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FRIDAY,

JUNE 6, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.23

www.thevincentian.com

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SERIOUS INDICTMENT OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week, we presented the first report, scrutinized by our US Correspondent Nelson A. King, of the “Audit of the New York Consulate,” by the Office of the Director of Audit of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This week, veteran journalist King looks at the second report, “Report of the Director of Audit, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Public Accounts 2009 & 2010.”

It must be noted that King – who possesses undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, political science, public administration and law – obtained a copy of these reports, on behalf of THE VINCENTIAN, after they were referred to, by Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace and Sen. Maj. St. Clair Leacock, to corroborate allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement by the Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves-led administration, at a recent town hall meeting in Brooklyn, New York.

Dec., 2010.”

The report was referenced

by Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace and Sen. Maj. St. Clair Leacock during their THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT in May 17, 2014 town hall St. Vincent and the meeting in Brooklyn, New Grenadines has pointed to York. A copy of the “Report of what can be characterized as the Director of Audit, St. very serious deficiencies in Vincent and the Grenadines: accountability, compliance Public Accounts 2009 & and transparency in the 2010” was obtained by THE Government of Prime Minister VINCENTIAN. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves.

Sealey noted that the In her latest report of Director of Audit is the the audit of public accounts “constitutionally-appointed” for 2009 and 2010 for St. auditor of all government Vincent and the Grenadines departments, authorities of and presented to Gonsalves, government, courts of law, who is also Minister of and other offices and Finance, pursuant to commissions established by Sect.12 of the Audit Act the Constitution of St. 2005, Ms. Dahalia Sealey, Vincent and the Grenadines. wrote on Jan. 27, 2014 that She said the Director of she was “of the opinion that Audit is the “independent the financial statements auditor of government, acting presented for audit did not, on behalf of the taxpayer, in all material respects, through Parliament,” adding fairly represent the that it is on her investigation financial position of the that Parliament has to “rely Government of St. Vincent for assurance about the and the Grenadines as at fairness and regularity of the 31st Dec., 2009 and 31st public accounts.”

The Director of Audit said that an audit “does not absolve the accounting officers of their responsibility to ensure that adequate internal controls are in place in their ministry or department to safeguard the assets and other resources against fraud and irregularities. They must ensure that the financial and other regulations are complied with.”

In forwarding her report to the prime minister for presentation to the House of Assembly, Sealey said audit examinations have revealed a number of matters of “particular concern” for 2009

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

and 2010.

Advances – Public debt

Dahalia Sealey, Director of Audit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Director Audit said “large amounts of advances made by the Accounting Division have remained outstanding for several years,” stating that, as at Dec. 31, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010, outstanding advances totaled $22, 522, 831.67 and $22, 224, 905.49, respectively.

The Director of Audit said the figure of $285,014,459.00, reflected in the Accounting Division accounts as public debt, “did not agree with the figure of $866,731,111.00 ($285,014,459.00 + $581,716, 652.00) quoted on the Statement of Public Debt and Schedule of Loans, respectively, for 2009.”

She also said that the figure of $201,607, 142.87, reflected in the Accounting Division as public debt, “did not agree with the figure of $955,297,710.07 ($201,607,142.87 + $753,690,567.20) quoted on the Statement of Public Debt and Schedule of Loans for 2010.”

In addition, Sealey pointed to “the difference” in the figures recorded in the Accounting Division accounts and that reflected on the government’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities for 2009 on the accounts of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), NCB loan, Canouan

Sub-Treasury and the Consolidated Fund.

She reported no figures recorded by the Accounting Division for the National Commercial Bank, NCB loan and Canouan Sub-Treasury; whereas, the government’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities for these was put at $68,727,750.00, $241,070,284.15, and $51,870.48, respectively.

Consolidated Fund For the Consolidated Fund, Sealey said the Accounting Division recorded $460,365,349.96, compared to the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, which was put at $339,703,240.20.

The Director of Audit said “no statement of reconciliation was produced to account for the difference in the overdraft balance of $50,947,228.76 ($118,579, 380.27 - $67, 632, 151.51) between the balances recorded on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities/Accounting Division accounts and that in the Accountant General’s current account at the National Commercial Bank for 2009.”

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 3.

News 3

Serious indictment of GovÊt accountability, transparency

“The proper maintenance of the records can also aid in the control of the use of the vehicles and further reduce Additionally, she said “no statement the incidence of misuse of the asset,” she of reconciliation was produced to account said. for the difference in the overdraft balance of $13,369,930.33 ($58,174,743.69 - $44,804,813.36) between the balances recorded in the Accountant General’s current account at the National Commercial Bank and that on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities/Accounting Division accounts for 2010.”

Sealey said the figure of $458,309,193.88 on the Consolidated Fund account, reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, “did Accounting officers failing not agree with the figure of In the absence of vital records of $403,523,821.90 accounting for equipment and furniture, quoted in the the audit report said that “it is Accounting impossible to ascertain that all of the Division assets that were purchased for use in the accounts for ministry or department were “still at 2010.” hand.

“In spite of numerous queries and Cases of non-compliance reports, the accounting officers in many ministries continue to flout the rules,” it On non-compliance, she said, as said, stating that equipment ledger and underscored in previous reports, “there inventory for 2009 and 2010 were not are several systems and procedures, maintained in the which have not been maintained by the Ministries/Departments of Agriculture, relevant accounting officers.”

Education, Transport, Magistrate, Office The audit report said no annual of the Prime Minister, Health, Housing returns of arrears of revenue nor and Service Commissions. monthly reports of recovery of arrears of Sealey also said that “several” revenue was submitted by the Heads of accounting officers had failed to comply Departments, “who are responsible for with the requirements of Sect. 33(2) of the collection of revenue as required by the Financial Administration Act 2004 Regulation 99 — Finance Regulation for Imprests (financial accounting 2009.” system), “resulting in the under “This is an urgent area that needs reporting of expenditure by the urgent attention as government should defaulting ministries. be in a position to know the outstanding “I am not aware of any accounting arrears,” Sealey declared. “The officer being held accountable for Accountant General should take actions contravening the aforementioned rule,” to ensure that annual returns and she said, disclosing that 25 Imprests reports are received.”

Accounts remained outstanding at Dec. She also disclosed that half-yearly 31, 2009, with six having credit balances returns of receipt books had not been totaling $109,987.82 and 19 showing submitted by revenue collecting debit balances of $336,213.84, producing departments, as required by Regulation a net debit balance of $226,225.87.

47, Finance Regulation 2009, urging the As at Dec. 31, 2010, Sealey said there Accountant General to “insist that these were 19 Imprest Accounts that were returns are provided as required by the outstanding, with seven bearing debit regulation.” balances and 12 showing credit balances The Director of Audit said no Stores of $315,825.55 and $111,266.48, Tabular Summary had been submitted respectively, resulting in a net debit for the Public Works Department balance of $204,559.17.

Unallocated Stores, as required by Store Rule 91, and that “several of the ministries and departments have ignored the use” of vehicle log books and garage registers that were “intended to capture data that can be used to assess the economy and efficiency of the vehicles.”

Continued from Page 1.

Response to audit queries The audit report lamented that while audit queries provided ministries and

departments an opportunity to clarify issues raised by the Audit office, to express their views on matters in question and to make adjustments where necessary, “the response to these queries has not been favorable over the years since most departments and ministries fail to respond to these queries.

“This does not augur well for the public service since not only are responses to queries not forthcoming, but the same issues persist perennially and have to be reported upon in the Director of Audit’s Report,” it said.

“Accounting officers need to respond to audit queries in a timely manner and ensure that systems are implemented to correct shortcoming identified instead of waiting until some fraudulent activity takes place before they act,” it urged.

Servicing debt – Capital expenditure The report said the servicing of the external debt of $69,492,370.02 in 2009 was the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s largest programme, accounting for 35 percent of the ministry’s actual recurrent expenditure and consisting of the payment of external interest of $22,583.029.62 and external amortization of $46,909,340.40.

The ministry is under the prime minister’s portfolio.

The servicing of the internal debt was the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s second largest programme, with expenditure of $52,865,348.80, representing 26.7 percent of the ministry’s actual recurrent expenditure, according to the report.

It said servicing of the internal debt comprises domestic interest of $28, 436, 113.80, Sinking Fund Contribution of $6,000,000.00 and domestic amortization of $18, 429,235. 00.

The audit report also stated that the Pension and Retirement Benefits expenditure of $30,681,580.49 exceeded its budget by $843,870.49, adding, however, that this was a reduction from the 2008 expenditure, which exceeded its budget by $2,773,832.66.

An examination of capital expenditure for 2009 indicated that 84 projects, with a total estimated expenditure of $52, 363, 881.00, were not executed as planned, said the report, revealing, for examples, that the Ministry of Rural Transformation had an estimate of $8,416, 000.00, but only $2,920, 565.81 were actually spent; the Ministry of Telecommunications estimated

$14,720,000.00, but only $1, 789,161.55 were actually spent; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not spend any of the estimated $4,177, 025.00.

Deposit Accounts The Report of the Director of Audit said it was not possible to comment on several deposit accounts for 2010, adding that “neither could an opinion be expressed as to the correctness of the balances on the deposit accounts due to a significant number of transactions entered in the accounts without any narrative to determine the nature of the transactions.

“No statement of the local authorities has been prepared and submitted for several years as required by the Local Government Act (CAP 257),” it said.

“Therefore, the balances could not be verified or confirmed.”

In highlighting major findings of the audit on the Cuban Integrated Health Program, the report said “a large percentage of the funds were not expended for the purpose intended by Parliament but was utilized to purchase items for use by the MOHE (Ministry of Health and Environment), such as computer equipment and supplies, deep freeze, washers (and) thumb drives.”

It said a number of items imported under the ministry’s concession, as well as some items purchased locally, “were not produced for audit inspection.”

In addition, the Director of Audit said there were “wastage of resources”, circumvention of Central Supplies Tenders Board Procedure,” and “circumvention of Ministry of Finance controls.”

Under the Agriculture Diversification Programme, a programme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Director of Audit said significant findings comprised: “Insufficient narration on the payment of vouchers in SMARTSTREAM to determine the nature of all transactions; no evidence of any requisition or purchase order for a significant number of items that were purchased; and a large percentage of the funds were expended to purchase computers and to meet vehicular expenses.”

In addition, the report said “there were several vehicle expenses that were met from the project account although no vehicle was purchased under the project; there was no evidence of any charge made for the installation of vehicle parts, which were purchased from the Agricultural Diversification Fund; there were weak internal control systems during the execution of the project; (and) records were not maintained in accordance with the Financial and Stores Rules and the Finance Regulations 2009.”

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4. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Youth charged for glass bottle Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS AS CARNIVAL activities kicked off here last weekend, police officers are moving to ensure that persons comply with the no glass bottle regulations.

Joel Caine, a 25-yearold labourer of Richland Park, was on Tuesday, June 3, handed the maximum penalty for consuming a beverage in a glass bottle, during a Carnival related activity.

Caine was fined $500, $200 of which he was

Infant savagely burnt for defecating A WOMAN who used an electric iron to severely burn her six-year-old son because he defecated on himself, is today, Friday, into her fifth day of a oneyear prison sentence for her action.

Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias handed down the penalty at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday after Takisha Da Souza, a 23year-old domestic of Lower Questelles, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily Takisha Da Souza harm to the child. She was got a one-year not represented by a sentence causing lawyer. observers to say she was lucky.

Senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the court that around 8:25 am. May 29, Da Souza was preparing the child for school when the infant defecated on himself.

The court heard that the woman got annoyed, plugged in the iron and burnt the child twice on his left arm and once on his abdomen.

The facts further revealed that a villager reported the matter to the police, investigations were carried out and Da Souza was taken into custody.

The child was taken to a doctor, then admitted to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was warded up to press time with first and second degree burns.

The mother of four, the six-year-old being the last, told the court she did not know the iron was hot. She recalled ironing earlier that morning, but said she had plugged out the iron.

The Senior prosecutor described Da Souza’s action as “barbaric and wicked.”

“There are adults who cannot control their bowel movement at times, and here is an infant who was savagely treated by his mother for a bowel movement,” Delpleche lamented.

The magistrate agreed with the prosecutor and expressed outrage with De Souza’s action. She said that the woman was not fit to be a mother.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN following the proceedings, Delpleche declared, “We cannot tolerate these types of behaviour perpetrated by parents, moreso a mother, on their children. I am happy that the court took a very serious view of the matter as reflected in a one-year custodial sentence.”

The prosecutor added that, “a strong message must be sent that these matters would not be tolerated, and this sentence should be a deterrent to persons who may want to commit such acts in the future.”

In the Magistrate’s Court, grievous bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, while the maximum penalty in the High Court is 14 years.

ordered to pay the court forthwith, with an alternative of two weeks in prison. He was ordered to pay the balance by June 13 or go to prison for five weeks.

Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias handed down the penalty at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court after Caine pleaded guilty to the charge. He was not represented by a lawyer.

The court heard that police officers on duty at the ‘Soca Swing’ show at Victoria Park last Sunday night, saw four young men drinking beers in glass bottles.

The lawmen approached the youngsters and reminded them of the no glass bottle regulations. The officers then asked the men to pour the beers into plastic containers.

While the others complied, Caine did not, saying to the officers, “Me nah do none, you

Byrea man shot dead by police

could do whey you want.”

As a result, he was arrested and charged.

Caine was charged under the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) (Restriction) Regulations 2006 as amended by Chapter 92 of 2009.

The restrictions cover areas which are designated for Carnival activities during the Carnival period.

According to section 3(b), “a person shall not consume any beverage in glass bottles or glass containers”.

Section (3(a) states that, “a person shall not sell beverages in glass bottles or glass containers whether open or sealed”.

Section 3 © states that, “a person shall not possess or carry along a glass bottle or glass container.”

At press time, Wednesday, police officers attached to the

RSVG Police Force Criminal Records Office (CRO) could not confirm to THE VINCENTIAN whether Caine was the first person to be charged under the regulations.

When contacted, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jonathan Nichols, the Constabulary’s representative on the CDC, said he could not remember any person being charged Police could not confirm whether Joel Caine before, but he was (pictured) was the first unable to confirm it. person to be charged under “The general public the no glass bottle has been very regulations. cooperative when it comes to the no glass there has been a bottle policy, and we are significant reduction in looking forward to the violent incidents same level of cooperation involving glass bottles this year,” Nichols said. during the Carnival He warned that persons season. found in contravention Carnival activities for would be prosecuted.

2014 kicked off last Nichols pointed out Saturday night with the that, since the policy was staging of Miss SVG. implemented in 2006,

St. Lucians held in drug haul

THREE St. Lucians held in connection with a major drug haul last Monday, 2nd May, on the Grenadine island of Mustique, were remanded on Wednesday, A BYREA MAN was shot and killed by police following strong objections to bail by police.

Cornelius Raggie, Herbert Joseph, and Eliphas during an incident in Aurelien have been charged with possession of 261 that North Central pounds of marijuana with intent to supply.

Windward constituency, The men pleaded not guilty when they were taken Eliphas Aurelien Wednesday morning. before Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the THE VINCENTIAN Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. understands that the In objecting to bail, Assistant Prosecutor Corporal man, Rohan Lett, who is Gideon Black highlighted that the men were nonsaid to be mentally ill, nationals and posed a flight risk. Corporal Black was on a rampage in the added that the drugs in question were a significant community that amount, and that when the men were arrested, they morning. had no travel documents in their possession.

Browne-Matthias agreed with Corporal Black’s arguments and refused bail. The matter was adjourned to July 9th and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

THE VINCENTIAN AS CALYPSONIANS prepare for the carnival understands that the men Cornelius Raggie season, one of this country’s veteran calypsonians ended up on Mustique will be focusing on a criminal matter. after the boat on which Bernard ‘I-Reality’” White, 65, appeared at the they were travelling Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday 2nd May, developed engine problems, charged with causing grievous bodily harm to his and drifted off the coast of brother, Fitzroy White, 54. that island.

Standing before Magistrate Rechanne BrowneReports are that they Matthias, the calypsonian pleaded not guilty, and were arrested after was granted $4,000 bail with one surety, on members of the Narcotics condition that he does not make contact with the Unit, acting on information virtual complainant. He will return to court on received, discovered what June 17th. appeared to be a quantity Reports are that the brothers live together in of marijuana buried close separate rooms at a family property at McKie’s Hill. to the sea shore on It is alleged that on May 31st, Bernard threw hot Mustique. water on his brother’s body, following a Herbert Joseph misunderstanding between them.

Calypsonian on grievious bodily harm charge

V Nano concerns resurface

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 5.

Parliament

by WILLIAM KOJAH ANTHONY

House agreeing it was a question of relevance to investment, answered the IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in queries. purchasing property on the He listed the Nano Northern Grenadine Island properties on Bequia of Bequia, you can contact which amounted to 27 Marcus Wide. He is the acres.

Liquidator for properties According to Gonsalves, belonging to Thierry Nano. a High Court order of Those properties April 2002 relating to New include the Sunny Bank Limited, a Nano Caribbee Hotel concern, appointed Marcus Plantation House, located Wide and Price Water on Belmont Beach, and House to handle the Admiralty Company.

Bank’s liquidation. New The issue surfaced at Bank had lent money to the House of Assembly Sunny Caribbee Hotel — last week Thursday.

Plantation House, secured Representative for the by a mortgage held by Northern Grenadines Dr Nano.

Godwin Friday posed a The High Court ordered question to Tourism, Nano to transfer his Sports, and Culture banking interest/porfolio Minister Cecil Mc Kie. to the liquidator. The Referring to the transfer was not made Plantation House which until November 2010, has been closed for several having been issued years and is in a state of December 14, 2005. disrepair, Dr. Friday March 15, 2006, the questioned: “Will the Liquidator and the Nano Minister please state family agreed to sell whether the government Sunny Caribbee Hotel — has any interest in seeing Plantation House; but, this once thriving hotel according to Dr. return to business Gonsalves, no sale was operation and provide ever completed. employment for our people Nano, in the meantime, as it once did, and if so, had handed over the what is being done to property to a trusted bring this about?” employee, who allowed Prime Minister Dr. persons to occupy it, “to Ralph Gonsalves, with the protect the property.”

The Vincentian Prime Minister added that the property was “vandalised” when it was reported that Nano was arrested.

Thierry Nano had been sought by the United Sates law enforcement authorities.

According to Gonsalves, the Liquidator advertised the property for sale in 2013.

“A search is on for purchasers,” Gonsalves outlined.

The Prime Minister pointed out that “government may use its powers to do certain things in relation to this property.”

He sees it as a good venture, and is “inviting private participation,” and in response to an inquiry

by Dr. Friday about the price of the property concerned, the Prime Minister asserted that he was not a real estate agent ,and suggested that Dr Friday go to the liquidator.

The Prime Minister insisted that the government did not have a property for sale, and that the “liquidator owns the estate.”

Thierry Nano surfaced as a subject of controversy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1995.

Thierry Nano (inset), former owner of the Sunny Caribbee Hotel – Plantation House, Bequia, shown above in better days.

Licences for banking institutions under the Nano umbrage were revoked here in 2000 following pressure by the United States. Nano fled this country, reportedly after being tipped off that American authorities were on their way to arrest him on money laundering accusations. He chartered a flight to Martinique and then to France.

He told a French Court that as a result of

fraudulent acts by American Federal Bureau suffered of Investigation agents, serious and other officials of the damages.

Vincentian government, he

PM reports on fiscal performance Airport project continues unabated THE VALUE OF WORKS DONE to date on the Argyle International Airport project stands at $557.49 million, but the actual total expenditure amounted to $379.26 million.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a sitting of the House of Assembly last week, as he answered a question posed by Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace.

Eustace wanted to know how much money has been spent to date, on the Argyle International Airport.

According to the Prime Minister, the difference between value and actual expenditure represents a “substantial in-kind contribution.”

Dr. Gonsalves assured that the airport will be substantially completed by the end of 2014, and that the value of work is expected to surpass the $583.5 million.

In fact, Dr. Gonsalves pointed out that he has been advised by the

International Airport Development Company (IADC), that an additional amount of $160m will be required to complete some other works and provide essential service equipment.

That amount is expected to be expended on cement to complete pavement works, work on the control tower, retro-fitting the terminal building to accommodate the boarding bridges, purchase of fire tenders and other firefighting equipment , baggage handling system, boarding bridges and air rescue equipment.

Financing of the ongoing project is to receive a boost by August this year, when another draw down on the $40M loan from the Alba Bank will be made.

Additional monies will come from receipts from the sale of lands in Canouan.

Some 40 acres of land in Canouan were sold for US$20

million. The purchasers made a US$5 million down payment, and it was agreed that they would pay four (4) quarterly instalments of US$3.75 million each.

The first instalment was paid, but, as reported by Dr. Gonsalves,

by November 2013, differences had developed between the two principal partners and, as a result, only US2 million was paid against the second instalment.

With respect to the total balance outstanding (US$9.25 million), Dr. Gonsalves said, “I happen to know that arrangements are being made for those payments to be made, they are working out their difficulties,” and he advanced the expectation that this matter will come to closure

by July this year.

Dr. Gonsalves suggested, during his response, that the international airport will become operational by July 2015.

Construction of the Argyle International Airport has received substantial in-kind support.

REVENUE GENERATED from the collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT) are up by 8.3 percent and, according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, this is a clear indication that there is an increase in economic activity in the country.

Dr. Gonsalves made the announcement during last week Thursday’s session of Parliament when he gave an update on the fiscal performance of the government.

The Prime Minister explained that the numbers for this year up to April 30 were better than those for the comparative period in 2013.

Tax on income and profits are up by 4.1 percent, and taxes on international trade are also up by 1.6 percent,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

“There were substantial improvements in stamp duties and alien land owners’ licences,” he added.

The only area that recorded revenue downfall was in the collection of excise duties which, according to Dr. Gonsalves, who also holds ministerial responsibility for national security, was attributed to an “effective” contraband system.

A portion of the revenue collected from this tax was expected to be allocated to the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC); however, Gonsalves said that the numbers were down during the first four months of 2014.

A full picture of the country’s fiscal performance is as follows: total revenue and grants for 2014 amount to EC$174.86 million compared to $147.9 million in 2013; Current revenue - $174,4 million (2014) compared to $144.9 million last year; total expenditure moved from $169.7 million in 2013 to $179.26 million in 2014.

Of that total, Gonsalves stated that recurrent expenditure amounted to $161.5 million compared to $159.79 million in 2013.

Capital expenditure is also up from $9.9 million in 2013 to $17.7 million in 2014, and a surplus of $12.86 million was recorded during the first four months in the current account balance, compared to a deficit of $14.85 million in 2013. The deficit in the overall balance for the first four months of this year amounts to $4.4 million compared to $21.8 million in 2013.

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6. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Lowmans resident loses all in fire

by KENVILLE HORNE

LOWMANS LEEWARD RESIDENT, Winston Warren, is counting his lucky stars that he is still alive, but he admits he has to bear the agony of losing his dwelling house and all his personal possessions.

Around 3:30 am on Monday, while most persons were still asleep, Warren was at his mother’s home, close to his home, when he was aroused by a loud commotion coming from his neighbour’s dwelling.

He described his reaction on hearing the news that his house was on fire. “Me can’t believe a me place dey on fire,” Warren told THE VINCENTIAN. He said that he was in such a state of shock, that even as his neighbors were informing him and the drama unfolded in front of him, he could not move for about four minutes.

When he recovered his composure, his house was already engulfed in

Media ordered out of court

by HAYDN HUGGINS THE MEDIA was not allowed to report on the contents of a rape case which commenced at the Criminal Assizes on Wednesday.

Trinidad and Tobago born Jurist Rajiv Persad, who is presiding over the Assizes, made the ruling.

Justice Persad told this reporter, the only reporter present, “The court has made an Justice Rajvi order that the matter would be Persad ordered heard in camera, and you would that journalists not be allowed to report on it, remove other than the fact that there is a themselves trial going on.” from the THE VINCENTIAN understands that Justice Persad proceedings of had made the ruling before THE a rape case.

VINCENTIAN arrived. He repeated the information when a lawyer at the Bar Table informed him that a journalist was in court.

The media has always been allowed to cover sexually related matters in the High Court here, and journalists have always complied with the court’s instructions not to mention the victim’s name or address, and that they report responsibly.

In fact, responsible reporting is a major ethic of journalism the demonstration of which THE VINCENTIAN has been known for over the years.

Justice Persad took up temporary duties here at the start of the Assizes, May 20, replacing resident High Court Judge, Frederick Bruce-Lyle, who is on vacation leave.

flames.

His closest neighbor reported that he tried to put out the blaze, but the heat was unbearable, and the area was becoming unsafe, so he had to surrender his hose and retreat.

By the time fire fighters arrived on the scene, the house Winston warren lost his house and all his personal was burnt flat; belongings to fire. the only thing that remained from a sympathetic Lowmans resident, the standing was Warren’s father of two boys, is resident in the stove. community, but staying temporarily at He is still perplexed as acknowledged that he his mother’s house, along to what caused the fire. would need more if he is with one of his sons.

He ruled out any to rebuild his house. The Persons wishing to electrical fault, since his obviously distraught man assist Warren can electricity service was call#527-2367 disclosed that he has disconnected some years received food items from ago. Warren also said he NEMO. has no dispute with Even as he made an anyone that might result appeal for help from the in someone wanting to authorities, he

by KENVILLE HORNE inflict such an evil act on bemoaned, “Me lose him. everything, all me Warren is thankful clothes, bed, chair, stove, THE PASTOR delivering the sermon at the funeral service for Ricardo that he has already been utensil, radio, “South” Mattis, the 36-year-old man promised assistance of everything.” who was murdered at his residence in some building material The heartbroken Campden Park, has urged his family to leave the matter in the hands of the lord.

“Leave that matter in the hands of the Lord. You can’t deal with it like God can,” said Pastor Peter Ballantyne. The pastor appealed to the relatives to trust God and allow Him to deal with the person/persons who committed the crime.

Ballantyne noted that there is too much violence among youths here, and he appealed to the parents in attendance to “train up the child in the way they should grow, and when they are old they cannot depart from it.” According to the pastor, a solid foundation can be built if persons stick to the word of God, “and if they (children) do stray, they would come back.”

The pastor said that no one can bring back Mattis, “and if he is lost, he gone to hell, that is the plain truth. If

‘Leave it up to the Lord,’ says pastor he knew Christ as his Lord and Savior, he will go to a better place.”

Mattis’s lifeless body, showing signs of bullet and stab wounds, was found in his home, Saturday May 17.

Residents described his murder as an execution.

Pastor Peter No one has yet Ballantyne been charged with his murder, but noted the police investigations prevalence of are continuing, violence among amidst speculation youths here, that Mattis may and urged have been killed to parents to pay prevent him from special attention giving evidence in a to bringing up certain matter here. their children.

Mattis was buried on Saturday, May 31st, with the funeral service taking place at the Gospel Hall Chapel in Kingstown. His final resting place is the Kingstown Cemetery.

Family and friends, including Mattis’s live-in girfrend, La Fleur John (left second row) turned up for the funeral service held at the Gospel Hall Chapel, Kingstown.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 7.

News

The wall of the property of Mr. Leroy Mulraine.

An indication of some of those who might be involved in the act.

MulraineÊs wall defaced, again THE PERIMETER WALL of the Wilson Hill, Kingstown, home of Vincentian education icon Mr. Leroy Mulraine, was plastered recently with graffiti.

According to Mr. Mulriane, it was not the first time that the wall was defaced, but this time the act seemed to have taken on greater proportions and meaning.

The former Deputy Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School and retired Deputy Chief Education Officer has had cause to complain to the authorities of the nearby St. Martin’s Secondary School about (previous) similar acts, to which the authorities responded by re-painting the wall.

Recently he has also complained about disorderly and noisy conduct of senior secondary school students, including the loud use of indecent language.

He mentioned the gross disrespect which the students showed to him and to pedestrians and motorists who rebuked them.

When THE VINCENTIAN visited the scene, it was clear that this was not a simple act of youthful exuberance.

The references carried a certain aggressive connotation, and there was even one that pointed to the involvement of persons from a nearby institution.

The reference spewed haphazardly across the surface of the wall led to further investigations which threw up that the reference “Madd Vybz” apparently refers to an intersecondary school group. The group, according to sources, comprises students from various secondary schools in and around Kingstown, who gather at Wilson Hill after school hours.

A parent told THE VINCENTIAN that she learned of the group from her 14-year-old daughter, and she has cautioned her against joining the

The graffiti carries an aggressive connotation. group. She did say, however, that she has not heard that the group is involved in any unsavory behaviour.

Whatever the case, what THE VINCENTIAN found on the wall of the Mulraine property speaks to an act of vandalism.

This is not the only place where graffiti that has no sense of real art or organization has surfaced. In fact, graffiti is almost considered an accepted act by political parties during an election campaign.

Whatever, those and this recent defacing of the property of a wellrespected citizen of this country, speak clearly to acts of vandalism.

Vandalism is considered to be a deliberate act that damages, defaces, and devalues public and/or private property.

It is time that these acts are investigated and those guilty made to face the full arm of the law.

In the meantime, some of Mr. Mulraine’s associates are saying that it would be unfair for this retired citizen to have the bear the full cost of removing the graffiti from his wall.

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8. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Taking off on the Audit Report ARE GOVERNMENT ‘EXPERTS’ slightly cooking the books when it comes to stating the real costs of conducting the business of the people? We’re simply asking.

Asking on the heels of a far from favourable Director of Auditor’s Report 2009/10.

The front page article of this edition of THE VINCENTIAN completes a two-part series on matters related to reports by this country’s Director of Audit.

Suffice it to say, while we must cherish the fact that we have a Director of Audit that serves as ‘an ‘independent auditor of government, acting on behalf of the taxpayer, through Parliament’, we are wont to conclude, given that Officer’s findings, that all is not well with government’s accounting of our money.

We, the people, rely on the ‘constitutionally appointed office’ of the Director of Audit, to report on government accounting practices which, in essence, would tell us how it is spending and accounting for our money. So, when we become privy to such a report, it serves us well to take note and to take sound note.

From what we can discern, the government’s accounting process, for the 2009/10 period, is fraught with irregularities arising out of a glaring non-compliance with accepted practices.

These ‘irregular’ practices, we know, have been brought on previous occasions to the attention of those responsible. Sadly, these notices have been no avail, it appears. Can we expect that the report for the period since 2010 is going to reflect any improvement in performances of accounting officers in government, head of departments, heads of Ministries and the like?

Bad or irregular practices by public officers, whether it is noncompliance with practices prescribed by international protocol or their own terms of reference, have got to be a major cause for alarm. That the practices seem to occur at all levels of the process, from direct ministerial day to day operations, to the management of special projects and what have you, speaks to the need for action, and swift and decisive action.

This is no time for cover-ups, shuffling the pack, trying to spin a wrong into a right. This is the time to bring down the gavel and pronounce verdicts appropriate to the blatant acts of incompetence and downright disregard for what is the right and proper thing to do in dispensation of one’s duties.

We don’t pay civil servants to pass the buck or to sweep irregularities out the door and hope no one notices. We pay them to safeguard and account for the state’s money, whether that money is earned through direct taxation, indirect taxation, loans or grants.

Is it that these public officers whose responsibility it is to ensure proper accounting of public monies feel themselves protected both by the ordinance governing their employment and by their political connections?

Whatever the case, at the end of the day, they will be ‘judged’ by their performance or the lack thereof. No political colouration can protect or should protect and/or condone wrong.

How shameful it is therefore, that knowingly or unknowingly, in the absence of proper facts and figures, the government tables before the people of this nation, figures that could be considered distorted impressions of public finances.

There has got to be a sense of honesty attached not only to the preparation of public accounts, but also to how those figures are translated to the public.

Nothing could be worse than a servant of the people, knowing that he or she has before him figures that raise certain concerns, proceeds, nonetheless, to ‘sell’ them to the public as being truthful and wholesome.

Are we, in our situation, to give the benefit of the doubt to those servants of the people by agreeing that they have been hoodwinked by some of the said people whom they praise as qualified, competent and committed to the ensuring good governance?

They, those servants of the people, will have to earn it from hereon in.

And while we are at it, it is well and good that we remind ourselves that when corruption and misdeeds are found in government, these vile acts are wont to permeate through society.

Featuring ‘De Man Age’ A reprint from the 6th July, 2007 “NEWS MAKING THE ROUNDS claims the maximum leader is annoyed with certain calypso compositions, notably De Man Age’s “Back To Square One” and Abijah’s “Ah Ready To Vote”, and has beamed word by telepathy to his media minions to do something about it.

The Brother is in for a rude awakening for, of all people, folk culturalists are the most jealous of their profession. That is why Abijah has already noted that he would stand his ground and bear the consequences.

It seems that the doctor wants to bend everything, including history and culture, into a shape that he finds comfortable. Traditionally, calypsonians speak for the people, the grassroots, the folk in whose interest the U.L.P claims to work.

Whenever there is a failed deliverance, real or perceived, the people hit back with whatever weapons they have at their disposal. In the days of slavery, it was the Tea Meeting where they ridiculed and laughed Massa to scorn.

In modern day, the voting cattle strike back at the leaders in calypso song. You stop that in the Caribbean, and you destroy Democracy.

De Man Age the most persistent of the lot, goes a long way back. He was a school-teacher in the mid-1970s, who was involved in the Teachers March of 1975, which was brutally stopped on Tear Gas Friday by the Labour Party.

He took to calypso to vent his feelings, only to have the Labour Government of the day ban his two pieces that exposed the social suffering in the country — “Who Cares” and “This Society Needs Spectacles”! In frustration, he dared write a calypso entitled “They Go Ban It!” And they banned it!

There was a new freedom for calypsonians when the N.D.P captured Government in 1984.

“Son” Mitchell declared that he would never ban a calypso for political reasons, and the bards decided to put him to the test — which he was to pass with flying colours.

One readily recalls the famous “Mr. Nancy” sung by calypsonian “Toiler”, a rabid Labour Party supporter who tore into Prime Minister Mitchell.

The P.M. was out of the State at the time the calypso first hit the street. Blazer Williams publicly issued a pre-emptive warning as to how word was out that “Mr. Nancy” would be banned on Mitchell’s return to the State.

Nothing of the sort took place. Not only did Mitchell keep his word, but no instructions were sent to the sole radio station, which was Government-owned, to limit air-play. In the circumstances, workers at the station overplayed “Mr. Nancy”, to the extent that it was too tired and “gone through” to impress anyone by the time of the competition.

Significantly, the radio workers at the time were Bernard John, Shelly Clarke, Corlita Ollivierre, Colin Williams, and Glen Jackson who, Shelly excepted, had a distinctly Labour bias.

Following Toiler, a long line of calypsonians took great delight in washing their mouth on Prime Minister Mitchell and his N.D.P. A random sampling spread over the years would

include Man C.P., Lexi’s “Ease Up Fisherman”, Abijah’s “Ah bearing a strain”, Freedom Fighter’s “Hell Train”, Abbot’s “Wait Till Daddy Come”, and Sulle’s “Permanent Carnival”, with Bassy motivating Gao to demonstrate “Imanism” as the flip side to “Mitchellism.”

Attorney-General and Minister of Culture Parnel Campbell also came in for his share of licks. Poorsah’s “Mouth In Ah Me Mumma” remains a classic for all time. Not only did it give Poorsah the Crown, but it was allowed to play freely on Radio 705 championing the cause of announcer Theresa Daniel who had had a run-in with her Minister!

Sensibly, both Mitchell and Campbell handled the issue with commendable tact and a mature graciousness, even though they might have been hurting deep inside.

Now, all of a sudden, the Gonsalves’ thinskinned and arrogant regime wants to have a throw-back to the days of “Old Labour” from which it is partly descended. But back-ah-death.

On this score, I can hardly do better than repeat a quotation from Jeff Hackett who, in the midst of the N.D.P regime produced an inspired piece of writing in a “Vincentian” Editorial in 1991.

“If the political commentary contained in a number of calypsos…is any indication of the Government’s popularity, then Mr. Mitchell ought to be a very worried man, indeed,.

The calypsonians have not merely commented on the state of affairs: they have roundly denounced the Government, some of them rather savagely, to the delight of the audiences…

It will therefore do Mr. Mitchell and his men a world of good not to ignore the social and political signals coming from these calypsos, but to take heed, and act positively on them.” He obviously did.

“Twelve years ago, a Gonsalves admirer, Joel Providence, had sounded a note of warning “to those who would want to impound the spontaneity (of calypso) and set rigid guidelines…they must let go of what is not theirs to own or control.”

The problem is that Gonsalves’ mind-set does not allow space for differences. His style would be to destroy the message at source, by killing the messenger. Therein lies the rub. The Prime Minister ignores this elementary political lesson at his peril.

In fact, four other political stalwarts have been standing their ground — Abijah, Scakes, Poorsah, and the reigning monarch Ipa who is only the latest to wean himself from the political boss and declare his independence.

The greatest achievement after thirty years of the post-lent carnival is the re-assertion by the calypsonians of their independence. On the grounds of consistency, persistence, focus and sacrifice, De Man Age must be the first among equals. These five should come in tops in the Finals, the order depending on their individual performance on the night of Dimanche Gras.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 9.

Letters

Those insecticides

Take action, Mr. PM

A LOT OF NOISE has been made about inhaling cigarette smoke, and that is a good thing. After all, we know the dangers of that.

However, there seems to be another related issue that often goes unnoticed, that is the inhaling of the deadly chemicals in insecticides.

I believe that we hardly ever pay attention to all these insecticides we use in our homes, because we are distracted by the added fragrances that manufacturers add to these aerosol poisons.

These manufacturers know what tricks they are up to, but they are allowed to wage an enticing advertising campaign for our dollars. The truth is we are paying, like when we pay for cigarettes, for our own deaths.

Let us wage a similar war against the use of these ‘sweet smelling’ but deadly insecticides.

LET ME SAY from the outset, Mr. Editor, that I empathize with our Prime Minister as he faces up to the many challenges of running this country.

One of those challenges is thrown up by the state of crime in this country. I speak here of all types of crime, white collar, blue collar and any other colour you may wish to add to the kaleidoscope.

When the Prime Minister said he was going to be ‘tough on crime and the causes of crime’, I supported his intention. What I have seen is an increase in the number of police officers, the setting up of special branches within the police force, some with authority that, if I may speak the truth, is frightening.

There has also been a lot of talk of training for these officers, accelerated promotion for some, and a boast about having the highest number of university grads ever in our police force.

All that is good. But the crime prevails.

People are afraid to leave their homes. Young people murder one another for the flimsiest of

Paul

Ensuring we have the right man PLEASE PERMIT me space in your newspaper to highlight an issue with the charging of Colin David for the robbery and the shooting of a police officer, PC. Julian Jack.

Why did it take the police ten months to lay criminal charges against Colin David? If they were sure that he was the person who shot the police constable, don’t you think that he would have already been prosecuted before a court of law?

Colin David is on remand at HMP facing a capital charge of murder. According to the constitution, a person is presumed innocent until he or she is convicted before the court of law.

I have heard that Colin David had told this jurisdiction on the morning of June 5, that he was nowhere in St. Vincent and the Grenadines when the incident occurred.

Did the police investigate this before charging David? We don’t want a repeat of the Dwayne Sandy affair, do we?

I appeal to the police to be thorough in their investigation into this matter, so as to ensure that the right perpetrator of this crime is brought to justice.

Concerned citizen

reasons, and worse, public officers have a field day with our taxes.

Now, Mr. Editor, concerning the latter case, I have not seen one public officer — maybe with the exception of that chap at the Ministry of Agriculture — being prosecuted for misuse or downright stealing of MY MONEY!!!

Mr. PM., you disappoint me, a supporter, when you continue to slap these culprits on the back of their hands and send them to greener pastures and higher paying jobs.

Is this an example for anyone to follow?

Crime is crime, regardless of the colour and who commits it. Too much covering up.

This is a plea from a voter who will still like to cast a vote for you.

TOM Jones

Congrats to GHS Alumnae Association of New York CONGRATULATIONS to the Girls’ High School Alumnae Association of New York (GHSAA-NY) on the attainment of thirty years of existence.

This milestone was celebrated at the annual tea party held in New York on Sunday, May 4, 2014.

The partnership that exists between this group of former students living in the New York area and their Alma Mater, the Girls’ High School (GHS), is a good one and continues to be a source of support for local endeavours of the GHS. The vision undertaken thirty years ago endures. The major goals are: to promote and participate in the academic growth of the current students of the Girls’ High School; to provide financial assistance to needy students attending the Girls’ High School by awarding

Scholarships and sending educational materials and equipment to the Girls’ High School; to provide information, referrals and advice to new immigrants who are alumnae of the Girls’ High School; to promote goodwill and sisterhood among fellow alumnae of the Girls’ High School by maintaining a social network; and to maintain an interest in the activities of the Girls’ High School.

Thanks to the various members of the Executive over these many years. They have given selflessly of their time and love for this outstanding educational institution.

Thanks to all who have supported these positive efforts and who continue to do so with pleasure.

Cheryl Phills King

Graduation time for Theological College The Urban Divinity Unit Theological College of Canada Christian College, located at Sans Souci, will hold its graduation ceremony at The New Life Ministries, New Grounds, on Sunday 15th June, 2014, at 4.00 pm.

The college is the only one of its kind functioning within the area of South Central Windward, and is always in need of your support.

The college will hold its graduation dinner at the college at Sans Souci on Friday 13th June, at 7.00 pm. Your support is solicited.

Rev. Dr. Phyllis Ralph Browne ph.4562874/5938550

You Âbus de bolleyÊ MR. EDITOR, you must get in this little piece this week.

Lord, you cause a whole set of talk and confusion with last week’s front page. You and Nelson King really ‘bus de bolley’. The story was the talk where-ever you went in Brooklyn over the weekend.

I dare say, if an election was called last weekend among Vincies in New York, De Comrade would have got a good licking.

I hope, though, that de Comrade heeds all that he and we now know, and do the honourable thing.

Remember, it was he who promised to be ‘tough on crime and the causes of crime’. White collar crime is still a crime, and those who fail to account for people’s money must be made to feel something harder than a slap on the wrist.

Garnet. N.Y.

WIBC and Narine

SO, ACCORDING to the West Indies Cricket Board (WIBC), Sunil Narine is out of the Test series against New Zealand, the same country against whom the spin bowler has taken 18 of his 21 Test wickets.

I was looking forward anxiously to seeing Narine and Shillingford against the Kiwis. I am one of those who are the firm belief that we can no longer, at least for the time being, put our hopes on our pace bowlers. Narine and Shillingford are among the best in the world at what they * Is there going to do. Their combination would be a refund by have been something to watch.

LIME/Multi Solutions for the But, there seems to be no poor to no service use crying over spilt milk. for their paid-for Narine is gone, and so is the streaming of the case.

2014 Miss SVG What bothers me is that the show?

WIBC must have known which * What’s the CDC W.I. Test players and Test share of the $45.00 hopefuls were playing in the per household charged for pay per IPL. They must have known view (Cable TV) of when the finals of that League the Miss SVG were scheduled. Is it that they Show? believed or assumed that none * Would somebody of the sides for whom W.I. Test please tell me players were playing for would whether or not we have made the final? Did the really getting a 4G WIBC check to see whether the service from those who say they are IPL contracts obligated those providing it? players to their sides, right up * How many to the finals? (service) contacts Narine made his choice. He does the CDC still is not the first W.I. to do so. have with nonHe’ll be missed, but life must Vincentians? Are go on. there no Time, though, for the WICB Vincentians by now, to get their heads in order. who can provide those services?

Cricket fan

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10. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The ULP Administration has done tremendous work in the Banana Industry (Pt1) THE ULP COLUMN continues to serialize excerpts from the budget addresses of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, to illustrate the work done by the ULP administration to revitalize and sustain the banana industry, over the last thirteen years. This is our final excerpt.

Bananas Budget 2008 In 2008 and continuing Mr. Speaker, other priority emphases will be: * A special land-lease programme (Land Bank) which will make lands available to farmers, including those whose farms are affected with the moko disease and have no alternative lands, and to young farmers/entrepreneurs to be fully engaged in agricultural production; * Revisiting the land tenure arrangements so as to allow persons leasing Government lands (on land reform estates) the opportunity to have legal title to land. (This arrangement is to empower farmers to secure loans for investment in agriculture and to promote the reallocation of lands not utilised; * To assist in the preparation of young farmers and other agricultural workers to benefit from these initiatives, we are establishing the Agricultural Training Institute.

The St. Vincent Banana Growers’ Association continues to operate under much financial strain. Although the export earnings for the first half of 2007 have been much more than for the same period in 2006, the volumes exported are not enough to cover the operating costs and to meet the loans and other commitments. With the greater volumes of banana being sold under the Fairtrade label, the WINFA/Fairtrade and the Government are of the view that their organisation should play a greater role in the administration and management of the banana industry.

Preparatory work to that end is already in train.

Budget 2009…

Banana production and exports decreased in 2007 compared with 2006 reflecting the effects of untimely application of inputs, high costs and unavailability of inputs, intense dry spells, and more stringent certification standards. Exports amounted to 17,584 tonnes at a value of EC$24.5 million.

This trend continued and for the first nine months of 2008 export volumes fell to 9,057 tonnes compared with 14,553 tonnes for the corresponding period in 2007. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the fall in production also reflects a continued reduction in the retail price in supermarkets in the UK. The impact of these challenges are exacerbated by the changing marketing regime and, as a result, we have taken measures to restructure the organization.

This reorganization involves:1. the establishment of a Banana Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with responsibilities for pest and disease control, education and training, quality control, farmers registration, and a database. The restructuring also involves transferring to WINFA/Fair Trade responsibilities for marketing and farmers’ liaison.

2.

Legislation to give effect to these arrangements will soon be presented to this Honourable House.

From the 2010 Budget Mr. Speaker, an interesting development has emerged in the agricultural sector. As the challenges in bananas mount, non-banana agriculture develops.

Indeed, the data show that for the nine-year period, 2001-2009, the agricultural sector in 2009, performed

better than for any year, other than in 2007. Non-banana agriculture measured at constant (1990) prices increased from EC$31.2 million in 2001 to $55.2 million, in 2009.

Correspondingly, the value of banana production, measured in constant (1990) prices, declined from EC$16.2 million in 2001 to EC$8.0 million in 2009.

The gap between agricultural exports and imports has been widening, making St. Vincent and the Grenadines vulnerable as a net food importing country. In 2007, the value of agricultural exports was EC$46.9 million compared to an estimated import bill of EC$157.5 million. In 2008, exports declined to EC$35.8 million while the food import bill increased to EC$198.5 million. This we must correct urgently.

During this year, Government will continue our efforts to address the challenges facing the industry.

Specifically in 2010 we will: * Continue treating farms affected by Moko, Leaf Spot and Black Sigatoka; * Rebuild the confidence of farmers in several areas. In this regard, The Agricultural Produce and Livestock (Prevention of Theft) Act, 2007 has been proclaimed. We have now appointed rural constables.

In addition, we will present to this Honourable House during this yea, the legislation to address the problem of stray and dangerous dogs.

The preceding excerpts from the Budget addresses, clearly demonstrate that the ULP administration has not abandoned the Banana industry.

Indeed, there is a clear demonstration that the government is working hard to revitalise and sustain the industry, despite tremendous challenges.

So, on November 20, 2006, Ecuador, the world’s largest banana exporter, formally initiated a process to challenge the level of the tariff before the WTO. And inside the European Union the administration of the ACP quota is likely to be even more disadvantageous to the banana producers in the Windward Islands and Jamaica.

My Government, and I personally as the Lead Prime Minister in CARICOM’s quasi-Cabinet on bananas, in conjunction with the other banana producers in Jamaica, Belize and the Windward Islands have been lobbying very assiduously, to secure the most favourable market regime for our bananas. In this we have been assisted by relevant stakeholders in the banana industry. We will continue this lobbying and negotiating battle on behalf of our banana farmers.

Meanwhile, on the domestic front, the Government, and the St. Vincent Growers Association in conjunction with WIBDECO and the Fair Trade entities, are making herculean efforts in every area to ensure the continued viability of banana industry.

A core group of committed farmers constitute the back-bone of the banana industry. They need our focused support. Accordingly, a Recovery Plan is being finalised by the relevant stakeholders. The aim, in part, is to lift production to 30,000 tonnes in 2007.

Under the Plan, further financial and technical assistance will be provided to help farmers. The government’s subsidy of EC$1.75 million annually on the purchase of inputs, remains in place.

Recently, through the efforts of the Chairman of WIBDECO, the Honourable Montgomery Daniel, WIBDECO has decided to make a bonus payment of almost EC$500 thousand to those farmers who sold bananas to it for the first 26 weeks of this year and who were still in export production up to week 47 of this year. This bonus amounts to EC$1 per box of bananas sold.

Are we serious about Reparations?

(Excerpts from Senator Vynnette Frederick’s presentation on Reparation) IN READING THE MOTION, I remembered how I sat at the feet of Bayliss Frederick and understood from his life story what motivated him to strive for better, not only for himself but for the black people of Tobago where he was born in 1923.

Before his seventh birthday, my father used to walk to the homes of a number of slaves Mohammed Bremner, Moshe Bud, Ti Nancy. He knew six of them. I asked him why he went. He said that they had been slaves, and the stories in the village about their lives were remarkable, and he was fascinated to know that they were still alive, albeit very old.

My father will be 90 years old in September, God spare his life, and in 1970, as part of the Black Power Movement in Trinidad and Tobago, Bayliss Frederick was a leader who was jailed on Nelson Island with Geddes Grainger, now Makandal Daaga, Clive Nunez and others, for leading demonstrations throughout Tobago. Interestingly, two years ago, he was honored in Tobago for being a Living Legend from that time in 1970.

Many persons spoke about their emotions when discussing the issue of reparations and slavery, and if we think about it, everything that attaches itself and flows from that must be described as emotive.

The legacy of slavery in the Eastern Caribbean is something that we try to measure, fix, define, and seeking reparations is seen as part of the continuing struggle to define who we are post slavery post colonialism. I see opening this discussion as an admission that there is healing to be done. I see it as a time of reconciliation. I see the move to look for reparations as part of the reconciliation process.

In order to heal the wound, we must first delve into it. That explains the presentation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is looking back at the Warner; but the pain for me is not only in the historical evidence of who owned slaves and the evidence of how they were beaten and worked half to death; for me as a black woman, I take greatest issue with the widespread practice of rape and prostitution of our enslaved Caribbean black women. I think that this may be at the root of our domestic violence, our family structures, and a great many challenges facing women and how we see ourselves today, and how our mothers, sisters and aunts saw themselves yesterday, and how our daughters will see themselves tomorrow.

I look at the much discussed legacy of slavery, and wonder whether we are doomed to repeat that which we most despise in behavior. Is there an entitlement that some feel, to treat black men and women in these Caribbean countries like dirt, because somehow our history has left us with the legacy of who has good hair and light skin and who is “better” than the next man…it is the same conversation that extends to why some assume they will be beaten and they will be raped as that is their re lot in life…gifted to them by a history which tells them that they are not good enough; that their black is not beautiful.

Mr. Speaker, there is a greater conversation here that needs to be had in our region. The planter did not face justice for killing, maiming, raping the slaves. Today are we living in countries where those in authority have the ability to bend justice to one’s own ends, so that there is one justice for the black man and a different one for the black man who is in favour and the poor man and the poor man who is in favour and the friend, opening the conversation on reparations will take us there. Is there an arrogance with how those who are black or poor or female are treated in our society on the part of those with authority? To my mind, Mr. Speaker, these questions deserve answers, and that is why I believe it is critical to have a genuine conversation about how we see ourselves as a people, how we define ourselves as a nation. And in this conversation, reparations must play a role.

Mr. Speaker, I was prompted to look into the history of women in slavery. And there are hundreds of thousands of documents online.

Women owned slaves, and women were slaves. Women faced the added degradation of having no control over when they were to have children which, when they were born would have been the property of the planter of the Massa.

In preparing for this presentation, I started to wonder, what would have happened if the slave could have stood up and spoken from his heart to the planter after slavery ended. What would Ashton Warner have said to Wilson the planter on Cane Grove Estate? What would happen if the house slaves got to talk their mind and say what was in their heart?

Maybe there might just be one house slave who would want to praise the planter, to tell him thank you, that he wasn’t so bad after all; maybe that one house slave would think he was setting himself up on the planter’s good side. Setting himself up for future rewards. Who knows?

What about those from the fields; those who were known and classified in planter ownership logs as mongrels; those to whom insults like dirty dog, dry head, picky head, roast breadfruit, ugly, those words, would have been common for them to hear on a daily basis, seeking to demean what were to the planter undoubtedly the uneducated rump, the lowest common denominators who toiled away in the fields. Maybe the planter might think they should build a monument for him for his work to improve their wretched estate. I am not sure that the feelings of those slaves would find record in any register. But we the descendants of slaves are living in a reality where the sting of degradation, the sting of the insults which accompanied the whip can still be felt today. This is why we need not only a discussion on reparations, but reconciliation in this region, in this country.

It must be a genuine conversation, not one disingenuously being raised by those among us who have degraded and insulted average Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 11.

Views

The Juggler

“Someone once told me that God figured that I was a pretty good juggler. I could keep a lot of balls in the air at one time. So He said, ‘Let’s see if he can juggle another one.’” Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) American college & pro tennis champion, first black international tennis champion MANY OF MY GENERATION will forever treasure our memories of Arthur Ashe (1943-1993). Back in the days when lawn tennis was perceived to be “a game for the whites”, Arthur Ashe emerged on the international scene and reminded us that skin colour does not influence how well we perform at sport.

As the first black international tennis champion, he inspired sports enthusiasts all over the world, and opened a flood gate for many blacks to pursue excellence in tennis and many other sports. Ashe is ranked among the best tennis players from the USA, having won three Grand Slam titles. He was the first black to qualify to be on the United States Davis Cup, team and the only black man ever to win the singles at the prestigious Wimbleton (in England), the Australian Open, and the US Open. This was no easy feat. But it was at the pinnacle of his career that he was diagnosed as having contracted HIV. It is believed that this occurred from a blood transfusion he received while undergoing heart bypass surgery in the early 1980s. Understandably, he retired from competitive tennis. He developed a passion for educating the public in relation to HIV and AIDS. This writer recalls an incident when a journalist had asked him if he ever questioned God in relation to why he (Ashe) had contracted the then dreaded HIV. His response conveyed the level of maturity that was always attributed to him as he responded, “If I were to say, ‘God, why me?’ about the bad things, then I should have said, ‘God, why me?’ about the good things that happened in my life.” What a man! What a legacy!

What a way to inspire others, even when life appears to add a “hot ball” to juggle.

There was a time when juggling was considered an interesting pastime. As youths we often sought to juggle oranges, grapefruits, and other relatively uniformed fruits. And while it was not considered a regular pastime, our infrequent attempts at developing this skill appeared to emerge immediately following our viewing movies that revealed jugglers performing in royal courts. It was especially amazing to observe individuals who ventured to juggle sharp objects or batons that had fire at one end. We never ventured to develop the skills to that level; juggling fruits became the furthest we would allow this skill to develop.

Some of us developed competence in juggling two objects; others were able to juggle three or four. As can be expected, the larger the number of objects, the greater the competence required.

While most of the imagery portrayed about juggling and jugglers would depict men engaged in this activity, there have been some outstanding female jugglers. David Cain, in an article entitled “10 Female Juggling Stars of the Past” (http://ezine.juggle.org/2013/08/05/10female-juggling-stars-of-the-past/)

shares some very useful insights about female jugglers. He states, “Looking across the gym at the most recent IJA Festival, a sizable proportion of the jugglers are women.

This hasn’t always been the case. In the first forty years of the IJA’s existence, female performers were a fairly rare sight. However, female jugglers have an incredible and very important history in our art form. The earliest depiction of juggling we know of features three women each juggling three balls. This image comes from the Beni Hassan Tombs and is 4,000 years old. The next oldest image is from ancient Greece, and shows a seated woman juggling three balls. In the Chinese acrobatic traditions, women have most often been seen doing skills that we associate with juggling — diablo, devil stick, and plate spinning. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many of the greatest jugglers of the past 130 years have been women. What is interesting is the fact that seven of the ten that are discussed here are German!”

The need to write this article emerged during a discussion that I held with a young married lady who was pursuing a Masters Degree in Business Management while also engaged in full time employment.

She shared some experiences in relation to the challenge of juggling so many activities and seeking to ensure that she accomplished each task well.

Many of our females in society have mastered the art of juggling activities while pursuing their academic goals.

We commend them for their efforts and determination. So many of them make us proud as they perform their domestic duties (as wife and mother, even as they invest time and energy in pursuit of their goals. Many are cheered on by members of their fan club. They appreciate the words of encouragement that they receive from their partners, relatives, friends, and co-workers. They testify that the juggling becomes less challenging if/when there are others who make themselves available to cheer them on and, where possible, assist them with performing some of their tasks. We commend those strong-willed ladies who, even without the support of others, will plod on, juggling their various tasks, and making us proud.

Some readers may be wondering why this article has taken a turn to highlight women as jugglers. Why be so gender specific? Why not talk/write about people in general?

While we acknowledge the fact that many men are also engaged in juggling activities within and outside the home, the major juggling acts are performed by the women among us.

Their multiple responsibilities will keep them at the top rung of the accomplished jugglers. We thank them for inspiring us to emulate their juggling accomplishments.

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

Debating European Genocide and Slavery THURSDAY MAY 29, 2014 will remain etched into my consciousness for as long as I live. On this historic day, I had the signaled honour of paying homage to our ancestors against whom the European colonialists committed genocide, captured and transported from Africa into what became known as the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, enslaved and made into property. The wealth created from our ancestors’ unpaid labour propelled the industrial development of Europe.

Last Monday, I spoke for another 30 minutes to wind up the debate. My life will never be the same again. I know our ancestors are proud that we celebrated their strength and courage. I know they will imbue us with their positive energy as we charge the former colonial powers with crimes against humanity. Europe has a case to answer.

It is our historic responsibility to ensure that the former enslavers fess up to their crimes and engage us in a developmental conversation.

What follows is the resolution that was debated in the National assembly: WHEREAS before the advent of European colonialism, our indigenous population lived a very dignified and cultured existence with their own governance institutions.

AND WHEREAS the intrusion into our region by colonial powers, especially Britain, led to the conquest, subjugation and genocide of our people where, after the capture and assassination of Paramount Chief and National Hero Joseph Chatoyer in 1795, close to 5,000 of our Garifuna ancestors were first exiled onto the island of Balliceaux, where 50 percent of them met their death, and then to Roatan island in the Bay of Honduras.

AND WHEREAS the survivors of this genocide and forced deportation, who approximate over 600,000, are now living in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the United States of America.

AND WHEREAS all Garifuna people in exile recognize St Vincent and the Grenadines (Yurumein) as their ancestral homeland; AND WHEREAS the conquest and genocide of our Garifuna ancestors were the precursor of the Trans- Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which brought unspeakable pain, and suffering to our people, not to mention the loss of our culture, history and religion.

AND WHEREAS in the bulk of the Caribbean territories, the trading in, and enslavement of, Africans were in train since the 16th and especially the 17th century onwards, until emancipation.

AND WHEREAS the economies and fortunes of Europe, including Britain, were, in the 17th, 18th and 19th century, largely built upon the slave trade and slave labour; AND WHEREAS under the system of slavery, the British slave owners were guaranteed an abundant supply of free labour, which was critical to the productivity of their plantation in agriculture, industry and commerce.

AND WHEREAS, by further political action, the British Parliament paid to the British slave owners a sum of £20 million as economic compensation for the loss of the enslaved who formed a major component of their production machinery; AND WHEREAS no similar political action was taken by the British Parliament to compensate the former slaves or their descendants for their labour, which built the economies of Europe, including Great Britain, nor were the former slaves allowed to own land; AND WHEREAS the former slaves and their descendants should have been paid for their labour which built the economies of Europe, including Britain; AND WHEREAS the Caribbean

Community (CARICOM), of which St Vincent and the Grenadines is a member, took a decision to form a Prime Ministerial Committee of the Conference of Heads of State and Government to oversee the work of a CARICOM Reparation Commission on July 6, 2013, to pursue genocide and reparation claims against Britain and other former slave-trading countries, including France and Holland.

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House endorse the decision of the governments of CARICOM member-states to pursue actively a claim for appropriate reparations from the European nations, including Britain, France and Holland, on behalf of the people of the individual nationstates of the Caribbean Community, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the said native genocide and enslavement of their ancestors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reparations claim be lodged within the framework of the Ten Point Reparation Agenda adopted by CARICOM at its Intercessional Heads of State and Government Conference in March 2014 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Honourable House follow the lead of the Jamaican Parliament and enjoin other CARICOM countries to make similar political decisions on this matter, and that this Honourable House instruct the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines: 1. To give all practical political, diplomatic and material support to the Caribbean Reparations Commission and the Caricom Prime Ministerial Reparations Committee, whose Chair is the Prime Minister of Barbados, the right Honourable Freundel Stuart, in the quest to engage the former European slave holding nations in a developmental conversation which will result in reparatory justice for the descendants of the Garifuna and those who endured and suffered through slavery.

2. To take this case of Genocide and Slavery to the International Court of Justice and any other juridical and political fora for reparatory justice on behalf of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines within the framework of the Plan and Road Map for reparatory justice outlined by CARICOM. 3. To ensure proper funding of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Reparations Commission, which has already been established, to carry out the quest for reparatory justice.

4. To put on record its high regard and commendation to Prime Minister , Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for his commitment to, and determination, in initiating the reparations conversation at the highest level of regional governmental authority and for pushing forward the fight against European Conquest, Genocide, the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, Colonialism and for reparations.

Following my presentation, my comrade brother, calypsoian Sulle, who wrote the 1997 classic, Reparations emailed: "Keep up the great work.

Remember is a life sentence you serving. There will be no let off for 'good behavior'."

Amen. Our ancestors will have it no other way.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Hundreds of millions of dollars missing

and financial period in living memory.

The financial and economic incompetence under Gonsalves has devastated the economy and businesses, and caused much pain and suffering.

There is no money circulating around the country, -The ULP government failed the audit of public Assets and Liabilities for 2009 in the Accounting and this has caused high unemployment. accounts in 2008. In the recent Director of Audit report Division is $0.00. However, on the statement of SVG needs a Green Government to ensure of public accounts for 2009 and 2010, the ULP Assets and Liabilities, the figure is $241,070,284.15. financial competence and to create a strong economy government failed the audit again, in 2009 and 2010.

An amount of $241,070,284.15 is missing. and thousands of new jobs. A Green Government The audit reports for 2008, 2009 and 2010 have Large amounts of advances made by the Treasury will ensure proper accountability and transparency revealed that hundreds of millions of dollars have have remained outstanding for several years. As at of the public accounts. We will also ensure that all gone missing or not properly accounted for under 31stDecember 2008, outstanding advances totalled Public Accounts are dual controlled — the ULP regime. Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, $34,420,150.65. An amount of $34,420,150.65 is needing TWO persons’ signatures to deposit and has overseen widespread wrongdoing in the public missing. withdraw money - to prevent any individual from accounts. There is massive failure in accountability The Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal acts of wrongdoing in dealing with taxpayers’ and transparency. has a BSc (Hons.) degree in Accounting and Finance money.

There is massive failure in reconciling accounts, from Oxford Brookes University, England. and it is impossible to know which cheques have According to Mr Ivan O’Neal, it is very serious and SVG Green Party been cashed and where the money went. Hundreds wrong for the Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, to www.svggreenparty.org of millions of dollars are missing. withhold statements of reconciliation about the The Accountant General’s current account was missing millions at the NCB, from the Director of not reconciled with the National Commercial Bank Audit.

(NCB) account, and no statement of reconciliation Gonsalves is stopping the Director of Audit from with the NCB account was issued to the Director of seeing where the missing hundreds of millions are.

Audit. An amount of $113 million is missing.

The Director of Audit has been denied access to The large cash balance ($7,435,637.62) shown in check the accuracy of the assessment of revenue at the accounts as being held at the Sub-Treasuries, the Inland Revenue Department. does not agree with the amount in the combined According to the Director of Audit, the role of the Cash Book Balance of $4,284,173.80. An amount of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is critical to the $3,151,463.82 is missing. government’s accountability. Part of the blame of The figure of $187,727,750.00 reflected in the malpractice of the public accounts must be levelled Treasury Accounts as public debt, did not agree at the NDP, who have been useless as Opposition with the figure of $772,879,366.50 quoted on the and let this dodgy accounting continue for 13 years, statement of Public Debt and Schedule of Loans. An by failing to operate the PAC and keep an eye on amount of $566,722,428.00 is missing. government spending.

No statement of reconciliation was produced to SVG Green Party is demanding that Gonsalves, account for the difference in the overdraft balance of who is the SVG Minister of Finance, is made to $50,947,228.76 ($118,579,380.27 - $67,632,151.51) account for the millions of dollars of missing money at the NCB for 2009. An amount of $50,947,228.76 and for his gross incompetence. is missing.

The people do not want a corrupt government.

No statement of reconciliation was produced to Under the ULP government, there have been many account for the difference in the overdraft balance of financial scandals, and people have been allowed to $13,369,930.33 ($58,174,743.69 - $44,804,813.36) at flee abroad. the NCB for 2010. An amount of $13,369,930.33 is Enough is enough! There has been too much missing. dodgy accounting of the public accounts, and a Kasique Oliver receiving his Solo Pan Champ With respect to an NCB loan, the difference in massive amount of financial incompetence under the trophy from Krystal Medford of ScotiaBank. the figures recorded in the Accounting Division ULP regime. Hundreds of millions of dollars are Also pictured is ScotiaBank’s Personal Banking accounts and that reflected on the Statement of missing, and SVG is experiencing its worst economic Officer, Janine De Freitas.

Traitors to the cause of SVLP ScotiaBank supports The Labour Party element of the ULP, the party now administering the affairs of state in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, could fairly be accused of being traitors to the cause of the founding fathers of the St. Vincent Labour Party (SVLP).

While it may be proved that there was, even in the early years of the Labour government, some aspects of their approach which were out of harmony with democratic ideals, it cannot be denied, that, broadly speaking, their pursuits and approaches to administering were, in the main, directed at improving the lot of the Vincentian community.

This regime cannot be so credited! Most of the projects they have embarked on have not produced the touted benefits. For example: 1. The Cross Country Road — not one grain of fish has gone from Chateaubelair to Georgetown by way of it.

2. The Education Revolution — we should not now be having 11-

year-old children who cannot read.

3. The Owia Fishing Complex is not having enough fish landed there to make it viable. It has been said that the Japanese who funded the project had recommended that it be located at Bottom Town.

4. The Cassava Factory at Orange Hill has not contributed to the strengthening of the agriculture sector. It is seen as a waste of taxpayers’ resource,s and testifies only to incompetence.

5. We were promised stabilizing reform in the Banana Industry in particular, and the Agriculture sector in general, in 2001.

Instead, what we have had is gross incompetence, blatant neglect and accommodated corruption.

The Black Sigatoka story is well known. If the truth be told, the real story of our ‘dread’ situation can be seen graphically on our roads, where the pictures encountered reflect a defeated government administering the

affairs of a people, most of whom have lost hope.

The wanton neglect of road maintenance has taken on artistic uniqueness, as per an area of the Fair Hall road, not too far from the vicinity of the Golden Vale gap. It has to be seen to be appreciated!

I could not help wondering: Suppose that area of road surface were to be covered by an act of nature with a few feet depth of sand, and were to be uncovered a few centuries later, the world’s leading archaeologists may well then be coming to St. Vincent to interpret these unique complex figurations. I would venture to bet that none of those scholars will discover the truth, that the intricate patterns were simply the result of the wanton neglect by the authorities to maintain the roads over several years.

Who should be given the credit for this, Mr. Burgin the area representative, or the Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves?

LeRoy Providence

young pannists EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD KASIQUE OLIVER is well on his way to becoming a qualified musician.

Apart from his trophy for winning the Solo Pan Clash, held as part of the ScotiaBank-sponsored 2014 Panorama Launch on Sunday May 25th at the Heritage Square, the Potential Steel Orchestra member will receive music lessons for one year, from local pan instructor, Rodney Small.

Following his training, Oliver is expected to take a musical examination from the London School of Music, all expenses paid for by ScotiaBank.

For placing second and third respectively in the competition, Arike Browne of the Symphonix Steel Orchestra and Shaquanie Antoine of the Sion Hill Steel Orchestra will each receive Junior Savings Accounts from the bank.

Personal Banking Officer Janine De Freitas thanked the event’s organizers, the Youlou Pan Movement, for making ScotiaBank a part of the event, and helping to create an exciting opportunity for the participants.

De Freitas underscored ScotiaBank’s ongoing support for pan, referring to the institution’s sponsorship of the South East Steel Orchestra.

She affirmed the bank’s support to the youths who choose to excel in the area of pan.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 13.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 17.

Entertainment

SWTS into semi-final round HUFFLES RANCH at Brighton comes alive this Sunday, June 08, when it

hosts the semi-finals of the SVG BC Singing With The Stars Karaoke Island

Tour.

Twenty-twopersons, included two duets, will

vie for 12 places in the final, scheduled for June 13, at the SOV Lounge,

Villa.

The Island Tour closed its preliminary round on May 10 at the Casa Blanca Roadside Bar in Georgetown, having begun on March 2.

Organisers say they were again overwhelmed by the number of persons who have an interest in Karaoke.

“We continue to be amazed by the number of persons wanting to register for the shows,” Georgietha ‘Aunty G’ Nanton, Co-ordinator of the Island Tour, told THE VINCENTIAN. “SVG BC Singing With The Stars Island Tour season 4 was highly attended, bringing love and unity in the communities.

Andrew Lynch, at People came out in Maggies Bar, Layou. their numbers to perform and to show their love for karaoke, and we want to thank all our sponsors and the many Karaoke fans who continue to sup[port us,” Nanton added.

The winner of this season’s Singing With The Stars Island Tour will receive $2000 sponsored by K&L Auto Customs. Other prizes include $500 sponsored

by Flasher Bakery and dinner for two, compliments the De Bistro, Bequia.

Keresa ‘Stress Free’ Each round of the Island Tour was aired on Hoyte, won at Miller’s Bar, Sandy Bay. SVG TV, in a half hour segment hosted by and the finals will also Nanton and Natalia Bhajan. The semi-finals be aired.

FitzRica Ollivierre, performing in the round held at De Bistro, Bequia.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 19.

News

Rotary charters new Interact Club

TWENTY-THREE STUDENTS from Dr J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School are the newest members of the worldwide Rotary family.

Witnessed by nearly all the School’s 500 students, the 23 Charter Members received their special badges, to deafening applause, at a special Charter Ceremony arranged by the Rotary Club of St The J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School Interactors with Rotarians and Vincent, and held on Principal Alwyn Joseph ---Monday 02 June 2014 at the School in Edinboro. year, and several exciting Service.

“Serious Fun,” whilst the School Principal, Mr. Interact Projects are Feature Speaker, Alwyn Joseph, welcomed already planned Garcia Cato, received a the new Interact Club, Rotary Club of St warm welcome, as she and reminded students Vincent President Earl spoke of her own that, from September, all Tash explained that the schooldays and the lessons students must be active in new Interactors are part of she had learned. In one of the many Clubs in over 200,000 Interactors particular, she encouraged the School. worldwide, plus over all students to identify the He expressed gratitude 1,200,000 Rotarians, and “right” friends and to to the Rotary Club of St will receive the full follow the right path.

Vincent for encouraging support of Rotary The Charter Certificate and supporting the International. was proudly presented to formation of Interact Rotary President-Elect, Dr J P Eustace Memorial Clubs.

Collin Boyle, who is also Secondary School Mrs. Cassandra the Director for Youth ,including new Interact Butcher, spoke of her Service, invited other President Charitiana pleasure as the Interact students to consider Charles, before M.C Joe Advisor, liaising between joining Interact, and was Sheridan led everyone in the Interactors and the rewarded with many singing the National School. She has given students willing Anthem, to conclude the generously of her to take this first step Ceremony. time since the new Club towards Community The Interact Motto is was proposed late last

Ordering LIME 4G Sub Can Make you a Winner!

TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER LIME and local restaurant franchise Subway have joined forces to make the meals and lives of customers 4G Ready.

Until June 30, persons visiting any Subway outlet and ordering a “LIME 4G Sub” will be entered into a draw to win a brand new 4G ready handset and also receive a voucher for FREE credit from LIME. Operations Manager of Subway Abdul Marshall, pointed out that eating a freshly prepared meal and winning a cool smart phone can never get easier.

“When you buy a six inch sub, you get one entry; when you buy a foot long, you get two entries, that makes you eligible for the draw which takes place every Friday.

“Every week, the sub changes; right now it’s the very tasty Chicken Enchilada.”

On Wednesday, Marshall handed over two phones to the week one and week two winners of the draw.

Winning the first week’s draw was Thasheba Lampkin of Belmont, while Rose Place Resident Sharon James was the week two winner.

Both winners indicated that they were thrilled to win the handsets, with a surprised Lampkin pointing out that this was the first time she had won anything, and it was all thanks to LIME

Sharon James receiving LIME 4G phone from Abdul Marshall, Operations Manager at Subway.

Tasheba Lampkin receiving LIME 4G phone from Abdul Marshall, Operations Manager at Subway. and Subway.

Marshall used the opportunity to encourage other customers to visit a Subway restaurant where they can eat a fresh, healthy meal, and also win a LIME 4G ready hand set in the process.

(L-R): Rotary President Earl Tash presents Charter Certificate to Interact Advisor Mrs. Cassandra Butcher, and President Charitiana Charles of Dr J. P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School.

Rotary Motto is “Service above Self.”

The Rotary Club of St Vincent was chartered in

1971, and has been providing Community Service solidly to Vincentians for 43 years.

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20. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My girlfriendÊs strange behaviour parents were funny people, and she wanted I AM with a Bajan woman to pave the way so that I would have an easier now for 3 years. In those time with them, when I 3 years, I have never visited her parents or any did finally get to meet them. I found that very member of her family in strange, and we argued Barbados, until recently. over it when she got Both of us live in New back. She was away for York. I am from St. Vincent and we love each most of that day.

The next time she left other very much.

We went to Barbados me alone in the hotel was when she had to see for the first time, since her ex-boyfriend to get we are together, two months ago, and stayed some valuables he was one week. We stayed at holding for her. I a hotel in St. James, and wanted to go with her, but she insisted that I I was left alone in that remain at the hotel. She hotel three times in a row, on the request of my left that morning at 8 a.m and never got back girlfriend, so that she could go see her parents. until after 7pm. Again we had an argument, Her explanation for not and she thought I was taking me was that her being immature about

Dear George,

the whole thing. She returned from that visit without the valuables.

We left Barbados, and I never got to meet her parents. How should I handle this situation? I am very uneasy about her and the way she is behaving.

Her keeping you out of the way is cause for concern, and you should stop at this red light until you are sure that it is safe or worthwhile proceeding.

To show her that she cherished the relationship with you, she should have invited Puzzled you to accompany her to collect her valuables Dear Puzzled, from her EX, especially after you were not taken Getting to meet the to visit her parents. parents of your girlfriend Let her know that you is a step in the right are in the relationship direction, and your for the long haul. Set girlfriend should have another time when you been happy that you can get to meet her wanted to meet them. folks. If she objects or is Wanting to meet them is still hesitant about that a sign that you are happening, then you serious about being with would be justified in her. thinking that she is playing a game — one in which you are the unfortunate and unwilling participant.

Keep your eyes open on this one.

Face up to your mother-in-law Dear George, MY MOTHER IN-LAW insists on dropping by our house anytime she pleases, without giving prior notice. And when she visits, she immediately starts cleaning the house (which is usually not in need of cleaning). She has chastised my wife for not keeping a clean house and not having food in the fridge.

I told her once, a long time ago, that her daughter was no longer under her care, but she just shrugged me off, with not even a verbal response.

She has no respect for me; she chooses when to say hello to me.

I do not care to have her around. I see her as disrespectful and annoying, but I do not want to be too hard on her for my wife’s sake. I know she’s my wife’s mother, and that is why I am keeping quiet on this one, but it is killing me. I cannot continue like this for much longer!

Tired Dear Tired,

George

Talk with your wife about the situation, and give her the opportunity to ask her mother to step back.

Dear George, Encourage her to let her mother know that MY WIFE is a professional and frequently attends she is not the little girl cocktails and important meetings that take her late into the night. I have never been asked to accompany she used to be, but her to any of these cocktails. I find this strange since rather one who has grown and now has others have been known to take their spouses with her own them. She always found some reason for not taking responsibilities and me. home.

I got to find out that she has been messing around If that does not with a few of the guys, who are either her co-workers or bosses. I was even told that she would be the one work, then you will to ‘welcome’ international guests when they show up. have to take matters I got an anonymous note one time that said my wife into your own hands, is a “whore” and is good at what she does. and let your motherI never showed her the note. I am afraid that if I in-law know that, in bring any of this up, she would think I am insecure the interest of and may leave me eventually. I am not very confident having unprotected sex with her, since I am maintaining some unsure about her commitment to me and our measure of a good marriage. Please tell me what to do, George. This is relationship, she killing me. should not visit until she can give you the Crazy respect that you deserve. Let her know Dear Crazy, that she has no Once you have valid reasons to question your wife’s jurisdiction over your commitment to you, you should approach her with home, and that she your concerns. Tell her about the feedback you have should desist from been getting about her adulterous behaviour, and give making unwarranted her a chance to either defend herself or to show you comments. how they are just malicious accusations. Let her That little talk know what she needs to start doing in order to restore should do it, but it the shaken trust that you are now experiencing, and how much you feel excluded from that part of her life may take some time of which you so much want to be a part. before things get going It might be a good idea to get yourself tested for again in the direction possible STDs so as to satisfy your own peace of you would like. mind.

Confront her!!

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try not to upset others with your plans.

You’ll find it difficult to control your emotions. Look before you leap. Keep tabs on your spending.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Think about your priorities. First find out if they’re married. You will be up and down emotionally. You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don’t blame others for your own stubbornness. Be up front if you don’t want to be embarrassed. Use discretion in your dealings and refrain from making verbal promises of any kind. You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your lover.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Someone may be trying to damage your reputation. Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray.

Your partner may blame you for everything. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying. You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. Try to calm down emotionally about personal financial matters. Unrealistic promises will only get you in trouble.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Overindulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting.

Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You need an outlet that will not only stimulate you but also challenge your intelligence as well. Talk to others about your plans. You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents.

People you live with will not be terribly happy with you regardless of what you do this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be accident prone if you aren’t careful this week. Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable. Try not to be too harsh with loved ones; there will always be two sides to an Issue. Don’t take offense at comments made by coworkers.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways.

You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. Focus, and concentrate on yourself and your future.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. You will tend to overeat this week. Get busy. If you’re feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate your motives as well as your needs.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Sudden changes concerning coworkers may surprise you. Don’t point your finger unjustly at others. Make changes regarding your status in society. Don’t be afraid to make a move if you aren’t happy with your emotional situation.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Look into attending seminars that can expand your perception. You may want to get involved in some kind of creative group. Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. You should be able to tie up loose ends this week.

ACROSS

44. Octet number 1.Alias initials 47. Whip 4. Polluted air 50. Stumble 8. Far’s partner 52. Canola 12. None whatsoproduct ever 54. Cornflower 13. Illinois or baby neighbour 55. Theater 14. Begrudge section 15. Explosive 56. Woods’s org. (abbr.)

57. Murray and 16. Occupy Peerce 17. Load 58. Oversized 18. Billy and pitcher nanny 59. Use thread 20. “Mutt __ Jeff” 22. Concorde’s DOWN inits.

23. Snake sounds 1.Toiling insect 27. Bowler and 2. Double-decker derby checker 30. __ Andreas 3. Choir member fault 4. Prepares flour 31. Bad (prefix) 5. Not dry, as 32. Hebrew judge cake 33. Emcee Don 6. Harry Potter’s 35. Wind direcpet tion (abbr.)

7. Round Table 36. Reaction to an knight IM joke 8. Unites metals 37. Clean air gp. 9. __ manner of 38. Listen speaking 39. Franklin __ (2 wds.)

Roosevelt 10. Movie-at41. Male sibling, home slangily format 43. They replaced (abbr.)

LPs 11. “__ of the

Tiger” 19. Mule’s father 21. Padre’s son 24. Hook’s right hand 25. Smooth over 26. Winter vehicle 27. Retained 28. Healing plant 29. Embezzler’s cash source 30. Mrs., in Mexico 33. Hang fire 34. Missionary

38. Grab greedily 40. Pains 41. Tan 42. Less green 45. Skips 46. Buster Brown’s

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 21.

canine 47. JFK’s veep 48. Pie __ mode (2 wds.)

49. Before Mon. 51. Argument 53. Judge’s expertise

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22. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bequia wages war on CHIKUNGUNYA Just some of the bags of garbage collected from roadsides and other public areas.

OVER THE PAST six weeks or more, the Ministry of Health Wellness & the Environment has waged war on mosquitoes on the island of Bequia, in an effort to contain the spread of the Chikungunya virus.

Last Friday, May 30, 2014, the

entire island joined in the battle as an army of school children, teachers, health and sanitary workers, BRAGSA, District Council, Vector Control personnel, NGOs, CBOs, Directorate of Grenadines Affairs and other Government workers, set out to contain the spread of the Chikungunya virus. They targeted areas serving as breeding grounds for the Aedes Aegpti mosquito.

Truckers, including Friends of the Environment, Hutchinson Construction, K-Electric, Matthew Gregg and Aubrey Compton and John Whitney, did shuttle runs to clear the debris stacked on the roadside.

The business sector, NEMO and Action Bequia provided all the necessary bags, water and gloves.

According to Herman Belmar, Director of Grenadines Affairs and who played a pivotal role in organising the effort, “The shock of the day,

This truck carries some of the used tyres retrieved from the Bluff area. came from the large volume of tyres extracted from crevices and cracks along the road.”

Reports are that at one area (Bluff) along approximately 50 feet of road, over 60 used tyres were collected, and those “only scratched the surface of the volume scattered all over the island,” Belmar said.

“It is evident that vehicle owners need to be more appreciative of their environment and to be aware that tyres are prime breeding places for mosquitoes which spread Chikungunya. Tyres do not rot. Dumping them over Bluff is not an environmentally sound practice either, since they

will inevitably end up on a beach somewhere, causing additional pollution,” Belmar implored.

The Director also registered concern about the continuing practice of households “storing up their garbage and not putting it out for regular collection.” The garbage is often then strewed in public areas where it remains unattended.

The war on Chikungunya can only be won if it is mounted on two fronts: to deny the mosquito clean water in which they would lay their eggs; and to deny the female mosquito the blood which it needs for the eggs to hatch.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 23.

SVGFF 1st VP demands immediate action

concerns and made suggestions for possible NINETEEN DAYS BEFORE SVG solutions to the problems.

Football Federation President “I have been advised that Venold Coombs is to square off there are media stories that in the law courts with former implicate the executive in vice-president Lloyd Small, financial and administrative another first Vice-president mismanagement. Although seems set to make life these revelations pre-date my uncomfortable for the president. accession to the office of 1st According to reports, Vice President, the Kenton ‘Bita’ Ollivierre, who accusations are of a serious was elected in November last nature (and) sufficient that I year to replace Small, has write this letter to you,” the written to SVGFF General letter began.

Secretary, Trevor Huggins, “Already, two news outlets raising concerns about the have carried a story hinting of current state of the body and possible sanctions and other recent letters of queries from penalties. In this regard, I am world governing body FIFA. reminded of my own elections Ollivierre, in his two-page just months ago and the letter to Huggins, laid out his promises that I have made to the affiliates and the general membership, who have placed their trust in me to help steer the ship,” it continued.

Ollivierre’s letter was sent on the back end of the mentioned correspondence from FIFA, which questioned the financial operations of the SVGFF, in particular the handling of the Financial Assistance Programme (FAP) funds.

FIFA’s General Secretary, Jerome Valcke, wrote to the SVGFF raising serious concerns with the 2012 and 2013 reports on the organisation’s audits.

“A number of transfers have been made from the SVGFF President Venold separate bank account Coombs under pressure once (programme account) to again. another bank maintained by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, without FIFA’s authorisation, totalling EC$170,000. The budget is not properly monitored, and there are huge deviations between the approved budget and the disbursed amounts per category without FIFA approval”, he stated.

Valcke went on to say that “Furthermore, SVGFF did not respect the obligation to spend at least 15 per cent of the FAP funds on women’s football.”

He rounded off by stating, “The audit is not satisfactory Former SVGFF 1st at all and showed major VP Lloyd Small fell out with deficiencies which require President Coombs. further clarification.”

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Ollivierre in his letter said that he felt that the concerns raised by FIFA were “legitimate and should be taken seriously with much haste and due diligence.”

He indicated that, according to his information, the deadline for the submission of the requested information by FIFA had passed and that an extension had been sorught.

The First Vice-president added, “Further, I am wary that with confidence level in the management of the association at an all-time low, further appeals to the general membership for patience may bring the organization into further disrepute.”

Stating that he did not wish to make a bad situation worse, Ollivierre in his letter offers what he terms “a road map for our immediate consideration.”

Among the remedial

actionshe suggested were: an emergency session of the Executive Committee is held to address the fallout from the media reports; an executive vote of confidence in an up or down vote in the leadership to lead a rescue effort both nationally and with FIFA; a consensus on a media statement to put the matter to rest; and a date for a special general meeting if determined necessary.

“Whatever is decided, some form of concrete action is needed. I am utmost A fully focussed SVGFF 1st VP, against plastering Kenton Ollivierre. festering sores,” dealt with, choosing instead to Ollivierre concluded. use abusive language to Reports say that President describe those who question Coombs has shown little his competence. urgency in having the matter

Bramble pleased with female effort THE FEMALE NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM has come in for high praise from head coach, Andrew Bramble, after the team finished second in the Caribbean Football Union/CONCACAF Senior Women’s football qualifying round, played in Antigua and Barbuda last Andrew Bramble, coach Akeria Samuel, Captain, weekend. of SVG National Female was considered to be “It was a good performance from the Football Team. the standout Vincentian girls…. . We finished second in the player. group defeating Aruba 2-0, drawing with United Stated Virgin Islands niladvance as one of nil but losing to Antigua 1-nil,” Bramble the two best second placed teams. reported.

And while he applauded the overall team “The team really showed a lot of heart and effort, the head coach believes Captain Akeria most of the things we worked on in practice, Samuel was outstanding, saying, “She led by ...the team held its shape with the formation, example as she held the defense together.” players understanding their role in the Samuel, according to Bramble, was well different areas,” Bramble explained. supported by fellow defenders Amalis The coach, though, is not allowing any Marshall, Keshia Morgan and Roxan complacency to set in, conceding that the Hannaway. He said striker Candice Franklyn team needs to do more work in these areas for also put in a good performance, scoring the consistency. two goals against Aruba.

“We need to work harder in the area of The national squad will continue in their fitness also,” he added. training, even as they await their fate.

SVG now awaits the outcome of other qualifying rounds to see if the country will I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Windwards on course for professional season at the international level.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WIBC) said that the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will contribute THE WINDWARD ISLANDS CRICKET BOARD is running $360,000 towards the annual retainer contracts for somewhat behind schedule, but is moving along with the players. the process of selecting its quota of players for the Reports say the WIBC had made the upcoming Professional First Class season, Board announcement following a meeting in March which President Emmanuel Nanthan told THE VINCENTIAN approved a 19-point plan for the professionalisation shortly after ending a meeting here last weekend. of First Class cricket in the Caribbean.

Nanthan said that they were unable to meet the Nanthan said that over the years there have been June 1st deadline owing to a number of logistic problems, but were committed to be up and ready by talk of such a league, but the WICB was now committed to action and not just mere lip service. the extended deadline of July 31st.

He said the members of the WICB are fully aware The Windwards, like all the first class playing that playing professional cricket will require a great territories in the region, have been asked to select deal of finances, and was happy that the CPL had fifteen players who will be put on a professional seen it fit to contribute to the venture. contract all year round.

“It will be a costly venture, but one which is “These players will be contracted for say about absolutely necessary for West Indies cricket to move EC$4000.00 (four thousand) per month and they forward. We are exceedingly grateful to the CPL for will just be playing cricket and will be doing this significant commitment towards the funding of classroom work, attending training sessions …in these annual First Class contracts,” Nanthan said. other words they will be sleeping, eating and Vice-president Elson Crick said that there may be playing cricket.” the president said. some minor problems with players who are Nanthan said that ten players will be selected employed and are an essential part of their work initially, with the other five coming through a Draft, place and how this will be worked out. which reports say may include as many as 200 Crick said that these players. if selected, will players. have to weigh their decisions and that will be if they He said that the setting up of the professional league will help not only to develop regional players want to play professional cricket for a fee, which may be less than their salaries initially, or if they and provide steady income for them, but it is expected to produce marked improvement in teams would be willing to forego that chance to make a lot more down the road.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Richard Phybus the man behind the plan.

Windwards Board President, Emmanuel Nanthan.

Delorn Johnson (left) and Sunil Ambris are said to be in line for contracts.

Batsmen dominate Sunday League J.G. LESHAWN LEWIS, Dilworth Thomas and Leon Samuel all hit centuries for their respective teams in last weekend’s round of matches, as batsmen continued to dominate the National (First Division) 55/55 Sunday League.

Lewis stroked his first century, 150 not out, to help iShallz Byam Physical Therapy beat Triumph United Cricket Club ‘B’ in a match played at Leshawn Lewis hit 150 Buccament.

Taking not out to register the highest individual score second knock after a in last weekend’s disastrous Sunday League innings total matches.

of 27 in 12 overs

by Triumph ‘B’, iShallz Byam Physical Therapy raced to 290 for 5. Javon Samuel, with 5 for 7, had proved earlier, to be too much for the Triumph ‘B’ batsmen.

Thomas boosted his chances for selection to a national Under- Dilworth Thomas hit a century to 19 squad when maintain attention he recorded a from the Under-19 classy 113 for selectors.

Victors 2, in a comfortable win over Triumph United Cricket Club ‘A’, at Sion Hill. Triumph ‘A’ were all out in 35 overs for 187. Roniel Laborde, 58, top- scored in that innings, with Damal Phillips taking 3 for 41. Victors 2 in reply posted 257 for 6 in 69.3 overs.

Orlando Guirola, a Cuban national, supported well with a knock of 58.

Samuel, meanwhile, continued his

Tigress, Rising Stars victorious Leon Samuel, 145, continued with his good form. rich vein of form at this level, with a stroke-filled 145 not out. His innings, however, failed to take his team, Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors, to victory over Radcliffe Too, who had earlier, recorded a formidable 308 for 6 in 46 overs. Ruddy’s Warriors were all out, after a spirited chase, for 279 in 41.3 overs. Arnold Gilkes, 81, Kevin Sam, 66, and Mickron McDowald, 50, ensured that the Radcliffe Too batting was steady throughout their team’s innings. Kurt Joseph, 3 for 45, and Shon Browne 3 for 46 bowled well for Radcliffe Too, while Bill Edwards, 4 for 49, had little help in Ruddy’s Warriors’ attempt to restrain their opponents’ innings.

I.B.A.ALLEN

J.G.TIGRESS and Rising Stars were winners in the RBTT National Women 40 Overs Cricket Competition on the weekend.

J.G Tigress beat Northern Girls Combine by 9 wickets in a onesided affair, at Sion Hill. Northern Girls Combine, asked to bat first, were dismissed for 46 in 19 overs.

Sherrie Ann John took 2 for 2, Latoya Providence 2 for 8 and Rochelle John 2 for 9. J.G Tigress raced to 50 for 1 in 8.1 overs, Kaleen Garrick hitting 23 not out.

Rising Stars beat Garifuna Stars by 55 runs at Arnos Vale 2.

Rising stars made 156 for 8 in 35 overs, with their top score coming from Vinisha King, 38. Hazel-Ann Foster took 2 for 16. Garifuna Stars replied with 101 in 17.3 overs. Julianna Nero led with 46.

Kacy Campbell took 2 for 8 and Xavian Matthews 3 for 15.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 25.

Sports

Farewell Emmanuel The FIFA World Cup will be in full swing next week; an event that is bound to attract attention worldwide.

The fiasco surrounding the selection process of both Russia and Qatar for the next spectacles will occupy the headlines in many countries. Focus will be on Jack Warner, and some will be anxious to see if the straw has arrived to break Warner’s back.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines might have contributed to Warner’s sense of impunity.

We disposed of our television rights in the hope of grabbing crumbs which Warner scattered from his operations.

On the local scene, trends of a Warner like modus operandi are seemingly being played out.

No one can match Warner. Caribbean citizens embrace misconduct. We make excuses for fraud, saying that we have been wronged over the years through slavery and genocide, so if we get anything for nothing, it is considered just reward.

We think that black people have every right to commit fraud because we have suffered at the hands of white people for too long.

When efforts are made to correct the wrong, we put up resistance with the view that the easy way out is worth the while.

West Indies and New Zealand will be locked in battle by Sunday. Persons will be happy for the Monday off.

It will be no letting up for those with aquatic instincts. It will be a chance for fisher folks to showcase their qualities.

In the midst of those scenarios, the North Leeward village of Troumaca will say goodbye to one of its longstanding citizens.

William Emmanuel Jocelyn will be laid to rest on Sunday. He fell 12 short of a century. Records about him have not been overwhelming. It will be hard to know if he ever scored a century in real life. Suffice it to say, he was a batsman of some quality. That is by my judgement.

His playing days might have been short. I am sorry that my knowledge of his exploits is limited.

I judge him on the basis of one innings that I witnessed at the Rose Hall Playing Field.

That must have been in the early sixties when the cordiality in the various communities saw exchanges between citizens.

I have written before about Jocelyn’s 46 at the Rose Hall Playing in that encounter. I was taken there by my father. While I remembered Jocelyn’s big hitting, my brother recalled the lavish treatment that the players and supporters were overwhelmed with at the ceremony. He recalled the excessive food which was available. Rose Hall is still an agricultural community. One could imagine the abundance of ground provisions and indeed livestock which would have formed the bulk of the menu.

It may not be to that extent today. Things have changed. In fact, there is not even a playing field in Rose Hall today. What represents a replacement at the entrance to the village is an inadequate representation for what existed at the time that Jocelyn made his furore.

That former playing field made way for a housing scheme undertaken by the Labour Party regime. Rose Hall was a Labour Party stronghold, so anything in the shape of human development would have been a just reward.

It is a pity that sport was not seen as a means of economic advancement.

Rose Hall continues to produce outstanding sports personalities. Bertram Stapleton and Elgin Richards are examples. Others have risen and fallen, perhaps through the absence of facilities.

Every community deserves a proper playing field.

That is the memory Jocelyn’s death has left with me.

Dutch Lady Clinchers walk the milky way

by E GLENFORD PRESCOTT ‘They little but they Tallawah!’

These words, commonly used by Jamaicans to describe someone who gives more than they look capable of doing, can be used to aptly describe Dutch Lady Clinchers netball team.

They displayed this level of fight on their way to being crowned double champions in Division Three in the LIME 4G National Netball Championships, with a 52/42 victory over Eveready Future Stars I, after leading in the Division TWO Double champs - Dutch Lady previous quarters 4/12, Noel Browne.

28/22 and 39/36. team continued their meltdown as Having disposed of their they saw their lead slip to just hapless opponents with three goals, 39/36, at the end of consummate ease in the league the third quarter. segment, the Dutch Lady lasses Team manager Pearlina proved that ‘Milk: It Does a body Thomas then made a tactical good’ was no idle statement. switch when she removed her Playing against Everready Future Stars in the knockout final centre, who was having a poor match. The change worked last Monday, and displaying almost immediately, as her team strong bones and eye-popping then regained the initiative to agility, the Clinchers looked as rush to a ten goal margin at the lithe as ballerinas in transition final whistle, to win 52/42. from attack to defence.

“I was never really worried, They always appeared out of reach of their opponents, and they since I know what these girls are capable of doing…..they are eased to a two-goal lead 14/12 in fighters and hardly ever let me the first quarter. The second quarter saw them extending their down…..I believe in them…..they are my babies,” a smiling Thomas lead to as many as 12 goals, but said. saw this cut to six by the end of “We have players who the quarter,to lead 28/22 at the break. The Dutch Lady Clinchers understand each other and never

Clinchers with Sponsors rep give up even when things look bad for us…..they have good self believe,” she added.

Thomas said that, even though some people have suggested that some of her players, like captain and shooter Kadijah Williams, should go up in a higher division, she does not support that, since she is still improving as a young player.

Williams was the captain of the SVG U16 team which placed third in the CNA Championships earlier this year.

In the other final played on Monday, Hillview defeated League Twilight Trading X-ceed 45/39 to stop them from doing the Division TWO double.

Hillview chalked quarter leads of 10/9, 26/16, 35/27 and 45/39.

SVG Rugby men looking to advance St Vincent and the Grenadines Men’s Rugby team will be expecting tough competition when they face Curacao in their second qualifying match of the 2014 NACRA Men’s Rugby tournament, at the Sion Hilll playing field this Sunday.

SVG, who completed a close 2422 away victory over the British Virgin Islands (BVI), will be looking to use home advantage to go two wins up, even as they recognize that they are up against one of the top teams in the competition.

Recardo Dallaway, Captain of the team, was confident that his team could win, but admitted, “We will have to play as a team…supporting each other….. and raise our game in order to achieve our goal.”

Sophie Goddard, President of the National Rugby Association

said the team fought really well in their first match, and concedes that the Curacao match is going to be an even tougher match.

“We have a win under our belt already and we are trying Sophie Recardo really hard. This first win will Goddard, Dallaway, serve as a confidence boost President of captain, has because we haven’t won a game SVGNRA, says expressed for some time now, and this the national confidence shows how much hard work and team is enjoying ahead of dedication the team has put in the fruits of Sunday’s match in the past year,” Goddard said. hard work. against Curacao.

A win against Curacao will pit SVG against Barbados or Green, Philon Guyana in the next round.

Delpesche, Kemi Francois, Gilan The SVG teams reads Recardo Comas, Cheno Baptiste, with Guy Dallaway (Captain), Leonard Hadley (Team Manager), Phillip Matthews, Kevin Bailey, Antoney Alvis (Coach) and George Kruger Joseph, Richard Morris, Justin (Coach), Tittle, Kemron Thomas, Godfrey The match begins at 4pm at Matthews, Andrew Phillips, Tevin the Sion Hill playing field.

Joyles, Allisko Samuel, Rasheed Campbell, Dugal James, Hollis I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

VICTOR ALLAN SMITH

PATRICIA DIANA GEORGE

SYLVANUS VICTOR JOSEPH

Sunrise: 1/12/1951 Sunset: 23/05/2014 Bethel Gospel Assembly Mt. Bentick, Georgetown Monday 2nd June, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.

Evangelical Church Georgetown Sunday 1st June, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

JOSEPH GRANT Community Bible Baptist Church Fitzhughes Sunday 1st June, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Greggs S.D. Adventist Church Saturday 31st May, 2014 Service at 2:30 p.m.

ST CLAIR ASHTON

MUNROE COLLINFORD WILLIAMS

Chebar Evangelical Assembly Inc. Saturday 31st May, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

St. John Spiritual Baptist Church Wednesday 28th May, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JUNE 6, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.23

A.I. REAL ESTATE Overland 2.5 acres. - $125,000.00 - BB473 Villa Flat Residential Property on 5,625 sq.ft. - $550,000.00 H510 Commercial Property 4.616 sq.ft for lease. - Price affordable CC216 Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

SHADEISHA IS MISS SVG 2014 TWENTY-ONE YEAR OLD SHADEISHA GEORGE of Lowmans Hill, competing as Ms. LIME, walked away with the prestigious title of Ms. SVG 2014, on Saturday, May 31st , at the 59th staging of the pageant.

With eyes on a career goal of being a Diplomat or an Ambassador, Shedeisha took her first steps in this endeavour in the way she presented her petitions for the crown.

Firstly, she chose a talent presentation that had never been seen before in Victoria Park. She took the audience through an aerial dance, a performance with a serious ‘wow’ effect. She swung in different angles from cloths suspended from a high iron frame. Her bodily forms were excellent, but her entries and exits into and out of these figures could have done with some refining. The stark white

Left: Shadeisha George, Miss SVG 2014, in her winning evening wear Pic of queen in evening wear.

and silver she wore were effective in linking her succinctly with her white ‘ropes’. That was smart. What was disappointing, however, was the fact that, after such a riveting introduction, the general audience failed to see the link between her performance and the details of that discourse. She, however, captured the judges’ nod of approval and was awarded the title of Best Talent.

Shadeisha did not stop there. For her Evening Wear, she wore an aquamarine gown crafted by Kimon Baptiste, for which she won Best Evening Wear, and added to her tally with her Swimwear display and Interview.

The 1st and 2nd runner-up positions were taken by Karla Gellizeau and Shakelle Bobb respectively. Karla, competing as Ms. Mustique Company Ltd., strutted her way convincingly to the Best Swimwear title in a well-fitted suit that allowed the audience to be introduced to her quality of poise and carriage. She put in a good performance with her talent, taking the audience back to the devastating floods of December, 2013. It was an emotion-filled performance. Her draw-

back was the fact that she was loud at certain points, and that may have subtracted from her scores.

Shakelle, who competed as Ms. Agricultural Input Warehouse, was awarded Best Interview. She answered a question on working women and one on whether athletics should be mandatory or optional at the secondary level. She did a monologue for her talent, going through the influence of singer Vybz Kartel on the younger generation. She was animated and expressive. Her swimwear was a good fit, and her confidence was obvious as the paraded in her suit.

The other contestants were: Fellisia Baptiste — Ms. Imperial Optical Inc.; Selis Blair — Ms. Metrocint; Vanika Hope, Ms. Super 6; Tatiana Lespierre — Ms. Bequia Beach Hotel; and Jamilla Neverson — Ms. LOTTO. Special awards were handed out on the evening. Shakelle Bobb was recognized for being the contestant with the Best Attendance at Training Sessions, the most Photogenic and the most Community-spirited.

A new award, Best Community Support on Road Trips, went to Jamilla Neverson. Ms. Congeniality went to Vanika Hope.

All awards handed out and the Queen crowned, a jubilant Shadeisha expressed her joy about winning the coveted title. “I am extremely elated!” she gushed. She recognized her team for preparing her to give her shot at the title.

When asked about the particular performance which she thought was most impacting on her results, she was happy to say, “I had had an extremely impressive talent performance. It was different and provided a ‘wow’ factor.”

She, however, singled out her consistency as contibuting most to her winning the title.

Shadeisha vows to do her best to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Ms. Carival show, scheduled for Friday, 4th July, at Victoria Park.

L-R: Fellisia Baptiste, Miss Imperial Optical; Vanika Pope, Miss Super 6; 2nd Runner-up, Shackell Bobb, Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse; Miss SVG 2014, Shadeisha George, Miss LIME; Jamilla Neverson, Miss Lotto; 1st Runner-up, Karla Gellizeau, Miss Mustique Co. Ltd.; Selis Blair, Miss Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd and Tatiana Lespierre, Miss Bequia Beach Hotel.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.