Vinpages 18 10 13 e reader

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 18, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.42

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Police Prosecutor Inspector Adolphus Delpleche wants the issue of marijuana use ventilated in public discussion.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

fresh air,” which has the potential to bring about changes in the laws of POLICE PROSECUTOR Inspector this country.

Adolphus Delpleche has described the And the trained lawyer has urged broadening of the discussion on the citizens not to be afraid to marijuana issue by Prime Minister Dr. participate in the discussion. “Let’s Ralph Gonsalves, as, “a breath of discuss it,” he implored.

Delpleche, who prosecutes at the Serious Offences Court, made his position clear during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

Continued on Page 3.

The corporate headquarters of Karib Cable where positions have been made redundant.

Right: John Reid, President/Chief Operating Officer of Columbus Communications Inc., had said to THE VINCENTIAN that there was not going to be any retrenchment of workers.

FOUR MONTHS after giving the assurance that there were not going to be any job cuts at Karib Cable, new owners, Columbus Communications Inc., seem to have had a change of heart.

Reliable information reaching THE VINCENTIAN indicates that at least two positions at Karib Cable operations here have been made redundant.

Continued on Page 3.

V Collaboration high on CaesarÊs agenda 2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

News

by KENVILLE HORNE SABOTO CAESAR, newly appointed Chairman of CARICOM’s Alliance for Sustainable Development and the Rural Milieu, commonly referred to as The Alliance, intends to formalize a closer working relationship with all the

agriculture-related organizations within the region, in an effort towards realizing the common goal of food sustainability.

Caesar, who is this country’s Minister of Agriculture, will serve as chairman of The Alliance for the next two years.

His assumption of the chair came during Caribbean Week of Agriculture, which concluded last Saturday in Guyana.

The Alliance is a grouping of stakeholders involved in agriculture and rural development.

The representatives of

Governments, private sector, academia, rural women, youth and technology developers dialogue as equals, involving persons from all languages spoken in the Caribbean.

Caesar explained that there is a large number of agricultural

organizations in the Caribbean, with some of these Saboto Caesar, SVG’s Minister of organizations having Agriculture and new Chairman of affiliations to CARICOM’s Alliance for international Sustainable Development and organizations the Rural Milieu, speaking on his such as the Food return from Caribbean Week of and Agriculture Agriculture held in Dominica.

Organization (FAO), secretariat will also be Caribbean Farmers set up in SVG to deal Network (CAFAN), with The Alliance’s Caribbean Agricultural issues.

Research and Justifying the setting Development Institute up of the secretariat, (CARDI, the OECS Caesar said, “We do not Secretariat, CARICOM want to wait until we and a multiplicity of have to go back to a other organizations.

Caribbean Week of “You can’t have 40 Agriculture to deal with organizations working in matters of the Alliance; SVG, all taking off a we want to ensure that small portion of the pie over the two years, that to the extent that it is so there is a clear fragmented that the programme of whole cannot benefit integration for all the sufficiently,” said Caesar organizations, and that in explaining what will the goals which we set, drive his tenure. are monitored and By way of an update, achieved.”

Caesar disclosed that Reporting on the there will be an Alliance Caribbean Week of meeting, hosted by the Agriculture, Caesar FAO, in St. Vincent hailed it a success. during the 1st week of Among the issues November. discussed were the This could well be the situations surrounding genesis of an Alliance unregulated fishing, the Chapter in St. Vincent, Black Sigatoka disease as The Alliance seeks to and forestry encourage the formation conservation. of chapters which bring He also reported that together all SVG was commended for stakeholders, in each its consistent work on its member state.

National Zero Hunger Given that Caesar is Programme. the Chairman of the Caesar replaced Alliance, the Dominica’s Minister of headquarters of the Agriculture, Matthew organization will Walter, as Chairman of automatically moved to The Alliance.

St.Vincent. A mini

CPEA gets closer to March 27.

Information collected then will help to decide GRADE SIX students in which secondary are into the countdown school the student will to the next phase of be placed. their career. That will May 16, 2014 is when be the Caribbean students will complete Primary Exit the final assessment, to Assessment. be conducted in English, Registration was Mathematics and completed earlier this Science. week, and attention Students will have 75 shifts to February 2014 minutes for each paper when schools will which will consist of 50 submit students’ final multiple choice work to CXC. questions. Examination That will include centres will be placed projects, book reports, throughout the state. portfolios and other This is the first time assessment results. that the CPEA is being According to Chief employed. Teachers Education Officer, Lou would have undergone Anne Gilchrist, students some groundwork with will be assessed in Grade Five students last Reading from March 3 year.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 3.

News 3 Prosecutor: „LetÊs discuss the marijuana issue‰

Prime Minister had broadened the In a letter dated discussion, even though September 2, 2013 to it concentrates, at this chair of CARICOM, stage, on the medical Kamla Persad Bissessar, usage of marijuana.

Trinidad and Tobago’s “We live in an evolving Prime Minister, Dr. society and we have to Gonsalves, in noting the embrace change,” the heightened debate on the prosecutor underscored. possibilities of medical He is of the view that the marijuana and Prime Minister has acknowledging the taken the discussion to potentially beneficial use another level from which of marijuana, advanced policies could be adopted. the position that “…… it Delpleche noted that is high time CARICOM the 1937 Dangerous addresses, regionally, Drug Act classified this matter in a sensible, marijuana as a non-hysterical manner.” dangerous drug and the The Prosecutor said he minimum penalty for a was happy that the person convicted under Continued from Page 1.

that Act was a $1,000 fine, no matter how small the amount of marijuana was. The prosecutor explained, however, that the law was revised in 1989, now known as the Control of Misused Drug Act, and a person convicted under this Act could be reprimanded and discharged, the least penalty. “So we have evolved over the years,” he asserted.

He thinks it is time St. Vincent and the Grenadines embarks on a national consultation, including civil society, on the marijuana issue, “so

we could codify the various opinions.

“I am not saying it should be legalized or not. I am saying, let us discuss the issue. It’s right on our door steps, before our very eyes, so let us not bury our heads in the sand and pretend it is not there,” Delpleche said.

The prosecutor, however, made it clear that even as the discussion is ongoing, marijuana possession and cultivation is still illegal.

“Once the law remains as it is, I am duty bound to prosecute anyone who contravenes the law, and I will do so with all

diligence within the confines of the law. Once the evidence is there I would prosecute,” Delpleche crystalized.

But he hastened to add, “that is not to say that I can’t exercise my prosecutorial discretion, as given to me by the Code for Prosecutors, which I have exercised on a number of occasions.”

Prosecutor Inpector Delpleche created headlines April 17, 2011 when he opted not to proceed against a defendant who had pleaded not guilty to possession of one marijuana cigarette

(bomb). He had told the Court, “I am not fighting up with no one bomb of cannabis (marijuana).

He told THE VINCENTIAN then, that the matter had not passed the public interest test which is a requirement under the Code for Prosecutors. He had pointed out that it would have cost tax payers much more money to have the drug tested then what the court may have imposed as a fine.

The decision triggered widespread public discussion and debate which Delpleche described as “very healthy.”

Job cuts at Karib Cable approximate 80 employees of Karib Cable The information says was concerned, they had that the positions of nothing to fear… that no Marketing and Sales position will be made Manager and Human redundant.”

Resource Manager are In fact, Reid had the ones affected. Those hinted at the likelihood positions were filled by of having to hire Mr. Richard Hadley and additional staff, once the Ms. Tessa Glass acquisition by his respectively. company had satisfied all A reliable source told the legal requirements as THE VINCENTIAN that per the laws of St. the decisions were Vincent and the sprung without due Grenadines. notice, on the persons Reid also said how affected. encouraged his company THE VINCENTIAN, was by the acquisition (of since learning about the Karib Cable), and viewed redundancies here, has it as “an opportunity for been informed that his company to take an there have also been investment that has redundancies in St. grown to a certain point Lucia, where Columbus and take it to another Communications also level’. acquired the Karib Cable THE VINCENTIAN operations. did contact the Karib Readers are directed Cable offices here for to an article carried in substantiation of the this publication of May action taken, and got the 31st 2013, (Caption: following response, a ‘From Karib Cable to statement from FLOW: No job cuts expected’), in which John Columbus Communications which Reid, President/Chief read: “As Columbus Operating Officer of incorporates Karib Cable Columbus under our operation, we Communications Inc, will continue to assess said in an exclusive interview that “as far as our human and other resource needs and take job security for the Continued from Page 1.

necessary actions to enhance our responsiveness to customer and market demands, to best deliver innovative solutions to the industries we serve. As we expand, our staff complement in St. Vincent continues to grow with a focus on hiring local expertise.”

Columbus Communications Inc., trading in the name FLOW, is incorporated under the Companies Act of Barbados. It is a privately owned company which provides digital cable television, broadband internet and digital telephony services in Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada and Curacao.

With the acquisition of Karib Cable, Columbus Communications anticipates that its services would span more than 750,000 households and businesses, and serve in excess of 500, 000 persons across its operations in the Caribbean.

Karib Cable is the lone cable television provider in SVG. (CN)

V Men jailed after villagersÊ apprehension 4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

OttleyHall, was sentenced to five years in prison for being armed TWO MEN WHO WERE with a firearm, apprehended by Belair threatened to discharge villagers last November it at Oscar Francis, and following the theft of a two years for using a gold chain, received prison .9mm pistol, serial sentences at the Serious number cat 11134, to Offences Court on Monday. prevent a lawful Enrico Johnny, 24, of apprehension of himself.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

The sentences will run concurrently.

Mosiah Westfield pleaded guilty to stealing the gold chain valued $4,500 and was sentenced to two years in prison. He was charged jointly with Johnny who was found not guilty.

The men were

convicted on the charges at a trial which concluded last week Thursday, but Chief Magistrate Sonya Young gave her decision on Monday.

Evidence presented by the prosecution showed that on November 27, 2012, Johnny and

Westfield went into Miller’s shop at Belair, pretending they were customers. Westfield snatched the chain from Miller’s neck, and the men ran.

She raised an alarm, and villagers gave a chase, during which Johnny brandished the gun at them. The residents continued the chase, caught the men and handed them over to the police. The chain was

recovered, and checks revealed that the gun Johnny brandished was not loaded.

Bajan artist nabbed at airport A 43-YEAR-OLD ARTIST of Barbados, who told the police that a quantity of marijuana found in his possession was to raise funds to maintain his children because things are hard in Barbados, was behind bars up to press time Wednesday.

Otitluju Somoris was taken to Her Majesty’s Prison on Monday after failing to pay a fine of $13,000 forthwith, for possession of 5,206 grams of marijuana with intent to supply. Up to press time, Somoris had not paid the fine. He was also charged with attempting to export the drug, but he was reprimanded and

discharged on that.

Somoris pleaded guilty to both charges when he initially appeared before the Serious Offences Court last week Wednesday, October 9, but Chief Magistrate Sonya Young had adjourned the matter to Monday for sentencing.

Police officers from the Narcotics Unit, acting on a tip off, arrested Somoris at the E.T. Joshua Airport last week Tuesday, October 8 where he had already checked in with LIAT to return to Barbados. The lawmen approached him, and his suitcase was recovered from the baggage area.

During a search, 30 taped packages containing marijuana were found stashed in his suitcase.

When cautioned, Somoris told the police that a friend in St. The E.T Joshua Airport smuggle illegal drugs.

Vincent invited him here, gave him the drug and he was taking it back to Barbados to raise funds to mind his children because,

has seen its fair share of attemps to “things are hard in Barbados.”

The court ordered that Somoris be deported after paying the fine or upon completion of the sentence.

Jail time for gun, ammo possession Chief Magistrate Sonya Young is known to draw aline on matter of gun and ammunition possesion.

A 26-YEAR-OLD Queen’s Drive man is into his third day of a two-year jail term for firearm and ammunition possession.

Kevin Greaves was sentenced to two years on Wednesday for

HELP WANTED Looking for a male and female couple with a PADI MSDT certification.

Successful applicants should have: * At least a minimum of 750 dives completed * A college or university degree * Multilingual * Computer Literate * At least a minimum of 5 years experience running and operating a dive and snorkeling operation. * Boat handling skills is a must

Please email your resumes to info@canouandivecenter.com

possession of a .22 firearm without licence, and one year for having five rounds of ammunition, after pleading guilty to both charges.

The sentences, handed down by Chief Magistrate Sonya Young at the Serious Offences Court, will run concurrently.

The facts revealed that around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) were patrolling the Queen’s Drive area when they saw a group of men sitting at the side of the public road. The lawmen observed the scent coming from them, and decided to conduct a search, during which the gun was found, loaded with five rounds of ammunition in Greaves’ jacket pocket.

When cautioned, Greaves told the police the gun had belonged to his father, now deceased.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 5.

Regional

The Teknik Perdana, the research vessel that was detained by the Venezuelan Navy.

In this Diario El Sol de Margarita photo, the Teknik Perdana (left), carrying five American oil workers, arriving in Margarita Island, Venezuela, Sunday Oct. 13, 2013.

Venezuela releases research ship

Below: (L-R): President Donald Ramotar of Guyana and President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela signing a new understanding in late August, 2013.

THE OWNERS OF A USOPERATED oil ship which was detained by the Venezuelan navy on Thursday 10th October while carrying out operations off Guyana, say the vessel has been released, according to a BBC news report of last Tuesday.

Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over a longstanding border dispute had heightened over the last week with the Guyana government confirming on Friday 11th October that the Venezuelan navy had seized and arrested the crew of a research vessel, off Guyana.

News reports were that the vessel, the Teknik Perdana, was surveying the seafloor for oil on Thursday when it was approached by a Venezuelan navy vessel, and forced to sail to Venezuela’s Margarita Island. A crew of 36, including at least five US citizens, were said to be on board the detained vessel.

Caracas had accused the crew of operating illegally in Venezuelan waters.

The ship’s owner confirmed that the vessel and all 36 crew had been released, but also indicated that the Venezuelan government “has not given an indication as to why it decided to let the ship sail.”

The release of the vessel came some two days before the foreign ministers of Guyana and Venezuela were scheduled to meet in Trinidad and Tobago, to discuss the ship’s seizure.

In a prompt communiqué to the Venezuelan authorities, the Guyana Government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed its grave concern about the incident, and requested the immediate release of the vessel and crew.

The Guyana Ministry was adamant that “the Teknik Perdana was in Guyana’s

waters when this incident took place,” and that the actions taken by the Venezuelan navy vessel “constitute a serious threat to the peace of this subregion.”

Condemning the action by the Venezuelan naval vessel, the Guyana Government stated that “no agents of Venezuela, its Government nor any other State, has the authority to exercise any action in Guyana’s territorial waters, its continental shelf or its exclusive economic zone without its express consent.”

In its own defence, the Venezuela government issued a statement in which it expressed “deepest concerns over the manner in which foreign vessels authorised by the government of Guyana, enter Venezuelan territorial waters and exclusive economic area.”

The recent perceived heavyhanded action by Venezuela

comes a little over a month after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ended a oneday visit to Guyana.

That visit was slated as a move aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries that have been embroiled in an ongoing border dispute.

Arising out of that visit, Guyana and Venezuela agreed to ask the Jamaica-born

academic, Professor Norman Girvan, to continue as the United Nations (UN) Good Officer as they seek to settle their border dispute.

The vast area west of the Essequibo River makes up two-thirds of the territory of Guyana. It has been claimed

by Venezuela as its own since the 19th Century, when Guyana was still a British colony.

Dengue alert for two islands AT LEAST TWO CARIBBEAN states, St. Lucia and Barbados, are on heightened alert given the threat of dengue fever.

Late last week, the St. Lucia Health Ministry issued a ‘high alert’ warning following reports that one person had died from the disease.

On Thursday last week, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Merlyn Fredericks said her Ministry was awaiting confirmation that a child may have succumbed after suffering from dengue-like symptoms.

While she confirmed also that there was a reported increase in the number of persons exhibiting dengue-like symptoms, she sought to

calm fears by assuring that the situation had not reached epidemic proportions.

St. Lucians are mindful of the dengue epidemic they endured in 2011.

In neighbouring Barbados meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr Joy St John confirmed over 600 cases of the mosquito-borne illness.

Interestingly though, while the number of cases for this time of the year has increased, complaints were down, which suggested that Barbadians were not in a state of panic.

Dr. St. John explained that the particular strain of the dengue virus currently prevailing was not around in circulation before. The last time,

she said, it was strain 2, this time it’s strain 1, “and that is why we are seeing so many cases… as compared to last The Aedes aegypti mosquito which year.” transmits the infection.

The Barbados there lament that one authorities have already of the major indicated that they will hindrances in their intensify efforts to daily duties was the House and property owners, like this man, can look for combat the Aedes aegypti inability to gain mosquito larvae in vehicle tyres where water tends to mosquito (the carrier of access to some collect. the dengue virus) by properties, because doing inspections in high persons were at of the year.

Home and property risk areas in addition to work.

The heavy rainfall has owners can help to conducting weekend Officials here speak of also added to the alleviate the situation by inspections. an annual increase of conditions that making sure that Like in most island viral infections and accommodate the stagnant water did not territories across the illnesses of one kind or breeding of the Aedes remain unattended on region, the authorities another during this time aegypti mosquito. their properties.

6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 7.

People

Carlos Williams nominated for youth award VINCENTIAN CARLOS WILLIAMS is among five regional youth workers nominated for the 2013 Commonwealth Caribbean Region Youth Worker Award.

One of Carolina Muniz Ferreira - Cayman Islands, Alex Foster — Guyana, Tanya Merrick Powell — Jamaica, Raymond Ockille Trinidad & Tobago and Carlos Williams - St Vincent & Grenadines, will travel to London to accept the Caribbean Region Award, on October 30, 2013.

That person will join winners from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific in contest for the award of Commonwealth Youth Worker 2013.

Carlos Williams’ nomination comes as no surprise to those associated with youth work here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Williams is the President of the Green Hill Sports and Cultural Club, a Youth Officer and Director in St Vincent & the Grenadines, for well over eleven years.

His passion for and involvement in youth work, especially in the areas of sports, education and the environment, have provided leadership and impetus to a number of projects in the Green Hill community, a suburb of capital Kingstown.

Among the highlights of the fruits of his work is the community library, which made sourcing reading material and doing research more accessible, especially among school age youths who otherwise had to travel some two miles to access the services of the central library in Kingstown, and had to

rely on irregular public transportation.

This soon blossomed into a full learning resource centre which currently houses the library facility.

The 4H Agriculture Programme in the Green Hill community was birthed as a result of the recognition, by Williams, that there was a dearth of interest in agriculture, among young people in the community. The Club now engages youth, ages 8-18 years, in activities that encourage them to care, share, do, think and live healthy lives. A plot of land was developed for agricultural (cultivation) purposes. This continues to provide much needed assistance to families in the community.

Williams has also spearheaded a drinking water project, the

Carlos Williams construction of a has been hard court, a recognized by the children’s Commonwealth playground and a Youth Programme retaining wall at the playing field in for his work among young the Green Hiill people in SVG. community. All this was employment. accomplished on the Williams’ backs of volunteer labour work with and other contributions from the young people in the Green Hill Sports the community.

In addition, and more and Cultural Club and its direct involvement in recently, he has been youth development work able to mobilize the has not escaped the gaze involvement of some 30 of the nation, so much so youths in the A the Green Hill GARNAR programme, community is today which targets referred to as ‘The Self unemployed youths Help Community’. between ages 16-25 On his own years. The programme accomplishments, uses sports, even as job Williams said, “For me, I skills are taught, to have built up a prepare the youths for the world of work. Some reputation as the leader of the beneficiaries have of the Club for my involvement in youth and gone on to further their community work. I am education and others seen as a people person have found long term and a community man

because people always want to know how their children could get involved.”

The modest person that he is, he speaks very little of the success he has had in turning ‘talk’ into ‘action’ to the benefit of hundreds of young persons.

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Carlos Williams on his recent nomination and recognizes him as one worthy of any and all accolades that may be bestowed upon him.

V

8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 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 Redundancy: Karib Cable (FLOW) in focus REDUNDANCY’ can be described as the situation where an employer no longer requires employees to carry out work of a particular kind or to carry out work of a particular kind at the same location.

That, therefore, provides some basis on which the recent redundancies at Karib Cable (FLOW) will be assessed.

Lest we misunderstand the action, the redundancies that have been enforced mean that the jobs have become redundant and not the employees.

An employee’s position is usually considered to be redundant, and this is what we must ensure that Karib Cable (FLOW) subscribes to, if a company: has made a definite decision that the employer no longer wishes the job the employee has done to be done by anyone; that the decision is not due to the ordinary and customary turnover of labour; and that termination is not on account of any personal act or default of the employee.

In essence, therefore, the emphasis is upon a ‘job’ becoming redundant, rather than a worker becoming redundant or being dismissed.

These are fundamental expectations in any free and open economy, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In this matter of redundancies by Karib Cable (FLOW), there must be lessons for all employers and employees, especially as it relates to action the employer may wish to take or takes following its redundancy action.

There is no questioning Karib Cable ‘s (FLOW) prerogative to make certain jobs redundant; but such an action must at all times (providing the employer adheres to best practices)be predicated on genuine work-related reasons.

Employers may from time to time need to make changes, so as to improve technology; introduce more productive business practices or processes and products; respond to a decrease in supplies or loss of market space; or to adjust and accommodate to a decision to contract out or sell some of its business.

The question is: Did Karib Cable (FLOW) predicate its decision to make certain jobs redundant for any one or combination of these reasons? If it did, then we cannot say it is not a responsible corporate citizen.

Further, and may be this is an issue for those versed in the labour laws of this country, is Karib Cable (FLOW) obligated by law to provide information, before an action of redundancy is taken, to employees, especially to those employees whose jobs will be affected, and therefore give them the opportunity to contribute to any decision or even to apply for other jobs with the company or another company?

If it did, then again, we cannot on that basis say Karib Cable (FLOW) is not a good corporate citizen.

This, in this column’s estimation, is the noble, correct and moral (there’s that word again) thing to do, and if there is no current obligation by law, is it not time that such be legislated so as to protect workers against arbitrary reaction, especially in times of economic downturns?

Mind you, we must also respect the employer’s right not to disclose information that would infringe on confidentiality. But was this the case in the matter at hand, the Karib Cable (FLOW) action?

This is a case, not the first and may be not the last, for careful monitoring by the Labour Department. Consider the following scenario: An employee’s position as a Financial Controller was made redundant. The employer then hired a qualified accountant to a position titled Dealership Accountant. The duties identified in the job advertisement for the new position were identical to those of the position made redundant. The employer placed considerable emphasis on the requirement of a tertiary qualification in accounting; however the job advertisement did not specify this requirement. Before a Court of law, this action was judged not to be a case of genuine redundancy.

This is not to imply that Karib Cable (FLOW) has ulterior motives, but all the bases have to be covered if we are serious about protecting the rights of workers.

Not to make the issue political, but is our present government not a Labour government, a workers’ government, a champion of working class people?

When any action is taken by employers to circumvent the employment regulations of a country, and we are not saying that Karib Cable (FLOW) did, it is time for the guardians of the workers to take stock, study the situation at hand and take action to prevent any unwarranted action on the part of those whose bottom line is a justifiable one of profit, but not at the expense, willy nilly, of the workers labour.

The riot and independence THESE SMALL CARIBBEAN ISLANDS owe much to the series of spontaneous popular uprisings which took place along the entire archipelago in the 1930s.

In our particular case, the outburst of October 21, 1935 marked a watershed in our political landscape. Nothing was the same after that. It formed the crucible out of which Independence was to emerge over time.

Yet, 78 years ago, few calculated the importance of the civil commotions. For obvious reasons, officialdom sought to down-play it.

And the colonially brainwashed tended to ignore or even condemn it.

Noted historian Ebenezer Duncan saw the episode as a “blot” on the peaceful and orderly development of the country.

Even Mc Intosh seemed to have been riddled with doubt. The masses had taken things into their own hands and hit the street, flouting his constitutionalist approach of letters and petitions seeking compromises and accommodation.

It was the colonial office, with a mind-set that could not understand that the people could rise up on their own, that put Mc Intosh at the head of the small insurrection, so to speak.

First of all, they simply asserted that Mc Intosh “is mainly responsible for staging the whole business.” Then they rationalized Mc Intosh’s own ambivalent and confused behaviour with the court comment that “it looks as if he was trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.”

Ten days after the riot, the Town Board, then chaired by H.A. Davis, sent a resolution of solidarity, reportedly moved by Mc Intosh, to the Governor. This resolution tendered “its deep regret at the incident,” congratulated “the Government on the stand taken in suppressing the disorder,” and expressed its thanks to those “who readily came forward and rendered very valuable services.”

Numbered among those volunteers were officers of the Representative Government Association itself. The Vice President wrote a personal letter to the Governor condemning the rioters who he said had behaved “like a bunch of uncivilized savages,” and offered his services to the Government in any capacity.

In the prevailing climate, there was a total black-out of news on the riot. It was not until 1967 that Oswald Peters and myself put the event in its proper light in an article in ‘Flambeau’ entitled ‘1935 Revisited’. After that break-through publication, the matter gathered speed.

The truth is that there was a strong dose of race coursing through the veins of the uprising, and coloured members of the RGA with one or two exceptions, ultimately took a stand behind the White banner.

Power and Whiteness coincided in colonial society so that any redefinition of the situation involved race. The preaching of Grenada’s Marryshow and, especially, Marcus Garvey had given fillip to the Black cause.

Above all, Ebenezer Duncan had devoted much of the ‘Investigator’ which he published, to the progress of the Italian — Abyssinian war.

Haile Selassie became the name of a drink in St. Vincent, as well as the sobriquet of the

lower class leader, Sheriff Lewis, who handled matters on the street.

The African bond was regional. The colonial office reported that at the time in Grenada a huge crowd had taken to the streets one day shouting, “We Win. We Win.” The Governor’s staff thought that it was in celebration of a local football victory, only to learn that the cause of the jubilation was Abyssinia’s recapture of the lost city Aduwa!

In the circumstances, as soon as news of the disturbances circulated, Mrs Grimble, wife of the Administrator, organized canteen arrangement and accommodation to cater for children of European descent, who had sought refuge in the police barracks.

Three years before the outburst, a former Chief Justice of St. Vincent pontificated in the Port-of-Spain Gazette, “The negro will not work, as nature provides him with the necessaries of life so far as food is concerned.

Two flour bags will make a suit of clothes, and it is always possible to beg a couple of kerosene tins to help in the construction of a palmthatched hut.”

A Moyne Commission, which investigated the disturbances, confirmed that the majority blacks were consigned to a life of economic misery and political stagnation. Their plight was total. As an old man Mc Kenzie used to preach to Sheriff ‘Haile Selassie’ Lewis and others under an almond tree in the Market Square: “St. Vincent needs a riot.” A cleansing force!

After the riot, it was not plain sailing. Some local persons wanted to turn back the hand of the clock. Fortunately Colonial Office got the message and arranged a time-table of constitutional advance, leading up to full responsible government.

It is now seventy-eight years since the riots of 1935 and thirty-four years since the formal recovery of our Independence in 1979. Both events took place in the month of October, accidentally, with no connections. We need to bridge them and demonstrate that there is indeed a common thread linking them, the one being a natural precursor of the other.

It really is amazing that in working out the question of a date for Independence, Premier Milton Cato had first set his mind on the 22nd day of January, a controversial date thought to be Discovery Day which has now been discredited.

Finally, he settled on 27th October, so close and yet so far from 21st October, the anniversary of the riots. But at the time Labour, and anybody who was somebody in the society, was mortally ashamed of the deeds done on 21st October 1935. There was consensus among the higher-ups in 1979, to write that date completely off the social and political calendar. So the deliberate choice of the 27th October hopefully would erase the 21st in the people’s mind, and by happy coincidence had been the birthday of Rene Baptiste as well.

Slowly but surely, we are coming to a properly balanced history of ourselves, done by ourselves, which is an indispensable prerequisite and attribute of true Independence.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 9.

Views

Nowhere to let off steam

students, as well as a means of students, children, letting off steam.

Perhaps something could be A RECENT CLASS MEETING actual school plant has not it appeared, to students of the worked out with the ‘NEW’ at the St Mary’s RC School increased to any appreciable Catholic, Anglican and authorities of the Victoria Park, evoked concern and nostalgia degree.

Methodist schools; even the so that the students can access both at the same time.

Given what obtains, the Emmanuel High School and the the Park for more than the few The concern about the principal and teachers must be St. Martin’s School had access. hours they have for P.E. ‘energy levels’ of the children lauded for their efforts to On that field, boys and girls there and the apparent increase ‘control’ those why have been alike unleashed their energies Parent in injuries was received by under their care for the better and in the process, some of the parents and guardians with the part of the working day, five most outstanding sports Editor’s Note: The School attentive ear that it deserved. days a week. persons in SVG developed. has acquired the property Of note was the fact that the The nostalgic aspect of this It appears that Victoria Park which most recently housed the school’s population is way in issue has to do with the access is longer that accessible to the dental clinic of the late Ewart excess of what it was when or lack thereof, to Victoria Park. students, and this may be a ‘Ells’ King. This is the only real some of us attended it in the I recall that Victoria Park debilitating factor in efforts to ‘addition’ to the school’s 1960s and 1970s. Further, the was available, unconditionally produce rounded, disciplined physical plant.

Parrot talk I AM HAPPY that there are persons outside of St. Vincent who are caring for our parrot. Kenville Horne’s article on the parrot sanctuary in Germany was heartwarming. After all the ole talk about sending our parrots out, we are now understanding how important it is for us to make sure that we have parrots for the future, and that the people in Germany are helping in this regard.

It is also good to hear that there are plans to have the aviary at the Botanical Gardens further developed. As it is now, it could well do with some expansion.

And while I am at it, I recall sometime ago our

Minister of Agriculture of the day making a donation of (I think it was) two parrots to his Trinidadian counterpart.

That Trinidadian is Dr. Keith Rowley, now the Leader of the Opposition in that country, who did some work here during the 1979 eruption of La Soufriere. I wonder what has become of those parrots. Perhaps our current energetic Minister of Agriculture could make a quiet inquiry of Dr. Rowley, on our behalf.

In the meantime, I implore all Vincentians to support the effort of our Forestry Officers as they work to preserve the parrot population for our grand and great grand children to enjoy.

Pearl White

Dishonest judgment

good days?

Another trap promise? We may bring back bananas, but at the expense of the farmers and the poor relief money.

When are we going to accept that the big wigs in the banana industry are doing everything possible to keep us in and out of the industry? Keeping us in because consumers love our bananas, and out because they want the market for themselves. We must find another way to WHEN ARE we going to get honest judgment in this plant our bananas and sell them to other markets. country?

Look at all the changes over the years: from folding them in tissue papers to card board boxes; Promises plastic boxes to take them from the field to the packing area; then the transport tray; then the men These politicians always promise us to change things for the better when they get into office. They with spray cans in the fields to the spray plane; different colour-ribbons and a measurement tape to promise to build a new hospital, and if they keep measure the grains; kitchen and toilet and dining their promise and build a hospital, their room in the fields; then the compulsory registration. suppoprters will fail to see the other important When they discover we are not going to give up issues they forget. planting, they made a sign and called it Fair Trade, We are always in ‘trap promises’ from politicians. so as to make us happy.

Look at the expensive G vehicles running up and There is no profit anymore selling bananas down SVG. Am I right to say there was a promise shipped on the big boat. We must find an to reduce the number? That was a ‘trap promise’.

Who will give us the cost of maintenance for these G alternative before it is too late. vehicles?

Other promises

Bananas

What about the promise to bring crimes down?

What about the promise to bring back bananas to Will there be another one at election time?

A promise is in the making to reduce the high electricity bill; but who will be seeing the books to show where the money will be skimmed from to make us happy? Is this another ‘trap promise’?

Why can’t we get a promise to stop these unfair promotions in the police force? Am I right to say a promise is not always a comfort to a fool, but a way to fool us to get in power?

Retaining wall at Indian Bay * Anybody else noticed that not one of the water fountains in the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is working? * When are the persons responsible for beautifying the Arnos Vale Playing Field and its surroundings going to be recognized? * Any plans in the pipeline for the relocation of the Registry? * Why are foreign embassies here still saddled with having to pay the Customs Service Charge and other charges that come with preparing documents whenever a duty free sale is made to them?

Schools Who is responsible for the poor functioning of schools in SVG? The constant changing of teachers is a big setback. And every school term is a change in books - a financial burden on parents.

What about the children on the street during school hours, students wearing their ties around their chest? Big sports day during examination time!!! Too much instructional time wasted on sports. Is sports going to guarantee a better standard of living for these children when they become adults?

And those teachers; some running passenger vans during school hours; some with sale vans during school hours; some on the job looking as if they are going to a picnic.

And those meals at schools? Is it that the meal programme is for those who can afford?

Am I right to say discipline begins at schools and not at home, contrary to what was taught, because most parents are still kids themselves? What are we waiting for to put these problems to rest? Am I right to say that these shortcomings are breeding grounds for ill-discipline in our society? Are we waiting for a foreign consultant to be hired to show us our errors?

Is this another accident waiting to happen?

Spy

V

10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Why the people of SVG will vote It’s time for Arnhim Eustace for the ULP and the NDP The Issue SOMETIME IN THE NEXT SIXTEEN months or so, the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines will go to the polls to elect a new government. It is clearly understood that both political parties will be getting their election machinery in order, in preparation for this process.

The opposition NDP has said that it already had its candidates in place, whatever that means.

The electorate however, will be taking stock of the performance of the ULP administration and the way it is implementing its policies and programmes. They will examine the development philosophy and vision, along with the “talk and propaganda” coming from the NDP, to determine their suitability for governance.

At the end of the day, there are five basic reasons why the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will return the ULP administration to office for a fourth term in office. These are the factors that separate the ULP from the NDP.

uncertain future, these children were provided with a pathway to a tertiary education, and an opportunity to improve their lives, and that of their families.

Let us not forget that the Opposition NDP, led vociferously by Arnhim Eustace, opposed this aspect of the education revolution, including and especially the disadvantage loan policy.

The International Airport project

The construction of the international airport project at Argyle has tested the vision, imagination, resolve, fortitude, leadership and problem solving skills of the ULP administration and Comrade Ralph.

In every respect, whenever there was a doubt, whenever there was a challenge, whenever there was a difficulty, Comrade Ralph and the ULP rose to the occasion and provided a solution.

Leadership and the Economy It is this factor that has captured the imagination of Vincentians, A lot has been said about the including the NDP. This is the largest leadership skills of Prime Minister capital project ever attempted by a Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as compared government in the history of with the leader of the NDP, Arnhim St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Apart Eustace, and the consensus is that from the obvious benefits to tourism Comrade Ralph is light years ahead of and trade that the airport project will Eustace. But it is the leadership of bring, we as a people feel an the country in the current turbulent enormous amount of pride that we global economic and financial crisis have within us, the foresight, that stands out. determination and drive, to Over the last two years, 2011 and accomplish this task.

2012, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was the only ECCU member state to The Philosophy of the ULP record two years of positive economic growth. This is not an easy Overall, it is the vision and achievement in the face of the current philosophy that has captured the crisis, and was attained through fiscal attention of the voters in this country. prudence and consolidation, and with When one speaks about a “people some enterprise, without creating any centred approach,” one refers to a undue hardship for the Vincentians. many-sided economic strategy of Salaries have been paid on time, sustainable development aimed at there have been no “lay-offs” in the transferring St.Vincent and the public service, and the government Grenadines for the better. has maintained its safety net for the This means that all the policies of most vulnerable persons in the the ULP administration are geared society. Dr. Gonsalves has attracted towards the development of the people praise from a number of local, of this country, and the evidence is regional and international agencies, there. It is seen in the housing for the sensible management of the revolution, in the sale of government country’s fiscal situation. land at prices as low as ten cents per It was the IMF, in its release of square foot, in the construction of the November 5th, 2012, who stated that bridge over the Rabacca Dry River, in “economic activity indicators suggest the creation of ten thousand new jobs that a slow recovery may be in twelve years, in the significant underway, with some improvements reduction in the level of poverty, and in tourism and manufacturing”. It is indigent poverty, and in the sufficient to state that among the enhancing of the state’s ECCU member states, St. Vincent infrastructure, including roads and and the Grenadines and St. Lucia are bridges, and repairs to police stations, the only countries who have not schools and clinics. engaged the IMF in structural adjustment policies.

The Communion with the People

The Education Revolution Vincentians no longer take the Education Revolution for granted.

Designed and fashioned by Comrade Ralph and the ULP, it is a factor that is responsible for many of our young people getting an education at the secondary, post tertiary and tertiary level. The children of many poor families have benefited from this strategy, and in particular, from the disadvantaged loan policy.

Over one thousand persons have benefited from this policy. From staring at a blank wall and an

Above al,l it is the continued communion with the people that will tie all these factors together. The ULP as a party will continue to reach out to the people of our beloved nation, in new ways, and our constituency representatives will begin this process very soon.

In this period, in the quest for a fourth term, it is important that our comrades continue and increase the work on the ground, reaching out further to our supporters and new voters, and providing the communion that is the hallmark of the ULP.

AT A RECENT CENTRAL Committee meeting of the New Democratic Party, all fifteen candidates were ratified.

These candidates bring to the party a tremendous amount of skills, knowledge and experience to manage the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it signals that the NDP is ready for the battle ahead.

The candidates and their constituencies which they will represent in the next general elections are: Arnhim Eustace, East Kingstown; Dr. Godwin Friday, Northern Grenadines; St. Clair Leacock, Central Kingstown; Daniel Cummings, West Kingstown; Nigel ‘Nature’ Stephenson, South Leeward; Benjamin Exeter, Central Leeward; Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, North Leeward; Dr. Linton Lewis, East St. George; Dr. Julian Ferdinand, West St George; Curtis Bowman, Marriaqua; Noel Dickson, South Windward; Addison ‘Bash’ Thomas, South Central Windward; Kenroy Johnson, North Central Windward; Lauron Baptiste, North Windward; and Terrence Ollivierre, Southern Grenadines.

The captain of the team is the Honourable Arnhim Eustace who will undoubtedly be the next Prime Minister of this country.

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace The Hon. Arnhim Eustace attended the Richmond Hill Government School and the St Vincent Boys’ Grammar School. He then studied at Sir George William University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Economics from University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.

In 1977, Eustace joined the Caribbean Development Bank in Barbados. He rose from Administrative Officer through the ranks of the institution, to become Director of Projects before returning to St. Vincent in 1993.

In 1985, Eustace was, for 18 months, seconded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which assigned him to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to review and implement changes to the public finance system and to manage government finances as Director General of Finance and Planning.

Upon his return in 1993 to St. Vincent, Eustace was appointed Fiscal Adviser to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

From 1993 to 1998, Eustace was chairman of WIBDECO as well as the Joint Venture Holding Companies in the UK. He headed the Windward Islands negotiating team for the acquisition of GEEST Bananas in a joint venture with Fyffes of Ireland.

Eustace was also chairman of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).He was also the Government Director on the board of the East Caribbean Group of Companies.

In 1998, he resigned from the public service and ran for political office, winning the East Kingstown parliamentary seat , a victory he has repeated in three subsequent elections. Following the 1998 general elections, he was appointed Minister of Finance, Planning and the Public

Service.

Later that year, he was offered the post of Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, which he declined.

In 2000, Eustace was elected leader of the New Democratic Party and, upon the October 2000 retirement of Sir James Mitchell, became Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines until the NDP’s loss at the March 2001 general elections.

Eustace remains president of the New Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition. In the three general elections his party has contested since he took the helm, the NDP has risen from 3-12 to 7-8, within narrow reach of forming government.

The ULP has been preaching that the Honourable Arnhim Eustace was born with ‘a gold spoon in his mouth’; this is far from the truth. It is hard work and the discipline that was instilled in him by his parents that have brought him to where he is today. As a student in Canada, it was not all smooth sailing for him. To get finance to facilitate his studies, he had to seek employment during the summer break.

He was successful, after a number of attempts, to get a job on the railway, and during the summer, he worked on the train as a porter. The income he received assisted him with his rent, and to purchase food. The earnings from that job were not always sufficient. However, there were times when he sold his blood at the hospital to make ends meet. Had Mr. Eustace received one of the scholarships that were available at that time from the Canadian government, his financial situation in Canada would have been better.

Instead, he was denied that scholarship by the government of the day, although he was the only person at that time who applied for it. As a result, the three scholarships that were offered by the Canadian government were not taken up.

Arnhim Eustace grew up like any other child in Edinboro. He played cricket with his friends, and was nicknamed ‘Ted Dexter’ because of his powerful off drive. But his favourite pastime was fishing. He loved the sea, and enjoyed going around the rocks to fish, carrying his roasted breadfruit to munch on when he was hungry. Yes, he also built and rode carts, which was very popular in those days. His parents being dedicated Christians, ensured that Sunday school and church were a must for him.

But it was that discipline and the experience that he gained when he studied in Canada that helped to shape the Arnhim Eustace that we have today. There is no doubt that at this time, with Mr. Eustace’s training as an Economist and the experience he has in government and that at the Caribbean Development Bank, that he is the best person to lead St. Vincent and the Grenadines. And he has a competent team to implement the programmes and policies that will take this country back on a path of economic growth, which will ultimately make the lives of Vincentians better.

Once again, we are appealing to the electorate to vote for the NDP when the next general elections are called.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 11.

Views

In Touch, View Point, and the Fellowship Breakfast Table

“It concerns us to know the purposes we seek in life, for then, like archers aiming at a definite mark, we shall be more likely to attain what we want.” - Aristotle (384–322 BC) Greek philosopher, studied under Plato, tutored Alexander the Great.

THIS COLUMN’S REGULAR readers now realise that I am habitually inspired by the writings of others. Many of these are reflected in the quotations that are so often featured in this column.

Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher who played a major role in motivating Alexander the Great, is often featured in my writings. The quotation that I have used to introduce this week’s column is especially dear to me as it reminds me of the need to keep focused on the things that I deem noble. Let me explain: It has been almost a year now since I accepted the challenge to enter the local political arena. It is no secret that several members of my family, close friends, and associates would have wished that I had not accepted the call to such national service and public scrutiny. I quite understand and appreciate their concerns. They (and I) understand that “politics” is rife with “mud-slinging”, “name calling”, “misrepresenting the truth”, and so on. However, the sum total of political service is not negative.

Performing parliamentary duties can provide ample opportunities to influence a nation and its people for good. My entering the political arena was not an easy decision. It was done after much prayer and deliberation.

Regular readers of THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper will know that I have been a regular contributor to this column (In Touch) for over a decade. Listeners to the Wednesday edition of View Point on WE FM (99.9 FM) would note that I have been a frequent contributor for several years now. And, since 2008, I am a regular host and co-host on the Fellowship Breakfast Table at Praise FM (105.7 FM and 95.7 FM). Readers and listeners know that I have kept partisan politics out of all of these presentations. And that is the way that it will remain.

Over the years, I have shared my personal mission statement with readers and listeners, and invited them to hold me accountable. This is not done to seek to impress persons about me. Far from it! It is done to encourage and to inspire others. To invite others to consider penning their own mission statement with the intention that it will drive them to greater heights of noble achievements. I also reveal my personal mission statement so that persons can correct and guide me, should they ever observe that my writings, conversation, or behaviours do not reflect what I profess. My personal mission statement is: “To have my life contribute to others for

good.” My utterances and behaviours must always seek to reflect this. Yes, I am human and there will be times when I stumble and fall on this often treacherous road of life. But overall, what I say and do must be done to add value to others; to lift others up; to inspire and encourage others. This is the same approach that I have taken to the political journey on which I have embarked. The public must hold me accountable to what is written in today’s column. It is now here in black and white. This is who I am and what I stand for. And if ever I deviate from this path, any citizen (young or old, educated or unlearned, professional or untrained) has a right and responsibility to remind me of the need to refocus.

Within recent times, there have been individuals who have suggested that the In Touch column should evolve to become an “organ for my campaign”; that I can use it to get my political messages out. No! That must never happen. This column must forever be to encourage and inspire all people. Any political commentary appearing in this column must be general (non-partisan). Yes, there may be times when my writings may appear to commend or critique some “gladiators” in the political arena, but these must forever be based on principles and not on personalities. The agenda, the motive, must never be to gain political mileage or to maim a political opponent.

It is my intention to continue contributing to this column (In Touch). It is also my desire to maintain my weekly slot at WE FM (View Point on Wednesdays). And I most certainly look forward to hosting and co-hosting programmes on Praise FM. I thank God for the pleasure, privilege, and growth opportunities afforded me to participate in these three avenues of service. The responses that I have had from readers and listeners confirm that my contribution via this column and the radio programmes are adding value.

They seem to be encouraging others (just as much as they encourage me).

And so, I press on. I retain my aim my focus. I model the archer that Aristotle described in the opening quotation: I am like that archer aiming at a definite mark (to have my life contribute to others for good) and, with God’s help, the thoughts that I share will lift others (and others will lift me) as we seek to build a better nation, region, and world.

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

Perverting the Administration of Justice IF A MATTER IS BEFORE the Court, it will be improper for someone to try to influence an outcome that will prove favourable to him/her. Therefore, in any properly established and administered court, persons who attempt to influence that court, are rubbing closely on the coat tails of justice. In fact, there are many cases where high officials are made to pay a heavy price for their refusal to obey court orders.

The actions of high officials at the St Joseph’s Convent and the Ministry of Education not only amount to contempt of court; worse, the action and reaction of these officials, when taken together, do not only show a pattern of contempt for our courts., they amount to a perversion of the administration of justice.

The disobedience, ill-discipline and disorder of these officials are glaringly and manifestly worse when we consider that they self righteously proclaim that a 14-year-old child was too disobedient and ill-disciplined to continue her education at a government assisted, religious school.

The perversion of the administration of justice played out in this fashion. A court sets its calendar in a way that will finally resolve a legal matter. The school and education officials do not like the course of action set by the court because it allows the child they want out of the school to remain there until the middle of November.

So what did they do? They riled up students, school mates of the very child the court ordered to remain in the school, to lock the child out of the very school that the court ordered she return to for an education. In defense of the school, some say that it was not the administration that organized the lock out, it was the students.

Before this act by the school and ministry officials, they previously argued that, while the court ordered the child return to the school, it never said that the child must be taught.

What utter nonsense! A school is a living organism. Return to the school until the matter is resolved could never mean have the child simply return to the compound and nothing else.

Well the school officials were under court order to do a particular thing: allow the child to return to the school.

What then were the principal of the St Joseph’s Convent, Ministry officials and at least one lawyer, who came to the court later in the day to argue that the school was in chaos, doing among the students? They were smiling and cheering them on.

Only in St Vincent are these matters taken that lightly. Only in St Vincent will such a shameless and shameful misuse of children take place without an outpouring of indignation form reasonable and respectable citizens. Only in St Vincent will persons so willfully assault the administration of justice without a statement from the legal fraternity.

If the law is to have meaning, if it is to be respected, it must never become apparent to citizens that the

law has two faces. It must never be shown that the application of the law depends on who you are and where you sit on the societal ladder.

For the law to have meaning, all of us must be prepared to honour its orders and directions. None of us, no matter what our social standing happens to be, must act or be made to feel that he/she is above the law.

Actions like these, where high officials blatantly pervert the administration of justice without censure, prove that our society is in a slow, but painful decline. It sends a bad signal to the rest of society. Small wonder then that the glue that makes for proper and better socialization appears to be giving.

It is why some police officers feel as though they have licence to beat, maim and sometimes kill civilians, because invariably there is no negative repercussions. It explains why some lawyers play fast and loose with clients money then boast to an angry client that it’s hardly likely that she will find a lawyer willing to make the accused attorney answer.

It is why so many of us dance away from the national duty and responsibility to pay our fair share of taxes, but complain when our society, for lack of resources, fail to provide basic services. This total and complete disregard for legal foundation of society could be seen when an accused man, standing in the docks at court, could be told to stop smiling before the rest of his teeth is knock out.

This disregard for basic norms is reflected in our inhumanity to each other, the swiftness with which we want to lick up our brothers, sisters and neighbours. Why? We have become impatient with ourselves. We are not prepared to talk things through to a resolution.

And when discussion fails, we are not prepared to have trained minds in the law courts help to resolve matters.

We are self righteous. We know all of the answers, even before we think the thought. So when things appear to be going against us or not moving at a pace most desirous to us, we short circuit the process of deliberations.

We rig the outcome to suit ourselves.

And then we, adults, charge our youths and children with being rude and disobedient and ill-disciplined.

The performance of those high officials at the Ministry of Education and at St Joseph’s Convent is bad examples of what our children should be like.

Rather than commend themselves and celebrate what in time will prove to be only a pyrrhic victory over a dignified mother and beleaguered child, these officials should hang their collective heads in shame, run to the Catholic Church and say 10 Hail Marys.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Our clean drinking water supply under threat ACCORDING to a National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) press release of October 07, 2013, there were 22 landslides as a result of heavy rain in SVG on October 05 and 06, 2013. The landslides remind of the devastation that occurred in Haiti that led to Haiti losing virtually all its forests.

Day by day, under the incompetent ULP regime, SVG is looking more like Haiti. In Haiti, the people are so poor and desperate, that they have chopped down an estimated 98% of the original forests for use as fuel for cook-stoves, and in the process have destroyed fertile farmland soils, contributing to desertification.

The loss of forests means that Haitians have destroyed their watersheds, and close to 80% of their people do not have access to clean drinking water. The people of Haiti often have to resort to gathering water from ‘garbage-filled’ rivers to supply their households for their daily needs, including cooking and drinking.

Access to clean, fresh water is a main concern in Haiti, where waterborne illnesses, such as typhoid, cholera and chronic diarrhoea, are the cause of more

than half of the deaths in Haiti. Contaminated water is also one of the leading causes of childhood illness and the very high infant death rate in Haiti.

SVG is experiencing the worst period of hardship in living memory, and many households are unable to afford electricity and pipe borne water, and hence are forced to chop down trees to use the wood as fuel. Our rainforests are being killed because of poverty, and this is leading to a greater number of landslides.

SVG is fast becoming like Haiti; our watersheds are under serious threat of being permanently destroyed.

With all these landslides, we are at risk of losing our clean drinking water.

In Kenya, poverty drove people to cut down trees to burn the wood to make coals to earn a living. The loss of forest in Kenya is now so extreme in many areas, that households can no longer get water to grow food.

Many parts of Kenya now rely on food aid from abroad.

Poverty has killed their source of water and food.

Poverty will also kill our source of water and food in SVG, if we don’t take stock.

We must act immediately and stop our rainforest from being cut down further. We must plant more trees. We cannot wait until there is no water running in the pipes in our homes before we take action.

We must also immediately take note of the presence of Taiwan and the white, super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. Having 22 landslides in 48 hours is a serious warning to all: to create wealth for our people, we must get Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan to pay their fair share of tax or get rid of them.

Their greed is keeping our people in poverty, and it is the poverty that forces people to chop down trees for fuel or to make coals for a few dollars. The loss of trees is causing the landslides.

Water is life. The risk of killing the rainforest and losing our fresh, clean drinking water is real and significant. There are too many landslides. The parasites must be deported now.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Time to end the national heroes debate and consider: - An Overlooked Legal Imperative

by R. THEODORE L.V. BROWNE Part III

The P.M. The P.M., though a most creative and competent politician, perhaps exposed his humanity. After all, he is just human, and to err is human — “all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God, and only he who is without fault should cast the first

stone. Will such a man stand up and declare himself, if without a single fault?” The P.M. is a good man with a passionate love for the poor and for education and for the national welfare.

But he is a political animal — witness the admirable operations in East St. George to pave the way for another.

Burgin, in East St. George is apparently unaware of the massive destruction to Brighton Bay inclusive of dunes which have disappeared with all vegetation and other protective sea

defences to fertile agricultural lands.

It is a reckless, supervision of official destruction in total indifference to the cries of poor land owners whose lands have been rendered uncultivable by being frequently inundated by sea water.

St. Vincent is blessed to have such a gifted, scholarly and genuine P.M. — a man who is God-fearing and with no demonstrated appetite for greed. Oh how refreshing and inspiring is the change he introduced in politics - so unlike that of his selfrighteous detractors. Has anyone yet assessed the magnitude of his efforts and the reach of his vision relating to the construction of the Argyle International Airport? It is nothing short of multiple miracles at a time when some of us can’t even run a “two by two” store successfully in Kingstown.

The compelling and stubborn facts Let us be guided by the compelling and glaring facts which stare us in the face every day all over St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean, Europe and on every populated continent. The stubborn facts will lead us to one inescapable conclusion: Dr. J.P Eustace meets and exceeds all the qualification requirements.

Vincentians in Europe are saying so.

Vincentians in the U.S.A., England, Sandy Bay, Chateaubelair, Union Island, Mustique, Bequia, Mayreau and elsewhere are saying and singing “Doc is the superb National Hero”. It is a justifiable and harmonious national refrain.

Doctor J. P Eustace’s name is the only name which unifies all political parties, races and religious denominations. His is the only name among nominees which crystallizes the concept of “National” from available and admissible evidence. Can this be said of Joshua, Cato or of any of the others? No! Take for example, P.R. is a Spiritual Baptist and is N.D.P. Theo Browne is Pentecostal and U.L.P. Patmos Richards, apparently a “nowhereian” and a Green Party sympathiser, Carl Joseph is a Methodist and N.D.P. Louis Straker is a strong and exemplary Adventist and is U.L.P., Duff Walker-James was Spiritual Baptist and P.P.P, and Dougie “Nose” Joseph — supports any good in all parties.

In addition, Doc’s name transcends race or ethnic connection: Cadrin Gill is Carib, Wycliffe Franklyn and Jonathan Pitt and David Phillips and Phillip York and the great David Small are of African descent; Roy Lewis, John Lewis and Grafton

Hutchinson, Cosmus Cozier and Samuel Hazell and Dr. Alban Bacchus are of mixed descent Gonsalves, Marks and Dabreo, Veira and Francis are of Portuguese and English extraction, but they have all said for years that Doc. J. P. Eustace is a National Hero — perhaps it is the only matter on which they all see ‘eye to eye’ and sing one tune. As a grateful Carib businessman and very prominent nation builder once said with reference to Dr. J.P. Eustace: “Any man who can transform me from being a perpetual zero must be a hero.” Graduates of Doc. J. P. Eustace schools have been identified as Professors and Deans of University Faculties worldwide; as world renowned surgeons and doctors, and as experts at the United Nations, and as judges at the highest level in our Court system; and also as farmers, businessmen and mariners and as gifted politicians and ministers of government and the church.

In addition, the most eloquent, articulate, analytical, grammatical, scientific and knowledgeable of our preachers are also graduates of his school — the Emmanuel High School — check Dr. Reynold Murray, Professor Douglas Neverson, Dr. Samuel Hazell, Professor Elford Stephens and former acting Comptroller of Inland Revenue, Pastor Jonathan Pitt, to name a few.

Oh how good, pleasant, refreshing and edifying it is, to listen to the preaching of Pastor Douglas Neverson — one of Dr. J. P. Eustace’s protégées.

His lurid description of the biblical narrative and lucid interpretation of the text and relevant, persuasive application of biblical principles clearly reveal an artist at work who is appealingly listenable — smooth, fluent, clear, fresh, persuasive, grammatical, logical, theologically sound and anointed. His verbs and his nouns are never at war. Some pulpits constitute a war zone - a virtual battle ground between nouns and verbs — the war seems irreconcilable. But with a little discipline and willingness to learn from competent and available sources within the church, the war can be terminated. Unfortunately while the verbal confusion is going on unabated with grammatical fractures, the message is often lost and the noble intention of edifying the saints is misplaced. What a pity! Keep up the great work Pastor Neverson. The State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the world can find much more room for more exemplary preachers like you. We are proud of you — as an exemplary graduate of the Emmanuel High School.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 13.

Money

Humphrey cops Junior Saver award From the area of Belmont, in East St. George, she put aside nearly three thousand dollars over a twoyear period. The youngster admitted to being ALEXI HUMPHREY is a first former at the Girls’ High excited about the savings practice when she began School. She has a message for others at her former in 2011. She sold sweets, pencils, and gypsy balls to institution, the Kingstown Preparatory, and the other Primary Schools taking part in the Schools Cooperative prop up her savings. That was in addition to money provided by her father.

Programme.

Humphrey endorsed the saving programme in the Humphrey was in the spotlight at the National Schools Cooperative awards ceremony last Tuesday. speech she was privileged to deliver. She expressed Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

Credit Unions benefits highlighted INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION WEEK winds up tomorrow, Saturday October 19, in an event dubbed ‘Seniors Care Day’.

Junior Bacchus, President of the Cooperative League, sees the Credit Union/Co-operative as the first stop for savings.

That is aimed at promoting increased fellowship and cooperation among credit union members and senior citizens.

Activities took place throughout the week, including Members Appreciation Day observed yesterday, Thursday October 17.

The activities were held under the theme, ‘Cooperatives unite for good — a better way’.

The celebration, spearheaded by the Cooperative League, adopted a tagline: “Others take your interest; Credit Unions take interest in you.”

In addition to messages and other promotion, persons won prizes throughout the week through Radio and Facebook quizzes.

Ar the launch of the

week on Tuesday last, President of the Cooperative League, Junior Bacchus, described Credit Unions as “home grown” and urged citizens to “Stick with your Credit Union.”

In Bacchus’s view, “The first place you should put your penny is in a Cooperative or Credit Union.”

Also addressing the launch was Andre Liverpool, vice president of the Rose Place based Goodwill Fisherman’s Cooperative. He referenced to his Cooperative’s collaboration with the Swimming Association and the Iniversal Rastafari Movement in a programme involving children from Rose Place.

The Fisherman’s Cooperative also has links with the National Trust,

and together they are working towards an upgrade to washroom facilities at Rose Place.

Steps to improve safety at sea, enhance radio contacts among fisher folk, and improve ice boxes to raise the standard of fish maintenance are also on the Goodwill Fisherman’s Cooperative agenda.

Edwin Charles, chairman of the SVG Automotive Cooperative Society, highlighted benefits of his collective.

He pointed to rebate on purchases as well as dividends on shares yearly.

All of this was in keeping with the week’s foucs on highlighting the work and benefits of Credit Unions and Co-operatives.

confidence that the saving pattern will help students.

Her persistency was perhaps pivotal in her school’s capture of the Primary Division.

Jacinta Edwards from Layou Government placed second in the Primary sector, while Cloe Robertson from Mustique Primary placed third.

Secondary School Alexi Humphrey, a students were also former KPS student, rewarded. Ezana was adjudged Junior Henderson spurred the Saver of the Year.

Girls’ High School to the top in this category. T’Zan Phillips from Thomas Saunders Secondary placed second. Third position went to Daniel Michael from Sandy Bay Secondary.

The audience at the Peace Memorial Hall in capital city Kingstown were treated to music from pannist/soloist Ken Isles while they awaited the start.

Jasmine Hull, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, under whose portfolio Co-operatives fall, was the feature speaker.

Hull stressed the importance of savings, describing it as a good habit to cultivate. She welcomed the Chateaubelair Primary School into an Agri-Business Programme.

Joffre Venner represented the Education Ministry. For him, a country’s development hinges on nurturing a spirit of co-operation.

He praised the Teacher Guides for their role in stimulating the students and in endorsing the saving approach, described it as a “necessary life skill”, given what is happening in the world today.

14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Heritage Parade promotes Hairouna and national pride, have concentrated, previously, on themes which have THE 2013 BOSVG St. Vincent Cooperative taken a regional view. This year, they Bank GHS National Heritage Parade, zeroed in, straight home — to staged in conjunction with the Ministry ‘Hairouna’. As a result, the parade of Tourism, Sports and Culture, kicked off sought to include much of what we in grand style from the Kingstown Cruise were involved in as a people from the Terminal last Tuesday, 15th October. It days of our ancestors. snaked its way along Bay Street, turning The two floats in the procession on to Higginson Street then on to Back boasted a Garifuna village and a clever Street, making its way up Back Street to compilation of the foods that have its culmination at Heritage Square on sustained us from time immemorial.

South River Road.

Crafted by local masmen, the Garifuna This year, the parade operated village comprised the signature hut, a under the theme, ‘From Richmond to petroglyph and other aspects of the Clifton: Hairouna’s Legacy’, with the Garifuna lifestyle. These were backed tag line, ‘I am Hairouna, You are up by a group of very vibrant Garifuna Hairouna, We are Hairouna!’. It drummers. Foods like arrowroot, consisted of a number of groups, cassava, banana, breadfruit, and other individuals and floats. mainstay victuals were on show on the The National Heritage Committee, second float. These floats were an in seeking to sensitize the general addition on the previous parades. public to issues of culture, heritage The name Hairouna and the country

by GLORIAH...

of Hairouna received overwhelming promotion. The preponderance of national colours was not only seen among parade participants, but conscious Vincentians dressed themselves accordingly to show Hairouna’s legacy. This legacy was also on show in the cross section of persons walking the parade. It ranged from the elderly to the very young.

There were business people, government workers, students, artisans, dancers, pan men/women, musicians, other entertainers, professional and non-professional people. It clearly showed its potential for becoming a unifying force among Vincentians.

As far as unifying goes, while the numbers as per participation had increased significantly, the number of onlookers had decreased disappointingly. The National

Heritage Committee had worked extremely hard to put on an event of national significance, one which patrons clamored for after last year’s event. There were even pleas last year for students to be let off early and for workers around Kingstown, especially along the parade route, to be given the opportunity to view the procession.

One must ask the questions: Where were the spectators? What made people stay away? The answers could really help to indicate whether “We [really] are Hairouna” or not, and it could say a lot for future parades. The thing is, these parades should not stop.

A look at the faces of those who chose to partake of the priceless feast by standing along the roadside, in their offices, or from a stolen spot on an elevated balcony, will easily say why — they were recording Hairouna’s Legacy.

Above: Members of the GHS National Heritage Committee lead the parade as they have done in previous years.

Above right: The performing artistes sustain the rhythms of our ancestors and two outstanding exponents of the performing arts, Singing Shaunelle and Vibrating Scakes, the Independence King, featured prominently in the parade.

Left and above: This float featured our endeavours to feed ourselves, with emphasis on fishing.

Right: It couldn’t be a national parade without a display of the national male and female wear.

Tyre Rolling may have diminished with the increase in vehicular traffic, but it was, and still is especially in rural areas, popular among the young men.

Below: Once upon a time, these trays would have been overflowing with ground nuts. Ground Nut vendors were like extended family.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 15.

Heritage Village:

A first time hit hopscotch and tyre rolling; storytelling; face FOR FOUR DAYS, painting; traditional beginning Sunday 12 and dances; art and history ending on Tuesday 15th displays; a cooking October, Heritage Square competition; a Gospel took on an air of nostalgia Music Showcase; and the when the National sale of a wide range of Secondary Schools’ Miss local food and drink.

Heritage Planning Persons visiting the Committee mounted a village told THE ‘Heritage Village’.

VINCENTIAN that they Pursued under the were happy about its theme ‘From Richmond creation, offered words of to Clifton: Hairouna’s endorsement and even Legacy’, the undertaking, made suggestions for according to the improving next year’s organizers, was aimed at village. encouraging “Vincentians When THE to return to some of the VINCENTIAN visited former, exciting and the village on Monday traditional ways of life, afternoon after work and also to expose the hours, its reporter found skills and talents of craft a large group of artisans and other businessmen ‘banging’ persons in the arts.” dominoes in an The actual ‘ Heritage energetically-charged Village’ took the form of game. They were a Garifuna village. It thoroughly satisfied with was situated in the the simulated Garifuna vacant lot behind the St. Village.

Vincent Cooperative The “Heritage Village’ Bank in Heritage was one of the activities Square, and comprised a of the programme of number of bamboo huts, Heritage events for the surrounded by potted month of October, plants that created organized by the instant flower gardens, National Secondary and a stage which Schools’ Miss Heritage allowed for timely Planning Committee. performances.

Other activities included Activities over the four the Heritage Parade held days included domino on Tuesday and the and bingo competitions; crowning activity, the an art and craft 2013 Miss Heritage exhibition; a hot Ginger Parade which is Beer Drinking scheduled for tomorrow, competition; traditional Saturday, at Victoria games and pastimes Park. including skipping,

by GLORIAH...

Businessmen get down to a serious game of dominos, a traditional pastime of Vincentians.

One of the Gospel performers that highlighted the strong Christian traditions of SVG.

V

16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Vincy patriot holds successful Airport fundraiser

Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT JAMES CORDICE, the Clare Valley-born mastermind behind St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has joined efforts in the United States in raising funds for the Argyle International Airport.

The former president of the Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP) recently collaborated with Kylla Herbert, co-founder of the Philadelphia-based Caribbean American Heritage Collaborative, Inc. (CAHCI), in staging what Cordice described as a “very successful” concert for the airport at the Vincentianowned Calabash Restaurant and Lounge in Philadelphia.

The event, dubbed ‘Soca 4 Argyle International Airport’ , featured a number of leading Vincentian calypso and soca artistes in the United States, including Alson ‘Becket’ Cyrus, Winston Soso, Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas, Lively, Fabulous T, Curtis-C, Philly Dilly, Pelle and Jakie.

Cordice, who owns the construction company, Cordice Enterprise, said the artistes performed freely for the largest capital project ever in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

James Cordice (front, stooping,at right) with New York supporters of “Soca 4 Argyle International Airport.”

“It’s an unbelievably wonderful feeling, a level of pride, a sense of accomplishment that engulfs me whenever I get a chance to do something for Yurumein (St. Vincent and the Grenadines),” Cordice told THE VINCENTIAN, in an exclusive interview, about the “amazing display of raw Vincy talent.”

He said when he first approached ‘Becket’ about the initiative, he instantly agreed, saying it was “a great idea.”

Cordice said ‘Becket’ also recommended some Vincentian artistes, most of whom are based in New York, to “give of their talent free of cost.”

Despite thundershowers on the night of the event, Cordice

said nationals still braved the weather to support the airport cause, adding that all Vincentians, regardless of political persuasion, should support the project that would be beneficial to the entire nation.

He said the umbrella Vincentian group in the US, the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), had also supported the fundraising drive.

A busload of nationals from New York, including Godfrey Pitt, chairman of the Argyle International Airport New York Support Committee, and cultural figure Verna Arthur, had also trekked to Philadelphia

for the event.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Cordice on this wonderful cause,” said Soso, renowned as the “Rolls Royce of Calypso,” about “Soca 4 Argyle International Airport.” “Thanks for letting me be part of it!”

Curtis-C said the show was a “perfect example of why we should come together as one people, one nation.

“When I see people put their country before their party, to support something the country needed for so long, it’s a very good sign,” he said.

Gregory Bacchus, a former keyboardist with the defunct band, Asterisk, who travelled from Miami, was very happy with the event.

“The show was nice, the crowd was happy, the music was right, the love was there,” he said. “[This is] the start of something good.”

Philly Dilly said it was “a very good show, with all the stars from St. Vincent and the Grenadines;” while Fabulous-T summed it up: “It was the best show ever.”

Cordice said he will shortly disclose the amount of money raised at the event for the Argyle International Airport.

Pitt, a Georgetown native and former police officer with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, said his New York-based committee has to date raised, primarily through gospel concerts and

Winston Soso performing at “Soca 4 Argyle International Airport”.

Below: Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus into his performance.

BBQs, in the region of US$30,000 for the project.

He said his group will stage another large gospel concert for the airport on Nov. 23, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Place, Brooklyn.

Award-winning Caribbean Gospel Diva Bridget Blucher and evangelist Ellsworth Quammie, formerly calypsonian “Life Boy,” will be among a host of artistes.

N.Y. group hosts emergency preparedness seminar IN HELPING TO PREPARE nationals for a disaster, one of the leading Vincentian educational and cultural organizations in the United States last Saturday hosted an emergency preparedness seminar in Brooklyn, New York.

The event, organized by Club St. Vincent, Inc., in collaboration with the umbrella Vincentian organization in the US, the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’

Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), took place at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

Recalling the unexpected devastation wreaked by Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean and on the Eastern United States Seaboard last year, Club St. Vincent urged nationals to be “physically and psychologically prepared for another unlikely tragedy.”

It, therefore, invited representatives from New

Girl Scouts listening and actively participating in seminar.

York City agencies and nonprofit groups to speak and present information on emergency preparedness.

These included the Department for the Aging; Office of Emergency Management (OEM); Fire Department; the American Red Cross; and the nonprofit group, Project Hope.

A number of girl scouts in Brooklyn, led by Ratho Mill native Ancilla Friday, who is also president of Club St. Vincent, Inc., were on hand to “soak up” the information.

Mitchell Bass, EOM programme manager, warned residents to be prepared for all emergencies in the city, listing a number of items that must be placed on one’s go-bag, or back-pack.

These include stay-athome kit, flashlight, clothing, water and food.

Lenny James, director in the Office for Emergency Preparedness for the city’s Department of Aging, said the best time to prepare for an

emergency is “when there’s no emergency.

“You should keep your go-bag right next to your front door,” he urged.

Lieutenant Bruce Silas, of the Fire Department, said many fires occur in the kitchen, warning attendees to “focus on cooking” while cooking.

“When cooking, have your sleeves rolled up or wear short sleeves,” he said. “Try to keep a spoon in your hand (should one engage in other activities while cooking). Try to do one thing at a time.”

Silas, who has responded to “many kitchen fires” in Brooklyn for the past 30 years, also urged residents to purchase multi-purpose fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and change the latter’s batteries at least twice a year.

“Don’t use water on a grease fire,” he warned. “If the fire is in the oven, keep the door closed. Once you open the door, you’ll have major problems.

“Having a working

smoke detector,” he added.

“It saves lives every day.”

Silas also cautioned against re-entering a burning building, stating: “Your life is the most valuable possession.”

Darius Alemzadeh, Community Recovery Specialist with the American Red Cross, said the “three most important pieces of information” are having a go-bag, making a plan about where to go and staying informed.

“Those in attendance at the emergency preparedness presentation would have received a substantial amount of information to put them in a state of readiness in the event that an unlikely tragedy occurs,” Verna Arthur, coordinator of the event and public relations officer of Club St. Vincent, Inc., told THE VINCENTIAN. “The presenters did a magnificent job,” she added, noting that they also “staffed tables” with lots of information and giveaways.

“Major emphasis was

Coordinator Verna Arthur addressing seminar. placed on preparing your go-bag (a handy bag used in the case of an emergency,” continued Arthur, disclosing that 10 go-bags were raffled.

“Kudos to the girl scouts,” she said. “They listened attentively, responded on point and asked very intelligent questions.”

Arthur said Club St. Vincent, Inc. will continue to “apprise the community through its educational programs.”

“As we get this information, don’t keep it for yourselves,” Friday told participants.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 17.

Business

ARTICLE Three:

Dealing with procrastination

businesses and persons in the (Editor’s note: This Caribbean have article has been edited identified the necessity of for purposes of length.) a change in approach to make a confident, PROCRASTINATION is a financially secure stand phenomenon that affects every person in every walk in the global market today, they are slow to of life. From farmer to baker, to lawyer or mason, change to suit the changing times. student or banker, each Businesses identify the person is faced with this approaches they need to issue, the overwhelming urge to regularly postpone take to become more financially stable, actions that should be – and could be – completed marketable or profitable; but are slow to take the at a particular moment. first few steps in the Procrastination however, right direction, and should not be seen as consumers identify the merely the inability to complete an action due to changes they need to make in their lives to a failure to prioritise achieve financial properly, that is identify security and realise their what should be done. goals, but still take This issue does not laboured steps towards only apply to individual the journey to security. lives, but to the wider This is due to the society today; after all attitude of complacency, that society is just a where persons can summation of all the clearly identify what individuals in a particular area, who are needs to be achieved, but often working towards a choose not to realise these goals because of common goal. mental inertia, fear of In the Eastern Caribbean, and the world the unknown or indifference to the at large, almost every situation; identify the country is facing need to do something economic challenges without thinking you which are not only influencing the lifestyles need to be the one to step up and actually do and quality of life of something. It is this those alive today, but also which influence the form of procrastination, which has resulted in innovation of the times local businesses in the and the attitudes of the future. This is very plain Eastern Caribbean being to see in the drive of the driven out of their market share by foreign world today, from farming co-operatives to investors, who choose to conglomerations of small work harder or smarter at the same field. It is enterprises, to make the same form of things cheaper, more procrastination that durable, less complex allows persons and and more efficient. business to continue nonThe times have beneficial or even selfchanged; the ideals of self-sufficiency, sacrifice destructive behaviours until it is too late to and tradition have been properly salvage the turned on their heads. situation.

These ideals have not It would be improper been totally done away to suggest what general with, but with remedies should be put globalization have been in place to correct this ameliorated to place attitude; after all, not partnership, innovation every remedy would heal and a willingness to what ails everyone. think outside of the However, the first step is usual confines of what one which most have fishing, farming, studying — any business already taken: to identify what needs to be done.

— might entail.

After this, one needs to However, whereas

put a conscientious and detailed plan together of how the goals detailed are to be achieved. By making confident steps in the right direction, a goal can be realized that

could successfully aid in creating financial security and stability of businesses and individuals in the region.

For those who are unable to identify what

needs to be done in their businesses or lives to yield rewards, there are persons dedicated to handing out knowledge and imparting lessons learned from years of

study or experience, who are available in almost every financial institution.

(Submitted by NovaScotia Bank)

V

18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

LIME commits to Georgetown residents TELECOMMUNICATIONS provider LIME rolled into Georgetown last weekend, Saturday, where it hosted its third Town Hall Meeting.

LIME staff, including General Manager Leslie Jack, greeted residents at the Georgetown Town Hall, and heard, first hand, some of their concerns and suggestions of how LIME could assist in community development projects.

Of significant commitment on LIME’s part, as a direct result of the Meeting, was Manager Leslie Jack’s promise to provide LIME mobile phones to a group of women involved in the poultry farming industry.

As Jack saw it, the phones

will allow them to keep in contact with each other through unlimited calls, as well as help them to secure clients and customers for their fledgling enterprise.

Other areas of assistance for the women in their business were also discussed, with further discussions to follow.

Among other community projects down for consideration

by LIME for possible assistance are: refurbishing the Georgetown Government School, placement of garbage disposal units in strategic areas, sponsorship of a football tournament; and a special request by Father Keri Marcel of

the Anglican Church for the provision of a stove to be used in the parish’s soon to come on stream Feeding Programme for the needy.

Jack committed LIME to serious consideration of the requests, and cited his company’s intention to partner with other businesses towards fulfilling the community’s needs.

The next LIME Town Hall Meeting is set for tomorrow, Saturday 19, at Leslie Jack (standing), General Manager of Lime, addressing the Questelles Adult and residents of Georgetown at last Saturday’s Town Hall Continuing Education Centre, beginning at 4pm. Meeting.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 19.

V

20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Send him packing missed me and loved me.

The trouble is, George, I BELIEVE my boyfriend is the letter was photocopied, and he addressed cheating on me. He has been living in New York for me as ‘Dear Honey’. He the past 6 months, and the never addressed me like that before. I asked him plan is for me to join him why he sent me a photothis year. We have been corresponding regularly by copied letter, and he denied having done so, emails and telephone. saying he wrote the Occasionally he would send me a package with a letter with a black ink pen. That was the note. dumbest lie I ever heard, I recently received a package from him, and a because everyone could see the letter was not letter was in enclosed telling me how much he written with original ink. I showed the letter

Dear George,

to several persons, and they too confirmed it was a photo copy.

To this day, he is eating fire that it was not a photo copy. I am wondering why he had to lie to me, and my gut feeling is that he sent the same letter to someone else. I always told him that, once he started lying to me, he was history, and he would just laugh. My head is going crazy right now! What do I do?

Tight spot your ‘threat’.

Photo copying a letter to you without an airYou have enough tight explanation would evidence to determine that you were being lied not cut it and would to, and you already said certainly raise questions. what the penalty for lies To attempt to cover his would be. It is now up to tracks with a dumb lie you to set your standard has made a bad situation and follow through with worse. It is now up to you to decide whether or

Dear Tight spot,

not you are going to give your liar boyfriend another chance to keep lying to you, or to pack his things and take a trek as you told him he would have to do, once he started his lying ways.

George

Read the writing on the wall judge her, but something list of priorities, and as a feels very wrong here. matter of fact, you may not be even on her list at MY GIRLFRIEND lives all as it stands now.

Unsure love, in Trinidad. We met 1 It may be more year ago at a conference, worthwhile and less Dear Unsure love, and we hit it off right stressful for you to find away. During the first The writing for your someone whom you can month of being together, love from a much shorter we called each other over relationship is on the wall; it is either you distance, and where 10 times a day, plus cannot see it or refuse to there can be less static emails, texts, you name read it. One does not on the communication it. have to be a rocket line.

Very recently, I have scientist to know that been the one doing all you are no longer on her George the calling. I tried not calling her for 3 days one time, and she never called me to find out why I did not call. When I did call and asked her why she did not call, she just said she was planning to call me that same day. I have not heard from her now for 2 weeks, and all of my calls to her went to voice mail. I had someone call her from their phone, and she answered the call. Should I call her and let her know that I am aware that she answered my friend’s phone call? What do you think is happening here? I do not want to

Dear George,

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Opportunities to meet new lovers will evolve through your interaction with groups or fundraising functions. Don't allow colleagues to put unreasonable pressure on you. Don't jump too quickly regarding an investment that appears to be good. You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships. Advancement can be yours if you are assertive in your approach.

Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't overreact to someone's advances. Concentrate on yourself or your work. Don't overspend on luxury items. Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Organize your day to avoid any setbacks that might ignite temper flareups. Try to deal with the problems of those less fortunate; however, don't allow them to make unreasonable demands. It will be important that you have your priorities straight. You can help them more than they can help you.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try to deal with it quickly; don't dwell on past regrets. You'll need to exercise control. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish. Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can convince anyone of anything.

Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. You will find that you can work progressively at improv-

ing yourself this week. Pushy people must be kept at arm's length.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may have difficulties finishing projects you start. There's a good chance that they won't come back. Get rich quick schemes will not be successful.

Control your emotions and everything will fall into place.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) It might be time to pick up the slack and do your share. Don't let relatives make demands of you. You can make extra cash if you act on a hunch. Money problems will be difficult to deal with if you have a partner.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Financial limitations may add to your depression. Don't exhaust yourself or minor health problems will set in. Don't lament to a friend about any grievance regarding your mate, or it may be hard to rectify your relationship. Plan to visit friends or relatives.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Emotional deception will cause friction on the home front. Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable and should lead to new and lasting friendships. You will be on the rampage this week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Courses dealing with psychology or health care will be of interest. You can make money if you're willing to push your ideas on those in a position to support your efforts. You will have to face each issue separately and in person.

Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will payoff.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Take the whole family and make it an enjoyable outing. Try to keep to yourself; work diligently on domestic chores and responsibilities. Get some sound advice and help setting up a workable budget. Your interest in religion and philosophy may lead you to specific destinations.

ACROSS 1. Whacks 6. Positive vote 9. Electrical units 13. Inferior 14. Menageries 15. Did exist 16. Sharpshooter Oakley 17. __ St. Vincent Millay 18. Send forth 19. Architect I.M. __ 20. Marsh 22. Dublin natives 23. C.S.A. soldier 25. Pillars 28. Bible book after Joel 30. Perched 31. Fido’s doc 34. __ copy 37. At hand 38. “__ Been Everywhere” 39. Colder 40. Businesses (abbr.)

41. Thorny blossoms 43. Conjunction, for Short 44. Youths 46. Some shower gifts 47. So far 48. Besides 49. Thin coin 50. Vine 52. Cul-de-__ 55. Young ladies

58. Jai __ 60. Mauna __ 62. China’s continent 63. Daytime’s Dr. McGraw 65. Certain exercise(hyph.)

67. Caron film 68. Is sick 69. Adjust 70. Part of a pipe 71. Dentist’s degree (abbr.)

72. Commodities DOWN 1.Trade 2. Solitary person 3. Golfer Palmer 4. Frat letter 5. Give the impression 6. Heidi’s holler 7. Long period 8. Happy __ lark (2 wds.)

9. Those with bills 10. Half (prefix) 11. Diagnosis tools (abbr.)

12. Adam’s son 14. Goose eggs 21. Religious portrait 22. In the __ (meantime) 24. Fabled blue ox 26. Resorts to

27. St. Pat’s mo.

29. Pestles’ partners 31. Workbench gripper 32. __-steven 33. Actress Harper 34. Mayor’s domain 35. Molar malady 36. Public tumult 37. Judge’s title (abbr.)

40. Give over 42. Individuals 45. Wind dir.

46. Former coin of Italy 49. Small valleys 50. Demand as one’s due

51. Beach toys 53. Church area 54. Type of automobile 55. Females 56. “Or __ at long last love?”

(2 wds.)

57. Irritate

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 21.

59. “__ Her Again” (2wds.)

61. Rental dwellings (abbr.)

63. Scratch __ 64. Secreted 66. Mrs. Eddie Cantor

22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 23.

SVG Soccer fans get FIFA trophy snub

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT SOCCER LOVERS AND PLAYERS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are hopping mad after being shut out of getting a glimpse of the prestigious FIFA World Cup Trophy.

The Trophy passed through this country for a few hours on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013 as part of its world tour.

Many believe that the Trophy should have been taken to the Victoria Park, home of local football, to be viewed by the thousands of lovers of the sport.

St. Vincent is part of an 89country tour that the much sort after 18 carat gold trophywill visit as part of a showcase organised by sponsors, Coca Cola.

But reports say that, while many had hoped to get a glimpse of the Trophy, despite not being invited to the official function at the Buccama Bay Resort, this was snuffed out by the arrangements made by FIFA. According to a prior release, the Trophy was scheduled to arrive at the E.T Joshua Airport at 4.19pm on Tuesday aboard the FIFA jet and then transported to the Resort,

some twelve miles away, for a welcome and viewing ceremony by invited guests, the media and top officials.

But according to local football officials, those arrangements hit a snag.

General Secretary Trevor Huggins told the media on Friday that the jet transporting the trophy and officials was deemed too large for the E.T. Joshua Airport and FIFA had decided to move from Anguilla to Canouan, and then travel by a chartered boat directly to the resort.

The new arrangements, according to sources, not only reduced the little chance the public had of getting a glimpse of the trophy at the ET. Joshua Airport, it killed that chance.

Reports say that already under heavy criticism for allowing the Trophy to be taken to the upscale and ‘out of reach’ Bucccama Bay Resort, local football officials then were at the end of caustic comments.

The man charged with media responsibilities, Donald Thomas, told THE VINCENTIAN that he “was abused by several players and

fans” while walking through Kingstown.

Editor of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, Cyp Neehall, and his counterpart at the NEWS, Shelly Clarke, were among persons who expressed concerns that the Vincentian public were denied an opportunity to be part of the important event.

Neehall felt that it was total disrespect to the Former national coach, country that FIFA had been allowed to Rodger Gurley, stands proudly next to FIFA World make such an arrangement, while Cup Trophy.

Clarke thought it a Gonsalves was joke that, with all the SSU slotted in to speak and Black Squad members at the event at available, there was still such Buccama. a concern that security was A release from among the main reasons, for FIFA says The the questionable schedule.

Trophy Tour will Thomas indicated that the visit 89 countries FIFA schedule was such that around the world only Governor General Sir over 267 days, Frederick was down to say a before heading to few words, and it was only on Brazil for the 2014 the insistence of the FIFA World Cup. Governor General Sir Frederick hoists the Federation that PM Dr. Ralph FIFA World Cup Trophy.

T/20 Round-up: Former champs go under Physical Therapy (IBPT) beat former champions, Victors One. And the victory was an overwhelming 10-wicket one, with IBPT rushing to 94 for no loss in 14. 5 overs, in reply to Victors One’s 90 all out in 15.3 overs. Roneil Laborde, 54 not out, and Leshawn Lewis, 28 not out, took charge from the get go for IBPT, and Courtney Joyette, 4 for 20, proved quite a proposition for the Victors One batsmen.

IBPT, however, could not carry their good fortune into their second weekend match, and went under to LIME Kenroy Peters hit 45 and took Radcliffe. Radcliffe’s 150 for 4 for 17 in Saints’ win 5 in 20 overs proved too much for IBPT who mustered LAST WEEKEND GAMES in the a disheartening 55 all out in 2013 NLA/Neil Williams T20 12.3 overs. Rodney Lawrence Cricket Competition threw up at had another outstanding game least one upset when for Radcliife, contributing 57 newcomers Ishallz Byam’s with the bat and returning to

take 4 for 8. Wesrick Strough, however, was Radcliffe’s chief wicket-taker, grabbing 5 for 12. Radcliffe captain, Lyndon James, also did his part with a knock of 49.

LIME Radcliffe recorded their second win on the weekend when they beat Smashers by 7 wickets at Park Hill. Smashers were reduced to 77 for 8 off 14 overs, Dyke Cato bagging 4 for 7, including a hat trick. LIME Radcliffe raced to 83 for 3 off 8.3 overs.

Andrew Thomas led with 43.

Desron Maloney, 52, and hard hitting Darren Greaves, 50 not out, helped Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO to a 10wicket triumph over Smashers. At Arnos Vale 1 Smashers made 107 for 9 from 20 overs. Kesworth Lewis led with 28, and Andre Hunte was ASCO’s leading bowler with 4 s for 14. ASCO’ chase lasted

11.1 overs The News Spartans beat Police 1 at Park Hill by 8 wickets. Police 1 made 118 all out in 19.3 overs, to which Spartans replied with 119 for 2 off 17.3. Darnley Joseph top scored for Spartans with 45.

Guardian General Saints defeated Radcliffe Too by 3 runs in a close encounter at Park Hill.

Saints made 132 for 8 off 20 overs. Captain Kenroy Peters led from the front with a top score of 45. Kamon Green was Radcliffe Too’s best bowler with figures of 3 for 21.

Radcliffe Too in reply reached 129 for 9 off 20 overs, with Shawn Browne leading with 35. Peters was also in good form with the ball, picking up 4 for 17.

The match between Triumph United Cricket Club and Police 2 scheduled

for Buccament was abandoned due to rain.

Matches continue this weekend at the Arnos Vale, Buccament and Park Hill playing fields.

Dyke Cato’ figures of 4 for 7, including a hat trick, was instrumental in Radcliffe’s win.

V

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

No Caribbean THE CLOSEST spiritual representation that we in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will have at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be Honduras. That is taking the Garifuna connection into consideration.

We might be ‘edge up’ to lay any claim to the Honduran accomplishment. But the Garifuna story embraces Honduras, and whatever rejection the Garifuna might face, the conscious ones in that land cherish their Vincentian heritage.

Calls for reparation for the attempted genocide carried out on the Garifuna people may be far off the mind of the Hondurans, but there has been no doubt that the Garifuna presence in the Honduran outfit has contributed to the spirit of resilience which that country has demonstrated.

That they secured a spot in the thirty two best football nations is an admirable feat.

The USA and Costa Rica secured the other automatic Concacaf spots. I think that Mexico will get the better of New Zealand in the play off and become the fourth team from this zone in the South American showdown.

It is a pity that no English speaking Caribbean territory has advanced. Jamaica bowed, out having given up the ghost two matches hitherto.

The World Cup passed through St. Vincent and the Grenadines on an 89 country swing to Brazil.

Some persons consider it an honour that this country was included in the itinerary.

The World Cup trip brought the reality of the multi-island state to the fore. The Fifa jet was unable to land at the E.T. Joshua Airport, so the plane touched down on the southern Grenadine island of Canouan.

St. Vincent has some of the best sailing waters in the tropics. It was a pleasure for the party to journey from Canouan to the south western coast where the Buccama Bay Resort is located.

The site of the World Cup here must have sent shivers down the spine of many an erstwhile football fan.

It allows us to continue to dream. We might never win the World Cup in perhaps not my great grand-children’s life time.

Perhaps Jamaica, or Trinidad and Tobago would. But the closest we will ever get to lift the World Cup is under the CARICOM umbrella. No individual Caribbean nation will be able to face up to the rigours of a World Cup qualification.

Trinidad and Tobago will believe that they have a chance. Antigua and Barbuda will be encouraged by their recent progress, and other territories will be encouraged by initial performances. The writing will always be on the wall.

There will always be a missing link. One nation will find it hard to fill the breach.

The quest for nationhood will continue.

Caribbean leaders will be content with being rulers of their own turf and overlook the benefits of unity.

The people have been fed the diet of insularity, and there is nothing that anyone can do to change their mindset.

Additionally, we have not thrown off the shackles as much as we profess that we are independent.

The masters have achieved success in dividing us to such an extent that the call for reparation for African slavery and native genocide have aroused bouts of tribalism when the emphasis should be on the ties that bind.

Scotia Bank gives more to table tennis SCOTIABANK, impressed with the professional operations of the SVG Table Tennis Association in organising the recently concluded Business House Table Tennis Championships, and of which it was the major sponsor, has taken up the offer to carry the cost of the upcoming Independence Table Tennis championships.

A beaming Orville Haslam told THE VINCENTIAN that he was heartened by the response of the bank, which has been among top supporters of the Association’s projects over the years.

Haslam, charged with the responsibilities in the new executive of handling Finance, Planning and Development, said that it was important to get sponsors with a high profile to be part of the programme, as it could only attract more important entities.

“Scotia Bank has indicated that they are willing to partner with us, and this is a good thing…..having a satisfied sponsor is the best way to build a foundation for development….and this is a good start and we are hoping others will come on board

to be part of a worthy project,” he said.

In addition to the Some of the cadets who would be pitting their Independence skills on the green table, come next week.

Championships, and Cadet Juniors (13 and under) the former Caribbean champion will commence 9:00 a.m. Saturday player said that the bank has 26th October with the students been positive about the from Belair, Gomea, Brighton and possibilities of assisting with the Belmont Primary Schools in youth programme. competition.

He said that the Association All Finals in the senior has its eyes firmly fixed on the categories will be played on future.

Saturday 26th October starting at “We in the Association have 4:30 p.m. and ending with already accepted that the older players will eventually move into presentations to the winners.

Haslam said that as part of coaching or administration, and therefore the attention must be on SVGTTA island-wide development getting a cadre of young people to programme, the juvenile tournament will help to stimulate take the game forward…..that is why the Cadet Division has been interest in the youth and the wider population. introduced into the Scotia Bank Registration to the Independence tournament,” he Independence Championships added. closes this Sunday and the The tournament gets going Association will not be accepting next Friday from 4.30pm at the any late registration forms.

West St. George Secondary Sean Stanley and Ruddy School, with action in the Men’s Senior Singles, Men’s Doubles and Daniel are the persons assigned to oversee the tournament.

Female Senior Singles.

The Juniors (Under16 years)

Lawrence, Hector dominate first 20/20 Trials TWO STROKE-FILLED half centuries from Donwell Hector and Rodney Lawrence were the highlights of the first national senior cricket team 20/20 trial match, played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field earlier this week.

Lawrence, a former Windward Islands Under-19 player, led the batting for a Lyndon James eleven with an unbeaten 66, to help propel his team to 122 for 5 in 17 overs. This was enough to seal victory against a Miles Bascombe led eleven who were dismissed for 118 in 18.3 overs, after the in form Donwell Hector had cracked 57.

Shaquille Browne led the bowling for the Miles Bascombe team with figures of 3 for 20, while Asif Hooper did likewise for the Lyndon James team with the impressive returns of 3 for 19.

The Miles Bascombe eleven saw five of its batsmen go by the run out route.

In a second trial match Lyndon James came out the victorious captain when he led his team over a Sunil Ambris led eleven.

The James’ Eleven batted first and put 158 for 6 in 20 overs on the scoreboard. The Ambris Eleven replied with 141 for 7 off 20 overs.

Good scores for James’ Eleven came from Darron Greaves, 37, and Gideon Pope 31. Mc Leon Williams topscored for the Ambris led

team with 47.

Atticus Browne had the enviable figures of 2 for 3, bolwing for Ambris Eleven, and Kenneth Dembar bagged 3 for 25 for Lyndon James Eleven.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Rodney Lawrence would have caught the selectors’ attention with his half century knock.

Police rule domino tables THE SVG POLICE Force stretched their lead at the top of the points standing at the end of last weekend preliminary round of matches, in the Hairoun/Government Printery Sports and Cultural Club Domino Competition.

In fact, the lawmen didn’t even have to take to the tables last Transport and Works (short side) inflicting a weekend, as their licking on ECGS. opponents, St. Vincent Brewery, failed to field their second position, on 8 points, a team, resulting in an easy two when they crushed ECGC 25 — 11. points for the constabulary, to put Competition continues this them on 14 points. weekend at the Thomas Saunders The Police are through to the Secondary School, with Port semi-finals.

Authority battling ECGC on There was, however, one Friday 18th October; St. Vincent change among the leaders.

Brewery facing Transport and CWSA, with 6 points, now Works, and Coast Guard against occupies the third spot, having ECGC on Saturday 19th; and displaced Port Authority, whom CWSA up against Transport and they edged 25 — 22 in a last Works on Sunday 20th October. weekend encounter.

The Competition is scheduled Transport and Works retain to climax on November 02, 2013.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 25.

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013. 27.

Classifieds

STEVEN CHARLES S.D Adventist Church Barrouallie Sunday 13th October, 2013 3:00 p.m.

Our Services include:

GLORIA KETURAH HAYNES

ALEATHA GOODLUCK

Born: 2nd March, 1935 - Died: 3rd October, 2013 Church of God World Wide Mission Saturday 12th October, 2013 3:00 p.m.

6W 3DXO¶V &KXUFK Calliaqua Saturday 12th October, 2013 3:00 p.m.

JOHN VINCENT BOBB Sunrise: July 11th, 1927 Sunset: October 2nd, 2013 Belair New Testament Church of God Saturday October 12th 2013 Time: 3 p.m.

CORNELIUS HAYWOOD S.D Adventist Church Questelles Sunday 13th October, 2013 3:00 p.m.

ATIJO LOCKHART 6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral Saturday 12th October, 2013 2:30 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

A.I. REAL ESTATE Ruthland Vale 4 bedrm Property on 16,205 sq.ft. - Open to offers - H496 Golden Vale 14,991 sq.ft @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $224,865.00 - BB480

S A L E

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 18, 2013

VOLUME 107, No.42

Calder 4 bedrm Property on 11,272 sq.ft. - $450,000.00 - H534

www.thevincentian.com

CONNELL: „PUT DOWN THE HATCHETS‰

by HAYDN HUGGINS

WHILE ATTORNEY GRANT CONNELL has forgiven his colleague Jomo Thomas for referring to him as a moron, he is concerned about the future of the newly appointed Government Senator.

Thomas had called Connell a moron while speaking to SVG TV last week Wednesday. He was responding to Connell’s view that the matter involving the transfer of a St. Joseph’s Convent School student, in which Thomas is retained by the child’s mother, should not have been taken to Court; it should have been handled differently.

Thomas was of the view that his colleague is not aware of all the facts in the case.

Connell told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that Thomas apologised to him by phone within 24 hours of making the remark. But according to Connell, “I had already dismissed the issue.”

Thomas also confirmed to this publication that he had apologised to

Connell, and admitted that his utterance was “intemperate and too robust.”

Referring to Thomas as his “little brother”, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, “If I could help Jomo, I would, but I can’t; only Jomo can do that. He must let go of the past, and whatever created this anger, hurt and issues that caused him to react that way.

“In his new position, he would have power. I hope he uses it to heal and not to hurt. As a people, it is time we put down the hatchets and remove our egos.”

Connell said it was amazing what a qualification or position makes some people feel they are.

“It appears that in their mind, it gives them the right to abuse, verbally or otherwise.

“We edge God out and think we are superior beings, forgetting that we are mere mortals, here today, gone tomorrow. Some doctors and lawyers are guilty of this approach.

“I have spoken to Jomo and urged

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

EC$1.50

Jomo Thomas admitted he was excessive in his reference to colleague Grant Connell.

Left: Grant Connell has accepted an apology from his legal colleague Jomo Thomas. don’t have to go to the fountain of justice when a sip of common sense him to forgive as he is forgiven. I hope downstream would quench that which one day he will see that sometimes you caused the thirst.”

Car positions itself in Beachmont yard surrounding the door.

Mr. Peters explained that in AT PRECISELY 5:46 am last Saturday, 11th surveying the scene, he realised that, October, Mr. Michael Peters, a resident of the car had actually “flown over an Beachmont, heard a crashing sound coming from almost 25ft wall on the Richmond Hill the back of his house, followed by an avalanche of main road above,” crossed the severely stones bombarding the property. sloping terrain and landed in his On the heels of this, he heard the horrified cry of backyard. It did not skid, apparently his daughter, “Daddy, there is a car in the because on landing on the pile of stones backyard!” The thing about this situation is that which was resting on extremely wet soil, there is absolutely no provision for a car to access the impact caused the stones the grounds of these premises. underneath the car to sink into the Mr. Peters told THE VINCENTIAN that, on saturated soil, thus allowing no more checking, he was met by a very unusual and horrific movement. sight: a white, Toyota vehicle, with licence plate Had the vehicle rolled a few yards number, P5573, appeared comfortably “parked” on a forward, it would have crashed headlong pile of stones, and was being held in place by a into the dwelling house with the network of vines hanging from a nearby tree. probability of causing grievous bodily Closer inspection revealed that the driver, the lone harm and destruction of property.

The vehicle in its final resting place after going over the wall occupant of the vehicle, was struggling to exit the The police are carrying out along the Richmond Hill main road that runs above the car, his only obstruction being the vines investigations.

Beachmont community.

by GLORIAH...

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.