Vinpages 07 03 14 e reader

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

MARCH 07, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.10

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Left: Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas is reported to have fallen ill during a raid of her home by members of the RSVG Police Force.

The picturesque town of Chateaubelair has seen its fair share of mishaps as it relates to loss of lives.

fault to be disciplined, and actions to be taken in terms of training/retraining, so this never happens again,” said James, a logistical technician and qualified combat lifesaver with the Colorado National Guard.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT OUTRAGED BY THE DEATH of a Chateaubelair woman a day after police raided her home, reportedly looking for illegal weapons, a United States soldier is spearheading a protest vigil today, Friday, March 7 in that North Leeward town.

Though he is based at Ft. Carson in Colorado, Sgt. Luke James, a Chateaubelair native and former fourth form classmate of Sylma ‘Codo’ Thomas at the Petit Bordel Secondary School, told THE VINCENTIAN that he has been in frequent touch with Thomas’s relatives and friends in arranging the vigil, aimed at pressuring the authorities to conduct a formal probe into her untimely death.

“We are looking for justice in terms of having a formal investigation into what happened, to see if policies and procedures were violated, anyone at

Sgt. Luke James is leading the organization of the vigil from the USA, in an effort to pressure the authorities to order an investigation into Sylma Thomas’s death.

More reason for involvement The former Chateaubelair Methodist, Fitz Hughes Government and Petit Bordel Secondary School teacher said he got involved in the case “as I was disappointed to hear that, after ‘Codo’ took ill, the police (allegedly) continued their search (of her home) as if it was business as usual, (reportedly) saying she was ‘faking,’ At that point, James — who, while on active US Army duty for six years, spent two consecutive years on assignment combating the war on terrorism, for which he received the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among others — said the police should have stopped the search, rendered aid and resumed the search, if necessary.

He said he was also disappointed to learn that the police allegedly refused civilian aid to Thomas, even when residents volunteered to assist.

Continued on Page 3.

V Last man standing

2. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

People

marking that celebration.

ST. VINCENT BOYS GRAMMAR SCHOOL Anthony stunned students: Chrislon Fraser, Akeili Latham, his viewers when he Akeem Muhammad, Judah Smith, Imron proceeded to read Leopold Anthony is said to John, and Teron Pope, accompanied by pages of the be the oldest surviving past coordinating teachers Faith Odle and magazine with his student of the St. Vincent Leopold Anthony stunned his visitors when he read pages of Amirh Dennie as well as Curtis King, sat naked eyes. The Grammar School. the magazine presented him, with his naked eyes. out a period while the man they were former head teacher visiting dozed away in blissful oblivion. used the occasion to repertoire, The students are executive praise the Cuban government for the Anthony showed his versatility on the this country’s most resourceful members of the Heritage Club. They Vision Now programme of which he citizens. The fact that the Heritage flute pulled from his pocket. were visiting Leopold David Anthony, was a beneficiary.

Anthony is one used to controversy. Club visited him is evidence of the the oldest Boy of the institution alive Anthony recalled enlisting on the esteem with which he is held.

He reflected on his differences with then. programme from the neighbouring The visitors used the opportunity to the authorities, even after he retired Anthony, originally from the North village of Coulls Hill following his compare life during Anthony’s school in 1975.

Anthony quit his job as a Leeward village of Troumaca, attended failure to get on the list in his native teacher to join the army of migrants to days to contemporary affairs. The Old the institution from 1933 to 1938. community.

Boy was alert to the situation, and He retired as a Head teacher in A musician of some merit, Anthony the Dutch territory of Aruba in the once he was awake, it was a steady early 1940s.

He spent some time 1975, but Anthony continues an reminisced on his stint in Cuba. The interaction with the group. working with the Lago Oil Company impressive historical record. Noted for episode of his infiltrating the band of Anthony beamed with satisfaction until his return home in mid-fifties. his sharp wits, even closing in on his Cuban musicians at the Jose Marti in his role as the focus of attention.

He returned to the teaching 93rd birthday, Anthony held his small Airport there to welcome patients, has A former Methodist Local Preacher, profession and occupied himself in audience spellbound with his tales been a repeated documentary.

Anthony has been involved in many farming as well. after rousing from his nap.

Anthony confessed of having aspects of life in the North Leeward By then, Anthony had started his He expressed delight to the achieved his aim when he was invited community, the rest of the nation and family with his wife Miriam Eno Heritage Club for the package to do a solo with the Cuban ensemble. presented to him. He received two That was right up Anthony’s street. Anthony. They produced nine children. the wider arena altogether. His contribution to national development Anthony became a widower in 1994 magazines, commemorating the 100th He and his violin are inseparable has been established, and he continues when his wife died. anniversary of the school, a Grammar wherever he goes, and after having to be a source of inspiration.

He soldiers on and remains one of School tie, pens, and other tokens announced his arrival with his deft

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

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

News 3

Rehabilitation of Vinlec Hydro Station progressing REHABILITATION WORK at VINLEC’s Hydro Stations that were damaged during the December Trough System is progressing well.

So said a statement from VINLEC made available to the media here.

According to the statement, at present, only one station at the Cumberland Power Plant, which consists of three run-of-the-river stations, is functional. The Cumberland 1 Station was recommissioned in January and has been operating at full capacity for the past six weeks.

VINLEC assures that work to rebuild a section of the woodstave pipeline at Cumberland 3 is ongoing, and should be completed by midMarch, at which time, it is anticipated, electricity production at that Station will recommence.

At the Cumberland 2 (Spring Village) Station, the electrical and mechanical equipment have been cleaned and inspected, and clean-up operations at the station compound have been completed. At the moment the normal annual overhaul of the turbines and generators is being done.

The demolition of the Anchor Block on the pipeline is ongoing and work to rebuild a new one will commence shortly after the demolition process is complete. A damaged section of the pipeline is to be rebuilt, and this is expected to be completed shortly. The Company is working towards having all of the Stations at the Cumberland Plant operational by April of this year.

VINLEC is also working towards the re-commissioning of the South Rivers Power Plant following a

Repaired Pipeline at South Rivers being installed. pipeline failure during an earlier attempt. The switchgear at the Station was damaged because of flooding from the broken pipeline. The Company’s Technical team was able to complete repair work on the equipment and overhaul the turbines at the Station. However, work to repair the pipeline is ongoing and should be completed by the end of this week. Upon completion, another attempt will be made to restore operations at South Rivers.

Meanwhile, sections of the damaged pipeline at the Richmond location have been dismantled in preparation for

repair work. The Company is evaluating various options for rebuilding the severely damaged infrastructure. VINLEC is also currently making the necessary arrangements to commence clean-up operations at the Intake during this month. The Company is also using the opportunity to upgrade the turbines and generators at the Richmond Station during this down period. This work is part of an earlier plan to upgrade the Station.

VINLEC is working towards having all rehabilitation work completed by the end of 2014, so that the Company

Work being done on the Cumberland Pipeline. can have its hydro operations fully functional. VINLEC’s hydroelectric facilities traditionally contribute an average of 18-20% of the electricity generated annually.

The Company is currently subsidizing the Fuel Surcharge rate in the absence of its hydroelectric plants.

In February, VINLEC’s subsidy to the Fuel Surcharge rate was in the 11.76 cents per unit, a total value of 1.3 million EC dollars.

US soldier spearheads Chateaubelair vigil Codo/233375110198783), so subscribers can lodge their “The police should protect complaints and/or comments. and serve in the performance of “This could have been me, a their duty — and not ignore family member or a friend,” he medical situations like this,” he said. “I have joined with the charged. family to demand answers and “I am in the US Army; and, action, so this never happens to even if someone is trying to kill anyone else. me, and I injure them, I have “Overall, I am very upset and to, by law, perform aid to that disappointed over what the person,” added James, who police (allegedly) did,” he added. holds a Master’s degree in “I think they should take their criminal justice from the jobs seriously, protect and serve University of Colorado at the people, and stop abusing Boulder. “This happens on the their position. battlefield, much less to a “The police are supposed to simple police search of a home.” work in harmony with the people; but many of them use Outrage their badge as an excuse for doing wrong,” he continued.

In the wake of Thomas’s “This abuse of power needs to death, James said residents of be dealt with by people in Chateaubelair have expressed authority. There are many good outrage. police officers, so the ones who He said he has since created abuse their power should be a Face book page, “Justice for dealt with accordingly.

Codo,” “A life has been lost. Aid (https://www.facebook.com/page might have saved her s/Justice-for(Thomas’s) life,” James said.

Continued from Frontpage.

the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings,” it said.

But the report said, while the constitution and law prohibit torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading Thomas’s death and State treatment or punishment, “the Department report non-governmental organization (NGO), St. Vincent and the Thomas’s death comes as the Grenadines Human Rights United States claimed in a Association (SVGHRA), report last week (see pages 14 asserted that the police used and 15) that the police’s excessive force.” occasional use of excessive force James said he expects is among the “most serious several hundred people to human rights problems” in St. attend the candle light vigil, Vincent and the Grenadines. which is organized in In its “Country Reports on collaboration with Thomas’s Human Rights Practices for brother, Chris Howe, a veteran 2013,” the US Department of British soldier, and family State, however, said that the friend Vanessa Browne.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves-led He said it gets underway at administration “took steps to 6:00 p.m., starting at Thomas’s punish officials who committed home in Sharpes, abuses, and there was not a Chateaubelair, towards the widespread perception of Mission Corner, in the centre of impunity for security force the town, near the police members. station, and ends at the “There were no reports that Chateaubelair playing field.

“We want to make sure (that) the police are sensitive to this kind of issue and (to) remember their job is to protect and search — not to abuse their power.”

OOOPS!!!

WE HAVE BEEN informed that we just might have erred in saying in last week’s front page article, that Phillip ‘Super Cat’ Quashie had “spent some time in the United States….. (and) was forced to return home.”

A family member informed this week that Quashie was never in the United States.

We apologise for the error and any inconvenience caused.

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4. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

VINLEC informs on Fuel Surcharge spoke on the topic, ‘The Fuel Surcharge Component of our Vincentians are being urged Rate and Tariff Structure’. to be more informed on the She told the gathering that fuel surcharge, which forms the Fuel Surcharge is one of part of their electricity bill. the two components of On Monday this country’s VINLEC’s rate and tariff lone electricity provider, St. system, the other being the Vincent Electrical Services basic rate or the energy Limited (VINLEC) hosted a charge. Hinds-Wilson workshop for Media Practitioners, at the company’s training room, in Cane Hall. The workshop was intended to educate participants about the Company’s tariff structure.

VINLEC is not a statutory corporation, but a state-owned company, that operates under the Electricity Supply Act, Cap 288 of the laws of SVG Revised Edition (1994). The Act, which is set to come under review in 2033, gives the company sole An interesting comparative analysis right and shared with media practitioners. exclusive licence to generate, transmit, distribute and sell indicated that section 10 of the electricity in SVG. Electricity Act indicates how the company charges for The Fuel Surcharge electricity.

According to Hinds-Wilson, VINLEC’s Manager of the Fuel Surcharge is Finance, Juliet Hinds-Wilson, intended to cover the cost in

by KENVILLE HORNE

excess of the 1973 price for fuel used in the generation of electricity by the company. “In other words, it is intended to cover all the cost in excess of 52 cents for every gallon of fuel that we use,” said HindsWilson Thornley Myers, VINLEC’s CEO VINLEC’s Manager of Finance, She said that spoke to his company’s Juliet Hinds-Wilson, explaining how the price of fuel ongoing battle to beat back the Fuel Surcharge is computed will impact the misinformation about the Fuel and applied. fuel surcharge Surcharge.

Myers said it is important rate, and that the that those who understand rate is applied to VINLEC’s CEO, Thornley how the Fuel Surcharge rate all the categories in works and is calculated, be VINLEC’s operation, that is Myers, cited the need for truthful to the public on the “commercial, industrial, and persons to understand the Fuel Surcharge. He alluded to matter. “All I ask is for all of the street lighting.” forces working against the us in this society who According to the understand this, to be company’s Finance Manager, company. “We have a battle the basic charge component is where people who know better truthful,” he implored.

VINLEC became a fully intended to cover all operating don’t do it, because electricity owned state enterprise in 1985 cost of the company including is seen in St. Vincent as a political tool. In other words, when the Government depreciation, repayment of acquired the remaining 51 indebtedness, and provides for half of the population will percent shareholding of the capital expansion to meet any listen to one side, and half would listen to the other side. Commonwealth Development demand for increased service So we have a constant battle.” Corporation, UK. to the public.

Last year’s revenue from the Fuel Surcharge amounted to EC$ 68,760,386, while the actual cost of fuel was EC$ 72,686,085. In January this year, $6.8 million worth of fuel by SHERON was consumed.

GARRAWAY

AIDA Cruise Line returns to SVG

Ongoing battle

Increased fee for replacement passport Government USD3.4 million.

The Prime Minister said too PERSONS APPLYING for a often passports are damaged replacement passport now during domestic disputes, and have to dig deeper into their hinted that the increase in fee pockets. might act as a deterrent.

This follows on the “We have to increase the introduction of an E-Passport cost of replacement. We have for this country, and an too many people allowing increase in the Passport their passport to be defaced, Replacement fee. or wet up. Very often when a The revelation was made by man and a woman get in a Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph conflict, they don’t trouble the Gonsalves, while delivering bible. The first thing the the feature address during woman goes for is the man’s Tuesday’s presentation of the passport, and vice versa,” new Electronic Passport at the Gonsalves explained. new headquarters of the He appealed to couples, Immigration Department.

“Please, when yo have a The Immigration Department quarrel with yo love ones, just is now housed in the D’S leave the passport alone, treat Building, Bay Street, upstairs it like the bible,” the Electoral Office.

The new fee for replacing a Gonsalves stated that SVG passport which has been is the second country in the damaged is EC$300.

Eastern Caribbean to “So when you as a man introduce the E-Passport in mash up yo girlfriend keeping with international passport, know that you have standards. He explained that to pay 300 dollars to replace it the new system would cost the , cause invariably it comes

by KENVILLE HORNE

PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves appealed to passport holders to desist from defacing and/or destroying their spouses’ passports. back to the man to pay for it, so pay for your ignorance,” said Gonsalves.

The new Electronic Passport replaces the Machine Readable Passport, which was introduced in 2005.

AFTER A FIVEyear absence, the cruise ship AIDA Luna returned to this country, AIDA Cruise Ship docked at the Kingstown bringing with it habour. a total of 2,100 passengers, who enthusiastically explored the island.

The AIDA Luna, which is a Sphinx class or series of cruise ships, is owned Visitors from AIDA Cruise Ship enjoying

by Carnival Corporation and Villa beach. operated by Forsyth pointed out that AIDA Cruises. the AIDA cruise company According to Michele complimented the nation on Forsyth who is Head of Cruise its cleanliness and greenery, Tours for the local agent as well as the friendliness of Corea’s Caribbean Adventures the people. She encouraged all (CCA) with parent company citizens to continue to be being Corea & Co (1988) Ltd., hospitable, noting that the vessel arrived here on 21 Vincentians continually live February with, among others, up to their names of being over 500 passengers who great hosts. booked private tours with Other cruise lines that visit CCA, this country include P&O, She, however, pointed out Seabourn and Holland that hundreds of other cruise America. visitors took the opportunity The 2013/14 cruise season to enjoy the island by other runs from October, 2013 to means of conveyance, both by April 16, 2014. sea and land.

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

Regional

Call for dialogue in Venezuela

Anti-government demonstrator heads towards riot police during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela.

Un Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for all efforts to be made to halt the unrest in Venezuela.

Navi Pillay, UN United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for the ‘prompt’ release of all those detained for, what she sees as, Exercising their rights.

UNITED NATIONS SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon has joined the international outcry about the ongoing sate of violence and loss of lives in Venezuela.

On Wednesday last week, the SecretaryGeneral voiced his sadness at the continuing situation in Venezuela, and urged that all efforts be urgently made to lower the tensions and prevent further violence.

He also recognized the calls for dialogue made by President Nicolas Maduro and other Venezuelans, and registered the hope for concrete gestures by all parties, to reduce polarization and create the necessary conditions to engage in a meaningful dialogue so that calm can be fully restored in the country as soon as possible.”

Meantime, scattered barricades blocked streets, and protesters battled police in some Caracas neighbourhoods up to last Friday even, as reports pointed to ‘normal life’ in other areas across the country.

Other reports say, student-led demonstrations have so far maintained a street presence, not just in the

capital, but also in cities including Valencia, Merida and San Cristobal.

President Nicolas Maduro however, forged ahead with a new round of televised peace meetings on Friday. He announced his intention to establish similar conferences in all states.

Absent were members of the opposition, who refuse

to open a dialogue until Mr Maduro releases protesters from jail and stops harsh crackdowns on protests.

“I believe the country would win if we see each other face to face and talk,” Mr Maduro said. He also announced that national guardsman Giovanny Jose Hernandez Pantoja died Friday after being shot in the eye, while he and others removed debris from a street in Valencia.

But that appears unlikely to happen, with one opposition leader in jail and an arrest order out for another.

Meanwhile, the United

Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay echoed the Secretary-General’s call, saying, “It is time for all sides to move beyond verbal aggression and towards meaningful dialogue.”

Ms. Pillay’s office said that, according to the latest known official figures, 579 people have been arrested since the unrest in the country began earlier this month.

“I am concerned that a very large number of people have been arrested, and we have reports indicating that some of them are being held incommunicado. I urge the

authorities to ensure that people are not penalised for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression,” said the high commissioner.

“Those who are being detained merely for exercising these rights must be promptly released. All cases must be handled according to international standards of due process.”

After two weeks of student-led protests, mostly in middle-class neighbourhoods, 18 persons are said to have been killed, with each side accusing the other of initiating the violence.

‘Be a part of the solution,’ beckons Barbados Labour Minister EVERY CITIZEN must play a role in turning around the ailing economy. “If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem”.

This is the call of Barbados Labour Minister Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo.

She made the call while addressing the Productivity Council’s Week of Excellence, last week, during which she also acknowledged that the Freundel Stuart government was fully conscious of the challenges, and has a mandate to seek and implement.

“We all have a role to play in the recovery process,” she implored.

However, Byer Suckoo warned that “there is no panacea for all the challenges which we encounter, whether it be at the level of Government, social partnership, the workplace or even in our personal lives; but whatever the solutions we decide upon, ingenuity, proactivity and fortitude would make them attainable.”

She explained that the ongoing recovery programme, though

difficult, was necessary if some of the current problems were to be resolved.

“Government is actively working on solutions in the Dr. Esther Byer 19-month Suckoo, Barbados Prime Minister recovery Labour Minister, wants Freundel Stuart has programme that all Barbadians to be a had to introduce fiscal we’re all aware part of the solution to measures which of, which Barbados’ economic include cutting the size includes woes. of the public wage bill. reducing its expenditure and starting projects such as the doing. The fact is, government is Barbados Water Authority’s now a part of the solution — (but) mains laying programme, which are we? Meaning ‘we’ at the was started last week. individual level...what are you “And yes, the retrenchments doing for the sake of your country are part of that as well. A that has done so much for you?,” painful prescription, I know, and she said. like surgery it hurts, even while The Stuart administration has you know that there’s healing implemented a retrenchment going on the inside. programme that would result in “You may not all agree with an estimated 3,000 public the measures that have been servants being made redundant, outlined…but now is not the time as it seeks to reverse the to sit around arguing about what economy.

Government is doing or not

Antigua PM wants CARICOM election observers ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is yet (up to press time Wednesday) to announce the date for the general election in that country, but he has issued a request for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to send a mission to observe the election.

The election is, according to indications, likely to be held this month (March) next month. This after PM Spencer told supporters of his United Progressive Party (UPP) to keep March 15 as an important

date.

Spencer later explained to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the reference to March 15 was intended to get people sensitised to the fact that an election was imminent, “and in the planning process, I just wanted to set the stage for the people of Antigua and Barbuda to place certain dates in mind.

“The 15th of March is the date something will certainly happen in Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, adding that the announcement with respect to the actual

election day “is still in my back pocket”.

Spencer, looking to lead his party into a third consecutive citory, expressed pre-election confidence.

“We believe we have kept faith with the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and we have done the greatest good for the greatest number since we took office in 2004.”

But Gaston Browne, who is leading the main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) into the general election, told CMC that the UPP government had over the past few

years “actually dismantled the economy,” and that the island had lost approximately 25 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

“Today you have unemployment in excess of 25 per cent, and the poverty level in excess of 35 per cent. So in essence, they have destroyed the country, and I think Antiguans and Barbudans are desirous of change, and I believe they have every confidence that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will make a difference in their lives”.

The last time general

PM Baldwin Spencer issued the call for a CARICOM election observer mission. elections were held in Antigua and Barbuda in 2009, the UPP won nine of the seventeen seats in the House of Representatives,

First time leader of the ALP, Gaston Browne, is confident that his party will be returned to government. with the ALP taking 7 and the Barbuda People’s Movement one seat in Barbuda. (Source: Caribbean 360 News)

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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

First female commandant issues advise competent and qualified Colonarie Police Assistant was appointed Commandant, February3, 2014, added during females in the local Station and on Superintendent of “IF YOU WANT to make policing an interview with THE constabulary. She noted that Beat and Patrol. Police (ASP) your career, you have to make Thecla Andrews VINCENTIAN on Wednesday. two females, she and chief She was wrote herself into an ardent effort to withstand instructor Station Sergeant The police officer of 12 attached to the history book constructive and destructive Mahlon Cuffy, are first and years described her Special Branch with her criticisms.” appointment as very second in charge respectively, when she was appointment as The advice came from challenging, but added, “I at the training school. appointed Commandant of Assistant Superintendent of accept it with open mind and Andrews has also worked as the Police Commandant.

Police (ASP) Thecla Andrews, with grace to assist with the a police officer at the Training School. the first female Commandant well rounded development of Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, of the Police Training School. our police officers.”

“Education is the key, Andrews knowledge is power, be underscored that focussed, put God first in prosecution conviction. though policing is a OFFICERS of the Court and police officers attached to various units of the local constabulary Delpleche declared that he everything and give it your male dominating are now better equipped in their respective areas of benefited immensely from a best shot,” ASP Andrews, who career, there are expertise, having attended the first Multi-Lateral prosecutorial standpoint.

Maritime Prosecution and Interdiction Summit in “For me, it was very Miami, Florida, February 25 to 26, 2014. educational and instructive. I Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, who did learn a lot from the represented the office of the Director of Public presentations and other Prosecutions (DPP), told THE VINCENTIAN on participants,” said Delpleche, Tuesday that the summit was primarily aimed at: who heads the Summary fostering better working relations between the Prosecutions Division in the Senior Prosecutor Coast Guard Services of Caribbean countries and DPP’s office.

Adolphus the Americas, in the interdiction of persons dealing The meeting was attended in illegal drugs across the waters of the Caribbean by Judges, Magistrates, DPPs Delpleche was a member of the and the Americas; and to develop better working Crown Counsels, Public Vincentian strategies in the sharing of intelligence between Prosecutors, Coast Guard these countries. personnel and heads of various contingent that The conference also touched on the prosecutorial Narcotics Divisions from across attended a summit in Miami. aspects of persons caught with drugs on the high the region. seas, with a view to seeing how strategies could be Also attending the summit developed to catch those persons and successfully from SVG were Chief Magistrate Sonya Young, Women serve in all units and departments of the prosecute them.

Inspector Foster Scott of the Narcotics Unit and Police Force including the Special Services Unit The exercise dealt with interdiction, and Coast Guard Commander Brenton Caine.

(SSU).

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

SVG represented at Regional Summit

Some of the junior models of the Image Modeling Agency that are expected to jump ‘Into the Blue’ this Saturday.

Image Modelling Agency is back PEACE MEMORIAL HALL takes on a shade of aquatic blue this Saturday, March 8, when the Image Modeling Agency stages a fashion production entitled, ‘Into the Blue’.

Billed as an extravaganza featuring some of the most prominent local designers that “is set to leave you wanting more,” event organizer, Mrs Janelle Humphrey, one of Image’s longest serving models and trainers, says, “I am ecstatic with the Image

Modelling Agency reintroducing itself to the fashion industry.”

In fact, ‘Into the Blue’ is something of a return ‘to the catwalk’ for the Image Modeling Agency which, by its own admission, had been “dormant” for three years.

Though Monique Arthur, inspirational founder and manager of the Agency, quips that whenever persons confront her about the Agency’s dormancy, “I simply smile and quote the words from the great

Mick Jagger, ‘We never planned on returning to the scene because we haven’t left’.”

‘Into the Blue will feature members of the Junior Club of Image Modeling Agency. It is timed to coincide with the eve of the 16th anniversary of the Agency and is the first of many activities planned for 2014, included among which is a ‘Model call for persons 16 years old and above.

‘Into the Blue’ hits the catwalk at Peace Memorial Hall from 6:30 pm.

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

News

LIME affirms sponsorship of Rural Carnivals

by KENVILLE HORNE

thought it really necessary to add some additional RURAL CARNIVALS for Vincy incentives to the rural Mas 2014 are to receive carnivals. It will be in the continued support from form of cash, as well as telecommunication giant, advertising support, and LIME. we will be identifying The rural carnivals other events that we will earmarked for support are get involved in,” Jack said. those in North Windward, Outside of the St. George’s, North agreement referred to is Leeward, South Leeward, LIME’s support for and Central Windward carnival-related activities Last Tuesday, in Owia. representatives from the The LIME General various rural carnival Manager noted that the committees and Carnival Owia Sports and Cultural Development Corporation Organization (OSCO) has (CDC) representatives, identified themselves as a converged on LIME’s very organized group, “and headquarters on Halifax worthy of support. They Street for a press have approached us a conference in which number of times,…. and General Manager at this year we have agreed LIME, Leslie Jack, made to lend them some support the announcement. in carrying out the various Jack said that the activities they do have agreement signed recently lined up.” with the CDC included a Shaffiquer Nanton, a clause which allows for representative from part of LIME’s promised OSCO, expressed heartfelt cash into Vincy Mas 2014, thanks to LIME for its to go to rural carnivals. support.

“We do realize that CDC’s Coordinator of rural carnivals play a Rural Carnivals, Esworth significant role in how Roberts, said that the well the awareness is rural carnivals offer a spread throughout SVG, build-up to the national as well as regionally and festival. He noted that last internationally…… . We year witnessed a reduction

A section of the I.S.C.F. party, staff member and patients at the Paediatric Ward, at the presentation of the ‘Peace Cards’.

Christian Fellowship revived at J. P. Eustace THE DR. J. P. EUSTACE MEMORIAL Secondary School now has a revived chapter of the Inter Secondary Christian Fellowship (I.S.C.F.).

The Fellowship was formally revitalized on January 29, 2014, under the leadership of the School’s Principal, Mr. Alwin Joseph.

It is being co-odinated by staff members Mrs. Noelene Young, Mrs. Marcia John, Mr. Kurtis Williams, Mrs. Leonora Ambris, Mr. Maxann Rock.

According to information received from the School, the Fellowship’s theme for this year is ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’.(Gal. 5).

Already pastors and ministers of different religious denominations have either made or agreed to make presentations on aspects of the theme.

And in keeping with the theme and thrust, some forty Fellowship members involved themselves in making ‘Peace Cards’, which they distributed to children at the Paediactric Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, on February 28, 2014.

Already an effort is in place to collect canned foods from among the student body, for distribution to victims of the Christmas 2013 floods.

Right: Leslie Jack, General Manager of LIME, referred to the important role rural carnivals play in spreading the ‘awareness’ of carnival.

in the number of carnivals, “from 12 to 8,” for reasons that included the lack of sponsorship, clash of events and the work load of the police.

He therefore commended LIME for its support over the years.

“Money is always hard to come by in these tough economic times, and the

contribution made by LIME is certainly welcomed,” Roberts assured.

He implored the rural carnival committees that would receive sponsorship from the LIME, to give mileage to the company, “as the monies coming from the sponsorship are

Esworth Roberts, CDC, urged Rural Carnivals to give mileage to their sponsors, especially LIME. coming from their (LIME) for monies spent.” advertising budget, LIME is a platinum therefore, they would need sponsor of Vincy Mas. to gain adequate mileage

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 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

Crime, prisons and our response THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL FUNCTION of any government is to provide for and guarantee the safety of its citizens – all citizens, regardless of class, race, sex and political persuasion.

Without this safety, there is no foundation for freedom, and as such, citizens will not be accorded the opportunity to enjoy living, in the fullness of the word; for homes become virtual prisons, and walks along public paths become risky undertakings.

It follows, therefore, that policing has to be perceived and accepted as a basic responsibility, and addressed as priority by any government.

This country has seen numerical increases and physical improvement in our effort to police and safeguard our environment, for the safety of its people.

According to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in his 2014 Budget Speech, the security/policing departments are staffed as follows: Police — 816; Fire - 69; Coast Guard - 91; Prisons - 131; Immigration (63). In each of these service areas, there has been increases over the 2001 figures.

In addition to the increase in ‘human capacity’, a number of new police stations have been constructed, and some of the old ones renovated; a new prison facility has been constructed and commissioned; the main Coast Guard base at Calliaqua has been renovated and a new one under construction in Canaouan; new fire trucks acquired through the goodwill of allied countries (Taiwan), and (most recently) new headquarters provided for the immigration department.

All of that, if the truth be told, is commendable, in as much as it is what we expect of a government in fulfillment of its responsibilities.

But as commendable as those efforts are, crime, including new and high tech crime, plagues us daily.

Property crime and violent crime remain, in want of a better way of putting it, unacceptably high.

Observers say that crime has increased tenfold and more since 2001.

What abounds moreso in our society is a wave of anti-social behaviour, fed by political praying mantises, that festers and erupts into criminal activity.

Anti-social behaviour is, according to sociologists, the consequence of a set of problems whose manifestation and combination are unique to the modern world, with all its unbridled materialism, influences of political intrigue, welfare dependence (including party handouts), family breakdown, educational practices and theories that may just be misguided, the disappearance of traditional skills and occupations, foreign cultural penetration and, worst of all, the availability of highly addictive and destructive drugs.

So we build more prisons to house those who are, in effect, the victims of this wave of social misbehavior, encouraged by our own doing.

What we fail to do in the process of building more edifices like prisons, is to make meaningful structural change(s) to our prison system, which, according to modern dictates, should be designed to achieve the goal of re-offending. We continue to be overwhelmed, it seems, given the recent jailbreaks, by the day-to-day operations of what we would like to think are correctional facilities.

Our situation is quickly becoming one in which we cannot trust, or will soon lose trust, in the prison staff who are responsible for inmates.

Improving discipline and basic education for workers in the prison system must be as important as improving physical working conditions.

This is not to say that there are not capable prison officers in our system; but it is time that we move with real purpose to transform our prisons from unproductive human warehouses, where idleness and slackness reign among staff and inmates, to constructive regimes where the environment is clean, and there is purposeful activity.

Incarceration can represent a unique opportunity to turn a person’s life around. Inmates must be made to realize this; but they will never do so if certain deficiencies, in policy and implementation, abound.

Time that we take an honest look at what obtains at our prisons.

It is vital that they be used as more than a state’s response to criminal activity and become places of cleanliness of mind and body, and a vehicle to inculcate real change among staff and inmates alike.

Is this too much to ask?

The later CatoInside the house 1967-84 LABOUR’S FIRST GOVERNMENT assumed office with much public goodwill in 1967, and immediately set about its task in a most business-like manner. Almost as a matter of course, the Port was nationalised.

A new thrust was made in the field of agriculture under the Ministry of “Son” Mitchell. Carrots burst on the scene. The National Provident Fund provided shelter for workers on rainy days.

Statehood came in 1969. Young Parnel Campbell of the EFP was appointed officer-incharge of celebrations. Cato became the first Premier, with Rupert John, his deputy at the launching of Labour in 1955, installed as first native Head of State.

1969 was also the birth year of the Educational Forum of the People. Cato, seeing Red, was to institute a period of repression. In 1970, the Emergency Powers Act gave teeth to security, and an Act was passed specifically to muzzle public servants and cramp the style of the EFP, whose members were in the government teaching service. In the result, Forum members were suspended or dismissed from their jobs on grounds of political trespass.

Three members in the leadership feared worse.

In 1970, the police carried out simultaneous dawn raids on the homes of Kerwyn Morris, John Cato and Parnell Campbell, ostensibly in search of arms, ammunition and prohibited literature.

For reasons that were best known to himself, Cato fired J.L Eustace from the Ministry of Education in 1969, replacing him with Marksman, who had been coaxed into deserting the Joshuas and joining Labour.

Eustace’s removal together with the return to St Vincent and the Labour Party of Messrs.

Arthur Williams, Vincent Beache, Grafton Isaacs and John Thompson, indicated to “Son” Mitchell that it was time that he consulted his own interests. Citing neglect of the Grenadines and Cato’s arrogance, Mitchell gave up his Ministry and was booted out of the party. Cato called elections before Mitchell could make a real considered political move.

The 1972 elections created history, with a dead heat between both major parties. For the public, it was literally a case of six of one and half dozen of the other, and odd-man out Mitchell was left to decide the issue. This he settled by pooling resources with the PPP, whose leader held down the pivotal Finance Ministry and Deputy Premiership, while Mitchell himself became Premier.

The stresses and strain in the Alliance Government were cleverly exploited by Cato and Labour, especially through their use of The Star which featured searing cartoons by “Bendix”. Finally, Joshua was cajoled into sweeping the rug from beneath the Mitchell government in midterm. Cato picturesquely described the 1974 elections results which followed as: “Ten-Two-One is murder,” in reference to victories by ten Labourites, the supporting Joshua couple, and Mitchell.

The Second Time Around

Cato presided over a constitutionally contrived set-up that “paved the way” for Mrs. Joshua’s appointment as leader of the Opposition at the expense of Mitchell.

Notwithstanding his personal defeat at Mitchell’s hands in the preceding election, Labourite Sydney Gun-Munro was recommended by Cato to the Governor’s post, following Rupert John’s resignation as a result of differences with Cato.

The new Labour Government set about to remove any trace of the previous Administration whose legitimacy Cato had never accepted. Plans for an International Airport were put in permanent cold storage.

The Department of Culture was scrapped and its Director, Shake Keane, sent packing, among a host of other reversals.

In general, “the strongest Government in the world”, so tagged by Cato, would brook no opposition, affecting in particular industrial relations that soured in 1975. The approach of the Labour Party was to tear-gas and jail demonstrating teachers, and haul a number of nurses before the court “every Monday morning”. A cold peace was eventually shoved down the throats of the trade unionists, leaving a bitter taste.

The sick-out of local constabulary organized by the Police Welfare Association gave the Government pause, and warned them to tread lightly.

During this period, the National Commercial Bank was established, a positive move that was somewhat diminished by the appointment of the Premier and other ministers to the controlling Board of Directors.

The Development Corporation lengthened its stride in seeking to create a proper investment climate for the establishment of an Industrial Estate, but generally flattered to deceive. The National Trust Authority was set up to attract and shepherd the influx of the offshore banking trade, which probably created more problems than it solved. Casino gambling was introduced in the teeth of biting public protest.

Only the manufacture of flour by the ECFM could be considered an unqualified success story.

The Labour Party had steadily been losing marks, but picked itself back up on the homestretch to the 1979 elections, for the following four reasons. Firstly, the eruption of La Soufriere in April 1979, like most national disasters, brought Government and people close together. And Cato had handled a delicate and sensitive situation with commendable aplomb and consummate skill. It was, perhaps, his finest hour. Secondly, the 1979 Grenada Revolution was an unknown quantity that pitched into our local political equation with which Vincentians would take no chances. They were prepared to settle for “the Devil they know”. Thirdly, the attainment of Independence was a timely plus on the very eve of elections, so to speak.

Continued on Page 12.

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

Letters

Venezuela’s troubles

I COULD never understand those fellows who feel they have more education than most of us, and claim they read more than most. They always seem to find some hifalutin explanation for everything, and it’s always America to blame for the problem.

Venezuela is in trouble. I don’t want to say it, but it could be on the brink of a civil war. But yet we have some people here who find all kinds of excuses, and try to put blame on all sets of people.

The truth is that an oil-rich country like Venezuela had shortages of medicines, toilet paper, milk, cooking oil, sugar, even corn meal, as we call it.

My question is: Did anyone really ask why?

How could this happen in such a rich country?

Where did all the money go? Did it go into building? Did Chavez bite off more than he could chew?

The truth is that the country is divided. I am not going to say that Chavez didn’t help the poor people, and help us too; but when you have to turn against your own people to do this, you are setting your country on a course of destruction.

Sometimes I feel it for the Venezuelan people, when I think of the help their country gives to others, while they face hardship in their own country.

You don’t have to wage a war against another class of people to help the poor. That kind of strategy has been tried and failed. Even Cuba is now opening up to allow Cubans more freedom.

And by the way, regardless of how much some people want to say America this and that, how they like to destabilize governments, it’s that country where all of us head to make a better living. Ah lie?

George

A letter to the CEO of VINLEC SIR, Does your company discriminate against customers in SVG? Sir, I applied for disconnection of service, paying all bills and leaving my deposit for future business.

I was asked to bring a letter from a J.P, which I did.

Now I am applying for reconnection as I have to return to my previous home. I was asked for a letter. This was attached to the application form which I was required to fill out.

When I returned to the office for the 4th time since making the application for reconnection, I was told that there is a letter on the office computer stating not to reconnect without the owner’s permission, and I must bring the owner, my wife.

At no time before was I told that I have to present the owner. I was only asked for my wife’s ID and a letter.

Sir, my second application for reconnection was still in my possession, which meant it did not reach you as yet. So how come that note is in the office?

Is it discrimination again me for being outspoken?

I had also asked the agent at the office to give me in writing where the company retrieved a letter and the owner’s ID, which she bluntly refused me, saying, she won’t give me any written note.

Sir, there should be printed forms for both disconnection and reconnection available to customers. This will save us much needed cash between disconnection and reconnection. It has cost me six trips at $12 = $72 + 1 trip for both of us @$24 = $96 — that is 1 month of energy cost.

Sad customer

Cleaning up the Bar THERE HAS been another promise to clean up the legal profession. Rene Baptiste, the Bar Association’s new president, is the latest to make this promise.

How often have we heard this promise? I have lost count of the number of times. Every president of the Bar Association in recent memory has made the same promise or something to that effect.

Let me be clear. I may be stupid, but when somebody promises to clean up something, doesn’t it mean that there is a mess?

There have been a number of documented cases of lawyers here taking clients for a ride… both local clients and clients who reside overseas. But it always seems that, like other professions, the lawyers look out for one another,

and nothing is ever done to bring those lawyers who give less than decent service back in line, or to discard them altogether.

Don’t get me wrong.

There are some outstanding legal minds in this country, perhaps the majority. People like Andrew Cummings, Douglas Williams and P.R. Campbell bring kudos to the profession.

But like everything else,

there are always some rotten eggs in the tray.

I wish Rene Baptiste a successful period as President of the Bar Association, and will hold her to her promise to bring a clean air to the Association.

Rodriguez

Cleanliness and ways of behaving HEAVY RAINS poured on earth-land with a vengeance on 24th December, 2013. It did not discriminate; everything and almost everyone suffered.

People’s lifestyle was one of the factors which contributed to the flood, but the sun starts to shine brightly again, and this tends to contribute to some people’s oblivion.

We forgot the fear that drove people to say that that day was their last day, and we went right ahead to continue our bad ways, our bad habits, just like people in ‘Noah’s Day’.

But the old folks have a lot of old sayings, one of which is ‘the last state of a man is always worse than the first’, and this

is so true.

Our country looks to the younger generation to take the place of the older ones; but the road these younger ones seem to choose will take the country in a very dark and bad place.

Every simple task is too difficult for some young people. A scriptural verse says that they will put their hand in the cookie jar, but find it very difficult to withdraw it. Are these assets to our country, or liabilities?

‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’. This is a very old saying. The training of children should start in the homes. If these little ones are constantly taught to put waste in the box, bag, whatever is

used as bins, won’t they follow through on it at school and whenever they go?

Considering that some grown-ups are hopeless where being tidy is concerned, these little ones should be little candles and shine their bright lights for all to see.

Our drains, bus sheds, roads, open spaces are the latest in garbage bins, and since people in general love the latest, these are well supported.

Many are affiliated with churches which are springing up everywhere.

Are those church members showing the link between cleanliness and godliness? If so, why can’t we see an upward trend in cleanliness?

God’s purposes for mankind OUR CREATOR did not create us to live up in his heaven. A look into Biblical writings will give us a better understanding as to why we are on planet earth.

‘Let us make man in our own image, and let them be master over all life. The fish in the waters, the birds in the air, all the livestock wild and domestic animals.’ (Gen. 1:26).

According to bible history, God made man from earth, and breathed life into him, and beckoned him to be fruitful and bear children, populate the earth and control it — govern it.

We have fulfilled part of that purpose, i.e. to populate the earth; but we are not in control of it. Satan is the one in control of this earth’s system.

Who is satan? Where did he came from? What is his functions on earth?

And, what will be his end? The prophet Isaiah spoke of him as Lucifer who was cast out of heaven. He was in heaven when our Creator made man from earth. There was a ‘democratic’ call in heaven to participate in the viewing of the making of man, and all the angels gathered, included Lucifer, the chief musician and light bearer.

They all saw when our Father made the first man, but they didn’t see when he placed life into him. Lucifer felt that was an injustice, so he embarked on a campaign against our Creator. It

is said that one- third of the angels joined Lucifer’s rebellion, and our Father cast them out of heaven to earth, where they (led by Lucifer) deceived the first people, Adam and Eve. Lucifer’s name was changed to Satan, the devil. He and the other angels were cast out of heaven with high magical power, and that power was and is still being used on the human race, to make us believe that we came from the ape; that one race is superior to another; that it’s ok for same sex; it is ok to enslave, exploit and oppress others; it’s ok to break the laws of our Creator.

The main agents of satan on earth are the political and religious leaders, supported by their lawyers. But this influence by satan is at its last hour.

Their governments are uncontrollable, but the end of these governments is at hand.

When the time comes, God will settle all international disputes. The nations will recognize the oneness of humanity. They will not engage for wars anymore, because all wars will stop and the military training will come to an end (Isa. 2:4). The wicked ones will be no more.

There will be true world peace, indeed. Mankind will live in heaven on earth. Think of it!

Provision is made for garbage collection weekly, and we are paying for it. Why aren’t we using it more effectively? If we do, we will have clean drains, bus sheds, lands, and clean air to breathe. We will serve our God with a cleaner conscience for He is clean and we will live healthier lives.

Concerned

* Why is the acting CEO of LIAT so ‘fussy’ about sharing information with the media? Is she under instructions? * Is information on LIAT being shared with other persons? * How on earth could people, especially government people, be saying that Edson Augustus didn’t do anything wrong?

They have something to hide or what? * How come CARICOM talk out about the situation in Venezuela, but said not a thing on the situation in St. Kitts? * Anybody else notice how the government people leaving out a whole part of we history, like never referring to the good that the NDP did, and forgetting that Quow is a former Commissioner of

Police?

Christian Democrat

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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Agriculture, a priority for the New Democratic Party

The rise of Star Radio The Issue IT IS A WELL ACCEPTED fact that communications is a key factor for the proper function of a democratic society.

Democracy in part is the contention of ideas, the securing of free speech for the citizens, and the provision of ideas to allow voters to make the correct electoral decision, when they are summoned to do so.

In developed countries, many media organizations wield tremendous power; because of the important role they play in the bid to control the minds of the audience. This refers not only to advertising and marketing, but to ensure that ideas and opinions take centre stage, in the overall scheme of things.

St.Vincent and the Grenadines is no different. Before February 2008 several radio stations in the state were engaged in the process of political propaganda, vying for the votes of the electorate. At the front of the queue is Nice Radio, owned and operated by BDS Ltd, and used almost exclusively by the opposition New Democratic Party, to attack the policies of the government.

They did this through their main sponsored programme called New Times, with Elwardo Lynch as host.

One other station, Hot 97, while not affiliated to any political party, has a public segment in their morning programme, which leans towards the opposition NDP. We Fm, owned by Williams Electronics, provides some balance, although its Shake Up programme, pioneered by the late press secretary, Glen Jackson, provides material in support of the ULP administration. We Fm has also featured several persons who are key members of the NDP, including Linton Lewis and St. Clair Leacock.

decisions, and the important media conferences hosted by the Prime Minister and other ministers of government.

But it was the linkage between Star Radio and We Fm, in relation to the Shake Up programme that has provided sustained and critical information on the plans of the government, and the often hostile and foolish mistakes made by the NDP. It is not enough to talk about the mistakes made by the NDP. On Shake Up, the hosts relied on actuality, to back up their claims for truth and facts. So that once Arnhim Eustace and the NDP lie about this or that issue, a tape is always ready to be played, which backs up the claim about that particular lie.

And so the combination between Star Radio, We Fm where Shake Up originates, and another rural station, Garifuna Radio, has given the ULP a wide audience to address. The feeling in some quarters is that this combination (Star Radio, We Fm and Garifuna Radio) played a key role, among other factors, for the victory of the ULP at the polls in December 2010.

The Future ahead

There can be no doubt that Star Radio has made a significant impression on the broadcasting field in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. After six years, many persons are turning to Star to hear the facts and the truth about issues that affect the economic development of the country. Star has developed a number of in house programmes to complement Shake Up. For example, Star boasts a programme called Street Beat, which is the first and only “drive time” radio talk show programme in the state. What an achievement!

In the weeks and months ahead, Star Radio will increase its impact on the Enter Star Radio political scene, with more in-depth programmes, and new and exciting The pioneer of Star Radio was the radio programme hosts will come on General Secretary of the ULP, Senator stream. From time to time, the Party Julian Francis. It was his hard work Leader and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph and negotiating skills that led to Star Gonsalves will drop in to talk about the being the latest radio station to become plans of his government. Julian Francis operational in the state, on February will remain a permanent fixture on a 26th 2008. Almost immediately, Star Tuesday night, full of incisive analysis Radio was making an impact on the of the NDP, and further promoting the political scene in St. Vincent and the work the ULP administration.

Grenadines. Where people flocked to The members of staff at Star have Nice Radio expecting to hear the truth grown in confidence and expertise, and on issues, they now turned to Star are household names in Vincy radio Radio to hear the other side, and in all land. Star currently boasts a library of cases the correct side to an issue. Many recorded material along political lines, of them never went back to Nice Radio, the likes of which has never been seen opting to stick with Star, and hear the in the State. Now the staff of this radio facts, from which they got the truth. station can go back in the archives and Suddenly Vincentians were exposed find tapes with Arnhim Eustace turning to the lies told by the NDP. Suddenly down the offer of “Together Now”, of Vincentians began hearing clearly for Daniel Cummings and his special chair the first time, the nonsensical saga, of Edwardo Lynch describing leadership being provided by the likes of Douglas De Freitas as having “weak Arnhim Eustace, St. Clair Leacock and knees” and of Burton Williams Daniel Cummings, to name a few. And christening “his pickney first” suddenly, Vincentians saw the NDP for Most important in all this, is the fact what it is, a political party devoid of any that the supporters of the ULP now philosophy for the socio-economic have an outlet for their views and development of the country. opinions, something that they can call By contrast, Vincentians began to their very own. The ULP wishes Star realize and appreciate how much work Radio a happy 6th anniversary, and the ULP had done, and continues to do, looks forward to greater things in the in relation to the development of the future. After all, it may well be that the country. More information was being ULP is the only political party in provided to the listeners about the ULP Caricom, to own and operate a radio strategy, the projects, the critical station…..

THE MAJOR RESOURCE base of our country is its land, which has been traditionally devoted to the cultivation of crops, and rearing of livestock for local consumption, income generation (including export earnings) and job creation. Our country is among the best disposed group of islands in the Caribbean for agriculture; it is endowed with an extraordinarily rich soil. Its tropical climate and abundant supply of clean water, coupled with the skill and will of the farming people, make it ideal for yearround production of high quality agricultural products.

Despite the importance of the agricultural sector, its dominant position in the life of Vincentians has declined substantially since the Unity Labour Party has been in power, as large numbers of farmers have left the sector/industry. The following causes have been identified for this decline: government’s virtual neglect and degradation of the sector; the imposition of ill-advised policies like terminating the banana credit system and failure to incorporate the established banana facilities overseas to expand the national diversification effort; the high cost of inputs; low prices offered for produce, and unstable markets.

The fact is: many established farmers have been forced out of agriculture, and vast areas of formerly highly productive land are now abandoned. Even a cursory examination of our rural areas reveals a deteriorating situation, where large sections of land, previously deemed part of the national food-basket, are now under-utilized. This is serious!

Our responsibility is to help rehabilitate the sector.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) recognizes the central role of agriculture to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and to the livelihood and well-being of all Vincentians. The role of an NDP government will therefore be to facilitate and support local production and marketing processes that will enhance the country’s agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture will be repositioned to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and promote a vision of food security, rural prosperity and improvement in the quality of life and livelihood of all Vincentians.

The vision will be pursued through strategic planning meetings, seminars, workshops and field visits; in order to encourage partnership, cooperation and participation with key stakeholders in the private sector, NGO’s and civil society. Such contact will inform national priorities and development plans, and determine specific programmes and action. This approach will motivate farmers, fishermen, processors, marketers, agribusiness entrepreneurs and technicians to be more productive and gain confidence in the Ministry as a tool, or facilitating mechanism, to aid their business operations.

And the NDP has begun a series of agricultural consultations to develop the vision. The first of such consultations was held at the Chapmans Community Centre. The Honourable Arnhim Eustace, President of the NDP and Leader of the Opposition, dealt specifically with the revitalization of the banana industry. He pointed to the development of an organization, which would belong to the farmers, to

supervise the recovery of the Banana industry. The Honourable Arnhim Eustace outlined the NDP’s plan for reshaping and revitalizing the Banana Industry. This plan should see banana exports reach earning levels of 40-50 million dollars per year.

Among other things, Mr. Eustace’s plan will see farmers receiving income support and discounts on inputs, in an industry which would have a supervisory organization belonging to farmers, and not the government. He also sees a properly run, re-structured Ministry of Agriculture, with a different attitude to farmers and their responsibility to develop the industry.

Pointing to the profits of $6 million realized from farmers’ exports of bananas to the United Kingdom, Mr. Eustace reminded the farmers that none of the profits came back to them, and that the current ULP government is not considering income support for farmers, something the Honourable Arnhim Eustace considers fundamental to the recovery process.

“A farmer has a family, and he and his family must eat. They must be given some sort of income support. I propose $500.00 per month for 6 months, while they reinvest their energies into seeing their crop come,” Said Mr. Eustace.

The Honourable Arnhim Eustace reminded the farmers that this plan could only be implemented if an NDP government is in office. He called on the farmers to understand that they have the responsibility to give themselves a chance to return to sustainable banana farming. “The NDP,” said Mr. Eustace, “is committed to seeing the entire agriculture industry rebound.”

The mission of the NDP is to arrest the deteriorating situation and revitalize the agricultural sector to make it more efficient, technologically prepared and internationally competitive, so that the sector can regain its place of prominence as a major contributor to the national economy, guarantee the food and nutrition security of our people, and provide employment, income and sustainable livelihoods while preserving the national environment.

The NDP will offer support in the following: technology generation, technology development and technology transfer for both production and marketing; promotion of an agricultural Trust Fund, under the management and control of the farmers, agro-processors, marketers and traders, to ensure their access to credit and other resources to advance their production and marketing systems and consequently those of the country as a whole; provide for feeder roads, bridges and other infrastructure to advance the agricultural production and marketing system; provide incentives to the production and marketing sectors, while respecting the global international rules.

The overall goal of the NDP is to optimise and maximise our capacity to provide for our food needs. This will be done through increasing production of a range of crops and livestock species as well as fish and related byproducts, thus ensuring a sustainable food security system for all.

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

Views

Leadership: Shades and Shading

“... I am absolutely satisfied that a discussion about skin colour is one that we need to have, and that such a discussion is not ‘race talk’.” — Martin Daly, Sunday Express, dated 16th February, 2014, p. 12.

THE DISCUSSION OF leadership capabilities and skin colour has surfaced throughout many Caribbean nations during recent years. Some Caribbean citizens (predominantly fairskinned individuals) have been advocating that light-skinned individuals make better leaders. In a sense, this is unfortunate; we would have thought that this debate was settled many years ago, with the emergence of many outstanding dark-skinned Caribbean luminaries in business, government, literature, economics and politics.

Names like Toussaint L’Ouverture, Dr. Eric Williams, Dr. William Demas, Derek Walcott, Professor Rex Nettleford, and Sir Arthur Lewis are only a few that emerge to confirm that dark-skinned individuals are no less intelligent and competent than the fairer-skinned Caribbean leaders. However, we see the debate resurfacing in places like Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago, as questions are raised in relation to this most “sensitive matter”. And while there are some who will advocate that we not discuss or debate the issue, it has become increasingly obvious that this is not a time for society to bury its head in the sand. It is high time that we put the matter to rest. But we should also note that this debate is not only considered topical in the Caribbean.

This topic was hotly debated in the United States of America and worldwide, when then Senator Barak Obama announced his campaign for the American presidency back in 2007. He was eventually able to displace Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic Party primaries in 2008, to receive the presidential nomination. Obama then defeated John McCain, the Republican nominee, in the November elections, and was inaugurated as the 44th president of the USA on January 20, 2009. He became the first black man to lead one of the world’s most powerful nations. Is he any less competent or capable than his Caucasian presidential contenders? Is he any less capable than his presidential predecessors? Is he unfit to lead because of his dark pigmentation? Of course not! So let the discussions proceed.

This particular debate is “hot” in Trinidad and Tobago, at the time when this article is being penned.

Martin Daly, writing in the Sunday Express of Sunday, 16th February, 2014, noted that “Preference for lighter complexions and prejudice against darker ones is a worldwide phenomenon and exists even among people of the same race.” The sociologists and anthropologists among us will advance reasons why this may be so. In relation to the prejudices among the “various shades of blackness” among Caribbean peoples, they may suggest that the colonialists would have influenced the populations to value one shade (the lighter colour) over the other (the darker colour), based on the difference in bloodline; with the lighter colour considered superior because of the “infusion of white blood”, as the white Master procreated with the black female slaves. Many of the offspring from such unions, the light-skinned mulattos, ended up being “privileged house slaves”, while their darkskinned brothers and sisters were destined to a life of being the labourburdened field slaves. However, the days of slavery are long past. We live

in a new era now. Blacks have been able to gain upward social and educational mobility, as a result of successive proactive and visionary regional leaders who realised that skin colour did not (and does not) enhance leadership skills or academic prowess.

Here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we have been blessed to have had harmonious relationships between and among all races and ethnic compositions. This is evident by the number of inter-racial marriages that exist. As children, my generation grew up not noticing the differences in skin colour and hair texture. Yes, we observed the discrimination as we entered young adulthood, and noticed how easier it was for the lighter coloured among us to get jobs in the commercial banks (even when darker skinned nationals had better academic records). But those days are now long gone. Those situations are behind us (we hope).

All of our people must realise that, regardless of our Carib, African, Indian, Irish, Portuguese, Syrian, Lebanese, or Chinese (in recent times) origin, we should all have equal access to the available jobs and leadership positions. We are one people, and we must not let the recent emergence of the “colour debates” retard the progress that we have made as a people. There is beauty in diversity ... and leadership abilities are evident in each ethnic group. Be assured that the debate is healthy.

And we must seek to be objective (emotionally detached) as we examine this sensitive topic. The youngster who is growing up in Sandy Bay or Fancy must never conclude that s/he is barred from being the leader of this blessed land because of their ethnic composition or skin colour. The youth who resides in Rose Hall and Richmond must be assured that s/he has just as much right to a leadership position in business, government, and society as his/her counterpart in Villa and Cane Garden. The young adult who resides in Ashton, Union Island, or in La Pompe in Bequia, must know that s/he can aspire to be the Prime Minister of our dear country ... regardless of the shade or shading of their skin or the area where they were born.

The debate of political leadership and colour is not new to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There are some who have concluded that our people stand a better chance at economic and social development when the political leader is “fair-skinned”. Some even venture to state that light skinned leaders are unlikely to be distracted from their leadership duties when they “commit infractions” or engage in foibles. They can “get away” with indiscretions for which a “black” Prime Minister will be “dragged over the coals”. And while there may be some truth in such observations, it becomes a serious incitement of the immaturity of our society. We must arrive at the level of development where our assessments are not tainted by skin colour. We must assess our leaders in business and government, based on their competence and character — not on their skin shades or shading.

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

Foreign policy DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN policy creation and articulation are a fine art. Diplomacy and foreign policy are not the domain of everyone. Some persons are better suited for this taxing job which always demands a considered opinion and judgment. To rush to decisions or make declarations without sufficient information is destined to result in a propaganda disaster.

But foreign policy is critically important to governments. A country’s foreign policy can do a number of things. It can open a window into the thinking of the leaders in the country. It can demonstrate whether that leadership is traditional or forward looking, opportunistic or simply engaging in real politics.

Real politics in diplomatic affairs gained currency during the 1850s, following the now renowned statement of Lord Palmerton, ‘Countries have no permanent friends or enemies. Countries only have permanent interest.’ This view came forcefully into public display after the Second World War and the increased competition between the United States and the former Soviet Union.

Countries changed allegiance regularly, depending on which of the big powers offered more.

We also saw this occurring between countries as it related to the dollar diplomacy practised by the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. As we saw in Grenada and St Lucia, a change in government resulted in a switch in diplomatic ties between Beijing and Taipei. Some leaders swear that this diplomatic nimbleness works to their country’s benefit, as more powerful countries vie for their attention and support.

But how can small, developing countries like SVG manoeuvre and survive in this difficult world? We know that our traditional friends are unwilling or unable to provide the level of assistance they once did. In fact, it takes turmoil and crisis for us to get a little attention. Three decades ago, when the Grenada Revolution burst onto the scene, the attention of the US government was immediate.

It was during this period that a decision was made to flood the region with American ideas through free cable service. As well, the Americans spent millions of dollars in the Caribbean. But as soon as the revolution was lost, this assistance dried up. We are still poor and vulnerable, but the eyes of those who can help are directed elsewhere.

It is for these reasons and more that SVG must creatively select and develop relations with countries that are strategic and well placed to help us. We have done very well in diversifying around our traditional friends and we must continue to do so.

During the last 10 years, the government has paid a lot of attention to developing relations with emerging countries in the South of the globe.

We have relations with a number of African countries, including Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa. Relations with many Asian countries, Singapore, Malaysia and Viet Nam, have flourished. Relations with Taiwan have been strengthened, while in Latin America, we now enjoy fruitful relations with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Mexico.

There has also been a deepening of relations between our nation and Venezuela.

Foreign policy and the establishment of diplomatic relations are expensive business. To establish relations, especially where those relations are at ambassadorial or counselor level, would involve the placement of diplomats, the rental of offices and homes in faraway places where the cost of upkeep may prove prohibitive. But diplomacy does not really cost; it pays.

Look what has happened as we developed and broadened our foreign relations. Out of that engagement with Portugal came thousands of computers for our children in primary schools. Soon a different set of engagement, with another group of foreign entities, will allow every high school student the ‘luxury’ of a lab top with up to date Microsoft operating systems.

The same determined and confident approach to foreign policy making and development has allowed SVG to be on the verge of owning and operating the international airport at Argyle.

Through initial discussions with former Cuban and Venezuelan presidents Castro and Chavez, the PM was able to win support for the airport. Initially, many doubted that this commitment could come to anything. Today, the only quibble is when, rather than whether the airport will open.

Or we can take recent Christmas floods which caused damaged of close to $300 million or 17 percent of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The assistance has been generous and wide ranging. Far away Morocco sent a plane load of supplies valued US$100,000; little St Kitts, if judged by per capita, has made by far the largest donation, EC$1million.

Assistance has come from across Latin America, and CARICOM. Our Asians friends, the EU and other groupings have provided valuable assistance. At the last check, the US has offered, through USAID, US$50,000 in much needed assistance.

The clear point here is that we have to continue to diversify around our traditional friends such as Canada, the EU and the USA. For a combination of reasons, these countries are unable to offer assistance in the volume they provided hitherto. Every cent we collect, from whichever source, helps to close a small hole in the $300 million disaster we suffered only 2 months ago.

Foreign policy and all of the diplomatic niceties that go along with it, are important if small, developing countries like ours are to survive in this increasingly hostile economic climate. Our environment is destabilized. This means that we can expect more droughts, unusually heavy rain fall, floods, hurricanes and possibly earthquakes.

We simply cannot think small if we are to survive any of these shocks.

Foreign policy is now akin to national security. Let’s make the linkages and become more serious in all we do.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Public inquiry needed into SVG’s financial mess THE constitutionally appointed Director of Audit of Public Accounts failed the ULP government on the audit of public accounts for the financial year 2008.

The Director of Audit stated that the accuracy of the assessment of revenue at the Inland Revenue Department could not be verified due to non-access to the records.

The Director of Audit said, “Because of the significance of the matters described above, I have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion.

Accordingly, I do not express an opinion on the financial statement.”

A public inquiry is needed to find out why the ULP regime is blocking the Director of Audit’s access to public financial records. No one is allowed to interfere with the work of the Director of Audit.

No government department should be out of bounds to the Director of , under the 1979 SVG Constitution.

Mr Ivan O’Neal, the Leader of SVG Green Party, has a BSc honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Oxford Brookes University, England; a

inquiry is needed to find out why the PAC still fails to operate.

For years, the ULP government has ignored the Director of Audit’s requests for the government account at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) to be reconciled with the NCB account. There is $112.9 million missing from the NCB, and a public inquiry is needed to find out where these missing millions have gone.

The Freedom of Information Act, which was signed by the Governor General in December 2003, has not been gazetted, therefore it is still not law.

This means no member of the public can access public financial records to investigate missing millions and the reason for the ULP government’s financial chaos and shambles.

The CDB, IMF, World Bank, USA and the European Union must take note that the ULP government blocking the Director of Audit, the failure of the PAC to operate, and the lack of a Freedom of Information Act, mean SVG fails to function as a fully democratic country.

This is killing our economy and making our people suffer.

Master’s Degree in Budgeting and Macro Economics from Bradford University, England, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Leicester University, England.

Mr Ivan O’Neal believes that SVG is in real financial chaos and shambles, and there is little chance of financial recovery while the ULP government restricts the Director of Audit’s access to public financial records.

According to a Director of Audit report, “The nonfunctioning of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been a source of great concern to the Audit Office over the years. I am not aware of any activity of the PAC up to the time of drafting of this report.”

The PAC is meant to keep a check on government spending, and it should be led by the NDP. Since 2001, the ULP and NDP have been as useless as each other: the ULP has failed to keep government finances and debt under control, and the NDP has failed to ensure that public expenditure has been economic, effective and efficient.

The failure of the PAC to operate is partly why SVG suffers financial chaos and shambles. A public SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

On the roads: To see and be seen on at sunset.

Last Tuesday evening, the official, sunset time was 6:10 p.m. At 6:45 MANY VEHICLE p.m., except for a few drivers, and that lingering rays of light, it includes private was dark. I was driving passenger autos, vans from Kingstown to and commercial vehicle Argyle, and noticed a drivers,, not only practise high percentage of dangerous driving habits vehicles had no exterior behind the wheel, but lights turned on. refuse to use common , Oncoming and endangering the lives of overtaking dark ghostother drivers, like vehicles suddenly pedestrians and appeared, as if by magic, themselves. one approaching and the I’m talking about other in my rear view those drivers who, at mirror. twilight, have not turned If I couldn’t see either on the low beam car until they were headlights on their within 100 meters, it is a vehicles, but refuse to sure bet they couldn’t see turn on even their each other. If the parking lights. All overtaking car had been drivers in St. Vincent passing me, a horrible and the Grenadines are head-on accident would legally required to have have occurred. The their headlights turned reality is that many BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent

The later Cato-

drivers risk a personal tragedy by pushing twilight into night before turning on their headlights.

In many jurisdictions, not only must headlights be turned on at sunset, but daytime running lights must be visible at all times. Research studies on the effectiveness of daytime running lights in Finland, Hungary, Canada and all Scandinavian countries, where they are now mandatory, confirm accident reduction rates of 25% for multi-vehicle fatal crashes; 28% for fatal pedestrian knockdowns; 20% for multi-vehicle injury crashes, and 12% for multi-vehicle property crashes.

With daytime driving

only person capable of mounting a real challenge to the regime, and every trick, in and out of the book, was being used to isolate and Continued from Page 8. keep him at bay.

Situated on Grenada’s doorstep and And fourthly, news of the allegedly in America’s backyard, Cato’s introduction of the Sugar-Industry was St Vincent began to see a Communist accepted as a “Godsend” by a people grown desperate by a bad local economic under every bed, and “Phantom Coups” everywhere, fantasies that were situation that reflected, and was nonetheless attacked with very real aggravated by, a global oil crisis. weapons. Suddenly, the police began to In the prevailing circumstances, Prime Minister Cato led his side to easy bulk disproportionately large in the scheme of things, with the S.S.U men in victory: 11 Labour, 2 NDP. particular assuming an over-weening importance in the country’s security Cato’s Last Lap system. The law was to lend a helping hand in the form of “Dread Bills” which Perhaps spoilt and pampered by the struck a blow at the right to strike and extent of his electoral victory - “this freedom of conscience, and were overwhelming mandate”- the Government put down the Union Island ultimately withdrawn in the face of militant opposition. uprising with a heavy hand. It was in Meanwhile, Cato had lost grip of the fact dealing with “Son” Mitchell by Party which careened out of control as proxy. For Mitchell had been seen as the

Inside the house 1967-84

statistics like these, how can we possibly argue against using headlight in the early Pedestrian in dark clothes. evening or late at night?

Finally - See and be While I am not seen: Pedestrians who arguing for mandatory walk along the edge of daytime running lights, I the road wearing dark am arguing for the police clothes, especially in to step up their enforceunlit or low light areas, ment of persons not are taking their lives in using headlights after their hands. Visibility is sunset, and for all the key to pedestrian drivers to use common safety. Wearing a lightsense when driving colored hat or shirt, as during and after that well as reflector tape on dangerous period from shoes, causes pedestrians twilight into darkness. to stand out in the Another pet peeve of reflected light of vehicle especially drivers of traffic. smaller cars, are those Whether you are a drivers who both vehicle owner or approach and come up operator, an experienced from behind without driver or learner, or a dimming their blinding pedestrian on the edge of high beam lights. the road, use courtesy each man did his own thing with impunity. The dismissal of A.T Woods, the least among the apostles, failed to serve as the proverbial offering of the sacrificial lamb. The last straw came in Cato’s persistence in soldiering on with Attorney-General, Grafton Isaac, after his conviction for contempt of Court had been upheld by the Privy Council. The Cato Government took out an insurance policy in the form of cushy retirement benefits, just in case.

Nor would Cato’s credit points put his dismal balance-sheet into the black.

His progressive Protection of Employment and Status of Children Acts as well as the National Insurance Plan, paled into insignificant against the background of rampant corruption and mismanagement in Government as well as statutory Corporations. The Labour Party was swept from office in 1984 in a popular tidal wave. It was: “Horn Fuh Dem”.

Cato took his Government’s defeat

Pedestrian with white shirt and reflective strips on shoes. and common sense so you and other users of our roads and highways arrive at their destination safely. The life you save may be your own.

badly. Within months, he gave up both his seat and the leadership of the Labour Party from which he cut adrift after the failure of the Party to endorse his candidate of choice, Hudson Tannis, to replace him in the East St George Constituency for the 1985 by-election.

So deep was the hurt that he could not be persuaded to say even one word in tribute to Hudson Tannis, who in death was being hypocritically lionised by his erstwhile comrades. Cato had in fact blown whatever chances there were of him continuing to influence the politics of St Vincent as an elder statesman, from behind the scene.

Robert Milton Cato has made his contribution. He has been this country’s first Premier and Prime Minister. He helped to mould the image of our fledgling nation. He took his blows and paid his dues. Whatever his shortcomings and mistakes, his place in our History remains assured. But not as high as National Hero.

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

News

Policemen to face disciplinary charges

DPP Colin Williams (4th from right) introduces the ‘Points to Prove’ Booklet to the High Command of the local constabulary and the media personnel.

DPPÊs Office enhancing the justice system

and detention, the judges’ rules, essential elements with respect to AS IT CONTINUES THE some of the most DRIVE to positively common offences, as well enhance the Criminal as the “never” offences Justice System in St. like human trafficking Vincent and the and money laundering.

Grenadines, the office of P2P is not a text book, the Director of Public but is intended to be a Prosecutions working document (DPP)/National practitioners Prosecution Service (NPS) (Investigators and handed over copies of a Prosecutors) would keep booklet entitled ‘Points to close at hand, and to Prove’ (P2P), to which they would readily Commissioner of Police refer whether for Michael Charles, on guidance or to refresh Wednesday. their memory.

DPP Colin Williams (L) The copies of the The publication hands over copy of the booklet will be booklet to VOP Michael represents an important distributed to all police Charles during a short step forward in the officers, and members of contribution of the DPP’s ceremony last the media received theirs office/NPS in positively Wednesday. at the handing over enhancing the Criminal ceremony.

Justice System here.

P2P, a publication of In delivering the DPP’s office/NPS, is remarks at the a ‘tailor made’ ceremony, publication for persons Commissioner Charles involved in law said that when the enforcement and recruits at the concerned about the rule training schools study of law, in particular the ‘Points to Prove’, the Criminal Justice System contents of the in St. Vincent and the booklet would be Grenadines. instilled in them and It provides guidelines would not to core principles, depart as they The ’Points to Prove’ booklet is covering issues such as grow as police expected to be made available to police powers of arrest officers. all police officers and recruits.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

MCU officer investigates prisoner’s escape SERGEANT ATLAND BROWNE of the Major Crime Unit (MCU) is spearheading investigations into the escape of Trinidad and Tobago national Desmond ‘Cat’ Pavy, from the Belle Isle Correctional Facility, February 22.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles made the disclosure on Wednesday at the DPP’s Office/NPS handing over of copies of the booklet ‘Points to Prove’ to Commissioner Charles, for distribution to all police officers.

Up to press time Wednesday, Pavy, 41, was still on the run, and speculation abounds regarding the circumstances surrounding his escape.

Responding to a question from a journalist, Charles expressed confidence that the Belle Isle Facility is a maximum security prison, adding,

“that’s why an investigation is being carried out,” An official at the Facility told THE VINCENTIAN February 26 that Pavy came out his cell around 5 a.m.

February 22 to assist with the preparation of meals. He was discovered missing between 4-5 pm, close to lock down time.

Pavy was serving a nine-month sentence for drug related offences. He was the second inmate to have escaped the facility in the space of about two months. The other is Colly Lowman, a 41-year-old Georgetown farmer, who exited the penal institution last December 6. He returned to custody three days later accompanied by his lawyer, Grant Connell.

The police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Pavy.

INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY CHARGES are expected to be laid against two police constables for telling members of the public, making reports, that no police transporting available.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles made the disclosure on Wednesday, in response to a question from a journalist during the handing over of a number of Commissioner of ‘Points to Prove’ booklets to Police Michael the Commissioner, for use at Charles is not taking it lightly the police training school having his officers and among police officers make excuses generally. about the The top cop did not unavailability of disclose the names of the transport. policemen, but indicated that one is from Georgetown and the other from Colonarie.

Charles made it clear that the police high command will not tolerate police officers telling persons making reports that no transport is available.

He noted that, even if there is no transport available at one police station, officers there could call the neighbouring stations for transport. He added that police officers could also use the public transport system.

“When persons call to the station with a problem, they don’t want to hear there is no transport. That is not their concern; they want to have their problem addressed,” Charles said.

14. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014. . 15.

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16. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

Mark Sardine:

The ultimate in car care and more

A trophy Mark displays with a special pride was awarded to his modified truck he called ‘Sex on Wheels.’

ABDEN SARDINE returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines some six months ago, after spending 34 years in the USA. When he decided in 1979 to migrate, it was with the intention of gaining experience in his chosen craft, auto body repair and refurbishing.

What he got there was not only experience but an eyeopener to the world, and how competitive it is in whichever field of endeavor a person might choose to focus.

The son of Frank Sardine, noted Vincentian cyclist, mechanic, machinist and ‘jack of all trades’, Mark seemed destined, like many of his other siblings, to find his niche in the area of machines and their care.

His first work-related endeavour in SVG was in that field.

Undaunted by what he encountered in Miami, the then young and starry-eyed Vincentian moved swiftly to develop

Mark Abden Sardine brings a wealth of experience and accomplishment in support of his Ultimate Auto Works shop.

himself. It became clear to him very early, that his adopted homeland demanded nothing but proven qualification and expertise.

Back to school he went, and successfully acquired certification in the field of auto-motive care, boasting among his many academic achievements an Advanced Degree in Refinish Products and Systems from the

Sheridan Vocational Technical Centre.

On the back of his qualification, and by this time, proven expertise, he opened his own shop, Mark’s Auto in Miami, and gradually built a more than satisfied clientele. He became a household name in the industry.

Beating the competition

Not satisfied with adding panache to the vehicles of his wide and varied clientele, Mark saw the need to launch into the wide and seemingly endless opportunity of producing his own custom-designed vehicles, and even developing prototypes.

Continued on Page 17.

Top truck, ‘Sex on Wheels’. The original MSS1 can be seen in the top left hand corner.

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

Feature

18. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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

Arts

Children can benefit from karaoke EDITOR’S NOTE: In response to socially. numerous inquiries on the article Learning to read, for many children, captioned ‘Karaoke Beyond Bars and is challenging, and not a lot of fun for Night Clubs’, published in the February most. Singing karaoke is a good way 28, 2014 issue of THE VINCENTIAN, for them to learn without even Arden Tannis, President of Next Level knowing it.

Country Music Club, took time out to Children, after all, are familiar with address some of the issues raised. None lyrics to many nursery songs and other of those responses, i.e. to the issue of songs. Singing karaoke can help them the benefits of karaoke to the family is to know and recognize these words addressed here by Mr. Tannis. whenever they are seen elsewhere, “In the 1970s, karaoke sessions other than on the television screen. were held primarily in hotels, bars, For the pre-schoolers, seeing and and night clubs. This was mainly to singing the numerals and alphabet provide entertainment in the absence karaoke style can add real fun to their of appropriate music bands. learning.

Even today that is still very much Children can also build selfthe case. Nevertheless, ‘Karaoke confidence and an appreciation for Beyond Bars and Nights Clubs’ seeks music at an early age, by participating to take karaoke to additional venues, where the entire family may benefit.

I am of the opinion that in a venue, void of dim lights, smoke, alcohol and loose behavior, even the very young in the family can benefits from participating in karaoke.

For Pre and Primary school age members of the family, karaoke can be a useful tool in development Children’s involvement in karaoke can do them a educationally and world of good.

in karaoke at public venues, where the environment is non- threatening.

Performing in front of friends and families also helps to improve their self-esteem .The presence of adults, their approval and applause after performances are sweeter than music to the child’s ears.

Without doubt, children like to dream about becoming stars. They like to imitate, and public karaoke can

provide an opportunity for them to interact and hone their creativity.

Karaoke can also help to maintain healthy lives for seniors. How, is for another in this series.”

The first Karaoke Beyond Bars and Night Clubs session is scheduled for Saturday 5th. April 2014 at 7.00 p.m., at the Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown. It caters to persons from one to one hundred years old.

Helping Hands Concert for flood victims THE NATIONAL from Jamaica, and local EFFORT to assist those bards, Alston ‘Becket Cyrus, affected by the Christmas reigning Calypso Monarch trough system that Skarpyon, Jamesey P, I Pa, occasioned destructive Vibrating Scakes, Prez and floods here, continues on Randy Small, all performing March 29, 2014. free of charge.

Nationals are invited to The backing band is the Victoria Park for ‘Kenetics’, and sound another ‘relief concert’, reinforcement will be dubbed the ‘Helping provided by Platinum Hands Benefit Concert’.

Sounds.

The concert is a joint The St. Vincent Brewery, promotion of Thomas under its flagship brand Crown Promotions and Hairoun Beer, has come on Konchens from Angie Promotions, in board as the primary Jamaica, will join collaboration with the sponsor of the concert, from the effort to raise SVG Red Cross Society. which all funds raised will funds to assist According to a be passed on to the local those affected by representative of the Red Cross. the Christmas promoters, the billed cast floods.

Patrons and well-wishers for the concert are are asked to contribute Konshens, dance hall reggae artiste $20.00 at the gate.

V Rent paid with sex 20. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

paper to that effect. I was shocked, and told her that my husband would never sign such a thing. I told her I HAVE BEEN married for the past 15 years, and it is like I don’t even know my that I do not know of such an agreement, and insisted that she pay husband. He did something to me the rent. She slammed the door in my recently that left me in total shock. He had to go overseas to a conference, and face.

I asked my husband about it when while he was out, I went to collect the he got back, and he denied having rent from our tenant who lives signed any such paper, and said the downstairs. She is a young lady of 29 years and lives there alone. My husband young lady was lying. The signature is the one who usually collects the rent. on the paper looked like his signature, When I went to collect the rent, she and I somehow believed the young lady. I told him that he has to find told me that my husband (calling his name) has an agreement with her not somewhere to go because I want him to pay any rent for 3 months, once she out of the house. He appeared to performed sexual favours for him. She leave, but I discovered the next day showed me where she made him sign a that he had slept with the lady that

Dear George,

said night.

This marriage is one big mess, and I just want out!

different answer. I suspect there may be other issues in the marriage to cause you to want to end it; but before Shock & Shame you do anything that you would legally regret, find out what both of your Dear Shock & Shame, rights are, and then you should proceed to get out by way of divorce, if If he did sign on the dotted line, then it would be hard to dispute. I am in fact that is what you really want.

It would not hurt to reconsider this no lawyer, but I am supposing that he action and see whether it is possible to entered into a salvage the marriage. Toward this contractual arrangement with that end, try and secure the services of a young lady, which both of them marriage counselor to assist you in signed. That might very well be putting things into perspective. binding.

You need to talk to a lawyer about George that, but I won’t hold my breath for a

Caught between ‘love’ and my future Who broke the Dear George, I am 17 going on 18 and still in school. My boyfriend wants me to drop out of school and go away to America with him. I have a visa for the States. My boyfriend also has a US visa and said to me that we can go there and stay with

his uncles. Both of his uncles are a little older than him. He is 20 years old. We already have the money to pay for the tickets, but I am not so sure about this. I asked him what about my schooling, and he said that I can always get to go to school in New York because people can go to

school at any age and at any time they want.

I love my boyfriend and I do not want to say no to him. At the moment, he is not working, and he said that he is so disappointed that he cannot buy me what I want. My friends’ boyfriends buy them

whatever they want. He said once we are in New York, I will be able to get whatever I want.

In Love Dear In Love, You need to have a dose of reality, and the sooner you get it, the better off you will be.

You need to stay in school and get an education. It is important that you secure a proper educational base or a good launching pad so that you can build on in future years, and get to some level of independence.

Your boyfriend has his own selfish plans all mapped out, and you are just a part of that, all designed to make himself ‘happy’. Let him go on to New York if he wishes, but you stay right where you are — in school.

Any decent, progressive boyfriend would want the best for you, and that includes getting an education.

His going away to New York may be the best thing that will ever happen to you!

George

bed boards?

Dear George, I CAME HOME to discover my brand new bed broken in the middle. I did not notice it until I went to lie on it. I found that the mattress was sinking somewhat in the middle.

I mentioned it to my husband, and he just ignored me, hoping that I won’t push the issue. I insisted that something was not right, and got him to take the mattress off. I could not believe what I saw! Two of the bed boards were broken.

I asked my husband if he knew how that happened, and he of course told me, no.

I am not as stupid as I may appear to be.

When I slept on my bed the previous night, it was perfect. How could two bed boards get broken in the space of a few hours, and none of us knew about it? I did not want to believe the suspicion that came to my mind, but how can I not? There must be a jumbie sleeping in my bed!

Suspicious Dear Suspicious, One does not have to be a rocket scientist to know that your instincts are correct. Maybe you can calmly tell your husband that whoever the ‘Jumbie’ was, not to let them return.

When there is a problem in your bedroom, and it does not involve you, that can be troubling, and needs some urgent attention. Take this time to review the relationship and by doing so, you might find areas that might have been overlooked and therefore, caused your bed to be used inappropriately, in your absence.

Without pointing fingers at your husband, suggest to him that you need to talk to someone professionally to help you figure out how your bed got broken all by itself. He can save you a trip by giving you the answer himself.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your social activity should be conducive to finding love. Spend some time with people who can shed some light on your personal situation. You can meet new friends who will let you know just how valuable you are.

Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Short trips will be educational. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you.

Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit. Visitors may be likely to drop by. Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home. Sudden romantic connections may be short lived.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Be sure that you lay your cards on the table. Do things that involve children.

Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects this week. Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Believe in yourself and so will those who count. Concentrate on yourself or your work. Curb your mood swings; they could result in loneliness. Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Arguments will flare up if you get backed into an emotional corner.

Moves will be hectic but favorable in the end.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill. Get out and, about.

Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on.

You will find your personal partner taxing this week. Money can be made if your are willing to take a chance. You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Disruptions may set you back, but you're strong, and in the end the choices you make will be favorable.

Love can be yours if you get out and about. If you keep busy you won't feel the personal pressures you are going through. You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can make money if you put your savings into conservative investments.

You may be out of sorts If you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. Deceit around you is evident.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. You need to mingle with people who can spark enthusiasm and confidence in you. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20-) Unexpected changes in friendships could occur. You can utilize your versa tile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. Don't play on your partner's emotions. A romantic dinner, followed by a quiet evening with the one who is enticing you, should be most satisfying.

ACROSS

52. Shanty 53. Primary 1.__ pump color 5. Contains 54. __ even keel 8. Hornet’s kin (2 12. Romanov wds.) ruler 55. Make the 13. Commercials salad 14. “American__” 56. Sheep’s 15. Italian mom sparkling 57. Amorous wine glance 16. Golly’s kin 17. “Ooh-__” DOWN (hyph.)

18. Reporter Starr 1.Brief try 20. Little devil 2. Russia 21. Famed between operatic tenor 1917 and 24. Sidles 1991 (abbr.)

27. Tall-grass 3. Matching half cutters 4. Queen’s 32. Before Wed. daughter 33. Toe-wiggling 5. Mother of sounds Ishmael 34. Rental units 6. Picnic (abbr.) beverage 35. Type of TV 7. Compass pt. cabinet 8. __ E. Coyote 37. Map part (cartoons) 38. Leaped (up) 9. Abel’s dad 40. Jaworski and 10. Concert Spinks feature 44. One who 11. Make captures arrangements 48. Farm measure 19. Prosecutors 49. Pierre’s friend (abbr.)

51. Religious 20. Physician, ceremony informally

22. Theater employee 23. Bro’s female sib 24. List-ending abbr.

25. Pair 26. Four-star officer (abbr.)

28. Certain marsupial 29. “Vinyl” (abbr.)

30. Summer (Fr.) 31. Speedy jet (abbr.)

33. Swiss mountain 36. WWII org.

37. Country

lodge 39. Stage whisper 40. Endure 41. Canyon feedback 42. Crude minerals

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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

43. Beatty and others 45. Bell’s sound 46. List ender (2 wds.)

47. Actress Russo 49. “Chances _” 50. Kitty talk

22. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

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

Payne persists⁄

Zefal Bailey is Cyclist of the Year

Zefal Bailey nipped Cammie Adams for the award of Cyclist of the Year 2013.

Robert Ballantyne (R) and Stephen Payne in a hearty exchange after their preliminary round match in the KPMG National Championships.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT HE IS UNDOUBTEDLY a Justin Bieber look alike, and Stephen Payne seemed inspired by the lyrics of two of the pop stars’ big hits, ‘Confidence’ and ‘Never say Never’, as he overcame more spirited challenges this time around, on his way to winning the KPMG National Table Tennis Championships at the West St. George Secondary School last weekend.

He comfortably defeated Carlton Daniel in the final, 4/1, in the best of seven sets.

The loose-limbed Barbadian, who put on a devastating display at the same venue last year, looked a little shaky in the early part of the competition when he suffered what was his first defeat, losing 1-3 (11/9 5/11, 2/11, 9/11) to Vincentian Robert Ballantyne in the preliminaries.

Former several times Caribbean men’s singles champion, Orville Haslam OD, in assessing Payne’s defeat to Ballantyne, told THE VINCENTIAN that he appeared not too focused.

“Somehow, he seems just a little loose and distracted on the board. I don’t want to say it’s arrogance, but maybe it is …..and he will have to get back to playing with more seriousness,” Haslam said.

As if heeding the words of the experienced Jamaican,

Peter Durrant was named top cyclist among the veterans.

ZEFAL BAILEY WALKED away with two trophies in his saddle last Saturday night, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union staged its 2013 awards ceremony, at the Murray‘s Heights Hotel.

The teenaged cyclist was not only the top cyclist of category one, but stitched up the top award of Cyclist of the Year.

In sopping the overall top award, Zefal ensured that that major award remained in the Bailey household, his elder brother, Shimano, having taken the said award when the Cycling Union last held its awards in 2011.

Zefal had to stave off a stiff challenge from Cammie Adams. With five wins to his credit, Zefal outpointed Adams in the race for the category one accolade.

Adams, though, is already out front for 2014, having secured three wins in the races thus far, and leads the points

Payne appeared to adopt the on both sides of the table opening words of Bieber’s the freedom he was never song ‘Confidence,’ which says allowed against the more in part, “Focused, I’m experienced and crafty focused……,” as he then went Ballantyne. on to record comprehensive The situation for Daniel victories over all the other quickly went from throbbing players, including a 3/0 win to debilitating as after over Kavir Gaymes who had winning the opening set at narrowly lost to Ballantyne, nine, he looked in all manner 2/3. of discomfort with possibly Payne then went into semi- the only way out -two Aleve. final action against With Daniel writhing in Ballantyne with possibly the the face of Payne’s onslaught, third verse of Bieber’s ‘Never the final score read 9/11, 11/8, Say Never’ ringing in his ear 11/9, 11/4, 11/7 in the latter’s and on his mind: “I will never favour. say never! (I will fight), I will In the Women’s final, fight till forever! (make it Unica Velox beat Natasha right), Whenever you knock Shotte 11/7 11/8, 10/12, 13/11, me down, I will not stay on while in the Boys U17 Final the ground”.

Kadeem De Shong beat Cruz In what was a match full of Halbich 7/11, 11/3, 11/7, 11/8. high class serves and returns, as well as a fusillade of shots, Payne was able to VOLLEYBALLERS (NORCECA).

The laying of the prevail 4/3 in the ding HERE now have a court which should enhance surface was supervised dong affair ,winning their performance and

by Belville Smith of St. 11/9, 8/11, 11/5, 11/7, sustain them physically Kitts and Nevis. He was 9/11, 5/11, 11/7. through longer active assisted by a number of Payne’s opponent involvement in the local volleyballers. was decided in the According to a release other semi-final where sport.

This comes as the from the Association, the Daniel made light work SVG Volleyball surface comes at a of veteran Joseph Association laid this timely juncture as the Carrington in four country’s first ever national teams prepare straight sets, 11/3, synthetic outdoor for the 2014 regional 11/8, 11/7, 11/9. tournament calendar.

The final proved an surface at the Girls’ The release also ant-climatic affair, with High School Hard Court, Kingstown. The surface stated that the Payne never allowing Association is currently the more timid Daniel is a donation from the North, Central in discussion with the to settle, as he unfurled America and Caribbean Minister of Sport, Cecil his repertoire of shots Volleyball Confederation Mc Kie, exploring the

Martin Bollers was adjudged to be the most inspirational rider for 2013.

table among the category one cyclists.

Other awardees on Saturday night included Curtis Lewis, top award Category Two, and Steve Olliveirre, top Mountain Biker 2013.

The ever present Peter Durrant was the obvious choice of Master Cyclist for 2013 and Niesha Alexander- the Female Cyclist of the Year.

Martin Bollers collected the awards for the Most Inspirational Cyclist title and the Most Improved Cyclist for the Year under review.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union has its plate full for the upcoming months, as it hosts two regional cycling championships.

Set for St Vincent and the Grenadines are the OECS championships from 7th to 9th June, and the Caribbean Masters, scheduled for 18th and 19th October.

Volleyball gets synthetic outdoor surface construction of a beach volleyball facility at Arnos Vale.

The expectation is that this facility will be commissioned in time for use by the national youth team in their preparation for the Youth Olympics, scheduled for China in August 2014.

Belville Smith, hand on hip, overseeing the laying of the surface.

The synthetic outdoor surface as laid on the hard court at the Girls’ High School.

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24. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Victors One hands Police One, two-for-one Number Three

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Chrisroy John plays through the onside during his 87.

JOINT DEFENDING champions, Victors ONE, behind a combination of excellent batting from its top order and workmanlike bowling led by Norlan Williams, condemned newly promoted Police ONE to a third straight innings defeat, in the national cricket Premier division on the weekend, at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

SCORES: Victors ONE 255/4, Police ONE 97 Shot of the match: Keiron Cottoy cover drives in his 55 not &127. out.

Norlan Williams (facing camera) picks up another wicket in his The champs left it until late, and were only match haul of 10/62. able to complete victory four overs. his half century. John then in the eighth over of the He took the first eight added a further 71 with mandatory 15, when wickets and was hindered Cottoy, but with a century legspinner Keiron Cottoy offering an open invitation, he from taking all ten when trapped Osrick James in Cottoy took the ninth wicket. undiplomatically declined by fading light and hovering rain swinging wildly to be caught His former teammate, clouds, to complete the innings at midwicket. He had nine offspinner Dodridge Small, and a 31-run win. fours, one five and two sixes in took all ten in a match against The lawmen, forced to his second half century of the Radcliffe at Arnos Vale TWO follow on 158 runs in arrears, season. Cottoy then took the in 2006. showed more application a Williams, who over the team to a third batting point second time around but, as years has found it difficult to with a good half century. He has appeared to be the case in struck five fours. get a permanent place on the the previous journey to the national senior team, finished Police ONE then put on crease, the resistance proved with figures of 11.3 overs, one another of their now only a temporary occurrence. maiden, 9/43. He got 1/19 in customary substandard Shacquille Browne, 4/34, the second innings for a match batting display against what gave his team the ideal start haul of 10/62. was accepted as good but not with a wicket in his first over, unplayable bowling on a pitch Donwell Hector hits through the offside in his 73. and it was always downhill as which remained they lost wickets in a clutter tough to bat on at and, despite a 52-run seventh times. wicket stand between Sylvan Their confidence Spencer, 40, and Chesley was not helped Jacobs, 22, in taking the score when captain from 62/6 to 114/7, they lost Vertil Davis Triumph United Cricket Club at a total of 115, to give Triumph BUCCAMENT BAY Androids, their last four wickets for 13 became a goose Combine Youths and Triumph “B” batted first and made 155 in United Cricket Club “A” victory by runs, and the last three for no with a golden egg - United Cricket Club “A” secured 37 overs. Leonadro Gilkes stroked a thumping 143 runs. run on 127. Cottoy finished out first ball to wins in the First Division of the 54 and Wasem Dunbar 30. Marlon Nigel Small was Warriors’ chief with 3/27 and Denbar 2/25.

Williams- his national cricket competition, last Farrell bagged 5 for 45 and Shane destroyer, with figures of 4 for 13.

Earlier, Victors ONE, who fourth nought in Sunday.

Roberts 4 for 32. Combine The other scheduled match won the toss under new six innings.

Buccament Bay Youth replied with 157 for 7 between Team Rivals 2 and Neil captain Donwell Hector, Williams then Androids defeated Smashers by 14 declared.

Frankie Farrell topWilliams Academy at North overcame the early loss of put on a masterful runs in a game played at Arnos scored with 49 and Oneal Union was abandoned without a openers Miles Bascombe, 19, example of swing Vale TWO. The victors 165 Endeavour contributed 43. Roselle ball bowled, because of rain. and Atticus Browne, 1, to post bowling, as he left in 37.5 overs, with leading scorers Williams took 3 for 46 and Elton This Sunday: Robertson’s what turned out to be a the lawmen being Kelvin Quashie with 48 and Joseph 3 for 39.

Surveying Belmont United will match-winning 255/4, with following wrong Hector Cordice, 30. Konard Triumph United Cricket Club play Radcliffe Too at North Union; half centuries coming from leads and on wildAdams picked up 4 for 29 to be “A” registered a big win over Young Warriors oppose Police Chrisroy John, 87, Hector, 73, goose chases. He Smashers’ best bowler. and Cottoy, 55 not out.

Young Warriors at Buccament.

THREE at Buccament; I Shallz bowled four Smashers replied with 151 in 28.2 by 143 runs. Triumph United Hector and John had raised batsmen and had Byam Physical Therapy take on overs, Rawdon Bentick top scoring Cricket Club “A” compiled 258 for Team Rivals 2 at Park Hill; and 126 for the third wicket, before two LBW, as law with 59. Kelvin Quashie, Wesley the former was bowled by enforcement 8 declared. Ronique Laborde led Georgetown Youth face Triumph Vertil Davis with one of the wilted, to lose their Simmons and Joel O’Garro took the batting with 50. Kenroy United Cricket Club “B” at Sion many that stayed down. last six wickets for two wickets each. .

Williams chipped in with 48.

Hill.

Combine Youth defeated Hector, showing his class, six runs, going Young Warriors never found any struck seven fours and four Triumph United Cricket Club from 91/5 to 97 all momentum, and their effort ended I.B.A.ALLEN sixes, one of which brought up out in the space of “B” at Arnos Vale by 3 wickets.

First Division Cricket Round-up

V

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

Sports

Rekindling the winning formula THE DRAMA in the closing stages of the One Day International series set a foundation for the T/20 matches that will follow. The West Indies and England will their readiness in Bridgetown Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. That will be an ideal platform for those squads to fine-tune their machines for the World Cup in Bangladesh.

West Indies have fallen off the charts as favourites. That could be a good thing for them.

Teams may be influenced by the bookmakers.

West Indies must remember that they are the defending champions, and must rekindle that winning formula.

No matter what the odds are, it is what happens on the field of play that counts.

Speculations are put to rest when the contest starts and it is the results that tell the story.

Some may be blessed with a crystal ball. I boast of such qualities. I expect the West Indies to retain the title. I am not going to hope for anything else.

We have a task to find ways to replenish our stock. St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a responsibility to help fill the void. There is a shortage of quality batsmen in the region.

Our Under 19 squad placed sixth in the last tournament. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Nicolas Pooran were our most outstanding batsmen. But the depth in batting needed to command any respect at that level was missing. We proved our deficiency against South Africa and Australia. Our bowling tilted the balance in our favour on several occasions.

Vincentian Ray Jordan announced himself as a potential candidate for the future. It is a pity that the transition period of our youths into the senior circuit is longer than normal.

Selectors have to show faith in the youngsters, and expose them so that they can become viable choices sooner.

When persons perform, they ought to be given the opportunity, no matter where they come from.

The tendency towards discrimination has become an entrenched aspect of our operation. Because people have no avenues to vent their feeling except staying away from the games, they have to stay with the status quo.

In any event, you have to trust somebody. And until you are willing to step up and make your contribution, there is little else available.

These are rapidly changing times. Never known climate to be so relevant. The impact of climate changes is vivid.

My apologies for last week’s absence. There was nothing drastic. If a sprained ankle is enough to cause a delay in the production in The Vineyard, it is nature’s way of reminding me of the changing landscape. That jolt was enough to trigger an imbalance that makes you appreciate the delicacy of nature.

By the time the T/20 World Cup ends, it will be time to move into the Indian Premier League. And in between some bouts of basketball, swimming, athletics, cycling, tennis, and squash, fans will be looking forward to the most eagerly awaited event: the FIFA World Cup in Brazil from June to July.

Ollivierre looking to spread grassroots programme

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT “I am extremely surprised by this turnout….we have 140 Ces Podd (left) in kids here and I was discussions with 1ST expecting between eighty VP SVGFF Kenton and one hundred…this is Ollivierre. great and the enthusiasm is unbelievable.”

These were the words of CONCACAF Grassroots Coach Instructor Ces Podd in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN. He was speaking CONCACAF ‘S Chris Craig (left) and Jonathan during the ‘Football Martinez chatting with grassroots footballers.

Festival’ which recently took place at the end of area. the FIFA sponsored grassroots programme at the First vice-president of Arnos Vale Playing Field. the SVGFF, Kenton The sessions had run from Thursday to Saturday, Ollivierre, told THE with classroom sessions from 9 a.m to 5 p.m on the VINCENTIAN that plans opening day and on Friday. are afoot to ease Ms. The workshop, the second in the last few months, Durham’s concerns. followed on the heels of one conducted last July by “I have met with the instructor - Lenny Lake of St. Kitts. local grassroots coaches, Podd was happy with the attitude of those and we are in the process attending the course, whom he addressed as the of putting together a coaches’ educators. programme to go across “They looked happy to be part of this the island…it will be like programme…..I hope that those certificates are not what you would describe going to be used only as wall decorations……the as a ‘Coaching Caravan,” ‘Soccer Mom’ Kim coaches have to go out and continue the said Ollivierre, his Durham with son programme,” Podd, who now serves as St. Lucia’s customary smile lighting Brandon Lewis hoping Technical Director, said. up his face.

He believes that such a programme will serve as The Grassroots football, for a programme in her a foundation to build the standard of the game and an initiative of the sport’s area. bring the skill level closer to that of neighbours in governing body, seeks to South and Central America, whom he described as get both boys and girls between the ages of six and being some way ahead in that area. twelve involved, thereby increasing participation in Some of the children who attended the the sport, according to FIFA.COM programme were accompanied by their parents, one It added that the thinking behind the Grassroots of whom, Kim Durham, spoke to THE Festival is that it provides children with a positive VINCENTIAN about the programme. experience, and gives them all the same opportunity “I like the programme because it really gets the to play, without an overall winner being declared at children to like the game. My son (Brandon Lewis) the end of the day. It is, in the main, a fun activity. really enjoyed himself,” she said at the end of the In addition to Podd, the team comprised Anton session.

Corneal —Coaches Instructor, Jonothan Martinez She, however, lamented the fact that it was Development Co-ordinator and Chris Craig - Events difficult to get her son to such local programmes, as Manager. there are none taking place in the South Central

Local footballer being eyed by UWI DENO JOHN, one of three local Under 17 footballers who received training at the Digicel Chelsea Academy in Barbados last year, is being eyed by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados soccer staff.

The focus on John comes as a result of him being adjudegd the Most Improved Player over the one week training, which took place in November last year. His Vincentian colleagues on the referred training programme were Jowan Sawyers and Kyle Edwards.

John received his Most Improved Player trophy last week Tuesday from Digicel’s Marketing Manager Juno DeRoche, during a short ceremony at Digicel’s head office in the Lewis Building on James Street.

Since his return from Barbados, John, who plays for the Layou senior team, has been drafted into the Under-20 national team and the national senior team. .

“Roland Butcher of the UWI Cave Hill soccer staff is showing interest in Deno, and once he keeps his grades up, he can get a scholarship”, said Digicel’s Marketing Executive Justin John.

Deno, a Form Three student of the Barrouallie Secondary School, said he was happy that the game

he loves was opening doors for him.

“I feel happy because my mom is blind, so I want to go out to get an education and make money to help her,” said Deno, whose father is a fisherman.

He added, “I would like to thank Digicel for the support, and I hope they stay with me all the way”.

Deno was chosen to attend the Digicel Chelsea Academy in Barbados after his participation in the first ever Deno John has local Digicel Chelsea Kick caught the eyes of Start Clinic which took place football staff at the here on Friday April UWI, Cave Hill.

26th 2013, at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

During his time in Barbados, Chelsea coaches said that he showed willingness and an ability to play in different positions. He was also commended for exhibiting a sense of team spirit and leadership capabilities.

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26. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Classifieds

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014. 27

Classifieds

ENOS CORNELIUS HARRY

SHAYNE SILBERT WILLIAMS

Hill Top Tabernacle Golden Vale Wednesday 5th March, 2014 3:00 p.m.

Mt. Moriah Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

BROTHER BRIAN ELLIS 19th October, 1953 - 20th February, 2014 New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

BENJAMIN COOOIE LAWRENCE

VERTIL RAGGUETTE

DONALD TIMOTHY COZIER

Born: 14th May, 1949 - Died: 17th February, 2014 Park Hill Community Centre Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

Church of Christ Paget Farm, Bequia Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Service at 2:00 p.m.

6W *HRUJH¶V Cathedral Kingstown Saturday 1st March, 2014 Service at 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

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S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 07, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.10

The photograph from THE VINCENTIAN’S ARCHIVES THAT SHOWS (l-r) Pastor Errol Daniel, COP Osbert Quow, Deputy COP William Harry and ASP Artis Davis at the 1999 launch of the PPRCD. (We apologise for the quality.)

Prospect 4 bedrm Property on 11,213 sq.ft. - $545,000.00 H115 Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com

www.thevincentian.com

William Harry, also a retired COP, addresses the 15th anniversary celebration activity for the PPRCD, during which he did not correct the information regarding the establishment of the PPRCD.

„MISLEADING,‰ SAYS RETIRED COMMISSIONER Department in place.

Harry, who also spoke at the RETIRED COMMISSIONER of Police ceremony, said he took the initiative to Osborne Quow has described as establish the Department, mainly “misleading,” information that the Police because of the hostility between the Public Relations and Complaints police and the media at the time, and Department (PPRCD) of the local the public’s lack of trust in the police. constabulary, was established under the leadership of former Commissioner Quow explains William Harry.

“I established the Police Public Quow, who disclosed that he was Relations and Complaints not invited to the 15th anniversary Department,” Quow, told THE ceremony, told THE VINCENTIAN VINCENTIAN on Monday. He noted that there was a Public Relations that Harry was Deputy Commissioner Committee installed by former when the Department was established. Commissioner Randolph Toussaint, THE VINCENTIAN contacted Quow and after he (Quow) became following a conversation this reporter Commissioner in 1998, he established had with a former senior police officer the PPRCD in 1999. Quow retired in the previous day.

2001.

In delivering remarks at a ceremony “I don’t know how there could be held at the Police Canteen January 13, such an oversight,” Quow said, in 2014, to mark the 15th anniversary of reference to the public statement that the PPRCD, Commissioner of Police Harry had established the Michael Charles, former Commissioner Department.

Keith Miller and head of the PPRCD Quow informed THE VINCENTIAN Assistant Superintendent of Police that he had since spoken to ASP (ASP) Jonathan Nichols lauded Harry Nichols about the issue, and Nichols for what they said was his foresight promised to have it addressed. and initiative to have put the THE VINCENTIAN was unable to

by HAYDN HUGGINS

EC$1.50

confirm from Nichols if this was done, as up to press time, he was overseas on police business.

Quow noted that some media houses, both print and electronic, reported ‘the misleading information’.

Retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Osborne Quow moved swiftly to correct what he describted as misleading information.

was out of the state and Harry was acting.

Charles indicated that the issue would have to be addressed when ASP Nichols returns to the state.

Into the archives

Harry responds When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Harry on Tuesday and asked whether the Department was established under his leadership, he replied, “As far as I could remember.”

He, however, advised that we check the Department since, according to him, the records would be there.

When contacted, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles said that, according to the records at his office, Quow was Commissioner of Police from September 15, 1998 to May 31, 2001. He noted that an official at the PPRCD told him, when he made inquiries on Tuesday, that the Department was established January 4, 1999. Based on this information, Charles concluded that Quow would have been Commissioner when the Department was established, unless he

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

An article in THE VINCENTIAN Friday, January 11, 1999, page 2, and unearthed only after the article on the event to mark the 15th anniversary of the PPRCD was published, carried a photograph of then Commissioner Quow, then Deputy Commissioner Harry, first head of the PPRCD (then) ASP Artis Davis and Pastor Errol Daniel, at the official launch of the Department.

The accompanying article, captioned ‘Police launch Public Relations and Complaints Department’, reported Quow as saying that a better relationship between the police, media and the public would be a major objective for 1999 and the upcoming years.

The Department, according to the article, was officially opened January 4, 1999.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.