aiwan’ s 102nd Taiwan’s T a aiwa i Girlyn Miguel, spoke on behalf of Day.. the Prime Minister. She extended National Day hearty congratulations, and applauded the friendships forged over thirty-two years, which she called “a long time”.

She singled out Taiwan’s work with the farmers of SVG; the benefits of the cultural packages which the Taiwanese bring to SVG; the support for the education of “children from poor families,” as hallmarks of the relationship between Taiwan and SVG. Deputy Prime Minister Miguel lamented the fact that there is no voice in the United Nations for the children of Taiwan, and expressed the desire to see a Acting Prime change in this Minister inisterr, Hon. Minister, status.

Girlyn Miguel St. Vincent lamented the and the GrenaTa ct that Taiwan aiwan fact dines and the Republic of China does not have a (Taiwan) estabvoice in the lished diplomatic United Nations. relations on August 15, 1981.

At At the th he celebration celebra celebrat ati ttio io on of the th he 102nd Nat ati tional Day ay of the the Republic Repub ublic of China Ch hina National (Taiwan), held helld on Tuesday T ay 8th th October Oct ctober at the th Beachcombers Beach chcomb mberrs r Hotell in Villa, Viilla, Hay ayn nes was full ful fu ull of praise p aise for pra fo the Haynes Ta aiwanese and their theiir involvement involve vement in Taiwanese the lives of poorer th poore rer nations. nati nat tions. She gave ga av ave THE VINCENTIAN VINCEN NTIA IA AN a recount recount of herr ex xp riences upon learning xperi le ear arn rn ning of the th experiences of possibility ty of pursuing pursu uiing studies stu tud dies there, th arriving proceeding a rri riving ng there, th procceedi ding ng to universiuniv un iversity, and of her relations ty relat ati tiions with with persons perssons in Taiwan.

Ta aiwan.

Ms. Haynes Hay ay ynes explained explla ex ained that tha th at she worked work rked on attachment att ttach hme ent at the th TaiwanTai aiw iwa anese Tissue Ti Cul ult ltur urre Laboratory Lab aboratory ry at Culture Ora ange e Hill in 2008, 2008 8, where wh Orange she met Ch hieff of Mission, Taiwanese Ta aiwanese Mr. Chief Ph hilllip Kung.

Ku ung. He introduced in ntro nt oduced her to the th Phillip Int nterrnat ationa al Cooperation Coope era attion Developati Dev velopInternational ment nt Fund (ICDF) scholarships sch chola arsh hips – a diplomat ati tic award. awa aw ard. She recalled that that diplomatic the processing of her th he err application appllicat ati tion was not difficult. diff dif fffi ffic icu cult ult. Her application ap pplica pplicat ation tion was tendere ed in March, Marcch, and she was tendered accepted by July.

Ju uly.

Tasheka Haynes says we do not capitalize on what Taiwan has to offer. intimated. intimat ated. “They “Th Th hey y bent ben nt over backwards. bac ack ckw kwarrds. They treated tre eat ated us really really ly well!

Taiwan Ta aiwa an was a home away away from fro fr rom home. ho ome.

Professor Profe fessor Hsu, Hsu u, ChairCha airman of the th Faculty, Fa acu ulty ty, became a father fat fa ath th her to us.”

Additionally, Additi Ad tionally ly, she she said sa aid the th education educat ati tion iss really re ly well-rounded. well-ro rounded. There Th here e was a serious serrious stress on theory, theory th ry, and then th this th is backed back ked up with wit wi ith a stress str tress on practice. pract ctice e.

Haynes’s Hay ay ynes’s praises pra ai aises did did not confine co onfi fine itself “We i elf itse lf to education. educa d ati tion. i “We “W W do d not no ot capitali l ize enough gh on what what the th Taiwanese Ta aiwa anese offer off ffe fe er through th gh the th ICDF. They y always alw al lway ays welcome welcome requests requ quests from fr individuals ind div ivi vid dua als and organisations org rg ganisations within with hin the the country coun ntr try ry seeking see ek king expertise exp xpert rttise on issues in n which wh hich h they the ey engage. engag age ge. They ey develop agriculag gri ricu culture, tur urre re, tilapia ti farming, fa arming, bio-technology, bio-tech ch hnology gy, tissue tisssue culture, cu ulltur ult ure re, fruit fru fr ruit farms, farm fa rms, whatever wha hatev ver is needed,” nee eded,” she emphasized.

Ms. Haynes Hay ayn ynes works work rks as a consultant, con nsu ulta ant, nt and d is currently curr cu urrently rre ren ntl tly engaged engage engag ag ged g ed as the tth h he Project Proj oject jectt Manager Ma anage ger of the th Bio-Diversity Bio-Div iverssity ty Project Pro oj oject within witth wi thin the th Ministry Min nistrry of Health, Hea alth th h, Wellness nesss and the th Environment.

Env nv viron nment nt. She S said sa aid that tha at this th project proj ojectt will wi produce produ duce a 5th National Na ati tional Report rt by March Ma arch h 2014, 2014, and and a National Na ati tional Plan Plan on bio-diversity bio-d div versit ity ty y by

by June 2014.

201 14. To complement these, a public pub ublic awareness aw war areness campaign ca am mpa aign gn on bio-diversity bio o-div iversity ty will willl be wi launched lau au unch ched to run run from fro fr om April Apri ril to June, Jun ne, 2014.

201 14.

A home aw awa away way from home On arrival arrri riv iva al in Taiwan, Taiwan, Haynes Hay ay ynes said sa aid she went through th hro roug ugh gh a ten-day ay period perriod of ori rientat ati tion, then th proceeded prro roceeded on to orientation, univ versity ty. “We “We were we ere re spoilt,” she university.

A section of the invited guests at the celebration activity.

Gordon Shallow, President of the SVG-Taiwan Alumni Association also addressed the gathering.

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16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG officials visit TABOO Resort

Some of the Vincentians working at Taboo Resort pictured with SVG Consal General to Canada Fitz Huggins (left back row) and Eastern Caribbean Liaison Officer E. Bernard John (extreme right).

A glimpse of the luxury in which Vincentians work at the TABOO Resort. award.

Counsel General Huggins, newly appointed to the post, THE VINCENTIAN had the used this opportunity to opportunity to join St. introduce himself, Vincent and the explain his role as St. Grenadines Consal Fitz Vincent and the Huggins, Eastern Grenadines Caribbean Liaison Officer representative in E. Bernard John, and Canada, and to offer Assistant Liaison Officer assistance and counsel to Charmaine Williams on a any who needed his visit to the luxurious Taboo services.

Resort in the Muskoka He shared news and Region of Ontario, 200 updates from and about kilometers north of St. Vincent and the Toronto.

Grenadines, and urged For a number of years, the staff to keep abreast a team of Vincentians of all the “great things” have been part of the that were happening in Canadian Temporary their homeland.

Worker’s programme, Mr. Huggins reminded working at Taboo Resort the group that they were as hotel/resort service ambassadors for St. staff.

Vincent and the According to Ms. Grenadines, and as such, Blaire Melvin, Human had a responsibility to be Resources Manager at proud representatives to Taboo, they have been the many people they superb employees and would meet during their have set high standards time in Canada, and to for others to follow. One continue the excellent of the Vincentians, track record they were Kendal Osmund, was setting for others would recently awarded the follow. According to Employee of the Month Huggins, that included

by BEN HARRISON International Correspondent

giving more than 100% effort to their employer and to always be ready with a cheery Vincentian smile to the guests at Taboo.

E. Bernard John, Eastern Caribbean Liaison Officer, shared the role of his mission with the group, and expressed the hope that there would be opportunities to expand the Temporary Worker Tourism and Hospitality Programme to include other who resorts in Canada.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines expects an influx of both tourists and investment dollars in the hospitality and hotel industry, as the Argyle International Airport opens in 2014.

Both Consal General Huggins and John emphasized that many investment opportunities will be available in the islands, and that all present should feel free and proud to spread the word as far and wide as possible.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 17.

News/Finance

Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Worker’s Program intact with several thousand saved dollars..THE VINCENTIAN visited E. Bernard John, Liaison Officer, and THIRTY SEVEN YEARS AGO, in 1976, the Charmaine Williams, Assistant Liaison Canadian government initiated The Officer for the Toronto offices of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service. enabling employers to hire foreign workers Their office facilitates Canada’s Seasonal on a temporary basis, to fill immediate Agricultural Worker’s Programme for St. skills and labour shortages, when Canadian Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as citizens and permanent residents were not the 10 other Eastern Caribbean available to do the job. countries.

This includes a programme for Canadian farm employers hire Caribbean agricultural workers and, is workers for up to eight months between available to workers in St. Vincent and January 1 and December 31. They must the Grenadines along with ten other offer a minimum of 40 hours work per Eastern Caribbean countries. The week and pay the statuary minimum programme has been an outstanding wage in Canadian dollars. Workers success for both the Canadian farm participate in the Canada Pension and employers and the temporary workers, Workers Insurance Programme, are many of whom return home each year eligible for provincial health insurance

by BEN HARRISON International Correspondent

ARTICLE Two: ACCORDING TO THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines 2007/2008 Country Poverty Assessment Report, 48.2% of the population was at risk of falling into poverty in the event of an economic shock or other disaster. It is important to note that poverty is defined as a situation in which an individual, a group or community possesses less than some standard of living that is deemed generally acceptable. Additionally in 2008, 18.8% of the population was unemployed, while 15% remained underemployed.

This is, therefore, an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs and potential young entrepreneurs to use their creativity to develop

Caribbean workers are said to be able to save substantial amounts in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Right: Eastern Caribbean Liaison Services Chief Liaison Officer E. Bernard John (left) and Assistant Liaison Officer Charmaine Williams. benefits and are supplied with suitable government inspected housing.

To qualify for participation in the program, applicants must be citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; must have agricultural or farming experience; must be at least 18 years of age and be able to satisfy both: Canadian immigration laws; and the laws of SVG. Towards the end of each year, St. Vincent’s Ministry of Labour places notices in the newspapers announcing the dates and times of the recruiting interviews for the coming year. It is most important that at the time of application candidates for the programme have a clean police record and give full disclosure to the recruiting officer(s).

During 2013, 214 workers from St.

Vincent and the Grenadines worked in Canada as part of the programme.

The Temporary Workers program has and can be a life-changing opportunity for Vincentians and their families. It is well worthwhile exploring.

Prospering in our Economy: Tips for Entrepreneurs

businesses that will help them to improve their lives. To the entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs of SVG, the following tips will help you to increase your chances of success:

Moreover, having well trained employees will help you to operate an efficient business and will ensure repeat business.

helping make yourself more marketable and helping you to maintain good contacts because you are trustworthy.

* Minimize wastage where possible.

* Choose a business based on your interests and experience. This will help you to persevere through down turns in the business’ fortunes.

* Always maintain a professional image so that your customers will take you seriously; remember to speak and dress properly when conducting business.

* Make wise financial decisions. Eliminate your wants, and focus on saving money will help you during any slowdown in business.

* Evaluate your chances of success by researching your target market and potential customers. Make every effort to find out if your potential customers are willing and able to purchase your product or service. This will help you to decide whether your business will be viable.

* Develop a competitive advantage such as greater selection of products, flexible business hours, * Prepare a business more payment options, plan to help you to track lowest price, personalized the progress of your service, better customer business; ensure that your service to persuade business goals are customers to purchase measurable. from you instead of your competitors. * Invest in yourself and maintain a good personal * Be known as an and professional expert in your business reputation towards

area. This will encourage more people to seek you out to tap into your expertise, thereby creating more selling and referral opportunities for you.

team which includes suppliers, customers, employees, sub-contractors and the community.

* Master the art of negotiation and follow up * Sell the benefits of constantly. Constant and your products. Your consistent follow-up advertising, sales enables you to turn presentations, printed prospects into customers, marketing materials, increase the value of each product packaging, sale and buying frequency website, newsletters, trade from existing customers, show exhibits and signage and build stronger are vital. business relationships with suppliers and your * Carefully plan and core business team. design your home/office workspace to ensure Submitted by: maximum personal Youth Business St. performance and Vincent and the productivity, and to Grenadines Inc. project professionalism for visiting clients.

Financial Information Month 2013 * Build a solid business

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18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

VincyKlus: 3 years old

‘CLUSTERING FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT’ is the theme under which VincyKlus Inc. will commemorate its 5th anniversary.

VincyKlus is the first agribusiness cluster established here. It was founded on September 16, 2010, under a special initiative by the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc (CED), through its EU-funded Business Gateway Project, and was officially launched on November 10, 2010.

The celebratory activities will be held over the period

October 10th to November 9th.

The activities will commence with a workshop entitled, “Getting Export Ready: The Impact of Customs on SMEs Development”. On October 13th, members of the cluster will then worship at the Kingstown Park Evangelical Church; followed by a Moonlight Walk-a-Thon on October 18th, from CED Office to Diamond for a picnic.

On November 6th, VincyKlus will showcase the products and services manufactured and provided by its members to the Vincentian

public.

The celebrations will conclude with a cocktail on November 9th at the President’s Suite, Arnos Vale A glimpse of some of the agri-products produced by members Sports Complex, at which a of VincyKlus. new VincyKlus logo will be unveiled, and tribute will be and information support, in St. Vincent and the paid to two organisations that order to enhance and develop Grenadines. have contributed to the the export capacity of firms to Among the services that development of the cluster take full advantage of market VincyKlus provides are over the years. access opportunities. Its advocacy and lobbying, VincyKlus is aimed at membership comprises marketing and promotion, increasing and strengthening persons, enterprises, information and education, the capability of individual institutions and agencies that business support, finance and producers through export constitute the value chain for credit. development training, agri-business development in marketing and promotions,

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20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Thank you, George fare and paid her very well. In fact, she brought home one BECAUSE of you, my wife and her lover are still alive thousand dollars every today, and I want to thank week, and to be truthful, you for that. I would have I was grateful.

George, can you been in jail or even worse, had I not read a letter you imagine my horror when I discovered that my wife responded to sometime had no such job in back.

Bequia, but instead she For some time now, my wife had been getting was offering sex for money to selected dressed and leaving the house as if she was going businessmen from whereever! to work. She would get My source took me to back after around 5pm. one of the places from She did this religiously which she operated, and for well over a year.

I was lost for words. My She claimed she was first reaction was to get working for this rich, retired European couple rid of her and the person she was with, but living in Bequia, who something held me back. paid her return boat

Dear George,

I may have lost her Dear George,

It so happened that I came across one of your letters and read about someone who had similar issues. I applied the advice you gave that person to myself, and that is why I am here today to say thank you.

I have since left my wife, and although I miss her terribly, I feel better that I can now continue with the rest of my life.

Keep up the good work.

Rescued Dear Rescued, It is good that you were able to use that advice to address your situation. Violence is never the answer to life’s problems, and it is always better to take the mature approach by giving yourself enough time to think things through, keeping the bigger picture in sight.

If you are unhappy with someone, then you can always exercise the choice to separate yourself from that union and give yourself the choice of finding someone else or remaining unattached.

MY WIFE goes to the gym more times per week than the owners of the gym itself. Every time I look around, she is at the gym and hardly finds time for me. I went to a counsellor about this, and it was suggested that I should join the same gym and make it a couple activity. I did.

I did so, and soon found out that the reason my wife was using the gym to lose weight was because a guy there had suggested she do so, and if she did, he would date her.

I confronted my wife about it, and all she had to say was I was too much in her business. She continues to go to the gym but without me.

Am I over-reacting by making this an issue and not going back to the gym? I only went there so we could do something useful together. It is very clear to me now that I may not be on my wife’s list of priorities, and I am wondering now where all of this leaves me.

Left Field Dear Left Field,

There may be more going on here than what is on the surface. This situation calls for a comprehensive analysis. I strongly suggest that you take a different approach to addressing this George problem.

There have been relationships in which one partner spends most of the time putting down the other, resulting in the slighted partner being driven to a place where he/she becomes vulnerable and falls easy prey to lurking vultures.

Dear George, Your wife may well have been secretly THIS IS A warning to anyone who has intentions wishing that you were of being with someone from another culture or more supportive and country, without doing the proper checks. complimentary of her.

I fell in love with a woman from the Dominican In the absence of this Republic while I was there on a short visit. She support, she may have was fifty-three years old then, and I met her living decided to take drastic with her ‘stepson’ who was 29 years old. action just to get your I brought her and her step son to the U.S. for a attention. vacation and was seriously thinking of marrying All may not be lost. her. They stayed with me for three weeks when I This could be an had to make an unexpected return to my house. opportunity for you to get your homework What a shock I had. There was this woman and her so called ‘stepson’ breaking down my bed. The done. Go see a counselor and get this sorted out man was her lover.

I suppose their plan was to have me take care of before it really gets out of control. them until they got what they wanted.

My friends told me I was born with a star to find this out before it was too late. I am now living George back in St. Vincent, and have since met a Vincentian woman.

ÂLook before you leapÊ

Lucky Star Dear Lucky Star, Background checks are necessary when making plans to settle down with someone. It is especially important to do so when this person is from another country and culture. No amount of time must be considered too long to carry out this check.

Of course, this is not to suggest that perfection will be achieved, but at least it could reduce the number of cases of deception.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) The experience will be good. Do your best, but don't make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself. Spend some time with the one you love.

Pleasure trips will be satisfying. You need to concentrate on solving existing problems.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You will have the getup and go to con tribute a great deal to groups of interest. A little rest will do wonders. If you've been really busy, try to schedule some time to spend with loved ones. You will meet new and exciting people if you attend social activities or sporting events.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Try not to hang out with coworkers if you wish to avoid problems later. Inlaws or relatives may oppose your personal intentions. Avoid any hassles.

You are better off visiting friends or relatives than entertaining at home.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Short trips to visit others will do the whole family a world of good. Good friends will give you honest answers.

Reevaluate your position and make decisions about your future goals.

Adventure will result in added knowledge.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about possible romance. Hold on; your time will come. Do not get upset over trivial matters. Don't overload your plate.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Sort situations out as best you can.

Watch your spending habits. Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance. Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. Short trips will prove to be more fruitful than you

imagined.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are best not to nag or criticize.

Someone you work with could try to undermine you. You are better off visiting friends or relatives than entertaining at home. Don't let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don't believe in.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Try not to use emotional blackmail; it will only make matters worse. Love can be yours if you get out and about. It's time to reconnect with some of the people you used to know. Friendships will be ruined if you let too many people get involved in any disputes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Secret affairs will only lead to heartache. You can convince others to follow suit. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. Try to do things with children that will enable you to bond closer to them.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Accept the inevitable and continue to do your job. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home.

Property deals look good. Relatives will be happy that you dropped by.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. Try to bend to their wishes if you want to avoid conflict. First find out if they're married. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Be prepared to neutralize any threats.

Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be careful. First find out if they're married.

ACROSS 1. Midsection muscles 4. “_ Her Standing there” (2 wds.)

8. Overseer of the airwaves (abbr.)

11. Heavy blow 13.Period of darkness 15. Boring 16. Fly alone 17. Medal recipients’s asset 18. Singer Horne 19. Green chip dip 21. Washstand item 22. Small boy 23. Joins metal 25. Ate sparingly 28. Also-rans 32. Opens to view 33. “Encore” 36. Fifth sign of the Zodiac 37. Antlered animals 38. Captures 39. Wife of Osiris 40. “Norma _” (Sally Field movie) 41. Leave alone (2 wds.)

42. Friend (sp.)

43. Motel Bible distributor 45. Moisten 47. Saved _ bell

(2 wds) 50. Sticky mess 51. ‘50s “Dragnet” star 54. Owned 58. Unusual 59. Supped 60. Biblical garden 62. Enthusiastic 63. Receive 64. Hideway for valuables 65. Cherished animal 66. Not Reps. or Inds.

67. NYC transit org. morning glories 15. Make holy 1. Domestic 20. Furry purrers donkey 24. Comic 2. Internet Rickles journal 3. Navigator on 25. _ Lama 26. Annoyed “Star Trek” 27. Pub missile 4. Enter with hostile intent 29. Borden animal 5. “Shall We 30. Govern Dance?”

31. Mediocre locale (hyph.)

6. Radiant 32. Sinker of the 7. Complete “Titanic” 8. Went by air 34. Yak 9. Christmas 35. Mocked candy 38. Camper’s 10. Singe stake (2 wds.)

12. Small point39. Barges in ed beards 14. Place to grow 41. Myrna of “Libeled DOWN

Lady” 42. Bible book 44. Flowed back 46. Emissaries 48. Stash 49. First name in cosmetics 51. Prepare birthday gifts

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 21.

52. Icicle’s spot 53. Londoner, for short 55. Appear 56. Red-coated cheese 57. Agile 61. Teacher’s group (abbr.)

22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Paul’s Avenue, P.O. Box 592, Kingstown Tel: 456-1821 Fax: 457-2821 E-mail: metrocint@vincysurf.com Website: www.metrocintsvg.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 23.

Table Tennis to focus on Programmes coaching a major part of our programme because FRESH FROM it is important that we SUCCESSFULLY hosting get more and younger the Business House Table players taking up the Tennis championships, sport……we have to be the SVG Table Tennis honest to accept that Association is moving many of the top players purposely forward with its here are in their early attempt to revive and thirties and in some spread the sport across cases early fifties……it the island. is good to see that these This is the word from player, still have the President of the motivation and fitness Association, Tyrone “TJ” level to continue Jack, as he outlined the playing, and for this we Association’s plans up must commend until end of year. them……but they Joseph Carrington, helping SVGTTA Jack said that cannot go on forever, immediate attention will Youth programme. and therefore we must focus on the put things in place to Female Senior Singles; Independence tournament address this,” Jack said in a Juniors (under 16 years) and which will see top finishers business-like manner.

Cadet juniors (13 and under). collecting both monies and But Jack was quick to point trophies, with winners earning out that, while tournaments Plan in place EC$500.00 for their success. and competitions were It is expected to run from He pointed out that it is important, the Association Thursday, October 24 through considered development and with this in mind that the to the 26th and will see Association will embark on a coaching as the gangplank of competition in the Men’s grassroots programme to get the organisation’s thrust.

Senior Singles; Men’s Doubles; more people involved.

“We are going to make

by GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Schools’ netball holds out hope

Dellerice Duncan, President of the SVG Netball Association.

“IT’S VERY IMPORTANT to have continued netball tournaments organized in schools. This serves as the base pool from which the Betball Association has to choose.”

This was the view expressed by Dellerice Duncan, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, when she spoke with THE VINCENTIAN during the opening of the 2013 Edition of the Ministry of Education Secondary School Netball tournament at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, earlier this week.

Duncan cited the schools netball as “an area where the fundamentals ought to be transferred to the players from the coaches, which is very

Action in one of the Secondary Schools Netball matches played at the Arnos Vale hard court.

important at this level.”

But even as she recognized that, the former national captain cautioned about ensuring that the correct knowledge was imparted to the young players.

“What we’ve had in the past, speaking of my era, we had good sports teachers, lot of persons who understand and knew the game, so the knowledge that they passed on was correct,” Duncan admitted.

“What is evident now in some areas, is that some persons are trying to coach teams, but are not equipped with the fundamentals. We are now working towards addressing this shortcoming, and with the change, we expect our players to develop in the right way, have a correct knowledge of the game, and understand that the skills that need to be developed as we move towards getting back to where we were some years ago,” Duncan added with purpose in her voice. .

In short, Duncan viewed the Secondary Schools Competition with hope, as the Association moved to identify talent and players who are coachable.

“I am happy for the Secondary Schools Netball Competition,” she quipped.

I.B.A.ALLEN

He said they have been fortunate to have a legend of the sport in Orville Haslam, who has designed a youth development programme, which recommends introducing the game to youngsters between the ages of 6 and 15 throughout the country.

Jack said the plan will involve a talent identification aspect and then bringing those who show “special talent” to what SVGTTA President Tyrone Jack -man would be designated as with a vision.

“High Performance possible without the help of Centres” for more dedicated our local NOC as an on-going training. programme, and the work of As a prelude to the two of our coaches in national programme, the Association coach Sean Stanley and will host the first ever Cadet Joseph Carrington who gave under 13 competition with their all to this programme,” students from the Belair, the former power smasher Gomea, Brighton and Belmont said in his usual soft spoken primary schools, for both boys manner. and girls.

Jack said that over the next Haslam, in speaking about few weeks, the Association this initiative, told THE will be receiving supplies, VINCENTIAN that he was in including boards, balls, full support of the focus on the uniforms and other related youths, and he was full of equipment, from the praise for those who International Tennis contributed in making it a Federation (ITF) to assist with possibility. the development of the sport “ This development here. programme could not be

N’GOZI grabbing success in JUDO ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Queens College.

Vincentian, N’Gozi Millington, N’Gozi is the daughter of is making steady progress in Inga Millington, formerly of the sport of judo in her Belvedere. adopted home of Barbados.

Representing the Marine Gardens Judo Club in the 47 kilos category, N’Gozi won two of the best of three matches, taking the gold medal in the 2013 Darwin Bellamy Grappling Tournament on Saturday 5th October, 2013 at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

N’Gozi has improved on the silver medals which she won last year in that tournament and in the Ken Freeman Tournament. In 2011, she won the gold medal in the International Independence Tournament by defeating two competitors from Bonaire. She also won silver medals in the John Brewster and Ken N’Gozi Millington has much Freeman national tournaments. She is an orange to smile and be proud of as she makes steady progress belt Judoka and a student of in the sport of judo.

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24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Browne, Hector sink ASCO A COMBINATION of good performances from national players Atticus Browne and Donwell Hector spurred Victors One to a 38-run win over Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO in one of last weekend’s matches in the National Lotteries AuthorityNeil Williams T20 Cricket Competition.

Batting first at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Victors One posted 155 for 5 in 18 overs, led by a stroke- filled 74 from opening left-handed batsman Atticus Browne, with captain Miles Bascombe chipping in with 49. Andre Hunte, 2 for 26, and Darius Martin, 2 for 32, were ASCO’s best bowlers. In pursuit of victory, ASCO were halted at for 117 all out in 17.4 overs.

Desron Maloney stroked 51 in his team’s losing effort, made possible by Donwell Hector’s 3 for 5 including a hat trick.

Also on the weekend, the little fancied Triumph United Cricket Club continued to create upsets by beating First Division teams, when they inflicted humiliation on Victors Two, at Park Hill.

Triumph United managed a seemingly beatable 114 for 8 off 17 overs, which turned out not Donson Andrew’s 71 was not to be the case, as Victors enough to save Police Two. Two were held to 109 for 9 in 17 overs. Good performances came from Danson Andrews with a Roland Wilkinson for Victors stroke-filled 71, led Police Two Two. He made 49 in their to 130 for 6 in 20 overs. losing chase after bagging 3 However, Roland Wilkinson, for 17.

43, and Denson Hoyte, 35, Vangel Small, 18, was ensured that Victors Two Triumph United’s top scorer, reached 131 for 6 in 17.2 with Nigel Small being their overs. Best bowler for the best bowler with 3 for 10. match was policeman Melvin Victors Two returned on Jack with 3 for 18.

Sunday to record their first Team Rivals eased past win. They beat Police Two by Guardian General Saints at 4 wickets at Arnos Vale.

Donwell Hector captured 3 for 5 to help sink ASCO.

Atticus Browne set up victory for Victors with a stroke-filled 74.

Arnos Vale 1 with a 4 wickets win. Saints were reduced to 104 for 7 in 20 overs. Captain Kenroy Peters led with 33, while Olanzo Jackson and Deighton Butler each had 2 wickets for Rivals. Team Rivals then coasted to 105 for 6 in 19 overs, Cosmond Walters hitting 21 and Asif Hooper 20. There were two wickets each for Ray Charles and

Kenroy Peters.

The Team Rivals - Radcliffe Too match, scheduled for Park Hill, was abandoned because of a wet outfield. The points were shared.

Matches in the competition continue this weekend at three venues: Arnos Vale, Park Hill and Buccament playing fields.

I.B.A.ALLEN

World Cup trophy coming to SVG auspicious FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.

FOR THE SECOND time in seven years, A release from FIFA, through the St. Vincent and the Grenadines will play SVGFF, indicated that The FIFA host to a most important and cherished World Cup™ Trophy will arrive at E T piece of silverware sought after by top Joshua International Airport, at 4:19 teams and players around the world- the pm on October 15, 2013.

World Cup trophy.

It continued, “Buccament Bay SVG is now among 89 countries of Resort will be the venue for an the over 200 FIFA family which has exclusive experience where the FIFA been selected to be part of the World Cup™ Trophy will be on display and invitees will get a chance to have their picture taken with it at the event.”

According to the release, the tour will continue from SVG through Central America and the Caribbean until Invite you to their November 7, then to INDEPENDENCE FIESTA Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South and North On Monday 28th October at the Calliaqua America and Europe, before returning to Church Grounds return to Brazil in late April 2014, in time for From: 11:00am - 6:00pm the start of the Cup World.

Enjoy Bouncing Castles, Dips, Sweets, The release also Local Foods & Bar disclosed that this will be the largest and longest global tour of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy by From 12:00pm - 3:00pm enjoy Coca-Cola, visiting more CHICKEN $20.00 & PORK $22.00 countries than ever during its nine-month Proceeds in aid of Building Fund journey.

The tour will also be

by GLENFORD PRESCOTT

St. Paul’s & St. John’s Anglican Churches

visiting 49 other countries like SVG that have never had the opportunity to host the trophy before.

SVG important in regional football On Tuesday local football officials hosted the media at a briefing to outline the plans and events regarding to arrival of the trophy.

President Venold Coombs, who was at the helm of local football when SVG made its advent into the FIFA family, felt that it was fitting that he should be leading the revival of the sport at this historic time.

Coombs also expressed the hope that SVG would be able to compete in the finals of the World Cup. SVG began contesting World Cup Preliminary matches in 1992 and did so in subsequent years of 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008, 2010 and 2011, competing against the likes of Central American powerhouses, The World Cup Trophy that will arrive Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica, as in SVG, October 15. well as North American top team Canada, but with little success. more than one million people across General Secretary Trevor Huggins said that the FIFA World Cup Trophy the world the chance to experience the Tour coming to SVG was significant in FIFA World Trophy™ in their own communities.” that SVG is seen as an important This is the third time that Cocaparty in regional football development.

Cola and FIFA have come together to The event will be attended by bring the Trophy Tour to the world, Governor General Sir Frederick starting in 2006 and then again in Ballantyne and Prime Minister Dr. 2010.

Ralph Gonsalves, among others.

SVG has also played host to the FIFA officials say the World Cup™ Queens Baton Relay.

Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola “will give

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 25.

Sports

Things could backfire THE UPCOMING series between the West Indies and India has been dubbed the Sachin Tendulkar farewell, and the cynics could be justified. It is obvious that it is a diversion of the South African tour.

But things could backfire In any event, the West Indies will improve their standings and enhance their stock. The stage is set for some players to cement their place and ensure that they are part of the network. Caribbean cricket has come through a phase. The era of hostility has elapsed, and there is a tendency towards stability.

There will always be obstacles, and complete harmony is a dream. We have to work on things that bring us success and share each other’s burden.

We are into different times. If you believe that what is happening would escape the rest of the world, we have to think again. We must not relinquish our natural possessions.

Administrators have to know their task, and they can’t operate like they owe cricket fans no justification. They have to cater for that aspect of accountability.

People see through signs of insularity and tendencies of over-zealousness. Cricket Boards have to realise that Caribbean governments want returns on their investment. The region pumped millions of dollars into providing the environment for the staging of the World Cup. Those facilities need to be maintained. The region benefits from Sports tourism. Anything the cricket team can do to bring in more money to the region will broaden the economic base.

The West Indies Cricket Board has to take advantage of the partnership wherever they can, in the interest of the region. The team will bring extra benefits if it succeeds on the field of play.

It is a natural progression to strive. Obstacles are inevitable along the way. How you overcome the hurdles will contribute to the moulding of a more resolute character.

We did not take the need to keep the machine oiled. Replacements for certain individuals don’t come hastily. We have to make sure that there is continuation.

Curtly Ambrose is not a daily diet. Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Michael Holding, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, are not the regular products.

A nucleus was moulded through innovations which marked the changing face of cricket. We have to be vigilant and adjust to the conditions.

There must be no excuses for having failed to observe the trend. Youngsters need no additional incentives. They have the blast of the action before their eyes. Communities have to play their part in seeing that the talent that emerges is harnessed.

Coaches and scouts have to bring out the next crop that must carry on the legacy.

We don’t have to wait on directions from abroad to identify our talent for us. They may offer the extensive payment. They will showcase it. We should have no grudge when players get big bucks for their productivity.

We have to believe in ourselves and fly our flags high and with pride.

Sion Hill in winnerÊs row A GOOD allround performance by former national opening batsman William ‘Bill’ Edwards helped Sion Hill Masters to their first win in the 2013 National Masters 20/20 cricket competition.

Last weekend at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Sion Hill piled up 157 for 4 in 20 overs, and then made little work of North Leeward who were bowled out for 88 in 15.5 overs. For Sion Hill, William ‘Bill’ Edwards stroked 45, Sylvester Vanloo contributed 41.

Edwards then returned with the all to claim 2 for 9 to help rub salt into a wounded North Leeward

outfit.

At Park Hill, Kirk Da Silva’s La Croix Masters defeated Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters by 6 runs. LaCroix Masters made 87 for 8 off 15 overs. Alwyn Bailey hit 29. Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan replied with 81 all out in 14.5 overs, falling prey to Amos Richards,4 for 16, and Benedict Phillips, 3 for 18.

Also recording victory last weekend at Park Hill was Stanley Browne’s Stubbs, who defeated Arnos Vale Masters by 70 runs.

Stubbs made 145 all out in 18.5

Printery record two wins HOST Government Printery Action in last weekend match recorded two wins in last between the Coast Guard (short side) weekend round of matches in and CWSA. the 2013 Hairoun/Government Printery Sports and Cultural Club Dominio Competition, but those victories had no impact on the table standing.

As it stands, Police remain at the top of the table with 12 points, followed by Transport and Works and Port Authority both on six points.

The Government Printery’s wins of 25 — 18 and 17 — 9 came against St. Vincent Brewery and ECGC respectively.

The Royal SVG Police Force grounded CWSA 25 — 16 in the lawmen’s only game last weekend.

The Water and Sewerage men closed a losing weekend going under to SVG Coast Guard, 17 — 13.

Port Authority had a victory served up for them on a platter, when St. Vincent Brewery failed to take their place at the table.

Matches continue this weekend at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, Kingstown, as the Competition closes in on its grand finale scheduled for October 28.

overs, with Adolphous Campbell making 48 and Oneil Thomas William ‘Bill’ 44. Vibert Edwards stroked 45 Bute and took 2 for 9. returned the enviable figures of 5 for 27, bowling for Arnos Vale, who could muster only 75 in 125.2 overs in their reply. Dawnley Joseph took 2 for 6.

At Paget Farm, Bequia, Bequia Masters defeated Computec Belfongo Masters by 7 wickets in a high scoring match. Computec Belfongo posted 181for 3 off 20 overs. Junior Bacchus led with 61 and Aaron Bascombe helped himself to 48. Ferdie Friday took 2 for 35. Bequia Masters in reply raced to 184 for 3 off 18.1 overs.

Jefferson Richards with 76 and Calvin Hazell 65 led the successful runs chase.

Matches continue this weekend.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013. 27.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 11, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.41

SANDY NO LONGER „WANTED‰

Commissioner to respond to his letter.

ATTORNEY Grant Connell has “It is a paradigm lauded Acting Commissioner of shift from the last era Police Michael Charles for signalling the change promptly responding to his letter for the good of the requesting that the Acting COP Royal St. Vincent and indicate his position on the the Grenadines Police status of his client Dwaine and the people of Sandy.

SVG with Charles at Sandy had been deemed the helm,” Connell “wanted” and “armed and posited. dangerous” in connection with Sandy, a former a robbery which took place in national footballer, Kingstown, June 13 2013. told THE Connell’s letter, dated VINCENTIAN, “I feel October 7, 2013, was written relieved that the shortly after he had received a Acting Commissioner letter from the Attorney wrote to my lawyer General stating, in part, that informing him that I Sandy was not entitled to a am no longer wanted. public apology, as Connell I am grateful to be demanded from the COP’s alive. I could have office in a previous letter. been dead, thanks to In a letter dated October 3, the Almighty and my 2013 addressed to Connell, the lawyer for going all Acting COP stated, “I wish to the way with me inform you that Mr. Dwaine Dwaine Sandy is relieved bow that he is without a cost.”

Sandy is no longer wanted by Sandy said he has off the ‘wanted’ list. the police. All concerned were forgiven those who informed, accordingly”. tried to take away his Vincent and the Grenadines.

Connell told THE freedom and life. He indicated When contacted on VINCENTIAN on Wednesday. that he would now have to Wednesday, the Acting “We have to commend the raise funds to purchase a ticket Commissioner told THE Acting Commissioner for to travel to Trinidad and VINCENTIAN Sandy was no issuing the letter, and (it) has Tobago for a potential contract longer wanted since his release now contributed to Sandy with the Malabar Football from police custody June this rebuilding his life. Acting Club. year. He declined further Commissioner Charles had ‘the “I just want to move on with comment. balls’ to make that judgment my life”, he declared.

To date, nobody has been call and did the right thing”.

On September 2, 2013, charged in connection with the Connell described the issue Sandy was denied entry into robbery of the postal worker as a “storm in a teacup.” He Trinidad and Tobago. He had and shooting of a policeman indicated that, while they did told THE VINCENTIAN that during an incident in not get a public apology, the the Immigration authorities Kingstown June 13, for which issue was tried by public there told him they were Sandy was deemed “wanted” opinion. He noted that it took sending him back because he and described as “armed and only three days for the Acting was on the ‘watch list’ in St. dangerous”.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

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

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No more jail time for money launderer

JUSTICE Wesley James, on Tuesday, recommended that convicted money launderer, Winston Franklyn Robertson, be deported, after informing him that he would not have to spend further time in prison.

Robertson, a seaman of Bermuda, in his late 60s, was sentenced to five and a half years each on two money laundering charges. The sentences were to run concurrently, leaving Robertson with a jail term of five and a half years. However, the court took into account the five and a half years he had already spent in custody.

Before Justice James made his decision, Senior Counsel Gilbert Peterson of Trinidad and Tobago who prosecuted, informed the court that he had consulted with the Director of Public Prosecutions and in light of the prosecution’s case theory, Winston Franklyn Robertson, seen hear taking into account the leaving the court after an sentence imposed on Robertson’s co-accused Antonio earlier hearing, is to be deported.

‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau, the role Robertson played in relation to the case, compared to that of Gellizeau, it was suggested that the time Robertson had already spent in custody be credited to him and be the term of imprisonment. Justice James agreed.

Gellizeau, a 47-year-old businessman and Robertson were committed to the High Court for sentencing after being convicted at the Serious Offences Court of bringing into the country by yacht ‘on April 5, 2008, US$1.73 million in cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct. They were also found guilty of concealing the cash.

Justice James had on July 24, 2013 sentenced Gellizeau to ten years in prison on each charge to run concurrently, but Robertson’s sentencing was adjourned to have his lawyer Alberton Richelieu of St. Lucia present. Richelieu did not turn up on Tuesday.

“What do you wish to say, Mr. Robertson”, James asked Robertson upon commencement of the sentencing hearing.

“I have nothing to say”, Robertson replied. He indicated that he had no money to pay a fine and was prepared to accept a custodial sentence.

Gellizeau still has another hurdle to cross. He is awaiting a confiscation hearing in relation to approximately EC$10 million in assets, believed to be Gellizeau’s benefits from Criminal conduct . The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, but was further adjourned.

Efforts at press time Wednesday to ascertain whether Robertson was deported were unsuccessful.

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