Vinpages 07 02 14 e reader

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 07, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.06

www.thevincentian.com

JUSTICE BRUCE-LYLE BEARING THE BURDEN

EC$1.50

Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle declared that it is ‘humanly impossible’ to hear all the matters down for hearing at the current sitting of the Assizes.

John noted that the Electronic Interviewing Act had not been JUSTICE FREDERICK BRUCE-LYLE is proclaimed, and that there were envisioning a hectic three-month period witnesses outside the jurisdiction. ahead of him. He will have to deal with The case of Ali Gibson, charged for the list of offences before him at the murder was adjourned for the last current sitting of the Assizes, and he time. admitted that it is “humanly impossible” Lawyer Ronald Marks noted that to complete the package. the matter with Gary Stewart, indicted Bruce-Lyle echoed his feelings as for intercourse with a girl under the the Assizes began last Tuesday. Sixty- age of 13, was listed for retrial. Marks six matters were on the list. pointed out that Stewart’s passport While most of the accused entered was taken away and that he couldn’t the dock to begin their trials, bench get a job. warrants were issued for: Lerone Lawyer Stephen Williams was of the Morgan, charged for rape; Eldred impression that Dexter Quammie is DaSilva for burglary and handling left lingering for too long after his trial stolen goods; and Akeem Cupid for was aborted because the Assizes ran making a false instrument, using a out of time. false instrument and theft.

A decision has to be made to know if The Justice shuddered at the Junior Quashie is fit for trial. He was prospect of having to face that slated to be examined by a workload, and mused: “I am the only psychiatrist. Quashie gave a glimpse of one burdened with all these matters.” his ‘state of mind’, real or apparent, when he blurted: “Better all yo just Some handled, some adjourned take a gun and shoot me.”

His outburst forced Justice BruceLeroy Rodney, facing the court for Lyle to respond: “Take him out, over seven years on a rape matter, was please.” given a final adjournment after Deputy Che Bute was advised to apply for Director of Public Prosecutions Collin Legal Aid so that his matter could be ,by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

handled more speedily.

Kay Bacchus-Browne is awaiting the transcripts of the trial of Odinga Foster so that she could proceed with defending him. Foster faces a retrial after a problem surfaced with a juror during the hearing.

Sheon Veira and Otricia Smart are facing a charge of murder, but there is difficulty with flights from Venezuela for some persons domicile there and who have interest in the matter.

Justice Bruce-Lyle contended: “If there are any insurmountable difficulties, I will have to take a decision on this.”

Twenty-seven murder cases are on the list, some of which traversed many Assizes. Other matters are attempted murder, manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, robbery, aggravated burglary, sexual offences, possession of controlled drugs, forgery, and wounding.

Bruce-Lyle pleaded with lawyers for harmony at the sitting. He outlined that he took no pleas, because he wanted to ensure that both defence and prosecution teams review their cases.

Man charged with insurance company robbery

by HAYDN HUGGINS

St. Hill Insurance Co. is situated in one of the busier areas of capital Kingstown. The robbery took place mere yards away from its location.

UP TO PRESS TIME WEDNESDAY, one man had been charged, while another was assisting the police, as investigations continued into last week Thursday’s daylight robbery of St. Hill Insurance Company, which occurred in capital city Kingstown.

Jariel Belle, a 26-year-old unemployed man of Paul’s Avenue, appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday. He has been charged with, being armed with a gun, robbed Raymond Durrant, of Ratho Mill, of one green St. Hill Insurance Company bag, valued $18, containing one RBTT deposit bag, valued $250, containing $5,359 in cash and $13,907 in cheques, property of St. Hill Insurance Company Ltd, as well as one 9mm glock pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Belle is also charged with possession of a 9 mm glock pistol, possession of two rounds of ammunition, unlawfully discharging a firearm

at Raymond Durrant of Ratho Mill, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger the life of Raymond Durrant.

Belle was not required to plea to the charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Sonya Young. He was granted bail in the sum of $30,000 on condition that he surrender his travel documents, have Jariel Belle has been charged with a robbery no contact with the that caused quite a stir in virtual complainant, capital Kingstown. and report to the Central Police Station on Mondays and Fridays between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Preliminary Inquiry is slated for July 2 and 3.

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Police Force changing face

by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY remarked that the Police service was generally BERNARD MARKSMAN, Director associated with the use of General of the local Red Cross force. He was happy to Society, is pleased with the recognise the changing face of changing outlook of the local the Police, and noted that the constabulary. services with which the Police He made his observation have now become identified, last Tuesday at the Central has enabled his Society to be Police Station in Kingstown. the recipient of $1,000.

Marksman, a former Assistant Commissioner of Superintendent of Prisons, Police Carlos Sampson handed

over a cheque worth $1,000 to Marksman last Tuesday.

That was the Spotlight on NEMO’s Howie Prince (right) A visibly moved Bernard Police Marksman (right) of the Red contribution to as he accepts a donation from Assistant Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph.

Cross accepts from Assistant the Disaster Commissioner of Police Carlos Relief effort Christmas Eve night and Sampson. which surfaced as a result of into Christmas morning. the floods which overran part Police Frankie Joseph made Marksman also observed of mainland St. Vincent, the presentation to Prince. that in the aftermath of the Joseph outlined that his disaster, people’s need was changing institution was always looking for ways in which they could and said, “This help the public. amount will allow He praised the public for us to do many more their patronage of the Police things.” canteen.

The National The Police also handed over Emergency $643.00 to the Bethel High Management School Past Students organization Association. President of that (NEMO), also benefitted from the body Montgomery Cupid accepted the money on behalf Police generosity.

NEMO’s Executive of the Bethel High School Past Students Association.

Director, Howie The funds were raised from Prince, accepted a donation of $1000, an event staged Friday promising that the January 31 at the Police Canteen which is now located money will be put upstairs the Central Market in to good use.

Kingstown.

Assistant Commissioner of

VINLEC cushioning impact on customers AELECTRICITY CONSUMERS will not have to pay for the additional cost brought on by the damage done to VINLEC’s Hydro Plants.

Chief Executive Officer of VINLEC, Thornley Myers, made the disclosure last week Thursday, January 30.

Myers cited it as “part of the contribution that we have to make to alleviate the pain and suffering that our customers have to face on a day to day basis.”

He was speaking at Vinlec Administrative Building at Paul’s Avenue in Kingstown.

“We thrive on the society; if it does well, we do well,” Myers pointed out.

He alluded to a misinterpretation, in certain quarters, that an increase in electricity bills, as a result of the loss of Hydro use, was to pay for repairs that VINLEC was forced to undergo because of damage to lines from the Christmas Day floods.

Myers made it clear that repairs were being done internally or with money borrowed.

According to Myers, the VINLEC Board of Directors had analysed the situation “carefully,”

Thornley Myers, CEO of VINLEC, correcting some misinterpretations about how VInLEC is going to finance repairs to its Hydro plants.

Friday January 24.

He indicated that the company “is going to cushion the impact on customers.” He assured that VINLEC will pay for the fuel, and that, “VINLEC is not going to pass it (fuel increase) on to the customer.”

Myers had alerted users to the loss of the Hydro Plants, at a press conference held at Cane Hall, late January. He hinted then that his company would make an announcement regarding its assistance to the community in the wake of the December 25 flood.

V News 3 Former Culture Minister heads Bar Association

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 3.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association (SVGBA), Rene Baptiste, has assured that steps will be taken to lift the image of the Bar. “We have heard the criticisms privately and publicly expressed in different quarters of the society, and we intend to work towards changing that in a very positive way,” Baptiste, a former minister of Tourism and Culture under the Ralph Gonsalves led ULP administration, told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, five days after being elected at a general meeting of the SVGBA. The other elected members of the executive are vice-president Duane Daniel, secretary Patricia Marks, treasurer Patina Knights and committee members Shirlan Barnwell, Mikhail Charles and La Teisha Sandy.

Knights was the only member of the former executive who was nominated. She formerly held the position of committee member.

Immediate past president, Dr. Linton Lewis, did not stand for re-election. However, automatically, he remains a member of the executive.

“There are new and different times, and over the years, I had the privilege of looking at successive executives of the Bar, and there could be no doubt there is room for improvement,” the new president admitted.

Accepting Bar members request Baptiste, who had also held the portfolios of Urban Development, Labour and Electoral Matters, recalled that in 2011 she was asked by several members of the Bar to accept the nomination for President.

“I told them I had to decline because I had just returned to private practice after almost ten years in parliament and cabinet,” the lawyer of some 38 years experience explained. She added that she was again approached by members of the Bar this year, and she accepted the nomination.

Baptiste said that whatever expertise she gathered over the years in the legal profession and activities in other nongovernmental organisations, would be put at the disposal of the Association.

She pointed out that the SVGBA intends to build relations with the Attorney General, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Commissioner of Police and the public.

The Association, according to Baptiste, will also be looking at the reforms implemented at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as well

Ooops!!!!!!!

APOLOGIES TO OUR FRIEND Stanley ‘Gunny’ Hinds for misrepresenting him in the article captioned, ‘SVG Cricket Association youth plan under fire’, carried on page 28 of our issue of January 31, 2014.

We wrote that Hinds ‘called on President Jack, his former Radcliffe Club teammate, to resign’, leaving the impression with readers that he had called for Jack’s resignation as President of the SVG Cricket Association..

In fact, Hinds’ call was for Jack’s resignation as Chairman of the National Women’s Cricket Committee.

We stand corrected.

Other executive members (L-R): Mikhail Charles, Shirlan Barnwell (committee members), Patina Knights (treasurer), Patricia Marks (secretary), La Teisha Sandy and (committee members) and Duane Daniel (vice-president).

Left: Rene Baptiste brings some 38 years of being a lawyer to her position as President of the local bar Association whose remaining executive members are dwarfed by those years of experience. whatever assistance is required of them.

Baptiste, who has been a lawyer since 1976, was a member of the Trust Authority from as Other involvement 1976 to 1986, was the Baptiste described the involved in private OECS reforms. She new executive as “a good practice from 1986 to 2001 before becoming a assured that the SVGBA mixture of persons with different skills,” and member of parliament, would continue its legal noted that several and cabinet minister education, community outreach and networking members of the Bar have from 2001 to 2010. indicated their She is currently the with the OECS Bar and willingness to provide speaker of the OECS other professional organizations such as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Assembly as well as president of Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers and the SVG Girl Guides Association.

Baptiste, a news and sports presenter at SVGTV from 1982 to 1998, was popularly referred to as ‘Mama Culture’ during her tenure as Minister of Culture.

Past president: “I served my time” Bar remains a member of the executive.

“I SERVED MY TIME, and I Former Minister of Tourism and wanted someone else to be given an Culture, Rene Baptist was elected opportunity.” president of the SVGBA at a That’s how immediate past general meeting of the association, president of the St. Vincent and the January 30. The other members of Grenadines Bar Association the executive are vice president (SVGBA), Dr. Linton Lewis, Duane Daniel, secretary Patricia summed up his decision not to Marks, treasurer Patina Knights stand for re-election to the and committee members Shirlan Association, January 30.

Barnwell, Mikhail Charles and Dr. Lewis also cited his LaTeisha Sandy. leadership role in a number of other The previous elections were held organizations as well as the May 10, 2011 when Lewis was heightening political atmosphere as elected. The other members of the contributing factors to his decision. executive elected then were vice He noted that he is Chairman of the president Jomo Thomas, secretary opposition New Democratic Party Samantha Robertson, treasurer (NDP) and has been Chairman of Zhinga Horne-Edwards and the Caribbean Court of Justice committee members Maia Eustace, (CCJ) Trust Fund since July last Zoe Williams and Patina Knights. year.

Outgoing president Kay BacchusLewis, however, told THE Browne had remained on the VINCENTIAN that automatically executive as an ordinary member. the immediate past president of the Reflecting on his tenure as

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Dr. Linton Lewis has cited a list of commitments as contributing to him not seeking re-election to the top position of the local Bar Association. president, Lewis said, “It was a wonderful experience, one that I cherish immensely.”

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Magistrate wants to know more Adolphus Delpleche, a search of Smith’s luggage THE FATE of Naton Smith, revealed three a British national, remains aluminium sealed cans, in the balance after he one bearing the label pleading guilty to Vita Malt, another possession, attempting to Presidente and the third export and conspiracy to Hairoun. export cocaine.

PC John was Smith’s state of prompted to open the abeyance was prolonged cans after becoming when Chief Magistrate suspicious on observing Sonya Young declared that they weighed more that she needs to await than what was stated on further verification from them. When opened, they the forensic analyst on revealed an ‘oilish’ the substance found in substance resembling his possession, before that of liquid cocaine. A sentencing. field test as well as The vigilance of forensic analysis Constable Chris John of confirmed that it was the Narcotics Unit cocaine. prevented Smith, a 22However, the Chief year-old window installer Magistrate requested the of 24 Lister Road, appearance in court of Margate, Kent, from the analyst for further leaving this country for explanation on the his homeland, July 24 substance. last year, with 1,235 Smith was said to grams of cocaine, said to have arrived here July have an estimated street 11, 2013 at the E.T. value of EC$65,000.

Joshua Airport on a Smith had already LIAT flight from cleared Immigration and Barbados. His journey Security when PC John began in the United intercepted him around Kingdom.

5:30 a.m. at the E.T. In an interview with Joshua Airport. the police following his According to the facts arrest, Smith admitted presented in court by that he was staying at Senior Prosecutor Hotel Alexandrina at

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young recused herself from hearing the case against Lisa Hooper.

Prospect, and that he stayed in Room 21, paid for by one Lisa Hooper, who gave him the cans to take back to his homeland.

When Smith appeared in court last week, he pleaded guilty to possession of 1,235 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, attempting to export 1,235 grams, and conspiring with Lisa Hooper, 23, of Campden Park, and others to export the drug.

Smith was scheduled to be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial

Lisa Hooper will answer to three counts in the matter of the cocaine seizure. involving Hooper, who was charged on three counts in connection with the cocaine seizure, to which she maintained her innocence.

However, when the two returned to court on Monday, the Chief Magistrate recused herself from Hooper’s trial after Prosecutor Delpleche indicated that the prosecution intends to call Smith as a state witness.

Young explained that, while there is nothing wrong in the law for

Naton Smith is expected to testify for the Prosecution in its case against Lisa Hooper.

Smith to testify for the prosecution, she would have to sentence him before Hooper’s trial, and it would therefore be prejudicial for her to preside over that trial.

Hooper’s matter was then transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court where a trial date was set for February 21.

Smith’s sentencing was adjourned to await

the appearance of the analyst last Tuesday.

However, the prosecutor informed the court on Tuesday that he spoke to the analyst and she indicated that she would not be available then as she had to travel on Tuesday morning. The matter was then adjourned to next Thursday, February 13.

‘Be patient,’ Justice tells accused

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY JUSTICE Bruce-Lyle acknowledged that the case of murder against Webster Woodley had been going on “for too long.” But he urged Woodley to be patient.

The newest saga unfolded last Tuesday at the February sitting of the Assizes. BruceLyle plans to discuss with the Registrar ways of getting a Judge to hear the case.

Woodley indicated that Judge Wesley James ruled May 5 for a hearing June 10, 2013. Woodley pointed to

James’ threat to throw out the case if no hearing took place.

“I am aware of that. That is why I am doing what I am doing,” Justice Bruce-Lye advised.

Lawyer Shirlan Barnwell announced to the court that she was holding for Jomo Thomas. Kay Bacchus-Browne noted that a date was set. She regarded the circumstances as “unfortunate” and suggested that “something has to be done.”

Bacchus-Browne indicated that Woodley was ill.

Woodley, however,

Another homicide GODFREY RICHARDSON, 59, a labourer of Barrouallie, is this country latest homicide victim.

He is said to have succumbed to a gunshot wound to his head after being shot in Barrouallie between January 31 and February 01, 2014.

Investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Richardson’s death.

complained that his matter had been going on almost nine years. He uttered that the lawyer “hardly visits me for a long time.”

Woodley and Sheldon Bain have been the centre of a legal entangle which stemmed from their indictment for murder in which taxi driver Peter Joseph was killed November 29, 2004.

The two were found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison February 2010.

The Eastern Caribbean Appeal Court, presided over by Justices Janice Pereira, Davidson Baptiste and Ian Mitchell, upheld submissions by lawyer Kay Bacchus Browne that the evidence led in the case was prejudicial.

They quashed the convictions, set aside sentencing and ordered a retrial. That was November 23, 2011.

Since then, Woodley has been a fixture on the Assizes list. Bain however has not been turning up for the

hearing.

Justice Wesley James was pungent in his remarks about Woodley’s continued languishing.

The Prosecution expressed difficulty in procuring witnesses.

While Woodley and Bain are slated for that retrial, they are listed for another trial together, while Bain Judge Wesley James, now retired, had alone faces two set June 10, 2013 as a date for commencing the hearing involving counts of murder. murder accused Webster Woodley.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 5.

Regional

Opposition tipped Astaphan’s hiring to win in Antigua questioned THEROLD PRUDENT, political leader of the Lucian People’s Movement (LPM), a nonparliamentary represented opposition party in St. Lucia, has taken the St. Lucian government to task for hiring Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan.

Prudent was especially critical of the Dr. Kenny Anthony-led government for the hiring, on the grounds that Astahpan has a long history of political activism on behalf of Dr. Therold Prudent has Anthony’s St. Lucia criticized the St. Lucian Labour Party (SLP) and Government for hiring other like regional the high-prized Anthony governments, St. Astaphan.

Gaston Browne becomes the In 2004, Balwin Spencer led the Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts UPP in unseating the ABLP which first person other than a and Nevis and Dominica had served six consecutive terms member of the Bird family, to included. lead the ABLP. since 1976.

“It should be noted per cent or 7 per cent swing for pollster confirming that the that this man actively the Antigua Labour Party, with Antigua Labour Party is winning campaigned for [Prime 25 per cent of the voters still is certainly welcoming news and Minister] Kenny undecided, still leaves the race again I am not surprised,” he Anthony and the SLP in very much up for grabs,” Henry added. past elections,” Prudent said.

And in readiness for the said.

Meanwhile, the ABLP leader, general elections campaign, which Prudent also took Gaston Browne, speaking on the is expected to take on momentum issue with the initial local OBSERVER Radio last in the coming weeks, the ABLP US$40,000 retainer that Friday, said he was not surprised commissioned its campaign comes with Astaphan’s at the results of the poll. headquarters last Saturday. hiring, with an He said the evidence “on the The official opening featured a “unquantified and openground” as well as another poll mega concert with top Jamaican ended total amount,” in Anthony Astaphan is suggest that the ABLP could win artistes like Mr. Vegas and known to be a close the light of Anthony’s all 17 seats in the election.

Assassin taking top billing. own admission that the associate of Prime “The possibility exists that we In the 2004 general election, country’s finances are in Ministers across the could literally sweep the UPP the UPP won 13 of the 17 seats, bad shape, and OECS sub-region. from office. To have…yet another but in 2009, it won 10 seats. questioned why Government could not use a local attorney as counsel.

Prudent’s comments were Right: Pastor Clive echoed by president of the Bar Dottin claims that Association, Andie George, who more than 200,000 AS THE TWIN ISLAND the land,” Pastor Dottin said persons in T&T said the historical practice of Republic of Trinidad and on radio. outsourcing lawyers from the depend on the drug Tobago continues under the “They are teaching our region to provide legal counsel trade for their gaze of the Drug young men in an in high profile cases is survival.

(Internet Enforcement Agency (DEA) of underground academy of unjustified, especially in light photo) the USA, a local Seventh Day crime of how to shoot, how to of the fact that the Attorney Adventist pastor has made a kill and how to be experts,” General’s Chambers has been startling observation. he said. fortified with capable lawyers.

According to Pastor Clive Dottin said it was Astaphan has been retained Dottin, a former member of important for the country to to represent the St. Lucian the Police Service stop indicating that only government in matters brought Commission (PSC), there is a 10,000 people are involved in against former tourism female assassin from Latin the illegal drugs trade. minister and current opposition America operating in “We have a narco economic United Workers Party (UWP) Trinidad and Tobago. state right now, and more political leader Allen Pastor Dottin told the than 200,000 people in the Chastanet, and the UWP US Drug Enforcement nation via a radio programme country depend on the drug chairman and former minister Agency (DEA) have arrived last week, that the female flow into this society. for agriculture, forestry and in Trinidad and Tobago as was in the country to ensure “It dwarfs the budget. The fisheries Ezekiel Joseph. part of their investigations. compliance with the illegal budget of the mafia in this The civil action against National Security Minister trade. country dwarfs the national Chastenet cited that while he Gary Griffith said he was The allegation came at a budget,” he said, adding, “so was a minister of government confident that those behind time when that CARICOM we have a false almost and UWP candidate, he the illegal shipment would be territory had already artificial economy, and that is Faris Al-Rawi, PRO of the requested the sum of $38,119 of caught. recorded 40 murders for the why God has to heal this public funds for the unlawful opposition People’s National But the Public Relations year, the majority of which land and God has to give us purpose of a campaign and Movement, points to criminal Officer of the main opposition are linked to drug-related the courage,” he told radio political event, for his personal activity escalating further in People’s National Movement gang activities. listeners. and political benefit or the T&T. (Photo: Newsday) (PNM), Faris Al-Rawi, has “I understand a female United States Federal benefit of his political party. warned the country to be assassin is in the land. That officials announced that they Joseph has been cited in prepared for an upsurge in is information that has come had found 732 pounds of relation to the alleged misuse and Tobago fruit juice, at the criminal activities, including to me, that an international cocaine last December 20, of public funds given to the Port of Norfolk in Virginia. murder, as a result of the foreign female assassin is in concealed in cans of Trinidad former UWP government by Since then, officials from the bust. (Source: CMC) Taiwan.

WINSTON HENRY, the Public Relations Officer of the ruling, Baldwin Spencer-led United Progressive Party (UPP) in Antigua, says that his party is undaunted in the face of a recent poll which indicates that his party could lose the next general elections there.

Henry admitted the party’s leadership “is concerned,” about the poll, but was quick to say that they (leadership) believe that there is enough time to undo any swing that the poll showed, and therefore, ensure another victory for the UPP. According to a poll conducted by the Barbados-based, Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), the main opposition Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is tipped to win 11 of the 17 seats in the general elections, constitutionally due by March 2014.

CADRES said it had conducted 1,000 face-to-face interviews last November on all 16 constituencies on Antigua, and its director, Peter Wickham, said that the poll showed a six to seven percentage point swing in favour of the ABLP. But as expected, the UPP is not taking the poll lying down, and Henry said that the hope for his party “lies with the undecided voters that represent a large voting bloc.”

The CADRES poll showed some 34 per cent of voters were still either uncommitted, preferred not to indicate their support, preferred an alternative party or said they would not vote.

“Months out from an election, 6

Female assassin in T&T

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

NDP New York arm reportedly in turmoil Stories and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

group, with immediate effect, at an executive meeting on Jan. 26.

The officials are: Douglas Howard, president, of Edinboro; Victor Da Breo, vice president, of Queen’s Drive; Marilyn Caesar, secretary, of Rose Bank; and Laverne Williams, assistant secretary, of Cemetery Hill, New Montrose.

Other members of the executive comprise: Stephen ‘Scumbo’ John, treasurer; Montgomery Harry, assistant treasurer; Bernard Wyllie, public relations officer; the Rev. Alwyn Craigg, chaplain; trustees Phil Stewart, Judy De Freitas and Lennox Daniel; and Vincent Bacchus, immediate past president.

FOUR TOP EXECUTIVE members of the New York arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have abruptly tendered their resignations, reportedly putting the group in turmoil at a time when the party is preparing to face the electorate in the next general elections, constitutionally due next year.

The four officials of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York (SPOONY), the affiliate’s official name, told THE VINCENTIAN, in exclusive interviews, that they submitted their Reasons for resignations resignations, both from the executive and the The resigned officials

claimed they were compelled to quit the group because of ongoing internal strife in the organization and constant opposition by some veteran executive members to Howard’s leadership style.

“We resigned because of internal issues, and we couldn’t see eye-to-eye,” Da Breo said. “And we chose not to go down that road anymore.

“All of us want the best for our country — only that some of us chose to do it in different ways,” he added. “We took it upon ourselves to part ways with the group.”

Caesar claimed that “SPOONY has too many leaders, if you ask me.

Doug (Howard) was doing a good job.”

Williams said Howard was also challenged because of his lack of tertiary education.

“They were making a

Vincent Bacchus (centred), past president of SPOONY, was adamant that there was no internal crisis. fuss because Doug (Howard) doesn’t have a degree to lead the organization,” she said.

In his resignation letter, made available to THE VINCENTIAN, Howard, who replaced Bacchus as president on Sept. 15 last year, said: “It is with no regret that I submit my resignation, effective immediately, from SPOONY, with words from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (slain US civil rights leader).

‘Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.

You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s Theory of Relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the Second theory of ThermoDynamics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.’”

that Howard made decisions without consulting them.

“The president failed to consult with the executive in whatever (was) going to take place,” Bacchus claimed.

“I’ll support who is the president, but you have to do the right thing,” he added. “It’s not a dictatorship. You have an executive, and you have to report to them.

“You may want to do something; but if they (executives) say no, it’s no,” he continued. “And that’s what happened from the first communication meeting last year, around November.

“What I tell you is the honest truth,” Bacchus affirmed. “All he (Howard) had to do was apologize.”

Bacchus also disputed that executive members queried Howard’s level of education, stating: “That’s a big, big joke, because nobody at all will speak about that. That’s foolishness.”

Douglas Howard resigned, with no regret, from his position as President of SPOONY

meeting is being convened with the knowledge of the highest echelons of the (NDP) party in Kingstown,” Wyllie continued. “This is not the time for strong headedness, defiance, irrational exuberance, stubbornness, negativity nor intransigence of any kind, or for organizing any boycotts.

“This is not the time for finger pointing; neither is it the time for anyone to be beating their chest in an attempt to show who is more NDP than the other; nor for anyone to be adjudicating on who should be in or Past President denies there out of SPOONY,” he said. is a crisis Wyllie has different view “It is these negatives that have brought us to the Howard, who But, in a letter to predicament with which submitted his resignation SPOONY executive during the executive’s members on Jan. 22, also we are now faced.”

As the NDP New Jan. 26 emergency made available to THE meeting, also told THE VINCENTIAN, calling for York arm, Wyllie said VINCENTIAN that some an emergency meeting on “SPOONY must be united and organized to assist SPOONY executive Jan. 26, Wyllie, a former the party in its quest to members had “problems NDP government form the next government with my leadership minister, acknowledged because I was going out that the organization was in SVG.” there and getting the job “at the crossroads.

New group formed done.”

“By now, every But Bacchus, a former progressive-thinking After their sergeant in the Royal St. member of SPOONY Vincent and the should be cognizant of the resignations, three of the Grenadines Police Force, fact that this organization four former SPOONY executive members who developed the is in a state of crisis and collaborated with some constabulary’s that there is an urgent Vincentian community telecommunications need to take decisive members in forming a system, disputed claims action to arrest its rapid new group, Vincy that SPOONY is in downward spiral course turmoil or crisis. and steer it in the proper Liberators of New York.

Howard, who was “I don’t think the direction in which it was elected chairman at the group is in a crisis,” intended,” he said.

Bacchus, who was born in “The current situation group’s first meeting last Saturday, said Vincy Bequia but lived in New in SPOONY is of grave Liberators of New York is Montrose before concern to all,” added migrating to New York, Wyllie, a former Minister “non-political” and is “committed to helping told THE VINCENTIAN. Counsellor at the St. those at home in any way “The group is going to Vincent and the have a general meeting Grenadines Mission to the we can.”

Da Breo was elected on Sunday (Feb. 9) at United Nations. “As a vice chair and Williams David’s Bakery (in consequence, it is as secretary. Other Brooklyn), and we’ll tell imperative that all the members what took members of the executive members comprise: Gaylan Forbes, treasurer; place,” he added. “We’re make it a matter of Samanta Batson Forbes, going on from there, but I priority to attend the don’t see a turmoil or special and all-important public relations officer/communications crisis.” meeting, scheduled for He, however, Sunday, January 26, 2014 officer; Annette Sardine, acknowledged that some at the residence of Pastor Chaplain; and Maureen Barrow, Errol ‘De Man executive members had Craigg. problems with Howard’s “It is important to note Age’, Rose and Ian Sardine committee leadership style, alleging that this impending members.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 7.

Politics

ULP sorting candidates

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, leader of the Those who preferred a colour other than red stood out in the picture ULP, was in his usual robust but were no less supportive. mood as he sought to deflate the Deputy Prime pleaded, and reopposition. emphasised, “We have a Minister Girlyn Miguel exhorted members not to lot of money to raise.” lose focus. She paid He promised more details on the procedure tribute to women of Labour, and while she and plans to provide chided men for turning furniture for those their backs on their persons who lost items female counterparts, she during the floods, and repairs to and, rebuilding was prepared to forgive them. of some 662 affected “We are depending on during the disaster. you. Women of Labour, He repeated his position that “there is no remember how important political discrimination in the distribution of any Resistance Heartbeat Drummers brought an (relief) material invigorating cultural dimension to the event. whatsoever.” by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ‘On your marks: Forward Two other Rs ANTHONY to the fourth term; Let the progress continue’.

He pointed to the six GENERAL ELECTIONS are Dr. Gonsalves urged constitutionally due by listeners to be part of the Rs: Relief, Reconstruction, River March 2016. But the ULP enterprise. He defence, Reforestation, ruling Unity Labour Party, referred to the three Relocation (houses), led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Kingstown seats and Rebuilding roads and is getting it organisation pondered: “You think bridges. ready for the next battle. they could hold them?”

But it was a “When the bell rings, He suggested that Convention, and Dr. you have to come out and Opposition Leader Gonsalves took the vote,” Dr. Gonsalves told Arnhim Eustace was liberty of the platform to delegates to the 20th weak, and that “Luke Annual ULP Convention, Browne is going to high- throw some jabs at his held at the Bethel High fall him.” With that, Dr. opponents. He suggested that they were afraid of School, Campden Park, Gonsalves quipped two other Rs: Reon Sunday 2nd February. “Captain out, all out.” election, and Ralph.

He admitted, “We And while he opined The ULP leader have to sort out our that there was “pure swiped at his opposition candidates sooner than confusion they have counterpart whom he later,” but cautioned, “I inside the NDP,” he don’t want us to have a warned the party faithful referred to as “kicking up like an Entire big bassa bassa in any that “you have to be Donkey. Labour will constituency.” organised.” tame that entire The open session of last Sunday’s Recalling the Christmas donkey,” Dr. Gonsalvs quipped.

Convention, which was disaster He repeated an postponed from expression which has December last year so Dr. Gonsalves seemingly created some that Prime Minister Dr. welcomed particularly Gonsalves could have those persons from areas outrage: “Soldiers must report for duty.” attended the funeral that have been affected service of the former by the floods.

South African President The Vincentian leader Other highlights Nelson Mandela, was described the experience ULP chairman Edwin characterised by an as an “awful calamity,” Snagg acknowledged atmosphere of and reminded that that the Convention was enthusiasm. persons were “still “serious business.” He Party members, nursing wounds, and made no apologies for supporters and invited physical injuries. the atmosphere of party guests were fired up by “Those suffering, we politics that the session their leader who echoed have to hold their engendered. the Convention’s theme: hands,” Dr. Gonsalves

Dr. Gonslaves welcomed an old adversary Frank Da Silva with a hug more often reserved for old friends. you are to your party,” she pleaded.

Diana Williams—Humphrey, General Secretary of the St Kitts/Nevis Labour Party brought greetings from her homeland and her party leader. She boasted of her Caribbean citizenship, having been married to a Vincentian.

She expressed satisfaction with the

Convention, and noted that the “Labour spirit is nice.”

But all in all, one of the highlights of the Convention was the resounding welcome, even a hug from Dr. Gonsalves, that noted ULP opponent Frank Da Silva received from the hundreds clad in the ULP red.

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 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 Of Bishop’s College and security IT WOULD BE REMISS of this publication if it didn’t recognize the Bishop’s College Kingstown as it celebrates 50 years of service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

So, before we hasten any further, THE VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd. and its sister company, Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., extend heartiest congratulations to the Bishop’s College Kingstown on achieving the milestone of its 50th Anniversary.

We know for a fact that former Managing Director of both companies, Mr. Egerton ‘Uncle Metro’ Richards, would not have allowed the occasion to slip by without putting in his bit, for he is on record as being a benefefactor of the school, albeit quietly, since his ready acts of philanthropy were often handed out directly to students of that institution, whose families found it challenging to support them through their secondary schooling.

‘Uncle Metro’ understood well how much the Bishop’s College and his own companies, by their domicile in Paul’s Avenue, meant to that community which society had too long frowned upon.

Paul’s Avenue and the Bishop’s College have produced eminent sons and daughters of this fledging island democracy, and will continue so to do, even as they face up to newly packaged challenges of seemingly increased proportions.

But as much as Bishop’s College would revel in looking back, reflecting on its past accomplishments, it is on the future that it must (now) focus its energy.

The demands of the work place and the world generally have changed drastically; standards have been raised and expectations heightened. It is no longer a simple case of ‘qualification by experience’ and ‘satisfaction with the minimum’.

The College must inculcate attitudes of excellence, of driving ambition to reach the top and pursue the impossible.

When Bishop Piggott acted on his recognition that too many of the children of his own church membership and too many children of the wider society, particularly the urban-based families, were being denied opportunities for advancement, there would have been those who would have deemed his founding of Bishop’s College Kingstown, an effort doomed to fail.

Fifty years have proved those doomsayers wrong, and the next fifty years will prove that the vision, concretised in 1964, was no idle waste of a good mind.

The road ahead is not paved with ease of passage. To prepare those under its care for resisting and overcoming the obstacles therein, should be an integral part of the underlying purpose of the Bishop’s College Kingstown for the next fifty years and beyond.

A missed opportunity?

Acts of theft and violence against non-national residents in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, (one reported on page 28) of this issue) continue to plague the society with told and untold repercussions.

At least one of those repercussions haunts us today, with the re-thinking of a non-national resident’s plan to open a Neurological service for Vincentians.

We can ill-afford not to utilize the expertise that abound within our shores, regardless of what colour or nationality those expertise are manifested.

If those who bring opportunities for economic advancement of and service to our people, are provoked into questioning their investments here, we are doomed to rely on the already diminishing resources of our own populace.

Numerous studies by regional and international agencies point to non-national residents, usually of different ethnicity, and returning nationals as being perceived to be people of worth, and therefore, targets for petty criminals.

If it were a simple case of relieving persons of their items, on body or at their places of domicile, we might be wont to say it is a case of the lesser of two evils. But when those acts against these people rise to levels of physical abuse, resulting in bodily harm, even murder, then we have to ask ourselves: What do we really want of others?

THE VINCENTIAN would like to think that that person who was all about ready to provide a medical service that is nonexistent here, would reflect on his current feelings of mistrust and fear, and reconsider his decision to discontinue his plan.

We owe it to all those who occupy this multi-island state, to ensure a sense of safety. To spend millions of dollars wooing persons to holiday and to invest here without being able to provide for their safe keeping, is like trying to empty the oceans of their vast resource of water. It would take an eternity. We don’t have an eternity during which to effect change and advancement of our people.

Are we mired in a game of spinning top in mud?

The making of the Comrade (Pt 2.)

THE FIRST PART ended on Ralph’s political victory in 2001. This second version takes us to the present, the bitter end.

Having won a massive victory on the 28th March 2001, Ralph immediately became intoxicated by the scent of power whose taste he could anticipate.

Dr. Gonsalves’ opening gambit was a transparent speech to the Nation, in which he mouthed the slogan “Together Now”, which was bereft of meaning from the start.

The new prime minister then ordered a PSC to appoint Brendon Browne as Cabinet Secretary over the heads of many others.

That done, he arranged for the swearing of his Government to be at the Victoria Park on what is known traditionally as All Fools Day, April 1st 2001. Ralph was in every sense the boss, the slave owner as head of the plantation, reflected in his control of over 70% of the portfolios.

Talk show host Elwardo Lynch popularised the arrangement over Nice Radio as a top heavy Government with on Encyclopaedia and eleven copy books. And so it has remained throughout the nine years plus that it has lasted. It was even refined to being headed by the twin towers.

Trusted party political brethren quickly filled the key post of Chairman of the Public Service Commission (Blazer Williams); the strategic post of DPP fell to Collin Williams. After some time, Tyrone Burke fitted in as CPO. In order to show how fair he was, Dr, Gonsalves, in his book, made a song and dance of keeping Angie Johnson and Angela Prince, who had been personal secretaries to Mitchell and Eustace, as his own secretaries after they had both sworn to be faithful and “loyal” to him!

The real power-houses staff from top to bottom became ULP after a short-time.

In this way, the ULP was able to weed out Public Workers in droves, who were suspected of having voted for the NDP. In vain, Arnhim Eustace appealed to the P.M, then the Christian Council, to have mercy on those 650 plus souls whom the ULP had victimised in the first three months. Names were also supplied of the Victims of this programme.

Vincent Beache, who as an elder Statesman, advised on matters of security mainly, offered the cold comfort that integrity legislation will be enacted in a hundred days or so, or he would not be around. 3500 days have since passed, and Sir Vincent is still around, but the integrity legislation has not been passed.

For Attorney General’s position, the P.M chose to revert to the Civil Service where he promoted Mrs. Jones Morgan to the post. She had been described in the book as “a woman of utmost personal and professional integrity”, though a recent incident at the NCB may give us pause, and her later voting in parliament for a speaker raised a few eye -brows.

In regard to the integrity of the House itself, the Prime Minister had assured us in the Book that “Hendrick (Alexander) has been the speaker of the highest quality,” which has been a far cry from his condemnation of Hendrick as the worst to have desecrated in the precincts of the House, when the boot was on the other foot.

As to Julian Francis, the cousin alter ego to Ralph himself, he has been described as being “completely devoid of malice!” which is not generally believed by the populace.

The other Senators were once thought to have been appointed to get the hang of things before becoming electoral candidates- Richard Williams (West St George) Rochelle Forde (East St George) and Ronnie Marks (Marriaqua); but they have all faded from sight, as have also top

Civil Servants Ellsworth John (West Kingstown) and Bernard Morgan (Central Kingstown).

Instead, we now have the not-so-young Cess Mc Kie, Soboto Caesar, Michelle Fife, and, especially Luke Browne to whom, among others, the Book has been dedicated, to ring in the changes, while the Comrade-Maestro arranges his dynasty with Camillo later to alight at the top.

Everybody has his weaknesses, and I was not a little touched by Ralph’s description of a meeting with the ailing Fidel Castro, who has been one of my heroes from morning. Which reminds me that the Book is overladen with pictures of the Comrade in the presence of world leaders, as if by itself that adds to Ralph’s persona and stature.

The ULP does right when it casts its nets afar, but they do court avoidable risks as when Chavez was allowed verbally to excoriate the President of the USA on Vincentian soil. Or when Dr. Kenny Anthony referred to Arnhim as a” Mongoose” on Ralph’s platform on SVG. In Housing, and Education, the ULP does in fact make a quantum leap from the rather sturdy shoulders of the NDP, albeit operating a play- safe policy.

The whole story of the International Airport is very complex and difficult to unravel. To begin with, ULP should not have rushed in without a detailed plan worked out as to the source of funding and the feasibility of the project, replete with an environmental impact study. As it is, the Airport project is mired in controversy and can only be solved, if at all, by the results of the next elections when hopefully SVG muddles through to a successful conclusion.

Secondly they should not have tried to hog the issue, as when in the early days they moved material draped in the red- colours of the ULP, and the NDP naturally saw RED indeed!

Jump high or jump low, the ULP has carried out a programme of clear-cut victimisation, and some say ,a policy of naked corruption, which will be pursued to the bitter end Pit- Bull fashion.

The ULP has to be credited, on the one hand, with the Youramei Rabacca Bridge that more than unites our northern indigenous people with the rest of the population.

On the other hand, the Cross-Country road stands as a monumental piece of folly to the ULP who, thankfully, cannot finish it, which would do irreparable harm, to our Environment.

NCB affords another case of a problem-child.

That institution was established at the time of Cato in (1977), who almost ran it aground largely through the sugar factory and sugar daddy.

Mitchell nursed it back to health, then it was raped by the profligate and reckless policy of the ULP that caused it to be placed on life support, coupled with heavy injections of capital that came by way of divestment.

The whole scenario proved a psychological blow to our 31st birthday of Nationhood, being a real threat to genuine Independence.

Vincentians have not a source of local funding that could cushion the economic blows and tide us over a financial crisis.

On the contrary, the Clico-British American scam has been permitted to almost wipe out our economy without redress, while Ralph and his Government were forced to dispense with the NCB in what they deemed a “master-stroke!

But moon could only run till day ketch um.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 9.

Letters

PMC writes PM and Opposition Leader EDITOR’S NOTE: The text of the letters to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace was the same.

We present it once here with the appropriate modification.

The Junior ‘Soca’ Jones letter to which reference is made, read, inter alia, ‘Actually it is our greatest disaster in over 100 years (since the volcanic eruption of 1902). This affects us all, and it is impossible to properly rebuild a divided nation. Our island is so divided politically that it’s sad.

You both have the keys to open those doors of change………

‘Gentlemen, I beseech of you both to put your differences aside for now…….. . . I know you both love SVG and the people of SVG, so for the sake of our people, pleaseeeee reach out to each other. …. ‘.

Dear Prime Minister:

Dear Mr. Eustace:

pressing need to depoliticize all work The People’s effort having to do with Movement for Change relief and rehabilitation (PMC) extends best following the serious wishes to you and your humanitarian crisis that Government in 2014. befell our nation. What We note that the we envisage goes beyond trough system, which a handshake, a meeting poured up to 11 inches of between leaders or a rain during a few hours smiley photograph between 24th and 25th opportunity. We hope December 2013, has that our relief and placed our country in a reconstruction state of extraordinary programme can be need, requiring relief, governed through an rehabilitation and inclusive bi-partisan reconstruction resources partnership and measures. implemented In these circumtransparently. stances, when we read We are confident that the open letter written our nation will benefit

by Mr. Junior “Soca” from, and be uplifted by, Jones and intended for such a policy of unity. you, Honourable Prime We urge you to seize Minister, and the this occasion of national Honourable Leader of pain to open a new page the Opposition, we were in our political struck by its persuasive pilgrimage. force. We write therefore, At this time when the to lend support to his call temptation is great to and to convey his look for personal and attached letter formally temporary political to you both, as he advantage, we are requested. reminded of your oftThere is also the repeated notion that

‘good policy is good politics’. The time for politicking will come, but these are certainly not the time.

Let’s all act in the true Vincentian spirit and be our brothers’ keeper.

Ronnie Daniel, General Secretary/PMC January 07, 2014.

PMC to the Christian Council Dear Reverend Odle: THE PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE (PMC) extends best wishes to the Council in 2014.

We note that the trough system which poured up to 11 inches of rain during a few hours between 24th and 25th December 2013 has broken and hurt us deeply; and has placed our country in a state of extraordinary need, requiring relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction resources and measures.

At the same time, it has blessed us with an opportunity to come together in healing and in constructing our process of recovery. Our solidarity can both hasten and ensure equity in our recovery.

In these circumstances, there is an urgent need to depoliticize all work effort having to do with relief and rehabilitation process. What we want to see is a relief and reconstruction programme which can be governed through.an inclusive, bi-partisan partnership implemented transparently.

To this end, we propose that a Civil Society Organisation agency assist with ensuring that the process is transparent and equitable. We believe that the Christian Council is key to attaining this goal.

We therefore, ask that the Council give serious consideration in activating the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCM), for the specific purpose of overseeing the process of recovery.

We will also like to meet with the Council on this matter at its next ordinary meeting to further discuss this issue.

We are confident that our nation will benefit from, and be uplifted by, such a policy of unity and transparency.

Ronnie Daniel, General Secretary Janaury 17, 2014.

Inquire into Windward Islands Cricket selection practices

Many lessons from the water

IT IS ENTIRELY outrageous and absolutely unacceptable that Miles Bascombe has been twice denied the opportunity to represent the Windward Islands cricket team in the regional NAGICO Super 50 tournament for 2014. Mr. Bascombe was denied once when the selectors refused to pick him in the original 14man squad, despite his vast experience, brilliant recent form and chart topping averages. They offered him the mild consolation of a place among the three reserves. Miles was then denied a second time when the selectors by-passed the reserves and chose Craig Emmanuel to replace Darren Sammy, after they realised that Sammy would not be available for the tournament.

To be sure, Craig is my friend and I wish him well. We played a lot cricket together; we were in fact opening partners and roommates in Guyana during the 2003 West Indies Under-19 cricket competition. But the truth is

THE WATER bodies provide important lessons for us; we should stop and take heed.

Jesus, while on earth, performed a miracle on the seas. He talked to the rough waves which were threatening the lives of the disciples, and the waves obeyed Him. Isn’t this a lesson for us?

Less than three years ago, in the month of December, one of the cruellest crimes was committed against a Pembroke resident who resided on the bank of the river. The water from the river was used to wash away (so they thought) evidence of the crime.

It was the very month of December in 2013, a

that he did not have a very good season and his selection could not be justified by his performances or any other reasonable criteria. It is really very regrettable that selectors who did not see it fit to pick him initially, have now exposed the young man to public ridicule.

We need to launch a commission of inquiry into the Windward Islands selection practices which do not seem to place too much of a premium on following sensible guidelines. In the case of Miles, the selectors have violated two fundamental principles: that a man should be selected on the basis of his performance; and that a replacement player should be drawn from the reserves.

These selectors, whoever they are, are taking this thing too far, and we simply can’t allow them to get away with it. Their actions are not in the best interest of the game.

R. T. Luke V. Browne

on, he seizes every opportunity to praise the work of the government.

ON BEHALF of my members and can see how hard you are trying My association will do what it also myself, I would like to say to develop the country. Your can to help the homeland. We are how grateful we are that you have dedication to make us proud as a highly proud of you, and we need spared the time to join us in so people is not going unnoticed. I you to be in power to make sure can assure you of the support of small a gathering at our that the progress you have given Christmas dinner. this organization, and while I our country since 2001 will not be cannot speak for other We really appreciated your wasted. Vincentians can hold presence, and it makes us feel associations, I can say from my personal knowledge that you have their heads high today, and you proud that although we live have played a major role in the abroad, you as a Prime Minister solid support in the UK. I will way we feel. will take the time to join a group added that Mr. Lewis, the High Thank you. Seasons greetings of ordinary Vincentians for Commissioner, has done amazing and a successful New Year. dinner. I cannot adequately tell work among the diaspora to you how delighted we are. ensure the support remain solid.

Denzil Winsborrow - Chairperson I want to say that we in the In his attendance at numerous The New London Association of UK follow the developments in St. functions, visits to the sick and Vincent and the Grenadines. We elderly, churches, funerals and so SVG and friends

Letter to the Prime Minister

different day, that the water raised its ugly head, and caused havoc to villagers and others.

Does this hold any significance for us?

Others may say none, but to those who look at things deeply, they will agree that it does.

There is a lesson, and we should stop and look, and learn.

Some villagers are alleged to be party to the killing of a man who did no wrong at the time.

Are there persons holding information that is vital to breaking wide open a crime that is yet to be solved? Are there persons within and without the justice system who think the crime is no big thing?

Mr. Bassy Alexander, in one of his weekly writings, said, “When the message hurts, we destroy the messenger”.

How I disagree with that. Little did he know, the messenger is killed before he could get the chance to deliver the message. So in other words, No Message!

Ells is not forgotten, and will never be, and his murderers and the plotters are still out there.

There are many who question that the one purported to have killed Ells is himself dead. If

he didn’t, who did?

We will like to know.

We are still eagerly awaiting the answer.

Justice system, the onus to answer is on you.

Hurt

* Is Camillo Gonsalves on his way to being the ULP candidate in West St. George? * Why are school children saying that it is more than ‘relief water’ that reaching private homes?

School children know something or what? * Who is going to ensure that all those trees and logs that clog the rivers and are spread over the river banks, are cut up before another hurricane season?

Remember what one Forestry Officer said about the trees and logs after Hurricane Tomas, how they were left right where they stopped? * Has space for shops at the Argyle Airport terminal been allocated? Why is a certain big wig party member boasting about already getting a shop?

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Massive, historic and successful convention The Issue AS AN EVENT, A CONVENTION defines the preparation of any political party for further work in any society, whether it is a general election, or the process of refreshing and re-vitalizing the base of the party. Observers will watch conventions closely, since this will give them clues as to what’s happening within that organization.

Observers will look to see how the members of the party respond to the message from the political leader.

They will look at the size of the audience, the composition of the audience, to see the number of young people attending, the number of new members who are present, as well as any defections or attractions.

They will test the harmony of the event, to determine if the party is together in unity and love. They will try to spot any disaffection, any conflicts, and any diversion from the central theme of the party. To them, a convention is like a man or woman conducting his/her annual health check-up. Some of these observers will be those who have not yet determined who they will support in the next general election, and so a successful convention will help them make that decision.

A historic convention There can be no doubt that the 20th annual convention of the ULP was the largest in the history of the ruling party. There has never been a convention before with such a large crowd. There has never been a convention before where one constituency, as in the case of North Leeward, was represented by 120 delegates. Two other constituencies, the Northern and Southern Grenadines, boasted their largest ever contingents to a ULP convention.

There has never been a convention before where the persons who attended, demonstrated such an outpouring of love, harmony, support, appreciation for each other, and for the leadership of the ULP. Among the sea of red at the venue, were old stalwarts and warriors like Bella, Monica, Miss Georgetown, Augustus “Chippy” Browne, Laverne, Miss Haywood Marjorie, and the list goes on. The meet and greet process was infectious and joyful, full of camaraderie and brotherhood. There was an outpouring of appreciation for the number of young persons; many from the ULP youth arm units were present. In fact, in some cases, young people made up more than 30% of the contingents from the constituencies.

Naturally there was a special welcome for Frank Da Silva. He was not invited to the convention, but was widely welcomed by one and all, including the political leader Comrade Ralph. Where this development will go is still to be seen, but one thing is sure: the attendance of Frank Da Silva at the ULP convention, cannot be a good thing for the opposition NDP and Arnhim Eustace.

The Political Leader’s address The Political Leader of the ULP, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, spoke to his

Excerpts from the Hon. Arnhim Eustace’s 2014 Budget Presentation Public Debt

membership in an address lasting two hours, none of it boring, all of it interesting and relevant and evoking loud responses from the audience. He outlined some of the achievements of the ULP administration, and commented on the success of the people centered strategy that has brought a high level of development to the country.

His highlight was an examination of the absence of leadership in the country, on the part of Arnhim Eustace, the opposition leader. Using the Christmas Eve rainfall of 2013, and the relief and restoration process, Comrade Ralph showed the inadequacy of the leadership of Eustace, and why he and his party are unfit to lead the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. ULP supporters erupted in loud applause and responses, and Comrade made the case that Arnhim Eustace has no place leading this country.

He rounded off his address with the stirring words, “this party has a people centered vision, this ULP. We have a philosophy of social democracy applied to our circumstances. We have a sense of history and culture and the building of our civilization. We are in the forefront of regional integration.

We are the party of internationalism, and you will notice our foreign policy and the benefits that we get. But we will stand steadfast to the ideals and principles as set out in the preamble to our constitution”.

The Way Forward It is clear from this convention, that the ULP as a political party, is getting itself ready for the next general election. There is still some work to be done in terms of the structures of the party, and the various officers with the required responsibilities will be busy in 2014.

The leadership of the ULP will take comfort from the number of young people who attended the convention, since this is an indication that the message of the ULP, and its record in Government, is resonating with this sector of our population. The record of the ULP administration is strong, and we must continue to defend that record, and to defend the leadership.

Candidate selection will become an issue in the near future, but as supporters, we must recognize two main issues. First of all, there is a system within the ULP, under the constitution, which governs the selection of political candidates.

Secondly, although some supporters are energetic about the candidate selection process, we must recognise that there are twenty-two months to go before a possible date for the next general elections.

Only Dr. Gonsalves knows the date for the next poll. He is saying “on your marks” meaning we must get our house in order, get registered, defend the party, and get the party organs in good working order.

Forward towards a historic fourth term!

THE PUBLIC DEBT OF St. Vincent and the Grenadines as of September 30th 2012 was EC$1.312 billion dollars; made up of EC$565 million internal debt and EC$747 million external debt. One year later the debt was EC$1.378 billion comprised of EC$602 million internal debt and EC$775 million external. I do not yet have the public debt for December 2013, but I am anticipating a very significant increase in the public debt in 2014, because of the Government’s announcement that the airport will be completed in 2014.

It was only a few months ago that government borrowed EC$208 million dollars to contribute to the airport construction. Given what is already proposed for debt in 2014, it is likely that our public debt by 2014, assuming that the airport is completed, is likely to increase between 1.6 or 1.7 billion and, with a projected growth rate of 2%, I expect a substantial increase of the debt to GDP ratio.

Preliminary indications, assuming (a population of)105 thousand people, will mean that each man, woman and child in St Vincent and the Grenadines will owe over $15,000.00 The debt to GDP indicator is an important ratio and inferences the attitude of lenders to our country.

Conclusion Mr. Speaker, over the last five or six years, I have seen our country’s economic performance decline, accompanied by increased unemployment, crime and corruption. I have seen our talented school leavers without real hope of employment. I have seen thousands leave our country seeking employment abroad. I have seen an increase in moral decay. I have seen hopelessness and despair. I have seen many tears. I have heard the cries for help go unanswered. I have seen an increase in national disasters three in the last four years. But Gunzinomics is also a disaster and the worst one at that— so that makes it four.

I have seen the acceptance of the status quo by our churchmen, hardly speaking out against the ills in our society. I have seen the closure of businesses. I have seen many persons being sued in our courts by the prime minister. I have seen hurricane relief being given to those who were not eligible for it. I have seen corruption rewarded and money from unknown sources deposited in our National Bank for credit to the Consolidated Fund.

I have seen Integrity Legislation being buried. I have seen political victimization parading as righteous virtue. I have seen the sale of the National Commercial Bank due to unwarranted levels of government and public debts. I have seen increases in current account deficits which create hardship in our society and send the wrong signals to the international community. I have seen our main hospital transferred to a morgue. I have seen banana production at its worst. I have seen tourism decline.

After thirty-four years of independence.

I have seen a government led by Prime Minister Gonsalves sapping the energy of our people and lead us into decline. I have seen the barefaced distribution of relief goods to persons

who suffered no storm damage, and the withholding of such goods from persons who do not support the government. I know now that the end of this tyranny is at hand and that a new dispensation nears. The encyclopaedia and the copy books will be swept away by the people of this country and a phoenix will rise from the ashes. The NDP will lead the new way.

NEMO Since the Christmas Eve disaster here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the prime minister has made several attempts to discredit the former NDP administration as it relates to disaster management and the establishment of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), in an effort to score cheap political points. It must be known that it was the former NDP administration that laid the foundation for the establishment of NEMO. Contrary to what the ULP administration has been preaching about the establishment of NEMO, most of the work to create NEMO and to implement other aspects of the project, including the sea defence at Layou, was completed before the NDP left office in 2001. The disaster management project was an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) project funded by the World Bank, and the amount of money allocated to St. Vincent and the Grenadines was US $6 million.

The project commenced in 1998 immediately after the general elections in that year. In those elections, the ULP got the majority of the votes cast and promised to make the country ungovernable, which made it extremely difficult for the government of the day to function. Because of the unfortunate situation in government at that time, the disaster management project was severely affected; to the extent that three (3) different local World Bank coordinators were appointed to manage the project. The third local co-ordinator appointed was Mr. Fitz Bramble; much credit must be given to him. He did the bulk of the work on the project and saw it completed.

Furthermore, the site to construct the headquarters of NEMO was chosen by the former NDP administration, and the Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, admitted to that on Sunday 2nd February, 2014 at the ULP’s convention. Then you may ask the question: Why was the site for the headquarters of NEMO selected by the former NDP administration, if they did nothing about the project? As a matter of fact, Mr. Richard Prichard, the World Bank consultant for the project, worked closely with the local coordinator and was instrumental in selecting the site after a number of other sites were looked at.

So, for the prime minister to continue to repeat in and out of parliament that the NDP, when it was in office, did not do anything about the project and money was withdrawn, is utter rubbish. Everything was in place when the ULP won the elections in 2001. All the prime minister had to do was just sign on the dotted line, and that he did.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 11.

Views

Political ambition: Power, privilege, prestige, or service?

“There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher.” Henry van Dyke (1852–1933) American clergyman, educator, writer, professor of English literature, Princeton THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY wrong with being ambitious. Each of us should regularly challenge ourselves to better our best efforts. As long as there is life, there will always be opportunities for us to improve various aspects of our lives.

This is as true in relation to health and wellness as it is for academic pursuits.

The activities in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities should constantly be analysed, with the intention of looking for those opportunities to improve performance.

We also consider it to be “healthy ambition” when we contemplate graduating from living in a rented apartment or house, to owning our own home; or moving from taking public transport, to possessing our own vehicle. There is nothing wrong with having that kind of ambition. However, if these “upward movements” are driven by greed or envy, and especially if we consider achieving these “lofty positions” by dishonest, unethical, or negative means, we must then consider that we have veered into the negative ambitious stream; a torrent that can be self-destructive and most damaging to ourselves and others also. If our motive is to create envy in others (so that they look at what we have achieved and envy our position), we would have also veered into the realm of negative ambition.

We can apply similar kinds of analogies to those who seek political office. Those who venture into the arena with the intention of serving others, must be commended for their noble efforts and intentions.

However, those who see political service merely as a means of obtaining power, privilege, and/or prestige, must understand and appreciate that their motives are considered impure. This does not mean that such individuals cannot provide valuable service — they can.

But, unfortunately, they are likely to be preoccupied with ego massages and personal gain rather than have a total commitment to community and nation building. And therein lies the danger — the pursuit of self-growth or “selfaggrandisement” (as the old people will say) at the expense of community or national development.

It is considered noble when we create and sustain an ambition to serve. We can serve through our various professions. We can serve through fellowship at our respective church assemblies. We can serve by making our talents, abilities, and experiences available to Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs). We can serve by being members of a service club or community organisation. We can add value through political service too. There are so many ways in which we can add valuable service to mankind. And again the invitation is extended for us to objectively examine our motives for doing so. Many gravitate to such activities to enhance the information that is listed on the CV. Others seek to engage in activities of this nature so that they can be seen and admired by others. And there are others who could not care less about being seen or

gaining recognition. They engage in such activities because of the deep sense of satisfaction they receive (the intrinsic value) from making this world a better place. They readily donate their talent, time, money, and materials to make things better for others.

Serving the community via political involvement can also be a noble venture. And while there will be some who seek political office en route to personal power and privilege, we must avoid painting all politicians with the same brush. Some upstanding citizens (male and female) will be driven by the desire to help build a better, more decent society.

They are not driven by the quest for power, prestige, and privilege — but by the desire to serve. They may have developed leadership skills by their involvement as civil servants, teachers, leaders and managers in the private sector, non-government organisations (NGOs) and so on. And they now wish to use their skills in ways that will broaden their influence on a national or regional scale. These are commendable ideals. But such individuals must understand and appreciate that the path selected is fraught with challenges that will test their character and value systems to the core. They must be determined to steer the course and weather the storm. Such tasks are not for the weak or faint-hearted. The drive to serve mankind must be so strong that it fortifies the individual as they are emotionally battered and bruised along the way — focused on serving others.

Honourable Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said it so well when, in his blog of January 23, 2014 (entitled “A Tale of Three Narratives”), he disclosed, “Civil political discourse is dying a messy public death in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In an increasingly partisan climate, political chatter is at its peak, but civility at its lowest ebb. People don’t even engage each other in conversation.

Much less debate. We talk past each other, we shout at each other, but rarely, if ever, talk to each other. And when we do, the conversation — if it can be called that — is polluted with personal attacks, baseless accusations, and relentlessly vicious negativism.” And so, against such a backdrop, those who enter the political arena must have a strong resolve to chart a better political course; moving away from “bitter politics” to “better politics”. They must look beyond power, privilege, and prestige and embrace the tenets of servant leadership. We will build a better, brighter future for our country and region if/when the ladies and gentlemen who seek political office do so with the intention, the desire, to serve others — building self and communities in the process; stooping to lift mankind a little higher.

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

On becoming a ULP candidate LAST MONDAY I formally declared my intention to become a candidate of the ruling Unity Labour Party for the constituency of South Leeward. The decision to contest comes as no surprise to the nation. Ever since I accepted the offer of PM Gonsalves to become a senator last September, it was inevitable that the party invited to use my treasure trove of talents in ways that go way and beyond sitting as a senator in the parliament.

If there is any surprise at all, it relates to the choice of constituency. Opposition parliamentarians and their spokespersons engaged in wild speculations as to where I will lay my ‘electoral bed’. For me, the decision was easy. Since my return to St Vincent in 2004, following a 21-year stay in the USA, I have lived in Campden Park.

My Father, Wilmot ‘Boney’ Jack, is from Chauncey. Because of the fertile seeds planted by his grandfather, Lamizah Jack, I have endearing and enduring family ties to the Jack, Harry, Alexander, Wilson, Huggins, Robert, Thomas and Williams families, who are well represented among the residents of Campden Park, Questelles, Chauncey, Clare Valley, Number 8 and Vermont.

There is an equally important reason why I selected South Leeward. It is not a political secret. Politicians and keen observers agree that the Unity Labour Party best chance to regain political ground lies in North Leeward and South Leeward, where it lost by 182 votes and 198 votes.

The strategists in the party know all too well that to regain these two seats, they must offer voters not just any candidate, but a candidate who possesses a package of skills and talents that will create excitement. Most of all, the candidate must be able to engender confidence in the villages across the constituency.

The candidate must possess the strength of character, leadership ability, training and experience to articulate clearly the needs and desires of residents. And voters need to have confidence, that in government, their representative will have the force of character and persuasive talents to ensure that the needs of the South Leeward constituency are addressed.

In this regard, I harbour no doubts that my brother and friend, Carlos James, will create sufficient excitement with his youthful energy and focused and transformative ideas for the development of North Leeward. He will offer a formidable challenge to Patel Mathews that will be more than enough to regain the seat for Labour.

Similarly, in South Leeward, the choice is crystal clear. The name Jomo Thomas is well known across the country. As a social activist and lawyer I have built a name as an advocate and change agent who has the respect of friends and foes alike for my commitment to principles. I bring instant name recognition to the campaign and a voice that is clear and articulate on a range of issues and problems that affect and concern the people in South Leeward and across the country.

However, the party needs to guard its unity to ensure that the supporters of contenders don’t square off for too long and, in the process, create bad blood that can turn off those whose man is ask to step aside or defeated in a run off.

There is more. When PM Gonsalves asked me to become a senator, he knew that I had offered critical support to his

party and government over the years.

He knew as well that I could be counted on to defend his government against unfair and backward attacks. He was aware that my support for his party and government went back to times before 2001. He knew that I was a firm supporter for the candidacy of Dougie Slater in South Leeward. Most of all, he knew that I have, often times, declared that the ULP government has been the most socially progressive and transformative since adult suffrage.

The people must know as well that I left a striving law practice in New York to return home to serve as chief executive of the Social Investment Fund (SIF). Under my leadership, SIF, as a government initiative, did impressive work and offered assistance to poor and vulnerable persons across the country.

Its work contributed significantly to the rapid reduction in poverty from the 1997 high of 33 percent to the current dirt poor rate (indigence) of 2.7 percent.

The needs of the people in South Leeward are many. Unemployment ranks high. Although the government has done outstanding work in bringing universal secondary and tertiary education to all those who need it, more has to be done to ensure that young people in South Leeward develop the discipline to stay in school and perform well.

Those who do not gain the necessary education to gain employment in the public or private sector must be offered technical training in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, in computer and electrical skills that will take them off the blocks and into money-making, life sustaining work. Creative use must be made of the parks and school grounds as well as learning resource centres to teach youth that the is more to life than cell phones and other electronic gadgets; more to culture than bling and dance hall and the other negative styles picked up from listening to radio and viewing television.

South Leeward has fertile agricultural lands. Land owners must be offered incentives so that more of them may again see the land as a source of livelihood and sustenance for themselves and their families.

In South Leeward and across the land there is an increasing problem related to high blood pressure and diabetes (sugar). Too many of our people are dangerously overweight. These problems not only bring pain and suffering to these sufferers who sometimes lose sight and limbs. They also cause strokes and heart attacks.

People must be made to feel safe so that they can leave their homes for the streets, to exercise in the early morning.

Police can assist with this programme.

These and a whole range of other issues and concerns, like finding our place in the world, occupy my time and attention. I know what the problems are. I know I have been a firm advocate on many of these issues. I know residents of South Leeward will get committed, capable and competent leadership when I am elected in the next general elections.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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Mustique super-rich should pay tax and customs duties The EC$1 million handed over to the government recently by Mustique super-rich is an insult to our people. Collectively, Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan have escaped paying billions in tax over the decades. These super-rich should pay tax or pack their bags and go home.

SVG does not need guilt money from the Mustique super-rich, we need them to pay their taxes. The fact that the Mustique super-rich can conjure up a million dollars whenever they feel like it, gives an indication of how much more they might be saving by avoiding paying tax.

The apartheid Mustique Act no 48 of 2002 gives blanket tax and customs duty exemptions to the Mustique super-rich. They can build $100 million mansions and import private jets and yachts into SVG, without paying a dollar in tax or customs duty. This is disgusting and immoral.

The tax exemptions given to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan are unfair and a gross injustice to our people and local businesses.

In the past 7 years, many local businesses have gone through hard times. Many have been forced to close down, and others that still survive have had to

lay off lots of staff. Local businesses are forced to pay high taxes, and are subsiding the tax exemptions given to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan.

The consequences of these tax exemptions given to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan are high unemployment, the closure of many local businesses and our economy being dangerously weak.

More local businesses, and hence more jobs, would have survived the economic downturn if local businesses had lower taxes, and did not have to subsidise the tax exemptions given to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan.

Every dollar not paid in tax by Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan is a dollar taken from the education of our children and the wellbeing of our people.

Many children in SVG have to walk around without shoes; many children go to bed hungry and wake up hungry, and many children have parents who cannot afford to send them to school. If Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan all paid their fair share of taxes, these types of

problems would virtually not exist in SVG. Our children are being deprived of a prosperous future because of the greediness of Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. These apartheid laws must end, and we must remove these unfair practices from our country for the sake of our children, otherwise we will see mass poverty in SVG for generations.

The 1950s ‘charity bowl’ mentality of the Mustique super-rich is oppressing our people. SVG will never move forward under this ‘colonial’ system.

We must transform our country by giving our children free, high-quality education, and having industrial development through innovation and technology.

For this to happen, we must end the billions of dollars of tax exemptions given to Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan now. The $1 million given by the Mustique super-rich recently is a sick joke. They should be deported for this gross insult to our people, and made to pay taxes that they well afford to do.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

LetÊs talk agriculture MY HEART goes out to all those families who suffered loss of loved ones, damage to properties, crops and livestock, during the recent flooding.

Only those persons who know what it is like to lose everything you own when you are at a certain age in life, will have a full grasp of the physical,

psychological and emotional impact of the floods.

For me, the most distasteful thing about the tragedy was that there are some people who used the suffering and pain of our people for their own self-interest and self-praise.

Fortunately, they were overshadowed

Plans for medical clinic on hold: Security concerns expressed From Backpage.

and obviously traumatized, she managed to lift herself out of the “In the circumstances, I have to re- drain and make it into her apartment, consider my own plan, and to work to where and when she called 911, which encourage a greater security for she understood to be the listed students so that we can continue to be Emergency Number for the police. attractive for students,” he said.

There was no response.

The Professor hopes to meet with A subsequent call to colleagues various prominent persons here to assured her that “they were on their discuss the issue and “maybe re-visit way.” the idea of the clinic.”

She was advised by a local worker at All Saints to go to the Calliaqua The latest incident Police Station to make a report, since the police were not going to come to THE VINCENTIAN also had the her place. opportunity to speak with Ms. Alya She did and was directed to seek Murad (referred) who has been here medical attention and to have a now for just over a month, on medical report done for referral to the attachment with the All Saints police.

Medical College.

“I found it strange that there was Her medical and administrative no response from 911, and even more expertise was expected to be availed taken aback to learn that I should go to Professor Al-Hafidh’s plan for to the Police Station rather than have setting up the Neurological clinic. them come to me. This was obviously The Iraq born, Canadian national not the way I expected it should was in relatively good spirits when work,” she commented.

THE VINCENTIAN spoke with her The “happy news” is that Ms. last Monday. This, notwithstanding Murad was able to recover her purse the fact that she had been the victim and her passport, thanks to a taxi of a robbery and physical harm just operator who found it and, on the Friday before. discovering a passport in it, lodged it Ms. Murad related that she was with the Immigration Officers. Other making her way back to her documents and cash were missing. apartment in Villa, after her “usual” One local long-standing resident in walk on the nearby (Villa) beach. the area in which Ms. Murad rented “It was still early evening, around apartment is located, described the 8:30, when I noticed two men coming area as “not being well lit,” adding, towards me. I was already in front of “There was a rape in the area some my apartment when one of them, time ago. The Police should look into masked, approached me, grabbed my reactivating the Neighbourhood purse, pulled my hair and then threw Watch and to increase patrols in the me into the drain that runs outside area. This area is a special target for the apartment,” she related. thieves and other criminals. The Bruised (still visible last Monday) police know that.” (Staff reporter)

by the genuine love, spirit of sharing and sacrifice that came from Vincentians at home and abroad, who acted above the call of duty to contribute to the ongoing efforts to bring comfort and relief to the affected homes and communities. I must also commend the government for its own efforts in mobilising the support of the international community in our time of need. It is clear that government’s active foreign policy position is reaping rewards in many areas of the country’s social and economic development. I can only wish too, that we all use the bad experience to effect change, and put in place mitigating measures to save lives and property in the future.

has nothing to do with the quality or taste of the fruit. In fact, a number of measures used to protect the fruit, including treated diatiene, dursban strip, etc., have had serious effect on the farmers, both in terms of their health and the cost of production. If we develop a good local market that complements our export to the regional and extraregional markets, then no fruit will be rejected and farmers can then decide for which entity they want to grow and sell their fruits.

The Banana Industry has served us well. We have built homes, educated our children and strengthened rural Facts about banana and national economic activities. But it has also done much harm to the environment and to the health of Now back to the agriculture and farmers and farm workers. Moreover, more specifically banana. Many persons, for some time, now have been it has not encouraged the voice of the preaching, singing, and lamenting the small farmers, or even respected their contribution to the industry. That is death of Banana - even those who why, even up to today, WINFRESH is have made well their fortunes in life, directly or indirectly from the said still talking of the need for a Core Farmer Programme that seeks to banana. I take a different view, from exclude small farmers from the export all that I have read and heard. market. The same old idea from the Banana is a very important fruit with many uses. It is an excellent same people in a new world order.

These people still hold on to the health food. Indications are that the thinking of the industrial age where fruit has several important nutrients all they need is a person’s body; they such as protein, fiber, linolic acid, don’t really care about their mind, vitamin c, ribothavin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and potassium and, from heart or their spirit. They have what I read, depending on the amount reduced a person to a thing that must be managed and controlled. They are one consumes, there are some added yet to understand the value in values. No wonder banana is one of respecting and encouraging the favourite fruits of consumers in the developed world. participation of the small producers if If it is true that autism, a syndrome we are to build confidence needed to restore the industry. Their style that usually appears in children, continues to be one of control, power, causing them to become withdrawn and lack response to love, nurturing sway, rule, supremacy, domination, failing to see that it is getting the and affection, and if banana is a good industry nowhere. source of vitamin B6 that helps There is a hostile world out there: increase nutrient to the brain and nerves, then why are we killing a fruit the new trading regimes; the price war of such an importance? I urge that between retailers; the rising cost of farm inputs, etc. We need all hands on everyone in St. Vincent and the deck, and so the marginalization of the Grenadines eat a single banana each day, and further, that bananas be used small producers will only help to destroy the industry. I thought a good as part of our school feeding programmes. That way, we can have a listener makes a good leader. So leaders must listen. sustained industry, while we eat healthier.

I am not a scientist, but I am a Over the years, I have been saying reader and a thinker. that the cosmetic look of the fruit, mainly required for the export market, Wilberforce Emmanuel

V A young lady needs our help

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 13.

News

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD ROCHELL Edwards is in need of financial assistance so she could obtain urgent medical attention overseas.

Rochelle, currently in severe pain and warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, has been diagnosed with having a large

pituitary gland tumour (Giona Graniopharyn), commonly referred to as a brain tumor.

A medical report states that she needs major brain surgery, available in Cuba, Trinidad or Barbados, to have the tumor removed.

Iona Edwards, Rochell’s mother, has been ‘hitting the

US$2000 for winner of LIME Mobile App Competition TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER LIME is putting US $2000 for the person who gets the approval of the competition judges in a LIME ‘Nuild a Mobile App’ contest.

“US$2000 goes out to the student who can deliver the best mobile app between now and when LIME launches 4G in April,” said General Manager of LIME, Leslie Jack in his address to the students of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s state of the art computer lab launch a few weeks ago.

The contest is open to secondary students between 11 and 18 years, and will require interested persons to create apps that are expected to be developed on the Android of ISO

platform, and can be uploaded to either iTunes, Google Play or Amazon.

The entries will be judged on originality, creativity and overall educational value, straightforwardness and ease of use, and the student’s smart use of technological elements.

LIME Sales and Marketing Lead Nikala Williams points out that after the app has been uploaded, competitors must send an email with their name, as well as the name of the app, and where the app can be found.

Emails must be sent to isis.ollivierre@lime.com.

The deadline for application submission is March 31, with a winner to be named after one month of judging.

White Coat Ceremony at AUS THE AMERICAN University of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) held its 3rd White Coat Ceremony at the Grenadine House conference room, on the 17th January, 2014.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a new semester and the acceptance of 60% more new students into the school.

During the ceremony, the students were presented with their White Coats, after which they recited the Hippocratic Oath.

Microbiology lecturer, Dr. Jose Davy MSc Infectious Diseases, delivered the keynote address and advised the

students to be dedicated and committed to the career they have chosen, and to serve their patients.

Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment Hon. Clayton Burgin also addressed the incoming students.

Present at the ceremony were other Dignitaries, Administrator of the University Ag. & Vice President of Operations Sarah Curtis, Faculty members, staff and existing students.

AUS, located at New Montrose, opened on 4th June, 2012 and has its head office in Dallas, US.

The recent batch of entrants to the American University of St. Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) pose in their White Coats with faculty members.

pavement’ in search of assistance since learning of her daughter’s need.

She is prepared to use what slender resources she has to afford her daughter another lease on life.

Persons who want to make donations can do so at the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, account no: 106565651 or contact Iona by calling 531-6995 or 433-8965. Rochell Edwards awaits the means to afford her life-saving brain surgery.

14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

%LVKRS¶V &ROOHJH FRQWLQXHV FHOHEUDWLRQV Right: Dean Patrick Mc Intosh lays his wreath on behalf of the Diocese.

Windward Islands, who described Bishop Piggott as a man of vision, dedicated to fulfilling the mission of the Anglican Church to cater to the spiritual and material needs of persons across the denominational lines.

He especially highlighted Bishop Piggott’s concrete demonstration in founding Bishop’s College Kingstown as an option in favour of reaching out to those who were otherwise Rt. Rev. Leopold Friday about to lay his ‘special token’ on marginalized by the the grave of Bishop Grant Harold Piggott. then existing education service.

BISHOP’S COLLEGE KINGSTOWN (BCK) continued Wreaths were laid by Dean of activities to mark its 50th anniversary with a the St. George’s Cathedral, The march and wreath-laying ceremony last week Very Rev. Patrick Mc Intosh, a Cecelia King-AkThursday. past and current student of the ers, Principal/BPast and present students, past and present college and the Principal of the CK, lays a wreath members of staff, well-wishers and members of the College. on behalf of the Anglican clergy joined in a march through the Bishop Friday placed a single faculty. streets of Kingstown, culminating at the burial site flower on the burial site. of the school’s founder, Bishop Grant Harold Activities to mark the BCK’s Piggott.

50th anniversary continue this month The gathering at the burial site in the St. with a week of sporting activities, a George’s Cathedral yard, heard a short address by Career Day, the showing of a docuthe Rt. Reverend Leopold Friday, Bishop of the mentary on the school through the years, and hosting a visit by students of The March took a route that the Bishop’s began through Paul’s Avenue, College Carriacou, the community in which which Bishop BCK is located.

Piggott also founded.

Activities will continue through to the month of July.

Below: Nikiala Baptiste lays a wreath on behalf of the current student body.

Cheryl Adams, past student, lays wreath on behalf of her colleagues.

Left: Past students, some from the original enrollment in 1964, came out to support the activity.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 15.

ACREAGE A CREAGE UNDER Agriculture, Hon. ARROWROOT ARR OWROOT Saboto Caesar, CULTIVATION in CUL LTTIV VATION T during a visit, last St. Vincent and Wednesday, to the Grena Grena-Arrowthe Owia Arrowdines root Factory, increased b y by where he some 20 witnessed the acres in beginning of 2013.

2013. the grinding Current season. cultivation Other good now spans news brought some 80 acres, by the Minister concentrated in was word about the North an increased price Windward, North Rhito farmers. RhiCentral Wind Wind-zomes now fetch ward, South Hon. Saboto Caesar Caesar, r, $1.00 per pound Windward and Minister of Agriculture, up from $0.35.

Marriaqua promised financial This increase was constituencies. assistance to farmers, attributed to the This was as his Ministry’ s works increased price Ministry’s disclosed by towards increasing for starch, from Minister of cultivation of arrowroot. US$5.00 to

US$7.00 per pound.

“There are ssignifiignificant sums to be made, the returns are looking good, and we are encouraging more farmers to become involved in the arrowproduction of arrowroot in St. Vincent,” Caesar said, as he encouraged farmers to acreagincrease their acreages and production.

According to the Minister, there is a demand for 80,000lbs of arrowroot starch each year from two suppliers in the United States, and the Ministry, as it opportuexplores new opportucommodnities for the commodity, is looking at Arrowroot being guided along the packing fore washing and g grinding. arrowroot for conveyor before medicinal ding credit to arrowr providing arrowroot purposes. farmers in the sum of There are also 000,” Caesar assure $500,000,” assured. plans to expand izomes to begin the Rhizomes the current ing season were rea grinding reaped acreage under from 10 fields. cultivation with reintroducthe reintroduction of arrowroot (cultivation) on the Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent, this year.

“There are mechaseveral mechanisms and techniques that are in place, and the farmers’ support co ompany will be company

Above: Cauldric Browne, Manager of the Arrowroot Association, explains what happens in the sedimentation (settling) room.

Arrowroot cultivation increased in 2013.

Leslie Nero is said to be this country’s largest arrowroot farmer. h Left: Arrowroot starch is tasteless and becomes clear when cooked.

Below: Arrowroot rhizomes ready for i di grinding.

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Eulogy for Glenda McDowall-Joyette Delivered by REGINALD THOMAS “I AM NOT GIVING UP, I won’t quit, I won’t roll over, I am going down fighting.”

The words of a courageous, dedicated loving woman, (phenomenal woman), the one whose life we celebrate today.

Glenda Mc. Dowall Joyette, lived those words, she was not daunted by life’s circumstances which presented themselves to her, or perhaps some will say by the hand she was dealt.

The condition of her physical heart did not daunt her cheerful spirit, her sense of loyalty, her dedication to and for a cause, her willingness to stretch herself, and most notably her ability to speak or say what is right, and to seek for a solution to the problem at hand.

For Glenda the encourager, life was worth living, and demanded the best resolve, no matter what it takes.

For Glenda the entrepreneur, the business woman, risks were worth taking, and excellence was the reward for hard, determined effort. Full and complete representation was to be made

at all times to bring about a solution. This was what she did to and for many in her daily pursuit, as she partnered and supported her husband in their business.

Making a difference drove her to the snackette or restaurant venture in Georgetown. She spoke of wanting to give back to the community in which she was born and grew up. And of the counsel she gave to the school children as they came to and for lunch, or at break times.

For Glenda the teacher, right and having a cause were noble ideals to be cherished.

Instructions and discipline were hallmarks deemed as second to none. Have a chat with Beverley and when you visit the home, note the schedule with daily activities and instructions. This we know was a reflection of her early teaching days.

For Glenda the Nurse, caring for others and showing compassion was not a choice, it was a must; she spoke with deep satisfaction of her days as a Nurse, and recalled the quality of care she gave.

For Glenda the Rotarian, the Rotary Ideal “service above self”, ought to become a

life principle in today’s world.

In his writings “The Heart: A Passover Midrash,” Rabbi Sholomo Ben Levy writes: “We see people around us whose hearts have been hardened by their own actions or beliefs. How can you tell who these people are? And, more importantly, how can you tell if your heart has been hardened? Typically, a hardhearted person is someone who refuses to empathize with the suffering of other people; they are not sensitive to the feelings and concerns of those around them; they thrive most when they are insulting or attacking another person or group; they believe that they or their group is superior to other people or groups. A hard-hearted person cannot reach out, he/she has no desire to feel or create the love of which I speak. Such a person always believes that it is the other man who needs his heart softened. These are the classic symptoms of sclerosis of the spiritual heart.”

I was drawn to these words following a very different encounter with a woman whom I had known for years.

A woman who with her

family came to live in my neighborhood on my street, perhaps a thousand yards or so from our home, a woman to whom I became very close.

It was lunch time; I was driving back to work along Bay Street in front of Ds Services. I indicated that I will be turning left in a few yards into the Financial Complex,. For some reason the minivan behind me refused to pay attention to the indicator, and on slowing down to make the turn, he crashed into the back of my vehicle. Initially the exchange was that he was not wrong, but a female traffic cop, the one we call “Miss Gold Teeth,” was on the opposite side of the street, she came to the scene.

Later the driver and I ended up at Joyettes Auto Collision to Glenda Joyette.

She looked at the damaged vehicle, determined what parts were needed, consulted the manuals and then produced an estimate for the repairs. On seeing the estimate, the young man in tears, said he could not afford to pay, and that he would take the vehicle to a friend, to which I disagreed. I told Glenda to order the parts and

fix the vehicle and give the estimate to the gentleman.

Two days after, the young man came to see me at the office to make arrangements as to how he could have settled the bill. He outlined his plight and the fact that his Mom had assisted him to get the van to help out, that he had just gotten the van from the garage and was hustling to make some trips. He asked if I can help in any way.

Continued on Page 17.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 17.

Tribute (cont’d)

Continued from Pege 16.

I called Glenda and asked how she can help, if a payment plan could have been put in place.

She asked that the young man come to see her.

Glenda gave the payment plan, but not before calling me to ask that I help the young man. She said she had a talk with him; he had gone to school with Bertram and was qualified. That he had looked, but could not find a job and I needed to help, I needed to see if I had an opening at the office to help him out.

Today, that young man is an Assistant Supervisor in the Statistical Unit of the NIS. She was persuasive, she was genuine, she knew what was needed to make a difference, and she represented that in her actions.

She was sensitive to the feelings and concerns of those around her; she reached out, she created love.

Her life as a Rotarian was outstanding. She would organize the quarterly luncheon for Lewis Punnett Home in a way that only Glenda could. Rotarians dreaded being late with their dish; eleven thirty gathering was just that.

The assistance to the children at Barrouallie, Glenda held meetings with the school principal, interviewed the children on their performance, and set general behavior standards. The Christmas parties in the communities, the wrapping of the gifts just last Christmas at Kim’s house, Glenda had it all packed.

Her life as a mother was exemplary; she was devoted to the cause of her children, and there was no distinction between their time and her time. In listening to Bertram, he said these words about his mom’s death “Mr. Thomas, is as if mom knew and planned this, and in a way she was preparing me for this and I did not

Eulogy for Glenda Mc Dowall-Joyette know. The jewels she wore all along were inside on the dresser.

She knew that had anything ever happened to her no matter where I would have been, the first one there and that Ronnie won’t let me travel alone, and that was what happened. She knew I would have wanted time to grieve by myself and she allowed me that time. I was afraid of flying but I flew on a Mustique Airways with her body. I can fly anywhere now.

I have more of mommy in me now than ever before. When I returned home and Beverley ran out to greet and hug me, the smile on her face was my mother’s. I will be alright; she will be always with me.”

Her Life as a devoted wife in a union with Dennis of 42 Years was characterized by a duty of care which was taken to a higher height in July of 2013, when she called me to tell me of the incident with Dennis, she expressed her concerns about the emotional impact of that day on him, and wanted me to come by on my return to provide some support.

In remembrance, Dennis spoke of the good times they had, and the joy and enthusiasm with which she executed her role in the business, for him all of who she is and was, is captured in the following words: Deep the joy of being together in one heart and for me that’s just where it is As we make our way through all the joys and pain, can we sense our younger, truer selves?

Someone will be calling you to be there for a while.

Can you hear the cry from deep within?

Laughter, joy and presence: the only gifts you are.

Have you time? I’d like to be with you.

Persons come into the fiber of our lives, and then their shadow fades and disappears.

All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.

All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.

A fitting song in tribute for a life well lived.

Glenda died on the 19th January 2014 in St. Maarten. At the same

hospital where she was made aware of the condition of her physical heart, some thirty-four years ago. Was it Fate?

To her husband Dennis, her children Donna, Bertram and Michael. step children Adrian, Jennifer and Denzil, her mother Estelle Labban, her five grand children, six brothers, three sisters and three adopted sisters. Her beloved aunt, in-laws, other relatives and friends.

Glenda’s life taught us much; we can truly answer Rabbi Ben Levy’s question on her behalf.

She was not a hardhearted person. Many of you in your tributes spoke of her qualities So all of us can truly join with her husband and so change the words of the chorus of the song and so say “All she will ask of us is forever to remember her as loving us” She will like to remind us that laughter, joy and

presence is the only gift we are, not what we have but “the gift we are,” and she will urge us to have the time to share with each other and so live life, so that truly our spiritual hearts can go on long after our physical hearts cease.

In the words of Celine Dion “My heart will go on” she wrote: Every night in my dreams I see you I hear you, that is how I know you go on.

Far across the distance and spaces between us, You have come to show you go on.

Near far wherever you are, I believe the heart does go on Once more you open the door and you are here in my heart And my heart will go on and on”……

Glenda’s heart will go on and on.

May her soul rest in peace.

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 19.

Mustique Charitable Trust donates $1m THE NATIONAL RELIEF EFFORT following the disaster caused by torrential rains and flooding on mainland St. Vincent, December 24/25, got a significant boost recently.

On Friday31st January, 2013, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves received a cheque in an amount of EC$1 million from the Mustique Charitable Trust.

On presenting the cheque, Roger Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mustique Company, disclosed that the Mustique Charitable Trust has raised over EC$6 million, primarily to assist disadvantaged citizens of St. Vincent since August 2008.

He noted that the response to the Christmas Eve floods was almost immediate, and a sum of EC$1 million was raised from among guests, home owners and friends of Mustique.

In addition, Pritchard said Marco Sodi, a home

owner’s son, swam from Bequia to Mustique on December 29, 2013, and raised EC$75,000.00 for the relief cause.

More significantly, the CEO reported that Allan Duncan, a Minister of Government in the UK, who was a guest on the island at the time of the floods, pledged $500,000.00 from his government towards the relief effort.

Following on Pritchard’s citing that the Trust is involved in numerous educational projects, Lavinia Gunn, Administrator of the Mustique Charitable Trust, stated that the Mustique Company will be working closely with the relevant ministries and departments here, including NEMO, to identify suitable projects, some of which will maintain their focus on young people and challenged teenagers, towards rebuilding sustainable communities.

Paddy Corea (2nd from right) hands over cheques to Bernard Morgan, in the company of Judith Roberts (left) and Bernard Marksman.

Roger Pritchard, CEO Mustique Company, highlighted the Mustique Charitable Fund’s work in assisting disadvantaged citizens.

Prime Minister Gonsalves, on accepting the cheque, highlighted the importance of Mustique, noting that Mustique contributes approximately EC$100,000,000 to the national economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Gonsalves also

PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves noted Mustique’s significant contribution to the economy of SVG. emphasized that the Mustique Company employs approximately 1000 Vincentians, and that it complies faithfully with the laws of the land.

He thanked the company for its ongoing assistance in agriculture, health and education, and for its prompt and generous response to the ongoing national relief effort.

Spain to assist through Red Cross THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN has pledged its assistance to this country’s relief effort following the devastating floods of December 24/25, 2013.

A diplomatic note from the Embassy of Spain in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to this country’sMinistry of Foreign Affairs, pledged Spain’s support for the relief effort through the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), for transfer to its member, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society.

Spain’s assistance of 30,000 Euros will be part (24 %) of a total budget of 149,440 Swiss francs allocated to St. Vincent and the Grenadines under the IFRC initiative captioned Operation No.

MDRVC002.

The assistance under this programme will go towards: distribution of Red Cross Volunteers were out early doing portable water; house to house assessments (like this one in Sanitation and Hygiene materials Spring Village), following the destructive rains and floods. (Photo: SVG Red Cross Society) and promotional campaigns; expected to be: families whose distribution of basic food and nonhouses were destroyed or food relief items to meet the substantially damaged; persons immediate needs of affected with disabilities; families with persons; and promotion of measures many children; single parent to prevent secondary health hazards households; and elderly people. caused by the disaster, such as the Operation Bo. MDRVC002 is spread of dengue. expected to have a timeframe of The beneficiaries of this three months. programme of assistance are

Assistance from all quarters SUPPORT FOR THE RELIEF EFFORT following the devastation wrought by the trough system that struck St. Vincent and the Gre4nadines on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, continues to pour in from a variety of sources and individuals.

One of those persons, a non-Vincentian, who was moved to offer support, was Sandra Walker, former Chairperson of the USA-based Caribbean Tourism Agency.

Walker’s colleague, renowned Vincentian musician and cultural activist, Paddy Corea, was in the country to make the donation on behalf of Ms. Walker.

Last week Friday, January 31, Corea handed over two cheques, totaling US$1,000.00, to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, in Walker’s name.

According to Corea, it was Ms. Walker’s wish that her support be channelled through “a nongovernment agency.” The Red Cross was recommended by sources in SVG. Bernard Morgan, President of the SVG Red Cross Society, in accepting the donation, thanked Ms. Walker for her generosity, and noted that the money will go a long way in ensuring that the Red Cro fulfils its responsibility to the national relief effort.

Morgan also took the opportunity to appeal for continued assistance to the Red Cross which is involved in “ongoing welfare assistance, even in normal times,” to a number of persons here.

Bernard Marksman, Director General of the local Red Cross Society, explained that his Society has been tasked, in an agreement with the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), to provide food packages to those persons who are presently residing with families and/or friends, following their displacement occasioned by the floods.

The Red Cross relief effort is into its sixth week.

CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers makes donation to NEMO ANOTHER CORPORATE ENTITY has lent its hand to the relief effort following the destruction and displacement occasioned by the trough system which unleashed torrential rains and caused flooding on mainland St. Vincent, December 24/25, 2013.

CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers donated supplies of fresh water to NEMO (the National Emergency

Management Organization).

Rachel Richards, Branch Manager at CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent), said that the donation of water was a spontaneous gesture that came from employees in the office.

“We donated 25 cases of bottled water to NEMO for distribution to areas affected by the trough system of 24/25th December which, in some places, saw water

reaching about 1.5metres - worse than seen in 2010 during Hurricane Tomas - and our employees wanted to demonstrate their support for everyone caught up in this dreadful event,” Richards said.

Matthew Pragnell, CEO of CGM Gallagher Group added, “Naturally, we are used to dealing with and settling insurance claims in our day to day business, and

Rachel Richards hands over a donation of water to NEMO’s Executive Director, Howie Prince.

the company has played a major role in the formation and operation of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility; but I was delighted that members of staff in St Vincent should decide amongst themselves to do something straight away on a practical level to help those in need.

“It is particularly sad

that this event, which resulted in loss of life as well as damage to property, occurred over the Christmas period,

and I hope that our donation will have helped bring some comfort during this time.”

V He body searches me Feelings of guilt 20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Dear George,

through with the wedding and to forget about me, and he said MY GOOD FRIEND will be getting married in October that he would, but still I feel very guilty about of this year. She has asked me to be one of her taking such an integral part in her wedding. I bridemaids, and I do not know how to answer her. just do not want to be I was the first person there when that final pronouncement of he to be told about her being hers forever is intention to marry this guy who still has feelings made.

I am not sure I would for me. Deep in my heart, I do not believe he be able to genuinely congratulate both of loves her as much as he them, and I am afraid loves me. What that my feelings would happened between us was not planned; we just get in the way, and she might suspect otherwise. had this instant connection for one other. If I do not go to the wedding, I know she will I even got pregnant for be utterly disappointed. him and happened to I do not want to spoil her lose the baby accidently big day. I truly want her a few weeks before she to be happy, and besides, asked me to be a I am prepared to move bridesmaid.

I told her fiancé to go on without this guy

Dear George,

anyway. Whatever we had, we had, that is how I see it now. Now tell me, should I go to the wedding or should I stay at home?

Undecided Dear Undecided, It is true that you have been less than honest with your friend, and your fling with her fiancé was something that a friend should never do another. Some things, however, are

better left unsaid, but you need to let this guy know that he can no longer look to you for any kind of intimate attention. Let him know that you intend to be the kind of friend to his fiancée that you should have been in the first place. Encourage him not to look outside of the relationship for any kind of extra satisfaction.

Without you in the picture, he would be better able to concentrate on his relationship.

Make up for your wrong doings by being there for your friend, and let this be a new beginning for you and her. Give her the support she is going to need to make her marriage work.

George

I AM JUST about had it with my boyfriend and his childish behaviour! He has the way of inspecting me whenever I get home from work, to try to determine if I had any sexual intercourse with anyone else. As soon as I step into the house, I have to take off my under garments, hand them to him for him to inspect. That would be followed by him sniffing me like some police dog looking for evidence of hanky-panky.

This day when I got home from a very rigorous day’s work, he wanted to do it to me again and I refused. He started hitting me until my neighbour had to come to my rescue.

I asked him how long he was going to continue this behaviour, and he told me until he starts to believe that I am not involved with anyone else.

I have done nothing but love this man for 5 years, and he has no reason to distrust me. He is not going to get me to admit to something I am not doing. Is there anything you can suggest to make him stop doing what he is doing?

Frustrated G Dear Frustrated G, Some people are better off being by themselves, and your boyfriend is a perfect example. He definitely has trust issues, and usually, when people cannot trust themselves, they usually find it difficult to trust others.

You should not be subjected to these ridiculous body searches, and rather than asking him when he intends to stop this behavior, he should be left to himself and his infantile behaviour. He does not have the right to hit you, and any physical abuse should be reported to the police.

This is not the kind of relationship you want to be in, and the time has come for you to move out and on.

George

A sure act of transgression Dear George, Dear Caught, I AM A SCHOOL teacher for more than 20 years. I just got myself into some hot water, and I do not know how to get out without doing damage to my teaching reputation.

I did the unthinkable when I got involved sexually with a student who is less than 15 years old. I do not know what came over me; I completely lost it. After begging her countless times not to say anything, she finally decided she couldn’t keep the secret any longer, and plans to tell her father.

Everyone knows this man is a very ignorant man. I asked her why she had changed her mind after promising not to tell anyone, and she disclosed that she might be pregnant, and that she would rather let her father know now than for him to find out later.

Nothing I told her could get her to change her mind. I even went as far as to threaten her, but that too did not work.

I am very scared for more reasons than one. I have a family, and I cannot afford to lose my job. I do not have the courage to take my own life, but if it comes down to that, I will have to give it more serious thought.

There might be no other way out.

After two decades of teaching, you should know that getting involved with a student, more so an under-aged student, is absolutely out of the question.

This is not a situation in which you would have been unaware of the consequences. As a teacher, you ought to know that when rules are broken, the transgressor must be made to face the consequences.

The child in question has been made to carry the weight of that dreaded secret, and undoubtedly, this would interfere with her ability to concentrate on her studies. A pregnancy will no doubt be a terrible setback to her education goals, and all of this must be credited to your selfish and lustful behaviour.

Taking your life will not solve the problem and is a selfish decision no doubt. Consider the effects all of this would have on your family, and do not count them out in your search for an outcome.

Speak to a counsellor who can help reduce the level of anxiety you are now experiencing, and who can objectively point you in the direction you need to go at this juncture.

Caught

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Secret affairs will eventually backfire on you. You will meet new romantic partners through the company you keep.

Self-improvement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Plan a nice evening for two. This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Be careful when dealing with female members of your family. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.

Only bite off what you can chew. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Travel should be on your mind. Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship. You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move. Moneymaking opportunities will surface.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. Catch up on your reading and correspondence. Trips should be your choice. Make plans to meet again in the near future.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Family members may feel anxious if you make promises you don’t deliver. You will make new friends through physical activities. You can expect changes at your work place. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will have to control the way you feel. Don’t be angry, but be on your guard. Try to do things with children that will enable you to bond closer to them.

Spend some quality time with your lover.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with. Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad. Don’t bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. Don’t depend on coworkers to help; they may only hold you back.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries this week. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project. You will find that money could slip through your fingers.

Do not let them blow situations out of proportion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Some situations may be blown out of proportion. Calm down and take a step back. Keep your feet on the ground, if you can. Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can enjoy entertainment if you join in and follow the crowd for a change. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. Focus your efforts on your work.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Property purchases should be on your mind. You could come into extra cash. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen.

ACROSS

55. Hockey’s Bobby 56. “Got it!”

1.Lackland, for (2 wds.) one (abbr.)

57. Rob 4. Passing fancy Knievel’s 7. “Bali__” dad 10. Sister or 58. “Long, Long cousin (abbr.) __” 11. Be listless 12. Bird sacred to 59. Former VP Quayle Egyptians 13. Actor Danson 60. Classic car 61. __ Plaines 14. __ rug 15. Set standard DOWN 16. Tidied the hedges 1.Johnson of 18. Pull along “Laugh-In” 20. Doghouse 2. Give chow to sound 3. Apartment 22. Gradually house, 26. Secondhand e.g. (abbr.) tire 30. Water vapour 4. Favoring 5. Was imitative 31. Soldier’s address (abbr.) 6. Precious people 32. Golfer’s need 7. “Entourage” 34. Pen-making channel name (abbr.)

35. Animal skins 8. __ mail 38. Math class 9. Suffix for a 41. Point maker doctrine 43. Nero’s 11. Mother (Sp.) language 12. Gold brick (abbr.)

17. Jug handle 44. Hammer’s 19. Capone and partner Gore 46. Worth 21. Rotund 50. Wise trio of 23. “Dragnet” the Bible star 53. Game cubes

24. Lynx’s hideaway 25. Local place for swimming (abbr.)

26. Fans’ shouts 27. Long, detailed story 28. Fuss (hyph.)

29. Narc’s org.

33. Building wing 36. Banks or Pyle 37. Baltic, e.g.

39. Judge’s mallet 40. Airport monitor abbr.

42. Car passenger 45. “__ and Let Die” 47. Laundry quantity 48. Persuade 49. Greek god of love

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 21.

50. Between (prefix) 51. Big __ whale (2 wds.)

52. Four-star officer (abbr.)

54. Company exec. (abbr.)

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22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

Reality check: Are cruise ships incubators for contagious diseases?

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas.

umbrellas. Earl Halbich, This past Saturday, Sunday and Monday, three proprietor of Paradise Beach cruise ships (one each day), visited the port in Hotel, estimated that by 2:00 LAST WEEK, the world press carried breaking news Kingstown. THE VINCENTIAN conducted its own p.m., they had served over items on two cruise ships, the Royal Caribbean’s mini survey as to how passengers felt about their 200 welcoming rum punch Explorer of the Seas and Princess Cruise Line’s own safety, and if they were aware of any special cocktails to the visitors.

Caribbean Princess. Both ships had incidents of precautions the ships had taken to assure a pristine Following a CNN News passenger gastrointestinal disorder illness caused by hygienic and germ-free environment. programme reporting last the Norovirus.

On Saturday, THE VINCENTIAN interviewed week’s incidents, viewers With a media hungry for breaking news plus two Canadians, Peggy and Michael Lancelotte who expressed two opinions when travellers with smart cell phones, I-Pads, and were touring St. Vincent during their day ashore asked about their level of android tablets all equipped with high definition from the Holland American Lines ship, the concern over cruise ship video and still photography, the world hears often Maasdan, (Now Carnival Cruise Lines), asking if viruses: One person said: grossly exaggerated reports of these and other cruise ship incidents in real time, as it is happening. they felt vulnerable or concerned about the threat of “Bad things happen. If you Every incident creates public relation nightmares contracting an illness while on their vacation. They stop your life for fear of what Canadian passengers could be, you never Peggy and Mike for the cruise ship/tourism industry, with hundreds responded very positively that they could catch a experience anything.”

Lancelotte. of people, who had already booked or were planning cold or the flu no matter where they were, and having left their home in Canada in a snow storm at Another person emailed a cruise, cancelling their plans and reservations, 35 degrees below zero, they would much prefer the that she and her family had been planning a cruise and vowing never to set foot on a cruise ship. cruise ship and visiting beautiful islands like St. vacation later this year, but in view of the reports, Vincent and the Grenadines. They were not the had cancelled and would never set foot on a cruise The Norovirus slightest bit concerned, and went on to share how ship. much they liked St. Vincent and the Grenadines, its In summary, shipboard incidents like the We need to separate fact from fiction: Norovirus Novovirus outbreak are few and far between. You is not a “cruise ship” virus, nor does it limit itself to lush rolling hills and friendly people.

THE VINCENTIAN received similar comments can stay home and catch the flu or a cold. Needless sea-going vessels. It spreads swiftly wherever there interviewing numerous people from both visiting to say, if you become ill prior to departing on your are many people in a small area, including cruise ships on Sunday and Monday.

On Monday, it vacation, that is the time to cancel or postpone your hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, hotels, trip; hopefully you purchased travel insurance dormitories ... and yes, even cruise ships. While the seemed that every square foot of Villa Beach, a favorite destination for cruise ship visitors, was protection to cover such an eventuality. potential of the Norovirus to ruin all or part of a vacation cruise exists, a cruise ship is probably one covered with fun-loving visitors and colorful sun of the safest places to be during a Norovirus outbreak.

You can catch it from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It lasts one be able to pay the forthcoming ALMOST all Vincentians were and one half to three days, and is often referred to high energy bills. It would have greeted with the harsh reality as the 24 hour flu. The common cold is the only that electricity bills will again be been more appropriate to provide illness more common, and the Centers for Disease these affected persons with solaron the rise as a result of the Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia powered refrigerators, so that if damage to VINLEC’s hydro estimates that there are more than 20 million cases generating plants at Fitz Hughes ever there was a power outage, of Norovirus annually in the United States alone. these persons would not be and Cumberland. This notice is adversely affected. not good news since we are still Solar-powered refrigerators are in recovery mode following last Cruise lines commitment December’s freaky rain storm and able to keep perishable goods resultant flash floods, the effects such as meat and dairy cool in Apart from today’s instant reporting hot climates, and are used to of which will affect all VINLEC A solar-powered refrigerator phenomenon, another reason you hear about customers, unless intervention by keep much needed vaccines and unit showing (from left) solar Norovirus on cruise ships is because all cruise ships other medicines at their external agencies like the CDB panel, charger, battery and are required to report every incidence of appropriate temperature to avoid refrigerator. and World Bank is forthcoming gastrointestinal illness. Nowhere else in the public spoilage. ...and they should help. health system is Norovirus a reportable illness; It would, therefore, be prudent on those who do not have Both CDB and World Bank therefore, outbreaks are found and reported more alternative sources of energy on to retrofit all health clinics with have special grant funds which quickly at sea than on land. solar-powered refrigerators which which to rely. can be used to keep fragile In 2013, there were seven Norovirus outbreaks on economies like ours buoyant This is where the disaster cost about the same as those cruise ships reported to the US Center for Disease mitigation grants from the CDB, using mains only. while we struggle to rebuild our Control and Prevention (CDC), involving a total of World Bank and fraternal These units come with country.

1,238 passengers and crew. To put that into This can be in the form of fuel changeover switches allowing the countries can be directed, to help perspective, approximately 21.3 million passengers unit to be used from mains. With ease the economic crisis this subsidies which will reduce the sailed on cruise ships in 2013, so this figure this system, all that is required is country is currently facing. burden for each domestic represents approximately six one thousandths of one consumer. This situation should five hours of sunlight from a 100 Farmers have lost livestock and percent of cruise ship passengers. watt solar panel, and with a good agricultural produce, hindering cause the search for geothermal The cruise ship industry is a powerful economic their ability to adequately provide 150 - 200 Ah battery should run energy to be fast tracked while force world-wide. It creates tens of thousands of jobs for their families. Roads, bridges the refrigerator for 24 hours. expediency is paid to repair and and brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the and homes have been damaged, The Rainbow Radio League installation of new hydro ports they visit. It is a revenue and employment therefore this country needs an (RRL) has links with a turbines, thereby reducing the producing industry. Cruise ship lines have an injection of outside grant manufacturer/supplier for such period of reliance on high cost important vested interest in doing everything assistance to ease the crunch for devices. The RRL also stands diesel generated electricity. humanly possible to maintain a germ free ship. ready to assume the challenge to at least one year.

The move to provide those It is my earnest and sincere There are hand sanitizing stations throughout the retrofit all clinics with solarpersons directly affected by the plea to the regional and ships, and all crew and food handlers are given powered refrigerators. flash floods with household international community to help exhaustive instructions re cleanliness and personal This is the direction that this appliances, is highly us in these crucial times. hygiene. nation must proceed if we commendable but, with the seriously want to break the economic crunch on, I wonder Passengers respond stranglehold VINLEC maintains Donald De Riggs how many of these persons will BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent

Practical solutions in addressing our current situation

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 23.

News

Retired postman celebrates 70 even though he has retired.

Described as a man who would work Others at the warm behind the scenes to let others shine, hearted celebration included stalwart retired postman Douglas ‘Dougie’ radio personality Nina Maloney, who Garraway was the toast of the evening as was once Garraway’s supervisor in the he celebrated his 70th birthday with government service. She shared her family and friends. memories of him being “trustworthy, The get-together was held at his dedicated and respectful”, and called home at Cox Heath, Edinboro last for the return of such disciplined Friday, during which guests, including attitude.

Opposition Leader Arhnim Eustace, Senator Daniel Cummings also referred to the former civil servant as expressed his admiration for a “Vincentian with a vision,” who has Garraway, while Senator Terrance made a contribution to his country, Ollivierre rendered a song. and continues to do so in small ways, Songs were also rendered by other Stories by SHERON GARRAWAY

friends and his grandchildren, while panist Jomoro Christopher and pharmacist Mathew Thomas offered musical renditions of the perennial favourites, ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’.

Touched by the endearment, Garraway thanked everyone and said that it was nice to hear the kind sentiments, noting that many don’t get to live to three score and ten to experience being showered with love.

Guests, including Retired Supt. of Police Bertram Cumberbatch (left), Nina Maloney (centre front), Hon Daniel Cummings (right), Hon Terrance Olliveirre (2nd from right) and Hon. Arnhim Eustace (3rd from right) joined in song in celebrations and praise of ‘Douggie’ Garraway.

Inset: Douglas ‘Dougie’ Garraway reveled in the occasion of turning 70 and having praise and love showered upon him.

Helping Hands Inc. donates school supplies MIRANDA Pre-Schoolers now have a barrelful of school supplies, thanks to the SVG Helping Hands Inc. The youngsters were enthralled by the articles, which included toys, food items, clothing and toiletries, delivered to them on January 31 at the school’s location at Frenches.

Proprietor of Miranda Pre-School, Anita Ralph, expressed gratitude for the donation made by the non-profit organization, and emphasized that the items would “enrich learning.”

Ralph, an early childhood educator for over 30-years and a trained and certified educator and counsellor, pointed out that the supplies would enhance learning through play, and assist with the school’s parent training sessions.

She also stated that she was pleased with the speedy response of the SVG Helping Hands Inc, and pointed out that, once she sent in her request and documentation to prove her legitimacy, they were prompt in promising and delivering assistance.

Ralph especially made mention of her admiration for the organization which was established by Vincentians living overseas, who have not forgotten to give back to their birth land.

Local Representative of SVG Helping Hands Inc., Sheron Charles, who handed over the barrel, explained that the organization was established

by three cousins, Susan Child-Ellis, Sally Regisford-Charleston and Natasha Bullock-Odero who live in California, USA, who all wanted to make a difference.

Charles highlighted that the organization has made several donations of medical equipment to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and has so far made donations of 100 barrels to various learning and special care institutions throughout the

Local SVG Helping Hands SVG Inc representative Sheron Charles (left) giving barrel with items to Headteacher of Miranda Pre-School, Anita Ralph.

A Photo opportunity for the children and staff of Miranda Pre-school with the Helping Hands Inc. local rep.

ountry, such as the Bread of Life, Lewis Punnett Home, St. Benedicts Day Nursery & Children’s Home, Vinsave, Our Lady of Guadalupe Home for Girls, Liberty Lodge Home for Boys and School for Children with Special Needs.

She expounded that the founders of SVG Helping Hands Inc passionately

look for ways to raise funds and support the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through already established institutions that attend to the various needs of the people.

To learn more about the SVG Helping Hands Inc, log onto http://www.svghh.org/ or check out SVGHH on http://photobucket.com.

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Defending champs Windwards suffer ignominious exit

Man of the MatchRonsford Beaton, 3-43 Stories by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, Windward Islands, suffered the ignominy of going out at the first stage of the 2014 regional Super50 tournament, after losing their second consecutive match at the Queen’s Park Oval ,Tuesday night, going down to Guyana by 22 runs.

SCORES; Guyana 235/7, Windwards 213/10.

The Windwards were expected to take on Ireland in their final match of the tournament Thursday at the Queen’s Park Oval, in a match only of academic interest, since both teams have already been eliminated from the tournament.

The Windwards lost their opening match, a high scoring affair, against former champions Jamaica, by 14 runs.

On Tuesday, needing a win to keep themselves in with a chance of advancing to the semifinals, the champions looked to have made some strides towards that, after their pacemen put the Guyanese under tremendous pressure, on a pitch offering a considerable amount of assistance.

But after allowing the Guyanese to reach 235/7, the Windwards, who were always ahead of the required rate and looked

to be well in sight of the crucial win, when they returned to the ‘Windwards Ways”snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Looking well placed at 200/7 with 36 needed from 42 balls, what may be seen as their reckless play, saw them making a U-turn on ‘Victory Street’ to be all out for 213.

Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, who uprooted Devon Smith’s stump with a perfect Yorker and finished with 3-43, was named Man of the Match.

Left-arm spinner Versammy Permaul took 3-24 and Ravendra Bishoo 2-42 to help their team to victory and a semi-finals place.

Johnson Charles hit the topscore of 35, with Keddy Lesporis, 33, and Tyrone Theophile, 31, helping to keep the Windwards in the hunt.

Earlier, the Guyanese were indebted to former West Indies players Ramnaresh Sarwan, 62, and Assad Fuddadin, 51, after they had lost the early momentum.

Sarwan was dropped by wicketkeeper Andre Fletcher off Johnson before he had scored. The pair went along at a pedestrian pace to raise the fifty in the 21st over and added 121 for the second wicket. It was then left to Leon Johnson, 41, and captain Christopher Barnwell, 51*,, who added 84 for the fourth wicket in nine overs, to give the innings the much needed impetuous.

The Windwards were let down in the field by a series of ground fielding lapses and dropped catches.

Johnson finished with 2-33 and Mervin Mathew (3-41). Kenroy Peters who went wicketless and had 39 taken off his ten overs.

Guyana Innings: 235/7 (50 Overs).

Ramnaresh Sarwan, 62, Christopher Barnwell, 51, Assad Fudadin, 51, Leon Johnson, 41; Top delivery - Devon Smith, 5, yorked by Beaton Mervin Windward Islands Veerasammy Permaul Matthew 10-1-41-3, 9.4-2-24-3, Ronsford Delorn Johnson 10-0-39- Innings: 213 All Out (46.4 Overs). Johnson 35, Beaton 9-1-43-3, 2, Johnson Charles 7-1Davendra Bishoo 10-039-1, Kenroy Peters 10-0- Keddy Lesporis 33, Tyrone Theophile 31, 42-2, Christopher 37-0.

Mervin Mathew 24; Barnwell 6-0-31-1.

Romnaresh Sarwan played a crucial innings of 62

Calls for more sports, less crime

Corporal Brenton Smith Ball-o-rama action - Gairy Boyz vs Smashers. making his ‘sporting’ call. and urged the youths to get involved in sports YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD get involved in and to make it a priority.

“I would say that by some form of sports, and playing sports, it keeps this could help them avoid getting into violent you occupied, and doing behaviour and indulging something meaningful in the process…..you get in criminal activities.

This advice came from exercise, improve your Corporal Brenton Smith focus and most of all, your self discipline, and of the Royal St. Vincent by doing this you would and the Grenadines lessen the work of the Police Force, as he addressed the opening of police because we will have less crime to deal the third edition of the with,” Smith told those Clinchers Sports Club gathered.

T20 softball cricket Smith said his Credit tournament, which is Union was committed to being sponsored by the SVG Police Co-operative developing the citizens and in particular the Credit Union, of which young people of the Corporal Smith is nation, hence the reason president. why it has involved itself Speaking at the with a number of Richland Park Oval, venue of the competition, activities featuring young people.

Smith, commended the He also committed organisers for a well sponsorship for the 2015 organised tournament, tournament, and said

Construction Simple this was because the Board of the Credit Union was “extremely happy” with what they have seen and read of it.

Vice-president of Clinchers Sports Club, Rohan Giles, did not minced words as he warned those whom he considered to be disruptive, that there would be a no-nonsense approach to discipline in the tournament.

“We welcome all the players, and hope that this year would be exciting and of a high standard of the previous years…but let me sound a word of caution to the minority who are bent on being ill-disciplined, that there would be zero tolerance for such behaviour in this tournament,” the former lawman said.

The opening also

President of Clinchers, Pearlina Thomas, taking ceremonial first ball. heard a short address by Director of Sports Nelson Hillocks who reminded those in attendance of the impacting role the late ”Larry” Bascombe played the development of sports in ‘The Valley”.

The tournament was officially opened with Keniseha Layne of the Police Credit Union bowling the ceremonial first ball to president of Clinchers, Pearlina Thomas.

Simple Boyz won the Ball-o-rama by defeating Sting Power Clinchers in the final.

A total of twenty teams, three more than last year, are taking part in the tournament.

Simple Boyz are the defending champions of the T20 tournament.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 25.

Sports

Netballers vote on Saturday

by GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Windwards commit suicide THE WINDWARD ISLANDS have produced the classical example of the rags to riches story. The difference is that they reversed the tale. It was a case of hoping for the best when it was clear that the team selection was bad. Then even with the squad chosen, the trend of overlooking the Vincentians was maintained.

In the first place, Lyndon James has not performed so badly that he can’t get into any Windwards party. Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles may be decent wicket keepers at the T/20 level, but even then, if James could have forced his way into a Stanford West Indies outfit, it puzzles me that he can’t do the same for a Windwards contingent.

In a fifty over game, there is no room to experiment with a makeshift wicket keeper.

Windwards paid dearly for their oversight. We are left to rue the pains of our intransigence.

Having been forced to include Alston Bobb in the squad, he ought to have been an automatic inclusion in the final eleven. With Shane Shillingford absent, Bobb was the ideal replacement. But he seemed to have been punished merely on the basis of his nationality. He was denied an opportunity of showcasing his talent on the international audience.

Bobb is a capable all-rounder who could still deliver the goods if given the chance. The Windwards authority has dealt him a severe blow.

And with that their chances of defending the title.

The Vincentian Cricket Association will have to stand up for their cricketers and don’t settle for trade offs with their counterparts. Cricket has gone past the realms of personal benefits for those in the administration. Rewards for their efforts are inevitable as long as they stick to their duties of ensuring efficiency in their operations. They have a duty to help to promote the game so that a constant crop of players come through the system.

The Grassroots Development programme has to be a serious exercise serving as a nursery for the Under 15 squad. There must be close collaboration with the Ministry of Education so that there are no conflicts with students. When there are structures in place, and devoted coaches and enthusiasts to guide them along, there is no doubt that with the technology available, interest in the sport will be a natural progression.

There are many avenues in the sporting arena.

The Caribbean has to latch onto more durable aspects of the game. We can’t settle on simply being importers of all or most of the gadgets in use. It is time that our outfits have more indigenous appeal.

Whatever the economies of scale, there must be value in the long term for investment in more aspects of the game by Caribbean entrepreneurs.

Relying on handouts from the ICC, recently downgraded to the rich and mighty, will not do us many favours.

The Caribbean has that penchant for betrayal, a trait stained on us because of our very process of emergence. That diverse trend of condensation has left us with a trail of uncertainty. So perhaps that is why that tendency towards individualism pervades. Those who operate with the bigger picture in mind are often left to feel the stress of their endeavours and become the living sacrifices.

Marcus Garvey is a perfect example. And try as we may, there is still apprehension in acknowledging the situation and appreciating the value of humanity.

So the beasts are left to roam, plundering at will and overrunning everything in their path.

THE NETBALL fraternity will gather here on Saturday, February 8th 2014 to elect a new executive, to run the affairs of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) for the next two years.

Those elected must be hard-working, and most of all be able to lift the image of the organisation, according to former long-serving member of the body, Gloria Ballantyne MBE. “It is not just about who is hard-working, and that of course is important; but those who are elected must exercise good conduct and be good ‘people persons’,” Ballantyne told THE VINCENTIAN. The outspoken Ballantyne said that there are people who are good workers and always available to do things and run errands, but their attitude “leaves much to be desired”.

She insisted that in such cases, efforts should be made to try and change such individuals.

But added that if there is little or no possibility of getting them to make the change to that negative attitude, it is better not to have them as part of administration.

“You simply cannot and should not allow your closeness to

someone to take priority over the negative impact they can bring to an organisation”, she asserted.

The current executive sees Dellarice Duncan as president, Natasha Stapleton as First VP, Thelma Foster Second vice-president, Doris McIntosh as Secretary, Jacintha Ballantyne as Treasurer, Diane Questelles as PRO, Cheryl Alexander as Games Secretary, and two committee members in Pearlina Thomas, with Gloria Ballantyne and Genita Lewis the two Trustees.

Saturday’s election should see some new faces, as some serving members will have served their stipulated two terms, and because, reports are that others could be replaced for having fallen short of expectations.

Indications are that Joan Foster-Baynes will seek the position of First VP and her sister Thelma Foster, a former PRO, going for the Games Secretary post.

Reports also suggest that one club, peeved by what it said was the president’s nonattendance at village tournaments and overseas assignments, has nominated sitting vice-president Stapleton to contest against Duncan for the top job.

Ballantyne said she is

Gloria Ballantyne, former long-serving president of the SVG Netball Association, hopes Saturday’s meeting would be as serious as meetings were in the past.

Dellarice Duncan could well have a challenger if she opts to seek reelection to the post of president.

of which she said, “I will die loving you”.

She admitted that she left with little doubt that no longer does some of the things she previously the sport of netball has did for those years. enough knowledgeable “I feel now that I and committed people to should just withdraw take the game forward, myself because you do but they must be not want people to feel prepared to work with that you want to hog the each other regardless of show…if I am asked, I which club they are will go first word……but from.

“There is bound to be that’s how it is….not even the umpiring now rivalry once you are competing; but when you am I doing……it just come to this sometimes,” are doing things for the she said. improvement of the Ballantyne, who Association, it should be served as president for like one big family with two decades, said she one goal in mind,” she will be at Saturday’s said. meeting which is set for Ballantyne, who has the Thomas Saunders been part of Caribbean Secondary School at 4:30 netball for more than p.m, hoping the high fifty years on court and standard of meetings in administration, appears to be losing a bit which has been the case of enthusiasm in a sport with netball in the past will continue.

AYCEES fostering community spirit

has the promotion of sports and cultural activities, targeting both THE CALLIAQUA based ‘Aycees’, the youths and the middle aged, a wholesale and retail operation, high on its agenda. is forging friendly links with its On Sunday 26th January, the patrons and its home base business entity took another step community. in fulfilling its commitment when Principals of ‘Aycess’ say that it it hosted a 5-Overs-Hit-and-Run friendly cricket competition, at the Calliaqua Playing Field.

Six teams were scheduled to compete, but the competition proceeded with four, after two encountered last minute problems with transportation.

Those competing were Gairy Construction Simple Boyz, Dr. Thomas Injectors, No Nonsense Ballers, and Short Pants United/Fishermen.

Played on a round robin Gairy Construction Simple Boyz, basis, Simple Boyz, who winners of the ‘Aycees’ sponsored played unbeaten through this inaugural Five-over-a-side cricket round, emerged winners, competition.

by PATMOS RICHARDS

Elon John (right) Captain of Gairy Construction Simple Boyz, receives his Most Valuable Player trophy from Mrs. Arlene Crichton of ‘Aycess’. beating Dr. Thomas Injectors in the final.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that ‘Aycees’ is partnering with the Sports Department, headed by Nelson Hillocks, and the Calliaqua Area Development Organisation, led by Foster Hannibal, in support of future sporting and community activities, both in Calliaqua and other communities across the state.

The fine-tuning is currently being put to a Netball-On-ThePark activity for this month.

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26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Customs and Excise stages exhibition

EDITOR’S NOTE: The photo which accompanies this short article is a true representation of what was displayed for public viewing Customs Officers man their by all ages of exhibition booth that displayed citizens. goods that require licence for It may be import. judged to be unbecoming giving certain items that are captured in the photograph, but we urge viewers to give regard to the bigger picture.

As part of its public awareness campaign, built into a week of activities to mark International Customs Day, January 26, the local Customs and Excise Department staged a street side exhibition last Friday, outside their headquarters, Bay Street.

The exhibition featured items which are prohibited from being imported without a licence, including alcoholic beverages (brandy and beers), automatic and semi-automatic guns, (stun gun included), fire crackers, ninja swords, camouflage clothing and pornographic materials, with sex toys prominent among this group. All of the items on display were confiscated by the Customs and Excise Department.

As expected, the confiscated sex toys created quite a stir, many patrons finding the display amusing.

From all reports, the exhibition fulfilled its intentions, with Customs Officers ably responding to queries about procedures and regulations.

Photo and commentary by: Don De Riggs.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

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An area in the vicinity of Ms. Murad’s apartment, where a rape is said to have taken place.

Plans for medical clinic on hold:

SECURITY CONCERNS EXPRESSED THIS COUNTRY may just have lost out on an opportunity to have its medical services expanded.

Professor Wisam Al-Hafidh is a Neurologist. He is also Dean of the All Saints Medical College located in Belair, which opened its doors to 28 new students in April 2006, ‘to provide students a better approach to educating the next generation of physicians at affordable fees’.

It is one of three such Colleges currently operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; the others being Trinity University School of Medicine and American University of St. Vincent and the Grenadines School of Medicine.

Plan put on hold – Security concerns Professor Al-Hafidh, recognising the deficiency of this country’s medical services in the area of Neurology, and after carefully weighing the situation, having been here for well over a year, was well into planning for the opening of a Neurological clinic here.

As it stands, Professor Al-Hafidh has put his plan on hold, as he reflects on an increasingly “frightening’” situation with respect to crimes inflicted on students and

faculty members of the College.

The latest such incident, as detailed below in this article, is one inflicted on Medical Assistant/Administrator, Ms. Alya Murad, as recent as last week Friday, January 31.

This follows on at least four previous incidents of robbery of students.

According to Professor Al-Hafidh, “Interested students are now opting for our sister campus in Dominica,” given the news of acts of crime against students here.

“This can only mean that St. Vincent will be the loser if these criminal acts continue,” he added.

The prevailing circumstances, which the Professor described as “one without ample security and one that breeds fear,” has caused a re-thinking, on his part, as per his intention to extend his expert services.

“How can I feel assured about the situation when security is not ensured.

Incidents against our students’ and now a staff member, have increased. There have been three to four robberies of students in an eight-week period,” the Professor told THE VINCENTIAN.

Continued on Page 12.

Alya Murad (left) is happy to have recovered her passport, but her ordeal has caused Professor Wisam Al-Hafidh to re-think a plan to set up a specialist clinic here.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.